TRAF6 regulates YAP signaling by promoting the ubiquitination and degradation of MST1 in pancreatic cancer

The possible correlation between miR-762, Hippo signaling pathway, TWIST1, and SMAD3 in lung cancer and chronic inflammatory diseases

MicroRNAs are small RNA molecules that have a significant role in translational repression and gene silencing through binding to downstream target mRNAs. MiR-762 can stimulate the proliferation and metastasis of various types of cancer. Hippo pathway is one of the pathways that regulate tissue development and carcinogenesis. Dysregulation of this pathway plays a vital role in the progression of cancer. This study aimed to evaluate the possible correlation between miR-762, the Hippo signaling pathway, TWIST1, and SMAD3 in patients with lung cancer, as well as patients with chronic inflammatory diseases. The relative expression of miR-762, MST1, LATS2, YAP, TWIST1, and SMAD3 was determined in 50 lung cancer patients, 30 patients with chronic inflammatory diseases, and 20 healthy volunteers by real-time PCR. The levels of YAP protein and neuron-specific enolase were estimated by ELISA and electrochemiluminescence immunoassay, respectively. Compared to the control group, miR-762, YAP, TWIST1, and SMAD3 expression were significantly upregulated in lung cancer patients and chronic inflammatory patients, except SMAD3 was significantly downregulated in chronic inflammatory patients. MST1, LATS2, and YAP protein were significantly downregulated in all patients. MiR-762 has a significant negative correlation with MST1, LATS2, and YAP protein in lung cancer patients and with MST1 and LATS2 in chronic inflammatory patients. MiR-762 may be involved in the induction of malignant behaviors in lung cancer through suppression of the Hippo pathway. MiR-762, MST1, LATS2, YAP mRNA and protein, TWIST1, and SMAD3 may be effective diagnostic biomarkers in both lung cancer patients and chronic inflammatory patients. High YAP, TWIST1, SMA3 expression, and NSE level are associated with a favorable prognosis for lung cancer.

SIRT7 promotes Hippo/YAP activation and cancer cell proliferation in hepatocellular carcinoma via suppressing MST1

Abnormal activation of the oncogene YAP in the Hippo pathway is a major feature in liver cancer and inactivation of MST1/2 has been shown to be responsible for the overactivation of YAP that led to tumorigenesis. However, mechanisms underlying MST1/2 dysregulation remain poorly understood. RNA-seq analysis and genome (KEGG) pathway enrichment analysis were used to identify genes and pathways that were regulated by SIRT7. qRT-PCR, ChIP, and luciferase assay were used to investigate transcriptional regulation. Mass spectrometry, co-immunoprecipitation and immunoprecipitation were used to exam protein-protein interaction and post-transcriptional modification. A xenograft mouse model was used to confirm the effect of SIRT7 and SIRT7 inhibitors on hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) proliferation in vivo. We found that SIRT7 suppresses MST1 by both transcriptional regulation and post-transcriptional modification, which in turn promotes YAP nuclear localization and transcriptional activation in liver cancer. Mechanistically, we revealed that SIRT7 suppresses MST1 transcription by binding to the MST1 promoter and inducing H3K18 deacetylation in its promoter region. In addition, SIRT7 directly binds to and deacetylates MST1, which primes acetylation-dependent MST1 ubiquitination and protein degradation. In clinical samples, we confirmed a negative correlation between SIRT7 and MST1 protein levels, and high SIRT7 expression correlated with elevated YAP expression and nuclear localization. In addition, SIRT7 specific inhibitor 2800Z sufficiently inhibited HCC growth by disrupting the SIRT7/MST1/YAP axis. Our data thus revealed the previously undescribed function of SIRT7 in regulating the Hippo pathway in HCC and further proved that targeting SIRT7 might provide novel therapeutic options for the treatment of liver cancer.

Expanding the ubiquitin code in pancreatic cancer

The ubiquitin-proteasome system (UPS) is a fundamental regulatory mechanism in cells, vital for maintaining cellular homeostasis, compiling signaling transduction, and determining cell fates. These biological processes require the coordinated signal cascades of UPS members, including ubiquitin ligases, ubiquitin-conjugating enzymes, deubiquitinases, and proteasomes, to ubiquitination and de-ubiquitination on substrates. Recent studies indicate that ubiquitination code rewriting is particularly prominent in pancreatic cancer. High frequency mutation or aberrant hyperexpression of UPS members dysregulates ferroptosis, tumor microenvironment, and metabolic rewiring processes and contribute to tumor growth, metastasis, immune evasion, and acquired drug resistance. We conduct an in-depth overview of ubiquitination process in pancreatic cancer, highlighting the role of ubiquitin code in tumor-promoting and tumor-suppressor pathways. Furthermore, we review current UPS modulators and analyze the potential of UPS modulators as cancer therapy.

Smurf1 polyubiquitinates on K285/K282 of the kinases Mst1/2 to attenuate their tumor-suppressor functions

Sterile 20-like kinases Mst1 and Mst2 (Mst1/2) and large tumor suppressor 1/2 are core kinases to mediate Hippo signaling in maintaining tissue homeostasis. We have previously demonstrated that Smad ubiquitin (Ub) regulatory factor 1 (Smurf1), a HECT-type E3 ligase, ubiquitinates and in turn destabilizes large tumor suppressor 1/2 to induce the transcriptional output of Hippo signaling. Here, we unexpectedly find that Smurf1 interacts with and polyubiquitinates Mst1/2 by virtue of K27- and K29-linked Ub chains, resulting in the proteasomal degradation of Mst1/2 and attenuation of their tumor-suppressor functions. Among the potential Ub acceptor sites on Mst1/2, K285/K282 are conserved and essential for Smurf1-induced polyubiquitination and degradation of Mst1/2 as well as transcriptional output of Hippo signaling. As a result, K285R/K282R mutation of Mst1/2 not only negates the transcriptional output of Hippo signaling but enhances the tumor-suppressor functions of Mst1/2. Together, we demonstrate that Smurf1-mediated polyubiquitination on K285/K282 of Mst1/2 destabilizes Mst1/2 to attenuate their tumor-suppressor functions. Thus, the present study identifies Smurf1-mediated ubiquitination of Mst1/2 as a hitherto uncharacterized mechanism fine-tuning the Hippo signaling pathway and may provide additional targets for therapeutic intervention of diseases associated with this important pathway.

Low MST1/2 and negative LATS1/2 expressions are associated with poor prognosis of colorectal cancers

Mammalian STe20-like protein kinase 1/2 (MST1/2) and large tumor suppressor homolog 1/2 (LATS1/2) are the core components of the tumor-suppressive Hippo pathway. Dysregulation of this pathway is associated with the progression and metastasis of various cancers. However, MST1/2 and LATS1/2 expressions have not been systematically evaluated in colorectal cancers. We evaluated the clinicopathologic correlation and prognostic significance of MST1/2 and LATS1/2 immunohistochemical expressions in 327 colorectal cancer patients. Low MST1/2 expression, identified in 235 (71.9 %) cases, was significantly associated with poor differentiation (P = 0.018) and large size (P < 0.001) of the tumor. Negative LATS1/2 expression, identified in 226 (69.1 %) cases, was significantly correlated with low MST1/2 expression (P = 0.044). Low MST1/2 and negative LATS1/2 expressions were significantly associated with poor overall survivals (P = 0.015 and P = 0.038, respectively). Furthermore, the combined MST1/2lowLATS1/2negative expression group showed significantly worse overall survival than other groups (P = 0.003), and considered as an independent poor prognostic factor for colorectal cancer patients (hazard ratio = 1.720; 95 % confidence interval, 1.143-2.588; P = 0.009). Low MST1/2 and negative LATS1/2 expressions may serve as prognostic indicators in patients with colorectal cancer.

IKK-mediated TRAF6 and RIPK1 interaction stifles cell death complex assembly leading to the suppression of TNF-α-induced cell death

Tumor necrosis factor α (TNF-α) is a pro-inflammatory cytokine capable of inducing extrinsic apoptosis and necroptosis. Tumor necrosis factor receptor-associated factor 6 (TRAF6), an E3 ligase, is a member of the TRAF family of proteins, which mediates inflammatory signals by activating nuclear factor kappa B (NFкB) and mitogen-activated protein kinase (MAPK). Although the functions of TRAF6 have been identified, its role in TNF-α-induced cell death remains poorly understood. Here, we report that TRAF6 is a negative modulator of TNF-α-induced cell death but does not affect TNF-α-induced NFκB activation. TRAF6 deficiency accelerates both TNF-α-induced apoptosis and necroptosis; however, the acceleration can be reversed by reconstituting TRAF6 or TRAF6^C70A, suggesting that E3 ligase activity is not required for this activity. Mechanistically, TRAF6 directly interacts with RIPK1 during TNF-α-induced cell death signaling, which prevents RIPK1 from interacting with components of the cell death complex such as itself, FADD or RIPK3. These processes suppress the assembly of the death complex. Notably, IKK was required for TRAF6 to interact with RIPK1. In vivo, Traf6^-/- embryos exhibited higher levels of cell death in the liver but could be rescued by the simultaneous knockout of Tnf. Finally, TRAF6 knockdown xenografts were highly sensitive to necroptotic stimuli. We concluded that TRAF6 suppresses TNF-α-induced cell death in coordination with IKK complexes in vivo and in vitro by suppressing the assembly of cell death complex.

Somatic nuclear auto-antigenic sperm protein sensitizes human breast cancer cells to 5-Fluorouracil

PURPOSE

To assess the potential role of nuclear auto-antigenic sperm protein (NASP) in the cellular sensitivity to 5-Fluorouracil (5-FU) in breast cancer cells.

METHODS

The expression of two NASP isotypes, namely somatic NASP (sNASP) and testis NASP (tNASP) in breast cancer lines were detected under 5-FU treatment using real-time polymerase chain reaction and western blot assays. NASP effect on cellular viability and apoptosis under 5-FU treatment were evaluated. The interaction between NASP and its downstream proteins were evaluated using the co-immunoprecipitation (Co-IP) assays.

RESULTS

5-FU significantly decreased the mRNA and protein expression levels of sNASP. Inhibition of sNASP increased cellular viability, colony formation ability, but reduced apoptosis in tested cell lines in response to 5-FU, which were reversed by sNASP over-expression. Further study reveals 5-FU disrupts sNASP/TNF receptor-associated factor 6 (TRAF6) complex, potentiates cellular sensitivity to 5-FU via NK-kB.

CONCLUSION

Our findings suggest sNASP is a novel molecular target having potential to overcome the resistance to 5-FU in breast cancer cells.

RNF6 promotes the migration and invasion of breast cancer by promoting the ubiquitination and degradation of MST1

Ring finger protein 6 (RNF6), a member of E3 ubiquitin ligases, plays a potential role as a tumour promoter in numerous carcinomas. However, the role and expression of RNF6 in breast cancer (BC) remains to be elucidated. The present study showed that RNF6 upregulation was detected in BC tissues and was associated with short survival in patients with BC. Multivariate analysis also revealed that RNF6 overexpression is an independent predictor for poor outcome of patients with BC. Furthermore, migration and metastasis assay indicated that RNF6 silencing significantly inhibited the invasion and migration of BC cells in vivo and in vitro, and RNF6 suppression decreased YES-associated protein (YAP) expression. RNF6 promoted the metastatic ability of BC cells via YAP. Mechanistically, RNF6 interacts with mammalian STE20-like protein kinase 1 (MST1), a key factor that regulates YAP, and promoted its ubiquitination and degradation. Additionally, RNF6 regulated YAP signalling by promoting ubiquitination and degradation of MST1 in BC. Taken together, these data may highlight a role of RNF6 in BC, which could serve as a valuable prognostic indicator and potential therapeutic target for patients with BC.

Wogonoside inhibits TNF receptor-associated factor 6 (TRAF6) mediated-tumor microenvironment and prognosis of pancreatic cancer

Background

Pancreatic cancer (PC) is one of the worst prognostic cancers. Here, we probed the anti-cancer activity of wogonoside (Wog), a flavonoid isolated from Scutellaria baicalensis Georgi, on PC, as well as potential molecular mechanism.

Methods

Following Wog stimulation, the viability, proliferation, apoptosis, stem cell-like transition, and mesenchymal transition were detected in PC cells. Bioinformatics analysis was used to identify possible signaling pathways involved in the anti-PC activity of Wog. Tumor necrosis factor (TNF) receptor-associated factor 6 (TRAF6) was overexpressed and TRAF6 activator IL-1β was used in PC cells to confirm whether Wog exerted anti-PC activity via modulating TRAF6. In vivo, an experiment was conducted to further confirm our supposition.

Results

Wog inhibited PC cell proliferation, promoted cell apoptosis, limited PC cell stem cell-like transition and mesenchymal transition. TNF signaling pathway was activated in PC. Besides, Wog inactivated TRAF6/nuclear factor-kappa B (NF-κB)/p65 pathway in PC cells. TRAF6, vascular cell adhesion molecule-1 (VCAM1), CD44, and matrix metalloproteinase 14 (MMP14) expressions were upregulated in PC tissues and negatively correlated with PC survival and prognosis. Finally, Wog suppressed TRAF6 overexpression-induced PC cell stem cell-like transition and mesenchymal transition in vitro and tumor growth in vivo.

Conclusions

Wog exerted anti-cancer activity on PC and suppressed the TRAF6 mediated-tumor microenvironment of PC, thereby regulating PC's prognosis.

Impact of posttranslational modifications in pancreatic carcinogenesis and treatments

Pancreatic cancer (PC) is a highly aggressive cancer, with a 9% 5-year survival rate and a high risk of recurrence. In part, this is because PC is composed of heterogeneous subgroups with different biological and functional characteristics and personalized anticancer treatments are required. Posttranslational modifications (PTMs) play an important role in modifying protein functions/roles and are required for the maintenance of cell viability and biological processes; thus, their dysregulation can lead to disease. Different types of PTMs increase the functional diversity of the proteome, which subsequently influences most aspects of normal cell biology or pathogenesis. This review primarily focuses on ubiquitination, SUMOylation, and NEDDylation, as well as the current understanding of their roles and molecular mechanisms in pancreatic carcinogenesis. Additionally, we briefly summarize studies and clinical trials on PC treatments to advance our knowledge of drugs available to target the ubiquitination, SUMOylation, and NEDDylation PTM types. Further investigation of PTMs could be a critical field of study in relation to PC, as they have been implicated in the initiation and progression of many other types of cancer.

Deubiquitinating enzyme USP46 suppresses the progression of hepatocellular carcinoma by stabilizing MST1

The deubiquitinating enzyme USP46 (ubiquitin-specific protease 46) is implicated in various cancers. However, its role and regulatory mechanism in HCC (hepatocellular carcinoma) are still unknown. In this study, we showed that USP46 is downregulated in HCC tissues and that low USP46 levels are associated with poor prognosis in HCC patients. In functional experiments, overexpression of USP46 impaired proliferation and metastasis of HCC cells, whereas knockdown of USP46 enhanced cell proliferation and invasiveness in vitro and in vivo. Furthermore, we found that USP46 suppresses HCC cell proliferation and metastasis by inhibiting YAP1. Ectopic expression of YAP1 rescued the inhibition of cell proliferation and metastasis caused by USP46 overexpression. Mechanistically, USP46 promotes the degradation of YAP1 by increasing expression of MST1, and the increase in MST1 protein antagonizes YAP1 to suppress HCC progression. Finally, we demonstrated that USP46 stabilizes the MST1 protein by directly binding to it and decreasing its ubiquitination. Taken together, our results demonstrated that USP46 may be a novel tumor suppressor in HCC. Moreover, USP46 acts as a deubiquitinating enzyme of MST1 to potentiate MST1 kinase activity to suppress tumor growth and metastasis, indicating that USP46 activation may represent a potential treatment strategy for HCC.

TRIM47 accelerates aerobic glycolysis and tumor progression through regulating ubiquitination of FBP1 in pancreatic cancer

Increasing studies demonstrated that ubiquitination plays a vital role in the pathogenesis of pancreatic cancer, and targeting regulation of the ubiquitination process is a potential means for cancer treatment. However, the role of tripartite motif 47 (TRIM47) in pancreatic cancer is still unclear. Here, significantly upregulated TRIM47 and decreased FBP1 expressions were found in pancreatic cancer patient tissues and pointed to a lower survival rate. In addition, we show that TRIM47 was upregulated in pancreatic cancer cells and promoted cell proliferation in vitro and in vivo. Mechanistic investigations showed that TRIM47 promoted the aerobic glycolysis of pancreatic cancer cells, which was largely dependent on the direct binding to and ubiquitination of fructose-1, 6-biphosphatase (FBP1). Furthermore, the promotion of TRIM47 on the Warburg effect and pancreatic cancer progression was abolished by the overexpression of FBP1. Therefore, targeting TRIM47/FBP1 axis might provide a novel strategy to suppress the development of pancreatic cancer.

MST1 inhibits the progression of breast cancer by regulating the Hippo signaling pathway and may serve as a prognostic biomarker

Breast cancer (BCa) is the most common malignancy threatening the health of women worldwide, and the incidence rate has significantly increased in the last 10 years. Mammalian STE20-like protein kinase 1 (MST1) is involved in the development of various types of malignant tumor. The present study aimed to investigate the role of MST1 in BCa and its potential involvement in the poor prognosis of patients with BCa. Reverse transcription-quantitative PCR and immunohistochemistry were used to analyze the expression levels of MST1 in BCa, and the clinicopathological characteristics and prognosis of patients with BCa were further analyzed by statistical analysis. MST1 was overexpressed in BCa cell lines (MCF-7, MDA-MB-231 and SKBR3). Cell Counting Kit-8, 5-ethynyl-2′-deoxyuridine and flow cytometry assays were used to analyze cell proliferation and apoptosis, respectively, and a wound healing assay was used to analyze cell migration. The results of the present study revealed that the downregulated expression levels of MST1 in BCa were closely associated with the poor prognosis of patients, and MST1 may be an independent risk factor for BCa. The overexpression of MST1 significantly inhibited the proliferation and migration, and promoted the apoptosis of BCa cells. In addition, the overexpression of MST1 significantly activated the Hippo signaling pathway. Treatment with XMU-MP-1 downregulated the expression levels of MST1 and partially reversed the inhibitory effects of MST1 on proliferation, migration and apoptosis-related proteins, and inhibited the Hippo signaling pathway. In conclusion, the results of the present study suggested that MST1 expression levels may be downregulated in BCa and closely associated with tumor size and clinical stage, as well as the poor prognosis of affected patients. Furthermore, MST1 may inhibit the progression of BCa by targeting the Hippo signaling pathway.

ALKBH5 suppresses tumor progression via an m6A-dependent epigenetic silencing of pre-miR-181b-1/YAP signaling axis in osteosarcoma

ALKBH5 is the main enzyme for m⁶A-based demethylation of RNAs and it has been implicated in many biological and pathophysiological processes. Here, we aimed to explore the potential involvement of ALKBH5 in osteosarcoma and decipher the underlying cellular/molecular mechanisms. We discovered downregulated levels of demethylase ALKBH5 were correlated with increased m⁶A methylation in osteosarcoma cells/tissues compared with normal osteoblasts cells/tissues. ALKBH5 overexpression significantly suppressed osteosarcoma cell growth, migration, invasion, and trigged cell apoptosis. In contrast, inhibition of ALKBH5 produced the opposite effects. Whereas ALKBH5 silence enhanced m⁶A methylations of pre-miR-181b-1 and YAP-mRNA exerting oncogenic functions in osteosarcoma. Moreover, upregulation of YAP or downregulation of mature miR-181b-5p displayed a remarkable attenuation of anti-tumor activities caused by ALKBH5. Further results revealed that m⁶A methylated pre-miR-181b-1 was subsequently recognized by m⁶A-binding protein YTHDF2 to mediate RNA degradation. However, methylated YAP transcripts were recognized by YTHDF1 to promote its translation. Therefore, ALKBH5-based m⁶A demethylation suppressed osteosarcoma cancer progression through m⁶A-based direct/indirect regulation of YAP. Thus, ALKBH5 overexpression might be considered a new approach of replacement therapy for osteosarcoma treatment.

The Effects of TRAF6 on Growth and Progression in Colorectal Cancer are Regulated by miRNA-140

Background and Aim

Some studies have confirmed that miRNA-140 exhibits a suppressive role in gastric cancer, Wilms’ tumor. However, the function of miRNA-140 in colorectal cancer has not been completely elucidated. The present study aims to verify TRAF6 as the targeted gene by miRNA-140 which was investigated in colorectal cancer tissues and cells, and its effects on the biological characteristics of colorectal cancer cells were determined, in order to provide an experimental and theoretical basis for the application of TRAF6 in the treatment of colorectal cancer.

Methods

qPCR analyzed miRNA-140 expression levels in colorectal cancer tissues, normal colorectal cancer tissues and colorectal cells including SW480 and HCT116 cancer cells and FHC normal colorectal epithetical cells. A serial biological experiment analyzed miRNA-140 effects on cell proliferation, migration and invasion capacities in SW480 and HCT116 cells. miRNA targeting gene prediction and a dual luciferase assay were used to analyze miRNA-140-targeted TRAF6. qPCR and Western blot analyzed miRNA-140 effects on the mRNA and protein expression of TRAF6. Western blot analyzed miRNA-140 effects on NF-κB/c-jun signaling pathways. Animal studies were performed to investigate the effects of miRNA-140 on colorectal cancer implantation tumor growth. Immunohistochemistry analyzed TRAF6 expression in animal experimentation tumors.

Results

miRNA-140 expression is lower in colorectal cancer tissues and colorectal cancer cells. Over-expression of miRNA-140 inhibited the proliferation, migration and invasion capacities of colorectal cancer cells. miRNA-140 targeted the TRAF6 mRNA 3ʹUTR area and decreased TRAF6 protein expression. miRNA-140 suppressed p-NF-κB/p-c-jun proteins expression. miRNA-140 inhibited colorectal cancer implantation tumor growth in the mice model.

Conclusion

miRNA-140 targeting TRAF6 affects the progression and growth of colorectal cancer, the mechanism could be miRNA-140 decreasing the TRAF6 expression effects on the NF-κB/c-jun signaling pathways.

LOXL1-AS1 contributes to the proliferation and migration of laryngocarcinoma cells through miR-589-5p/TRAF6 axis

Background

LOXL1-AS1 is a long non-coding RNA (lncRNA) that plays crucial roles in various cancers. However, the functional role of LOXL1-AS1 in laryngocarcinoma remains unclear. Thus we planned to probe into the function and underlying mechanism of LOXL1-AS1 in laryngocarcinoma.

Methods

Gene expression was evaluated in laryngocarcinoma cells using RT-qPCR. The ability of cell proliferation and migration was assessed by CCK8, colony formation, wound healing and transwell assays. The interaction among LOXL1-AS1, miR-589-5p and TRAF6 was detected by Ago2-RIP, RNA pull down and luciferase reporter assays.

Results

LOXL1-AS1 was overexpressed in laryngocarcinoma cells. Silencing of LOXL1-AS1 suppressed cell proliferation, migration and EMT in laryngocarcinoma. Moreover, miR-589-5p, the downstream of LOXL1-AS1, directly targeted TRAF6 in laryngocarcinoma. Importantly, LOXL1-AS1 augmented TRAF6 expression in laryngocarcinoma cells by sequestering miR-589-5p. Besides, miR-589-5p worked as a tumor-inhibitor while TRAF6 functioned as a tumor-facilitator in laryngocarcinoma. Of note, rescue experiments both in vitro and in vivo validated that LOXL1-AS1 aggravated the malignancy in laryngocarcinoma by targeting miR-589-5p/TRAF6 pathway.

Conclusions

LOXL1-AS1 promotes the proliferation and migration of laryngocarcinoma cells through absorbing miR-589-5p to upregulate TRAF6 expression.

The relationship between TRAF6 and tumors

Tumor necrosis factor receptor (TNFR)-related factors (TRAFs) are important linker molecules in the tumor necrosis factor superfamily (TNFSF) and the Toll-like/interleukin-1 receptor (TLR/ILR) superfamily. There are seven members: TRAF1-TRAF7, among those members, tumor necrosis factor receptor-associated factor 6 (TRAF6) is upregulated in various tumors, which has been related to tumorigenesis and development. With the in-depth study of the relationship between TRAF6 and different types of tumors, TRAF6 has oncogenic characteristics involved in tumorigenesis, tumor development, invasion, and metastasis through various signaling pathways, therefore, targeting TRAF6 has provided a novel strategy for tumor treatment. This review summarizes and analyzes the role of TRAF6 in tumorigenesis and tumor development in combination with the current research on TRAF6 and tumors.

LncRNA SNHG17 knockdown promotes Parkin-dependent mitophagy and reduces apoptosis of podocytes through Mst1

LncRNAs play important roles in the regulation of podocyte apoptosis in diabetic nephropathy (DN). However, the role of lncRNA SNHG17 in controlling mitophagy-induced apoptosis of podocytes in DN is unknown. This study aims to elucidate the underlying mechanism of lncRNA SNHG17 in the regulation of mitophagy-induced apoptosis of podocytes in DN. LncRNA SNHG17 and Mammalian Sterile 20-like kinase 1 (Mst1) expression were upregulated in glomeruli and podocytes of DM mice and high glucose-treated podocytes, whereas Parkin expression was downregulated. LncRNA SNHG17 overexpression suppressed mitophagy and induced apoptosis of podocytes while silencing lncRNA SNHG17 promoted mitophagy and reduced the apoptosis of podocytes. In addition, lncRNA SNHG17 interacted with Mst1 and regulated the degradation of Mst1. We further found lncRNA SNHG17 regulated Parkin expression through Mst1. Mechanistically, lncRNA SNHG17 regulated Parkin-dependent mitophagy and apoptosis of podocytes through regulating Mst1. Finally, silencing lncRNA SNHG17 promoted mitophagy and relieved DNin vivo. In conclusion, lncRNA SNHG17 knockdown promotes Parkin-dependent mitophagy and reduces apoptosis of podocytes through regulating the degradation of Mst1.

Mammalian STE20‑like kinase 1 regulates pancreatic cancer cell survival and migration through Mfn2‑mediated mitophagy

Mammalian STE20-like kinase 1 (MST1) plays an important role in pancreatic cancer progression, but its downstream targets are still unknown. In the present study, our results indicated that MST1 expression was significantly downregulated in pancreatic cancer cell lines (PANC‑1, BxPC‑3 and HPAC) compared with that in the normal ductal epithelial cell line (hTERT‑HPNE). Moreover, MST1 overexpression in PANC‑1 cells led to increased apoptosis as determined by MTT and TUNEL assays and inhibited cellular migration. Mechanistically, upregulation of MST1 expression caused mitochondrial dysfunction, decreased ATP production, and activation of the mitochondrial‑dependent apoptotic pathway via inhibition of mitofusin 2 (Mfn2)‑mediated mitophagy, which ultimately resulted in increased cellular apoptosis and decreased cellular migration. Collectively, the present study demonstrated that MST1 may regulate pancreatic cancer PANC‑1 cell survival, invasion and migration through Mfn2‑mediated mitophagy, laying the foundation for the exploration of novel therapeutic targets for pancreatic cancer.

The concentration of tumor necrosis factor-α determines its protective or damaging effect on liver injury by regulating Yap activity

Previous studies have shown that tumor necrosis factor (TNF)-α is a mediator of hepatotoxicity in liver injury. Moreover, TNF-α has also been reported to have a protective effect in liver regeneration, yet the function of TNF-α during liver injury remains controversial. Here, we report that the concentration of TNF-α determines its functions. High concentrations of TNF-α could aggravate LPS-induced liver injury. However, the TNF-α level was unchanged during APAP-induced liver injury, which exerted a protective effect. We expected that the concentration of TNF-α may affect its function. To test this hypothesis, TNF-α^−/− rats or hepatocyte cells were treated with different concentrations of TNF-α. We found low TNF-α could reduce the levels of ALT and AST in the plasma of TNF-α^−/− rats and promote the proliferation of hepatocyte cells. However, the levels of ALT and AST increased gradually with increasing TNF-α concentration after reaching the lowest value. Moreover, we showed that TNF-α affects the cell proliferation and cell death of hepatocytes by regulating Yap activity. Low TNF-α promoted Yap1 nuclear translocation, triggering the proliferation of hepatocytes. However, high TNF-α triggered the phosphorylation and inactivation of Yap1, preventing its nuclear import and consequently promoting cell death. Collectively, our findings provide novel evidence that the concentration of TNF-α is an important factor affecting its function in liver injury, which may provide a reference for the clinical treatment of liver injury.