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Li C, Mao X, Song L, Sheng J, Yang L, Huang X, Wang L. Unveiling HOXB7 as a novel diagnostic and prognostic biomarker through pan-cancer computer screening. Comput Biol Med 2024; 176:108562. [PMID: 38728993 DOI: 10.1016/j.compbiomed.2024.108562] [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: 02/01/2024] [Revised: 04/11/2024] [Accepted: 05/05/2024] [Indexed: 05/12/2024]
Abstract
We attempted to investigate the role of HOXB7 in tumor progression and evolution by means of an extensive computer screening analysis of various cancer types. We performed univariate Cox regression and Kaplan-Meier survival analyses to assess the impact of HOXB7 on overall survival (OS), disease-specific survival (DSS), and progression-free interval (PFI) in different types of cancer. Furthermore, we examined the relationship between HOXB7 and several clinical features: tumor microenvironment, immune regulatory genes, immune checkpoints, tumor mutational burden (TMB), and microsatellite instability (MSI). We performed gene set enrichment analysis to gain deeper insights into the potential molecular mechanisms of HOXB7, and validated our findings through functional assays in cells, including methyl thiazolyl tetrazolium cytotoxicity and Transwell invasion assays. HOXB7 expression was associated with different clinical characteristics in numerous malignancies. Higher HOXB7 expression was associated with worse OS, DSS, and PFI in some cancer types. In particular, HOXB7 expression was favorably associated with immune cell infiltration, immune regulatory genes, immunological checkpoints, TMB, and MSI in malignancies. Furthermore, we identified a strong link between copper death-associated gene expression and HOXB7 expression. According to the findings of this study, HOXB7 might serve as an appealing focus for tumor diagnosis and immunotherapy and a prospective indicator of prognosis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Cong Li
- Division of Pulmonary Medicine, The First Affiliated Hospital of Wenzhou Medical University, Wenzhou Key Laboratory of Interdiscipline and Translational Medicine, Wenzhou Key Laboratory of Heart and Lung, Wenzhou, Zhejiang, 325000, China
| | - Xulong Mao
- Department of Cardiology, First School of Clinical Medicine College, Yangtze University, Jingzhou, 434000, China
| | - Lanlan Song
- Division of Pulmonary Medicine, The First Affiliated Hospital of Wenzhou Medical University, Wenzhou Key Laboratory of Interdiscipline and Translational Medicine, Wenzhou Key Laboratory of Heart and Lung, Wenzhou, Zhejiang, 325000, China
| | - Jueqi Sheng
- Division of Pulmonary Medicine, The First Affiliated Hospital of Wenzhou Medical University, Wenzhou Key Laboratory of Interdiscipline and Translational Medicine, Wenzhou Key Laboratory of Heart and Lung, Wenzhou, Zhejiang, 325000, China
| | - Lehe Yang
- Division of Pulmonary Medicine, The First Affiliated Hospital of Wenzhou Medical University, Wenzhou Key Laboratory of Interdiscipline and Translational Medicine, Wenzhou Key Laboratory of Heart and Lung, Wenzhou, Zhejiang, 325000, China.
| | - Xiaoying Huang
- Division of Pulmonary Medicine, The First Affiliated Hospital of Wenzhou Medical University, Wenzhou Key Laboratory of Interdiscipline and Translational Medicine, Wenzhou Key Laboratory of Heart and Lung, Wenzhou, Zhejiang, 325000, China.
| | - Liangxing Wang
- Division of Pulmonary Medicine, The First Affiliated Hospital of Wenzhou Medical University, Wenzhou Key Laboratory of Interdiscipline and Translational Medicine, Wenzhou Key Laboratory of Heart and Lung, Wenzhou, Zhejiang, 325000, China.
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Zhou T, Feng Z, Yang F, Zhu W, Cao J, Hou X, Zhao Y, Chen D. High expression of HOXB7 is an unfavorable prognostic factor for solid malignancies: A meta-analysis. Medicine (Baltimore) 2022; 101:e28564. [PMID: 35060516 PMCID: PMC8772762 DOI: 10.1097/md.0000000000028564] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/22/2021] [Accepted: 12/20/2021] [Indexed: 01/05/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND HOXB7 is abnormally expressed in a variety of tumors, but its prognostic value remains unclear due to sample size limitation and outcome inconsistency in previous studies. This meta-analysis was performed to explore the effect of HOXB7 expression on prognoses and clinicopathological factors in range of the whole solid tumors. METHODS PubMed, EMBASE, and Web of Science databases were searched to identify included studies. Hazard ratios (HR) with its 95% confidence interval (CI) and clinicopathological factors were extracted. Subgroup analyses were performed according to histopathological type, tumor occurrence systems, and HOXB7 detection methods. RESULTS A total of 3430 solid tumors patients from 20 studies (21 cohorts) were included in the meta-analysis. The results showed that high HOXB7 expression was significantly associated with worse survival (overall survival: HR = 1.98, 95%CI: 1.74-2.26, P < .001 and disease-free survival: HR = 1.59, 95%CI: 1.21-2.09, P = .001), more advanced tumor-node-metastasis (TNM) stage (odds ratio [OR] = 2.14, 95%CI: 1.68-2.73, P < .001), positive lymph node metastasis (OR = 2.16, 95%CI: 1.74-2.70, P < .001), more distant metastasis (OR = 1.63, 95%CI: 1.01-2.63, P = .048), poorer differentiation (OR = 1.48, 95%CI: 1.14-1.91, P = .003), and higher Ki-67 expression (OR = 2.53, 95%CI: 1.68-3.84, P < .001). Subgroup analysis showed that survival of patients with HOXB7 high expression was worse in either squamous cell carcinomas or non-squamous cell carcinomas, digestive tumors or non-digestive tumors, and protein level or mRNA level. CONCLUSION High HOXB7 expression might be a valuable biomarker of poor prognosis for solid tumors. HOXB7 promotes tumor proliferation and metastasis, and is associated with poorer differentiation, more advanced stage, even the chemotherapy resistance, suggesting that HOXB7 is a potential therapeutic target for solid tumors.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ting Zhou
- Department of Thoracic Surgery, Beijing Tsinghua Changgung Hospital, School of Clinical Medicine, Tsinghua University, China
| | - Zonghao Feng
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Beijing Tsinghua Changgung Hospital, School of Clinical Medicine, Tsinghua University, China
| | - Fan Yang
- Department of Thoracic Surgery, Beijing Tsinghua Changgung Hospital, School of Clinical Medicine, Tsinghua University, China
| | - Weipeng Zhu
- Department of Thoracic Surgery, Beijing Tsinghua Changgung Hospital, School of Clinical Medicine, Tsinghua University, China
| | - Jiashun Cao
- Department of Thoracic Surgery, Beijing Tsinghua Changgung Hospital, School of Clinical Medicine, Tsinghua University, China
| | - Xianming Hou
- Department of Thoracic Surgery, Beijing Tsinghua Changgung Hospital, School of Clinical Medicine, Tsinghua University, China
| | - Yue Zhao
- Senior Department of Urology, the Third Medical Center of PLA General Hospital, China
| | - Donghong Chen
- Department of Thoracic Surgery, Beijing Tsinghua Changgung Hospital, School of Clinical Medicine, Tsinghua University, China
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Seeling C, Lechel A, Svinarenko M, Möller P, Barth TFE, Mellert K. Molecular features and vulnerabilities of recurrent chordomas. J Exp Clin Cancer Res 2021; 40:244. [PMID: 34330313 PMCID: PMC8325178 DOI: 10.1186/s13046-021-02037-y] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/13/2021] [Accepted: 07/06/2021] [Indexed: 11/25/2022] Open
Abstract
Background Tumor recurrence is one of the major challenges in clinical management of chordoma. Despite R0-resection, approximately 50% of chordomas recur within ten years after initial surgery. The underlying molecular processes are poorly understood resulting in the lack of associated therapeutic options. This is not least due to the absence of appropriate cell culture models of this orphan disease. Methods The intra-personal progression model cell lines U-CH11 and U-CH11R were compared using array comparative genomic hybridization, expression arrays, RNA-seq, and immunocytochemistry. Cell line origin was confirmed by short tandem repeat analysis. Inter-personal cell culture models (n = 6) were examined to validate whether the new model is representative. Cell viability after HOX/PBX complex inhibition with small peptides was determined by MTS assays. Results Using whole genome microarray analyses, striking differences in gene expression between primary and recurrent chordomas were identified. These expression differences were confirmed in the world’s first intra-personal model of chordoma relapse consisting of cell lines established from a primary (U-CH11) and the corresponding recurrent tumor (U-CH11R). Array comparative genomic hybridization and RNA-sequencing analyses revealed profound genetic similarities between both cell lines pointing to transcriptomic reprogramming as a key mechanism of chordoma progression. Network analysis of the recurrence specific genes highlighted HOX/PBX signaling as a common dysregulated event. Hence, HOX/PBX complexes were used as so far unknown therapeutic targets in recurrent chordomas. Treating chordoma cell lines with the complex formation inhibiting peptide HXR9 induced cFOS mediated apoptosis in all chordoma cell lines tested. This effect was significantly stronger in cell lines established from chordoma relapses. Conclusion Clearly differing gene expression patterns and vulnerabilities to HOX/PBX complex inhibition in highly therapy resistant chordoma relapses were identified using the first intra-personal loco-regional and further inter-personal chordoma progression models. For the first time, HOX/PBX interference was used to induce cell death in chordoma and might serve as the basic concept of an upcoming targeted therapy for chordomas of all progression stages. Supplementary Information The online version contains supplementary material available at 10.1186/s13046-021-02037-y.
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Affiliation(s)
- Carolin Seeling
- Institute of Pathology, University Hospital Ulm, Albert-Einstein-Allee 11, 89081, Ulm, Germany
| | - André Lechel
- Department of Internal Medicine I, University Hospital Ulm, 89081, Ulm, Germany
| | - Michael Svinarenko
- Department of Internal Medicine I, University Hospital Ulm, 89081, Ulm, Germany
| | - Peter Möller
- Institute of Pathology, University Hospital Ulm, Albert-Einstein-Allee 11, 89081, Ulm, Germany.
| | - Thomas F E Barth
- Institute of Pathology, University Hospital Ulm, Albert-Einstein-Allee 11, 89081, Ulm, Germany
| | - Kevin Mellert
- Institute of Pathology, University Hospital Ulm, Albert-Einstein-Allee 11, 89081, Ulm, Germany
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Abd Wahab NA, Abas F, Othman I, Naidu R. Diarylpentanoid (1,5-bis(4-hydroxy-3-methoxyphenyl)-1,4-pentadiene-3-one) (MS13) Exhibits Anti-proliferative, Apoptosis Induction and Anti-migration Properties on Androgen-independent Human Prostate Cancer by Targeting Cell Cycle-Apoptosis and PI3K Signalling Pathways. Front Pharmacol 2021; 12:707335. [PMID: 34366863 PMCID: PMC8343533 DOI: 10.3389/fphar.2021.707335] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/09/2021] [Accepted: 07/02/2021] [Indexed: 01/10/2023] Open
Abstract
Diarylpentanoids exhibit a high degree of anti-cancer activity and stability in vitro over curcumin in prostate cancer cells. Hence, this study aims to investigate the effects of a diarylpentanoid, 1,5-bis(4-hydroxy-3-methoxyphenyl)-1,4-pentadiene-3-one (MS13) on cytotoxicity, anti-proliferative, apoptosis-inducing, anti-migration properties, and the underlying molecular mechanisms on treated androgen-independent prostate cancer cells, DU 145 and PC-3. A cell viability assay has shown greater cytotoxicity effects of MS13-treated DU 145 cells (EC50 7.57 ± 0.2 µM) and PC-3 cells (EC50 7.80 ± 0.7 µM) compared to curcumin (EC50: DU 145; 34.25 ± 2.7 µM and PC-3; 27.77 ± 6.4 µM). In addition, MS13 exhibited significant anti-proliferative activity against AIPC cells compared to curcumin in a dose- and time-dependent manner. Morphological observation, increased caspase-3 activity, and reduced Bcl-2 protein levels in these cells indicated that MS13 induces apoptosis in a time- and dose-dependent. Moreover, MS13 effectively inhibited the migration of DU 145 and PC-3 cells. Our results suggest that cell cycle-apoptosis and PI3K pathways were the topmost significant pathways impacted by MS13 activity. Our findings suggest that MS13 may demonstrate the anti-cancer activity by modulating DEGs associated with the cell cycle-apoptosis and PI3K pathways, thus inhibiting cell proliferation and cell migration as well as inducing apoptosis in AIPC cells.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nurul Azwa Abd Wahab
- Jeffrey Cheah School of Medicine and Health Science, Monash University Malaysia, Bandar Sunway, Malaysia
| | - Faridah Abas
- Laboratory of Natural Products, Faculty of Science, Universiti Putra Malaysia, Serdang, Malaysia.,Department of Food Science, Faculty of Food Science and Technology, Universiti Putra Malaysia, Serdang, Malaysia
| | - Iekhsan Othman
- Jeffrey Cheah School of Medicine and Health Science, Monash University Malaysia, Bandar Sunway, Malaysia
| | - Rakesh Naidu
- Jeffrey Cheah School of Medicine and Health Science, Monash University Malaysia, Bandar Sunway, Malaysia
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Jin X, Dai L, Ma Y, Wang J, Yan H, Jin Y, Zhu X, Liu Z. Homeobox proteins are potential biomarkers and therapeutic targets in gastric cancer: a systematic review and meta-analysis. BMC Cancer 2020; 20:866. [PMID: 32907552 PMCID: PMC7487678 DOI: 10.1186/s12885-020-07346-7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/22/2020] [Accepted: 08/26/2020] [Indexed: 02/07/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND An increasing number of studies have described the aberrant expression of homeobox (HOX) proteins in gastric cancer (GC), which is critically associated with the prognosis and clinicopathological characteristics of GC. This study was conducted to investigate the clinical value and action mechanisms of HOX proteins in GC. METHODS A comprehensive search of PubMed, Embase, Web of Science and Cochrane Library was performed in accordance with the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analysis (PRISMA) statement. The pooled hazard ratio (HR) with its 95% confidence interval (95% CI) and the pooled odds ratio (OR) with its 95% CI were used to assess the effect of HOX protein expression on the prognosis and clinicopathological features of GC, respectively. RESULTS Nineteen studies containing 3775 patients were selected for this study. Heterogeneity among HRs of overall survival (OS) was markedly high (I2 = 90.5%, p = 0.000). According to the subgroup analysis, increased expression of HOX protein in the downregulated subgroup was associated with a good prognosis for patients with GC (pooled HR: 0.46, 95% CI: 0.36-0.59, I2 = 3.1%, p = 0.377), while overexpression of HOX protein in the upregulated subgroup was correlated with a reduced OS (pooled HR: 2.59, 95% CI: 1.79-3.74, I2 = 73.5%, p = 0.000). The aberrant expression of HOX protein was crucially related to the TNM stage, depth of tumour invasion, tumour size, lymph node metastasis, distant metastasis, vascular invasion, histological differentiation and Lauren classification in patients with GC. In addition, the molecular mechanisms by which HOX proteins regulate tumorigenesis and development of GC were also explored. CONCLUSIONS HOX proteins play vital roles in GC progression, which might serve as prognostic markers and therapeutic targets for GC.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xiao Jin
- Institute of Digestive Endoscopy and Medical Centre for Digestive Disease, The Second Affiliated Hospital, Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing, Jiangsu Province, 210011, People's Republic of China
| | - Lu Dai
- Institute of Digestive Endoscopy and Medical Centre for Digestive Disease, The Second Affiliated Hospital, Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing, Jiangsu Province, 210011, People's Republic of China
| | - Yilan Ma
- Institute of Digestive Endoscopy and Medical Centre for Digestive Disease, The Second Affiliated Hospital, Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing, Jiangsu Province, 210011, People's Republic of China
| | - Jiayan Wang
- Institute of Digestive Endoscopy and Medical Centre for Digestive Disease, The Second Affiliated Hospital, Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing, Jiangsu Province, 210011, People's Republic of China
| | - Haihao Yan
- Institute of Digestive Endoscopy and Medical Centre for Digestive Disease, The Second Affiliated Hospital, Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing, Jiangsu Province, 210011, People's Republic of China
| | - Ye Jin
- Institute of Digestive Endoscopy and Medical Centre for Digestive Disease, The Second Affiliated Hospital, Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing, Jiangsu Province, 210011, People's Republic of China
| | - Xiaojuan Zhu
- Institute of Digestive Endoscopy and Medical Centre for Digestive Disease, The Second Affiliated Hospital, Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing, Jiangsu Province, 210011, People's Republic of China
| | - Zheng Liu
- Institute of Digestive Endoscopy and Medical Centre for Digestive Disease, The Second Affiliated Hospital, Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing, Jiangsu Province, 210011, People's Republic of China.
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Bondos SE, Geraldo Mendes G, Jons A. Context-dependent HOX transcription factor function in health and disease. PROGRESS IN MOLECULAR BIOLOGY AND TRANSLATIONAL SCIENCE 2020; 174:225-262. [PMID: 32828467 DOI: 10.1016/bs.pmbts.2020.05.003] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/11/2022]
Abstract
During animal development, HOX transcription factors determine the fate of developing tissues to generate diverse organs and appendages. The power of these proteins is striking: mis-expressing a HOX protein causes homeotic transformation of one body part into another. During development, HOX proteins interpret their cellular context through protein interactions, alternative splicing, and post-translational modifications to regulate cell proliferation, cell death, cell migration, cell differentiation, and angiogenesis. Although mutation and/or mis-expression of HOX proteins during development can be lethal, changes in HOX proteins that do not pattern vital organs can result in survivable malformations. In adults, mutation and/or mis-expression of HOX proteins disrupts their gene regulatory networks, deregulating cell behaviors and leading to arthritis and cancer. On the molecular level, HOX proteins are composed of DNA binding homeodomain, and large regions of unstructured, or intrinsically disordered, protein sequence. The primary roles of HOX proteins in arthritis and cancer suggest that mutations associated with these diseases in both the structured and disordered regions of HOX proteins can have substantial functional effects. These insights lead to new questions critical for understanding and manipulating HOX function in physiological and pathological conditions.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sarah E Bondos
- Department of Molecular and Cellular Medicine, Texas A&M University, College Station, TX, United States.
| | - Gabriela Geraldo Mendes
- Department of Molecular and Cellular Medicine, Texas A&M University, College Station, TX, United States
| | - Amanda Jons
- Department of Molecular and Cellular Medicine, Texas A&M University, College Station, TX, United States
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Fang HY, Wang Q, Zhang JZ, Huang H. Prognostic value of expression of HOXB7 in gastric cancer. Shijie Huaren Xiaohua Zazhi 2019; 27:671-675. [DOI: 10.11569/wcjd.v27.i11.671] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/06/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Gastric cancer (GC) is the fifth most common cancer and the third leading cause of cancer death worldwide. Identifying new targets for the treatment and predictive evaluation of GC is of great significance, especially for improving the prognosis. Few studies have focused on the clinical significance of homeobox B7 (HOXB7) expression in GC.
AIM To assess the prognostic value of HOXB7 expression in GC.
METHODS HOXB7 data were retrieved from the Oncomine GC database. The prognostic value of HOXB7 was assessed using an online survival analysis tool (KM Plotter database).
RESULTS Based on the Oncomine database, HOXB7 expression in GC was significantly higher than that in normal tissue (P < 0.05). Further analysis revealed that the expression of HOXB7 gene in both intestinal and diffuse GCs was significantly higher than that in normal tissue. Moreover, KM Plotters of overall survival indicated that high HOXB7 expression was closely associated with poor survival in GC (P < 0.05). Furthermore, high HOXB7 expression was also related with overall survival in different GC subtypes (Lauren subtype) (P < 0.05).
CONCLUSION High HOXB7 expression might be an important biological event during gastric oncogenesis, and could be a novel prognostic predictive factor for GC.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hong-Yan Fang
- Department of Oncology, Wuhan Fifth Hospital, Wuhan 430050, Hubei Province, China
| | - Qun Wang
- Department of Oncology, Wuhan Fifth Hospital, Wuhan 430050, Hubei Province, China
| | - Jiang-Zhou Zhang
- Department of Oncology, Wuhan Fifth Hospital, Wuhan 430050, Hubei Province, China
| | - Hui Huang
- Department of Oncology, Wuhan Fifth Hospital, Wuhan 430050, Hubei Province, China
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Wu J, Long Z, Cai H, Yu S, Liu X. Homeobox B7 accelerates the cancer progression of gastric carcinoma cells by promoting epithelial-mesenchymal transition (EMT) and activating Src-FAK pathway. Onco Targets Ther 2019; 12:3743-3751. [PMID: 31190875 PMCID: PMC6529037 DOI: 10.2147/ott.s198115] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/13/2018] [Accepted: 04/05/2019] [Indexed: 12/31/2022] Open
Abstract
Aim: To study the carcinogenetic mechanism of HOXB7 in gastric cancer (GC) remains. Methods: Two human GC cell lines — SGC7901 and SNU1 — were used for this study. SGC7901 cells were transfected with siRNA-HOXB7 (siHOXB7) to knock down HOXB7 expression, whereas, SNU1 cells were transduced with pCDNA3.1-HOXB7 to overexpress HOXB7. After transfection, cancer progression was assessed by determining cell proliferation, wound-healing process, cell cycle, apoptosis, invasion, and migration. The effect of HOXB7 on epithelial–mesenchymal transition (EMT) was measured by observing changes in F-actin cytoskeleton and evaluating the expression of EMT markers. p-Scr and p-FAK were evaluated to assess the mechanism. Results: Knockdown of HOXB7 suppressed cell proliferation, alleviated the wound-healing process, inhibited cell migration and invasion, and arrested the cell cycle while promoting cell apoptosis, suggesting the tumor-suppressive effect of siHOXB7 in human GC cells. On the contrary, HOXB7 overexpression showed a tumor-promoting effect on human GC cells. Moreover, we confirmed an inhibitory effect of siHOXB7 on the EMT process by preventing epithelial cells from acquiring a mesenchymal phenotype and downregulating mesenchymal markers (vimentin, β-catenin, N-cadherin, Twist) while upregulating epithelial markers (E-cadherin). Our data revealed that HOXB7 was associated with Src/FAK and favored the activation of the Src–FAK pathway in human GC cells. Conclusion: HOXB7 accelerated the malignancy of GC, by facilitating EMT and regulating the Scr–FAK pathway.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jianghong Wu
- Department of Gastric Surgery, Fudan University Shanghai Cancer Center, Shanghai, 200032, People's Republic of China.,Department of Oncology, Shanghai Medical College of Fudan University, Shanghai 200032, People's Republic of China
| | - Ziwen Long
- Department of Gastric Surgery, Fudan University Shanghai Cancer Center, Shanghai, 200032, People's Republic of China.,Department of Oncology, Shanghai Medical College of Fudan University, Shanghai 200032, People's Republic of China
| | - Hong Cai
- Department of Gastric Surgery, Fudan University Shanghai Cancer Center, Shanghai, 200032, People's Republic of China.,Department of Oncology, Shanghai Medical College of Fudan University, Shanghai 200032, People's Republic of China
| | - Shengjia Yu
- Department of Gastric Surgery, Fudan University Shanghai Cancer Center, Shanghai, 200032, People's Republic of China.,Department of Oncology, Shanghai Medical College of Fudan University, Shanghai 200032, People's Republic of China
| | - Xiaowen Liu
- Department of Gastric Surgery, Fudan University Shanghai Cancer Center, Shanghai, 200032, People's Republic of China.,Department of Oncology, Shanghai Medical College of Fudan University, Shanghai 200032, People's Republic of China
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A Case of Identity: HOX Genes in Normal and Cancer Stem Cells. Cancers (Basel) 2019; 11:cancers11040512. [PMID: 30974862 PMCID: PMC6521190 DOI: 10.3390/cancers11040512] [Citation(s) in RCA: 29] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/21/2019] [Revised: 04/08/2019] [Accepted: 04/09/2019] [Indexed: 12/14/2022] Open
Abstract
Stem cells are undifferentiated cells that have the unique ability to self-renew and differentiate into many different cell types. Their function is controlled by core gene networks whose misregulation can result in aberrant stem cell function and defects of regeneration or neoplasia. HOX genes are master regulators of cell identity and cell fate during embryonic development. They play a crucial role in embryonic stem cell differentiation into specific lineages and their expression is maintained in adult stem cells along differentiation hierarchies. Aberrant HOX gene expression is found in several cancers where they can function as either oncogenes by sustaining cell proliferation or tumor-suppressor genes by controlling cell differentiation. Emerging evidence shows that abnormal expression of HOX genes is involved in the transformation of adult stem cells into cancer stem cells. Cancer stem cells have been identified in most malignancies and proved to be responsible for cancer initiation, recurrence, and metastasis. In this review, we consider the role of HOX genes in normal and cancer stem cells and discuss how the modulation of HOX gene function could lead to the development of novel therapeutic strategies that target cancer stem cells to halt tumor initiation, progression, and resistance to treatment.
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Zhong Y, Zhang Y, Ma D, Ren X, Xu C, Wan D. Inhibition of HOXB7 suppresses p27-mediated acute lymphoblastic leukemia by regulating basic fibroblast growth factor and ERK1/2. Life Sci 2019; 218:1-7. [DOI: 10.1016/j.lfs.2018.12.011] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/08/2018] [Revised: 12/07/2018] [Accepted: 12/07/2018] [Indexed: 01/30/2023]
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Song Z, Liao Z, Cui Y, Yang C. The relationship between homeobox B7 expression and the clinical characteristics of patient with prostate cancer. J Cell Biochem 2018; 120:6395-6401. [PMID: 30317675 DOI: 10.1002/jcb.27926] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/20/2018] [Accepted: 09/25/2018] [Indexed: 12/14/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND The prognosis of patients with prostate cancer (PCa) remains poor. METHODS GSE16560, GSE32448, GSE79957, GSE17951, and TCGA-PRAD were reanalyzed to evaluate the expression of homeobox B7 (HOXB7) between PCa tissues and normal prostate tissues and to characterize the correlation between the expression of HOXB7 and the clinicopathological features of patients with PCa. Gene set enrichment analysis was conducted to investigate the mechanisms. RESULTS HOXB7 was upregulated in PCa tissues (P = 0.0005). Both the univariate and multivariate analyses demonstrated that the expression of HOXB7 was correlated with the Gleason score and TNM staging of patients with PCa. The Gleason score and TNM staging were higher in the HOXB7 high expression group. The overall survival (hazard ratio [HR] = 0.632; 95% confidence interval [CI]: 0.4773-0.8369; P = 0.0014) and progression-free survival (HR = 0.544; 95% CI: 0.3157-0.9373; P = 0.0283) favored patients with PCa in HOXB7 low expression group over those in HOXB7 high expression group. PCa samples in HOXB7 low expression group were enriched in gene sets associated with the epithelial mesenchymal transition, apical junction, angiogenesis, ultraviolet response, and hypoxia. CONCLUSIONS HOXB7 might be an independent prognostic factor of patients with PCa.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zhangxing Song
- Department of Urology, The National Hospital of Enshi Tujia and Miao Autonomous Prefecture, Enshi, Hubei Province, China
| | - Zhaolin Liao
- Department of Urology, The National Hospital of Enshi Tujia and Miao Autonomous Prefecture, Enshi, Hubei Province, China
| | - Yingdong Cui
- Department of Urology, The National Hospital of Enshi Tujia and Miao Autonomous Prefecture, Enshi, Hubei Province, China
| | - Chao Yang
- Department of Urology, The National Hospital of Enshi Tujia and Miao Autonomous Prefecture, Enshi, Hubei Province, China
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12
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Wang WM, Xu Y, Wang YH, Sun HX, Sun YF, He YF, Zhu QF, Hu B, Zhang X, Xia JL, Qiu SJ, Zhou J, Yang XR, Fan J. HOXB7 promotes tumor progression via bFGF-induced activation of MAPK/ERK pathway and indicated poor prognosis in hepatocellular carcinoma. Oncotarget 2018; 8:47121-47135. [PMID: 28454092 PMCID: PMC5564549 DOI: 10.18632/oncotarget.17004] [Citation(s) in RCA: 24] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/20/2016] [Accepted: 02/06/2017] [Indexed: 12/30/2022] Open
Abstract
The homeobox-containing gene HOXB7 plays an important role in the pathogenesis and progression of many cancers, yet its role in hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) remains unclear. This study comprehensively analyzed the expression and clinical significance of HOXB7 in HCC and explored its potential mechanism in tumor progression. We found HOXB7 was highly expressed in HCC cell lines with highly metastatic potential and cancerous tissues from patients with tumor recurrence. The abilities of proliferation, migration, and invasion were notably decreased by depletion of HOXB7, and were enhanced by its enforced expression in vitro. HOXB7 expression was positively correlated with tumor progression and lung metastasis in vivo. The gene microarray data implied that HOXB7 affects biological functions of HCC cells through MAPK/ERK pathway activation. Further study confirmed that the effect of HOXB7 in activating MAPK/ERK pathway via induction of basic fibroblast growth factor (bFGF) secretion, and the inhibition of bFGF secretion could abolish MAPK/ERK pathway activation after ectopic expression of HOXB7. Chromatin immunoprecipitation experiments and luciferase reporter assays confirmed that HOXB7 promoted bFGF secretion via binding its promoter directly. Furthermore, the clinical significance of HOXB7 expression was confirmed using tissue microarrays containing 394 HCC tissue specimens. Patients with high HOXB7 expression showed shorter survival times and higher recurrence rates, and HOXB7 was an independent indicator for survival and recurrence. Overall, HOXB7 promotes HCC cell proliferation, migration, and invasion through the bFGF-induced MAPK/ERK pathway activation. It might be a novel prognostic factor in HCC and a promising therapeutic target for tumor metastasis and recurrence.
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Affiliation(s)
- Wei-Min Wang
- Department of Liver Surgery, Liver Cancer Institute, Zhongshan Hospital, Fudan University, Key Laboratory of Carcinogenesis and Cancer Invasion, Ministry of Education, Shanghai 200032, P. R. China.,Institute of Biomedical Sciences, Fudan University, Shanghai 200032, P. R. China
| | - Yang Xu
- Department of Liver Surgery, Liver Cancer Institute, Zhongshan Hospital, Fudan University, Key Laboratory of Carcinogenesis and Cancer Invasion, Ministry of Education, Shanghai 200032, P. R. China
| | - Yao-Hui Wang
- Department of Interventional Radiology, Fudan University Shanghai Cancer Center, Department of Oncology, Shanghai Medical College, Fudan University, Shanghai 200032, P. R. China
| | - Hai-Xiang Sun
- Department of Liver Surgery, Liver Cancer Institute, Zhongshan Hospital, Fudan University, Key Laboratory of Carcinogenesis and Cancer Invasion, Ministry of Education, Shanghai 200032, P. R. China
| | - Yun-Fan Sun
- Department of Liver Surgery, Liver Cancer Institute, Zhongshan Hospital, Fudan University, Key Laboratory of Carcinogenesis and Cancer Invasion, Ministry of Education, Shanghai 200032, P. R. China
| | - Yi-Feng He
- Department of Liver Surgery, Liver Cancer Institute, Zhongshan Hospital, Fudan University, Key Laboratory of Carcinogenesis and Cancer Invasion, Ministry of Education, Shanghai 200032, P. R. China
| | - Qing-Feng Zhu
- Department of Liver Surgery, Liver Cancer Institute, Zhongshan Hospital, Fudan University, Key Laboratory of Carcinogenesis and Cancer Invasion, Ministry of Education, Shanghai 200032, P. R. China.,Institute of Biomedical Sciences, Fudan University, Shanghai 200032, P. R. China
| | - Bo Hu
- Department of Liver Surgery, Liver Cancer Institute, Zhongshan Hospital, Fudan University, Key Laboratory of Carcinogenesis and Cancer Invasion, Ministry of Education, Shanghai 200032, P. R. China
| | - Xin Zhang
- Department of Liver Surgery, Liver Cancer Institute, Zhongshan Hospital, Fudan University, Key Laboratory of Carcinogenesis and Cancer Invasion, Ministry of Education, Shanghai 200032, P. R. China
| | - Jing-Lin Xia
- Department of Liver Surgery, Liver Cancer Institute, Zhongshan Hospital, Fudan University, Key Laboratory of Carcinogenesis and Cancer Invasion, Ministry of Education, Shanghai 200032, P. R. China
| | - Shuang-Jian Qiu
- Department of Liver Surgery, Liver Cancer Institute, Zhongshan Hospital, Fudan University, Key Laboratory of Carcinogenesis and Cancer Invasion, Ministry of Education, Shanghai 200032, P. R. China
| | - Jian Zhou
- Department of Liver Surgery, Liver Cancer Institute, Zhongshan Hospital, Fudan University, Key Laboratory of Carcinogenesis and Cancer Invasion, Ministry of Education, Shanghai 200032, P. R. China.,Institute of Biomedical Sciences, Fudan University, Shanghai 200032, P. R. China
| | - Xin-Rong Yang
- Department of Liver Surgery, Liver Cancer Institute, Zhongshan Hospital, Fudan University, Key Laboratory of Carcinogenesis and Cancer Invasion, Ministry of Education, Shanghai 200032, P. R. China
| | - Jia Fan
- Department of Liver Surgery, Liver Cancer Institute, Zhongshan Hospital, Fudan University, Key Laboratory of Carcinogenesis and Cancer Invasion, Ministry of Education, Shanghai 200032, P. R. China.,Institute of Biomedical Sciences, Fudan University, Shanghai 200032, P. R. China
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13
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Li M, Qian X, Zhu M, Li A, Fang M, Zhu Y, Zhang J. miR‑1273g‑3p promotes proliferation, migration and invasion of LoVo cells via cannabinoid receptor 1 through activation of ERBB4/PIK3R3/mTOR/S6K2 signaling pathway. Mol Med Rep 2018; 17:4619-4626. [PMID: 29328379 DOI: 10.3892/mmr.2018.8397] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/06/2017] [Accepted: 11/24/2017] [Indexed: 12/19/2022] Open
Abstract
MicroRNAs (miR) are important in various crucial cell processes including proliferation, migration and invasion. Dysregulation of miRNAs have been increasingly reported to contribute to colorectal cancer. However, the detailed biological function and potential mechanisms of miR‑1273g‑3p in colorectal cancer remain poorly understood. The expression levels of miR‑1273g‑3p in human colorectal cancer LoVo cell lines were detected via reverse transcription‑quantitative polymerase chain reaction (RT‑qPCR). The target genes of miR‑1273g‑3p were predicted by bioinformatics and verified by a luciferase reporter assay, RT‑qPCR and western blotting. The MTT, wound‑healing and Transwell assays were used to examine the biological functions of miR‑1273g‑3p in LoVo cells. The potential molecular mechanisms of miR‑1273g‑3p on LoVo cell proliferation, migration and invasion was detected by western blotting. The results of the present study demonstrated that miR‑1273g‑3p expression was extensively upregulated in LoVo cells compared with the normal colon epithelial NCM460 cell line. Further studies indicated that miR‑1273g‑3p inhibitor significantly suppressed LoVo cell proliferation, migration and invasion compared with inhibitor control. Following this, the cannabinoid receptor 1 (CNR1) was identified as a direct target gene of miR‑1273g‑3p. Knockdown of CNR1 restored the phenotypes of LoVo cells transfected with miR‑1273g‑3p inhibitor. Furthermore, the potential molecular mechanism of miR‑1273g‑3p on LoVo cell proliferation, migration and invasion may be mediated by activating the Erb‑B2 receptor tyrosine kinase 4 (ERBB4)/phosphoinositide‑3‑kinase regulatory subunit 3 (PIK3R3)/mechanistic target of rapamycin (mTOR)/S6 kinase 2 (S6K2) signaling pathway. These observations indicated that miR‑1273g‑3p promoted the proliferation, migration and invasion of LoVo cells via CNR1, and this may have occurred through activation of the ERBB4/PIK3R3/mTOR/S6K2 signaling pathway, suggesting that miR‑1273g‑3p may serve as a novel therapeutic target for the effective treatment of colorectal cancer.
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Affiliation(s)
- Min Li
- Department of Oncology, The Third Affiliated Hospital of Nanjing University of Chinese Medicine, Nanjing, Jiangsu 210000, P.R. China
| | - Xiaoping Qian
- Department of The Comprehensive Cancer Center, Affiliated Nanjing Drum Tower Hospital, Nanjing University, Nanjing, Jiangsu 210008, P.R. China
| | - Mingzhen Zhu
- The Department of Tumor‑Chemotherapy, The Second People's Hospital of Lianyungang, Lianyungang, Jiangsu 222023, P.R. China
| | - Aiyi Li
- The Department of Tumor‑Chemotherapy, The Second People's Hospital of Lianyungang, Lianyungang, Jiangsu 222023, P.R. China
| | - Mingzhi Fang
- Department of Oncology, The Third Affiliated Hospital of Nanjing University of Chinese Medicine, Nanjing, Jiangsu 210000, P.R. China
| | - Yong Zhu
- National Medical Centre of Colorectal Disease, The Third Affiliated Hospital of Nanjing University of Chinese Medicine, Nanjing, Jiangsu 210000, P.R. China
| | - Jingyu Zhang
- The Department of Tumor‑Chemotherapy, The Second People's Hospital of Lianyungang, Lianyungang, Jiangsu 222023, P.R. China
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Kamkar F, Xaymardan M, Asli NS. Hox-Mediated Spatial and Temporal Coding of Stem Cells in Homeostasis and Neoplasia. Stem Cells Dev 2017; 25:1282-9. [PMID: 27462829 DOI: 10.1089/scd.2015.0352] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/14/2023] Open
Abstract
Hox genes are fundamental components of embryonic patterning and morphogenesis with expression persisting into adulthood. They are also implicated in the development of diseases, particularly neoplastic transformations. The tight spatio-temporal regulation of Hox genes in concordance with embryonic patterning is an outstanding feature of these genes. In this review we have systematically analyzed Hox functions within the stem/progenitor cell compartments and asked whether their temporo-spatial topography is retained within the stem cell domain throughout development and adulthood. In brief, evidence support involvement of Hox genes at several levels along the stem cell hierarchy, including positional identity, stem cell self-renewal, and differentiation. There is also strong evidence to suggest a role for Hox genes during neoplasia. Although fundamental questions are yet to be addressed through more targeted and high- throughput approaches, existing evidence suggests a central role for Hox genes within a continuum along the developmental axes persisting into adult homeostasis and disease.
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Affiliation(s)
- Fatemeh Kamkar
- 1 Department of Cell and Molecular Medicine, Faculty of Medicine, University of Ottawa , Ontario, Canada
| | - Munira Xaymardan
- 2 Discipline of Life Sciences, Faculty of Dentistry, University of Sydney , Westmead Hospital, Westmead, Australia
| | - Naisana S Asli
- 2 Discipline of Life Sciences, Faculty of Dentistry, University of Sydney , Westmead Hospital, Westmead, Australia
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15
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Abstract
Homeobox B7 (HOXB7), a member of the HOX gene family, plays a role in tumorigenesis. However, until now the expression status and role of HOXB7 in osteosarcoma remain unclear. Therefore, the present study aimed to investigate the functional role and mechanism of HOXB7 in osteosarcoma. Our results demonstrated that HOXB7 was overexpressed in osteosarcoma cell lines. Downregulation of HOXB7 significantly inhibited osteosarcoma cell proliferation in vitro, as well as attenuated xenograft tumor growth in vivo. Downregulation of HOXB7 also inhibited the migration and invasion of osteosarcoma cells. Furthermore, downregulation of HOXB7 significantly suppressed the protein expression levels of p-PI3K and p-Akt in U2OS cells. In summary, our data demonstrated that downregulation of HOXB7 inhibited proliferation, invasion, and tumorigenesis, partly through suppressing the PI3K/Akt signaling pathway in osteosarcoma cells. Our findings provide new insights into the role of HOXB7 in osteosarcoma and new therapeutic targets for the treatment of osteosarcoma.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lei Yang
- *The Third Department of Orthopedics, Cangzhou Central Hospital, Cangzhou, P.R. China
| | - Fei Xie
- †Department of Pediatrics, Cangzhou Central Hospital, Cangzhou, P.R. China
| | - Shuangqing Li
- ‡Department of Orthopedics, Cangzhou Central Hospital, Cangzhou, P.R. China
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16
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Liu FT, Chen HM, Xiong Y, Zhu ZM. Deregulated HOXB7 expression predicts poor prognosis of patients with malignancies of digestive system. MINERVA CHIR 2017; 74:422-430. [PMID: 28749115 DOI: 10.23736/s0026-4733.17.07325-4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/08/2022]
Abstract
INTRODUCTION Numerous studies have investigated the relationship between deregulated HOXB7 expression with the clinical outcome in patients with digestive stem cancers, HOXB7 has showed negative impacts but with varying levels. We aimed to comprehensively evaluate the prediction and prognostic value of HOXB7 in digestive stem cancers. EVIDENCE ACQUISITION Electronic databases updated to December 1st, 2016 were retrieved to collect relevant eligible studies to quantitatively explore the potential roles of HOXB7 as a prognostic indicator in digestive system cancers. EVIDENCE SYNTHESIS A total of 9 studies (N.=1298) was included in this synthetical meta-analysis. The pooled hazard ratios suggested that high expression of HOXB7 protein was associated with poor prognosis of OS in patients with digestive system cancers (HR=1.97, 95% CI: 1.65-2.28, P=0.000), and HOXB7 protein could act as an independent prognostic factor for predicting OS of patients with digestive system cancers (HR=2.02, 95% CI: 1.69-2.36, P=0.000). Statistical significance was also observed in subgroup meta-analysis based on the cancer type, histology type, country, sample size and publication date. Furthermore, we examined the correlations between HOXB7 protein and clinicopathological features. It showed that altered expression of HOXB7 protein was correlated with tumor invasion (P=0.000), lymph node status (P=0.000), distant metastasis (P=0.001) and TNM stage (P=0.000). However, the expression of HOXB7 protein was not associated with age (P=0.64), gender (P=0.40) or levels of differentiation (P=0.19). CONCLUSIONS High expression of HOXB7 protein was associated with poor prognosis of patients with digestive system cancers, as well as clinicopathologic characteristics, including the tumor invasion, lymph node status, distant metastasis and TNM stage. The expression of HOXB7 protein was not associated with age, gender or levels of differentiation. HOXB7 protein expression level in tumor tissue might serve as a novel prognostic marker for digestive system cancers.
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Affiliation(s)
- Fang-Teng Liu
- Department of General Surgery, the Second Affiliated Hospital of Nanchang University, Nanchang, China
| | - Han-Min Chen
- The Second Clinical Medical College of Nanchang University, Nanchang, China
| | - Ying Xiong
- The Second Clinical Medical College of Nanchang University, Nanchang, China
| | - Zheng-Ming Zhu
- Department of General Surgery, the Second Affiliated Hospital of Nanchang University, Nanchang, China -
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17
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Huan HB, Yang DP, Wen XD, Chen XJ, Zhang L, Wu LL, Bie P, Xia F. HOXB7 accelerates the malignant progression of hepatocellular carcinoma by promoting stemness and epithelial-mesenchymal transition. JOURNAL OF EXPERIMENTAL & CLINICAL CANCER RESEARCH : CR 2017. [PMID: 28646927 PMCID: PMC5483250 DOI: 10.1186/s13046-017-0559-4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 37] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/11/2023]
Abstract
Background Homeobox B7 (HOXB7) has been identified associated with poor prognosis of hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC). However, the specific mechanism by which HOXB7 promotes the malignant progression of HCC remains to be determined. Methods Immunohistochemistry (IHC) was used to detect the expression level of HOXB7 in 77-paired HCC tissue samples, and the correlation between HOXB7 and HCC prognosis was assessed. The location of HOXB7 was confirmed by immunofluorescence. Cell Titer-Blue assay was used to assess the proliferation of hepatoma cells. The stem-like properties of hepatoma cells were analysed by sphere formation and clone formation assays. The effect of HOXB7 on expression of cancer stem cell markers was evaluated. Transwell and wound-healing assays were performed to estimate the invasion and migration abilities of hepatoma cells. A xenograft tumor model was established in nude mice to assess the role of HOXB7 in tumor growth. Bioluminescence imaging was used to survey the effect of HOXB7 on the metastatic ability of hepatoma cells in vivo. Results Higher expression of HOXB7 was detected in HCC tissues compared with noncancerous tissues and significantly associated with poor prognosis of HCC. In addition, HOXB7 knockdown suppressed the cell proliferation, clone formation, sphere formation, invasion and migration of hepatoma cells in vitro; conversely, these biological abilities of hepatoma cells were enhanced by HOXB7 overexpression. Moreover, the cancer stem cell markers EPCAM and NANOG were up-regulated by HOXB7. The role of HOXB7 in promoting tumor growth and metastasis was verified in vivo. Further investigation revealed that c-Myc and Slug expression was elevated by HOXB7 and the AKT pathway was activated. Conclusion Overexpression of HOXB7 was significantly correlated with poor prognosis of HCC. HOXB7 up-regulated c-Myc and Slug expression via the AKT pathway to promote the acquisition of stem-like properties and facilitate epithelial-mesenchymal transition of hepatoma cells, accelerating the malignant progression of HCC.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hong-Bo Huan
- Institute of Hepatobiliary Surgery, Southwest Cancer Center, Southwest Hospital, Third Military Medical University, Chongqing, 400038, China
| | - Da-Peng Yang
- Institute of Hepatobiliary Surgery, Southwest Cancer Center, Southwest Hospital, Third Military Medical University, Chongqing, 400038, China
| | - Xu-Dong Wen
- Institute of Hepatobiliary Surgery, Southwest Cancer Center, Southwest Hospital, Third Military Medical University, Chongqing, 400038, China
| | - Xue-Jiao Chen
- Laboratory of Biotherapy of Cancer, Southwest Cancer Center, Southwest Hospital, Third Military Medical University, Chongqing, 400038, China
| | - Liang Zhang
- Institute of Hepatobiliary Surgery, Southwest Cancer Center, Southwest Hospital, Third Military Medical University, Chongqing, 400038, China
| | - Li-Li Wu
- Institute of Hepatobiliary Surgery, Southwest Cancer Center, Southwest Hospital, Third Military Medical University, Chongqing, 400038, China
| | - Ping Bie
- Institute of Hepatobiliary Surgery, Southwest Cancer Center, Southwest Hospital, Third Military Medical University, Chongqing, 400038, China
| | - Feng Xia
- Institute of Hepatobiliary Surgery, Southwest Cancer Center, Southwest Hospital, Third Military Medical University, Chongqing, 400038, China.
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Joo MK, Park JJ, Chun HJ. Impact of homeobox genes in gastrointestinal cancer. World J Gastroenterol 2016; 22:8247-8256. [PMID: 27729732 PMCID: PMC5055856 DOI: 10.3748/wjg.v22.i37.8247] [Citation(s) in RCA: 38] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/04/2016] [Revised: 08/13/2016] [Accepted: 08/23/2016] [Indexed: 02/06/2023] Open
Abstract
Homeobox genes, including HOX and non-HOX genes, have been identified to be expressed aberrantly in solid tumors. In gastrointestinal (GI) cancers, most studies have focused on the function of non-HOX genes including caudal-related homeobox transcription factor 1 (CDX1) and CDX2. CDX2 is a crucial factor in the development of pre-cancerous lesions such as Barrett’s esophagus or intestinal metaplasia in the stomach, and its tumor suppressive role has been investigated in colorectal cancers. Recently, several HOX genes were reported to have specific roles in GI cancers; for example, HOXA13 in esophageal squamous cell cancer and HOXB7 in stomach and colorectal cancers. HOXD10 is upregulated in colorectal cancer while it is silenced epigenetically in gastric cancer. Thus, it is essential to examine the differential expression pattern of various homeobox genes in specific tumor types or cell lineages, and understand their underlying mechanisms. In this review, we summarize the available research on homeobox genes and present their potential value for the prediction of prognosis in GI cancers.
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Joo MK, Park JJ, Yoo HS, Lee BJ, Chun HJ, Lee SW, Bak YT. The roles of HOXB7 in promoting migration, invasion, and anti-apoptosis in gastric cancer. J Gastroenterol Hepatol 2016; 31:1717-1726. [PMID: 26968988 DOI: 10.1111/jgh.13330] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/26/2015] [Revised: 01/25/2016] [Accepted: 02/10/2016] [Indexed: 12/11/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND AND AIM The aim of this study was to compare HOXB7 expression level between gastric cancer and non-cancerous gastric tissues. Additionally, the functional effects of HOXB7, including its pro-migration or invasion and anti-apoptosis roles, were evaluated in gastric cancer cells. METHODS Both gene and protein expression levels of HOXB7 were examined in gastric cancer cell lines, and HOXB7 expression was compared between primary or metastatic gastric cancer tissues and chronic gastritis or intestinal metaplasia tissues. Functional studies included a wound healing assay, a Matrigel invasion assay, and an Annexin-V assay were performed, and Akt/PTEN activity was measured by western blotting. RESULTS Both gene and protein expression levels of HOXB7 could be clearly detected in various gastric cancer cell lines except MKN-28 cell. HOXB7 expression was significantly higher in primary or metastatic gastric cancer tissues than in chronic gastritis or intestinal metaplasia tissues. HOXB7 knockdown led to inhibition of cell invasion and migration, had an apoptotic effect, downregulated phosphor-Akt, and upregulated PTEN in AGS and SNU-638 cells. Reinforced expression of HOXB7 caused the opposite effects in MKN-28 and MKN-45 cells. CONCLUSION Our study suggests that HOXB7 has an oncogenic role in gastric cancer, which might be related to the modulation of Akt/PTEN activity to induce cell migration/invasion and anti-apoptotic effects.
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Affiliation(s)
- Moon Kyung Joo
- Division of Gastroenterology, Department of Internal Medicine, Korea University College of Medicine Guro Hospital, Seoul, Korea
| | - Jong-Jae Park
- Division of Gastroenterology, Department of Internal Medicine, Korea University College of Medicine Guro Hospital, Seoul, Korea.
| | - Hyo Soon Yoo
- Division of Gastroenterology, Department of Internal Medicine, Korea University College of Medicine Guro Hospital, Seoul, Korea
| | - Beom Jae Lee
- Division of Gastroenterology, Department of Internal Medicine, Korea University College of Medicine Guro Hospital, Seoul, Korea
| | - Hoon Jai Chun
- Division of Gastroenterology, Department of Internal Medicine, Korea University College of Medicine Anam Hospital, Seoul, Korea
| | - Sang Woo Lee
- Division of Gastroenterology, Department of Internal Medicine, Korea University College of Medicine Ansan Hospital, Ansan-si, Korea
| | - Young-Tae Bak
- Division of Gastroenterology, Department of Internal Medicine, Korea University College of Medicine Guro Hospital, Seoul, Korea
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Liu FT, Ou YX, Zhang GP, Qiu C, Luo HL, Zhu PQ. HOXB7 as a promising molecular marker for metastasis in cancers: a meta-analysis. Onco Targets Ther 2016; 9:2693-9. [PMID: 27274269 PMCID: PMC4869646 DOI: 10.2147/ott.s104000] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/02/2023] Open
Abstract
Numerous studies on carcinoma have revealed that the expression level of HOXB7 in cancerous tissues was significantly higher than that in noncancerous tissues. Elevated expression of HOXB7 is associated with the susceptibility to lymph node metastasis and distant metastasis in various tumors. In this study, a meta-analysis was performed to involve majority of relevant articles and explore the association of HOXB7 expression level with metastasis in cancer patients. Literature retrieval was conducted by searching in a number of electronic databases (up to December 1, 2015). The meta-analysis was conducted with RevMan 5.3 software and Stata SE12.0. A total of 1,532 patients with carcinoma from 14 studies were included in analysis. The results of meta-analysis demonstrated that lymph node metastasis was observed more frequently in the patients group with high expression level of HOXB7 than in the patients group with low expression level of HOXB7 (odds ratio =2.17, 95% CI: 1.74–2.71, P<0.00001, fixed-effects model). In addition, a similar result was observed in the association between HOXB7 expression and distant metastasis; the odds ratio was 1.77 (95% CI: 1.09–2.88, P=0.02, fixed-effects model). This meta-analysis demonstrated that the overexpression of HOXB7 was significantly associated with metastasis in cancer patients, which may be served as a common molecular marker for indicating cancer metastasis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Fang-Teng Liu
- Department of Gastrointestinal Surgery, the Second Affiliated Hospital of Nanchang University, Nanchang, Jiangxi Province, People's Republic of China
| | - Yang-Xi Ou
- Department of Gastrointestinal Surgery, the Second Affiliated Hospital of Nanchang University, Nanchang, Jiangxi Province, People's Republic of China
| | - Guan-Ping Zhang
- Department of Gastrointestinal Surgery, the Second Affiliated Hospital of Nanchang University, Nanchang, Jiangxi Province, People's Republic of China
| | - Cheng Qiu
- Department of Gastrointestinal Surgery, the Second Affiliated Hospital of Nanchang University, Nanchang, Jiangxi Province, People's Republic of China
| | - Hong-Liang Luo
- Department of Gastrointestinal Surgery, the Second Affiliated Hospital of Nanchang University, Nanchang, Jiangxi Province, People's Republic of China
| | - Pei-Qian Zhu
- Department of Gastrointestinal Surgery, the Second Affiliated Hospital of Nanchang University, Nanchang, Jiangxi Province, People's Republic of China
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