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Eden M, Leye M, Hahn J, Heilein E, Luzarowski M, Völschow B, Tannert C, Sossalla S, Lucena-Porcel C, Frank D, Frey N. Mst4, a novel cardiac STRIPAK complex-associated kinase, regulates cardiomyocyte growth and survival and is upregulated in human cardiomyopathy. J Biol Chem 2024; 300:107255. [PMID: 38579991 PMCID: PMC11087964 DOI: 10.1016/j.jbc.2024.107255] [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: 07/05/2023] [Revised: 03/15/2024] [Accepted: 03/19/2024] [Indexed: 04/07/2024] Open
Abstract
Myocardial failure is associated with adverse remodeling, including loss of cardiomyocytes, hypertrophy, and alterations in cell-cell contacts. Striatin-interacting phosphatase and kinase (STRIPAK) complexes and their mammalian STE20-like kinase 4 (Mst4) have been linked to development of different diseases. The role and targets of Mst4 in cardiomyocytes have not been investigated yet. Multitissue immunoblot experiments show highly enriched Mst4 expression in rodent hearts. Analyses of human biopsy samples from patients suffering from dilated cardiomyopathy revealed that Mst4 is upregulated (5- to 8-fold p < 0.001) compared with nonfailing controls. Increased abundance of Mst4 could also be detected in mouse models of cardiomyopathy. We confirmed that Mst4 interacts with STRIPAK components in neonatal rat ventricular cardiomyocytes, indicating that STRIPAK is present in the heart. Immunofluorescence stainings and molecular interaction studies revealed that Mst4 is localized to the intercalated disc and interacts with several intercalated disc proteins. Overexpression of Mst4 in cardiomyocytes results in hypertrophy compared with controls. In adult rat cardiomyocytes, Mst4 overexpression increases cellular and sarcomeric fractional shortening (p < 0.05), indicating enhanced contractility. Overexpression of Mst4 also inhibits apoptosis shown by reduction of cleaved caspase3 (-69%, p < 0.0001), caspase7 (-80%, p < 0.0001), and cleaved Parp1 (-27%, p < 0.001). To elucidate potential Mst4 targets, we performed phosphoproteomics analyses in neonatal rat cardiomyocytes after Mst4 overexpression and inhibition. The results revealed target candidates of Mst4 at the intercalated disc. We identified Mst4 as a novel cardiac kinase that is upregulated in cardiomyopathy-regulating cardiomyocyte growth and survival.
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Affiliation(s)
- Matthias Eden
- Department of Internal Medicine III, University of Heidelberg, Heidelberg, Germany; German Centre for Cardiovascular Research, Mannheim/Heidelberg, Germany
| | - Marius Leye
- Department of Internal Medicine III, University of Heidelberg, Heidelberg, Germany; German Centre for Cardiovascular Research, Mannheim/Heidelberg, Germany
| | - Justus Hahn
- Department of Internal Medicine III, University of Heidelberg, Heidelberg, Germany; German Centre for Cardiovascular Research, Mannheim/Heidelberg, Germany
| | - Emanuel Heilein
- Department of Internal Medicine III, University of Heidelberg, Heidelberg, Germany; German Centre for Cardiovascular Research, Mannheim/Heidelberg, Germany
| | - Marcin Luzarowski
- Core Facility for Mass Spectrometry and Proteomics, Center for Molecular Biology at Heidelberg University (ZMBH), Heidelberg, Germany
| | - Bill Völschow
- German Centre for Cardiovascular Research, Kiel, Lübeck, Hamburg, Germany; Department of Cardiology, University Heart and Vascular Center Hamburg, Hamburg, Germany
| | - Christin Tannert
- German Centre for Cardiovascular Research, Kiel, Lübeck, Hamburg, Germany; Department of Internal Medicine III (Cardiology and Angiology), University Hospital Schleswig-Holstein, Kiel, Germany
| | - Samuel Sossalla
- Department of Cardiology, University of Giessen, Giessen and Kerckhoff Heart and Lung Centre, Giessen, Germany
| | - Carlota Lucena-Porcel
- Tissue Bank of the National Center of Tumor Diseases (NCT) Heidelberg, Heidelberg University Hospital, Heidelberg, Germany
| | - Derk Frank
- German Centre for Cardiovascular Research, Kiel, Lübeck, Hamburg, Germany; Department of Internal Medicine III (Cardiology and Angiology), University Hospital Schleswig-Holstein, Kiel, Germany
| | - Norbert Frey
- Department of Internal Medicine III, University of Heidelberg, Heidelberg, Germany; German Centre for Cardiovascular Research, Mannheim/Heidelberg, Germany.
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Amrhein JA, Berger LM, Balourdas DI, Joerger AC, Menge A, Krämer A, Frischkorn JM, Berger BT, Elson L, Kaiser A, Schubert-Zsilavecz M, Müller S, Knapp S, Hanke T. Synthesis of Pyrazole-Based Macrocycles Leads to a Highly Selective Inhibitor for MST3. J Med Chem 2024; 67:674-690. [PMID: 38126712 DOI: 10.1021/acs.jmedchem.3c01980] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/23/2023]
Abstract
MST1, MST2, MST3, MST4, and YSK1 are conserved members of the mammalian sterile 20-like serine/threonine (MST) family that regulate cellular functions such as proliferation and migration. The MST3 isozyme plays a role in regulating cell growth and apoptosis, and its dysregulation has been linked to high-grade tumors. To date, there are no isoform-selective inhibitors that could be used for validating the role of MST3 in tumorigenesis. We designed a series of 3-aminopyrazole-based macrocycles based on the structure of a promiscuous inhibitor. By varying the moieties targeting the solvent-exposed region and optimizing the linker, macrocycle JA310 (21c) was synthesized. JA310 exhibited high cellular potency for MST3 (EC50 = 106 nM) and excellent kinome-wide selectivity. The crystal structure of the MST3-JA310 complex provided intriguing insights into the binding mode, which is associated with large-scale structural rearrangements. In summary, JA310 demonstrates the utility of macrocyclization for the design of highly selective inhibitors and presents the first chemical probe for MST3.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jennifer Alisa Amrhein
- Institute of Pharmaceutical Chemistry, Goethe University Frankfurt, Max-von-Laue-Str. 9, 60438 Frankfurt am Main, Germany
- Structural Genomics Consortium, Buchmann Institute for Molecular Life Sciences, Goethe-University Frankfurt, Max-von-Laue-Str. 15, 60438 Frankfurt am Main, Germany
| | - Lena Marie Berger
- Institute of Pharmaceutical Chemistry, Goethe University Frankfurt, Max-von-Laue-Str. 9, 60438 Frankfurt am Main, Germany
- Structural Genomics Consortium, Buchmann Institute for Molecular Life Sciences, Goethe-University Frankfurt, Max-von-Laue-Str. 15, 60438 Frankfurt am Main, Germany
| | - Dimitrios-Ilias Balourdas
- Institute of Pharmaceutical Chemistry, Goethe University Frankfurt, Max-von-Laue-Str. 9, 60438 Frankfurt am Main, Germany
- Structural Genomics Consortium, Buchmann Institute for Molecular Life Sciences, Goethe-University Frankfurt, Max-von-Laue-Str. 15, 60438 Frankfurt am Main, Germany
| | - Andreas C Joerger
- Institute of Pharmaceutical Chemistry, Goethe University Frankfurt, Max-von-Laue-Str. 9, 60438 Frankfurt am Main, Germany
- Structural Genomics Consortium, Buchmann Institute for Molecular Life Sciences, Goethe-University Frankfurt, Max-von-Laue-Str. 15, 60438 Frankfurt am Main, Germany
| | - Amelie Menge
- Institute of Pharmaceutical Chemistry, Goethe University Frankfurt, Max-von-Laue-Str. 9, 60438 Frankfurt am Main, Germany
- Structural Genomics Consortium, Buchmann Institute for Molecular Life Sciences, Goethe-University Frankfurt, Max-von-Laue-Str. 15, 60438 Frankfurt am Main, Germany
| | - Andreas Krämer
- Institute of Pharmaceutical Chemistry, Goethe University Frankfurt, Max-von-Laue-Str. 9, 60438 Frankfurt am Main, Germany
- Structural Genomics Consortium, Buchmann Institute for Molecular Life Sciences, Goethe-University Frankfurt, Max-von-Laue-Str. 15, 60438 Frankfurt am Main, Germany
- German Cancer Consortium (DKTK), German Cancer Research Center (DKFZ), DTKT Site Frankfurt-Mainz 69120 Heidelberg, Germany
| | - Julia Marie Frischkorn
- Institute of Pharmaceutical Chemistry, Goethe University Frankfurt, Max-von-Laue-Str. 9, 60438 Frankfurt am Main, Germany
- Structural Genomics Consortium, Buchmann Institute for Molecular Life Sciences, Goethe-University Frankfurt, Max-von-Laue-Str. 15, 60438 Frankfurt am Main, Germany
| | - Benedict-Tilman Berger
- Institute of Pharmaceutical Chemistry, Goethe University Frankfurt, Max-von-Laue-Str. 9, 60438 Frankfurt am Main, Germany
- Structural Genomics Consortium, Buchmann Institute for Molecular Life Sciences, Goethe-University Frankfurt, Max-von-Laue-Str. 15, 60438 Frankfurt am Main, Germany
| | - Lewis Elson
- Institute of Pharmaceutical Chemistry, Goethe University Frankfurt, Max-von-Laue-Str. 9, 60438 Frankfurt am Main, Germany
- Structural Genomics Consortium, Buchmann Institute for Molecular Life Sciences, Goethe-University Frankfurt, Max-von-Laue-Str. 15, 60438 Frankfurt am Main, Germany
| | - Astrid Kaiser
- Institute of Pharmaceutical Chemistry, Goethe University Frankfurt, Max-von-Laue-Str. 9, 60438 Frankfurt am Main, Germany
| | - Manfred Schubert-Zsilavecz
- Institute of Pharmaceutical Chemistry, Goethe University Frankfurt, Max-von-Laue-Str. 9, 60438 Frankfurt am Main, Germany
| | - Susanne Müller
- Institute of Pharmaceutical Chemistry, Goethe University Frankfurt, Max-von-Laue-Str. 9, 60438 Frankfurt am Main, Germany
- Structural Genomics Consortium, Buchmann Institute for Molecular Life Sciences, Goethe-University Frankfurt, Max-von-Laue-Str. 15, 60438 Frankfurt am Main, Germany
| | - Stefan Knapp
- Institute of Pharmaceutical Chemistry, Goethe University Frankfurt, Max-von-Laue-Str. 9, 60438 Frankfurt am Main, Germany
- Structural Genomics Consortium, Buchmann Institute for Molecular Life Sciences, Goethe-University Frankfurt, Max-von-Laue-Str. 15, 60438 Frankfurt am Main, Germany
- German Cancer Consortium (DKTK), German Cancer Research Center (DKFZ), DTKT Site Frankfurt-Mainz 69120 Heidelberg, Germany
| | - Thomas Hanke
- Institute of Pharmaceutical Chemistry, Goethe University Frankfurt, Max-von-Laue-Str. 9, 60438 Frankfurt am Main, Germany
- Structural Genomics Consortium, Buchmann Institute for Molecular Life Sciences, Goethe-University Frankfurt, Max-von-Laue-Str. 15, 60438 Frankfurt am Main, Germany
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3
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Tian K, Deng Y, Li Z, Zhou H, Yao H. AKR1B10 inhibits the proliferation and metastasis of hepatocellular carcinoma cells by regulating the PI3K/AKT pathway. Oncol Lett 2024; 27:18. [PMID: 38034486 PMCID: PMC10688483 DOI: 10.3892/ol.2023.14151] [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: 06/26/2023] [Accepted: 09/25/2023] [Indexed: 12/02/2023] Open
Abstract
Hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) is one of the most frequent and aggressive malignant neoplasms, and is associated with a poor prognosis. Therefore, there is a crucial need to develop novel cancer therapies and identify novel therapeutic targets. Aldo-keto reductase family 1 member B10 (AKR1B10) is expressed in various types of cancer. However, the role of AKR1B10 in the pathological process of HCC and its underlying molecular mechanism is poorly understood. AKR1B10 expression was evaluated pan-cancer and in HCC using the Genomic Data Commons-The Cancer Genome Atlas (GDC-TCGA) and International Cancer Genome Consortium (ICGC) databases. The relationship between elevated AKR1B10 expression and overall survival in HCC patients was analyzed using a Kaplan-Meier plot. The effects of AKR1B10 on the proliferation, migration, and invasion of HCC cells were evaluated. The proliferation of HCC was measured using CCK-8 and colony formation assays. Transwell and wound healing assays were used to assess the migration and invasion of HCC cells. Western blots were used to detect the expression of proliferative and epithelial-mesenchymal transition (EMT) related proteins in HCC cells, including CCND1, E-cadherin, N-cadherin, vimentin, Twist1, PI3K/p-PI3K, and AKT/p-AKT. AKR1B10 expression was significantly upregulated pan-cancer and in liver cancer. Upregulated AKR1B10 expression was associated with a worse overall survival. HCC cell proliferation, migration, and invasion were found to be influenced by AKR1B10 activity, as demonstrated using DepMap analysis. AKR1B10 knockdown in Huh7 cells reduced proliferation, migration, invasion, and EMT. Mechanistically, AKR1B10 increased the expression of proliferative and EMT-related proteins CCND1, E-cadherin, N-cadherin, vimentin, and Twist1. PI3K and AKT phosphorylation levels decreased following AKR1B10 knockdown. In conclusion, AKR1B10 promoted the proliferation, migration, and invasion of HCC cells via the PI3K/AKT signaling pathway, a potential prognostic indicator.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ke Tian
- Second Department of General Surgery, No. 2 People's Hospital of Lanzhou, Lanzhou, Gansu 730030, P.R. China
| | - Ying Deng
- Second Department of General Surgery, No. 2 People's Hospital of Lanzhou, Lanzhou, Gansu 730030, P.R. China
| | - Zhipeng Li
- Department of Hepatobiliary Surgery, The Second Hospital of Shandong University, Jinan, Shandong 250000, P.R. China
| | - Huaxin Zhou
- Department of Hepatobiliary Surgery, The Second Hospital of Shandong University, Jinan, Shandong 250000, P.R. China
| | - Hui Yao
- Second Department of General Surgery, No. 2 People's Hospital of Lanzhou, Lanzhou, Gansu 730030, P.R. China
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Li AX, Martin TA, Lane J, Jiang WG. Cellular Impacts of Striatins and the STRIPAK Complex and Their Roles in the Development and Metastasis in Clinical Cancers (Review). Cancers (Basel) 2023; 16:76. [PMID: 38201504 PMCID: PMC10777921 DOI: 10.3390/cancers16010076] [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: 11/23/2023] [Revised: 12/18/2023] [Accepted: 12/20/2023] [Indexed: 01/12/2024] Open
Abstract
Striatins (STRNs) are generally considered to be cytoplasmic proteins, with lower expression observed in the nucleus and at cell-cell contact regions. Together with protein phosphatase 2A (PP2A), STRNs form the core region of striatin-interacting phosphatase and kinase (STRIPAK) complexes through the coiled-coil region of STRN proteins, which is crucial for substrate recruitment. Over the past two decades, there has been an increasing amount of research into the biological and cellular functions of STRIPAK members. STRNs and the constituent members of the STRIPAK complex have been found to regulate several cellular functions, such as cell cycle control, cell growth, and motility. Dysregulation of these cellular events is associated with cancer development. Importantly, their roles in cancer cells and clinical cancers are becoming recognised, with several STRIPAK components found to have elevated expression in cancerous tissues compared to healthy tissues. These molecules exhibit significant diagnostic and prognostic value across different cancer types and in metastatic progression. The present review comprehensively summarises and discusses the current knowledge of STRNs and core STRIPAK members, in cancer malignancy, from both cellular and clinical perspectives.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Tracey A. Martin
- Cardiff China Medical Research Collaborative, School of Medicine, Cardiff University, Cardiff CF14 4XN, UK; (A.X.L.); (J.L.); (W.G.J.)
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Caputo M, Xia Y, Anand SK, Cansby E, Andersson E, Marschall HU, Königsrainer A, Peter A, Mahlapuu M. STE20-type kinases MST3 and MST4 promote the progression of hepatocellular carcinoma: Evidence from human cell culture and expression profiling of liver biopsies. FASEB J 2023; 37:e23105. [PMID: 37490000 DOI: 10.1096/fj.202300397rr] [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: 03/02/2023] [Revised: 07/04/2023] [Accepted: 07/10/2023] [Indexed: 07/26/2023]
Abstract
Hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) is one of the most fatal and fastest growing malignancies. Recently, nonalcoholic steatohepatitis (NASH), characterized by liver steatosis, inflammation, cell injury (hepatocyte ballooning), and different stages of fibrosis, has emerged as a major catalyst for HCC. Because the STE20-type kinases, MST3 and MST4, have been described as critical molecular regulators of NASH pathophysiology, we here focused on determining the relevance of these proteins in human HCC. By analyzing public datasets and in-house cohorts, we found that hepatic MST3 and MST4 expression was positively correlated with the incidence and severity of HCC. We also found that the silencing of both MST3 and MST4, but also either of them individually, markedly suppressed the tumorigenesis of human HCC cells including attenuated proliferation, migration, invasion, and epithelial-mesenchymal transition. Mechanistic investigations revealed lower activation of STAT3 signaling in MST3/MST4-deficient hepatocytes and identified GOLGA2 and STRIPAK complex as the binding partners of both MST3 and MST4. These findings reveal that MST3 and MST4 play a critical role in promoting the progression of HCC and suggest that targeting these kinases may provide a novel strategy for the treatment of liver cancer.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mara Caputo
- Department of Chemistry and Molecular Biology, University of Gothenburg and Sahlgrenska University Hospital, Gothenburg, Sweden
| | - Ying Xia
- Department of Chemistry and Molecular Biology, University of Gothenburg and Sahlgrenska University Hospital, Gothenburg, Sweden
| | - Sumit Kumar Anand
- Department of Chemistry and Molecular Biology, University of Gothenburg and Sahlgrenska University Hospital, Gothenburg, Sweden
| | - Emmelie Cansby
- Department of Chemistry and Molecular Biology, University of Gothenburg and Sahlgrenska University Hospital, Gothenburg, Sweden
| | - Emma Andersson
- Department of Chemistry and Molecular Biology, University of Gothenburg and Sahlgrenska University Hospital, Gothenburg, Sweden
| | - Hanns-Ulrich Marschall
- Wallenberg Laboratory, Department of Molecular and Clinical Medicine, Institute of Medicine, University of Gothenburg and Sahlgrenska University Hospital, Gothenburg, Sweden
| | - Alfred Königsrainer
- Department of General, Visceral and Transplant Surgery, University Hospital Tübingen, Tübingen, Germany
| | - Andreas Peter
- Institute for Clinical Chemistry and Pathobiochemistry, Department for Diagnostic Laboratory Medicine, University Hospital Tübingen, Tübingen, Germany
- German Center for Diabetes Research (DZD), Neuherberg, Germany
- Institute for Diabetes Research and Metabolic Diseases of the Helmholtz Center Munich at the University of Tübingen, Tübingen, Germany
| | - Margit Mahlapuu
- Department of Chemistry and Molecular Biology, University of Gothenburg and Sahlgrenska University Hospital, Gothenburg, Sweden
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Getu AA, Zhou M, Cheng SY, Tan M. The mammalian Sterile 20-like kinase 4 (MST4) signaling in tumor progression: Implications for therapy. Cancer Lett 2023; 563:216183. [PMID: 37094736 PMCID: PMC10642761 DOI: 10.1016/j.canlet.2023.216183] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/03/2023] [Revised: 03/27/2023] [Accepted: 04/11/2023] [Indexed: 04/26/2023]
Abstract
Cancer is a leading cause of death in humans, with a complex and dynamic nature that makes it challenging to fully comprehend and treat. The Mammalian Sterile 20-Like Kinase 4 (MST4 or STK26) is a serine/threonine-protein kinase that plays a crucial role in cell migration and polarity in both normal and tumor cells via activation of intracellular signaling molecules and pathways. MST4 is involved in tumor cell proliferation, migration and invasion, epithelial-mesenchymal transition (EMT), survival, and cancer metastasis through modulation of downstream signaling pathways including the extracellular signal-regulated kinase (ERK) and protein kinase B (AKT) pathways. Additionally, MST4 interacts with programmed cell death 10 (PDCD10) to promote tumor proliferation and migration. MST4 phosphorylates autophagy related 4B cysteine peptidase (ATG4B) to mediate autophagy signaling, promote tumor cell survival and proliferation, and contribute to treatment resistance. Taken together, MST4 functions as an oncogene and is a promising therapeutic target which deserves further exploration.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ayechew A Getu
- Graduate Institute of Biomedical Sciences, China Medical University, Taichung, 406040, Taiwan; Department of Physiology, School of Medicine, College of Medicine and Health Sciences, University of Gondar, Gondar, Ethiopia
| | - Ming Zhou
- Cancer Research Institute and School of Basic Medical Sciences, Central South University, Changsha, China
| | - Shi-Yuan Cheng
- The Ken & Ruth Davee Department of Neurology, Lou & Jean Malnati Brain Tumor Institute at Northwestern Medicine, The Robert H. Lurie Comprehensive Cancer Center, Northwestern University Feinberg School of Medicine, Chicago, IL, 60611, USA
| | - Ming Tan
- Graduate Institute of Biomedical Sciences, China Medical University, Taichung, 406040, Taiwan; Institute of Biochemistry & Molecular Biology, China Medical University, Taichung, 406040, Taiwan.
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Liu P, Li L, Wang W, He C, Xu C. MST4 promotes proliferation, invasion, and metastasis of gastric cancer by enhancing autophagy. Heliyon 2023; 9:e16735. [PMID: 37313160 PMCID: PMC10258413 DOI: 10.1016/j.heliyon.2023.e16735] [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: 01/11/2023] [Revised: 05/24/2023] [Accepted: 05/25/2023] [Indexed: 06/15/2023] Open
Abstract
Background Mammalian infertile-20-like kinase 4 (MST4) plays major roles in the progression of malignant tumor types, but its function in gastric cancer (GC) remains poorly understood. Objective To investigate the regulatory mechanism of MST4 in GC. Methods Immunohistochemistry was used to detect MST4 protein in GC tissue. Additionally, the correlation between MST4 expression and the clinicopathological characteristics and prognosis of GC was evaluated. The MST4 expression level in GC cells was measured by western blotting and quantitative real-time polymerase chain reaction. Moreover, the regulatory mechanism of MST4 was investigated in vitro and in vivo. Results Overexpression of MST4 was found in GC tissue and cell lines, which correlated to the tumor size, histological type, invasion depth, ulcer, lymph node metastasis, lymphovascular invasion, perineural invasion and TNM stage (all P < 0.01). In terms of MST4 functions in vitro, its upregulation facilitated the proliferation, migration, and invasion of GC cells. Furthermore, MST4 promoted these processes by facilitating autophagy, whereas downregulation of MST4 significantly attenuated these processes. Downregulation of MST4 also attenuated tumor growth in vivo. Conclusion High expression of MST4 indicates a poor prognosis and promotes GC cell proliferation, invasion, and metastasis by enhancing autophagy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Pengwei Liu
- Departments of Gastroenterology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Soochow University, Suzhou, 215006, Jiangsu, China
- Departments of Gastroenterology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Wannan Medical College, Wuhu, 241001, Anhui, China
| | - Lin Li
- Departments of Gastroenterology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Wannan Medical College, Wuhu, 241001, Anhui, China
| | - Wei Wang
- Departments of Gastroenterology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Wannan Medical College, Wuhu, 241001, Anhui, China
| | - Chiyi He
- Departments of Gastroenterology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Wannan Medical College, Wuhu, 241001, Anhui, China
| | - Chunfang Xu
- Departments of Gastroenterology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Soochow University, Suzhou, 215006, Jiangsu, China
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Lei Y, Shen HF, Li QW, Yang S, Xie HT, Li XF, Chen ML, Xia JW, Wang SC, Dai GQ, Zhou Y, Li YC, Huang SH, He DH, Zhou ZH, Cong JG, Lin XL, Lin TY, Wu AB, Xiao D, Xiao SJ, Zhang XK, Jia JS. Hairy gene homolog increases nasopharyngeal carcinoma cell stemness by upregulating Bmi-1. Aging (Albany NY) 2023; 15:204742. [PMID: 37219449 DOI: 10.18632/aging.204742] [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: 11/24/2022] [Accepted: 05/09/2023] [Indexed: 05/24/2023]
Abstract
B-cell-specific Moloney murine leukemia virus integration site 1 (Bmi-1) is overexpressed in various cancer types. We found that Bmi-1 mRNA levels were elevated in nasopharyngeal carcinoma (NPC) cell lines. In immunohistochemical analyses, high Bmi-1 levels were observed in not only 5 of 38 non-cancerous nasopharyngeal squamous epithelial biopsies, but also in 66 of 98 NPC specimens (67.3%). High Bmi-1 levels were detected more frequently in T3-T4, N2-N3 and stage III-IV NPC biopsies than in T1-T2, N0-N1 and stage I-II NPC samples, indicating that Bmi-1 is upregulated in advanced NPC. In 5-8F and SUNE1 NPC cells, stable depletion of Bmi-1 using lentiviral RNA interference greatly suppressed cell proliferation, induced G1-phase cell cycle arrest, reduced cell stemness and suppressed cell migration and invasion. Likewise, knocking down Bmi-1 inhibited NPC cell growth in nude mice. Both chromatin immunoprecipitation and Western blotting assays demonstrated that Hairy gene homolog (HRY) upregulated Bmi-1 by binding to its promoter, thereby increasing the stemness of NPC cells. Immunohistochemistry and quantitative real-time PCR analyses revealed that HRY expression correlated positively with Bmi-1 expression in a cohort of NPC biopsies. These findings suggested that HRY promotes NPC cell stemness by upregulating Bmi-1, and that silencing Bmi-1 can suppress NPC progression.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ye Lei
- School of Basic Medical Sciences, Southern Medical University, Guangzhou 510515, China
- Laboratory Animal Center, Southern Medical University, Guangzhou 510515, China
- Guangzhou Southern Medical Laboratory Animal Sci and Tech Co. Ltd., Guangzhou 510515, China
| | - Hong-Fen Shen
- School of Basic Medical Sciences, Southern Medical University, Guangzhou 510515, China
| | - Qi-Wen Li
- School of Basic Medical Sciences, Southern Medical University, Guangzhou 510515, China
| | - Sheng Yang
- School of Basic Medical Sciences, Southern Medical University, Guangzhou 510515, China
| | - Hong-Ting Xie
- School of Laboratory Medicine and Biotechnology, Southern Medical University, Guangzhou 510515, China
| | - Xu-Feng Li
- School of Basic Medical Sciences, Guangxi Medical University, Nanning 530000, China
| | - Mei-Ling Chen
- School of Laboratory Medicine and Biotechnology, Southern Medical University, Guangzhou 510515, China
| | - Jia-Wei Xia
- The Third People’s Hospital of Kunming (The Sixth Affiliated Hospital of Dali University), Kunming 650041, China
| | - Sheng-Chun Wang
- Department of Pathology, School of Basic Medicine, Guangdong Medical University, Dongguan 523808, China
| | - Guan-Qi Dai
- School of Basic Medical Sciences, Southern Medical University, Guangzhou 510515, China
| | - Ying Zhou
- School of Basic Medical Sciences, Southern Medical University, Guangzhou 510515, China
| | - Ying-Chun Li
- School of Basic Medical Sciences, Southern Medical University, Guangzhou 510515, China
| | - Shi-Hao Huang
- School of Basic Medical Sciences, Southern Medical University, Guangzhou 510515, China
| | - Dan-Hua He
- School of Basic Medical Sciences, Southern Medical University, Guangzhou 510515, China
| | - Zhi-Hao Zhou
- School of Basic Medical Sciences, Southern Medical University, Guangzhou 510515, China
| | - Jin-Ge Cong
- School of Basic Medical Sciences, Southern Medical University, Guangzhou 510515, China
- Laboratory Animal Center, Southern Medical University, Guangzhou 510515, China
- Guangzhou Southern Medical Laboratory Animal Sci and Tech Co. Ltd., Guangzhou 510515, China
| | - Xiao-Lin Lin
- Cancer Center, Integrated Hospital of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Southern Medical University, Guangzhou 510315, China
| | - Tao-Yan Lin
- Department of Pharmacy, Nanfang Hospital, Southern Medical University, Guangzhou 510515, China
| | - Ai-Bing Wu
- Central People’s Hospital of Zhanjiang, Zhanjiang 524000, China
| | - Dong Xiao
- School of Basic Medical Sciences, Southern Medical University, Guangzhou 510515, China
- Laboratory Animal Center, Southern Medical University, Guangzhou 510515, China
- Guangzhou Southern Medical Laboratory Animal Sci and Tech Co. Ltd., Guangzhou 510515, China
- National Demonstration Center for Experimental Education of Basic Medical Sciences, Southern Medical University, Guangzhou 510515, China
| | - Sheng-Jun Xiao
- Department of Pathology, The Second Affiliated Hospital, Guilin Medical University, Guilin 541199, China
| | - Xin-Ke Zhang
- Department of Pathology, State Key Laboratory of Oncology in South China, Collaborative Innovation Center for Cancer Medicine, Sun Yat-sen University Cancer Center, Guangzhou 510060, China
| | - Jun-Shuang Jia
- School of Basic Medical Sciences, Southern Medical University, Guangzhou 510515, China
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Paskeh MDA, Ghadyani F, Hashemi M, Abbaspour A, Zabolian A, Javanshir S, Razzazan M, Mirzaei S, Entezari M, Goharrizi MASB, Salimimoghadam S, Aref AR, Kalbasi A, Rajabi R, Rashidi M, Taheriazam A, Sethi G. Biological impact and therapeutic perspective of targeting PI3K/Akt signaling in hepatocellular carcinoma: Promises and Challenges. Pharmacol Res 2023; 187:106553. [PMID: 36400343 DOI: 10.1016/j.phrs.2022.106553] [Citation(s) in RCA: 46] [Impact Index Per Article: 46.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/12/2022] [Revised: 11/09/2022] [Accepted: 11/10/2022] [Indexed: 11/17/2022]
Abstract
Cancer progression results from activation of various signaling networks. Among these, PI3K/Akt signaling contributes to proliferation, invasion, and inhibition of apoptosis. Hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) is a primary liver cancer with high incidence rate, especially in regions with high prevalence of viral hepatitis infection. Autoimmune disorders, diabetes mellitus, obesity, alcohol consumption, and inflammation can also lead to initiation and development of HCC. The treatment of HCC depends on the identification of oncogenic factors that lead tumor cells to develop resistance to therapy. The present review article focuses on the role of PI3K/Akt signaling in HCC progression. Activation of PI3K/Akt signaling promotes glucose uptake, favors glycolysis and increases tumor cell proliferation. It inhibits both apoptosis and autophagy while promoting HCC cell survival. PI3K/Akt stimulates epithelial-to-mesenchymal transition (EMT) and increases matrix-metalloproteinase (MMP) expression during HCC metastasis. In addition to increasing colony formation capacity and facilitating the spread of tumor cells, PI3K/Akt signaling stimulates angiogenesis. Therefore, silencing PI3K/Akt signaling prevents aggressive HCC cell behavior. Activation of PI3K/Akt signaling can confer drug resistance, particularly to sorafenib, and decreases the radio-sensitivity of HCC cells. Anti-cancer agents, like phytochemicals and small molecules can suppress PI3K/Akt signaling by limiting HCC progression. Being upregulated in tumor tissues and clinical samples, PI3K/Akt can also be used as a biomarker to predict patients' response to therapy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mahshid Deldar Abad Paskeh
- Department of Genetics, Faculty of Advanced Science and Technology, Tehran Medical Sciences, Islamic Azad University, Tehran, Iran; Farhikhtegan Medical Convergence sciences Research Center, Farhikhtegan Hospital Tehran Medical Sciences, Islamic Azad University, Tehran, Iran
| | - Fatemeh Ghadyani
- Farhikhtegan Medical Convergence sciences Research Center, Farhikhtegan Hospital Tehran Medical Sciences, Islamic Azad University, Tehran, Iran
| | - Mehrdad Hashemi
- Department of Genetics, Faculty of Advanced Science and Technology, Tehran Medical Sciences, Islamic Azad University, Tehran, Iran; Farhikhtegan Medical Convergence sciences Research Center, Farhikhtegan Hospital Tehran Medical Sciences, Islamic Azad University, Tehran, Iran
| | - Alireza Abbaspour
- Cellular and Molecular Research Center,Qazvin University of Medical Sciences, Qazvin, Iran
| | - Amirhossein Zabolian
- Resident of department of Orthopedics, Shahid Beheshti University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
| | - Salar Javanshir
- Young Researchers and Elite Club, Tehran Medical Sciences, Islamic Azad University, Tehran, Iran
| | - Mehrnaz Razzazan
- Medical Student, Student Research Committee, Golestan University of Medical Sciences, Gorgan, Iran
| | - Sepideh Mirzaei
- Department of Biology, Faculty of Science, Islamic Azad University, Science and Research Branch, Tehran, Iran
| | - Maliheh Entezari
- Department of Genetics, Faculty of Advanced Science and Technology, Tehran Medical Sciences, Islamic Azad University, Tehran, Iran; Farhikhtegan Medical Convergence sciences Research Center, Farhikhtegan Hospital Tehran Medical Sciences, Islamic Azad University, Tehran, Iran
| | | | - Shokooh Salimimoghadam
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Shahid Chamran University of Ahvaz, Ahvaz, Iran
| | - Amir Reza Aref
- Belfer Center for Applied Cancer Science, Dana-Farber Cancer Institute, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, USA; Translational Sciences, Xsphera Biosciences Inc. 6, Tide Street, Boston, MA 02210, USA
| | - Alireza Kalbasi
- Department of Pharmacy, Brigham and Women's Hospital, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA 02115, USA
| | - Romina Rajabi
- Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Islamic Azad University, Science and Research Branch, Tehran, Iran.
| | - Mohsen Rashidi
- Department Pharmacology, Faculty of Medicine, Mazandaran University of Medical Sciences, Sari, Iran; The Health of Plant and Livestock Products Research Center, Mazandaran University of Medical Sciences, Sari, Iran.
| | - Afshin Taheriazam
- Farhikhtegan Medical Convergence sciences Research Center, Farhikhtegan Hospital Tehran Medical Sciences, Islamic Azad University, Tehran, Iran; Department of Orthopedics, Faculty of medicine, Tehran Medical Sciences, Islamic Azad University, Tehran, Iran.
| | - Gautam Sethi
- Department of Pharmacology, Yong Loo Lin School of Medicine, National University of Singapore, Singapore 117600, Singapore; NUS Centre for Cancer Research, Yong Loo Lin School of Medicine, National University of Singapore, Singapore 117599, Singapore.
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10
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Huang Z, Lin Y, Zhao M, Li S, Wen Y, Liu Z, Cao X. Bone Marrow Mesenchymal Stem Cells with Long Non-Coding RNA-Growth Arrest Specific 5 (LncRNA-GAS5) Modification Impede the Migration and Invasion Activities of Papillary Thyroid Carcinoma Cells. J BIOMATER TISS ENG 2023. [DOI: 10.1166/jbt.2023.3229] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/05/2023]
Abstract
The impact of bone marrow mesenchymal stem cells (BMSCs) on the behaviors of papillary thyroid carcinoma (PTC) cells and LncRNAs remains poorly understood. This study mainly explores the mechanism of LncRNA-GAS5-modified BMSCs on the behaviors of PTC cells, aiming to further elucidate
PTC carcinogenesis and provide evidence for drug development. PTC cell lines were assigned into blank group, BMSCs group (co-culture with BMSCs), GAS5 group (co-culture with LncRNA-GAS5-modified BMSCs) and positive control group (cultured in the presence of 60 μg/mL β-elemene)
followed by analysis of LncRNA-GAS5 expression, the number of migrating and invading PTC cells, the quantity of EMT-related markers, MMP-9 and MMP-2. LncRNA-GAS5 level was lowest in the blank group, while highest in the GAS5 group (P <0.05), followed by positive control group and
BMSCs group. Moreover, the number of migrated and invaded cells was highest in the blank group, while lowest in GAS5 group (P < 0.05), followed by positive control group and BMSCs group. PTC cells exhibited the highest expression of EMT-related markers (N-cadherin and Vimentin) and
MMPs but lowest E-cadherin level in blank group and positive control group. These proteins showed an opposite trend in GAS5 group and BMSCs group. Additionally, a more remarkable difference was recorded in the GAS5 group (P <0.05). LncRNA-GAS5-modified BMSCs can down-regulate Vimentin
and N-cadherin while up-regulate E-cadherin, thereby restraining the expression of MMP-9 and MMP-2. In this way, the EMT process can be manipulated, leading to inhibition of PTC cells behaviors by LncRNA-GAS5-modified BMSCs, indicating that LncRNA-GAS5 might be applied as a therapeutic target
for PTC.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zicheng Huang
- Department of Interventional Radiology, Guangzhou First People’s Hospital, School of Medicine, South China University of Technology, Guangzhou, Guangdong, 510180, China
| | - Yun’an Lin
- Department of Medical Oncology, Guangzhou First People’s Hospital, School of Medicine, South China University of Technology, Guangzhou, Guangdong, 510180, China
| | - Meiling Zhao
- Department of Medical Oncology, Guangzhou First People’s Hospital, School of Medicine, South China University of Technology, Guangzhou, Guangdong, 510180, China
| | - Simei Li
- Department of Medical Oncology, Guangzhou First People’s Hospital, School of Medicine, South China University of Technology, Guangzhou, Guangdong, 510180, China
| | - Yajia Wen
- Department of Medical Oncology, Guangzhou First People’s Hospital, School of Medicine, South China University of Technology, Guangzhou, Guangdong, 510180, China
| | - Zhixiang Liu
- Department of Medical Oncology, Guangzhou First People’s Hospital, School of Medicine, South China University of Technology, Guangzhou, Guangdong, 510180, China
| | - Xiaofei Cao
- Department of Medical Oncology, Guangzhou First People’s Hospital, School of Medicine, South China University of Technology, Guangzhou, Guangdong, 510180, China
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11
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Huang K, Lin Y, Wang K, Shen J, Wei D. ARFIP2 Regulates EMT and Autophagy in Hepatocellular Carcinoma in Part Through the PI3K/Akt Signalling Pathway. J Hepatocell Carcinoma 2022; 9:1323-1339. [PMID: 36573219 PMCID: PMC9789708 DOI: 10.2147/jhc.s392056] [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: 10/03/2022] [Accepted: 12/09/2022] [Indexed: 12/24/2022] Open
Abstract
Purpose ARFIP2, a canonical BAR domain-containing protein, is closely associated with regulating cargo exit from the Golgi. However, the potential biological functions of ARFIP2 in hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) have not been well investigated. This study aimed to explore the critical role of ARFIP2 in HCC cells. Methods The expression of proteins related to epithelial to mesenchymal transition (EMT) and cell autophagy in HCC cells and tissues was assayed by quantitative real-time PCR, Western blotting, immunohistochemistry and immunofluorescence staining. The ability of cells to proliferate, migrate and invade was detected by Cell Counting Kit-8, Transwell migration and invasion assays. In addition, the function of ARFIP2 in vivo was assessed using a tumour xenograft model. Results ARFIP2 expression is significantly upregulated in early recurrent and metastatic HCC patients and was positively correlated with a poor prognosis. ARFIP2 overexpression promoted cell proliferation, migration, and invasion by inducing EMT and inhibiting autophagy in vitro. Furthermore, the regulatory effects of ARFIP2 on autophagy and EMT were partially attributed to its regulation of the PI3K/AKT signalling pathway. The in vivo results also showed that ARFIP2 modulates HCC progression. Conclusion Our results substantiate a novel mechanism by which ARFIP2 can regulate the activity/phosphorylation of Akt to promote EMT and inhibit autophagy in part via the PI3K/Akt signalling pathway. The ARFIP2/PI3K/Akt axis may be a potential diagnostic biomarker and therapeutic target for HCC.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kaida Huang
- Department of Oncology, Xiamen Haicang Hospital, Xiamen, People’s Republic of China
| | - Yubiao Lin
- Department of Oncology, Xiamen Haicang Hospital, Xiamen, People’s Republic of China
| | - Keyin Wang
- Department of Infectious Diseases, Affiliated Hospital of Jiaxing University, Jiaxing, People’s Republic of China
| | - Jianfen Shen
- Department of Central Laboratory, Affiliated Hospital of Jiaxing University, Jiaxing, People’s Republic of China
| | - Dahai Wei
- Department of Infectious Diseases, Affiliated Hospital of Jiaxing University, Jiaxing, People’s Republic of China,Department of Central Laboratory, Affiliated Hospital of Jiaxing University, Jiaxing, People’s Republic of China,Institute of Hepatology, Affiliated Hospital of Jiaxing University, Jiaxing, People’s Republic of China,Correspondence: Dahai Wei, Institute of Hepatology, Affiliated Hospital of Jiaxing University, Jiaxing, People’s Republic of China, Tel/Fax +86-573-89975669, Email
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12
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Arora R, Kim JH, Getu AA, Angajala A, Chen YL, Wang B, Kahn AG, Chen H, Reshi L, Lu J, Zhang W, Zhou M, Tan M. MST4: A Potential Oncogene and Therapeutic Target in Breast Cancer. Cells 2022; 11:cells11244057. [PMID: 36552828 PMCID: PMC9777386 DOI: 10.3390/cells11244057] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/17/2022] [Revised: 12/12/2022] [Accepted: 12/13/2022] [Indexed: 12/23/2022] Open
Abstract
The mammalian STE 20-like protein kinase 4 (MST4) gene is highly expressed in several cancer types, but little is known about the role of MST4 in breast cancer, and the function of MST4 during epithelial-mesenchymal transition (EMT) has not been fully elucidated. Here we report that overexpression of MST4 in breast cancer results in enhanced cell growth, migration, and invasion, whereas inhibition of MST4 expression significantly attenuates these properties. Further study shows that MST4 promotes EMT by activating Akt and its downstream signaling molecules such as E-cadherin/N-cadherin, Snail, and Slug. MST4 also activates AKT and its downstream pro-survival pathway. Furthermore, by analyzing breast cancer patient tissue microarray and silicon datasets, we found that MST4 expression is much higher in breast tumor tissue compared to normal tissue, and significantly correlates with cancer stage, lymph node metastasis and a poor overall survival rate (p < 0.05). Taken together, our findings demonstrate the oncogenic potential of MST4 in breast cancer, highlighting its role in cancer cell proliferation, migration/invasion, survival, and EMT, suggesting a possibility that MST4 may serve as a novel therapeutic target for breast cancer.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ritu Arora
- Mitchell Cancer Institute, University of South Alabama, Mobile, AL 36604, USA
| | - Jin-Hwan Kim
- Mitchell Cancer Institute, University of South Alabama, Mobile, AL 36604, USA
- Markey Cancer Center, Department of Toxicology and Cancer Biology, University of Kentucky, Lexington, KY 40508, USA
| | - Ayechew A. Getu
- Graduate Institute of Biomedical Sciences, China Medical University, Taichung 406040, Taiwan
- Department of Physiology, School of Medicine, College of Medicine and Health Sciences, University of Gondar, Gondar P.O. Box 196, Ethiopia
| | - Anusha Angajala
- Mitchell Cancer Institute, University of South Alabama, Mobile, AL 36604, USA
| | - Yih-Lin Chen
- Graduate Institute of Biomedical Sciences, China Medical University, Taichung 406040, Taiwan
| | - Bin Wang
- Department of Mathematics and Statistics, University of South Alabama, Mobile, AL 36688, USA
| | - Andrea G. Kahn
- Department of Pathology, School of Medicine, University of Alabama at Birmingham, Birmingham, AL 35294, USA
| | - Hong Chen
- Graduate Institute of Biomedical Sciences, China Medical University, Taichung 406040, Taiwan
| | - Latif Reshi
- Graduate Institute of Biomedical Sciences, China Medical University, Taichung 406040, Taiwan
| | - Jianrong Lu
- Department of Biochemistry & Molecular Biology, College of Medicine, University of Florida, Gainesville, FL 32610, USA
| | - Wenling Zhang
- Department of Laboratory Medicine, Xiangya School of Medicine, Central South University, Changsha 410013, China
| | - Ming Zhou
- Cancer Research Institute, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Central South University, Changsha 410013, China
| | - Ming Tan
- Graduate Institute of Biomedical Sciences, China Medical University, Taichung 406040, Taiwan
- Research Center for Cancer Biology, China Medical University, Taichung 406040, Taiwan
- Correspondence:
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13
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Wang S, Wu Y, Liu M, Zhao Q, Jian L. DHW-208, A Novel Phosphatidylinositol 3-Kinase (PI3K) Inhibitor, Has Anti-Hepatocellular Carcinoma Activity Through Promoting Apoptosis and Inhibiting Angiogenesis. Front Oncol 2022; 12:955729. [PMID: 35903690 PMCID: PMC9315107 DOI: 10.3389/fonc.2022.955729] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/29/2022] [Accepted: 06/13/2022] [Indexed: 11/29/2022] Open
Abstract
Hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) is one of the most common tumors worldwide with high prevalence and lethality. Due to insidious onset and lack of early symptoms, most HCC patients are diagnosed at advanced stages without adequate methods but systemic therapies. PI3K/AKT/mTOR signaling pathway plays a crucial role in the progression and development of HCC. Aberrant activation of PI3K/AKT/mTOR pathway is involved in diverse biological processes, including cell proliferation, apoptosis, migration, invasion and angiogenesis. Therefore, the development of PI3K-targeted inhibitors is of great significance for the treatment of HCC. DHW-208 is a novel 4-aminoquinazoline derivative pan-PI3K inhibitor. This study aimed to assess the therapeutic efficacy of DHW-208 in HCC and investigate its underlying mechanism. DHW-208 could inhibit the proliferation, migration, invasion and angiogenesis of HCC through the PI3K/AKT/mTOR signaling pathway in vitro. Consistent with the in vitro results, in vivo studies demonstrated that DHW-208 elicits an antitumor effect by inhibiting the PI3K/AKT/mTOR-signaling pathway with a high degree of safety in HCC. Therefore, DHW-208 is a candidate compound to be developed as a small molecule PI3K inhibitor for the treatment of HCC, and our study provides a certain theoretical basis for the treatment of HCC and the development of PI3K inhibitors.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shu Wang
- Department of Pharmacy, Shengjing Hospital of China Medical University, Shenyang, China
| | - Yuting Wu
- Department of Clinical Pharmacy, Shenyang Pharmaceutical University, Shenyang, China
| | - Mingyue Liu
- Department of Clinical Pharmacy, Shenyang Pharmaceutical University, Shenyang, China
| | - Qingchun Zhao
- Department of Pharmacy, China Medical University, Shenyang, China
- *Correspondence: Qingchun Zhao, ; Lingyan Jian,
| | - Lingyan Jian
- Department of Pharmacy, Shengjing Hospital of China Medical University, Shenyang, China
- *Correspondence: Qingchun Zhao, ; Lingyan Jian,
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14
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Mahlapuu M, Caputo M, Xia Y, Cansby E. GCKIII kinases in lipotoxicity: Roles in NAFLD and beyond. Hepatol Commun 2022; 6:2613-2622. [PMID: 35641240 PMCID: PMC9512487 DOI: 10.1002/hep4.2013] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/24/2022] [Revised: 04/25/2022] [Accepted: 05/06/2022] [Indexed: 11/29/2022] Open
Abstract
Nonalcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) is defined by excessive accumulation of lipid droplets within hepatocytes. The STE20‐type kinases comprising the germinal center kinase III (GCKIII) subfamily – MST3, MST4, and STK25 – decorate intrahepatocellular lipid droplets and have recently emerged as critical regulators of the initiation and progression of NAFLD. While significant advancement has been made toward deciphering the role of GCKIII kinases in hepatic fat accumulation (i.e., steatosis) as well as the aggravation of NAFLD into its severe form nonalcoholic steatohepatitis (NASH), much remains to be resolved. This review provides a brief overview of the recent studies in patient cohorts, cultured human cells, and mouse models, which have characterized the function of MST3, MST4, and STK25 in the regulation of hepatic lipid accretion, meta‐inflammation, and associated cell damage in the context of NAFLD/NASH. We also highlight the conflicting data and emphasize future research directions that are needed to advance our understanding of GCKIII kinases as potential targets in the therapy of NAFLD and its comorbidities. Conclusions: Several lines of evidence suggest that GCKIII proteins govern the susceptibility to hepatic lipotoxicity and that pharmacological inhibition of these kinases could mitigate NAFLD development and aggravation. Comprehensive characterization of the molecular mode‐of‐action of MST3, MST4, and STK25 in hepatocytes as well as extrahepatic tissues is important, especially in relation to their impact on carcinogenesis, to fully understand the efficacy as well as safety of GCKIII antagonism.
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Affiliation(s)
- Margit Mahlapuu
- Department of Chemistry and Molecular Biology, University of Gothenburg and Sahlgrenska University Hospital, Gothenburg, Sweden
| | - Mara Caputo
- Department of Chemistry and Molecular Biology, University of Gothenburg and Sahlgrenska University Hospital, Gothenburg, Sweden
| | - Ying Xia
- Department of Chemistry and Molecular Biology, University of Gothenburg and Sahlgrenska University Hospital, Gothenburg, Sweden
| | - Emmelie Cansby
- Department of Chemistry and Molecular Biology, University of Gothenburg and Sahlgrenska University Hospital, Gothenburg, Sweden
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15
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Huang Y, Yu Z, Zheng M, Yang X, Huang H, Zhao L. Methylation‑associated inactivation of JPH3 and its effect on prognosis and cell biological function in HCC. Mol Med Rep 2022; 25:124. [PMID: 35169860 PMCID: PMC8864618 DOI: 10.3892/mmr.2022.12640] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/21/2021] [Accepted: 01/04/2022] [Indexed: 11/05/2022] Open
Abstract
In recent years, researchers have found that epigenetics plays an important role in the occurrence and development of hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC). DNA methylation is involved in the proliferation and metastasis of HCC. However, the junctophilin 3 (JPH3) level and the potential regulatory mechanism of its DNA methylation in HCC remain uncertain. In the present study, 73 HCC samples were enrolled to analyze the expression of JPH3. Reverse‑transcription quantitative PCR, western blotting and immunohistochemistry were used to detect the expression of JPH3 in HCC. Kaplan‑Meier method and Cox regression analysis were applied to evaluate the prognostic impact of JPH3 on HCC patients. DNA methylation‑specific PCR and bisulfite Sanger sequencing were used to detect the degree of DNA methylation of JPH3 in HCC. The demethylation drug 5‑Aza‑2'‑deoxycytidine (5‑Aza) was used to reduce the DNA methylation of JPH3. The role of JPH3 in the malignant biological behavior of HCC by promoting epithelial‑mesenchymal transition (EMT) was confirmed by functional cell experiments. The results showed that JPH3 exhibited low levels in HCC tissues and cell lines. HCC patients with low expression of JPH3 had poor survival outcomes. JPH3 had higher DNA methylation levels in HCC tissues and cell lines. When the demethylation drug 5‑Aza was used to reduce the degree of methylation of JPH3, its protein expression level was significantly increased and it significantly inhibited the malignant biological behavior of HCC cells. Additionally, effective increase in the expression of JPH3 through gene regulation technology also inhibited the proliferation, invasion and migration of HCC cells. After altering the DNA methylation level of JPH3, the EMT of HCC cells was also affected. Therefore, our study demonstrated the inactivation of JPH3 by promoter methylation and its function as a tumor suppressor in HCC. JPH3 may serve as a biomarker for early diagnosis and as a potential therapeutic target for HCC.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yi Huang
- Department of Hepatobiliary Pancreatic Surgery, Affiliated Hospital of Zunyi Medical University, Zunyi, Guizhou 563003, P.R. China
| | - Zhou Yu
- Department of Hepatobiliary Pancreatic Surgery, Affiliated Hospital of Zunyi Medical University, Zunyi, Guizhou 563003, P.R. China
| | - Min Zheng
- Department of Hepatobiliary Pancreatic Surgery, Affiliated Hospital of Zunyi Medical University, Zunyi, Guizhou 563003, P.R. China
| | - Xiaohong Yang
- Department of Hepatobiliary Pancreatic Surgery, Affiliated Hospital of Zunyi Medical University, Zunyi, Guizhou 563003, P.R. China
| | - Honglan Huang
- Department of Hepatobiliary Pancreatic Surgery, Affiliated Hospital of Zunyi Medical University, Zunyi, Guizhou 563003, P.R. China
| | - Lijin Zhao
- Department of Hepatobiliary Pancreatic Surgery, Affiliated Hospital of Zunyi Medical University, Zunyi, Guizhou 563003, P.R. China
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16
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Wang Y, Li N, Zheng Y, Wang A, Yu C, Song Z, Wang S, Sun Y, Zheng L, Wang G, Liu L, Yi J, Huang Y, Zhang M, Bao Y, Sun L. KIAA1217 Promotes Epithelial-Mesenchymal Transition and Hepatocellular Carcinoma Metastasis by Interacting with and Activating STAT3. Int J Mol Sci 2021; 23:ijms23010104. [PMID: 35008530 PMCID: PMC8745027 DOI: 10.3390/ijms23010104] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/25/2021] [Revised: 12/18/2021] [Accepted: 12/21/2021] [Indexed: 12/01/2022] Open
Abstract
The survival and prognosis of hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) are poor, mainly due to metastasis. Therefore, insights into the molecular mechanisms underlying HCC invasion and metastasis are urgently needed to develop a more effective antimetastatic therapy. Here, we report that KIAA1217, a functionally unknown macromolecular protein, plays a crucial role in HCC metastasis. KIAA1217 expression was frequently upregulated in HCC cell lines and tissues, and high KIAA1217 expression was closely associated with shorter survival of patients with HCC. Overexpression and knockdown experiments revealed that KIAA1217 significantly promoted cell migration and invasion by inducing epithelial-mesenchymal transition (EMT) in vitro. Consistently, HCC cells overexpressing KIAA1217 exhibited markedly enhanced lung metastasis in vivo. Mechanistically, KIAA1217 enhanced EMT and accordingly promoted HCC metastasis by interacting with and activating JAK1/2 and STAT3. Interestingly, KIAA1217-activated p-STAT3 was retained in the cytoplasm instead of translocating into the nucleus, where p-STAT3 subsequently activated the Notch and Wnt/β-catenin pathways to facilitate EMT induction and HCC metastasis. Collectively, KIAA1217 may function as an adaptor protein or scaffold protein in the cytoplasm and coordinate multiple pathways to promote EMT-induced HCC metastasis, indicating its potential as a therapeutic target for curbing HCC metastasis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yanhong Wang
- National Engineering Laboratory for Druggable Gene and Protein Screening, Northeast Normal University, Changchun 130024, China; (Y.W.); (N.L.); (Y.Z.); (A.W.); (C.Y.); (Y.S.); (Y.H.); (Y.B.)
- NMPA Key Laboratory for Quality of Cell and Gene Therapy Medicinal Products, Northeast Normal University, Changchun 130024, China; (Z.S.); (S.W.); (L.Z.); (G.W.); (L.L.); (J.Y.)
| | - Na Li
- National Engineering Laboratory for Druggable Gene and Protein Screening, Northeast Normal University, Changchun 130024, China; (Y.W.); (N.L.); (Y.Z.); (A.W.); (C.Y.); (Y.S.); (Y.H.); (Y.B.)
| | - Yanping Zheng
- National Engineering Laboratory for Druggable Gene and Protein Screening, Northeast Normal University, Changchun 130024, China; (Y.W.); (N.L.); (Y.Z.); (A.W.); (C.Y.); (Y.S.); (Y.H.); (Y.B.)
| | - Anqing Wang
- National Engineering Laboratory for Druggable Gene and Protein Screening, Northeast Normal University, Changchun 130024, China; (Y.W.); (N.L.); (Y.Z.); (A.W.); (C.Y.); (Y.S.); (Y.H.); (Y.B.)
| | - Chunlei Yu
- National Engineering Laboratory for Druggable Gene and Protein Screening, Northeast Normal University, Changchun 130024, China; (Y.W.); (N.L.); (Y.Z.); (A.W.); (C.Y.); (Y.S.); (Y.H.); (Y.B.)
| | - Zhenbo Song
- NMPA Key Laboratory for Quality of Cell and Gene Therapy Medicinal Products, Northeast Normal University, Changchun 130024, China; (Z.S.); (S.W.); (L.Z.); (G.W.); (L.L.); (J.Y.)
| | - Shuyue Wang
- NMPA Key Laboratory for Quality of Cell and Gene Therapy Medicinal Products, Northeast Normal University, Changchun 130024, China; (Z.S.); (S.W.); (L.Z.); (G.W.); (L.L.); (J.Y.)
| | - Ying Sun
- National Engineering Laboratory for Druggable Gene and Protein Screening, Northeast Normal University, Changchun 130024, China; (Y.W.); (N.L.); (Y.Z.); (A.W.); (C.Y.); (Y.S.); (Y.H.); (Y.B.)
| | - Lihua Zheng
- NMPA Key Laboratory for Quality of Cell and Gene Therapy Medicinal Products, Northeast Normal University, Changchun 130024, China; (Z.S.); (S.W.); (L.Z.); (G.W.); (L.L.); (J.Y.)
| | - Guannan Wang
- NMPA Key Laboratory for Quality of Cell and Gene Therapy Medicinal Products, Northeast Normal University, Changchun 130024, China; (Z.S.); (S.W.); (L.Z.); (G.W.); (L.L.); (J.Y.)
| | - Lei Liu
- NMPA Key Laboratory for Quality of Cell and Gene Therapy Medicinal Products, Northeast Normal University, Changchun 130024, China; (Z.S.); (S.W.); (L.Z.); (G.W.); (L.L.); (J.Y.)
| | - Jingwen Yi
- NMPA Key Laboratory for Quality of Cell and Gene Therapy Medicinal Products, Northeast Normal University, Changchun 130024, China; (Z.S.); (S.W.); (L.Z.); (G.W.); (L.L.); (J.Y.)
| | - Yanxin Huang
- National Engineering Laboratory for Druggable Gene and Protein Screening, Northeast Normal University, Changchun 130024, China; (Y.W.); (N.L.); (Y.Z.); (A.W.); (C.Y.); (Y.S.); (Y.H.); (Y.B.)
| | - Muqing Zhang
- School of Molecular and Cellular Biology, University of Illinois Urbana Champaign, Urbana, IL 61801, USA;
| | - Yongli Bao
- National Engineering Laboratory for Druggable Gene and Protein Screening, Northeast Normal University, Changchun 130024, China; (Y.W.); (N.L.); (Y.Z.); (A.W.); (C.Y.); (Y.S.); (Y.H.); (Y.B.)
| | - Luguo Sun
- National Engineering Laboratory for Druggable Gene and Protein Screening, Northeast Normal University, Changchun 130024, China; (Y.W.); (N.L.); (Y.Z.); (A.W.); (C.Y.); (Y.S.); (Y.H.); (Y.B.)
- Correspondence: ; Tel.: +86-0431-8916-5922
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