The two sides of Hippo pathway in cancer

Application of mass cytometry in the immune microenvironment of breast cancer

The rapid development of immunotherapy has shown preliminary clinical efficacy and significant anti-tumor effects in some cancer patients. Although immunotherapy has been approved for breast cancer, some breast cancer patients still do not benefit from it due to issues such as immunotherapy insensitivity and resistance. Mass cytometry, as a mature single-cell proteomic analysis method, with its high-throughput capabilities, has been widely used in the analysis of tumor immune microenvironments and immune cell subpopulations. Using mass cytometry to analyze the immune microenvironment of breast cancer and explore new immunotherapy targets can help improve the current status of breast cancer immunotherapy and develop personalized treatment plans for more patients. This review surveys the recent advancements in analyzing the single-cell components of breast cancer using mass cytometry technology and reviews the immune microenvironment of breast cancer as well as potential targets for immunotherapy. These results provide new insights for the subsequent research of the immune microenvironment of breast cancer and targeted immunotherapy.

Microtubule associated serine/threonine kinase-3 inhibits the malignant phenotype of breast cancer by promoting phosphorylation-mediated ubiquitination degradation of yes-associated protein

BACKGROUND

Microtubule associated series/threonine kinase-3 (MAST3) is a member of microtubule associated serine/threonine kinase family (MAST1-4, MAST-like), and the expression and underlying molecular mechanism of MAST3 in human tumors, including breast cancer, is not yet elucidated.

METHODS

We employed immunohistochemistry to assess the significant expression of MAST3 in breast cancer tissue samples. Additionally, we utilized an overexpression vector and shRNA to bi-directionally regulate MAST3 expression, aiming to observe the impact of MAST3 on the proliferation, migration, and invasion capabilities of breast cancer cells. Furthermore, we employed immunoprecipitation, immunoblotting, luciferase reporter genes and real-time quantitative PCR to investigate the interaction between MAST3 and YAP, as well as the regulatory effects on the expression of Hippo pathway-related target genes.

RESULTS

Low MAST3 expression was observed both in breast cancer cells and tissues, which was significantly associated with advanced tumor T stage, lymph node metastasis, and poor patient prognosis. Functional experiments found that overexpression of MAST3 can gradually inhibit the proliferation and invasion of breast cancer cells, knocking-out MAST3 showed the opposite functional effect. Immunoprecipitation showed that MAST3 interacts with the key effector factor, yes-associated protein (YAP), in the Hippo pathway. The combination of MAST3-YAP promoted the phosphorylation of YAP, which led to its degradation through the ubiquitin-proteasome pathway and reduced nuclear translocation.

CONCLUSIONS

MAST3 was identified as a novel tumor suppressor protein in breast cancer, which directly regulates the expression of YAP through the non-dependent mammalian sterile-20-like (MST)-large tumor suppressor (LATS) classical signaling pathway, providing a theoretical and experimental basis for the development of small-molecule tumor inhibitors in breast cancer.

CDK5 interacts with MST2 and modulates the Hippo signalling pathway

MST2 (STK3) is a major upstream kinase in the Hippo signalling pathway, an evolutionary conserved pathway in regulation of organ size, self-renewal and tissue homeostasis. Its downstream effectors are the transcriptional regulators YAP and TAZ. This pathway is regulated by a variety of factors, such as substrate stiffness or cell-cell contacts. Using a yeast two-hybrid screen, we detected a novel interaction between the kinases MST2 and CDK5, which we further confirmed by co-immunoprecipitation experiments. Cyclin-dependent kinase 5 (CDK5) is an unusual member of the family of cyclin-dependent kinases, involved in tumour growth and angiogenesis. Although a link between CDK5 and Hippo has been previously postulated, the mode of action is still elusive. Here, we show that knockdown of CDK5 causes reduced transcriptional activity of YAP and that CDK5 influences the phosphorylation levels of the Hippo upstream kinase LATS1. Moreover, a phosphoproteomics approach revealed that CDK5 interferes with the phosphorylation of DLG5, another upstream kinase, which regulates the Hippo pathway. Hence, CDK5 seems to act as a signalling hub for integrating the Hippo pathway and other signalling cascades. These interactions might have important implications for the use of CDK5 inhibitors, which are already in clinical use for tumour diseases.

Pharmacological regulators of Hippo pathway: Advances and challenges of drug development

The Hippo signaling pathway is crucial in regulating organ size, tumor progression, tissue regeneration, and bone homeostasis. Inactivation of the Hippo pathway results in the nuclear translocation and activation of YAP/TAZ. This activation not only promotes tumor progression but also enhances tissue regeneration, wound healing, and maintenance of bone stability Although its discovery occurred over two decades ago, developing effective inhibitors or activators for the Hippo pathway remains challenging. Recently, however, the pace of advancements in developing Hippo signaling-related agonists and antagonists has accelerated, with some drugs that target TEAD advancing to clinical trials and showing promise for treating related diseases. This review summarizes the progress in research on Hippo signaling-related agonists and inhibitors, offering an in-depth analysis of their regulatory mechanisms, pharmacological properties, and potential in vivo applications.

USP43 drives cervical carcinoma progression through regulation of the Hippo/TAZ pathway

BACKGROUND

Cervical carcinoma (CC) poses significant health challenges, with its pathogenesis not fully understood. While ubiquitin specific peptidase 43 (USP43) is implicated in various cancers, its role in CC and regulation of the Hippo/Transcriptional Co-Activator With PDZ-Binding Motif (TAZ) pathway remain unexplored. This study examines USP43's impact on CC progression and its interaction with TAZ.

METHODS

USP43 expression levels in CC tissues and cell lines were assessed using reverse transcription real-time polymerase chain reaction (RT-qPCR) and Western blot. The effects of USP43 silencing on cell proliferation, migration, and invasion were evaluated through cell counting Kit-8 (CCK-8), 5-ethynyl-2'deoxyuridine (EdU), colony formation, and transwell assays. Immunofluorescence staining and co-immunoprecipitation (Co-IP) assays were used to explore the interaction between USP43 and TAZ. Polyubiquitination assays were performed to evaluate ubiquitination and stability of TAZ, and cycloheximide (CHX) chase experiments determined the half-life of TAZ. In vivo studies using BALB/c nude mice examined the impact of USP43 knockdown on tumor growth and metastasis.

RESULTS

USP43 was overexpressed in CC tissues and cell lines. Silencing of USP43 reduced cell proliferation, migration, invasion, and the epithelial-mesenchymal transition (EMT) process. Co-IP and ubiquitination assays revealed that USP43 interacted with and stabilized TAZ by inhibiting TAZ ubiquitination. CHX chase experiments confirmed that USP43 prolonged TAZ protein stability. In vivo, USP43 knockdown led to reduced tumor growth and lung metastasis. Overexpression of TAZ reversed the inhibitory effects of USP43 silencing on CC cell proliferation, migration, invasion and EMT CONCLUSION: USP43 promotes CC cell proliferation, migration, invasion, and epithelial-to-mesenchymal transition (EMT) by activating the Hippo/TAZ pathway. These findings enhance our understanding of USP43's role in CC progression and highlight potential therapeutic targets for the treatment of CC.

circTP63-N suppresses the proliferation and metastasis of nasopharyngeal carcinoma via engaging with HSP90AB1 to modulate the YAP1/Hippo signaling pathway

Circular RNAs (circRNAs) play pivotal roles in the development and progression of various diseases, including malignant tumors. However, the biological functions and the underlying mechanisms of many circRNAs remain elusive. In this study, we identified a novel circRNA, circTP63-N, generated through the splicing of exons 2-4 of the TP63 gene in nasopharyngeal carcinoma (NPC). circTP63-N was found to be downregulated in clinical samples of NPC. Both in vitro and in vivo experiments unequivocally demonstrated that circTP63-N inhibits the proliferation and metastasis of NPC cells. Further investigations revealed that circTP63-N interacted with the HSP90AB1 protein, leading to the recruitment of LATS/YAP1 proteins. This, in turn, induced phosphorylation and ubiquitination-dependent degradation of YAP1, resulting in reduced nuclear translocation of YAP1 and inhibition of the transcriptional activation of downstream oncogenic genes, including INHBA, MMP3, and CCNE2. Our findings highlight the identification of circTP63-N, a novel circRNA encoded by an important tumor-relevant gene TP63 and elucidate its molecular mechanism as a tumor suppressor in NPC. These insights offer novel potential molecular markers and therapeutic targets for the clinical diagnosis and treatment of NPC.

HDAC inhibitors modulate Hippo pathway signaling in hormone positive breast cancer

Breast cancer has constantly been the leading causes of death in women, and hormone receptor (HR) positive, HER2 negative is the majority subtype. Histone deacetylase (HDAC) inhibitors (HDACi) have shown clinical benefit in HR ( +) breast cancer patients. The Hippo pathway is an important cellular pathway involving proliferation, cell contact, and cancer. Hippo pathway proteins YAP/TAZ are often viewed as pro-tumorigenic; however, recent studies support a role of YAP as a tumor suppressor in HR ( +) breast cancer. Few studies have investigated the link between HDACi and the Hippo pathway. In our study, we demonstrate that HDACi induces transcriptional downregulation of YAP expression, while conversely activating a TEAD-mediated transcriptional program with upregulation of canonical Hippo pathway genes. We subsequently identified four Hippo canonical genes (CCDC80, GADD45A, F3, and TGFB2) that were upregulated by HDACi and associated with significantly improved survival in a HR ( +) breast cancer cohort. We further validated experimentally that HR ( +) breast cancer cells treated with HDACi resulted in upregulation of CCDC80 and GADD45A. A pan-cancer analysis of TCGA database demonstrated lower CCDC80 and GADD45A expression in tumor tissue compared to non-tumor samples in BRCA (breast cancer), LAML (acute myeloid leukemia), and UCS (uterine carcinosarcoma). Further analysis of HR ( +) breast cancer patients in the METABRIC dataset revealed high CCDC80 and/or GADD45A expression associated with significantly better survival outcomes compared to patients with low expression. Our study provides evidence for a novel mechanism of HDACi clinical activity, as well as a potential role for CCDC80 and GADD45A in HR ( +) breast cancer.

miR-424-5p Promotes Proliferation, Migration and Invasion of Colorectal Cancer Cells via the Targeting TXNIP/Hippo Axi

Background

Aggressive biological behavior leads to unfavorable survival of colorectal cancer (CRC) patients. Dysregulation of TXNIP has been reported to be associated with the occurrence, proliferation and metastasis of malignancies such as liver cancer, lung cancer, kidney cancer, gastric cancer, and pancreatic cancer. MiR-424-5p has been reported as a negative regulator of TXNIP involved in lipopolysaccharide-induced acute kidney injury. And disordered Hippo pathway and YAP/TAZ-TEAD activity are related to tumor progression. The study was designed to clarify the function of miR-424-5p and thioredoxin interacting protein (TXNIP) in the progression of CRC.

Methods

The expression pattern of TXNIP and miR-424-5p was detected by immunohistochemistry, qRT-PCR and/or Western blotting. CCK-8 assays and transwell assays were applied to investigate the effect of TXNIP and miR-424-5p on cell proliferation, invasion and migration. Luciferase reporter assays were used to verify the transcriptional regulation among TXNIP, miR-424-5p and Hippo signaling pathway.

Results

TXNIP was poorly expressed whereas miR-424-5p was highly expressed in CRC tissues and cells. TXNIP overexpression suppressed proliferation, invasion and migration of CRC cells. It also suppressed the malignant behavior of the CRC cells promoted by miR-424-5p. Mechanically, TXNIP overexpression significantly inhibited YAP/TAZ transcriptional activity, and the highly expressed miR-424-5p in CRC targeted TXNIP mRNA.

Conclusion

The study clarify a novel miR-424-5p/TXNIP/Hippo signaling pathway that facilitated CRC cells proliferation, migration and invasion. The above findings suggested that miR-424-5p and TXNIP might serve as the potential therapeutic targets for CRC patients.

ALDOA contributes to colorectal tumorigenesis and metastasis by targeting YAP

Metabolic reprogramming is considered one of the hallmarks of cancer in which cancer cells reprogram some of their metabolic cascades, mostly driven by the specific chemical microenvironment in cancer tissues. The altered metabolic pathways are increasingly being considered as potential targets for cancer therapy. In this view, Aldolase A (ALDOA), a key glycolytic enzyme, has been validated as a candidate oncogene in several cancers. The current study aimed to investigate the role of ALDOA in the initiation and development of colorectal cancer (CRC). In this study, we observed an elevated expression of ALDOA in human CRC tissues and a positive correlation of elevated ALDOA expression with tumor size, invasion depth, LNM, and TNM stage. Kaplan-Meier analysis revealed that elevated ALDOA levels correlated with a poor prognosis in CRC patients with stage I-III, whereas the prognosis tends to be favorable in patients with advanced CRC. In addition, loss of function and gain of function experiments showed that ALDOA promoted CRC cell proliferation and migration in vitro and in vivo. Mechanistically, high ALDOA expression inhibited AMP-activated protein kinase (AMPK) phosphorylation possibly through regulating cellular glycolysis or the formation of v-ATPase-regulator-AXIN/LKB1 complex, which led to Yes-associated protein (YAP) unphosphorylation and enhanced the proliferative and migratory potential of CRC cells. Finally, the positive correlation between ALDOA and YAP signaling was also confirmed in clinical CRC tissues and the public data. Herein, ALDOA was identified to be a new metabolic regulator of YAP that suppresses the activation of AMPK signaling. This could suggest a novel avenue for treating CRC by inhibiting both ALDOA and YAP signaling.

Deubiquitinases as novel therapeutic targets for diseases

Deubiquitinating enzymes (DUBs) regulate substrate ubiquitination by removing ubiquitin or cleaving within ubiquitin chains, thereby maintaining cellular homeostasis. Approximately 100 DUBs in humans counteract E3 ubiquitin ligases, finely balancing ubiquitination and deubiquitination processes to maintain cellular proteostasis and respond to various stimuli and stresses. Given their role in modulating ubiquitination levels of various substrates, DUBs are increasingly linked to human health and disease. Here, we review the DUB family, highlighting their distinctive structural characteristics and chain-type specificities. We show that DUB family members regulate key signaling pathways, such as NF-κB, PI3K/Akt/mTOR, and MAPK, and play crucial roles in tumorigenesis and other diseases (neurodegenerative disorders, cardiovascular diseases, inflammatory disorders, and developmental diseases), making them promising therapeutic targets Our review also discusses the challenges in developing DUB inhibitors and underscores the critical role of the DUBs in cellular signaling and cancer. This comprehensive analysis enhances our understanding of the complex biological functions of the DUBs and underscores their therapeutic potential.

Functional annotation of the Hippo pathway somatic mutations in human cancers

The Hippo pathway is commonly altered in cancer initiation and progression; however, exactly how this pathway becomes dysregulated to promote human cancer development remains unclear. Here we analyze the Hippo somatic mutations in the human cancer genome and functionally annotate their roles in targeting the Hippo pathway. We identify a total of 85 loss-of-function (LOF) missense mutations for Hippo pathway genes and elucidate their underlying mechanisms. Interestingly, we reveal zinc-finger domain as an integral structure for MOB1 function, whose LOF mutations in head and neck cancer promote tumor growth. Moreover, the schwannoma/meningioma-derived NF2 LOF mutations not only inhibit its tumor suppressive function in the Hippo pathway, but also gain an oncogenic role for NF2 by activating the VANGL-JNK pathway. Collectively, our study not only offers a rich somatic mutation resource for investigating the Hippo pathway in human cancers, but also provides a molecular basis for Hippo-based cancer therapy.

Research advances in signaling pathways related to the malignant progression of HSIL to invasive cervical cancer: A review

The progression of high-grade squamous intraepithelial lesion (HSIL) to invasive cervical cancer (ICC) is a complex process involving persistent human papillomavirus (HPV) infection and changes in signal transduction regulation, energy and material metabolism, cell proliferation, autoimmune, and other biological process in vaginal microenvironment and immune microenviroment. Signaling pathways are a series of interacting molecules in cells that regulate various physiological functions of cells, such as growth, differentiation, metabolism, and death. In the progression of HSIL to ICC, abnormal activation or inhibition in signaling pathways plays an essensial role. This review presented some signaling pathways related to the malignant progression of HSIL to ICC, including p53, Rb, PI3K/AKT/mTOR, Wnt/β-catenin, Notch, NF-κB, MAPK, TGF-β, JAK-STAT, Hippo, and Hedgehog. The molecular mechanisms involved in the biological process of pathway regulation were also analyzed, in order to illustrate the molecular pathway of HSIL progression to ICC and provide references for the development of more effective prevention and treatment methods.

Hippo pathway in cancer cells induces NCAM1+αSMA+ fibroblasts to modulate tumor microenvironment

Cancer cells adeptly manipulate the tumor microenvironment (TME) to evade host antitumor immunity. However, the role of cancer cell-intrinsic signaling in shaping the immunosuppressive TME remains unclear. Here, we found that the Hippo pathway in cancer cells orchestrates the TME by influencing the composition of cancer-associated fibroblasts (CAFs). In a 4T1 mouse breast cancer model, Hippo pathway kinases, large tumor suppressor 1 and 2 (LATS1/2), promoted the formation of neural cell adhesion molecule 1 (NCAM1)+alpha-smooth muscle actin (αSMA)+ CAFs expressing the transforming growth factor-β, which is associated with T cell inactivation and dysfunction. Depletion of LATS1/2 in cancer cells resulted in a less immunosuppressive TME, indicated by the reduced proportions of NCAM1+αSMA+ CAFs and dysfunctional T cells. Notably, similar Hippo pathway-induced NCAM1+αSMA+ CAFs were observed in human breast cancer, highlighting the potential of TME-manipulating strategies to reduce immunosuppression in cancer immunotherapy.

Strategies that regulate Hippo signaling pathway for novel anticancer therapeutics

As a highly conserved signaling network across different species, the Hippo pathway is involved in various biological processes. Dysregulation of the Hippo pathway could lead to a wide range of diseases, particularly cancers. Extensive researches have demonstrated the close association between dysregulated Hippo signaling and tumorigenesis as well as tumor progression. Consequently, targeting the Hippo pathway has emerged as a promising strategy for cancer treatment. In fact, there has been an increasing number of reports on small molecules that target the Hippo pathway, exhibiting therapeutic potential as anticancer agents. Importantly, some of Hippo signaling pathway inhibitors have been approved for the clinical trials. In this work, we try to provide an overview of the core components and signal transduction mechanisms of the Hippo signaling pathway. Furthermore, we also analyze the relationship between Hippo signaling pathway and cancers, as well as summarize the small molecules with proven anti-tumor effects in clinical trials or reported in literatures. Additionally, we discuss the anti-tumor potency and structure-activity relationship of the small molecule compounds, providing a valuable insight for further development of anticancer agents against this pathway.

Hitting the target: cell signaling pathways modulation by extracellular vesicles

Extracellular vesicles (EVs) are lipid bilayer-enclosed nanoparticles released outside the cell. EVs have drawn attention not only for their role in cell waste disposal, but also as additional tools for cell-to-cell communication. Their complex contents include not only lipids, but also proteins, nucleic acids (RNA, DNA), and metabolites. A large part of these molecules are involved in mediating or influencing signal transduction in target cells. In multicellular organisms, EVs have been suggested to modulate signals in cells localized either in the neighboring tissue or in distant regions of the body by interacting with the cell surface or by entering the cells via endocytosis or membrane fusion. Most of the EV-modulated cell signaling pathways have drawn considerable attention because they affect morphogenetic signaling pathways, as well as pathways activated by cytokines and growth factors. Therefore, they are implicated in relevant biological processes, such as embryonic development, cancer initiation and spreading, tissue differentiation and repair, and immune response. Furthermore, it has recently emerged that multicellular organisms interact with and receive signals through EVs released by their microbiota as well as by edible plants. This review reports studies investigating EV-mediated signaling in target mammalian cells, with a focus on key pathways for organism development, organ homeostasis, cell differentiation and immune response.

Radiation-induced YAP/TEAD4 binding confers non-small cell lung cancer radioresistance via promoting NRP1 transcription

Despite the importance of radiation therapy as a non-surgical treatment for non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC), radiation resistance has always been a concern, due to poor patient response and prognosis. Therefore, it is crucial to uncover novel targets to enhance radiotherapy and investigate the mechanisms underlying radiation resistance. Previously, we demonstrated that NRP1 was connected to radiation resistance in NSCLC cells. In the present study, bioinformatics analysis of constructed radiation-resistant A549 and H1299 cell models revealed that transcription coactivator YAP is a significant factor in cell proliferation and metastasis. However, there has been no evidence linking YAP and NRP1 to date. In this research, we have observed that YAP contributes to radiation resistance in NSCLC cells by stimulating cell proliferation, migration, and invasion. Mechanistically, YAP dephosphorylation after NSCLC cell radiation. YAP acts as a transcription co-activator by binding to the transcription factor TEAD4, facilitating TEAD4 to bind to the NRP1 promoter region and thereby increasing NRP1 expression. NRP1 has been identified as a new target gene for YAP/TEAD4. Notably, when inhibiting YAP binds to TEAD4, it inhibits NRP1 expression, and Rescue experiments show that YAP/TEAD4 influences NRP1 to regulate cell proliferation, metastasis and leading to radiation resistance generation. According to these results, YAP/TEAD4/NRP1 is a significant mechanism for radioresistance and can be utilized as a target for enhancing radiotherapy efficacy.

Prognostic role of TEAD4 in TNBC: in-silico inhibition of the TEAD4-YAP interaction by flufenamic acid analogs

Triple-negative breast cancer (TNBC) poses a significant global health challenge due to its highly aggressive nature and invasive characteristics. Dysregulation of the Hippo pathway, a key regulator of various biological processes, is observed in TNBC, and its inhibition holds promise for impeding cancer growth. This in-silico analysis investigates the role of Transcriptional Enhanced Associate Domain 4 (TEAD4) in TNBC and its interaction with Yes Associated Protein (YAP) in cancer progression. Our results demonstrate that TEAD4 upregulation is linked to poor prognosis in TNBC, emphasizing its critical role in the disease. Moreover, we identify CID44521006, an analog of Flufenamic acid, as a potential therapeutic compound capable of disrupting the TEAD4-YAP interaction by binding to the YAP-binding domain of TEAD4. These findings underscore the significance of TEAD4 in TNBC and propose CID44521006 as a promising candidate for therapeutic intervention. The study contributes valuable insights to advance treatment options for TNBC, offering a potential avenue for the development of targeted therapies against this aggressive form of breast cancer.

Graphical Abstract

Supplementary Information

The online version contains supplementary material available at 10.1007/s40203-024-00239-8.

Inhibition of ABI2 ubiquitination-dependent degradation suppresses TNBC cell growth via down-regulating PI3K/Akt signaling pathway

Triple negative breast cancer (TNBC) is a type of cancer that lacks receptor expression and has complex molecular mechanisms. Recent evidence shows that the ubiquitin-protease system is closely related to TNBC. In this study, we obtain a key ubiquitination regulatory substrate-ABI2 protein by bioinformatics methods, which is also closely related to the survival and prognosis of TNBC. Further, through a series of experiments, we demonstrated that ABI2 expressed at a low level in TNBC tumors, and it has the ability to control cell cycle and inhibit TNBC cell migration, invasion and proliferation. Molecular mechanism studies proved E3 ligase CBLC could increase the ubiquitination degradation of ABI2 protein. Meanwhile, RNA-seq and IP experiments indicated that ABI2, acting as a crucial factor of tumor suppression, can significantly inhibit PI3K/Akt signaling pathway via the interaction with Rho GTPase RAC1. Finally, based on TNBC drug target ABI2, we screened and found that FDA-approved drug Colistimethate sodium(CS) has significant potential in suppressing the proliferation of TNBC cells and inducing cell apoptosis, making it a promising candidate for impeding the progression of TNBC.

Neurofibromin 2 modulates Mammalian Ste2-like kinases1/2 and large tumor suppressor gene1 expression in A549 lung cancer cell line

AIM

To explore the impact of up- or down-regulation of Neurofibromin 2 (NF2) on the expression of downstream Hippo pathway genes, large tumor suppressor gene1 (LATS1), and phosphorylation of Mammalian Ste2-like kinases1/2 (MST1/2), in lung cancer cells.

METHODS

A549 lung cancer cells were used. The NF2 was down-regulated by si-RNA interference and upregulated by lentiviral vector mediated overexpression. The LATS1 and MST1/2 expressions were evaluated by real-time PCR and western blot.

RESULTS

Down-regulation of NF2 decreased LATS1 and MST1/2 level (P<0.05). Overexpression of NF2 increased LATS1 (P<0.05) and Mammalian Ste2-like kinases1 (MST1) (P<0.05), suggesting LATS1 and MST1 are modulated by NF2 in a lung cancer cell line.

CONCLUSIONS

NF2 mediates the downstream LATS1 and MST1/2 expressions in a lung cancer cell line.

The RNF214-TEAD-YAP signaling axis promotes hepatocellular carcinoma progression via TEAD ubiquitylation

RNF214 is an understudied ubiquitin ligase with little knowledge of its biological functions or protein substrates. Here we show that the TEAD transcription factors in the Hippo pathway are substrates of RNF214. RNF214 induces non-proteolytic ubiquitylation at a conserved lysine residue of TEADs, enhances interactions between TEADs and YAP, and promotes transactivation of the downstream genes of the Hippo signaling. Moreover, YAP and TAZ could bind polyubiquitin chains, implying the underlying mechanisms by which RNF214 regulates the Hippo pathway. Furthermore, RNF214 is overexpressed in hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) and inversely correlates with differentiation status and patient survival. Consistently, RNF214 promotes tumor cell proliferation, migration, and invasion, and HCC tumorigenesis in mice. Collectively, our data reveal RNF214 as a critical component in the Hippo pathway by forming a signaling axis of RNF214-TEAD-YAP and suggest that RNF214 is an oncogene of HCC and could be a potential drug target of HCC therapy.

The Hippo pathway terminal effector TAZ/WWTR1 mediates oxaliplatin sensitivity in p53 proficient colon cancer cells

YAP and TAZ, the Hippo pathway terminal transcriptional activators, are frequently upregulated in cancers. In tumor cells, they have been mainly associated with increased tumorigenesis controlling different aspects from cell cycle regulation, stemness, or resistance to chemotherapies. In fewer cases, they have also been shown to oppose cancer progression, including by promoting cell death through the action of the p73/YAP transcriptional complex, in particular after chemotherapeutic drug exposure. Using HCT116 cells, we show here that oxaliplatin treatment led to core Hippo pathway down-regulation and nuclear accumulation of TAZ. We further show that TAZ was required for the increased sensitivity of HCT116 cells to oxaliplatin, an effect that appeared independent of p73, but which required the nuclear relocalization of TAZ. Accordingly, Verteporfin and CA3, two drugs affecting the activity of YAP and TAZ, showed antagonistic effects with oxaliplatin in co-treatments. Importantly, using several colorectal cell lines, we show that the sensitizing action of TAZ to oxaliplatin is dependent on the p53 status of the cells. Our results support thus an early action of TAZ to sensitize cells to oxaliplatin, consistent with a model in which nuclear TAZ in the context of DNA damage and p53 activity pushes cells towards apoptosis.

Natural compounds targeting YAP/TAZ axis in cancer: Current state of art and challenges

Cancer has become a burgeoning global healthcare concern marked by its exponential growth and significant economic ramifications. Though advancements in the treatment modalities have increased the overall survival and quality of life, there are no definite treatments for the advanced stages of this malady. Hence, understanding the diseases etiologies and the underlying molecular complexities, will usher in the development of innovative therapeutics. Recently, YAP/TAZ transcriptional regulation has been of immense interest due to their role in development, tissue homeostasis and oncogenic transformations. YAP/TAZ axis functions as coactivators within the Hippo signaling cascade, exerting pivotal influence on processes such as proliferation, regeneration, development, and tissue renewal. In cancer, YAP is overexpressed in multiple tumor types and is associated with cancer stem cell attributes, chemoresistance, and metastasis. Activation of YAP/TAZ mirrors the cellular "social" behavior, encompassing factors such as cell adhesion and the mechanical signals transmitted to the cell from tissue structure and the surrounding extracellular matrix. Therefore, it presents a significant vulnerability in the clogs of tumors that could provide a wide window of therapeutic effectiveness. Natural compounds have been utilized extensively as successful interventions in the management of diverse chronic illnesses, including cancer. Owing to their capacity to influence multiple genes and pathways, natural compounds exhibit significant potential either as adjuvant therapy or in combination with conventional treatment options. In this review, we delineate the signaling nexus of YAP/TAZ axis, and present natural compounds as an alternate strategy to target cancer.

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

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

Oncolytic Newcastle disease virus induced degradation of YAP through E3 ubiquitin ligase PRKN to exacerbate ferroptosis in tumor cells

Ferroptosis, a form of programmed cell death characterized by iron-dependent lipid peroxidation, has recently gained considerable attention in the field of cancer therapy. There is significant crosstalk between ferroptosis and several classical signaling pathways, such as the Hippo pathway, which suppresses abnormal growth and is frequently aberrant in tumor tissues. Yes-associated protein 1 (YAP), the core effector molecule of the Hippo pathway, is abnormally expressed and activated in a variety of malignant tumor tissues. We previously proved that the oncolytic Newcastle disease virus (NDV) activated ferroptosis to kill tumor cells. NDV has been used in tumor therapy; however, its oncolytic mechanism is not completely understood. In this study, we demonstrated that NDV exacerbated ferroptosis in tumor cells by inducing ubiquitin-mediated degradation of YAP at Lys90 through E3 ubiquitin ligase parkin (PRKN). Blocking YAP degradation suppressed NDV-induced ferroptosis by suppressing the expression of Zrt/Irt-like protein 14 (ZIP14), a metal ion transporter that regulates iron uptake. These findings demonstrate that NDV exacerbated ferroptosis in tumor cells by inducing YAP degradation. Our study provides new insights into the mechanism of NDV-induced ferroptosis and highlights the critical role that oncolytic viruses play in the treatment of drug-resistant cancers.IMPORTANCEThe oncolytic Newcastle disease virus (NDV) is being developed for use in cancer treatment; however, its oncolytic mechanism is still not completely understood. The Hippo pathway, which is a tumor suppressor pathway, is frequently dysregulated in tumor tissues due to aberrant yes-associated protein 1 (YAP) activation. In this study, we have demonstrated that NDV degrades YAP to induce ferroptosis and promote virus replication in tumor cells. Notably, NDV was found to induce ubiquitin-mediated degradation of YAP at Lys90 through E3 ubiquitin ligase parkin (PRKN). Our study reveals a new mechanism by which NDV induces ferroptosis and provides new insights into NDV as an oncolytic agent for cancer treatment.

GALNT2 targeted by miR-139-5p promotes proliferation of clear cell renal cell carcinoma via inhibition of LATS2 activation

Polypeptide N-Acetylgalactosaminyltransferase (GALNTs) are critical enzymes that initiate mucin type-O glycosylation, and are closely associated with the occurrence and development of multiple cancers. However, the significance of GALNT2 in clear cell renal cell carcinoma (ccRCC) progression remains largely undetermined. Based on public multi-omics analysis, GALNT2 was strongly elevated in ccRCC versus adjoining nontumor tissues, and it displayed a relationship with poor overall survival (OS) of ccRCC patients. In addition, GALNT2 over-expression accelerated proliferation of renal cancer cell (RCC) lines. In contrast, GALNT2 knockdown using shRNAs suppressed cell proliferation, and this was rescued by LATS2 knockdown. Similarly, GALNT2 deficiency enhanced p-LATS2/LATS2 expression. LATS2 is activated by phosphorylation (p-LATS2) and, in turn, phosphorylate the downstream substrate protein YAP. Phosphorylated YAP (p-YAP) stimulated its degradation and cytoplasmic retention, as it was unable to translocate to the nucleus. This resulted in reduced cell proliferation. Subsequently, we explored the upstream miRNAs of GALNT2. Using dual luciferase reporter assay, we revealed that miR-139-5p interacted with the 3' UTR of GALNT2. Low miR-139-5p expression was associated with worse ccRCC patient outcome. Based on our experiments, miR-139-5p overexpression inhibited RCC proliferation, and this phenotype was rescued by GALNT2 overexpression. Given these evidences, the miR-139-5p-GALNT2-LATS2 axis is critical for RCC proliferation, and it is an excellent candidate for a new therapeutic target in ccRCC.

Oncoprotein SET-associated transcription factor ZBTB11 triggers lung cancer metastasis

Metastasis is the major cause of lung cancer-related death, but the mechanisms governing lung tumor metastasis remain incompletely elucidated. SE translocation (SET) is overexpressed in lung tumors and correlates with unfavorable prognosis. Here we uncover SET-associated transcription factor, zinc finger and BTB domain-containing protein 11 (ZBTB11), as a prometastatic regulator in lung tumors. SET interacts and collaborates with ZBTB11 to promote lung cancer cell migration and invasion, primarily through SET-ZBTB11 complex-mediated transcriptional activation of matrix metalloproteinase-9 (MMP9). Additionally, by transcriptional repression of proline-rich Gla protein 2 (PRRG2), ZBTB11 links Yes-associated protein 1 (YAP1) activation to drive lung tumor metastasis independently of SET-ZBTB11 complex. Loss of ZBTB11 suppresses distal metastasis in a lung tumor mouse model. Overexpression of ZBTB11 is recapitulated in human metastatic lung tumors and correlates with diminished survival. Our study demonstrates ZBTB11 as a key metastatic regulator and reveals diverse mechanisms by which ZBTB11 modulates lung tumor metastasis.

CYLD regulates cell ferroptosis through Hippo/YAP signaling in prostate cancer progression

Prostate cancer (PCa) is one of the most common malignancy in men. However, the molecular mechanism of its pathogenesis has not yet been elucidated. In this study, we demonstrated that CYLD, a novel deubiquitinating enzyme, impeded PCa development and progression via tumor suppression. First, we found that CYLD was downregulated in PCa tissues, and its expression was inversely correlated with pathological grade and clinical stage. Moreover, we discovered that CYLD inhibited tumor cell proliferation and enhanced the sensitivity to cell ferroptosis in PCa in vitro and in vivo, respectively. Mechanistically, we demonstrated that CYLD suppressed the ubiquitination of YAP protein, then promoted ACSL4 and TFRC mRNA transcription. Then, we demonstrated that CYLD could enhance the sensitivity of PCa xenografts to ferroptosis in vivo. Furthermore, we discovered for the first time that there was a positive correlation between CYLD expression and ACSL4 or TFRC expression in human PCa specimens. The results of this study suggested that CYLD acted as a tumor suppressor gene in PCa and promoted cell ferroptosis through Hippo/YAP signaling.

GPR137 inactivates Hippo signaling to promote gastric cancer cell malignancy

As the fifth most common cancer in the world, gastric cancer (GC) ranks as the third major cause of cancer-related death globally. Although surgical resection and chemotherapy still remains the mainstay of potentially curative treatment for GC, chemotherapy resistance and adverse side effects limit their clinical applications. Thus, further investigation of the mechanisms of carcinogenesis in GC and discovery of novel biomarkers is of great concern. We herein report that the elevated expression of GPR137 is correlated with GC. Overexpression of GPR137 potentiates human gastric cancer AGS cell malignancy, including proliferation, migration, invasion, colony formation and xenograft growth in nude mice in vivo, whereas knockout of GPR137 by CRISPR/Cas9 gene editing exerts the opposite effects. Mechanistically, GPR137 could bind to MST, the upstream kinases in Hippo pathway, which disrupts the association of MST with LATS, subsequently activating the transcriptional co-activators, YAP and TAZ, and thereby triggering the target transcription and the alterations in GC cell biological actions consequently. Therefore, our findings may provide with the evidence of developing a potentially novel treatment method with specific target for GC.

(S)-10-Hydroxycamptothecin Inhibits EMT-evoked Osteosarcoma Cell Growth and Metastasis by Activating the HIPPO Signaling Pathway

BACKGROUND

Osteosarcoma is the most common primary bone cancer in children and adolescents with high metastatic ability.

AIM

This study aimed to explore the inhibitory effects of (S)-10-hydroxycamptothecin (HCPT) on osteosarcoma cell growth and metastasis as well as the underlying mechanism.

METHODS

The osteosarcoma cells of 143B and U-2 OS (U-2), treated with HCPT (20, 100, or 300 nM), underwent detections, such as CCK-8, flow cytometry, Transwell, wound healing, and immunoblotting. EMT-related key proteins, like N-cadherin, Snail, and Vimentin, were found to be down-regulated, while E-cadherin was up-regulated dose-dependently in HCPT-exposed 143B and U-2 cells. Additionally, incubation of 143B and U-2 cells with HCPT for 3 hours dosedependently reduced the expression ratios of p-LATS1/LATS1, p-MST1/MST1, p-YAP/YAP, and p-TAZ/TAZ.

RESULTS

Taken together, our study has demonstrated HCPT to inhibit osteosarcoma growth and metastasis potentially by activating the HIPPO signaling pathway and reversing EMT.

CONCLUSION

HCPT might be a candidate agent for the prevention and treatment of osteosarcoma.

Expanding the ubiquitin code in pancreatic cancer

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

New Insights into YAP/TAZ-TEAD-Mediated Gene Regulation and Biological Processes in Cancer

The Hippo pathway is conserved across species. Key mammalian Hippo pathway kinases, including MST1/2 and LATS1/2, inhibit cellular growth by inactivating the TEAD coactivators, YAP, and TAZ. Extensive research has illuminated the roles of Hippo signaling in cancer, development, and regeneration. Notably, dysregulation of Hippo pathway components not only contributes to tumor growth and metastasis, but also renders tumors resistant to therapies. This review delves into recent research on YAP/TAZ-TEAD-mediated gene regulation and biological processes in cancer. We focus on several key areas: newly identified molecular patterns of YAP/TAZ activation, emerging mechanisms that contribute to metastasis and cancer therapy resistance, unexpected roles in tumor suppression, and advances in therapeutic strategies targeting this pathway. Moreover, we provide an updated view of YAP/TAZ's biological functions, discuss ongoing controversies, and offer perspectives on specific debated topics in this rapidly evolving field.

The HPV8 E6 protein targets the Hippo and Wnt signaling pathways as part of its arsenal to restrain keratinocyte differentiation

IMPORTANCE

Human papillomaviruses (HPVs) infect basal epithelial cells and cause a dramatic expansion of basal-like, proliferative cells. This reflects the ability of papillomaviruses to delay keratinocyte differentiation, thereby maintaining aspects of the basal cell identity of persistently infected cells. This may enable papillomaviruses to establish and maintain long-term infections in squamous epithelial tissues. Previous work has revealed that the ability of β-HPV8 E6 protein to inhibit Notch and transforming growth factor β signaling importantly contributes to this activity. Here, we present evidence that HPV8 E6 also subverts Hippo and Wnt signaling and that these activities also aid in restraining keratinocyte differentiation.

Ca2+ signaling and the Hippo pathway: Intersections in cellular regulation

The Hippo signaling pathway is a master regulator of organ size and tissue homeostasis. Hippo integrates a broad range of cellular signals to regulate numerous processes, such as cell proliferation, differentiation, migration and mechanosensation. Ca2+ is a fundamental second messenger that modulates signaling cascades involved in diverse cellular functions, some of which are also regulated by the Hippo pathway. Studies published over the last five years indicate that Ca2+ can influence core Hippo pathway components. Nevertheless, comprehensive understanding of the crosstalk between Ca2+ signaling and the Hippo pathway, and possible mechanisms through which Ca2+ regulates Hippo, remain to be elucidated. In this review, we summarize the multiple intersections between Ca2+ and the Hippo pathway and address the biological consequences.

Carcinogenesis promotion in oral squamous cell carcinoma: KDM4A complex-mediated gene transcriptional suppression by LEF1

Oral squamous cell carcinoma (OSCC) is the most prevalent cancer of the mouth, characterised by rapid progression and poor prognosis. Hence, an urgent need exists for the development of predictive targets for early diagnosis, prognosis determination, and clinical therapy. Dysregulation of lymphoid enhancer-binding factor 1 (LEF1), an important transcription factor involved in the Wnt-β-catenin pathway, contributes to the poor prognosis of OSCC. Herein, we aimed to explore the correlation between LEF1 and histone lysine demethylase 4 A (KDM4A). Results show that the KDM4A complex is recruited by LEF1 and specifically binds the LATS2 promoter region, thereby inhibiting its expression, and consequently promoting cell proliferation and impeding apoptosis in OSCC. We also established NOD/SCID mouse xenograft models using CAL-27 cells to conduct an in vivo analysis of the roles of LEF1 and KDM4A in tumour growth, and our findings show that cells stably suppressing LEF1 or KDM4A have markedly decreased tumour-initiating capacity. Overall, the results of this study demonstrate that LEF1 plays a pivotal role in OSCC development and has potential to serve as a target for early diagnosis and treatment of OSCC.

MAP4Ks inhibition promotes retinal neuron regeneration from Müller glia in adult mice

Mammalian Müller glia (MG) possess limited regenerative capacities. However, the intrinsic capacity of mammalian MG to transdifferentiate to generate mature neurons without transgenic manipulations remains speculative. Here we show that MAP4K4, MAP4K6 and MAP4K7, which are conserved Misshapen subfamily of ste20 kinases homologs, repress YAP activity in mammalian MG and therefore restrict their ability to be reprogrammed. However, by treating with a small molecule inhibitor of MAP4K4/6/7, mouse MG regain their ability to proliferate and enter into a retinal progenitor cell (RPC)-like state after NMDA-induced retinal damage; such plasticity was lost in YAP knockout MG. Moreover, spontaneous trans-differentiation of MG into retinal neurons expressing both amacrine and retinal ganglion cell (RGC) markers occurs after inhibitor withdrawal. Taken together, these findings suggest that MAP4Ks block the reprogramming capacity of MG in a YAP-dependent manner in adult mammals, which provides a novel avenue for the pharmaceutical induction of retinal regeneration in vivo.

The relationship between the Hippo signaling pathway and bone metastasis of breast cancer

Bone is the most common site of metastasis from breast cancer, which is the most prevalent cancer affecting women globally. Bone metastasis from breast cancer severely affects the quality of life of patients and increases mortality. The molecular mechanisms of metastasis, colonization, and proliferation of breast cancer cells in bone are complex and involve the interaction between breast cancer cells and the bone microenvironment. However, the precise mechanism is not clear at present. In recent years, the Hippo signaling pathway has attracted much attention due to its important role in regulating the expression of major effector molecules during tumor development. In particular, studies have found that the mutation and aberrant expression of the core components of the Hippo signaling pathway affect breast cancer cell migration and invasion, indicating that this pathway plays a role in bone metastasis, although the molecular mechanism of this pathway in breast cancer metastasis has not been fully elucidated. In this review, we discuss the function of the Hippo signaling pathway, introducing its role in breast cancer metastasis, especially bone metastasis of breast cancer, so as to lay a solid theoretical foundation for further research and for the development of effective targeted therapeutic agents.

miRNA deregulation and relationship with metabolic parameters after Mediterranean dietary intervention in BRCA-mutated women

Background

Breast cancer onset is determined by a genetics-environment interaction. BRCA1/2 gene alterations are often genetically shared in familial context, but also food intake and hormonal assessment seem to influence the lifetime risk of developing this neoplasia. We previously showed the relationship between a six-months Mediterranean dietary intervention and insulin, glucose and estradiol levels in BRCA1/2 carrier subjects. The aim of the present study was to evidence the eventual influence of this dietary intervention on the relationship between circulating miRNA expression and metabolic parameters in presence of BRCA1/2 loss of function variants.

Methods

Plasma samples of BRCA-women have been collected at the baseline and at the end of the dietary intervention. Moreover, subjects have been randomized in two groups: dietary intervention and placebo. miRNA profiling and subsequent ddPCR validation have been performed in all the subjects at both time points.

Results

ddPCR analysis confirmed that five (miR-185-5p, miR-498, miR-3910, miR-4423 and miR-4445) of seven miRNAs, deregulated in the training cohort, were significantly up-regulated in subjects after dietary intervention compared with the baseline measurement. Interestingly, when we focused on variation of miRNA levels in the two timepoints, it could be observed that miR-4423, miR-4445 and miR-3910 expressions are positively correlated with variation in vitaminD level; whilst miR-185-5p difference in expression is related to HDL cholesterol variation.

Conclusions

We highlighted the synergistic effect of a healthy lifestyle and epigenetic regulation in BC through the modulation of specific miRNAs. Different miRNAs have been reported involved in the tumor onset acting as tumor suppressors by targeting tumor-associated genes that are often downregulated.

Tumor Microenvironmental Cytokines Drive NSCLC Cell Aggressiveness and Drug-Resistance via YAP-Mediated Autophagy

Dynamic reciprocity between cellular components of the tumor microenvironment and tumor cells occurs primarily through the interaction of soluble signals, i.e., cytokines produced by stromal cells to support cancer initiation and progression by regulating cell survival, differentiation and immune cell functionality, as well as cell migration and death. In the present study, we focused on the analysis of the functional response of non-small cell lung cancer cell lines elicited by the treatment with some crucial stromal factors which, at least in part, mimic the stimulus exerted in vivo on tumor cells by microenvironmental components. Our molecular and functional results highlight the role played by the autophagic machinery in the cellular response in terms of the invasive capacity, stemness and drug resistance of two non-small lung cancer cell lines treated with stromal cytokines, also highlighting the emerging role of the YAP pathway in the mutual and dynamic crosstalk between tumor cells and tumor microenvironment elements. The results of this study provide new insights into the YAP-mediated autophagic mechanism elicited by microenvironmental cytokines on non-small cell lung cancer cell lines and may suggest new potential strategies for future cancer therapeutic interventions.

An Update of G-Protein-Coupled Receptor Signaling and Its Deregulation in Gastric Carcinogenesis

G-protein-coupled receptors (GPCRs) belong to a cell surface receptor superfamily responding to a wide range of external signals. The binding of extracellular ligands to GPCRs activates a heterotrimeric G protein and triggers the production of numerous secondary messengers, which transduce the extracellular signals into cellular responses. GPCR signaling is crucial and imperative for maintaining normal tissue homeostasis. High-throughput sequencing analyses revealed the occurrence of the genetic aberrations of GPCRs and G proteins in multiple malignancies. The altered GPCRs/G proteins serve as valuable biomarkers for early diagnosis, prognostic prediction, and pharmacological targets. Furthermore, the dysregulation of GPCR signaling contributes to tumor initiation and development. In this review, we have summarized the research progress of GPCRs and highlighted their mechanisms in gastric cancer (GC). The aberrant activation of GPCRs promotes GC cell proliferation and metastasis, remodels the tumor microenvironment, and boosts immune escape. Through deep investigation, novel therapeutic strategies for targeting GPCR activation have been developed, and the final aim is to eliminate GPCR-driven gastric carcinogenesis.

The role of Hippo pathway in ferroptosis

The role of Hippo pathway in ferroptosis The Hippo pathway is mainly composed of mammalian serine/threonine (Ste20)like kinases 1/2 (MST1/2), large tumor suppressor 1/2 (LATS1/2), and transcriptional coactivator Yes-associated protein (YAP), and is closely related to cell growth, survival, proliferation, and migration; tissue and organ size control; and tumorigenesis and development. Ferroptosis is a regulated form of cell death characterized by the accumulation of iron-dependent reactive oxygen species (ROS) and the depletion of plasma membrane polyunsaturated fatty acids (PUFAs), which is caused by the imbalance of oxidation and the antioxidant system. This article elaborates the role of Hippo pathway in ferroptosis, providing ideas for the regulation of cell fate and the treatment of tumors.

A self-amplifying USP14-TAZ loop drives the progression and liver metastasis of pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma

With a 5-year survival rate of approximately 10%, pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma (PDAC) is one of the most lethal solid malignancies in humans. A poor understanding of the underlying biology has resulted in a lack of effective targeted therapeutic strategies. Tissue microarray and bioinformatics analyses have revealed that the downstream transcriptional coactivator of the Hippo pathway, transcriptional coactivator with PDZ-binding motif (TAZ), might be a therapeutic target in PDAC. Since pharmacological inhibition of TAZ is challenging, we performed unbiased deubiquitinase (DUB) library screening to explore the pivotal regulators of TAZ ubiquitination as potential targets in PDAC models. We found that USP14 contributed to Yes-associated protein (YAP)/TAZ transcriptional activity and stabilized TAZ but not YAP. Mechanistically, USP14 catalyzed the K48-linked deubiquitination of TAZ to promote TAZ stabilization. Moreover, TAZ facilitated the transcription of USP14 by binding to the TEA domain transcription factor (TEAD) 1/4 response element in the promoter of USP14. USP14 was found to modulate the expression of TAZ downstream target genes through a feedback mechanism and ultimately promoted cancer progression and liver metastasis in PDAC models in vitro and in vivo. In addition, depletion of USP14 led to proteasome-dependent degradation of TAZ and ultimately arrested PDAC tumour growth and liver metastasis. A strong positive correlation between USP14 and TAZ expression was also detected in PDAC patients. The small molecule inhibitor of USP14 catalytic activity, IU1, inhibited the development of PDAC in subcutaneous xenograft and liver metastasis models. Overall, our data strongly suggested that the self-amplifying USP14-TAZ loop was a previously unrecognized mechanism causing upregulated TAZ expression, and identified USP14 as a viable therapeutic target in PDAC.

Critical role of PAFR/YAP1 positive feedback loop in cardiac fibrosis

Aberrant activation of cardiac fibroblasts is the main cause and character of cardiac fibrosis, and inhibition of cardiac fibrosis becomes a promising treatment for cardiac diseases. Platelet-activating factor (PAF) and Hippo pathway is recently recognized as key signaling mechanisms in cardiovascular diseases. In this study we explored the potential roles of PAF and Hippo signaling pathway in cardiac fibrosis. Myocardial infarction (MI) was induced in mice by left anterior descending artery ligation. After 28 days, the mice were sacrificed, and the hearts were collected for analyses. We showed that PAF receptor (PAFR) and yes-associated protein 1 (YAP1, a key effector in the Hippo pathway) were significantly increased in the heart of MI mice. Increased expression of PAFR and YAP1 was also observed in angiotensin II (Ang II)-treated mouse cardiac fibroblasts. In mouse cardiac fibroblasts, forced expression of YAP1 increased cell viability, resulted in collagen deposition and promoted fibroblast-myofibroblast transition. We showed that PAF induced fibrogenesis through activation of YAP1 and promoted its nuclear translocation via interacting with PAFR, while YAP1 promoted the expression of PAFR by binding to and activating transcription factor TEAD1. More importantly, silencing PAFR or YAP1 by shRNA, or using transgenic mice to induce the conditional deletion of YAP1 in cardiac fibroblasts, impeded cardiac fibrosis and improved cardiac function in MI mice. Taken together, this study elucidates the role and mechanisms of PAFR/YAP1 positive feedback loop in cardiac fibrosis, suggesting a potential role of this pathway as novel therapeutic targets in cardiac fibrosis.

Crosstalk between Hypoxia and Extracellular Matrix in the Tumor Microenvironment in Breast Cancer

Even though breast cancer is the most diagnosed cancer among women, treatments are not always successful in preventing its progression. Recent studies suggest that hypoxia and the extracellular matrix (ECM) are important in altering cell metabolism and tumor metastasis. Therefore, the aim of this review is to study the crosstalk between hypoxia and the ECM and to assess their impact on breast cancer progression. The findings indicate that hypoxic signaling engages multiple mechanisms that directly contribute to ECM remodeling, ultimately increasing breast cancer aggressiveness. Second, hypoxia and the ECM cooperate to alter different aspects of cell metabolism. They mutually enhance aerobic glycolysis through upregulation of glucose transport, glycolytic enzymes, and by regulating intracellular pH. Both alter lipid and amino acid metabolism by stimulating lipid and amino acid uptake and synthesis, thereby providing the tumor with additional energy for growth and metastasis. Third, YAP/TAZ signaling is not merely regulated by the tumor microenvironment and cell metabolism, but it also regulates it primarily through its target c-Myc. Taken together, this review provides a better understanding of the crosstalk between hypoxia and the ECM in breast cancer. Additionally, it points to a role for the YAP/TAZ mechanotransduction pathway as an important link between hypoxia and the ECM in the tumor microenvironment, driving breast cancer progression.

Whole-exome sequencing and bioinformatics analysis of a case of non-alpha-fetoprotein-elevated lung hepatoid adenocarcinoma

Hepatoid adenocarcinoma of the lung (HAL) is an exceptionally rare malignant tumor with prominent hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC)-like characteristics in organs or tissues outside the liver, while there is no tumor in the liver. Most HAL cases have various degrees of serum alpha-fetoprotein (AFP) levels and exhibit a similar origin and clonal evolution process to HCC. We studied a case of HAL without elevating the AFP level by performing whole-exome sequencing (WES) and bioinformatics analyses after surgical resection. Our results showed mutations in two driver genes, NLRP3 and PBX1, and we identified HNRNPR, TP73, CFAP57, COL11A1, RUSC1, SLC6A9, DISC1, NBPF26, and OR10K1 as potential driver mutation genes in HAL. In addition, 76 significantly mutated genes (SMG) were identified after the statistical test of each mutation type on genes.

Small-Molecule Inhibitors of Tankyrases as Prospective Therapeutics for Cancer

Tankyrases are multifunctional poly(adenosine diphosphate-ribose) polymerases that regulate diverse biological processes including telomere maintenance and cellular signaling. These processes are often implicated in a number of human diseases, with cancer being the most prevalent example. Accordingly, tankyrase inhibitors have gained increasing attention as potential therapeutics. Since the discovery of XAV939 and IWR-1 as the first tankyrase inhibitors over two decades ago, tankyrase-targeted drug discovery has made significant progress. This review starts with an introduction of tankyrases, with emphasis placed on their cancer-related functions. Small-molecule inhibitors of tankyrases are subsequently delineated based on their distinct modes of binding to the enzymes. In addition to inhibitors that compete with oxidized nicotinamide adenine dinucleotide (NAD⁺) for binding to the catalytic domain of tankyrases, non-NAD⁺-competitive inhibitors are detailed. This is followed by a description of three clinically trialled tankyrase inhibitors. To conclude, some of challenges and prospects in developing tankyrase-targeted cancer therapies are discussed.

The LINC Complex Assists the Nuclear Import of Mechanosensitive Transcriptional Regulators

Mechanical forces play pivotal roles in directing cell functions and fate. To elicit gene expression, either intrinsic or extrinsic mechanical information are transmitted into the nucleus beyond the nuclear envelope via at least two distinct pathways, possibly more. The first and well-known pathway utilizes the canonical nuclear transport of mechanoresponsive transcriptional regulators through the nuclear pore complex, which is an exclusive route for macromolecular trafficking between the cytoplasm and nucleoplasm. The second pathway depends on the linker of the nucleoskeleton and cytoskeleton (LINC) complex, which is a molecular bridge traversing the nuclear envelope between the cytoskeleton and nucleoskeleton. This protein complex is a central component in mechanotransduction at the nuclear envelope that transmits mechanical information from the cytoskeleton into the nucleus to influence the nuclear structure, nuclear stiffness, chromatin organization, and gene expression. Besides the mechanical force transducing function, recent increasing evidence shows that the LINC complex plays a role in controlling nucleocytoplasmic transport of mechanoresponsive transcriptional regulators. Here we discuss recent findings regarding the contribution of the LINC complex to the regulation of intracellular localization of the most-notable mechanosensitive transcriptional regulators, β-catenin, YAP, and TAZ.

The Hippo signaling pathway in leukemia: function, interaction, and carcinogenesis

Cancer can be considered as a communication disease between and within cells; nevertheless, there is no effective therapy for the condition, and this disease is typically identified at its late stage. Chemotherapy, radiation, and molecular-targeted treatment are typically ineffective against cancer cells. A better grasp of the processes of carcinogenesis, aggressiveness, metastasis, treatment resistance, detection of the illness at an earlier stage, and obtaining a better therapeutic response will be made possible. Researchers have discovered that cancerous mutations mainly affect signaling pathways. The Hippo pathway, as one of the main signaling pathways of a cell, has a unique ability to cause cancer. In order to treat cancer, a complete understanding of the Hippo signaling system will be required. On the other hand, interaction with other pathways like Wnt, TGF-β, AMPK, Notch, JNK, mTOR, and Ras/MAP kinase pathways can contribute to carcinogenesis. Phosphorylation of oncogene YAP and TAZ could lead to leukemogenesis, which this process could be regulated via other signaling pathways. This review article aimed to shed light on how the Hippo pathway interacts with other cellular signaling networks and its functions in leukemia.

Significance of TEAD Family in Diagnosis, Prognosis and Immune Response for Ovarian Serous Carcinoma

PURPOSE

To explore the molecular profiles of transcriptional enhanced associate domain (TEAD) family in ovarian serous carcinoma (OSC).

METHODS

In this study, we use bioinformatics methods including GEPIA, GE-mini, Oncomine 3.0, Kaplan-Meier plotter, cBioPortal, WebGestalt, TIMER2.0 and DiseaseMeth2.0, and in vitro experimental RT-PCR to assess the expression profiles and prognostic significance of TEAD family in OSC.

RESULTS

According to the bioinformatics analysis, TEAD family was abnormally expressed in OSC. In terms of prognosis, Kaplan-Meier plotter indicated that OSC patients with high level of TEAD4 showed poor overall survival (OS), progression-free survival (PFS) and post progression survival (PPS). TEAD family also had significantly diagnostic values for OSC patients. Tumor Immune Estimation Resource (TIMER) algorithm indicated that TEAD family was significantly associated with different types of infiltrating immune cells, including B cells, macrophages, dendritic cells, neutrophils, CD8+ T cells and CD4+ T cells. Gene set enrichment analysis of TEAD family-associated coexpression genes was further explored. In in vitro experiments, the RT-PCR results showed the upregulated TEAD2/4 in OSC tissues and cells (A2780 and TOV112D). Moreover, decreased expression of TEAD2 could induce the ferroptosis through increasing the ROS accumulation.

CONCLUSION

Thus, TEAD family correlated with the diagnosis, prognosis and immune infiltration in OSC. These results could provide comprehensive understanding of TEAD family in the diagnosis and prognosis of OSC patients.

Long non-coding RNA LOC107985656 represses the proliferation of hepatocellular carcinoma cells through activation of the tumor-suppressive Hippo pathway

Long non-coding RNAs (lncRNAs) play important regulatory roles in hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC). However, the function of LOC107985656 in HCC progression remains unclear. The lncRNA, mRNA and miRNA levels in HCC tissues or cells were measured using real-time quantitative polymerase chain reaction (RT-qPCR). The proliferation of cancer cells was evaluated using 3-(4, 5-dimethyl-2-thiazolyl)-2,5-diphenyl-2-H-tetrazolium bromide (MTT) viability and colony formation assays. Bioinformatics prediction, dual luciferase assay and RNA pull-down assay were performed to analyze the relationships between LOC107985656 and miR-106b-5p, or miR-106b-5p and large tumor suppressor 1 (LATS1). The protein expression levels were detected using Western blot. Results showed that LncRNA LOC107985656 was downregulated in HCC tissues and cells. Upregulation of LOC107985656 inhibited the proliferation of HCC cells, whereas its knockdown promoted this phenomenon. LOC107985656 could activate the tumor-suppressive Hippo pathway by repressing yes association protein (YAP) and WW domain-containing transcription regulator protein 1 (WWTR1, also known as TAZ) (two homologs of Yki) protein expression in HCC. Further investigation suggested that LOC107985656 regulated the expression of LATS1 by acting as a sponge for absorbing miR-106b-5p in HCC cells. In conclusion, this study unraveled the role of LOC107985656 following a ceRNA (competing endogenous RNAs) mechanism for the miR-106b-5p/LATS1 axis in HCC. The results indicate potential diagnostic and therapeutic applications of LOC107985656 in HCC.

Abbreviations:

HCC: hepatocellular carcinoma; LncRNA: long non-coding RNA; LATS1: large tumor suppressor 1; MTT: 3-(4, 5-dimethyl-2-thiazolyl)-2,5-diphenyl-2-H-tetrazolium bromide; YAP: yes association protein; WWTR1: WW domain-containing transcription regulator protein 1; cDNA: single‐stranded complementary DNA; RT-qPCR: real-time quantitative polymerase chain reaction; Radio-Immunoprecipitation Assay (RIPA); BCA: bicinchoninic acid; ASO: antisense oligonucleotide; MST1/2: Ste20-like kinases 1/2; TEAD: TEA domain transcription factor; ceRNA: competing endogenous RNAs.