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Martucci LF, Eichler RA, Silva RN, Costa TJ, Tostes RC, Busatto GF, Seelaender MC, Duarte AJ, Souza HP, Ferro ES. Intracellular peptides in SARS-CoV-2-infected patients. iScience 2023; 26:107542. [PMID: 37636076 PMCID: PMC10448160 DOI: 10.1016/j.isci.2023.107542] [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: 03/10/2023] [Revised: 05/29/2023] [Accepted: 08/01/2023] [Indexed: 08/29/2023] Open
Abstract
Intracellular peptides (InPeps) generated by the orchestrated action of the proteasome and intracellular peptidases have biological and pharmacological significance. Here, human plasma relative concentration of specific InPeps was compared between 175 patients infected with severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2), and 45 SARS-CoV-2 non-infected patients; 2,466 unique peptides were identified, of which 67% were InPeps. The results revealed differences of a specific group of peptides in human plasma comparing non-infected individuals to patients infected by SARS-CoV-2, following the results of the semi-quantitative analyses by isotope-labeled electrospray mass spectrometry. The protein-protein interactions networks enriched pathways, drawn by genes encoding the proteins from which the peptides originated, revealed the presence of the coronavirus disease/COVID-19 network solely in the group of patients fatally infected by SARS-CoV-2. Thus, modulation of the relative plasma levels of specific InPeps could be employed as a predictive tool for disease outcome.
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Affiliation(s)
- Luiz Felipe Martucci
- Department of Pharmacology, Biomedical Sciences Institute, São Paulo 05508-000, Brazil
| | | | - Renée N.O. Silva
- Department of Pharmacology, Biomedical Sciences Institute, São Paulo 05508-000, Brazil
| | - Tiago J. Costa
- Department of Pharmacology, Ribeirao Preto Medical School, Ribeirão Preto 14049-900, Brazil
| | - Rita C. Tostes
- Department of Pharmacology, Ribeirao Preto Medical School, Ribeirão Preto 14049-900, Brazil
| | - Geraldo F. Busatto
- Department of Psichiatry, Medical School and Hospital das Clínicas, University of São Paulo, 01246-903 SP, Brazil
| | - Marilia C.L. Seelaender
- Department of Surgery, Medical School and Hospital das Clínicas, University of São Paulo, 01246-903 SP, Brazil
| | - Alberto J.S. Duarte
- Department of Patology, Medical School and Hospital das Clínicas, University of São Paulo, 01246-903 SP, Brazil
| | - Heraldo P. Souza
- Department of Internal Medicine, Medical School and Hospital das Clínicas, University of São Paulo, 01246-903 SP, Brazil
| | - Emer S. Ferro
- Department of Pharmacology, Biomedical Sciences Institute, São Paulo 05508-000, Brazil
- Department of Patology, Medical School and Hospital das Clínicas, University of São Paulo, 01246-903 SP, Brazil
- Department of Internal Medicine, Medical School and Hospital das Clínicas, University of São Paulo, 01246-903 SP, Brazil
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Garcia AR, Mendes A, Custódia C, Faria CC, Barata JT, Malhó R, Figueira I, Brito MA. Abrogating Metastatic Properties of Triple-Negative Breast Cancer Cells by EGFR and PI3K Dual Inhibitors. Cancers (Basel) 2023; 15:3973. [PMID: 37568789 PMCID: PMC10416979 DOI: 10.3390/cancers15153973] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/24/2023] [Revised: 07/25/2023] [Accepted: 08/01/2023] [Indexed: 08/13/2023] Open
Abstract
Triple-negative breast cancer (TNBC) is a devastating BC subtype. Its aggressiveness, allied to the lack of well-defined molecular targets, usually culminates in the appearance of metastases that account for poor prognosis, particularly when they develop in the brain. Nevertheless, TNBC has been associated with epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR) overexpression, leading to downstream phosphoinositide 3-kinase (PI3K) signaling activation. We aimed to unravel novel drug candidates for TNBC treatment based on EGFR and/or PI3K inhibition. Using a highly metastatic TNBC cell line with brain tropism (MDA-MB-231 Br4) and a library of 27 drug candidates in silico predicted to inhibit EGFR, PI3K, or EGFR plus PI3K, and to cross the blood-brain barrier, we evaluated the effects on cell viability. The half maximal inhibitory concentration (IC50) of the most cytotoxic ones was established, and cell cycle and death, as well as migration and EGFR pathway intervenient, were further evaluated. Two dual inhibitors emerged as the most promising drugs, with the ability to modulate cell cycle, death, migration and proliferation, morphology, and PI3K/AKT cascade players such as myocyte enhancer factor 2C (MEF2C) and forkhead box P1 (FOXP1). This work revealed EGFR/PI3K dual inhibitors as strong candidates to tackle brain metastatic TNBC cells.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ana Rita Garcia
- Research Institute for Medicines, Faculty of Pharmacy, Universidade de Lisboa, Av. Prof. Gama Pinto, 1649-003 Lisbon, Portugal
- Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences and Medicines, Faculty of Pharmacy, Universidade de Lisboa, Av. Prof. Gama Pinto, 1649-003 Lisbon, Portugal
| | - Avilson Mendes
- Research Institute for Medicines, Faculty of Pharmacy, Universidade de Lisboa, Av. Prof. Gama Pinto, 1649-003 Lisbon, Portugal
- Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences and Medicines, Faculty of Pharmacy, Universidade de Lisboa, Av. Prof. Gama Pinto, 1649-003 Lisbon, Portugal
| | - Carlos Custódia
- Instituto de Medicina Molecular João Lobo Antunes, Faculdade de Medicina, Universidade de Lisboa, Av. Prof. Egas Moniz, 1649-028 Lisbon, Portugal
| | - Cláudia C. Faria
- Instituto de Medicina Molecular João Lobo Antunes, Faculdade de Medicina, Universidade de Lisboa, Av. Prof. Egas Moniz, 1649-028 Lisbon, Portugal
- Department of Neurosurgery, Hospital de Santa Maria, Centro Hospitalar Universitário Lisboa Norte (CHULN), Av. Prof. Egas Moniz, 1649-035 Lisbon, Portugal
| | - João T. Barata
- Instituto de Medicina Molecular João Lobo Antunes, Faculdade de Medicina, Universidade de Lisboa, Av. Prof. Egas Moniz, 1649-028 Lisbon, Portugal
| | - Rui Malhó
- BioISI—Biosystems and Integrative Sciences Institute, Faculty of Sciences, Universidade de Lisboa, Campo Grande, 1746-016 Lisbon, Portugal
| | - Inês Figueira
- Research Institute for Medicines, Faculty of Pharmacy, Universidade de Lisboa, Av. Prof. Gama Pinto, 1649-003 Lisbon, Portugal
- Farm-ID—Faculty of Pharmacy Association for Research and Development, Av. Prof. Gama Pinto, 1649-003 Lisbon, Portugal
| | - Maria Alexandra Brito
- Research Institute for Medicines, Faculty of Pharmacy, Universidade de Lisboa, Av. Prof. Gama Pinto, 1649-003 Lisbon, Portugal
- Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences and Medicines, Faculty of Pharmacy, Universidade de Lisboa, Av. Prof. Gama Pinto, 1649-003 Lisbon, Portugal
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Mazzi Esquinca ME, Correa CN, Marques de Barros G, Montenegro H, Mantovani de Castro L. Multiomic Approach for Bioprospection: Investigation of Toxins and Peptides of Brazilian Sea Anemone Bunodosoma caissarum. Mar Drugs 2023; 21:md21030197. [PMID: 36976246 PMCID: PMC10058367 DOI: 10.3390/md21030197] [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: 02/10/2023] [Revised: 03/16/2023] [Accepted: 03/20/2023] [Indexed: 03/29/2023] Open
Abstract
Sea anemones are sessile invertebrates of the phylum Cnidaria and their survival and evolutive success are highly related to the ability to produce and quickly inoculate venom, with the presence of potent toxins. In this study, a multi-omics approach was applied to characterize the protein composition of the tentacles and mucus of Bunodosoma caissarum, a species of sea anemone from the Brazilian coast. The tentacles transcriptome resulted in 23,444 annotated genes, of which 1% showed similarity with toxins or proteins related to toxin activity. In the proteome analysis, 430 polypeptides were consistently identified: 316 of them were more abundant in the tentacles while 114 were enriched in the mucus. Tentacle proteins were mostly enzymes, followed by DNA- and RNA-associated proteins, while in the mucus most proteins were toxins. In addition, peptidomics allowed the identification of large and small fragments of mature toxins, neuropeptides, and intracellular peptides. In conclusion, integrated omics identified previously unknown or uncharacterized genes in addition to 23 toxin-like proteins of therapeutic potential, improving the understanding of tentacle and mucus composition of sea anemones.
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Affiliation(s)
- Maria Eduarda Mazzi Esquinca
- Department of Biological and Environmental Sciences, Bioscience Institute, Sao Paulo State University (UNESP), Sao Vicente 11330-900, SP, Brazil
| | - Claudia Neves Correa
- Department of Biological and Environmental Sciences, Bioscience Institute, Sao Paulo State University (UNESP), Sao Vicente 11330-900, SP, Brazil
- Biodiversity of Coastal Environments Postgraduate Program, Department of Biological and Environmental Sciences, Bioscience Institute, Sao Paulo State University (UNESP), Sao Vicente 11330-900, SP, Brazil
| | - Gabriel Marques de Barros
- Department of Biological and Environmental Sciences, Bioscience Institute, Sao Paulo State University (UNESP), Sao Vicente 11330-900, SP, Brazil
- Biodiversity of Coastal Environments Postgraduate Program, Department of Biological and Environmental Sciences, Bioscience Institute, Sao Paulo State University (UNESP), Sao Vicente 11330-900, SP, Brazil
| | | | - Leandro Mantovani de Castro
- Department of Biological and Environmental Sciences, Bioscience Institute, Sao Paulo State University (UNESP), Sao Vicente 11330-900, SP, Brazil
- Biodiversity of Coastal Environments Postgraduate Program, Department of Biological and Environmental Sciences, Bioscience Institute, Sao Paulo State University (UNESP), Sao Vicente 11330-900, SP, Brazil
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4
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Mohan AK, M M, Kumar TRS, Kumar GSV. Multi-Layered PLGA-PEI Nanoparticles Functionalized with TKD Peptide for Targeted Delivery of Pep5 to Breast Tumor Cells and Spheroids. Int J Nanomedicine 2022; 17:5581-5600. [PMID: 36444195 PMCID: PMC9700446 DOI: 10.2147/ijn.s376358] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/07/2022] [Accepted: 10/05/2022] [Indexed: 08/26/2023] Open
Abstract
PURPOSE Peptide-based therapy is a promising strategy for cancer treatment because of its low drug resistance. However, the major challenge is their inability to target cancer cells specifically. So, a targeted nano-delivery system that could deliver therapeutic peptides selectively to cancer cells to stimulate their action is highly desirable. This study aims to deliver the antitumor peptide, Pep5, to breast tumor cells selectively using a targeting peptide functionalised multi-layered PLGA-PEI nanoparticles. METHODS In this study, Pep5 entrapped PLGA-PEI (Pep5-PPN) dual layered nanoparticles were developed. These nanoparticles were decorated with TKD (Pep5-TPPN) on their surface for site-specific delivery of Pep5 to breast tumor cells. The particles were then characterized using various instrumental analyses. In vitro cytotoxicity of the particles was evaluated in estrogen receptor positive (ER+ve) and triple negative breast cancer (TNBC) cells. An ex vivo tumor spheroid model was used to analyze the antitumor activity of the particles. RESULTS Uniformly round Pep5-TPPN particles were synthesized with an average diameter of 420.8 ± 14.72 nm. The conjugation of PEI over Pep5-PLGA nanoparticles shifted the zeta potential from -11.6 ± 2.16 mV to +20.01 ± 2.97 mV. In vitro cytotoxicity analysis proved that TKD conjugation to nanoparticles enhanced the antitumor activity of Pep5 in tested breast cancer cells. Pep5-TPPN induced cytoskeletal damage and apoptosis in the tested cells, which showed that the mechanism of action of Pep5 is conserved but potentiated. Active targeting of Pep5 suppressed the tumor growth in ex vivo spheroid models. CONCLUSION A multi-layered nanoparticle functionalized with dual peptide was fabricated for active tumor targeting, which stimulated Pep5 activity to reduce the tumor growth in vitro and ex vivo.
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Affiliation(s)
- Akhil K Mohan
- Nano Drug Delivery Systems (NDDS), Cancer Biology Division, Rajiv Gandhi Centre for Biotechnology, Thiruvananthapuram, Kerala, 695014, India
- Research Centre, Department of Biotechnology, University of Kerala, Thiruvananthapuram, Kerala, India
| | - Minsa M
- Cancer Research Programme-1, Bio-Innovation Center (BIC), Rajiv Gandhi Centre for Biotechnology, Thiruvananthapuram, Kerala, 695014, India
| | - T R Santhosh Kumar
- Cancer Research Programme-1, Bio-Innovation Center (BIC), Rajiv Gandhi Centre for Biotechnology, Thiruvananthapuram, Kerala, 695014, India
| | - G S Vinod Kumar
- Nano Drug Delivery Systems (NDDS), Cancer Biology Division, Rajiv Gandhi Centre for Biotechnology, Thiruvananthapuram, Kerala, 695014, India
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5
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Wang T, Tian L, Cheng Q, Feng S, Zhang H, Zheng Z, Liu Y, Cheng M, Meng Z, Meng Q. Pep5-based antitumor peptides containing multifunctional fragments with enhanced activity and synergistic effect. Eur J Med Chem 2022; 237:114320. [DOI: 10.1016/j.ejmech.2022.114320] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/16/2021] [Revised: 03/14/2022] [Accepted: 03/23/2022] [Indexed: 12/27/2022]
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Ilangala AB, Lechanteur A, Fillet M, Piel G. Therapeutic peptides for chemotherapy: Trends and challenges for advanced delivery systems. Eur J Pharm Biopharm 2021; 167:140-158. [PMID: 34311093 DOI: 10.1016/j.ejpb.2021.07.010] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/28/2021] [Revised: 06/26/2021] [Accepted: 07/16/2021] [Indexed: 01/10/2023]
Abstract
The past decades witnessed an increasing interest in peptides as clinical therapeutics. Rightfully considered as a potential alternative for small molecule therapy, these remarkable pharmaceuticals can be structurally fine-tuned to impact properties such as high target affinity, selectivity, low immunogenicity along with satisfactory tissue penetration. Although physicochemical and pharmacokinetic challenges have mitigated, to some extent, the clinical applications of therapeutic peptides, their potential impact on modern healthcare remains encouraging. According to recent reports, there are more than 400 peptides under clinical trials and 60 were already approved for clinical use. As the demand for efficient and safer therapy became high, especially for cancers, peptides have shown some exciting developments not only due to their potent antiproliferative action but also when used as adjuvant therapies, either to decrease side effects with tumor-targeted therapy or to enhance the activity of anticancer drugs via transbarrier delivery. The first part of the present review gives an insight into challenges related to peptide product development. Both molecular and formulation approaches intended to optimize peptide's pharmaceutical properties are covered, and some of their current issues are highlighted. The second part offers a comprehensive overview of the emerging applications of therapeutic peptides in chemotherapy from bioconjugates to nanovectorized therapeutics.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ange B Ilangala
- Laboratory for the Analysis of Medicines, CIRM, University of Liège, Avenue Hippocrate 15, 4000 Liège, Belgium; Laboratory of Pharmaceutical Technology and Biopharmacy, Nanomedicine Development, CIRM, University of Liège, Avenue Hippocrate 15, 4000 Liège, Belgium.
| | - Anna Lechanteur
- Laboratory of Pharmaceutical Technology and Biopharmacy, Nanomedicine Development, CIRM, University of Liège, Avenue Hippocrate 15, 4000 Liège, Belgium
| | - Marianne Fillet
- Laboratory for the Analysis of Medicines, CIRM, University of Liège, Avenue Hippocrate 15, 4000 Liège, Belgium
| | - Géraldine Piel
- Laboratory of Pharmaceutical Technology and Biopharmacy, Nanomedicine Development, CIRM, University of Liège, Avenue Hippocrate 15, 4000 Liège, Belgium
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7
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Richardson TE, Kumar A, Xing C, Hatanpaa KJ, Walker JM. Overcoming the Odds: Toward a Molecular Profile of Long-Term Survival in Glioblastoma. J Neuropathol Exp Neurol 2021; 79:1031-1037. [PMID: 32954439 DOI: 10.1093/jnen/nlaa102] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/07/2023] Open
Abstract
For over a century, gliomas were characterized solely by histologic features. With the publication of the WHO Classification of Tumours of the Central Nervous System, Revised 4th Edition in 2016, integrated histologic and molecular diagnosis became the norm, providing improved tumor grading and prognosis with IDH1/2 (isocitrate dehydrogenase 1 and 2) mutation being the most significant prognostic feature in all grades of adult diffuse glioma. Since then, much work has been done to identify additional molecular prognostic features, but the bulk of the progress has been made in defining aggressive features in lower grade astrocytoma. Although there have been several large case series of glioblastomas with long-term survival (LTS; overall survival ≥36 months), less is known about the clinical and molecular features of these cases. Herein, we review 19 studies examining LTS glioblastoma patients from 2009 to 2020 that include variable molecular analysis, including 465 cases with survival of 36 months or more (total n = 2328). These studies suggest that while there is no definitive molecular signature of long survival, younger age, IDH mutation, and MGMT (methyl guanine methyl transferase) promoter hypermethylation are associated with longer overall survival, and in IDH-wildtype tumors, chromosome 19/20 co-gain and lack of EGFR amplification, chromosome 7 gain/10 loss, and TERT promoter mutation are associated with LTS.
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Affiliation(s)
- Timothy E Richardson
- Department of Pathology, State University of New York, Upstate Medical University, Syracuse, New York
| | - Ashwani Kumar
- Eugene McDermott Center for Human Growth & Development
| | - Chao Xing
- Eugene McDermott Center for Human Growth & Development.,Department of Bioinformatics and Department of Population and Data Sciences
| | | | - Jamie M Walker
- University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center, Dallas, Texas; and Department of Pathology and Glenn Biggs Institute for Alzheimer's & Neurodegenerative Diseases, University of Texas Health Science Center, San Antonio, Texas
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8
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Heimann AS, Dale CS, Guimarães FS, Reis RAM, Navon A, Shmuelov MA, Rioli V, Gomes I, Devi LL, Ferro ES. Hemopressin as a breakthrough for the cannabinoid field. Neuropharmacology 2021; 183:108406. [PMID: 33212113 PMCID: PMC8609950 DOI: 10.1016/j.neuropharm.2020.108406] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/04/2020] [Revised: 11/06/2020] [Accepted: 11/11/2020] [Indexed: 12/14/2022]
Abstract
Hemopressin (PVNFKFLSH in rats, and PVNFKLLSH in humans and mice), a fragment derived from the α-chain of hemoglobin, was the first peptide described to have type 1 cannabinoid receptor activity. While hemopressin was shown to have inverse agonist/antagonistic activity, extended forms of hemopressin (i.e. RVD-hemopressin, also called pepcan-12) exhibit type 1 and type 2 cannabinoid receptor agonistic/allosteric activity, and recent studies suggest that they can activate intracellular mitochondrial cannabinoid receptors. Therefore, hemopressin and hemopressin-related peptides could have location-specific and biased pharmacological action, which would increase the possibilities for fine-tunning and broadening cannabinoid receptor signal transduction. Consistent with this, hemopressins were shown to play a role in a number of physiological processes including antinociceptive and anti-inflammatory activity, regulation of food intake, learning and memory. The shortest active hemopressin fragment, NFKF, delays the first seizure induced by pilocarpine, and prevents neurodegeneration in an experimental model of autoimmune encephalomyelitis. These functions of hemopressins could be due to engagement of both cannabinoid and non-cannabinoid receptor systems. Self-assembled nanofibrils of hemopressin have pH-sensitive switchable surface-active properties, and show potential as inflammation and cancer targeted drug-delivery systems. Upon disruption of the self-assembled hemopressin nanofibril emulsion, the intrinsic analgesic and anti-inflammatory properties of hemopressin could help bolster the therapeutic effect of anti-inflammatory or anti-cancer formulations. In this article, we briefly review the molecular and behavioral pharmacological properties of hemopressins, and summarize studies on the intricate and unique mode of generation and binding of these peptides to cannabinoid receptors. Thus, the review provides a window into the current status of hemopressins in expanding the repertoire of signaling and activity by the endocannabinoid system, in addition to their new potential for pharmaceutic formulations.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Camila S Dale
- Department of Anatomy, Biomedical Science Institute, University of São Paulo, 05508-000, São Paulo, SP, Brazil
| | - Francisco S Guimarães
- Department of Pharmacology, Ribeirão Preto Medical School, University of São Paulo, 14025-600, Ribeirão Preto, SP, Brazil; Department of Neuroscience and Behavior, Ribeirão Preto Medical School, University of São Paulo, 14025-600, Ribeirão Preto, SP, Brazil
| | - Ricardo A M Reis
- Laboratory of Neurochemistry, Institute of Biophysics Carlos Chagas Filho, Rio de Janeiro, Federal University, 21949-900, Rio de Janeiro, RJ, Brazil
| | - Ami Navon
- Department of Biological Regulation, The Weizmann Institute of Science, Rehovot, 7610001, Israel
| | - Michal A Shmuelov
- Department of Biological Regulation, The Weizmann Institute of Science, Rehovot, 7610001, Israel
| | - Vanessa Rioli
- Special Laboratory of Applied Toxinology (LETA), Center of Toxins, Immune Response and Cell Signaling (CETICS), Butantan Institute, São Paulo, 05503-900, Brazil
| | - Ivone Gomes
- Department of Pharmacological Sciences, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, 10029, New York, NY, United States
| | - Lakshmi L Devi
- Department of Pharmacological Sciences, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, 10029, New York, NY, United States
| | - Emer S Ferro
- Department of Biological Regulation, The Weizmann Institute of Science, Rehovot, 7610001, Israel; Department of Pharmacology, Biomedical Science Institute, University of São Paulo, 05508-000, São Paulo, SP, Brazil.
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Thimet Oligopeptidase Biochemical and Biological Significances: Past, Present, and Future Directions. Biomolecules 2020; 10:biom10091229. [PMID: 32847123 PMCID: PMC7565970 DOI: 10.3390/biom10091229] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/23/2020] [Revised: 08/15/2020] [Accepted: 08/21/2020] [Indexed: 12/14/2022] Open
Abstract
Thimet oligopeptidase (EC 3.4.24.15; EP24.15, THOP1) is a metallopeptidase ubiquitously distributed in mammalian tissues. Beyond its previously well characterized role in major histocompatibility class I (MHC-I) antigen presentation, the recent characterization of the THOP1 C57BL6/N null mice (THOP1−/−) phenotype suggests new key functions for THOP1 in hyperlipidic diet-induced obesity, insulin resistance and non-alcoholic liver steatosis. Distinctive levels of specific intracellular peptides (InPeps), genes and microRNAs were observed when comparing wild type C57BL6/N to THOP1−/− fed either standard or hyperlipidic diets. A possible novel mechanism of action was suggested for InPeps processed by THOP1, which could be modulating protein-protein interactions and microRNA processing, thus affecting the phenotype. Together, research into the biochemical and biomedical significance of THOP1 suggests that degradation by the proteasome is a step in the processing of various proteins, not merely for ending their existence. This allows many functional peptides to be generated by proteasomal degradation in order to, for example, control mRNA translation and the formation of protein complexes.
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10
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Mirchia K, Richardson TE. Beyond IDH-Mutation: Emerging Molecular Diagnostic and Prognostic Features in Adult Diffuse Gliomas. Cancers (Basel) 2020; 12:E1817. [PMID: 32640746 PMCID: PMC7408495 DOI: 10.3390/cancers12071817] [Citation(s) in RCA: 36] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/05/2020] [Revised: 07/03/2020] [Accepted: 07/04/2020] [Indexed: 12/19/2022] Open
Abstract
Diffuse gliomas are among the most common adult central nervous system tumors with an annual incidence of more than 16,000 cases in the United States. Until very recently, the diagnosis of these tumors was based solely on morphologic features, however, with the publication of the WHO Classification of Tumours of the Central Nervous System, revised 4th edition in 2016, certain molecular features are now included in the official diagnostic and grading system. One of the most significant of these changes has been the division of adult astrocytomas into IDH-wildtype and IDH-mutant categories in addition to histologic grade as part of the main-line diagnosis, although a great deal of heterogeneity in the clinical outcome still remains to be explained within these categories. Since then, numerous groups have been working to identify additional biomarkers and prognostic factors in diffuse gliomas to help further stratify these tumors in hopes of producing a more complete grading system, as well as understanding the underlying biology that results in differing outcomes. The field of neuro-oncology is currently in the midst of a "molecular revolution" in which increasing emphasis is being placed on genetic and epigenetic features driving current diagnostic, prognostic, and predictive considerations. In this review, we focus on recent advances in adult diffuse glioma biomarkers and prognostic factors and summarize the state of the field.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kanish Mirchia
- Department of Pathology, State University of New York, Upstate Medical University, Syracuse, NY 13210, USA;
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11
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Pandya P, Isakov N. PICOT promotes T lymphocyte proliferation by down-regulating cyclin D2 expression. World J Immunol 2020; 10:1-12. [DOI: 10.5411/wji.v10.i1.1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/25/2020] [Revised: 05/09/2020] [Accepted: 05/13/2020] [Indexed: 02/06/2023] Open
Abstract
The mammalian protein kinase C-interacting cousin of thioredoxin (PICOT; also termed glutaredoxin 3) is a multi-domain monothiol glutaredoxin that is involved in a wide variety of signaling pathways and biological processes. PICOT is required for normal and transformed cell growth and is critical for embryonic development. Recent studies in T lymphocytes demonstrated that PICOT can translocate to the nucleus and interact with embryonic ectoderm development, a polycomb group protein and a core component of the polycomb repressive complex 2, which contributes to the maintenance of transcriptional repression and chromatin remodeling. Furthermore, PICOT was found to interact with chromatin-bound embryonic ectoderm development and alter the extent of histone 3 lysine 27 trimethylation at the promoter region of selected polycomb repressive complex 2 target genes. PICOT knockdown in Jurkat T cells led to increased histone 3 lysine 27 trimethylation at the promoter region of CCND2, a cell cycle-regulating gene which encodes the cyclin D2 protein. As a result, the expression levels of CCND2 mRNA and protein levels were reduced, concomitantly with inhibition of the cell growth rate. Analysis of multiple data sets from the Cancer Genome Atlas revealed that a high expression of PICOT correlated with a low expression of CCND2 in a large number of human cancers. In addition, this parameter correlated with poor patient survival, suggesting that the ratio between PICOT/CCND2 mRNA levels might serve as a predictor of patient survival in selected types of human cancer.
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Affiliation(s)
- Pinakin Pandya
- The Shraga Segal Department of Microbiology, Immunology and Genetics, Faculty of Health Sciences and the Cancer Research Center, Ben Gurion University of the Negev, Beer Sheva 84105, Israel
- Department of Computational and System biology, UPMC Hillman Cancer Center, University of Pittsburgh, School of Medicine, Pittsburgh, PA 15232, United States
| | - Noah Isakov
- The Shraga Segal Department of Microbiology, Immunology and Genetics, Faculty of Health Sciences and the Cancer Research Center, Ben Gurion University of the Negev, Beer Sheva 84105, Israel
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12
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Russo LC, Farias JO, Forti FL. DUSP3 maintains genomic stability and cell proliferation by modulating NER pathway and cell cycle regulatory proteins. Cell Cycle 2020; 19:1545-1561. [PMID: 32380926 DOI: 10.1080/15384101.2020.1762043] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/08/2023] Open
Abstract
The DUSP3 phosphatase regulates cell cycle, proliferation, apoptosis and senescence of different cell types, lately shown as a mediator of DNA repair processes. This work evaluated the impact of DUSP3 loss of function (lof) on DNA repair-proficient fibroblasts (MRC-5), NER-deficient cell lines (XPA and XPC) and translesion DNA synthesis (TLS)-deficient cells (XPV), after UV-radiation stress. The levels of DNA strand breaks, CPDs and 6-4-PPs have accumulated over time in all cells under DUSP3 lof, with a significant increase in NER-deficient lines. The inefficient repair of these lesions increased sub-G1 population of XPA and XPC cells 24 hours after UV treatment, notably marked by DUSP3 lof, which is associated with a reduced cell population in G1, S and G2/M phases. It was also detected an increase in S and G2/M populations of XPV and MRC-5 cells after UV-radiation exposure, which was slightly attenuated by DUSP3 lof due to a discrete increase in sub-G1 cells. The cell cycle progression was accompanied by changes in the levels of the main Cyclins (A1, B1, D1 or E1), CDKs (1, 2, 4 or 6), and the p21 Cip1 inhibitor, in a DUSP3-dependent manner. DUSP3 lof affected the proliferation of MRC-5 and XPA cells, with marked worsening of the XP phenotype after UV radiation. This work highlights the roles of DUSP3 in DNA repair fitness and in the fine control of regulatory proteins of cell cycle, essential mechanisms to maintenance of genomic stability.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lilian Cristina Russo
- Laboratory of Signaling in Biomolecular Systems, Department of Biochemistry, Institute of Chemistry, University of Sao Paulo , São Paulo-SP, Brazil
| | - Jessica Oliveira Farias
- Laboratory of Signaling in Biomolecular Systems, Department of Biochemistry, Institute of Chemistry, University of Sao Paulo , São Paulo-SP, Brazil
| | - Fabio Luis Forti
- Laboratory of Signaling in Biomolecular Systems, Department of Biochemistry, Institute of Chemistry, University of Sao Paulo , São Paulo-SP, Brazil
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13
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Abstract
Proteasomes are large, multicatalytic protein complexes that cleave cellular proteins into peptides. There are many distinct forms of proteasomes that differ in catalytically active subunits, regulatory subunits, and associated proteins. Proteasome inhibitors are an important class of drugs for the treatment of multiple myeloma and mantle cell lymphoma, and they are being investigated for other diseases. Bortezomib (Velcade) was the first proteasome inhibitor to be approved by the US Food and Drug Administration. Carfilzomib (Kyprolis) and ixazomib (Ninlaro) have recently been approved, and more drugs are in development. While the primary mechanism of action is inhibition of the proteasome, the downstream events that lead to selective cell death are not entirely clear. Proteasome inhibitors have been found to affect protein turnover but at concentrations that are much higher than those achieved clinically, raising the possibility that some of the effects of proteasome inhibitors are mediated by other mechanisms.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lloyd D. Fricker
- Department of Molecular Pharmacology, Albert Einstein College of Medicine, Bronx, New York 10461, USA
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14
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Pep5, a Fragment of Cyclin D2, Shows Antiparasitic Effects in Different Stages of the Trypanosoma cruzi Life Cycle and Blocks Parasite Infectivity. Antimicrob Agents Chemother 2019; 63:AAC.01806-18. [PMID: 30833431 DOI: 10.1128/aac.01806-18] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/24/2018] [Accepted: 02/17/2019] [Indexed: 12/20/2022] Open
Abstract
Pep5 (WELVVLGKL) is a fragment of cyclin D2 that exhibits a 2-fold increase in the S phase of the HeLa cell cycle. When covalently bound to a cell-penetrating peptide (Pep5-cpp), the nonapeptide induces cell death in several tumor cells, including breast cancer and melanoma cells. Additionally, Pep5-cpp reduces the in vivo tumor volume of rat glioblastoma. Chagas disease, which is caused by the flagellated parasite Trypanosoma cruzi, is a neglected disease that occurs mainly in the Americas, where it is considered an important public health issue. Given that there are only two options for treating the disease, it is exceptionally crucial to search for new molecules with potential pharmacological action against the parasites. In this study, we demonstrate that Pep5-cpp induces cell death in epimastigote, trypomastigote, and amastigote forms of T. cruzi The Pep5-cpp peptide was also able to decrease the percentage of infected cells without causing any detectable toxic effects in mammalian host cells. The infective, i.e., trypomastigote form of T. cruzi pretreated with Pep5-cpp was unable to infect LLC-MK2 monkey kidney cells. Also, Pep5-binding proteins were identified by mass spectrometry, including calmodulin-ubiquitin-associated protein, which is related to the virulence and parasitemia of T. cruzi Taken together, these data suggest that Pep5 can be used as a novel alternative for the treatment of Chagas disease.
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15
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de Araujo CB, Heimann AS, Remer RA, Russo LC, Colquhoun A, Forti FL, Ferro ES. Intracellular Peptides in Cell Biology and Pharmacology. Biomolecules 2019; 9:biom9040150. [PMID: 30995799 PMCID: PMC6523763 DOI: 10.3390/biom9040150] [Citation(s) in RCA: 31] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/28/2019] [Revised: 04/02/2019] [Accepted: 04/12/2019] [Indexed: 12/11/2022] Open
Abstract
Intracellular peptides are produced by proteasomes following degradation of nuclear, cytosolic, and mitochondrial proteins, and can be further processed by additional peptidases generating a larger pool of peptides within cells. Thousands of intracellular peptides have been sequenced in plants, yeast, zebrafish, rodents, and in human cells and tissues. Relative levels of intracellular peptides undergo changes in human diseases and also when cells are stimulated, corroborating their biological function. However, only a few intracellular peptides have been pharmacologically characterized and their biological significance and mechanism of action remains elusive. Here, some historical and general aspects on intracellular peptides' biology and pharmacology are presented. Hemopressin and Pep19 are examples of intracellular peptides pharmacologically characterized as inverse agonists to cannabinoid type 1 G-protein coupled receptors (CB1R), and hemopressin fragment NFKF is shown herein to attenuate the symptoms of pilocarpine-induced epileptic seizures. Intracellular peptides EL28 (derived from proteasome 26S protease regulatory subunit 4; Rpt2), PepH (derived from Histone H2B type 1-H), and Pep5 (derived from G1/S-specific cyclin D2) are examples of peptides that function intracellularly. Intracellular peptides are suggested as biological functional molecules, and are also promising prototypes for new drug development.
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Affiliation(s)
- Christiane B de Araujo
- Special Laboratory of Cell Cycle, Center of Toxins, Immune Response and Cell Signaling - CeTICS, Butantan Institute, São Paulo SP 05503-900, Brazil.
| | | | | | - Lilian C Russo
- Department of Biochemistry, Chemistry Institute, University of São Paulo 1111, São Paulo 05508-000, Brazil.
| | - Alison Colquhoun
- Department of Cell and Developmental Biology, University of São Paulo (USP), São Paulo 05508-000, Brazil.
| | - Fábio L Forti
- Department of Biochemistry, Chemistry Institute, University of São Paulo 1111, São Paulo 05508-000, Brazil.
| | - Emer S Ferro
- Department of Pharmacology, Biomedical Sciences Institute, University of São Paulo (USP), São Paulo 05508-000, Brazil.
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16
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Silk fibroin peptide suppresses proliferation and induces apoptosis and cell cycle arrest in human lung cancer cells. Acta Pharmacol Sin 2019; 40:522-529. [PMID: 29921888 DOI: 10.1038/s41401-018-0048-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/10/2017] [Accepted: 05/20/2018] [Indexed: 12/21/2022] Open
Abstract
Silkworm cocoon was recorded to cure carbuncle in the Compendium of Materia Medica. Previous studies have demonstrated that the supplemental silk protein sericin exhibits anticancer activity. In the present study, we investigated the effects of silk fibroin peptide (SFP) extracted from silkworm cocoons against human lung cancer cells in vitro and in vivo and its possible anticancer mechanisms. SFP that we prepared had high content of glycine (~ 30%) and showed a molecular weight of ~ 10 kDa. Intragastric administration of SFP (30 g/kg/d) for 14 days did not affect the weights, vital signs, routine blood indices, and blood biochemical parameters in mice. MTT assay showed that SFP dose-dependently inhibited the growth of human lung cancer A549 and H460 cells in vitro with IC50 values of 9.921 and 9.083 mg/mL, respectively. SFP also dose-dependently suppressed the clonogenic activity of the two cell lines. In lung cancer H460 xenograft mice, intraperitoneal injection of SFP (200 or 500 mg/kg/d) for 40 days significantly suppressed the tumor growth, but did not induce significant changes in the body weight. We further examined the effects of SFP on cell cycle and apoptosis in H460 cells using flow cytometry, which revealed that SFP-induced cell cycle arrest at the S phase, and then promoted cell apoptosis. We demonstrated that SFP (20-50 mg/mL) dose-dependently downregulates Bcl-2 protein expression and upregulates Bax protein in H460 cells during cell apoptosis. The results suggest that SFP should be studied further as a novel therapeutic agent for the treatment of lung cancer.
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17
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Richardson TE, Patel S, Serrano J, Sathe AA, Daoud EV, Oliver D, Maher EA, Madrigales A, Mickey BE, Taxter T, Jour G, White CL, Raisanen JM, Xing C, Snuderl M, Hatanpaa KJ. Genome-Wide Analysis of Glioblastoma Patients with Unexpectedly Long Survival. J Neuropathol Exp Neurol 2019; 78:501-507. [PMID: 31034050 PMCID: PMC9891105 DOI: 10.1093/jnen/nlz025] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/04/2023] Open
Abstract
Glioblastoma (GBM), representing WHO grade IV astrocytoma, is a relatively common primary brain tumor in adults with an exceptionally dismal prognosis. With an incidence rate of over 10 000 cases in the United States annually, the median survival rate ranges from 10-15 months in IDH1/2-wildtype tumors and 24-31 months in IDH1/2-mutant tumors, with further variation depending on factors such as age, MGMT methylation status, and treatment regimen. We present a cohort of 4 patients, aged 37-60 at initial diagnosis, with IDH1-mutant GBMs that were associated with unusually long survival intervals after the initial diagnosis, currently ranging from 90 to 154 months (all still alive). We applied genome-wide profiling with a methylation array (Illumina EPIC Array 850k) and a next-generation sequencing panel to screen for genetic and epigenetic alterations in these tumors. All 4 tumors demonstrated methylation patterns and genomic alterations consistent with GBM. Three out of four cases showed focal amplification of the CCND2 gene or gain of the region on 12p that included CCND2, suggesting that this may be a favorable prognostic factor in GBM. As this study has a limited sample size, further evaluation of patients with similar favorable outcome is warranted to validate these findings.
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Affiliation(s)
- Timothy E Richardson
- Send correspondence to: Timothy E. Richardson, DO, PhD, Department of Pathology, State University of New York, Upstate Medical University, 750 E. Adams St., Syracuse, New York, 13210; E-mail:
| | - Seema Patel
- Department of Pathology, New York University Langone Medical Center, New York City, New York
| | - Jonathan Serrano
- Department of Pathology, New York University Langone Medical Center, New York City, New York
| | - Adwait Amod Sathe
- Eugene McDermott Center for Human Growth & Development, University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center, Dallas, Texas
| | - Elena V Daoud
- Department of Pathology, University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center, Dallas, Texas
| | - Dwight Oliver
- Department of Pathology, University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center, Dallas, Texas
| | - Elizabeth A Maher
- Department of Neurology & Neurotherapeutics, University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center, Dallas, Texas,Department of Internal Medicine, University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center, Dallas, Texas
| | - Alejandra Madrigales
- Department of Neurological Surgery, University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center, Dallas, Texas
| | - Bruce E Mickey
- Department of Neurological Surgery, University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center, Dallas, Texas
| | | | - George Jour
- Department of Pathology, New York University Langone Medical Center, New York City, New York
| | - Charles L White
- Department of Pathology, University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center, Dallas, Texas
| | - Jack M Raisanen
- Department of Pathology, University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center, Dallas, Texas
| | - Chao Xing
- Eugene McDermott Center for Human Growth & Development, University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center, Dallas, Texas,Department of Population and Data Sciences, University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center, Dallas, Texas,Department of Bioinformatics, University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center, Dallas, Texas
| | - Matija Snuderl
- Department of Pathology, New York University Langone Medical Center, New York City, New York
| | - Kimmo J Hatanpaa
- Department of Pathology, University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center, Dallas, Texas
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18
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Gordon EM, Ravicz JR, Liu S, Chawla SP, Hall FL. Cell cycle checkpoint control: The cyclin G1/Mdm2/p53 axis emerges as a strategic target for broad-spectrum cancer gene therapy - A review of molecular mechanisms for oncologists. Mol Clin Oncol 2018; 9:115-134. [PMID: 30101008 PMCID: PMC6083405 DOI: 10.3892/mco.2018.1657] [Citation(s) in RCA: 38] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/16/2018] [Accepted: 06/14/2018] [Indexed: 12/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Basic research in genetics, biochemistry and cell biology has identified the executive enzymes and protein kinase activities that regulate the cell division cycle of all eukaryotic organisms, thereby elucidating the importance of site-specific protein phosphorylation events that govern cell cycle progression. Research in cancer genomics and virology has provided meaningful links to mammalian checkpoint control elements with the characterization of growth-promoting proto-oncogenes encoding c-Myc, Mdm2, cyclins A, D1 and G1, and opposing tumor suppressor proteins, such as p53, pRb, p16INK4A and p21WAF1, which are commonly dysregulated in cancer. While progress has been made in identifying numerous enzymes and molecular interactions associated with cell cycle checkpoint control, the marked complexity, particularly the functional redundancy, of these cell cycle control enzymes in mammalian systems, presents a major challenge in discerning an optimal locus for therapeutic intervention in the clinical management of cancer. Recent advances in genetic engineering, functional genomics and clinical oncology converged in identifying cyclin G1 (CCNG1 gene) as a pivotal component of a commanding cyclin G1/Mdm2/p53 axis and a strategic locus for re-establishing cell cycle control by means of therapeutic gene transfer. The purpose of the present study is to provide a focused review of cycle checkpoint control as a practicum for clinical oncologists with an interest in applied molecular medicine. The aim is to present a unifying model that: i) clarifies the function of cyclin G1 in establishing proliferative competence, overriding p53 checkpoints and advancing cell cycle progression; ii) is supported by studies of inhibitory microRNAs linking CCNG1 expression to the mechanisms of carcinogenesis and viral subversion; and iii) provides a mechanistic basis for understanding the broad-spectrum anticancer activity and single-agent efficacy observed with dominant-negative cyclin G1, whose cytocidal mechanism of action triggers programmed cell death. Clinically, the utility of companion diagnostics for cyclin G1 pathways is anticipated in the staging, prognosis and treatment of cancers, including the potential for rational combinatorial therapies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Erlinda M Gordon
- Cancer Center of Southern California/Sarcoma Oncology Center, Santa Monica, CA 90403, USA.,Aveni Foundation, Santa Monica, CA 90405, USA.,DELTA Next-Gen, LLC, Santa Monica, CA 90405, USA
| | - Joshua R Ravicz
- Cancer Center of Southern California/Sarcoma Oncology Center, Santa Monica, CA 90403, USA
| | - Seiya Liu
- Department of Cell Biology, Harvard University, Cambridge, MA 02138, USA
| | - Sant P Chawla
- Cancer Center of Southern California/Sarcoma Oncology Center, Santa Monica, CA 90403, USA
| | - Frederick L Hall
- Aveni Foundation, Santa Monica, CA 90405, USA.,DELTA Next-Gen, LLC, Santa Monica, CA 90405, USA
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19
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Fang X, Chen C, Xia F, Yu Z, Zhang Y, Zhang F, Gu H, Wan J, Zhang X, Weng W, Zhang CC, Chen GQ, Liang A, Xie L, Zheng J. CD274 promotes cell cycle entry of leukemia-initiating cells through JNK/Cyclin D2 signaling. J Hematol Oncol 2016; 9:124. [PMID: 27855694 PMCID: PMC5114730 DOI: 10.1186/s13045-016-0350-6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/05/2016] [Accepted: 11/03/2016] [Indexed: 12/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Background CD274 (programmed death ligand 1, also known as B7H1) is expressed in both solid tumors and hematologic malignancies and is of critical importance for the escape of tumor cells from immune surveillance by inhibiting T cell function via its receptor, programmed death 1 (PD-1). Increasing evidence indicates that functional monoclonal antibodies of CD274 may potently enhance the antitumor effect in many cancers. However, the role of CD274 in leukemia-initiating cells (LICs) remains largely unknown. Methods We established an MLL-AF9-induced acute myeloid leukemia (AML) model with wild-type (WT) and CD274-null mice to elucidate the role of CD274 in the cell fates of LICs, including self-renewal, differentiation, cell cycle, and apoptosis. RNA sequencing was performed to reveal the potential downstream targets, the results of which were further validated both in vitro and in vivo. Results In silico analysis indicated that CD274 level was inversely correlated with the overall survival of AML patients. In Mac-1+/c-Kit+ mouse LICs, CD274 was expressed at a much higher level than in the normal hematopoietic stem cells (HSCs). The survival of the mice with CD274-null leukemia cells was dramatically extended during the serial transplantation compared with that of their WT counterparts. CD274 deletion led to a significant decrease in LIC frequency and arrest in the G1 phase of the cell cycle. Interestingly, CD274 is not required for the maintenance of HSC pool as shown in our previous study. Mechanistically, we demonstrated that the levels of both phospho-JNK and Cyclin D2 were strikingly downregulated in CD274-null LICs. The overexpression of Cyclin D2 fully rescued the loss of function of CD274. Moreover, CD274 was directly associated with JNK and enhanced the downstream signaling to increase the Cyclin D2 level, promoting leukemia development. Conclusions The surface immune molecule CD274 plays a critical role in the proliferation of LICs. The CD274/JNK/Cyclin D2 pathway promotes the cell cycle entry of LICs, which may serve as a novel therapeutic target for the treatment of leukemia. Electronic supplementary material The online version of this article (doi:10.1186/s13045-016-0350-6) contains supplementary material, which is available to authorized users.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xia Fang
- Department of Hematology, Shanghai Tongji Hospital, Shanghai Tongji University School of Medicine, Shanghai, China; Hongqiao International Institute of Medicine,Shanghai Tongren Hospital, Key Laboratory of Cell Differentiation and Apoptosis of Chinese Ministry of Education, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai, China
| | - Chiqi Chen
- Department of Hematology, Shanghai Tongji Hospital, Shanghai Tongji University School of Medicine, Shanghai, China; Hongqiao International Institute of Medicine,Shanghai Tongren Hospital, Key Laboratory of Cell Differentiation and Apoptosis of Chinese Ministry of Education, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai, China
| | - Fangzhen Xia
- Department of Hematology, Shanghai Tongji Hospital, Shanghai Tongji University School of Medicine, Shanghai, China; Hongqiao International Institute of Medicine,Shanghai Tongren Hospital, Key Laboratory of Cell Differentiation and Apoptosis of Chinese Ministry of Education, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai, China
| | - Zhuo Yu
- Department of Hematology, Shanghai Tongji Hospital, Shanghai Tongji University School of Medicine, Shanghai, China; Hongqiao International Institute of Medicine,Shanghai Tongren Hospital, Key Laboratory of Cell Differentiation and Apoptosis of Chinese Ministry of Education, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai, China
| | - Yaping Zhang
- Department of Hematology, Shanghai Tongji Hospital, Shanghai Tongji University School of Medicine, Shanghai, China; Hongqiao International Institute of Medicine,Shanghai Tongren Hospital, Key Laboratory of Cell Differentiation and Apoptosis of Chinese Ministry of Education, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai, China
| | - Feifei Zhang
- Department of Hematology, Shanghai Tongji Hospital, Shanghai Tongji University School of Medicine, Shanghai, China; Hongqiao International Institute of Medicine,Shanghai Tongren Hospital, Key Laboratory of Cell Differentiation and Apoptosis of Chinese Ministry of Education, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai, China
| | - Hao Gu
- Department of Hematology, Shanghai Tongji Hospital, Shanghai Tongji University School of Medicine, Shanghai, China; Hongqiao International Institute of Medicine,Shanghai Tongren Hospital, Key Laboratory of Cell Differentiation and Apoptosis of Chinese Ministry of Education, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai, China
| | - Jiangbo Wan
- Department of Hematology, Shanghai Xinhua Hospital, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai, China
| | - Xiaocui Zhang
- Department of Hematology, Shanghai Tongji Hospital, Shanghai Tongji University School of Medicine, Shanghai, China; Hongqiao International Institute of Medicine,Shanghai Tongren Hospital, Key Laboratory of Cell Differentiation and Apoptosis of Chinese Ministry of Education, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai, China
| | - Wei Weng
- Department of Hematology, Shanghai Tongji Hospital, Shanghai Tongji University School of Medicine, Shanghai, China; Hongqiao International Institute of Medicine,Shanghai Tongren Hospital, Key Laboratory of Cell Differentiation and Apoptosis of Chinese Ministry of Education, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai, China
| | - Cheng Cheng Zhang
- Departments of Physiology and Developmental Biology, UT Southwestern Medical Center, Dallas, TX, 75390, USA
| | - Guo-Qiang Chen
- Department of Hematology, Shanghai Tongji Hospital, Shanghai Tongji University School of Medicine, Shanghai, China; Hongqiao International Institute of Medicine,Shanghai Tongren Hospital, Key Laboratory of Cell Differentiation and Apoptosis of Chinese Ministry of Education, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai, China
| | - Aibing Liang
- Department of Hematology, Shanghai Tongji Hospital, Shanghai Tongji University School of Medicine, Shanghai, China; Hongqiao International Institute of Medicine,Shanghai Tongren Hospital, Key Laboratory of Cell Differentiation and Apoptosis of Chinese Ministry of Education, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai, China
| | - Li Xie
- Department of Hematology, Shanghai Tongji Hospital, Shanghai Tongji University School of Medicine, Shanghai, China; Hongqiao International Institute of Medicine,Shanghai Tongren Hospital, Key Laboratory of Cell Differentiation and Apoptosis of Chinese Ministry of Education, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai, China
| | - Junke Zheng
- Department of Hematology, Shanghai Tongji Hospital, Shanghai Tongji University School of Medicine, Shanghai, China; Hongqiao International Institute of Medicine,Shanghai Tongren Hospital, Key Laboratory of Cell Differentiation and Apoptosis of Chinese Ministry of Education, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai, China.
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