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Chen S, Pan X, Zhang L, Cui X, Ye J. FOXK1 upregulation is correlated with tumor progression and tumor associated macrophages infiltration in renal cell carcinoma. Mol Carcinog 2024; 63:136-144. [PMID: 37818826 DOI: 10.1002/mc.23641] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/11/2023] [Revised: 09/13/2023] [Accepted: 09/15/2023] [Indexed: 10/13/2023]
Abstract
Renal cell carcinoma (RCC) is one of the most common urological cancers in adults. Forkhead box k1 (FOXK1) is a transcription factor involved in the progression of various malignant tumors. In this study, we aimed to investigate the expression and roles of FOXK1 in RCC development. Our findings revealed increased expression of FOXK1 in RCC tumor tissues and cell lines compared with normal controls. Functional assays demonstrated that knockdown of FOXK1 significantly inhibited proliferation, migration, invasion, and promoted apoptosis in RCC cells. Furthermore, FOXK1 knockdown suppressed epithelial-mesenchymal transition and Wnt signaling in RCC cells. Additionally, we observed a correlation between FOXK1 upregulation and tumor associated macrophages infiltration in RCC. These results suggest that FOXK1 acts as an oncogene in RCC and may serve as a potential therapeutic target for RCC treatment.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shaojun Chen
- Department of Urology, Xinhua Hospital Affiliated to Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai, China
| | - Xiuwu Pan
- Department of Urology, Xinhua Hospital Affiliated to Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai, China
| | - Liang Zhang
- Department of Urology, Xinhua Hospital Affiliated to Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai, China
| | - Xingang Cui
- Department of Urology, Xinhua Hospital Affiliated to Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai, China
| | - Jianqing Ye
- Department of Urology, Xinhua Hospital Affiliated to Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai, China
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2
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Gharbaran R. Insights into the molecular roles of FOXR2 in the pathology of primary pediatric brain tumors. Crit Rev Oncol Hematol 2023; 192:104188. [PMID: 37879492 DOI: 10.1016/j.critrevonc.2023.104188] [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] [Received: 03/13/2023] [Revised: 08/23/2023] [Accepted: 10/16/2023] [Indexed: 10/27/2023] Open
Abstract
Forkhead box gene R2 (FOXR2) belongs to the family of FOX genes which codes for highly conserved transcription factors (TFs) with critical roles in biological processes ranging from development to organogenesis to metabolic and immune regulation to cellular homeostasis. A number of FOX genes are associated with cancer development and progression and poor prognosis. A growing body of evidence suggests that FOXR2 is an oncogene. Studies suggested important roles for FOXR2 in cancer cell growth, metastasis, and drug resistance. Recent studies showed that FOXR2 is overexpressed by a subset of newly identified entities of embryonal tumors. This review discusses the role(s) FOXR2 plays in the pathology of pediatric brain cancers and its potential as a therapeutic target.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rajendra Gharbaran
- Biological Sciences Department, Bronx Community College/City University of New York, 2155 University Avenue, Bronx, NY 10453, USA.
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3
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Xie Q, Wang J, Peng X. Dysregulated Forkhead Box (FOX) Genes Association with Survival Prognosis, Anti-tumor Immunity, and Key Targeting Drugs in Colon Adenocarcinoma. ARCHIVES OF IRANIAN MEDICINE 2023; 26:510-528. [PMID: 38310407 PMCID: PMC10862056 DOI: 10.34172/aim.2023.77] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/17/2022] [Accepted: 07/03/2023] [Indexed: 02/05/2024]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Several studies have revealed that the aberrant expressions of forkhead box (FOX) genes are associated with carcinogenesis. However, the crucial biological functions of the FOX gene in colon adenocarcinoma (COAD) remain unknown. METHODS The TCGA-COAD dataset (n=328) was utilized for determining the deregulated FOX genes and their association with functional enrichment, protein-protein interaction (PPI), survival prognosis, anti-tumor immunity, cancer-associated pathways, and biological processes in COAD. In addition, we used GSE166427 (GPL13667) as a validation cohort (n=196). Molecular docking studies were applied to perform the drug interactions. RESULTS The FOX genes are deregulated in the COAD (Log2 FC>0.50, P<0.05), and the PPI network of FOX members is substantially related to the enrichment of cancerous signaling, immune responses, and cellular development (FDR<0.05). A worse prognosis for overall survival in COAD individuals is connected with the subgroup of FOX transcripts (P≤0.05). FOXD4, FOXH1, and FOXS1 were identified as predictive variables in the univariate and multivariate Cox regression models (P≤0.05). FOXH1 and FOXS1 are substantially linked to the deregulated immunity in COAD (R>0.20, P<0.01). Furthermore, FOXS1 expression regulates cancer-associated pathways and biological processes (P<0.05). Moreover, FOXD4, FOXH1, and FOXS1 are genetically altered and showed diagnostic efficacy in COAD. We revealed that FOXD4, FOXH1, and FOXS1 are consistently deregulated in GSE166427 (P<0.05). Finally, molecular docking revealed that FOXH1 interacted with various drugs, including belinostat, entinostat, and panobinostat. CONCLUSION The FOX genes have a strong correlation with the poor prognosis for survival, tumor immunity, cancer-associated pathways, and biochemical processes that cause the pathogenesis of COAD.
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Affiliation(s)
- Qian Xie
- International Medical Center/Ward of General Practice, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu, 610000, China
| | - Jie Wang
- Department of Pharmacy, First Affiliated Hospital of Xinjiang Medical University, Urumqi, 830011, China
| | - Xingchen Peng
- Department of Biotherapy, Cancer Center, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu, 610000, China
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4
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Niu XJ, Sun YH, Wang LJ, Huang YY, Wang Y, Guo XQ, Xu BH, Wang C. Fox transcription factor AccGRF1 in response to glyphosate stress in Apis cerana cerana. PESTICIDE BIOCHEMISTRY AND PHYSIOLOGY 2023; 192:105419. [PMID: 37105625 DOI: 10.1016/j.pestbp.2023.105419] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/23/2022] [Revised: 03/23/2023] [Accepted: 04/02/2023] [Indexed: 06/19/2023]
Abstract
Glyphosate is an herbicide commonly used in agriculture, and its widespread use has adversely affected the survival of nontarget organisms. Among these organisms, bees in particular are important pollinators, and declining bee populations have severely affected crop yields around the world. However, the molecular mechanism by which glyphosate harms bees remains unclear. In our experiment, we screened and cloned a glyphosate-induced gene in Apis cerana cerana (A. c. cerana) and named glyphosate response factor 1 (AccGRF1). Sequence analysis showed that AccGRF1 contains a winged-helix DNA binding domain, which suggests that it belongs to the Forkhead box (Fox) protein family. qRT-PCR and heterologous expression in Escherichia coli and yeast showed that AccGRF1 can respond to glyphosate and oxidative stress. After AccGRF1 knockdown by means of RNA interference (RNAi), the resistance of A. c. cerana to glyphosate stress improved. The results suggested that AccGRF1 is involved in A. c. cerana glyphosate stress tolerance. This study reveals the functions of Fox transcription factors in response to glyphosate stress and provides molecular insights into the regulation of glyphosate responses in honeybees.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xiao-Jing Niu
- State Key Laboratory of Crop Biology, College of Life Sciences, Shandong Agricultural University, Taian 271018, Shandong, China
| | - Yun-Hao Sun
- State Key Laboratory of Crop Biology, College of Life Sciences, Shandong Agricultural University, Taian 271018, Shandong, China
| | - Li-Jun Wang
- State Key Laboratory of Crop Biology, College of Life Sciences, Shandong Agricultural University, Taian 271018, Shandong, China
| | - Yuan-Yuan Huang
- State Key Laboratory of Crop Biology, College of Life Sciences, Shandong Agricultural University, Taian 271018, Shandong, China
| | - Ying Wang
- College of Animal Science and Technology, Shandong Agricultural University, Taian 271018, Shandong, China
| | - Xing-Qi Guo
- State Key Laboratory of Crop Biology, College of Life Sciences, Shandong Agricultural University, Taian 271018, Shandong, China
| | - Bao-Hua Xu
- College of Animal Science and Technology, Shandong Agricultural University, Taian 271018, Shandong, China.
| | - Chen Wang
- State Key Laboratory of Crop Biology, College of Life Sciences, Shandong Agricultural University, Taian 271018, Shandong, China.
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5
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Genome-Wide Detection and Analysis of Copy Number Variation in Anhui Indigenous and Western Commercial Pig Breeds Using Porcine 80K SNP BeadChip. Genes (Basel) 2023; 14:genes14030654. [PMID: 36980927 PMCID: PMC10047991 DOI: 10.3390/genes14030654] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/19/2023] [Revised: 02/27/2023] [Accepted: 03/01/2023] [Indexed: 03/08/2023] Open
Abstract
Copy number variation (CNV) is an important class of genetic variations widely associated with the porcine genome, but little is known about the characteristics of CNVs in foreign and indigenous pig breeds. We performed a genome-wide comparison of CNVs between Anhui indigenous pig (AHIP) and Western commercial pig (WECP) breeds based on data from the Porcine 80K SNP BeadChip. After analysis using the PennCNV software, we detected 3863 and 7546 CNVs in the AHIP and WECP populations, respectively. We obtained 225 (loss: 178, gain: 47) and 379 (loss: 293, gain: 86) copy number variation regions (CNVRs) randomly distributed across the autosomes of the AHIP and WECP populations, accounting for 10.90% and 22.57% of the porcine autosomal genome, respectively. Functional enrichment analysis of genes in the CNVRs identified genes related to immunity (FOXJ1, FOXK2, MBL2, TNFRSF4, SIRT1, NCF1) and meat quality (DGAT1, NT5E) in the WECP population; these genes were a loss event in the WECP population. This study provides important information on CNV differences between foreign and indigenous pig breeds, making it possible to provide a reference for future improvement of these breeds and their production performance.
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6
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Chen Q, Liao X, Lin L, Wu L, Tang Q. FOXF1 attenuates TGF‑β1‑induced bronchial epithelial cell injury by inhibiting CDH11‑mediated Wnt/β‑catenin signaling. Exp Ther Med 2023; 25:103. [PMID: 36798677 PMCID: PMC9926140 DOI: 10.3892/etm.2023.11802] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/08/2022] [Accepted: 11/11/2022] [Indexed: 01/22/2023] Open
Abstract
Forkhead box F1 (FOXF1) has been reported to be associated with lung development. However, the role of FOXF1 in asthma is still not fully understood. In the present study, the biological role and the potential mechanism of FOXF1 was explored in transforming growth factor β1 (TGF-β1)-induced bronchial epithelial cell injury. Reverse transcription-quantitative PCR and western blotting were performed to detect the expression levels of FOXF1 and cadherin (CDH) 11 in TGF-β1-induced bronchial epithelial cells. Proliferation, apoptosis and inflammation were assessed using Cell Counting Kit-8 assay, flow cytometry, western blotting and ELISA. Fibrosis and epithelial-mesenchymal transition (EMT) were evaluated using immunofluorescence and western blotting. The expression levels of the proteins involved in the Wnt/β-catenin pathway were detected by western blotting. The results indicated that FOXF1 expression was downregulated, while CDH11 expression was upregulated in TGF-β1-treated BEAS-2B cells. FOXF1 overexpression promoted proliferation, inhibited induction of apoptosis and suppressed the inflammatory response of BEAS-2B cells exposed to TGF-β1. In addition, FOXF1 overexpression restrained TGF-β1-induced bronchial epithelial fibrosis and EMT and inhibited the activation of the Wnt/β-catenin pathway. CDH11 overexpression reversed the effects of FOXF1 overexpression on proliferation, apoptosis, fibrosis, EMT and inflammation by regulating the Wnt/β-catenin pathway. Collectively, the results of the present study suggested that FOXF1 regulated TGF-β1-induced BEAS-2B cell injury by inhibiting CDH11-mediated Wnt/β-catenin signaling. This may provide a novel therapeutic strategy for the treatment of asthma.
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Affiliation(s)
- Qin Chen
- Department of Pediatrics, Fujian Children's Hospital (Fujian Branch of Shanghai Children's Medical Center), College of Clinical Medicine for Obstetrics & Gynecology and Pediatrics, Fujian Medical University, Fuzhou, Fujian 350000, P.R. China
| | - Xing Liao
- Department of Pediatrics, Fujian Children's Hospital (Fujian Branch of Shanghai Children's Medical Center), College of Clinical Medicine for Obstetrics & Gynecology and Pediatrics, Fujian Medical University, Fuzhou, Fujian 350000, P.R. China
| | - Ling Lin
- Department of Pediatrics, Fujian Children's Hospital (Fujian Branch of Shanghai Children's Medical Center), College of Clinical Medicine for Obstetrics & Gynecology and Pediatrics, Fujian Medical University, Fuzhou, Fujian 350000, P.R. China
| | - Ling Wu
- Department of Pediatrics, Fujian Children's Hospital (Fujian Branch of Shanghai Children's Medical Center), College of Clinical Medicine for Obstetrics & Gynecology and Pediatrics, Fujian Medical University, Fuzhou, Fujian 350000, P.R. China
| | - Qiuyu Tang
- Department of Pediatrics, Fujian Children's Hospital (Fujian Branch of Shanghai Children's Medical Center), College of Clinical Medicine for Obstetrics & Gynecology and Pediatrics, Fujian Medical University, Fuzhou, Fujian 350000, P.R. China,Correspondence to: Dr Qiuyu Tang, Department of Pediatrics, Fujian Children’s Hospital (Fujian Branch of Shanghai Children’s Medical Center), College of Clinical Medicine for Obstetrics & Gynecology and Pediatrics, Fujian Medical University, 966 Hengyu Road, Jin’an, Fuzhou, Fujian 350000, P.R. China
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7
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Tavakoli Pirzaman A, Ebrahimzadeh Pirshahid M, Babajani B, Rahmati A, Niknezhad S, Hosseinzadeh R, Taheri M, Ebrahimi-Zadeh F, Doostmohamadian S, Kazemi S. The Role of microRNAs in Regulating Cancer Cell Response to Oxaliplatin-Containing Regimens. Technol Cancer Res Treat 2023; 22:15330338231206003. [PMID: 37849311 PMCID: PMC10586010 DOI: 10.1177/15330338231206003] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/25/2023] [Revised: 07/18/2023] [Accepted: 10/18/2023] [Indexed: 10/19/2023] Open
Abstract
Oxaliplatin (cyclohexane-1,2-diamine; oxalate; platinum [2+]) is a third-generation chemotherapeutic drug with anticancer effects. Oxaliplatin has a role in the treatment of several cancers. It is one of the few drugs which can eliminate the neoplastic cells of colorectal cancer. Also, it has an influential role in breast cancer, lung cancer, bladder cancer, prostate cancer, and gastric cancer. Although oxaliplatin has many beneficial effects in cancer treatment, resistance to this drug is in the way to cure neoplastic cells and reduce treatment efficacy. microRNAs are a subtype of small noncoding RNAs with ∼22 nucleotides that exist among species. They have diverse roles in physiological processes, including cellular proliferation and cell death. Moreover, miRNAs have essential roles in resistance to cancer treatment and can strengthen sensitivity to chemotherapeutic drugs and regimens. In colorectal cancer, the co-treatment of oxaliplatin with anti-miR-19a can partially reverse the oxaliplatin resistance through the upregulation of phosphatase and tensin homolog (PTEN). Moreover, by preventing the spread of gastric cancer cells and downregulating glypican-3 (GPC3), MiR-4510 may modify immunosuppressive signals in the tumor microenvironment. Treatment with oxaliplatin may develop into a specialized therapeutic drug for patients with miR-4510 inhibition and glypican-3-expressing gastric cancer. Eventually, miR-122 upregulation or Wnt/β-catenin signaling suppression boosted the death of HCC cells and made them more sensitive to oxaliplatin. Herein, we have reviewed the role of microRNAs in regulating cancer cells' response to oxaliplatin, with particular attention to gastrointestinal cancers. We also discussed the role of these noncoding RNAs in the pathophysiology of oxaliplatin-induced neuropathic pain.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | - Bahareh Babajani
- Student Research Committee, Babol University of Medical Sciences, Babol, Iran
| | - Amirhossein Rahmati
- Student Research Committee, Babol University of Medical Sciences, Babol, Iran
| | - Shokat Niknezhad
- Student Research Committee, Babol University of Medical Sciences, Babol, Iran
| | - Rezvan Hosseinzadeh
- Student Research Committee, Babol University of Medical Sciences, Babol, Iran
| | - Mehdi Taheri
- Student Research Committee, Babol University of Medical Sciences, Babol, Iran
| | - Faezeh Ebrahimi-Zadeh
- Student Research Committee, school of Medicine, Jahrom University of Medical Science, Jahrom, Iran
| | | | - Sohrab Kazemi
- Cellular and Molecular Biology Research Center, Health Research Center, Babol University of Medical Sciences, Babol, Iran
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8
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Dong Q, Yan L, Xu Q, Hu X, Yang Y, Zhu R, Xu Q, Yang Y, Wang B. Pan-cancer analysis of forkhead box Q1 as a potential prognostic and immunological biomarker. Front Genet 2022; 13:944970. [PMID: 36118871 PMCID: PMC9475120 DOI: 10.3389/fgene.2022.944970] [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: 05/16/2022] [Accepted: 07/29/2022] [Indexed: 12/24/2022] Open
Abstract
Forkhead box Q1 (FOXQ1) is a member of the forkhead transcription factor family involved in the occurrence and development of different tumors. However, the specific expression patterns and functions of FOXQ1 in pan-cancer remain unclear. Therefore, we collected the expression, mutation, and clinical information data of 33 tumors from The Cancer Genome Atlas database. Via public pan-cancer transcriptome data analysis, we found that FOXQ1 is differentially expressed in various tumors at tissue and cell levels, such as liver hepatocellular carcinoma, colon adenocarcinoma, lung adenocarcinoma, lung squamous cell carcinoma, thyroid carcinoma, and kidney renal clear cell carcinoma. Kaplan–Meier and Cox analyses suggested that FOXQ1 expression was associated with poor overall survival of cutaneous melanoma and thymoma. Its expression was also associated with good disease-specific survival (DSS) in prostate adenocarcinoma but poor DSS in liver hepatocellular carcinoma. In addition, FOXQ1 expression was associated with poor disease-free survival of pancreatic adenocarcinoma. Moreover, FOXQ1 expression was closely related to the tumor mutational burden in 14 tumor types and microsatellite instability (MSI) in 8 tumor types. With an increase in stromal and immune cells, FOXQ1 expression was increased in breast invasive carcinoma, pancreatic adenocarcinoma, thyroid carcinoma, lung adenocarcinoma, and ovarian serous cystadenocarcinoma, while its expression was decreased in pancreatic adenocarcinoma, bladder urothelial carcinoma, and stomach adenocarcinoma. We also found that FOXQ1 expression was related to the infiltration of 22 immune cell types in different tumors (p < 0.05), such as resting mast cells and resting memory CD4 T cells. Last, FOXQ1 was coexpressed with 47 immune-related genes in pan-cancer (p < 0.05). In conclusion, FOXQ1 expression is closely related to prognosis, clinicopathological parameters, cancer-related pathway activity, the tumor mutational burden, MSI, the tumor microenvironment, immune cell infiltration, and immune-related genes and has the potential to be a diagnostic and prognostic biomarker as well as an immunotherapy target for tumors. Our findings provide important clues for further mechanistic research into FOXQ1.
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Affiliation(s)
- Qiguan Dong
- Department of Radiation Oncology, General Hospital of Fushun Mining Bureau of Liaoning Health Industry Group, Fushun, China
- *Correspondence: Qiguan Dong, ; Yuchao Yang, ; Bengang Wang,
| | - Lirong Yan
- Tumour Etiology and Screening Department of Cancer Institute and General Surgery, Liaoning Provincial Education Department, Key Laboratory of Cancer Etiology and Prevention, The First Affiliated Hospital of China Medical University, China Medical University, Shenyang, China
| | - Qingbang Xu
- Department of Pain Medicine, Union Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, China
| | - Xianliang Hu
- Department of Breast Surgery, The 3rd People’s Hospital of Liaoyang, Liaoyang, China
| | - Yan Yang
- Department of Radiation Oncology, General Hospital of Fushun Mining Bureau of Liaoning Health Industry Group, Fushun, China
| | - Ruiwu Zhu
- Department of Thoracic Surgery, General Hospital of Fushun Mining Bureau of Liaoning Health Industry Group, Fushun, China
| | - Qian Xu
- Tumour Etiology and Screening Department of Cancer Institute and General Surgery, Liaoning Provincial Education Department, Key Laboratory of Cancer Etiology and Prevention, The First Affiliated Hospital of China Medical University, China Medical University, Shenyang, China
| | - Yuchao Yang
- Department of Neurology, General Hospital of Fushun Mining Bureau of Liaoning Health Industry Group, Fushun, China
- *Correspondence: Qiguan Dong, ; Yuchao Yang, ; Bengang Wang,
| | - Bengang Wang
- Department of Hepatobiliary Surgery, Institute of General Surgery, First Hospital of China Medical University, Shenyang, China
- *Correspondence: Qiguan Dong, ; Yuchao Yang, ; Bengang Wang,
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9
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Liposomes Bearing Non-Bilayer Phospholipid Arrangements Induce Specific IgG Anti-Lipid Antibodies by Activating NK1.1+, CD4+ T Cells in Mice. MEMBRANES 2022; 12:membranes12070643. [PMID: 35877846 PMCID: PMC9319584 DOI: 10.3390/membranes12070643] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/29/2022] [Revised: 06/19/2022] [Accepted: 06/20/2022] [Indexed: 12/04/2022]
Abstract
Liposomes are artificial models of cellular membranes that are used as delivery systems for genes, drugs and protein antigens. We have previously used them to study the antigenic properties of their phospholipids. Here, we used them to induce the production of IgG anti-non-bilayer phospholipid arrangements (NPAs) antibodies in mice; these antibodies cause cell lysis and trigger a lupus-like disease in mice. We studied the mechanisms that lead to the production of these antibodies, and provide evidence that NK1.1+, CD4+ T cells respond to NPA-bearing liposomes and deliver the help required for specific B cell activation and antibody class-switching to IgG. We found increased numbers of IL-4-producing NK1.1+, CD4+ T cells in the secondary lymphoid organs of mice administered with NPAs, and these cells also expressed CD40L, which is required for B cell activation. Additionally, we isolated and purified NK1.1+, CD4+ T cells from spleens and determined that they over-expressed 40 genes, which are key players in inflammatory processes and B cell stimulation and have TRAF6 and UNC39B1 as key nodes in their network. These results show that liposomes are membrane models that can be used to analyze the immunogenicity of lipids.
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10
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Ma C, Li S, Yang F, Cao W, Liu H, Feng T, Zhang K, Zhu Z, Liu X, Hu Y, Zheng H. FoxJ1 inhibits African swine fever virus replication and viral S273R protein decreases the expression of FoxJ1 to impair its antiviral effect. Virol Sin 2022; 37:445-454. [PMID: 35513267 PMCID: PMC9243675 DOI: 10.1016/j.virs.2022.04.008] [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: 11/20/2021] [Accepted: 03/30/2022] [Indexed: 11/04/2022] Open
Abstract
African swine fever (ASF) is a highly pathogenic swine infectious disease that affects domestic pigs and wild boar, which is caused by the African swine fever virus (ASFV). ASF has caused huge economic losses to the pig industry and seriously threatens global food security and livestock health. To date, there is no safe and effective commercial vaccine against ASF. Unveiling the underlying mechanisms of ASFV-host interplay is critical for developing effective vaccines and drugs against ASFV. In the present study, RNA-sequencing, RT-qPCR and Western blotting analysis revealed that the transcriptional and protein levels of the host factor FoxJ1 were significantly down-regulated in primary porcine alveolar macrophages (PAMs) infected by ASFV. RT-qPCR analysis showed that overexpression of FoxJ1 upregulated the transcription of type I interferon and interferon stimulating genes (ISGs) induced by poly(dA:dT). FoxJ1 revealed a function to positively regulate innate immune response, therefore, suppressing the replication of ASFV. In addition, Western blotting analysis indicated that FoxJ1 degraded ASFV MGF505-2R and E165R proteins through autophagy pathway. Meanwhile, RT-qPCR and Western blotting analysis showed that ASFV S273R inhibited the expression of FoxJ1. Altogether, we determined that FoxJ1 plays an antiviral role against ASFV replication, and ASFV protein impairs FoxJ1-mediated antiviral effect by degradation of FoxJ1. Our findings provide new insights into the antiviral function of FoxJ1, which might help design antiviral drugs or vaccines against ASFV infection. FoxJ1 inhibits ASFV replication by degrading ASFV MGF505-2R and E165R proteins via autophagy. FoxJ1 enhances type I IFN response, showing an essential antiviral role. ASFV S273R protein inhibits FoxJ1 expression to impair its antiviral effect.
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11
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Sheng L, Chen C, Chen Y, He Y, Zhuang R, Gu Y, Yan Q, Li W, Lu C. vFLIP-regulated competing endogenous RNA (ceRNA) networks targeting lytic induction for KSHV-associated malignancies. J Med Virol 2022; 94:2766-2775. [PMID: 35149992 DOI: 10.1002/jmv.27654] [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: 12/25/2021] [Revised: 02/07/2022] [Accepted: 02/09/2022] [Indexed: 11/11/2022]
Abstract
Kaposi's sarcoma-associated herpesvirus (KSHV) causes life-long latent infection and malignancies, including Kaposi sarcoma (KS) commonly found in AIDS patients. Lytic replication can be induced to kill tumor cells harboring latent KSHV, through viral cytopathic effects and the subsequent antiviral immune responses. Viral FLICE-inhibitory protein (vFLIP), encoded by KSHV ORF K13, inhibits KSHV lytic reactivation, implying that the competing endogenous RNA (ceRNA) networks regulated by vFLIP can be modulated to induce the lytic reactivation of latent KSHV, a promising strategy for KSHV-associated malignancies. Here, we performed whole-transcriptome sequencing to reveal the global landscape of non-coding RNAs and mRNAs in iSLK-RGB-BAC16 cells and iSLK-RGB-K13 mutant cells. It showed that vFLIP regulated 227 differently expressed (DE) lncRNAs, 57 DE circRNAs, 20 DE miRNAs and 1371 DE mRNAs. Enrichment analysis verified that riboflavin metabolism was simultaneously enriched in DE genes related to miRNAs, lncRNAs, and circRNAs. The upregulated hsa-miR-378i and hsa-miR-3654, and downregulated miR-4467, miR-3163, miR-4451 and miR-4257 were significantly enriched in the ceRNA complex network, which contained 9 upregulated and 7 downregulated circRNAs, 5 upregulated and 85 downregulated lncRNAs, 5 upregulated and 35 downregulated mRNAs. Finally, we constructed and validated two vFLIP-regulated ceRNA networks: circRNA hsa_circ_0070049/hsa-miR-378i/SPEG/FOXQ1 and lncRNA AL031123.1/hsa-miR-378i/SPEG/FOXQ1. Taken together, the two ceRNA networks may mediate KSHV reactivation. These novel findings refreshed the present understanding of ceRNA network in KSHV lytic induction and provided potential therapeutic targets for KSHV-associated malignancies. This article is protected by copyright. All rights reserved.
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Affiliation(s)
- Liuxue Sheng
- State Key Laboratory of Reproductive Medicine, Department of Gynecology, Women's Hospital of Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing Maternity and Child Health Care Hospital, Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing, 210004, P. R. China.,Department of Microbiology, Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing, 211166, P. R. China
| | - Chen Chen
- Department of Microbiology, Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing, 211166, P. R. China
| | - Yuheng Chen
- Department of Microbiology, Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing, 211166, P. R. China
| | - Yujia He
- Department of Microbiology, Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing, 211166, P. R. China
| | - Ruoyu Zhuang
- Department of Microbiology, Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing, 211166, P. R. China
| | - Yang Gu
- Department of Microbiology, Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing, 211166, P. R. China
| | - Qin Yan
- Department of Microbiology, Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing, 211166, P. R. China.,Key Laboratory of Pathogen Biology of Jiangsu Province, Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing, 211166, P. R. China
| | - Wan Li
- State Key Laboratory of Reproductive Medicine, Department of Gynecology, Women's Hospital of Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing Maternity and Child Health Care Hospital, Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing, 210004, P. R. China.,Department of Microbiology, Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing, 211166, P. R. China.,Key Laboratory of Pathogen Biology of Jiangsu Province, Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing, 211166, P. R. China
| | - Chun Lu
- State Key Laboratory of Reproductive Medicine, Department of Gynecology, Women's Hospital of Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing Maternity and Child Health Care Hospital, Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing, 210004, P. R. China.,Department of Microbiology, Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing, 211166, P. R. China.,Key Laboratory of Pathogen Biology of Jiangsu Province, Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing, 211166, P. R. China
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12
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Connick K, Lalor R, Murphy A, Glasgow A, Breen C, Malfait Z, Harold D, O'Neill SM. RNA-seq analysis of murine peyer's patches at 6 and 18 h post infection with Fasciola hepatica metacecariae. Vet Parasitol 2022; 302:109643. [PMID: 35066425 DOI: 10.1016/j.vetpar.2021.109643] [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] [Received: 07/09/2021] [Revised: 12/08/2021] [Accepted: 12/26/2021] [Indexed: 11/29/2022]
Abstract
Fasciola hepatica is a zoonotic parasite that not only economically burdens the agribusiness sector, but also infects up to 1 million people worldwide, with no commercial vaccine yet available. An ideal vaccine would induce protection in the gut, curtailing the extensive tissue damage associated with parasite's migration from the gut to the bile ducts. The design of such a vaccine requires greater knowledge of gut mucosal responses during the early stage of infection. We examined total mRNA expression of the peyer's patches at 6 and 18 h post F. hepatica infection using RNA sequencing. Differential expression analysis revealed 1341 genes upregulated and 61 genes downregulated at 6 h post infection, while 1562 genes were upregulated and 10 genes downregulated after 18 h. Gene-set enrichment analysis demonstrated that immune specific biological processes were amongst the most downregulated. The Toll-like receptor pathway in particular was significantly affected, the suppression of which is a well-documented immune evasive strategy employed by F. hepatica. In general, the genes identified were associated with suppression of inflammatory responses, helminth induced immune responses and tissue repair/homeostasis. This study provides a rich catalogue of the genes expressed in the early stages of F. hepatica infection, adding to the understanding of early host-parasite interactions and assisting in the design of future studies that look to advance the development of a novel F. hepatica vaccine.
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Affiliation(s)
- K Connick
- Fundamental and Translational Immunology Group, Dublin City University, Dublin 9, Ireland
| | - R Lalor
- Fundamental and Translational Immunology Group, Dublin City University, Dublin 9, Ireland
| | - A Murphy
- Fundamental and Translational Immunology Group, Dublin City University, Dublin 9, Ireland
| | - A Glasgow
- Fundamental and Translational Immunology Group, Dublin City University, Dublin 9, Ireland
| | - C Breen
- Genetic Epidemiology Group, Dublin City University, Dublin 9, Ireland
| | - Z Malfait
- Genetic Epidemiology Group, Dublin City University, Dublin 9, Ireland
| | - D Harold
- Genetic Epidemiology Group, Dublin City University, Dublin 9, Ireland
| | - S M O'Neill
- Fundamental and Translational Immunology Group, Dublin City University, Dublin 9, Ireland.
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13
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Liang F, Zhang C, Guo H, Gao SH, Yang FY, Zhou GB, Wang GZ. Comprehensive analysis of BTN3A1 in cancers: mining of omics data and validation in patient samples and cellular models. FEBS Open Bio 2021; 11:2586-2599. [PMID: 34293829 PMCID: PMC8409294 DOI: 10.1002/2211-5463.13256] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/22/2021] [Revised: 07/02/2021] [Accepted: 07/21/2021] [Indexed: 11/11/2022] Open
Abstract
Butyrophilin 3A1 (BTN3A1), a major histocompatibility complex‐associated gene that encodes a membrane protein with two extracellular immunoglobulin domains and an intracellular B30.2 domain, is critical in T‐cell activation and adaptive immune response. Here, the expression of BTN3A1 in cancers was analyzed in eight databases comprising 86 733 patients of 33 cancers, and the findings were validated in patient samples and cell models. We showed that BTN3A1 was expressed in most cancers, and its expression level was strongly correlated with clinical outcome of 13 cancers. Mutations of BTN3A1 were detected, and the mutations were distributed throughout the entire gene. Gene set enrichment analysis showed that BTN3A1 co‐expression genes and interacting proteins were enriched in immune regulation‐related pathways. BTN3A1 was associated with tumor‐infiltrating immune cells and was co‐expressed with multiple immune checkpoints in patients with breast cancer (BRCA) and non‐small cell lung cancer (NSCLC). We reported that BTN3A1 was downregulated in 46 of 65 (70.8%) NSCLCs, and its expression level was inversely associated with clinical outcome of the patients. BTN3A1 in tumor samples was lower than in counterpart normal tissues in 31 of 38 (81.6%) BRCAs. Bioinformatics analyses showed that BTN3A1 could be a target gene of transcription factor Spi‐1 proto‐oncogene (SPI1), and our ‘wet’ experiments showed that ectopic expression of SPI1 upregulated, whereas silencing of SPI1 downregulated, BTN3A1 expression in cells. These results suggest that BTN3A1 may function as a tumor suppressor and may serve as a potential prognostic biomarker in NSCLCs and BRCAs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Fan Liang
- State Key Laboratory of Membrane Biology, Institute of Zoology, Chinese Academy of Sciences & University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, China.,State Key Laboratory of Molecular Oncology, National Cancer Center/National Clinical Research Center for Cancer/Cancer Hospital, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences and Peking Union Medical College, Beijing, China
| | - Chen Zhang
- State Key Laboratory of Membrane Biology, Institute of Zoology, Chinese Academy of Sciences & University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, China.,State Key Laboratory of Molecular Oncology, National Cancer Center/National Clinical Research Center for Cancer/Cancer Hospital, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences and Peking Union Medical College, Beijing, China
| | - Hua Guo
- State Key Laboratory of Molecular Oncology, National Cancer Center/National Clinical Research Center for Cancer/Cancer Hospital, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences and Peking Union Medical College, Beijing, China
| | - San-Hui Gao
- State Key Laboratory of Membrane Biology, Institute of Zoology, Chinese Academy of Sciences & University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, China.,State Key Laboratory of Molecular Oncology, National Cancer Center/National Clinical Research Center for Cancer/Cancer Hospital, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences and Peking Union Medical College, Beijing, China
| | - Fu-Ying Yang
- State Key Laboratory of Membrane Biology, Institute of Zoology, Chinese Academy of Sciences & University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, China.,State Key Laboratory of Molecular Oncology, National Cancer Center/National Clinical Research Center for Cancer/Cancer Hospital, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences and Peking Union Medical College, Beijing, China
| | - Guang-Biao Zhou
- State Key Laboratory of Molecular Oncology, National Cancer Center/National Clinical Research Center for Cancer/Cancer Hospital, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences and Peking Union Medical College, Beijing, China
| | - Gui-Zhen Wang
- State Key Laboratory of Molecular Oncology, National Cancer Center/National Clinical Research Center for Cancer/Cancer Hospital, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences and Peking Union Medical College, Beijing, China
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14
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Elian FA, Are U, Ghosh S, Nuin P, Footz T, McMullen TPW, Brindley DN, Walter MA. FOXQ1 is Differentially Expressed Across Breast Cancer Subtypes with Low Expression Associated with Poor Overall Survival. BREAST CANCER-TARGETS AND THERAPY 2021; 13:171-188. [PMID: 33688250 PMCID: PMC7935334 DOI: 10.2147/bctt.s282860] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/31/2020] [Accepted: 12/16/2020] [Indexed: 12/17/2022]
Abstract
Purpose Forkhead box Q1 (FOXQ1) has been shown to contribute to the development and progression of cancers, including ovarian and breast cancer (BC). However, research exploring FOXQ1 expression, copy number variation (CNV), and prognostic value across different BC subtypes is limited. Our purpose was to evaluate FOXQ1 mRNA expression, CNV, and prognostic value across BC subtypes. Materials and Methods We determined FOXQ1 expression and CNV in BC patient tumors using RT-qPCR and qPCR, respectively. We also analyzed FOXQ1 expression and CNV in BC cell lines in the CCLE database using K-means clustering. The prognostic value of FOXQ1 expression in the TCGA-BRCA database was assessed using univariate and multivariate Cox's regression analysis as well as using the online tools OncoLnc, GEPIA, and UALCAN. Results Our analyses reveal that FOXQ1 mRNA is differentially expressed between different subtypes of BC and is significantly decreased in luminal BC and HER2 patients when compared to normal breast tissue samples. Furthermore, analysis of BC cell lines showed that FOXQ1 mRNA expression was independent of CNV. Moreover, patients with low FOXQ1 mRNA expression had significantly poorer overall survival compared to those with high FOXQ1 mRNA expression. Finally, low FOXQ1 expression had a critical impact on the prognostic values of BC patients and was an independent predictor of overall survival when it was adjusted for BC subtypes and to two other FOX genes, FOXF2 and FOXM1. Conclusion Our study reveals for the first time that FOXQ1 is differentially expressed across BC subtypes and that low expression of FOXQ1 is indicative of poor prognosis in patients with BC.
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Affiliation(s)
- Fahed A Elian
- Department of Medical Genetics, Faculty of Medicine and Dentistry, University of Alberta, Edmonton, AB, Canada
| | - Ubah Are
- Department of Medical Genetics, Faculty of Medicine and Dentistry, University of Alberta, Edmonton, AB, Canada
| | - Sunita Ghosh
- Department of Medical Oncology, Faculty of Medicine and Dentistry, University of Alberta, Edmonton, AB, Canada.,Department of Mathematical and Statistical Sciences, Faculty of Science, University of Alberta, Edmonton, AB, Canada
| | - Paulo Nuin
- Department of Medical Genetics, Faculty of Medicine and Dentistry, University of Alberta, Edmonton, AB, Canada
| | - Tim Footz
- Department of Medical Genetics, Faculty of Medicine and Dentistry, University of Alberta, Edmonton, AB, Canada
| | - Todd P W McMullen
- Department of Surgery, Faculty of Medicine and Dentistry, University of Alberta, Edmonton, AB, Canada
| | - David N Brindley
- Department of Biochemistry, Faculty of Medicine and Dentistry, University of Alberta, Edmonton, AB, Canada.,Cancer Research Institute of Northern Alberta, University of Alberta, Edmonton, AB, Canada
| | - Michael A Walter
- Department of Medical Genetics, Faculty of Medicine and Dentistry, University of Alberta, Edmonton, AB, Canada
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15
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McClure MJ, Olson LC, Cohen DJ, Huang YC, Zhang S, Nguyen T, Boyan BD, Schwartz Z. RNU ( Foxn1
RNU-Nude) Rats Demonstrate an Improved Ability to Regenerate Muscle in a Volumetric Muscle Injury Compared to Sprague Dawley Rats. Bioengineering (Basel) 2021; 8:bioengineering8010012. [PMID: 33467489 PMCID: PMC7830033 DOI: 10.3390/bioengineering8010012] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/15/2020] [Revised: 01/07/2021] [Accepted: 01/12/2021] [Indexed: 01/13/2023] Open
Abstract
Products developed for skeletal muscle regeneration frequently incorporate allogeneic and xenogeneic materials to elicit a regenerative response to heal skeletal muscle wounds. To avoid graft rejection in preclinical studies, immunodeficient rodents are used. Whether the immunodeficiency alters the host response to the material in skeletal muscle has not been studied. In this study, we hypothesized that an allogeneic acellular skeletal muscle grafts implanted in an immunodeficient rat (RNU, Foxn1-deficient) would exhibit better new muscle fiber formation compared to grafts implanted in immunocompetent Sprague Dawley (SD) rats. Decellularized SD skeletal muscle matrix (DMM) was implanted in the gastrocnemius (N = 8 rats/group). 56 days after surgery, animal gait was examined and animals were euthanized. Muscle force was assessed and fiber number as well as immune cell infiltrate was measured by histomorphometry and immunohistochemistry. Animal gait and percent recovery of muscle force were unchanged in both groups, but newly regenerated muscle fibers increased in RNU rats. Macrophage staining for CD68 was higher in RNU rats than in SD rats. These data show differences in muscle regeneration between animal models using the same biomaterial treatment, but these differences could not be ascribed to the immune response. Overall, our data provide awareness that more studies are needed to understand how host responses to biomaterials differ based on the animal model used.
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Affiliation(s)
- Michael J. McClure
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, College of Engineering, Virginia Commonwealth University, Richmond, VA 23284, USA; (L.C.O.); (D.J.C.); (S.Z.); (T.N.); (B.D.B.); (Z.S.)
- Correspondence: ; Tel.: +1-804-828-8337
| | - Lucas C. Olson
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, College of Engineering, Virginia Commonwealth University, Richmond, VA 23284, USA; (L.C.O.); (D.J.C.); (S.Z.); (T.N.); (B.D.B.); (Z.S.)
| | - David J. Cohen
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, College of Engineering, Virginia Commonwealth University, Richmond, VA 23284, USA; (L.C.O.); (D.J.C.); (S.Z.); (T.N.); (B.D.B.); (Z.S.)
| | | | - Shirley Zhang
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, College of Engineering, Virginia Commonwealth University, Richmond, VA 23284, USA; (L.C.O.); (D.J.C.); (S.Z.); (T.N.); (B.D.B.); (Z.S.)
| | - Tri Nguyen
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, College of Engineering, Virginia Commonwealth University, Richmond, VA 23284, USA; (L.C.O.); (D.J.C.); (S.Z.); (T.N.); (B.D.B.); (Z.S.)
| | - Barbara D. Boyan
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, College of Engineering, Virginia Commonwealth University, Richmond, VA 23284, USA; (L.C.O.); (D.J.C.); (S.Z.); (T.N.); (B.D.B.); (Z.S.)
- Wallace H. Coulter Department of Biomedical Engineering, College of Engineering, Georgia Institute of Technology, Atlanta, GA 30332, USA
| | - Zvi Schwartz
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, College of Engineering, Virginia Commonwealth University, Richmond, VA 23284, USA; (L.C.O.); (D.J.C.); (S.Z.); (T.N.); (B.D.B.); (Z.S.)
- Department of Periodontics, School of Dentistry, University of Texas Health Science Center at San Antonio, San Antonio, TX 78229, USA
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16
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MiR-342-3p inhibits cell migration and invasion through suppressing forkhead box protein Q1 in ovarian carcinoma. Anticancer Drugs 2020; 30:917-924. [PMID: 31517731 DOI: 10.1097/cad.0000000000000801] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/07/2023]
Abstract
Previous studies have shown that microRNAs are involved in the pathogenesis of ovarian carcinoma (OC). However, the abnormal expression and function of miR-342-3p have not been reported in OC. Therefore, this research was designed to explore its role in OC. In this study, qRT-PCR assay showed that the expression level of miR-342-3p was reduced in OC tissues and cell lines. Functionally, Transwell assay suggested that overexpression of miR-342-3p suppressed cell migration and invasion in OC. In addition, forkhead box protein Q1 (FOXQ1) was confirmed to be a direct target gene by luciferase activity assay. Furthermore, FOXQ1 was found to be upregulated and function as an oncogene in OC. More importantly, miR-342-3p was negatively correlated with FOXQ1 expression in OC tissues. Furthermore, overexpression of FOXQ1 could partially rescue inhibitory effect of miR-342-3p on cell migration and invasion in OC. In brief, we concluded that miR-342-3p inhibited migration and invasion of OC cells through suppressing FOXQ1 expression.
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17
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Ali T, Rahman SU, Hao Q, Li W, Liu Z, Ali Shah F, Murtaza I, Zhang Z, Yang X, Liu G, Li S. Melatonin prevents neuroinflammation and relieves depression by attenuating autophagy impairment through FOXO3a regulation. J Pineal Res 2020; 69:e12667. [PMID: 32375205 DOI: 10.1111/jpi.12667] [Citation(s) in RCA: 160] [Impact Index Per Article: 40.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/14/2019] [Revised: 04/16/2020] [Accepted: 04/27/2020] [Indexed: 12/12/2022]
Abstract
Major depressive disorder (MDD) is a life-threatening illness characterized by mood changes and high rates of suicide. Although the role of neuroinflammation in MMD has been studied, the mechanistic interplay between antidepressants, neuroinflammation, and autophagy is yet to be investigated. The present study investigated the effect of melatonin on LPS-induced neuroinflammation, depression, and autophagy impairment. Our results showed that in mice, lipopolysaccharide (LPS) treatment induced depressive-like behaviors and caused autophagy impairment by dysregulating ATG genes. Moreover, LPS treatment significantly increased the levels of cytokines (TNFα, IL-1β, IL-6), enhanced NF-ᴋB phosphorylation, caused glial (astrocytes and microglia) cell activation, dysregulated FOXO3a expression, increased the levels of redox signaling molecules such as ROS/TBARs, and altered expression of Nrf2, SOD2, and HO-1. Melatonin treatment significantly abolished the effects of LPS, as demonstrated by improved depressive-like behaviors, normalized autophagy-related gene expression, and reduced levels of cytokines. Further, we investigated the role of autophagy in LPS-induced depressive-like behavior and neuroinflammation using autophagy inhibitors 3-MA and Ly294002. Interestingly, inhibitor treatment significantly abolished and reversed the anti-depressive, pro-autophagy, and anti-inflammatory effects of melatonin. The present study concludes that the anti-depressive effects of melatonin in LPS-induced depression might be mediated via autophagy modulation through FOXO3a signaling.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tahir Ali
- State Key Laboratory of Oncogenomics, School of Chemical Biology and Biotechnology, Peking University Shenzhen Graduate School, Shenzhen, China
| | - Shafiq Ur Rahman
- State Key Laboratory of Oncogenomics, School of Chemical Biology and Biotechnology, Peking University Shenzhen Graduate School, Shenzhen, China
- Department of Pharmacy, Shaheed Benazir Bhutto University, Sheringal Dir, Pakistan
| | - Qiang Hao
- State Key Laboratory of Oncogenomics, School of Chemical Biology and Biotechnology, Peking University Shenzhen Graduate School, Shenzhen, China
| | - Weifen Li
- State Key Laboratory of Oncogenomics, School of Chemical Biology and Biotechnology, Peking University Shenzhen Graduate School, Shenzhen, China
| | - Zizhen Liu
- State Key Laboratory of Oncogenomics, School of Chemical Biology and Biotechnology, Peking University Shenzhen Graduate School, Shenzhen, China
| | - Fawad Ali Shah
- State Key Laboratory of Oncogenomics, School of Chemical Biology and Biotechnology, Peking University Shenzhen Graduate School, Shenzhen, China
- Riphah Institute of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Riphah International University, Islamabad., Islamabad, Pakistan
| | - Iram Murtaza
- Signal Transduction Lab, Department of Biochemistry, Faculty of Biological Sciences, Quaid-I-Azam University, Islamabad, Pakistan
| | - Zaijun Zhang
- International Cooperative Laboratory of Traditional Chinese Medicine Modernization and Innovative Drug Development of Chinese Ministry of Education (MOE), Jinan University College of Pharmacy, Guangzhou, China
| | - Xifei Yang
- Key Laboratory of Modern Toxicology of Shenzhen, Shenzhen Center for Disease Control and Prevention, Shenzhen, China
| | - Gongping Liu
- Department of Pathophysiology, School of Basic Medicine and the Collaborative Innovation Center for Brain Science, Key Laboratory of Ministry of Education of China and Hubei Province for Neurological Disorders, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, China
- Co-innovation Center of Neuroregeneration, Nantong University, Nantong, China
| | - Shupeng Li
- State Key Laboratory of Oncogenomics, School of Chemical Biology and Biotechnology, Peking University Shenzhen Graduate School, Shenzhen, China
- Department of Psychiatry, University of Toronto, Toronto, ON, Canada
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18
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Li L, Xu B, Zhang H, Wu J, Song Q, Yu J. Potentiality of forkhead box Q1 as a biomarker for monitoring tumor features and predicting prognosis in non-small cell lung cancer. J Clin Lab Anal 2019; 34:e23031. [PMID: 31713908 PMCID: PMC6977110 DOI: 10.1002/jcla.23031] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/23/2019] [Revised: 08/21/2019] [Accepted: 08/22/2019] [Indexed: 12/25/2022] Open
Abstract
Background This study aimed to explore the correlation of forkhead box Q1 (FOXQ1) with clinicopathological features and survival profiles in patients with non‐small cell lung cancer (NSCLC). Methods A total of 238 NSCLC patients with TNM stage I‐III who underwent surgical resection were reviewed, and the expression of FOXQ1 in tumor and paired adjacent tissue was detected using immunohistochemistry assays. The clinical data and survival data of patients with NSCLC were retrieved and calculated. Results FOXQ1 expression was increased in tumor tissue (61.3% high expression and 38.7% low expression) compared with paired adjacent tissue (37.8% high expression and 62.2% low expression) (P < .001). In addition, high FOXQ1 expression was associated with larger tumor size (P = .042), lymph node metastasis (P = .040), and advanced TNM stage (P = .002). Disease‐free survival (DFS) (P = .016) and overall survival (OS) (P = .008) were both reduced in patients with high FOXQ1 expression compared with patients with low FOXQ1 expression. Additionally, high FOXQ1 expression (P = .043), poor pathological differentiation (P = .003), and lymph node metastasis (P < .001) were independent risk factors for DFS, and high FOXQ1 expression (P = .021), tumor size (>5 cm) (P = .014), and lymph node metastasis (P < .001) were independent risk factors for OS. Conclusion High FOXQ1 expression is associated with advanced tumor features as well as undesirable survival profiles in patients with NSCLC, implying the potential prognostic value of FOXQ1 for NSCLC.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lan Li
- Department of Oncology, Renmin Hospital of Wuhan University, Wuhan, China
| | - Bin Xu
- Department of Oncology, Renmin Hospital of Wuhan University, Wuhan, China
| | - Huibo Zhang
- Department of Oncology, Renmin Hospital of Wuhan University, Wuhan, China
| | - Jie Wu
- Department of Oncology, Renmin Hospital of Wuhan University, Wuhan, China
| | - Qibin Song
- Department of Oncology, Renmin Hospital of Wuhan University, Wuhan, China
| | - Jinming Yu
- Department of Oncology, Renmin Hospital of Wuhan University, Wuhan, China.,Department of Radiation Oncology, Shandong Cancer Hospital, Jinan, China
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19
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Perdomo-Sabogal Á, Nowick K. Genetic Variation in Human Gene Regulatory Factors Uncovers Regulatory Roles in Local Adaptation and Disease. Genome Biol Evol 2019; 11:2178-2193. [PMID: 31228201 PMCID: PMC6685493 DOI: 10.1093/gbe/evz131] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 06/18/2019] [Indexed: 01/13/2023] Open
Abstract
Differences in gene regulation have been suggested to play essential roles in the evolution of phenotypic changes. Although DNA changes in cis-regulatory elements affect only the regulation of its corresponding gene, variations in gene regulatory factors (trans) can have a broader effect, because the expression of many target genes might be affected. Aiming to better understand how natural selection may have shaped the diversity of gene regulatory factors in human, we assembled a catalog of all proteins involved in controlling gene expression. We found that at least five DNA-binding transcription factor classes are enriched among genes located in candidate regions for selection, suggesting that they might be relevant for understanding regulatory mechanisms involved in human local adaptation. The class of KRAB-ZNFs, zinc-finger (ZNF) genes with a Krüppel-associated box, stands out by first, having the most genes located on candidate regions for positive selection. Second, displaying most nonsynonymous single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) with high genetic differentiation between populations within these regions. Third, having 27 KRAB-ZNF gene clusters with high extended haplotype homozygosity. Our further characterization of nonsynonymous SNPs in ZNF genes located within candidate regions for selection, suggests regulatory modifications that might influence the expression of target genes at population level. Our detailed investigation of three candidate regions revealed possible explanations for how SNPs may influence the prevalence of schizophrenia, eye development, and fertility in humans, among other phenotypes. The genetic variation we characterized here may be responsible for subtle to rough regulatory changes that could be important for understanding human adaptation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Álvaro Perdomo-Sabogal
- Human Biology Group, Department of Biology, Chemistry and Pharmacy, Institute for Zoology, Freie Universität Berlin, Germany
| | - Katja Nowick
- Human Biology Group, Department of Biology, Chemistry and Pharmacy, Institute for Zoology, Freie Universität Berlin, Germany
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20
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Han X, Guo X, Zhang W, Cong Q. MicroRNA-937 inhibits the malignant phenotypes of breast cancer by directly targeting and downregulating forkhead box Q1. Onco Targets Ther 2019; 12:4813-4824. [PMID: 31417280 PMCID: PMC6592024 DOI: 10.2147/ott.s207593] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/04/2019] [Accepted: 05/07/2019] [Indexed: 12/14/2022] Open
Abstract
Purpose: Numerous microRNAs (miRNAs) are aberrantly expressed in breast cancer, and the dysregulation of miRNAs may affect the aggressiveness of this cancer. Aberrant expression of miRNA-937 (miR-937) in gastric and lung cancers has been reported, which plays tumor-suppressive or oncogenic roles in carcinogenesis including cancer progression. Our purpose was to investigate the involvement of miR-937 in breast cancer progression. Patients and methods: The expression profile of miR-937 in breast cancer was assessed by reverse-transcription quantitative PCR. Biological effects of miR-937 upregulation on the malignant characteristics of breast cancer cells were determined in a series of functional experiments. The direct target of miR-937 in breast cancer cells was also identified. Results: Herein, the expression levels of miR-937 were notably lower in breast cancer, and its underexpression was significantly correlated with lymph node metastasis and TNM stage. Patients with breast cancer underexpressing miR-937 showed shorter overall survival than did patients with breast cancer overexpressing miR-937. Proliferation, migration, and invasiveness of breast cancer cells were evidently suppressed by miR-937 upregulation. In addition, ectopic miR-937 expression hindered breast cancer tumor growth in vivo. Forkhead box Q1 (FOXQ1) mRNA was found to be a direct target of miR-937 in breast cancer. FOXQ1 turned out to be overexpressed in breast cancer tissues, and its overexpression negatively correlated with miR-937 expression. Moreover, silencing of FOXQ1 recapitulated the tumor-suppressive effects of miR-937 overexpression on breast cancer cells. Notably, FOXQ1 restoration abrogated the miR-937-mediated suppression of proliferation, migration, and invasiveness of breast cancer cells. Conclusion: These results collectively revealed that miR-937 acts as a tumor suppressor in breast cancer and restrains cancer progression by directly targeting FOXQ1 mRNA. These data suggest that targeting of the novel miR-937–FOXQ1 axis is an attractive therapeutic method against breast cancer.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xiaoting Han
- Department of Breast Surgery, Weihai Central Hospital, Shandong 264400, People's Republic of China
| | - Xiaolong Guo
- Department of Breast Surgery, Zibo Maternity and Child Health Hospital, Shandong 255020, People's Republic of China
| | - Wenzhen Zhang
- Department of Breast Surgery, Rizhao Central Hospital, Shandong 276801, People's Republic of China
| | - Qiumei Cong
- Department of Oncology, Weihai Central Hospital, Shandong 264400, People's Republic of China
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21
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Ravegnini G, Serrano C, Simeon V, Sammarini G, Nannini M, Roversi E, Urbini M, Ferrè F, Ricci R, Tarantino G, Pantaleo MA, Hrelia P, Angelini S. The rs17084733 variant in the KIT 3' UTR disrupts a miR-221/222 binding site in gastrointestinal stromal tumour: a sponge-like mechanism conferring disease susceptibility. Epigenetics 2019; 14:545-557. [PMID: 30983504 PMCID: PMC6557610 DOI: 10.1080/15592294.2019.1595997] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/26/2022] Open
Abstract
Several miRNAs are dysregulated in gastrointestinal stromal tumours (GIST), and miR-221/222 appear to have a prominent role in GIST biology. Therefore, we investigated the role of DNA variants located in miR-221/222 precursor sequences and their target KIT 3'UTR. Ninety-five polymorphisms were analysed in 115 GIST cases and 88 healthy controls. KIT 3'UTR rs17084733 and pri-miR-222 rs75246947 were found significantly associated with GIST susceptibility. Specifically, KIT rs17084733 A allele was more common in GIST, particularly in KIT wild-type (WT) patients (Padj = 0.017). rs17084733 variant is located within one of the three miR-221/222 binding sites in the KIT 3'UTR, resulting in a mismatch in this seed region. Conversely, KIT mRNA levels were lower in patients carrying the variant allele, except for KIT mutant GIST. Luciferase assay data in GIST cells, generated using a construct containing all the three miR-221/222 binding sites, are consistent with KIT mRNA levels in GIST patients. Reporter assay data, generated using a construct containing only the site encompassing rs17084733, confirmed that this is a functional variant disrupting the miR-221/222 binding site. In conclusion, this is the first study investigating the role of SNPs on miR-221/222 precursor sequences and their binding region on KIT 3'UTR in GIST. We identified the KIT variant rs17084733 as a possible novel genetic biomarker for risk of developing KIT-WT GIST. Moreover, our findings suggest the role of one of the three miR-221/222 binding sites on KIT 3'UTR as endogenous sponge, soaking up and subtracting miR-221/222 to the other two sites characterized by a higher affinity.
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Affiliation(s)
- Gloria Ravegnini
- a Department of Pharmacy and Biotechnology , University of Bologna , Bologna , Italy
| | - César Serrano
- b Medical Oncology Department , Vall d'Hebron Institute of Oncology, Vall d'Hebron University Hospital , Barcelona , Spain
| | - Vittorio Simeon
- c Medical Statistics Unit , University of Campania "Luigi Vanvitelli" , Naples , Italy
| | - Giulia Sammarini
- a Department of Pharmacy and Biotechnology , University of Bologna , Bologna , Italy
| | - Margherita Nannini
- d Department of Specialized, Experimental and Diagnostic Medicine, Sant'Orsola-Malpighi Hospital , University of Bologna , Bologna , Italy
| | - Erica Roversi
- a Department of Pharmacy and Biotechnology , University of Bologna , Bologna , Italy
| | - Milena Urbini
- e "Giorgio Prodi" Cancer Research Center , University of Bologna , Bologna , Italy
| | - Fabrizio Ferrè
- a Department of Pharmacy and Biotechnology , University of Bologna , Bologna , Italy
| | - Riccardo Ricci
- f UOC di Anatomia Patologica, Fondazione Policlinico Universitario "A. Gemelli" IRCCS, Rome, Italy.,g Department of Pathology , Università Cattolica del Sacro Cuore, Rome, Italy
| | - Giuseppe Tarantino
- e "Giorgio Prodi" Cancer Research Center , University of Bologna , Bologna , Italy
| | - Maria A Pantaleo
- d Department of Specialized, Experimental and Diagnostic Medicine, Sant'Orsola-Malpighi Hospital , University of Bologna , Bologna , Italy.,e "Giorgio Prodi" Cancer Research Center , University of Bologna , Bologna , Italy
| | - Patrizia Hrelia
- a Department of Pharmacy and Biotechnology , University of Bologna , Bologna , Italy
| | - Sabrina Angelini
- a Department of Pharmacy and Biotechnology , University of Bologna , Bologna , Italy
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22
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Li Y, Wang HQ, Wang AC, Li YX, Ding SS, An XJ, Shi HY. Overexpression of Forkhead box Q1 correlates with poor prognosis in papillary thyroid carcinoma. Clin Endocrinol (Oxf) 2019; 90:334-342. [PMID: 30378716 DOI: 10.1111/cen.13896] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/24/2018] [Revised: 10/02/2018] [Accepted: 10/22/2018] [Indexed: 02/07/2023]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE Forkhead box Q1 (FOXQ1), a member of the forkhead transcription factor family, plays important parts in cell cycle, apoptosis, metabolism, immunology and tumour genesis. Its expression has been associated with poor clinical prognosis in various tumours. However, the clinical significance of FOXQ1 in papillary thyroid carcinoma (PTC) has not been fully studied. The purpose of this study was to investigate whether FOXQ1 is correlated with poor prognosis in PTC. DESIGN/METHODS We performed a retrospective study of 136 PTCs. Immunohistochemistry (IHC) was used to examine the expression of FOXQ1 in 136 PTCs and 47 nodular goitre specimens. Rank-sum test, chi-square test, Kaplan-Meier survival analysis, univariate and multivariate Cox analyses were used to investigate the clinical and prognostic significance of FOXQ1 expression in PTC. RESULTS The comparison of PTC specimens with nodular goitre with papillary hyperplasia specimens revealed an upregulation of FOXQ1 in PTC. Overexpression of FOXQ1 was observed in 63.24% of PTC and correlated with classic variant, tall variant, distant metastasis, AJCC stage and recurrence. FOXQ1-positive expression was associated with shorter disease-free survival: median disease-free survival of FOXQ1-positive patients was 23 months compared with 128 months for FOXQ1-negative patients (Log-rank χ2 = 12.31, P = 0.00045). Additional independent risk factors in this study were multifocality (recurrence-free survival [RFS]: hazard ratio [HR] = 2.391, P < 0.05), extrathyroidal extension (RFS: HR = 3.906, P < 0.05) and positive expression of FOXQ1 (RFS: HR = 6.385, P < 0.01). CONCLUSIONS Our results indicated that FOXQ1 may be a useful additional biomarker to evaluate the progression of PTC and to predict likely relapse of disease.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ying Li
- Department of Pathology, Chinese People's Liberation Army (PLA) General Hospital, Beijing, China
- Department of Pathology, First Affiliated Hospital of Jiamusi University, Jiamusi, China
| | - Hong-Qun Wang
- Department of Pathology, Chinese People's Liberation Army (PLA) General Hospital, Beijing, China
| | - Ai-Chun Wang
- Department of Pathology, Haidian Maternal & Children Health Hospital, Beijing, China
| | - Ying-Xue Li
- Department of Pathology, Liaocheng People's Hospital, LiaoCheng, China
| | - Shan-Shan Ding
- Department of Pathology, The General Hospital of the PLA Rocket Force, Beijing, China
| | - Xiao-Jing An
- Department of Pathology, Xiyuan Hospital, China Academy of Chinese Medical Sciences, Beijing, China
| | - Huai-Yin Shi
- Department of Pathology, Chinese People's Liberation Army (PLA) General Hospital, Beijing, China
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23
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Xie M, Yang A, Ma J, Wu M, Xu H, Wu K, Jin Y, Xie Y. Akt2 mediates glucocorticoid resistance in lymphoid malignancies through FoxO3a/Bim axis and serves as a direct target for resistance reversal. Cell Death Dis 2019; 9:1013. [PMID: 30598523 PMCID: PMC6312545 DOI: 10.1038/s41419-018-1043-6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/13/2018] [Revised: 08/28/2018] [Accepted: 08/29/2018] [Indexed: 01/22/2023]
Abstract
Glucocorticoids (GCs) are widely used drugs in the treatment of lymphoid malignancies; resistance of GCs in lymphocytes confers poor prognosis and the mechanisms are poorly understood. Here, we found T-acute lymphoblastic leukemia (T-ALL) cells acquire resistance to dexamethasone (DEX)-mediated killing through abnormal activation of Akt, resulting in inhibition of the FoxO3a/Bim pathway. The resistant state was reported to be associated with increased glycolysis, NOTCH1 activating mutations and activated PI3K/ serum GS regulated kinases (SGK) pathway. Use of aforementioned pathway inhibitors blocked FoxO3a-phosphorylation and partially improved DEX-mediated killing of GC-resistant T-ALL cells, further revealing the essential role of the FoxO3a/Bim pathway in the development of GC resistance. Inhibition of Akt is most effective at restoring sensitivity to DEX of GC-resistant lymphocytes in vitro and in vivo, but shows significant hepatotoxicity in vivo. A significantly elevated expression of Akt2 not Akt1 in intrinsically, secondarily GC-resistant lymphocytes and relapsed/refractory ALL patients implicates a more specific target for GC resistance. Mechanistically, Akt2 has a stronger binding capacity with FoxO3a compared to Akt1, and acts as a direct and major negative regulator of FoxO3a activity driving GC resistance. Pharmacologic inhibition of Akt2 more effectively restores sensitivity to GCs than inhibition of Akt1 in vitro, shows higher synergistic effect acting with DEX, and reverses GC resistance in GC-resistant T- or B- lymphoid tumors in vivo with reduced liver toxicity. In summary, these results suggest that Akt2 might serve as a more direct and specific kinase mediating GC resistance through FoxO3a/Bim signaling pathway, and Akt2 inhibition may be explored as a promising target for treating GC-resistant hematopoietic malignancies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mixue Xie
- Senior Department of Hematology, The First Affiliated Hospital, College of Medicine, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, Zhejiang, 310003, China
| | - Apeng Yang
- Department of Hematology & Rheumatology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Fujian Medical University, Fuzhou, Fujian, 350005, China
| | - Jiexian Ma
- Department of Hematology & Shanghai Key Laboratory of Clinical Geriatric Medicine, Huadong Hospital Affiliated to Fudan University, Shanghai, 200040, China
| | - Min Wu
- Department of Hematology & Shanghai Key Laboratory of Clinical Geriatric Medicine, Huadong Hospital Affiliated to Fudan University, Shanghai, 200040, China
| | - Hongyue Xu
- Department of Hematology & Oncology, The Second People's Hospital of Liaocheng, Liaocheng, 252600, China
| | - Kefei Wu
- Department of Hematology & Shanghai Key Laboratory of Clinical Geriatric Medicine, Huadong Hospital Affiliated to Fudan University, Shanghai, 200040, China
| | - Youxin Jin
- The School of Life Sciences, Shanghai University, Shanghai, 200444, China.
| | - Yanhui Xie
- Department of Hematology & Shanghai Key Laboratory of Clinical Geriatric Medicine, Huadong Hospital Affiliated to Fudan University, Shanghai, 200040, China.
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24
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Bach DH, Long NP, Luu TTT, Anh NH, Kwon SW, Lee SK. The Dominant Role of Forkhead Box Proteins in Cancer. Int J Mol Sci 2018; 19:E3279. [PMID: 30360388 PMCID: PMC6213973 DOI: 10.3390/ijms19103279] [Citation(s) in RCA: 45] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/19/2018] [Revised: 10/19/2018] [Accepted: 10/20/2018] [Indexed: 12/16/2022] Open
Abstract
Forkhead box (FOX) proteins are multifaceted transcription factors that are significantly implicated in cancer, with various critical roles in biological processes. Herein, we provide an overview of several key members of the FOXA, FOXC, FOXM1, FOXO and FOXP subfamilies. Important pathophysiological processes of FOX transcription factors at multiple levels in a context-dependent manner are discussed. We also specifically summarize some major aspects of FOX transcription factors in association with cancer research such as drug resistance, tumor growth, genomic alterations or drivers of initiation. Finally, we suggest that targeting FOX proteins may be a potential therapeutic strategy to combat cancer.
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Affiliation(s)
- Duc-Hiep Bach
- College of Pharmacy, Seoul National University, Seoul 08826, Korea.
| | | | | | - Nguyen Hoang Anh
- College of Pharmacy, Seoul National University, Seoul 08826, Korea.
| | - Sung Won Kwon
- College of Pharmacy, Seoul National University, Seoul 08826, Korea.
| | - Sang Kook Lee
- College of Pharmacy, Seoul National University, Seoul 08826, Korea.
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25
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Earley AM, Dixon CT, Shiau CE. Genetic analysis of zebrafish homologs of human FOXQ1, foxq1a and foxq1b, in innate immune cell development and bacterial host response. PLoS One 2018; 13:e0194207. [PMID: 29534099 PMCID: PMC5849333 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0194207] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/20/2017] [Accepted: 02/27/2018] [Indexed: 01/01/2023] Open
Abstract
FOXQ1 is a member of the forkhead-box transcription factor family that has important functions in development, cancer, aging, and many cellular processes. The role of FOXQ1 in cancer biology has raised intense interest, yet much remains poorly understood. We investigated the possible function of the two zebrafish orthologs (foxq1a and foxq1b) of human FOXQ1 in innate immune cell development and function. We employed CRISPR-Cas9 targeted mutagenesis to create null mutations of foxq1a and foxq1b in zebrafish. Using a combination of molecular, cellular, and embryological approaches, we characterized single and double foxq1a bcz11 and foxq1b bcz18 mutants. This study provides the first genetic mutant analyses of zebrafish foxq1a and foxq1b. Interestingly, we found that foxq1a, but not foxq1b, was transcriptionally regulated during a bacterial response, while the expression of foxq1a was detected in sorted macrophages and upregulated in foxq1a-deficient mutants. However, the transcriptional response to E. coli challenge of foxq1a and foxq1b mutants was not significantly different from that of their wildtype control siblings. Our data shows that foxq1a may have a role in modulating bacterial response, while both foxq1a and foxq1b are not required for the development of macrophages, neutrophils, and microglia. Considering the implicated role of FOXQ1 in a vast number of cancers and biological processes, the foxq1a and foxq1b null mutants from this study provide useful genetic models to further investigate FOXQ1 functions.
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Affiliation(s)
- Alison M. Earley
- Department of Biology, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Chapel Hill, NC, United States of America
| | - Cameron T. Dixon
- Department of Biology, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Chapel Hill, NC, United States of America
| | - Celia E. Shiau
- Department of Biology, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Chapel Hill, NC, United States of America
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26
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Foxp1 controls mature B cell survival and the development of follicular and B-1 B cells. Proc Natl Acad Sci U S A 2018; 115:3120-3125. [PMID: 29507226 PMCID: PMC5866538 DOI: 10.1073/pnas.1711335115] [Citation(s) in RCA: 25] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/31/2022] Open
Abstract
Many patients with B cell lymphoma carry alterations in the gene coding for the transcription factor Foxp1. High Foxp1 expression has been linked to poor prognosis in those malignancies; however, the physiological functions of Foxp1 in mature B cells remain unknown. By employing genetic mouse models, we show that Foxp1 deletion results in reduced B cell numbers and impaired antibody production upon T cell-independent immunization. Foxp1-deficient mature B cells are impaired in survival and exhibit an increased proliferation capacity, and transcriptional analysis identified defective expression of the prosurvival Bcl-xl gene. Our results provide insight into the regulation of mature B cell survival by Foxp1 and have implications for understanding the role of Foxp1 in the development of B cell malignancies. The transcription factor Foxp1 is critical for early B cell development. Despite frequent deregulation of Foxp1 in B cell lymphoma, the physiological functions of Foxp1 in mature B cells remain unknown. Here, we used conditional gene targeting in the B cell lineage and report that Foxp1 disruption in developing and mature B cells results in reduced numbers and frequencies of follicular and B-1 B cells and in impaired antibody production upon T cell-independent immunization in vivo. Moreover, Foxp1-deficient B cells are impaired in survival even though they exhibit an increased capacity to proliferate. Transcriptional analysis identified defective expression of the prosurvival Bcl-2 family gene Bcl2l1 encoding Bcl-xl in Foxp1-deficient B cells, and we identified Foxp1 binding in the regulatory region of Bcl2l1. Transgenic overexpression of Bcl2 rescued the survival defect in Foxp1-deficient mature B cells in vivo and restored peripheral B cell numbers. Thus, our results identify Foxp1 as a physiological regulator of mature B cell survival mediated in part via the control of Bcl-xl expression and imply that this pathway might contribute to the pathogenic function of aberrant Foxp1 expression in lymphoma.
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27
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Song Y, Li X, Zeng Z, Li Q, Gong Z, Liao Q, Li X, Chen P, Xiang B, Zhang W, Xiong F, Zhou Y, Zhou M, Ma J, Li Y, Chen X, Li G, Xiong W. Epstein-Barr virus encoded miR-BART11 promotes inflammation-induced carcinogenesis by targeting FOXP1. Oncotarget 2017; 7:36783-36799. [PMID: 27167345 PMCID: PMC5095039 DOI: 10.18632/oncotarget.9170] [Citation(s) in RCA: 72] [Impact Index Per Article: 10.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/09/2016] [Accepted: 04/16/2016] [Indexed: 12/23/2022] Open
Abstract
Epstein-Barr virus (EBV) infection and chronic inflammation are closely associated with the development and progression of nasopharyngeal carcinoma (NPC) and gastric cancer (GC), and the infiltration of inflammatory cells, including tumor-associated macrophages (TAMs), is often observed in these cancers. EBV encodes 44 mature micro RNAs (miRNAs), but the roles of only a few EBV-encoded miRNA targets are known in cancer development, and here, our aim was to elucidate the effects of EBV-miR-BART11 on FOXP1 expression, and potential involvement in inflammation-induced carcinogenesis. We constructed an EBV miRNA-dependent gene regulatory network and predicted that EBV-miR-BART11 is able to target forkhead box P1 (FOXP1), a key molecule involved in monocyte to macrophage differentiation. Here, using luciferase reporter assay, we confirmed that EBV-miR-BART11 directly targets the 3′-untranslated region of FOXP1 gene, inhibits FOXP1 induction of TAM differentiation, and the secretion of inflammatory cytokines into the tumor microenvironment, inducing the proliferation of NPC and GC cells. FOXP1 overexpression hindered monocyte differentiation and inhibited NPC and GC cells growth. Our results demonstrated that EBV-miR-BART11 plays a crucial role in the promotion of inflammation-induced NPC and GC carcinogenesis by inhibiting FOXP1 tumor-suppressive effects. We showed a novel EBV-dependent mechanism that may induce the carcinogenesis of NPC and GC, which may help define new potential biomarkers and targets for NPC and GC diagnosis and treatment.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yali Song
- The Key Laboratory of Carcinogenesis and Cancer Invasion of The Chinese Ministry of Education, Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha, Hunan, China.,The Key Laboratory of Carcinogenesis of The Chinese Ministry of Health and Cancer Research Institute, Central South University, Changsha, Hunan, China
| | - Xiaoling Li
- The Key Laboratory of Carcinogenesis and Cancer Invasion of The Chinese Ministry of Education, Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha, Hunan, China.,The Key Laboratory of Carcinogenesis of The Chinese Ministry of Health and Cancer Research Institute, Central South University, Changsha, Hunan, China.,Hunan Key Laboratory of Nonresolving Inflammation and Cancer, Disease Genome Research Center, The Third Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha, Hunan, China
| | - Zhaoyang Zeng
- The Key Laboratory of Carcinogenesis and Cancer Invasion of The Chinese Ministry of Education, Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha, Hunan, China.,The Key Laboratory of Carcinogenesis of The Chinese Ministry of Health and Cancer Research Institute, Central South University, Changsha, Hunan, China.,Hunan Key Laboratory of Nonresolving Inflammation and Cancer, Disease Genome Research Center, The Third Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha, Hunan, China
| | - Qiao Li
- The Key Laboratory of Carcinogenesis of The Chinese Ministry of Health and Cancer Research Institute, Central South University, Changsha, Hunan, China
| | - Zhaojian Gong
- The Key Laboratory of Carcinogenesis of The Chinese Ministry of Health and Cancer Research Institute, Central South University, Changsha, Hunan, China
| | - Qianjin Liao
- Hunan Key Laboratory of Translational Radiation Oncology, Hunan Cancer Hospital and The Affiliated Cancer Hospital of Xiangya School of Medicine, Central South University, Changsha, Hunan, China
| | - Xiayu Li
- Hunan Key Laboratory of Nonresolving Inflammation and Cancer, Disease Genome Research Center, The Third Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha, Hunan, China
| | - Pan Chen
- Hunan Key Laboratory of Translational Radiation Oncology, Hunan Cancer Hospital and The Affiliated Cancer Hospital of Xiangya School of Medicine, Central South University, Changsha, Hunan, China
| | - Bo Xiang
- The Key Laboratory of Carcinogenesis and Cancer Invasion of The Chinese Ministry of Education, Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha, Hunan, China.,The Key Laboratory of Carcinogenesis of The Chinese Ministry of Health and Cancer Research Institute, Central South University, Changsha, Hunan, China.,Hunan Key Laboratory of Nonresolving Inflammation and Cancer, Disease Genome Research Center, The Third Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha, Hunan, China
| | - Wenling Zhang
- The Key Laboratory of Carcinogenesis of The Chinese Ministry of Health and Cancer Research Institute, Central South University, Changsha, Hunan, China
| | - Fang Xiong
- The Key Laboratory of Carcinogenesis and Cancer Invasion of The Chinese Ministry of Education, Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha, Hunan, China
| | - Yanhong Zhou
- The Key Laboratory of Carcinogenesis of The Chinese Ministry of Health and Cancer Research Institute, Central South University, Changsha, Hunan, China
| | - Ming Zhou
- The Key Laboratory of Carcinogenesis of The Chinese Ministry of Health and Cancer Research Institute, Central South University, Changsha, Hunan, China
| | - Jian Ma
- The Key Laboratory of Carcinogenesis of The Chinese Ministry of Health and Cancer Research Institute, Central South University, Changsha, Hunan, China
| | - Yong Li
- The Key Laboratory of Carcinogenesis of The Chinese Ministry of Health and Cancer Research Institute, Central South University, Changsha, Hunan, China.,Department of Cancer Biology, Lerner Research Institute, Cleveland Clinic, Cleveland, Ohio, USA
| | - Xiang Chen
- The Key Laboratory of Carcinogenesis and Cancer Invasion of The Chinese Ministry of Education, Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha, Hunan, China
| | - Guiyuan Li
- The Key Laboratory of Carcinogenesis and Cancer Invasion of The Chinese Ministry of Education, Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha, Hunan, China.,The Key Laboratory of Carcinogenesis of The Chinese Ministry of Health and Cancer Research Institute, Central South University, Changsha, Hunan, China.,Hunan Key Laboratory of Nonresolving Inflammation and Cancer, Disease Genome Research Center, The Third Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha, Hunan, China
| | - Wei Xiong
- The Key Laboratory of Carcinogenesis and Cancer Invasion of The Chinese Ministry of Education, Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha, Hunan, China.,The Key Laboratory of Carcinogenesis of The Chinese Ministry of Health and Cancer Research Institute, Central South University, Changsha, Hunan, China.,Hunan Key Laboratory of Nonresolving Inflammation and Cancer, Disease Genome Research Center, The Third Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha, Hunan, China
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28
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Chen D, Wang K, Li X, Jiang M, Ni L, Xu B, Chu Y, Wang W, Wang H, Kang H, Wu K, Liang J, Ren G. FOXK1 plays an oncogenic role in the development of esophageal cancer. Biochem Biophys Res Commun 2017; 494:88-94. [PMID: 29050933 DOI: 10.1016/j.bbrc.2017.10.080] [Citation(s) in RCA: 27] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/09/2017] [Accepted: 10/15/2017] [Indexed: 12/29/2022]
Abstract
Forkhead box k1 (FOXK1) is a member of the FOX class of transcription factors and it is dysregulated in many solid tumors including hepatocellular carcinoma, gastric cancer, colorectal cancer and prostate cancer. However, the expression status of FOXK1 and its clinical significance in esophageal cancer (EC) is still uncertain. Our study aimed at investigating the significance of FOXK1 expression in human EC and its biological function in the development of EC. We found that FOXK1 was overexpressed in EC tissues compared with corresponding non-tumor tissues using immunohistochemistry. And high FOXK1 expression was related to poor differentiation of EC. The Kaplan-Meier curve indicated that high FOXK1 expression may result in poor prognosis of EC patients. Furthermore, overexpression of FOXK1 in EC9706 cell inhibited cell apoptosis and promoted cell proliferation and migration, and suppression of FOXK1 in EC109 cell obtained reverse results. Our data suggest that FOXK1 plays an oncogenic role in EC pathogenesis and can serve as a therapeutic target for patients with EC.
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Affiliation(s)
- Di Chen
- State Key Laboratory of Cancer Biology and Xijing Hospital of Digestive Diseases, The Fourth Military Medical University, 127 Changle Western Road, Xi'an, Shaanxi Province, 710032, China
| | - Kai Wang
- Department of Gastroenterology, The 16th Hospital of the People's Liberation Army of China, 219 Tuanjie South Road, A Letai, Xinjiang Province, 836599, China
| | - Xiaowei Li
- State Key Laboratory of Cancer Biology and Xijing Hospital of Digestive Diseases, The Fourth Military Medical University, 127 Changle Western Road, Xi'an, Shaanxi Province, 710032, China
| | - Mingzuo Jiang
- State Key Laboratory of Cancer Biology and Xijing Hospital of Digestive Diseases, The Fourth Military Medical University, 127 Changle Western Road, Xi'an, Shaanxi Province, 710032, China
| | - Lu Ni
- Department of Gastroenterology, The 16th Hospital of the People's Liberation Army of China, 219 Tuanjie South Road, A Letai, Xinjiang Province, 836599, China
| | - Bing Xu
- State Key Laboratory of Cancer Biology and Xijing Hospital of Digestive Diseases, The Fourth Military Medical University, 127 Changle Western Road, Xi'an, Shaanxi Province, 710032, China
| | - Yi Chu
- State Key Laboratory of Cancer Biology and Xijing Hospital of Digestive Diseases, The Fourth Military Medical University, 127 Changle Western Road, Xi'an, Shaanxi Province, 710032, China
| | - Weijie Wang
- State Key Laboratory of Cancer Biology and Xijing Hospital of Digestive Diseases, The Fourth Military Medical University, 127 Changle Western Road, Xi'an, Shaanxi Province, 710032, China
| | - Hua Wang
- State Key Laboratory of Cancer Biology and Xijing Hospital of Digestive Diseases, The Fourth Military Medical University, 127 Changle Western Road, Xi'an, Shaanxi Province, 710032, China
| | - Huijie Kang
- State Key Laboratory of Cancer Biology and Xijing Hospital of Digestive Diseases, The Fourth Military Medical University, 127 Changle Western Road, Xi'an, Shaanxi Province, 710032, China
| | - Kaichun Wu
- State Key Laboratory of Cancer Biology and Xijing Hospital of Digestive Diseases, The Fourth Military Medical University, 127 Changle Western Road, Xi'an, Shaanxi Province, 710032, China
| | - Jie Liang
- State Key Laboratory of Cancer Biology and Xijing Hospital of Digestive Diseases, The Fourth Military Medical University, 127 Changle Western Road, Xi'an, Shaanxi Province, 710032, China.
| | - Gui Ren
- State Key Laboratory of Cancer Biology and Xijing Hospital of Digestive Diseases, The Fourth Military Medical University, 127 Changle Western Road, Xi'an, Shaanxi Province, 710032, China.
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29
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Guo J, Yan Y, Yan Y, Guo Q, Zhang M, Zhang J, Goltzman D. Tumor-associated macrophages induce the expression of FOXQ1 to promote epithelial-mesenchymal transition and metastasis in gastric cancer cells. Oncol Rep 2017; 38:2003-2010. [PMID: 28791370 PMCID: PMC5652949 DOI: 10.3892/or.2017.5877] [Citation(s) in RCA: 21] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/21/2017] [Accepted: 07/27/2017] [Indexed: 12/18/2022] Open
Abstract
Gastric cancer (GC) is one of the most common malignancies, and is the second leading cause of cancer-related deaths worldwide. Macrophages infiltrated in the tumor microenvironment (TME) called tumor-associated macrophages (TAMs) are key orchestrators in TME. In GC, it has been reported that infiltration of TAMs is associated with epithelial-mesenchymal transition (EMT)-related proteins in human GC tissues, but the exactly mechanism has not been clarified. In the present study, we aimed to elucidate the underlying mechanism of TAMs on GC cells. THP-1 cells were used to investigate the effects of TAMs on GC cells. The effects of invasion and migration induced by coculture with TAMs were investigated by Transwell invasion and wound healing assays. The expression of EMT-related genes and forkhead box Q1 (FOXQ1) were examined in MKN45 and MKN74 cells after being co-cultured with TAMs. The density of TAMs and the expression of FOXQ1 were analyzed by immunohistochemistry in GC tissues. Our results revealed that, co-culture with TAMs promoted the invasion and migration of GC cells. Co-culture with TAMs induced EMT in GC cells. FOXQ1 is essential for TAM-induced EMT and metastasis in GC cells. Furthermore, silencing of FOXQ1 blocked the effect of TAM-enhanced EMT and metastasis of GC cells. High expression of CD68 was correlated with positive FOXQ1 expression (r=0.613; P<0.001) in clinical GC samples. Our data provided evidence that TAMs promote EMT, invasion and migration of GC cells via FOXQ1. Therefore, the TAM/FOXQ1 axis may represent a novel target for GC cells.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jian Guo
- Department of Hepatobiliary Surgery, The First Affiliated Hospital of Xi'an Jiaotong University, Xi'an, Shaanxi 710061, P.R. China
| | - Yan Yan
- The Second Department of Thoracic Surgery, The First Affiliated Hospital of Xi'an Jiaotong University, Xi'an, Shaanxi 710061, P.R. China
| | - Yu Yan
- Department of Breast Surgery, The First Affiliated Hospital of Xi'an Jiaotong University, Xi'an, Shaanxi 710061, P.R. China
| | - Qinyue Guo
- Department of Critical Care Medicine, The First Affiliated Hospital of Xi'an Jiaotong University, Xi'an, Shaanxi 710061, P.R. China
| | - Mingxin Zhang
- Department of Gastroenterology, Tangdu Hospital, Fourth Military Medical University, Xi'an, Shaanxi 710038, P.R. China
| | - Jia Zhang
- The Second Department of Thoracic Surgery, The First Affiliated Hospital of Xi'an Jiaotong University, Xi'an, Shaanxi 710061, P.R. China
| | - David Goltzman
- Departments of Medicine and Physiology, McGill University, Montreal, Quebec H3A 1A1, Canada
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Transcription Factor Forkhead Regulates Expression of Antimicrobial Peptides in the Tobacco Hornworm, Manduca sexta. Sci Rep 2017; 7:2688. [PMID: 28578399 PMCID: PMC5457402 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-017-02830-w] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/29/2016] [Accepted: 04/19/2017] [Indexed: 12/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Antimicrobial peptides (AMPs) play an important role in defense against microbial infections in insects. Expression of AMPs is regulated mainly by NF-κB factors Dorsal, Dif and Relish. Our previous study showed that both NF-κB and GATA-1 factors are required for activation of moricin promoter in the tobacco hornworm, Manduca sexta, and a 140-bp region in the moricin promoter contains binding sites for additional transcription factors. In this study, we identified three forkhead (Fkh)-binding sites in the 140-bp region of the moricin promoter and several Fkh-binding sites in the lysozyme promoter, and demonstrated that Fkh-binding sites are required for activation of both moricin and lysozyme promoters by Fkh factors. In addition, we found that Fkh mRNA was undetectable in Drosophila S2 cells, and M. sexta Fkh (MsFkh) interacted with Relish-Rel-homology domain (RHD) but not with Dorsal-RHD. Dual luciferase assays with moricin mutant promoters showed that co-expression of MsFkh with Relish-RHD did not have an additive effect on the activity of moricin promoter, suggesting that MsFkh and Relish regulate moricin activation independently. Our results suggest that insect AMPs can be activated by Fkh factors under non-infectious conditions, which may be important for protection of insects from microbial infection during molting and metamorphosis.
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Jones AV, Tilley M, Gutteridge A, Hyde C, Nagle M, Ziemek D, Gorman D, Fauman EB, Chen X, Miller MR, Tian C, Hu Y, Hinds DA, Cox P, Scollen S. GWAS of self-reported mosquito bite size, itch intensity and attractiveness to mosquitoes implicates immune-related predisposition loci. Hum Mol Genet 2017; 26:1391-1406. [PMID: 28199695 PMCID: PMC5390679 DOI: 10.1093/hmg/ddx036] [Citation(s) in RCA: 25] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/13/2016] [Accepted: 01/23/2017] [Indexed: 12/31/2022] Open
Abstract
Understanding the interaction between humans and mosquitoes is a critical area of study due to the phenomenal burdens on public health from mosquito-transmitted diseases. In this study, we conducted the first genome-wide association studies (GWAS) of self-reported mosquito bite reaction size (n = 84,724), itchiness caused by bites (n = 69,057), and perceived attractiveness to mosquitoes (n = 16,576). In total, 15 independent significant (P < 5×10−8) associations were identified. These loci were enriched for immunity-related genes that are involved in multiple cytokine signalling pathways. We also detected suggestive enrichment of these loci in enhancer regions that are active in stimulated T-cells, as well as within loci previously identified as controlling central memory T-cell levels. Egger regression analysis between the traits suggests that perception of itchiness and attractiveness to mosquitoes is driven, at least in part, by the genetic determinants of bite reaction size. Our findings illustrate the complex genetic and immunological landscapes underpinning human interactions with mosquitoes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Amy V. Jones
- Pfizer WRD, Human Genetics and Computational Biomedicine, The Portway Building, Granta Park, Cambridge CB21 6GS, UK
| | - Mera Tilley
- Pfizer WRD, Pharmatherapeutics Clinical R&D, Precision Medicine, 300 Technology Square Fl #3, Cambridge, MA 02139, USA
| | - Alex Gutteridge
- Pfizer WRD, Computational Sciences CoE, The Portway Building, Granta Park, Cambridge CB21 6GS, UK
| | - Craig Hyde
- Pfizer WRD, Research Statistics, 558 Eastern Point Rd, Groton, CT 06340, USA
| | - Michael Nagle
- Pfizer WRD, Human Genetics and Computational Biomedicine, 610 Main Street S, Cambridge, MA 02139, USA
| | - Daniel Ziemek
- Pfizer WRD, Computational Sciences CoE, Linkstraße 10, 10785 Berlin, Germany
| | - Donal Gorman
- Pfizer WRD, Research Statistics, The Portway Building, Granta Park, Cambridge CB21 6GS, UK
| | - Eric B. Fauman
- Pfizer WRD, Computational Sciences CoE, 610 Main Street S, Cambridge, MA 02139, USA
| | - Xing Chen
- Pfizer WRD, Research Statistics, 558 Eastern Point Rd, Groton, CT 06340, USA
| | - Melissa R. Miller
- Pfizer WRD, Human Genetics and Computational Biomedicine, 610 Main Street S, Cambridge, MA 02139, USA
| | - Chao Tian
- 23andMe, Inc, 899 W Evelyn Avenue, Mountain View, California, CA 94043, USA
| | - Youna Hu
- 23andMe, Inc, 899 W Evelyn Avenue, Mountain View, California, CA 94043, USA
| | - David A. Hinds
- 23andMe, Inc, 899 W Evelyn Avenue, Mountain View, California, CA 94043, USA
| | - Peter Cox
- Pfizer Ltd, Neuroscience and Pain Research Unit, The Portway Building, Granta Park, Cambridge CB21 6GS, UK
| | - Serena Scollen
- Pfizer WRD, Human Genetics and Computational Biomedicine, The Portway Building, Granta Park, Cambridge CB21 6GS, UK
- To whom correspondence should be addressed at: ELIXIR Hub, Wellcome Genome Campus, Hinxton, Cambridge CB10 1SD, UK. Tel: +44 1223494322; Fax: +44 (0)1223 484696;
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Cui X, Zhang J, Lv J, Yan Y, Liu X, Wang J, Lv Y, Zhang J. Prognostic value of FOXQ1 in patients with malignant solid tumors: a meta-analysis. Onco Targets Ther 2017; 10:1777-1781. [PMID: 28367060 PMCID: PMC5370067 DOI: 10.2147/ott.s130905] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/10/2023] Open
Abstract
Background Forkhead box Q1 (FOXQ1, also known as HFH1), a member of the forkhead transcription factor family, has been demonstrated to be overexpressed in multiple tumors and is thought to be an indicator of poor clinical outcomes. Methods A meta-analysis using qualified relevant literature was performed to evaluate the prognostic significance of FOXQ1 in various malignant solid tumors. A search of electronic databases was conducted in MEDLINE, Embase, and the Cochrane Library to identify relevant studies published from 1966 to July 30, 2016, and the studies were identified by further evaluation. The pooled hazard ratios (HRs) with 95% confidence intervals (CIs) for analyses were assessed to investigate the association between FOXQ1 expression and overall survival (OS) of patients with malignant solid tumors. Results A total of 1,520 patients from six studies (seven cohorts) with multiple malignant solid tumors were included. For OS, high FOXQ1 expression could significantly predict worse outcome with the pooled HR of 1.38 (95% CI: 1.17–1.59; P<0.001). The subgroup analysis suggested that the elevated levels of FOXQ1 appear to be associated with worse OS in hepatocellular carcinoma (HR =1.34; 95% CI: 1.11–1.57; P<0.001) and other cancers (HR =1.62; 95% CI: 1.09–2.14; P<0.001). Conclusion This meta-analysis indicated that the high expression of FOXQ1 is associated with an adverse OS in malignant solid tumors, suggesting that FOXQ1 may be a predictor of poor prognosis for the development of malignant solid tumors.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xiaohai Cui
- The Second Department of Thoracic Surgery; Institute of Advanced Surgical Technology and Engineering, The First Affiliated Hospital of Xi'an Jiaotong University; Shaanxi Provincial Regenerative Medicine and Surgical Engineering Research Center
| | - Jing Zhang
- The Second Department of Thoracic Surgery
| | - Jiajun Lv
- Xi'an Jiaotong University Health Science Center
| | - Yan Yan
- The Second Department of Thoracic Surgery
| | - Xu Liu
- The Second Department of Thoracic Surgery
| | | | - Yi Lv
- Institute of Advanced Surgical Technology and Engineering, The First Affiliated Hospital of Xi'an Jiaotong University; Shaanxi Provincial Regenerative Medicine and Surgical Engineering Research Center; Department of Hepatobiliary Surgery, The First Affiliated Hospital of Xi'an Jiaotong University, Xi'an, Shaanxi, People's Republic of China
| | - Jia Zhang
- The Second Department of Thoracic Surgery
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Wu M, Wang J, Tang W, Zhan X, Li Y, Peng Y, Huang X, Bai Y, Zhao J, Li A, Chen C, Chen Y, Peng H, Ren Y, Li G, Liu S, Wang J. FOXK1 interaction with FHL2 promotes proliferation, invasion and metastasis in colorectal cancer. Oncogenesis 2016; 5:e271. [PMID: 27892920 PMCID: PMC5141290 DOI: 10.1038/oncsis.2016.68] [Citation(s) in RCA: 34] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/03/2016] [Revised: 08/25/2016] [Accepted: 09/29/2016] [Indexed: 12/31/2022] Open
Abstract
The transcriptional factor Forkhead box k1 (FOXK1) is a member of the FOX family. The abnormal expression of FOXK1 may have an important role in tumour development. Our previous studies showed that four-and-a-half LIM protein 2 (FHL2) is a critical inducer of the epithelial-to-mesenchymal transition (EMT) and invasion. However, the molecular mechanism by which FOXK1 synergizes with FHL2 tumour proliferation, EMT and metastasis is not well defined. We evaluated that messenger RNA (mRNA) and protein expression levels by quantitative RT–PCR, western blot, immunofluorescence and immunohistochemistry (IHC) assays. The migration and invasive abilities of colorectal cancer (CRC) cells were evaluated using short hairpin RNA (shRNA)-mediated inhibition in vitro and in vivo. We showed that FOXK1 expression was upregulated in CRC compared with matched normal tissues. FOXK1 physically interacts with FHL2 in CRC. Moreover, higher expression levels of the two proteins were significantly associated with differentiation, lymph node metastasis, AJCC stage and poorer prognosis. Furthermore, the overexpression of FOXK1 in CRC cells is associated with EMT, invasion and metastasis. However, the siRNA-mediated repression of FHL2 in FOXK1-overexpressing cells reversed EMT and both the proliferative and metastatic phenotypes in vitro and in vivo. These data identified that the co-expression of FOXK1 and FHL2 enhances cell proliferation and metastasis through the induction of EMT. Thus, FOXK1 and FHL2 may serve as putative targets in the combined therapy of CRC.
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Affiliation(s)
- M Wu
- Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Gastroenterology, Department of Gastroenterology, Nanfang Hospital, Southern Medical University, Guangzhou, China
| | - J Wang
- Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Gastroenterology, Department of Gastroenterology, Nanfang Hospital, Southern Medical University, Guangzhou, China
| | - W Tang
- Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Gastroenterology, Department of Gastroenterology, Nanfang Hospital, Southern Medical University, Guangzhou, China
| | - X Zhan
- Center for Reproductive Medicine, Nanfang Hospital, Southern Medical University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Y Li
- Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Gastroenterology, Department of Gastroenterology, Nanfang Hospital, Southern Medical University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Y Peng
- Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Gastroenterology, Department of Gastroenterology, Nanfang Hospital, Southern Medical University, Guangzhou, China
| | - X Huang
- Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Gastroenterology, Department of Gastroenterology, Nanfang Hospital, Southern Medical University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Y Bai
- Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Gastroenterology, Department of Gastroenterology, Nanfang Hospital, Southern Medical University, Guangzhou, China
| | - J Zhao
- Department of Rheumatism, Nanfang Hospital, Southern Medical University, Guangzhou, China
| | - A Li
- Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Gastroenterology, Department of Gastroenterology, Nanfang Hospital, Southern Medical University, Guangzhou, China
| | - C Chen
- Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Gastroenterology, Department of Gastroenterology, Nanfang Hospital, Southern Medical University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Y Chen
- Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Gastroenterology, Department of Gastroenterology, Nanfang Hospital, Southern Medical University, Guangzhou, China
| | - H Peng
- Department of Pathogen Biology, School of Public Health and Tropical Medicine, Southern Medical University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Y Ren
- Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Gastroenterology, Department of Gastroenterology, Nanfang Hospital, Southern Medical University, Guangzhou, China
| | - G Li
- Department of General Surgery, Nanfang Hospital, Southern Medical University, Guangzhou, China
| | - S Liu
- Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Gastroenterology, Department of Gastroenterology, Nanfang Hospital, Southern Medical University, Guangzhou, China
| | - J Wang
- Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Gastroenterology, Department of Gastroenterology, Nanfang Hospital, Southern Medical University, Guangzhou, China
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Direct regulation of FOXK1 by C-jun promotes proliferation, invasion and metastasis in gastric cancer cells. Cell Death Dis 2016; 7:e2480. [PMID: 27882939 PMCID: PMC5260906 DOI: 10.1038/cddis.2016.225] [Citation(s) in RCA: 45] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/14/2016] [Revised: 06/19/2016] [Accepted: 06/28/2016] [Indexed: 12/22/2022]
Abstract
Forkhead box (FOX) K1 is a member of the FOX transcription factor superfamily. High FOXK1 expression is associated with several cancers. However, whether FOXK1 expression contributes to gastric cancer (GC) development and progression remains unknown. We analyzed the FOXK1 promoter using the Promo software and found several binding sequence transcription factors, including c-jun. However, the molecular mechanism by which FOXK1 affects the c-jun-mediated malignant phenotype is poorly understood. Here, we found that FOXK1 protein expression was higher in 8/10 (80.0%) fresh cancer tissues compared with that in adjacent normal tissues. FOXK1 overexpression enhanced the proliferation, migration and invasion of GC cells. Moreover, FOXK1 expression was stimulated by transforming growth factor-β1 (TGF-β1). FOXK1 acted as a potential epithelial-to-mesenchymal transition (EMT) inducer by stimulating vimentin expression and inducing the loss of E-cadherin in stable FOXK1-transfected cells. The results of promoter reporter and chromatin immunoprecipitation assays demonstrated that c-jun directly binds to and activates the human FOXK1 gene promoter. A positive correlation was observed between the expression patterns of FOXK1 and c-jun in GC cells and tissue. FOXK1 and c-jun expression were correlated with tumor progression and represented significant predictors of overall survival in GC patients. However, the siRNA-mediated repression of c-jun in FOXK1-overexpressing cells reversed EMT, as well as the proliferative and metastatic phenotypes. In vivo, c-jun promoted FOXK1-mediated proliferation and metastasis via orthotopic implantation. The evidence presented here suggests that FOXK1-directed regulation by c-jun promote the development and progression of human GC.
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Lu M, Xu W, Gao B, Xiong S. Blunting Autoantigen-induced FOXO3a Protein Phosphorylation and Degradation Is a Novel Pathway of Glucocorticoids for the Treatment of Systemic Lupus Erythematosus. J Biol Chem 2016; 291:19900-12. [PMID: 27481940 DOI: 10.1074/jbc.m116.728840] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/22/2016] [Indexed: 11/06/2022] Open
Abstract
Systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) is a chronic inflammatory autoimmune disease affecting multiple organs. Glucocorticoids (GCs), the potent anti-inflammatory drugs, remain as a cornerstone in the treatment for SLE; nevertheless, their clinical efficacy is compromised by the side effects of long term treatment and resistance. To improve the therapeutic efficacy of GCs in SLE, it is important to further decipher the molecular mechanisms of how GCs exert their anti-inflammatory effects. In this investigation, FOXO3a was identified as a molecule that was down-regulated in the course of SLE. Of interest, GC treatment was found to rescue FOXO3a expression both in SLE mice and in SLE patients. Gain- and loss-of-function studies demonstrated that FOXO3a played a crucial role in GC treatment of SLE via inhibiting inflammatory responses. Further studies showed that the up-regulation of FOXO3a by GCs relied on the suppression of pI3K/AKT-mediated FOXO3a phosphorylation and the arrest of FOXO3a in the nucleus. Finally, our data revealed that FOXO3a was critical for GC-mediated inhibition of NF-κB activity, which might involve its interaction with NF-κB p65 protein. Collectively, these data indicated that FOXO3a played an important role in GC treatment of SLE by suppressing pro-inflammatory response, and targeting FOXO3a might provide a novel therapeutic strategy against SLE.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mudan Lu
- From the Institute for Immunobiology, Department of Immunology, Shanghai Medical College of Fudan University, Shanghai 200032 and
| | - Wei Xu
- the Jiangsu Key Laboratory of Infection and Immunity, Institutes of Biology and Medical Sciences, Soochow University, Suzhou 215006, China
| | - Bo Gao
- From the Institute for Immunobiology, Department of Immunology, Shanghai Medical College of Fudan University, Shanghai 200032 and
| | - Sidong Xiong
- From the Institute for Immunobiology, Department of Immunology, Shanghai Medical College of Fudan University, Shanghai 200032 and the Jiangsu Key Laboratory of Infection and Immunity, Institutes of Biology and Medical Sciences, Soochow University, Suzhou 215006, China
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36
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Agrawal AK, Ranjan R, Chandra S, Rout TK, Misra A, Reddy TJ. Some proteins of M. tuberculosis that localise to the nucleus of THP-1-derived macrophages. Tuberculosis (Edinb) 2016; 101:75-78. [PMID: 27865402 DOI: 10.1016/j.tube.2016.07.013] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/25/2016] [Revised: 07/20/2016] [Accepted: 07/21/2016] [Indexed: 01/21/2023]
Abstract
Host-pathogen dialectics in tuberculosis (TB) via DNA-protein interactions are emerging. We investigated whether proteins produced by Mycobacterium tuberculosis (Mtb) could translocate to the host nucleus. Using lysates of nuclei purified from Mtb-infected THP-1-derived macrophages, we identified at least 15 proteins of Mtb-origin by electrophoretic and chromatographic separation and mass spectrometry. Western blotting confirmed time-dependent accumulation of Mtb EF-Tu, GroEL, GroES and MtrA in the host nucleus. MtrA could pull down at least 16 host proteins. Mtb proteins may have moonlighting functions that affect host gene expression.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Rajeev Ranjan
- CSIR Central Drug Research Institute, Lucknow 226031, India
| | - Sharat Chandra
- CSIR Central Drug Research Institute, Lucknow 226031, India
| | | | - Amit Misra
- CSIR Central Drug Research Institute, Lucknow 226031, India.
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Zhang Z, Meng G, Wang L, Ma Y, Guan Z. The prognostic role and reduced expression of FOXJ2 in human hepatocellular carcinoma. Mol Med Rep 2016; 14:254-62. [PMID: 27177166 PMCID: PMC4918614 DOI: 10.3892/mmr.2016.5261] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/01/2015] [Accepted: 04/29/2016] [Indexed: 12/23/2022] Open
Abstract
The current study aimed to investigate the potential role of the FOXJ2 (forkhead box J2) protein in the pathology of hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC). Western blotting was performed to determine the expression levels of FOXJ2 in HCC tissues and HCC cells. Specimens from 110 patients with HCC undergoing hepatic resection were evaluated for FOXJ2 expression using an immunohistochemical assay. The correlation between FOXJ2 expression and clinicopathological factors of the patients was determined by statistical analysis to determine the prognostic merit of FOXJ2 expression in HCC. The detailed involvement of FOXJ2 in the regulation of HCC proliferation was further investigated using FOXJ2‑targeting small interfering RNA (siRNA). FOXJ2 protein was identified to be significantly downregulated in HCC tissues compared with adjacent normal liver tissues. Immunohistochemical analysis demonstrated that the expression of FOXJ2 was negatively correlated with Ki‑67 levels in HCC specimens (r=‑0.679, P<0.001). Furthermore, statistical analysis indicated FOXJ2 expression was significantly associated with histological differentiation (P=0.005), the size of largest tumor (P=0.002) and metastasis (P=0.036). Using Kaplan‑Meier analysis, it was demonstrated that high FOXJ2 expression levels predicted significantly improved patient survival rates compared with low FOXJ2 expression levels (P<0.001). In addition, it was observed that interference of FOXJ2 expression using siRNA oligos led to the promotion of proliferation of HepG2 cells. FOXJ2 was markedly downregulated in HCC tissues. The expression of FOXJ2 was correlated with tumor size, histological differentiation and metastasis. Low expression levels of FOXJ2 predicted poor prognosis for patients with HCC, suggesting that FOXJ2 may be a candidate prognostic marker of HCC. Depletion of FOXJ2 caused the promotion of HCC cell proliferation, implicating that FOXJ2 may serve an inhibitory role in the regulation of HCC cell proliferation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zhongbao Zhang
- Department of General Surgery, The Third People's Hospital of Liaocheng, Liaocheng, Shandong 252000, P.R. China
| | - Guangju Meng
- Department of Infectious Diseases, Tai'an Center Hospital, Tai'an, Shandong 271000, P.R. China
| | - Liang Wang
- Department of General Surgery, The Third People's Hospital of Liaocheng, Liaocheng, Shandong 252000, P.R. China
| | - Yingying Ma
- Department of Surgery, The Third People's Hospital of Liaocheng, Liaocheng, Shandong 252000, P.R. China
| | - Zhongzheng Guan
- Department of General Surgery, The Third People's Hospital of Liaocheng, Liaocheng, Shandong 252000, P.R. China
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LI YANG, ZHANG YEFEI, YAO ZHENDONG, LI SISI, YIN ZHENHUA, XU MIN. Forkhead box Q1: A key player in the pathogenesis of tumors (Review). Int J Oncol 2016; 49:51-8. [DOI: 10.3892/ijo.2016.3517] [Citation(s) in RCA: 36] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/21/2016] [Accepted: 03/30/2016] [Indexed: 11/06/2022] Open
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39
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Wong DY, Ranganath T, Kasko AM. Low-Dose, Long-Wave UV Light Does Not Affect Gene Expression of Human Mesenchymal Stem Cells. PLoS One 2015; 10:e0139307. [PMID: 26418040 PMCID: PMC4587745 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0139307] [Citation(s) in RCA: 51] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/08/2015] [Accepted: 09/12/2015] [Indexed: 01/14/2023] Open
Abstract
Light is a non-invasive tool that is widely used in a range of biomedical applications. Techniques such as photopolymerization, photodegradation, and photouncaging can be used to alter the chemical and physical properties of biomaterials in the presence of live cells. Long-wave UV light (315 nm–400 nm) is an easily accessible and commonly used energy source for triggering biomaterial changes. Although exposure to low doses of long-wave UV light is generally accepted as biocompatible, most studies employing this wavelength only establish cell viability, ignoring other possible (non-toxic) effects. Since light exposure of wavelengths longer than 315 nm may potentially induce changes in cell behavior, we examined changes in gene expression of human mesenchymal stem cells exposed to light under both 2D and 3D culture conditions, including two different hydrogel fabrication techniques, decoupling UV exposure and radical generation. While exposure to long-wave UV light did not induce significant changes in gene expression regardless of culture conditions, significant changes were observed due to scaffold fabrication chemistry and between cells plated in 2D versus encapsulated in 3D scaffolds. In order to facilitate others in searching for more specific changes between the many conditions, the full data set is available on Gene Expression Omnibus for querying.
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Affiliation(s)
- Darice Y. Wong
- Department of Bioengineering, Henry Samueli School of Engineering, University of California Los Angeles, Los Angeles, California, United States of America
| | - Thanmayi Ranganath
- Department of Bioengineering, Henry Samueli School of Engineering, University of California Los Angeles, Los Angeles, California, United States of America
| | - Andrea M. Kasko
- Department of Bioengineering, Henry Samueli School of Engineering, University of California Los Angeles, Los Angeles, California, United States of America
- * E-mail:
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Zhang J, Li W, Dai S, Tai X, Jia J, Guo X. FOXQ1 is overexpressed in laryngeal carcinoma and affects cell growth, cell cycle progression and cell invasion. Oncol Lett 2015; 10:2499-2504. [PMID: 26622879 DOI: 10.3892/ol.2015.3530] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/08/2014] [Accepted: 06/11/2015] [Indexed: 01/23/2023] Open
Abstract
Forkhead box Q1 (FOXQ1) is a forkhead transcription factor that is involved in numerous biological processes and has been shown to participate in tumorigenesis. However, the clinical significance of the expression of this protein in laryngeal carcinoma, and the mechanisms underlying its regulation in this disease remain unclear. The aim of present study was to measure the expression of FOXQ1 in laryngeal carcinoma, and to examine its effect on tumorigenesis. In the present study, reverse transcription-quantitative polymerase chain reaction and western blotting were employed to measure FOXQ1 expression in laryngeal carcinoma tissue samples, small interfering RNA specific to FOXQ1, was transfected into Hep2 cells and its effect on cell proliferation, cell cycle progression and cell migration was examined, using a CCK-8 assay, flow cytometry and a transwell migration assay, respectively. The results showed overexpression of FOXQ1 mRNA and protein in laryngeal cancer tissue samples. Inhibition of FOXQ1 suppressed cell growth and invasion, and arrested cells in the G0/G1 phase. Overexpression of FOXQ1 is associated with the development of laryngeal carcinoma and may enhance tumorigenesis through its effects on cell proliferation, cell cycle progression and cell migration.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jie Zhang
- Department of Otolaryngology, The First Affiliated Hospital of China Medical University, Shenyang, Liaoning 110001, P.R. China
| | - Wei Li
- Department of Otolaryngology, The First Affiliated Hospital of China Medical University, Shenyang, Liaoning 110001, P.R. China
| | - Song Dai
- Department of Otolaryngology, The 463 Hospital of PLA, Shenyang, Liaoning 110007, P.R. China
| | - Xuhui Tai
- Department of Otolaryngology, The 463 Hospital of PLA, Shenyang, Liaoning 110007, P.R. China
| | - Jianping Jia
- Department of Otolaryngology, The 463 Hospital of PLA, Shenyang, Liaoning 110007, P.R. China
| | - Xing Guo
- Department of Otolaryngology, The First Affiliated Hospital of China Medical University, Shenyang, Liaoning 110001, P.R. China
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Feng J, Xu L, Ni S, Gu J, Zhu H, Wang H, Zhang S, Zhang W, Huang J. Involvement of FoxQ1 in NSCLC through regulating EMT and increasing chemosensitivity. Oncotarget 2015; 5:9689-702. [PMID: 25356753 PMCID: PMC4259430 DOI: 10.18632/oncotarget.2103] [Citation(s) in RCA: 38] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/21/2022] Open
Abstract
Forkhead box Q1 (FoxQ1) is a member of the forkhead transcription factor family. High expression of FoxQ1 has been associated with several cancers including non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC), but its role in the development of NSCLC is not clear. In this study, we investigated the effect of FoxQ1 up-regulated and down-regulated in vitro and in vivo, and the role of FoxQ1 in regulating epithelial-mesenchymal transition (EMT) in NSCLC, providing evidence that FoxQ1 could be a potential therapeutic target in NSCLC. NSCLC cells with silenced FoxQ1 had decreased cell proliferation, migration and invasion in cell culture and delayed growth of xenograft tumors in mice compared with corresponding control cells. The NSCLC cells downregulated for FoxQ1 induced the expression of apoptosis-associated proteins and reduction of anti-apoptotic protein expression. Downregulation of FoxQ1 promoted the expression of epithelial markers and decreased several mesenchymal markers in vitro and in vivo. In addition, FoxQ1 was associated with resistance to conventional chemotherapeutic agents. In contrast, FoxQ1 overexpressed elicited converse effects on these phenotypes in vitro and in vivo. Our findings define a key role for FoxQ1 in regulating EMT and increasing chemosensitivity in NSCLC.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jian Feng
- Department of Respiratory Medicine, Affiliated Hospital of Nantong University, Nantong, Jiangsu, China
| | - Liqin Xu
- Department of Respiratory Medicine, Affiliated Hospital of Nantong University, Nantong, Jiangsu, China
| | - Songshi Ni
- Department of Respiratory Medicine, Affiliated Hospital of Nantong University, Nantong, Jiangsu, China
| | - Jun Gu
- Department of Respiratory Medicine, Affiliated Hospital of Nantong University, Nantong, Jiangsu, China
| | - Huijun Zhu
- Department of Pathology, Affiliated Hospital of Nantong University, Nantong, Jiangsu, China
| | - Haiying Wang
- Department of Respiratory Medicine, Affiliated Hospital of Nantong University, Nantong, Jiangsu, China
| | - Shu Zhang
- Department of Pathology, Affiliated Hospital of Nantong University, Nantong, Jiangsu, China
| | - Wei Zhang
- Department of Pathology, Affiliated Hospital of Nantong University, Nantong, Jiangsu, China
| | - Jianfei Huang
- Department of Pathology, Affiliated Hospital of Nantong University, Nantong, Jiangsu, China
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Bayarri-Olmos R, Hansen S, Henriksen ML, Storm L, Thiel S, Garred P, Munthe-Fog L. Genetic variation of COLEC10 and COLEC11 and association with serum levels of collectin liver 1 (CL-L1) and collectin kidney 1 (CL-K1). PLoS One 2015; 10:e0114883. [PMID: 25710878 PMCID: PMC4339841 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0114883] [Citation(s) in RCA: 25] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/09/2014] [Accepted: 11/14/2014] [Indexed: 11/18/2022] Open
Abstract
Collectin liver 1 (CL-L1, alias CL-10) and collectin kidney 1 (CL-K1, alias CL-11), encoded by the COLEC10 and COLEC11 genes, respectively, are highly homologous soluble pattern recognition molecules in the lectin pathway of complement. These proteins may be involved in anti-microbial activity and in tissue development as mutations in COLEC11 are one of the causes of the developmental defect syndrome 3MC. We studied variations in COLEC10 and COLEC11, the impact on serum concentration and to what extent CL-L1 and CL-K1 serum concentrations are correlated. We sequenced the promoter regions, exons and exon-intron boundaries of COLEC10 and COLEC11 in samples from Danish Caucasians and measured the corresponding serum levels of CL-L1 and CL-K1. The median concentration of CL-L1 and CL-K1 was 1.87 μg/ml (1.00-4.14 μg/ml) and 0.32 μg/ml (0.11-0.69 μg/ml), respectively. The level of CL-L1 strongly correlated with CL-K1 (ρ = 0.7405, P <0.0001). Both genes were highly conserved with the majority of variations in the non-coding regions. Three non-synonymous variations were tested: COLEC10 Glu78Asp (rs150828850, minor allele frequency (MAF): 0.003), COLEC10 Arg125Trp (rs149331285, MAF: 0.007) and COLEC11 His219Arg (rs7567833, MAF: 0.033). Carriers of COLEC10 Arg125Trp had increased CL-L1 serum levels (P = 0.0478), whereas promoter polymorphism COLEC11-9570C>T (rs3820897) was associated with decreased levels of CL-K1 (P = 0.044). In conclusion, COLEC10 and COLEC11 are highly conserved, which may reflect biological importance of CL-L1 and CL-K1. Moreover, the strong inter individual correlation between the two proteins suggests that a major proportion are found as heterooligomers or subjected to the same regulatory mechanisms.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rafael Bayarri-Olmos
- Laboratory of Molecular Medicine, Department of Clinical Immunology, Section 7631, Rigshospitalet, Faculty of Health and Medical Sciences, University of Copenhagen, Copenhagen, Denmark
| | - Soren Hansen
- Department of Cancer and Inflammation Research, Institute of Molecular Medicine, University of Southern Denmark, Odense, Denmark
| | - Maiken Lumby Henriksen
- Department of Cancer and Inflammation Research, Institute of Molecular Medicine, University of Southern Denmark, Odense, Denmark
| | - Line Storm
- Department of Biomedicine, Faculty of Health Sciences, Aarhus University, Aarhus, Denmark
| | - Steffen Thiel
- Department of Biomedicine, Faculty of Health Sciences, Aarhus University, Aarhus, Denmark
| | - Peter Garred
- Laboratory of Molecular Medicine, Department of Clinical Immunology, Section 7631, Rigshospitalet, Faculty of Health and Medical Sciences, University of Copenhagen, Copenhagen, Denmark
| | - Lea Munthe-Fog
- Laboratory of Molecular Medicine, Department of Clinical Immunology, Section 7631, Rigshospitalet, Faculty of Health and Medical Sciences, University of Copenhagen, Copenhagen, Denmark
- * E-mail:
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Meng F, Speyer CL, Zhang B, Zhao Y, Chen W, Gorski DH, Miller FR, Wu G. PDGFRα and β play critical roles in mediating Foxq1-driven breast cancer stemness and chemoresistance. Cancer Res 2014; 75:584-93. [PMID: 25502837 DOI: 10.1158/0008-5472.can-13-3029] [Citation(s) in RCA: 53] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/16/2022]
Abstract
Many epithelial-mesenchymal transition (EMT)-promoting transcription factors have been implicated in tumorigenesis and metastasis as well as chemoresistance of cancer. However, the underlying mechanisms mediating these processes are unclear. Here, we report that Foxq1, a forkhead box-containing transcription factor and EMT-inducing gene, promotes stemness traits and chemoresistance in mammary epithelial cells. Using an expression profiling assay, we identified Twist1, Zeb2, and PDGFRα and β as Foxq1 downstream targets. We further show that PDGFRα and β can be directly regulated by Foxq1 or indirectly regulated through the Foxq1/Twist1 axis. Knockdown of both PDGFRα and β results in more significant effects on reversing Foxq1-promoted oncogenesis in vitro and in vivo than knockdown of either PDGFRα or β alone. In addition, PDGFRβ is a more potent mediator of Foxq1-promoted stemness traits than PDGFRα. Finally, pharmacologic inhibition or gene silencing of PDGFRs sensitizes mammary epithelial cells to chemotherapeutic agents in vitro and in vivo. These findings collectively implicate PDGFRs as critical mediators of breast cancer oncogenesis and chemoresistance driven by Foxq1, with potential implications for developing novel therapeutic combinations to treat breast cancer.
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Affiliation(s)
- Fanyan Meng
- Molecular Therapeutics Program, Barbara Ann Karmanos Cancer Institute, Detroit, Michigan. Department of Oncology, Wayne State University School of Medicine, Detroit, Michigan
| | - Cecilia L Speyer
- Department of Surgery, Wayne State University School of Medicine, Detroit, Michigan
| | - Bin Zhang
- Department of Genetics and Genomic Sciences, Icahn Institute of Genomics and Multiscale Biology, Icahn Mount Sinai School of Medicine, New York, New York
| | - Yongzhong Zhao
- Department of Genetics and Genomic Sciences, Icahn Institute of Genomics and Multiscale Biology, Icahn Mount Sinai School of Medicine, New York, New York
| | - Wei Chen
- Molecular Therapeutics Program, Barbara Ann Karmanos Cancer Institute, Detroit, Michigan. Biostatistic Core facility, Department of Oncology, Wayne State University School of Medicine, Detroit, Michigan
| | - David H Gorski
- Department of Surgery, Wayne State University School of Medicine, Detroit, Michigan
| | - Fred R Miller
- Molecular Therapeutics Program, Barbara Ann Karmanos Cancer Institute, Detroit, Michigan. Department of Oncology, Wayne State University School of Medicine, Detroit, Michigan
| | - Guojun Wu
- Molecular Therapeutics Program, Barbara Ann Karmanos Cancer Institute, Detroit, Michigan. Department of Oncology, Wayne State University School of Medicine, Detroit, Michigan.
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Nagel S, Meyer C, Kaufmann M, Drexler HG, MacLeod RAF. Deregulated FOX genes in Hodgkin lymphoma. Genes Chromosomes Cancer 2014; 53:917-33. [PMID: 25043849 DOI: 10.1002/gcc.22204] [Citation(s) in RCA: 33] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/28/2014] [Revised: 06/18/2014] [Accepted: 06/29/2014] [Indexed: 12/27/2022] Open
Abstract
FOX genes encode transcription factors which regulate basic developmental processes during embryogenesis and in the adult. Several FOX genes show deregulated expression in particular malignancies, representing oncogenes or tumor suppressors. Here, we screened six Hodgkin lymphoma (HL) cell lines for FOX gene activity by comparative microarray profiling, revealing overexpression of FOXC1 and FOXD1, and reduced transcription of FOXN3, FOXO1, and FOXP1. In silico expression analyses of these FOX gene candidates in HL patient samples supported the cell line data. Chromosomal analyses demonstrated an amplification of the FOXC1 locus at 6p25 and a gain of the FOXR2 locus at Xp11, indicting genomic aberrations for their upregulation. Comparative expression profiling and ensuing stimulation experiments revealed implementation of the TGFβ- and WNT-signaling pathways in deregulation of FOXD1 and FOXN3. Functional analysis of FOXP1 implicated miR9 and miR34a as upstream regulators and PAX5, TCF3, and RAG2 as downstream targets. A similar exercise for FOXC1 revealed repression of MSX1 and activation of IPO7, both mediating inhibition of the B-cell specific homeobox gene ZHX2. Taken together, our data show that aberrantly expressed FOX genes and their downstream targets are involved in the pathogenesis of HL via deregulation of B-cell differentiation and may represent useful diagnostic markers and/or therapeutic targets.
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Affiliation(s)
- Stefan Nagel
- Department of Human and Animal Cell Lines, Leibniz-Institute DSMZ-German Collection of Microorganisms and Cell Cultures, Braunschweig, Germany
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Bozorgmehr JEH. The role of self-organization in developmental evolution. Theory Biosci 2014; 133:145-63. [PMID: 24737046 DOI: 10.1007/s12064-014-0200-4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/20/2013] [Accepted: 03/06/2014] [Indexed: 01/09/2023]
Abstract
In developmental and evolutionary biology, particular emphasis has been given to the relationship between transcription factors and the cognate cis-regulatory elements of their target genes. These constitute the gene regulatory networks that control expression and are assumed to causally determine the formation of structures and body plans. Comparative analysis has, however, established a broad sequence homology among species that nonetheless display quite different anatomies. Transgenic experiments have also confirmed that many developmentally important elements are, in fact, functionally interchangeable. Although dependent upon the appropriate degree of gene expression, the actual construction of specific structures appears not directly linked to the functions of gene products alone. Instead, the self-formation of complex patterns, due in large part to epigenetic and non-genetic determinants, remains a persisting theme in the study of ontogeny and regenerative medicine. Recent evidence indeed points to the existence of a self-organizing process, operating through a set of intrinsic rules and forces, which imposes coordination and a holistic order upon cells and tissue. This has been repeatedly demonstrated in experiments on regeneration as well as in the autonomous formation of structures in vitro. The process cannot be wholly attributed to the functional outcome of protein-protein interactions or to concentration gradients of diffusible chemicals. This phenomenon is examined here along with some of the methodological and theoretical approaches that are now used in understanding the causal basis for self-organization in development and its evolution.
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46
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Peng SL. Interactions of Fox proteins with inflammatory transcription-factor pathways. Expert Rev Clin Immunol 2014; 2:869-76. [DOI: 10.1586/1744666x.2.6.869] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/08/2022]
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Delacher M, Schreiber L, Richards DM, Farah C, Feuerer M, Huehn J. Transcriptional control of regulatory T cells. Curr Top Microbiol Immunol 2014; 381:83-124. [PMID: 24831347 DOI: 10.1007/82_2014_373] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/27/2022]
Abstract
Regulatory T cells (Tregs) constitute unique T cell lineage that plays a key role for immunological tolerance. Tregs are characterized by the expression of the forkhead box transcription factor Foxp3, which acts as a lineage-specifying factor by determining the unique suppression profile of these immune cells. Here, we summarize the recent progress in understanding how Foxp3 expression itself is epigenetically and transcriptionally controlled, how the Treg-specific signature is achieved and how unique properties of Treg subsets are defined by other transcription factors. Finally, we will discuss recent studies focusing on the molecular targeting of Tregs to utilize the specific properties of this unique cell type in therapeutic settings.
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Affiliation(s)
- Michael Delacher
- Immune Tolerance, Tumor Immunology Program, German Cancer Research Center (DKFZ), Im Neuenheimer Feld 280, 69120, Heidelberg, Germany
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Lindblom RPF, Ström M, Heinig M, Al Nimer F, Aeinehband S, Berg A, Dominguez CA, Vijayaraghavan S, Zhang XM, Harnesk K, Zelano J, Hübner N, Cullheim S, Darreh-Shori T, Diez M, Piehl F. Unbiased expression mapping identifies a link between the complement and cholinergic systems in the rat central nervous system. THE JOURNAL OF IMMUNOLOGY 2013; 192:1138-53. [PMID: 24353269 DOI: 10.4049/jimmunol.1301233] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/08/2023]
Abstract
The complement system is activated in a wide spectrum of CNS diseases and is suggested to play a role in degenerative phenomena such as elimination of synaptic terminals. Still, little is known of mechanisms regulating complement activation in the CNS. Loss of synaptic terminals in the spinal cord after an experimental nerve injury is increased in the inbred DA strain compared with the PVG strain and is associated with expression of the upstream complement components C1q and C3, in the absence of membrane attack complex activation and neutrophil infiltration. To further dissect pathways regulating complement expression, we performed genome-wide expression profiling and linkage analysis in a large F2(DA × PVG) intercross, which identified quantitative trait loci regulating expression of C1qa, C1qb, C3, and C9. Unlike C1qa, C1qb, and C9, which all displayed distinct coregulation with different cis-regulated C-type lectins, C3 was regulated in a coexpression network immediately downstream of butyrylcholinesterase. Butyrylcholinesterase hydrolyses acetylcholine, which exerts immunoregulatory effects partly through TNF-α pathways. Accordingly, increased C3, but not C1q, expression was demonstrated in rat and mouse glia following TNF-α stimulation, which was abrogated in a dose-dependent manner by acetylcholine. These findings demonstrate new pathways regulating CNS complement expression using unbiased mapping in an experimental in vivo system. A direct link between cholinergic activity and complement activation is supported by in vitro experiments. The identification of distinct pathways subjected to regulation by naturally occurring genetic variability is of relevance for the understanding of disease mechanisms in neurologic conditions characterized by neuronal injury and complement activation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rickard P F Lindblom
- Neuroimmunology Unit, Department of Clinical Neuroscience, Karolinska Institutet, 171 77 Stockholm, Sweden
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Qin J, Xu Y, Li X, Wu Y, Zhou J, Wang G, Chen L. Effects of lentiviral-mediated Foxp1 and Foxq1 RNAi on the hepatocarcinoma cell. Exp Mol Pathol 2013; 96:1-8. [PMID: 24211718 DOI: 10.1016/j.yexmp.2013.10.015] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/20/2013] [Revised: 10/26/2013] [Accepted: 10/28/2013] [Indexed: 11/26/2022]
Abstract
Foxp1 and Foxq1 are two multifunctional molecules of "forkhead box (Fox)" family. The objective of this paper was to construct the lentiviral vectors expressing RNA interference (RNAi) against Foxp1 or Foxq1 genes, and the effects of both vectors with two RNAis on the proliferation, migration and apoptosis of 7721 hepatocarcinoma cell line were evaluated. Six target sequences against human Foxp1/Foxq1 mRNA were designed respectively and six pairs of their corresponding double-strand DNA oligo (siRNA) were synthesized prior to being transfected into 7721 cells with lipo2000, then a most efficient siRNA were selected to be subcloned into pLL3.7-GFP/Lenti plasmids. These plasmids were transfected into 293T cells to package lentiviral particles for subsequent transfection into 7721 cells after their sequences were confirmed. The expression of Foxp1and Foxq1 genes in the transfected cells were identified by real-time PCR. The migration, infiltration, viability and apoptosis of the transfected cells were assessed by wound healing assay, Transwell assay, CCK-8 assay and flow cytometry. Sequencing results showed that lentiviral vectors contained Foxp1 or Foxq1 gene. After being transfected into 7721 cells, Foxp1 and Foxq1 expression were significantly down-regulated by siRNA-823 and siRNA-834. The migration and infiltration ability, and the viability of 7721 cells transfected with two siRNAs were significantly suppressed; flow cytometry assay exhibited the apoptosis rate of transfected 7721 cells with the lentivirus RNAi vector of Foxp1 or Foxq1 was increased. All the results showed that the lentivirus RNAi vectors of Foxp1 and Foxq1 were able to inhibit the expression of Foxp1 and Foxq1 in 7721 cells efficiently, and the down-regulation of either Foxp1 or Foxq1 resulted in suppression of migration, infiltration and viability of 7721 cells and an increase in cell apoptosis. Our data indicated that both Foxp1 and Foxq1 genes played an oncogenic role in hepatocarcinoma cells, which proposed the two genes as new therapeutic targets for the cancer.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jing Qin
- Department of Pathological Anatomy, Nantong University, Nantong, China
| | - Yuyin Xu
- Affiliated Hospital of Nantong University, Nantong, China
| | - Xingyu Li
- Department of Pathological Anatomy, Nantong University, Nantong, China
| | - Yuanyuan Wu
- Department of Pathological Anatomy, Nantong University, Nantong, China
| | - Jiaming Zhou
- Department of Pathological Anatomy, Nantong University, Nantong, China
| | - Guilan Wang
- Department of Pathological Anatomy, Nantong University, Nantong, China
| | - Li Chen
- Department of Pathological Anatomy, Nantong University, Nantong, China.
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Zhao W, Berthier CC, Lewis EE, McCune WJ, Kretzler M, Kaplan MJ. The peroxisome-proliferator activated receptor-γ agonist pioglitazone modulates aberrant T cell responses in systemic lupus erythematosus. Clin Immunol 2013; 149:119-32. [PMID: 23962407 PMCID: PMC4184099 DOI: 10.1016/j.clim.2013.07.002] [Citation(s) in RCA: 36] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/24/2013] [Revised: 07/11/2013] [Accepted: 07/12/2013] [Indexed: 12/17/2022]
Abstract
PPAR-γ agonists can suppress autoimmune responses and renal inflammation in murine lupus but the mechanisms implicated in this process remain unclear. We tested the effect of the PPAR-γ agonist pioglitazone in human lupus and control PBMCs with regard to gene regulation and various functional assays. By Affymetrix microarray analysis, several T cell-related pathways were significantly highlighted in pathway analysis in lupus PBMCs. Transcriptional network analysis showed IFN-γ as an important regulatory node, with pioglitazone treatment inducing transcriptional repression of various genes implicated in T cell responses. Confirmation of these suppressive effects was observed specifically in purified CD4+ T cells. Pioglitazone downregulated lupus CD4+ T cell effector proliferation and activation, while it significantly increased proliferation and function of lupus T regulatory cells. We conclude that PPAR-γ agonists selectively modulate CD4+ T cell function in SLE supporting the concept that pioglitazone and related,-agents should be explored as potential therapies in this disease.
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Affiliation(s)
- Wenpu Zhao
- Division of Rheumatology, Department of Internal Medicine
| | | | - Emily E. Lewis
- Division of Rheumatology, Department of Internal Medicine
| | | | - Matthias Kretzler
- Division of Nephrology, Department of Internal Medicine
- Department of Computational Biology, University of Michigan Medical School, Ann Arbor, MI 48109
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