1
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Dobersch S, Yamamoto N, Schutter A, Cavender SM, Robertson TM, Kartha N, Samraj AN, Doron B, Poole LA, Wladyka CL, Zhang A, Jang GH, Mahalingam AH, Barreto G, Raghavan S, Narla G, Notta F, Eisenman RN, Hsieh AC, Kugel S. HMGA2 and protein leucine methylation drive pancreatic cancer lineage plasticity. Nat Commun 2025; 16:4866. [PMID: 40419509 PMCID: PMC12106622 DOI: 10.1038/s41467-025-60129-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/28/2024] [Accepted: 05/14/2025] [Indexed: 05/28/2025] Open
Abstract
Basal pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma (PDAC) has the worst overall survival and is the only subtype that serves as an independent poor prognostic factor. We identify elevated levels of LIN28B and its downstream target, HMGA2, in basal PDAC. Notably, LIN28B significantly accelerates KRAS-driven PDAC progression in a mouse model. Here, we show that HMGA2 promotes basal PDAC pathogenesis by enhancing mRNA translation downstream of LIN28B. Mechanistically, HMGA2 suppresses leucine carboxyl methyltransferase 1 (LCMT1) at the chromatin level, reducing PP2A methylation and activity. This leads to increased phosphorylation of S6K and eIF4B, boosting mRNA translation. Additionally, HMGA2 downregulates B56α (PPP2R5A), disrupting functional PP2A holoenzyme assembly and further sustaining phosphorylated S6K levels. Impaired PP2A function mimics HMGA2's effects, reinforcing increased mRNA translation and basal lineage features. This work uncovers a critical link between the LIN28B/HMGA2 axis, protein synthesis, and PDAC lineage specificity via LCMT1-mediated PP2A methylation and B56α-PP2A disruption.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Naomi Yamamoto
- Human Biology Division, Fred Hutchinson Cancer Center, Seattle, WA, USA
- Medical Scientist Training Program, University of Washington, Seattle, WA, USA
- Molecular & Cellular Biology Graduate Program, University of Washington, Seattle, WA, USA
| | - Aidan Schutter
- Human Biology Division, Fred Hutchinson Cancer Center, Seattle, WA, USA
| | - Sarah M Cavender
- Human Biology Division, Fred Hutchinson Cancer Center, Seattle, WA, USA
| | - Tess M Robertson
- Human Biology Division, Fred Hutchinson Cancer Center, Seattle, WA, USA
| | - Nithya Kartha
- Human Biology Division, Fred Hutchinson Cancer Center, Seattle, WA, USA
| | - Annie N Samraj
- Division of Transfusion Medicine, Department of Laboratory Medicine, University of Washington School of Medicine, Seattle, WA, USA
| | - Ben Doron
- Human Biology Division, Fred Hutchinson Cancer Center, Seattle, WA, USA
| | - Lisa A Poole
- Human Biology Division, Fred Hutchinson Cancer Center, Seattle, WA, USA
| | - Cynthia L Wladyka
- Human Biology Division, Fred Hutchinson Cancer Center, Seattle, WA, USA
| | - Amy Zhang
- PanCuRx Translational Research Initiative, Ontario Institute for Cancer Research, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
| | - Gun Ho Jang
- PanCuRx Translational Research Initiative, Ontario Institute for Cancer Research, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
| | | | - Guillermo Barreto
- Université de Lorraine, CNRS, Laboratoire IMoPA, Nancy, France
- Lung Cancer Epigenetic, Max-Planck-Institute for Heart and Lung Research, Bad Nauheim, Germany
| | - Srivatsan Raghavan
- Department of Medical Oncology, Dana-Farber Cancer Institute, Boston, MA, USA
- Broad Institute of MIT and Harvard, Cambridge, MA, USA
- Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, USA
- Department of Medicine, Brigham and Women's Hospital, Boston, MA, USA
| | - Goutham Narla
- Division of Genetic Medicine, Department of Internal Medicine, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI, USA
- Rogel Cancer Center, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI, USA
| | - Faiyaz Notta
- PanCuRx Translational Research Initiative, Ontario Institute for Cancer Research, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
- Princess Margaret Cancer Centre, University Health Network, Toronto, ON, Canada
- Department of Medical Biophysics, University of Toronto, Toronto, ON, Canada
| | - Robert N Eisenman
- Basic Sciences Division, Fred Hutchinson Cancer Center, Seattle, WA, USA
| | - Andrew C Hsieh
- Human Biology Division, Fred Hutchinson Cancer Center, Seattle, WA, USA
- Department of Medicine, University of Washington, Seattle, WA, USA
- Department of Genome Sciences, University of Washington, Seattle, WA, USA
| | - Sita Kugel
- Human Biology Division, Fred Hutchinson Cancer Center, Seattle, WA, USA.
- Department of Genome Sciences, University of Washington, Seattle, WA, USA.
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2
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Maklad A, Sedeeq M, Baghaei K, Wilson R, Heath JA, Gueven N, Azimi I. Role of LIN28B in the Regulation of Ribosomal Biogenesis and Lipid Metabolism in Medulloblastoma Brain Cancer Cells. Proteomes 2025; 13:14. [PMID: 40265419 PMCID: PMC12015845 DOI: 10.3390/proteomes13020014] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/24/2025] [Revised: 03/07/2025] [Accepted: 03/20/2025] [Indexed: 04/24/2025] Open
Abstract
Background: Medulloblastoma (MB) is the most aggressive paediatric brain cancer, highlighting the urgent need for new diagnostic and prognostic biomarkers and improved treatments to enhance patient outcomes. Our previous study identified LIN28B, an RNA-binding protein, as a potential diagnostic and prognostic marker for MB and a pharmacological target to inhibit MB cell proliferation and stemness. However, the specific role of LIN28B and its mechanism of action in MB had not been studied. Methods: This study assessed LIN28B's role in Daoy MB cells using siRNA-mediated silencing. LIN28B silencing was achieved with Dharmacon ON-TARGETplus SMARTpool and confirmed by Western blotting. Proliferation and protein assays evaluated the cell metabolic activity and viability. A proteomics analysis was conducted to examine the effect of LIN28B knockdown on the MB cell protein expression profile. The intracellular lipid droplets were assessed using the Nile Red Staining Kit, and nucleolar B23 protein levels were assessed by immunofluorescence. Both were visualised with a high-content IN Cell Analyser 2200. Results: Effective LIN28B silencing (>80%) was achieved in each experiment. LIN28B knockdown reduced the MB cell viability, impaired ribosome biogenesis, and promoted cellular lipid accumulation, as supported by proteomics and cell-based assays. Conclusions: This study highlights LIN28B as a promising target for regulating MB cell growth, ribosomal biogenesis, and lipid metabolism.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ahmed Maklad
- School of Pharmacy and Pharmacology, College of Health and Medicine, University of Tasmania, Hobart, TAS 7001, Australia; (A.M.); (M.S.); (N.G.)
| | - Mohammed Sedeeq
- School of Pharmacy and Pharmacology, College of Health and Medicine, University of Tasmania, Hobart, TAS 7001, Australia; (A.M.); (M.S.); (N.G.)
| | - Kaveh Baghaei
- Monash Biomedicine Discovery Institute, Department of Pharmacology, Monash University, Melbourne, VIC 3168, Australia;
| | - Richard Wilson
- Central Science Laboratory, College of Science and Engineering, University of Tasmania, Hobart, TAS 7001, Australia;
| | - John A. Heath
- Children’s Cancer Centre, Monash Children’s Hospital, Melbourne, VIC 3168, Australia;
| | - Nuri Gueven
- School of Pharmacy and Pharmacology, College of Health and Medicine, University of Tasmania, Hobart, TAS 7001, Australia; (A.M.); (M.S.); (N.G.)
| | - Iman Azimi
- School of Pharmacy and Pharmacology, College of Health and Medicine, University of Tasmania, Hobart, TAS 7001, Australia; (A.M.); (M.S.); (N.G.)
- Monash Biomedicine Discovery Institute, Department of Pharmacology, Monash University, Melbourne, VIC 3168, Australia;
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3
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Yu X, Sarabia S, Urbicain M, Somvanshi S, Patel R, Tran TM, Yeh YP, Chang KS, Lo YT, Epps J, Scorsone KA, Chiu HS, Hollingsworth EF, Perez CR, Najaf Panah MJ, Zorman B, Finegold M, Goss JA, Alaggio R, Roy A, Fisher KE, Heczey A, Woodfield S, Vasudevan S, Patel K, Chen TW, Lopez-Terrada D, Sumazin P. Asynchronous Transitions from Hepatoblastoma to Carcinoma in High-Risk Pediatric Tumors. BIORXIV : THE PREPRINT SERVER FOR BIOLOGY 2024:2024.12.24.630261. [PMID: 39763896 PMCID: PMC11703271 DOI: 10.1101/2024.12.24.630261] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/11/2025]
Abstract
Most malignant hepatocellular tumors in children are classified as either hepatoblastoma (HB) or hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC), but some tumors demonstrate features of both HB and HCC1-3. These tumors have been recognized under a provisional diagnostic category by the World Health Organization and are distinguished from HB and HCC by a combination of histological, immunohistochemical, and molecular features4-6. Their outcomes and cellular composition remain an open question7-9. The heterogeneous histological and molecular profiles of hepatoblastomas with carcinoma features (HBCs)4 may result from cells with combined HB and HCC characteristics (HBC cells) or from mixtures of cells displaying either HB or HCC signatures. We used multiomics profiling to show that HBCs are mixtures of HB, HBC, and HCC cell types. HBC cells are more chemoresistant than HB cells, and their chemoresistance-a driver of poor outcomes10-12-is determined by their cell types, genetic alterations, and embryonic differentiation stages. We showed that the prognosis of HBCs is significantly worse than that of HBs. We also showed that HBC cells are derived from HB cells at early hepatoblast differentiation stages, that aberrant activation of WNT-signaling initiates HBC transformation, and that WNT inhibition promotes differentiation and increases sensitivity to chemotherapy. Furthermore, our analysis revealed that each HBC is the product of multiple HB-to-HBC and HBC-to-HCC transitions. Thus, multiomics profiling of HBCs provided key insights into their biology and resolved major questions regarding the etiology of these childhood liver tumors.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xinjian Yu
- Department of Pediatrics, Texas Children’s Cancer Center, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, TX, USA
| | - Stephen Sarabia
- Department of Pediatrics, Texas Children’s Cancer Center, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, TX, USA
- Department of Pathology & Immunology, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, TX, USA
| | - Martin Urbicain
- Department of Pediatrics, Texas Children’s Cancer Center, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, TX, USA
- Department of Pathology & Immunology, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, TX, USA
| | - Sonal Somvanshi
- Department of Pediatrics, Texas Children’s Cancer Center, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, TX, USA
| | - Roma Patel
- Department of Pediatrics, Texas Children’s Cancer Center, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, TX, USA
- Divisions of Pediatric Surgery and Surgical Research, Michael E. DeBakey Department of Surgery, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, TX, USA
| | - Tuan M Tran
- Department of Systems Biology, Department of Genetics, University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, TX, USA
| | - Yen-Ping Yeh
- Biological Science and Technology, Center for Intelligent Drug Systems and Smart Bio-Devices, and Institute of Bioinformatics and Systems Biology, National Yang Ming Chiao Tung University, Hsinchu, Taiwan
| | - Keng-Shih Chang
- Biological Science and Technology, Center for Intelligent Drug Systems and Smart Bio-Devices, and Institute of Bioinformatics and Systems Biology, National Yang Ming Chiao Tung University, Hsinchu, Taiwan
| | - Yi-Tzu Lo
- Biological Science and Technology, Center for Intelligent Drug Systems and Smart Bio-Devices, and Institute of Bioinformatics and Systems Biology, National Yang Ming Chiao Tung University, Hsinchu, Taiwan
| | - Jessica Epps
- Department of Pediatrics, Texas Children’s Cancer Center, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, TX, USA
| | - Kathleen A. Scorsone
- Department of Pediatrics, Texas Children’s Cancer Center, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, TX, USA
| | - Hua-Sheng Chiu
- Department of Pediatrics, Texas Children’s Cancer Center, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, TX, USA
| | - Emporia Faith Hollingsworth
- Department of Pediatrics, Texas Children’s Cancer Center, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, TX, USA
- Department of Pathology & Immunology, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, TX, USA
| | - Cintia R. Perez
- Department of Pediatrics, Texas Children’s Cancer Center, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, TX, USA
- Department of Pathology & Immunology, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, TX, USA
| | | | - Barry Zorman
- Department of Pediatrics, Texas Children’s Cancer Center, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, TX, USA
| | - Milton Finegold
- Department of Pediatrics, Texas Children’s Cancer Center, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, TX, USA
- Department of Pathology & Immunology, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, TX, USA
| | - John A. Goss
- Department of Pediatrics, Texas Children’s Cancer Center, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, TX, USA
- Department of Pathology & Immunology, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, TX, USA
| | - Rita Alaggio
- Department of Pathology, Bambino Gesù Children’s Hospital, IRCCS, Rome, Italy
| | - Angshumoy Roy
- Department of Pediatrics, Texas Children’s Cancer Center, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, TX, USA
- Department of Pathology & Immunology, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, TX, USA
| | - Kevin E. Fisher
- Department of Pediatrics, Texas Children’s Cancer Center, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, TX, USA
- Department of Pathology & Immunology, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, TX, USA
| | - Andras Heczey
- Department of Pediatrics, Texas Children’s Cancer Center, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, TX, USA
| | - Sarah Woodfield
- Department of Pediatrics, Texas Children’s Cancer Center, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, TX, USA
- Divisions of Pediatric Surgery and Surgical Research, Michael E. DeBakey Department of Surgery, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, TX, USA
| | - Sanjeev Vasudevan
- Department of Pediatrics, Texas Children’s Cancer Center, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, TX, USA
- Divisions of Pediatric Surgery and Surgical Research, Michael E. DeBakey Department of Surgery, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, TX, USA
| | - Kalyani Patel
- Department of Pediatrics, Texas Children’s Cancer Center, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, TX, USA
- Department of Pathology & Immunology, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, TX, USA
| | - Ting-Wen Chen
- Biological Science and Technology, Center for Intelligent Drug Systems and Smart Bio-Devices, and Institute of Bioinformatics and Systems Biology, National Yang Ming Chiao Tung University, Hsinchu, Taiwan
| | - Dolores Lopez-Terrada
- Department of Pediatrics, Texas Children’s Cancer Center, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, TX, USA
- Department of Pathology & Immunology, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, TX, USA
| | - Pavel Sumazin
- Department of Pediatrics, Texas Children’s Cancer Center, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, TX, USA
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4
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Cotino‐Nájera S, García‐Villa E, Cruz‐Rosales S, Gariglio P, Díaz‐Chávez J. The role of Lin28A and Lin28B in cancer beyond Let-7. FEBS Lett 2024; 598:2963-2979. [PMID: 39152528 PMCID: PMC11665955 DOI: 10.1002/1873-3468.15004] [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: 05/11/2024] [Revised: 07/02/2024] [Accepted: 07/21/2024] [Indexed: 08/19/2024]
Abstract
Lin28A and Lin28B are paralogous RNA-binding proteins that play fundamental roles in development and cancer by regulating the microRNA family of tumor suppressor Let-7. Although Lin28A and Lin28B share some functional similarities with Let-7 inhibitors, they also have distinct expression patterns and biological functions. Increasing evidence indicates that Lin28A and Lin28B differentially impact cancer stem cell properties, epithelial-mesenchymal transition, metabolic reprogramming, and other hallmarks of cancer. Therefore, it is important to understand the overexpression of Lin28A and Lin28B paralogs in specific cancer contexts. In this review, we summarize the main similarities and differences between Lin28A and Lin28B, their implications in different cellular processes, and their role in different types of cancer. In addition, we provide evidence of other specific targets of each lin28 paralog, as well as the lncRNAs and miRNAs that promote or inhibit its expression, and how this impacts cancer development and progression.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sandra Cotino‐Nájera
- Departamento de Genética y Biología MolecularCentro de Investigación y de Estudios Avanzados (CINVESTAV)Mexico CityMexico
| | - Enrique García‐Villa
- Departamento de Genética y Biología MolecularCentro de Investigación y de Estudios Avanzados (CINVESTAV)Mexico CityMexico
| | - Samantha Cruz‐Rosales
- Departamento de Genética y Biología MolecularCentro de Investigación y de Estudios Avanzados (CINVESTAV)Mexico CityMexico
| | - Patricio Gariglio
- Departamento de Genética y Biología MolecularCentro de Investigación y de Estudios Avanzados (CINVESTAV)Mexico CityMexico
| | - José Díaz‐Chávez
- Departamento de Biología Celular, Facultad de CienciasUNAMMexico CityMexico
- Unidad de Investigación Biomédica en Cáncer, Instituto de Investigaciones BiomédicasUNAM/Instituto Nacional de CancerologíaMexico CityMexico
- Tecnológico de Monterrey, Escuela de Medicina y Ciencias de la SaludMexico
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5
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Szewczyk S, Buckley B, Chernov M, Wang X, Pathak S, Yeger H, Attwood KM, Holtz R, Ambrosone CB, Higgins MJ. Cell-based assay to detect small molecules restoring levels of let-7 miRNAs. Am J Cancer Res 2024; 14:4772-4787. [PMID: 39553217 PMCID: PMC11560832 DOI: 10.62347/mbld9480] [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: 03/29/2024] [Accepted: 08/23/2024] [Indexed: 11/19/2024] Open
Abstract
Blockage of let-7 miRNA biogenesis by LIN28, or other mechanisms, results in derepression of let-7 target genes, some of which are oncogenic (e.g., MYCN) potentially contributing to tumor progression and drug resistance. We have developed a cell-based assay to identify small molecules that increase levels of mature functional let-7 miRNAs by inhibiting the function of Lin28B protein or by other means. This system consists of a reporter gene (GFP) regulated by the tTR-KRAB repressor protein which in turn is regulated by processed let-7 miRNAs. Using this system, we screened approximately 4000 small molecules and identified more than a dozen compounds capable of augmenting levels of mature let-7 miRNAs. Among those compounds, Kenpaullone and BIO were shown to increase let-7 miRNA levels with consequent suppression of MYCN protein in neuroblastoma cell lines. This novel strategy provides an additional cell-based assay for candidate cancer drug screening in a high throughput setting and will facilitate the identification of anti-cancer drugs. Moreover, this assay could be used to screen shRNA and CRISPR libraries to identify novel components of the LIN28-let-7 axis which may provide new therapeutic targets.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sirinapa Szewczyk
- Department of Molecular and Cellular Biology, Roswell Park Comprehensive Cancer CenterBuffalo, NY 14263, USA
| | - Brian Buckley
- Drug Discovery Core Shared Resource, Roswell Park Comprehensive Cancer CenterBuffalo, NY 14263, USA
| | - Mikhail Chernov
- Drug Discovery Core Shared Resource, Roswell Park Comprehensive Cancer CenterBuffalo, NY 14263, USA
| | - Xinjiang Wang
- Department of Pharmacology and Therapeutics, Roswell Park Comprehensive Cancer CenterBuffalo, NY 14263, USA
| | | | - Herman Yeger
- Department of Laboratory Medicine and Pathobiology, University of TorontoToronto, Ontario M5S 1A8, Canada
- Program in Developmental and Stem Cell Biology, Research Institute, SickKids555 University Avenue, Toronto, Ontario M5G 1X8, Canada
| | - Kristopher M Attwood
- Department of Biostatistics and Bioinformatics, Roswell Park Comprehensive Cancer CenterBuffalo, NY 14263, USA
| | - Renae Holtz
- Department of Cancer Genetics and Genomics, Roswell Park Comprehensive Cancer CenterBuffalo, NY 14263, USA
| | - Christine B Ambrosone
- Department of Cancer Prevention and Control, Roswell Park Comprehensive Cancer CenterBuffalo, NY 14263, USA
| | - Michael J Higgins
- Department of Molecular and Cellular Biology, Roswell Park Comprehensive Cancer CenterBuffalo, NY 14263, USA
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6
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Fujiwara Y, Takahashi RU, Saito M, Umakoshi M, Shimada Y, Koyama K, Yatabe Y, Watanabe SI, Koyota S, Minamiya Y, Tahara H, Kono K, Shiraishi K, Kohno T, Goto A, Tsuchiya N. Oncofetal IGF2BP3-mediated control of microRNA structural diversity in the malignancy of early-stage lung adenocarcinoma. Proc Natl Acad Sci U S A 2024; 121:e2407016121. [PMID: 39196622 PMCID: PMC11388381 DOI: 10.1073/pnas.2407016121] [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: 04/08/2024] [Accepted: 08/02/2024] [Indexed: 08/29/2024] Open
Abstract
The nature of microRNA (miRNA) dysfunction in carcinogenesis remains controversial because of the complex connection between miRNA structural diversity and biological processes. Here, we found that oncofetal IGF2BP3 regulates the selective production of a subset of 3'-isoforms (3'-isomiRs), including miR-21-5p and Let-7 family, which induces significant changes in their cellular seed occupancy and structural components, establishing a cancer-specific gene expression profile. The D-score, reflecting dominant production of a representative miR-21-5p+C (a 3'-isomiR), discriminated between clinical early-stage lung adenocarcinoma (LUAD) cases with low and high recurrence risks, and was associated with molecular features of cell cycle progression, epithelial-mesenchymal transition pressure, and immune evasion. We found that IGF2BP3 controls the production of miR-21-5p+C by directing the nuclear Drosha complex to select the cleavage site. IGF2BP3 was also involved in the production of 3'-isomiRs of miR-425-5p and miR-454-3p. IGF2BP3-regulated these three miRNAs are suggested to be associated with the regulation of p53, TGF-β, and TNF pathways in LUAD. Knockdown of IGF2BP3 also induced a selective upregulation of Let-7 3'-isomiRs, leading to increased cellular Let-7 seed occupancy and broad repression of its target genes encoding cell cycle regulators. The D-score is an index that reflects this cellular situation. Our results suggest that the aberrant regulation of miRNA structural diversity is a critical component for controlling cellular networks, thus supporting the establishment of a malignant gene expression profile in early stage LUAD.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yuko Fujiwara
- Laboratory of Molecular Carcinogenesis, National Cancer Center Research Institute, Tokyo 104-0045, Japan
| | - Ryou-U Takahashi
- Department of Cellular and Molecular Biology, Graduate School of Biomedical and Health Sciences, Hiroshima University, Hiroshima 734-8553, Japan
| | - Motonobu Saito
- Department of Gastrointestinal Tract Surgery, Fukushima Medical University School of Medicine, Fukushima 960-1295, Japan
| | - Michinobu Umakoshi
- Department of Cellular and Organ Pathology, Graduate School of Medicine, Akita University, Akita 010-8543, Japan
| | - Yoko Shimada
- Division of Genome Biology, National Cancer Center Research Institute, Tokyo 104-0045, Japan
| | - Kei Koyama
- Department of Cellular and Organ Pathology, Graduate School of Medicine, Akita University, Akita 010-8543, Japan
| | - Yasushi Yatabe
- Department of Diagnostic Pathology, National Cancer Center Hospital, Tokyo 104-0045, Japan
| | - Shun-Ichi Watanabe
- Department of Thoracic Surgery, National Cancer Center Hospital, Tokyo 104-0045, Japan
| | - Souichi Koyota
- Molecular Medicine Laboratory, Bioscience Education and Research Support Center, Akita University, Akita 010-8543, Japan
| | - Yoshihiro Minamiya
- Department of Thoracic Surgery, Akita University Hospital, Akita 010-8543, Japan
| | - Hidetoshi Tahara
- Department of Cellular and Molecular Biology, Graduate School of Biomedical and Health Sciences, Hiroshima University, Hiroshima 734-8553, Japan
| | - Koji Kono
- Department of Gastrointestinal Tract Surgery, Fukushima Medical University School of Medicine, Fukushima 960-1295, Japan
| | - Kouya Shiraishi
- Division of Genome Biology, National Cancer Center Research Institute, Tokyo 104-0045, Japan
- Department of Clinical Genomics, National Cancer Center Research Institute, Tokyo 104-0045, Japan
| | - Takashi Kohno
- Division of Genome Biology, National Cancer Center Research Institute, Tokyo 104-0045, Japan
| | - Akiteru Goto
- Department of Cellular and Organ Pathology, Graduate School of Medicine, Akita University, Akita 010-8543, Japan
| | - Naoto Tsuchiya
- Laboratory of Molecular Carcinogenesis, National Cancer Center Research Institute, Tokyo 104-0045, Japan
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7
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Su Y, Li Z, Li Q, Guo X, Zhang H, Li Y, Meng Z, Huang S, Hu Z. Oncofetal TRIM71 drives liver cancer carcinogenesis through remodeling CEBPA-mediated serine/glycine metabolism. Theranostics 2024; 14:4948-4966. [PMID: 39267787 PMCID: PMC11388079 DOI: 10.7150/thno.99633] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/14/2024] [Accepted: 08/07/2024] [Indexed: 09/15/2024] Open
Abstract
Rationale: Tumor cells remodel transcriptome to construct an ecosystem with stemness features, which maintains tumor growth and highly malignant characteristics. However, the core regulatory factors involved in this process still need to be further discovered. Methods: Single cell RNA-sequncing (scRNA-seq) and bulk RNA-sequencing profiles derived from fetal liver, normal liver, liver tumors, and their adjacent samples were collected to analyze the ecosystem of liver cancer. Mouse models were established to identify molecular functions of oncofetal-related oncogenes using hydrodynamic tail vein injection. Results: We found that liver cancer rebuilt oncofetal ecosystem to maintain malignant features. Interestingly, we identified a group of RNA-binding proteins (RBPs) that were highly overexpressed with oncofetal features. Among them, TRIM71 was specifically expressed in liver cancers and was associated with poor outcomes. TRIM71 drove the carcinogenesis of hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC), and knockdown of TRIM71 significantly abolished liver cancer cell proliferation. Mechanistically, TRIM71 formed a protein complex with IGF2BP1, bound to and stabilized the mRNA of CEBPA in an m6A-dependent manner, enhance the serine/glycine metabolic pathway, and ultimately promoted liver cancer progression. Furthermore, we identified that all-trans-retinoic acid (ATRA) combined with e1A binding protein p300 (EP300) inhibitor A-485 repressed TRIM71, attenuated glycine/serine metabolism, and inhibited liver cancer cell proliferation with high TRIM71 levels. Conclusions: We demonstrated the oncofetal status in liver cancer and highlighted the crucial role of TRIM71 and provided potential therapeutic strategies and liver cancer-specific biomarker for liver cancer patients.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ying Su
- Department of Integrative Oncology, Fudan University Shanghai Cancer Center, and Shanghai Key Laboratory of Medical Epigenetics, International Co-laboratory of Medical Epigenetics and Metabolism, Institutes of Biomedical Sciences, Shanghai Medical College, Fudan University, Shanghai, China
- Department of Oncology, Shanghai Medical College, Fudan University, Shanghai, China
| | - Ziteng Li
- Department of Oncology, Shanghai Medical College, Fudan University, Shanghai, China
| | - Qin Li
- Department of Oncology, Shanghai Medical College, Fudan University, Shanghai, China
| | - Xinyi Guo
- Department of Integrative Oncology, Fudan University Shanghai Cancer Center, and Shanghai Key Laboratory of Medical Epigenetics, International Co-laboratory of Medical Epigenetics and Metabolism, Institutes of Biomedical Sciences, Shanghai Medical College, Fudan University, Shanghai, China
- Department of Oncology, Shanghai Medical College, Fudan University, Shanghai, China
| | - Hena Zhang
- Department of Integrative Oncology, Fudan University Shanghai Cancer Center, and Shanghai Key Laboratory of Medical Epigenetics, International Co-laboratory of Medical Epigenetics and Metabolism, Institutes of Biomedical Sciences, Shanghai Medical College, Fudan University, Shanghai, China
- Department of Oncology, Shanghai Medical College, Fudan University, Shanghai, China
| | - Yan Li
- Department of Integrative Oncology, Fudan University Shanghai Cancer Center, and Shanghai Key Laboratory of Medical Epigenetics, International Co-laboratory of Medical Epigenetics and Metabolism, Institutes of Biomedical Sciences, Shanghai Medical College, Fudan University, Shanghai, China
- Department of Oncology, Shanghai Medical College, Fudan University, Shanghai, China
| | - Zhiqiang Meng
- Department of Integrative Oncology, Fudan University Shanghai Cancer Center, and Shanghai Key Laboratory of Medical Epigenetics, International Co-laboratory of Medical Epigenetics and Metabolism, Institutes of Biomedical Sciences, Shanghai Medical College, Fudan University, Shanghai, China
- Department of Oncology, Shanghai Medical College, Fudan University, Shanghai, China
| | - Shenglin Huang
- Department of Integrative Oncology, Fudan University Shanghai Cancer Center, and Shanghai Key Laboratory of Medical Epigenetics, International Co-laboratory of Medical Epigenetics and Metabolism, Institutes of Biomedical Sciences, Shanghai Medical College, Fudan University, Shanghai, China
- Department of Oncology, Shanghai Medical College, Fudan University, Shanghai, China
| | - Zhixiang Hu
- Department of Integrative Oncology, Fudan University Shanghai Cancer Center, and Shanghai Key Laboratory of Medical Epigenetics, International Co-laboratory of Medical Epigenetics and Metabolism, Institutes of Biomedical Sciences, Shanghai Medical College, Fudan University, Shanghai, China
- Department of Oncology, Shanghai Medical College, Fudan University, Shanghai, China
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8
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Hsieh MH, Wei Y, Li L, Nguyen LH, Lin YH, Yong JM, Sun X, Wang X, Luo X, Knutson SK, Bracken C, Daley GQ, Powers JT, Zhu H. Liver cancer initiation requires translational activation by an oncofetal regulon involving LIN28 proteins. J Clin Invest 2024; 134:e165734. [PMID: 38875287 PMCID: PMC11290964 DOI: 10.1172/jci165734] [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: 09/28/2022] [Accepted: 06/11/2024] [Indexed: 06/16/2024] Open
Abstract
It is unknown which posttranscriptional regulatory mechanisms are required for oncogenic competence. Here, we show that the LIN28 family of RNA-binding proteins (RBPs), which facilitate posttranscriptional RNA metabolism within ribonucleoprotein networks, is essential for the initiation of diverse oncotypes of hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC). In HCC models driven by NRASG12V/Tp53, CTNNB1/YAP/Tp53, or AKT/Tp53, mice without Lin28a and Lin28b were markedly impaired in cancer initiation. We biochemically defined an oncofetal regulon of 15 factors connected to LIN28 through direct mRNA and protein interactions. Interestingly, all were RBPs and only 1 of 15 was a Let-7 target. Polysome profiling and reporter assays showed that LIN28B directly increased the translation of 8 of these 15 RBPs. As expected, overexpression of LIN28B and IGFBP1-3 was able to genetically rescue cancer initiation. Using this platform to probe components downstream of LIN28, we found that 8 target RBPs were able to restore NRASG12V/Tp53 cancer formation in Lin28a/Lin28b-deficient mice. Furthermore, these LIN28B targets promote cancer initiation through an increase in protein synthesis. LIN28B, central to an RNP regulon that increases translation of RBPs, is important for tumor initiation in the liver.
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Affiliation(s)
- Meng-Hsiung Hsieh
- Children’s Research Institute, Departments of Pediatrics and Internal Medicine, Center for Regenerative Science and Medicine, Simmons Comprehensive Cancer Center, University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center, Dallas, Texas, USA
| | - Yonglong Wei
- Children’s Research Institute, Departments of Pediatrics and Internal Medicine, Center for Regenerative Science and Medicine, Simmons Comprehensive Cancer Center, University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center, Dallas, Texas, USA
- Center for Life Sciences, School of Life Sciences, Yunnan University, Kunming, Yunnan, China
| | - Lin Li
- Children’s Research Institute, Departments of Pediatrics and Internal Medicine, Center for Regenerative Science and Medicine, Simmons Comprehensive Cancer Center, University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center, Dallas, Texas, USA
| | - Liem H. Nguyen
- Children’s Research Institute, Departments of Pediatrics and Internal Medicine, Center for Regenerative Science and Medicine, Simmons Comprehensive Cancer Center, University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center, Dallas, Texas, USA
| | - Yu-Hsuan Lin
- Children’s Research Institute, Departments of Pediatrics and Internal Medicine, Center for Regenerative Science and Medicine, Simmons Comprehensive Cancer Center, University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center, Dallas, Texas, USA
| | - Jung M. Yong
- Children’s Research Institute, Departments of Pediatrics and Internal Medicine, Center for Regenerative Science and Medicine, Simmons Comprehensive Cancer Center, University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center, Dallas, Texas, USA
| | - Xuxu Sun
- Children’s Research Institute, Departments of Pediatrics and Internal Medicine, Center for Regenerative Science and Medicine, Simmons Comprehensive Cancer Center, University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center, Dallas, Texas, USA
| | - Xun Wang
- Children’s Research Institute, Departments of Pediatrics and Internal Medicine, Center for Regenerative Science and Medicine, Simmons Comprehensive Cancer Center, University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center, Dallas, Texas, USA
| | - Xin Luo
- Children’s Research Institute, Departments of Pediatrics and Internal Medicine, Center for Regenerative Science and Medicine, Simmons Comprehensive Cancer Center, University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center, Dallas, Texas, USA
| | | | | | - George Q. Daley
- Department of Biological Chemistry and Molecular Pharmacology, Harvard Medical School, Boston, Massachusetts, USA
| | - John T. Powers
- Department of Pediatrics, Dell Medical School, The University of Texas at Austin, Austin, Texas, USA
| | - Hao Zhu
- Children’s Research Institute, Departments of Pediatrics and Internal Medicine, Center for Regenerative Science and Medicine, Simmons Comprehensive Cancer Center, University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center, Dallas, Texas, USA
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9
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Pastori V, Zambanini G, Citterio E, Weiss T, Nakamura Y, Cantù C, Ronchi AE. Transcriptional repression of the oncofetal LIN28B gene by the transcription factor SOX6. Sci Rep 2024; 14:10287. [PMID: 38704454 PMCID: PMC11069503 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-024-60438-3] [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: 10/19/2023] [Accepted: 04/23/2024] [Indexed: 05/06/2024] Open
Abstract
The identification of regulatory networks contributing to fetal/adult gene expression switches is a major challenge in developmental biology and key to understand the aberrant proliferation of cancer cells, which often reactivate fetal oncogenes. One key example is represented by the developmental gene LIN28B, whose aberrant reactivation in adult tissues promotes tumor initiation and progression. Despite the prominent role of LIN28B in development and cancer, the mechanisms of its transcriptional regulation are largely unknown. Here, by using quantitative RT-PCR and single cell RNA sequencing data, we show that in erythropoiesis the expression of the transcription factor SOX6 matched a sharp decline of LIN28B mRNA during human embryo/fetal to adult globin switching. SOX6 overexpression repressed LIN28B not only in a panel of fetal-like erythroid cells (K562, HEL and HUDEP1; ≈92% p < 0.0001, 54% p = 0.0009 and ≈60% p < 0.0001 reduction, respectively), but also in hepatoblastoma HepG2 and neuroblastoma SH-SY5H cells (≈99% p < 0.0001 and ≈59% p < 0.0001 reduction, respectively). SOX6-mediated repression caused downregulation of the LIN28B/Let-7 targets, including MYC and IGF2BP1, and rapidly blocks cell proliferation. Mechanistically, Lin28B repression is accompanied by SOX6 physical binding within its locus, suggesting a direct mechanism of LIN28B downregulation that might contribute to the fetal/adult erythropoietic transition and restrict cancer proliferation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Valentina Pastori
- Dipartimento di Biotecnologie e Bioscienze, Università degli Studi di Milano-Bicocca, Milan, Italy
| | - Gianluca Zambanini
- Wallenberg Centre for Molecular Medicine, Linköping University, Linköping, Sweden
- Division of Molecular Medicine and Virology, Department of Biomedical and Clinical Sciences, Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences, Linköping University, Linköping, Sweden
- Max-Planck-Institut für molekulare Genetik, Berlin, Germany
| | - Elisabetta Citterio
- Dipartimento di Biotecnologie e Bioscienze, Università degli Studi di Milano-Bicocca, Milan, Italy
| | - Tamina Weiss
- Wallenberg Centre for Molecular Medicine, Linköping University, Linköping, Sweden
- Division of Molecular Medicine and Virology, Department of Biomedical and Clinical Sciences, Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences, Linköping University, Linköping, Sweden
| | - Yukio Nakamura
- RIKEN BioResource Research Center, Tsukuba, Ibaraki, Japan
| | - Claudio Cantù
- Wallenberg Centre for Molecular Medicine, Linköping University, Linköping, Sweden
- Division of Molecular Medicine and Virology, Department of Biomedical and Clinical Sciences, Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences, Linköping University, Linköping, Sweden
| | - Antonella Ellena Ronchi
- Dipartimento di Biotecnologie e Bioscienze, Università degli Studi di Milano-Bicocca, Milan, Italy.
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10
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Ying Y, Wu Y, Zhang F, Tang Y, Yi J, Ma X, Li J, Chen D, Wang X, Liu X, Liu B, Luo J, Zheng X, Xie L. Co-transcriptional R-loops-mediated epigenetic regulation drives growth retardation and docetaxel chemosensitivity enhancement in advanced prostate cancer. Mol Cancer 2024; 23:79. [PMID: 38658974 PMCID: PMC11041046 DOI: 10.1186/s12943-024-01994-0] [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: 11/16/2023] [Accepted: 04/03/2024] [Indexed: 04/26/2024] Open
Abstract
R-loops are prevalent three-stranded nucleic acid structures, comprising a DNA-RNA hybrid and a displaced single-stranded DNA, that frequently form during transcription and may be attributed to genomic stability and gene expression regulation. It was recently discovered that RNA modification contributes to maintain the stability of R-loops such as N6-methyladenosine (m6A). Yet, m6A-modified R-loops in regulating gene transcription remains poorly understood. Here, we demonstrated that insulin-like growth factor 2 mRNA-binding proteins (IGF2BPs) recognize R-loops in an m6A-dependent way. Consequently, IGF2BPs overexpression leads to increased overall R-loop levels, cell migration inhibition, and cell growth retardation in prostate cancer (PCa) via precluding the binding of DNA methyltransferase 1(DNMT1) to semaphorin 3 F (SEMA3F) promoters. Moreover, the K homology (KH) domains of IGF2BPs are required for their recognition of m6A-containing R-loops and are required for tumor suppressor functions. Overexpression of SEMA3F markedly enhanced docetaxel chemosensitivity in prostate cancer via regulating Hippo pathway. Our findings point to a distinct R-loop resolution pathway mediated by IGF2BPs, emphasizing the functional importance of IGF2BPs as epigenetic R-loop readers in transcriptional genetic regulation and cancer biology.The manuscript summarizes the new role of N6-methyladenosine in epigenetic regulation, we introduce the distinct R-loop resolution mediated by IGF2BP proteins in an m6A-dependent way, which probably lead to the growth retardation and docetaxel chemotherapy resistance in prostate cancer. Moreover, our findings first emphasized the functional importance of IGF2BPs as epigenetic R-loop readers in transcriptional genetic regulation and cancer biology. In addition, our research provides a novel RBM15/IGF2BPs/DNMT1 trans-omics regulation m6A axis, indicating the new crosstalk between RNA m6A methylation and DNA methylation in prostate cancer.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yufan Ying
- Department of Urology, First Affiliated Hospital, School of Medicine, Zhejiang University, Qingchun Road 79, Hangzhou, 310003, Zhejiang, China
| | - Yuqing Wu
- Department of Urology, First Affiliated Hospital, School of Medicine, Zhejiang University, Qingchun Road 79, Hangzhou, 310003, Zhejiang, China
| | - Fenghao Zhang
- Department of Urology, First Affiliated Hospital, School of Medicine, Zhejiang University, Qingchun Road 79, Hangzhou, 310003, Zhejiang, China
| | - Yijie Tang
- Department of Urology, First Affiliated Hospital, School of Medicine, Zhejiang University, Qingchun Road 79, Hangzhou, 310003, Zhejiang, China
| | - Jiahe Yi
- Department of Urology, First Affiliated Hospital, School of Medicine, Zhejiang University, Qingchun Road 79, Hangzhou, 310003, Zhejiang, China
| | - Xueyou Ma
- Department of Urology, First Affiliated Hospital, School of Medicine, Zhejiang University, Qingchun Road 79, Hangzhou, 310003, Zhejiang, China
| | - Jiangfeng Li
- Department of Urology, First Affiliated Hospital, School of Medicine, Zhejiang University, Qingchun Road 79, Hangzhou, 310003, Zhejiang, China
| | - Danni Chen
- First Affiliated Hospital, School of Medicine, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, Zhejiang, China
| | - Xiao Wang
- Department of Urology, First Affiliated Hospital, School of Medicine, Zhejiang University, Qingchun Road 79, Hangzhou, 310003, Zhejiang, China
| | - Xiaoyan Liu
- Department of Pathology, First Affiliated Hospital, School of Medicine, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, Zhejiang, China
| | - Ben Liu
- Department of Urology, First Affiliated Hospital, School of Medicine, Zhejiang University, Qingchun Road 79, Hangzhou, 310003, Zhejiang, China.
- Cancer Center, Zhejiang University, Qingchun Road 79, Hangzhou, 310003, Zhejiang, China.
| | - Jindan Luo
- Department of Urology, First Affiliated Hospital, School of Medicine, Zhejiang University, Qingchun Road 79, Hangzhou, 310003, Zhejiang, China.
- Cancer Center, Zhejiang University, Qingchun Road 79, Hangzhou, 310003, Zhejiang, China.
| | - Xiangyi Zheng
- Department of Urology, First Affiliated Hospital, School of Medicine, Zhejiang University, Qingchun Road 79, Hangzhou, 310003, Zhejiang, China.
- Cancer Center, Zhejiang University, Qingchun Road 79, Hangzhou, 310003, Zhejiang, China.
| | - Liping Xie
- Department of Urology, First Affiliated Hospital, School of Medicine, Zhejiang University, Qingchun Road 79, Hangzhou, 310003, Zhejiang, China
- Cancer Center, Zhejiang University, Qingchun Road 79, Hangzhou, 310003, Zhejiang, China
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11
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Oyejobi GK, Yan X, Sliz P, Wang L. Regulating Protein-RNA Interactions: Advances in Targeting the LIN28/Let-7 Pathway. Int J Mol Sci 2024; 25:3585. [PMID: 38612395 PMCID: PMC11011352 DOI: 10.3390/ijms25073585] [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: 02/26/2024] [Revised: 03/19/2024] [Accepted: 03/20/2024] [Indexed: 04/14/2024] Open
Abstract
Originally discovered in C. elegans, LIN28 is an evolutionarily conserved zinc finger RNA-binding protein (RBP) that post-transcriptionally regulates genes involved in developmental timing, stem cell programming, and oncogenesis. LIN28 acts via two distinct mechanisms. It blocks the biogenesis of the lethal-7 (let-7) microRNA (miRNA) family, and also directly binds messenger RNA (mRNA) targets, such as IGF-2 mRNA, and alters downstream splicing and translation events. This review focuses on the molecular mechanism of LIN28 repression of let-7 and current strategies to overcome this blockade for the purpose of cancer therapy. We highlight the value of the LIN28/let-7 pathway as a drug target, as multiple oncogenic proteins that the pathway regulates are considered undruggable due to their inaccessible cellular location and lack of cavities for small molecule binding.
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Affiliation(s)
- Greater Kayode Oyejobi
- Key Laboratory of Combinatorial Biosynthesis and Drug Discovery (Ministry of Education), School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Wuhan University, Wuhan 430072, China; (G.K.O.); (X.Y.)
| | - Xiaodan Yan
- Key Laboratory of Combinatorial Biosynthesis and Drug Discovery (Ministry of Education), School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Wuhan University, Wuhan 430072, China; (G.K.O.); (X.Y.)
| | - Piotr Sliz
- Department of Biological Chemistry and Molecular Pharmacology, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA 02115, USA
| | - Longfei Wang
- Key Laboratory of Combinatorial Biosynthesis and Drug Discovery (Ministry of Education), School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Wuhan University, Wuhan 430072, China; (G.K.O.); (X.Y.)
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12
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Stocchero M, Corallo D, Bresolin S, Pantile M, Pirillo P, Bortolozzi R, Menegazzo S, Boso D, Viola G, Baraldi E, Biffi A, Giordano G, Aveic S. A Multi-Omics Approach Reveals Enrichment in Metabolites Involved in the Regulation of the Glutathione Pathway in LIN28B-Dependent Cancer Cells. Int J Mol Sci 2024; 25:1602. [PMID: 38338881 PMCID: PMC10855783 DOI: 10.3390/ijms25031602] [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: 12/06/2023] [Revised: 01/19/2024] [Accepted: 01/25/2024] [Indexed: 02/12/2024] Open
Abstract
The RNA-binding protein LIN28B, identified as an independent risk factor in high-risk neuroblastoma patients, is implicated in adverse treatment outcomes linked to metastasis and chemoresistance. Despite its clinical significance, the impact of LIN28B on neuroblastoma cell metabolism remains unexplored. This study employs a multi-omics approach, integrating transcriptome and metabolome data, to elucidate the global metabolic program associated with varying LIN28B expression levels over time. Our findings reveal that escalating LIN28B expression induces a significant metabolic rewiring in neuroblastoma cells. Specifically, LIN28B prompts a time-dependent increase in the release rate of metabolites related to the glutathione and aminoacyl-tRNA biosynthetic pathways, concomitant with a reduction in glucose uptake. These results underscore the pivotal role of LIN28B in governing neuroblastoma cell metabolism and suggest a potential disruption in the redox balance of LIN28B-bearing cells. This study offers valuable insights into the molecular mechanisms underlying LIN28B-associated adverse outcomes in neuroblastoma, paving the way for targeted therapeutic interventions.
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Affiliation(s)
- Matteo Stocchero
- Department of Women and Children’s Health, University of Padova, 35128 Padova, Italy; (S.B.); (P.P.); (R.B.); (S.M.); (G.V.); (A.B.); (G.G.)
- Laboratory Mass Spectrometry and Metabolomics, Istituto di Ricerca Pediatrica (IRP), Fondazione Città della Speranza, 35127 Padova, Italy
| | - Diana Corallo
- Laboratory of Target Discovery and Biology of Neuroblastoma, Istituto di Ricerca Pediatrica (IRP), Fondazione Città della Speranza, 35127 Padova, Italy; (M.P.); (D.B.); (S.A.)
| | - Silvia Bresolin
- Department of Women and Children’s Health, University of Padova, 35128 Padova, Italy; (S.B.); (P.P.); (R.B.); (S.M.); (G.V.); (A.B.); (G.G.)
| | - Marcella Pantile
- Laboratory of Target Discovery and Biology of Neuroblastoma, Istituto di Ricerca Pediatrica (IRP), Fondazione Città della Speranza, 35127 Padova, Italy; (M.P.); (D.B.); (S.A.)
| | - Paola Pirillo
- Department of Women and Children’s Health, University of Padova, 35128 Padova, Italy; (S.B.); (P.P.); (R.B.); (S.M.); (G.V.); (A.B.); (G.G.)
- Laboratory Mass Spectrometry and Metabolomics, Istituto di Ricerca Pediatrica (IRP), Fondazione Città della Speranza, 35127 Padova, Italy
| | - Roberta Bortolozzi
- Department of Women and Children’s Health, University of Padova, 35128 Padova, Italy; (S.B.); (P.P.); (R.B.); (S.M.); (G.V.); (A.B.); (G.G.)
- Department of Pharmaceutical and Pharmacological Sciences, University of Padova, 35128 Padova, Italy
| | - Sara Menegazzo
- Department of Women and Children’s Health, University of Padova, 35128 Padova, Italy; (S.B.); (P.P.); (R.B.); (S.M.); (G.V.); (A.B.); (G.G.)
- Laboratory of Target Discovery and Biology of Neuroblastoma, Istituto di Ricerca Pediatrica (IRP), Fondazione Città della Speranza, 35127 Padova, Italy; (M.P.); (D.B.); (S.A.)
| | - Daniele Boso
- Laboratory of Target Discovery and Biology of Neuroblastoma, Istituto di Ricerca Pediatrica (IRP), Fondazione Città della Speranza, 35127 Padova, Italy; (M.P.); (D.B.); (S.A.)
| | - Giampietro Viola
- Department of Women and Children’s Health, University of Padova, 35128 Padova, Italy; (S.B.); (P.P.); (R.B.); (S.M.); (G.V.); (A.B.); (G.G.)
| | - Eugenio Baraldi
- Department of Women and Children’s Health, University of Padova, 35128 Padova, Italy; (S.B.); (P.P.); (R.B.); (S.M.); (G.V.); (A.B.); (G.G.)
- Laboratory Mass Spectrometry and Metabolomics, Istituto di Ricerca Pediatrica (IRP), Fondazione Città della Speranza, 35127 Padova, Italy
| | - Alessandra Biffi
- Department of Women and Children’s Health, University of Padova, 35128 Padova, Italy; (S.B.); (P.P.); (R.B.); (S.M.); (G.V.); (A.B.); (G.G.)
| | - Giuseppe Giordano
- Department of Women and Children’s Health, University of Padova, 35128 Padova, Italy; (S.B.); (P.P.); (R.B.); (S.M.); (G.V.); (A.B.); (G.G.)
- Laboratory Mass Spectrometry and Metabolomics, Istituto di Ricerca Pediatrica (IRP), Fondazione Città della Speranza, 35127 Padova, Italy
| | - Sanja Aveic
- Laboratory of Target Discovery and Biology of Neuroblastoma, Istituto di Ricerca Pediatrica (IRP), Fondazione Città della Speranza, 35127 Padova, Italy; (M.P.); (D.B.); (S.A.)
- Department of Dental Materials and Biomaterials Research, RWTH Aachen University Hospital, 52074 Aachen, Germany
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13
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Sarker DB, Xue Y, Mahmud F, Jocelyn JA, Sang QXA. Interconversion of Cancer Cells and Induced Pluripotent Stem Cells. Cells 2024; 13:125. [PMID: 38247819 PMCID: PMC10814385 DOI: 10.3390/cells13020125] [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: 12/19/2023] [Revised: 01/07/2024] [Accepted: 01/08/2024] [Indexed: 01/23/2024] Open
Abstract
Cancer cells, especially cancer stem cells (CSCs), share many molecular features with induced pluripotent stem cells (iPSCs) that enable the derivation of induced pluripotent cancer cells by reprogramming malignant cells. Conversely, normal iPSCs can be converted into cancer stem-like cells with the help of tumor microenvironment components and genetic manipulation. These CSC models can be utilized in oncogenic initiation and progression studies, understanding drug resistance, and developing novel therapeutic strategies. This review summarizes the role of pluripotency factors in the stemness, tumorigenicity, and therapeutic resistance of cancer cells. Different methods to obtain iPSC-derived CSC models are described with an emphasis on exposure-based approaches. Culture in cancer cell-conditioned media or cocultures with cancer cells can convert normal iPSCs into cancer stem-like cells, aiding the examination of processes of oncogenesis. We further explored the potential of reprogramming cancer cells into cancer-iPSCs for mechanistic studies and cancer dependencies. The contributions of genetic, epigenetic, and tumor microenvironment factors can be evaluated using these models. Overall, integrating iPSC technology into cancer stem cell research holds significant promise for advancing our knowledge of cancer biology and accelerating the development of innovative and tailored therapeutic interventions.
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Affiliation(s)
- Drishty B. Sarker
- Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry, Florida State University, Tallahassee, FL 32306-4390, USA; (D.B.S.); (Y.X.); (F.M.); (J.A.J.)
| | - Yu Xue
- Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry, Florida State University, Tallahassee, FL 32306-4390, USA; (D.B.S.); (Y.X.); (F.M.); (J.A.J.)
| | - Faiza Mahmud
- Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry, Florida State University, Tallahassee, FL 32306-4390, USA; (D.B.S.); (Y.X.); (F.M.); (J.A.J.)
| | - Jonathan A. Jocelyn
- Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry, Florida State University, Tallahassee, FL 32306-4390, USA; (D.B.S.); (Y.X.); (F.M.); (J.A.J.)
| | - Qing-Xiang Amy Sang
- Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry, Florida State University, Tallahassee, FL 32306-4390, USA; (D.B.S.); (Y.X.); (F.M.); (J.A.J.)
- Institute of Molecular Biophysics, Florida State University, Tallahassee, FL 32306-4380, USA
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14
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Maklad A, Sedeeq M, Chan KM, Gueven N, Azimi I. Exploring Lin28 proteins: Unravelling structure and functions with emphasis on nervous system malignancies. Life Sci 2023; 335:122275. [PMID: 37984514 DOI: 10.1016/j.lfs.2023.122275] [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: 07/11/2023] [Revised: 11/07/2023] [Accepted: 11/14/2023] [Indexed: 11/22/2023]
Abstract
Cancer and stem cells share many characteristics related to self-renewal and differentiation. Both cell types express the same critical proteins that govern cellular stemness, which provide cancer cells with the growth and survival benefits of stem cells. LIN28 is an example of one such protein. LIN28 includes two main isoforms, LIN28A and LIN28B, with diverse physiological functions from tissue development to control of pluripotency. In addition to their physiological roles, LIN28A and LIN28B affect the progression of several cancers by regulating multiple cancer hallmarks. Altered expression levels of LIN28A and LIN28B have been proposed as diagnostic and/or prognostic markers for various malignancies. This review discusses the structure and modes of action of the different LIN28 proteins and examines their roles in regulating cancer hallmarks with a focus on malignancies of the nervous system. This review also highlights some gaps in the field that require further exploration to assess the potential of targeting LIN28 proteins for controlling cancer.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ahmed Maklad
- School of Pharmacy and Pharmacology, College of Health and Medicine, University of Tasmania, Hobart 7005, Tasmania, Australia
| | - Mohammed Sedeeq
- School of Pharmacy and Pharmacology, College of Health and Medicine, University of Tasmania, Hobart 7005, Tasmania, Australia
| | - Kai Man Chan
- School of Pharmacy and Pharmacology, College of Health and Medicine, University of Tasmania, Hobart 7005, Tasmania, Australia
| | - Nuri Gueven
- School of Pharmacy and Pharmacology, College of Health and Medicine, University of Tasmania, Hobart 7005, Tasmania, Australia
| | - Iman Azimi
- School of Pharmacy and Pharmacology, College of Health and Medicine, University of Tasmania, Hobart 7005, Tasmania, Australia; Monash Biomedicine Discovery Institute, Department of Pharmacology, Monash University, Clayton 3168, Victoria, Australia.
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15
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Yang L, Tian S, Zheng X, Zhang M, Zhou X, Shang Y, Han Y. N6-methyladenosine RNA methylation in liver diseases: from mechanism to treatment. J Gastroenterol 2023; 58:718-733. [PMID: 37380929 DOI: 10.1007/s00535-023-02008-4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/18/2022] [Accepted: 06/05/2023] [Indexed: 06/30/2023]
Abstract
Epigenetic modification occurring in RNA has become the hotspot of the field. N6-methyladenosine (m6A) methylation is the most abundant RNA internal modification mainly occurring at the consensus motif DR (m6A) CH (D = A/G/U, R = A/G, H = A/C/U) in the 3'-UTR particularly the region near stop codons. The life cycle of m6A methylation includes "writers," "erasers," and "readers", which are responsible for the addition, removal, and recognition of m6A, respectively. m6A modification has been reported changing RNA secondary structure or modulating the stability, localization, transport, and translation of mRNAs to play crucial roles in various physiological and pathological conditions. Liver, as the largest metabolic and digestive organ, modulates vital physiological functions, and its dysfunction gives rise to the occurrence of various diseases. Despite the advanced intervening measures, mortality due to liver diseases is continuously high. Recent studies have explored the roles of m6A RNA methylation in the pathogenesis of liver diseases, providing new insights for studying the molecular mechanism of liver diseases. In the review, we extensively summarize the life cycle of m6A methylation, as well as its function and relevant mechanisms in liver fibrosis (LF), nonalcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD), non-alcoholic steatohepatitis (NASH), hepatitis virus infection, and hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC), and eventually we explore the potential of m6A as a treatment option for these liver diseases.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lan Yang
- Department of Plastic and Aesthetic Surgery, Nanfang Hospital of Southern Medical University, Guangzhou, 510515, Guangdong Province, China.
| | - Siyuan Tian
- State Key Laboratory of Cancer Biology, National Clinical Research Center for Digestive Diseases and Xijing Hospital of Digestive Diseases, Air Force Military Medical University, 127 Changle West Road, Xi'an, 710032, People's Republic of China
| | - Xiaohong Zheng
- State Key Laboratory of Cancer Biology, National Clinical Research Center for Digestive Diseases and Xijing Hospital of Digestive Diseases, Air Force Military Medical University, 127 Changle West Road, Xi'an, 710032, People's Republic of China
| | - Miao Zhang
- State Key Laboratory of Cancer Biology, National Clinical Research Center for Digestive Diseases and Xijing Hospital of Digestive Diseases, Air Force Military Medical University, 127 Changle West Road, Xi'an, 710032, People's Republic of China
| | - Xinmin Zhou
- State Key Laboratory of Cancer Biology, National Clinical Research Center for Digestive Diseases and Xijing Hospital of Digestive Diseases, Air Force Military Medical University, 127 Changle West Road, Xi'an, 710032, People's Republic of China
| | - Yulong Shang
- State Key Laboratory of Cancer Biology, National Clinical Research Center for Digestive Diseases and Xijing Hospital of Digestive Diseases, Air Force Military Medical University, 127 Changle West Road, Xi'an, 710032, People's Republic of China.
| | - Ying Han
- State Key Laboratory of Cancer Biology, National Clinical Research Center for Digestive Diseases and Xijing Hospital of Digestive Diseases, Air Force Military Medical University, 127 Changle West Road, Xi'an, 710032, People's Republic of China.
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16
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Matsumoto S, Harada A, Seta M, Akita M, Gon H, Fukumoto T, Kikuchi A. Wnt Signaling Stimulates Cooperation between GREB1 and HNF4α to Promote Proliferation in Hepatocellular Carcinoma. Cancer Res 2023; 83:2312-2327. [PMID: 37347203 DOI: 10.1158/0008-5472.can-22-3518] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/08/2022] [Revised: 03/08/2023] [Accepted: 05/02/2023] [Indexed: 06/23/2023]
Abstract
Wnt signaling is known to maintain two cell states, hepatocyte differentiation and proliferation, in hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC). On the other hand, activation of Wnt signaling in colon cancer promotes uncontrollable stereotypic proliferation, whereas cells remain undifferentiated. To elucidate the unique mode of Wnt signaling in HCC, we comprehensively investigated HCC-specific Wnt pathway target genes and identified GREB1. Wnt signaling induced expression of GREB1 coupled with HNF4α and FOXA2, master transcription factors that maintain hepatic differentiation. Moreover, GREB1 was enriched at the regulatory region of atypical HNF4α target genes, including progrowth genes, thereby stimulating HCC proliferation. Therefore, GREB1 acts as a unique mediator of versatile Wnt signaling in HCC progression, bridging the roles of the Wnt pathway in differentiation and proliferation. SIGNIFICANCE GREB1 is a liver cancer-specific Wnt signaling target gene that induces an oncogenic shift of HNF4α, a putative tumor suppressor, and may represent a therapeutic target in Wnt-activated hepatocellular carcinoma.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shinji Matsumoto
- Departments of Molecular Biology and Biochemistry, Graduate School of Medicine, Osaka University, Suita, Osaka, Japan
- Integrated Frontier Research for Medical Science Division, Institute for Open and Transdisciplinary Research Initiatives (OTRI), Osaka University, Suita, Osaka, Japan
| | - Akikazu Harada
- Departments of Molecular Biology and Biochemistry, Graduate School of Medicine, Osaka University, Suita, Osaka, Japan
- Integrated Frontier Research for Medical Science Division, Institute for Open and Transdisciplinary Research Initiatives (OTRI), Osaka University, Suita, Osaka, Japan
- Department of Respiratory Medicine, Clinical Immunology, Graduate School of Medicine, Osaka University, Suita, Osaka, Japan
| | - Minami Seta
- Departments of Molecular Biology and Biochemistry, Graduate School of Medicine, Osaka University, Suita, Osaka, Japan
| | - Masayuki Akita
- Department of Surgery, Division of Hepato-Biliary-Pancreatic Surgery, Kobe University Graduate School of Medicine, Kobe, Hyogo, Japan
| | - Hidetoshi Gon
- Department of Surgery, Division of Hepato-Biliary-Pancreatic Surgery, Kobe University Graduate School of Medicine, Kobe, Hyogo, Japan
| | - Takumi Fukumoto
- Department of Surgery, Division of Hepato-Biliary-Pancreatic Surgery, Kobe University Graduate School of Medicine, Kobe, Hyogo, Japan
| | - Akira Kikuchi
- Departments of Molecular Biology and Biochemistry, Graduate School of Medicine, Osaka University, Suita, Osaka, Japan
- Center of Infectious Disease Education and Research (CiDER), Osaka University, Suita, Osaka, Japan
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17
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Fang J, Singh S, Cheng C, Natarajan S, Sheppard H, Abu-Zaid A, Durbin AD, Lee HW, Wu Q, Steele J, Connelly JP, Jin H, Chen W, Fan Y, Pruett-Miller SM, Rehg JE, Koo SC, Santiago T, Emmons J, Cairo S, Wang R, Glazer ES, Murphy AJ, Chen T, Davidoff AM, Armengol C, Easton J, Chen X, Yang J. Genome-wide mapping of cancer dependency genes and genetic modifiers of chemotherapy in high-risk hepatoblastoma. Nat Commun 2023; 14:4003. [PMID: 37414763 PMCID: PMC10326052 DOI: 10.1038/s41467-023-39717-6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/21/2022] [Accepted: 06/27/2023] [Indexed: 07/08/2023] Open
Abstract
A lack of relevant genetic models and cell lines hampers our understanding of hepatoblastoma pathogenesis and the development of new therapies for this neoplasm. Here, we report an improved MYC-driven hepatoblastoma-like murine model that recapitulates the pathological features of embryonal type of hepatoblastoma, with transcriptomics resembling the high-risk gene signatures of the human disease. Single-cell RNA-sequencing and spatial transcriptomics identify distinct subpopulations of hepatoblastoma cells. After deriving cell lines from the mouse model, we map cancer dependency genes using CRISPR-Cas9 screening and identify druggable targets shared with human hepatoblastoma (e.g., CDK7, CDK9, PRMT1, PRMT5). Our screen also reveals oncogenes and tumor suppressor genes in hepatoblastoma that engage multiple, druggable cancer signaling pathways. Chemotherapy is critical for human hepatoblastoma treatment. A genetic mapping of doxorubicin response by CRISPR-Cas9 screening identifies modifiers whose loss-of-function synergizes with (e.g., PRKDC) or antagonizes (e.g., apoptosis genes) the effect of chemotherapy. The combination of PRKDC inhibition and doxorubicin-based chemotherapy greatly enhances therapeutic efficacy. These studies provide a set of resources including disease models suitable for identifying and validating potential therapeutic targets in human high-risk hepatoblastoma.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jie Fang
- Department of Surgery, St. Jude Children's Research Hospital, Memphis, TN, USA
| | - Shivendra Singh
- Department of Surgery, St. Jude Children's Research Hospital, Memphis, TN, USA
| | - Changde Cheng
- Department of Computational Biology, St. Jude Children's Research Hospital, Memphis, TN, USA
| | - Sivaraman Natarajan
- Department of Computational Biology, St. Jude Children's Research Hospital, Memphis, TN, USA
| | - Heather Sheppard
- Comparative Pathology Core, St. Jude Children's Research Hospital, Memphis, TN, USA
- Department of Pathology, St. Jude Children's Research Hospital, Memphis, TN, USA
| | - Ahmed Abu-Zaid
- Department of Surgery, St. Jude Children's Research Hospital, Memphis, TN, USA
| | - Adam D Durbin
- Division of Molecular Oncology, Department of Oncology, St. Jude Children's Research Hospital, Memphis, TN, USA
| | - Ha Won Lee
- Department of Chemical Biology and Therapeutics, St. Jude Children's Research Hospital, Memphis, TN, USA
| | - Qiong Wu
- Department of Surgery, St. Jude Children's Research Hospital, Memphis, TN, USA
| | - Jacob Steele
- Center for Advanced Genome Engineering (CAGE), St. Jude Children's Research Hospital, Memphis, TN, USA
| | - Jon P Connelly
- Center for Advanced Genome Engineering (CAGE), St. Jude Children's Research Hospital, Memphis, TN, USA
| | - Hongjian Jin
- Center for Applied Bioinformatics, St. Jude Children's Research Hospital, Memphis, TN, USA
| | - Wenan Chen
- Center for Applied Bioinformatics, St. Jude Children's Research Hospital, Memphis, TN, USA
| | - Yiping Fan
- Center for Applied Bioinformatics, St. Jude Children's Research Hospital, Memphis, TN, USA
| | - Shondra M Pruett-Miller
- Center for Advanced Genome Engineering (CAGE), St. Jude Children's Research Hospital, Memphis, TN, USA
| | - Jerold E Rehg
- Comparative Pathology Core, St. Jude Children's Research Hospital, Memphis, TN, USA
| | - Selene C Koo
- Department of Pathology, St. Jude Children's Research Hospital, Memphis, TN, USA
| | - Teresa Santiago
- Department of Pathology, St. Jude Children's Research Hospital, Memphis, TN, USA
| | - Joseph Emmons
- VPC Diagnostic Laboratory, St. Jude Children's Research Hospital, Memphis, TN, USA
| | - Stefano Cairo
- Champions Oncology, 1330 Piccard dr, Rockville, MD, USA
| | - Ruoning Wang
- Center for Childhood Cancer and Blood Disease, Hematology/Oncology & BMT, Abigail Wexner Research Institute, Nationwide Children's Hospital, Columbus, OH, USA
| | - Evan S Glazer
- Department of Surgery, College of Medicine, The University of Tennessee Health Science Center, 910 Madison Ave., Suite 325, Memphis, TN, USA
| | - Andrew J Murphy
- Department of Surgery, St. Jude Children's Research Hospital, Memphis, TN, USA
- Department of Surgery, College of Medicine, The University of Tennessee Health Science Center, 910 Madison Ave., Suite 325, Memphis, TN, USA
| | - Taosheng Chen
- Department of Chemical Biology and Therapeutics, St. Jude Children's Research Hospital, Memphis, TN, USA
| | - Andrew M Davidoff
- Department of Surgery, St. Jude Children's Research Hospital, Memphis, TN, USA
- Department of Surgery, College of Medicine, The University of Tennessee Health Science Center, 910 Madison Ave., Suite 325, Memphis, TN, USA
- St Jude Graduate School of Biomedical Sciences, St Jude Children's Research Hospital, Memphis, TN, USA
- Department of Pathology, College of Medicine, The University of Tennessee Health Science Center, Memphis, TN, USA
| | - Carolina Armengol
- Childhood Liver Oncology Group, Germans Trias i Pujol Research Institute (IGTP), Translational Program in Cancer Research (CARE), Badalona, Spain
- CIBER, Hepatic and Digestive Diseases, Barcelona, Spain
- CIBERehd, Madrid, Spain
| | - John Easton
- Department of Computational Biology, St. Jude Children's Research Hospital, Memphis, TN, USA
| | - Xiang Chen
- Department of Computational Biology, St. Jude Children's Research Hospital, Memphis, TN, USA.
- St Jude Graduate School of Biomedical Sciences, St Jude Children's Research Hospital, Memphis, TN, USA.
| | - Jun Yang
- Department of Surgery, St. Jude Children's Research Hospital, Memphis, TN, USA.
- St Jude Graduate School of Biomedical Sciences, St Jude Children's Research Hospital, Memphis, TN, USA.
- Department of Pathology, College of Medicine, The University of Tennessee Health Science Center, Memphis, TN, USA.
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18
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Lynch-Sutherland CF, McDougall LI, Stockwell PA, Almomani SN, Weeks RJ, Ludgate JL, Gamage TKJB, Chatterjee A, James JL, Eccles MR, Macaulay EC. The transposable element-derived transcript of LIN28B has a placental origin and is not specific to tumours. Mol Genet Genomics 2023:10.1007/s00438-023-02033-1. [PMID: 37269361 PMCID: PMC10363060 DOI: 10.1007/s00438-023-02033-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/05/2022] [Accepted: 05/15/2023] [Indexed: 06/05/2023]
Abstract
Transposable elements (TEs) are genetic elements that have evolved as crucial regulators of human development and cancer, functioning as both genes and regulatory elements. When TEs become dysregulated in cancer cells, they can serve as alternate promoters to activate oncogenes, a process known as onco-exaptation. This study aimed to explore the expression and epigenetic regulation of onco-exaptation events in early human developmental tissues. We discovered co-expression of some TEs and oncogenes in human embryonic stem cells and first trimester and term placental tissues. Previous studies identified onco-exaptation events in various cancer types, including an AluJb SINE element-LIN28B interaction in lung cancer cells, and showed that the TE-derived LIN28B transcript is associated with poor patient prognosis in hepatocellular carcinoma. This study further characterized the AluJb-LIN28B transcript and confirmed that its expression is restricted to the placenta. Targeted DNA methylation analysis revealed differential methylation of the two LIN28B promoters between placenta and healthy somatic tissues, indicating that some TE-oncogene interactions are not cancer-specific but arise from the epigenetic reactivation of developmental TE-derived regulatory events. In conclusion, our findings provide evidence that some TE-oncogene interactions are not limited to cancer and may originate from the epigenetic reactivation of TE-derived regulatory events that are involved in early development. These insights broaden our understanding of the role of TEs in gene regulation and suggest the potential importance of targeting TEs in cancer therapy beyond their conventional use as cancer-specific markers.
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Affiliation(s)
- Chiemi F Lynch-Sutherland
- Department of Pathology, Dunedin School of Medicine, University of Otago, Dunedin, 9054, New Zealand.
| | - Lorissa I McDougall
- Department of Pathology, Dunedin School of Medicine, University of Otago, Dunedin, 9054, New Zealand
| | - Peter A Stockwell
- Department of Pathology, Dunedin School of Medicine, University of Otago, Dunedin, 9054, New Zealand
| | - Suzan N Almomani
- Department of Pathology, Dunedin School of Medicine, University of Otago, Dunedin, 9054, New Zealand
| | - Robert J Weeks
- Department of Pathology, Dunedin School of Medicine, University of Otago, Dunedin, 9054, New Zealand
| | - Jackie L Ludgate
- Department of Pathology, Dunedin School of Medicine, University of Otago, Dunedin, 9054, New Zealand
| | - Teena K J B Gamage
- Department of Physiology, Faculty of Medical and Health Sciences, The University of Auckland, Auckland, New Zealand
| | - Aniruddha Chatterjee
- Department of Pathology, Dunedin School of Medicine, University of Otago, Dunedin, 9054, New Zealand
- Maurice Wilkins Centre for Molecular Biodiscovery, Level 2, 3A Symonds Street, Auckland, New Zealand
| | - Joanna L James
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, Faculty of Medical and Health Sciences, The University of Auckland, Auckland, New Zealand
| | - Michael R Eccles
- Department of Pathology, Dunedin School of Medicine, University of Otago, Dunedin, 9054, New Zealand
- Maurice Wilkins Centre for Molecular Biodiscovery, Level 2, 3A Symonds Street, Auckland, New Zealand
| | - Erin C Macaulay
- Department of Pathology, Dunedin School of Medicine, University of Otago, Dunedin, 9054, New Zealand
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19
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Huang H, Wu L, Lu L, Zhang Z, Qiu B, Mo J, Luo Y, Xi Z, Feng M, Wan P, Zhu J, Yu D, Wu W, Tan K, Liu J, Sheng Q, Xu T, Huang J, Lv Z, Tang Y, Xia Q. Single-cell transcriptomics uncovers cellular architecture and developmental trajectories in hepatoblastoma. Hepatology 2023; 77:1911-1928. [PMID: 36059151 DOI: 10.1002/hep.32775] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/22/2022] [Revised: 08/19/2022] [Accepted: 08/30/2022] [Indexed: 12/08/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND AND AIMS Hepatoblastoma (HB) is the predominant type of childhood liver cancer. Treatment options for the clinically advanced HB remain limited. We aimed to dissect the cellular and molecular basis underlying HB oncogenesis and heterogeneity at the single-cell level, which could facilitate a better understanding of HB at both the biological and clinical levels. APPROACH AND RESULTS Single-cell transcriptome profiling of tumor and paired distal liver tissue samples from five patients with HB was performed. Deconvolution analysis was used for integrating the single-cell transcriptomic profiles with the bulk transcriptomes of our HB cohort of post-neoadjuvant chemotherapy tumor samples. A single-cell transcriptomic landscape of early human liver parenchymal development was established for exploring the cellular root and hierarchy of HB oncogenesis. As a result, seven distinct tumor cell subpopulations were annotated, and an effective HB subtyping method was established based on their compositions. A HB tumor cell hierarchy was further revealed to not only fit with the classical cancer stem cell (CSC) model but also mirror the early human liver parenchymal development. Moreover, FACT inhibition, which could disrupt the oncogenic positive feedback loop between MYC and SSRP1 in HB, was identified as a promising epigenetic-targeted therapeutic strategy against the CSC-like HB1-Pro-like1 subpopulation and its related high-risk "Pro-like1" subtype of HB. CONCLUSIONS Our findings illustrate the cellular architecture and developmental trajectories of HB via integrative bulk and single-cell transcriptome analyses, thus establishing a resourceful framework for the development of targeted diagnostics and therapeutics in the future.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hongting Huang
- Department of Liver Surgery, Renji Hospital, School of Medicine , Shanghai Jiaotong University , Shanghai , China
| | - Liang Wu
- Research Center of Translational Medicine, Shanghai Children's Hospital, Key Laboratory of Cell Differentiation and Apoptosis of National Ministry of Education, Department of Pathophysiology , Shanghai Jiaotong University School of Medicine , Shanghai , China
- Shanghai Institute of Hematology, State Key Laboratory of Medical Genomics, National Research Center for Translational Medicine, Shanghai Rui Jin Hospital, School of Medicine , Shanghai Jiaotong University , Shanghai , China
| | - Li Lu
- Research Center of Translational Medicine, Shanghai Children's Hospital, Key Laboratory of Cell Differentiation and Apoptosis of National Ministry of Education, Department of Pathophysiology , Shanghai Jiaotong University School of Medicine , Shanghai , China
- Department of General Surgery, Shanghai Children's Hospital , Shanghai Jiaotong University , Shanghai , China
| | - Zijie Zhang
- Department of Liver Surgery, Renji Hospital, School of Medicine , Shanghai Jiaotong University , Shanghai , China
| | - Bijun Qiu
- Department of Liver Surgery, Renji Hospital, School of Medicine , Shanghai Jiaotong University , Shanghai , China
| | - Jialin Mo
- Research Center of Translational Medicine, Shanghai Children's Hospital, Key Laboratory of Cell Differentiation and Apoptosis of National Ministry of Education, Department of Pathophysiology , Shanghai Jiaotong University School of Medicine , Shanghai , China
| | - Yi Luo
- Department of Liver Surgery, Renji Hospital, School of Medicine , Shanghai Jiaotong University , Shanghai , China
| | - Zhifeng Xi
- Department of Liver Surgery, Renji Hospital, School of Medicine , Shanghai Jiaotong University , Shanghai , China
| | - Mingxuan Feng
- Department of Liver Surgery, Renji Hospital, School of Medicine , Shanghai Jiaotong University , Shanghai , China
| | - Ping Wan
- Department of Liver Surgery, Renji Hospital, School of Medicine , Shanghai Jiaotong University , Shanghai , China
| | - Jianjun Zhu
- Department of Liver Surgery, Renji Hospital, School of Medicine , Shanghai Jiaotong University , Shanghai , China
| | - Dingye Yu
- Department of Gastrointestinal Surgery , Renji Hospital, Shanghai Jiaotong University School of Medicine , Shanghai , China
| | - Wei Wu
- Department of General Surgery, Shanghai Children's Hospital , Shanghai Jiaotong University , Shanghai , China
| | - Kezhe Tan
- Department of General Surgery, Shanghai Children's Hospital , Shanghai Jiaotong University , Shanghai , China
| | - Jiangbin Liu
- Department of General Surgery, Shanghai Children's Hospital , Shanghai Jiaotong University , Shanghai , China
| | - Qingfeng Sheng
- Department of General Surgery, Shanghai Children's Hospital , Shanghai Jiaotong University , Shanghai , China
| | - Ting Xu
- Department of General Surgery, Shanghai Children's Hospital , Shanghai Jiaotong University , Shanghai , China
| | - Jinyan Huang
- Biomedical Big Data Center , The First Affiliated Hospital, Zhejiang University School of Medicine , Hangzhou , China
- Zhejiang Provincial Key Laboratory of Pancreatic Disease , Zhejiang University School of Medicine First Affiliated Hospital , Hangzhou , China
- Zhejiang University Cancer Center , Zhejiang University , Hangzhou , China
| | - Zhibao Lv
- Department of General Surgery, Shanghai Children's Hospital , Shanghai Jiaotong University , Shanghai , China
| | - Yujie Tang
- Research Center of Translational Medicine, Shanghai Children's Hospital, Key Laboratory of Cell Differentiation and Apoptosis of National Ministry of Education, Department of Pathophysiology , Shanghai Jiaotong University School of Medicine , Shanghai , China
- Shanghai Key Laboratory of Reproductive Medicine, Department of Histoembryology, Genetics and Developmental Biology , Shanghai Jiaotong University School of Medicine , Shanghai , China
| | - Qiang Xia
- Department of Liver Surgery, Renji Hospital, School of Medicine , Shanghai Jiaotong University , Shanghai , China
- Shanghai Engineering Research Centre of Transplantation and Immunology , Shanghai , China
- Shanghai Institute of Transplantation , Shanghai , China
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20
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Liu X, Chen J, Chen W, Xu Y, Shen Y, Xu X. Targeting IGF2BP3 in Cancer. Int J Mol Sci 2023; 24:ijms24119423. [PMID: 37298373 DOI: 10.3390/ijms24119423] [Citation(s) in RCA: 27] [Impact Index Per Article: 13.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/10/2023] [Revised: 05/20/2023] [Accepted: 05/23/2023] [Indexed: 06/12/2023] Open
Abstract
RNA-binding proteins (RBPs) can regulate multiple pathways by binding to RNAs, playing a variety of functions, such as localization, stability, and immunity. In recent years, with the development of technology, researchers have discovered that RBPs play a key role in the N6-methyladenosine (m6A) modification process. M6A methylation is the most abundant form of RNA modification in eukaryotes, which is defined as methylation on the sixth N atom of adenine in RNA. Insulin-like growth factor 2 mRNA-binding protein 3 (IGF2BP3) is one of the components of m6A binding proteins, which plays an important role in decoding m6A marks and performing various biological functions. IGF2BP3 is abnormally expressed in many human cancers, often associated with poor prognosis. Here, we summarize the physiological role of IGF2BP3 in organisms and describe its role and mechanism in tumors. These data suggest that IGF2BP3 may be a valuable therapeutic target and prognostic marker in the future.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xin Liu
- Cancer Center, Renmin Hospital of Wuhan University, Wuhan 430060, China
| | - Jiayu Chen
- Cancer Center, Renmin Hospital of Wuhan University, Wuhan 430060, China
| | - Wenliang Chen
- Cancer Center, Renmin Hospital of Wuhan University, Wuhan 430060, China
| | - Yangtao Xu
- Cancer Center, Renmin Hospital of Wuhan University, Wuhan 430060, China
| | - Yang Shen
- Cancer Center, Renmin Hospital of Wuhan University, Wuhan 430060, China
| | - Ximing Xu
- Cancer Center, Renmin Hospital of Wuhan University, Wuhan 430060, China
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21
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Bertoldo JB, Müller S, Hüttelmaier S. RNA-binding proteins in cancer drug discovery. Drug Discov Today 2023; 28:103580. [PMID: 37031812 DOI: 10.1016/j.drudis.2023.103580] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/20/2022] [Revised: 03/25/2023] [Accepted: 03/29/2023] [Indexed: 04/11/2023]
Abstract
RNA-binding proteins (RBPs) are crucial players in tumorigenesis and, hence, promising targets in cancer drug discovery. However, they are largely regarded as 'undruggable', because of the often noncatalytic and complex interactions between protein and RNA, which limit the discovery of specific inhibitors. Nonetheless, over the past 10 years, drug discovery efforts have uncovered RBP inhibitors with clinical relevance, highlighting the disruption of RNA-protein networks as a promising avenue for cancer therapeutics. In this review, we discuss the role of structurally distinct RBPs in cancer, and the mechanisms of RBP-directed small-molecule inhibitors (SMOIs) focusing on drug-protein interactions, binding surfaces, potency, and translational potential. Additionally, we underline the limitations of RBP-targeting drug discovery assays and comment on future trends in the field.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jean B Bertoldo
- Children's Cancer Institute, Lowy Cancer Research Centre, UNSW Sydney, Sydney, NSW, Australia; School of Clinical Medicine, UNSW Sydney, Sydney, NSW, Australia
| | - Simon Müller
- Institute for Molecular Medicine, Faculty of Medicine, Martin-Luther University of Halle-Wittenberg, Halle (Saale), Germany; New York Genome Center, New York, NY, USA; Department of Biology, New York University, New York, NY, USA
| | - Stefan Hüttelmaier
- Institute for Molecular Medicine, Faculty of Medicine, Martin-Luther University of Halle-Wittenberg, Halle (Saale), Germany.
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22
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Deciphering the Role of p53 and TAp73 in Neuroblastoma: From Pathogenesis to Treatment. Cancers (Basel) 2022; 14:cancers14246212. [PMID: 36551697 PMCID: PMC9777536 DOI: 10.3390/cancers14246212] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/04/2022] [Revised: 12/12/2022] [Accepted: 12/14/2022] [Indexed: 12/23/2022] Open
Abstract
Neuroblastoma (NB) is an embryonic cancer that develops from neural crest stem cells, being one of the most common malignancies in children. The clinical manifestation of this disease is highly variable, ranging from spontaneous regression to increased aggressiveness, which makes it a major therapeutic challenge in pediatric oncology. The p53 family proteins p53 and TAp73 play a key role in protecting cells against genomic instability and malignant transformation. However, in NB, their activities are commonly inhibited by interacting proteins such as murine double minute (MDM)2 and MDMX, mutant p53, ΔNp73, Itch, and Aurora kinase A. The interplay between the p53/TAp73 pathway and N-MYC, a known biomarker of poor prognosis and drug resistance in NB, also proves to be decisive in the pathogenesis of this tumor. More recently, a strong crosstalk between microRNAs (miRNAs) and p53/TAp73 has been established, which has been the focused of great attention because of its potential for developing new therapeutic strategies. Collectively, this review provides an updated overview about the critical role of the p53/TAp73 pathway in the pathogenesis of NB, highlighting encouraging clues for the advance of alternative NB targeted therapies.
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23
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Johnson LT, Zhang D, Zhou K, Lee SM, Liu S, Dilliard SA, Farbiak L, Chatterjee S, Lin YH, Siegwart DJ. Lipid Nanoparticle (LNP) Chemistry Can Endow Unique In Vivo RNA Delivery Fates within the Liver That Alter Therapeutic Outcomes in a Cancer Model. Mol Pharm 2022; 19:3973-3986. [PMID: 36154076 PMCID: PMC9888001 DOI: 10.1021/acs.molpharmaceut.2c00442] [Citation(s) in RCA: 23] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/02/2023]
Abstract
Within the field of lipid nanoparticles (LNPs) for RNA delivery, the focus has been mainly placed on organ level delivery, which can mask cellular level effects consequential to therapeutic applications. Here, we studied a pair of LNPs with similar physical properties and discovered how the chemistry of the ionizable amino lipid can control the endogenous LNP identity, affecting cellular uptake in the liver and altering therapeutic outcomes in a model of liver cancer. Although most LNPs accumulate in the liver after intravenous administration (suggesting that liver delivery is straightforward), we observed an unexpected behavior when comparing two similar LNP formulations (5A2-SC8 and 3A5-SC14 LNPs) that resulted in distinct RNA delivery within the organ. Despite both LNPs possessing similar physical properties, ability to silence gene expression in vitro, strong accumulation within the liver, and a shared pKa of 6.5, only 5A2-SC8 LNPs were able to functionally deliver RNA to hepatocytes. Factor VII (FVII) activity was reduced by 87%, with 5A2-SC8 LNPs carrying FVII siRNA (siFVII), while 3A5-SC14 LNPs carrying siFVII produced baseline FVII activity levels comparable to the nontreatment control at a dosage of 0.5 mg/kg. Protein corona analysis indicated that 5A2-SC8 LNPs bind apolipoprotein E (ApoE), which can drive LDL-R receptor-mediated endocytosis in hepatocytes. In contrast, the surface of 3A5-SC14 LNPs was enriched in albumin but depleted in ApoE, which likely led to Kupffer cell delivery and detargeting of hepatocytes. In an aggressive MYC-driven liver cancer model relevant to hepatocytes, 5A2-SC8 LNPs carrying let-7g miRNA were able to significantly extend survival up to 121 days. Since disease targets exist in an organ- and cell-specific manner, the clinical development of RNA LNP therapeutics will require an improved understanding of LNP cellular tropism within organs. The results from our work illustrate the importance of understanding the cellular localization of RNA delivery and incorporating further checkpoints when choosing nanoparticles beyond biochemical and physical characterization, as small changes in the chemical composition of LNPs can have an impact on both the biofate of LNPs and therapeutic outcomes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lindsay T Johnson
- Department of Biochemistry, Simmons Comprehensive Cancer Center, The University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center, Dallas 75390, Texas, United States
| | - Di Zhang
- Department of Biochemistry, Simmons Comprehensive Cancer Center, The University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center, Dallas 75390, Texas, United States
| | - Kejin Zhou
- Department of Biochemistry, Simmons Comprehensive Cancer Center, The University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center, Dallas 75390, Texas, United States
| | - Sang M Lee
- Department of Biochemistry, Simmons Comprehensive Cancer Center, The University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center, Dallas 75390, Texas, United States
| | - Shuai Liu
- Department of Biochemistry, Simmons Comprehensive Cancer Center, The University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center, Dallas 75390, Texas, United States
| | - Sean A Dilliard
- Department of Biochemistry, Simmons Comprehensive Cancer Center, The University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center, Dallas 75390, Texas, United States
| | - Lukas Farbiak
- Department of Biochemistry, Simmons Comprehensive Cancer Center, The University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center, Dallas 75390, Texas, United States
| | - Sumanta Chatterjee
- Department of Biochemistry, Simmons Comprehensive Cancer Center, The University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center, Dallas 75390, Texas, United States
| | - Yu-Hsuan Lin
- Children's Research Institute, Departments of Pediatrics and Internal Medicine, Center for Regenerative Science and Medicine, Children's Research Institute Mouse Genome Engineering Core, The University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center, Dallas 75390, Texas, United States
| | - Daniel J Siegwart
- Department of Biochemistry, Simmons Comprehensive Cancer Center, The University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center, Dallas 75390, Texas, United States
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24
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Targeting the "undruggable": RNA-binding proteins in the spotlight in cancer therapy. Semin Cancer Biol 2022; 86:69-83. [PMID: 35772609 DOI: 10.1016/j.semcancer.2022.06.008] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/30/2021] [Revised: 05/19/2022] [Accepted: 06/24/2022] [Indexed: 01/27/2023]
Abstract
Tumors refractory to conventional therapy belong to specific subpopulations of cancer cells, which have acquired a higher number of mutations/epigenetic changes than the majority of cancer cells. This property provides them the ability to become resistant to therapy. Aberrant expression of certain RNA-binding proteins (RBPs) can regulate the sensitivity of tumor cells to chemotherapeutic drugs by binding to specific regions present in the 3´-UTR of certain mRNAs to promote or repress mRNA translation or by interacting with other proteins (including RBPs) and non-coding RNAs that are part of ribonucleoprotein complexes. In particular, an increasing interest in the RBPs involved in chemoresistance has recently emerged. In this review, we discuss how RBPs are not only affected by chemotherapeutic treatments, but also play an active role in therapeutic responses via the direct modulation of crucial cancer-related proteins. A special focus is being placed on the development of therapeutic strategies targeting these RBPs.
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25
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Ma W, Wu T. RNA m6A modification in liver biology and its implication in hepatic diseases and carcinogenesis. Am J Physiol Cell Physiol 2022; 323:C1190-C1205. [PMID: 36036444 PMCID: PMC9576175 DOI: 10.1152/ajpcell.00214.2022] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/23/2022] [Revised: 08/24/2022] [Accepted: 08/25/2022] [Indexed: 11/22/2022]
Abstract
N6-methyladenosine (m6A) is the most prevalent internal modification in eukaryotic RNAs. This modification is regulated by three different factors (writers, erasers, and readers) and affects multiple aspects of RNA metabolism, including RNA splicing, nuclear export, translation, stability and decay. The m6A-mediated modification plays important roles in posttranscriptional regulation of gene expression and mediates a variety of cellular and biological processes. Accordingly, deregulation in m6A modification is closely related to the occurrence and development of human diseases. The liver is the largest digestive and metabolic organ in human and recent studies have shown that m6A modification is importantly implicated in liver cellular and physiological functions and in the pathogenesis of hepatic diseases and cancers. In the current review, we summarize the functions of m6A in RNA metabolism and its roles in liver cell biology and discuss its implication in hepatic diseases and carcinogenesis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Wenbo Ma
- Department of Pathology and Laboratory Medicine, Tulane University School of Medicine, New Orleans, Louisiana
| | - Tong Wu
- Department of Pathology and Laboratory Medicine, Tulane University School of Medicine, New Orleans, Louisiana
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26
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Lin Z, Radaeva M, Cherkasov A, Dong X. Lin28 Regulates Cancer Cell Stemness for Tumour Progression. Cancers (Basel) 2022; 14:4640. [PMID: 36230562 PMCID: PMC9564245 DOI: 10.3390/cancers14194640] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/19/2022] [Revised: 09/15/2022] [Accepted: 09/22/2022] [Indexed: 11/17/2022] Open
Abstract
Tumours develop therapy resistance through complex mechanisms, one of which is that cancer stem cell (CSC) populations within the tumours present self-renewable capability and phenotypical plasticity to endure therapy-induced stress conditions and allow tumour progression to the therapy-resistant state. Developing therapeutic strategies to cope with CSCs requires a thorough understanding of the critical drivers and molecular mechanisms underlying the aforementioned processes. One such hub regulator of stemness is Lin28, an RNA-binding protein. Lin28 blocks the synthesis of let-7, a tumour-suppressor microRNA, and acts as a global regulator of cell differentiation and proliferation. Lin28also targets messenger RNAs and regulates protein translation. In this review, we explain the role of the Lin28/let-7 axis in establishing stemness, epithelial-to-mesenchymal transition, and glucose metabolism reprogramming. We also highlight the role of Lin28 in therapy-resistant prostate cancer progression and discuss the emergence of Lin28-targeted therapeutics and screening methods.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zhuohui Lin
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, BC V6T 1Z4, Canada
- Faculty of Food and Land Systems, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, BC V6T 1Z4, Canada
| | - Mariia Radaeva
- The Vancouver Prostate Centre, Department of Urologic Sciences, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, BC V6H 3Z6, Canada
| | - Artem Cherkasov
- The Vancouver Prostate Centre, Department of Urologic Sciences, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, BC V6H 3Z6, Canada
| | - Xuesen Dong
- The Vancouver Prostate Centre, Department of Urologic Sciences, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, BC V6H 3Z6, Canada
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27
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Imp interacts with Lin28 to regulate adult stem cell proliferation in the Drosophila intestine. PLoS Genet 2022; 18:e1010385. [PMID: 36070313 PMCID: PMC9484684 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pgen.1010385] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/12/2022] [Revised: 09/19/2022] [Accepted: 08/18/2022] [Indexed: 11/30/2022] Open
Abstract
Stem cells are essential for the development and long-term maintenance of tissues and organisms. Preserving tissue homeostasis requires exquisite control of all aspects of stem cell function: cell potency, proliferation, fate decision and differentiation. RNA binding proteins (RBPs) are essential components of the regulatory network that control gene expression in stem cells to maintain self-renewal and long-term homeostasis in adult tissues. While the function of many RBPs may have been characterized in various stem cell populations, how these interact and are organized in genetic networks remains largely elusive. In this report, we show that the conserved RNA binding protein IGF2 mRNA binding protein (Imp) is expressed in intestinal stem cells (ISCs) and progenitors in the adult Drosophila midgut. We demonstrate that Imp is required cell autonomously to maintain stem cell proliferative activity under normal epithelial turnover and in response to tissue damage. Mechanistically, we show that Imp cooperates and directly interacts with Lin28, another highly conserved RBP, to regulate ISC proliferation. We found that both proteins bind to and control the InR mRNA, a critical regulator of ISC self-renewal. Altogether, our data suggests that Imp and Lin28 are part of a larger gene regulatory network controlling gene expression in ISCs and required to maintain epithelial homeostasis. Stem cells are essential to maintain healthy organs. However, dysregulation of their function is a potential major driver of diseases, including cancer and neurodegeneration, and significantly contributes to the aging process. For these reasons, numerous mechanisms control the ability of stem cells to divide and give rise to functional daughter cells. In this study, we used the Drosophila fruitfly as a genetically amenable experimental model to characterize the function of a conserved protein, the IGF2 mRNA binding protein, in the regulation of adult intestinal stem cells. We found that it is essential for stem cell proliferation under normal conditions and in response to tissue damage. We also report that it interacts with another known regulator, Lin28. Importantly, these two factors largely control stem cell biology and development in mammals, including humans, and are often dysregulated in cancer. This suggests that our work is shedding new light on the conserved mechanisms that maintain long-term stem cell function across organisms.
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28
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Fragoulis A, Schenkel J, Schröder N, Brandt EF, Weiand M, Neu T, Ramadori P, Caspers T, Kant S, Pufe T, Mohs A, Trautwein C, Longerich T, Streetz KL, Wruck CJ. Nrf2 induces malignant transformation of hepatic progenitor cells by inducing β-catenin expression. Redox Biol 2022; 57:102453. [PMID: 36209041 PMCID: PMC9618468 DOI: 10.1016/j.redox.2022.102453] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/07/2021] [Revised: 07/22/2022] [Accepted: 08/19/2022] [Indexed: 11/28/2022] Open
Abstract
The Nrf2 signaling pathway prevents cancer initiation, but genetic mutations that activate this pathway are found in various types of cancer. The molecular mechanisms underlying this Janus-headed character are still not understood. Here, we show that sustained Nrf2 activation induces proliferation and dedifferentiation of a Wnt-responsive perivenular hepatic progenitor cell population, transforming them into metastatic cancer cells. The neoplastic lesions display many histological features known from human hepatoblastoma. We describe an Nrf2-induced upregulation of β-catenin expression and its activation as the underlying mechanism for the observed malignant transformation. Thus, we have identified the Nrf2–β-catenin axis promoting proliferation of hepatic stem cells and triggering tumorigenesis. These findings support the concept that different functional levels of Nrf2 control both the protection against various toxins as well as liver regeneration by activating hepatic stem cells. Activation of the hepatic stem cell compartment confers the observation that unbridled Nrf2 activation may trigger tumorigenesis.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Julia Schenkel
- Department of Anatomy and Cell Biology, Uniklinik RWTH Aachen, Germany
| | - Nicole Schröder
- Department of Anatomy and Cell Biology, Uniklinik RWTH Aachen, Germany
| | | | - Mathias Weiand
- Department of Anatomy and Cell Biology, Uniklinik RWTH Aachen, Germany
| | - Tabita Neu
- Department of Anatomy and Cell Biology, Uniklinik RWTH Aachen, Germany
| | - Pierluigi Ramadori
- Division of Chronic Inflammation and Cancer, German Cancer Research Center (DKFZ), Heidelberg, Germany
| | - Tim Caspers
- Department of Anatomy and Cell Biology, Uniklinik RWTH Aachen, Germany
| | - Sebastian Kant
- Institute of Molecular and Cellular Anatomy, Uniklinik RWTH Aachen, Germany
| | - Thomas Pufe
- Department of Anatomy and Cell Biology, Uniklinik RWTH Aachen, Germany
| | - Antje Mohs
- Department of Medicine III, Uniklinik RWTH Aachen, Germany
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29
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Shen M, Li S, Zhao Y, Liu Y, Liu Z, Huan L, Qiao Y, Wang L, Han L, Chen Z, He X. Hepatic ARID3A facilitates liver cancer malignancy by cooperating with CEP131 to regulate an embryonic stem cell-like gene signature. Cell Death Dis 2022; 13:732. [PMID: 36008383 PMCID: PMC9411159 DOI: 10.1038/s41419-022-05187-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/24/2022] [Revised: 08/10/2022] [Accepted: 08/12/2022] [Indexed: 01/21/2023]
Abstract
Liver cancer stemness refers to the stem cell-like phenotype of hepatocarcinoma cells and is closely related to a high degree of tumour malignancy. Here, we identified AT-rich interacting domain 3A (ARID3A) as one of the most upregulated stemness-related transcription factors in liver cancer by an in vitro functional screen. ARID3A can promote liver cancer cell viability and metastasis both in vitro and in vivo. Mechanistically, ARID3A interacts with CEP131 and transcriptionally activates KDM3A by co-occupying its promoter element, further upregulating the expression of downstream embryonic stem (ES) signature genes via demethylation of H3K9me2. ARID3A and CEP131 promote an ES cell gene signature through activation of KDM3A and contribute to the poor prognosis of liver cancer patients. Collectively, these results provide evidence highlighting a transcription-dependent mechanism of ARID3A in stemness regulation in liver cancer. The ARID3A/CEP131-KDM3A regulatory circuit could serve as a prognostic indicator and potential therapeutic target for liver cancer.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mengting Shen
- grid.8547.e0000 0001 0125 2443Fudan University Shanghai Cancer Center and Institutes of Biomedical Sciences, Shanghai Medical College, Fudan University, Shanghai, 200032 China
| | - Shengli Li
- grid.16821.3c0000 0004 0368 8293Precision Research Center for Refractory Diseases, Institute for Clinical Research, Shanghai General Hospital, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai, 201620 China
| | - Yiming Zhao
- Department of Hepatic Surgery, Fudan University Shanghai Cancer Center, Fudan University, Shanghai, 200032 China
| | - Yizhe Liu
- grid.8547.e0000 0001 0125 2443Fudan University Shanghai Cancer Center and Institutes of Biomedical Sciences, Shanghai Medical College, Fudan University, Shanghai, 200032 China
| | - Zhen Liu
- grid.8547.e0000 0001 0125 2443Fudan University Shanghai Cancer Center and Institutes of Biomedical Sciences, Shanghai Medical College, Fudan University, Shanghai, 200032 China
| | - Lin Huan
- grid.8547.e0000 0001 0125 2443Fudan University Shanghai Cancer Center and Institutes of Biomedical Sciences, Shanghai Medical College, Fudan University, Shanghai, 200032 China
| | - Yejun Qiao
- grid.8547.e0000 0001 0125 2443Fudan University Shanghai Cancer Center and Institutes of Biomedical Sciences, Shanghai Medical College, Fudan University, Shanghai, 200032 China
| | - Lu Wang
- Department of Hepatic Surgery, Fudan University Shanghai Cancer Center, Fudan University, Shanghai, 200032 China
| | - Leng Han
- grid.264756.40000 0004 4687 2082Center for Epigenetics and Disease Prevention, Institute of Biosciences and Technology, Texas A&M University, Houston, TX 77030 USA
| | - Zhiao Chen
- grid.8547.e0000 0001 0125 2443Fudan University Shanghai Cancer Center and Institutes of Biomedical Sciences, Shanghai Medical College, Fudan University, Shanghai, 200032 China ,Key Laboratory of Breast Cancer in Shanghai, Fudan University Shanghai Cancer Center, Fudan University, Shanghai, 200032 China ,Shanghai Key Laboratory of Radiation Oncology, Fudan University Shanghai Cancer Center, Fudan University, Shanghai, 200032 China
| | - Xianghuo He
- grid.8547.e0000 0001 0125 2443Fudan University Shanghai Cancer Center and Institutes of Biomedical Sciences, Shanghai Medical College, Fudan University, Shanghai, 200032 China ,Key Laboratory of Breast Cancer in Shanghai, Fudan University Shanghai Cancer Center, Fudan University, Shanghai, 200032 China ,Shanghai Key Laboratory of Radiation Oncology, Fudan University Shanghai Cancer Center, Fudan University, Shanghai, 200032 China
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30
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Goya T, Horisawa K, Udono M, Ohkawa Y, Ogawa Y, Sekiya S, Suzuki A. Direct Conversion of Human Endothelial Cells Into Liver Cancer-Forming Cells Using Nonintegrative Episomal Vectors. Hepatol Commun 2022; 6:1725-1740. [PMID: 35220676 PMCID: PMC9234650 DOI: 10.1002/hep4.1911] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/24/2022] Open
Abstract
Liver cancer is an aggressive cancer associated with a poor prognosis. Development of therapeutic strategies for liver cancer requires fundamental research using suitable experimental models. Recent progress in direct reprogramming technology has enabled the generation of many types of cells that are difficult to obtain and provide a cellular resource in experimental models of human diseases. In this study, we aimed to establish a simple one-step method for inducing cells that can form malignant human liver tumors directly from healthy endothelial cells using nonintegrating episomal vectors. To screen for factors capable of inducing liver cancer-forming cells (LCCs), we selected nine genes and one short hairpin RNA that suppresses tumor protein p53 (TP53) expression and introduced them into human umbilical vein endothelial cells (HUVECs), using episomal vectors. To identify the essential factors, we examined the effect of changing the amounts and withdrawing individual factors. We then analyzed the proliferation, gene and protein expression, morphologic and chromosomal abnormality, transcriptome, and tumor formation ability of the induced cells. We found that a set of six factors, forkhead box A3 (FOXA3), hepatocyte nuclear factor homeobox 1A (HNF1A), HNF1B, lin-28 homolog B (LIN28B), MYCL proto-oncogene, bHLH transcription factor (L-MYC), and Kruppel-like factor 5 (KLF5), induced direct conversion of HUVECs into LCCs. The gene expression profile of these induced LCCs (iLCCs) was similar to that of human liver cancer cells, and these cells effectively formed tumors that resembled human combined hepatocellular-cholangiocarcinoma following transplantation into immunodeficient mice. Conclusion: We succeeded in the direct induction of iLCCs from HUVECs by using nonintegrating episomal vectors. iLCCs generated from patients with cancer and healthy volunteers will be useful for further advancements in cancer research and for developing methods for the diagnosis, treatment, and prognosis of liver cancer.
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Affiliation(s)
- Takeshi Goya
- Division of Organogenesis and RegenerationMedical Institute of BioregulationKyushu UniversityFukuokaJapan.,Department of Medicine and Bioregulatory ScienceGraduate School of Medical SciencesKyushu UniversityFukuokaJapan
| | - Kenichi Horisawa
- Division of Organogenesis and RegenerationMedical Institute of BioregulationKyushu UniversityFukuokaJapan
| | - Miyako Udono
- Division of Organogenesis and RegenerationMedical Institute of BioregulationKyushu UniversityFukuokaJapan
| | - Yasuyuki Ohkawa
- Division of TranscriptomicsMedical Institute of BioregulationKyushu UniversityFukuokaJapan
| | - Yoshihiro Ogawa
- Department of Medicine and Bioregulatory ScienceGraduate School of Medical SciencesKyushu UniversityFukuokaJapan
| | - Sayaka Sekiya
- Division of Organogenesis and RegenerationMedical Institute of BioregulationKyushu UniversityFukuokaJapan
| | - Atsushi Suzuki
- Division of Organogenesis and RegenerationMedical Institute of BioregulationKyushu UniversityFukuokaJapan
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31
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Askari H, Raeis-Abdollahi E, Abazari MF, Akrami H, Vakili S, Savardashtaki A, Tajbakhsh A, Sanadgol N, Azarnezhad A, Rahmati L, Abdullahi PR, Zare Karizi S, Safarpour AR. Recent findings on the role of microRNAs in genetic kidney diseases. Mol Biol Rep 2022; 49:7039-7056. [PMID: 35717474 DOI: 10.1007/s11033-022-07620-w] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/31/2022] [Accepted: 05/19/2022] [Indexed: 10/18/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND MicroRNAs (miRNAs) are non-coding, endogenous, single-stranded, small (21-25 nucleotides) RNAs. Various target genes at the post-transcriptional stage are modulated by miRNAs that are involved in the regulation of a variety of biological processes such as embryonic development, differentiation, proliferation, apoptosis, inflammation, and metabolic homeostasis. Abnormal miRNA expression is strongly associated with the pathogenesis of multiple common human diseases including cardiovascular diseases, cancer, hepatitis, and metabolic diseases. METHODS AND RESULTS Various signaling pathways including transforming growth factor-β, apoptosis, and Wnt signaling pathways have also been characterized to play an essential role in kidney diseases. Most importantly, miRNA-targeted pharmaceutical manipulation has represented a promising new therapeutic approach against kidney diseases. Furthermore, miRNAs such as miR-30e-5p, miR-98-5p, miR-30d-5p, miR-30a-5p, miR-194-5p, and miR-192-5p may be potentially employed as biomarkers for various human kidney diseases. CONCLUSIONS A significant correlation has also been found between some miRNAs and the clinical markers of renal function like baseline estimated glomerular filtration rate (eGFR). Classification of miRNAs in different genetic renal disorders may promote discoveries in developing innovative therapeutic interventions and treatment tools. Herein, the recent advances in miRNAs associated with renal pathogenesis, emphasizing genetic kidney diseases and development, have been summarized.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hassan Askari
- Gastroenterohepatology Research Center, Shiraz University of Medical Sciences, Shiraz, Iran
| | - Ehsan Raeis-Abdollahi
- Applied Physiology Research Center, Qom Medical Sciences, Islamic Azad University, Qom, Iran.,Department of Basic Medical Sciences, Faculty of Medicine, Qom Medical Sciences, Islamic Azad University, Qom, Iran
| | - Mohammad Foad Abazari
- Research Center for Clinical Virology, Tehran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
| | - Hassan Akrami
- Gastroenterohepatology Research Center, Shiraz University of Medical Sciences, Shiraz, Iran
| | - Sina Vakili
- Infertility Research Center, Shiraz University of Medical Sciences, Shiraz, Iran
| | - Amir Savardashtaki
- Infertility Research Center, Shiraz University of Medical Sciences, Shiraz, Iran.,Department of Medical Biotechnology, School of Advanced Medical Sciences and Technologies, Shiraz University of Medical Sciences, Shiraz, Iran
| | - Amir Tajbakhsh
- Pharmaceutical Sciences Research Center, Shiraz University of Medical Sciences, Shiraz, Iran
| | - Nima Sanadgol
- Institute of Neuroanatomy, RWTH University Hospital Aachen, 52074, Aachen, Germany
| | - Asaad Azarnezhad
- Liver and Digestive Research Center, Research Institute for Health Development, Kurdistan University of Medical Sciences, Sanandaj, Iran
| | - Leila Rahmati
- Gastroenterohepatology Research Center, Shiraz University of Medical Sciences, Shiraz, Iran
| | - Payman Raise Abdullahi
- Neuroscience Research Center, School of Medicine, Shahid Beheshti University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
| | - Shohreh Zare Karizi
- Department of Biology, Varamin Pishva Branch, Islamic Azad University, Pishva, Varamin, Iran.
| | - Ali Reza Safarpour
- Gastroenterohepatology Research Center, Shiraz University of Medical Sciences, Shiraz, Iran.
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32
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Xie Y, Ning S, Hu J. Molecular mechanisms of neuroendocrine differentiation in prostate cancer progression. J Cancer Res Clin Oncol 2022; 148:1813-1823. [PMID: 35633416 PMCID: PMC9189092 DOI: 10.1007/s00432-022-04061-7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/23/2022] [Accepted: 05/09/2022] [Indexed: 12/03/2022]
Abstract
Background Rapid evolution of the therapeutic management of prostate cancer, especially in in second-generation androgen inhibitors, has increased the opportunity of transformation from prostate cancer (PCa) to neuroendocrine prostate cancer (NEPC). NEPC still lacks effective diagnostic and therapeutic interventions. Researches into the molecular characteristics of neuroendocrine differentiation is undoubtedly crucial to the discovery of new target genes for accurate diagnostic and therapeutic targets. Purpose In this review, we focus on the relevant genes and molecular mechanisms that have contributed to the transformation in the progression of PCa and discuss the potential targeted molecule that might improve diagnostic accuracy and therapeutic effectiveness. Methods The relevant literatures from PubMed have been reviewed for this article. Conclusion Several molecular characteristics influence the progression of neuroendocrine differentiation of prostate cancer which will provide a novel sight for accurate diagnosis and target therapeutic intervention for patients with NEPC.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yuchen Xie
- Affiliated Renmin Hospital of Jiangsu University, Zhenjiang First People's Hospital, Zhenjiang, 212002, China
| | - Songyi Ning
- Jiangsu University, Zhenjiang, 212013, China
| | - Jianpeng Hu
- Affiliated Renmin Hospital of Jiangsu University, Zhenjiang First People's Hospital, Zhenjiang, 212002, China.
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33
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Puthdee N, Sriswasdi S, Pisitkun T, Ratanasirintrawoot S, Israsena N, Tangkijvanich P. The LIN28B/TGF-β/TGFBI feedback loop promotes cell migration and tumour initiation potential in cholangiocarcinoma. Cancer Gene Ther 2022; 29:445-455. [PMID: 34548635 PMCID: PMC9113936 DOI: 10.1038/s41417-021-00387-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/24/2021] [Revised: 07/25/2021] [Accepted: 09/03/2021] [Indexed: 02/02/2023]
Abstract
Cholangiocarcinoma (CCA), a lethal malignancy of the biliary epithelium, is the second most common primary liver cancer. The poor prognosis of CCA is due to the high rate of tumour invasion and distant metastasis. We found that the RNA-binding protein LIN28B, a known regulator of microRNA biogenesis, stem cell maintenance, and oncogenesis, is expressed in a subpopulation of CCA patients. To further investigate the potential role of LIN28B in CCA pathogenesis, we studied the effect of LIN28B overexpression in the cholangiocyte cell line MMNK-1 and cholangiocarcinoma cell lines HuCCT-1 and KKU-214. Here, we show that enhanced LIN28B expression promoted cancer stem cell-like properties in CCA, including enhanced cell migration, epithelial-to-mesenchymal transition (EMT), increased cell proliferation and spheroid formation. Proteomic analysis revealed TGF-β-induced protein (TGFBI) as a novel LIN28B target gene, and further analysis showed upregulation of other components of the TGF-β signalling pathway, including TGF-β receptor type I (TGFBRI) expression and cytokine TGFB-I, II and III secretion. Importantly, the small molecule TGF-β inhibitor SB431542 negated the effects of LIN28B on both cell migration and clonogenic potential. Overexpression of TGFBI alone promoted cholangiocarcinoma cell migration and EMT changes, but not spheroid formation, suggesting that TGFBI partially contributes to LIN28B-mediated aggressive cell behaviour. These observations are consistent with a model in which TGF-β and LIN28B work together to form a positive feedback loop during cholangiocarcinoma metastasis and provide a therapeutic intervention opportunity.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nattapong Puthdee
- Department of Biochemistry, Faculty of Medicine, Chulalongkorn University, Bangkok, Thailand
| | - Sira Sriswasdi
- Department of Research Affairs, Faculty of Medicine, Chulalongkorn University, Bangkok, Thailand
| | - Trairak Pisitkun
- Department of Research Affairs, Faculty of Medicine, Chulalongkorn University, Bangkok, Thailand
| | | | - Nipan Israsena
- Center of Excellence for Stem Cell and Cell Therapy, Faculty of Medicine, Chulalongkorn University, Bangkok, Thailand.
- Department of Pharmacology, Faculty of Medicine, Chulalongkorn University, Bangkok, Thailand.
| | - Pisit Tangkijvanich
- Department of Biochemistry, Faculty of Medicine, Chulalongkorn University, Bangkok, Thailand
- Center of Excellence in Hepatitis and Liver Cancer, Faculty of Medicine, Chulalongkorn University, Bangkok, Thailand
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34
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Xie Y, Sun R, Gao L, Guan J, Wang J, Bell A, Zhu J, Zhang M, Xu M, Lu P, Cai X, Ren S, Xu P, Monga SP, Ma X, Yang D, Liu Y, Lu B, Xie W. Chronic Activation of LXRα Sensitizes Mice to Hepatocellular Carcinoma. Hepatol Commun 2022; 6:1123-1139. [PMID: 34981658 PMCID: PMC9035576 DOI: 10.1002/hep4.1880] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/04/2021] [Revised: 10/27/2021] [Accepted: 11/18/2021] [Indexed: 01/26/2023] Open
Abstract
The oxysterol receptor liver X receptor (LXR) is a nuclear receptor best known for its function in the regulation of lipid and cholesterol metabolism. LXRs, both the α and β isoforms, have been suggested as potential therapeutic targets for several cancer types. However, there was a lack of report on whether and how LXRα plays a role in the development of hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC). In the current study, we found that systemic activation of LXRα in the VP-LXRα knock-in (LXRαKI) mice or hepatocyte-specific activation of LXRα in the VP-LXRα transgenic mice sensitized mice to liver tumorigenesis induced by the combined treatment of diethylnitrosamine (DEN) and 3,3',5,5'-tetrachloro-1,4-bis (pyridyloxy) benzene (TCPOBOP). Mechanistically, the LXRα-responsive up-regulation of interleukin-6 (IL-6)/signal transducer and activator of transcription 3 (STAT3) signaling pathway and the complement system, and down-regulation of bile acid metabolism, may have contributed to increased tumorigenesis. Accumulations of secondary bile acids and oxysterols were found in both the serum and liver tissue of LXRα activated mice. We also observed an induction of monocytic myeloid-derived suppressor cells accompanied by down-regulation of dendritic cells and cytotoxic T cells in DEN/TCPOBOP-induced liver tumors, indicating that chronic activation of LXRα may have led to the activation of innate immune suppression. The HCC sensitizing effect of LXRα activation was also observed in the c-MYC driven HCC model. Conclusion: Our results indicated that chronic activation of LXRα promotes HCC, at least in part, by promoting innate immune suppressor as a result of accumulation of oxysterols, as well as up-regulation of the IL-6/Janus kinase/STAT3 signaling and complement pathways.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yang Xie
- Center for Pharmacogenetics and Department of Pharmaceutical SciencesUniversity of PittsburghPittsburghPAUSA
| | - Runzi Sun
- Department of ImmunologyUniversity of PittsburghPittsburghPAUSA
| | - Li Gao
- Center for Pharmacogenetics and Department of Pharmaceutical SciencesUniversity of PittsburghPittsburghPAUSA
- Department of GastroenterologyPeking University People’s HospitalBeijingChina
| | - Jibin Guan
- Center for Pharmacogenetics and Department of Pharmaceutical SciencesUniversity of PittsburghPittsburghPAUSA
| | - Jingyuan Wang
- Center for Pharmacogenetics and Department of Pharmaceutical SciencesUniversity of PittsburghPittsburghPAUSA
| | - Aaron Bell
- Division of Experimental PathologyDepartment of PathologyUniversity of PittsburghPittsburghPAUSA
| | - Junjie Zhu
- Center for Pharmacogenetics and Department of Pharmaceutical SciencesUniversity of PittsburghPittsburghPAUSA
| | - Min Zhang
- Center for Pharmacogenetics and Department of Pharmaceutical SciencesUniversity of PittsburghPittsburghPAUSA
| | - Meishu Xu
- Center for Pharmacogenetics and Department of Pharmaceutical SciencesUniversity of PittsburghPittsburghPAUSA
| | - Peipei Lu
- Center for Pharmacogenetics and Department of Pharmaceutical SciencesUniversity of PittsburghPittsburghPAUSA
| | - Xinran Cai
- Center for Pharmacogenetics and Department of Pharmaceutical SciencesUniversity of PittsburghPittsburghPAUSA
| | - Songrong Ren
- Center for Pharmacogenetics and Department of Pharmaceutical SciencesUniversity of PittsburghPittsburghPAUSA
| | - Pengfei Xu
- Center for Pharmacogenetics and Department of Pharmaceutical SciencesUniversity of PittsburghPittsburghPAUSA
| | - Satdarshan P. Monga
- Division of Experimental PathologyDepartment of PathologyUniversity of PittsburghPittsburghPAUSA
- Pittsburgh Liver Research CenterUniversity of Pittsburgh Medical Center and University of Pittsburgh School of MedicinePittsburghPAUSA
| | - Xiaochao Ma
- Center for Pharmacogenetics and Department of Pharmaceutical SciencesUniversity of PittsburghPittsburghPAUSA
| | - Da Yang
- Center for Pharmacogenetics and Department of Pharmaceutical SciencesUniversity of PittsburghPittsburghPAUSA
| | - Yulan Liu
- Department of GastroenterologyPeking University People’s HospitalBeijingChina
| | - Binfeng Lu
- Department of ImmunologyUniversity of PittsburghPittsburghPAUSA
| | - Wen Xie
- Center for Pharmacogenetics and Department of Pharmaceutical SciencesUniversity of PittsburghPittsburghPAUSA
- Department of Pharmacology and Chemical BiologyUniversity of PittsburghPittsburghPAUSA
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Holczbauer Á, Wangensteen KJ, Shin S. Cellular origins of regenerating liver and hepatocellular carcinoma. JHEP Rep 2022; 4:100416. [PMID: 35243280 PMCID: PMC8873941 DOI: 10.1016/j.jhepr.2021.100416] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/02/2021] [Revised: 11/30/2021] [Accepted: 12/02/2021] [Indexed: 02/08/2023] Open
Abstract
Hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) is the predominant primary cancer arising from the liver and is one of the major causes of cancer-related mortality worldwide. The cellular origin of HCC has been a topic of great interest due to conflicting findings regarding whether it originates in hepatocytes, biliary cells, or facultative stem cells. These cell types all undergo changes during liver injury, and there is controversy about their contribution to regenerative responses in the liver. Most HCCs emerge in the setting of chronic liver injury from viral hepatitis, fatty liver disease, alcohol, and environmental exposures. The injuries are marked by liver parenchymal changes such as hepatocyte regenerative nodules, biliary duct cellular changes, expansion of myofibroblasts that cause fibrosis and cirrhosis, and inflammatory cell infiltration, all of which may contribute to carcinogenesis. Addressing the cellular origin of HCC is the key to identifying the earliest events that trigger it. Herein, we review data on the cells of origin in regenerating liver and HCC and the implications of these findings for prevention and treatment. We also review the origins of childhood liver cancer and other rare cancers of the liver.
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Wu K, Ahmad T, Eri R. LIN28A: A multifunctional versatile molecule with future therapeutic potential. World J Biol Chem 2022; 13:35-46. [PMID: 35432768 PMCID: PMC8966501 DOI: 10.4331/wjbc.v13.i2.35] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/27/2021] [Revised: 09/06/2021] [Accepted: 03/06/2022] [Indexed: 02/06/2023] Open
Abstract
An RNA-binding protein, LIN28A was initially discovered in nematodes Caenorhabditis elegans and regulated stem cell differentiation and proliferation. With the aid of mouse models and cancer stem cells models, LIN28A demonstrated a similar role in mammalian stem cells. Subsequent studies revealed LIN28A’s roles in regulating cell cycle and growth, tissue repair, and metabolism, especially glucose metabolism. Through regulation by pluripotency and neurotrophic factors, LIN28A performs these roles through let-7 dependent (binding to let-7) or independent (binding directly to mature mRNA) pathways. Elevated LIN28A levels are associated with cancers such as breast, colon, and ovarian cancers. Overexpressed LIN28A has been implicated in liver diseases and Rett syndrome whereas loss of LIN28A was linked to Parkinson’s disease. LIN28A inhibitors, LIN28A-specific nanobodies, and deubiquitinases targeting LIN28A could be feasible options for cancer treatments while drugs upregulating LIN28A could be used in regenerative therapy for neuropathies. We will review the upstream and downstream signalling pathways of LIN28A and its physiological functions. Then, we will examine current research and gaps in research regarding its mechanisms in conditions such as cancers, liver diseases, and neurological diseases. We will also look at the therapeutic potential of LIN28A in RNA-targeted therapies including small interfering RNAs and RNA-protein interactions.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kenneth Wu
- Department of Laboratory Medicine, School of Health Sciences, College of Health and Medicine, University of Tasmania, Launceston, Tasmania 7250, Australia
| | - Tauseef Ahmad
- Department of Laboratory Medicine, School of Health Sciences, College of Health and Medicine, University of Tasmania, Launceston, Tasmania 7250, Australia
| | - Rajaraman Eri
- Department of Laboratory Medicine, School of Health Sciences, College of Health and Medicine, University of Tasmania, Launceston, Tasmania 7250, Australia
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Evdokimova V. Y-box Binding Protein 1: Looking Back to the Future. BIOCHEMISTRY. BIOKHIMIIA 2022; 87:S5-S145. [PMID: 35501983 DOI: 10.1134/s0006297922140024] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/17/2021] [Revised: 09/14/2021] [Accepted: 09/15/2021] [Indexed: 06/14/2023]
Abstract
Y-box binding protein 1 is a member of the cold shock domain (CSD) protein family and one of the most studied proteins associated with a large number of human diseases. This review aims to critically reassess the growing number of pathological functions ascribed to YB-1 in the past decades. The focus is given on the important role of YB-1 and related CSD proteins in the physiology of normal cells. The functional significance of these proteins is highlighted by their high evolutionary conservation from bacteria to men, where they are ubiquitously expressed and involved in coordinating all steps of mRNA biogenesis, including transcription, translation, storage, and degradation. Their activities are especially important under conditions requiring rapid change in the gene expression programs, such as early embryonic development, differentiation, stress, and adaptation to new environments. Therefore, to define a precise role of YB-1 in tumorigenic transformation and in other pathological conditions, it is important to understand its basic properties and functions in normal cells, and how they are interrupted in complex diseases including cancer.
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Missios P, da Rocha EL, Pearson DS, Philipp J, Aleman MM, Pirouz M, Farache D, Franses JW, Kubaczka C, Tsanov KM, Jha DK, Pepe-Mooney B, Powers JT, Gregory RI, Lee AS, Dominguez D, Ting DT, Daley GQ. LIN28B alters ribosomal dynamics to promote metastasis in MYCN-driven malignancy. J Clin Invest 2021; 131:e145142. [PMID: 34779407 PMCID: PMC8592552 DOI: 10.1172/jci145142] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/13/2020] [Accepted: 09/21/2021] [Indexed: 01/21/2023] Open
Abstract
High expression of LIN28B is associated with aggressive malignancy and poor survival. Here, probing MYCN-amplified neuroblastoma as a model system, we showed that LIN28B expression was associated with enhanced cell migration in vitro and invasive and metastatic behavior in murine xenografts. Sequence analysis of the polyribosome fraction of LIN28B-expressing neuroblastoma cells revealed let-7-independent enrichment of transcripts encoding components of the translational and ribosomal apparatus and depletion of transcripts of neuronal developmental programs. We further observed that LIN28B utilizes both its cold shock and zinc finger RNA binding domains to preferentially interact with MYCN-induced transcripts of the ribosomal complex, enhancing their translation. These data demonstrated that LIN28B couples the MYCN-driven transcriptional program to enhanced ribosomal translation, thereby implicating LIN28B as a posttranscriptional driver of the metastatic phenotype.
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Affiliation(s)
- Pavlos Missios
- Stem Cell Program, Boston Children’s Hospital, Boston, Massachusetts, USA
- Division of Hematology/Oncology, Boston Children’s Hospital and Dana Farber Cancer Institute, Boston, Massachusetts, USA
- Department of Biological Chemistry and Molecular Pharmacology, Harvard Medical School, Boston, Massachusetts, USA
| | - Edroaldo Lummertz da Rocha
- Stem Cell Program, Boston Children’s Hospital, Boston, Massachusetts, USA
- Division of Hematology/Oncology, Boston Children’s Hospital and Dana Farber Cancer Institute, Boston, Massachusetts, USA
- Department of Biological Chemistry and Molecular Pharmacology, Harvard Medical School, Boston, Massachusetts, USA
- Department of Microbiology, Immunology and Parasitology, Federal University of Santa Catarina, Florianópolis, Brazil
| | - Daniel S. Pearson
- Stem Cell Program, Boston Children’s Hospital, Boston, Massachusetts, USA
- Division of Hematology/Oncology, Boston Children’s Hospital and Dana Farber Cancer Institute, Boston, Massachusetts, USA
- Department of Biological Chemistry and Molecular Pharmacology, Harvard Medical School, Boston, Massachusetts, USA
| | - Julia Philipp
- Massachusetts General Hospital Cancer Center, Harvard Medical School, Boston, Massachusetts, USA
- Department of Otorhinolaryngology, Head and Neck Surgery, University of Tübingen, Tübingen, Germany
| | - Maria M. Aleman
- Department of Pharmacology, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Chapel Hill, North Carolina, USA
| | - Mehdi Pirouz
- Stem Cell Program, Boston Children’s Hospital, Boston, Massachusetts, USA
- Division of Hematology/Oncology, Boston Children’s Hospital and Dana Farber Cancer Institute, Boston, Massachusetts, USA
- Center for Advanced Biotechnology and Medicine, Rutgers University, Piscataway, New Jersey, USA
| | - Dorian Farache
- Department of Cell Biology, Harvard Medical School, Boston, Massachusetts, USA
- Department of Cancer Immunology and Virology, Dana-Farber Cancer Institute, Boston, Massachusetts, USA
| | - Joseph W. Franses
- Massachusetts General Hospital Cancer Center, Harvard Medical School, Boston, Massachusetts, USA
| | - Caroline Kubaczka
- Stem Cell Program, Boston Children’s Hospital, Boston, Massachusetts, USA
- Division of Hematology/Oncology, Boston Children’s Hospital and Dana Farber Cancer Institute, Boston, Massachusetts, USA
- Department of Biological Chemistry and Molecular Pharmacology, Harvard Medical School, Boston, Massachusetts, USA
| | - Kaloyan M. Tsanov
- Stem Cell Program, Boston Children’s Hospital, Boston, Massachusetts, USA
- Division of Hematology/Oncology, Boston Children’s Hospital and Dana Farber Cancer Institute, Boston, Massachusetts, USA
- Department of Biological Chemistry and Molecular Pharmacology, Harvard Medical School, Boston, Massachusetts, USA
| | - Deepak K. Jha
- Stem Cell Program, Boston Children’s Hospital, Boston, Massachusetts, USA
- Division of Hematology/Oncology, Boston Children’s Hospital and Dana Farber Cancer Institute, Boston, Massachusetts, USA
- Department of Biological Chemistry and Molecular Pharmacology, Harvard Medical School, Boston, Massachusetts, USA
| | - Brian Pepe-Mooney
- Stem Cell Program, Boston Children’s Hospital, Boston, Massachusetts, USA
- Division of Hematology/Oncology, Boston Children’s Hospital and Dana Farber Cancer Institute, Boston, Massachusetts, USA
| | - John T. Powers
- Stem Cell Program, Boston Children’s Hospital, Boston, Massachusetts, USA
- Division of Hematology/Oncology, Boston Children’s Hospital and Dana Farber Cancer Institute, Boston, Massachusetts, USA
- Department of Biological Chemistry and Molecular Pharmacology, Harvard Medical School, Boston, Massachusetts, USA
| | - Richard I. Gregory
- Stem Cell Program, Boston Children’s Hospital, Boston, Massachusetts, USA
- Division of Hematology/Oncology, Boston Children’s Hospital and Dana Farber Cancer Institute, Boston, Massachusetts, USA
- Department of Biological Chemistry and Molecular Pharmacology, Harvard Medical School, Boston, Massachusetts, USA
- Harvard Stem Cell Institute, Cambridge, Massachusetts, USA
- Harvard Initiative for RNA Medicine, Boston, Massachusetts, USA
| | - Amy S.Y. Lee
- Department of Cell Biology, Harvard Medical School, Boston, Massachusetts, USA
- Department of Cancer Immunology and Virology, Dana-Farber Cancer Institute, Boston, Massachusetts, USA
| | - Daniel Dominguez
- Department of Pharmacology, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Chapel Hill, North Carolina, USA
- Lineberger Comprehensive Cancer Center, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Chapel Hill, North Carolina, USA
| | - David T. Ting
- Massachusetts General Hospital Cancer Center, Harvard Medical School, Boston, Massachusetts, USA
| | - George Q. Daley
- Stem Cell Program, Boston Children’s Hospital, Boston, Massachusetts, USA
- Division of Hematology/Oncology, Boston Children’s Hospital and Dana Farber Cancer Institute, Boston, Massachusetts, USA
- Department of Biological Chemistry and Molecular Pharmacology, Harvard Medical School, Boston, Massachusetts, USA
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Qu N, Bo X, Li B, Ma L, Wang F, Zheng Q, Xiao X, Huang F, Shi Y, Zhang X. Role of N6-Methyladenosine (m 6A) Methylation Regulators in Hepatocellular Carcinoma. Front Oncol 2021; 11:755206. [PMID: 34692544 PMCID: PMC8529104 DOI: 10.3389/fonc.2021.755206] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/08/2021] [Accepted: 09/22/2021] [Indexed: 12/21/2022] Open
Abstract
Liver cancer is the fifth most common malignant tumor in terms of incidence and the third leading cause of cancer-related mortality globally. Hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) is the most common type of primary liver cancer. Although great progress has been made in surgical techniques, hepatic artery chemoembolization, molecular targeting and immunotherapy, the prognosis of liver cancer patients remains very poor. N6-methyladenosine (m6A) is the most abundant internal RNA modification in eukaryotic cells and regulates various stages of the RNA life cycle. Many studies have reported that the abnormal expression of m6A-related regulators in HCC represent diagnostic and prognostic markers and potential therapeutic targets. In this review, firstly, we introduce the latest research on m6A-related regulators in detail. Next, we summarize the mechanism of each regulator in the pathogenesis and progression of HCC. Finally, we summarize the potential diagnostic, prognostic and therapeutic value of the regulators currently reported in HCC.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nanfang Qu
- Department of Gastroenterology, Affiliated Hospital of Guilin Medical University, Guilin, China
| | - Xiaotong Bo
- Department of Gastroenterology, Affiliated Hospital of Guilin Medical University, Guilin, China
| | - Bin Li
- Department of Gastroenterology, Affiliated Hospital of Guilin Medical University, Guilin, China
| | - Lei Ma
- Department of Gastroenterology, Affiliated Hospital of Guilin Medical University, Guilin, China
| | - Feng Wang
- Department of Gastroenterology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Guangxi Medical University, Nanning, China
| | - Qinghua Zheng
- Department of Gastroenterology, Affiliated Hospital of Guilin Medical University, Guilin, China
| | - Xuhua Xiao
- Department of Gastroenterology, Affiliated Hospital of Guilin Medical University, Guilin, China
| | - Fengmei Huang
- Department of Gastroenterology, Affiliated Hospital of Guilin Medical University, Guilin, China
| | - Yuanyuan Shi
- Department of Oncology, Affiliated Hospital of Guilin Medical University, Guilin, China
| | - Xuemei Zhang
- Department of Pathology, Affiliated Hospital of Guilin Medical University, Guilin, China
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Luan L, Lu F, Wang X, Wang Y, Wang W, Yang Y, Chen G, Yao H, Shi X, Yuan Z, Zhou G, Zhang H, He S. The predictive value of RNA binding proteins in colon adenocarcinoma. J Gastrointest Oncol 2021; 12:1543-1557. [PMID: 34532109 DOI: 10.21037/jgo-21-318] [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] [Received: 05/10/2021] [Accepted: 07/22/2021] [Indexed: 12/09/2022] Open
Abstract
Background RNA binding proteins (RBPs) play an important role in regulating post-transcriptional gene expression and have been reported to be closely associated with the occurrence and development of tumors. However, the effect of RBPs in colon cancer remains unclear. Methods We downloaded clinical information and transcriptome data of colon adenocarcinoma (COAD) from The Cancer Genome Atlas database (TCGA) database. After combining this data, we identified differentially expressed RBPs in normal and cancer tissues and subsequently performed Gene Ontology (GO) and Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genomes (KEGG) enrichment analyses. Prognosis-related RBPs were identified via Cox regression analysis. The samples were randomly divided into two groups; an experimental group and a control group. A predictive model was constructed by dividing the experimental group into high- and low-risk subgroups based on the scores of the prognostic-related RBPs, and the prognosis of samples in these two subgroups was compared. Then, this model was applied to the control group. Finally, the model results were verified based on an online survival database and the Human Protein Atlas (HPA) database. Results A total of 469 differentially expressed RBPs were identified in normal and cancer tissues. Ten prognosis-related RBPs were determined by Cox regression analysis. In the prognostic prediction model, the prognosis of high-risk patients in the experimental group was worse than that in the low-risk group, and the same result was obtained in the control group. In addition, the risk score in the Cox regression analysis showed that the model could be used as an independent prognostic factor (P<0.001). The results of the online survival analysis tool, HPA database, and the model were consistent. Conclusions Some specific RBPs are significantly associated with the prognosis of patients with COAD, and this finding may provide important information for the future diagnosis and treatment of patients with COAD.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lipeng Luan
- Department of General Surgery, the First Affiliated Hospital of Soochow University, Suzhou, China
| | - Feng Lu
- Department of General Surgery, the First Affiliated Hospital of Soochow University, Suzhou, China
| | - Xiaochuan Wang
- Center of Hepatobiliary Pancreatic Disease, Xu Zhou Central Hospital, Xuzhou, China
| | - Yunliang Wang
- Department of General Surgery, the First Affiliated Hospital of Soochow University, Suzhou, China
| | - Wei Wang
- Department of Oncology, Shengli Hospital of Shengli Oilfield, Dongying, China
| | - Yong Yang
- Department of General Surgery, the First Affiliated Hospital of Soochow University, Suzhou, China
| | - Guoliang Chen
- Department of General Surgery, the First Affiliated Hospital of Soochow University, Suzhou, China
| | - Huihui Yao
- Department of General Surgery, the First Affiliated Hospital of Soochow University, Suzhou, China
| | - Xinyu Shi
- Department of General Surgery, the First Affiliated Hospital of Soochow University, Suzhou, China
| | - Zihan Yuan
- Department of General Surgery, the First Affiliated Hospital of Soochow University, Suzhou, China
| | - Guoqiang Zhou
- Department of Gastrointestinal Surgery, Changshu No. 2 Hospital, Suzhou, China
| | - Haitao Zhang
- Department of General Surgery, the First Affiliated Hospital of Soochow University, Suzhou, China
| | - Songbing He
- Department of General Surgery, the First Affiliated Hospital of Soochow University, Suzhou, China
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Ma Y, Shen N, Wicha MS, Luo M. The Roles of the Let-7 Family of MicroRNAs in the Regulation of Cancer Stemness. Cells 2021; 10:cells10092415. [PMID: 34572067 PMCID: PMC8469079 DOI: 10.3390/cells10092415] [Citation(s) in RCA: 77] [Impact Index Per Article: 19.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/10/2021] [Revised: 09/01/2021] [Accepted: 09/08/2021] [Indexed: 12/17/2022] Open
Abstract
Cancer has long been viewed as a disease of normal development gone awry. Cancer stem-like cells (CSCs), also termed as tumor-initiating cells (TICs), are increasingly recognized as a critical tumor cell population that drives not only tumorigenesis but also cancer progression, treatment resistance and metastatic relapse. The let-7 family of microRNAs (miRNAs), first identified in C. elegans but functionally conserved from worms to human, constitutes an important class of regulators for diverse cellular functions ranging from cell proliferation, differentiation and pluripotency to cancer development and progression. Here, we review the current state of knowledge regarding the roles of let-7 miRNAs in regulating cancer stemness. We outline several key RNA-binding proteins, long non-coding RNAs (lncRNAs) and circular RNAs (circRNAs) involved in the regulation of let-7 biogenesis, maturation and function. We then highlight key gene targets and signaling pathways that are regulated or mutually regulated by the let-7 family of miRNAs to modulate CSC characteristics in various types of cancer. We also summarize the existing evidence indicating distinct metabolic pathways regulated by the let-7 miRNAs to impact CSC self-renewal, differentiation and treatment resistance. Lastly, we review current preclinical studies and discuss the clinical implications for developing let-7-based replacement strategies as potential cancer therapeutics that can be delivered through different platforms to target CSCs and reduce/overcome treatment resistance when applied alone or in combination with current chemo/radiation or molecularly targeted therapies. By specifically targeting CSCs, these strategies have the potential to significantly improve the efficacy of cancer therapies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yuxi Ma
- Department of Internal Medicine, Division of Hematology and Oncology, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI 48109, USA; (Y.M.); (N.S.)
- Cancer Center, Union Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan 430022, China
| | - Na Shen
- Department of Internal Medicine, Division of Hematology and Oncology, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI 48109, USA; (Y.M.); (N.S.)
- Department of Breast and Thyroid Surgery, Union Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan 430022, China
| | - Max S. Wicha
- Department of Internal Medicine, Division of Hematology and Oncology, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI 48109, USA; (Y.M.); (N.S.)
- Correspondence: (M.S.W.); (M.L.)
| | - Ming Luo
- Department of Internal Medicine, Division of Hematology and Oncology, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI 48109, USA; (Y.M.); (N.S.)
- Correspondence: (M.S.W.); (M.L.)
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Attali-Padael Y, Armon L, Urbach A. Apoptosis induction by the stem cell factor LIN28A. Biol Cell 2021; 113:450-457. [PMID: 34437724 DOI: 10.1111/boc.202100011] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/09/2021] [Revised: 08/12/2021] [Accepted: 08/20/2021] [Indexed: 11/28/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND INFORMATION Lin28A and its paralog Lin28B are RNA binding proteins expressed in stem and progenitor cells, regulating the balance between their proliferation and differentiation. In-vivo and in-vitro experiments have shown that overexpression of these genes leads to abnormal cell proliferation, which results in many cases in cell transformation and tumor formation. RESULTS Here we show, for the first time, that Lin28A overexpression can also lead to the opposite effect, i.e. apoptosis induction. We further demonstrate that this effect is specific to Lin28A but not to Lin28B and that it is mediated via the Let-7 independent pathway in a complex mechanism that involves at least several proteins. CONCLUSIONS AND SIGNIFICANCE This unexpected observation suggests that cell fate regulation by Lin28 is dependent on a specific cellular/genetic context. Unraveling the cellular and molecular mechanisms underlying this Lin28A overexpression effect may pave the way for novel tumor therapeutic strategies, as Lin28 is commonly expressed in many types of tumors but not in most normal adult cells.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yael Attali-Padael
- The Mina and Everard Goodman Faculty of Life Sciences, Bar-Ilan University, Ramat Gan, Israel
| | - Leah Armon
- The Mina and Everard Goodman Faculty of Life Sciences, Bar-Ilan University, Ramat Gan, Israel
| | - Achia Urbach
- The Mina and Everard Goodman Faculty of Life Sciences, Bar-Ilan University, Ramat Gan, Israel
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Liu J, Sauer MA, Hussein SG, Yang J, Tenen DG, Chai L. SALL4 and microRNA: The Role of Let-7. Genes (Basel) 2021; 12:1301. [PMID: 34573282 PMCID: PMC8467721 DOI: 10.3390/genes12091301] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/23/2021] [Revised: 08/21/2021] [Accepted: 08/24/2021] [Indexed: 12/11/2022] Open
Abstract
SALL4 is a zinc finger transcription factor that belongs to the spalt-like (SALL) gene family. It plays important roles in the maintenance of self-renewal and pluripotency of embryonic stem cells, and its expression is repressed in most adult organs. SALL4 re-expression has been observed in different types of human cancers, and dysregulation of SALL4 contributes to the pathogenesis, metastasis, and even drug resistance of multiple cancer types. Surprisingly, little is known regarding how SALL4 expression is controlled, but recently microRNAs (miRNAs) have emerged as important regulators of SALL4. Due to the ability of regulating targets differentially in specific tissues, and recent advances in systemic and organ specific miRNA delivery mechanisms, miRNAs have emerged as promising therapeutic targets for cancer treatment. In this review, we summarize current knowledge of the interaction between SALL4 and miRNAs in mammalian development and cancer, paying particular attention to the emerging roles of the Let-7/Lin28 axis. In addition, we discuss the therapeutic prospects of targeting SALL4 using miRNA-based strategies, with a focus on the Let-7/LIN28 axis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jun Liu
- Department of Pathology, Brigham & Women’s Hospital, Boston, MA 02115, USA; (J.L.); (M.A.S.); (J.Y.)
| | - Madeline A. Sauer
- Department of Pathology, Brigham & Women’s Hospital, Boston, MA 02115, USA; (J.L.); (M.A.S.); (J.Y.)
| | | | - Junyu Yang
- Department of Pathology, Brigham & Women’s Hospital, Boston, MA 02115, USA; (J.L.); (M.A.S.); (J.Y.)
| | - Daniel G. Tenen
- Cancer Science Institute, National University of Singapore, Singapore 117599, Singapore
- Harvard Stem Cell Institute, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA 02115, USA
| | - Li Chai
- Department of Pathology, Brigham & Women’s Hospital, Boston, MA 02115, USA; (J.L.); (M.A.S.); (J.Y.)
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Abstract
Lin28a has diverse functions including regulation of cancer, reprogramming and regeneration, but whether it promotes injury or is a protective reaction to renal injury is unknown. We studied how Lin28a acts in unilateral ureteral obstruction (UUO)-induced renal fibrosis following unilateral ureteral obstruction, in a mouse model. We further defined the role of Lin28a in transforming growth factor (TGF)-signaling pathways in renal fibrosis through in vitro study using human tubular epithelium-like HK-2 cells. In the mouse unilateral ureteral obstruction model, obstruction markedly decreased the expression of Lin28a, increased the expression of renal fibrotic markers such as type I collagen, α-SMA, vimentin and fibronectin. In TGF-β-stimulated HK-2 cells, the expression of Lin28a was reduced and the expression of renal fibrotic markers such as type I collagen, α-SMA, vimentin and fibronectin was increased. Adenovirus-mediated overexpression of Lin28a inhibited the expression of TGF-β-stimulated type I collagen, α-SMA, vimentin and fibronectin. Lin28a inhibited TGF-β-stimulated SMAD3 activity, via inhibition of SMAD3 phos-phorylation, but not the MAPK pathway ERK, JNK or p38. Lin28a attenuates renal fibrosis in obstructive nephropathy, making its mechanism a possible therapeutic target for chronic kidney disease.
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Affiliation(s)
- Gwon-Soo Jung
- New Drug Development Center, Daegu-Gyeongbuk Medical Innovation Foundation, Daegu 41061, Korea
| | - Yeo Jin Hwang
- Division of Electronics & Information System, Daegu Gyeongbuk Institute of Science and Technology, Daegu 42988, Korea
| | - Jun-Hyuk Choi
- Division of Biotechnology, Daegu Gyeongbuk Institute of Science and Technology, Daegu 42988, Korea
| | - Kyeong-Min Lee
- Division of Biotechnology, Daegu Gyeongbuk Institute of Science and Technology, Daegu 42988, Korea
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Osborne JK, Kinney MA, Han A, Akinnola KE, Yermalovich AV, Vo LT, Pearson DS, Sousa PM, Ratanasirintrawoot S, Tsanov KM, Barragan J, North TE, Metzger RJ, Daley GQ. Lin28 paralogs regulate lung branching morphogenesis. Cell Rep 2021; 36:109408. [PMID: 34289374 PMCID: PMC8371695 DOI: 10.1016/j.celrep.2021.109408] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/18/2018] [Revised: 03/11/2021] [Accepted: 06/25/2021] [Indexed: 12/18/2022] Open
Abstract
The molecular mechanisms that govern the choreographed timing of organ development remain poorly understood. Our investigation of the role of the Lin28a and Lin28b paralogs during the developmental process of branching morphogenesis establishes that dysregulation of Lin28a/b leads to abnormal branching morphogenesis in the lung and other tissues. Additionally, we find that the Lin28 paralogs, which regulate post-transcriptional processing of both mRNAs and microRNAs (miRNAs), predominantly control mRNAs during the initial phases of lung organogenesis. Target mRNAs include Sox2, Sox9, and Etv5, which coordinate lung development and differentiation. Moreover, we find that functional interactions between Lin28a and Sox9 are capable of bypassing branching defects in Lin28a/b mutant lungs. Here, we identify Lin28a and Lin28b as regulators of early embryonic lung development, highlighting the importance of the timing of post-transcriptional regulation of both miRNAs and mRNAs at distinct stages of organogenesis. The timing of organogenesis is poorly understood. Here, Osborne et al. show that the Lin28 paralogs (Lin28a and Lin28b) regulate branching morphogenesis in a let-7-independent manner by directly binding to the mRNAs of Sox2, Sox9, and Etv5 to enhance their post-transcriptional processing.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jihan K Osborne
- Division of Pediatric Hematology/Oncology, Boston Children's Hospital Boston, MA 02115, USA; Department of Biological Chemistry and Molecular Pharmacology, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA 02115, USA
| | - Melissa A Kinney
- Division of Pediatric Hematology/Oncology, Boston Children's Hospital Boston, MA 02115, USA; Department of Biological Chemistry and Molecular Pharmacology, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA 02115, USA
| | - Areum Han
- Division of Pediatric Hematology/Oncology, Boston Children's Hospital Boston, MA 02115, USA; Department of Biological Chemistry and Molecular Pharmacology, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA 02115, USA
| | - Kemi E Akinnola
- Division of Pediatric Hematology/Oncology, Boston Children's Hospital Boston, MA 02115, USA; Department of Biological Chemistry and Molecular Pharmacology, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA 02115, USA
| | - Alena V Yermalovich
- Division of Pediatric Hematology/Oncology, Boston Children's Hospital Boston, MA 02115, USA; Department of Biological Chemistry and Molecular Pharmacology, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA 02115, USA
| | - Linda T Vo
- Division of Pediatric Hematology/Oncology, Boston Children's Hospital Boston, MA 02115, USA; Department of Biological Chemistry and Molecular Pharmacology, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA 02115, USA
| | - Daniel S Pearson
- Division of Pediatric Hematology/Oncology, Boston Children's Hospital Boston, MA 02115, USA; Department of Biological Chemistry and Molecular Pharmacology, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA 02115, USA
| | - Patricia M Sousa
- Division of Pediatric Hematology/Oncology, Boston Children's Hospital Boston, MA 02115, USA
| | - Sutheera Ratanasirintrawoot
- Division of Pediatric Hematology/Oncology, Boston Children's Hospital Boston, MA 02115, USA; Department of Biological Chemistry and Molecular Pharmacology, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA 02115, USA
| | - Kaloyan M Tsanov
- Division of Pediatric Hematology/Oncology, Boston Children's Hospital Boston, MA 02115, USA; Department of Biological Chemistry and Molecular Pharmacology, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA 02115, USA
| | - Jessica Barragan
- Division of Pediatric Hematology/Oncology, Boston Children's Hospital Boston, MA 02115, USA
| | - Trista E North
- Division of Pediatric Hematology/Oncology, Boston Children's Hospital Boston, MA 02115, USA
| | - Ross J Metzger
- Department of Pediatrics (Cardiology), Stanford University School of Medicine, Stanford, CA 94305, USA
| | - George Q Daley
- Division of Pediatric Hematology/Oncology, Boston Children's Hospital Boston, MA 02115, USA; Department of Biological Chemistry and Molecular Pharmacology, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA 02115, USA.
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RNA-binding protein IMP3 is a novel regulator of MEK1/ERK signaling pathway in the progression of colorectal Cancer through the stabilization of MEKK1 mRNA. JOURNAL OF EXPERIMENTAL & CLINICAL CANCER RESEARCH : CR 2021; 40:200. [PMID: 34154626 PMCID: PMC8215736 DOI: 10.1186/s13046-021-01994-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/15/2021] [Accepted: 05/24/2021] [Indexed: 12/27/2022]
Abstract
Background MEK1/ERK signaling pathway plays an important role in most tumor progression, including colorectal cancer (CRC), however, MEK1-targeting therapy has little effective in treating CRC patients, indicating there may be a complex mechanism to activate MEK1/ERK signaling pathway except RAS activated mechanism. Methods To investigate the clinical significance of IMP3, we analyzed its expression levels in publicly available dataset and samples from Fudan University Shanghai Cancer Center. The effects of IMP3 on proliferation, migration, and invasion were determined by in vitro and in vivo experiments. To investigate the role of IMP3 in colon carcinogenesis, conditional IMP3 knockout C57BL/6 mice was generated. The IMP3/MEKK1/MEK/ERK signaling axis in CRC was screened and validated by RNA-sequencing, RNA immunoprecipitation, luciferase reporter and western blot assays. Results We find RNA binding protein IMP3 directly bind to MEKK1 mRNA 3′-UTR, which regulates its stability, promote MEKK1 expression and sequentially activates MEK1/ERK signaling. Functionally, IMP3 promote the malignant biological process of CRC cells via MEKK1/MEK1/ERK signaling pathway both in vitro and in vivo, Moreover, IMP3−/− mice show decreased the expression of MEKK1 as well as colorectal tumors compared with wild-type mice after treatment with azoxymethane/dextran sodium sulfate. Clinically, the expression of IMP3 and MEKK1 are positive correlated, and concomitant IMP3 and MEKK1 protein levels negatively correlate with metastasis in CRC patients. In addition, MEK1 inhibitor in combination with shRNA-IMP3 have a synergistic effect both in vitro and in vivo. Conclusion Our study demonstrates that IMP3 regulates MEKK1 in CRC, thus activating the MEK1/ERK signaling in the progression of colorectal cancer, Furthermore, these results provide new insights into potential applications for combining MEK1 inhibitors with other target therapy such as IMP3 in preclinical trials for CRC patients. Supplementary Information The online version contains supplementary material available at 10.1186/s13046-021-01994-8.
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47
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Craig AJ, Garcia-Lezana T, Ruiz de Galarreta M, Villacorta-Martin C, Kozlova EG, Martins-Filho SN, von Felden J, Ahsen ME, Bresnahan E, Hernandez-Meza G, Labgaa I, D’Avola D, Schwartz M, Llovet JM, Sia D, Thung S, Losic B, Lujambio A, Villanueva A. Transcriptomic characterization of cancer-testis antigens identifies MAGEA3 as a driver of tumor progression in hepatocellular carcinoma. PLoS Genet 2021; 17:e1009589. [PMID: 34166362 PMCID: PMC8224860 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pgen.1009589] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/02/2020] [Accepted: 05/07/2021] [Indexed: 01/15/2023] Open
Abstract
Cancer testis antigens (CTAs) are an extensive gene family with a unique expression pattern restricted to germ cells, but aberrantly reactivated in cancer tissues. Studies indicate that the expression (or re-expression) of CTAs within the MAGE-A family is common in hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC). However, no systematic characterization has yet been reported. The aim of this study is to perform a comprehensive profile of CTA de-regulation in HCC and experimentally evaluate the role of MAGEA3 as a driver of HCC progression. The transcriptomic analysis of 44 multi-regionally sampled HCCs from 12 patients identified high intra-tumor heterogeneity of CTAs. In addition, a subset of CTAs was significantly overexpressed in histologically poorly differentiated regions. Further analysis of CTAs in larger patient cohorts revealed high CTA expression related to worse overall survival and several other markers of poor prognosis. Functional analysis of MAGEA3 was performed in human HCC cell lines by gene silencing and in a genetic mouse model by overexpression of MAGEA3 in the liver. Knockdown of MAGEA3 decreased cell proliferation, colony formation and increased apoptosis. MAGEA3 overexpression was associated with more aggressive tumors in vivo. In conclusion MAGEA3 enhances tumor progression and should be considered as a novel therapeutic target in HCC.
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Affiliation(s)
- Amanda J. Craig
- Division of Liver Diseases, Department of Medicine, Liver Cancer Program, Tisch Cancer Institute, Graduate School of Biomedical Sciences, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York City, New York, United States of America
| | - Teresa Garcia-Lezana
- Division of Liver Diseases, Department of Medicine, Liver Cancer Program, Tisch Cancer Institute, Graduate School of Biomedical Sciences, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York City, New York, United States of America
| | - Marina Ruiz de Galarreta
- Division of Liver Diseases, Department of Medicine, Liver Cancer Program, Tisch Cancer Institute, Graduate School of Biomedical Sciences, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York City, New York, United States of America
- Department of Oncological Sciences, The Tisch Cancer Institute, Graduate School of Biomedical Sciences, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York City, New York, United States of America
- Precision Immunology Institute at Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York City, New York, United States of America
| | - Carlos Villacorta-Martin
- Division of Liver Diseases, Department of Medicine, Liver Cancer Program, Tisch Cancer Institute, Graduate School of Biomedical Sciences, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York City, New York, United States of America
| | - Edgar G. Kozlova
- Department of Genetics and Genomic Sciences, Cancer Immunology Program, Tisch Cancer Institute, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York City, New York, United States of America
- Icahn Institute for Data Science and Genomic Technology, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York City, New York, United States of America
| | - Sebastiao N. Martins-Filho
- Division of Liver Diseases, Department of Medicine, Liver Cancer Program, Tisch Cancer Institute, Graduate School of Biomedical Sciences, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York City, New York, United States of America
- Department of Laboratory Medicine and Pathobiology, University Health Network, University of Toronto, Toronto, Canada
| | - Johann von Felden
- Division of Liver Diseases, Department of Medicine, Liver Cancer Program, Tisch Cancer Institute, Graduate School of Biomedical Sciences, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York City, New York, United States of America
- Department of Medicine, University Medical Center Hamburg-Eppendorf, Hamburg, Germany
| | - Mehmet Eren Ahsen
- Department of Genetics and Genomic Sciences, Cancer Immunology Program, Tisch Cancer Institute, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York City, New York, United States of America
| | - Erin Bresnahan
- Division of Liver Diseases, Department of Medicine, Liver Cancer Program, Tisch Cancer Institute, Graduate School of Biomedical Sciences, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York City, New York, United States of America
- Department of Oncological Sciences, The Tisch Cancer Institute, Graduate School of Biomedical Sciences, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York City, New York, United States of America
- Precision Immunology Institute at Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York City, New York, United States of America
| | - Gabriela Hernandez-Meza
- Division of Liver Diseases, Department of Medicine, Liver Cancer Program, Tisch Cancer Institute, Graduate School of Biomedical Sciences, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York City, New York, United States of America
| | - Ismail Labgaa
- Division of Liver Diseases, Department of Medicine, Liver Cancer Program, Tisch Cancer Institute, Graduate School of Biomedical Sciences, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York City, New York, United States of America
- Department of Visceral Surgery, Lausanne University Hospital CHUV, Lausanne, Switzerland
| | - Delia D’Avola
- Division of Liver Diseases, Department of Medicine, Liver Cancer Program, Tisch Cancer Institute, Graduate School of Biomedical Sciences, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York City, New York, United States of America
- Liver Unit and Centro de Investigación Biomédica en Red de Enfermedades Hepáticas y Digestivas (CIBERehd), Clínica Universidad de Navarra, Pamplona, Spain
| | - Myron Schwartz
- Department of Surgery, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York City, New York, United States of America
| | - Josep M. Llovet
- Division of Liver Diseases, Department of Medicine, Liver Cancer Program, Tisch Cancer Institute, Graduate School of Biomedical Sciences, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York City, New York, United States of America
- Translational Research Laboratory, BCLC Group, IDIBAPS, Hospital Clinic, Universitat de Barcelona, Catalonia and Madrid, Spain
- Institució Catalana de Recerca i Estudis Avançats, Barcelona, Catalonia, Spain
| | - Daniela Sia
- Division of Liver Diseases, Department of Medicine, Liver Cancer Program, Tisch Cancer Institute, Graduate School of Biomedical Sciences, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York City, New York, United States of America
| | - Swan Thung
- Department of Pathology, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York City, New York, United States of America
| | - Bojan Losic
- Department of Genetics and Genomic Sciences, Cancer Immunology Program, Tisch Cancer Institute, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York City, New York, United States of America
- Icahn Institute for Data Science and Genomic Technology, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York City, New York, United States of America
- Diabetes, Obesity and Metabolism Institute, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York City, New York, United States of America
| | - Amaia Lujambio
- Division of Liver Diseases, Department of Medicine, Liver Cancer Program, Tisch Cancer Institute, Graduate School of Biomedical Sciences, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York City, New York, United States of America
- Department of Oncological Sciences, The Tisch Cancer Institute, Graduate School of Biomedical Sciences, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York City, New York, United States of America
- Precision Immunology Institute at Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York City, New York, United States of America
| | - Augusto Villanueva
- Division of Liver Diseases, Department of Medicine, Liver Cancer Program, Tisch Cancer Institute, Graduate School of Biomedical Sciences, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York City, New York, United States of America
- Division of Hematology and Medical Oncology, Department of Medicine, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York City, New York, United States of America
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48
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Palomo-Irigoyen M, Pérez-Andrés E, Iruarrizaga-Lejarreta M, Barreira-Manrique A, Tamayo-Caro M, Vila-Vecilla L, Moreno-Cugnon L, Beitia N, Medrano D, Fernández-Ramos D, Lozano JJ, Okawa S, Lavín JL, Martín-Martín N, Sutherland JD, de Juan VG, Gonzalez-Lopez M, Macías-Cámara N, Mosén-Ansorena D, Laraba L, Hanemann CO, Ercolano E, Parkinson DB, Schultz CW, Araúzo-Bravo MJ, Ascensión AM, Gerovska D, Iribar H, Izeta A, Pytel P, Krastel P, Provenzani A, Seneci P, Carrasco RD, Del Sol A, Martinez-Chantar ML, Barrio R, Serra E, Lazaro C, Flanagan AM, Gorospe M, Ratner N, Aransay AM, Carracedo A, Varela-Rey M, Woodhoo A. HuR/ELAVL1 drives malignant peripheral nerve sheath tumor growth and metastasis. J Clin Invest 2021; 130:3848-3864. [PMID: 32315290 PMCID: PMC7324187 DOI: 10.1172/jci130379] [Citation(s) in RCA: 43] [Impact Index Per Article: 10.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/20/2019] [Accepted: 04/14/2020] [Indexed: 12/28/2022] Open
Abstract
Cancer cells can develop a strong addiction to discrete molecular regulators, which control the aberrant gene expression programs that drive and maintain the cancer phenotype. Here, we report the identification of the RNA-binding protein HuR/ELAVL1 as a central oncogenic driver for malignant peripheral nerve sheath tumors (MPNSTs), which are highly aggressive sarcomas that originate from cells of the Schwann cell lineage. HuR was found to be highly elevated and bound to a multitude of cancer-associated transcripts in human MPNST samples. Accordingly, genetic and pharmacological inhibition of HuR had potent cytostatic and cytotoxic effects on tumor growth, and strongly suppressed metastatic capacity in vivo. Importantly, we linked the profound tumorigenic function of HuR to its ability to simultaneously regulate multiple essential oncogenic pathways in MPNST cells, including the Wnt/β-catenin, YAP/TAZ, RB/E2F, and BET pathways, which converge on key transcriptional networks. Given the exceptional dependency of MPNST cells on HuR for survival, proliferation, and dissemination, we propose that HuR represents a promising therapeutic target for MPNST treatment.
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Affiliation(s)
- Marta Palomo-Irigoyen
- Center for Cooperative Research in Biosciences (CIC bioGUNE), Basque Research and Technology Alliance (BRTA), Bizkaia Technology Park, Derio, Spain
| | - Encarni Pérez-Andrés
- Center for Cooperative Research in Biosciences (CIC bioGUNE), Basque Research and Technology Alliance (BRTA), Bizkaia Technology Park, Derio, Spain
| | - Marta Iruarrizaga-Lejarreta
- Center for Cooperative Research in Biosciences (CIC bioGUNE), Basque Research and Technology Alliance (BRTA), Bizkaia Technology Park, Derio, Spain
| | - Adrián Barreira-Manrique
- Center for Cooperative Research in Biosciences (CIC bioGUNE), Basque Research and Technology Alliance (BRTA), Bizkaia Technology Park, Derio, Spain
| | - Miguel Tamayo-Caro
- Center for Cooperative Research in Biosciences (CIC bioGUNE), Basque Research and Technology Alliance (BRTA), Bizkaia Technology Park, Derio, Spain
| | - Laura Vila-Vecilla
- Center for Cooperative Research in Biosciences (CIC bioGUNE), Basque Research and Technology Alliance (BRTA), Bizkaia Technology Park, Derio, Spain
| | - Leire Moreno-Cugnon
- Center for Cooperative Research in Biosciences (CIC bioGUNE), Basque Research and Technology Alliance (BRTA), Bizkaia Technology Park, Derio, Spain
| | - Nagore Beitia
- Center for Cooperative Research in Biosciences (CIC bioGUNE), Basque Research and Technology Alliance (BRTA), Bizkaia Technology Park, Derio, Spain
| | - Daniela Medrano
- Center for Cooperative Research in Biosciences (CIC bioGUNE), Basque Research and Technology Alliance (BRTA), Bizkaia Technology Park, Derio, Spain
| | - David Fernández-Ramos
- Center for Cooperative Research in Biosciences (CIC bioGUNE), Basque Research and Technology Alliance (BRTA), Bizkaia Technology Park, Derio, Spain.,Centro de Investigación Biomédica en Red de Enfermedades Hepáticas y Digestivas (CIBERehd), Instituto de Salud Carlos III, Madrid, Spain
| | - Juan José Lozano
- Bioinformatic Platform, CIBERehd, Instituto de Salud Carlos III, Barcelona, Spain
| | - Satoshi Okawa
- Computational Biology Group, Luxembourg Centre for Systems Biomedicine (LCSB), University of Luxembourg, Belvaux, Luxembourg.,Integrated BioBank of Luxembourg, Dudelange, Luxembourg
| | - José L Lavín
- Center for Cooperative Research in Biosciences (CIC bioGUNE), Basque Research and Technology Alliance (BRTA), Bizkaia Technology Park, Derio, Spain
| | - Natalia Martín-Martín
- Center for Cooperative Research in Biosciences (CIC bioGUNE), Basque Research and Technology Alliance (BRTA), Bizkaia Technology Park, Derio, Spain.,Centro de Investigación Biomédica en Red de Cáncer (CIBERONC), Instituto de Salud Carlos III, Madrid, Spain
| | - James D Sutherland
- Center for Cooperative Research in Biosciences (CIC bioGUNE), Basque Research and Technology Alliance (BRTA), Bizkaia Technology Park, Derio, Spain
| | - Virginia Guitiérez de Juan
- Center for Cooperative Research in Biosciences (CIC bioGUNE), Basque Research and Technology Alliance (BRTA), Bizkaia Technology Park, Derio, Spain.,Centro de Investigación Biomédica en Red de Enfermedades Hepáticas y Digestivas (CIBERehd), Instituto de Salud Carlos III, Madrid, Spain
| | - Monika Gonzalez-Lopez
- Center for Cooperative Research in Biosciences (CIC bioGUNE), Basque Research and Technology Alliance (BRTA), Bizkaia Technology Park, Derio, Spain
| | - Nuria Macías-Cámara
- Center for Cooperative Research in Biosciences (CIC bioGUNE), Basque Research and Technology Alliance (BRTA), Bizkaia Technology Park, Derio, Spain.,Centro de Investigación Biomédica en Red de Enfermedades Hepáticas y Digestivas (CIBERehd), Instituto de Salud Carlos III, Madrid, Spain
| | - David Mosén-Ansorena
- Center for Cooperative Research in Biosciences (CIC bioGUNE), Basque Research and Technology Alliance (BRTA), Bizkaia Technology Park, Derio, Spain
| | - Liyam Laraba
- Institute of Translational and Stratified Medicine, Faculty of Medicine and Dentistry, Plymouth University, Derriford Research Facility, Devon, United Kingdom
| | - C Oliver Hanemann
- Institute of Translational and Stratified Medicine, Faculty of Medicine and Dentistry, Plymouth University, Derriford Research Facility, Devon, United Kingdom
| | - Emanuela Ercolano
- Institute of Translational and Stratified Medicine, Faculty of Medicine and Dentistry, Plymouth University, Derriford Research Facility, Devon, United Kingdom
| | - David B Parkinson
- Institute of Translational and Stratified Medicine, Faculty of Medicine and Dentistry, Plymouth University, Derriford Research Facility, Devon, United Kingdom
| | | | - Marcos J Araúzo-Bravo
- Computational Biology and Systems Biomedicine, Biodonostia Health Research Institute, San Sebastián, Spain.,IKERBASQUE, Basque Foundation for Science, Bilbao, Spain
| | - Alex M Ascensión
- Computational Biology and Systems Biomedicine, Biodonostia Health Research Institute, San Sebastián, Spain
| | - Daniela Gerovska
- Computational Biology and Systems Biomedicine, Biodonostia Health Research Institute, San Sebastián, Spain
| | - Haizea Iribar
- Tissue Engineering Laboratory, Bioengineering Area, Instituto Biodonostia, San Sebastián, Spain
| | - Ander Izeta
- Tissue Engineering Laboratory, Bioengineering Area, Instituto Biodonostia, San Sebastián, Spain
| | - Peter Pytel
- Department of Pathology, University of Chicago, Chicago, Illinois, USA
| | - Philipp Krastel
- Novartis Institutes for Biomedical Research, Basel, Switzerland
| | - Alessandro Provenzani
- Department of Cellular, Computational and Integrative Biology (CIBIO), University of Trento, Trento, Italy
| | | | - Ruben D Carrasco
- Department of Oncologic Pathology, Dana-Farber Cancer Institute, Harvard Medical School, Boston, Massachusetts, USA
| | - Antonio Del Sol
- Center for Cooperative Research in Biosciences (CIC bioGUNE), Basque Research and Technology Alliance (BRTA), Bizkaia Technology Park, Derio, Spain.,Computational Biology Group, Luxembourg Centre for Systems Biomedicine (LCSB), University of Luxembourg, Belvaux, Luxembourg.,IKERBASQUE, Basque Foundation for Science, Bilbao, Spain.,Moscow Institute of Physics and Technology, Dolgoprudny, Russia
| | - María Luz Martinez-Chantar
- Center for Cooperative Research in Biosciences (CIC bioGUNE), Basque Research and Technology Alliance (BRTA), Bizkaia Technology Park, Derio, Spain.,Centro de Investigación Biomédica en Red de Enfermedades Hepáticas y Digestivas (CIBERehd), Instituto de Salud Carlos III, Madrid, Spain
| | - Rosa Barrio
- Center for Cooperative Research in Biosciences (CIC bioGUNE), Basque Research and Technology Alliance (BRTA), Bizkaia Technology Park, Derio, Spain
| | - Eduard Serra
- Centro de Investigación Biomédica en Red de Cáncer (CIBERONC), Instituto de Salud Carlos III, Madrid, Spain.,Hereditary Cancer Group, Institute for Health Science Research Germans Trias I Pujol (IGTP) and Program of Predictive and Personalized Medicine of Cancer (PMPPC), Barcelona, Spain
| | - Conxi Lazaro
- Centro de Investigación Biomédica en Red de Cáncer (CIBERONC), Instituto de Salud Carlos III, Madrid, Spain.,Hereditary Cancer Program, Catalan Institute of Oncology, and.,Program in Molecular Mechanisms and Experimental Therapy in Oncology (Oncobell), Bellvitge Biomedical Research Institute (IDIBELL), Hospitalet de Llobregat, Barcelona, Spain
| | - Adrienne M Flanagan
- Department of Histopathology, Royal National Orthopaedic Hospital NHS Trust, Stanmore, United Kingdom.,UCL Cancer Institute, University College London, London, United Kingdom
| | - Myriam Gorospe
- Laboratory of Genetics and Genomics, National Institute on Aging-Intramural Research Program, NIH, Baltimore, Maryland, USA
| | - Nancy Ratner
- Division of Experimental Hematology and Cancer Biology, Department of Pediatrics, Cincinnati Children's Hospital Medical Center, University of Cincinnati, Cincinnati, Ohio, USA
| | - Ana M Aransay
- Center for Cooperative Research in Biosciences (CIC bioGUNE), Basque Research and Technology Alliance (BRTA), Bizkaia Technology Park, Derio, Spain.,Centro de Investigación Biomédica en Red de Enfermedades Hepáticas y Digestivas (CIBERehd), Instituto de Salud Carlos III, Madrid, Spain
| | - Arkaitz Carracedo
- Center for Cooperative Research in Biosciences (CIC bioGUNE), Basque Research and Technology Alliance (BRTA), Bizkaia Technology Park, Derio, Spain.,Centro de Investigación Biomédica en Red de Cáncer (CIBERONC), Instituto de Salud Carlos III, Madrid, Spain.,IKERBASQUE, Basque Foundation for Science, Bilbao, Spain.,Biochemistry and Molecular Biology Department, University of the Basque Country (UPV/EHU), Bilbao, Spain
| | - Marta Varela-Rey
- Center for Cooperative Research in Biosciences (CIC bioGUNE), Basque Research and Technology Alliance (BRTA), Bizkaia Technology Park, Derio, Spain.,Centro de Investigación Biomédica en Red de Enfermedades Hepáticas y Digestivas (CIBERehd), Instituto de Salud Carlos III, Madrid, Spain
| | - Ashwin Woodhoo
- Center for Cooperative Research in Biosciences (CIC bioGUNE), Basque Research and Technology Alliance (BRTA), Bizkaia Technology Park, Derio, Spain.,IKERBASQUE, Basque Foundation for Science, Bilbao, Spain
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The Role of miRNAs, miRNA Clusters, and isomiRs in Development of Cancer Stem Cell Populations in Colorectal Cancer. Int J Mol Sci 2021; 22:ijms22031424. [PMID: 33572600 PMCID: PMC7867000 DOI: 10.3390/ijms22031424] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/22/2020] [Revised: 01/17/2021] [Accepted: 01/26/2021] [Indexed: 02/07/2023] Open
Abstract
MicroRNAs (miRNAs or miRs) have a critical role in regulating stem cells (SCs) during development and altered expression can cause developmental defects and/or disease. Indeed, aberrant miRNA expression leads to wide-spread transcriptional dysregulation which has been linked to many cancers. Mounting evidence also indicates a role for miRNAs in the development of the cancer SC (CSC) phenotype. Our goal herein is to provide a review of: (i) current research on miRNAs and their targets in colorectal cancer (CRC), and (ii) miRNAs that are differentially expressed in colon CSCs. MicroRNAs can work in clusters or alone when targeting different SC genes to influence CSC phenotype. Accordingly, we discuss the specific miRNA cluster classifications and isomiRs that are predicted to target the ALDH1, CD166, BMI1, LRIG1, and LGR5 SC genes. miR-23b and miR-92A are of particular interest because our previously reported studies on miRNA expression in isolated normal versus malignant human colonic SCs showed that miR-23b and miR-92a are regulators of the LGR5 and LRIG1 SC genes, respectively. We also identify additional miRNAs whose expression inversely correlated with mRNA levels of their target genes and associated with CRC patient survival. Altogether, our deliberation on miRNAs, their clusters, and isomiRs in regulation of SC genes could provide insight into how dysregulation of miRNAs leads to the emergence of different CSC populations and SC overpopulation in CRC.
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50
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Identification of RNA-binding proteins that partner with Lin28a to regulate Dnmt3a expression. Sci Rep 2021; 11:2345. [PMID: 33504840 PMCID: PMC7841167 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-021-81429-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/30/2020] [Accepted: 01/06/2021] [Indexed: 12/28/2022] Open
Abstract
Lin28 is an evolutionary conserved RNA-binding protein that plays important roles during embryonic development and tumorigenesis. It regulates gene expression through two different post-transcriptional mechanisms. The first one is based on the regulation of miRNA biogenesis, in particular that of the let-7 family, whose expression is suppressed by Lin28. Thus, loss of Lin28 leads to the upregulation of mRNAs that are targets of let-7 species. The second mechanism is based on the direct interaction of Lin28 with a large number of mRNAs, which results in the regulation of their translation. This second mechanism remains poorly understood. To address this issue, we purified high molecular weight complexes containing Lin28a in mouse embryonic stem cells (ESCs). Numerous proteins, co-purified with Lin28a, were identified by proteomic procedures and tested for their possible role in Lin28a-dependent regulation of the mRNA encoding DNA methyltransferase 3a (Dnmt3a). The results show that Lin28a activity is dependent on many proteins, including three helicases and four RNA-binding proteins. The suppression of four of these proteins, namely Ddx3x, Hnrnph1, Hnrnpu or Syncrip, interferes with the binding of Lin28a to the Dnmt3a mRNA, thus suggesting that they are part of an oligomeric ribonucleoprotein complex that is necessary for Lin28a activity.
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