1
|
Almotiri A, Abdelfattah A, Storch E, Stemmler MP, Brabletz S, Brabletz T, Rodrigues NP. Zeb1 maintains long-term adult hematopoietic stem cell function and extramedullary hematopoiesis. Exp Hematol 2024:104177. [PMID: 38336135 DOI: 10.1016/j.exphem.2024.104177] [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] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/31/2023] [Revised: 01/22/2024] [Accepted: 01/29/2024] [Indexed: 02/12/2024]
Abstract
Emerging evidence implicates the epithelial-mesenchymal transition transcription factor Zeb1 as a critical regulator of hematopoietic stem cell (HSC) differentiation. Whether Zeb1 regulates long-term maintenance of HSC function remains an open question. Using an inducible Mx-1-Cre mouse model that deletes conditional Zeb1 alleles in the adult hematopoietic system, we found that mice engineered to be deficient in Zeb1 for 32 weeks displayed expanded immunophenotypically defined adult HSCs and multipotent progenitors associated with increased abundance of lineage-biased/balanced HSC subsets and augmented cell survival characteristics. During hematopoietic differentiation, persistent Zeb1 loss increased B cells in the bone marrow and spleen and decreased monocyte generation in the peripheral blood. In competitive transplantation experiments, we found that HSCs from adult mice with long-term Zeb1 deletion displayed a cell autonomous defect in multilineage differentiation capacity. Long-term Zeb1 loss perturbed extramedullary hematopoiesis characterized by increased splenic weight and a paradoxical reduction in splenic cellularity that was accompanied by HSC exhaustion, lineage-specific defects, and an accumulation of aberrant, preleukemic like c-kit+CD16/32+ progenitors. Loss of Zeb1 for up to 42 weeks can lead to progressive splenomegaly and an accumulation of Gr-1+Mac-1+ cells, further supporting the notion that long-term expression of Zeb1 suppresses preleukemic activity. Thus, sustained Zeb1 deletion disrupts HSC functionality in vivo and impairs regulation of extramedullary hematopoiesis with potential implications for tumor suppressor functions of Zeb1 in myeloid neoplasms.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Alhomidi Almotiri
- Department of Clinical Laboratory Sciences, Faculty of Applied Medical Sciences, Shaqra University, Dawadmi, Saudi Arabia; European Cancer Stem Cell Research Institute, Cardiff University, School of Biosciences, Cardiff, UK
| | - Ali Abdelfattah
- European Cancer Stem Cell Research Institute, Cardiff University, School of Biosciences, Cardiff, UK; Department of Medical Laboratory Sciences, Faculty of Applied Medical Sciences, The Hashemite University, Zarqa, Jordan
| | - Elis Storch
- European Cancer Stem Cell Research Institute, Cardiff University, School of Biosciences, Cardiff, UK
| | - Marc P Stemmler
- Department of Experimental Medicine, Nikolaus-Fiebiger-Center for Molecular Medicine, FAU University Erlangen-Nürnberg, Erlangen, Germany
| | - Simone Brabletz
- Department of Experimental Medicine, Nikolaus-Fiebiger-Center for Molecular Medicine, FAU University Erlangen-Nürnberg, Erlangen, Germany
| | - Thomas Brabletz
- Department of Experimental Medicine, Nikolaus-Fiebiger-Center for Molecular Medicine, FAU University Erlangen-Nürnberg, Erlangen, Germany
| | - Neil P Rodrigues
- European Cancer Stem Cell Research Institute, Cardiff University, School of Biosciences, Cardiff, UK.
| |
Collapse
|
2
|
Singh S, Brabletz S, Arnold P, Schicht M, Paulsen F. Epithelial-mesenchymal transition in the lacrimal gland morphogenesis, damage and repair. Ocul Surf 2023; 29:401-405. [PMID: 37321448 DOI: 10.1016/j.jtos.2023.06.008] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 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: 04/19/2023] [Revised: 06/06/2023] [Accepted: 06/13/2023] [Indexed: 06/17/2023]
Abstract
Epithelial-mesenchymal transition (EMT) constitutes an important pathway in organ fibrosis seen in the lungs, liver, eye, and salivary glands. This review summarizes the EMT observed within the lacrimal gland during its development, tissue damage and repair along with possible translational implications. Existing animal and human studies have reported the increased expression of EMT regulators i.e., transcription factors like Snail, TGF-β1 within the lacrimal glands, and a possible role of reactive oxygen species, which might be initiating the cascade of EMT. In these studies, EMT is typically detected by reduced E-cadherin expression in the epithelial cells and increased Vimentin and Snail expression within the lacrimal glands' myoepithelial or ductal epithelial cells. Other than specific markers, electron microscopic evidence of disrupted basal lamina, increased collagen deposition, reorganised cytoskeleton of myoepithelial cells also indicated EMT. Very few studies have shown myoepithelial cells to be the cells transitioning into mesenchymal cells with increased extracellular matrix deposition within the lacrimal glands. EMT in animal models seemed reversible as glands got repaired after damage with IL-1α injection or duct ligation and transiently used the EMT as a means for tissue repair. The EMT cells also expressed nestin, a marker for progenitor cells in a rabbit duct ligation model. However, lacrimal glands of ocular graft versus host disease and IgG4 dacryoadenitis demonstrate irreversible acinar atrophy along with signs of EMT-fibrosis, reduced E-cadherin, and increased Vimentin and Snail expression. Future studies exploring the molecular mechanisms of EMT and thereby developing targeted therapies capable of transforming the mesenchymal cells into epithelial cells or blocking the EMT might help in the restoration of the lacrimal gland function.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Swati Singh
- Institute of Functional and Clinical Anatomy, Friedrich-Alexander-Universität Erlangen-Nürnberg (FAU), Germany; Ophthalmic Plastic Surgery Services, LV Prasad Eye Institute, Hyderabad, Telangana, India.
| | - Simone Brabletz
- Department of Experimental Medicine I, Friedrich-Alexander-Universität Erlangen-Nürnberg (FAU), Germany
| | - Philipp Arnold
- Institute of Functional and Clinical Anatomy, Friedrich-Alexander-Universität Erlangen-Nürnberg (FAU), Germany
| | - Martin Schicht
- Institute of Functional and Clinical Anatomy, Friedrich-Alexander-Universität Erlangen-Nürnberg (FAU), Germany
| | - Friedrich Paulsen
- Institute of Functional and Clinical Anatomy, Friedrich-Alexander-Universität Erlangen-Nürnberg (FAU), Germany
| |
Collapse
|
3
|
Zhu L, Tang Y, Li XY, Kerk SA, Lyssiotis CA, Feng W, Sun X, Hespe GE, Wang Z, Stemmler MP, Brabletz S, Brabletz T, Keller ET, Ma J, Cho JS, Yang J, Weiss SJ. A Zeb1/MtCK1 metabolic axis controls osteoclast activation and skeletal remodeling. EMBO J 2023; 42:e111148. [PMID: 36843552 PMCID: PMC10068323 DOI: 10.15252/embj.2022111148] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/13/2022] [Revised: 01/29/2023] [Accepted: 02/02/2023] [Indexed: 02/28/2023] Open
Abstract
Osteoclasts are bone-resorbing polykaryons responsible for skeletal remodeling during health and disease. Coincident with their differentiation from myeloid precursors, osteoclasts undergo extensive transcriptional and metabolic reprogramming in order to acquire the cellular machinery necessary to demineralize bone and digest its interwoven extracellular matrix. While attempting to identify new regulatory molecules critical to bone resorption, we discovered that murine and human osteoclast differentiation is accompanied by the expression of Zeb1, a zinc-finger transcriptional repressor whose role in normal development is most frequently linked to the control of epithelial-mesenchymal programs. However, following targeting, we find that Zeb1 serves as an unexpected regulator of osteoclast energy metabolism. In vivo, Zeb1-null osteoclasts assume a hyperactivated state, markedly decreasing bone density due to excessive resorptive activity. Mechanistically, Zeb1 acts in a rheostat-like fashion to modulate murine and human osteoclast activity by transcriptionally repressing an ATP-buffering enzyme, mitochondrial creatine kinase 1 (MtCK1), thereby controlling the phosphocreatine energy shuttle and mitochondrial respiration. Together, these studies identify a novel Zeb1/MtCK1 axis that exerts metabolic control over bone resorption in vitro and in vivo.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Lingxin Zhu
- The State Key Laboratory Breeding Base of Basic Science of Stomatology (Hubei-MOST) and Key Laboratory of Oral Biomedicine Ministry of Education, School and Hospital of Stomatology, Wuhan University, Wuhan, China.,Division of Genetic Medicine, Department of Internal Medicine, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI, USA.,Life Sciences Institute, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI, USA
| | - Yi Tang
- Division of Genetic Medicine, Department of Internal Medicine, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI, USA.,Life Sciences Institute, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI, USA
| | - Xiao-Yan Li
- Division of Genetic Medicine, Department of Internal Medicine, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI, USA.,Life Sciences Institute, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI, USA
| | - Samuel A Kerk
- Division of Gastroenterology, Department of Internal Medicine, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI, USA.,Doctoral Program in Cancer Biology, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI, USA.,Department of Molecular and Integrative Physiology, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI, USA
| | - Costas A Lyssiotis
- Division of Gastroenterology, Department of Internal Medicine, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI, USA.,Department of Molecular and Integrative Physiology, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI, USA.,Rogel Cancer Center, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI, USA
| | - Wenqing Feng
- Life Sciences Institute, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI, USA
| | - Xiaoyue Sun
- The State Key Laboratory Breeding Base of Basic Science of Stomatology (Hubei-MOST) and Key Laboratory of Oral Biomedicine Ministry of Education, School and Hospital of Stomatology, Wuhan University, Wuhan, China
| | - Geoffrey E Hespe
- Division of Genetic Medicine, Department of Internal Medicine, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI, USA.,Life Sciences Institute, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI, USA.,Department of Surgery, Section of Plastic Surgery, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI, USA
| | - Zijun Wang
- The State Key Laboratory Breeding Base of Basic Science of Stomatology (Hubei-MOST) and Key Laboratory of Oral Biomedicine Ministry of Education, School and Hospital of Stomatology, Wuhan University, Wuhan, China
| | - Marc P Stemmler
- Department of Experimental Medicine 1, Nikolaus-Fiebiger Center for Molecular Medicine, FAU University Erlangen-Nürnberg, Erlangen, Germany
| | - Simone Brabletz
- Department of Experimental Medicine 1, Nikolaus-Fiebiger Center for Molecular Medicine, FAU University Erlangen-Nürnberg, Erlangen, Germany
| | - Thomas Brabletz
- Department of Experimental Medicine 1, Nikolaus-Fiebiger Center for Molecular Medicine, FAU University Erlangen-Nürnberg, Erlangen, Germany
| | - Evan T Keller
- Department of Pathology, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI, USA.,Department of Urology and the Institute of Gerontology, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI, USA
| | - Jun Ma
- Division of Genetic Medicine, Department of Internal Medicine, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI, USA.,Life Sciences Institute, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI, USA
| | - Jung-Sun Cho
- Division of Genetic Medicine, Department of Internal Medicine, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI, USA.,Life Sciences Institute, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI, USA
| | - Jingwen Yang
- The State Key Laboratory Breeding Base of Basic Science of Stomatology (Hubei-MOST) and Key Laboratory of Oral Biomedicine Ministry of Education, School and Hospital of Stomatology, Wuhan University, Wuhan, China.,School of Dentistry, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI, USA
| | - Stephen J Weiss
- Division of Genetic Medicine, Department of Internal Medicine, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI, USA.,Life Sciences Institute, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI, USA
| |
Collapse
|
4
|
Schuhwerk H, Kleemann J, Gupta P, van Roey R, Armstark I, Kreileder M, Feldker N, Ramesh V, Hajjaj Y, Fuchs K, Mahapatro M, Hribersek M, Volante M, Groenewoud A, Engel FB, Ceppi P, Eckstein M, Hartmann A, Müller F, Kroll T, Stemmler MP, Brabletz S, Brabletz T. The EMT transcription factor ZEB1 governs a fitness-promoting but vulnerable DNA replication stress response. Cell Rep 2022; 41:111819. [PMID: 36516781 DOI: 10.1016/j.celrep.2022.111819] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/13/2022] [Revised: 10/14/2022] [Accepted: 11/22/2022] [Indexed: 12/15/2022] Open
Abstract
The DNA damage response (DDR) and epithelial-to-mesenchymal transition (EMT) are two crucial cellular programs in cancer biology. While the DDR orchestrates cell-cycle progression, DNA repair, and cell death, EMT promotes invasiveness, cellular plasticity, and intratumor heterogeneity. Therapeutic targeting of EMT transcription factors, such as ZEB1, remains challenging, but tumor-promoting DDR alterations elicit specific vulnerabilities. Using multi-omics, inhibitors, and high-content microscopy, we discover a chemoresistant ZEB1-high-expressing sub-population (ZEB1hi) with co-rewired cell-cycle progression and proficient DDR across tumor entities. ZEB1 stimulates accelerated S-phase entry via CDK6, inflicting endogenous DNA replication stress. However, DDR buildups involving constitutive MRE11-dependent fork resection allow homeostatic cycling and enrichment of ZEB1hi cells during transforming growth factor β (TGF-β)-induced EMT and chemotherapy. Thus, ZEB1 promotes G1/S transition to launch a progressive DDR benefitting stress tolerance, which concurrently manifests a targetable vulnerability in chemoresistant ZEB1hi cells. Our study thus highlights the translationally relevant intercept of the DDR and EMT.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Harald Schuhwerk
- Department of Experimental Medicine 1, Nikolaus-Fiebiger Center for Molecular Medicine, Friedrich-Alexander University of Erlangen-Nürnberg, Erlangen, Germany.
| | - Julia Kleemann
- Department of Experimental Medicine 1, Nikolaus-Fiebiger Center for Molecular Medicine, Friedrich-Alexander University of Erlangen-Nürnberg, Erlangen, Germany
| | - Pooja Gupta
- Core Unit for Bioinformatics, Data Integration and Analysis, Center for Medical Information and Communication Technology, University Hospital Erlangen, Erlangen Germany
| | - Ruthger van Roey
- Department of Experimental Medicine 1, Nikolaus-Fiebiger Center for Molecular Medicine, Friedrich-Alexander University of Erlangen-Nürnberg, Erlangen, Germany
| | - Isabell Armstark
- Department of Experimental Medicine 1, Nikolaus-Fiebiger Center for Molecular Medicine, Friedrich-Alexander University of Erlangen-Nürnberg, Erlangen, Germany
| | - Martina Kreileder
- Department of Experimental Medicine 1, Nikolaus-Fiebiger Center for Molecular Medicine, Friedrich-Alexander University of Erlangen-Nürnberg, Erlangen, Germany
| | - Nora Feldker
- Department of Experimental Medicine 1, Nikolaus-Fiebiger Center for Molecular Medicine, Friedrich-Alexander University of Erlangen-Nürnberg, Erlangen, Germany
| | - Vignesh Ramesh
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, University of Southern Denmark, Odense M, Denmark
| | - Yussuf Hajjaj
- Department of Experimental Medicine 1, Nikolaus-Fiebiger Center for Molecular Medicine, Friedrich-Alexander University of Erlangen-Nürnberg, Erlangen, Germany
| | - Kathrin Fuchs
- Department of Experimental Medicine 1, Nikolaus-Fiebiger Center for Molecular Medicine, Friedrich-Alexander University of Erlangen-Nürnberg, Erlangen, Germany
| | - Mousumi Mahapatro
- Department of Experimental Medicine 1, Nikolaus-Fiebiger Center for Molecular Medicine, Friedrich-Alexander University of Erlangen-Nürnberg, Erlangen, Germany
| | - Mojca Hribersek
- Department of Experimental Medicine 1, Nikolaus-Fiebiger Center for Molecular Medicine, Friedrich-Alexander University of Erlangen-Nürnberg, Erlangen, Germany
| | - Marco Volante
- Department of Oncology, University of Turin, Orbassano, Turin, Italy
| | - Arwin Groenewoud
- Experimental Renal and Cardiovascular Research, Department of Nephropathology, Institute of Pathology, Friedrich-Alexander-Universität Erlangen-Nürnberg (FAU), Erlangen, Germany; Comprehensive Cancer Center Erlangen-EMN, Erlangen University Hospital, Friedrich-Alexander University Erlangen-Nürnberg, Erlangen, Germany
| | - Felix B Engel
- Experimental Renal and Cardiovascular Research, Department of Nephropathology, Institute of Pathology, Friedrich-Alexander-Universität Erlangen-Nürnberg (FAU), Erlangen, Germany; Comprehensive Cancer Center Erlangen-EMN, Erlangen University Hospital, Friedrich-Alexander University Erlangen-Nürnberg, Erlangen, Germany
| | - Paolo Ceppi
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, University of Southern Denmark, Odense M, Denmark
| | - Markus Eckstein
- Institute of Pathology, University Hospital Erlangen, Friedrich-Alexander-University Erlangen- Nürnberg, Erlangen, Germany; Comprehensive Cancer Center Erlangen-EMN, Erlangen University Hospital, Friedrich-Alexander University Erlangen-Nürnberg, Erlangen, Germany
| | - Arndt Hartmann
- Institute of Pathology, University Hospital Erlangen, Friedrich-Alexander-University Erlangen- Nürnberg, Erlangen, Germany; Comprehensive Cancer Center Erlangen-EMN, Erlangen University Hospital, Friedrich-Alexander University Erlangen-Nürnberg, Erlangen, Germany
| | - Fabian Müller
- Department of Internal Medicine 5, Haematology and Oncology, University Hospital Erlangen, Erlangen Germany
| | - Torsten Kroll
- Leibniz Institute on Aging - Fritz-Lipmann Institute (FLI), Jena, Germany
| | - Marc P Stemmler
- Department of Experimental Medicine 1, Nikolaus-Fiebiger Center for Molecular Medicine, Friedrich-Alexander University of Erlangen-Nürnberg, Erlangen, Germany
| | - Simone Brabletz
- Department of Experimental Medicine 1, Nikolaus-Fiebiger Center for Molecular Medicine, Friedrich-Alexander University of Erlangen-Nürnberg, Erlangen, Germany
| | - Thomas Brabletz
- Department of Experimental Medicine 1, Nikolaus-Fiebiger Center for Molecular Medicine, Friedrich-Alexander University of Erlangen-Nürnberg, Erlangen, Germany; Comprehensive Cancer Center Erlangen-EMN, Erlangen University Hospital, Friedrich-Alexander University Erlangen-Nürnberg, Erlangen, Germany.
| |
Collapse
|
5
|
Wang J, Farkas C, Benyoucef A, Carmichael C, Haigh K, Wong N, Huylebroeck D, Stemmler MP, Brabletz S, Brabletz T, Nefzger CM, Goossens S, Berx G, Polo JM, Haigh JJ. Interplay between the EMT transcription factors ZEB1 and ZEB2 regulates hematopoietic stem and progenitor cell differentiation and hematopoietic lineage fidelity. PLoS Biol 2021; 19:e3001394. [PMID: 34550965 PMCID: PMC8489726 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pbio.3001394] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/27/2020] [Revised: 10/04/2021] [Accepted: 08/20/2021] [Indexed: 01/03/2023] Open
Abstract
The ZEB2 transcription factor has been demonstrated to play important roles in hematopoiesis and leukemic transformation. ZEB1 is a close family member of ZEB2 but has remained more enigmatic concerning its roles in hematopoiesis. Here, we show using conditional loss-of-function approaches and bone marrow (BM) reconstitution experiments that ZEB1 plays a cell-autonomous role in hematopoietic lineage differentiation, particularly as a positive regulator of monocyte development in addition to its previously reported important role in T-cell differentiation. Analysis of existing single-cell (sc) RNA sequencing (RNA-seq) data of early hematopoiesis has revealed distinctive expression differences between Zeb1 and Zeb2 in hematopoietic stem and progenitor cell (HSPC) differentiation, with Zeb2 being more highly and broadly expressed than Zeb1 except at a key transition point (short-term HSC [ST-HSC]➔MPP1), whereby Zeb1 appears to be the dominantly expressed family member. Inducible genetic inactivation of both Zeb1 and Zeb2 using a tamoxifen-inducible Cre-mediated approach leads to acute BM failure at this transition point with increased long-term and short-term hematopoietic stem cell numbers and an accompanying decrease in all hematopoietic lineage differentiation. Bioinformatics analysis of RNA-seq data has revealed that ZEB2 acts predominantly as a transcriptional repressor involved in restraining mature hematopoietic lineage gene expression programs from being expressed too early in HSPCs. ZEB1 appears to fine-tune this repressive role during hematopoiesis to ensure hematopoietic lineage fidelity. Analysis of Rosa26 locus–based transgenic models has revealed that Zeb1 as well as Zeb2 cDNA-based overexpression within the hematopoietic system can drive extramedullary hematopoiesis/splenomegaly and enhance monocyte development. Finally, inactivation of Zeb2 alone or Zeb1/2 together was found to enhance survival in secondary MLL-AF9 acute myeloid leukemia (AML) models attesting to the oncogenic role of ZEB1/2 in AML. This study shows that the closely related transcription factors ZEB1 and ZEB2 cooperate to restrain myeloid and lymphoid differentiation programs in hematopoietic stem and progenitor cells, ensuring fidelity of differentiation in multiple lineages.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Jueqiong Wang
- Australian Centre for Blood Diseases, Monash University, Melbourne, Australia
| | - Carlos Farkas
- Department of Pharmacology and Therapeutics, Rady Faculty of Health Sciences, University of Manitoba, Winnipeg, Manitoba, Canada
- CancerCare Manitoba Research Institute, Winnipeg, Manitoba, Canada
| | - Aissa Benyoucef
- Department of Pharmacology and Therapeutics, Rady Faculty of Health Sciences, University of Manitoba, Winnipeg, Manitoba, Canada
- CancerCare Manitoba Research Institute, Winnipeg, Manitoba, Canada
| | | | - Katharina Haigh
- Australian Centre for Blood Diseases, Monash University, Melbourne, Australia
- Department of Pharmacology and Therapeutics, Rady Faculty of Health Sciences, University of Manitoba, Winnipeg, Manitoba, Canada
- CancerCare Manitoba Research Institute, Winnipeg, Manitoba, Canada
| | - Nick Wong
- Australian Centre for Blood Diseases, Monash University, Melbourne, Australia
| | - Danny Huylebroeck
- Department of Cell Biology, Erasmus University Medical Center, Rotterdam, the Netherlands
- Department of Development and Regeneration, KU Leuven, Leuven, Belgium
| | - Marc P. Stemmler
- Department of Experimental Medicine 1, Nikolaus-Fiebiger-Centre for Molecular Medicine, FAU University Erlangen-Nürnberg, Erlangen, Germany
| | - Simone Brabletz
- Department of Experimental Medicine 1, Nikolaus-Fiebiger-Centre for Molecular Medicine, FAU University Erlangen-Nürnberg, Erlangen, Germany
| | - Thomas Brabletz
- Department of Experimental Medicine 1, Nikolaus-Fiebiger-Centre for Molecular Medicine, FAU University Erlangen-Nürnberg, Erlangen, Germany
| | - Christian M. Nefzger
- Department of Anatomy and Developmental Biology, Monash University, Melbourne, Australia
- Development and Stem Cells Program, Monash Biomedicine Discovery Institute, Melbourne, Australia
- Australian Regenerative Medicine Institute, Monash University, Melbourne, Australia
| | - Steven Goossens
- Molecular and Cellular Oncology Laboratory, Department of Biomedical Molecular Biology, Ghent University, Ghent, Belgium
- Cancer Research Institute Ghent (CRIG), Ghent University, Ghent, Belgium
- Department of Diagnostic Sciences, Ghent University and University Hospital, Ghent, Belgium
| | - Geert Berx
- Molecular and Cellular Oncology Laboratory, Department of Biomedical Molecular Biology, Ghent University, Ghent, Belgium
- Cancer Research Institute Ghent (CRIG), Ghent University, Ghent, Belgium
| | - Jose M. Polo
- Department of Experimental Medicine 1, Nikolaus-Fiebiger-Centre for Molecular Medicine, FAU University Erlangen-Nürnberg, Erlangen, Germany
- Department of Anatomy and Developmental Biology, Monash University, Melbourne, Australia
- Development and Stem Cells Program, Monash Biomedicine Discovery Institute, Melbourne, Australia
| | - Jody J. Haigh
- Australian Centre for Blood Diseases, Monash University, Melbourne, Australia
- Department of Pharmacology and Therapeutics, Rady Faculty of Health Sciences, University of Manitoba, Winnipeg, Manitoba, Canada
- CancerCare Manitoba Research Institute, Winnipeg, Manitoba, Canada
- * E-mail:
| |
Collapse
|
6
|
Abstract
The process of epithelial-mesenchymal transition (EMT) is fundamental for embryonic morphogenesis. Cells undergoing it lose epithelial characteristics and integrity, acquire mesenchymal features, and become motile. In cancer, this program is hijacked to confer essential changes in morphology and motility that fuel invasion. In addition, EMT is increasingly understood to orchestrate a large variety of complementary cancer features, such as tumor cell stemness, tumorigenicity, resistance to therapy and adaptation to changes in the microenvironment. In this review, we summarize recent findings related to these various classical and non-classical functions, and introduce EMT as a true tumorigenic multi-tool, involved in many aspects of cancer. We suggest that therapeutic targeting of the EMT process will-if acknowledging these complexities-be a possibility to concurrently interfere with tumor progression on many levels.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Simone Brabletz
- Department of Experimental Medicine 1Nikolaus‐Fiebiger Center for Molecular MedicineFriedrich‐Alexander University of Erlangen‐NürnbergErlangenGermany
| | - Harald Schuhwerk
- Department of Experimental Medicine 1Nikolaus‐Fiebiger Center for Molecular MedicineFriedrich‐Alexander University of Erlangen‐NürnbergErlangenGermany
| | - Thomas Brabletz
- Department of Experimental Medicine 1Nikolaus‐Fiebiger Center for Molecular MedicineFriedrich‐Alexander University of Erlangen‐NürnbergErlangenGermany
| | - Marc P. Stemmler
- Department of Experimental Medicine 1Nikolaus‐Fiebiger Center for Molecular MedicineFriedrich‐Alexander University of Erlangen‐NürnbergErlangenGermany
| |
Collapse
|
7
|
Almotiri A, Alzahrani H, Menendez-Gonzalez JB, Abdelfattah A, Alotaibi B, Saleh L, Greene A, Georgiou M, Gibbs A, Alsayari A, Taha S, Thomas LA, Shah D, Edkins S, Giles P, Stemmler MP, Brabletz S, Brabletz T, Boyd AS, Siebzehnrubl FA, Rodrigues NP. Zeb1 modulates hematopoietic stem cell fates required for suppressing acute myeloid leukemia. J Clin Invest 2021; 131:129115. [PMID: 33108352 PMCID: PMC7773410 DOI: 10.1172/jci129115] [Citation(s) in RCA: 32] [Impact Index Per Article: 10.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/25/2019] [Accepted: 10/14/2020] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
Zeb1, a zinc finger E-box binding homeobox epithelial-mesenchymal transition (EMT) transcription factor, confers properties of "stemness," such as self-renewal, in cancer. Yet little is known about the function of Zeb1 in adult stem cells. Here, we used the hematopoietic system as a well-established paradigm of stem cell biology to evaluate Zeb1-mediated regulation of adult stem cells. We employed a conditional genetic approach using the Mx1-Cre system to specifically knock out (KO) Zeb1 in adult hematopoietic stem cells (HSCs) and their downstream progeny. Acute genetic deletion of Zeb1 led to rapid-onset thymic atrophy and apoptosis-driven loss of thymocytes and T cells. A profound cell-autonomous self-renewal defect and multilineage differentiation block were observed in Zeb1-KO HSCs. Loss of Zeb1 in HSCs activated transcriptional programs of deregulated HSC maintenance and multilineage differentiation genes and of cell polarity consisting of cytoskeleton-, lipid metabolism/lipid membrane-, and cell adhesion-related genes. Notably, epithelial cell adhesion molecule (EpCAM) expression was prodigiously upregulated in Zeb1-KO HSCs, which correlated with enhanced cell survival, diminished mitochondrial metabolism, ribosome biogenesis, and differentiation capacity and an activated transcriptomic signature associated with acute myeloid leukemia (AML) signaling. ZEB1 expression was downregulated in AML patients, and Zeb1 KO in the malignant counterparts of HSCs - leukemic stem cells (LSCs) - accelerated MLL-AF9- and Meis1a/Hoxa9-driven AML progression, implicating Zeb1 as a tumor suppressor in AML LSCs. Thus, Zeb1 acts as a transcriptional regulator in hematopoiesis, critically coordinating HSC self-renewal, apoptotic, and multilineage differentiation fates required to suppress leukemic potential in AML.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Alhomidi Almotiri
- European Cancer Stem Cell Research Institute, Cardiff University, School of Biosciences, Cardiff, United Kingdom.,College of Applied Medical Sciences-Dawadmi, Shaqra University, Dawadmi, Saudi Arabia
| | - Hamed Alzahrani
- European Cancer Stem Cell Research Institute, Cardiff University, School of Biosciences, Cardiff, United Kingdom
| | | | - Ali Abdelfattah
- European Cancer Stem Cell Research Institute, Cardiff University, School of Biosciences, Cardiff, United Kingdom
| | - Badi Alotaibi
- European Cancer Stem Cell Research Institute, Cardiff University, School of Biosciences, Cardiff, United Kingdom
| | - Lubaid Saleh
- European Cancer Stem Cell Research Institute, Cardiff University, School of Biosciences, Cardiff, United Kingdom
| | - Adelle Greene
- European Cancer Stem Cell Research Institute, Cardiff University, School of Biosciences, Cardiff, United Kingdom
| | - Mia Georgiou
- European Cancer Stem Cell Research Institute, Cardiff University, School of Biosciences, Cardiff, United Kingdom
| | - Alex Gibbs
- European Cancer Stem Cell Research Institute, Cardiff University, School of Biosciences, Cardiff, United Kingdom
| | - Amani Alsayari
- European Cancer Stem Cell Research Institute, Cardiff University, School of Biosciences, Cardiff, United Kingdom
| | - Sarab Taha
- European Cancer Stem Cell Research Institute, Cardiff University, School of Biosciences, Cardiff, United Kingdom
| | - Leigh-Anne Thomas
- European Cancer Stem Cell Research Institute, Cardiff University, School of Biosciences, Cardiff, United Kingdom
| | - Dhruv Shah
- European Cancer Stem Cell Research Institute, Cardiff University, School of Biosciences, Cardiff, United Kingdom
| | - Sarah Edkins
- Wales Gene Park and Wales Cancer Research Centre, Division of Cancer and Genetics, Cardiff University, School of Medicine, Cardiff, United Kingdom
| | - Peter Giles
- Wales Gene Park and Wales Cancer Research Centre, Division of Cancer and Genetics, Cardiff University, School of Medicine, Cardiff, United Kingdom
| | - Marc P Stemmler
- Department of Experimental Medicine 1, Nikolaus-Fiebiger-Center for Molecular Medicine, FAU University Erlangen-Nürnberg, Erlangen, Germany
| | - Simone Brabletz
- Department of Experimental Medicine 1, Nikolaus-Fiebiger-Center for Molecular Medicine, FAU University Erlangen-Nürnberg, Erlangen, Germany
| | - Thomas Brabletz
- Department of Experimental Medicine 1, Nikolaus-Fiebiger-Center for Molecular Medicine, FAU University Erlangen-Nürnberg, Erlangen, Germany
| | - Ashleigh S Boyd
- Department of Surgical Biotechnology, Division of Surgery and Interventional Science, Royal Free Hospital, and.,Institute of Immunity and Transplantation, University College London, London, United Kingdom
| | - Florian A Siebzehnrubl
- European Cancer Stem Cell Research Institute, Cardiff University, School of Biosciences, Cardiff, United Kingdom
| | - Neil P Rodrigues
- European Cancer Stem Cell Research Institute, Cardiff University, School of Biosciences, Cardiff, United Kingdom
| |
Collapse
|
8
|
Gupta B, Errington AC, Jimenez-Pascual A, Eftychidis V, Brabletz S, Stemmler MP, Brabletz T, Petrik D, Siebzehnrubl FA. The transcription factor ZEB1 regulates stem cell self-renewal and cell fate in the adult hippocampus. Cell Rep 2021; 36:109588. [PMID: 34433050 PMCID: PMC8411115 DOI: 10.1016/j.celrep.2021.109588] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/06/2020] [Revised: 05/27/2021] [Accepted: 07/30/2021] [Indexed: 12/25/2022] Open
Abstract
Radial glia-like (RGL) stem cells persist in the adult mammalian hippocampus, where they generate new neurons and astrocytes throughout life. The process of adult neurogenesis is well documented, but cell-autonomous factors regulating neuronal and astroglial differentiation are incompletely understood. Here, we evaluate the functions of the transcription factor zinc-finger E-box binding homeobox 1 (ZEB1) in adult hippocampal RGL cells using a conditional-inducible mouse model. We find that ZEB1 is necessary for self-renewal of active RGL cells. Genetic deletion of Zeb1 causes a shift toward symmetric cell division that consumes the RGL cell and generates pro-neuronal progenies, resulting in an increase of newborn neurons and a decrease of newly generated astrocytes. We identify ZEB1 as positive regulator of the ets-domain transcription factor ETV5 that is critical for asymmetric division.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Bhavana Gupta
- European Cancer Stem Cell Research Institute, Cardiff University School of Biosciences, Cardiff CF24 4HQ, UK
| | - Adam C Errington
- Neuroscience and Mental Health Research Institute, Cardiff University School of Biosciences, Cardiff CF24 4HQ, UK
| | - Ana Jimenez-Pascual
- European Cancer Stem Cell Research Institute, Cardiff University School of Biosciences, Cardiff CF24 4HQ, UK
| | - Vasileios Eftychidis
- European Cancer Stem Cell Research Institute, Cardiff University School of Biosciences, Cardiff CF24 4HQ, UK
| | - Simone Brabletz
- Department of Experimental Medicine I, Friedrich Alexander University Erlangen-Nuremberg, 91054 Erlangen, Germany
| | - Marc P Stemmler
- Department of Experimental Medicine I, Friedrich Alexander University Erlangen-Nuremberg, 91054 Erlangen, Germany
| | - Thomas Brabletz
- Department of Experimental Medicine I, Friedrich Alexander University Erlangen-Nuremberg, 91054 Erlangen, Germany
| | - David Petrik
- Cardiff University School of Biosciences, Cardiff CF10 3AX, UK
| | - Florian A Siebzehnrubl
- European Cancer Stem Cell Research Institute, Cardiff University School of Biosciences, Cardiff CF24 4HQ, UK.
| |
Collapse
|
9
|
Baasch S, Giansanti P, Kolter J, Riedl A, Forde AJ, Runge S, Zenke S, Elling R, Halenius A, Brabletz S, Hengel H, Kuster B, Brabletz T, Cicin-Sain L, Arens R, Vlachos A, Rohr JC, Stemmler MP, Kopf M, Ruzsics Z, Henneke P. Cytomegalovirus subverts macrophage identity. Cell 2021; 184:3774-3793.e25. [PMID: 34115982 DOI: 10.1016/j.cell.2021.05.009] [Citation(s) in RCA: 28] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.3] [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: 10/26/2020] [Revised: 02/26/2021] [Accepted: 05/07/2021] [Indexed: 12/12/2022]
Abstract
Cytomegaloviruses (CMVs) have co-evolved with their mammalian hosts for millions of years, leading to remarkable host specificity and high infection prevalence. Macrophages, which already populate barrier tissues in the embryo, are the predominant immune cells at potential CMV entry sites. Here we show that, upon CMV infection, macrophages undergo a morphological, immunophenotypic, and metabolic transformation process with features of stemness, altered migration, enhanced invasiveness, and provision of the cell cycle machinery for viral proliferation. This complex process depends on Wnt signaling and the transcription factor ZEB1. In pulmonary infection, mouse CMV primarily targets and reprograms alveolar macrophages, which alters lung physiology and facilitates primary CMV and secondary bacterial infection by attenuating the inflammatory response. Thus, CMV profoundly perturbs macrophage identity beyond established limits of plasticity and rewires specific differentiation processes, allowing viral spread and impairing innate tissue immunity.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Sebastian Baasch
- Institute for Immunodeficiency, Center for Chronic Immunodeficiency (CCI), University Medical Center, Faculty of Medicine, University of Freiburg, 79106 Freiburg, Germany
| | - Piero Giansanti
- Chair of Proteomics and Bioanalytics, Technical University of Munich, 85354 Freising, Germany
| | - Julia Kolter
- Institute for Immunodeficiency, Center for Chronic Immunodeficiency (CCI), University Medical Center, Faculty of Medicine, University of Freiburg, 79106 Freiburg, Germany
| | - André Riedl
- Institute of Virology, University Medical Center, Faculty of Medicine, University of Freiburg, 79104 Freiburg, Germany; Faculty of Biology, University of Freiburg, 79104 Freiburg, Germany
| | - Aaron James Forde
- Institute for Immunodeficiency, Center for Chronic Immunodeficiency (CCI), University Medical Center, Faculty of Medicine, University of Freiburg, 79106 Freiburg, Germany; Faculty of Biology, University of Freiburg, 79104 Freiburg, Germany
| | - Solveig Runge
- Institute for Immunodeficiency, Center for Chronic Immunodeficiency (CCI), University Medical Center, Faculty of Medicine, University of Freiburg, 79106 Freiburg, Germany; Faculty of Biology, University of Freiburg, 79104 Freiburg, Germany
| | - Simon Zenke
- Institute for Immunodeficiency, Center for Chronic Immunodeficiency (CCI), University Medical Center, Faculty of Medicine, University of Freiburg, 79106 Freiburg, Germany; Faculty of Biology, University of Freiburg, 79104 Freiburg, Germany
| | - Roland Elling
- Institute for Immunodeficiency, Center for Chronic Immunodeficiency (CCI), University Medical Center, Faculty of Medicine, University of Freiburg, 79106 Freiburg, Germany; Center for Pediatrics and Adolescent Medicine, University Medical Center, 79106 Freiburg, Germany
| | - Anne Halenius
- Institute of Virology, University Medical Center, Faculty of Medicine, University of Freiburg, 79104 Freiburg, Germany
| | - Simone Brabletz
- Department of Experimental Medicine I, Nikolaus-Fiebiger Center for Molecular Medicine, Friedrich Alexander University of Erlangen-Nürnberg, 91054 Erlangen, Germany
| | - Hartmut Hengel
- Institute of Virology, University Medical Center, Faculty of Medicine, University of Freiburg, 79104 Freiburg, Germany
| | - Bernhard Kuster
- Chair of Proteomics and Bioanalytics, Technical University of Munich, 85354 Freising, Germany; Bavarian Center for Biomolecular Mass Spectrometry (BayBioMS), Technical University Munich, 85354 Freising, Germany
| | - Thomas Brabletz
- Department of Experimental Medicine I, Nikolaus-Fiebiger Center for Molecular Medicine, Friedrich Alexander University of Erlangen-Nürnberg, 91054 Erlangen, Germany
| | - Luka Cicin-Sain
- Immune Aging and Chronic Infections Group, Helmholtz Centre for Infection Research, 38124 Braunschweig, Germany; Cluster of Excellence RESIST (EXC 2155), Hanover Medical School (MHH), 30625 Hanover, Germany
| | - Ramon Arens
- Department of Immunology, Leiden University Medical Center, 2333 ZA Leiden, the Netherlands
| | - Andreas Vlachos
- Department of Neuroanatomy, Institute of Anatomy and Cell Biology, Faculty of Medicine, University of Freiburg, 79104 Freiburg, Germany; Center for Basics in Neuromodulation (NeuroModulBasics), Faculty of Medicine, University of Freiburg, 79106 Freiburg, Germany
| | - Jan Christopher Rohr
- Institute for Immunodeficiency, Center for Chronic Immunodeficiency (CCI), University Medical Center, Faculty of Medicine, University of Freiburg, 79106 Freiburg, Germany; Center for Pediatrics and Adolescent Medicine, University Medical Center, 79106 Freiburg, Germany
| | - Marc Philippe Stemmler
- Department of Experimental Medicine I, Nikolaus-Fiebiger Center for Molecular Medicine, Friedrich Alexander University of Erlangen-Nürnberg, 91054 Erlangen, Germany
| | - Manfred Kopf
- Institute of Molecular Health Sciences, ETH Zürich, 8093 Zürich, Switzerland
| | - Zsolt Ruzsics
- Institute of Virology, University Medical Center, Faculty of Medicine, University of Freiburg, 79104 Freiburg, Germany
| | - Philipp Henneke
- Institute for Immunodeficiency, Center for Chronic Immunodeficiency (CCI), University Medical Center, Faculty of Medicine, University of Freiburg, 79106 Freiburg, Germany; Center for Pediatrics and Adolescent Medicine, University Medical Center, 79106 Freiburg, Germany.
| |
Collapse
|
10
|
Ruh M, Stemmler MP, Frisch I, Fuchs K, van Roey R, Kleemann J, Roas M, Schuhwerk H, Eccles RL, Agaimy A, Baumhoer D, Berx G, Müller F, Brabletz T, Brabletz S. The EMT transcription factor ZEB1 blocks osteoblastic differentiation in bone development and osteosarcoma. J Pathol 2021; 254:199-211. [PMID: 33675037 DOI: 10.1002/path.5659] [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] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/12/2020] [Revised: 01/30/2021] [Accepted: 03/03/2021] [Indexed: 12/20/2022]
Abstract
Osteosarcoma is an often-fatal mesenchyme-derived malignancy in children and young adults. Overexpression of EMT-transcription factors (EMT-TFs) has been associated with poor clinical outcome. Here, we demonstrated that the EMT-TF ZEB1 is able to block osteoblastic differentiation in normal bone development as well as in osteosarcoma cells. Consequently, overexpression of ZEB1 in osteosarcoma characterizes poorly differentiated, highly metastatic subgroups and its depletion induces differentiation of osteosarcoma cells. Overexpression of ZEB1 in osteosarcoma is frequently associated with silencing of the imprinted DLK-DIO3 locus, which encodes for microRNAs targeting ZEB1. Epigenetic reactivation of this locus in osteosarcoma cells reduces ZEB1 expression, induces differentiation, and sensitizes to standard treatment, thus indicating therapeutic options for ZEB1-driven osteosarcomas. © 2021 The Authors. The Journal of Pathology published by John Wiley & Sons, Ltd. on behalf of The Pathological Society of Great Britain and Ireland.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Manuel Ruh
- Department of Experimental Medicine 1, Nikolaus-Fiebiger-Center for Molecular Medicine, Friedrich-Alexander-University Erlangen-Nürnberg, Erlangen, Germany
| | - Marc P Stemmler
- Department of Experimental Medicine 1, Nikolaus-Fiebiger-Center for Molecular Medicine, Friedrich-Alexander-University Erlangen-Nürnberg, Erlangen, Germany
| | - Isabell Frisch
- Department of Experimental Medicine 1, Nikolaus-Fiebiger-Center for Molecular Medicine, Friedrich-Alexander-University Erlangen-Nürnberg, Erlangen, Germany
| | - Kathrin Fuchs
- Department of Experimental Medicine 1, Nikolaus-Fiebiger-Center for Molecular Medicine, Friedrich-Alexander-University Erlangen-Nürnberg, Erlangen, Germany
| | - Ruthger van Roey
- Department of Experimental Medicine 1, Nikolaus-Fiebiger-Center for Molecular Medicine, Friedrich-Alexander-University Erlangen-Nürnberg, Erlangen, Germany
| | - Julia Kleemann
- Department of Experimental Medicine 1, Nikolaus-Fiebiger-Center for Molecular Medicine, Friedrich-Alexander-University Erlangen-Nürnberg, Erlangen, Germany
| | - Maike Roas
- Department of Experimental Medicine 1, Nikolaus-Fiebiger-Center for Molecular Medicine, Friedrich-Alexander-University Erlangen-Nürnberg, Erlangen, Germany
| | - Harald Schuhwerk
- Department of Experimental Medicine 1, Nikolaus-Fiebiger-Center for Molecular Medicine, Friedrich-Alexander-University Erlangen-Nürnberg, Erlangen, Germany
| | - Rebecca L Eccles
- Department of Experimental Medicine 1, Nikolaus-Fiebiger-Center for Molecular Medicine, Friedrich-Alexander-University Erlangen-Nürnberg, Erlangen, Germany
| | - Abbas Agaimy
- Institute of Pathology, Friedrich-Alexander-University Erlangen-Nürnberg, Erlangen, Germany
| | - Daniel Baumhoer
- Bone Tumor Reference Centre, Institute of Pathology, University Hospital and University of Basel, Basel, Switzerland
| | - Geert Berx
- Cancer Research Institute Ghent (CRIG), Ghent University, Ghent, Belgium.,Molecular and Cellular Oncology Laboratory, Department of Biomedical Molecular Biology, Ghent University, Ghent, Belgium
| | - Fabian Müller
- Department of Medicine 5 for Hematology and Oncology, Friedrich-Alexander-University Erlangen-Nürnberg, Erlangen, Germany
| | - Thomas Brabletz
- Department of Experimental Medicine 1, Nikolaus-Fiebiger-Center for Molecular Medicine, Friedrich-Alexander-University Erlangen-Nürnberg, Erlangen, Germany.,Comprehensive Cancer Center Erlangen-EMN, Erlangen University Hospital, Friedrich-Alexander-University Erlangen-Nürnberg, Erlangen, Germany
| | - Simone Brabletz
- Department of Experimental Medicine 1, Nikolaus-Fiebiger-Center for Molecular Medicine, Friedrich-Alexander-University Erlangen-Nürnberg, Erlangen, Germany
| |
Collapse
|
11
|
Singh S, Ali MJ, Mittal V, Brabletz S, Paulsen F. Immunohistological Study of Palpebral Lobe of the Lacrimal Gland in Severe Dry Eyes Secondary to Stevens-Johnson Syndrome. Curr Eye Res 2020; 46:789-795. [PMID: 33045170 DOI: 10.1080/02713683.2020.1836227] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/23/2022]
Abstract
PURPOSE To detect the immunohistochemical changes in the main lacrimal glands of patients suffering from chronic ocular sequelae of Stevens-Johnson syndrome (SJS). METHODS Histological sections of biopsies from the lacrimal gland of three chronic SJS patients (mean age, 33 years; 2 males) with severe dry eye disease (Schirmer = 0 mm) were assessed using double immunofluorescence techniques. Changes in the expression of secretory proteins lactoferrin (Lf), lysozyme (Ly), aquaporin 5 (AQP5), S-100, and early apoptosis marker (Annexin V) were studied. RESULTS Different morphological expressions of secretory proteins were present in the three samples. One sample had maintained the immunoreactivity for Lf, Ly, S-100, similar to healthy controls. Two samples had significantly reduced immunoreactivity for anti-Lf, anti-Ly, and S-100, the weakest being in the sample with distorted lobular architecture and mild interlobular fibrosis. AQP5 had a distinct vesicular intracytoplasmic immunoreactivity suggesting defective trafficking and integration of the protein to the apical membrane. There was no S-100 immunostaining in the acinar or ductal epithelium, whereas interstitial nerve fibers scattered in the periacinar region showed reduced immunoreactivity for S-100. There was strong Annexin V immunoreactivity in the nuclei of epithelial cells in the majority of acinar and ductal epithelia of all the samples, with distorted nuclear morphology in one sample. CONCLUSION Defective trafficking of AQP5 and variable expression of Ly, Lf, S-100 are the notable findings in the lacrimal glands of chronic SJS patients along with signs of early apoptosis. It suggests that the palpebral lobe of the lacrimal gland is involved in the pathological processes occurring in the conjunctiva of SJS patients.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Swati Singh
- Institute of Functional and Clinical Anatomy, Friedrich Alexander University of Erlangen-Nürnberg, Germany.,Cornea and Anterior segment services, Lala Jagannath Eye Institute, Ambala, India
| | - Mohammad Javed Ali
- Institute of Functional and Clinical Anatomy, Friedrich Alexander University of Erlangen-Nürnberg, Germany.,Govindram Seksaria Institute of Dacryology, LV Prasad Eye Institute, Hyderabad, India
| | - Vikas Mittal
- Cornea and Anterior segment services, Lala Jagannath Eye Institute, Ambala, India
| | - Simone Brabletz
- Department of Experimental Medicine I, Friedrich Alexander University of Erlangen-Nürnberg, Germany
| | - Friedrich Paulsen
- Institute of Functional and Clinical Anatomy, Friedrich Alexander University of Erlangen-Nürnberg, Germany
| |
Collapse
|
12
|
Feldker N, Ferrazzi F, Schuhwerk H, Widholz SA, Guenther K, Frisch I, Jakob K, Kleemann J, Riegel D, Bönisch U, Lukassen S, Eccles RL, Schmidl C, Stemmler MP, Brabletz T, Brabletz S. Genome-wide cooperation of EMT transcription factor ZEB1 with YAP and AP-1 in breast cancer. EMBO J 2020; 39:e103209. [PMID: 32692442 PMCID: PMC7459422 DOI: 10.15252/embj.2019103209] [Citation(s) in RCA: 90] [Impact Index Per Article: 22.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/13/2019] [Revised: 06/17/2020] [Accepted: 06/18/2020] [Indexed: 01/03/2023] Open
Abstract
Invasion, metastasis and therapy resistance are the major cause of cancer‐associated deaths, and the EMT‐inducing transcription factor ZEB1 is a crucial stimulator of these processes. While work on ZEB1 has mainly focused on its role as a transcriptional repressor, it can also act as a transcriptional activator. To further understand these two modes of action, we performed a genome‐wide ZEB1 binding study in triple‐negative breast cancer cells. We identified ZEB1 as a novel interactor of the AP‐1 factors FOSL1 and JUN and show that, together with the Hippo pathway effector YAP, they form a transactivation complex, predominantly activating tumour‐promoting genes, thereby synergising with its function as a repressor of epithelial genes. High expression of ZEB1, YAP, FOSL1 and JUN marks the aggressive claudin‐low subtype of breast cancer, indicating the translational relevance of our findings. Thus, our results link critical tumour‐promoting transcription factors: ZEB1, AP‐1 and Hippo pathway factors. Disturbing their molecular interaction may provide a promising treatment option for aggressive cancer types.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Nora Feldker
- Department of Experimental Medicine 1, Nikolaus-Fiebiger-Center for Molecular Medicine, Friedrich-Alexander-University Erlangen-Nürnberg, Erlangen, Germany
| | - Fulvia Ferrazzi
- Institute of Human Genetics, Friedrich-Alexander-University Erlangen-Nürnberg, Erlangen, Germany.,Department of Nephropathology, Institute of Pathology, Friedrich-Alexander-University Erlangen-Nürnberg, Erlangen, Germany.,Institute of Pathology, Friedrich-Alexander-University Erlangen-Nürnberg, Erlangen, Germany
| | - Harald Schuhwerk
- Department of Experimental Medicine 1, Nikolaus-Fiebiger-Center for Molecular Medicine, Friedrich-Alexander-University Erlangen-Nürnberg, Erlangen, Germany
| | - Sebastian A Widholz
- Department of Experimental Medicine 1, Nikolaus-Fiebiger-Center for Molecular Medicine, Friedrich-Alexander-University Erlangen-Nürnberg, Erlangen, Germany
| | - Kerstin Guenther
- Department of Visceral Surgery, Faculty of Biology, University of Freiburg, Freiburg, Germany
| | - Isabell Frisch
- Department of Experimental Medicine 1, Nikolaus-Fiebiger-Center for Molecular Medicine, Friedrich-Alexander-University Erlangen-Nürnberg, Erlangen, Germany
| | - Kathrin Jakob
- Department of Experimental Medicine 1, Nikolaus-Fiebiger-Center for Molecular Medicine, Friedrich-Alexander-University Erlangen-Nürnberg, Erlangen, Germany
| | - Julia Kleemann
- Department of Experimental Medicine 1, Nikolaus-Fiebiger-Center for Molecular Medicine, Friedrich-Alexander-University Erlangen-Nürnberg, Erlangen, Germany
| | - Dania Riegel
- Regensburg Center for Interventional Immunology (RCI), University Regensburg and University Medical Center, Regensburg, Germany
| | - Ulrike Bönisch
- Max Planck Institute of Immunobiology and Epigenetics, Freiburg, Germany
| | - Sören Lukassen
- Institute of Human Genetics, Friedrich-Alexander-University Erlangen-Nürnberg, Erlangen, Germany
| | - Rebecca L Eccles
- Department of Experimental Medicine 1, Nikolaus-Fiebiger-Center for Molecular Medicine, Friedrich-Alexander-University Erlangen-Nürnberg, Erlangen, Germany
| | - Christian Schmidl
- Regensburg Center for Interventional Immunology (RCI), University Regensburg and University Medical Center, Regensburg, Germany
| | - Marc P Stemmler
- Department of Experimental Medicine 1, Nikolaus-Fiebiger-Center for Molecular Medicine, Friedrich-Alexander-University Erlangen-Nürnberg, Erlangen, Germany
| | - Thomas Brabletz
- Department of Experimental Medicine 1, Nikolaus-Fiebiger-Center for Molecular Medicine, Friedrich-Alexander-University Erlangen-Nürnberg, Erlangen, Germany.,Comprehensive Cancer Center Erlangen-EMN, Erlangen University Hospital, Friedrich-Alexander-University Erlangen-Nürnberg, Erlangen, Germany
| | - Simone Brabletz
- Department of Experimental Medicine 1, Nikolaus-Fiebiger-Center for Molecular Medicine, Friedrich-Alexander-University Erlangen-Nürnberg, Erlangen, Germany
| |
Collapse
|
13
|
Carpinelli MR, de Vries ME, Auden A, Butt T, Deng Z, Partridge DD, Miles LB, Georgy SR, Haigh JJ, Darido C, Brabletz S, Brabletz T, Stemmler MP, Dworkin S, Jane SM. Inactivation of Zeb1 in GRHL2-deficient mouse embryos rescues mid-gestation viability and secondary palate closure. Dis Model Mech 2020; 13:dmm.042218. [PMID: 32005677 PMCID: PMC7104862 DOI: 10.1242/dmm.042218] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/15/2019] [Accepted: 01/13/2020] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
Cleft lip and palate are common birth defects resulting from failure of the facial processes to fuse during development. The mammalian grainyhead-like (Grhl1-3) genes play key roles in a number of tissue fusion processes including neurulation, epidermal wound healing and eyelid fusion. One family member, Grhl2, is expressed in the epithelial lining of the first pharyngeal arch in mice at embryonic day (E)10.5, prompting analysis of the role of this factor in palatogenesis. Grhl2-null mice die at E11.5 with neural tube defects and a cleft face phenotype, precluding analysis of palatal fusion at a later stage of development. However, in the first pharyngeal arch of Grhl2-null embryos, dysregulation of transcription factors that drive epithelial-mesenchymal transition (EMT) occurs. The aberrant expression of these genes is associated with a shift in RNA-splicing patterns that favours the generation of mesenchymal isoforms of numerous regulators. Driving the EMT perturbation is loss of expression of the EMT-suppressing transcription factors Ovol1 and Ovol2, which are direct GRHL2 targets. The expression of the miR-200 family of microRNAs, also GRHL2 targets, is similarly reduced, resulting in a 56-fold upregulation of Zeb1 expression, a major driver of mesenchymal cellular identity. The critical role of GRHL2 in mediating cleft palate in Zeb1−/− mice is evident, with rescue of both palatal and facial fusion seen in Grhl2−/−;Zeb1−/− embryos. These findings highlight the delicate balance between GRHL2/ZEB1 and epithelial/mesenchymal cellular identity that is essential for normal closure of the palate and face. Perturbation of this pathway may underlie cleft palate in some patients. Summary: Epithelial transcription factor GRHL2 is required for face closure while mesenchymal transcription factor ZEB1 is required for palate closure. Surprisingly, animals lacking both factors close their face and secondary palate.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Marina R Carpinelli
- Department of Medicine, Central Clinical School, Monash University, 99 Commercial Road, Melbourne, VIC 3004, Australia
| | - Michael E de Vries
- Department of Medicine, Central Clinical School, Monash University, 99 Commercial Road, Melbourne, VIC 3004, Australia
| | - Alana Auden
- Department of Medicine, Central Clinical School, Monash University, 99 Commercial Road, Melbourne, VIC 3004, Australia
| | - Tariq Butt
- Department of Medicine, Central Clinical School, Monash University, 99 Commercial Road, Melbourne, VIC 3004, Australia
| | - Zihao Deng
- Department of Medicine, Central Clinical School, Monash University, 99 Commercial Road, Melbourne, VIC 3004, Australia
| | - Darren D Partridge
- Department of Medicine, Central Clinical School, Monash University, 99 Commercial Road, Melbourne, VIC 3004, Australia
| | - Lee B Miles
- Department of Medicine, Central Clinical School, Monash University, 99 Commercial Road, Melbourne, VIC 3004, Australia
| | - Smitha R Georgy
- Department of Medicine, Central Clinical School, Monash University, 99 Commercial Road, Melbourne, VIC 3004, Australia
| | - Jody J Haigh
- Australian Centre for Blood Diseases, Central Clinical School, Monash University, 99 Commercial Road, Melbourne, VIC 3004, Australia
| | - Charbel Darido
- Department of Medicine, Central Clinical School, Monash University, 99 Commercial Road, Melbourne, VIC 3004, Australia
| | - Simone Brabletz
- Department of Experimental Medicine I, Nikolaus-Fiebiger Center for Molecular Medicine, Friedrich-Alexander University of Erlangen-Nürnberg, Erlangen 91054, Germany
| | - Thomas Brabletz
- Department of Experimental Medicine I, Nikolaus-Fiebiger Center for Molecular Medicine, Friedrich-Alexander University of Erlangen-Nürnberg, Erlangen 91054, Germany
| | - Marc P Stemmler
- Department of Experimental Medicine I, Nikolaus-Fiebiger Center for Molecular Medicine, Friedrich-Alexander University of Erlangen-Nürnberg, Erlangen 91054, Germany
| | - Sebastian Dworkin
- Department of Medicine, Central Clinical School, Monash University, 99 Commercial Road, Melbourne, VIC 3004, Australia
| | - Stephen M Jane
- Department of Medicine, Central Clinical School, Monash University, 99 Commercial Road, Melbourne, VIC 3004, Australia
| |
Collapse
|
14
|
Haensel D, Sun P, MacLean AL, Ma X, Zhou Y, Stemmler MP, Brabletz S, Berx G, Plikus MV, Nie Q, Brabletz T, Dai X. An Ovol2-Zeb1 transcriptional circuit regulates epithelial directional migration and proliferation. EMBO Rep 2018; 20:embr.201846273. [PMID: 30413481 DOI: 10.15252/embr.201846273] [Citation(s) in RCA: 27] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/14/2018] [Revised: 10/08/2018] [Accepted: 10/12/2018] [Indexed: 01/06/2023] Open
Abstract
Directional migration is inherently important for epithelial tissue regeneration and repair, but how it is precisely controlled and coordinated with cell proliferation is unclear. Here, we report that Ovol2, a transcriptional repressor that inhibits epithelial-to-mesenchymal transition (EMT), plays a crucial role in adult skin epithelial regeneration and repair. Ovol2-deficient mice show compromised wound healing characterized by aberrant epidermal cell migration and proliferation, as well as delayed anagen progression characterized by defects in hair follicle matrix cell proliferation and subsequent differentiation. Epidermal keratinocytes and bulge hair follicle stem cells (Bu-HFSCs) lacking Ovol2 fail to expand in culture and display molecular alterations consistent with enhanced EMT and reduced proliferation. Live imaging of wound explants and Bu-HFSCs reveals increased migration speed but reduced directionality, and post-mitotic cell cycle arrest. Remarkably, simultaneous deletion of Zeb1 encoding an EMT-promoting factor restores directional migration to Ovol2-deficient Bu-HFSCs. Taken together, our findings highlight the important function of an Ovol2-Zeb1 EMT-regulatory circuit in controlling the directional migration of epithelial stem and progenitor cells to facilitate adult skin epithelial regeneration and repair.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Daniel Haensel
- Department of Biological Chemistry, School of Medicine, University of California, Irvine, CA, USA
| | - Peng Sun
- Department of Biological Chemistry, School of Medicine, University of California, Irvine, CA, USA
| | - Adam L MacLean
- Department of Mathematics, University of California, Irvine, CA, USA
| | - Xianghui Ma
- Department of Biological Chemistry, School of Medicine, University of California, Irvine, CA, USA
| | - Yuan Zhou
- Department of Biological Chemistry, School of Medicine, University of California, Irvine, CA, USA
| | - Marc P Stemmler
- Department of Experimental Medicine, Nikolaus-Fiebiger-Center for Molecular Medicine, Friedrich-Alexander University Erlangen-Nuernberg, Erlangen, Germany
| | - Simone Brabletz
- Department of Experimental Medicine, Nikolaus-Fiebiger-Center for Molecular Medicine, Friedrich-Alexander University Erlangen-Nuernberg, Erlangen, Germany
| | - Geert Berx
- Molecular and Cellular Oncology Lab, Department of Biomedical Molecular Biology, Ghent University, Zwijnaarde, Belgium.,Cancer Research Institute Ghent (CRIG), Ghent, Belgium
| | - Maksim V Plikus
- Department of Developmental and Cell Biology, University of California, Irvine, CA, USA
| | - Qing Nie
- Department of Mathematics, University of California, Irvine, CA, USA.,Department of Developmental and Cell Biology, University of California, Irvine, CA, USA
| | - Thomas Brabletz
- Department of Experimental Medicine, Nikolaus-Fiebiger-Center for Molecular Medicine, Friedrich-Alexander University Erlangen-Nuernberg, Erlangen, Germany
| | - Xing Dai
- Department of Biological Chemistry, School of Medicine, University of California, Irvine, CA, USA
| |
Collapse
|
15
|
Preca BT, Bajdak K, Mock K, Lehmann W, Sundararajan V, Bronsert P, Matzge-Ogi A, Orian-Rousseau V, Brabletz S, Brabletz T, Maurer J, Stemmler MP. A novel ZEB1/HAS2 positive feedback loop promotes EMT in breast cancer. Oncotarget 2017; 8:11530-11543. [PMID: 28086235 PMCID: PMC5355283 DOI: 10.18632/oncotarget.14563] [Citation(s) in RCA: 54] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/15/2016] [Accepted: 12/26/2016] [Indexed: 01/02/2023] Open
Abstract
Cancer metastasis is the main reason for poor patient survival. Tumor cells delaminate from the primary tumor by induction of epithelial-mesenchymal transition (EMT). EMT is mediated by key transcription factors, including ZEB1, activated by tumor cell interactions with stromal cells and the extracellular matrix (ECM). ZEB1-mediated EMT and motility is accompanied by substantial cell reprogramming and the acquisition of a stemness phenotype. However, understanding of the underlying mechanism is still incomplete. We identified hyaluronic acid (HA), one major ECM proteoglycan and enriched in mammary tumors, to support EMT and enhance ZEB1 expression in cooperation with CD44s. In breast cancer cell lines HA is synthesized mainly by HAS2, which was already shown to be implicated in cancer progression. ZEB1 and HAS2 expression strongly correlates in various cancer entities and high HAS2 levels associate with an early relapse. We identified HAS2, tumor cell-derived HA and ZEB1 to form a positive feedback loop as ZEB1, elevated by HA, directly activates HAS2 expression. In an in vitro differentiation model HA-conditioned medium of breast cancer cells is enhancing osteoclast formation, an indicator of tumor cell-induced osteolysis that facilitates formation of bone metastasis. In combination with the previously identified ZEB1/ESRP1/CD44s feedback loop, we found a novel autocrine mechanism how ZEB1 is accelerating EMT.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Bogdan-Tiberius Preca
- Department of General and Visceral Surgery, Medical Center, University of Freiburg, Faculty of Medicine, Freiburg, Germany.,German Cancer Consortium (DKTK), Heidelberg, Germany.,German Cancer Research Center (DKFZ), Heidelberg, Germany
| | - Karolina Bajdak
- Department of General and Visceral Surgery, Medical Center, University of Freiburg, Faculty of Medicine, Freiburg, Germany
| | - Kerstin Mock
- Department of General and Visceral Surgery, Medical Center, University of Freiburg, Faculty of Medicine, Freiburg, Germany
| | - Waltraut Lehmann
- Department of General and Visceral Surgery, Medical Center, University of Freiburg, Faculty of Medicine, Freiburg, Germany
| | - Vignesh Sundararajan
- Department of General and Visceral Surgery, Medical Center, University of Freiburg, Faculty of Medicine, Freiburg, Germany
| | - Peter Bronsert
- German Cancer Consortium (DKTK), Heidelberg, Germany.,Institute for Surgical Pathology, Medical Center - University of Freiburg, Faculty of Medicine, Freiburg, Germany.,Tumorbank Comprehensive Cancer Center Freiburg, Medical Center, University of Freiburg, Faculty of Medicine, Freiburg, Germany
| | - Alexandra Matzge-Ogi
- Karlsruhe Institute of Technology, Institute of Toxicology and Genetics, Eggenstein-Leopoldshafen, Germany.,Amcure GmbH, Eggenstein-Leopoldshafen, Germany
| | - Véronique Orian-Rousseau
- Karlsruhe Institute of Technology, Institute of Toxicology and Genetics, Eggenstein-Leopoldshafen, Germany
| | - Simone Brabletz
- Department of Experimental Medicine I, Nikolaus-Fiebiger Center for Molecular Medicine, Friedrich-Alexander University of Erlangen-Nürnberg, Erlangen, Germany
| | - Thomas Brabletz
- Department of Experimental Medicine I, Nikolaus-Fiebiger Center for Molecular Medicine, Friedrich-Alexander University of Erlangen-Nürnberg, Erlangen, Germany
| | - Jochen Maurer
- Department of General and Visceral Surgery, Medical Center, University of Freiburg, Faculty of Medicine, Freiburg, Germany.,German Cancer Consortium (DKTK), Heidelberg, Germany.,German Cancer Research Center (DKFZ), Heidelberg, Germany
| | - Marc P Stemmler
- Department of Experimental Medicine I, Nikolaus-Fiebiger Center for Molecular Medicine, Friedrich-Alexander University of Erlangen-Nürnberg, Erlangen, Germany
| |
Collapse
|
16
|
Affiliation(s)
- Simone Brabletz
- a Department of Experimental Medicine I , Nikolaus-Fiebiger Center for Molecular Medicine, Friedrich-Alexander University of Erlangen-Nürnberg , Erlangen , Germany
| | - Thomas Brabletz
- a Department of Experimental Medicine I , Nikolaus-Fiebiger Center for Molecular Medicine, Friedrich-Alexander University of Erlangen-Nürnberg , Erlangen , Germany
| | - Marc P Stemmler
- a Department of Experimental Medicine I , Nikolaus-Fiebiger Center for Molecular Medicine, Friedrich-Alexander University of Erlangen-Nürnberg , Erlangen , Germany
| |
Collapse
|
17
|
Brabletz S, Lasierra Losada M, Schmalhofer O, Mitschke J, Krebs A, Brabletz T, Stemmler MP. Generation and characterization of mice for conditional inactivation of Zeb1. Genesis 2017; 55. [PMID: 28176446 DOI: 10.1002/dvg.23024] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/22/2016] [Revised: 01/20/2017] [Accepted: 02/03/2017] [Indexed: 12/30/2022]
Abstract
The multizinc finger containing transcription factor ZEB1 plays crucial roles during various aspects of mammalian development and tumorigenesis. Best studied in human tumors, ZEB1 is activating the embryo-derived program of epithelial-mesenchymal transition (EMT). The aberrant activation of EMT confers an invasive metastasizing phenotype with acquisition of stem cell properties and resistance to radio- and chemotherapy. Although ZEB1 has very important functions in tumor progression, not much is known about its role in physiological contexts and during development and homeostasis. We describe the generation of Zeb1flox/flox mice carrying a targeted mutation for conditional Zeb1 gene inactivation and show that homozygous Zeb1-depletion in the germline results in a phenotype similar to the conventional Zeb1 knockout.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Simone Brabletz
- Department of Experimental Medicine I, Friedrich-Alexander University of Erlangen-Nürnberg, Nikolaus-Fiebiger Center for Molecular Medicine, Erlangen, Germany
| | - María Lasierra Losada
- Department of Experimental Medicine I, Friedrich-Alexander University of Erlangen-Nürnberg, Nikolaus-Fiebiger Center for Molecular Medicine, Erlangen, Germany
| | - Otto Schmalhofer
- Department of General and Visceral Surgery, Medical Center - University of Freiburg, Faculty of Medicine, Freiburg, Germany
| | - Julia Mitschke
- Department of General and Visceral Surgery, Medical Center - University of Freiburg, Faculty of Medicine, Freiburg, Germany
| | - Angela Krebs
- Department of Experimental Medicine I, Friedrich-Alexander University of Erlangen-Nürnberg, Nikolaus-Fiebiger Center for Molecular Medicine, Erlangen, Germany
| | - Thomas Brabletz
- Department of Experimental Medicine I, Friedrich-Alexander University of Erlangen-Nürnberg, Nikolaus-Fiebiger Center for Molecular Medicine, Erlangen, Germany
| | - Marc P Stemmler
- Department of Experimental Medicine I, Friedrich-Alexander University of Erlangen-Nürnberg, Nikolaus-Fiebiger Center for Molecular Medicine, Erlangen, Germany
| |
Collapse
|
18
|
Sundararajan V, Gengenbacher N, Stemmler MP, Kleemann JA, Brabletz T, Brabletz S. The ZEB1/miR-200c feedback loop regulates invasion via actin interacting proteins MYLK and TKS5. Oncotarget 2016; 6:27083-96. [PMID: 26334100 PMCID: PMC4694975 DOI: 10.18632/oncotarget.4807] [Citation(s) in RCA: 51] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/03/2015] [Accepted: 08/07/2015] [Indexed: 02/06/2023] Open
Abstract
Epithelial to mesenchymal transition (EMT) is a developmental process which is aberrantly activated during cancer invasion and metastasis. Elevated expression of EMT-inducers like ZEB1 enables tumor cells to detach from the primary tumor and invade into the surrounding tissue. The main antagonist of ZEB1 in controlling EMT is the microRNA-200 family that is reciprocally linked to ZEB1 in a double negative feedback loop. Here, we further elucidate how the ZEB1/miR-200 feedback loop controls invasion of tumor cells. The process of EMT is attended by major changes in the actin cytoskeleton. Via in silico screening of genes encoding for actin interacting proteins, we identified two novel targets of miR-200c - TKS5 and MYLK (MLCK). Co-expression of both genes with ZEB1 was observed in several cancer cell lines as well as in breast cancer patients and correlated with low miR-200c levels. Depletion of TKS5 or MYLK in breast cancer cells reduced their invasive potential and their ability to form invadopodia. Whereas TKS5 is known to be a major component, we could identify MYLK as a novel player in invadopodia formation. In summary, TKS5 and MYLK represent two mediators of invasive behavior of cancer cells that are regulated by the ZEB1/miR-200 feedback loop.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Vignesh Sundararajan
- Department of Visceral Surgery, University Medical Center Freiburg, Freiburg, Germany.,Spemann Graduate School of Biology and Medicine (SGBM), Albert-Ludwigs-University Freiburg, Freiburg, Germany.,Faculty of Biology, Albert-Ludwigs-University Freiburg, Freiburg, Germany
| | - Nicolas Gengenbacher
- Division of Vascular Oncology and Metastasis, German Cancer Research Center (DKFZ-ZMBH Alliance), Heidelberg, Germany
| | - Marc P Stemmler
- Department of Experimental Medicine I, Nikolaus-Fiebiger-Center for Molecular Medicine, University Erlangen-Nürnberg, Erlangen, Germany
| | - Julia A Kleemann
- Department of Experimental Medicine I, Nikolaus-Fiebiger-Center for Molecular Medicine, University Erlangen-Nürnberg, Erlangen, Germany
| | - Thomas Brabletz
- Department of Experimental Medicine I, Nikolaus-Fiebiger-Center for Molecular Medicine, University Erlangen-Nürnberg, Erlangen, Germany
| | - Simone Brabletz
- Department of Experimental Medicine I, Nikolaus-Fiebiger-Center for Molecular Medicine, University Erlangen-Nürnberg, Erlangen, Germany
| |
Collapse
|
19
|
Meidhof S, Brabletz S, Lehmann W, Preca BT, Mock K, Ruh M, Schüler J, Berthold M, Weber A, Burk U, Lübbert M, Puhr M, Culig Z, Wellner U, Keck T, Bronsert P, Küsters S, Hopt UT, Stemmler MP, Brabletz T. ZEB1-associated drug resistance in cancer cells is reversed by the class I HDAC inhibitor mocetinostat. EMBO Mol Med 2016; 7:831-47. [PMID: 25872941 PMCID: PMC4459821 DOI: 10.15252/emmm.201404396] [Citation(s) in RCA: 172] [Impact Index Per Article: 21.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Therapy resistance is a major clinical problem in cancer medicine and crucial for disease relapse and progression. Therefore, the clinical need to overcome it, particularly for aggressive tumors such as pancreatic cancer, is very high. Aberrant activation of an epithelial-mesenchymal transition (EMT) and an associated cancer stem cell phenotype are considered a major cause of therapy resistance. Particularly, the EMT-activator ZEB1 was shown to confer stemness and resistance. We applied a systematic, stepwise strategy to interfere with ZEB1 function, aiming to overcome drug resistance. This led to the identification of both its target gene miR-203 as a major drug sensitizer and subsequently the class I HDAC inhibitor mocetinostat as epigenetic drug to interfere with ZEB1 function, restore miR-203 expression, repress stemness properties, and induce sensitivity against chemotherapy. Thereby, mocetinostat turned out to be more effective than other HDAC inhibitors, such as SAHA, indicating the relevance of the screening strategy. Our data encourage the application of mechanism-based combinations of selected epigenetic drugs with standard chemotherapy for the rational treatment of aggressive solid tumors, such as pancreatic cancer.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Simone Meidhof
- Department of General and Visceral Surgery, University of Freiburg Medical Center, Freiburg, Germany Spemann Graduate School of Biology and Medicine (SGBM), Albert Ludwigs University Freiburg, Freiburg, Germany Faculty of Biology, Albert Ludwigs University Freiburg, Freiburg, Germany
| | - Simone Brabletz
- Experimental Medicine I, Nikolaus-Fiebiger-Center for Molecular Medicine, FAU University Erlangen-Nürnberg, Erlangen, Germany
| | - Waltraut Lehmann
- Department of General and Visceral Surgery, University of Freiburg Medical Center, Freiburg, Germany Faculty of Biology, Albert Ludwigs University Freiburg, Freiburg, Germany
| | - Bogdan-Tiberius Preca
- Department of General and Visceral Surgery, University of Freiburg Medical Center, Freiburg, Germany Faculty of Biology, Albert Ludwigs University Freiburg, Freiburg, Germany
| | - Kerstin Mock
- Department of General and Visceral Surgery, University of Freiburg Medical Center, Freiburg, Germany Faculty of Biology, Albert Ludwigs University Freiburg, Freiburg, Germany
| | - Manuel Ruh
- Experimental Medicine I, Nikolaus-Fiebiger-Center for Molecular Medicine, FAU University Erlangen-Nürnberg, Erlangen, Germany
| | - Julia Schüler
- Oncotest GmbH, Institute for Experimental Oncology, Freiburg, Germany
| | - Maria Berthold
- Department of General and Visceral Surgery, University of Freiburg Medical Center, Freiburg, Germany
| | - Anika Weber
- Department of General and Visceral Surgery, University of Freiburg Medical Center, Freiburg, Germany
| | - Ulrike Burk
- Department of General and Visceral Surgery, University of Freiburg Medical Center, Freiburg, Germany
| | - Michael Lübbert
- Department of Hematology and Oncology, University of Freiburg Medical Center, Freiburg, Germany German Cancer Consortium (DKTK), Freiburg and German Cancer Research Center (DKFZ), Heidelberg, Germany
| | - Martin Puhr
- Division of Experimental Urology, Innsbruck Medical University, Innsbruck, Austria
| | - Zoran Culig
- Division of Experimental Urology, Innsbruck Medical University, Innsbruck, Austria
| | - Ulrich Wellner
- Department of Surgery, University Medical Center Schleswig-Holstein, Campus Lübeck, Germany
| | - Tobias Keck
- Department of Surgery, University Medical Center Schleswig-Holstein, Campus Lübeck, Germany
| | - Peter Bronsert
- Tumorbank Comprehensive Cancer Center Freiburg and Institute of Surgical Pathology, University Medical Center Freiburg, Freiburg, Germany
| | - Simon Küsters
- Department of General and Visceral Surgery, University of Freiburg Medical Center, Freiburg, Germany
| | - Ulrich T Hopt
- Department of General and Visceral Surgery, University of Freiburg Medical Center, Freiburg, Germany
| | - Marc P Stemmler
- Experimental Medicine I, Nikolaus-Fiebiger-Center for Molecular Medicine, FAU University Erlangen-Nürnberg, Erlangen, Germany
| | - Thomas Brabletz
- Experimental Medicine I, Nikolaus-Fiebiger-Center for Molecular Medicine, FAU University Erlangen-Nürnberg, Erlangen, Germany German Cancer Consortium (DKTK), Freiburg and German Cancer Research Center (DKFZ), Heidelberg, Germany
| |
Collapse
|
20
|
Preca BT, Bajdak K, Mock K, Sundararajan V, Pfannstiel J, Maurer J, Wellner U, Hopt UT, Brummer T, Brabletz S, Brabletz T, Stemmler MP. A self-enforcing CD44s/ZEB1 feedback loop maintains EMT and stemness properties in cancer cells. Int J Cancer 2015; 137:2566-77. [PMID: 26077342 DOI: 10.1002/ijc.29642] [Citation(s) in RCA: 133] [Impact Index Per Article: 14.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/01/2014] [Accepted: 06/05/2015] [Indexed: 12/14/2022]
Abstract
Invasion and metastasis of carcinomas are often activated by induction of aberrant epithelial-mesenchymal transition (EMT). This is mainly driven by the transcription factor ZEB1, promoting tumor-initiating capacity correlated with increased expression of the putative stem cell marker CD44. However, the direct link between ZEB1, CD44 and tumourigenesis is still enigmatic. Remarkably, EMT-induced repression of ESRP1 controls alternative splicing of CD44, causing a shift in the expression from the variant CD44v to the standard CD44s isoform. We analyzed whether CD44 and ZEB1 regulate each other and show that ZEB1 controls CD44s splicing by repression of ESRP1 in breast and pancreatic cancer. Intriguingly, CD44s itself activates the expression of ZEB1, resulting in a self-sustaining ZEB1 and CD44s expression. Activation of this novel CD44s-ZEB1 regulatory loop has functional impact on tumor cells, as evident by increased tumor-sphere initiation capacity, drug-resistance and tumor recurrence. In summary, we identified a self-enforcing feedback loop that employs CD44s to activate ZEB1 expression. This renders tumor cell stemness independent of external stimuli, as ZEB1 downregulates ESRP1, further promoting CD44s isoform synthesis.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Bogdan-Tiberius Preca
- Department of Visceral Surgery, University Medical Center Freiburg, D-79106, Freiburg, Germany.,Faculty of Biology, Albert-Ludwigs-University Freiburg, Freiburg, Germany
| | - Karolina Bajdak
- Department of Visceral Surgery, University Medical Center Freiburg, D-79106, Freiburg, Germany.,Faculty of Biology, Albert-Ludwigs-University Freiburg, Freiburg, Germany
| | - Kerstin Mock
- Department of Visceral Surgery, University Medical Center Freiburg, D-79106, Freiburg, Germany.,Faculty of Biology, Albert-Ludwigs-University Freiburg, Freiburg, Germany
| | - Vignesh Sundararajan
- Department of Visceral Surgery, University Medical Center Freiburg, D-79106, Freiburg, Germany.,Faculty of Biology, Albert-Ludwigs-University Freiburg, Freiburg, Germany.,Spemann Graduate School of Biology and Medicine (SGBM), Albert-Ludwigs-University Freiburg, Germany
| | - Jessica Pfannstiel
- Department of Visceral Surgery, University Medical Center Freiburg, D-79106, Freiburg, Germany
| | - Jochen Maurer
- Department of Visceral Surgery, University Medical Center Freiburg, D-79106, Freiburg, Germany.,German Cancer Consortium (DKTK), Heidelberg, Germany.,German Cancer Research Center (DKFZ), Heidelberg, Germany
| | - Ulrich Wellner
- Department of Surgery, University Medical Center Schleswig-Holstein, Campus Lübeck, Germany
| | - Ulrich T Hopt
- Department of Visceral Surgery, University Medical Center Freiburg, D-79106, Freiburg, Germany
| | - Tilman Brummer
- Institute for Molecular Medicine and Cell Research, Albert-Ludwigs-University Freiburg, Germany.,BIOSS Centre for Biological Signalling Studies, Albert-Ludwigs-University Freiburg, Germany.,Comprehensive Cancer Center Freiburg, University Medical Center Freiburg, Germany
| | - Simone Brabletz
- Department of Visceral Surgery, University Medical Center Freiburg, D-79106, Freiburg, Germany.,Department of Experimental Medicine I, Nikolaus-Fiebiger Center for Molecular Medicine, Friedrich-Alexander University of Erlangen-Nürnberg, D-91054, Erlangen, Germany
| | - Thomas Brabletz
- Department of Experimental Medicine I, Nikolaus-Fiebiger Center for Molecular Medicine, Friedrich-Alexander University of Erlangen-Nürnberg, D-91054, Erlangen, Germany
| | - Marc P Stemmler
- Department of Visceral Surgery, University Medical Center Freiburg, D-79106, Freiburg, Germany.,Department of Experimental Medicine I, Nikolaus-Fiebiger Center for Molecular Medicine, Friedrich-Alexander University of Erlangen-Nürnberg, D-91054, Erlangen, Germany
| |
Collapse
|
21
|
Siebzehnrubl FA, Silver DJ, Tugertimur B, Deleyrolle LP, Siebzehnrubl D, Sarkisian MR, Devers KG, Yachnis AT, Kupper MD, Neal D, Nabilsi NH, Kladde MP, Suslov O, Brabletz S, Brabletz T, Reynolds BA, Steindler DA. The ZEB1 pathway links glioblastoma initiation, invasion and chemoresistance. EMBO Mol Med 2013; 5:1196-212. [PMID: 23818228 PMCID: PMC3944461 DOI: 10.1002/emmm.201302827] [Citation(s) in RCA: 292] [Impact Index Per Article: 26.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/02/2013] [Revised: 05/02/2013] [Accepted: 05/06/2013] [Indexed: 12/16/2022] Open
Abstract
Glioblastoma remains one of the most lethal types of cancer, and is the most common brain tumour in adults. In particular, tumour recurrence after surgical resection and radiation invariably occurs regardless of aggressive chemotherapy. Here, we provide evidence that the transcription factor ZEB1 (zinc finger E-box binding homeobox 1) exerts simultaneous influence over invasion, chemoresistance and tumourigenesis in glioblastoma. ZEB1 is preferentially expressed in invasive glioblastoma cells, where the ZEB1-miR-200 feedback loop interconnects these processes through the downstream effectors ROBO1, c-MYB and MGMT. Moreover, ZEB1 expression in glioblastoma patients is predictive of shorter survival and poor Temozolomide response. Our findings indicate that this regulator of epithelial-mesenchymal transition orchestrates key features of cancer stem cells in malignant glioma and identify ROBO1, OLIG2, CD133 and MGMT as novel targets of the ZEB1 pathway. Thus, ZEB1 is an important candidate molecule for glioblastoma recurrence, a marker of invasive tumour cells and a potential therapeutic target, along with its downstream effectors.
Collapse
|
22
|
Siebzehnrubl FA, Silver DJ, Tugertimur B, Deleyrolle LP, Siebzehnrubl D, Sarkisian MR, Devers KG, Yachnis AT, Kupper MD, Neal D, Nabilsi NH, Kladde MP, Suslov O, Brabletz S, Brabletz T, Reynolds BA, Steindler DA. Abstract 4906: ZEB1 maintains self-renewal, invasion and chemoresistance of glioblastoma stem cells. Cancer Res 2013. [DOI: 10.1158/1538-7445.am2013-4906] [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] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/16/2022]
Abstract
Abstract
Despite intense efforts in basic research and clinical medicine, glioblastoma remains one of the most lethal types of cancer. In particular, tumor recurrence after surgical resection, targeted radiation, and aggressive chemotherapy remains an insurmountable obstacle. Recurrence has been attributed to residual cancer cells that re-initiate tumor growth after primary clinical intervention. Hierarchical attribution of this capacity for tumor (re-)initiation to a specific cellular subpopulation is one of the hallmarks of the cancer stem cell hypothesis. In cancers outside the CNS, a considerable overlap between cancer stem cell phenotypes and Epithelial-Mesenchymal-Transition (EMT) has been found. EMT is frequently associated with distant spreading and the generation of secondary tumors. Tumor cells undergoing EMT have a higher propensity for invasion and therapy resistance, as well as greater stemness potential. Transcription factors regulating EMT, including ZEB1 (zinc finger E-box binding homeobox 1), have been found to regulate typical stem cell-associated genes. We therefore tested whether the EMT-associated transcription factor ZEB1 may coordinate mechanisms of invasion, therapy resistance and recurrence in glioblastoma.
ZEB1 is preferentially expressed at the tumor invasion front, and its knockdown results in a dramatic reduction of tumorigenicity, invasion and increased sensitivity to the chemotherapeutic agent Temozolomide (Temodar®, TMZ). We found that ZEB1 indirectly controls expression of the chemoresistance-mediating enzyme MGMT (O-6-Methylguanine DNA Methyltransferase), as well as cell-cell adhesion and stemness pathways, thus linking chemoresistance and invasion in brain cancer stem cells.
Moreover, ZEB1 expression in glioblastoma patients is predictive of shorter survival and poor TMZ response. These results indicate that invasive glioblastoma cells are particularly sheltered from current therapeutic approaches, rendering them likely candidates for tumor recurrence. This offers a potential novel model for GBM recurrence, and a potential therapeutic target.
Citation Format: Florian A. Siebzehnrubl, Daniel J. Silver, Bugra Tugertimur, Loic P. Deleyrolle, Dorit Siebzehnrubl, Matthew R. Sarkisian, Kelly G. Devers, Antony T. Yachnis, Marius D. Kupper, Daniel Neal, Nancy H. Nabilsi, Michael P. Kladde, Oleg Suslov, Simone Brabletz, Thomas Brabletz, Brent A. Reynolds, Dennis A. Steindler. ZEB1 maintains self-renewal, invasion and chemoresistance of glioblastoma stem cells. [abstract]. In: Proceedings of the 104th Annual Meeting of the American Association for Cancer Research; 2013 Apr 6-10; Washington, DC. Philadelphia (PA): AACR; Cancer Res 2013;73(8 Suppl):Abstract nr 4906. doi:10.1158/1538-7445.AM2013-4906
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | - Daniel Neal
- 1Univ Florida McnKnight Brain Inst, Gainesville, FL
| | | | | | - Oleg Suslov
- 1Univ Florida McnKnight Brain Inst, Gainesville, FL
| | | | | | | | | |
Collapse
|
23
|
Siebzehnrubl F, Silver D, Tugertimur B, Deleyrolle L, Suslov O, Siebzehnrubl D, Sarkisian M, Kuepper M, Yachnis A, Brabletz S, Brabletz T, Reynolds B, Steindler D. Abstract 4308: ZEB1 mediates invasion and chemoresistance of glioblastoma. Cancer Res 2012. [DOI: 10.1158/1538-7445.am2012-4308] [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] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/16/2022]
Abstract
Abstract
Despite intense efforts in basic research and clinical medicine, glioblastoma (GBM) remains one of the most lethal types of cancer. In particular, tumor recurrence after surgical resection, aggressive chemotherapy, and targeted radiation remains an insurmountable obstacle. Recurrence has been attributed to residual cancer cells that re-initiate tumor growth after primary clinical intervention. Here, we provide new evidence that a subpopulation of invasive and chemoresistant cancer cells is maintained by the transcription factor ZEB1 (zinc finger E-box binding homeobox 1). ZEB1 is preferentially expressed in invasive glioblastoma cells, and its knockdown results in a dramatic reduction of tumor invasion as well as increased sensitivity to the chemotherapeutic agent Temozolomide (Temodar®, TMZ) in vitro and in vivo. We find that ZEB1 indirectly controls expression of the chemoresistance-mediating enzyme MGMT (O-6-Methylguanine DNA Methyltransferase), as well as cell-cell adhesion pathways, thus linking chemoresistance and brain tumor invasion. Moreover, ZEB1 expression in glioblastoma patients correlates with tumor grade and survival. These results indicate that invasive glioblastoma cells are particularly sheltered from current therapeutic approaches, rendering them likely candidates for tumor recurrence. This offers a potential novel model for GBM recurrence, and a potential new therapeutic target.
Citation Format: {Authors}. {Abstract title} [abstract]. In: Proceedings of the 103rd Annual Meeting of the American Association for Cancer Research; 2012 Mar 31-Apr 4; Chicago, IL. Philadelphia (PA): AACR; Cancer Res 2012;72(8 Suppl):Abstract nr 4308. doi:1538-7445.AM2012-4308
Collapse
|
24
|
Sass S, Dietmann S, Burk UC, Brabletz S, Lutter D, Kowarsch A, Mayer KF, Brabletz T, Ruepp A, Theis FJ, Wang Y. MicroRNAs coordinately regulate protein complexes. BMC Syst Biol 2011; 5:136. [PMID: 21867514 PMCID: PMC3170341 DOI: 10.1186/1752-0509-5-136] [Citation(s) in RCA: 48] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/14/2011] [Accepted: 08/25/2011] [Indexed: 02/06/2023]
Abstract
Background In animals, microRNAs (miRNAs) regulate the protein synthesis of their target messenger RNAs (mRNAs) by either translational repression or deadenylation. miRNAs are frequently found to be co-expressed in different tissues and cell types, while some form polycistronic clusters on genomes. Interactions between targets of co-expressed miRNAs (including miRNA clusters) have not yet been systematically investigated. Results Here we integrated information from predicted and experimentally verified miRNA targets to characterize protein complex networks regulated by human miRNAs. We found striking evidence that individual miRNAs or co-expressed miRNAs frequently target several components of protein complexes. We experimentally verified that the miR-141-200c cluster targets different components of the CtBP/ZEB complex, suggesting a potential orchestrated regulation in epithelial to mesenchymal transition. Conclusions Our findings indicate a coordinate posttranscriptional regulation of protein complexes by miRNAs. These provide a sound basis for designing experiments to study miRNA function at a systems level.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Steffen Sass
- MIPS, Institute for Bioinformatics and System Biology, Helmholtz Center Munich, German Research Center for Environmental Health, Ingolstädter Landstraße 1, D-85764 Neuherberg, Germany
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Collapse
|
25
|
Siebzehnrubl FA, Silver DJ, Deleyrolle LP, Suslov O, Tugertimur B, Yachnis AT, Brabletz S, Brabletz T, Reynolds BA, Steindler DA. Abstract 3317: Single-cell invasion and chemoresistance of slowly proliferating brain-tumor stem cells. Cancer Res 2011. [DOI: 10.1158/1538-7445.am2011-3317] [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] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/16/2022]
Abstract
Abstract
Despite intense efforts in basic research and clinical medicine, glioblastoma (GBM) remains one of the most lethal types of cancer. In particular, tumor recurrence after surgical resection, aggressive chemotherapy, and targeted radiation remains an insurmountable obstacle. Recurrence may be attributed to residual cancer stem cells that re-initiate tumor growth after primary clinical intervention. Here, we provide new evidence for a subpopulation of relatively quiescent and chemoresistant cancer stem cells that invade deeply into the parenchyma. We have identified a critical transcription factor that is upregulated in these glioma stem cells, which regulates epithelial-mesenchymal transition (EMT) in other tumors. Knockdown of this transcription factor results in an increased sensitivity to chemotherapeutic agents and reduced tumor cell invasion. We hypothesize that single cell invasion of malignant gliomas is regulated by similar molecular pathways as EMT and metastasis in solid tissue tumors. These pathways allow slowly proliferating glioma stem cells to leave the site of the primary tumor, invade deeply into the surrounding parenchyma and, by virtue of their resistance to chemotherapeutic agents, evade all types of classical brain tumor therapy. This offers a potential novel model for GBM recurrence, and a potential new therapeutic target.
Citation Format: {Authors}. {Abstract title} [abstract]. In: Proceedings of the 102nd Annual Meeting of the American Association for Cancer Research; 2011 Apr 2-6; Orlando, FL. Philadelphia (PA): AACR; Cancer Res 2011;71(8 Suppl):Abstract nr 3317. doi:10.1158/1538-7445.AM2011-3317
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
| | | | | | - Oleg Suslov
- 1Univ Florida McKnight Brain Inst, Gainesville, FL
| | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Collapse
|
26
|
Brabletz S, Brabletz T. The ZEB/miR-200 feedback loop--a motor of cellular plasticity in development and cancer? EMBO Rep 2010; 11:670-7. [PMID: 20706219 DOI: 10.1038/embor.2010.117] [Citation(s) in RCA: 622] [Impact Index Per Article: 44.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/27/2010] [Accepted: 07/24/2010] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
Epithelial-to-mesenchymal transition (EMT) is a fundamental process in development and disease. Zinc-finger enhancer binding (ZEB) transcription factors (ZEB1 and ZEB2) are crucial EMT activators, whereas members of the miR-200 family induce epithelial differentiation. They are reciprocally linked in a feedback loop, each strictly controlling the expression of the other. Now data show that EMT not only confers cellular motility, but also induces stem-cell properties and prevents apoptosis and senescence. Thus the balanced expression of ZEB factors and miR-200 controls all these processes. We therefore propose that the ZEB/miR-200 feedback loop is the molecular motor of cellular plasticity in development and disease, and in particular is a driving force for cancer progression towards metastasis by controlling the state of cancer stem cells.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Simone Brabletz
- Department of Visceral Surgery, University of Freiburg, Hugstetterstrasse 55, 79106 Freiburg, Germany.
| | | |
Collapse
|
27
|
Wellner U, Schubert J, Burk UC, Schmalhofer O, Zhu F, Sonntag A, Waldvogel B, Vannier C, Darling D, Hausen AZ, Brunton VG, Morton J, Sansom O, Schüler J, Stemmler MP, Herzberger C, Hopt U, Keck T, Brabletz S, Brabletz T. The EMT-activator ZEB1 promotes tumorigenicity by repressing stemness-inhibiting microRNAs. Nat Cell Biol 2009; 11:1487-95. [DOI: 10.1038/ncb1998] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1339] [Impact Index Per Article: 89.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/06/2009] [Accepted: 10/22/2009] [Indexed: 12/15/2022]
|
28
|
Dango S, Cucuruz B, Mayer O, Brabletz S, Follo M, Elze M, Sienel W, Brabletz T, Passlick B. Detection of disseminated tumour cells in mediastinoscopic lymph node biopsies and endobronchial ultrasonography-guided transbronchial needle aspiration in patients with suspected lung cancer. Lung Cancer 2009; 68:383-8. [PMID: 19733415 DOI: 10.1016/j.lungcan.2009.08.003] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/27/2009] [Accepted: 08/04/2009] [Indexed: 11/24/2022]
Abstract
PURPOSE Ultrasound-guided transbronchial needle aspiration of mediastinal lymph nodes (EBUS-TBNA) is apparently more accurate for cancer diagnosis than standard transbronchial needle aspiration (TBNA), but it is less sensitive than mediastinoscopy. The detection of disseminated tumour cells in transbronchial needle aspiration and mediastinoscopic biopsies could improve staging and might be helpful concerning indications for neoadjuvant regimen. The goal of this study was to develop a quantitative method for the detection of disseminated tumour cells (DTCs) in lymph node samples from patients with suspected lung cancer. PATIENTS AND METHODS We compared in a prospective trail EBUS-TBNA (n=58 patients, 86 samples) and mediastinoscopy (n=22 patients, 37 samples) in two largely independent cohorts of lung cancer patients. Eleven patients, 14 samples were analysed using both methods. Patients without evidence of malignant disease were available as controls for EBUS-TBNA (n=20 patients, 28 samples) and mediastinoscopy (n=6 patients, 8 samples). Real-time quantitative mRNA analysis was performed for the cytokeratin 19 (CK19) and MAGE-A genes (MAGE-A 1-6, MAGE-A12) as markers, using a LightCycler 480 instrument. RESULTS CK19 mRNA expression in EBUS-TBNA samples was detected in 84/86 (98%) and in 28/28 control samples (100%). After mediastinoscopy 16/37 (43%) samples of lung cancer patients were CK19 mRNA positive while controls showed no CK19 mRNA expression (0/8). MAGE-A expression was detectable in 42/86 (49%) EBUS-TBNA samples and in 13/37 (35%) mediastinoscopy samples. MAGE-A expression was detected in EBUS-TBNA controls in 3/28 (11%) and 1/8 (12%) mediastinoscopy controls. High MAGE-A expression correlated with increased tumour stage. CONCLUSION Since CK19 expression was detected in all EBUS-TBNA samples from the control patients, but not in mediastinoscopy samples, we conclude that CK19 is not suitable as a marker for disseminated tumour cells in samples attained by EBUS-TBNA. One possible explanation is a contamination with epithelial cells from the bronchial tubes. MAGE-A genes are promising markers for disseminated tumour cells in lymph nodes in patients with suspected lung cancer which merit further investigation.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- S Dango
- Department of Thoracic Surgery, University Hospital Freiburg, 79106 Freiburg, Germany.
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Collapse
|
29
|
Abstract
The embryonic program 'epithelial-mesenchymal transition' (EMT) is activated during tumor invasion in disseminating cancer cells. Characteristic to these cells is a loss of E-cadherin expression, which can be mediated by EMT-inducing transcriptional repressors, e.g. ZEB1. Consequences of a loss of E-cadherin are an impairment of cell-cell adhesion, which allows detachment of cells, and nuclear localization of beta-catenin. In addition to an accumulation of cancer stem cells, nuclear beta-catenin induces a gene expression pattern favoring tumor invasion, and mounting evidence indicates multiple reciprocal interactions of E-cadherin and beta-catenin with EMT-inducing transcriptional repressors to stabilize an invasive mesenchymal phenotype of epithelial tumor cells.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Otto Schmalhofer
- Department of Visceral Surgery, University of Freiburg, Hugstetter Strasse 55, 79106, Freiburg, Germany
| | | | | |
Collapse
|
30
|
Abstract
An enormous body of knowledge about the biology of stem cells and their role in development, tissue homeostasis and cancer formation has been gained in the last 20 years. This review gives a comprehensive overview on knowledge about localization and regulation of normal gastrointestinal stem cells and links it to our understanding of gastrointestinal tumourigenesis and malignant progression in the light of the cancer stem cell concept. The focus is on intestinal stem cells and newly identified stem cell factors, such as the beta-catenin target gene Lgr5. The basis of intestinal stem cell regulation is a permanent crosstalk between epithelial and underlying mesenchymal cells in the intestinal stem cell niche. This crosstalk is mediated by crucial pathways, including the Wnt, Hedgehog (HH), Notch, PI3K and BMP pathways. Disturbances in this fine-regulated interaction can both initiate intestinal tumours and, in association with additional genetic alterations or environmental activation of embryonic processes such as epithelial-mesenchymal transition (EMT), lead to tumour invasion and metastasis.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- S Brabletz
- Department of Visceral Surgery and Comprehensive Cancer Centre, University Medical Centre Freiburg, Germany.
| | | | | |
Collapse
|