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Xu Z, Wang J, Wang G. Weighted gene co-expression network analysis for hub genes in colorectal cancer. Pharmacol Rep 2024; 76:140-153. [PMID: 38150140 DOI: 10.1007/s43440-023-00561-6] [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: 07/25/2023] [Revised: 11/16/2023] [Accepted: 11/20/2023] [Indexed: 12/28/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND This study is designed to explore hub genes participating in colorectal cancer (CRC) development through weighted gene co-expression network analysis (WGCNA). METHODS Expression profiles of CRC and normal samples were retrieved from the Gene Expression Omnibus (GEO) and the Cancer Genome Atlas (TCGA), and were subjected to WGCNA to filter differentially expressed genes with significant association with CRC. Functional enrichment analysis and protein-protein interaction (PPI) analysis were carried out to filter the candidate genes, further and survival analysis was performed for the candidate genes to obtain potential regulatory hub genes in CRC. Expression analysis was conducted for the candidate genes and a multifactor model was established. RESULTS After differential analysis and WGCNA, 289 candidate genes were filtered from the GEO and TCGA. Further functional enrichment analysis demonstrated possible regulatory pathways and functions. PPI analysis filtered 15 hub genes and survival analysis indicated a significant correlation of CLCA1, CLCA4, and CPT1A with prognosis of patients with CRC. The multifactor Cox risk model established based on the three genes revealed that if the three genes were a gene set, they had well predictive capacity for the prognosis of patients with CRC. CONCLUSIONS CLCA1, CLCA4, and CPT1A express at low levels in CRC and function as core anti-tumor genes. As a gene set, they can predict prognosis well.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zheng Xu
- Department of Oncology Surgery, Beidahuang Industry Group General Hospital, Harbin, 150088, Heilongjiang, People's Republic of China
| | - Jianing Wang
- Department of Gastrointestinal Surgery, Beidahuang Industry Group General Hospital, Harbin, 150088, Heilongjiang, People's Republic of China
| | - Guosheng Wang
- Department of Pancreaticobiliary Surgery, The First Affiliated Hospital of Harbin Medical University, No. 23, Post Street, Nangang District, Harbin, 150007, Heilongjiang, People's Republic of China.
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Chen X, Liu Y, Zhang Q, Liu B, Cheng Y, Zhang Y, Sun Y, Liu J. Exosomal miR-590-3p derived from cancer-associated fibroblasts confers radioresistance in colorectal cancer. Mol Ther Nucleic Acids 2020; 24:113-126. [PMID: 33738143 PMCID: PMC7943971 DOI: 10.1016/j.omtn.2020.11.003] [Citation(s) in RCA: 47] [Impact Index Per Article: 11.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/14/2020] [Accepted: 11/05/2020] [Indexed: 12/11/2022]
Abstract
Radiotherapeutic resistance is a major obstacle for the effective treatment of colorectal cancer (CRC). MicroRNAs (miRNAs) play a critical role in chemoresistance and radioresistance. Here, we aimed to investigate whether miR-590-3p participates in the radioresistance of CRC. High expression of miR-590-3p and low expression of CLCA4 were found in both CRC tissues and cell lines. CLCA4 was indicated to be a target gene of miR-590-3p. CAF-derived exosomes were extracted and co-cultured with CRC cells, which were then exposed to radiation. CRC cells were transfected with plasmids and injected into nude mice to detect the in vivo effect of CAF-derived exosomes. Treatment with CAF-derived exosomes decreased the sensitivity of CRC cells to radiation. CAF-derived exosomes overexpressing miR-590-3p increased cell survival and the ratio of p-PI3K/PI3K and p-AKT/AKT while lowering the expressions of cleaved-PARP, cleaved-caspase 3, and γH2AX in cells. Furthermore, in vivo experimental results confirmed that CAF-derived exosomal miR-590-3p stimulated tumor growth in mice following radiotherapy. Our results demonstrate that miR-590-3p delivery via exosomes derived from CAFs enhances radioresistance in CRC through the positive regulation of the CLCA4-dependent PI3K/Akt signaling pathway.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xijuan Chen
- Department of Radiation Oncology, the Affiliated Tumor Hospital of Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou 450000, P.R. China
| | - Yingqiang Liu
- Department of General Surgery, the Affiliated Tumor Hospital of Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou 450000, P.R. China
| | - Qinglan Zhang
- Department of Hematology, the Affiliated Tumor Hospital of Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou 450000, P.R. China
| | - Baoxing Liu
- Department of Chest Surgery, the Affiliated Tumor Hospital of Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou 450000, P.R. China
| | - Yan Cheng
- Department of Gynecology, the First Affiliated Hospital of Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou 450052, P.R. China
| | - Yonglei Zhang
- Department of General Surgery, the Affiliated Tumor Hospital of Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou 450000, P.R. China
| | - Yanan Sun
- Department of Radiation Oncology, the Affiliated Tumor Hospital of Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou 450000, P.R. China
| | - Junqi Liu
- Department of Radiation Oncology, the First Affiliated Hospital of Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou 450052, P.R. China
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Wei L, Chen W, Zhao J, Fang Y, Lin J. Downregulation of CLCA4 expression is associated with the development and progression of colorectal cancer. Oncol Lett 2020; 20:631-638. [PMID: 32565987 PMCID: PMC7285744 DOI: 10.3892/ol.2020.11640] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [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] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/26/2019] [Accepted: 04/01/2020] [Indexed: 01/22/2023] Open
Abstract
The molecular mechanisms involved in the development and progression of colorectal cancer (CRC) are not completely understood. The present study aimed to identify potential novel genes involved in the development and progression of CRC. Database analysis revealed that the mRNA level of the chloride channel accessory 4 (CLCA4) was frequently lower in primary tumor tissues compared with that in corresponding non-cancerous colon tissues, and was even lower in liver metastases than in primary tumors. Further analyses through The Human Protein Atlas (THPA) website and immunohistochemistry (IHC)-based tissue microarray (TMA) confirmed that CLCA4 mRNA and protein expression were downregulated in CRC tissues. Furthermore, IHC-based TMA analysis revealed a gradual decrease in CLCA4 protein expression among colorectal normal, adenoma and carcinoma tissues. Survival analysis revealed that the decrease in CLCA4 mRNA expression was associated with the overall survival rate of patients with different types of tumor, including CRC, breast cancer, head and neck cancer and stomach cancer. Overall, downregulated CLCA4 expression may influence the development and progression of CRC.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lihui Wei
- Academy of Integrative Medicine, Fujian University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Fuzhou, Fujian 350122, P.R. China.,Fujian Key Laboratory of Integrative Medicine on Geriatrics, Fujian University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Fuzhou, Fujian 350122, P.R. China
| | - Wujin Chen
- Department of Oncology, Affiliated People's Hospital of Fujian University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Fuzhou, Fujian 350004, P.R. China
| | - Jinyan Zhao
- Academy of Integrative Medicine, Fujian University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Fuzhou, Fujian 350122, P.R. China.,Fujian Key Laboratory of Integrative Medicine on Geriatrics, Fujian University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Fuzhou, Fujian 350122, P.R. China
| | - Yi Fang
- Academy of Integrative Medicine, Fujian University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Fuzhou, Fujian 350122, P.R. China.,Fujian Key Laboratory of Integrative Medicine on Geriatrics, Fujian University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Fuzhou, Fujian 350122, P.R. China
| | - Jiumao Lin
- Academy of Integrative Medicine, Fujian University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Fuzhou, Fujian 350122, P.R. China.,Fujian Key Laboratory of Integrative Medicine on Geriatrics, Fujian University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Fuzhou, Fujian 350122, P.R. China
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Li B, Jiang YP, Zhu J, Meng L. MiR-501-5p acts as an energetic regulator in head and neck squamous cell carcinoma cells growth and aggressiveness via reducing CLCA4. Mol Biol Rep 2020; 47:2181-2187. [PMID: 32072405 DOI: 10.1007/s11033-020-05317-6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [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: 10/08/2019] [Revised: 01/02/2020] [Accepted: 02/11/2020] [Indexed: 12/26/2022]
Abstract
Recent research have proved that miR-501-5p acted as a potent tumor biomarker in several cancers, excluding head and neck squamous cell carcinoma (HNSCC). The study intends to discover the potential function and mechanism of miR-501-5p in HNSCC. Data from TCGA database and qRT-PCR estimated the expression of miR-501-5p and Calcium activated Chloride Channel A4 (CLCA4). Cell proliferation, clone formation and transwell assays were performed to explore HNSCC cells biological behaviors. Luciferase assay was carried out to identify the interaction between miR-501-5p and CLCA4. miR-501-5p was profoundly up-regulated in HNSCC samples and promoted cells proliferation and metastasis. CLCA4, as a target of miR-501-5p, was connected with worse outcomes in HNSCC patients. Co-transfection assay proved that miR-501-5p/CLCA4 functioned as crucial regulators to affect HNSCC cells biological behaviors. Our study illustrated that miR-501-5p exhibited a tumor-promoting role on HNSCC by targeting CLCA4, providing a new insight for revealing the pathogenesis and treatment of HNSCC.
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Affiliation(s)
- Bo Li
- Department of Neurosurgery, Jinan Central Hospital Affiliated to Shandong University, Jinan, 250013, Shandong, People's Republic of China
| | - Yuan-Pei Jiang
- Department of Neurosurgery, Jinan Central Hospital Affiliated to Shandong University, Jinan, 250013, Shandong, People's Republic of China
| | - Jie Zhu
- Department of Neurosurgery, Jinan Central Hospital Affiliated to Shandong University, Jinan, 250013, Shandong, People's Republic of China
| | - Lei Meng
- Department of Neurosurgery, Shandong Provincial Hospital, No.324, Jingwuweiqi Road, Jinan, 250021, Shandong, People's Republic of China.
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Liu Z, Chen M, Xie LK, Liu T, Zou ZW, Li Y, Chen P, Peng X, Ma C, Zhang WJ, Li PD. CLCA4 inhibits cell proliferation and invasion of hepatocellular carcinoma by suppressing epithelial-mesenchymal transition via PI3K/AKT signaling. Aging (Albany NY) 2019; 10:2570-2584. [PMID: 30312171 PMCID: PMC6224236 DOI: 10.18632/aging.101571] [Citation(s) in RCA: 27] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.4] [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: 05/30/2018] [Accepted: 09/24/2018] [Indexed: 12/15/2022]
Abstract
Calcium activated Chloride Channel A4 (CLCA4), as a tumor suppressor, was reported to contribute to the progression of several malignant tumors, yet little is known about the significance of CLCA4 in invasion and prognosis of hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC). CLCA4 expression was negatively correlated with tumor size, vascular invasion and TNM stage. Kaplan-Meier analysis showed that CLCA4 was an independent predictor for overall survival (OS) and time to recurrence (TTR). In addition, CLCA4 status could act as prognostic predictor in different risk of subgroups. Moreover, combination of CLCA4 and serum AFP could be a potential predictor for survival in HCC patients. Furthermore, CLCA4 may inhibit cell migration and invasion by suppressing epithelial-mesenchymal transition (EMT) via PI3K/ATK signaling. Knockdown of CLCA4 significantly increased the migration and invasion of HCC cells and changed the expression pattern of EMT markers and PI3K/AKT phosphorylation. An opposite expression pattern of EMT markers and PI3K/AKT phosphorylation was observed in CLCA4-transfected cells. Additionally, immunohistochemistry and RT-PCR results further confirmed this correlation. Taken together, CLCA4 contributes to migration and invasion by suppressing EMT via PI3K/ATK signaling and predicts favourable prognosis of HCC. CLCA4/AFP expression may help to distinguish different risks of HCC patients after hepatectomy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zhao Liu
- Cancer Center, Union Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan 430022, China
| | - Mi Chen
- Cancer Center, Union Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan 430022, China
| | - Lin-Ka Xie
- Cancer Center, Union Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan 430022, China
| | - Ting Liu
- Institute of Infection and Immunology, Union Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan 430022, China
| | - Zhen-Wei Zou
- Cancer Center, Union Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan 430022, China
| | - Yong Li
- Department of Oncology, Renmin Hospital, Hubei University of Medicine, Shiyan 442000, China
| | - Peng Chen
- Cancer Center, Union Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan 430022, China
| | - Xin Peng
- Cancer Center, Union Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan 430022, China
| | - Charlie Ma
- Department of Radiation Oncology, Fox Chase Cancer Center, Philadelphia, PA 19111, USA
| | - Wen-Jie Zhang
- Department of Pathology, Shihezi University School of Medicine, Shihezi, Xinjiang 832002, China
| | - Pin-Dong Li
- Cancer Center, Union Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan 430022, China
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Hou T, Zhou L, Wang L, Kazobinka G, Zhang X, Chen Z. CLCA4 inhibits bladder cancer cell proliferation, migration, and invasion by suppressing the PI3K/AKT pathway. Oncotarget 2017; 8:93001-13. [PMID: 29190973 DOI: 10.18632/oncotarget.21724] [Citation(s) in RCA: 28] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/21/2017] [Accepted: 08/17/2017] [Indexed: 12/15/2022] Open
Abstract
Calcium activated chloride channel A4 (CLCA4), a tumor suppressor, was shown to contribute to the progression of several human cancers, while its role in bladder carcinoma remains unclear. In this study, we showed CLCA4 expression was down-regulated in bladder carcinoma tissues and cells compared to adjacent non-tumor tissues and normal urothelial cells. Low CLCA4 expression was correlated with larger tumor size, advanced tumor stage, and poor prognosis in bladder carcinoma patients. Overexpression of CLCA4 profoundly attenuated the proliferation, growth, migratory and invasive capabilities of bladder cancer cells, whereas CLCA4 knockdown had the opposite effect. Mechanistically, CLCA4 is involved in PI3K/AKT signaling and its downstream molecules can promote bladder cancer cell proliferation. Additionally, CLCA4 could mediate the migration and invasion of bladder cancer cells by regulating epithelial-mesenchymal transition and PI3K/Akt activation. This study suggests that CLCA4 may represent a promising prognostic biomarker for bladder cancer and provides a possible mechanism for bladder cancer growth and invasion.
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