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Songtao Y, Fangyu L, Jie C, Li Y. Identification of claudin-2 as a promising biomarker for early diagnosis of pre-diabetes. Front Pharmacol 2024; 15:1370708. [PMID: 38425650 PMCID: PMC10902111 DOI: 10.3389/fphar.2024.1370708] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/15/2024] [Accepted: 02/05/2024] [Indexed: 03/02/2024] Open
Abstract
Introduction: Pre-diabetes, a high-risk metabolic state, is situated between normal glucose homeostasis and diabetes. Early identification of pre-diabetes offers opportunities for intervention and diabetes reversal, highlighting the crucial need to investigate reliable biomarkers for this condition. Methods: We conducted an in-depth bioinformatics analysis of clinical samples from non-diabetic (ND), impaired glucose tolerance (IGT), and type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) categories within the GSE164416 dataset. Thereafter the HFD and STZ treated mice were used for validation. Results: This analysis identified several codifferentially expressed genes (Co-DEGs) for IGT and T2DM, including CFB, TSHR, VNN2, APOC1, CLDN2, SLPI, LCN2, CXCL17, FAIM2, and REG3A. Validation of these genes and the determination of ROC curves were performed using the GSE76895 dataset. Thereafter, CLDN2 was selected for further verification. Gene expression analysis and immunofluorescence analysis revealed a significant upregulation of CLDN2 expression in the pancreas islets of mice in the high-fat diet and T2DM groups compared to the control group. Similarly, serum level of CLDN2 in patients with IGT and T2DM were significantly higher than those in the healthy group. Discussion: These results suggest that CLDN2 can serve as a novel biomarker for pre-diabetes, providing a new direction for future research in the prevention of type 2 diabetes.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | | | - Yuan Li
- Department of Endocrinology, Union Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, China
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2
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Fooladi S, Rabiee N, Iravani S. Genetically engineered bacteria: a new frontier in targeted drug delivery. J Mater Chem B 2023; 11:10072-10087. [PMID: 37873584 DOI: 10.1039/d3tb01805a] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/25/2023]
Abstract
Genetically engineered bacteria (GEB) have shown significant promise to revolutionize modern medicine. These engineered bacteria with unique properties such as enhanced targeting, versatility, biofilm disruption, reduced drug resistance, self-amplification capabilities, and biodegradability represent a highly promising approach for targeted drug delivery and cancer theranostics. This innovative approach involves modifying bacterial strains to function as drug carriers, capable of delivering therapeutic agents directly to specific cells or tissues. Unlike synthetic drug delivery systems, GEB are inherently biodegradable and can be naturally eliminated from the body, reducing potential long-term side effects or complications associated with residual foreign constituents. However, several pivotal challenges such as safety and controllability need to be addressed. Researchers have explored novel tactics to improve their capabilities and overcome existing challenges, including synthetic biology tools (e.g., clustered regularly interspaced short palindromic repeats (CRISPR) and bioinformatics-driven design), microbiome engineering, combination therapies, immune system interaction, and biocontainment strategies. Because of the remarkable advantages and tangible progress in this field, GEB may emerge as vital tools in personalized medicine, providing precise and controlled drug delivery for various diseases (especially cancer). In this context, future directions include the integration of nanotechnology with GEB, the focus on microbiota-targeted therapies, the incorporation of programmable behaviors, the enhancement in immunotherapy treatments, and the discovery of non-medical applications. In this way, careful ethical considerations and regulatory frameworks are necessary for developing GEB-based systems for targeted drug delivery. By addressing safety concerns, ensuring informed consent, promoting equitable access, understanding long-term effects, mitigating dual-use risks, and fostering public engagement, these engineered bacteria can be employed as promising delivery vehicles in bio- and nanomedicine. In this review, recent advances related to the application of GEB in targeted drug delivery and cancer therapy are discussed, covering crucial challenging issues and future perspectives.
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Affiliation(s)
- Saba Fooladi
- Yale Cardiovascular Research Center, Section of Cardiovascular Medicine, Department of Internal Medicine, Yale School of Medicine, New Haven, CT 06511, USA
| | - Navid Rabiee
- Centre for Molecular Medicine and Innovative Therapeutics, Murdoch University, Perth, WA 6150, Australia.
- School of Engineering, Macquarie University, Sydney, New South Wales, 2109, Australia
| | - Siavash Iravani
- Independent Researcher, W Nazar ST, Boostan Ave, Isfahan, Iran.
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3
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Waldow A, Beier LS, Arndt J, Schallenberg S, Vollbrecht C, Bischoff P, Farrera-Sal M, Loch FN, Bojarski C, Schumann M, Winkler L, Kamphues C, Ehlen L, Piontek J. cCPE Fusion Proteins as Molecular Probes to Detect Claudins and Tight Junction Dysregulation in Gastrointestinal Cell Lines, Tissue Explants and Patient-Derived Organoids. Pharmaceutics 2023; 15:1980. [PMID: 37514167 PMCID: PMC10385049 DOI: 10.3390/pharmaceutics15071980] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/20/2023] [Revised: 06/24/2023] [Accepted: 07/10/2023] [Indexed: 07/30/2023] Open
Abstract
Claudins regulate paracellular permeability, contribute to epithelial polarization and are dysregulated during inflammation and carcinogenesis. Variants of the claudin-binding domain of Clostridium perfringens enterotoxin (cCPE) are highly sensitive protein ligands for generic detection of a broad spectrum of claudins. Here, we investigated the preferential binding of YFP- or GST-cCPE fusion proteins to non-junctional claudin molecules. Plate reader assays, flow cytometry and microscopy were used to assess the binding of YFP- or GST-cCPE to non-junctional claudins in multiple in vitro and ex vivo models of human and rat gastrointestinal epithelia and to monitor formation of a tight junction barrier. Furthermore, YFP-cCPE was used to probe expression, polar localization and dysregulation of claudins in patient-derived organoids generated from gastric dysplasia and gastric cancer. Live-cell imaging and immunocytochemistry revealed cell polarity and presence of tight junctions in glandular organoids (originating from intestinal-type gastric cancer and gastric dysplasia) and, in contrast, a disrupted diffusion barrier for granular organoids (originating from discohesive tumor areas). In sum, we report the use of cCPE fusion proteins as molecular probes to specifically and efficiently detect claudin expression, localization and tight junction dysregulation in cell lines, tissue explants and patient-derived organoids of the gastrointestinal tract.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ayk Waldow
- Clinical Physiology/Nutritional Medicine, Medical Department, Division of Gastroenterology, Infectiology, Rheumatology, Charité-Universitätsmedizin Berlin, 12203 Berlin, Germany
| | - Laura-Sophie Beier
- Clinical Physiology/Nutritional Medicine, Medical Department, Division of Gastroenterology, Infectiology, Rheumatology, Charité-Universitätsmedizin Berlin, 12203 Berlin, Germany
- Laboratory of Mucosal Barrier Pathobiology, Department of Pathology, Brigham and Women's Hospital, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA 02115, USA
| | - Janine Arndt
- Berlin Institute of Health (BIH), Charité-Universitätsmedizin Berlin, BIH Center for Regenerative Therapies (BCRT), 13353 Berlin, Germany
- Department of Anesthesiology and Intensive Care Medicine, Charité-Universitätsmedizin Berlin, 10117 Berlin, Germany
| | - Simon Schallenberg
- Charité-Universitätsmedizin Berlin, Corporate Member of Freie Universität Berlin and Berlin Institute of Health, Institute of Pathology, 10117 Berlin, Germany
| | - Claudia Vollbrecht
- Charité-Universitätsmedizin Berlin, Corporate Member of Freie Universität Berlin and Berlin Institute of Health, Institute of Pathology, 10117 Berlin, Germany
| | - Philip Bischoff
- Charité-Universitätsmedizin Berlin, Corporate Member of Freie Universität Berlin and Berlin Institute of Health, Institute of Pathology, 10117 Berlin, Germany
- Berlin Institute of Health, Charité-Universitätsmedizin Berlin, 10178 Berlin, Germany
- German Cancer Consortium (DKTK), Partner Site Berlin, and German Cancer Research Center (DKFZ), 69120 Heidelberg, Germany
| | - Martí Farrera-Sal
- Berlin Institute of Health (BIH), Charité-Universitätsmedizin Berlin, BIH Center for Regenerative Therapies (BCRT), 13353 Berlin, Germany
| | - Florian N Loch
- Department of General and Visceral Surgery, Campus Benjamin Franklin, Charité-Universitätsmedizin Berlin, 12203 Berlin, Germany
| | - Christian Bojarski
- Medical Department, Division of Gastroenterology, Infectiology, Rheumatology, Charité-Universitätsmedizin Berlin, 12203 Berlin, Germany
| | - Michael Schumann
- Medical Department, Division of Gastroenterology, Infectiology, Rheumatology, Charité-Universitätsmedizin Berlin, 12203 Berlin, Germany
| | - Lars Winkler
- Experimental Pharmacology & Oncology Berlin-Buch GmbH, 13125 Berlin, Germany
| | - Carsten Kamphues
- Park-Klinik Weißensee, Department of General-Visceral and Minimally-Invasive Surgery, 13086 Berlin, Germany
| | - Lukas Ehlen
- Berlin Institute of Health (BIH), Charité-Universitätsmedizin Berlin, BIH Center for Regenerative Therapies (BCRT), 13353 Berlin, Germany
- Department of Anesthesiology and Intensive Care Medicine, Charité-Universitätsmedizin Berlin, 10117 Berlin, Germany
| | - Jörg Piontek
- Clinical Physiology/Nutritional Medicine, Medical Department, Division of Gastroenterology, Infectiology, Rheumatology, Charité-Universitätsmedizin Berlin, 12203 Berlin, Germany
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Fujiwara-Tani R, Mori S, Ogata R, Sasaki R, Ikemoto A, Kishi S, Kondoh M, Kuniyasu H. Claudin-4: A New Molecular Target for Epithelial Cancer Therapy. Int J Mol Sci 2023; 24:5494. [PMID: 36982569 PMCID: PMC10051602 DOI: 10.3390/ijms24065494] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 12.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/23/2023] [Revised: 03/10/2023] [Accepted: 03/10/2023] [Indexed: 03/16/2023] Open
Abstract
Claudin-4 (CLDN4) is a key component of tight junctions (TJs) in epithelial cells. CLDN4 is overexpressed in many epithelial malignancies and correlates with cancer progression. Changes in CLDN4 expression have been associated with epigenetic factors (such as hypomethylation of promoter DNA), inflammation associated with infection and cytokines, and growth factor signaling. CLDN4 helps to maintain the tumor microenvironment by forming TJs and acts as a barrier to the entry of anticancer drugs into tumors. Decreased expression of CLDN4 is a potential marker of epithelial-mesenchymal transition (EMT), and decreased epithelial differentiation due to reduced CLDN4 activity is involved in EMT induction. Non-TJ CLDN4 also activates integrin beta 1 and YAP to promote proliferation, EMT, and stemness. These roles in cancer have led to investigations of molecular therapies targeting CLDN4 using anti-CLDN4 extracellular domain antibodies, gene knockdown, clostridium perfringens enterotoxin (CPE), and C-terminus domain of CPE (C-CPE), which have demonstrated the experimental efficacy of this approach. CLDN4 is strongly involved in promoting malignant phenotypes in many epithelial cancers and is regarded as a promising molecular therapeutic target.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rina Fujiwara-Tani
- Department of Molecular Pathology, Nara Medical University, Kashihara 634-8521, Japan; (S.M.); (R.O.); (R.S.); (A.I.); (S.K.)
| | - Shiori Mori
- Department of Molecular Pathology, Nara Medical University, Kashihara 634-8521, Japan; (S.M.); (R.O.); (R.S.); (A.I.); (S.K.)
| | - Ruiko Ogata
- Department of Molecular Pathology, Nara Medical University, Kashihara 634-8521, Japan; (S.M.); (R.O.); (R.S.); (A.I.); (S.K.)
| | - Rika Sasaki
- Department of Molecular Pathology, Nara Medical University, Kashihara 634-8521, Japan; (S.M.); (R.O.); (R.S.); (A.I.); (S.K.)
| | - Ayaka Ikemoto
- Department of Molecular Pathology, Nara Medical University, Kashihara 634-8521, Japan; (S.M.); (R.O.); (R.S.); (A.I.); (S.K.)
| | - Shingo Kishi
- Department of Molecular Pathology, Nara Medical University, Kashihara 634-8521, Japan; (S.M.); (R.O.); (R.S.); (A.I.); (S.K.)
| | - Masuo Kondoh
- Drug Innovation Center, Graduate School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Osaka University, 6-1 Yamadaoka, Suita 565-0871, Japan;
| | - Hiroki Kuniyasu
- Department of Molecular Pathology, Nara Medical University, Kashihara 634-8521, Japan; (S.M.); (R.O.); (R.S.); (A.I.); (S.K.)
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Paes MF, Zipinotti Dos Santos D, Massariol Pimenta T, Ribeiro Junior RS, da Silva Martins B, Greco SJ, Carvalho AA, Bacchi C, Duarte C, Carvalho Í, Silva IV, Azevedo Rangel LB. Overexpression of CLDN16 in ovarian cancer is modulated by PI3K and PKC pathways. Exp Cell Res 2023; 426:113523. [PMID: 36889572 DOI: 10.1016/j.yexcr.2023.113523] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/10/2022] [Revised: 02/16/2023] [Accepted: 02/18/2023] [Indexed: 03/08/2023]
Abstract
Epithelial ovarian cancer (EOC) is the gynecological malignant tumor of poorest prognosis and higher mortality rate. Chemotherapy is the base of high-grade serous ovarian cancer (HGSOC) treatment; however, it favors the emergence of chemoresistance and metastasis. Thus, there is an urge to search for new therapeutic targets, such as proteins related to cellular proliferation and invasion. Herein, we investigated the expression profile of claudin-16 (CLDN16 protein and CLDN16 transcript) and its possible functions in EOC. In silico analysis of CLDN16 expression profile was performed using data extracted from GENT2 and GEPIA2 platforms. A retrospective study was carried out with 55 patients to evaluate the expression of CLDN16. The samples were evaluated by immunohistochemistry, immunofluorescence, qRT-PCR, molecular docking, sequencing, and immunoblotting assays. Statistical analyzes were performed using Kaplan-Meier curves, one-way ANOVA, Turkey posttest. Data were analyzed using GraphPad Prism 8.0. In silico experiments showed that CLDN16 is overexpressed in EOC. 80.0% of all EOC types overexpressed CLDN16, of which in 87% of the cases the protein is restricted to cellular cytoplasm. CLDN16 expression was not related to tumor stage, tumor cells differentiation status, tumor responsiveness to cisplatin, or patients' survival rate. When compared to data obtained from in silico analysis regarding EOC stage and degree of differentiation, differences were found in the former but not in the later, neither in survival curves. CLDN16 expression in HGSOC OVCAR-3 cells increased by 1.95-fold (p < 0.001), 2.32-fold (p < 0.001), and 6.57-fold (p < 0.001) via PKC, PI3K, and estrogen pathways, respectively. Altogether, our results suggest that despite the low number of samples included in our in vitro studies, adding to the expression profile findings, we provided a comprehensive study of CLDN16 expression in EOC. Therefore, we hypothesize that CLDN16 is a potential target in the diagnosis and treatment of the disease.
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Affiliation(s)
- Marcela Ferreira Paes
- Biotechnology Program/RENORBIO, Health Sciences Center, Federal University of Espírito Santo, Vitória, ES, Brazil
| | - Diandra Zipinotti Dos Santos
- Biotechnology Program/RENORBIO, Health Sciences Center, Federal University of Espírito Santo, Vitória, ES, Brazil
| | - Tatiana Massariol Pimenta
- Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Health Sciences Center, Federal University of Espírito Santo, Vitória, ES, Brazil
| | - Roberto Silva Ribeiro Junior
- Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Health Sciences Center, Federal University of Espírito Santo, Vitória, ES, Brazil
| | - Bárbara da Silva Martins
- Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Health Sciences Center, Federal University of Espírito Santo, Vitória, ES, Brazil
| | - Sandro José Greco
- Chemistry Department, Exact Sciences Center, Federal University of Espírito Santo, Vitória, ES, Brazil
| | - Alex Assis Carvalho
- Department of Pathology, Cassiano Antonio de Moraes Hospital, Health Sciences Center, Federal University of Espírito Santo, Vitória, ES, Brazil
| | | | | | | | - Ian Victor Silva
- Department of Morphology, Health Sciences Center, Federal University of Espírito Santo, Vitória, ES, Brazil
| | - Leticia Bdnatista Azevedo Rangel
- Biotechnology Program/RENORBIO, Health Sciences Center, Federal University of Espírito Santo, Vitória, ES, Brazil; Biochemistry Program, Health Sciences Center, Federal University of Espírito Santo, Vitória, ES, Brazil; Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Health Sciences Center, Federal University of Espírito Santo, Vitória, ES, Brazil.
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6
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Li Y, Luo B, Tong B, Xie Z, Cao J, Bai X, Peng Y, Wu Y, Wang W, Qi X. The role and molecular mechanism of gut microbiota in Graves' orbitopathy. J Endocrinol Invest 2023; 46:305-317. [PMID: 35986869 DOI: 10.1007/s40618-022-01902-7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/05/2022] [Accepted: 08/10/2022] [Indexed: 01/25/2023]
Abstract
PURPOSE Graves' orbitopathy (GO) is an autoimmune orbital disorder. Gut microbiota dysfunction plays a vital role in autoimmune diseases, including Graves' disease (GD) and GO. In the present study, we aimed to investigate the change of gut microbiota in GD/GO using mouse model. METHODS The murine model of GD/GO was established by the challenge of adenovirus expressing thyroid-stimulating hormone (TSH) receptor (TSHR) (Ad-TSHR). The histological changes of orbital and thyroid tissues were analyzed by hematoxylin and eosin (H&E), Masson staining, and immunohistochemistry (IHC) staining. The fecal samples were collected for 16S rRNA gene sequencing and bioinformatics analysis. RESULTS The GD/GO model was established successfully, as manifested as the broadened eyelid, exophthalmia and conjunctive redness, severe inflammatory infiltration among thyroid glands and between extraocular muscle space, hypertrophic extraocular muscles, elevated thyroxine (T4) and decreased TSH, and positive CD34, CD40, collagen I, and α-SMA staining. A total of 222 operational taxonomic units (OUTs) were overlapped between mice in the Ad-NC and Ad-TSHR groups. The microbial composition of the samples in the two groups was mainly Bacteroidia and Clostridia, and the Ad-NC group had a significantly lower content of Bacteroidia and higher content of Clostridia. KEGG orthology analysis results revealed differences in dehydrogenase, aspartic acid, bile acid, chalcone synthase, acetyltransferase, glutamylcyclotransferase, glycogenin, and 1-phosphatidylinositol-4-phosphate 5-kinase between two groups; enzyme commission (EC) analysis results revealed differences in several dehydrogenase, oxidase, thioxy/reductase between two groups; MetaCyc pathways analysis results revealed differences in isoleucine degradation, oxidation of C1 compounds, tricarboxylic acid (TCA) cycle IV, taurine degradation, and biosynthesis of paromamine, heme, colonic acid building blocks, butanediol, lysine/threonine/methionine, and histidine/purine/pyrimidine between two groups. CONCLUSION This study induced a mouse model of GD/GO by Ad-TSHR challenge, and gut microbiota characteristics were identified in the GD/GO mice. The Bacteroidia and Clostridia abundance was changed in the GD/GO mice. These findings may lay a solid experimental foundation for developing personalized treatment regimens for GD patients according to the individual gut microbiota. Given the potential impact of regional differences on intestinal microbiota, this study in China may provide a reference for the global overview of the gut-thyroid axis hypothesis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Y Li
- Department of Ophthalmology, The Second Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, No. 139, Renmin Middle Road, Changsha, 410011, Hunan, China
| | - B Luo
- Department of Ophthalmology, Tongji Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, 430030, Hubei, China
| | - B Tong
- Department of Ophthalmology, The Second Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, No. 139, Renmin Middle Road, Changsha, 410011, Hunan, China
| | - Z Xie
- Department of Ophthalmology, The Second Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, No. 139, Renmin Middle Road, Changsha, 410011, Hunan, China
| | - J Cao
- Department of Ophthalmology, The Third Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha, 410013, Hunan, China
| | - X Bai
- Department of Ophthalmology, The Second Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, No. 139, Renmin Middle Road, Changsha, 410011, Hunan, China
| | - Y Peng
- Department of Ophthalmology, The Second Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, No. 139, Renmin Middle Road, Changsha, 410011, Hunan, China
| | - Y Wu
- Department of Ophthalmology, The Second Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, No. 139, Renmin Middle Road, Changsha, 410011, Hunan, China
| | - W Wang
- Department of Ophthalmology, Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha, 410000, Hunan, China
| | - X Qi
- Department of Ophthalmology, The Second Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, No. 139, Renmin Middle Road, Changsha, 410011, Hunan, China.
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7
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Recent advances in microbial toxin-related strategies to combat cancer. Semin Cancer Biol 2022; 86:753-768. [PMID: 34271147 DOI: 10.1016/j.semcancer.2021.07.007] [Citation(s) in RCA: 21] [Impact Index Per Article: 10.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/03/2021] [Revised: 07/01/2021] [Accepted: 07/09/2021] [Indexed: 02/08/2023]
Abstract
It is a major concern to treat cancer successfully, due to the distinctive pathophysiology of cancer cells and the gradual manifestation of resistance. Specific action, adverse effects and development of resistance has prompted the urgent requirement of exploring alternative anti-tumour treatment therapies. The naturally derived microbial toxins as a therapy against cancer cells are a promisingly new dimension. Various important microbial toxins such as Diphtheria toxin, Vibrio cholera toxin, Aflatoxin, Patulin, Cryptophycin-55, Chlorella are derived from several bacterial, fungal and algal species. These agents act on different biotargets such as inhibition of protein synthesis, reduction in cell growth, regulation of cell cycle and many cellular processes. Bacterial toxins produce actions primarily by targeting protein moieties and some immunomodulation and few acts through DNA. Fungal toxins appear to have more DNA damaging activity and affect the cell cycle. Algal toxins produce alteration in mitochondrial phosphorylation. In conclusion, microbial toxins and their metabolites appear to have a great potential to provide a promising option for the treatment and management to combat cancer.
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8
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Beier LS, Waldow A, Khomeijani Farahani S, Mannweiler R, Vidal-Y-Sy S, Brandner JM, Piontek J, Günzel D. Claudin targeting as an effective tool for directed barrier modulation of the viable epidermis. Ann N Y Acad Sci 2022; 1517:251-265. [PMID: 35994210 DOI: 10.1111/nyas.14879] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/27/2022]
Abstract
Tight junction (TJ) formation is vital for epidermal barrier function. We aimed to specifically manipulate TJ barriers in the reconstructed human epidermis (RHE) by claudin-1 and -4 knockdown (KD) and by claudin-binding fusion proteins of glutathione S-transferase and modified C-terminal fragments of Clostridium perfringens enterotoxin (GST-cCPE). Impedance spectroscopy and tracer permeability imaging were employed for functional barrier assessment and investigation of claudin contribution. KD of claudin-1, but not claudin-4, impaired the paracellular barrier in vitro. Similarly, claudin-binding GST-cCPE variants weakened the paracellular but not the stratum corneum barrier. Combining both TJ targeting methods, we found that claudin-1 targeting by GST-cCPE after claudin-4 KD led to a marked decrease in paracellular barrier properties. Conversely, after claudin-1 KD, GST-cCPE did not further impair the barrier. Comparison of GST-cCPE variants with different claudin-1/claudin-4 affinities, NHS-fluorescein tracer detection, and immunostaining of RHE paraffin sections showed that GST-cCPE variants bind to extrajunctional claudin-1 and -4, which are differentially distributed along the stratum basale-stratum granulosum axis. GST-cCPE binding blocks these claudins, thereby specifically opening the paracellular barrier of RHE. The data indicate a critical role for claudin-1 in regulating paracellular permeability for ions and small molecules in the viable epidermis. Claudin targeting is presented as a proof-of-concept for precise barrier modulation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Laura-Sophie Beier
- Clinical Physiology/Nutritional Medicine, Medical Department, Division of Gastroenterology, Infectiology, Rheumatology, Charité - Universitätsmedizin Berlin, Berlin, Germany.,Laboratory of Mucosal Barrier Pathobiology, Department of Pathology, Brigham and Women's Hospital and Harvard Medical School, Boston, Massachusetts, USA
| | - Ayk Waldow
- Clinical Physiology/Nutritional Medicine, Medical Department, Division of Gastroenterology, Infectiology, Rheumatology, Charité - Universitätsmedizin Berlin, Berlin, Germany
| | - Saeed Khomeijani Farahani
- Clinical Physiology/Nutritional Medicine, Medical Department, Division of Gastroenterology, Infectiology, Rheumatology, Charité - Universitätsmedizin Berlin, Berlin, Germany
| | - Roman Mannweiler
- Clinical Physiology/Nutritional Medicine, Medical Department, Division of Gastroenterology, Infectiology, Rheumatology, Charité - Universitätsmedizin Berlin, Berlin, Germany
| | - Sabine Vidal-Y-Sy
- Department of Dermatology and Venerology, University Hospital Hamburg-Eppendorf, Hamburg, Germany
| | - Johanna M Brandner
- Department of Dermatology and Venerology, University Hospital Hamburg-Eppendorf, Hamburg, Germany
| | - Jörg Piontek
- Clinical Physiology/Nutritional Medicine, Medical Department, Division of Gastroenterology, Infectiology, Rheumatology, Charité - Universitätsmedizin Berlin, Berlin, Germany
| | - Dorothee Günzel
- Clinical Physiology/Nutritional Medicine, Medical Department, Division of Gastroenterology, Infectiology, Rheumatology, Charité - Universitätsmedizin Berlin, Berlin, Germany
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9
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Martínez-Camberos A, Alvarez-Arrazola M, Arámbula-Meraz E, Romero-Quintana J, Luque-Ortega F, Romo-Martinez E, Sánchez-Urbina R, Cedano-Prieto D, González-Castillo A, García-Magallanes N. Dysregulation of KRT19, TIMP1, and CLDN1 gene expression is associated with thyroid cancer. Biochem Biophys Res Commun 2022; 617:55-59. [PMID: 35679711 DOI: 10.1016/j.bbrc.2022.05.093] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/09/2022] [Revised: 05/25/2022] [Accepted: 05/30/2022] [Indexed: 11/02/2022]
Abstract
Thyroid nodules are the main indicators of thyroid cancer, their malignancy is evaluated by cytological analysis and imaging technology, however, there are still cases where the result is not enough to classify thyroid cancer. Therefore, there is a necessity for accurate molecular biomarkers to collaborate in the diagnosis. Here, we analyzed the mRNA relative expression of CLDN1, TIMP1, and KRT19 genes in FNA of malignant (n = 48) and benign (n = 49) thyroid nodules by RT-qPCR analysis to assess their predictive value as cancer biomarkers. We identified a significant overexpression of the three transcripts in malignant nodules, therefore, the evaluation of their predictive capacity to distinguish between benign and malignant nodule as individual biomarkers were evaluated by logistic regression tests, obtaining promising prediction results to rule out cancer; later by random forest to create a stronger model, we included expression results with clinicopathological characteristics, the best model consists of the three-mRNA level expression with patient's history of cancer (AUC = 0.821, accuracy = 85.4% and sensitivity of 81.1%). These results demonstrate a dysregulated expression of CLDN1, KRT19 and TIMP1 in thyroid cancer, thus, represent a promising panel of biomarkers to be evaluated in indeterminate thyroid nodules.
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Affiliation(s)
- Alejandra Martínez-Camberos
- Posgrado en Ciencias Biomédicas, Facultad de Ciencias Químico Biológicas, Universidad Autónoma de Sinaloa, Culiacán, 80010, Mexico.
| | | | - Eliakym Arámbula-Meraz
- Laboratorio de Genética y Biología Molecular, Facultad de Ciencias Químico Biológicas, Universidad Autónoma de Sinaloa, Culiacán, 80010, Mexico.
| | - José Romero-Quintana
- Posgrado en Ciencias Biomédicas, Facultad de Ciencias Químico Biológicas, Universidad Autónoma de Sinaloa, Culiacán, 80010, Mexico.
| | - Fred Luque-Ortega
- Laboratorio de Ciencias Básicas, Facultad de Odontología, Universidad Autónoma de Sinaloa, Culiacán, 80010, Mexico.
| | - Enrique Romo-Martinez
- Laboratorio de Biomedicina y Biología Molecular, Ingeniería en Biotecnología, Universidad Politécnica de Sinaloa, Mazatlán, 82199, Mexico.
| | - Rocio Sánchez-Urbina
- Unidad de Investigación en Malformaciones Congénitas, Hospital Infantil de México Federico Gómez, México City, Mexico.
| | - Dora Cedano-Prieto
- Laboratorio de Genética y Biología Molecular, Facultad de Ciencias Químico Biológicas, Universidad Autónoma de Sinaloa, Culiacán, 80010, Mexico.
| | - Adrián González-Castillo
- Laboratorio de Biomedicina y Biología Molecular, Ingeniería en Biotecnología, Universidad Politécnica de Sinaloa, Mazatlán, 82199, Mexico.
| | - Noemí García-Magallanes
- Laboratorio de Biomedicina y Biología Molecular, Ingeniería en Biotecnología, Universidad Politécnica de Sinaloa, Mazatlán, 82199, Mexico.
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10
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Fan JY, Huang Y, Li Y, Muluh TA, Fu SZ, Wu JB. Bacteria in cancer therapy: A new generation of weapons. Cancer Med 2022; 11:4457-4468. [PMID: 35522104 PMCID: PMC9741989 DOI: 10.1002/cam4.4799] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/01/2021] [Revised: 04/10/2022] [Accepted: 04/12/2022] [Indexed: 12/15/2022] Open
Abstract
Tumors are presently a major threat to human life and health. Malignant tumors are conventionally treated through radiotherapy and chemotherapy. However, traditional therapies yield unsatisfactory results due to high toxicity to the normal cells, inability to treat deep tumor tissues, and the possibility of inducing drug resistance in the tumor cells. This has caused immunotherapy to emerge as an effective and alternate treatment strategy. To overcome the limitations of the conventional treatments as well as to avert the risk of various drug resistance and cytotoxicity, bacterial anti-tumor immunotherapy has raised the interest of researchers. This therapeutic strategy employs bacteria to specifically target and colonize the tumor tissues with preferential accumulation and proliferation. Such bacterial accumulation initiates a series of anti-tumor immune responses, effectively eliminating the tumor cells. This immunotherapy can use the bacteria alone or concomitantly with the other methods. For example, the bacteria can deliver the anti-cancer effect mediators by regulating the expression of the bacterial genes or by synthesizing the bioengineered bacterial complexes. This review will discuss the mechanism of utilizing bacteria in treating tumors, especially in terms of immune mechanisms. This could help in better integrating the bacterial method with other treatment options, thereby, providing a more effective, reliable, and unique treatment therapy for tumors.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jun Ying Fan
- Department of OncologyThe Affiliated Hospital of Southwest Medical UniversityLuzhouSichuanP.R. China
| | - Yuan Huang
- Department of OncologyThe Affiliated Hospital of Southwest Medical UniversityLuzhouSichuanP.R. China
| | - Yi Li
- Department of OncologyThe Affiliated Hospital of Southwest Medical UniversityLuzhouSichuanP.R. China
| | - Tobias Achu Muluh
- Department of OncologyThe Affiliated Hospital of Southwest Medical UniversityLuzhouSichuanP.R. China
| | - Shao Zhi Fu
- Department of OncologyThe Affiliated Hospital of Southwest Medical UniversityLuzhouSichuanP.R. China,Department of Nuclear MedicineThe Affiliated Hospital of Southwest Medical UniversityLuzhouSichuanP.R. China
| | - Jing Bo Wu
- Department of OncologyThe Affiliated Hospital of Southwest Medical UniversityLuzhouSichuanP.R. China,Department of Nuclear MedicineThe Affiliated Hospital of Southwest Medical UniversityLuzhouSichuanP.R. China,Academician (Expert) Workstation of Sichuan ProvinceLuzhouSichuanP.R. China
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11
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Cadherin‑16 inhibits thyroid carcinoma cell proliferation and invasion. Oncol Lett 2022; 23:145. [PMID: 35350592 PMCID: PMC8941525 DOI: 10.3892/ol.2022.13265] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/23/2021] [Accepted: 03/04/2022] [Indexed: 11/11/2022] Open
Abstract
Cadherin-16 (CDH16), a member of the cadherin family of adhesion molecules, serves an important role in the formation and maintenance of the thyroid follicular lumen. Decreased expression of CDH16 has been reported to be associated with tumor stage in papillary thyroid cancer (PTC); however, previous analyses have been limited and the biological role of CDH16 in different subtypes of TC is unknown. To investigate the role of CDH16 in the occurrence and development of TC, bioinformatic analysis of three TC subtypes (PTC, follicular cell-derived TC and anaplastic TC) was performed using an extended data set from the Gene Expression Omnibus database, with additional confirmation using data from The Cancer Genome Atlas, as well as biopsies from 35 patients with PTC and TC or follicular cell lines. According to the dataset analysis, CDH16 was downregulated in PTC and follicular cell-derived and anaplastic TC; the downregulation in PTC was independent of DNA copy number variation. Furthermore, low expression levels of CDH16 were significantly correlated with tumor size, lymph node metastasis status and disease stage in 35 patients with PTC. Gene Set Enrichment Analysis suggested that CDH16 participated in DNA replication and cell adhesion pathways. To evaluate CDH16 activity, CDH16 was overexpressed in TC-derived BCPAP cells. CDH16 overexpression inhibited cell proliferation, migration and invasion and induced apoptosis by downregulating proteins associated with DNA replication and cell adhesion. These results support the identification of CDH16 as a valuable target for TC prognosis and therapy and, to the best of our knowledge, represent the first direct demonstration of its mechanistic role in TC.
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12
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Disruption of Claudin-Made Tight Junction Barriers by Clostridium perfringens Enterotoxin: Insights from Structural Biology. Cells 2022; 11:cells11050903. [PMID: 35269525 PMCID: PMC8909277 DOI: 10.3390/cells11050903] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/07/2022] [Revised: 02/26/2022] [Accepted: 03/02/2022] [Indexed: 02/01/2023] Open
Abstract
Claudins are a family of integral membrane proteins that enable epithelial cell/cell interactions by localizing to and driving the formation of tight junctions. Via claudin self-assembly within the membranes of adjoining cells, their extracellular domains interact, forming barriers to the paracellular transport of small molecules and ions. The bacterium Clostridium perfringens causes prevalent gastrointestinal disorders in mammals by employing an enterotoxin (CpE) that targets claudins. CpE binds to claudins at or near tight junctions in the gut and disrupts their barrier function, potentially by disabling their assembly or via cell signaling means—the mechanism(s) remain unclear. CpE ultimately destroys claudin-expressing cells through the formation of a cytotoxic membrane-penetrating β-barrel pore. Structures obtained by X-ray crystallography of CpE, claudins, and claudins in complex with CpE fragments have provided the structural bases of claudin and CpE functions, revealing potential mechanisms for the CpE-mediated disruption of claudin-made tight junctions. This review highlights current progress in this space—what has been discovered and what remains unknown—toward efforts to elucidate the molecular mechanism of CpE disruption of tight junction barriers. It further underscores the key insights obtained through structure that are being applied to develop CpE-based therapeutics that combat claudin-overexpressing cancers or modulate tight junction barriers.
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13
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Beier LS, Piontek J, Piontek A, Protze J, Kobelt D, Walther W. Claudin-Targeted Suicide Gene Therapy for Claudin-Overexpressing Tumor Cells by Using Modified Clostridium perfringens Enterotoxin (CPE). Methods Mol Biol 2022; 2521:173-188. [PMID: 35732998 DOI: 10.1007/978-1-0716-2441-8_9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/15/2023]
Abstract
Bacterial toxins gain growing attention as potential cancer treatment due to their potent cytotoxic effects. Among the very different toxins with diverse modes of action, the Clostridium perfringens enterotoxin (CPE) is in focus to treat solid cancers. This toxin targets the tight junction proteins claudin-3 and -4 (Cldn-3/4), which are frequently overexpressed in solid cancers. Binding to these claudins induces pore formation in the host cell plasma membrane leading to rapid oncoleaking cell death of tumor cells. Based on this, extending the targeting of CPE beyond Cldn-3/4 is of interest, since other claudins, such as claudin-1 or -5 are often overexpressed in various cancer entities such as non-small-cell lung cancer (NSCLC) or papillary thyroid carcinoma. In this chapter we describe the modification of a CPE-encoding vector by structure-directed mutagenesis to either preferentially target Cldn-1 and -5 or to expand targeting to Cldn1-9 for improved broadened cytotoxic targeting of claudin-overexpressing tumors such as but not limited to lung cancer via CPE gene transfer.
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Affiliation(s)
- Laura-Sophie Beier
- Division of Gastroenterology, Infectiology, Rheumatology, Clinical Physiology/Nutritional Medicine, Medical Department, Charitè - Universitätsmedizin Berlin, Berlin, Germany
- Division of Cell and Developmental Biology, Institute of Biology, University of Leipzig, Leipzig, Germany
| | - Jörg Piontek
- Division of Gastroenterology, Infectiology, Rheumatology, Clinical Physiology/Nutritional Medicine, Medical Department, Charitè - Universitätsmedizin Berlin, Berlin, Germany
| | - Anna Piontek
- Leibniz-Forschungsinstitut für Molekulare Pharmakologie (FMP), Berlin, Germany
| | - Jonas Protze
- Leibniz-Forschungsinstitut für Molekulare Pharmakologie (FMP), Berlin, Germany
| | - Dennis Kobelt
- Max-Delbrück-Center for Molecular Medicine, Berlin, Germany
| | - Wolfgang Walther
- Max-Delbrück-Center for Molecular Medicine, Berlin, Germany.
- Experimental and Clinical Research Center, Charité Universitätsmedizin Berlin, Berlin, Germany.
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14
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Effective Oncoleaking Treatment of Pancreatic Cancer by Claudin-Targeted Suicide Gene Therapy with Clostridium perfringens Enterotoxin (CPE). Cancers (Basel) 2021; 13:cancers13174393. [PMID: 34503203 PMCID: PMC8431234 DOI: 10.3390/cancers13174393] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/30/2021] [Revised: 08/20/2021] [Accepted: 08/25/2021] [Indexed: 02/07/2023] Open
Abstract
Simple Summary Current therapies for pancreas carcinoma (PC) are of limited efficacy due to tumor aggressiveness and therapy resistance. Bacterial toxins with pore-forming (oncoleaking) potential are promising tools in cancer therapy. We have developed a novel, suicide gene therapy treatment, based on Clostridium perfringens enterotoxin (CPE)-mediated oncoleaking. This is achieved by CPE suicide gene therapy to treat PC, which overexpresses the claudin-3 and -4 (Cldn3/4) tight junction proteins, which are targets of CPE action. This targeted gene therapy causes rapid eradication of Cldn3/4 overexpressing PC cells via oncoleaking and initiation of apoptotic/necrotic signaling. We demonstrate efficacy of this approach in vitro and after nonviral in vivo gene transfer in cell lines and in patient derived xenograft PC models. This therapy approach has translational potential for treatment of pancreas carcinomas and could also be translated into new combination settings with conventional chemotherapy. Abstract Pancreatic cancer (PC) is one of the most lethal cancers worldwide, associated with poor prognosis and restricted therapeutic options. Clostridium perfringens enterotoxin (CPE), is a pore-forming (oncoleaking) toxin, which binds to claudin-3 and -4 (Cldn3/4) causing selective cytotoxicity. Cldn3/4 are highly upregulated in PC and represent an effective target for oncoleaking therapy. We utilized a translation-optimized CPE vector (optCPE) for new suicide approach of PC in vitro and in cell lines (CDX) and patient-derived pancreatic cancer xenografts (PDX) in vivo. The study demonstrates selective toxicity in Cldn3/4 overexpressing PC cells by optCPE gene transfer, mediated by pore formation, activation of apoptotic/necrotic signaling in vitro, induction of necrosis and of bystander tumor cell killing in vivo. The optCPE non-viral intratumoral in vivo jet-injection gene therapy shows targeted antitumoral efficacy in different CDX and PDX PC models, leading to reduced tumor viability and induction of tumor necrosis, which is further enhanced if combined with chemotherapy. This selective oncoleaking suicide gene therapy improves therapeutic efficacy in pancreas carcinoma and will be of value for better local control, particularly of unresectable or therapy refractory PC.
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15
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Li J. Targeting claudins in cancer: diagnosis, prognosis and therapy. Am J Cancer Res 2021; 11:3406-3424. [PMID: 34354852] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/22/2021] [Accepted: 06/18/2021] [Indexed: 11/09/2022] Open
Abstract
Increasing evidence has linked claudins to signal transduction and tumorigenesis. The expression of claudins is frequently dysregulated in the context of neoplastic transformation, suggesting their promise as biomarkers for diagnosis and prognosis or targets for treatment. Claudin binders (Clostridium perfringens enterotoxin and monoclonal antibody) have been tested in preclinical experiments, and some of them have progressed into clinical trials involving patients with certain cancers. However, the clinical development of many of these agents has not advanced to clinical applications. Herein, I review the current status of preclinical and clinical investigations of agents targeting claudins for diagnosis, prognosis and therapy. I also discuss the potential of combining claudin binders with other currently approved therapeutic agents.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jian Li
- Department of General Surgery, The Third Hospital of Mianyang, Sichuan Mental Health Center Mianyang 621000, Sichuan, China
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