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Schuhwerk H, Brabletz T. Mutual regulation of TGFβ-induced oncogenic EMT, cell cycle progression and the DDR. Semin Cancer Biol 2023; 97:86-103. [PMID: 38029866 DOI: 10.1016/j.semcancer.2023.11.009] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/27/2023] [Revised: 10/06/2023] [Accepted: 11/23/2023] [Indexed: 12/01/2023]
Abstract
TGFβ signaling and the DNA damage response (DDR) are two cellular toolboxes with a strong impact on cancer biology. While TGFβ as a pleiotropic cytokine affects essentially all hallmarks of cancer, the multifunctional DDR mostly orchestrates cell cycle progression, DNA repair, chromatin remodeling and cell death. One oncogenic effect of TGFβ is the partial activation of epithelial-to-mesenchymal transition (EMT), conferring invasiveness, cellular plasticity and resistance to various noxae. Several reports show that both individual networks as well as their interface affect chemo-/radiotherapies. However, the underlying mechanisms remain poorly resolved. EMT often correlates with TGFβ-induced slowing of proliferation, yet numerous studies demonstrate that particularly the co-activated EMT transcription factors counteract anti-proliferative signaling in a partially non-redundant manner. Collectively, evidence piled up over decades underscore a multifaceted, reciprocal inter-connection of TGFβ signaling / EMT with the DDR / cell cycle progression, which we will discuss here. Altogether, we conclude that full cell cycle arrest is barely compatible with the propagation of oncogenic EMT traits and further propose that 'EMT-linked DDR plasticity' is a crucial, yet intricate facet of malignancy, decisively affecting metastasis formation and therapy resistance.
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Affiliation(s)
- Harald Schuhwerk
- Department of Experimental Medicine 1, Nikolaus-Fiebiger Center for Molecular Medicine, Friedrich-Alexander University of Erlangen-Nürnberg, Erlangen, Germany.
| | - Thomas Brabletz
- Department of Experimental Medicine 1, Nikolaus-Fiebiger Center for Molecular Medicine, Friedrich-Alexander University of Erlangen-Nürnberg, Erlangen, Germany; Comprehensive Cancer Center Erlangen-EMN, Erlangen University Hospital, Friedrich-Alexander University Erlangen-Nürnberg, Erlangen, Germany.
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Petroni M, La Monica V, Fabretti F, Augusto M, Battaglini D, Polonara F, Di Giulio S, Giannini G. The Multiple Faces of the MRN Complex: Roles in Medulloblastoma and Beyond. Cancers (Basel) 2023; 15:3599. [PMID: 37509263 PMCID: PMC10377613 DOI: 10.3390/cancers15143599] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/06/2023] [Revised: 07/09/2023] [Accepted: 07/10/2023] [Indexed: 07/30/2023] Open
Abstract
Hypomorphic mutations in MRN complex genes are frequently found in cancer, supporting their role as oncosuppressors. However, unlike canonical oncosuppressors, MRN proteins are often overexpressed in tumor tissues, where they actively work to counteract DSBs induced by both oncogene-dependent RS and radio-chemotherapy. Moreover, at the same time, MRN genes are also essential genes, since the constitutive KO of each component leads to embryonic lethality. Therefore, even though it is paradoxical, MRN genes may work as oncosuppressive, oncopromoting, and essential genes. In this review, we discussed how alterations in the MRN complex impact the physiopathology of cancer, in light of our recent discoveries on the gene-dosage-dependent effect of NBS1 in Medulloblastoma. These updates aim to understand whether MRN complex can be realistically used as a prognostic/predictive marker and/or as a therapeutic target for the treatment of cancer patients in the future.
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Affiliation(s)
- Marialaura Petroni
- Department of Molecular Medicine, University La Sapienza, 00161 Rome, Italy
- Istituto Pasteur-Fondazione Cenci Bolognetti, 00161 Rome, Italy
| | - Veronica La Monica
- Department of Molecular Medicine, University La Sapienza, 00161 Rome, Italy
| | - Francesca Fabretti
- Department of Molecular Medicine, University La Sapienza, 00161 Rome, Italy
| | - Mariaconcetta Augusto
- Department of Molecular Medicine, University La Sapienza, 00161 Rome, Italy
- Center for Life Nano- & Neuro-Science, Istituto Italiano di Tecnologia (IIT), 00161 Rome, Italy
| | - Damiana Battaglini
- Department of Molecular Medicine, University La Sapienza, 00161 Rome, Italy
| | - Francesca Polonara
- Department of Molecular Medicine, University La Sapienza, 00161 Rome, Italy
- Istituto Pasteur-Fondazione Cenci Bolognetti, 00161 Rome, Italy
| | - Stefano Di Giulio
- Department of Molecular Medicine, University La Sapienza, 00161 Rome, Italy
| | - Giuseppe Giannini
- Department of Molecular Medicine, University La Sapienza, 00161 Rome, Italy
- Istituto Pasteur-Fondazione Cenci Bolognetti, 00161 Rome, Italy
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Anwaar A, Varma AK, Baruah R. In Silico-Based Structural Evaluation to Categorize the Pathogenicity of Mutations Identified in the RAD Class of Proteins. ACS OMEGA 2023; 8:10266-10277. [PMID: 36969410 PMCID: PMC10034773 DOI: 10.1021/acsomega.2c07802] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/07/2022] [Accepted: 02/10/2023] [Indexed: 06/18/2023]
Abstract
RAD genes, known as double-strand break repair proteins, play a major role in maintaining the genomic integrity of a cell by carrying out essential DNA repair functions via double-strand break repair pathways. Mutations in the RAD class of proteins show high susceptibility to breast and ovarian cancers; however, adequate research on the mutations identified in these genes has not been extensively reported for their deleterious effects. Changes in the folding pattern of RAD proteins play an important role in protein-protein interactions and also functions. Missense mutations identified from four cancer databases, cBioPortal, COSMIC, ClinVar, and gnomAD, cause aberrant conformations, which may lead to faulty DNA repair mechanisms. It is therefore necessary to evaluate the effects of pathogenic mutations of RAD proteins and their subsequent role in breast and ovarian cancers. In this study, we have used eight computational prediction servers to analyze pathogenic mutations and understand their effects on the protein structure and function. A total of 5122 missense mutations were identified from four different cancer databases, of which 1165 were predicted to be pathogenic using at least five pathogenicity prediction servers. These mutations were characterized as high-risk mutations based on their location in the conserved domains and subsequently subjected to structural stability characterization. The mutations included in the present study were selected from clinically relevant mutants in breast cancer pedigrees. Comparative folding patterns and intra-atomic interaction results showed alterations in the structural behavior of RAD proteins, specifically RAD51C triggered by mutations G125V and L138F and RAD51D triggered by mutations S207L and E233G.
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Affiliation(s)
- Aaliya Anwaar
- Advanced
Centre for Treatment, Research and Education in Cancer, Kharghar, Navi Mumbai 410210, Maharashtra, India
| | - Ashok K. Varma
- Advanced
Centre for Treatment, Research and Education in Cancer, Kharghar, Navi Mumbai 410210, Maharashtra, India
- Homi
Bhabha National Institute, Training School Complex, Anushaktinagar, Mumbai 400094, Maharashtra, India
| | - Reshita Baruah
- Advanced
Centre for Treatment, Research and Education in Cancer, Kharghar, Navi Mumbai 410210, Maharashtra, India
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McCarthy-Leo C, Darwiche F, Tainsky MA. DNA Repair Mechanisms, Protein Interactions and Therapeutic Targeting of the MRN Complex. Cancers (Basel) 2022; 14:5278. [PMID: 36358700 PMCID: PMC9656488 DOI: 10.3390/cancers14215278] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/30/2022] [Revised: 10/24/2022] [Accepted: 10/26/2022] [Indexed: 08/27/2023] Open
Abstract
Repair of a DNA double-strand break relies upon a pathway of proteins to identify damage, regulate cell cycle checkpoints, and repair the damage. This process is initiated by a sensor protein complex, the MRN complex, comprised of three proteins-MRE11, RAD50, and NBS1. After a double-stranded break, the MRN complex recruits and activates ATM, in-turn activating other proteins such as BRCA1/2, ATR, CHEK1/2, PALB2 and RAD51. These proteins have been the focus of many studies for their individual roles in hereditary cancer syndromes and are included on several genetic testing panels. These panels have enabled us to acquire large amounts of genetic data, much of which remains a challenge to interpret due to the presence of variants of uncertain significance (VUS). While the primary aim of clinical testing is to accurately and confidently classify variants in order to inform medical management, the presence of VUSs has led to ambiguity in genetic counseling. Pathogenic variants within MRN complex genes have been implicated in breast, ovarian, prostate, colon cancers and gliomas; however, the hundreds of VUSs within MRE11, RAD50, and NBS1 precludes the application of these data in genetic guidance of carriers. In this review, we discuss the MRN complex's role in DNA double-strand break repair, its interactions with other cancer predisposing genes, the variants that can be found within the three MRN complex genes, and the MRN complex's potential as an anti-cancer therapeutic target.
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Affiliation(s)
- Claire McCarthy-Leo
- Center for Molecular Medicine and Genetics, Wayne State University School of Medicine, Detroit, MI 48201, USA
| | - Fatima Darwiche
- Center for Molecular Medicine and Genetics, Wayne State University School of Medicine, Detroit, MI 48201, USA
| | - Michael A. Tainsky
- Center for Molecular Medicine and Genetics, Wayne State University School of Medicine, Detroit, MI 48201, USA
- Department of Oncology, Wayne State University School of Medicine, Detroit, MI 48201, USA
- Molecular Therapeutics Program, Karmanos Cancer Institute at Wayne State University School of Medicine, Detroit, MI 48201, USA
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Li J, Zhang H, Gao F. Identification of miRNA biomarkers for breast cancer by combining ensemble regularized multinomial logistic regression and Cox regression. BMC Bioinformatics 2022; 23:434. [PMID: 36258162 PMCID: PMC9580207 DOI: 10.1186/s12859-022-04982-7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/24/2022] [Accepted: 10/05/2022] [Indexed: 11/10/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Breast cancer is one of the most common cancers in women. It is necessary to classify breast cancer subtypes because different subtypes need specific treatment. Identifying biomarkers and classifying breast cancer subtypes is essential for developing appropriate treatment methods for patients. MiRNAs can be easily detected in tumor biopsy and play an inhibitory or promoting role in breast cancer, which are considered promising biomarkers for distinguishing subtypes. RESULTS A new method combing ensemble regularized multinomial logistic regression and Cox regression was proposed for identifying miRNA biomarkers in breast cancer. After adopting stratified sampling and bootstrap sampling, the most suitable sample subset for miRNA feature screening was determined via ensemble 100 regularized multinomial logistic regression models. 124 miRNAs that participated in the classification of at least 3 subtypes and appeared at least 50 times in 100 integrations were screened as features. 22 miRNAs from the proposed feature set were further identified as the biomarkers for breast cancer by using Cox regression based on survival analysis. The accuracy of 5 methods on the proposed feature set was significantly higher than on the other two feature sets. The results of 7 biological analyses illustrated the rationality of the identified biomarkers. CONCLUSIONS The screened features can better distinguish breast cancer subtypes. Notably, the genes and proteins related to the proposed 22 miRNAs were considered oncogenes or inhibitors of breast cancer. 9 of the 22 miRNAs have been proved to be markers of breast cancer. Therefore, our results can be considered in future related research.
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Affiliation(s)
- Juntao Li
- College of Mathematics and Information Science, Henan Normal University, Xinxiang, China
| | - Hongmei Zhang
- College of Mathematics and Information Science, Henan Normal University, Xinxiang, China.
| | - Fugen Gao
- College of Mathematics and Information Science, Henan Normal University, Xinxiang, China
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Hater N, Iwaniuk KM, Leifeld C, Grüten P, Wiek C, Raba K, Zhang F, Fischer JC, Andreassen PR, Hanenberg H, Trompeter HI. Identification of new RAD51D-regulating microRNAs that also emerge as potent inhibitors of the Fanconi anemia/homologous recombination pathways. Hum Mol Genet 2022; 31:4241-4254. [PMID: 35904444 PMCID: PMC9759333 DOI: 10.1093/hmg/ddac177] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/28/2022] [Revised: 06/28/2022] [Accepted: 07/27/2022] [Indexed: 01/21/2023] Open
Abstract
The Fanconi anemia (FA) and homologous recombination (HR) pathways, which partially overlap and include RAD51 and its paralogs, are key for the repair of different types of DNA damage, such as DNA interstrand crosslinks. First, to broadly assess the impact of microRNA-mediated regulation, we examined microRNA expression profiles in five isogenic fibroblast cell pairs, either deficient in DNA repair due to germline mutations in FANCA, FANCB, FANCC, FANCI or BRIP1/FANCJ or proficient due to correction with retroviral vectors. In each pair, we observed lower abundance of specific microRNAs in the FA-deficient cells. From the list of microRNAs, we experimentally confirmed the effects of miR-141-3p and miR-369-3p targeting RAD51B and miR-15a-5p, miR-494-3p as well as miR-544a targeting RAD51D. However, by western blotting, only RAD51D protein was reduced by a mixture of its regulating microRNAs. Gene ontology analyses and identification of additional FA/HR factors as targets of miR-15a-5p, miR-494-3p and miR-544a strongly suggested the widespread influence of these microRNAs on HR. Interestingly, only miR-494-3p directly reduced RAD51 foci formation, while a mixture of miR-15a-5p, miR-494-3p and miR-544a strongly reduced HR activity in green fluorescent protein (GFP) repair assays. In summary, by successfully employing this novel loss- and gain-of-function strategy, we have identified new microRNAs strongly inhibiting HR in mammalian cells. Understanding and modulating such miRNA regulation of DNA repair genes/pathways might help to overcome the reduced repair capacity of FA patients with biallelic hypomorphic mutations or help to engineer synthetic lethality strategies for patients with mutations in cancer-associated FA/HR genes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nina Hater
- Institute for Transplantation Diagnostics and Cell Therapeutics, University Hospital Düsseldorf, Heinrich Heine University, D-40225 Düsseldorf, Germany
| | - Katharina M Iwaniuk
- Institute for Transplantation Diagnostics and Cell Therapeutics, University Hospital Düsseldorf, Heinrich Heine University, D-40225 Düsseldorf, Germany
| | - Carina Leifeld
- Institute for Transplantation Diagnostics and Cell Therapeutics, University Hospital Düsseldorf, Heinrich Heine University, D-40225 Düsseldorf, Germany
| | - Pia Grüten
- Institute for Transplantation Diagnostics and Cell Therapeutics, University Hospital Düsseldorf, Heinrich Heine University, D-40225 Düsseldorf, Germany
| | - Constanze Wiek
- Department of Otorhinolaryngology & Head/Neck Surgery, University Hospital Düsseldorf, Heinrich Heine University, D-40225 Düsseldorf, Germany
| | - Katharina Raba
- Institute for Transplantation Diagnostics and Cell Therapeutics, University Hospital Düsseldorf, Heinrich Heine University, D-40225 Düsseldorf, Germany
| | - Fan Zhang
- Division of Experimental Hematology and Cancer Biology, Cincinnati Children’s Hospital Medical Center, Cincinnati, OH 45229, USA
| | - Johannes C Fischer
- Institute for Transplantation Diagnostics and Cell Therapeutics, University Hospital Düsseldorf, Heinrich Heine University, D-40225 Düsseldorf, Germany
| | - Paul R Andreassen
- Division of Experimental Hematology and Cancer Biology, Cincinnati Children’s Hospital Medical Center, Cincinnati, OH 45229, USA,Department of Pediatrics, University of Cincinnati College of Medicine, Cincinnati, OH 45229, USA
| | | | - Hans-Ingo Trompeter
- To whom correspondence should be addressed. Tel: +49 211 8118751; Fax: +49 211 8119109;
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