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Zhu Z, Lu J. Development and assessment of an RNA editing-based risk model for the prognosis of cervical cancer patients. Medicine (Baltimore) 2024; 103:e38116. [PMID: 38728474 PMCID: PMC11081546 DOI: 10.1097/md.0000000000038116] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/26/2024] [Accepted: 04/12/2024] [Indexed: 05/12/2024] Open
Abstract
RNA editing, as an epigenetic mechanism, exhibits a strong correlation with the occurrence and development of cancers. Nevertheless, few studies have been conducted to investigate the impact of RNA editing on cervical squamous cell carcinoma and endocervical adenocarcinoma (CESC). In order to study the connection between RNA editing and CESC patients' prognoses, we obtained CESC-related information from The Cancer Genome Atlas (TCGA) database and randomly allocated the patients into the training group or testing group. An RNA editing-based risk model for CESC patients was established by Cox regression analysis and least absolute shrinkage and selection operator (LASSO). According to the median score generated by this RNA editing-based risk model, patients were categorized into subgroups with high and low risks. We further constructed the nomogram by risk scores and clinical characteristics and analyzed the impact of RNA editing levels on host gene expression levels and adenosine deaminase acting on RNA. Finally, we also compared the biological functions and pathways of differentially expressed genes (DEGs) between different subgroups by enrichment analysis. In this risk model, we screened out 6 RNA editing sites with significant prognostic value. The constructed nomogram performed well in forecasting patients' prognoses. Furthermore, the level of RNA editing at the prognostic site exhibited a strong correlation with host gene expression. In the high-risk subgroup, we observed multiple biological functions and pathways associated with immune response, cell proliferation, and tumor progression. This study establishes an RNA editing-based risk model that helps forecast patients' prognoses and offers a new understanding of the underlying mechanism of RNA editing in CESC.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zihan Zhu
- Department of Biostatistics, School of Public Health, Nanjing Medical University 101 Longmian Avenue, Nanjing, P.R. China
| | - Jing Lu
- Department of Gynecology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing, Jiangsu, China
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2
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Tate EW, Soday L, de la Lastra AL, Wang M, Lin H. Protein lipidation in cancer: mechanisms, dysregulation and emerging drug targets. Nat Rev Cancer 2024; 24:240-260. [PMID: 38424304 DOI: 10.1038/s41568-024-00666-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 01/02/2024] [Indexed: 03/02/2024]
Abstract
Protein lipidation describes a diverse class of post-translational modifications (PTMs) that is regulated by over 40 enzymes, targeting more than 1,000 substrates at over 3,000 sites. Lipidated proteins include more than 150 oncoproteins, including mediators of cancer initiation, progression and immunity, receptor kinases, transcription factors, G protein-coupled receptors and extracellular signalling proteins. Lipidation regulates the physical interactions of its protein substrates with cell membranes, regulating protein signalling and trafficking, and has a key role in metabolism and immunity. Targeting protein lipidation, therefore, offers a unique approach to modulate otherwise undruggable oncoproteins; however, the full spectrum of opportunities to target the dysregulation of these PTMs in cancer remains to be explored. This is attributable in part to the technological challenges of identifying the targets and the roles of protein lipidation. The early stage of drug discovery for many enzymes in the pathway contrasts with efforts for drugging similarly common PTMs such as phosphorylation and acetylation, which are routinely studied and targeted in relevant cancer contexts. Here, we review recent advances in identifying targetable protein lipidation pathways in cancer, the current state-of-the-art in drug discovery, and the status of ongoing clinical trials, which have the potential to deliver novel oncology therapeutics targeting protein lipidation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Edward W Tate
- Department of Chemistry, Imperial College London, London, UK.
- Francis Crick Institute, London, UK.
| | - Lior Soday
- Department of Chemistry, Imperial College London, London, UK
| | | | - Mei Wang
- Program in Cancer and Stem Cell Biology, Duke-NUS Medical School, Singapore, Singapore
- Department of Biochemistry, National University of Singapore, Singapore, Singapore
| | - Hening Lin
- Howard Hughes Medical Institute, Cornell University, Ithaca, NY, USA
- Department of Chemistry and Chemical Biology, Cornell University, Ithaca, NY, USA
- Department of Molecular Biology and Genetics, Cornell University, Ithaca, NY, USA
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3
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Zhang Y, Guo D, Zhu Y, Liu L. Inhibition of mitochondrial function by approved drugs overcomes nasopharyngeal carcinoma chemoresistance. Anticancer Drugs 2024; 35:317-324. [PMID: 38215016 DOI: 10.1097/cad.0000000000001566] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/14/2024]
Abstract
The development of chemo-resistance in nasopharyngeal carcinoma (NPC) presents a significant therapeutic challenge, and its underlying mechanisms remain poorly understood. In our previous studies, we highlighted the association between isoprenylcysteine carboxylmethyltransferase (ICMT) and chemoresistance in NPC. In this current research, we revealed that both 5-FU and cisplatin-resistant NPC cells exhibited elevated mitochondrial function and increased expression of mitochondrial genes, independent of ICMT. Our investigations further showed that classic mitochondrial inhibitors, such as oligomycin, antimycin, and rotenone, were notably more effective in reducing viability in chemo-resistant NPC cells compared to parental cells. Moreover, we identified two antimicrobial drugs, tigecycline and atovaquone, recognized as mitochondrial inhibitors, as potent agents for decreasing chemo-resistant NPC cells by targeting mitochondrial respiration. Remarkably, tigecycline and atovaquone, administered at tolerable doses, inhibited chemo-resistant NPC growth in mouse models and extended overall survival rates. This work unveils the efficacy of mitochondrial inhibition as a promising strategy to overcome chemo-resistance in NPC. Additionally, our findings highlight the potential repurposing of clinically available drugs like tigecycline and atovaquone for treating NPC patients who develop chemoresistance.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yunlong Zhang
- Department of Otolaryngology Head and Neck Surgery, The First Affiliated Hospital of Yangtze University
| | - Difeng Guo
- Department of Oncology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Yangtze University, Jingzhou, Hubei Province, China
| | - Yongbo Zhu
- Department of Otolaryngology Head and Neck Surgery, The First Affiliated Hospital of Yangtze University
| | - Lin Liu
- Department of Otolaryngology Head and Neck Surgery, The First Affiliated Hospital of Yangtze University
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Ma XQ, Liu YY, Zhong ZQ, Chen SM, Hu WT, Sheng YR, Liu YK, Wei CY, Li MQ, Zhu XY. Heme induced progesterone-resistant profiling and promotion of endometriosis in vitro and in vivo. Biochim Biophys Acta Mol Basis Dis 2023:166761. [PMID: 37247698 DOI: 10.1016/j.bbadis.2023.166761] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/07/2023] [Revised: 05/17/2023] [Accepted: 05/17/2023] [Indexed: 05/31/2023]
Abstract
Endometriosis is an estrogen-dependent, progesterone-resistant gynecological disease with an unknown pathogenesis. Compared to women without endometriosis, women with endometriosis have a remarkably high heme level in the peritoneal fluid. To further investigate the pathomechanisms of heme in endometriosis, we aimed to identify the dysregulated expression of heme-trafficking proteins, such as PGRMC1/2 that are also receptors that mediate the non-genomic responses to progesterone, and heme-degrading enzymes between ectopic endometrial stromal cells and their normal counterparts. We found that heme could regulate progesterone receptor-related gene expression. Functional human endometrial stromal cell experiments showed that heme promotes cell proliferation and migration in a heme oxygenase-1-independent manner; moreover, blocking oxidative phosphorylation/ATP generation could abolish these effects of heme in vitro, whereas intraperitoneal hemopexin administration could alleviate heme-triggered ectopic lesions in vivo. Therefore, heme likely mediates the induction of progesterone resistance and simultaneously induces endometriosis via the mitochondrial oxidative phosphorylation pathway.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xiao-Qian Ma
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Shanghai Medical College of Fudan University, Shanghai 200011, People's Republic of China; Institute of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Hospital of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Fudan University, Shanghai 200080, People's Republic of China; Shanghai Key Laboratory of Female Reproductive Endocrine-Related Disease, Hospital of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Fudan University, Shanghai 200080, People's Republic of China
| | - Yu-Yin Liu
- Department of Gynecology and Obstetrics, The Third Affiliated Hospital of Guangzhou Medical University, Guangzhou, Guangdong 510510, People's Republic of China
| | - Zhi-Qi Zhong
- Xinglin College, Nantong University, Nantong 226001, People's Republic of China
| | - Si-Man Chen
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Shanghai Medical College of Fudan University, Shanghai 200011, People's Republic of China; Institute of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Hospital of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Fudan University, Shanghai 200080, People's Republic of China; Shanghai Key Laboratory of Female Reproductive Endocrine-Related Disease, Hospital of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Fudan University, Shanghai 200080, People's Republic of China
| | - Wen-Ting Hu
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Shanghai Medical College of Fudan University, Shanghai 200011, People's Republic of China; Institute of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Hospital of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Fudan University, Shanghai 200080, People's Republic of China; Shanghai Key Laboratory of Female Reproductive Endocrine-Related Disease, Hospital of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Fudan University, Shanghai 200080, People's Republic of China
| | - Yan-Ran Sheng
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Shanghai Medical College of Fudan University, Shanghai 200011, People's Republic of China; Institute of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Hospital of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Fudan University, Shanghai 200080, People's Republic of China; Shanghai Key Laboratory of Female Reproductive Endocrine-Related Disease, Hospital of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Fudan University, Shanghai 200080, People's Republic of China
| | - Yu-Kai Liu
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Shanghai Medical College of Fudan University, Shanghai 200011, People's Republic of China; Institute of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Hospital of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Fudan University, Shanghai 200080, People's Republic of China; Shanghai Key Laboratory of Female Reproductive Endocrine-Related Disease, Hospital of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Fudan University, Shanghai 200080, People's Republic of China
| | - Chun-Yan Wei
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Shanghai Medical College of Fudan University, Shanghai 200011, People's Republic of China; Institute of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Hospital of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Fudan University, Shanghai 200080, People's Republic of China; Shanghai Key Laboratory of Female Reproductive Endocrine-Related Disease, Hospital of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Fudan University, Shanghai 200080, People's Republic of China
| | - Ming-Qing Li
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Shanghai Medical College of Fudan University, Shanghai 200011, People's Republic of China; Institute of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Hospital of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Fudan University, Shanghai 200080, People's Republic of China; Shanghai Key Laboratory of Female Reproductive Endocrine-Related Disease, Hospital of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Fudan University, Shanghai 200080, People's Republic of China.
| | - Xiao-Yong Zhu
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Shanghai Medical College of Fudan University, Shanghai 200011, People's Republic of China; Institute of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Hospital of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Fudan University, Shanghai 200080, People's Republic of China; Shanghai Key Laboratory of Female Reproductive Endocrine-Related Disease, Hospital of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Fudan University, Shanghai 200080, People's Republic of China.
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Karthikeyan S, Casey PJ, Wang M. RAB4A GTPase regulates epithelial-to-mesenchymal transition by modulating RAC1 activation. Breast Cancer Res 2022; 24:72. [PMID: 36307864 DOI: 10.1186/s13058-022-01564-6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/23/2022] [Accepted: 10/04/2022] [Indexed: 11/10/2022] Open
Abstract
Epithelial-to-mesenchymal transition (EMT) is a critical underpinning process for cancer progression, recurrence and resistance to drug treatment. Identification of new regulators of EMT could lead to the development of effective therapies to improve the outcome of advanced cancers. In the current study we discovered, using a variety of in vitro and in vivo approaches, that RAB4A function is essential for EMT and related manifestation of stemness and invasive properties. Consistently, RAB4A suppression abolished the cancer cells' self-renewal and tumor forming ability. In terms of downstream signaling, we found that RAB4A regulation of EMT is achieved through its control of activation of the RAC1 GTPase. Introducing activated RAC1 efficiently rescued EMT gene expression, invasion and tumor formation suppressed by RAB4A knockdown in both the in vitro and in vivo cancer models. In summary, this study identifies a RAB4A-RAC1 signaling axis as a key regulatory mechanism for the process of EMT and cancer progression and suggests a potential therapeutic approach to controlling these processes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Subbulakshmi Karthikeyan
- Program in Cancer Stem Cell Biology, Duke-NUS Medical School, 8 College Road, Singapore, 169857, Singapore
| | - Patrick J Casey
- Program in Cancer Stem Cell Biology, Duke-NUS Medical School, 8 College Road, Singapore, 169857, Singapore.,Department of Pharmacology and Cancer Biology, Duke University Medical Center, Durham, NC, 27710, USA
| | - Mei Wang
- Program in Cancer Stem Cell Biology, Duke-NUS Medical School, 8 College Road, Singapore, 169857, Singapore. .,Department of Biochemistry, National University of Singapore, Singapore, 117596, Singapore.
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Wan W, Xiao W, Pan W, Chen L, Liu Z, Xu J. Isoprenylcysteine carboxyl methyltransferase is critical for glioblastoma growth and survival by activating Ras/Raf/Mek/Erk. Cancer Chemother Pharmacol 2022. [PMID: 35171349 DOI: 10.1007/s00280-022-04401-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/17/2021] [Accepted: 01/18/2022] [Indexed: 02/05/2023]
Abstract
PURPOSE The poor outcomes in glioblastoma necessitate new therapeutic target. Isoprenylcysteine carboxyl methyltransferase (ICMT), a unique enzyme of the final step of prenylation that modifies activities of oncogenic proteins, represents a promising target for many cancers. METHODS Expression pattern, function and downstream pathway of ICMT in glioblastoma were analyzed using immunohistochemistry, ELISA, cellular assays and immunoblotting method. Combinatory effect was analyzed using Chou-Talalay approach. RESULTS Upregulation of ICMT expression is a common phenomenon in glioblastoma patients regardless of clinicopathological characteristics. Gain-of-function and loss-of-function analysis support the role of ICMT in glioblastoma growth and survival but not migration. Importantly, pharmacological inhibitors of ICMT are effectively against glioblastoma cells while sparing normal neuron cells, and furthermore that they act synergistically with chemotherapeutic drugs. Consistently, ICMT inhibitor UCM-1336 significantly inhibits glioblastoma growth without causing toxicity in mice. Mechanistic studies demonstrate that Ras/Raf/Mek/Erk rather than Ras/PI3K/Akt/mTOR is the downstream pathway of ICMT-mediated glioblastoma growth. CONCLUSIONS Our findings provide the proof-of-concept of pharmacologically targeting ICMT in the treatment of glioblastoma via deactivation of Ras/Raf/Mek/Erk.
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Song J, Song G, Park S, Lim W. Inhibitory Effects of 6,8-Diprenylorobol on Endometriosis Progression in Humans by Disrupting Calcium Homeostasis and Mitochondrial Function. Antioxidants (Basel) 2022; 11:171. [PMID: 35052675 PMCID: PMC8773100 DOI: 10.3390/antiox11010171] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/08/2021] [Revised: 01/02/2022] [Accepted: 01/13/2022] [Indexed: 02/05/2023] Open
Abstract
6,8-Diprenylorobol is a flavonoid compound extracted from Cudrania tricuspidata. It has various biological functions, such as inhibiting melanin synthesis and inducting cell death in cancerous cells. In addition, Cudrania tricuspidata is known to be effective in female diseases, and previous studies have shown anticancer effects in cervical cancer, a female reproductive disease. Outside of that, Cudrania tricuspidata has various physiological effects. However, the effect of 6,8-diprenylorobol is not well known in other benign and chronic diseases, even in endometriosis, which commonly arises in the female reproductive tract. In the present study, we determined the inhibitory effects of 6,8-diprenylorobol on the growth of endometriosis VK2/E6E7 and End1/E6E7 cells. Results indicated that 6,8-diprenylorobol suppressed cellular proliferation and increased the disruption of the cell cycle, mitochondrial membrane potential (MMP), generation of reactive oxygen species, and Ca2+ homeostasis in both endometriosis cells. However, the proliferation of normal stromal cells isolated from endometrial tissue was not altered by 6,8-diprenylorobol. The change in Ca2+ levels was estimated in fluo-4- or rhod-2-stained VK2/E6E7 and End1/E6E7 cells after the treatment of the intracellular calcium regulators 2-aminoethoxydiphenyl borate (2-APB) and ruthenium red (RUR) with 6,8-diprenylorobol. A combination of 6,8-diprenylorobol with each regulator decreased the calcium accumulation in endometriosis cells. Furthermore, Western blot analysis indicated that 6,8-diprenylorobol inactivated AKT pathways, whereas it activated P38 MAPK pathways. In addition, 6,8-diprenylorobol decreased mitochondrial respiration, leading to the reduction in ATP production in VK2/E6E7 and End1/E6E7 cells. Collectively, our results suggested that 6,8-diprenylorobol might be a potential therapeutic agent or adjuvant therapy for the management of endometriosis.
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Wang S, Wang W, Zhang S, Yang F, Qiu J, Guo Q, Zheng J, Chen Z. Isoprenylcysteine carboxyl methyltransferase promotes the progression of tongue squamous cell carcinoma via the K-Ras and RhoA signaling pathways. Arch Oral Biol 2021; 134:105320. [PMID: 34875442 DOI: 10.1016/j.archoralbio.2021.105320] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/09/2021] [Revised: 11/16/2021] [Accepted: 11/18/2021] [Indexed: 11/22/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE This research investigated the biological role of isoprenylcysteine carboxyl methyltransferase (ICMT) in tongue squamous cell carcinoma (TSCC) progression meanwhile to explore the conceivable mechanism. METHODS The mRNA and protein expression were measured using real-time PCR and Western blot. Cell proliferation, apoptosis, cycle distribution, migration and invasion were evaluated by CCK-8 assay, flow cytometry, wound-healing assay and transwell assay. The anti-tumor activity of ICMT silencing was observed in nude mice. RESULTS Our results indicated that silencing of ICMT-mediated methylation effectively inhibited TSCC cells proliferation in vitro and reduced tumor growth in vivo. Moreover, ICMT knockdown also induced cell apoptosis and cell cycle arrest of both CAL-27 and SCC-4 cells. In addition, CAL-27 and SCC-4 cells migration and invasion were weakened by ICMT siRNA. Mechanistically, ICMT deficiency significantly decreased the K-Ras and RhoA membrane targeting localization, leading to the suppression of K-Ras- and RhoA-mediated downstream signaling in CAL-27 and SCC-4 cells. CONCLUSIONS Altogether, our findings identified a crucial role played by ICMT in the progression of TSCC and the potential mechanisms by which exerted its effects, indicating that targeting ICMT may represent a promising therapeutic strategy for TSCC.
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Chai TF, Manu KA, Casey PJ, Wang M. Isoprenylcysteine carboxylmethyltransferase is required for the impact of mutant KRAS on TAZ protein level and cancer cell self-renewal. Oncogene 2020; 39:5373-5389. [PMID: 32561852 PMCID: PMC7391290 DOI: 10.1038/s41388-020-1364-7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/12/2020] [Revised: 05/29/2020] [Accepted: 06/08/2020] [Indexed: 12/28/2022]
Abstract
Cancer stem cells possess the capacity for self-renewal and resistance to chemotherapy. It is therefore crucial to understand the molecular regulators of stemness in the quest to develop effective cancer therapies. TAZ is a transcription activator that promotes stem cell functions in post-development mammalian cells; suppression of TAZ activity reduces or eliminates cancer stemness in select cancers. Isoprenylcysteine carboxylmethyltransferase (ICMT) is the unique enzyme of the last step of posttranslational prenylation processing pathway that modifies several oncogenic proteins, including RAS. We found that suppression of ICMT results in reduced self-renewal/stemness in KRAS-driven pancreatic and breast cancer cells. Silencing of ICMT led to significant reduction of TAZ protein levels and loss of self-renewal ability, which could be reversed by overexpressing mutant KRAS, demonstrating the functional impact of ICMT modification on the ability of KRAS to control TAZ stability and function. Contrary to expectation, YAP protein levels appear to be much less susceptible than TAZ to the regulation by ICMT and KRAS, and YAP is less consequential in regulating stemness characteristics in these cells. Further, we found that the ICMT-dependent KRAS regulation of TAZ was mediated through RAF, but not PI3K, signaling. Functionally, we demonstrate that a signaling cascade from ICMT modification of KRAS to TAZ protein stability supports cancer cell self-renewal abilities in both in vitro and in vivo settings. In addition, studies using the proof-of-concept small molecule inhibitors of ICMT confirmed its role in regulating TAZ and self-renewal, demonstrating the potential utility of targeting ICMT to control aggressive KRAS-driven cancers.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tin Fan Chai
- Program in Cancer and Stem Cell Biology, Duke-NUS Medical School, Singapore, 169857, Singapore.,Department of Biochemistry, National University of Singapore, Singapore, 117596, Singapore
| | - Kanjoormana Aryan Manu
- Program in Cancer and Stem Cell Biology, Duke-NUS Medical School, Singapore, 169857, Singapore
| | - Patrick J Casey
- Program in Cancer and Stem Cell Biology, Duke-NUS Medical School, Singapore, 169857, Singapore.,Department of Pharmacology and Cancer Biology, Duke University Medical Center, Durham, NC, 27710, USA
| | - Mei Wang
- Program in Cancer and Stem Cell Biology, Duke-NUS Medical School, Singapore, 169857, Singapore. .,Department of Biochemistry, National University of Singapore, Singapore, 117596, Singapore.
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Abstract
The RAS/RAF/MEK/ERK (MAPK) signaling cascade is essential for cell inter- and intra-cellular communication, which regulates fundamental cell functions such as growth, survival, and differentiation. The MAPK pathway also integrates signals from complex intracellular networks in performing cellular functions. Despite the initial discovery of the core elements of the MAPK pathways nearly four decades ago, additional findings continue to make a thorough understanding of the molecular mechanisms involved in the regulation of this pathway challenging. Considerable effort has been focused on the regulation of RAF, especially after the discovery of drug resistance and paradoxical activation upon inhibitor binding to the kinase. RAF activity is regulated by phosphorylation and conformation-dependent regulation, including auto-inhibition and dimerization. In this review, we summarize the recent major findings in the study of the RAS/RAF/MEK/ERK signaling cascade, particularly with respect to the impact on clinical cancer therapy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ufuk Degirmenci
- Division of Cellular and Molecular Research, National Cancer Centre Singapore, 11 Hospital Crescent, Singapore 169610, Singapore
| | - Mei Wang
- Cancer and Stem Cell Biology Program, Duke-NUS Medical School, 8 College Road, Singapore 169857, Singapore
| | - Jiancheng Hu
- Division of Cellular and Molecular Research, National Cancer Centre Singapore, 11 Hospital Crescent, Singapore 169610, Singapore
- Cancer and Stem Cell Biology Program, Duke-NUS Medical School, 8 College Road, Singapore 169857, Singapore
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Xu J, Zhu Y, Wang F, Zhou Y, Xia G, Xu W. ICMT contributes to hepatocellular carcinoma growth, survival, migration and chemoresistance via multiple oncogenic pathways. Biochem Biophys Res Commun 2019; 518:584-589. [PMID: 31451223 DOI: 10.1016/j.bbrc.2019.08.094] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/08/2019] [Accepted: 08/16/2019] [Indexed: 12/13/2022]
Abstract
Isoprenylcysteine carboxylmethyltransferase (Icmt) which catalyzes the final step of prenylation of many oncoproteins, such as Ras. Despite studies on Icmt and its regulation in biological activities of various cancers, little is known on the expression, function and mechanisms of the impact of Icmt on hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC). We report here the findings that Icmt is critical for HCC growth, migration, survival and chemoresistance by multiple oncogenic pathways. Expression analysis on primary patient and cell line samples demonstrated that Icmt protein level was significantly higher in the majority (∼70%) of HCC tissues and cells than corresponding normal counterparts. Icmt depletion inhibited growth, survival and migration in HCC cells, and augmented the inhibitory effects of doxorubicin. Consistently, Icmt also inhibited growth, and migration, and induced apoptosis in HCC cells that are resistant to doxorubicin. In contrast, Icmt overexpression promoted growth and migration in normal liver cells. Mechanistically, Icmt inhibition suppressed Ras/Raf/Mek/Erk signaling and epithelial-mesenchymal transition (EMT) in HCC cells. Several different approaches demonstrated that Icmt was critical for HCC biological activities with the predominant role in cell response to chemotherapy. This previously unappreciated function of Icmt can be targeted to enhance chemotherapy in particular those HCC patients with high Icmt expression.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jianguo Xu
- Department of Liver Disease Center, Shenzhen Hospital, Southern Medical University, Shenzhen, Guangdong, China
| | - Ying Zhu
- Department of Gastroenterology, Shenzhen Hospital, Southern Medical University, Shenzhen, Guangdong, China.
| | - Fang Wang
- Department of Gastroenterology, Shenzhen Hospital, Southern Medical University, Shenzhen, Guangdong, China
| | - Yan Zhou
- Information Management Section, Bethune International Peace Hospital, Shijiazhuang City, Hebei province, China
| | - Guili Xia
- Department of Gastroenterology, Shenzhen Hospital, Southern Medical University, Shenzhen, Guangdong, China
| | - Wen Xu
- Department of Gastroenterology, Shenzhen Hospital, Southern Medical University, Shenzhen, Guangdong, China
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Manu KA, Cao PHA, Chai TF, Casey PJ, Wang M. p21cip1/waf1 Coordinate Autophagy, Proliferation and Apoptosis in Response to Metabolic Stress. Cancers (Basel) 2019; 11:cancers11081112. [PMID: 31382612 PMCID: PMC6721591 DOI: 10.3390/cancers11081112] [Citation(s) in RCA: 26] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/24/2019] [Revised: 07/25/2019] [Accepted: 07/30/2019] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
Cancer cells possess metabolic properties that are different from benign cells. These unique characteristics have become attractive targets that are being actively investigated for cancer therapy. p21cip1/waf1, also known as Cyclin-Dependent Kinase inhibitor 1A, is encoded by the CDKN1A gene. It is a major p53 target gene involved in cell cycle progression that has been extensively evaluated. To date, p21 has been reported to regulate various cell functions, both dependent and independent of p53. Besides regulating the cell cycle, p21 also modulates apoptosis, induces senescence, and maintains cellular quiescence in response to various stimuli. p21 transcription is induced in response to stresses, including those from oxidative and chemotherapeutic treatment. A recent study has shown that in response to metabolic stresses such as nutrient and energy depletion, p21 expression is induced to regulate various cell functions. Despite the biological significance, the mechanism of p21 regulation in cancer adaptation to metabolic stress is underexplored and thus represents an exciting field. This review focuses on the recent development of p21 regulation in response to metabolic stress and its impact in inducing cell cycle arrest and death in cancer cells.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kanjoormana Aryan Manu
- Program in Cancer and Stem Cell Biology, Duke-NUS Graduate Medical School, Singapore 169857, Singapore
| | - Pham Hong Anh Cao
- Program in Cancer and Stem Cell Biology, Duke-NUS Graduate Medical School, Singapore 169857, Singapore
| | - Tin Fan Chai
- Program in Cancer and Stem Cell Biology, Duke-NUS Graduate Medical School, Singapore 169857, Singapore
| | - Patrick J Casey
- Program in Cancer and Stem Cell Biology, Duke-NUS Graduate Medical School, Singapore 169857, Singapore
- Department of Pharmacology and Cancer Biology, Duke University School of Medicine, Durham, NC 27710, USA
| | - Mei Wang
- Program in Cancer and Stem Cell Biology, Duke-NUS Graduate Medical School, Singapore 169857, Singapore.
- Department of Biochemistry, National University of Singapore, Singapore 117596, Singapore.
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Teh JT, Zhu WL, Newgard CB, Casey PJ, Wang M. Respiratory Capacity and Reserve Predict Cell Sensitivity to Mitochondria Inhibitors: Mechanism-Based Markers to Identify Metformin-Responsive Cancers. Mol Cancer Ther 2019; 18:693-705. [DOI: 10.1158/1535-7163.mct-18-0766] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/11/2018] [Revised: 11/22/2018] [Accepted: 01/14/2019] [Indexed: 11/16/2022]
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14
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Zhang L, Hao J, Zheng Y, Su R, Liao Y, Gong X, Liu L, Wang X. Fucoidan Protects Dopaminergic Neurons by Enhancing the Mitochondrial Function in a Rotenone-induced Rat Model of Parkinson's Disease. Aging Dis 2018; 9:590-604. [PMID: 30090649 PMCID: PMC6065300 DOI: 10.14336/ad.2017.0831] [Citation(s) in RCA: 45] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/22/2017] [Accepted: 08/31/2017] [Indexed: 12/21/2022] Open
Abstract
The mitochondrion is susceptible to neurodegenerative disorders such as Parkinson’s disease (PD). Mitochondrial dysfunction has been considered to play an important role in the dopaminergic degeneration in PD. However, there are no effective drugs to protect mitochondria from dysfunction during the disease development. In the present study, fucoidan, a sulfated polysaccharide derived from Laminaria japonica, was investigated and characterized for its protective effect on the dopamine system and mitochondrial function of dopaminergic neurons in a rotenone-induced rat model of PD. We found that chronic treatment with fucoidan significantly reversed the loss of nigral dopaminergic neurons and striatal dopaminergic fibers and the reduction of striatal dopamine levels in PD rats. Fucoidan also alleviated rotenone-induced behavioral deficits. Moreover, the mitochondrial respiratory function as detected by the mitochondrial oxygen consumption and the expression of peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor gamma coactivator 1-alpha (PGC-1α) and nuclear transcription factor 2 (NRF2) were reduced in the substantia nigra of PD rats, which were markedly reversed by fucoidan. Oxidative products induced by rotenone were significantly reduced by fucoidan. Taken together, these results demonstrate that fucoidan possesses the ability to protect the dopamine system in PD rats. The neuroprotective effect of fucoidan may be mediated via reserving mitochondrial function involving the PGC-1α/NRF2 pathway. This study provides new evidence that fucoidan can be explored in PD therapy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Li Zhang
- 1Department of Neurobiology.,3Key Laboratory for Neurodegenerative Disorders of the Ministry of Education, Capital Medical University, Beijing 100069, China
| | - Junwei Hao
- 1Department of Neurobiology.,3Key Laboratory for Neurodegenerative Disorders of the Ministry of Education, Capital Medical University, Beijing 100069, China
| | - Yan Zheng
- 2Department of Physiology.,3Key Laboratory for Neurodegenerative Disorders of the Ministry of Education, Capital Medical University, Beijing 100069, China
| | - Ruijun Su
- 1Department of Neurobiology.,3Key Laboratory for Neurodegenerative Disorders of the Ministry of Education, Capital Medical University, Beijing 100069, China
| | - Yajin Liao
- 4The Brain Science Center, Beijing Institute of Basic Medical Sciences, Beijing 100039, China
| | - Xiaoli Gong
- 2Department of Physiology.,3Key Laboratory for Neurodegenerative Disorders of the Ministry of Education, Capital Medical University, Beijing 100069, China
| | - Limin Liu
- 2Department of Physiology.,3Key Laboratory for Neurodegenerative Disorders of the Ministry of Education, Capital Medical University, Beijing 100069, China
| | - Xiaomin Wang
- 1Department of Neurobiology.,3Key Laboratory for Neurodegenerative Disorders of the Ministry of Education, Capital Medical University, Beijing 100069, China.,5 Beijing Institute for Brain Disorders, Beijing 100069, China
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15
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Liu Q, Chen J, Fu B, Dai J, Zhao Y, Lai L. Isoprenylcysteine carboxylmethyltransferase regulates ovarian cancer cell response to chemotherapy and Ras activation. Biochem Biophys Res Commun 2018; 501:556-562. [DOI: 10.1016/j.bbrc.2018.05.038] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/03/2018] [Accepted: 05/06/2018] [Indexed: 11/16/2022]
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16
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Magkouta S, Pappas A, Moschos C, Vazakidou ME, Psarra K, Kalomenidis I. Icmt inhibition exerts anti-angiogenic and anti-hyperpermeability activities impeding malignant pleural effusion. Oncotarget 2018; 7:20249-59. [PMID: 26959120 PMCID: PMC4991451 DOI: 10.18632/oncotarget.7912] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/25/2015] [Accepted: 01/14/2016] [Indexed: 12/28/2022] Open
Abstract
Small GTPases are pivotal regulators of several aspects of tumor progression. Their implication in angiogenesis, vascular permeability and tumor-associated inflammatory responses is relevant to the pathobiology of Malignant Pleural Effusion (MPE). Inhibition of isoprenylcysteine carboxylmethyltransferase (Icmt) abrogates small GTPase activation. We therefore hypothesized that cysmethynil, an Icmt inhibitor would limit pleural fluid accumulation in two models, a lung-adenocarcinoma and a mesothelioma-induced MPE. Cysmethynil significantly reduced MPE volume in both models and tumor burden in the adenocarcinoma model. It inhibited pleural vascular permeability and tumor angiogenesis in vivo and reduced endothelial cell proliferation, migration and tube formation in vitro. Cysmethynil also promoted M1 anti-tumor macrophage homing in the pleural space in vivo, and inhibited tumor-induced polarization of macrophages towards a M2 phenotype in vitro. In addition, the inhibitor promoted adenocarcinoma cell apoptosis in vivo. Inhibition of small GTPase might thus represent a valuable strategy for pharmacotherapy of MPE.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sophia Magkouta
- "Marianthi Simou Laboratory", 1st Department of Critical Care and Pulmonary Medicine, National and Kapodistrian University of Athens, School of Medicine, Evangelismos Hospital, Athens, Greece
| | - Apostolos Pappas
- "Marianthi Simou Laboratory", 1st Department of Critical Care and Pulmonary Medicine, National and Kapodistrian University of Athens, School of Medicine, Evangelismos Hospital, Athens, Greece
| | - Charalampos Moschos
- "Marianthi Simou Laboratory", 1st Department of Critical Care and Pulmonary Medicine, National and Kapodistrian University of Athens, School of Medicine, Evangelismos Hospital, Athens, Greece
| | - Maria-Eleni Vazakidou
- "Marianthi Simou Laboratory", 1st Department of Critical Care and Pulmonary Medicine, National and Kapodistrian University of Athens, School of Medicine, Evangelismos Hospital, Athens, Greece
| | - Katherina Psarra
- Department of Immunology - Histocompatibility, Evangelismos Hospital, Athens, Greece
| | - Ioannis Kalomenidis
- "Marianthi Simou Laboratory", 1st Department of Critical Care and Pulmonary Medicine, National and Kapodistrian University of Athens, School of Medicine, Evangelismos Hospital, Athens, Greece
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17
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Pan Q, Liu R, Banu H, Ma L, Li H. Inhibition of isoprenylcysteine carboxylmethyltransferase sensitizes common chemotherapies in cervical cancer via Ras-dependent pathway. Biomed Pharmacother 2018; 99:169-175. [PMID: 29331763 DOI: 10.1016/j.biopha.2018.01.048] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/17/2017] [Revised: 12/24/2017] [Accepted: 01/05/2018] [Indexed: 11/30/2022] Open
Abstract
Isoprenylcysteine carboxylmethyltransferase (Icmt) catalyzes the last step of post-translational protein prenylation, which is essential for the stability and proper functions of many oncogenic proteins, such as Ras. Despite extensive studies on the roles of Icmt in tumor transformation and progression, little is known on the involvement ofIcmt in the development of tumor resistance to chemotherapy. Here we show the upregulation of Icmt as a persistent response to chemotherapy in cervical cancer cells. In-depth functional analysis demonstrated that Icmt inhibition significantly inhibited growth, induced apoptosis and augmented the inhibitory effects of chemotherapy drugs in cervical cancer in cell culture system and xenograft mouse model. Importantly, combination of Icmt specific inhibitor cysmethynil with doxorubicin or paclitaxel at sublethal concentration achieved almost full inhibition of tumor cell growth and survival. The remarkable synergy between chemotherapy drugs and Icmt inhibition in cervical cancer cells is likely due to the additional suppression of Ras and its downstream signaling pathways. We are the first to demonstrate the contribution of Icmt in tumor cells in response to chemotherapy. Our work also highlights Icmt inhibition as a sensitizing strategy for the treatment of cervical cancer or other Ras-driven tumors.
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Affiliation(s)
- Qin Pan
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Jingzhou Central Hospital, The Clinical Second Clinical Medical College of Yangtze University, Jingzhou, Hubei, China
| | - Rong Liu
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Jingzhou Central Hospital, The Clinical Second Clinical Medical College of Yangtze University, Jingzhou, Hubei, China
| | - Hasina Banu
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Jingzhou Central Hospital, The Clinical Second Clinical Medical College of Yangtze University, Jingzhou, Hubei, China
| | - Liang Ma
- Department of Orthopedics, Jingzhou Central Hospital, The Clinical Second Clinical Medical College of Yangtze University, Renmin Road 1, Jingzhou, Hubei, China.
| | - Hui Li
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Jingzhou Central Hospital, The Clinical Second Clinical Medical College of Yangtze University, Jingzhou, Hubei, China.
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Abstract
Mutant RAS isoforms are the most common oncogenes affecting human cancers. After decades of effort in developing drugs targeting oncogenic RAS-driven cancers, we are still charting an unclear path. Despite recent developments exemplified by KRAS (G12C) inhibitors, direct targeting of mutant RAS remains a difficult endeavor. Inhibiting RAS function by targeting its post-translational prenylation processing has remained an important approach, especially with recent progress on the study of isoprenylcysteine carboxylmethyltransferase (ICMT), the unique enzyme for the last step of prenylation processing of RAS isoforms and other substrates. Inhibition of ICMT has shown efficacy both in vitro and in vivo in RAS-mutant cancer models. We will discuss the roles of RAS family of proteins in human cancers and the impact of post-prenylation carboxylmethylation on RAS driven tumorigenesis. In addition, we will review what is known of the molecular and cellular impact of ICMT inhibition on cancer cells that underlie its anti-proliferative and pro-apoptosis efficacy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hiu Yeung Lau
- Program in Cancer and Stem Cell Biology, Duke-NUS Medical School , Singapore
| | - Mei Wang
- Program in Cancer and Stem Cell Biology, Duke-NUS Medical School , Singapore.,Department of Biochemistry, National University of Singapore , Singapore
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19
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Huang J, Yang X, Peng X, Huang W. Inhibiting prenylation augments chemotherapy efficacy in renal cell carcinoma through dual inhibition on mitochondrial respiration and glycolysis. Biochem Biophys Res Commun 2017; 493:921-927. [DOI: 10.1016/j.bbrc.2017.09.120] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/16/2017] [Accepted: 09/20/2017] [Indexed: 11/29/2022]
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20
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Abstract
Among the enzymes involved in the post-translational modification of Ras, isoprenyl carboxyl methyltransferase (ICMT) has been explored by a number of researchers as a significant enzyme controlling the activation of Ras. Indeed, inhibition of ICMT exhibited promising anti-cancer activity against various cancer cell lines. This paper reviews patents and research articles published between 2009 and 2016 that reported inhibitors of ICMT as potential chemotherapeutic agents targeting Ras-induced growth factor signaling. Since ICMT inhibitors can modulate Ras signaling pathway, it might be possible to develop a new class of anti-cancer drugs targeting Ras-related cancers. Researchers have discovered indole-based small-molecular ICMT inhibitors through high-throughput screening. Researchers at Duke University identified a prototypical inhibitor, cysmethynil. At Singapore University, Ramanujulu and his colleagues patented more potent compounds by optimizing cysmethynil. In addition, Rodriguez and Stevenson at Universidad Complutense De Madrid and Cancer Therapeutics CRC PTY Ltd., respectively, have developed inhibitors based on formulas other than the indole base. However, further optimization of chemicals targeted to functional groups is needed to improve the characteristics of ICMT inhibitors related to their application as drugs, such as solubility, effectiveness, and safety, to facilitate clinical use.
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Affiliation(s)
- Woo Seok Yang
- Department of Genetic Engineering, Sungkyunkwan University, 2066 Seobu-ro, Jang-gu, Suwon, 16419, Republic of Korea
| | - Seung-Gu Yeo
- Department of Radiation Oncology, Soonchunhyang University College of Medicine, Soonchunhyang University Hospital, Cheonan, 31151, Republic of Korea
| | - Sungjae Yang
- Department of Genetic Engineering, Sungkyunkwan University, 2066 Seobu-ro, Jang-gu, Suwon, 16419, Republic of Korea
| | - Kyung-Hee Kim
- Biomarker Branch, Research Institute, National Cancer Center, Goyang, 10408, Republic of Korea
| | - Byong Chul Yoo
- Biomarker Branch, Research Institute, National Cancer Center, Goyang, 10408, Republic of Korea.
| | - Jae Youl Cho
- Department of Genetic Engineering, Sungkyunkwan University, 2066 Seobu-ro, Jang-gu, Suwon, 16419, Republic of Korea.
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21
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Do MT, Chai TF, Casey PJ, Wang M. Isoprenylcysteine carboxylmethyltransferase function is essential for RAB4A-mediated integrin β3 recycling, cell migration and cancer metastasis. Oncogene 2017; 36:5757-5767. [PMID: 28604748 PMCID: PMC5658678 DOI: 10.1038/onc.2017.183] [Citation(s) in RCA: 23] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/26/2017] [Revised: 04/25/2017] [Accepted: 05/04/2017] [Indexed: 12/27/2022]
Abstract
Isoprenylcysteine carboxylmethyltransferase (ICMT) catalyzes the post-translational modification of RAB GTPases that contain C-terminal CXC motifs. However, the functional impact of this modification on RAB proteins has not been actively explored. We found that inhibition of ICMT significantly reduced cell migration in vitro and cancer invasion and metastasis in vivo. This role of ICMT was found to be mediated by RAB4A, an essential regulator of the fast recycling of integrin β3. Integrin β3 regulates cell polarity and migration when localized appropriately to the plasma membrane, thereby having an essential role in cancer metastasis. ICMT catalyzed carboxylmethylation is critical for RAB4A activation and interaction with effectors, its localization to endosomes and recycling vesicles, and hence important for RAB4A-dependent integrin β3 recycling to plasma membrane. These findings bring attention to the effects of C-terminal carboxylmethylation on RAB GTPases and provide a rationale for targeting ICMT in the treatment of metastatic cancer.
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Affiliation(s)
- M T Do
- Program in Cancer and Stem Cell Biology, Duke-NUS Graduate Medical School, Singapore
| | - T F Chai
- Program in Cancer and Stem Cell Biology, Duke-NUS Graduate Medical School, Singapore
| | - P J Casey
- Program in Cancer and Stem Cell Biology, Duke-NUS Graduate Medical School, Singapore.,Department of Pharmacology and Cancer Biology, Duke University School of Medicine, Durham, NC, USA
| | - M Wang
- Program in Cancer and Stem Cell Biology, Duke-NUS Graduate Medical School, Singapore.,Department of Biochemistry, National University of Singapore, Singapore
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22
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Lau HY, Tang J, Casey PJ, Wang M. Isoprenylcysteine carboxylmethyltransferase is critical for malignant transformation and tumor maintenance by all RAS isoforms. Oncogene 2017; 36:3934-3942. [PMID: 28192404 PMCID: PMC5502315 DOI: 10.1038/onc.2016.508] [Citation(s) in RCA: 35] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/23/2016] [Revised: 10/14/2016] [Accepted: 12/13/2016] [Indexed: 12/22/2022]
Abstract
Despite extensive effort, there has been limited progress in the development of direct RAS inhibitors. Targeting isoprenylcysteine carboxylmethyltransferase (ICMT), a unique enzyme of RAS post-translational modification, represents a promising strategy to inhibit RAS function. However, there lacks direct genetic evidence on the role of ICMT in RAS-driven human cancer initiation and maintenance. Using CRISPR/Cas9 genome editing, we have created Icmt loss-of-function isogenic cell lines for both RAS-transformed human mammary epithelial cells (HME1) and human cancer cell lines MiaPaca-2 and MDA-MB-231 containing naturally occurring mutant KRAS. In both in vitro and in vivo tumorigenesis studies, Icmt loss-of-function abolishes the tumor initiation ability of all major isoforms of mutant RAS in HME1 cells, and the tumor maintenance capacity of MiaPaca-2 and MDA-MB-231 cells, establishing the critical role of ICMT in RAS-driven cancers.
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Affiliation(s)
- H Y Lau
- Cancer and Stem Cell Biology Program, Duke-NUS Medical School, Singapore
| | - J Tang
- Cancer and Stem Cell Biology Program, Duke-NUS Medical School, Singapore
| | - P J Casey
- Cancer and Stem Cell Biology Program, Duke-NUS Medical School, Singapore
| | - M Wang
- Cancer and Stem Cell Biology Program, Duke-NUS Medical School, Singapore.,Department of Biochemistry, National University of Singapore, Singapore
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23
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Manu KA, Chai TF, Teh JT, Zhu WL, Casey PJ, Wang M. Inhibition of Isoprenylcysteine Carboxylmethyltransferase Induces Cell-Cycle Arrest and Apoptosis through p21 and p21-Regulated BNIP3 Induction in Pancreatic Cancer. Mol Cancer Ther 2017; 16:914-923. [DOI: 10.1158/1535-7163.mct-16-0703] [Citation(s) in RCA: 41] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/23/2016] [Revised: 01/24/2017] [Accepted: 01/24/2017] [Indexed: 12/09/2022]
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24
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