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Ge M, Zhu Y, Wei M, Piao H, He M. Improving the efficacy of anti-EGFR drugs in GBM: Where we are going? Biochim Biophys Acta Rev Cancer 2023; 1878:188996. [PMID: 37805108 DOI: 10.1016/j.bbcan.2023.188996] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [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: 05/05/2023] [Revised: 09/11/2023] [Accepted: 09/29/2023] [Indexed: 10/09/2023]
Abstract
The therapies targeting mutations of driver genes in cancer have advanced into clinical trials for a variety of tumors. In glioblastoma (GBM), epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR) is the most commonly mutated oncogene, and targeting EGFR has been widely investigated as a promising direction. However, the results of EGFR pathway inhibitors have not been satisfactory. Limited blood-brain barrier (BBB) permeability, drug resistance, and pathway compensation mechanisms contribute to the failure of anti-EGFR therapies. This review summarizes recent research advances in EGFR-targeted therapy for GBM and provides insight into the reasons for the unsatisfactory results of EGFR-targeted therapy. By combining the results of preclinical studies with those of clinical trials, we discuss that improved drug penetration across the BBB, the use of multi-target combinations, and the development of peptidomimetic drugs under the premise of precision medicine may be promising strategies to overcome drug resistance in GBM.
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Affiliation(s)
- Manxi Ge
- Department of Pharmacology, School of Pharmacy, China Medical University, Shenyang, China; Liaoning Key Laboratory of Molecular Targeted Anti-Tumor Drug Development and Evaluation, Liaoning Cancer Immune Peptide Drug Engineering Technology Research Center, Shenyang, China
| | - Yan Zhu
- Department of Pharmacology, School of Pharmacy, China Medical University, Shenyang, China; Liaoning Key Laboratory of Molecular Targeted Anti-Tumor Drug Development and Evaluation, Liaoning Cancer Immune Peptide Drug Engineering Technology Research Center, Shenyang, China
| | - Minjie Wei
- Department of Pharmacology, School of Pharmacy, China Medical University, Shenyang, China; Liaoning Key Laboratory of Molecular Targeted Anti-Tumor Drug Development and Evaluation, Liaoning Cancer Immune Peptide Drug Engineering Technology Research Center, Shenyang, China; Liaoning Medical Diagnosis and Treatment Center, Shenyang, China.
| | - Haozhe Piao
- Department of Neurosurgery, Liaoning Cancer Hospital and Institute, Cancer Hospital of China Medical University, Shenyang, China.
| | - Miao He
- Department of Pharmacology, School of Pharmacy, China Medical University, Shenyang, China; Liaoning Key Laboratory of Molecular Targeted Anti-Tumor Drug Development and Evaluation, Liaoning Cancer Immune Peptide Drug Engineering Technology Research Center, Shenyang, China.
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2
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Deng Y, Jin H, Ning J, Cui D, Zhang M, Yang H. Elevated galectin-3 levels detected in women with hyperglycemia during early and mid-pregnancy antagonizes high glucose - induced trophoblast cells apoptosis via galectin-3/foxc1 pathway. Mol Med 2023; 29:115. [PMID: 37626284 PMCID: PMC10463409 DOI: 10.1186/s10020-023-00707-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/05/2023] [Accepted: 07/26/2023] [Indexed: 08/27/2023] Open
Abstract
OBJECTIVE This study was to evaluate plasma galectin-3 levels from early pregnancy to delivery and explore the effects of galectin-3 on the function of trophoblast cells under high glucose exposure. METHODS The plasma galectin-3 levels were quantified by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) in the China National Birth Cohort (CNBC) at Peking University First Hospital, and the underlying signaling pathway was identified by protein-protein interaction (PPI) analysis, gene set enrichment analysis (GSEA), quantitative PCR (qPCR), western blotting, small interfering RNA (siRNA) transfections, and flow cytometry. RESULTS Significantly higher galectin-3 levels were found in patients with gestational diabetes mellitus (GDM group; n = 77) during the first and second trimesters than that in healthy pregnant women (HP group; n = 113) (P < 0.05). No significant differences in plasma galectin-3 levels were detected between GDM and HP groups in maternal third-trimester blood and cord blood. PPI analysis suggested potential interactions between galectin-3 and foxc1. The findings of GSEA showed that galectin-3 was involved in the cytochrome P450-related and complement-related pathways, and foxc1 was associated with type I diabetes mellitus. Additionally, high glucose (25 mM) significantly increased the expression levels of galectin-3 and foxc1 and induced apoptosis in HTR-8/SVneo cells. Further in vitro experiments showed that galectin-3/foxc1 pathway could protect HTR-8/SVneo cells against high glucose - induced apoptosis. CONCLUSION Future studies were required to validate whether plasma galectin-3 might become a potential biomarker for hyperglycemia during pregnancy. Elevated galectin-3 levels might be a vital protective mechanism among those exposed to hyperglycemia during pregnancy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yu Deng
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Peking University First Hospital, No. 8 Xishiku Street, Beijing, 100034, China
- Beijing Key Laboratory of Maternal Fetal Medicine of Gestational Diabetes Mellitus, Beijing, 100034, China
| | - Hongyan Jin
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Peking University First Hospital, No. 8 Xishiku Street, Beijing, 100034, China
| | - Jie Ning
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Peking University First Hospital, No. 8 Xishiku Street, Beijing, 100034, China
- Beijing Key Laboratory of Maternal Fetal Medicine of Gestational Diabetes Mellitus, Beijing, 100034, China
| | - Dong Cui
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Peking University First Hospital, No. 8 Xishiku Street, Beijing, 100034, China
- Beijing Key Laboratory of Maternal Fetal Medicine of Gestational Diabetes Mellitus, Beijing, 100034, China
| | - Muqiu Zhang
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Peking University First Hospital, No. 8 Xishiku Street, Beijing, 100034, China
- Beijing Key Laboratory of Maternal Fetal Medicine of Gestational Diabetes Mellitus, Beijing, 100034, China
| | - Huixia Yang
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Peking University First Hospital, No. 8 Xishiku Street, Beijing, 100034, China.
- Beijing Key Laboratory of Maternal Fetal Medicine of Gestational Diabetes Mellitus, Beijing, 100034, China.
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3
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Zheng Y, Zhong G, He C, Li M. Targeted splicing therapy: new strategies for colorectal cancer. Front Oncol 2023; 13:1222932. [PMID: 37664052 PMCID: PMC10470845 DOI: 10.3389/fonc.2023.1222932] [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: 05/15/2023] [Accepted: 08/07/2023] [Indexed: 09/05/2023] Open
Abstract
RNA splicing is the process of forming mature mRNA, which is an essential phase necessary for gene expression and controls many aspects of cell proliferation, survival, and differentiation. Abnormal gene-splicing events are closely related to the development of tumors, and the generation of oncogenic isoform in splicing can promote tumor progression. As a main process of tumor-specific splicing variants, alternative splicing (AS) can promote tumor progression by increasing the production of oncogenic splicing isoforms and/or reducing the production of normal splicing isoforms. This is the focus of current research on the regulation of aberrant tumor splicing. So far, AS has been found to be associated with various aspects of tumor biology, including cell proliferation and invasion, resistance to apoptosis, and sensitivity to different chemotherapeutic drugs. This article will review the abnormal splicing events in colorectal cancer (CRC), especially the tumor-associated splicing variants arising from AS, aiming to offer an insight into CRC-targeted splicing therapy.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | - Chengcheng He
- Department of Gastroenterology, The Third Affiliated Hospital of Guangzhou Medical University, Guangzhou, Guangdong, China
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Zheng X, Liu L, Liu J, Zhang C, Zhang J, Qi Y, Xie L, Zhang C, Yao G, Bu P. Fibulin7 Mediated Pathological Cardiac Remodeling through EGFR Binding and EGFR-Dependent FAK/AKT Signaling Activation. Adv Sci (Weinh) 2023; 10:e2207631. [PMID: 37344348 PMCID: PMC10460860 DOI: 10.1002/advs.202207631] [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] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/24/2022] [Revised: 05/19/2023] [Indexed: 06/23/2023]
Abstract
Adverse remodeling after myocardial infarction (MI) result in heart failure and sudden cardiac death. Fibulin7 (FBLN7) is an adhesion protein excreted into the extracellular matrix that functions in multiple biological processes. However, whether and how FBLN7 affects post-MI cardiac remodeling remains unclear. Here, the authors identify FBLN7 as a critical profibrotic regulator of adverse cardiac remodeling. They observe significantly upregulated serum FBLN7 levels in MI patients with left ventricular remodeling compared to those without MI. Microarray dataset analysis reveal FBLN7 is upregulated in human heart samples from patients with dilated and hypertrophic cardiomyopathy compared with non-failing hearts. The authors demonstrate that FBLN7 deletion attenuated post-MI cardiac remodeling, leading to better cardiac function and reduced myocardial fibrosis, whereas overexpression of FBLN7 results in the opposite effects. Mechanistically, FBLN7 binds to the epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR) through its EGF-like domain, together with the EGF-like calcium-binding domain, and induces EGFR autophosphorylation at tyrosine (Y) 1068 and Y1173, which activates downstream focal adhesion kinase/AKT signaling, thereby leading to fibroblast-to-myofibroblast transdifferentiation. In addition, FBLN7-EGFR mediates this signal transduction, and the fibrotic response is effectively suppressed by the inhibition of EGFR activity. Taken together, FBLN7 plays an important role in cardiac remodeling and fibrosis after MI.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xuehui Zheng
- The Key Laboratory of Cardiovascular Remodeling and Function ResearchChinese Ministry of EducationChinese National Health Commission and Chinese Academy of Medical SciencesThe State and Shandong Province Joint Key Laboratory of Translational Cardiovascular MedicineDepartment of CardiologyQilu HospitalCheeloo College of MedicineShandong UniversityJinan250012China
| | - Lingxin Liu
- The Key Laboratory of Cardiovascular Remodeling and Function ResearchChinese Ministry of EducationChinese National Health Commission and Chinese Academy of Medical SciencesThe State and Shandong Province Joint Key Laboratory of Translational Cardiovascular MedicineDepartment of CardiologyQilu HospitalCheeloo College of MedicineShandong UniversityJinan250012China
| | - Jing Liu
- The Key Laboratory of Cardiovascular Remodeling and Function ResearchChinese Ministry of EducationChinese National Health Commission and Chinese Academy of Medical SciencesThe State and Shandong Province Joint Key Laboratory of Translational Cardiovascular MedicineDepartment of CardiologyQilu HospitalCheeloo College of MedicineShandong UniversityJinan250012China
- Department of CardiologyHeze Municipal HospitalHeze274000China
| | - Chen Zhang
- The Key Laboratory of Cardiovascular Remodeling and Function ResearchChinese Ministry of EducationChinese National Health Commission and Chinese Academy of Medical SciencesThe State and Shandong Province Joint Key Laboratory of Translational Cardiovascular MedicineDepartment of CardiologyQilu HospitalCheeloo College of MedicineShandong UniversityJinan250012China
| | - Jie Zhang
- The Key Laboratory of Cardiovascular Remodeling and Function ResearchChinese Ministry of EducationChinese National Health Commission and Chinese Academy of Medical SciencesThe State and Shandong Province Joint Key Laboratory of Translational Cardiovascular MedicineDepartment of CardiologyQilu HospitalCheeloo College of MedicineShandong UniversityJinan250012China
| | - Yan Qi
- The Key Laboratory of Cardiovascular Remodeling and Function ResearchChinese Ministry of EducationChinese National Health Commission and Chinese Academy of Medical SciencesThe State and Shandong Province Joint Key Laboratory of Translational Cardiovascular MedicineDepartment of CardiologyQilu HospitalCheeloo College of MedicineShandong UniversityJinan250012China
| | - Lin Xie
- The Key Laboratory of Cardiovascular Remodeling and Function ResearchChinese Ministry of EducationChinese National Health Commission and Chinese Academy of Medical SciencesThe State and Shandong Province Joint Key Laboratory of Translational Cardiovascular MedicineDepartment of CardiologyQilu HospitalCheeloo College of MedicineShandong UniversityJinan250012China
| | - Chunmei Zhang
- The Key Laboratory of Cardiovascular Remodeling and Function ResearchChinese Ministry of EducationChinese National Health Commission and Chinese Academy of Medical SciencesThe State and Shandong Province Joint Key Laboratory of Translational Cardiovascular MedicineDepartment of CardiologyQilu HospitalCheeloo College of MedicineShandong UniversityJinan250012China
| | - Guoqing Yao
- The Key Laboratory of Cardiovascular Remodeling and Function ResearchChinese Ministry of EducationChinese National Health Commission and Chinese Academy of Medical SciencesThe State and Shandong Province Joint Key Laboratory of Translational Cardiovascular MedicineDepartment of CardiologyQilu HospitalCheeloo College of MedicineShandong UniversityJinan250012China
| | - Peili Bu
- The Key Laboratory of Cardiovascular Remodeling and Function ResearchChinese Ministry of EducationChinese National Health Commission and Chinese Academy of Medical SciencesThe State and Shandong Province Joint Key Laboratory of Translational Cardiovascular MedicineDepartment of CardiologyQilu HospitalCheeloo College of MedicineShandong UniversityJinan250012China
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5
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Liu Y, Li J, Zhang Y, Wang Y, Chen J, Bian Y, Xia Y, Yang MH, Zheng K, Wang KB, Kong LY. Structure of the Major G-Quadruplex in the Human EGFR Oncogene Promoter Adopts a Unique Folding Topology with a Distinctive Snap-Back Loop. J Am Chem Soc 2023; 145:16228-16237. [PMID: 37460135 DOI: 10.1021/jacs.3c05214] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 07/27/2023]
Abstract
EGFR tyrosine kinase inhibitors have made remarkable success in targeted cancer therapy. However, therapeutic resistance inevitably occurred and EGFR-targeting therapy has been demonstrated to have limited efficacy or utility in glioblastoma, colorectal cancer, and hepatocellular carcinoma. Therefore, there is a high demand for the development of new targets to inhibit EGFR signaling. Herein, we found that the EGFR oncogene proximal promoter sequence forms a unique type of snap-back loop containing G-quadruplex (G4), which can be targeted by small molecules. For the first time, we determined the NMR solution structure of this snap-back EGFR-G4, a three-tetrad-core, parallel-stranded G4 with naturally occurring flanking residues at both the 5'-end and 3'-end. The snap-back loop located at the 3'-end region forms a stable capping structure through two stacked G-triads connected by multiple potential hydrogen bonds. Notably, the flanking residues are consistently absent in reported snap-back G4s, raising the question of whether such structures truly exist under in vivo conditions. The resolved EGFR-G4 structure has eliminated the doubt and showed distinct structural features that distinguish it from the previously reported snap-back G4s, which lack the flanking residues. Furthermore, we found that the snap-back EGFR-G4 structure is highly stable and can form on an elongated DNA template to inhibit DNA polymerase. The unprecedented high-resolution EGFR-G4 structure has thus contributed a promising molecular target for developing alternative EGFR signaling inhibitors in cancer therapeutics. Meanwhile, the two stacked triads may provide an attractive site for specific small-molecule targeting.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yushuang Liu
- Jiangsu Key Laboratory of Bioactive Natural Product Research and State Key Laboratory of Natural Medicines, China Pharmaceutical University, Nanjing, Jiangsu 210009, People's Republic of China
| | - Jinzhu Li
- Jiangsu Key Laboratory of Bioactive Natural Product Research and State Key Laboratory of Natural Medicines, China Pharmaceutical University, Nanjing, Jiangsu 210009, People's Republic of China
| | - Yongqiang Zhang
- Jiangsu Key Laboratory of Bioactive Natural Product Research and State Key Laboratory of Natural Medicines, China Pharmaceutical University, Nanjing, Jiangsu 210009, People's Republic of China
| | - Yingying Wang
- Jiangsu Key Laboratory of Bioactive Natural Product Research and State Key Laboratory of Natural Medicines, China Pharmaceutical University, Nanjing, Jiangsu 210009, People's Republic of China
| | - Juannan Chen
- School of Biomedical Sciences, Hunan University, Changsha, Hunan 410082, People's Republic of China
| | - Yuting Bian
- Jiangsu Key Laboratory of Bioactive Natural Product Research and State Key Laboratory of Natural Medicines, China Pharmaceutical University, Nanjing, Jiangsu 210009, People's Republic of China
| | - Yuanzheng Xia
- Jiangsu Key Laboratory of Bioactive Natural Product Research and State Key Laboratory of Natural Medicines, China Pharmaceutical University, Nanjing, Jiangsu 210009, People's Republic of China
| | - Ming-Hua Yang
- Jiangsu Key Laboratory of Bioactive Natural Product Research and State Key Laboratory of Natural Medicines, China Pharmaceutical University, Nanjing, Jiangsu 210009, People's Republic of China
| | - Kewei Zheng
- School of Biomedical Sciences, Hunan University, Changsha, Hunan 410082, People's Republic of China
| | - Kai-Bo Wang
- Jiangsu Key Laboratory of Bioactive Natural Product Research and State Key Laboratory of Natural Medicines, China Pharmaceutical University, Nanjing, Jiangsu 210009, People's Republic of China
| | - Ling-Yi Kong
- Jiangsu Key Laboratory of Bioactive Natural Product Research and State Key Laboratory of Natural Medicines, China Pharmaceutical University, Nanjing, Jiangsu 210009, People's Republic of China
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6
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Murai T, Matsuda S. Fatty Acid Metabolites and the Tumor Microenvironment as Potent Regulators of Cancer Stem Cell Signaling. Metabolites 2023; 13:709. [PMID: 37367867 DOI: 10.3390/metabo13060709] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [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: 02/28/2023] [Revised: 05/22/2023] [Accepted: 05/29/2023] [Indexed: 06/28/2023] Open
Abstract
Individual cancer cells are not equal but are organized into a cellular hierarchy in which only a rare few leukemia cells can self-renew in a manner reminiscent of the characteristic stem cell properties. The PI3K/AKT pathway functions in a variety of cancers and plays a critical role in the survival and proliferation of healthy cells under physiologic conditions. In addition, cancer stem cells might exhibit a variety of metabolic reprogramming phenotypes that cannot be completely attributed to the intrinsic heterogeneity of cancer. Given the heterogeneity of cancer stem cells, new strategies with single-cell resolution will become a powerful tool to eradicate the aggressive cell population harboring cancer stem cell phenotypes. Here, this article will provide an overview of the most important signaling pathways of cancer stem cells regarding their relevance to the tumor microenvironment and fatty acid metabolism, suggesting valuable strategies among cancer immunotherapies to inhibit the recurrence of tumors.
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Affiliation(s)
- Toshiyuki Murai
- Graduate School of Medicine, Osaka University, 2-2 Yamada-oka, Suita 565-0871, Japan
| | - Satoru Matsuda
- Department of Food Science and Nutrition, Nara Women's University, Kita-Uoya Nishimachi, Nara 630-8506, Japan
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7
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Chen F, Gurler SB, Novo D, Selli C, Alferez DG, Eroglu S, Pavlou K, Zhang J, Sims AH, Humphreys NE, Adamson A, Campbell A, Sansom OJ, Tournier C, Clarke RB, Brennan K, Streuli CH, Ucar A. RAC1B function is essential for breast cancer stem cell maintenance and chemoresistance of breast tumor cells. Oncogene 2023; 42:679-692. [PMID: 36599922 PMCID: PMC9957727 DOI: 10.1038/s41388-022-02574-6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/09/2022] [Revised: 11/29/2022] [Accepted: 12/08/2022] [Indexed: 01/06/2023]
Abstract
Breast cancer stem cells (BCSC) are presumed to be responsible for treatment resistance, tumor recurrence and metastasis of breast tumors. However, development of BCSC-targeting therapies has been held back by their heterogeneity and the lack of BCSC-selective molecular targets. Here, we demonstrate that RAC1B, the only known alternatively spliced variant of the small GTPase RAC1, is expressed in a subset of BCSCs in vivo and its function is required for the maintenance of BCSCs and their chemoresistance to doxorubicin. In human breast cancer cell line MCF7, RAC1B is required for BCSC plasticity and chemoresistance to doxorubicin in vitro and for tumor-initiating abilities in vivo. Unlike Rac1, Rac1b function is dispensable for normal mammary gland development and mammary epithelial stem cell (MaSC) activity. In contrast, loss of Rac1b function in a mouse model of breast cancer hampers the BCSC activity and increases their chemosensitivity to doxorubicin treatment. Collectively, our data suggest that RAC1B is a clinically relevant molecular target for the development of BCSC-targeting therapies that may improve the effectiveness of doxorubicin-mediated chemotherapy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Fuhui Chen
- grid.5379.80000000121662407Manchester Breast Centre, Division of Cancer Sciences, School of Medical Sciences, Faculty of Biology, Medicine and Health, University of Manchester, Manchester, UK
| | - Sevim B. Gurler
- grid.5379.80000000121662407Manchester Breast Centre, Division of Cancer Sciences, School of Medical Sciences, Faculty of Biology, Medicine and Health, University of Manchester, Manchester, UK
| | - David Novo
- grid.5379.80000000121662407Wellcome Trust Centre for Cell Matrix Research, Faculty of Biology, Medicine and Health, University of Manchester, Manchester, UK
| | - Cigdem Selli
- grid.470904.e0000 0004 0496 2805Applied Bioinformatics of Cancer, Institute of Genetics and Cancer, University of Edinburgh Cancer Research Centre, Edinburgh, UK
| | - Denis G. Alferez
- grid.5379.80000000121662407Breast Biology Group, Manchester Breast Centre, Division of Cancer Sciences, School of Medical Sciences, Faculty of Biology, Medicine and Health, University of Manchester, Manchester, UK
| | - Secil Eroglu
- grid.5379.80000000121662407Manchester Breast Centre, Division of Cancer Sciences, School of Medical Sciences, Faculty of Biology, Medicine and Health, University of Manchester, Manchester, UK
| | - Kyriaki Pavlou
- grid.5379.80000000121662407Manchester Breast Centre, Division of Cancer Sciences, School of Medical Sciences, Faculty of Biology, Medicine and Health, University of Manchester, Manchester, UK
| | - Jingwei Zhang
- grid.5379.80000000121662407Manchester Breast Centre, Division of Cancer Sciences, School of Medical Sciences, Faculty of Biology, Medicine and Health, University of Manchester, Manchester, UK
| | - Andrew H. Sims
- grid.470904.e0000 0004 0496 2805Applied Bioinformatics of Cancer, Institute of Genetics and Cancer, University of Edinburgh Cancer Research Centre, Edinburgh, UK
| | - Neil E. Humphreys
- grid.5379.80000000121662407Genome Editing Unit, Faculty of Biology, Medicine and Health, University of Manchester, Manchester, UK
| | - Antony Adamson
- grid.5379.80000000121662407Genome Editing Unit, Faculty of Biology, Medicine and Health, University of Manchester, Manchester, UK
| | - Andrew Campbell
- grid.23636.320000 0000 8821 5196Cancer Research UK Beatson Institute, Glasgow, UK
| | - Owen J. Sansom
- grid.23636.320000 0000 8821 5196Cancer Research UK Beatson Institute, Glasgow, UK ,grid.8756.c0000 0001 2193 314XSchool of Cancer Sciences, University of Glasgow, Glasgow, UK
| | - Cathy Tournier
- grid.5379.80000000121662407Manchester Breast Centre, Division of Cancer Sciences, School of Medical Sciences, Faculty of Biology, Medicine and Health, University of Manchester, Manchester, UK
| | - Robert B. Clarke
- grid.5379.80000000121662407Breast Biology Group, Manchester Breast Centre, Division of Cancer Sciences, School of Medical Sciences, Faculty of Biology, Medicine and Health, University of Manchester, Manchester, UK
| | - Keith Brennan
- grid.5379.80000000121662407Manchester Breast Centre, Division of Cancer Sciences, School of Medical Sciences, Faculty of Biology, Medicine and Health, University of Manchester, Manchester, UK
| | - Charles H. Streuli
- grid.5379.80000000121662407Wellcome Trust Centre for Cell Matrix Research, Faculty of Biology, Medicine and Health, University of Manchester, Manchester, UK
| | - Ahmet Ucar
- Manchester Breast Centre, Division of Cancer Sciences, School of Medical Sciences, Faculty of Biology, Medicine and Health, University of Manchester, Manchester, UK.
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Wang T, Rao D, Yu C, Sheng J, Luo Y, Xia L, Huang W. RHO GTPase family in hepatocellular carcinoma. Exp Hematol Oncol 2022; 11:91. [DOI: 10.1186/s40164-022-00344-4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/23/2022] [Accepted: 10/18/2022] [Indexed: 11/09/2022] Open
Abstract
AbstractRHO GTPases are a subfamily of the RAS superfamily of proteins, which are highly conserved in eukaryotic species and have important biological functions, including actin cytoskeleton reorganization, cell proliferation, cell polarity, and vesicular transport. Recent studies indicate that RHO GTPases participate in the proliferation, migration, invasion and metastasis of cancer, playing an essential role in the tumorigenesis and progression of hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC). This review first introduces the classification, structure, regulators and functions of RHO GTPases, then dissects its role in HCC, especially in migration and metastasis. Finally, we summarize inhibitors targeting RHO GTPases and highlight the issues that should be addressed to improve the potency of these inhibitors.
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Wang W, Han Q, Xu X, Wen C. miR-146 Relieves Acute Asthma via Decreasing Epidermal Growth Factor Receptor/Toll-Like Receptor 4 (EGFR/TLR4) and Enhancing Autophagy. J BIOMATER TISS ENG 2022. [DOI: 10.1166/jbt.2022.3144] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/23/2022]
Abstract
There is a close relationship between acute asthma and autophagy. In addition, some studies claim that miR-146 can regulate autophagy and participate in acute asthma. This study further explores the role of miR-146 in acute asthma and underlying mechanism. Twenty BALB/c mice were selected
and randomly divided into two groups, the model group and the control group, each with 10 mice. Lung tissues, peripheral blood, alveolar lavage fluid, and primary lymphocytes were separated into miR-146 over expression group (miR-146 mimic), miR-146 low expression group (miR-146 inhibitor),
negative control group (NC), blank group, or SBI-0206965 group. Acute asthma was established and the expression levels of miR-146, EGFR, TLR4, LC3, beclin1, and ATG5 in each group was measured. The targeting relationship and correlation between miR-146 and EGFR were also investigated. The
expression of IL-4 in model group was increased compared to control arm while the expression of IFN-γ was opposite (P < 0.05). The expressions of miR-146, LC3, beclin1, and the expression of ATG5 were decreased (P < 0.05). The expressions of miR-146 gene and
LC3, beclin1, ATG5 mRNA and protein in the miR-146 mimic group were the highest, while the expressions of EGFR and TLR4 were the lowest. The SBI-0206965 group and the miR-146 inhibitor group are opposite to the miR-146 mimic group, the SBI-0206965 group and the miR-146 inhibitor group have
significant differences (P < 0.05). miR-146 has a directly targeted EGFR and TLR4, and both showed a negative correlation (rEGFR=−0.397, P = 0.013; rTLR4=−0.402, P = 0.021). During the onset of asthma, miR-146 was abnormally decreased. miR-146 directly targets
and negatively regulates EGFR. In addition, miR-146 down-regulates TLR4 gene to increase CD4+ lymphocytes’ aphagocytosis-related markers (LC3, beclin1, ATG5) which further promotes the autophagy process and ultimately alleviates the degree of acute asthma. Its main mechanism is related
to the down-regulation of the EGFR/TLR4 through regulated the expression of autophagy. Our study provided a scientific reference for further understanding of acute pathogenesis of asthma.
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Affiliation(s)
- Wei Wang
- Department of Pediatrics, Daqing Oilfield General Hospital, Daqing, Heilongjiang, 163000, China
| | - Qiuguo Han
- Department of Pediatrics, Daqing Oilfield General Hospital, Daqing, Heilongjiang, 163000, China
| | - Xin Xu
- Department of Vascular Surgery, Daqing Oilfield General Hospital, Daqing, Heilongjiang, 163000, China
| | - Chen Wen
- Department of Pharmaceutical Laboratory Science, Daqing Medical College, Daqing, Heilongjiang, 163000, China
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Caetano MMM, Moreira GA, da Silva MR, Guimarães GR, Santos LDO, Pacheco ADA, Siqueira RP, Mendes FC, Marques Da Silva EDA, Junior AS, Rangel Fietto JL, Saito Â, Boroni M, Bressan GC. Impaired expression of serine/arginine protein kinase 2 (SRPK2) affects melanoma progression. Front Genet 2022; 13:979735. [PMID: 36212152 PMCID: PMC9537589 DOI: 10.3389/fgene.2022.979735] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 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: 06/27/2022] [Accepted: 08/18/2022] [Indexed: 12/03/2022] Open
Abstract
Melanoma is one of the most aggressive tumors, and its lethality is associated with the ability of malignant cells to migrate and invade surrounding tissues to colonize distant organs and to generate widespread metastasis. The serine/arginine protein kinases 1 and 2 (SRPK1 and SRPK2) are classically related to the control of pre-mRNA splicing through SR protein phosphorylation and have been found overexpressed in many types of cancer, including melanoma. Previously, we have demonstrated that the pharmacological inhibition of SRPKs impairs pulmonary colonization of metastatic melanoma in mice. As the used compounds could target at least both SRPK1 and SRPK2, here we sought to obtain additional clues regarding the involvement of these paralogs in melanoma progression. We analyzed single-cell RNA sequencing data of melanoma patient cohorts and found that SRPK2 expression in melanoma cells is associated with poor prognosis. Consistently, CRISPR-Cas9 genome targeting of SRPK2, but not SRPK1, impaired actin polymerization dynamics as well as the proliferative and invasive capacity of B16F10 cells in vitro. In further in vivo experiments, genetic targeting of SRPK2, but not SRPK1, reduced tumor progression in both subcutaneous and caudal vein melanoma induction models. Taken together, these findings suggest different functional roles for SRPK1/2 in metastatic melanoma and highlight the relevance of pursuing selective pharmacological inhibitors of SRPK2.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Gabriela Alves Moreira
- Departamento de Bioquímica e Biologia Molecular, Universidade Federal de Viçosa (UFV), Viçosa, Brazil
| | - Maria Roméria da Silva
- Departamento de Bioquímica e Biologia Molecular, Universidade Federal de Viçosa (UFV), Viçosa, Brazil
| | - Gabriela Rapozo Guimarães
- Laboratório de Bioinformática e Biologia Computacional, Divisão de Pesquisa Experimental e Translacional, Instituto Nacional de Câncer (INCA), Rio de Janeiro, Brazil
| | - Leandro de Oliveira Santos
- Laboratório de Bioinformática e Biologia Computacional, Divisão de Pesquisa Experimental e Translacional, Instituto Nacional de Câncer (INCA), Rio de Janeiro, Brazil
| | | | - Raoni Pais Siqueira
- Departamento de Bioquímica e Biologia Molecular, Universidade Federal de Viçosa (UFV), Viçosa, Brazil
| | - Flávia Carneiro Mendes
- Departamento de Bioquímica e Biologia Molecular, Universidade Federal de Viçosa (UFV), Viçosa, Brazil
| | | | | | | | - Ângela Saito
- Laboratório Nacional de Biociências (LNBio), Centro Nacional de Pesquisa em Energia e Materiais (CNPEM), Campinas, Brazil
| | - Mariana Boroni
- Laboratório de Bioinformática e Biologia Computacional, Divisão de Pesquisa Experimental e Translacional, Instituto Nacional de Câncer (INCA), Rio de Janeiro, Brazil
| | - Gustavo Costa Bressan
- Departamento de Bioquímica e Biologia Molecular, Universidade Federal de Viçosa (UFV), Viçosa, Brazil
- *Correspondence: Gustavo Costa Bressan,
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11
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Bailly C, Beignet J, Loirand G, Sauzeau V. Rac1 as a therapeutic anticancer target: Promises and limitations. Biochem Pharmacol 2022; 203:115180. [PMID: 35853497 DOI: 10.1016/j.bcp.2022.115180] [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: 06/01/2022] [Revised: 07/13/2022] [Accepted: 07/13/2022] [Indexed: 11/16/2022]
Abstract
Small molecule inhibitors of GTPases are increasingly considered for the treatment of multiple human pathologies. The GTPase Rac1 (Ras-related C3 botulinum toxin substrate 1) plays major roles in vital cellular processes, notably in the control cell motility and dynamic, the regulation of oxidative stress, and in inflammatory and immune surveillance. As such, Rac1 is viewed as a potential target to combat cancers but also diverse inflammatory, metabolic, neurodegenerative, respiratory, cardiovascular, viral, and parasitic diseases. Potent and selective Rac1 inhibitors have been identified and designed, such as compounds GYS32661 and MBQ-167 both in preclinical development for the treatment of advanced solid tumors. The pleiotropic roles and ubiquitous expression of the protein can be viewed as limitations for anticancer approaches. However, the frequent overexpression and/or hyperactivation of the Rac1 in difficult-to-treat chemoresistant cancers, make Rac1 an attractive target in oncology. The key roles of Rac1 in multiple cellular pathways, together with its major implications in carcinogenesis, tumor proliferation and metastasis, support the development of small molecule inhibitors. The challenge is high and the difficulty shall not be underestimated, but the target is innovative and promising in combination with chemo- and/or immuno-therapy. Opportunities and challenges associated with the targeting of Rac1 are discussed.
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Affiliation(s)
- Christian Bailly
- OncoWitan, Scientific Consulting Office, Lille (Wasquehal), 59290, France.
| | - Julien Beignet
- SATT Ouest Valorisation, 30 boulevard Vincent Gâche, CS 70211, 44202 Nantes cedex, France
| | - Gervaise Loirand
- Université de Nantes, CHU Nantes, CNRS, INSERM, Institut du thorax, Nantes, France
| | - Vincent Sauzeau
- Université de Nantes, CHU Nantes, CNRS, INSERM, Institut du thorax, Nantes, France
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12
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Hall AE, Pohl SÖG, Cammareri P, Aitken S, Younger NT, Raponi M, Billard CV, Carrancio AB, Bastem A, Freile P, Haward F, Adams IR, Caceres JF, Preyzner P, von Kriegsheim A, Dunlop MG, Din FV, Myant KB. RNA splicing is a key mediator of tumour cell plasticity and a therapeutic vulnerability in colorectal cancer. Nat Commun 2022; 13:2791. [PMID: 35589755 PMCID: PMC9120198 DOI: 10.1038/s41467-022-30489-z] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/30/2022] [Accepted: 04/29/2022] [Indexed: 12/25/2022] Open
Abstract
Tumour cell plasticity is a major barrier to the efficacy of targeted cancer therapies but the mechanisms that mediate it are poorly understood. Here, we identify dysregulated RNA splicing as a key driver of tumour cell dedifferentiation in colorectal cancer (CRC). We find that Apc-deficient CRC cells have dysregulated RNA splicing machinery and exhibit global rewiring of RNA splicing. We show that the splicing factor SRSF1 controls the plasticity of tumour cells by controlling Kras splicing and is required for CRC invasion in a mouse model of carcinogenesis. SRSF1 expression maintains stemness in human CRC organoids and correlates with cancer stem cell marker expression in human tumours. Crucially, partial genetic downregulation of Srsf1 does not detrimentally affect normal tissue homeostasis, demonstrating that tumour cell plasticity can be differentially targeted. Thus, our findings link dysregulation of the RNA splicing machinery and control of tumour cell plasticity.
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Affiliation(s)
- Adam E Hall
- Institute of Genetics and Cancer, The University of Edinburgh, Western General Hospital Campus, Crewe Road, Edinburgh, EH4 2XU, Scotland
- Cancer Research UK Edinburgh Centre, Institute of Genetics and Cancer, The University of Edinburgh, Western General Hospital, Crewe Road South, Edinburgh, EH4 2XR, Scotland
| | - Sebastian Öther-Gee Pohl
- Institute of Genetics and Cancer, The University of Edinburgh, Western General Hospital Campus, Crewe Road, Edinburgh, EH4 2XU, Scotland
- Cancer Research UK Edinburgh Centre, Institute of Genetics and Cancer, The University of Edinburgh, Western General Hospital, Crewe Road South, Edinburgh, EH4 2XR, Scotland
| | - Patrizia Cammareri
- Institute of Genetics and Cancer, The University of Edinburgh, Western General Hospital Campus, Crewe Road, Edinburgh, EH4 2XU, Scotland
- Cancer Research UK Edinburgh Centre, Institute of Genetics and Cancer, The University of Edinburgh, Western General Hospital, Crewe Road South, Edinburgh, EH4 2XR, Scotland
| | - Stuart Aitken
- Institute of Genetics and Cancer, The University of Edinburgh, Western General Hospital Campus, Crewe Road, Edinburgh, EH4 2XU, Scotland
- MRC Human Genetics Unit, Institute of Genetics and Cancer, The University of Edinburgh, Western General Hospital, Crewe Road, Edinburgh, EH4 2XU, Scotland
| | - Nicholas T Younger
- Centre for Inflammation Research, University of Edinburgh, Edinburgh, EH16 4TJ, Scotland
| | - Michela Raponi
- Institute of Genetics and Cancer, The University of Edinburgh, Western General Hospital Campus, Crewe Road, Edinburgh, EH4 2XU, Scotland
- Cancer Research UK Edinburgh Centre, Institute of Genetics and Cancer, The University of Edinburgh, Western General Hospital, Crewe Road South, Edinburgh, EH4 2XR, Scotland
- Cancer Research UK Beatson Institute, Garscube Estate, Switchback Road, Bearsden, Glasgow, G61 1BD, Scotland
| | - Caroline V Billard
- Institute of Genetics and Cancer, The University of Edinburgh, Western General Hospital Campus, Crewe Road, Edinburgh, EH4 2XU, Scotland
- Cancer Research UK Edinburgh Centre, Institute of Genetics and Cancer, The University of Edinburgh, Western General Hospital, Crewe Road South, Edinburgh, EH4 2XR, Scotland
| | - Alfonso Bolado Carrancio
- Institute of Genetics and Cancer, The University of Edinburgh, Western General Hospital Campus, Crewe Road, Edinburgh, EH4 2XU, Scotland
- Cancer Research UK Edinburgh Centre, Institute of Genetics and Cancer, The University of Edinburgh, Western General Hospital, Crewe Road South, Edinburgh, EH4 2XR, Scotland
| | - Aslihan Bastem
- Institute of Genetics and Cancer, The University of Edinburgh, Western General Hospital Campus, Crewe Road, Edinburgh, EH4 2XU, Scotland
- Cancer Research UK Edinburgh Centre, Institute of Genetics and Cancer, The University of Edinburgh, Western General Hospital, Crewe Road South, Edinburgh, EH4 2XR, Scotland
| | - Paz Freile
- Institute of Genetics and Cancer, The University of Edinburgh, Western General Hospital Campus, Crewe Road, Edinburgh, EH4 2XU, Scotland
- Cancer Research UK Edinburgh Centre, Institute of Genetics and Cancer, The University of Edinburgh, Western General Hospital, Crewe Road South, Edinburgh, EH4 2XR, Scotland
| | - Fiona Haward
- Institute of Genetics and Cancer, The University of Edinburgh, Western General Hospital Campus, Crewe Road, Edinburgh, EH4 2XU, Scotland
- MRC Human Genetics Unit, Institute of Genetics and Cancer, The University of Edinburgh, Western General Hospital, Crewe Road, Edinburgh, EH4 2XU, Scotland
- Centre for Gene Regulation & Expression, School of Life Sciences, University of Dundee, Dow Street, Dundee, DD1 5EH, Scotland
| | - Ian R Adams
- Institute of Genetics and Cancer, The University of Edinburgh, Western General Hospital Campus, Crewe Road, Edinburgh, EH4 2XU, Scotland
- MRC Human Genetics Unit, Institute of Genetics and Cancer, The University of Edinburgh, Western General Hospital, Crewe Road, Edinburgh, EH4 2XU, Scotland
| | - Javier F Caceres
- Institute of Genetics and Cancer, The University of Edinburgh, Western General Hospital Campus, Crewe Road, Edinburgh, EH4 2XU, Scotland
- MRC Human Genetics Unit, Institute of Genetics and Cancer, The University of Edinburgh, Western General Hospital, Crewe Road, Edinburgh, EH4 2XU, Scotland
| | - Paula Preyzner
- Institute of Genetics and Cancer, The University of Edinburgh, Western General Hospital Campus, Crewe Road, Edinburgh, EH4 2XU, Scotland
- Cancer Research UK Edinburgh Centre, Institute of Genetics and Cancer, The University of Edinburgh, Western General Hospital, Crewe Road South, Edinburgh, EH4 2XR, Scotland
| | - Alex von Kriegsheim
- Institute of Genetics and Cancer, The University of Edinburgh, Western General Hospital Campus, Crewe Road, Edinburgh, EH4 2XU, Scotland
- Cancer Research UK Edinburgh Centre, Institute of Genetics and Cancer, The University of Edinburgh, Western General Hospital, Crewe Road South, Edinburgh, EH4 2XR, Scotland
| | - Malcolm G Dunlop
- Institute of Genetics and Cancer, The University of Edinburgh, Western General Hospital Campus, Crewe Road, Edinburgh, EH4 2XU, Scotland
- MRC Human Genetics Unit, Institute of Genetics and Cancer, The University of Edinburgh, Western General Hospital, Crewe Road, Edinburgh, EH4 2XU, Scotland
| | - Farhat V Din
- Institute of Genetics and Cancer, The University of Edinburgh, Western General Hospital Campus, Crewe Road, Edinburgh, EH4 2XU, Scotland
- Cancer Research UK Edinburgh Centre, Institute of Genetics and Cancer, The University of Edinburgh, Western General Hospital, Crewe Road South, Edinburgh, EH4 2XR, Scotland
| | - Kevin B Myant
- Institute of Genetics and Cancer, The University of Edinburgh, Western General Hospital Campus, Crewe Road, Edinburgh, EH4 2XU, Scotland.
- Cancer Research UK Edinburgh Centre, Institute of Genetics and Cancer, The University of Edinburgh, Western General Hospital, Crewe Road South, Edinburgh, EH4 2XR, Scotland.
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13
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Abstract
Simple Summary For many years, cancer-associated mutations in RHO GTPases were not identified and observations suggesting roles for RHO GTPases in cancer were sparse. Instead, RHO GTPases were considered primarily to regulate cell morphology and cell migration, processes that rely on the dynamic behavior of the cytoskeleton. This notion is in contrast to the RAS proteins, which are famous oncogenes and found to be mutated at high incidence in human cancers. Recent advancements in the tools for large-scale genome analysis have resulted in a paradigm shift and RHO GTPases are today found altered in many cancer types. This review article deals with the recent views on the roles of RHO GTPases in cancer, with a focus on the so-called fast-cycling RHO GTPases. Abstract The RHO GTPases comprise a subfamily within the RAS superfamily of small GTP-hydrolyzing enzymes and have primarily been ascribed roles in regulation of cytoskeletal dynamics in eukaryotic cells. An oncogenic role for the RHO GTPases has been disregarded, as no activating point mutations were found for genes encoding RHO GTPases. Instead, dysregulated expression of RHO GTPases and their regulators have been identified in cancer, often in the context of increased tumor cell migration and invasion. In the new landscape of cancer genomics, activating point mutations in members of the RHO GTPases have been identified, in particular in RAC1, RHOA, and CDC42, which has suggested that RHO GTPases can indeed serve as oncogenes in certain cancer types. This review describes the current knowledge of these cancer-associated mutant RHO GTPases, with a focus on how their altered kinetics can contribute to cancer progression.
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Affiliation(s)
- Pontus Aspenström
- Rudbeck Laboratory, Department of Immunology, Genetics and Pathology (IGP), Uppsala University, SE-751 85 Uppsala, Sweden
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14
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Ji X, Chen X, Zhang B, Xie M, Zhang T, Luo X, Liu D, Feng Y, Wang Y, Sun M, Li C, Huang W, Xia L. T-box transcription factor 19 promotes hepatocellular carcinoma metastasis through upregulating EGFR and RAC1. Oncogene 2022. [PMID: 35217793 DOI: 10.1038/s41388-022-02249-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/28/2021] [Revised: 01/29/2022] [Accepted: 02/14/2022] [Indexed: 12/21/2022]
Abstract
The effect of targeted therapy for metastatic hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) is still unsatisfactory. Exploring the underlying mechanism of HCC metastasis is favorable to provide new therapeutic strategies. T-box (TBX) transcription factor family genes, which are crucial regulators in embryo and organ development, are vital for regulating tumor initiation, growth and metastasis. Here we explored the role of TBX19 in HCC metastasis, which is one of the most upregulated TBX family genes in human HCC tissues. TBX19 expression was markedly upregulated in HCC tissues and elevated TBX19 expression predicted poor prognosis. Overexpression of TBX19 enhanced HCC metastasis through upregulating epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR) and Rac family small GTPase 1 (RAC1) expression. Downregulation of EGFR and RAC1 inhibited TBX19-mediated HCC metastasis, while upregulation of EGFR and RAC1 restored inhibition of HCC metastasis mediated by TBX19 knockdown. Furthermore, epidermal growth factor (EGF)/EGFR signaling upregulated TBX19 expression via the extracellular signal-regulated kinase (ERK)/nuclear factor (NF)-kB axis. Besides, the combined application of EGFR inhibitor Erlotinib and RAC1 inhibitor NSC23766 markedly inhibited TBX19-mediated HCC metastasis. In HCC cohorts, TBX19 expression was positively associated with EGFR and RAC1 expression. Patients with positive coexpression of TBX19/EGFR or TBX19/RAC1 displayed the poorest prognosis. In conclusion, EGF/EGFR signaling upregulated TBX19 expression via ERK/NF-kB pathway and TBX19 fostered HCC metastasis by enhancing EGFR and RAC1 expression, which formed an EGF-TBX19-EGFR positive feedback loop. Targeting this signaling pathway may offer a potential therapeutic strategy to efficiently restrain TBX19-mediated HCC metastasis.
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15
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Abstract
Alternative splicing is a process by which a single gene is able to encode multiple different protein isoforms. It is regulated by the inclusion or exclusion of introns and exons that are joined in different patterns prior to protein translation, thus enabling transcriptomic and proteomic diversity. It is now widely accepted that alternative splicing is dysregulated across nearly all cancer types. This widespread dysregulation means that nearly all cellular processes are affected - these include processes synonymous with the hallmarks of cancer - evasion of apoptosis, tissue invasion and metastasis, altered cellular metabolism, genome instability and drug resistance. Emerging evidence indicates that the dysregulation of alternative splicing also promotes a permissive environment for increased tumour heterogeneity and cellular plasticity. These are fundamental regulators of a patient's response to therapy. In this Review, we introduce the mechanisms of alternative splicing and the role of aberrant splicing in cancer, with particular focus on newfound evidence of alternative splicing promoting tumour heterogeneity, cellular plasticity and altered metabolism. We discuss recent in vivo models generated to study alternative splicing and the importance of these for understanding complex tumourigenic processes. Finally, we review the effects of alternative splicing on immune evasion, cell death and genome instability, and how targeting these might enhance therapeutic efficacy.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Kevin B. Myant
- Cancer Research UK Edinburgh Centre, Institute of Genetics of Cancer, The University of Edinburgh, Western General Hospital, Edinburgh EH4 2XU, UK
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16
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Abstract
Cancer represents a leading cause of death, despite the rapid progress of cancer research, leading to urgent need for accurate preclinical model to further study of tumor mechanism and accelerate translational applications. Cancer cell lines cannot fully recapitulate tumors of different patients due to the lack of tumor complexity and specification, while the high technical difficulty, long time, and substantial cost of patient-derived xenograft model makes it unable to be used extensively for all types of tumors and large-scale drug screening. Patient-derived organoids can be established rapidly with a high success rate from many tumors, and precisely replicate the key histopathological, genetic, and phenotypic features, as well as therapeutic response of patient tumor. Therefore, they are extensively used in cancer basic research, biobanking, disease modeling and precision medicine. The combinations of cancer organoids with other advanced technologies, such as 3D bio-printing, organ-on-a-chip, and CRISPR-Cas9, contributes to the more complete replication of complex tumor microenvironment and tumorigenesis. In this review, we discuss the various methods of the establishment and the application of patient-derived organoids in diverse tumors as well as the limitations and future prospects of these models. Further advances of tumor organoids are expected to bridge the huge gap between bench and bedside and provide the unprecedented opportunities to advance cancer research.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jia Wang
- The First Affiliated Hospital of Shantou University, Shantou University Medical College, Shantou, China
| | - Xiaoying Feng
- The First Affiliated Hospital of Shantou University, Shantou University Medical College, Shantou, China
| | - Zhichao Li
- Department of Urology, Shenzhen Institute of Translational Medicine, Shenzhen Second People's Hospital, The First Affiliated Hospital of Shenzhen University, Shenzhen, China; Guangdong Key Laboratory of Systems Biology and Synthetic Biology for Urogenital Tumors, Shenzhen, China; International Cancer Center of Shenzhen University, Shenzhen, China
| | - Yongsong Chen
- The First Affiliated Hospital of Shantou University, Shantou University Medical College, Shantou, China
| | - Weiren Huang
- The First Affiliated Hospital of Shantou University, Shantou University Medical College, Shantou, China; Department of Urology, Shenzhen Institute of Translational Medicine, Shenzhen Second People's Hospital, The First Affiliated Hospital of Shenzhen University, Shenzhen, China; Guangdong Key Laboratory of Systems Biology and Synthetic Biology for Urogenital Tumors, Shenzhen, China; International Cancer Center of Shenzhen University, Shenzhen, China; Shenzhen Institute of Synthetic Biology, Shenzhen Institutes of Advanced Technology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Shenzhen, China.
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17
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Yang X, Wang Y, Chen S, Zhang S, Cui C. Cetuximab-Modified Human Serum Albumin Nanoparticles Co-Loaded with Doxorubicin and MDR1 siRNA for the Treatment of Drug-Resistant Breast Tumors. Int J Nanomedicine 2021; 16:7051-7069. [PMID: 34703227 PMCID: PMC8528549 DOI: 10.2147/ijn.s332830] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.7] [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: 08/06/2021] [Accepted: 10/04/2021] [Indexed: 12/17/2022] Open
Abstract
Background Breast cancer is the most prevalent cancer among women. Doxorubicin (DOX) is a common chemotherapeutic drug used to treat many different cancers. However, multidrug resistance limits the treatment of breast cancer. MDR1 siRNA (siMDR1) combinatorial therapy has attracted significant attention as a breakthrough therapy for multidrug resistance in tumors. However, naked siRNA is easily degraded by enzymatic hydrolysis requiring an siRNA carrier for its protection. Human serum albumin (HSA) was selected as the carrier due to its excellent biocompatibility, non-toxicity, and non-immunogenicity. Cetuximab was used to modify the HSA nanoparticles in order to target the tumor tissues. Methods This study used a central composite design response surface methodology (CCD-RSM) to investigate the optimal formula for HSA NPs preparation. Cex-HSA/DOX/MDR1 siRNA (C-H/D/M) was characterized by dynamic light scattering and transmission electron microscopy. The efficacy of C-H/D/M tumor growth inhibitory activity was investigated in vitro and in vivo using confocal imaging, MTT assay, and an MCF-7/ADR tumor-bearing mice model. RT–qPCR, ELISA analysis, and flow cytometry were used to investigate the in vitro antitumor mechanisms of C-H/D/M. Results The diameter and PDI of the C-H/D/M were 173.57 ± 1.30 nm and 0.027 ± 0.004, respectively. C-H/D/M promoted and maintained the sustained release and the uptake of DOX significantly. After transfection, the MDR1 mRNA and P-gp expression levels were down-regulated by 44.31 ± 3.6% (P < 0.01) and 38.08 ± 2.4% (P < 0.01) in an MCF-7/ADR cell line. The fluorescent images of the treated BALB/c nude mice revealed that C-H/D/M achieved targeted delivery of siMDR1 and DOX into the tumor tissue. The in vivo tumor inhibition results demonstrated that the tumor inhibition rate of the C-H/D/M treated group was 54.05% ± 1.25%. The biosafety results indicated that C-H/D/M did not induce significant damages to the main organs in vivo. Conclusion C-H/D/M can be used as an ideal non-viral tumor-targeting vector to overcome MDR and enhance the antitumor effect.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xin Yang
- School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Capital Medical University, Beijing, 100069, People's Republic of China.,Engineering Research Center of Endogenous Prophylactic of Ministry of Education of China, Beijing, 100069, People's Republic of China.,Beijing Area Major Laboratory of Peptide and Small Molecular Drugs, Beijing, 100069, People's Republic of China
| | - Yifan Wang
- School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Capital Medical University, Beijing, 100069, People's Republic of China.,Engineering Research Center of Endogenous Prophylactic of Ministry of Education of China, Beijing, 100069, People's Republic of China.,Beijing Area Major Laboratory of Peptide and Small Molecular Drugs, Beijing, 100069, People's Republic of China
| | - Si Chen
- School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Capital Medical University, Beijing, 100069, People's Republic of China.,Engineering Research Center of Endogenous Prophylactic of Ministry of Education of China, Beijing, 100069, People's Republic of China.,Beijing Area Major Laboratory of Peptide and Small Molecular Drugs, Beijing, 100069, People's Republic of China
| | - Shuang Zhang
- School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Capital Medical University, Beijing, 100069, People's Republic of China.,Engineering Research Center of Endogenous Prophylactic of Ministry of Education of China, Beijing, 100069, People's Republic of China.,Beijing Area Major Laboratory of Peptide and Small Molecular Drugs, Beijing, 100069, People's Republic of China
| | - Chunying Cui
- School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Capital Medical University, Beijing, 100069, People's Republic of China.,Engineering Research Center of Endogenous Prophylactic of Ministry of Education of China, Beijing, 100069, People's Republic of China.,Beijing Area Major Laboratory of Peptide and Small Molecular Drugs, Beijing, 100069, People's Republic of China
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18
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Gudiño V, Cammareri P, Billard CV, Myant KB. Negative regulation of TGFβ-induced apoptosis by RAC1B enhances intestinal tumourigenesis. Cell Death Dis 2021; 12:873. [PMID: 34564693 PMCID: PMC8464603 DOI: 10.1038/s41419-021-04177-7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/13/2021] [Revised: 08/23/2021] [Accepted: 09/08/2021] [Indexed: 02/07/2023]
Abstract
RAC1B is a tumour-related alternative splice isoform of the small GTPase RAC1, found overexpressed in a large number of tumour types. Building evidence suggests it promotes tumour progression but compelling in vivo evidence, demonstrating a role in driving tumour invasion, is currently lacking. In the present study, we have overexpressed RAC1B in a colorectal cancer mouse model with potential invasive properties. Interestingly, RAC1B overexpression did not trigger tumour invasion, rather it led to an acceleration of tumour initiation and reduced mouse survival. By modelling early stages of adenoma initiation we observed a reduced apoptotic rate in RAC1B overexpressing tumours, suggesting protection from apoptosis as a mediator of this phenotype. RAC1B overexpressing tumours displayed attenuated TGFβ signalling and functional analysis in ex vivo organoid cultures demonstrated that RAC1B negatively modulates TGFβ signalling and confers resistance to TGFβ-driven cell death. This work defines a novel mechanism by which early adenoma cells can overcome the cytostatic and cytotoxic effects of TGFβ signalling and characterises a new oncogenic function of RAC1B in vivo.
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Affiliation(s)
- Victoria Gudiño
- Cancer Research UK Edinburgh Centre, MRC Institute of Genetics & Molecular Medicine, The University of Edinburgh, Western General Hospital, Crewe Road South, Edinburgh, EH4 2XU, UK
- Inflammatory Bowel Disease Unit, Department of Gastroenterology, Institut d'Investigacions Biomèdiques August Pi i Sunyer (IDIBAPS) - CIBEREHD, Barcelona, Spain
| | - Patrizia Cammareri
- Cancer Research UK Edinburgh Centre, MRC Institute of Genetics & Molecular Medicine, The University of Edinburgh, Western General Hospital, Crewe Road South, Edinburgh, EH4 2XU, UK
| | - Caroline V Billard
- Cancer Research UK Edinburgh Centre, MRC Institute of Genetics & Molecular Medicine, The University of Edinburgh, Western General Hospital, Crewe Road South, Edinburgh, EH4 2XU, UK
| | - Kevin B Myant
- Cancer Research UK Edinburgh Centre, MRC Institute of Genetics & Molecular Medicine, The University of Edinburgh, Western General Hospital, Crewe Road South, Edinburgh, EH4 2XU, UK.
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19
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Manco M, Ala U, Cantarella D, Tolosano E, Medico E, Altruda F, Fagoonee S. The RNA-Binding Protein ESRP1 Modulates the Expression of RAC1b in Colorectal Cancer Cells. Cancers (Basel) 2021; 13:4092. [PMID: 34439247 DOI: 10.3390/cancers13164092] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/29/2021] [Revised: 08/03/2021] [Accepted: 08/09/2021] [Indexed: 12/14/2022] Open
Abstract
Simple Summary Colorectal cancer (CRC) ranks third for incidence and second for number of deaths among cancer types worldwide. Poor patient survival due to inadequate response to currently available treatment regimens points to the urgent requirement for personalized therapy in CRC patients. Our aim was to provide mechanistic insights into the pro-tumorigenic role of the RNA-binding protein ESRP1, which is highly expressed in a subset of CRC patients. We show that, in CRC cells, ESRP1 binds to and has the same trend in expression as RAC1b, a well-known tumor promoter. Thus, RAC1b may be a potential therapeutic target in ESRP1-overexpressing CRC. Abstract RNA binding proteins are well recognized as critical regulators of tumorigenic processes through their capacity to modulate RNA biogenesis, including alternative splicing, RNA stability and mRNA translation. The RNA binding protein Epithelial Splicing Regulatory Protein 1 (ESRP1) can act as a tumor suppressor or promoter in a cell type- and disease context-dependent manner. We have previously shown that elevated expression of ESRP1 in colorectal cancer cells can drive tumor progression. To gain further insights into the pro-tumorigenic mechanism of action of ESRP1, we performed cDNA microarray analysis on two colorectal cells lines modulated for ESRP1 expression. Intriguingly, RAC1b was highly expressed, both at mRNA and protein levels, in ESRP1-overexpressing cells, while the opposite trend was observed in ESRP1-silenced CRC cells. Moreover, RAC1 and RAC1b mRNA co-immunoprecipitate with ESRP1 protein. Silencing of RAC1b expression significantly reduced the number of soft agar colonies formed by ESRP1-overexpressing cells, suggesting that ESRP1 acted, at least partially, through RAC1b in its tumor-promoting activities in CRC cells. Thus, our data provide molecular cues on targetable candidates in CRC cases with high ESRP1 expression.
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