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Liu K, Wehling L, Wan S, Weiler SME, Tóth M, Ibberson D, Marhenke S, Ali A, Lam M, Guo T, Pinna F, Pedrini F, Damle-Vartak A, Dropmann A, Rose F, Colucci S, Cheng W, Bissinger M, Schmitt J, Birner P, Poth T, Angel P, Dooley S, Muckenthaler MU, Longerich T, Vogel A, Heikenwälder M, Schirmacher P, Breuhahn K. Dynamic YAP expression in the non-parenchymal liver cell compartment controls heterologous cell communication. Cell Mol Life Sci 2024; 81:115. [PMID: 38436764 PMCID: PMC10912141 DOI: 10.1007/s00018-024-05126-1] [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] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/31/2023] [Revised: 12/11/2023] [Accepted: 12/30/2023] [Indexed: 03/05/2024]
Abstract
INTRODUCTION The Hippo pathway and its transcriptional effectors yes-associated protein (YAP) and transcriptional coactivator with PDZ-binding motif (TAZ) are targets for cancer therapy. It is important to determine if the activation of one factor compensates for the inhibition of the other. Moreover, it is unknown if YAP/TAZ-directed perturbation affects cell-cell communication of non-malignant liver cells. MATERIALS AND METHODS To investigate liver-specific phenotypes caused by YAP and TAZ inactivation, we generated mice with hepatocyte (HC) and biliary epithelial cell (BEC)-specific deletions for both factors (YAPKO, TAZKO and double knock-out (DKO)). Immunohistochemistry, single-cell sequencing, and proteomics were used to analyze liver tissues and serum. RESULTS The loss of BECs, liver fibrosis, and necrosis characterized livers from YAPKO and DKO mice. This phenotype was weakened in DKO tissues compared to specimens from YAPKO animals. After depletion of YAP in HCs and BECs, YAP expression was induced in non-parenchymal cells (NPCs) in a cholestasis-independent manner. YAP positivity was detected in subgroups of Kupffer cells (KCs) and endothelial cells (ECs). The secretion of pro-inflammatory chemokines and cytokines such as C-X-C motif chemokine ligand 11 (CXCL11), fms-related receptor tyrosine kinase 3 ligand (FLT3L), and soluble intercellular adhesion molecule-1 (ICAM1) was increased in the serum of YAPKO animals. YAP activation in NPCs could contribute to inflammation via TEA domain transcription factor (TEAD)-dependent transcriptional regulation of secreted factors. CONCLUSION YAP inactivation in HCs and BECs causes liver damage, and concomitant TAZ deletion does not enhance but reduces this phenotype. Additionally, we present a new mechanism by which YAP contributes to cell-cell communication originating from NPCs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kaijing Liu
- Department of Medical Oncology, Sun Yat-Sen University Cancer Center, Guangdong, China
- Institute of Pathology, University Hospital Heidelberg, Im Neuenheimer Feld 224, 69120, Heidelberg, Germany
- State Key Laboratory of Oncology in South China, Sun Yat-Sen University Cancer Center, Sun Yat-Sen University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Lilija Wehling
- Institute of Pathology, University Hospital Heidelberg, Im Neuenheimer Feld 224, 69120, Heidelberg, Germany
- Department of Modeling of Biological Processes, COS Heidelberg/BioQuant, Heidelberg University, Heidelberg, Germany
| | - Shan Wan
- Department of Pathology, School of Biology & Basic Medical Sciences, Soochow University, Suzhou, China
| | - Sofia M E Weiler
- Institute of Pathology, University Hospital Heidelberg, Im Neuenheimer Feld 224, 69120, Heidelberg, Germany
| | - Marcell Tóth
- Institute of Pathology, University Hospital Heidelberg, Im Neuenheimer Feld 224, 69120, Heidelberg, Germany
| | - David Ibberson
- Deep Sequencing Core Facility, CellNetworks Excellence Cluster, Heidelberg University, Heidelberg, Germany
| | - Silke Marhenke
- Department of Gastroenterology, Hepatology and Endocrinology, Hannover Medical School (MHH), Hannover, Germany
| | - Adnan Ali
- Division of Chronic Inflammation and Cancer, German Cancer Research Center (DKFZ), Heidelberg, Germany
| | - Macrina Lam
- Division of Signal Transduction and Growth Control, German Cancer Research Center (DKFZ), Heidelberg, Germany
| | - Te Guo
- Division of Signal Transduction and Growth Control, German Cancer Research Center (DKFZ), Heidelberg, Germany
| | - Federico Pinna
- Institute of Pathology, University Hospital Heidelberg, Im Neuenheimer Feld 224, 69120, Heidelberg, Germany
| | - Fabiola Pedrini
- Institute of Pathology, University Hospital Heidelberg, Im Neuenheimer Feld 224, 69120, Heidelberg, Germany
| | - Amruta Damle-Vartak
- Institute of Pathology, University Hospital Heidelberg, Im Neuenheimer Feld 224, 69120, Heidelberg, Germany
| | - Anne Dropmann
- Department of Medicine II, Molecular Hepatology Section, Medical Faculty Mannheim, Heidelberg University, Mannheim, Germany
| | - Fabian Rose
- Institute of Pathology, University Hospital Heidelberg, Im Neuenheimer Feld 224, 69120, Heidelberg, Germany
| | - Silvia Colucci
- Department of Pediatric Oncology, Hematology & Immunology, University Hospital Heidelberg, Heidelberg, Germany
- European Molecular Biology Laboratory (EMBL), Heidelberg, Germany
| | - Wenxiang Cheng
- Translational Medicine R&D Center, Institute of Biomedical & Health Engineering, Shenzhen Institutes of Advanced Technology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Shenzhen, China
| | - Michaela Bissinger
- Institute of Pathology, University Hospital Heidelberg, Im Neuenheimer Feld 224, 69120, Heidelberg, Germany
| | - Jennifer Schmitt
- Institute of Pathology, University Hospital Heidelberg, Im Neuenheimer Feld 224, 69120, Heidelberg, Germany
| | - Patrizia Birner
- Institute of Pathology, University Hospital Heidelberg, Im Neuenheimer Feld 224, 69120, Heidelberg, Germany
| | - Tanja Poth
- Institute of Pathology, University Hospital Heidelberg, Im Neuenheimer Feld 224, 69120, Heidelberg, Germany
| | - Peter Angel
- Division of Signal Transduction and Growth Control, German Cancer Research Center (DKFZ), Heidelberg, Germany
| | - Steven Dooley
- Department of Medicine II, Molecular Hepatology Section, Medical Faculty Mannheim, Heidelberg University, Mannheim, Germany
| | - Martina U Muckenthaler
- Department of Pediatric Oncology, Hematology & Immunology, University Hospital Heidelberg, Heidelberg, Germany
| | - Thomas Longerich
- Institute of Pathology, University Hospital Heidelberg, Im Neuenheimer Feld 224, 69120, Heidelberg, Germany
| | - Arndt Vogel
- Department of Gastroenterology, Hepatology and Endocrinology, Hannover Medical School (MHH), Hannover, Germany
| | - Mathias Heikenwälder
- Division of Chronic Inflammation and Cancer, German Cancer Research Center (DKFZ), Heidelberg, Germany
| | - Peter Schirmacher
- Institute of Pathology, University Hospital Heidelberg, Im Neuenheimer Feld 224, 69120, Heidelberg, Germany
| | - Kai Breuhahn
- Institute of Pathology, University Hospital Heidelberg, Im Neuenheimer Feld 224, 69120, Heidelberg, Germany.
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Weiler SME, Bissinger M, Rose F, von Bubnoff F, Lutz T, Ori A, Schirmacher P, Breuhahn K. SEPTIN10-mediated crosstalk between cytoskeletal networks controls mechanotransduction and oncogenic YAP/TAZ signaling. Cancer Lett 2024; 584:216637. [PMID: 38242197 DOI: 10.1016/j.canlet.2024.216637] [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: 09/12/2023] [Revised: 12/19/2023] [Accepted: 01/09/2024] [Indexed: 01/21/2024]
Abstract
The transcriptional co-activators of the Hippo pathway, YAP and TAZ, are regulated by mechanotransduction, which depends on dynamic actin cytoskeleton remodeling. Here, we identified SEPTIN10 as a novel cytoskeletal protein, which is transcriptionally regulated by YAP/TAZ and whose overexpression correlates with poor survival and vascular invasion in hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) patients. Functional characterization demonstrated that SEPTIN10 promotes YAP/TAZ-dependent cell viability, migration and invasion of liver cancer cells. Mechanistically, SEPTIN10 interacts with actin and microtubule filaments supporting actin stress fiber formation and intracellular tension through binding to CAPZA2 while concurrently inhibiting microtubule polymerization through the blockage of MAP4 function. This functional antagonism is important for cytoskeleton-dependent feedback activation of YAP/TAZ, as microtubule depolymerization induces actin stress fiber formation and subsequently YAP/TAZ activity. Importantly, the crosstalk between microfilaments and microtubules is mediated by SEPTIN10 as its loss abrogates actin stress fiber formation after microtubule disruption. Together, the YAP/TAZ target gene SEPTIN10 controls the dynamic interplay between actin and microtubule filaments, which feeds back on Hippo pathway activity in HCC cells and thus acts as molecular switch with impact on oncogenic signaling and cancer cell biology.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sofia M E Weiler
- Institute of Pathology, University Hospital Heidelberg, 69120, Heidelberg, Germany.
| | - Michaela Bissinger
- Institute of Pathology, University Hospital Heidelberg, 69120, Heidelberg, Germany
| | - Fabian Rose
- Institute of Pathology, University Hospital Heidelberg, 69120, Heidelberg, Germany
| | - Fabian von Bubnoff
- Institute of Pathology, University Hospital Heidelberg, 69120, Heidelberg, Germany
| | - Teresa Lutz
- Institute of Pathology, University Hospital Heidelberg, 69120, Heidelberg, Germany
| | - Alessandro Ori
- Leibniz Institute on Aging - Fritz Lipmann Institute (FLI), 07745, Jena, Germany
| | - Peter Schirmacher
- Institute of Pathology, University Hospital Heidelberg, 69120, Heidelberg, Germany
| | - Kai Breuhahn
- Institute of Pathology, University Hospital Heidelberg, 69120, Heidelberg, Germany.
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3
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Scherr AL, Nader L, Xu K, Elssner C, Ridder DA, Nichetti F, Mastel M, Fritzsche S, Kelmendi E, Schmitt N, Hoffmeister-Wittmann P, Weiler SME, Korell F, Albrecht T, Schwab M, Isele H, Kessler A, Hüllein J, Seretny A, Ye L, Urbanik T, Welte S, Leblond AL, Heilig CE, Rahbari M, Ali A, Gallage S, Lenoir B, Wilhelm N, Gärtner U, Ogrodnik SJ, Springfeld C, Tschaharganeh D, Fröhling S, Longerich T, Schulze-Bergkamen H, Jäger D, Brandl L, Schirmacher P, Straub BK, Weber A, De Toni EN, Goeppert B, Heikenwalder M, Jackstadt R, Roessler S, Breuhahn K, Köhler BC. Etiology-independent activation of the LTβ-LTβR-RELB axis drives aggressiveness and predicts poor prognosis in HCC. Hepatology 2023:01515467-990000000-00631. [PMID: 37916976 DOI: 10.1097/hep.0000000000000657] [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] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/21/2021] [Accepted: 09/21/2023] [Indexed: 11/03/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND AND AIMS HCC is the most common primary liver tumor, with an increasing incidence worldwide. HCC is a heterogeneous malignancy and usually develops in a chronically injured liver. The NF-κB signaling network consists of a canonical and a noncanonical branch. Activation of canonical NF-κB in HCC is documented. However, a functional and clinically relevant role of noncanonical NF-κB and its downstream effectors is not established. APPROACH AND RESULTS Four human HCC cohorts (total n = 1462) and 4 mouse HCC models were assessed for expression and localization of NF-κB signaling components and activating ligands. In vitro , NF-κB signaling, proliferation, and cell death were measured, proving a pro-proliferative role of v-rel avian reticuloendotheliosis viral oncogene homolog B (RELB) activated by means of NF-κB-inducing kinase. In vivo , lymphotoxin beta was identified as the predominant inducer of RELB activation. Importantly, hepatocyte-specific RELB knockout in a murine HCC model led to a lower incidence compared to controls and lower maximal tumor diameters. In silico , RELB activity and RELB-directed transcriptomics were validated on the The Cancer Genome Atlas HCC cohort using inferred protein activity and Gene Set Enrichment Analysis. In RELB-active HCC, pathways mediating proliferation were significantly activated. In contrast to v-rel avian reticuloendotheliosis viral oncogene homolog A, nuclear enrichment of noncanonical RELB expression identified patients with a poor prognosis in an etiology-independent manner. Moreover, RELB activation was associated with malignant features metastasis and recurrence. CONCLUSIONS This study demonstrates a prognostically relevant, etiology-independent, and cross-species consistent activation of a lymphotoxin beta/LTβR/RELB axis in hepatocarcinogenesis. These observations may harbor broad implications for HCC, including possible clinical exploitation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Anna-Lena Scherr
- Department of Medical Oncology, National Center for Tumor Diseases (NCT) Heidelberg, University Hospital Heidelberg, Heidelberg, Germany
| | - Luisa Nader
- Department of Medical Oncology, National Center for Tumor Diseases (NCT) Heidelberg, University Hospital Heidelberg, Heidelberg, Germany
| | - Kaiyu Xu
- Department of Medical Oncology, National Center for Tumor Diseases (NCT) Heidelberg, University Hospital Heidelberg, Heidelberg, Germany
| | - Christin Elssner
- Department of Medical Oncology, National Center for Tumor Diseases (NCT) Heidelberg, University Hospital Heidelberg, Heidelberg, Germany
| | - Dirk A Ridder
- Department of General Pathology, University Hospital Mainz, Mainz, Germany
| | - Federico Nichetti
- Department of Medical Oncology, Fondazione IRCCS Istituto Nazionale Dei Tumori, Milan, Italy
- Computational Oncology, Molecular Diagnostics Program, National Center for Tumor Diseases (NCT) and German Cancer Research Center (DKFZ), Heidelberg, Germany
| | - Manuel Mastel
- Heidelberg Institute for Stem Cell Technology and Experimental Medicine (HI-STEM gGmbH), Heidelberg, Germany
- Cancer Progression and Metastasis Group, German Cancer Research Center (DKFZ) and DKFZ-ZMBH Alliance, Heidelberg, Germany
| | - Sarah Fritzsche
- Institute of Pathology, University Hospital Heidelberg, Heidelberg, Germany
| | - Eblina Kelmendi
- Department of Medical Oncology, National Center for Tumor Diseases (NCT) Heidelberg, University Hospital Heidelberg, Heidelberg, Germany
| | - Nathalie Schmitt
- Department of Medical Oncology, National Center for Tumor Diseases (NCT) Heidelberg, University Hospital Heidelberg, Heidelberg, Germany
| | - Paula Hoffmeister-Wittmann
- Department of Medical Oncology, National Center for Tumor Diseases (NCT) Heidelberg, University Hospital Heidelberg, Heidelberg, Germany
- Department of Radiooncology, University Hospital Heidelberg, Heidelberg, Germany
| | - Sofia M E Weiler
- Institute of Pathology, University Hospital Heidelberg, Heidelberg, Germany
| | - Felix Korell
- German Cancer Consortium (DKTK), Heidelberg, Germany
- Department of Medicine V, University Hospital Heidelberg, Heidelberg, Germany
| | - Thomas Albrecht
- Institute of Pathology, University Hospital Heidelberg, Heidelberg, Germany
- Liver Cancer Center Heidelberg, University Hospital Heidelberg, Heidelberg, Germany
| | - Maximilian Schwab
- Department of Medical Oncology, National Center for Tumor Diseases (NCT) Heidelberg, University Hospital Heidelberg, Heidelberg, Germany
| | - Hanna Isele
- Department of Medical Oncology, National Center for Tumor Diseases (NCT) Heidelberg, University Hospital Heidelberg, Heidelberg, Germany
| | - Annika Kessler
- Department of Medical Oncology, National Center for Tumor Diseases (NCT) Heidelberg, University Hospital Heidelberg, Heidelberg, Germany
| | - Jennifer Hüllein
- Computational Oncology, Molecular Diagnostics Program, National Center for Tumor Diseases (NCT) and German Cancer Research Center (DKFZ), Heidelberg, Germany
| | - Agnieszka Seretny
- Helmholtz-University Group "Cell Plasticity and Epigenetic Remodeling", German Cancer Research Center (DKFZ), Heidelberg, Germany
| | - Liangtao Ye
- Department of Internal Medicine II, Klinikum Grosshadern, Ludwig-Maximilians-University of Munich
| | - Toni Urbanik
- Department of Medical Oncology, National Center for Tumor Diseases (NCT) Heidelberg, University Hospital Heidelberg, Heidelberg, Germany
| | - Stefan Welte
- Department of Medical Oncology, National Center for Tumor Diseases (NCT) Heidelberg, University Hospital Heidelberg, Heidelberg, Germany
- Department of Radiooncology, University Hospital Heidelberg, Heidelberg, Germany
| | - Anne-Laure Leblond
- Department of Pathology and Molecular Pathology, University and University Hospital Zurich, Zurich, Switzerland
| | - Christoph E Heilig
- German Cancer Consortium (DKTK), Heidelberg, Germany
- Department of Translational Medical Oncology, NCT Heidelberg and German Cancer Research Center (DKFZ), Heidelberg, Germany
| | - Mohammad Rahbari
- Division of Chronic Inflammation and Cancer, German Cancer Research Center Heidelberg (DKFZ), Heidelberg, Germany
| | - Adnan Ali
- Division of Chronic Inflammation and Cancer, German Cancer Research Center Heidelberg (DKFZ), Heidelberg, Germany
| | - Suchira Gallage
- Division of Chronic Inflammation and Cancer, German Cancer Research Center Heidelberg (DKFZ), Heidelberg, Germany
| | - Bénédicte Lenoir
- Clinical Cooperation Unit "Applied Tumor Immunity", German Cancer Research Center (DKFZ), 69120, Heidelberg, Germany
| | - Nina Wilhelm
- Clinical Cooperation Unit "Applied Tumor Immunity", German Cancer Research Center (DKFZ), 69120, Heidelberg, Germany
| | - Ulrike Gärtner
- Interfaculty Biomedical Research Facility, University of Heidelberg, Heidelberg, Germany
| | - Simon J Ogrodnik
- Division of Cancer Genome Research, German Cancer Research Center (DKFZ), Heidelberg, Germany
| | - Christoph Springfeld
- Department of Medical Oncology, National Center for Tumor Diseases (NCT) Heidelberg, University Hospital Heidelberg, Heidelberg, Germany
- Liver Cancer Center Heidelberg, University Hospital Heidelberg, Heidelberg, Germany
| | - Darjus Tschaharganeh
- Institute of Pathology, University Hospital Heidelberg, Heidelberg, Germany
- Helmholtz-University Group "Cell Plasticity and Epigenetic Remodeling", German Cancer Research Center (DKFZ), Heidelberg, Germany
| | - Stefan Fröhling
- German Cancer Consortium (DKTK), Heidelberg, Germany
- Department of Translational Medical Oncology, NCT Heidelberg and German Cancer Research Center (DKFZ), Heidelberg, Germany
| | - Thomas Longerich
- Institute of Pathology, University Hospital Heidelberg, Heidelberg, Germany
| | | | - Dirk Jäger
- Department of Medical Oncology, National Center for Tumor Diseases (NCT) Heidelberg, University Hospital Heidelberg, Heidelberg, Germany
| | - Lydia Brandl
- Institute of Pathology, Medical Faculty, Ludwig-Maximilians-University, Munich, Germany
| | - Peter Schirmacher
- Institute of Pathology, University Hospital Heidelberg, Heidelberg, Germany
- Liver Cancer Center Heidelberg, University Hospital Heidelberg, Heidelberg, Germany
| | - Beate K Straub
- Department of General Pathology, University Hospital Mainz, Mainz, Germany
| | - Achim Weber
- Department of Pathology and Molecular Pathology, University and University Hospital Zurich, Zurich, Switzerland
| | - Enrico N De Toni
- Department of Internal Medicine II, Klinikum Grosshadern, Ludwig-Maximilians-University of Munich
| | - Benjamin Goeppert
- Institute of Pathology, University Hospital Heidelberg, Heidelberg, Germany
- Liver Cancer Center Heidelberg, University Hospital Heidelberg, Heidelberg, Germany
| | - Mathias Heikenwalder
- Division of Chronic Inflammation and Cancer, German Cancer Research Center Heidelberg (DKFZ), Heidelberg, Germany
- The M3 Research Center, University Clinic Tübingen (UKT), Medical faculty, Tübingen, Germany
| | - Rene Jackstadt
- Heidelberg Institute for Stem Cell Technology and Experimental Medicine (HI-STEM gGmbH), Heidelberg, Germany
- Cancer Progression and Metastasis Group, German Cancer Research Center (DKFZ) and DKFZ-ZMBH Alliance, Heidelberg, Germany
| | - Stephanie Roessler
- Institute of Pathology, University Hospital Heidelberg, Heidelberg, Germany
- Liver Cancer Center Heidelberg, University Hospital Heidelberg, Heidelberg, Germany
| | - Kai Breuhahn
- Institute of Pathology, University Hospital Heidelberg, Heidelberg, Germany
- Liver Cancer Center Heidelberg, University Hospital Heidelberg, Heidelberg, Germany
| | - Bruno C Köhler
- Department of Medical Oncology, National Center for Tumor Diseases (NCT) Heidelberg, University Hospital Heidelberg, Heidelberg, Germany
- German Cancer Consortium (DKTK), Heidelberg, Germany
- Liver Cancer Center Heidelberg, University Hospital Heidelberg, Heidelberg, Germany
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Tang Y, Thiess L, Weiler SME, Tóth M, Rose F, Merker S, Ruppert T, Schirmacher P, Breuhahn K. α-catenin interaction with YAP/FoxM1/TEAD-induced CEP55 supports liver cancer cell migration. Cell Commun Signal 2023; 21:162. [PMID: 37381005 DOI: 10.1186/s12964-023-01169-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/19/2023] [Accepted: 05/20/2023] [Indexed: 06/30/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Adherens junctions (AJs) facilitate cell-cell contact and contribute to cellular communication as well as signaling under physiological and pathological conditions. Aberrant expression of AJ proteins is frequently observed in human cancers; however, how these factors contribute to tumorigenesis is poorly understood. In addition, for some factors such as α-catenin contradicting data has been described. In this study we aim to decipher how the AJ constituent α-catenin contributes to liver cancer formation. METHODS TCGA data was used to detect transcript changes in 23 human tumor types. For the detection of proteins, liver cancer tissue microarrays were analyzed by immunohistochemistry. Liver cancer cell lines (HLF, Hep3B, HepG2) were used for viability, proliferation, and migration analyses after RNAinterference-mediated gene silencing. To investigate the tumor initiating potential, vectors coding for α-catenin and myristoylated AKT were injected in mice by hydrodynamic gene delivery. A BioID assay combined with mass spectrometry was performed to identify α-catenin binding partners. Results were confirmed by proximity ligation and co-immunoprecipitation assays. Binding of transcriptional regulators at gene promoters was investigated using chromatin-immunoprecipitation. RESULTS α-catenin mRNA was significantly reduced in many human malignancies (e.g., colon adenocarcinoma). In contrast, elevated α-catenin expression in other cancer entities was associated with poor clinical outcome (e.g., for hepatocellular carcinoma; HCC). In HCC cells, α-catenin was detectable at the membrane as well as cytoplasm where it supported tumor cell proliferation and migration. In vivo, α-catenin facilitated moderate oncogenic properties in conjunction with AKT overexpression. Cytokinesis regulator centrosomal protein 55 (CEP55) was identified as a novel α-catenin-binding protein in the cytoplasm of HCC cells. The physical interaction between α-catenin and CEP55 was associated with CEP55 stabilization. CEP55 was highly expressed in human HCC tissues and its overexpression correlated with poor overall survival and cancer recurrence. Next to the α-catenin-dependent protein stabilization, CEP55 was transcriptionally induced by a complex consisting of TEA domain transcription factors (TEADs), forkhead box M1 (FoxM1), and yes-associated protein (YAP). Surprisingly, CEP55 did not affect HCC cell proliferation but significantly supported migration in conjunction with α-catenin. CONCLUSION Migration-supporting CEP55 is induced by two independent mechanisms in HCC cells: stabilization through interaction with the AJ protein α-catenin and transcriptional activation via the FoxM1/TEAD/YAP complex.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yingyue Tang
- Institute of Pathology, University Hospital Heidelberg, Heidelberg, Germany
| | - Lena Thiess
- Institute of Pathology, University Hospital Heidelberg, Heidelberg, Germany
| | - Sofia M E Weiler
- Institute of Pathology, University Hospital Heidelberg, Heidelberg, Germany
| | - Marcell Tóth
- Institute of Pathology, University Hospital Heidelberg, Heidelberg, Germany
| | - Fabian Rose
- Institute of Pathology, University Hospital Heidelberg, Heidelberg, Germany
| | - Sabine Merker
- CFMP, Core Facility for Mass Spectrometry & Proteomics at the Center for Molecular Biology (ZMBH), Heidelberg University, Heidelberg, Germany
| | - Thomas Ruppert
- CFMP, Core Facility for Mass Spectrometry & Proteomics at the Center for Molecular Biology (ZMBH), Heidelberg University, Heidelberg, Germany
| | - Peter Schirmacher
- Institute of Pathology, University Hospital Heidelberg, Heidelberg, Germany
| | - Kai Breuhahn
- Institute of Pathology, University Hospital Heidelberg, Heidelberg, Germany.
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5
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Thomann S, Weiler SME, Wei T, Sticht C, De La Torre C, Tóth M, Rose F, Tang Y, Ritz T, Ball C, Glimm H, Ryschich E, Schirmacher P, Breuhahn K. YAP-induced Ccl2 expression is associated with a switch in hepatic macrophage identity and vascular remodelling in liver cancer. Liver Int 2021; 41:3011-3023. [PMID: 34459091 DOI: 10.1111/liv.15048] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/28/2021] [Revised: 07/11/2021] [Accepted: 08/25/2021] [Indexed: 02/06/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND & AIM The development of hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) is associated with the formation of communication networks leading to the recruitment of disease-modifying macrophages. However, how oncogenes in tumour cells control paracrine communication is not fully understood. METHODS Transgenic mice with liver-specific expression of the constitutively active yes-associated protein (YAPS127A ) or an orthotopic implantation model served as tumour models. FACS-sorted F4/80+ /CD11bdim /CD146- /retinoid- macrophages from healthy and tumour-bearing livers were used for transcriptomic profiling. Expression data of 242 human HCCs and a tissue microarray consisting of 91 HCCs and seven liver tissues were analyzed. RESULTS Screening of primary tumour cells expressing YAPS127A identified CC chemokine ligand 2 (Ccl2) as a macrophage chemoattractant, whose expression was regulated in a YAP/TEA domain family member 4 (TEAD4)-dependent manner. Ccl2 expression was associated with a loss of Kupffer cells (KCs) and an increase in immature macrophages (Mɸimm ) in hepatocarcinogenesis. Recruited Mɸimm were characterized by a lack of functional polarization (M0 signature) and high expression of the Ccl2 receptors C-C motif chemokine receptor 2 (Ccr2), C-X3-C motif chemokine receptor 1 (Cx3cr1) and pro-angiogenic platelet-derived growth factors (Pdgfa/Pdgfb). Mɸimm formed cellular clusters in the perivascular space, which correlated with vascular morphometric changes indicative for angiogenesis. In human HCCs, the M0 signature served as an identifier for poor clinical outcome and CCL2 correlated with YAP expression and vascular network formation. CONCLUSIONS In conclusion, YAP/TEAD4-regulated Ccl2 associates with perivascular recruitment of unpolarized Mɸimm and may contribute to a proangiogenic microenvironment in liver cancer.
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Affiliation(s)
- Stefan Thomann
- Institute of Pathology, University Hospital Heidelberg, Germany.,Institute of Systems Immunology, University of Würzburg, Germany
| | | | - Teng Wei
- Institute of Pathology, University Hospital Heidelberg, Germany.,Cytotherapy Laboratory, Shenzhen People's Hospital, The Second Clinical Medical College of Jinan University, Shenzhen, Guangdong, China
| | - Carsten Sticht
- Next Generation Sequencing Core Facility, Medical Faculty Mannheim, Germany
| | | | - Marcell Tóth
- Institute of Pathology, University Hospital Heidelberg, Germany
| | - Fabian Rose
- Institute of Pathology, University Hospital Heidelberg, Germany
| | - Yingyue Tang
- Institute of Pathology, University Hospital Heidelberg, Germany
| | - Thomas Ritz
- Institute of Pathology, University Hospital Heidelberg, Germany
| | - Claudia Ball
- Department of Translational Medical Oncology, National Center for Tumor Diseases (NCT), Heidelberg, Germany
| | - Hanno Glimm
- Department of Translational Medical Oncology, National Center for Tumor Diseases (NCT), Heidelberg, Germany.,Translational Functional Cancer Genomics, National Center for Tumor Diseases (NCT) Heidelberg and German Cancer Research Center (DKFZ), Heidelberg, Germany.,Center for Personalized Oncology, University Hospital Carl Gustav Carus TU Dresden, Dresden, Germany.,German Consortium for Translational Cancer Research (DKTK), Dresden, Germany
| | - Eduard Ryschich
- Department of Surgery, University Hospital Heidelberg, Germany
| | | | - Kai Breuhahn
- Institute of Pathology, University Hospital Heidelberg, Germany
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6
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Tóth M, Wehling L, Thiess L, Rose F, Schmitt J, Weiler SME, Sticht C, De La Torre C, Rausch M, Albrecht T, Grabe N, Duwe L, Andersen JB, Köhler BC, Springfeld C, Mehrabi A, Kulu Y, Schirmacher P, Roessler S, Goeppert B, Breuhahn K. Co-expression of YAP and TAZ associates with chromosomal instability in human cholangiocarcinoma. BMC Cancer 2021; 21:1079. [PMID: 34615513 PMCID: PMC8496054 DOI: 10.1186/s12885-021-08794-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [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] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/14/2021] [Accepted: 09/16/2021] [Indexed: 12/25/2022] Open
Abstract
Background Activation of the oncogene yes-associated protein (YAP) is frequently detected in intrahepatic cholangiocarcinoma (iCCA); however, the expression pattern and the functional impact of its paralogue WW domain-containing transcription regulator 1 (WWTR1; synonym: TAZ) are not well described in different CCA subtypes. Methods Immunohistochemical analysis of YAP and TAZ in iCCA and extrahepatic CCA (eCCA) cohorts was performed. YAP/TAZ shuttling and their functional impact on CCA cell lines were investigated. Target genes expression after combined YAP/TAZ inhibition was analyzed. Results Immunohistochemical analysis of iCCA and eCCA revealed YAP or TAZ positivity in up to 49.2%; however, oncogene co-expression was less frequent (up to 23%). In contrast, both proteins were jointly detectable in most CCA cell lines and showed nuclear/cytoplasmic shuttling in a cell density-dependent manner. Next to the pro-proliferative function of YAP/TAZ, both transcriptional co-activators cooperated in the regulation of a gene signature that indicated the presence of chromosomal instability (CIN). A correlation between YAP and the CIN marker phospho-H2A histone family member X (pH2AX) was particularly observed in tissues from iCCA and distal CCA (dCCA). The presence of the CIN genes in about 25% of iCCA was statistically associated with worse prognosis. Conclusions YAP and TAZ activation is not uncoupled from cell density in CCA cells and both factors cooperatively contribute to proliferation and expression of CIN-associated genes. The corresponding group of CCA patients is characterized by CIN and may benefit from YAP/TAZ-directed therapies. Supplementary Information The online version contains supplementary material available at 10.1186/s12885-021-08794-5.
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Affiliation(s)
- Marcell Tóth
- Institute of Pathology, University Hospital Heidelberg, Im Neuenheimer Feld 224, 69120, Heidelberg, Germany
| | - Lilija Wehling
- Institute of Pathology, University Hospital Heidelberg, Im Neuenheimer Feld 224, 69120, Heidelberg, Germany.,Centre for Organismal Studies/BioQuant, Heidelberg University, Heidelberg, Germany
| | - Lena Thiess
- Institute of Pathology, University Hospital Heidelberg, Im Neuenheimer Feld 224, 69120, Heidelberg, Germany
| | - Fabian Rose
- Institute of Pathology, University Hospital Heidelberg, Im Neuenheimer Feld 224, 69120, Heidelberg, Germany
| | - Jennifer Schmitt
- Institute of Pathology, University Hospital Heidelberg, Im Neuenheimer Feld 224, 69120, Heidelberg, Germany
| | - Sofia M E Weiler
- Institute of Pathology, University Hospital Heidelberg, Im Neuenheimer Feld 224, 69120, Heidelberg, Germany
| | - Carsten Sticht
- NGS Core Facility, Medical Faculty Mannheim, Heidelberg University, Heidelberg, Germany
| | - Carolina De La Torre
- NGS Core Facility, Medical Faculty Mannheim, Heidelberg University, Heidelberg, Germany
| | - Melina Rausch
- Institute of Pathology, University Hospital Heidelberg, Im Neuenheimer Feld 224, 69120, Heidelberg, Germany
| | - Thomas Albrecht
- Institute of Pathology, University Hospital Heidelberg, Im Neuenheimer Feld 224, 69120, Heidelberg, Germany
| | - Niels Grabe
- Hamamatsu Tissue Imaging and Analysis Center (TIGA), BioQuant, Heidelberg University, Heidelberg, Germany
| | - Lea Duwe
- Biotech Research and Innovation Centre (BRIC), Department of Health and Medical Sciences, University of Copenhagen, Copenhagen, Denmark
| | - Jesper B Andersen
- Biotech Research and Innovation Centre (BRIC), Department of Health and Medical Sciences, University of Copenhagen, Copenhagen, Denmark
| | - Bruno C Köhler
- Department of Medical Oncology, National Center for Tumor Diseases, University Hospital Heidelberg, Heidelberg, Germany;, Liver Cancer Center Heidelberg, University Hospital Heidelberg, Heidelberg, Germany
| | - Christoph Springfeld
- Department of Medical Oncology, National Center for Tumor Diseases, University Hospital Heidelberg, Heidelberg, Germany;, Liver Cancer Center Heidelberg, University Hospital Heidelberg, Heidelberg, Germany
| | - Arianeb Mehrabi
- Department of General Visceral and Transplantation Surgery, University Hospital Heidelberg, Heidelberg, Germany
| | - Yakup Kulu
- Department of General Visceral and Transplantation Surgery, University Hospital Heidelberg, Heidelberg, Germany
| | - Peter Schirmacher
- Institute of Pathology, University Hospital Heidelberg, Im Neuenheimer Feld 224, 69120, Heidelberg, Germany
| | - Stephanie Roessler
- Institute of Pathology, University Hospital Heidelberg, Im Neuenheimer Feld 224, 69120, Heidelberg, Germany
| | - Benjamin Goeppert
- Institute of Pathology, University Hospital Heidelberg, Im Neuenheimer Feld 224, 69120, Heidelberg, Germany
| | - Kai Breuhahn
- Institute of Pathology, University Hospital Heidelberg, Im Neuenheimer Feld 224, 69120, Heidelberg, Germany.
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7
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Marquard S, Thomann S, Weiler SME, Bissinger M, Lutz T, Sticht C, Tóth M, de la Torre C, Gretz N, Straub BK, Marquardt J, Schirmacher P, Breuhahn K. Yes-associated protein (YAP) induces a secretome phenotype and transcriptionally regulates plasminogen activator Inhibitor-1 (PAI-1) expression in hepatocarcinogenesis. Cell Commun Signal 2020; 18:166. [PMID: 33097058 PMCID: PMC7583285 DOI: 10.1186/s12964-020-00634-6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 21] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.3] [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: 03/10/2020] [Accepted: 07/31/2020] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
Background Overexpression and nuclear enrichment of the oncogene yes-associated protein (YAP) cause tumor initiation and support tumor progression in human hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) via cell autonomous mechanisms. However, how YAP expression in tumor cells affects intercellular communication within the tumor microenvironment is not well understood. Methods To investigate how tumor cell-derived YAP is changing the paracrine communication network between tumor cells and non-neoplastic cells in hepatocarcinogenesis, the expression and secretion of cytokines, growth factors and chemokines were analyzed in transgenic mice with liver-specific and inducible expression of constitutively active YAP (YAPS127A). Transcriptomic and proteomic analyses were performed using primary isolated hepatocytes and blood plasma. In vitro, RNAinterference (RNAi), expression profiling, functional analyses and chromatin immunoprecipitation (ChIP) analyses of YAP and the transcription factor TEA domain transcription factor 4 (TEAD4) were performed using immortalized cell lines. Findings were confirmed in cohorts of HCC patients at the transcript and protein levels. Results YAP overexpression induced the expression and secretion of many paracrine-acting factors with potential impact on tumorous or non-neoplastic cells (e.g. plasminogen activator inhibitor-1 (PAI-1), C-X-C motif chemokine ligand 13 (CXCL13), CXCL16). Expression analyses of human HCC patients showed an overexpression of PAI-1 in human HCC tissues and a correlation with poor overall survival as well as early cancer recurrence. PAI-1 statistically correlated with genes typically induced by YAP, such as connective tissue growth factor (CTGF) and cysteine rich angiogenic inducer 61 (CYR61) or YAP-dependent gene signatures (CIN4/25). In vitro, YAP inhibition diminished the expression and secretion of PAI-1 in murine and human liver cancer cell lines. PAI-1 affected the expression of genes involved in cellular senescence and oncogene-induced senescence was confirmed in YAPS127A transgenic mice. Silencing of TEAD4 as well as treatment with the YAP/TEAD interfering substance Verteporfin reduced PAI-1 expression. ChIP analyses confirmed the binding of YAP and TEAD4 to the gene promoter of PAI-1 (SERPINE1). Conclusions These results demonstrate that the oncogene YAP changes the secretome response of hepatocytes and hepatocyte-derived tumor cells. In this context, the secreted protein PAI-1 is transcriptionally regulated by YAP in hepatocarcinogenesis. Perturbation of these YAP-dependent communication hubs including PAI-1 may represent a promising pharmacological approach in tumors with YAP overexpression. Video abstract
Supplementary information Supplementary information accompanies this paper at 10.1186/s12964-020-00634-6.
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Affiliation(s)
- Simone Marquard
- Institute of Pathology, University Hospital Heidelberg, Heidelberg, Germany
| | - Stefan Thomann
- Institute of Pathology, University Hospital Heidelberg, Heidelberg, Germany
| | - Sofia M E Weiler
- Institute of Pathology, University Hospital Heidelberg, Heidelberg, Germany
| | - Michaela Bissinger
- Institute of Pathology, University Hospital Heidelberg, Heidelberg, Germany
| | - Teresa Lutz
- Institute of Pathology, University Hospital Heidelberg, Heidelberg, Germany.,Present address: Department of Medicine II, LMU Munich, Munich, Germany
| | - Carsten Sticht
- Medical Faculty Mannheim, Medical Research Center, University of Heidelberg, Mannheim, Germany
| | - Marcell Tóth
- Institute of Pathology, University Hospital Heidelberg, Heidelberg, Germany
| | - Carolina de la Torre
- Medical Faculty Mannheim, Medical Research Center, University of Heidelberg, Mannheim, Germany
| | - Norbert Gretz
- Medical Faculty Mannheim, Medical Research Center, University of Heidelberg, Mannheim, Germany
| | - Beate K Straub
- Institute of Pathology, Johannes Gutenberg University, Mainz, Germany
| | - Jens Marquardt
- Department of Medicine I, Johannes Gutenberg University, Mainz, Germany.,Present address: Department of Medicine I, University Hospital Lübeck, Lübeck, Germany
| | - Peter Schirmacher
- Institute of Pathology, University Hospital Heidelberg, Heidelberg, Germany
| | - Kai Breuhahn
- Institute of Pathology, University Hospital Heidelberg, Heidelberg, Germany.
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Thomann S, Weiler SME, Marquard S, Rose F, Ball CR, Tóth M, Wei T, Sticht C, Fritzsche S, Roessler S, De La Torre C, Ryschich E, Ermakova O, Mogler C, Kazdal D, Gretz N, Glimm H, Rempel E, Schirmacher P, Breuhahn K. YAP Orchestrates Heterotypic Endothelial Cell Communication via HGF/c-MET Signaling in Liver Tumorigenesis. Cancer Res 2020; 80:5502-5514. [PMID: 33087321 DOI: 10.1158/0008-5472.can-20-0242] [Citation(s) in RCA: 26] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/24/2020] [Revised: 08/04/2020] [Accepted: 10/15/2020] [Indexed: 11/16/2022]
Abstract
The oncogene yes-associated protein (YAP) controls liver tumor initiation and progression via cell extrinsic functions by creating a tumor-supporting environment in conjunction with cell autonomous mechanisms. However, how YAP controls organization of the microenvironment and in particular the vascular niche, which contributes to liver disease and hepatocarcinogenesis, is poorly understood. To investigate heterotypic cell communication, we dissected murine and human liver endothelial cell (EC) populations into liver sinusoidal endothelial cells (LSEC) and continuous endothelial cells (CEC) through histomorphological and molecular characterization. In YAPS127A-induced tumorigenesis, a gradual replacement of LSECs by CECs was associated with dynamic changes in the expression of genes involved in paracrine communication. The formation of new communication hubs connecting CECs and LSECs included the hepatocyte growth factor (Hgf)/c-Met signaling pathway. In hepatocytes and tumor cells, YAP/TEA domain transcription factor 4 (TEAD4)-dependent transcriptional induction of osteopontin (Opn) stimulated c-Met expression in EC with CEC phenotype, which sensitized these cells to the promigratory effects of LSEC-derived Hgf. In human hepatocellular carcinoma, the presence of a migration-associated tip-cell signature correlated with poor clinical outcome and the loss of LSEC marker gene expression. The occurrence of c-MET-expressing CECs in human liver cancer samples was confirmed at the single-cell level. In summary, YAP-dependent changes of the liver vascular niche comprise the formation of heterologous communication hubs in which tumor cell-derived factors modify the cross-talk between LSECs and CECs via the HGF/c-MET axis. SIGNIFICANCE: YAP-dependent changes of the liver vascular niche comprise the formation of heterologous communication hubs in which tumor cell-derived factors modify the cross-talk between EC subpopulations. GRAPHICAL ABSTRACT: http://cancerres.aacrjournals.org/content/canres/80/24/5502/F1.large.jpg.
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Affiliation(s)
- Stefan Thomann
- Institute of Pathology, University Hospital Heidelberg, Heidelberg, Germany.
| | - Sofia M E Weiler
- Institute of Pathology, University Hospital Heidelberg, Heidelberg, Germany
| | - Simone Marquard
- Institute of Pathology, University Hospital Heidelberg, Heidelberg, Germany
| | - Fabian Rose
- Institute of Pathology, University Hospital Heidelberg, Heidelberg, Germany
| | - Claudia R Ball
- Department of Translational Medical Oncology, National Center for Tumor Diseases (NCT) Dresden and German Cancer Research Center (DKFZ), Heidelberg, Germany
| | - Marcell Tóth
- Institute of Pathology, University Hospital Heidelberg, Heidelberg, Germany
| | - Teng Wei
- Institute of Pathology, University Hospital Heidelberg, Heidelberg, Germany
| | - Carsten Sticht
- Medical Research Center, University of Heidelberg, Heidelberg, Germany
| | - Sarah Fritzsche
- Institute of Pathology, University Hospital Heidelberg, Heidelberg, Germany
| | - Stephanie Roessler
- Institute of Pathology, University Hospital Heidelberg, Heidelberg, Germany
| | | | - Eduard Ryschich
- Department of Surgery, University Hospital Heidelberg, Heidelberg, Germany
| | - Olga Ermakova
- Center for Organismal Studies, University Heidelberg, Heidelberg, Germany
| | - Carolin Mogler
- Institute of Pathology, Technical University of Munich, Munich, Germany
| | - Daniel Kazdal
- Institute of Pathology, University Hospital Heidelberg, Heidelberg, Germany
| | - Norbert Gretz
- Medical Research Center, University of Heidelberg, Heidelberg, Germany
| | - Hanno Glimm
- Department of Translational Medical Oncology, National Center for Tumor Diseases (NCT) Dresden and German Cancer Research Center (DKFZ), Heidelberg, Germany.,Translational Functional Cancer Genomics, National Center for Tumor Diseases (NCT) Heidelberg and German Cancer Research Center (DKFZ), Heidelberg, Germany.,Center for Personalized Oncology, University Hospital Carl Gustav Carus TU Dresden, Germany.,German Consortium for Translational Cancer Research (DKTK), Heidelberg, Germany
| | - Eugen Rempel
- Institute of Pathology, University Hospital Heidelberg, Heidelberg, Germany
| | - Peter Schirmacher
- Institute of Pathology, University Hospital Heidelberg, Heidelberg, Germany
| | - Kai Breuhahn
- Institute of Pathology, University Hospital Heidelberg, Heidelberg, Germany.
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9
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Weiler SME, Pinna F, Wolf T, Lutz T, Geldiyev A, Sticht C, Knaub M, Thomann S, Bissinger M, Wan S, Rössler S, Becker D, Gretz N, Lang H, Bergmann F, Ustiyan V, Kalin TV, Singer S, Lee JS, Marquardt JU, Schirmacher P, Kalinichenko VV, Breuhahn K. Induction of Chromosome Instability by Activation of Yes-Associated Protein and Forkhead Box M1 in Liver Cancer. Gastroenterology 2017; 152:2037-2051.e22. [PMID: 28249813 DOI: 10.1053/j.gastro.2017.02.018] [Citation(s) in RCA: 103] [Impact Index Per Article: 14.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/27/2016] [Revised: 02/07/2017] [Accepted: 02/19/2017] [Indexed: 12/21/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND & AIMS Many different types of cancer cells have chromosome instability. The hippo pathway leads to phosphorylation of the transcriptional activator yes-associated protein 1 (YAP1, YAP), which regulates proliferation and has been associated with the development of liver cancer. We investigated the effects of hippo signaling via YAP on chromosome stability and hepatocarcinogenesis in humans and mice. METHODS We analyzed transcriptome data from 242 patients with hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) to search for gene signatures associated with chromosomal instability (CIN); we investigated associations with overall survival time and cancer recurrence using Kaplan-Meier curves. We analyzed changes in expression of these signature genes, at mRNA and protein levels, after small interfering RNA-mediated silencing of YAP in Sk-Hep1, SNU182, HepG2, or pancreatic cancer cells, as well as incubation with thiostrepton (an inhibitor of forkhead box M1 [FOXM1]) or verteporfin (inhibitor of the interaction between YAP and TEA domain transcription factor 4 [TEAD4]). We performed co-immunoprecipitation and chromatin immunoprecipitation experiments. We collected liver tissues from mice that express a constitutively active form of YAP (YAPS127A) and analyzed gene expression signatures and histomorphologic parameters associated with chromosomal instability. Mice were given injections of thiostrepton and livers were collected and analyzed by immunoblotting, immunohistochemistry, histology, and real-time polymerase chain reaction. We performed immunohistochemical analyses on tissue microarrays of 105 HCCs and 7 nontumor liver tissues. RESULTS Gene expression patterns associated with chromosome instability, called CIN25 and CIN70, were detected in HCCs from patients with shorter survival time or early cancer recurrence. TEAD4 and YAP were required for CIN25 and CIN70 signature expression via induction and binding of FOXM1. Disrupting the interaction between YAP and TEAD4 with verteporfin, or inhibiting FOXM1 with thiostrepton, reduced the chromosome instability gene expression patterns. Hyperplastic livers and tumors from YAPS127A mice had increased CIN25 and CIN70 gene expression patterns, aneuploidy, and defects in mitosis. Injection of YAPS127A mice with thiostrepton reduced liver overgrowth and signs of chromosomal instability. In human HCC tissues, high levels of nuclear YAP correlated with increased chromosome instability gene expression patterns and aneuploidy. CONCLUSIONS By analyzing cell lines, genetically modified mice, and HCC tissues, we found that YAP cooperates with FOXM1 to contribute to chromosome instability. Agents that disrupt this pathway might be developed as treatments for liver cancer. Transcriptome data are available in the Gene Expression Omnibus public database (accession numbers: GSE32597 and GSE73396).
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Affiliation(s)
- Sofia M E Weiler
- Institute of Pathology, University Hospital Heidelberg, Heidelberg, Germany
| | - Federico Pinna
- Institute of Pathology, University Hospital Heidelberg, Heidelberg, Germany
| | - Thomas Wolf
- Institute of Pathology, University Hospital Heidelberg, Heidelberg, Germany
| | - Teresa Lutz
- Institute of Pathology, University Hospital Heidelberg, Heidelberg, Germany
| | - Aman Geldiyev
- International Educational-Scientific Center, Ashgabat City, Turkmenistan
| | - Carsten Sticht
- Medical Faculty Mannheim, Medical Research Center, University of Heidelberg, Mannheim, Germany
| | - Maria Knaub
- Institute of Pathology, University Hospital Heidelberg, Heidelberg, Germany
| | - Stefan Thomann
- Institute of Pathology, University Hospital Heidelberg, Heidelberg, Germany
| | - Michaela Bissinger
- Institute of Pathology, University Hospital Heidelberg, Heidelberg, Germany
| | - Shan Wan
- Institute of Pathology, University Hospital Heidelberg, Heidelberg, Germany
| | - Stephanie Rössler
- Institute of Pathology, University Hospital Heidelberg, Heidelberg, Germany
| | - Diana Becker
- Department of Medicine I, Johannes Gutenberg University, Mainz, Germany
| | - Norbert Gretz
- Medical Faculty Mannheim, Medical Research Center, University of Heidelberg, Mannheim, Germany
| | - Hauke Lang
- Department of Medicine I, Johannes Gutenberg University, Mainz, Germany
| | - Frank Bergmann
- Institute of Pathology, University Hospital Heidelberg, Heidelberg, Germany
| | - Vladimir Ustiyan
- Division of Pulmonary Biology, Cincinnati Children's Hospital Medical Center, Cincinnati, Ohio
| | - Tatiana V Kalin
- Division of Pulmonary Biology, Cincinnati Children's Hospital Medical Center, Cincinnati, Ohio
| | - Stephan Singer
- Institute of Pathology, University Hospital Heidelberg, Heidelberg, Germany
| | - Ju-Seog Lee
- Department of Systems Biology, University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, Texas
| | - Jens U Marquardt
- Department of Medicine I, Johannes Gutenberg University, Mainz, Germany
| | - Peter Schirmacher
- Institute of Pathology, University Hospital Heidelberg, Heidelberg, Germany
| | - Vladimir V Kalinichenko
- Division of Pulmonary Biology, Cincinnati Children's Hospital Medical Center, Cincinnati, Ohio
| | - Kai Breuhahn
- Institute of Pathology, University Hospital Heidelberg, Heidelberg, Germany.
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