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Li F, Wang X, Zhang J, Zhang J, Jing X, Jiang Q, Zhou J, Cao L, Peng H, Tong D, Huang C. RBM8A, a new target of TEAD4, promotes breast cancer progression by regulating IGF1R and IRS-2. J Transl Med 2024; 22:823. [PMID: 39232805 PMCID: PMC11373126 DOI: 10.1186/s12967-024-05639-0] [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: 05/29/2024] [Accepted: 08/27/2024] [Indexed: 09/06/2024] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Breast cancer (BC) is the most common malignant tumor in women worldwide, and further elucidation of the molecular mechanisms involved in BC pathogenesis is essential to improve the prognosis of BC patients. RNA Binding Motif Protein 8 A (RBM8A), with high affinity to a myriad of RNA transcripts, has been shown to play a crucial role in genesis and progression of multiple cancers. We attempted to explore its functional significance and molecular mechanisms in BC. METHODS Bioinformatics analysis was performed on publicly available BC datasets. qRT-PCR was used to determine the expression of RBM8A in BC tissues. MTT assay, clone formation assay and flow cytometry were employed to examine BC cell proliferation and apoptosis in vitro. RNA immunoprecipitation (RIP) and RIP-seq were used to investigate the binding of RBM8A/EIF4A3 to the mRNA of IGF1R/IRS-2. RBM8A and EIF4A3 interactions were determined by co-immunoprecipitation (Co-IP) and immunofluorescence. Chromatin immunoprecipitation (Ch-IP) and dual-luciferase reporter assay were carried out to investigate the transcriptional regulation of RBM8A by TEAD4. Xenograft model was used to explore the effects of RBM8A and TEAD4 on BC cell growth in vivo. RESULTS In this study, we showed that RBM8A is abnormally highly expressed in BC and knockdown of RBM8A inhibits BC cell proliferation and induces apoptosis in vitro. EIF4A3, which phenocopy RBM8A in BC, forms a complex with RBM8A in BC. Moreover, EIF4A3 and RBM8A complex regulate the expression of IGF1R and IRS-2 to activate the PI3K/AKT signaling pathway, thereby promoting BC progression. In addition, we identified TEAD4 as a transcriptional activator of RBM8A by Ch-IP, dual luciferase reporter gene and a series of functional rescue assays. Furthermore, we demonstrated the in vivo pro-carcinogenic effects of TEAD4 and RBM8A by xenograft tumor experiments in nude mice. CONCLUSION Collectively, these findings suggest that TEAD4 novel transcriptional target RBM8A interacts with EIF4A3 to increase IGF1R and IRS-2 expression and activate PI3K/AKT signaling pathway, thereby further promoting the malignant phenotype of BC cells.
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Affiliation(s)
- Fang Li
- Department of Cell Biology and Genetics, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Xi'an Jiaotong, University School of Health Science Center, Xi'an, 710301, Shaanxi, China
| | - Xiaofei Wang
- Biomedical Experimental Center, Xi'an Jiaotong University, Xi'an, 710061, Shaanxi, China
| | - Jing Zhang
- Institute of Basic Medical Sciences, Xi'an Medical University, No. 1 XinWang Road, Weiyang District, Xi'an, 710021, Shaanxi, China
- Medical Research and Experimental Center, The Second Affiliated Hospital of Xi 'an Medical University, Xi'an, 710077, Shaanxi Province, China
| | - Jinyuan Zhang
- Department of Cell Biology and Genetics, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Xi'an Jiaotong, University School of Health Science Center, Xi'an, 710301, Shaanxi, China
| | - Xintao Jing
- Department of Cell Biology and Genetics, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Xi'an Jiaotong, University School of Health Science Center, Xi'an, 710301, Shaanxi, China
| | - Qiuyu Jiang
- Department of Cell Biology and Genetics, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Xi'an Jiaotong, University School of Health Science Center, Xi'an, 710301, Shaanxi, China
| | - Jing Zhou
- Department of Cell Biology and Genetics, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Xi'an Jiaotong, University School of Health Science Center, Xi'an, 710301, Shaanxi, China
| | - Li Cao
- Department of Cell Biology and Genetics, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Xi'an Jiaotong, University School of Health Science Center, Xi'an, 710301, Shaanxi, China
| | - Hang Peng
- Second Department of General Surgery, Shaanxi Provincial People's Hospital, Xi'an, 710068, Shaanxi, China
| | - Dongdong Tong
- Department of Cell Biology and Genetics, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Xi'an Jiaotong, University School of Health Science Center, Xi'an, 710301, Shaanxi, China.
| | - Chen Huang
- The Comprehensive Breast Care Center, The Second Affiliated Hospital of Xi'an Jiaotong University, Xi'an, 710000, Shaanxi, China.
- Department of Cell Biology and Genetics, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Xi'an Jiaotong, University School of Health Science Center, Xi'an, 710301, Shaanxi, China.
- Biomedical Experimental Center, Xi'an Jiaotong University, Xi'an, 710061, Shaanxi, China.
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Nisco A, Tolomeo M, Scalise M, Zanier K, Barile M. Exploring the impact of flavin homeostasis on cancer cell metabolism. Biochim Biophys Acta Rev Cancer 2024; 1879:189149. [PMID: 38971209 DOI: 10.1016/j.bbcan.2024.189149] [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: 04/24/2024] [Revised: 06/25/2024] [Accepted: 07/01/2024] [Indexed: 07/08/2024]
Abstract
Flavins and their associated proteins have recently emerged as compelling players in the landscape of cancer biology. Flavins, encompassing flavin mononucleotide (FMN) and flavin adenine dinucleotide (FAD), serve as coenzymes in a multitude of cellular processes, such as metabolism, apoptosis, and cell proliferation. Their involvement in oxidative phosphorylation, redox homeostasis, and enzymatic reactions has long been recognized. However, recent research has unveiled an extended role for flavins in the context of cancer. In parallel, riboflavin transporters (RFVTs), FAD synthase (FADS), and riboflavin kinase (RFK) have gained prominence in cancer research. These proteins, responsible for riboflavin uptake, FAD biosynthesis, and FMN generation, are integral components of the cellular machinery that governs flavin homeostasis. Dysregulation in the expression/function of these proteins has been associated with various cancers, underscoring their potential as diagnostic markers, therapeutic targets, and key determinants of cancer cell behavior. This review embarks on a comprehensive exploration of the multifaceted role of flavins and of the flavoproteins involved in nucleus-mitochondria crosstalk in cancer. We journey through the influence of flavins on cancer cell energetics, the modulation of RFVTs in malignant transformation, the diagnostic and prognostic significance of FADS, and the implications of RFK in drug resistance and apoptosis. This review also underscores the potential of these molecules and processes as targets for novel diagnostic and therapeutic strategies, offering new avenues for the battle against this relentless disease.
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Affiliation(s)
- Alessia Nisco
- Department of Biosciences, Biotechnologies, and Environment, University of Bari Aldo Moro, Italy
| | - Maria Tolomeo
- Department of Biosciences, Biotechnologies, and Environment, University of Bari Aldo Moro, Italy; Department of DiBEST (Biologia, Ecologia e Scienze della Terra), University of Calabria, Arcavacata di Rende, Italy
| | - Mariafrancesca Scalise
- Department of DiBEST (Biologia, Ecologia e Scienze della Terra), University of Calabria, Arcavacata di Rende, Italy
| | - Katia Zanier
- Biotechnology and Cell Signaling (CNRS/Université de Strasbourg, UMR 7242), Ecole Superieure de Biotechnologie de Strasbourg, Illkirch, France
| | - Maria Barile
- Department of Biosciences, Biotechnologies, and Environment, University of Bari Aldo Moro, Italy.
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Zheng JH, Zhu YH, Yang J, Ji PX, Zhao RK, Duan ZH, Yao HF, Jia QY, Yin YF, Hu LP, Li Q, Jiang SH, Huo YM, Liu W, Sun YW, Liu DJ. A CLIC1 network coordinates matrix stiffness and the Warburg effect to promote tumor growth in pancreatic cancer. Cell Rep 2024; 43:114633. [PMID: 39154343 DOI: 10.1016/j.celrep.2024.114633] [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: 01/21/2024] [Revised: 06/19/2024] [Accepted: 07/30/2024] [Indexed: 08/20/2024] Open
Abstract
Pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma (PDAC) features substantial matrix stiffening and reprogrammed glucose metabolism, particularly the Warburg effect. However, the complex interplay between these traits and their impact on tumor advancement remains inadequately explored. Here, we integrated clinical, cellular, and bioinformatics approaches to explore the connection between matrix stiffness and the Warburg effect in PDAC, identifying CLIC1 as a key mediator. Elevated CLIC1 expression, induced by matrix stiffness through Wnt/β-catenin/TCF4 signaling, signifies poorer prognostic outcomes in PDAC. Functionally, CLIC1 serves as a catalyst for glycolytic metabolism, propelling tumor proliferation. Mechanistically, CLIC1 fortifies HIF1α stability by curbing hydroxylation via reactive oxygen species (ROS). Collectively, PDAC cells elevate CLIC1 levels in a matrix-stiffness-responsive manner, bolstering the Warburg effect to drive tumor growth via ROS/HIF1α signaling. Our insights highlight opportunities for targeted therapies that concurrently address matrix properties and metabolic rewiring, with CLIC1 emerging as a promising intervention point.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jia-Hao Zheng
- State Key Laboratory of Systems Medicine for Cancer, Shanghai Cancer Institute, Ren Ji Hospital, School of Medicine, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, Shanghai 200240, P.R. China; Department of Biliary-Pancreatic Surgery, Ren Ji Hospital, School of Medicine, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, Shanghai 200127, P.R. China
| | - Yu-Heng Zhu
- State Key Laboratory of Systems Medicine for Cancer, Shanghai Cancer Institute, Ren Ji Hospital, School of Medicine, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, Shanghai 200240, P.R. China; Department of Biliary-Pancreatic Surgery, Ren Ji Hospital, School of Medicine, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, Shanghai 200127, P.R. China
| | - Jian Yang
- State Key Laboratory of Systems Medicine for Cancer, Shanghai Cancer Institute, Ren Ji Hospital, School of Medicine, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, Shanghai 200240, P.R. China; Department of Biliary-Pancreatic Surgery, Ren Ji Hospital, School of Medicine, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, Shanghai 200127, P.R. China
| | - Pei-Xuan Ji
- Shanghai Institute of Digestive Disease, Division of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, NHC Key Laboratory of Digestive Diseases, Ren Ji Hospital, School of Medicine, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, Shanghai 200001, P.R. China
| | - Rui-Kang Zhao
- State Key Laboratory of Genetic Engineering, School of Life Sciences, Fudan University, Shanghai 200438, P.R. China
| | - Zong-Hao Duan
- State Key Laboratory of Systems Medicine for Cancer, Shanghai Cancer Institute, Ren Ji Hospital, School of Medicine, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, Shanghai 200240, P.R. China; Department of Biliary-Pancreatic Surgery, Ren Ji Hospital, School of Medicine, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, Shanghai 200127, P.R. China
| | - Hong-Fei Yao
- State Key Laboratory of Systems Medicine for Cancer, Shanghai Cancer Institute, Ren Ji Hospital, School of Medicine, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, Shanghai 200240, P.R. China; Department of Biliary-Pancreatic Surgery, Ren Ji Hospital, School of Medicine, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, Shanghai 200127, P.R. China
| | - Qin-Yuan Jia
- State Key Laboratory of Systems Medicine for Cancer, Shanghai Cancer Institute, Ren Ji Hospital, School of Medicine, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, Shanghai 200240, P.R. China; Department of Biliary-Pancreatic Surgery, Ren Ji Hospital, School of Medicine, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, Shanghai 200127, P.R. China
| | - Yi-Fan Yin
- State Key Laboratory of Systems Medicine for Cancer, Shanghai Cancer Institute, Ren Ji Hospital, School of Medicine, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, Shanghai 200240, P.R. China; Department of Biliary-Pancreatic Surgery, Ren Ji Hospital, School of Medicine, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, Shanghai 200127, P.R. China
| | - Li-Peng Hu
- State Key Laboratory of Systems Medicine for Cancer, Shanghai Cancer Institute, Ren Ji Hospital, School of Medicine, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, Shanghai 200240, P.R. China
| | - Qing Li
- State Key Laboratory of Systems Medicine for Cancer, Shanghai Cancer Institute, Ren Ji Hospital, School of Medicine, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, Shanghai 200240, P.R. China
| | - Shu-Heng Jiang
- State Key Laboratory of Systems Medicine for Cancer, Shanghai Cancer Institute, Ren Ji Hospital, School of Medicine, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, Shanghai 200240, P.R. China
| | - Yan-Miao Huo
- State Key Laboratory of Systems Medicine for Cancer, Shanghai Cancer Institute, Ren Ji Hospital, School of Medicine, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, Shanghai 200240, P.R. China; Department of Biliary-Pancreatic Surgery, Ren Ji Hospital, School of Medicine, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, Shanghai 200127, P.R. China.
| | - Wei Liu
- State Key Laboratory of Systems Medicine for Cancer, Shanghai Cancer Institute, Ren Ji Hospital, School of Medicine, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, Shanghai 200240, P.R. China; Department of Biliary-Pancreatic Surgery, Ren Ji Hospital, School of Medicine, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, Shanghai 200127, P.R. China.
| | - Yong-Wei Sun
- State Key Laboratory of Systems Medicine for Cancer, Shanghai Cancer Institute, Ren Ji Hospital, School of Medicine, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, Shanghai 200240, P.R. China; Department of Biliary-Pancreatic Surgery, Ren Ji Hospital, School of Medicine, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, Shanghai 200127, P.R. China.
| | - De-Jun Liu
- State Key Laboratory of Systems Medicine for Cancer, Shanghai Cancer Institute, Ren Ji Hospital, School of Medicine, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, Shanghai 200240, P.R. China; Department of Biliary-Pancreatic Surgery, Ren Ji Hospital, School of Medicine, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, Shanghai 200127, P.R. China.
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Zhang X, Zhang X, Yong T, Gan L, Yang X. Boosting antitumor efficacy of nanoparticles by modulating tumor mechanical microenvironment. EBioMedicine 2024; 105:105200. [PMID: 38876044 PMCID: PMC11225208 DOI: 10.1016/j.ebiom.2024.105200] [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: 01/16/2024] [Revised: 05/30/2024] [Accepted: 05/30/2024] [Indexed: 06/16/2024] Open
Abstract
Nanoparticles have shown great potential for tumor targeting delivery via enhanced permeability and retention effect. However, the tumor mechanical microenvironment, characterized by dense extracellular matrix (ECM), high tumor stiffness and solid stress, leads to only 0.7% of administered dose accumulating in solid tumors and even fewer (∼0.0014%) reaching tumor cells, limiting the therapeutic efficacy of nanoparticles. Furthermore, the tumor mechanical microenvironment can regulate tumor cell stemness, promote tumor invasion, metastasis and reduce treatment efficacy. In this review, methods detecting the mechanical are introduced. Strategies for modulating the mechanical microenvironment including elimination of dense ECM by physical, chemical and biological methods, disruption of ECM formation, depletion or inhibition of cancer-associated fibroblasts, are then summarized. Finally, prospects and challenges for further clinical applications of mechano-modulating strategies to enhance the therapeutic efficacy of nanomedicines are discussed. This review may provide guidance for the rational design and application of nanoparticles in clinical settings.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xiaoqiong Zhang
- National Engineering Research Center for Nanomedicine, College of Life Science and Technology, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, 430074, China
| | - Xiaojuan Zhang
- National Engineering Research Center for Nanomedicine, College of Life Science and Technology, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, 430074, China
| | - Tuying Yong
- National Engineering Research Center for Nanomedicine, College of Life Science and Technology, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, 430074, China; Key Laboratory of Molecular Biophysics of the Ministry of Education, College of Life Science and Technology, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, 430074, China; Hubei Key Laboratory of Bioinorganic Chemistry and Materia Medica, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, 430074, China.
| | - Lu Gan
- National Engineering Research Center for Nanomedicine, College of Life Science and Technology, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, 430074, China; Key Laboratory of Molecular Biophysics of the Ministry of Education, College of Life Science and Technology, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, 430074, China; Hubei Key Laboratory of Bioinorganic Chemistry and Materia Medica, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, 430074, China.
| | - Xiangliang Yang
- National Engineering Research Center for Nanomedicine, College of Life Science and Technology, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, 430074, China; Key Laboratory of Molecular Biophysics of the Ministry of Education, College of Life Science and Technology, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, 430074, China; Hubei Key Laboratory of Bioinorganic Chemistry and Materia Medica, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, 430074, China.
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Zhang Y, Feng B, Liang Y, Tang Q, Zhang S, Zhang Z, Xu L, Yin J. Prognostic significance of LRPPRC and its association with immune infiltration in liver hepatocellular carcinoma. AMERICAN JOURNAL OF CLINICAL AND EXPERIMENTAL IMMUNOLOGY 2024; 13:105-116. [PMID: 39022790 PMCID: PMC11249856 DOI: 10.62347/xtlj1335] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/20/2024] [Accepted: 06/06/2024] [Indexed: 07/20/2024]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Leucine rich pentatricopeptide repeat containing (LRPPRC) protein is a multifunctional protein involved in cell cycle progression and tumor development. However, its prognostic significance and association with immune infiltration in Liver hepatocellular carcinoma (LIHC) remain unclear. METHODS We utilized transcriptomic and clinical data from The Cancer Genome Atlas (TCGA) and Genotype Tissue Expression (GTEx) databases of LIHC patients to investigate the potential pro-cancer role of LRPPRC, including differential expression of LRPPRC in LIHC, prognostic value, clinicopathological features, immune cell infiltration relevance and function enrichment analysis. RESULTS Our findings suggest that LRPPRC is upregulated in LIHC and exhibits correlations with survival, clinical stage, and tumor grade in LIHC patients. Additionally, immune infiltration analysis revealed significant negative correlations between LRPPRC expression and multiple tumor-infiltrating immune cells, including CTLs, DCs, pDCs, B cells, Th17 cells, neutrophils, T cells, Mast cells, Th1 cells, Tregs, and NK cells, whereas a significant positive correlation was observed with infiltration of Th2 cells, T helper cells and Tcms. Furthermore, functional enrichment analysis indicated that LRPPRC may be involved in G2m checkpoint, mitotic spindle, E2f targets, Wnt Beta catenin signaling, spermatogenesis and other processes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yanqiu Zhang
- Center for Clinical Laboratory, The First Affiliated Hospital of Soochow UniversitySuzhou, Jiangsu, The People’s Republic of China
- Institute of Clinical Pharmacology, Anhui Medical University, Key Laboratory of Anti-inflammatory and Immune Medicine, Ministry of Education, Anhui Collaborative Innovation Center of Anti-inflammatory and Immune MedicineHefei, Anhui, The People’s Republic of China
| | - Bin Feng
- Center for Clinical Laboratory, The First Affiliated Hospital of Soochow UniversitySuzhou, Jiangsu, The People’s Republic of China
| | - Yuting Liang
- Center for Clinical Laboratory, The First Affiliated Hospital of Soochow UniversitySuzhou, Jiangsu, The People’s Republic of China
| | - Qingqin Tang
- Center for Clinical Laboratory, The First Affiliated Hospital of Soochow UniversitySuzhou, Jiangsu, The People’s Republic of China
| | - Sheng Zhang
- Center for Clinical Laboratory, The First Affiliated Hospital of Soochow UniversitySuzhou, Jiangsu, The People’s Republic of China
| | - Zheng Zhang
- Center for Clinical Laboratory, The First Affiliated Hospital of Soochow UniversitySuzhou, Jiangsu, The People’s Republic of China
| | - Li Xu
- Department of Pharmacy, The First Affiliated Hospital of Soochow UniversitySuzhou, Jiangsu, The People’s Republic of China
| | - Jingping Yin
- Center for Clinical Laboratory, The First Affiliated Hospital of Soochow UniversitySuzhou, Jiangsu, The People’s Republic of China
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Narayanan B, Xia C, McAndrew R, Shen AL, Kim JJP. Structural basis for expanded substrate specificities of human long chain acyl-CoA dehydrogenase and related acyl-CoA dehydrogenases. Sci Rep 2024; 14:12976. [PMID: 38839792 PMCID: PMC11153573 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-024-63027-6] [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: 02/23/2024] [Accepted: 05/23/2024] [Indexed: 06/07/2024] Open
Abstract
Crystal structures of human long-chain acyl-CoA dehydrogenase (LCAD) and the catalytically inactive Glu291Gln mutant, have been determined. These structures suggest that LCAD harbors functions beyond its historically defined role in mitochondrial β-oxidation of long and medium-chain fatty acids. LCAD is a homotetramer containing one FAD per 43 kDa subunit with Glu291 as the catalytic base. The substrate binding cavity of LCAD reveals key differences which makes it specific for longer and branched chain substrates. The presence of Pro132 near the start of the E helix leads to helix unwinding that, together with adjacent smaller residues, permits binding of bulky substrates such as 3α, 7α, l2α-trihydroxy-5β-cholestan-26-oyl-CoA. This structural element is also utilized by ACAD11, a eucaryotic ACAD of unknown function, as well as bacterial ACADs known to metabolize sterol substrates. Sequence comparison suggests that ACAD10, another ACAD of unknown function, may also share this substrate specificity. These results suggest that LCAD, ACAD10, ACAD11 constitute a distinct class of eucaryotic acyl CoA dehydrogenases.
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Affiliation(s)
- Beena Narayanan
- Department of Biochemistry, Medical College of Wisconsin, 8701 Watertown Plank Road, Milwaukee, WI, 53226, USA
| | - Chuanwu Xia
- Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry, College of Arts and Sciences, University of North Florida, Jacksonville, FL, 32224, USA
| | - Ryan McAndrew
- Department of Biochemistry, Medical College of Wisconsin, 8701 Watertown Plank Road, Milwaukee, WI, 53226, USA
- Molecular Biophysics and Integrated Bioimaging, Lawrence Berkeley National Laboratory, Berkeley, CA, 94740, USA
| | - Anna L Shen
- McArdle Laboratory for Cancer Research, Department of Oncology, University of Wisconsin-Madison, Madison, WI, 53706, USA
| | - Jung-Ja P Kim
- Department of Biochemistry, Medical College of Wisconsin, 8701 Watertown Plank Road, Milwaukee, WI, 53226, USA.
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Wang W, Li C, Dai Y, Wu Q, Yu W. Unraveling metabolic characteristics and clinical implications in gastric cancer through single-cell resolution analysis. Front Mol Biosci 2024; 11:1399679. [PMID: 38831933 PMCID: PMC11145399 DOI: 10.3389/fmolb.2024.1399679] [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: 03/19/2024] [Accepted: 04/30/2024] [Indexed: 06/05/2024] Open
Abstract
Background: Gastric cancer is a highly prevalent malignant neoplasm. Metabolic reprogramming is intricately linked to both tumorigenesis and cancer immune evasion. The advent of single-cell RNA sequencing technology provides a novel perspective for evaluating cellular metabolism. This study aims to comprehensively investigate the metabolic pathways of various cell types in tumor and normal samples at high resolution and delve into the intricate regulatory mechanisms governing the metabolic activity of malignant cells in gastric cancer. Methods: Utilizing single-cell RNA sequencing data from gastric cancer, we constructed metabolic landscape maps for different cell types in tumor and normal samples. Employing unsupervised clustering, we categorized malignant cells in tumor samples into high and low metabolic subclusters and further explored the characteristics of these subclusters. Results: Our research findings indicate that epithelial cells in tumor samples exhibit significantly higher activity in most KEGG metabolic pathways compared to other cell types. Unsupervised clustering, based on the scores of metabolic pathways, classified malignant cells into high and low metabolic subclusters. In the high metabolic subcluster, it demonstrated the potential to induce a stronger immune response, correlating with a relatively favorable prognosis. In the low metabolic subcluster, a subset of cells resembling cancer stem cells (CSCs) was identified, and its prognosis was less favorable. Furthermore, a set of risk genes associated with this subcluster was discovered. Conclusion: This study reveals the intricate regulatory mechanisms governing the metabolic activity of malignant cells in gastric cancer, offering new perspectives for improving prognosis and treatment strategies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Wenyue Wang
- School of Life Sciences, Tianjin University, Tianjin, China
- HIM-BGI Omics Center, Zhejiang Cancer Hospital, Hangzhou Institute of Medicine (HIM), Chinese Academy of Sciences (CAS), Hangzhou, China
| | - Conghui Li
- Department of Biology, University of Copenhagen, Copenhagen, Denmark
| | - Yuting Dai
- HIM-BGI Omics Center, Zhejiang Cancer Hospital, Hangzhou Institute of Medicine (HIM), Chinese Academy of Sciences (CAS), Hangzhou, China
- Center for Advanced Interdisciplinary Science and Biomedicine of IHM, Division of Life Sciences and Medicine, University of Science and Technology of China, Hefei, Anhui, China
| | - Qingfa Wu
- HIM-BGI Omics Center, Zhejiang Cancer Hospital, Hangzhou Institute of Medicine (HIM), Chinese Academy of Sciences (CAS), Hangzhou, China
- Center for Advanced Interdisciplinary Science and Biomedicine of IHM, Division of Life Sciences and Medicine, University of Science and Technology of China, Hefei, Anhui, China
- Department of Pharmacy, The First Affiliated Hospital of USTC, Division of Life Sciences and Medicine, University of Science and Technology of China, Hefei, Anhui, China
| | - Weiqiang Yu
- HIM-BGI Omics Center, Zhejiang Cancer Hospital, Hangzhou Institute of Medicine (HIM), Chinese Academy of Sciences (CAS), Hangzhou, China
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Gao Y, Gong Y, Lu J, Hao H, Shi X. Targeting YAP1 to improve the efficacy of immune checkpoint inhibitors in liver cancer: mechanism and strategy. Front Immunol 2024; 15:1377722. [PMID: 38550587 PMCID: PMC10972981 DOI: 10.3389/fimmu.2024.1377722] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/28/2024] [Accepted: 03/04/2024] [Indexed: 04/02/2024] Open
Abstract
Liver cancer is the third leading of tumor death, including hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) and intrahepatic cholangiocarcinoma (ICC). Immune checkpoint inhibitors (ICIs) are yielding much for sufferers to hope for patients, but only some patients with advanced liver tumor respond. Recent research showed that tumor microenvironment (TME) is critical for the effectiveness of ICIs in advanced liver tumor. Meanwhile, metabolic reprogramming of liver tumor leads to immunosuppression in TME. These suggest that regulating the abnormal metabolism of liver tumor cells and firing up TME to turn "cold tumor" into "hot tumor" are potential strategies to improve the therapeutic effect of ICIs in liver tumor. Previous studies have found that YAP1 is a potential target to improve the efficacy of anti-PD-1 in HCC. Here, we review that YAP1 promotes immunosuppression of TME, mainly due to the overstimulation of cytokines in TME by YAP1. Subsequently, we studied the effects of YAP1 on metabolic reprogramming in liver tumor cells, including glycolysis, gluconeogenesis, lipid metabolism, arachidonic acid metabolism, and amino acid metabolism. Lastly, we summarized the existing drugs targeting YAP1 in the treatment of liver tumor, including some medicines from natural sources, which have the potential to improve the efficacy of ICIs in the treatment of liver tumor. This review contributed to the application of targeted YAP1 for combined therapy with ICIs in liver tumor patients.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yuting Gao
- Laboratory of Integrated Medicine Tumor Immunology, Shanxi University of Chinese Medicine, Taiyuan, China
| | - Yi Gong
- Laboratory of Integrated Medicine Tumor Immunology, Shanxi University of Chinese Medicine, Taiyuan, China
| | - Junlan Lu
- Laboratory of Integrated Medicine Tumor Immunology, Shanxi University of Chinese Medicine, Taiyuan, China
| | - Huiqin Hao
- Chinese Medicine Gene Expression Regulation Laboratory, State Administration of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Shanxi University of Chinese Medicine, Taiyuan, China
- Basic Laboratory of Integrated Traditional Chinese and Western, Shanxi University of Chinese Medicine, Taiyuan, China
| | - Xinli Shi
- Laboratory of Integrated Medicine Tumor Immunology, Shanxi University of Chinese Medicine, Taiyuan, China
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Narayanan B, Xia C, McAndrew R, Shen AL, Kim JJP. Structural Basis for Expanded Substrate Speci ficities of Human Long Chain Acyl-CoA Dehydrogenase and Related Acyl- CoA Dehydrogenases. RESEARCH SQUARE 2024:rs.3.rs-3980524. [PMID: 38464032 PMCID: PMC10925408 DOI: 10.21203/rs.3.rs-3980524/v1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 03/12/2024]
Abstract
Crystal structures of human long-chain acyl-CoA dehydrogenase (LCAD) and the E291Q mutant, have been determined. These structures suggest that LCAD harbors functions beyond its historically defined role in mitochondrial β-oxidation of long and medium-chain fatty acids. LCAD is a homotetramer containing one FAD per 43kDa subunit with Glu291 as the catalytic base. The substrate binding cavity of LCAD reveals key differences which makes it specific for longer and branched chain substrates. The presence of Pro132 near the start of the E helix leads to helix unwinding that, together with adjacent smaller residues, permits binding of bulky substrates such as 3α, 7α, l2α-trihydroxy-5β-cholestan-26-oyl-CoA. This structural element is also utilized by ACAD11, a eucaryotic ACAD of unknown function, as well as bacterial ACADs known to metabolize sterol substrates. Sequence comparison suggests that ACAD10, another ACAD of unknown function, may also share this substrate specificity. These results suggest that LCAD, ACAD10, ACAD11 constitute a distinct class of eucaryotic acyl CoA dehydrogenases.
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10
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Liu M, Hu W, Meng X, Wang B. TEAD4: A key regulator of tumor metastasis and chemoresistance - Mechanisms and therapeutic implications. Biochim Biophys Acta Rev Cancer 2024; 1879:189050. [PMID: 38072284 DOI: 10.1016/j.bbcan.2023.189050] [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: 08/22/2023] [Revised: 12/03/2023] [Accepted: 12/04/2023] [Indexed: 01/16/2024]
Abstract
Cancer metastasis is a complex process influenced by various factors, including epithelial-mesenchymal transition (EMT), tumor cell proliferation, tumor microenvironment, and cellular metabolic status, which remains a significant challenge in clinical oncology, accounting for a majority of cancer-related deaths. TEAD4, a key mediator of the Hippo signaling pathway, has been implicated in regulating these factors that are all critical in the metastatic cascade. TEAD4 drives tumor metastasis and chemoresistance, and its upregulation is associated with poor prognosis in many types of cancers, making it an attractive target for therapeutic intervention. TEAD4 promotes EMT by interacting with coactivators and activating the transcription of genes involved in mesenchymal cell characteristics and extracellular matrix remodeling. Additionally, TEAD4 enhances the stemness of cancer stem cells (CSCs) by regulating the expression of genes associated with CSC maintenance. TEAD4 contributes to metastasis by modulating the secretion of paracrine factors and promoting heterotypic cellular communication. In this paper, we highlight the central role of TEAD4 in cancer metastasis and chemoresistance and its impact on various aspects of tumor biology. Understanding the mechanistic basis of TEAD4-mediated processes can facilitate the development of targeted therapies and combination approaches to combat cancer metastasis and improve treatment outcomes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mohan Liu
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, School of Life Sciences of China Medical University, Shenyang, Liaoning Province, PR China.
| | - Weina Hu
- Department of General Practice, the Fourth Affiliated Hospital of China Medical University, Shenyang, Liaoning Province, PR China.
| | - Xiaona Meng
- Teaching Center for Basic Medical Experiment of China Medical University, Liaoning Province, PR China.
| | - Biao Wang
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, School of Life Sciences of China Medical University, Shenyang, Liaoning Province, PR China.
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11
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Liu L, Tang H, Wang K, Liu J, Luo N, Jin G. A three-gene signature reveals changes in the tumor immune microenvironment in the progression from NAFLD to HCC. Sci Rep 2023; 13:22295. [PMID: 38102321 PMCID: PMC10724126 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-023-49358-w] [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: 07/11/2023] [Accepted: 12/07/2023] [Indexed: 12/17/2023] Open
Abstract
Hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) is one of the most dangerous malignant tumors. The incidence rates of obesity related NAFLD and NASH are increasing year by year, and they are the main risk factors for HCC at present. Finding the mechanism of malignant transformation of NAFLD and NASH is helpful for early prevention and diagnosis. In this study, we performed differential analysis using NAFLD data, NASH data, and HCC data to identify crossover differential genes. Then, using the clinical data of TCGA, a prognostic risk prediction model of three genes (TEAD4, SOCS2, CIT) was constructed, and survival analysis and receiver operating characteristic curves were drawn. The prognostic model was validated using ICGC, GSE116174 and GSE54236 datasets. In addition, we assessed immune status and function in high- and low-risk populations using a prognostic model. Moreover, we assessed the expression of CIT in clinical samples and HCC cell lines and validated its role in HCC development. Our study elucidates the important role of the tumor immune microenvironment in the development of NAFLD/NASH to HCC, deepens the understanding of the pathogenesis of NAFLD/NASH development to HCC, and is helpful for clinical management and decision-making.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lijuan Liu
- Guangxi Medical University Cancer Hospital, Nan Ning, Guangxi Zhuang Autonomous Region, China
| | - Haonan Tang
- Guangxi Medical University Cancer Hospital, Nan Ning, Guangxi Zhuang Autonomous Region, China
| | - Kui Wang
- Guangxi Medical University Cancer Hospital, Nan Ning, Guangxi Zhuang Autonomous Region, China
| | - Jiaying Liu
- Guangxi Medical University Cancer Hospital, Nan Ning, Guangxi Zhuang Autonomous Region, China
| | - Ningbin Luo
- Guangxi Medical University Cancer Hospital, Nan Ning, Guangxi Zhuang Autonomous Region, China.
| | - Guanqiao Jin
- Guangxi Medical University Cancer Hospital, Nan Ning, Guangxi Zhuang Autonomous Region, China.
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12
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Casari M, Siegl D, Deppermann C, Schuppan D. Macrophages and platelets in liver fibrosis and hepatocellular carcinoma. Front Immunol 2023; 14:1277808. [PMID: 38116017 PMCID: PMC10728659 DOI: 10.3389/fimmu.2023.1277808] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/15/2023] [Accepted: 11/13/2023] [Indexed: 12/21/2023] Open
Abstract
During fibrosis, (myo)fibroblasts deposit large amounts of extracellular matrix proteins, thereby replacing healthy functional tissue. In liver fibrosis, this leads to the loss of hepatocyte function, portal hypertension, variceal bleeding, and increased susceptibility to infection. At an early stage, liver fibrosis is a dynamic and reversible process, however, from the cirrhotic stage, there is significant progression to hepatocellular carcinoma. Both liver-resident macrophages (Kupffer cells) and monocyte-derived macrophages are important drivers of fibrosis progression, but can also induce its regression once triggers of chronic inflammation are eliminated. In liver cancer, they are attracted to the tumor site to become tumor-associated macrophages (TAMs) polarized towards a M2- anti-inflammatory/tumor-promoting phenotype. Besides their role in thrombosis and hemostasis, platelets can also stimulate fibrosis and tumor development by secreting profibrogenic factors and regulating the innate immune response, e.g., by interacting with monocytes and macrophages. Here, we review recent literature on the role of macrophages and platelets and their interplay in liver fibrosis and hepatocellular carcinoma.
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Affiliation(s)
- Martina Casari
- Center for Thrombosis and Hemostasis, University Medical Center of the Johannes Gutenberg-University, Mainz, Germany
| | - Dominik Siegl
- Institute for Translational Immunology, University Medical Center of the Johannes Gutenberg-University, Mainz, Germany
| | - Carsten Deppermann
- Center for Thrombosis and Hemostasis, University Medical Center of the Johannes Gutenberg-University, Mainz, Germany
- Research Center for Immune Therapy Forschungszentrum für Immuntherapie (FZI), University Medical Center of the Johannes Gutenberg-University, Mainz, Germany
| | - Detlef Schuppan
- Institute for Translational Immunology, University Medical Center of the Johannes Gutenberg-University, Mainz, Germany
- Research Center for Immune Therapy Forschungszentrum für Immuntherapie (FZI), University Medical Center of the Johannes Gutenberg-University, Mainz, Germany
- Division of Gastroenterology, Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, United States
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13
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He Z, Zhang J, Huang W. Diagnostic role and immune correlates of programmed cell death-related genes in hepatocellular carcinoma. Sci Rep 2023; 13:20509. [PMID: 37993470 PMCID: PMC10665317 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-023-47560-4] [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: 06/26/2023] [Accepted: 11/15/2023] [Indexed: 11/24/2023] Open
Abstract
Programmed cell death (PCD) is thought to have multiple roles in tumors. Here, the roles of PCD-related genes were comprehensively analyzed to evaluate their values in hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) diagnosis and prognosis. Gene expression and single-cell data of HCC patients, and PCD-related genes were collected from public databases. The diagnostic and prognostic roles of differentially expressed PCD-related genes in HCC were explored by univariate and multivariate Cox regression analyses. Single-cell data were further analyzed for the immune cells and expression of feature genes. Finally, we evaluated the expression of genes by quantitative real-time polymerase chain reaction and Western blot, and the proportion of immune cells was detected by flow cytometry in HCC samples. We obtained 52 differentially expressed PCD-related genes in HCC, based on which the consensus clustering analysis cluster 2 was found to have a worse prognosis than cluster 1. Then 10 feature genes were identified using LASSO analysis, and programmed cell death index (PCDI) was calculated to divided HCC patients into high-PCDI and low-PCDI groups. Worse prognosis was observed in high-PCDI group. Cox regression analysis showed that PCDI is an independent prognostic risk factor for HCC patients. Additionally, SERPINE1 and G6PD of feature genes significantly affect patient survival. Macrophages and Tregs were significantly positively correlated with PCDI. G6PD mainly expressed in macrophages, SERPINE1 mainly expressed in fibroblast. The experimental results confirmed the high expression of SERPINE1 and G6PD in HCC compared with the control, and the infiltration level of macrophages and Treg in HCC was also obviously elevated. PCDI may be a new predictor for the diagnosis of patients with HCC. The association of SERPINE1 and G6PD with the immune environment will provide new clues for HCC therapy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zhanao He
- Department of Interventional Diagnosis and Treatment, The Affiliated Tumor Hospital of Xinjiang Medical University, Ürümqi, 830011, China
| | - Jie Zhang
- Department of Hepatobiliary Surgery, People's Hospital of Xinjiang Uygur Autonomous Region, Ürümqi, 830011, China
| | - Wukui Huang
- Department of Interventional Diagnosis and Treatment, The Affiliated Tumor Hospital of Xinjiang Medical University, Ürümqi, 830011, China.
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Papavassiliou KA, Basdra EK, Papavassiliou AG. The emerging promise of tumour mechanobiology in cancer treatment. Eur J Cancer 2023; 190:112938. [PMID: 37390803 DOI: 10.1016/j.ejca.2023.112938] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/26/2023] [Accepted: 06/05/2023] [Indexed: 07/02/2023]
Abstract
Tumour cell biomechanics has lately came to the fore as a disparate feature that fosters cancer development and progression. Tumour mechanosensing entails a mechanical interplay amongst tumour cells, extracellular matrix (ECM) and cells of the tumour microenvironment (TME). Sensory receptors (mechanoceptors) detect changes of extracellular mechanical inputs such as various types of mechanical forces/stress and trigger oncogenic signalling pathways advocating for cancer initiation, growth, survival, angiogenesis, invasion, metastasis, and immune evasion. Moreover, alterations in ECM stiffness and potentiation of mechanostimulated transcriptional regulatory molecules (transcription factors/cofactors) have been shown to strongly correlate with resistance to anticancer drugs. On this basis, new mechanosensitive proteins emerge as potential therapeutic targets and/or biomarkers in cancer. Accordingly, tumour mechanobiology arises as a promising field that can potentially provide novel combinatorial regimens to reverse drug resistance, as well as offer unprecedented targeting approaches that may help to more effectively treat a large proportion of solid tumours and their complications. Here, we highlight recent findings regarding various aspects of tumour mechanobiology in the clinical setting and discuss evidence-based perspectives of developing diagnostic/prognostic tools and therapeutic approaches that exploit tumour-TME physical associations.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kostas A Papavassiliou
- First University Department of Respiratory Medicine, 'Sotiria' Hospital, Medical School, National and Kapodistrian University of Athens, Athens, Greece
| | - Efthimia K Basdra
- Department of Biological Chemistry, Medical School, National and Kapodistrian University of Athens, Athens, Greece
| | - Athanasios G Papavassiliou
- Department of Biological Chemistry, Medical School, National and Kapodistrian University of Athens, Athens, Greece.
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