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Zeng RJ, Xie WJ, Zheng CW, Chen WX, Wang SM, Li Z, Cheng CB, Zou HY, Xu LY, Li EM. Role of Rho guanine nucleotide exchange factors in non-small cell lung cancer. Bioengineered 2021; 12:11169-11187. [PMID: 34783629 PMCID: PMC8810164 DOI: 10.1080/21655979.2021.2006519] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/22/2021] [Revised: 10/12/2021] [Accepted: 10/13/2021] [Indexed: 02/05/2023] Open
Abstract
Conventionally, Rho guanine nucleotide exchange factors (GEFs) are known activators of Rho guanosine triphosphatases (GTPases) that promote tumorigenesis. However, the role of Rho GEFs in non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) remains largely unknown. Through the screening of 81 Rho GEFs for their expression profiles and correlations with survival, four of them were identified with strong significance for predicting the prognosis of NSCLC patients. The four Rho GEFs, namely ABR, PREX1, DOCK2 and DOCK4, were downregulated in NSCLC tissues compared to normal tissues. The downregulation of ABR, PREX1, DOCK2 and DOCK4, which can be attributfed to promoter methylation, is correlated with poor prognosis. The underexpression of the four key Rho GEFs might be related to the upregulation of MYC signaling and DNA repair pathways, leading to carcinogenesis and poor prognosis. Moreover, overexpression of ABR was shown to have a tumor-suppressive effect in PC9 and H1703 cells. In conclusion, the data reveal the unprecedented role of ABR as tumor suppressor in NSCLC. The previously unnoticed functions of Rho GEFs in NSCLC will inspire researchers to investigate the distinct roles of Rho GEFs in cancers, in order to provide critical strategies in clinical practice.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rui-Jie Zeng
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Shantou University Medical College, ShantouChina
- The Key Laboratory of Molecular Biology for High Cancer Incidence Coastal Chaoshan Area, Shantou University Medical College, ShantouChina
- Department of Gastroenterology, Guangdong Provincial People’s Hospital, Guangdong Academy of Medical Sciences, GuangzhouChina
| | - Wei-Jie Xie
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Shantou University Medical College, ShantouChina
- The Key Laboratory of Molecular Biology for High Cancer Incidence Coastal Chaoshan Area, Shantou University Medical College, ShantouChina
| | - Chun-Wen Zheng
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Shantou University Medical College, ShantouChina
- The Key Laboratory of Molecular Biology for High Cancer Incidence Coastal Chaoshan Area, Shantou University Medical College, ShantouChina
| | - Wan-Xian Chen
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Shantou University Medical College, ShantouChina
- The Key Laboratory of Molecular Biology for High Cancer Incidence Coastal Chaoshan Area, Shantou University Medical College, ShantouChina
| | - Si-Meng Wang
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Shantou University Medical College, ShantouChina
- The Key Laboratory of Molecular Biology for High Cancer Incidence Coastal Chaoshan Area, Shantou University Medical College, ShantouChina
| | - Zheng Li
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Shantou University Medical College, ShantouChina
- The Key Laboratory of Molecular Biology for High Cancer Incidence Coastal Chaoshan Area, Shantou University Medical College, ShantouChina
| | - Chi-Bin Cheng
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Shantou University Medical College, ShantouChina
- The Key Laboratory of Molecular Biology for High Cancer Incidence Coastal Chaoshan Area, Shantou University Medical College, ShantouChina
| | - Hai-Ying Zou
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Shantou University Medical College, ShantouChina
- The Key Laboratory of Molecular Biology for High Cancer Incidence Coastal Chaoshan Area, Shantou University Medical College, ShantouChina
| | - Li-Yan Xu
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Shantou University Medical College, ShantouChina
- Institute of Oncologic Pathology, Shantou University Medical College, ShantouChina
- CONTACT Li-Yan Xu Institute of Oncologic Pathology, Shantou University Medical College, Shantou515041, China
| | - En-Min Li
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Shantou University Medical College, ShantouChina
- The Key Laboratory of Molecular Biology for High Cancer Incidence Coastal Chaoshan Area, Shantou University Medical College, ShantouChina
- En-Min Li The Key Laboratory of Molecular Biology for High Cancer Incidence Coastal Chaoshan Area Shantou University Medical College, Shantou515041, China
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Abstract
Despite treatment advances, radioresistance and metastasis markedly impair the benefits of radiotherapy to patients with malignancies. Functioning as molecular switches, Rho guanosine triphosphatases (GTPases) have well-recognized roles in regulating various downstream signaling pathways in a wide range of cancers. In recent years, accumulating evidence indicates the involvement of Rho GTPases in cancer radiotherapeutic efficacy and metastasis, as well as radiation-induced metastasis. The functions of Rho GTPases in radiotherapeutic efficacy are divergent and context-dependent; thereby, a comprehensive integration of their roles and correlated mechanisms is urgently needed. This review integrates current evidence supporting the roles of Rho GTPases in mediating radiotherapeutic efficacy and the underlying mechanisms. In addition, their correlations with metastasis and radiation-induced metastasis are discussed. Under the prudent application of Rho GTPase inhibitors based on critical evaluations of biological contexts, targeting Rho GTPases can be a promising strategy in overcoming radioresistance and simultaneously reducing the metastatic potential of tumor cells.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rui-Jie Zeng
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Shantou University Medical College, Shantou, 515041, China
- The Key Laboratory of Molecular Biology for High Cancer Incidence Coastal Chaoshan Area, Shantou University Medical College, Shantou, 515041, China
| | - Chun-Wen Zheng
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Shantou University Medical College, Shantou, 515041, China
- The Key Laboratory of Molecular Biology for High Cancer Incidence Coastal Chaoshan Area, Shantou University Medical College, Shantou, 515041, China
| | - Wan-Xian Chen
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Shantou University Medical College, Shantou, 515041, China
- The Key Laboratory of Molecular Biology for High Cancer Incidence Coastal Chaoshan Area, Shantou University Medical College, Shantou, 515041, China
| | - Li-Yan Xu
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Shantou University Medical College, Shantou, 515041, China.
- Institute of Oncologic Pathology, Shantou University Medical College, Shantou, 515041, China.
| | - En-Min Li
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Shantou University Medical College, Shantou, 515041, China.
- The Key Laboratory of Molecular Biology for High Cancer Incidence Coastal Chaoshan Area, Shantou University Medical College, Shantou, 515041, China.
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Zheng CW, Zeng RJ, Xu LY, Li EM. Rho GTPases: Promising candidates for overcoming chemotherapeutic resistance. Cancer Lett 2020; 475:65-78. [PMID: 31981606 DOI: 10.1016/j.canlet.2020.01.018] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/25/2019] [Revised: 01/17/2020] [Accepted: 01/17/2020] [Indexed: 02/06/2023]
Abstract
Despite therapeutic advances, resistance to chemotherapy remains a major challenge to patients with malignancies. Rho GTPases are essential for the development and progression of various diseases including cancer, and a vast number of studies have linked Rho GTPases to chemoresistance. Therefore, understanding the underlying mechanisms can expound the effects of Rho GTPases towards chemotherapeutic agents, and targeting Rho GTPases is a promising strategy to downregulate the chemo-protective pathways and overcome chemoresistance. Importantly, exceptions in certain biological conditions and interactions among the members of Rho GTPases should be noted. In this review, we focus on the role of Rho GTPases, particularly Rac1, in regulating chemoresistance and provide an overview of their related mechanisms and available inhibitors, which may offer novel options for future targeted cancer therapy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Chun-Wen Zheng
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Shantou University Medical College, Shantou, 515041, China; The Key Laboratory of Molecular Biology for High Cancer Incidence Coastal Chaoshan Area, Shantou University Medical College, Shantou, 515041, China
| | - Rui-Jie Zeng
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Shantou University Medical College, Shantou, 515041, China; The Key Laboratory of Molecular Biology for High Cancer Incidence Coastal Chaoshan Area, Shantou University Medical College, Shantou, 515041, China
| | - Li-Yan Xu
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Shantou University Medical College, Shantou, 515041, China; Institute of Oncologic Pathology, Shantou University Medical College, Shantou, 515041, China.
| | - En-Min Li
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Shantou University Medical College, Shantou, 515041, China; The Key Laboratory of Molecular Biology for High Cancer Incidence Coastal Chaoshan Area, Shantou University Medical College, Shantou, 515041, China.
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Zeng R, Zheng C, Xu Y, Xu L, Li E. RHO Guanine Nucleotide Exchange Factors Predict Prognosis of Non-Small Cell Lung Cancer: A Comprehensive Bioinformatics Analysis.. [DOI: 10.21203/rs.3.rs-18164/v1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/27/2022]
Abstract
Abstract
Background: Conventionally, RHO GEFs are known as activators for RHO GTPases which promote tumorigenesis. However, the role of RHO GEFs in non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) remains largely unknown. Methods: A comprehensive bioinformatics analysis of protein structure, transcriptional expression, survival, methylation, mutation and gene-set enrichment data was performed using multiple databases. Results: Through the screening of 81 RHO GEFs for their expression profiles and correlations with survival, four of them are identified with strong significance for predicting the prognosis of NSCLC patients. The four RHO GEFs, namely ABR, PREX1, DOCK2 and DOCK4, are downregulated in NSCLC compared to normal tissue. The downregulation of ABR, PREX1, DOCK2 and DOCK4, which can be contributed by promoter methylation, is correlated with unfavorable prognosis. Moreover, the underexpression of the four key RHO GEFs upregulates MYC signaling and DNA repair pathways, leading to carcinogenesis and poor prognosis. Conclusions: The data unveil the unprecedented role of ABR, PREX1, DOCK2 and DOCK4 as tumor suppressor in NSCLC. The previously unnoticed functions of RHO GEFs in NSCLC will inspire researchers to investigate the distinct roles of RHO GEFs in cancers, in order to provide critical strategies in clinical practice.
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Yuan Z, Pratt S, Zeng RJ, Keller J. Modelling biological processes under anaerobic conditions through integrating titrimetric and off-gas measurements-applied to EBPR systems. Water Sci Technol 2006; 53:179-89. [PMID: 16532748 DOI: 10.2166/wst.2006.020] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 05/07/2023]
Abstract
An innovative method for modelling biological processes under anaerobic conditions is presented and discussed. The method is based on titrimetric and off-gas measurements. Titrimetric data is recorded as the addition rate of hydroxyl ions or protons that is required to maintain pH in a bioreactor at a constant level. An off-gas analysis arrangement measures, among other things, the transfer rate of carbon dioxide. The integration of these signals results in a continuous signal which is solely related to the biological reactions. When coupled with a mathematical model of the biological reactions, the signal allows a detailed characterisation of these reactions, which would otherwise be difficult to achieve. Two applications of the method to the enhanced biological phosphorus removal processes are presented and discussed to demonstrate the principle and effectiveness of the method.
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Affiliation(s)
- Z Yuan
- Advanced Wastewater Management Centre (AWMC), The University of Queensland, St Lucia, QLD 4072, Australia.
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Zeng RJ, Yuan Z, Keller J. Effects of solids concentration, pH and carbon addition on the production rate and composition of volatile fatty acids in prefermenters using primary sewage sludge. Water Sci Technol 2006; 53:263-9. [PMID: 16784211 DOI: 10.2166/wst.2006.257] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 05/10/2023]
Abstract
Increasing evidence is emerging that the performance of enhanced biological phosphorus removal (EBPR) systems relies on not only the total amount but also the composition of volatile fatty acids (VFAs). Domestic wastewater often contains limited amounts of VFAs with acetic acid typically being the dominating species. Consequently, prefermenters are often employed to generate additional VFAs to meet the demand for carbon by EBPR and/or denitrification processes. Limited knowledge is currently available on the effects of operational conditions on the production rate and composition of VFAs in prefermenters. In this study, a series of controlled batch experiments were conducted with sludge from a full-scale prefermenter to determine the impact of solids concentration, pH and addition of molasses on prefermentation processes. It was found that an increase in solids concentration enhanced total VFA production with an increased propionic acid fraction. The optimal pH for prefermentation was in the range of 6-7 with significant productivity loss when pH was below 5.5. Molasses addition significantly increased the production of VFAs particularly the propionic acid. However, the fermentation rate was likely limited by the biological activity of the sludge rather than by the amount of molasses added.
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Affiliation(s)
- R J Zeng
- Advanced Wastewater Management Centre, The University of Queensland, QLD 4072, Australia.
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Wangnai C, Zeng RJ, Keller J. Characterisation of high-rate acidogenesis processes using a titration and off-gas analysis sensor. Water Sci Technol 2005; 52:413-8. [PMID: 16180458] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 05/04/2023]
Abstract
The characteristics of the glucose degradation by acidogenesis processes were investigated both in a long-term operating laboratory-scale continuously stirred tank reactor and in short-term experiments utilising a titration and off-gas analysis (TOGA) sensor. The results obtained from continuous-flow experiments in both reactors demonstrated that the TOGA sensor can be applied as a useful tool for the study of acidogenesis processes under steady-state and dynamic conditions. No significant effect from the culture transfer could be detected in the study with the TOGA sensor. Furthermore, the variation of gas production rate could be monitored at real time by the TOGA sensor. The experiments showed that the distribution of acidogenic products in the liquid and the gas phase was significantly influenced by the hydraulic retention time at least in the short term.
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Affiliation(s)
- C Wangnai
- Advanced Wastewater Management Centre, The University of Queensland, St. Lucia, Brisbane 4072, Australia
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McMurray SH, Meyer RL, Zeng RJ, Yuan Z, Keller J. Integration of titrimetric measurement, off-gas analysis and NOx- biosensors to investigate the complexity of denitrification processes. Water Sci Technol 2004; 50:135-141. [PMID: 15685989] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 05/24/2023]
Abstract
The denitrification process, namely the reduction of nitrate (NO3-) to nitrogen gas (N2), often cannot be simply modelled as a single step process. For a more complete and comprehensive model the intermediates, particularly nitrite (NO2-) and nitrous oxide (N2O), need to be investigated. This paper demonstrates the integration of titrimetric measurements and off-gas analysis with on-line nitrite plus nitrate (NOx-) biosensors, highlighting the necessity of measuring process intermediates with high time-scale resolution to study and understand the kinetics of denitrification. Investigation of activated sludge from a full-scale treatment plant showed a significant accumulation of NO2-, which appeared to impact on the overall denitrification rate measured as NOx- reduction or N2 production. A different sludge obtained from a lab-scale bioreactor produced N2O instead of N2 as the end product of denitrification. The two examples both illustrate the complexity of denitrification and stress the need for the more versatile and detailed measurement procedures, as presented in this paper.
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Affiliation(s)
- S H McMurray
- The Advanced Wastewater Management Centre, The University of Queensland, QLD, Australia.
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Zeng RJ, Lemaire R, Yuan Z, Keller J. A novel wastewater treatment process: simultaneous nitrification, denitrification and phosphorus removal. Water Sci Technol 2004; 50:163-170. [PMID: 15656309] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 05/24/2023]
Abstract
Simultaneous nitrification and denitrification (SND) via the nitrite pathway and anaerobic-anoxic enhanced biological phosphorus removal (EBPR) are two processes that can significantly reduce the COD demand for nitrogen and phosphorus removal. The combination of these two processes has the potential of achieving simultaneous nitrogen and phosphorus removal with a minimal requirement for COD. A lab-scale sequencing batch reactor (SBR) was operated in alternating anaerobic-aerobic mode with a low dissolved oxygen concentration (DO, 0.5 mg/L) during the aerobic period, and was demonstrated to accomplish nitrification, denitrification and phosphorus removal. Under anaerobic conditions, COD was taken up and converted to polyhydroxyalkanoates (PHA), accompanied with phosphorus release. In the subsequent aerobic stage, PHA was oxidized and phosphorus was taken up to less than 0.5 mg/L at the end of the cycle. Ammonia was also oxidised during the aerobic period, but without accumulation of nitrite or nitrate in the system, indicating the occurrence of simultaneous nitrification and denitrification. However, off-gas analysis found that the final denitrification product was mainly nitrous oxide (N2O) not N2. Further experimental results demonstrated that nitrogen removal was via nitrite, not nitrate. These experiments also showed that denitrifying glycogen-accumulating organisms rather than denitrifying polyphosphate-accumulating organisms were responsible for the denitrification activity.
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Affiliation(s)
- R J Zeng
- Advanced Wastewater Management Centre, The University of Queensland, St Lucia, Brisbane 4072, Australia
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