1
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Hao S, Lee YJ, Benhamou Goldfajn N, Flores E, Liang J, Fuehrer H, Demmerle J, Lippincott-Schwartz J, Liu Z, Sukenik S, Cai D. YAP condensates are highly organized hubs. iScience 2024; 27:109927. [PMID: 38784009 PMCID: PMC11111833 DOI: 10.1016/j.isci.2024.109927] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/10/2022] [Revised: 10/24/2023] [Accepted: 05/03/2024] [Indexed: 05/25/2024] Open
Abstract
YAP/TEAD signaling is essential for organismal development, cell proliferation, and cancer progression. As a transcriptional coactivator, how YAP activates its downstream target genes is incompletely understood. YAP forms biomolecular condensates in response to hyperosmotic stress, concentrating transcription-related factors to activate downstream target genes. However, whether YAP forms condensates under other signals, how YAP condensates organize and function, and how YAP condensates activate transcription in general are unknown. Here, we report that endogenous YAP forms sub-micron scale condensates in response to Hippo pathway regulation and actin cytoskeletal tension. YAP condensates are stabilized by the transcription factor TEAD1, and recruit BRD4, a coactivator that is enriched at active enhancers. Using single-particle tracking, we found that YAP condensates slowed YAP diffusion within condensate boundaries, a possible mechanism for promoting YAP target search. These results reveal that YAP condensate formation is a highly regulated process that is critical for YAP/TEAD target gene expression.
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Affiliation(s)
- Siyuan Hao
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health, Baltimore, MD 21205, USA
| | - Ye Jin Lee
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health, Baltimore, MD 21205, USA
| | - Nadav Benhamou Goldfajn
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health, Baltimore, MD 21205, USA
- Department of Biophysics, Johns Hopkins University, 3400 N. Charles St., Baltimore, MD 21218, USA
| | - Eduardo Flores
- Department of Chemistry and Chemical Biology, University of California, Merced, Merced, CA 95343, USA
| | - Jindayi Liang
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health, Baltimore, MD 21205, USA
| | - Hannah Fuehrer
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health, Baltimore, MD 21205, USA
| | - Justin Demmerle
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health, Baltimore, MD 21205, USA
| | | | - Zhe Liu
- Janelia Research Campus, Howard Hughes Medical Institute, Ashburn, VA 20147, USA
| | - Shahar Sukenik
- Department of Chemistry and Chemical Biology, University of California, Merced, Merced, CA 95343, USA
| | - Danfeng Cai
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health, Baltimore, MD 21205, USA
- Department of Biophysics and Biophysical Chemistry, Johns Hopkins School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD 21205, USA
- Department of Oncology, Johns Hopkins School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD 21205, USA
- Janelia Research Campus, Howard Hughes Medical Institute, Ashburn, VA 20147, USA
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2
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Das C, Bhattacharya A, Adhikari S, Mondal A, Mondal P, Adhikary S, Roy S, Ramos K, Yadav KK, Tainer JA, Pandita TK. A prismatic view of the epigenetic-metabolic regulatory axis in breast cancer therapy resistance. Oncogene 2024; 43:1727-1741. [PMID: 38719949 PMCID: PMC11161412 DOI: 10.1038/s41388-024-03054-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/15/2023] [Revised: 04/23/2024] [Accepted: 04/24/2024] [Indexed: 06/09/2024]
Abstract
Epigenetic regulation established during development to maintain patterns of transcriptional expression and silencing for metabolism and other fundamental cell processes can be reprogrammed in cancer, providing a molecular mechanism for persistent alterations in phenotype. Metabolic deregulation and reprogramming are thus an emerging hallmark of cancer with opportunities for molecular classification as a critical preliminary step for precision therapeutic intervention. Yet, acquisition of therapy resistance against most conventional treatment regimens coupled with tumor relapse, continue to pose unsolved problems for precision healthcare, as exemplified in breast cancer where existing data informs both cancer genotype and phenotype. Furthermore, epigenetic reprograming of the metabolic milieu of cancer cells is among the most crucial determinants of therapeutic resistance and cancer relapse. Importantly, subtype-specific epigenetic-metabolic interplay profoundly affects malignant transformation, resistance to chemotherapy, and response to targeted therapies. In this review, we therefore prismatically dissect interconnected epigenetic and metabolic regulatory pathways and then integrate them into an observable cancer metabolism-therapy-resistance axis that may inform clinical intervention. Optimally coupling genome-wide analysis with an understanding of metabolic elements, epigenetic reprogramming, and their integration by metabolic profiling may decode missing molecular mechanisms at the level of individual tumors. The proposed approach of linking metabolic biochemistry back to genotype, epigenetics, and phenotype for specific tumors and their microenvironment may thus enable successful mechanistic targeting of epigenetic modifiers and oncometabolites despite tumor metabolic heterogeneity.
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Affiliation(s)
- Chandrima Das
- Biophysics and Structural Genomics Division, Saha Institute of Nuclear Physics, 1/AF Bidhannagar, Kolkata, 700064, India.
- Homi Bhabha National Institute, Mumbai, 400094, India.
| | - Apoorva Bhattacharya
- Biophysics and Structural Genomics Division, Saha Institute of Nuclear Physics, 1/AF Bidhannagar, Kolkata, 700064, India
| | - Swagata Adhikari
- Biophysics and Structural Genomics Division, Saha Institute of Nuclear Physics, 1/AF Bidhannagar, Kolkata, 700064, India
- Homi Bhabha National Institute, Mumbai, 400094, India
| | - Atanu Mondal
- Biophysics and Structural Genomics Division, Saha Institute of Nuclear Physics, 1/AF Bidhannagar, Kolkata, 700064, India
- Homi Bhabha National Institute, Mumbai, 400094, India
| | - Payel Mondal
- Biophysics and Structural Genomics Division, Saha Institute of Nuclear Physics, 1/AF Bidhannagar, Kolkata, 700064, India
- Homi Bhabha National Institute, Mumbai, 400094, India
| | - Santanu Adhikary
- Biophysics and Structural Genomics Division, Saha Institute of Nuclear Physics, 1/AF Bidhannagar, Kolkata, 700064, India
- Structural Biology and Bioinformatics Division, Council of Scientific and Industrial Research (CSIR)-Indian Institute of Chemical Biology, Kolkata, 700032, India
| | - Siddhartha Roy
- Structural Biology and Bioinformatics Division, Council of Scientific and Industrial Research (CSIR)-Indian Institute of Chemical Biology, Kolkata, 700032, India
| | - Kenneth Ramos
- Center for Genomics and Precision Medicine, Texas A&M University, School of Medicine, Houston, TX, 77030, USA
| | - Kamlesh K Yadav
- Center for Genomics and Precision Medicine, Texas A&M University, School of Medicine, Houston, TX, 77030, USA
- School of Engineering Medicine, Texas A&M University, School of Medicine, Houston, TX, 77030, USA
| | - John A Tainer
- The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, TX, 77030, USA.
| | - Tej K Pandita
- Center for Genomics and Precision Medicine, Texas A&M University, School of Medicine, Houston, TX, 77030, USA.
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3
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Walker FM, Sobral LM, Danis E, Sanford B, Donthula S, Balakrishnan I, Wang D, Pierce A, Karam SD, Kargar S, Serkova NJ, Foreman NK, Venkataraman S, Dowell R, Vibhakar R, Dahl NA. Rapid P-TEFb-dependent transcriptional reorganization underpins the glioma adaptive response to radiotherapy. Nat Commun 2024; 15:4616. [PMID: 38816355 PMCID: PMC11139976 DOI: 10.1038/s41467-024-48214-3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/03/2023] [Accepted: 04/23/2024] [Indexed: 06/01/2024] Open
Abstract
Dynamic regulation of gene expression is fundamental for cellular adaptation to exogenous stressors. P-TEFb-mediated pause-release of RNA polymerase II (Pol II) is a conserved regulatory mechanism for synchronous transcriptional induction in response to heat shock, but this pro-survival role has not been examined in the applied context of cancer therapy. Using model systems of pediatric high-grade glioma, we show that rapid genome-wide reorganization of active chromatin facilitates P-TEFb-mediated nascent transcriptional induction within hours of exposure to therapeutic ionizing radiation. Concurrent inhibition of P-TEFb disrupts this chromatin reorganization and blunts transcriptional induction, abrogating key adaptive programs such as DNA damage repair and cell cycle regulation. This combination demonstrates a potent, synergistic therapeutic potential agnostic of glioma subtype, leading to a marked induction of tumor cell apoptosis and prolongation of xenograft survival. These studies reveal a central role for P-TEFb underpinning the early adaptive response to radiotherapy, opening avenues for combinatorial treatment in these lethal malignancies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Faye M Walker
- Morgan Adams Foundation Pediatric Brain Tumor Research Program, Department of Pediatrics, University of Colorado School of Medicine, Aurora, CO, USA
| | - Lays Martin Sobral
- Morgan Adams Foundation Pediatric Brain Tumor Research Program, Department of Pediatrics, University of Colorado School of Medicine, Aurora, CO, USA
| | - Etienne Danis
- Department of Biomedical Informatics, University of Colorado School of Medicine, Aurora, CO, USA
- University of Colorado Cancer Center, University of Colorado School of Medicine, Aurora, CO, USA
| | - Bridget Sanford
- Morgan Adams Foundation Pediatric Brain Tumor Research Program, Department of Pediatrics, University of Colorado School of Medicine, Aurora, CO, USA
| | - Sahiti Donthula
- Morgan Adams Foundation Pediatric Brain Tumor Research Program, Department of Pediatrics, University of Colorado School of Medicine, Aurora, CO, USA
| | - Ilango Balakrishnan
- Morgan Adams Foundation Pediatric Brain Tumor Research Program, Department of Pediatrics, University of Colorado School of Medicine, Aurora, CO, USA
| | - Dong Wang
- Morgan Adams Foundation Pediatric Brain Tumor Research Program, Department of Pediatrics, University of Colorado School of Medicine, Aurora, CO, USA
| | - Angela Pierce
- Morgan Adams Foundation Pediatric Brain Tumor Research Program, Department of Pediatrics, University of Colorado School of Medicine, Aurora, CO, USA
| | - Sana D Karam
- Department of Radiation Oncology, University of Colorado School of Medicine, Aurora, CO, USA
| | - Soudabeh Kargar
- University of Colorado Cancer Center, University of Colorado School of Medicine, Aurora, CO, USA
| | - Natalie J Serkova
- Department of Radiology, University of Colorado School of Medicine, Aurora, CO, USA
| | - Nicholas K Foreman
- Morgan Adams Foundation Pediatric Brain Tumor Research Program, Department of Pediatrics, University of Colorado School of Medicine, Aurora, CO, USA
- Center for Cancer and Blood Disorders, Children's Hospital Colorado, Aurora, CO, USA
- Department of Neurosurgery, University of Colorado School of Medicine, Aurora, CO, USA
| | - Sujatha Venkataraman
- Morgan Adams Foundation Pediatric Brain Tumor Research Program, Department of Pediatrics, University of Colorado School of Medicine, Aurora, CO, USA
| | - Robin Dowell
- Department of Molecular, Cellular, and Developmental Biology, University of Colorado, Boulder, CO, USA
- BioFrontiers Institute, University of Colorado, Boulder, CO, USA
| | - Rajeev Vibhakar
- Morgan Adams Foundation Pediatric Brain Tumor Research Program, Department of Pediatrics, University of Colorado School of Medicine, Aurora, CO, USA
- Center for Cancer and Blood Disorders, Children's Hospital Colorado, Aurora, CO, USA
- Department of Neurosurgery, University of Colorado School of Medicine, Aurora, CO, USA
| | - Nathan A Dahl
- Morgan Adams Foundation Pediatric Brain Tumor Research Program, Department of Pediatrics, University of Colorado School of Medicine, Aurora, CO, USA.
- Center for Cancer and Blood Disorders, Children's Hospital Colorado, Aurora, CO, USA.
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4
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Kiang KM, Ahad L, Zhong X, Lu QR. Biomolecular condensates: hubs of Hippo-YAP/TAZ signaling in cancer. Trends Cell Biol 2024:S0962-8924(24)00096-5. [PMID: 38806345 DOI: 10.1016/j.tcb.2024.04.009] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/27/2023] [Revised: 04/14/2024] [Accepted: 04/30/2024] [Indexed: 05/30/2024]
Abstract
Biomolecular condensates, the membraneless cellular compartments formed by liquid-liquid phase separation (LLPS), represent an important mechanism for physiological and tumorigenic processes. Recent studies have advanced our understanding of how these condensates formed in the cytoplasm or nucleus regulate Hippo signaling, a central player in organogenesis and tumorigenesis. Here, we review recent findings on the dynamic formation and function of biomolecular condensates in regulating the Hippo-yes-associated protein (YAP)/transcription coactivator with PDZ-binding motif (TAZ) signaling pathway under physiological and pathological processes. We further discuss how the nuclear condensates of YAP- or TAZ-fusion oncoproteins compartmentalize crucial transcriptional co-activators and alter chromatin architecture to promote oncogenic programs. Finally, we highlight key questions regarding how these findings may pave the way for novel therapeutics to target cancer.
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Affiliation(s)
- Karrie M Kiang
- Department of Pediatrics, Division of Experimental Hematology and Cancer Biology, Cincinnati Children's Hospital Medical Center, Cincinnati, OH, USA; Department of Surgery, School of Clinical Medicine, LKS Faculty of Medicine, The University of Hong Kong, Queen Mary Hospital, Hong Kong
| | - Leena Ahad
- Department of Pediatrics, Division of Experimental Hematology and Cancer Biology, Cincinnati Children's Hospital Medical Center, Cincinnati, OH, USA
| | - Xiaowen Zhong
- Department of Pediatrics, Division of Experimental Hematology and Cancer Biology, Cincinnati Children's Hospital Medical Center, Cincinnati, OH, USA
| | - Q Richard Lu
- Department of Pediatrics, Division of Experimental Hematology and Cancer Biology, Cincinnati Children's Hospital Medical Center, Cincinnati, OH, USA.
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5
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Zhang Y, Ren Y, Li X, Li M, Fu M, Zhou W, Yu Y, Xiong Y. A review on decoding the roles of YAP/TAZ signaling pathway in cardiovascular diseases: Bridging molecular mechanisms to therapeutic insights. Int J Biol Macromol 2024; 271:132473. [PMID: 38795886 DOI: 10.1016/j.ijbiomac.2024.132473] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/03/2024] [Revised: 05/02/2024] [Accepted: 05/15/2024] [Indexed: 05/28/2024]
Abstract
Yes-associated protein (YAP) and transcriptional coactivator with PDZ-binding motif (TAZ) serve as transcriptional co-activators that dynamically shuttle between the cytoplasm and nucleus, resulting in either the suppression or enhancement of their downstream gene expression. Recent emerging evidence demonstrates that YAP/TAZ is strongly implicated in the pathophysiological processes that contribute to cardiovascular diseases (CVDs). In the cardiovascular system, YAP/TAZ is involved in the orchestration of a range of biological processes such as oxidative stress, inflammation, proliferation, and autophagy. Furthermore, YAP/TAZ has been revealed to be closely associated with the initiation and development of various cardiovascular diseases, including atherosclerosis, pulmonary hypertension, myocardial fibrosis, cardiac hypertrophy, and cardiomyopathy. In this review, we delve into recent studies surrounding YAP and TAZ, along with delineating their roles in contributing to the pathogenesis of CVDs with a link to various physiological processes in the cardiovascular system. Additionally, we highlight the current potential drugs targeting YAP/TAZ for CVDs therapy and discuss their challenges for translational application. Overall, this review may offer novel insights for understanding and treating cardiovascular disorders.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yan Zhang
- Key Laboratory of Resource Biology and Biotechnology in Western China, Ministry of Education, Faculty of Life Sciences and Medicine, Northwest University, Xi'an 710069, Shaanxi, PR China
| | - Yuanyuan Ren
- Key Laboratory of Resource Biology and Biotechnology in Western China, Ministry of Education, Faculty of Life Sciences and Medicine, Northwest University, Xi'an 710069, Shaanxi, PR China
| | - Xiaofang Li
- Department of Gastroenterology, Xi'an No.3 Hospital, The Affiliated Hospital of Northwest University, Xi'an, Shaanxi 710018, PR China
| | - Man Li
- Department of Endocrinology, Xi'an No.3 Hospital, The Affiliated Hospital of Northwest University, Xi'an, Shaanxi 710018, PR China
| | - Mingdi Fu
- Key Laboratory of Resource Biology and Biotechnology in Western China, Ministry of Education, Faculty of Life Sciences and Medicine, Northwest University, Xi'an 710069, Shaanxi, PR China
| | - Wenjing Zhou
- Key Laboratory of Resource Biology and Biotechnology in Western China, Ministry of Education, Faculty of Life Sciences and Medicine, Northwest University, Xi'an 710069, Shaanxi, PR China
| | - Yi Yu
- Key Laboratory of Resource Biology and Biotechnology in Western China, Ministry of Education, Faculty of Life Sciences and Medicine, Northwest University, Xi'an 710069, Shaanxi, PR China.
| | - Yuyan Xiong
- Key Laboratory of Resource Biology and Biotechnology in Western China, Ministry of Education, Faculty of Life Sciences and Medicine, Northwest University, Xi'an 710069, Shaanxi, PR China; Xi'an Key Laboratory of Cardiovascular and Cerebrovascular Diseases, Xi'an No.3 Hospital, the Affiliated Hospital of Northwest University, 710018 Xi'an, Shaanxi, PR China.
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6
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Jung O, Baek MJ, Wooldrik C, Johnson KR, Fisher KW, Lou J, Ricks TJ, Wen T, Best MD, Cryns VL, Anderson RA, Choi S. Nuclear phosphoinositide signaling promotes YAP/TAZ-TEAD transcriptional activity in breast cancer. EMBO J 2024; 43:1740-1769. [PMID: 38565949 PMCID: PMC11066040 DOI: 10.1038/s44318-024-00085-6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/21/2023] [Revised: 02/29/2024] [Accepted: 03/08/2024] [Indexed: 04/04/2024] Open
Abstract
The Hippo pathway effectors Yes-associated protein 1 (YAP) and its homolog TAZ are transcriptional coactivators that control gene expression by binding to TEA domain (TEAD) family transcription factors. The YAP/TAZ-TEAD complex is a key regulator of cancer-specific transcriptional programs, which promote tumor progression in diverse types of cancer, including breast cancer. Despite intensive efforts, the YAP/TAZ-TEAD complex in cancer has remained largely undruggable due to an incomplete mechanistic understanding. Here, we report that nuclear phosphoinositides function as cofactors that mediate the binding of YAP/TAZ to TEADs. The enzymatic products of phosphoinositide kinases PIPKIα and IPMK, including phosphatidylinositol 4,5-bisphosphate (PI(4,5)P2) and phosphatidylinositol 3,4,5-trisphosphate (P(I3,4,5)P3), bridge the binding of YAP/TAZ to TEAD. Inhibiting these kinases or the association of YAP/TAZ with PI(4,5)P2 and PI(3,4,5)P3 attenuates YAP/TAZ interaction with the TEADs, the expression of YAP/TAZ target genes, and breast cancer cell motility. Although we could not conclusively exclude the possibility that other enzymatic products of IPMK such as inositol phosphates play a role in the mechanism, our results point to a previously unrecognized role of nuclear phosphoinositide signaling in control of YAP/TAZ activity and implicate this pathway as a potential therapeutic target in YAP/TAZ-driven breast cancer.
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Affiliation(s)
- Oisun Jung
- Eppley Institute for Research in Cancer and Allied Diseases, University of Nebraska Medical Center, Omaha, NE, USA
- Fred & Pamela Buffett Cancer Center, University of Nebraska Medical Center, Omaha, NE, USA
| | - Min-Jeong Baek
- Eppley Institute for Research in Cancer and Allied Diseases, University of Nebraska Medical Center, Omaha, NE, USA
- Fred & Pamela Buffett Cancer Center, University of Nebraska Medical Center, Omaha, NE, USA
- Interdisciplinary Graduate Program in Biomedical Sciences, University of Nebraska Medical Center, Omaha, NE, USA
| | - Colin Wooldrik
- Eppley Institute for Research in Cancer and Allied Diseases, University of Nebraska Medical Center, Omaha, NE, USA
- Fred & Pamela Buffett Cancer Center, University of Nebraska Medical Center, Omaha, NE, USA
- Interdisciplinary Graduate Program in Biomedical Sciences, University of Nebraska Medical Center, Omaha, NE, USA
| | - Keith R Johnson
- Eppley Institute for Research in Cancer and Allied Diseases, University of Nebraska Medical Center, Omaha, NE, USA
- Fred & Pamela Buffett Cancer Center, University of Nebraska Medical Center, Omaha, NE, USA
- Department of Oral Biology, University of Nebraska Medical Center, Omaha, NE, USA
| | - Kurt W Fisher
- Fred & Pamela Buffett Cancer Center, University of Nebraska Medical Center, Omaha, NE, USA
- Department of Pathology and Microbiology, University of Nebraska Medical Center, Omaha, NE, USA
| | - Jinchao Lou
- Department of Chemistry, University of Tennessee, 1420 Circle Drive, Knoxville, TN, 37996, USA
| | - Tanei J Ricks
- Department of Chemistry, University of Memphis, 3744 Walker Avenue, Memphis, TN, 38152, USA
| | - Tianmu Wen
- University of Wisconsin Carbone Cancer Center, University of Wisconsin School of Medicine and Public Health, University of Wisconsin-Madison, Madison, WI, USA
| | - Michael D Best
- Department of Chemistry, University of Tennessee, 1420 Circle Drive, Knoxville, TN, 37996, USA
| | - Vincent L Cryns
- University of Wisconsin Carbone Cancer Center, University of Wisconsin School of Medicine and Public Health, University of Wisconsin-Madison, Madison, WI, USA
| | - Richard A Anderson
- University of Wisconsin Carbone Cancer Center, University of Wisconsin School of Medicine and Public Health, University of Wisconsin-Madison, Madison, WI, USA
| | - Suyong Choi
- Eppley Institute for Research in Cancer and Allied Diseases, University of Nebraska Medical Center, Omaha, NE, USA.
- Fred & Pamela Buffett Cancer Center, University of Nebraska Medical Center, Omaha, NE, USA.
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7
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Fuller AM, Pruitt HC, Liu Y, Irizarry-Negron VM, Pan H, Song H, DeVine A, Katti RS, Devalaraja S, Ciotti GE, Gonzalez MV, Williams EF, Murazzi I, Ntekoumes D, Skuli N, Hakonarson H, Zabransky DJ, Trevino JG, Weeraratna A, Weber K, Haldar M, Fraietta JA, Gerecht S, Eisinger-Mathason TSK. Oncogene-induced matrix reorganization controls CD8+ T cell function in the soft-tissue sarcoma microenvironment. J Clin Invest 2024; 134:e167826. [PMID: 38652549 PMCID: PMC11142734 DOI: 10.1172/jci167826] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/09/2022] [Accepted: 04/09/2024] [Indexed: 04/25/2024] Open
Abstract
CD8+ T cell dysfunction impedes antitumor immunity in solid cancers, but the underlying mechanisms are diverse and poorly understood. Extracellular matrix (ECM) composition has been linked to impaired T cell migration and enhanced tumor progression; however, impacts of individual ECM molecules on T cell function in the tumor microenvironment (TME) are only beginning to be elucidated. Upstream regulators of aberrant ECM deposition and organization in solid tumors are equally ill-defined. Therefore, we investigated how ECM composition modulates CD8+ T cell function in undifferentiated pleomorphic sarcoma (UPS), an immunologically active desmoplastic tumor. Using an autochthonous murine model of UPS and data from multiple human patient cohorts, we discovered a multifaceted mechanism wherein the transcriptional coactivator YAP1 promotes collagen VI (COLVI) deposition in the UPS TME. In turn, COLVI induces CD8+ T cell dysfunction and immune evasion by remodeling fibrillar collagen and inhibiting T cell autophagic flux. Unexpectedly, collagen I (COLI) opposed COLVI in this setting, promoting CD8+ T cell function and acting as a tumor suppressor. Thus, CD8+ T cell responses in sarcoma depend on oncogene-mediated ECM composition and remodeling.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ashley M Fuller
- Abramson Family Cancer Research Institute, Department of Pathology and Laboratory Medicine, Penn Sarcoma Program, University of Pennsylvania Perelman School of Medicine, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, USA
| | - Hawley C Pruitt
- Department of Chemical and Biomolecular Engineering, Institute for NanoBioTechnology, Johns Hopkins University, Baltimore, Maryland, USA
| | - Ying Liu
- Abramson Family Cancer Research Institute, Department of Pathology and Laboratory Medicine, Penn Sarcoma Program, University of Pennsylvania Perelman School of Medicine, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, USA
| | - Valerie M Irizarry-Negron
- Abramson Family Cancer Research Institute, Department of Pathology and Laboratory Medicine, Penn Sarcoma Program, University of Pennsylvania Perelman School of Medicine, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, USA
| | - Hehai Pan
- Abramson Family Cancer Research Institute, Department of Pathology and Laboratory Medicine, Penn Sarcoma Program, University of Pennsylvania Perelman School of Medicine, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, USA
| | - Hoogeun Song
- Abramson Family Cancer Research Institute, Department of Pathology and Laboratory Medicine, Penn Sarcoma Program, University of Pennsylvania Perelman School of Medicine, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, USA
| | - Ann DeVine
- Abramson Family Cancer Research Institute, Department of Pathology and Laboratory Medicine, Penn Sarcoma Program, University of Pennsylvania Perelman School of Medicine, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, USA
| | - Rohan S Katti
- Abramson Family Cancer Research Institute, Department of Pathology and Laboratory Medicine, Penn Sarcoma Program, University of Pennsylvania Perelman School of Medicine, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, USA
| | - Samir Devalaraja
- Abramson Family Cancer Research Institute, Department of Pathology and Laboratory Medicine, Penn Sarcoma Program, University of Pennsylvania Perelman School of Medicine, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, USA
| | - Gabrielle E Ciotti
- Abramson Family Cancer Research Institute, Department of Pathology and Laboratory Medicine, Penn Sarcoma Program, University of Pennsylvania Perelman School of Medicine, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, USA
| | | | - Erik F Williams
- Department of Microbiology, Center for Cellular Immunotherapies, Parker Institute for Cancer Immunotherapy, University of Pennsylvania Perelman School of Medicine, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, USA
| | - Ileana Murazzi
- Abramson Family Cancer Research Institute, Department of Pathology and Laboratory Medicine, Penn Sarcoma Program, University of Pennsylvania Perelman School of Medicine, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, USA
| | - Dimitris Ntekoumes
- Department of Chemical and Biomolecular Engineering, Institute for NanoBioTechnology, Johns Hopkins University, Baltimore, Maryland, USA
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, Duke University, Durham, North Carolina, USA
| | - Nicolas Skuli
- Abramson Family Cancer Research Institute, Department of Pathology and Laboratory Medicine, Penn Sarcoma Program, University of Pennsylvania Perelman School of Medicine, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, USA
| | - Hakon Hakonarson
- Children's Hospital of Philadelphia, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, USA
| | - Daniel J Zabransky
- Department of Oncology, The Sidney Kimmel Cancer Center, Johns Hopkins School of Medicine, Baltimore, Maryland, USA
| | - Jose G Trevino
- Division of Surgical Oncology, Department of Surgery, Virginia Commonwealth University School of Medicine, Richmond, Virginia, USA
| | - Ashani Weeraratna
- Department of Oncology, The Sidney Kimmel Cancer Center, Johns Hopkins School of Medicine, Baltimore, Maryland, USA
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health, Baltimore, Maryland, USA
| | - Kristy Weber
- Department of Orthopaedic Surgery, Penn Sarcoma Program, University of Pennsylvania Perelman School of Medicine, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, USA
| | - Malay Haldar
- Abramson Family Cancer Research Institute, Department of Pathology and Laboratory Medicine, Penn Sarcoma Program, University of Pennsylvania Perelman School of Medicine, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, USA
| | - Joseph A Fraietta
- Department of Microbiology, Center for Cellular Immunotherapies, Parker Institute for Cancer Immunotherapy, University of Pennsylvania Perelman School of Medicine, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, USA
| | - Sharon Gerecht
- Department of Chemical and Biomolecular Engineering, Institute for NanoBioTechnology, Johns Hopkins University, Baltimore, Maryland, USA
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, Duke University, Durham, North Carolina, USA
| | - T S Karin Eisinger-Mathason
- Abramson Family Cancer Research Institute, Department of Pathology and Laboratory Medicine, Penn Sarcoma Program, University of Pennsylvania Perelman School of Medicine, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, USA
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8
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Fonseca P, Cui W, Struyf N, Tong L, Chaurasiya A, Casagrande F, Zhao H, Fernando D, Chen X, Tobin NP, Seashore-Ludlow B, Lundqvist A, Hartman J, Göndör A, Östling P, Holmgren L. A phenotypic screening approach to target p60AmotL2-expressing invasive cancer cells. J Exp Clin Cancer Res 2024; 43:107. [PMID: 38594748 PMCID: PMC11003180 DOI: 10.1186/s13046-024-03031-w] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/20/2023] [Accepted: 03/26/2024] [Indexed: 04/11/2024] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Tumor cells have the ability to invade and form small clusters that protrude into adjacent tissues, a phenomenon that is frequently observed at the periphery of a tumor as it expands into healthy tissues. The presence of these clusters is linked to poor prognosis and has proven challenging to treat using conventional therapies. We previously reported that p60AmotL2 expression is localized to invasive colon and breast cancer cells. In vitro, p60AmotL2 promotes epithelial cell invasion by negatively impacting E-cadherin/AmotL2-related mechanotransduction. METHODS Using epithelial cells transfected with inducible p60AmotL2, we employed a phenotypic drug screening approach to find compounds that specifically target invasive cells. The phenotypic screen was performed by treating cells for 72 h with a library of compounds with known antitumor activities in a dose-dependent manner. After assessing cell viability using CellTiter-Glo, drug sensitivity scores for each compound were calculated. Candidate hit compounds with a higher drug sensitivity score for p60AmotL2-expressing cells were then validated on lung and colon cell models, both in 2D and in 3D, and on colon cancer patient-derived organoids. Nascent RNA sequencing was performed after BET inhibition to analyse BET-dependent pathways in p60AmotL2-expressing cells. RESULTS We identified 60 compounds that selectively targeted p60AmotL2-expressing cells. Intriguingly, these compounds were classified into two major categories: Epidermal Growth Factor Receptor (EGFR) inhibitors and Bromodomain and Extra-Terminal motif (BET) inhibitors. The latter consistently demonstrated antitumor activity in human cancer cell models, as well as in organoids derived from colon cancer patients. BET inhibition led to a shift towards the upregulation of pro-apoptotic pathways specifically in p60AmotL2-expressing cells. CONCLUSIONS BET inhibitors specifically target p60AmotL2-expressing invasive cancer cells, likely by exploiting differences in chromatin accessibility, leading to cell death. Additionally, our findings support the use of this phenotypic strategy to discover novel compounds that can exploit vulnerabilities and specifically target invasive cancer cells.
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Affiliation(s)
- Pedro Fonseca
- Department of Oncology and Pathology, Karolinska Institutet, U2, Bioclinicum J6:20, Solnavägen 30, 171 64, Solna, Stockholm, Sweden
| | - Weiyingqi Cui
- Department of Oncology and Pathology, Karolinska Institutet, U2, Bioclinicum J6:20, Solnavägen 30, 171 64, Solna, Stockholm, Sweden
| | - Nona Struyf
- Department of Oncology and Pathology, Karolinska Institutet, U2, Bioclinicum J6:20, Solnavägen 30, 171 64, Solna, Stockholm, Sweden
- Science for Life Laboratory, Tomtebodavägen 23a, 171 65, Stockholm, Sweden
| | - Le Tong
- Department of Oncology and Pathology, Karolinska Institutet, U2, Bioclinicum J6:20, Solnavägen 30, 171 64, Solna, Stockholm, Sweden
| | - Ayushi Chaurasiya
- Department of Oncology and Pathology, Karolinska Institutet, U2, Bioclinicum J6:20, Solnavägen 30, 171 64, Solna, Stockholm, Sweden
| | - Felipe Casagrande
- Department of Oncology and Pathology, Karolinska Institutet, U2, Bioclinicum J6:20, Solnavägen 30, 171 64, Solna, Stockholm, Sweden
| | - Honglei Zhao
- Department of Oncology and Pathology, Karolinska Institutet, U2, Bioclinicum J6:20, Solnavägen 30, 171 64, Solna, Stockholm, Sweden
| | - Dinura Fernando
- Department of Oncology and Pathology, Karolinska Institutet, U2, Bioclinicum J6:20, Solnavägen 30, 171 64, Solna, Stockholm, Sweden
| | - Xinsong Chen
- Department of Oncology and Pathology, Karolinska Institutet, U2, Bioclinicum J6:20, Solnavägen 30, 171 64, Solna, Stockholm, Sweden
| | - Nicholas P Tobin
- Department of Oncology and Pathology, Karolinska Institutet, U2, Bioclinicum J6:20, Solnavägen 30, 171 64, Solna, Stockholm, Sweden
- Breast Center, Karolinska Comprehensive Cancer Center, Karolinska University Hospital, Stockholm, Sweden
| | - Brinton Seashore-Ludlow
- Department of Oncology and Pathology, Karolinska Institutet, U2, Bioclinicum J6:20, Solnavägen 30, 171 64, Solna, Stockholm, Sweden
- Science for Life Laboratory, Tomtebodavägen 23a, 171 65, Stockholm, Sweden
| | - Andreas Lundqvist
- Department of Oncology and Pathology, Karolinska Institutet, U2, Bioclinicum J6:20, Solnavägen 30, 171 64, Solna, Stockholm, Sweden
| | - Johan Hartman
- Department of Oncology and Pathology, Karolinska Institutet, U2, Bioclinicum J6:20, Solnavägen 30, 171 64, Solna, Stockholm, Sweden
| | - Anita Göndör
- Department of Oncology and Pathology, Karolinska Institutet, U2, Bioclinicum J6:20, Solnavägen 30, 171 64, Solna, Stockholm, Sweden
- Department of Clinical Molecular Biology, University of Oslo, Akershus Universitetssykehus, 1478, Lørenskog, Oslo, Norway
| | - Päivi Östling
- Department of Oncology and Pathology, Karolinska Institutet, U2, Bioclinicum J6:20, Solnavägen 30, 171 64, Solna, Stockholm, Sweden
- Science for Life Laboratory, Tomtebodavägen 23a, 171 65, Stockholm, Sweden
| | - Lars Holmgren
- Department of Oncology and Pathology, Karolinska Institutet, U2, Bioclinicum J6:20, Solnavägen 30, 171 64, Solna, Stockholm, Sweden.
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Zhang H, Li S, Zhou R, Dong T, Zhang X, Yu M, Lin J, Shi M, Geng E, Li J, Wang M, Huang L, Yang XP, Sun S. SRCAP complex promotes lung cancer progression by reprograming the oncogenic transcription of Hippo-YAP/TAZ signaling pathway. Cancer Lett 2024; 585:216667. [PMID: 38280479 DOI: 10.1016/j.canlet.2024.216667] [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: 09/04/2023] [Revised: 01/14/2024] [Accepted: 01/18/2024] [Indexed: 01/29/2024]
Abstract
The activation of YAP/TAZ, a pair of paralogs of transcriptional coactivators, initiates a dysregulated transcription program, which is a key feature of human cancer cells. However, it is not fully understood how YAP/TAZ promote dysregulated transcription for tumor progression. In this study, we employed the BioID method to identify the interactome of YAP/TAZ and discovered that YAP/TAZ interact with multiple components of SRCAP complex, a finding that was further validated through endogenous and exogenous co-immunoprecipitation, as well as immunofluorescence experiments. CUT&Tag analysis revealed that SRCAP complex facilitates the deposition of histone variant H2A.Z at target promoters. The depletion of SRCAP complex resulted in a decrease in H2A.Z occupancy and the oncogenic transcription of YAP/TAZ target genes. Additionally, the blockade of SRCAP complex suppressed YAP-driven tumor growth. In a genetically engineered lung adenocarcinoma mouse model and non-small cell lung cancer patients, SRCAP complex and H2A.Z deposition were found to be upregulated. This upregulation was statistically correlated with YAP expression, pathological stages, and poor survival in lung cancer patients. Together, our study uncovers that SRCAP complex plays a critical role in YAP/TAZ oncogenic transcription by coordinating H2A.Z deposition during cancer progression, providing potential targets for cancer diagnosis and prevention.
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Affiliation(s)
- Huixia Zhang
- Department of Human Anatomy, School of Basic Medicine, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, 13 Hangkong Road, Wuhan, 430030, China
| | - Shasha Li
- Department of Human Anatomy, School of Basic Medicine, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, 13 Hangkong Road, Wuhan, 430030, China
| | - Runxin Zhou
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, School of Basic Medicine, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, 13 Hangkong Road, Wuhan, 430030, China
| | - Tianqi Dong
- Department of Human Anatomy, School of Basic Medicine, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, 13 Hangkong Road, Wuhan, 430030, China
| | - Xiao Zhang
- Department of Human Anatomy, School of Basic Medicine, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, 13 Hangkong Road, Wuhan, 430030, China
| | - Man Yu
- Department of Human Anatomy, School of Basic Medicine, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, 13 Hangkong Road, Wuhan, 430030, China
| | - Jiaming Lin
- Department of Human Anatomy, School of Basic Medicine, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, 13 Hangkong Road, Wuhan, 430030, China
| | - Mingjun Shi
- Department of Human Anatomy, School of Basic Medicine, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, 13 Hangkong Road, Wuhan, 430030, China
| | - Ershuo Geng
- Department of Human Anatomy, School of Basic Medicine, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, 13 Hangkong Road, Wuhan, 430030, China
| | - Juebei Li
- Department of Human Anatomy, School of Basic Medicine, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, 13 Hangkong Road, Wuhan, 430030, China
| | - Mingwei Wang
- Department of Pathology, Hubei Cancer Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, 430079, China
| | - Liu Huang
- Department of Oncology, Tongji Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, No.1095 Jie Fang Avenue, Wuhan, 430030, China
| | - Xiang-Ping Yang
- Department of Immunology, School of Basic Medicine, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, 13 Hangkong Road, Wuhan, 430030, China
| | - Shuguo Sun
- Department of Human Anatomy, School of Basic Medicine, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, 13 Hangkong Road, Wuhan, 430030, China; Department of Pathogen Biology, School of Basic Medicine, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, 13 Hangkong Road, Wuhan, 430030, China.
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10
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Reggiani F, Talarico G, Gobbi G, Sauta E, Torricelli F, Manicardi V, Zanetti E, Orecchioni S, Falvo P, Piana S, Lococo F, Paci M, Bertolini F, Ciarrocchi A, Sancisi V. BET inhibitors drive Natural Killer activation in non-small cell lung cancer via BRD4 and SMAD3. Nat Commun 2024; 15:2567. [PMID: 38519469 PMCID: PMC10960013 DOI: 10.1038/s41467-024-46778-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/31/2023] [Accepted: 03/11/2024] [Indexed: 03/25/2024] Open
Abstract
Non-small-cell lung carcinoma (NSCLC) is the most common lung cancer and one of the pioneer tumors in which immunotherapy has radically changed patients' outcomes. However, several issues are emerging and their implementation is required to optimize immunotherapy-based protocols. In this work, we investigate the ability of the Bromodomain and Extra-Terminal protein inhibitors (BETi) to stimulate a proficient anti-tumor immune response toward NSCLC. By using in vitro, ex-vivo, and in vivo models, we demonstrate that these epigenetic drugs specifically enhance Natural Killer (NK) cell cytotoxicity. BETi down-regulate a large set of NK inhibitory receptors, including several immune checkpoints (ICs), that are direct targets of the transcriptional cooperation between the BET protein BRD4 and the transcription factor SMAD3. Overall, BETi orchestrate an epigenetic reprogramming that leads to increased recognition of tumor cells and the killing ability of NK cells. Our results unveil the opportunity to exploit and repurpose these drugs in combination with immunotherapy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Francesca Reggiani
- Translational Research Laboratory, Azienda Unità Sanitaria Locale-IRCCS di Reggio Emilia, Reggio Emilia, Italy.
| | - Giovanna Talarico
- Laboratory of Hematology-Oncology, European Institute of Oncology IRCCS, Milan, Italy
- Onco-Tech Lab, European Institute of Oncology IRCCS and Politecnico di Milano, Milan, Italy
| | - Giulia Gobbi
- Translational Research Laboratory, Azienda Unità Sanitaria Locale-IRCCS di Reggio Emilia, Reggio Emilia, Italy
| | - Elisabetta Sauta
- Translational Research Laboratory, Azienda Unità Sanitaria Locale-IRCCS di Reggio Emilia, Reggio Emilia, Italy
- Humanitas Clinical and Research Center, IRCCS, Rozzano, Milan, Italy
| | - Federica Torricelli
- Translational Research Laboratory, Azienda Unità Sanitaria Locale-IRCCS di Reggio Emilia, Reggio Emilia, Italy
| | - Veronica Manicardi
- Translational Research Laboratory, Azienda Unità Sanitaria Locale-IRCCS di Reggio Emilia, Reggio Emilia, Italy
- Clinical and Experimental Medicine PhD Program, University of Modena and Reggio Emilia, Modena, Italy
| | - Eleonora Zanetti
- Pathology Unit, Azienda USL-IRCCS di Reggio Emilia, Reggio Emilia, Italy
- Biobank, Azienda USL-IRCCS di Reggio Emilia, Reggio Emilia, Italy
| | - Stefania Orecchioni
- Laboratory of Hematology-Oncology, European Institute of Oncology IRCCS, Milan, Italy
- Onco-Tech Lab, European Institute of Oncology IRCCS and Politecnico di Milano, Milan, Italy
| | - Paolo Falvo
- Laboratory of Hematology-Oncology, European Institute of Oncology IRCCS, Milan, Italy
- Onco-Tech Lab, European Institute of Oncology IRCCS and Politecnico di Milano, Milan, Italy
| | - Simonetta Piana
- Pathology Unit, Azienda USL-IRCCS di Reggio Emilia, Reggio Emilia, Italy
- Biobank, Azienda USL-IRCCS di Reggio Emilia, Reggio Emilia, Italy
| | - Filippo Lococo
- Università Cattolica del Sacro Cuore, Rome, Italy
- Department of General Thoracic Surgery, Fondazione Policlinico Universitario A. Gemelli IRCCS, Rome, Italy
| | - Massimiliano Paci
- Thoracic Surgery Unit, Azienda USL-IRCCS di Reggio Emilia, Reggio Emilia, Italy
| | - Francesco Bertolini
- Laboratory of Hematology-Oncology, European Institute of Oncology IRCCS, Milan, Italy
- Onco-Tech Lab, European Institute of Oncology IRCCS and Politecnico di Milano, Milan, Italy
| | - Alessia Ciarrocchi
- Translational Research Laboratory, Azienda Unità Sanitaria Locale-IRCCS di Reggio Emilia, Reggio Emilia, Italy
| | - Valentina Sancisi
- Translational Research Laboratory, Azienda Unità Sanitaria Locale-IRCCS di Reggio Emilia, Reggio Emilia, Italy.
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11
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Mannion AJ, Zhao H, Zhang Y, von Wright Y, Bergman O, Roy J, Saharinen P, Holmgren L. Regulation of YAP Promotor Accessibility in Endothelial Mechanotransduction. Arterioscler Thromb Vasc Biol 2024; 44:666-689. [PMID: 38299356 PMCID: PMC10880945 DOI: 10.1161/atvbaha.123.320300] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/25/2023] [Accepted: 01/11/2024] [Indexed: 02/02/2024]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Endothelial cells are constantly exposed to mechanical forces in the form of fluid shear stress, extracellular stiffness, and cyclic strain. The mechanoresponsive activity of YAP (Yes-associated protein) and its role in vascular development are well described; however, whether changes to transcription or epigenetic regulation of YAP are involved in these processes remains unanswered. Furthermore, how mechanical forces are transduced to the nucleus to drive transcriptional reprogramming in endothelial cells is poorly understood. The YAP target gene, AmotL2 (angiomotin-like 2), is a junctional mechanotransducer that connects cell-cell junctions to the nuclear membrane via the actin cytoskeleton. METHODS We applied mechanical manipulations including shear flow, stretching, and substrate stiffness to endothelial cells to investigate the role of mechanical forces in modulating YAP transcription. Using in vitro and in vivo endothelial depletion of AmotL2, we assess nuclear morphology, chromatin organization (using transposase-accessible chromatin sequencing), and whole-mount immunofluorescent staining of the aorta to determine the regulation and functionality of YAP. Finally, we use genetic and chemical inhibition to uncouple the nuclear-cytoskeletal connection to investigate the role of this pathway on YAP transcription. RESULTS Our results reveal that mechanical forces sensed at cell-cell junctions by the YAP target gene AmotL2 are directly involved in changes in global chromatin accessibility and activity of the histone methyltransferase EZH2, leading to modulation of YAP promotor activity. Functionally, shear stress-induced proliferation of endothelial cells in vivo was reliant on AmotL2 and YAP/TAZ (transcriptional coactivator with PDZ-binding motif) expression. Mechanistically, uncoupling of the nuclear-cytoskeletal connection from junctions and focal adhesions led to altered nuclear morphology, chromatin accessibility, and YAP promotor activity. CONCLUSIONS Our findings reveal a role for AmotL2 and nuclear-cytoskeletal force transmission in modulating the epigenetic and transcriptional regulation of YAP to maintain a mechano-enforced positive feedback loop of vascular homeostasis. These findings may offer an explanation as to the proinflammatory phenotype that leads to aneurysm formation observed in AmotL2 endothelial deletion models.
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Affiliation(s)
- Aarren J. Mannion
- Departments of Oncology-Pathology (A.J.M., H.Z., Y.Z., L.H.), Karolinska Institute, Stockholm, Sweden
- Department of Cell and Tissue Dynamics, Max Planck Institute of Molecular Biomedicine, Münster, Germany (A.J.M.)
| | - Honglei Zhao
- Departments of Oncology-Pathology (A.J.M., H.Z., Y.Z., L.H.), Karolinska Institute, Stockholm, Sweden
| | - Yuanyuan Zhang
- Departments of Oncology-Pathology (A.J.M., H.Z., Y.Z., L.H.), Karolinska Institute, Stockholm, Sweden
| | - Ylva von Wright
- Wihuri Research Institute, Biomedicum Helsinki, Finland (Y.v.W., P.S.)
| | - Otto Bergman
- Medicine (O.B.), Karolinska Institute, Stockholm, Sweden
| | - Joy Roy
- Molecular Medicine and Surgery (J.R.), Karolinska Institute, Stockholm, Sweden
- Department of Vascular Surgery, Karolinska University Hospital, Stockholm, Sweden (J.R.)
| | - Pipsa Saharinen
- Wihuri Research Institute, Biomedicum Helsinki, Finland (Y.v.W., P.S.)
- Translational Cancer Medicine Program and Department of Biochemistry and Developmental Biology, University of Helsinki, Finland (P.S.)
| | - Lars Holmgren
- Departments of Oncology-Pathology (A.J.M., H.Z., Y.Z., L.H.), Karolinska Institute, Stockholm, Sweden
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12
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Chen PC, Ning Y, Li H, Su JG, Shen JB, Feng QC, Jiang SH, Shi PD, Guo RS. Targeting ONECUT3 blocks glycolytic metabolism and potentiates anti-PD-1 therapy in pancreatic cancer. Cell Oncol (Dordr) 2024; 47:81-96. [PMID: 37606818 DOI: 10.1007/s13402-023-00852-3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 07/31/2023] [Indexed: 08/23/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Reprogramming glucose metabolism, also known as the Warburg effect (aerobic glycolysis), is a hallmark of cancers. Increased tumor glycolysis not only favors rapid cancer cell proliferation but reprograms the immune microenvironment to enable tumor progression. The transcriptional factor ONECUT3 plays key roles in the development of the liver and pancreas, however, limited is known about its oncogenic roles, particularly metabolic reprogramming. METHODS Immunohistochemistry and Western blotting are applied to determine the expression pattern of ONECUT3 and its clinical relevance in pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma (PDAC). Knockdown and overexpression strategies are employed to determine the in vitro and in vivo functions of ONECUT3. Chromatin immunoprecipitation, luciferase reporter assay, and gene set enrichment analysis are used to decipher the molecular mechanisms. RESULTS The glycolytic metabolism is inversely associated with T-cell infiltration in PDAC. ONECUT3 is identified as a key regulator for PDAC glycolysis and CD8+ T-cell infiltration. Genetic silencing of ONECUT3 inhibits cell proliferation, promotes cell apoptosis, and reduces glycolytic metabolism as evidenced by glucose uptake, lactate production, and extracellular acidification rate. Opposite effects of ONECUT3 are observed in overexpression studies. ONECUT3 enhances aerobic glycolysis via transcriptional regulation of PDK1. Targeting ONECUT3 effectively suppresses tumor growth, increases CD8+ T-cell infiltration, and potentiates anti-PD-1 therapy in PDAC. Pharmacological inhibition of PDK1 also shows a synergistic effect with anti-PD-1 therapy. In clinical setting, ONECUT3 is closely associated with PDK1 expression and T-cell infiltration in PDAC and acts as an independent prognostic factor. CONCLUSIONS Our study reveals a previous unprecedented regulatory role of ONECUT3 in PDAC glycolysis and provides in vivo evidence that increased glycolysis is linked to an immunosuppressive microenvironment. Moreover, targeting ONECUT3-PDK1 axis may serve as a promising therapeutic approach for the treatment of PDAC.
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Affiliation(s)
- Peng-Cheng Chen
- Department of General Surgery, Jiading District Central Hospital Affiliated Shanghai University of Medicine & Health Sciences, Shanghai, 201800, P.R. China
| | - Yong Ning
- Department of General Surgery, Jiading District Central Hospital Affiliated Shanghai University of Medicine & Health Sciences, Shanghai, 201800, P.R. China
| | - Hui Li
- State Key Laboratory of Oncogenes and Related Genes, Ren Ji Hospital, School of Medicine, Shanghai Cancer Institute, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, Shanghai, 200240, P.R. China
| | - Jin-Gen Su
- Department of General Surgery, Jiading District Central Hospital Affiliated Shanghai University of Medicine & Health Sciences, Shanghai, 201800, P.R. China
| | - Jiang-Bo Shen
- Department of General Surgery, Jiading District Central Hospital Affiliated Shanghai University of Medicine & Health Sciences, Shanghai, 201800, P.R. China
| | - Qing-Chun Feng
- Department of General Surgery, Jiading District Central Hospital Affiliated Shanghai University of Medicine & Health Sciences, Shanghai, 201800, P.R. China
| | - Shu-Heng Jiang
- State Key Laboratory of Oncogenes and Related Genes, Ren Ji Hospital, School of Medicine, Shanghai Cancer Institute, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, Shanghai, 200240, P.R. China
| | - Pei-Dong Shi
- Department of General Surgery, Jiading District Central Hospital Affiliated Shanghai University of Medicine & Health Sciences, Shanghai, 201800, P.R. China.
| | - Run-Sheng Guo
- Department of General Surgery, Jiading District Central Hospital Affiliated Shanghai University of Medicine & Health Sciences, Shanghai, 201800, P.R. China.
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13
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Li S, Wang L, Shi J, Chen Y, Xiao A, Huo B, Tian W, Zhang S, Yang G, Gong W, Zhang H. Chromatin accessibility complex subunit 1 enhances tumor growth by regulating the oncogenic transcription of YAP in breast and cervical cancer. PeerJ 2024; 12:e16752. [PMID: 38223760 PMCID: PMC10787542 DOI: 10.7717/peerj.16752] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/23/2023] [Accepted: 12/13/2023] [Indexed: 01/16/2024] Open
Abstract
Background As a component of chromatin remodeling complex, chromatin accessibility complex subunit 1 (CHRAC1) is critical in transcription and DNA replication. However, the significance of CHRAC1 in cancer progression has not been investigated extensively. This research aimed to determine the function of CHRAC1 in breast and cervical cancer and elucidate the molecular mechanism. Methods The Bio-ID method was used to identify the interactome of transcriptional activator Yes-associated protein (YAP) and the binding between YAP and CHRAC1 was verified by immunofluorescence. CCK8, colony formation and subcutaneous xenograft assays were conducted to explore the function of CHRAC1 in cancer cell proliferation. RNA-seq analysis and RT-PCR were used to analyze the transcription program change after CHRAC1 ablation. The diagnostic value of CHRAC1 was analyzed by TCGA database and further validated by immunohistochemistry staining. Results In the current study, we found that the chromatin remodeler CHRAC1 was a potential YAP interactor. CHRAC1 depletion suppressed breast and cervical cancer cell proliferation and tumor growth. The potential mechanism may be that CHRAC1 interacts with YAP to facilitate oncogenic transcription of YAP target genes in Hippo pathway, thereby promoting tumorigenesis. CHRAC1 was elevated in cervical and breast cancer biopsies and the upregulation correlated with shorter survival, poor pathological stages and metastasis of cancer patients. Moreover, CHRAC1 expression was statistically associated with YAP in breast and cervical cancer biopsies. Conclusions These findings highlight that CHRAC1 contributes to cancer progression through regulating the oncogenic transcription of YAP, which makes it a potential therapeutic target for cancer treatment.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shasha Li
- Department of Human Anatomy, School of Basic Medicine, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, China
| | - Lulu Wang
- Department of Pediatrics, Union Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, China
| | - Jing Shi
- Xiangyang Center for Disease Control and Prevention, Xiangyang, China
| | - Yi Chen
- Department of Human Anatomy, School of Basic Medicine, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, China
| | - Ang Xiao
- Department of Human Anatomy, School of Basic Medicine, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, China
| | - Bingyue Huo
- Department of Human Anatomy, School of Basic Medicine, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, China
| | - Wenjing Tian
- Department of Human Anatomy, School of Basic Medicine, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, China
| | - Shilu Zhang
- Department of Human Anatomy, School of Basic Medicine, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, China
| | - Gang Yang
- Xiangyang Center for Disease Control and Prevention, Xiangyang, China
| | - Wensheng Gong
- Xiangyang Center for Disease Control and Prevention, Xiangyang, China
| | - Huixia Zhang
- Department of Human Anatomy, School of Basic Medicine, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, China
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14
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Leng J, Wang C, Liang Z, Qiu F, Zhang S, Yang Y. An updated review of YAP: A promising therapeutic target against cardiac aging? Int J Biol Macromol 2024; 254:127670. [PMID: 37913886 DOI: 10.1016/j.ijbiomac.2023.127670] [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: 07/11/2023] [Revised: 09/05/2023] [Accepted: 10/23/2023] [Indexed: 11/03/2023]
Abstract
The transcriptional co-activator Yes-associated protein (YAP) functions as a downstream effector of the Hippo signaling pathway and plays a crucial role in cardiomyocyte survival. In its non-phosphorylated activated state, YAP binds to transcription factors, activating the transcription of downstream target genes. It also regulates cell proliferation and survival by selectively binding to enhancers and activating target genes. However, the upregulation of the Hippo pathway in human heart failure inhibits cardiac regeneration and disrupts astrogenesis, thus preventing the nuclear translocation of YAP. Existing literature indicates that the Hippo/YAP axis contributes to inflammation and fibrosis, potentially playing a role in the development of cardiac, vascular and renal injuries. Moreover, it is a key mediator of myofibroblast differentiation and fibrosis in the infarcted heart. Given these insights, can we harness YAP's regenerative potential in a targeted manner? In this review, we provide a detailed discussion of the Hippo signaling pathway and consolidate concepts for the development and intervention of cardiac anti-aging drugs to leverage YAP signaling as a pivotal target.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jingzhi Leng
- Cancer Institute, The Affiliated Hospital of Qingdao University, Qingdao, China; School of Physical Education, Qingdao University, China
| | - Chuanzhi Wang
- College of Sports Science, South China Normal University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Zhide Liang
- Cancer Institute, The Affiliated Hospital of Qingdao University, Qingdao, China; Qingdao Cancer Institute, Qingdao University, Qingdao, China
| | - Fanghui Qiu
- School of Physical Education, Qingdao University, China
| | - Shuangshuang Zhang
- Cancer Institute, The Affiliated Hospital of Qingdao University, Qingdao, China; Qingdao Cancer Institute, Qingdao University, Qingdao, China; School of Physical Education, Qingdao University, China.
| | - Yuan Yang
- Cancer Institute, The Affiliated Hospital of Qingdao University, Qingdao, China; Qingdao Cancer Institute, Qingdao University, Qingdao, China; School of Physical Education, Qingdao University, China.
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15
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Hu R, Hou H, Li Y, Zhang M, Li X, Chen Y, Guo Y, Sun H, Zhao S, Liao M, Cao D, Yan Q, Chen X, Yin M. Combined BET and MEK Inhibition synergistically suppresses melanoma by targeting YAP1. Theranostics 2024; 14:593-607. [PMID: 38169595 PMCID: PMC10758063 DOI: 10.7150/thno.85437] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/19/2023] [Accepted: 11/16/2023] [Indexed: 01/05/2024] Open
Abstract
Rationale: The response rate to the MEK inhibitor trametinib in BRAF-mutated melanoma patients is less than 30%, and drug resistance develops rapidly, but the mechanism is still unclear. Yes1-associated transcriptional regulator (YAP1) is highly expressed in melanoma and may be related to MEK inhibitor resistance. The purpose of this study was to investigate the mechanism of YAP1 in MEK inhibitor resistance in melanoma and to screen YAP1 inhibitors to further determine whether YAP1 inhibition reverses MEK inhibitor resistance. Methods: On the one hand, we analyzed paired melanoma and adjacent tissue samples using RNA-seq and found that the Hippo-YAP1 signaling pathway was the top upregulated pathway. On the other hand, we evaluated the transcriptomes of melanoma samples from patients before and after trametinib treatment and investigated the correlation between YAP1 expression and trametinib resistance. Then, we screened for inhibitors that repress YAP1 expression and investigated the mechanisms. Finally, we investigated the antitumor effect of YAP1 inhibition combined with MEK inhibition both in vitro and in vivo. Results: We found that YAP1 expression levels upon trametinib treatment in melanoma patients were correlated with resistance to trametinib. YAP1 was translocated into the nucleus after trametinib treatment in melanoma cells, which could render resistance to MEK inhibition. Thus, we screened for inhibitors that repress YAP1 expression and identified multiple bromodomain and extra-terminal (BET) inhibitors, including NHWD-870, as hits. BET inhibition repressed YAP1 expression by decreasing BRD4 binding to the YAP1 promoter. Consistently, YAP1 overexpression was sufficient to reverse the proliferation defect caused by BRD4 depletion. In addition, the BET inhibitor NHWD-870 acted synergistically with trametinib to suppress melanoma growth in vitro and in vivo. Conclusions: We identified a new vulnerability for MEK inhibitor-resistant melanomas, which activated Hippo pathway due to elevated YAP1 activity. Inhibition of BRD4 using BET inhibitors suppressed YAP1 expression and led to blunted melanoma growth when combined with treatment with the MEK inhibitor trametinib.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rui Hu
- Department of Dermatology, Hunan Engineering Research Center of Skin Health and Disease, Hunan Key Laboratory of Skin Cancer and Psoriasis, Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha, Hunan 410008, China
- Department of Dermatology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Chongqing Medical University, Chongqing, China
| | - Huihui Hou
- Department of Dermatology, Hunan Engineering Research Center of Skin Health and Disease, Hunan Key Laboratory of Skin Cancer and Psoriasis, Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha, Hunan 410008, China
| | - Yao Li
- Department of Pathology, Yale School of Medicine, New Haven, CT 06520, USA
| | - Minghui Zhang
- Department of Medical Oncology, Harbin Medical University Cancer Hospital, Harbin, China
| | - Xin Li
- Department of Dermatology, Hunan Engineering Research Center of Skin Health and Disease, Hunan Key Laboratory of Skin Cancer and Psoriasis, Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha, Hunan 410008, China
| | - Yanzhong Chen
- The first clinical college of Chongqing Medical University, Chongqing, China
| | - Ying Guo
- Department of Dermatology, Hunan Engineering Research Center of Skin Health and Disease, Hunan Key Laboratory of Skin Cancer and Psoriasis, Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha, Hunan 410008, China
| | - Hongyin Sun
- Department of Dermatology, Hunan Engineering Research Center of Skin Health and Disease, Hunan Key Laboratory of Skin Cancer and Psoriasis, Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha, Hunan 410008, China
| | - Shuang Zhao
- Department of Dermatology, Hunan Engineering Research Center of Skin Health and Disease, Hunan Key Laboratory of Skin Cancer and Psoriasis, Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha, Hunan 410008, China
| | - Mengting Liao
- Department of Dermatology, Hunan Engineering Research Center of Skin Health and Disease, Hunan Key Laboratory of Skin Cancer and Psoriasis, Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha, Hunan 410008, China
- Health Management of Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha, Hunan 410008, China
| | - Dongsheng Cao
- Department of Dermatology, Hunan Engineering Research Center of Skin Health and Disease, Hunan Key Laboratory of Skin Cancer and Psoriasis, Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha, Hunan 410008, China
- Xiangya School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Central South University, Changsha, Hunan 410013, China
| | - Qin Yan
- Department of Pathology, Yale School of Medicine, New Haven, CT 06520, USA
| | - Xiang Chen
- Department of Dermatology, Hunan Engineering Research Center of Skin Health and Disease, Hunan Key Laboratory of Skin Cancer and Psoriasis, Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha, Hunan 410008, China
| | - Mingzhu Yin
- Department of Dermatology, Hunan Engineering Research Center of Skin Health and Disease, Hunan Key Laboratory of Skin Cancer and Psoriasis, Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha, Hunan 410008, China
- Clinical Research Center (CRC), Clinical Pathology Center (CPC), Cancer Early Detection and Treatment Center (CEDTC), Chongqing University Three Gorges Hospital, Chongqing University, Wanzhou, Chongqing, China
- Translational Medicine Research Center (TMRC), School of Medicine Chongqing University, Shapingba, Chongqing, China
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16
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Shao Y, Shu X, Lu Y, Zhu W, Li R, Fu H, Li C, Sun W, Li Z, Zhang Y, Cao X, Ye X, Ajiboye E, Zhao B, Zhang L, Wu H, Feng XH, Yang B, Lu H. A chaperone-like function of FUS ensures TAZ condensate dynamics and transcriptional activation. Nat Cell Biol 2024; 26:86-99. [PMID: 38172614 DOI: 10.1038/s41556-023-01309-3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/03/2023] [Accepted: 11/09/2023] [Indexed: 01/05/2024]
Abstract
The Hippo pathway has important roles in organ development, tissue homeostasis and tumour growth. Its downstream effector TAZ is a transcriptional coactivator that promotes target gene expression through the formation of biomolecular condensates. However, the mechanisms that regulate the biophysical properties of TAZ condensates to enable Hippo signalling are not well understood. Here using chemical crosslinking combined with an unbiased proteomics approach, we show that FUS associates with TAZ condensates and exerts a chaperone-like effect to maintain their proper liquidity and robust transcriptional activity. Mechanistically, the low complexity sequence domain of FUS targets the coiled-coil domain of TAZ in a phosphorylation-regulated manner, which ensures the liquidity and dynamicity of TAZ condensates. In cells lacking FUS, TAZ condensates transition into gel-like or solid-like assembles with immobilized TAZ, which leads to reduced expression of target genes and inhibition of pro-tumorigenic activity. Thus, our findings identify a chaperone-like function of FUS in Hippo regulation and demonstrate that appropriate biophysical properties of transcriptional condensates are essential for gene activation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yangqing Shao
- Zhejiang Provincial Key Laboratory for Cancer Molecular Cell Biology, Life Sciences Institute, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, China
| | - Xin Shu
- Zhejiang Provincial Key Laboratory for Cancer Molecular Cell Biology, Life Sciences Institute, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, China
- Cancer Center, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, China
| | - Yi Lu
- Tongji University Cancer Center, Shanghai Tenth People's Hospital, School of Medicine, Tongji University, Shanghai, China
| | - Wenxuan Zhu
- Zhejiang Provincial Key Laboratory for Cancer Molecular Cell Biology, Life Sciences Institute, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, China
| | - Ran Li
- The Eighth Affiliated Hospital, Sun Yat-Sen University, Shenzhen, China
| | - Huanyi Fu
- Zhejiang Provincial Key Laboratory for Cancer Molecular Cell Biology, Life Sciences Institute, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, China
| | - Chengyu Li
- Zhejiang Provincial Key Laboratory for Cancer Molecular Cell Biology, Life Sciences Institute, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, China
| | - Wei Sun
- Zhejiang Provincial Key Laboratory for Cancer Molecular Cell Biology, Life Sciences Institute, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, China
- Cancer Center, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, China
| | - Zhuo Li
- Zhejiang Provincial Key Laboratory for Cancer Molecular Cell Biology, Life Sciences Institute, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, China
| | - Yitong Zhang
- Zhejiang Provincial Key Laboratory for Cancer Molecular Cell Biology, Life Sciences Institute, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, China
| | - Xiaolei Cao
- Zhejiang Provincial Key Laboratory for Cancer Molecular Cell Biology, Life Sciences Institute, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, China
| | - Xifu Ye
- Tongji University Cancer Center, Shanghai Tenth People's Hospital, School of Medicine, Tongji University, Shanghai, China
| | - Emmanuel Ajiboye
- Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry, Wichita State University, Wichita, KS, USA
| | - Bin Zhao
- Zhejiang Provincial Key Laboratory for Cancer Molecular Cell Biology, Life Sciences Institute, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, China
- Cancer Center, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, China
- The MOE Key Laboratory of Biosystems Homeostasis & Protection and Zhejiang Provincial Key Laboratory for Cancer Molecular Cell Biology, Life Sciences Institute, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, China
- Center for Life Sciences, Shaoxing Institute, Zhejiang University, Shaoxing, China
| | - Long Zhang
- Zhejiang Provincial Key Laboratory for Cancer Molecular Cell Biology, Life Sciences Institute, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, China
- Cancer Center, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, China
- The MOE Key Laboratory of Biosystems Homeostasis & Protection and Zhejiang Provincial Key Laboratory for Cancer Molecular Cell Biology, Life Sciences Institute, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, China
| | - Haifan Wu
- Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry, Wichita State University, Wichita, KS, USA
| | - Xin-Hua Feng
- Zhejiang Provincial Key Laboratory for Cancer Molecular Cell Biology, Life Sciences Institute, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, China
- Cancer Center, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, China
- The MOE Key Laboratory of Biosystems Homeostasis & Protection and Zhejiang Provincial Key Laboratory for Cancer Molecular Cell Biology, Life Sciences Institute, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, China
- Center for Life Sciences, Shaoxing Institute, Zhejiang University, Shaoxing, China
| | - Bing Yang
- Zhejiang Provincial Key Laboratory for Cancer Molecular Cell Biology, Life Sciences Institute, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, China.
- Cancer Center, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, China.
| | - Huasong Lu
- Zhejiang Provincial Key Laboratory for Cancer Molecular Cell Biology, Life Sciences Institute, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, China.
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17
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Tracy KM, Prior S, Trowbridge WT, Boyd JR, Ghule PN, Frietze S, Stein JL, Stein GS, Lian JB. Bromodomain Proteins Epigenetically Regulate the Mitotically Associated lncRNA MANCR in Triple Negative Breast Cancer Cells. Crit Rev Eukaryot Gene Expr 2024; 34:61-71. [PMID: 38073442 PMCID: PMC11023627 DOI: 10.1615/critreveukaryotgeneexpr.2023050109] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/18/2023]
Abstract
Long non-coding RNA (lncRNA)-mediated control of gene expression contributes to regulation of biological processes that include proliferation and phenotype, as well as compromised expression of genes that are functionally linked to cancer initiation and tumor progression. lncRNAs have emerged as novel targets and biomarkers in breast cancer. We have shown that mitotically associated lncRNA MANCR is expressed in triple-negative breast cancer (TNBC) cells and that it serves a critical role in promoting genome stability and survival in aggressive breast cancer cells. Using an siRNA strategy, we selectively depleted BRD2, BRD3, and BRD4, singly and in combination, to establish which bromodomain proteins regulate MANCR expression in TNBC cells. Our findings were confirmed by using in situ hybridization combined with immunofluorescence analysis that revealed BRD4, either alone or with BRD2 and BRD3, can support MANCR regulation of TNBC cells. Here we provide evidence for MANCR-responsive epigenetic control of super enhancers by histone modifications that are required for gene transcription to support cell survival and expression of the epithelial tumor phenotype in triple negative breast cancer cells.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kirsten M. Tracy
- Department of Biochemistry, University of Vermont Larner College of Medicine, Burlington, VT 05405
| | - Shannon Prior
- Department of Biomedical and Health Sciences, University of Vermont College of Nursing and Health Sciences, Burlington, VT 05405
| | - Willem T. Trowbridge
- Department of Biochemistry, University of Vermont Larner College of Medicine, Burlington, VT 05405
| | - Joseph R. Boyd
- Department of Biomedical and Health Sciences, University of Vermont College of Nursing and Health Sciences, Burlington, VT 05405
| | - Prachi N. Ghule
- Department of Biochemistry, University of Vermont Larner College of Medicine, Burlington, VT 05405
- Department of Biomedical and Health Sciences, University of Vermont College of Nursing and Health Sciences, Burlington, VT 05405
| | - Seth Frietze
- Department of Biochemistry, University of Vermont Larner College of Medicine, Burlington, VT 05405
- Department of Biomedical and Health Sciences, University of Vermont College of Nursing and Health Sciences, Burlington, VT 05405
- University of Vermont Cancer Center, University of Vermont Larner College of Medicine, Burlington, VT 05405
| | - Janet L. Stein
- Department of Biochemistry, University of Vermont Larner College of Medicine, Burlington, VT 05405
- University of Vermont Cancer Center, University of Vermont Larner College of Medicine, Burlington, VT 05405
| | - Gary S. Stein
- Department of Biochemistry, University of Vermont Larner College of Medicine, Burlington, VT 05405
- University of Vermont Cancer Center, University of Vermont Larner College of Medicine, Burlington, VT 05405
| | - Jane B. Lian
- Department of Biochemistry, University of Vermont Larner College of Medicine, Burlington, VT 05405
- University of Vermont Cancer Center, University of Vermont Larner College of Medicine, Burlington, VT 05405
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18
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Efe G, Dunbar KJ, Sugiura K, Cunningham K, Carcamo S, Karaiskos S, Tang Q, Cruz-Acuña R, Resnick-Silverman L, Peura J, Lu C, Hasson D, Klein-Szanto AJ, Taylor AM, Manfredi JJ, Prives C, Rustgi AK. p53 Gain-of-Function Mutation Induces Metastasis via BRD4-Dependent CSF-1 Expression. Cancer Discov 2023; 13:2632-2651. [PMID: 37676642 PMCID: PMC10841313 DOI: 10.1158/2159-8290.cd-23-0601] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/26/2023] [Revised: 08/15/2023] [Accepted: 09/05/2023] [Indexed: 09/08/2023]
Abstract
TP53 mutations are frequent in esophageal squamous cell carcinoma (ESCC) and other SCCs and are associated with a proclivity for metastasis. Here, we report that colony-stimulating factor-1 (CSF-1) expression is upregulated significantly in a p53-R172H-dependent manner in metastatic lung lesions of ESCC. The p53-R172H-dependent CSF-1 signaling, through its cognate receptor CSF-1R, increases tumor cell invasion and lung metastasis, which in turn is mediated in part through Stat3 phosphorylation and epithelial-to-mesenchymal transition (EMT). In Trp53R172H tumor cells, p53 occupies the Csf-1 promoter. The Csf-1 locus is enriched with histone 3 lysine 27 acetylation (H3K27ac), which is likely permissive for fostering an interaction between bromodomain-containing domain 4 (BRD4) and p53-R172H to regulate Csf-1 transcription. Inhibition of BRD4 not only reduces tumor invasion and lung metastasis but also reduces circulating CSF-1 levels. Overall, our results establish a novel p53-R172H-dependent BRD4-CSF-1 axis that promotes ESCC lung metastasis and suggest avenues for therapeutic strategies for this difficult-to-treat disease. SIGNIFICANCE The invasion-metastasis cascade is a recalcitrant barrier to effective cancer therapy. We establish that the p53-R172H-dependent BRD4-CSF-1 axis is a mediator of prometastatic properties, correlates with patient survival and tumor stages, and its inhibition significantly reduces tumor cell invasion and lung metastasis. This axis can be exploited for therapeutic advantage. This article is featured in Selected Articles from This Issue, p. 2489.
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Affiliation(s)
- Gizem Efe
- Herbert Irving Comprehensive Cancer Center, Columbia University, New York, NY, 10032, USA
- Department of Genetics and Development, Columbia University, New York, NY, 10032, USA
| | - Karen J. Dunbar
- Herbert Irving Comprehensive Cancer Center, Columbia University, New York, NY, 10032, USA
| | - Kensuke Sugiura
- Herbert Irving Comprehensive Cancer Center, Columbia University, New York, NY, 10032, USA
| | - Katherine Cunningham
- Herbert Irving Comprehensive Cancer Center, Columbia University, New York, NY, 10032, USA
| | - Saul Carcamo
- Tisch Cancer Institute Bioinformatics for Next Generation Sequencing (BiNGS) core, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, NY, 10029, USA
| | - Spyros Karaiskos
- Herbert Irving Comprehensive Cancer Center, Columbia University, New York, NY, 10032, USA
| | - Qiaosi Tang
- Herbert Irving Comprehensive Cancer Center, Columbia University, New York, NY, 10032, USA
| | - Ricardo Cruz-Acuña
- Herbert Irving Comprehensive Cancer Center, Columbia University, New York, NY, 10032, USA
| | - Lois Resnick-Silverman
- Department of Oncological Sciences, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, NY, 10029, USA
| | - Jessica Peura
- Division of Hematology-Oncology, University of Massachusetts Medical School, Worcester, MA, 01655, USA
| | - Chao Lu
- Herbert Irving Comprehensive Cancer Center, Columbia University, New York, NY, 10032, USA
- Department of Genetics and Development, Columbia University, New York, NY, 10032, USA
| | - Dan Hasson
- Tisch Cancer Institute Bioinformatics for Next Generation Sequencing (BiNGS) core, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, NY, 10029, USA
- Department of Oncological Sciences, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, NY, 10029, USA
- Graduate School of Biomedical Sciences, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, NY, 10029, USA
| | | | - Alison M. Taylor
- Herbert Irving Comprehensive Cancer Center, Columbia University, New York, NY, 10032, USA
- Department of Pathology and Cell Biology, Columbia University, New York, NY, 10032, USA
| | - James J. Manfredi
- Department of Oncological Sciences, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, NY, 10029, USA
| | - Carol Prives
- Herbert Irving Comprehensive Cancer Center, Columbia University, New York, NY, 10032, USA
- Department of Biological Sciences, Columbia University, Columbia University, New York, NY, 10032, USA
| | - Anil K. Rustgi
- Herbert Irving Comprehensive Cancer Center, Columbia University, New York, NY, 10032, USA
- Division of Digestive and Liver Diseases, Department of Medicine, Columbia University, New York, NY, 10032, USA
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19
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Gargalionis AN, Papavassiliou KA, Papavassiliou AG. The potential of BRD4 inhibition in tumour mechanosignaling. J Cell Mol Med 2023; 27:4215-4218. [PMID: 37994501 PMCID: PMC10746939 DOI: 10.1111/jcmm.18057] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/30/2023] [Accepted: 11/15/2023] [Indexed: 11/24/2023] Open
Affiliation(s)
- Antonios N. Gargalionis
- Department of Biopathology, ‘Eginition’ Hospital, Medical SchoolNational and Kapodistrian University of AthensAthensGreece
| | - Kostas A. Papavassiliou
- First University Department of Respiratory Medicine, ‘Sotiria’ Hospital, Medical SchoolNational and Kapodistrian University of AthensAthensGreece
| | - Athanasios G. Papavassiliou
- Department of Biological Chemistry, Medical SchoolNational and Kapodistrian University of AthensAthensGreece
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20
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Cao J, Zhang Z, Zhou L, Luo M, Li L, Li B, Nice EC, He W, Zheng S, Huang C. Oncofetal reprogramming in tumor development and progression: novel insights into cancer therapy. MedComm (Beijing) 2023; 4:e427. [PMID: 38045829 PMCID: PMC10693315 DOI: 10.1002/mco2.427] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/10/2023] [Revised: 10/20/2023] [Accepted: 10/23/2023] [Indexed: 12/05/2023] Open
Abstract
Emerging evidence indicates that cancer cells can mimic characteristics of embryonic development, promoting their development and progression. Cancer cells share features with embryonic development, characterized by robust proliferation and differentiation regulated by signaling pathways such as Wnt, Notch, hedgehog, and Hippo signaling. In certain phase, these cells also mimic embryonic diapause and fertilized egg implantation to evade treatments or immune elimination and promote metastasis. Additionally, the upregulation of ATP-binding cassette (ABC) transporters, including multidrug resistance protein 1 (MDR1), multidrug resistance-associated protein 1 (MRP1), and breast cancer-resistant protein (BCRP), in drug-resistant cancer cells, analogous to their role in placental development, may facilitate chemotherapy efflux, further resulting in treatment resistance. In this review, we concentrate on the underlying mechanisms that contribute to tumor development and progression from the perspective of embryonic development, encompassing the dysregulation of developmental signaling pathways, the emergence of dormant cancer cells, immune microenvironment remodeling, and the hyperactivation of ABC transporters. Furthermore, we synthesize and emphasize the connections between cancer hallmarks and embryonic development, offering novel insights for the development of innovative cancer treatment strategies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jiangjun Cao
- West China School of Basic Medical Sciences and Forensic Medicine, and Department of Biotherapy Cancer Center and State Key Laboratory of Biotherapy, West China HospitalSichuan UniversityChengduChina
| | - Zhe Zhang
- Zhejiang Provincial Key Laboratory of Pancreatic Diseasethe First Affiliated HospitalSchool of MedicineZhejiang UniversityZhejiangChina
| | - Li Zhou
- Key Laboratory of Molecular Biology for Infectious Diseases (Ministry of Education)Department of Infectious Diseasesthe Second Affiliated HospitalInstitute for Viral Hepatitis, Chongqing Medical UniversityChongqingChina
| | - Maochao Luo
- West China School of Basic Medical Sciences and Forensic Medicine, and Department of Biotherapy Cancer Center and State Key Laboratory of Biotherapy, West China HospitalSichuan UniversityChengduChina
| | - Lei Li
- Department of anorectal surgeryHospital of Chengdu University of Traditional Chinese Medicine and Chengdu University of Traditional Chinese MedicineChengduChina
| | - Bowen Li
- West China School of Basic Medical Sciences and Forensic Medicine, and Department of Biotherapy Cancer Center and State Key Laboratory of Biotherapy, West China HospitalSichuan UniversityChengduChina
| | - Edouard C. Nice
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular BiologyMonash UniversityClaytonVICAustralia
| | - Weifeng He
- State Key Laboratory of TraumaBurn and Combined InjuryInstitute of Burn Research, Southwest Hospital, Third Military Medical University (Army Medical University)ChongqingChina
| | - Shaojiang Zheng
- Hainan Cancer Medical Center of The First Affiliated Hospital, the Hainan Branch of National Clinical Research Center for Cancer, Hainan Engineering Research Center for Biological Sample Resources of Major DiseasesHainan Medical UniversityHaikouChina
- Key Laboratory of Tropical Cardiovascular Diseases Research of Hainan Province, Hainan Women and Children's Medical Center, Key Laboratory of Emergency and Trauma of Ministry of EducationHainan Medical UniversityHaikouChina
| | - Canhua Huang
- West China School of Basic Medical Sciences and Forensic Medicine, and Department of Biotherapy Cancer Center and State Key Laboratory of Biotherapy, West China HospitalSichuan UniversityChengduChina
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21
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Krauß L, Schneider C, Hessmann E, Saur D, Schneider G. Epigenetic control of pancreatic cancer metastasis. Cancer Metastasis Rev 2023; 42:1113-1131. [PMID: 37659057 PMCID: PMC10713713 DOI: 10.1007/s10555-023-10132-z] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/22/2023] [Accepted: 08/10/2023] [Indexed: 09/05/2023]
Abstract
Surgical resection, when combined with chemotherapy, has been shown to significantly improve the survival rate of patients with pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma (PDAC). However, this treatment option is only feasible for a fraction of patients, as more than 50% of cases are diagnosed with metastasis. The multifaceted process of metastasis is still not fully understood, but recent data suggest that transcriptional and epigenetic plasticity play significant roles. Interfering with epigenetic reprogramming can potentially control the adaptive processes responsible for metastatic progression and therapy resistance, thereby enhancing treatment responses and preventing recurrence. This review will focus on the relevance of histone-modifying enzymes in pancreatic cancer, specifically on their impact on the metastatic cascade. Additionally, it will also provide a brief update on the current clinical developments in epigenetic therapies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lukas Krauß
- Department of General, Visceral and Pediatric Surgery, University Medical Center Göttingen, 37075, Göttingen, Germany.
| | - Carolin Schneider
- Department of General, Visceral and Pediatric Surgery, University Medical Center Göttingen, 37075, Göttingen, Germany
| | - Elisabeth Hessmann
- Department of Gastroenterology, Gastrointestinal Oncology and Endocrinology, University Medical Center Göttingen, 37075, Göttingen, Germany
- Clinical Research Unit 5002, KFO5002, University Medical Center Göttingen, 37075, Göttingen, Germany
- CCC-N (Comprehensive Cancer Center Lower Saxony), 37075, Göttingen, Germany
| | - Dieter Saur
- Institute for Translational Cancer Research and Experimental Cancer Therapy, Technical University Munich, 81675, Munich, Germany
- German Cancer Research Center (DKFZ) and German Cancer Consortium (DKTK), 69120, Heidelberg, Germany
| | - Günter Schneider
- Department of General, Visceral and Pediatric Surgery, University Medical Center Göttingen, 37075, Göttingen, Germany.
- CCC-N (Comprehensive Cancer Center Lower Saxony), 37075, Göttingen, Germany.
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22
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Zhao Y, Sheldon M, Sun Y, Ma L. New Insights into YAP/TAZ-TEAD-Mediated Gene Regulation and Biological Processes in Cancer. Cancers (Basel) 2023; 15:5497. [PMID: 38067201 PMCID: PMC10705714 DOI: 10.3390/cancers15235497] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/01/2023] [Revised: 11/07/2023] [Accepted: 11/17/2023] [Indexed: 02/12/2024] Open
Abstract
The Hippo pathway is conserved across species. Key mammalian Hippo pathway kinases, including MST1/2 and LATS1/2, inhibit cellular growth by inactivating the TEAD coactivators, YAP, and TAZ. Extensive research has illuminated the roles of Hippo signaling in cancer, development, and regeneration. Notably, dysregulation of Hippo pathway components not only contributes to tumor growth and metastasis, but also renders tumors resistant to therapies. This review delves into recent research on YAP/TAZ-TEAD-mediated gene regulation and biological processes in cancer. We focus on several key areas: newly identified molecular patterns of YAP/TAZ activation, emerging mechanisms that contribute to metastasis and cancer therapy resistance, unexpected roles in tumor suppression, and advances in therapeutic strategies targeting this pathway. Moreover, we provide an updated view of YAP/TAZ's biological functions, discuss ongoing controversies, and offer perspectives on specific debated topics in this rapidly evolving field.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yang Zhao
- Department of Experimental Radiation Oncology, The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, TX 77030, USA; (Y.Z.); (M.S.)
| | - Marisela Sheldon
- Department of Experimental Radiation Oncology, The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, TX 77030, USA; (Y.Z.); (M.S.)
| | - Yutong Sun
- Department of Molecular and Cellular Oncology, The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, TX 77030, USA;
| | - Li Ma
- Department of Experimental Radiation Oncology, The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, TX 77030, USA; (Y.Z.); (M.S.)
- The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center UTHealth Houston Graduate School of Biomedical Sciences, Houston, TX 77030, USA
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23
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Evsen L, Morris PJ, Thomas CJ, Ceribelli M. Comparative Assessment and High-Throughput Drug-Combination Profiling of TEAD-Palmitoylation Inhibitors in Hippo Pathway Deficient Mesothelioma. Pharmaceuticals (Basel) 2023; 16:1635. [PMID: 38139762 PMCID: PMC10747288 DOI: 10.3390/ph16121635] [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: 09/29/2023] [Revised: 10/27/2023] [Accepted: 11/01/2023] [Indexed: 12/24/2023] Open
Abstract
The hippo signaling pathway is a central tumor suppressor cascade frequently inactivated in selected human cancers, leading to the aberrant activation of TEAD transcription factors. Whereas several TEAD auto-palmitoylation inhibitors are currently in development, a comprehensive assessment of this novel drug-modality is missing. Here, we report a comparative analysis among six TEADi(s) using cell-based and biochemical assays in Hippo pathway deficient mesothelioma. Our analysis revealed varying potency and selectivity across TEADi, also highlighting their limited efficacy. To overcome this limitation, we performed an unbiased, quantitative high-throughput drug screening by combining the TEADi VT-103 with a library of approximately 3000 oncology-focused drugs. By exploiting this library's mechanistic redundancy, we identified several drug-classes robustly synergized with TEADi. These included glucocorticoid-receptor (GR) agonists, Mek1/2 inhibitors, mTOR inhibitors, and PI3K inhibitors, among others. Altogether, we report a coherent single-agent dataset informing on potency and selectivity of TEAD-palmitoylation inhibitors as single-agents. We also describe a rational pipeline enabling the systematic identification of TEAD druggable co-dependencies. This data should support the pre-clinical development of drug combination strategies for the treatment of Hippo-deficient mesothelioma, and more broadly, for other cancers dependent on the oncogenic activity of YAP/TEAD.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | | | - Michele Ceribelli
- Division of Preclinical Innovation, National Center for Advancing Translational Sciences (NCATS), National Institutes of Health (NIH), Rockville, MD 20850, USA
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24
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Mahata B, Cabrera A, Brenner DA, Guerra-Resendez RS, Li J, Goell J, Wang K, Guo Y, Escobar M, Parthasarathy AK, Szadowski H, Bedford G, Reed DR, Kim S, Hilton IB. Compact engineered human mechanosensitive transactivation modules enable potent and versatile synthetic transcriptional control. Nat Methods 2023; 20:1716-1728. [PMID: 37813990 PMCID: PMC10630135 DOI: 10.1038/s41592-023-02036-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/26/2023] [Accepted: 09/05/2023] [Indexed: 10/11/2023]
Abstract
Engineered transactivation domains (TADs) combined with programmable DNA binding platforms have revolutionized synthetic transcriptional control. Despite recent progress in programmable CRISPR-Cas-based transactivation (CRISPRa) technologies, the TADs used in these systems often contain poorly tolerated elements and/or are prohibitively large for many applications. Here, we defined and optimized minimal TADs built from human mechanosensitive transcription factors. We used these components to construct potent and compact multipartite transactivation modules (MSN, NMS and eN3x9) and to build the CRISPR-dCas9 recruited enhanced activation module (CRISPR-DREAM) platform. We found that CRISPR-DREAM was specific and robust across mammalian cell types, and efficiently stimulated transcription from diverse regulatory loci. We also showed that MSN and NMS were portable across Type I, II and V CRISPR systems, transcription activator-like effectors and zinc finger proteins. Further, as proofs of concept, we used dCas9-NMS to efficiently reprogram human fibroblasts into induced pluripotent stem cells and demonstrated that mechanosensitive transcription factor TADs are efficacious and well tolerated in therapeutically important primary human cell types. Finally, we leveraged the compact and potent features of these engineered TADs to build dual and all-in-one CRISPRa AAV systems. Altogether, these compact human TADs, fusion modules and delivery architectures should be valuable for synthetic transcriptional control in biomedical applications.
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Affiliation(s)
- Barun Mahata
- Department of Bioengineering, Rice University, Houston, TX, USA
| | - Alan Cabrera
- Department of Bioengineering, Rice University, Houston, TX, USA
| | | | | | - Jing Li
- Department of Bioengineering, Rice University, Houston, TX, USA
| | - Jacob Goell
- Department of Bioengineering, Rice University, Houston, TX, USA
| | - Kaiyuan Wang
- Department of Bioengineering, Rice University, Houston, TX, USA
| | - Yannie Guo
- Department of Bioengineering, Rice University, Houston, TX, USA
| | - Mario Escobar
- Department of BioSciences, Rice University, Houston, TX, USA
| | | | - Hailey Szadowski
- Systems, Synthetic, and Physical Biology Graduate Program, Rice University, Houston, TX, USA
| | - Guy Bedford
- Department of Bioengineering, Rice University, Houston, TX, USA
| | - Daniel R Reed
- Department of Bioengineering, Rice University, Houston, TX, USA
| | - Sunghwan Kim
- Department of Bioengineering, Rice University, Houston, TX, USA
| | - Isaac B Hilton
- Department of Bioengineering, Rice University, Houston, TX, USA.
- Systems, Synthetic, and Physical Biology Graduate Program, Rice University, Houston, TX, USA.
- Department of BioSciences, Rice University, Houston, TX, USA.
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25
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Nutsch K, Song L, Chen E, Hull M, Chatterjee AK, Chen JJ, Bollong MJ. A covalent inhibitor of the YAP-TEAD transcriptional complex identified by high-throughput screening. RSC Chem Biol 2023; 4:894-905. [PMID: 37920398 PMCID: PMC10619132 DOI: 10.1039/d3cb00044c] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/29/2023] [Accepted: 08/19/2023] [Indexed: 11/04/2023] Open
Abstract
Yes-associated protein (YAP), the master transcriptional effector downstream of the Hippo pathway, regulates essential cell growth and regenerative processes in animals. However, the activation of YAP observed in cancers drives cellular proliferation, metastasis, chemoresistance, and immune suppression, making it of key interest in developing precision therapeutics for oncology. As such, pharmacological inhibition of YAP by targeting its essential co-regulators, TEA domain transcription factors (TEADs) would likely promote tumor clearance in sensitive tumor types. From a fluorescence polarization-based high throughput screen of over 800 000 diverse small molecules, here we report the identification of a pyrazolopyrimidine-based scaffold that inhibits association of YAP and TEADs. Medicinal chemistry-based optimization identified mCMY020, a potent, covalent inhibitor of TEAD transcriptional activity that occupies a conserved, central palmitoylation site on TEADs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kayla Nutsch
- Department of Chemistry, The Scripps Research Institute La Jolla CA 92037 USA
| | - Lirui Song
- Calibr, A Division of Scripps Research La Jolla CA 92037 USA
| | - Emily Chen
- Calibr, A Division of Scripps Research La Jolla CA 92037 USA
| | - Mitchell Hull
- Calibr, A Division of Scripps Research La Jolla CA 92037 USA
| | | | | | - Michael J Bollong
- Department of Chemistry, The Scripps Research Institute La Jolla CA 92037 USA
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26
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Sberna S, Lopez-Hernandez A, Biancotto C, Motta L, Andronache A, Verhoef LGGC, Caganova M, Campaner S. Identification of BRCC3 and BRCA1 as Regulators of TAZ Stability and Activity. Cells 2023; 12:2431. [PMID: 37887275 PMCID: PMC10605050 DOI: 10.3390/cells12202431] [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: 09/20/2023] [Revised: 10/04/2023] [Accepted: 10/09/2023] [Indexed: 10/28/2023] Open
Abstract
TAZ (WWTR1) is a transcriptional co-activator regulated by Hippo signaling, mechano-transduction, and G-protein couple receptors. Once activated, TAZ and its paralogue, YAP1, regulate gene expression programs promoting cell proliferation, survival, and differentiation, thus controlling embryonic development, tissue regeneration, and aging. YAP and TAZ are also frequently activated in tumors, particularly in poorly differentiated and highly aggressive malignancies. Yet, mutations of YAP/TAZ or of their upstream regulators do not fully account for their activation in cancer, raising the possibility that other upstream regulatory pathways, still to be defined, are altered in tumors. In this work, we set out to identify novel regulators of TAZ by means of a siRNA-based screen. We identified 200 genes able to modulate the transcriptional activity of TAZ, with prominence for genes implicated in cell-cell contact, cytoskeletal tension, cell migration, WNT signaling, chromatin remodeling, and interleukins and NF-kappaB signaling. Among these genes we identified was BRCC3, a component of the BRCA1 complex that guards genome integrity and exerts tumor suppressive activity during cancer development. The loss of BRCC3 or BRCA1 leads to an increased level and activity of TAZ. Follow-up studies indicated that the cytoplasmic BRCA1 complex controls the ubiquitination and stability of TAZ. This may suggest that, in tumors, inactivating mutations of BRCA1 may unleash cell transformation by activating the TAZ oncogene.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | - Stefano Campaner
- Center for Genomic Science of IIT, CGS@SEMM (Istituto Italiano di Tecnologia at European School of Molecular Medicine), Fondazione Istituto Italiano di Tecnologia (IIT), 20139 Milan, Italy; (S.S.)
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27
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Glinkina KA, Teunisse AF, Gelmi MC, de Vries J, Jager MJ, Jochemsen AG. Combined Mcl-1 and YAP1/TAZ inhibition for treatment of metastatic uveal melanoma. Melanoma Res 2023; 33:345-356. [PMID: 37467061 PMCID: PMC10470438 DOI: 10.1097/cmr.0000000000000911] [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: 01/26/2023] [Accepted: 05/30/2023] [Indexed: 07/21/2023]
Abstract
Uveal melanoma is the most common intraocular tumor in adults, representing approximately 5% of all melanoma cases. Up to 50% of uveal melanoma patients develop metastases that are resistant to most of the commonly used antineoplastic treatments. Virtually all uveal melanoma tumors harbor activating mutations in GNAQ or GNA11 , encoding Gαq and Gα11, respectively. Constant activity of these proteins causes deregulation of multiple downstream signaling pathways including PKC, MAPK and YAP1/TAZ. While the importance of YAP1 signaling for the proliferation of uveal melanoma has recently been demonstrated, much less is known about the paralog of YAP1 transcriptional coactivator, named TAZ; however, similar to YAP1, TAZ is expected to be a therapeutic target in uveal melanoma. We performed a small-scale drug screen to discover a compound synergistically inhibiting uveal melanoma proliferation/survival in combination with YAP1/TAZ inhibition. We found that the combination of genetic depletion of YAP1/TAZ together with Mcl-1 inhibition demonstrates a synergistic inhibitory effect on the viability of uveal melanoma cell lines. Similarly, indirect attenuation of the YAP1/TAZ signaling pathway with an inhibitor of the mevalonate pathway, that is, the geranyl-geranyl transferase inhibitor GGTI-298, synergizes with Mcl-1 inhibition. This combination could be potentially used as a treatment for metastatic uveal melanoma.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | - Maria Chiara Gelmi
- Department of Ophthalmology, Leiden University Medical Center, Leiden, The Netherlands
| | | | - Martine J. Jager
- Department of Ophthalmology, Leiden University Medical Center, Leiden, The Netherlands
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28
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Fu X, Wu H, Li C, Deng G, Chen C. YAP1 inhibits RSL3-induced castration-resistant prostate cancer cell ferroptosis by driving glutamine uptake and metabolism to GSH. Mol Cell Biochem 2023:10.1007/s11010-023-04847-4. [PMID: 37773303 DOI: 10.1007/s11010-023-04847-4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/23/2023] [Accepted: 08/29/2023] [Indexed: 10/01/2023]
Abstract
High levels of YAP1 and ferroptosis activation in castration-resistant prostate cancer (CRPC) can inhibit CRPC progression and improve its sensitivity toward chemotherapeutics drugs. However, whether YAP1 regulates ferroptosis in CRPC cells and the underlying mechanisms are unknown. The protein levels of YAP1, SLC1A5, and GLS1 in benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH), prostate cancer (PCa) that did not progress to CRPC, and CRPC tissue samples were evaluated using western blotting. In PC-3 and DU-145 cells, YAP1 overexpression vector, small-interfering RNA, specific inhibitor verteporfin, ferroptosis-inducer RSL3, SLC1A5-inhibitor V-9302, and GLS1-inhibitor CB-839 were used. Immunofluorescence, flow cytometry, dual-luciferase reporter gene, and related kits were used to investigate the effect of YAP1 on the ferroptosis activity in CRPC cells and its underlying mechanisms. YAP1 promoted extracellular glutamine uptake and subsequent production of glutamate and glutathione (GSH), and increases the GPX4 activity. For the activation of ferroptosis by RSL3, YAP1 decreased the levels of reactive oxygen species, malondialdehyde, and lipid peroxidation, and the proportion of dead cells. Mechanistically, YAP1 promoted the expression of SCL1A5 and GLS1 and further increased the GSH levels and GPX4 activity. Thus, inhibiting SLC1A5 or GLS1 activity could alleviate the antagonistic effect of YAP1 on the ferroptosis of RSL3-induced CRPC cells. In CRPC, the YAP1 level is high, which enters the nucleus and promotes the expressions of SLC1A5 and GLS1, thereby promoting cellular glutamine uptake and metabolism to generate glutamate and further synthesizing GSH, increasing GPX4 activity, improving cellular antioxidant capacity, and inhibiting cell death.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xian Fu
- Department of Urology, Affiliated Hangzhou First People's Hospital, Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Hangzhou, China
| | - Hongshen Wu
- Department of Urology, Affiliated Hangzhou First People's Hospital, Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Hangzhou, China
| | - Changjiu Li
- Department of Urology, Affiliated Hangzhou First People's Hospital, Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Hangzhou, China
| | - Gang Deng
- Department of Urology, Affiliated Hangzhou First People's Hospital, Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Hangzhou, China
| | - Chao Chen
- Department of Urology, Affiliated Hangzhou First People's Hospital, Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Hangzhou, China.
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29
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Prokakis E, Jansari S, Boshnakovska A, Wiese M, Kusch K, Kramm C, Dullin C, Rehling P, Glatzel M, Pantel K, Wikman H, Johnsen SA, Gallwas J, Wegwitz F. RNF40 epigenetically modulates glycolysis to support the aggressiveness of basal-like breast cancer. Cell Death Dis 2023; 14:641. [PMID: 37770435 PMCID: PMC10539310 DOI: 10.1038/s41419-023-06157-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/05/2022] [Revised: 09/06/2023] [Accepted: 09/15/2023] [Indexed: 09/30/2023]
Abstract
Triple-negative breast cancer (TNBC) is the most difficult breast cancer subtype to treat due to the lack of targeted therapies. Cancer stem cells (CSCs) are strongly enriched in TNBC lesions and are responsible for the rapid development of chemotherapy resistance and metastasis. Ubiquitin-based epigenetic circuits are heavily exploited by CSCs to regulate gene transcription and ultimately sustain their aggressive behavior. Therefore, therapeutic targeting of these ubiquitin-driven dependencies may reprogram the transcription of CSC and render them more sensitive to standard therapies. In this work, we identified the Ring Finger Protein 40 (RNF40) monoubiquitinating histone 2B at lysine 120 (H2Bub1) as an indispensable E3 ligase for sustaining the stem-cell-like features of the growing mammary gland. In addition, we found that the RNF40/H2Bub1-axis promotes the CSC properties and drug-tolerant state by supporting the glycolytic program and promoting pro-tumorigenic YAP1-signaling in TNBC. Collectively, this study unveils a novel tumor-supportive role of RNF40 and underpins its high therapeutic value to combat the malignant behavior of TNBC.
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Affiliation(s)
- Evangelos Prokakis
- Department of Gynecology and Obstetrics, University Medical Center Göttingen, Göttingen, Germany.
- Department of General, Visceral & Pediatric Surgery, University Medical Center Göttingen, Göttingen, Germany.
| | - Shaishavi Jansari
- Department of Gynecology and Obstetrics, University Medical Center Göttingen, Göttingen, Germany
| | - Angela Boshnakovska
- Department of Cellular Biochemistry, University Medical Center Göttingen, Göttingen, Germany
| | - Maria Wiese
- Department of Pediatrics and Adolescent Medicine, Division of Pediatric Hematology and Oncology, University Medical Center Göttingen, Göttingen, Germany
| | - Kathrin Kusch
- Institute for Auditory Neuroscience, Functional Auditory Genomics Group, University Medical Center Göttingen, Göttingen, Germany
| | - Christof Kramm
- Department of Pediatrics and Adolescent Medicine, Division of Pediatric Hematology and Oncology, University Medical Center Göttingen, Göttingen, Germany
| | - Christian Dullin
- Institute for Diagnostic and Interventional Radiology, University Medical Center Göttingen, Göttingen, Germany
- Department of Diagnostic and Interventional Radiology, University Hospital Heidelberg, Heidelberg, Germany
- Max Planck Institute for Multidisciplinary Sciences, Göttingen, Germany
| | - Peter Rehling
- Department of Cellular Biochemistry, University Medical Center Göttingen, Göttingen, Germany
| | - Markus Glatzel
- Institute of Neuropathology, University Medical Center Hamburg-Eppendorf, Hamburg, Germany
| | - Klaus Pantel
- Institute of Tumor Biology, University Medical Center Hamburg-Eppendorf, Hamburg, Germany
| | - Harriet Wikman
- Institute of Tumor Biology, University Medical Center Hamburg-Eppendorf, Hamburg, Germany
| | - Steven A Johnsen
- Department of General, Visceral & Pediatric Surgery, University Medical Center Göttingen, Göttingen, Germany
- The Robert Bosch Center for Tumor Diseases, Stuttgart, Germany
| | - Julia Gallwas
- Department of Gynecology and Obstetrics, University Medical Center Göttingen, Göttingen, Germany
| | - Florian Wegwitz
- Department of Gynecology and Obstetrics, University Medical Center Göttingen, Göttingen, Germany.
- Department of General, Visceral & Pediatric Surgery, University Medical Center Göttingen, Göttingen, Germany.
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30
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Thrash HL, Pendergast AM. Multi-Functional Regulation by YAP/TAZ Signaling Networks in Tumor Progression and Metastasis. Cancers (Basel) 2023; 15:4701. [PMID: 37835395 PMCID: PMC10572014 DOI: 10.3390/cancers15194701] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/14/2023] [Revised: 09/14/2023] [Accepted: 09/22/2023] [Indexed: 10/15/2023] Open
Abstract
The Hippo pathway transcriptional co-activators, YES-associated protein (YAP) and Transcriptional Co-Activator with PDZ Binding Motif (TAZ), have both been linked to tumor progression and metastasis. These two proteins possess overlapping and distinct functions, and their activities lead to the expression of genes involved in multiple cellular processes, including cell proliferation, survival, and migration. The dysregulation of YAP/TAZ-dependent cellular processes can result in altered tumor growth and metastasis. In addition to their well-documented roles in the regulation of cancer cell growth, survival, migration, and invasion, the YAP/TAZ-dependent signaling pathways have been more recently implicated in cellular processes that promote metastasis and therapy resistance in several solid tumor types. This review highlights the role of YAP/TAZ signaling networks in the regulation of tumor cell plasticity mediated by hybrid and reversible epithelial-mesenchymal transition (EMT) states, and the promotion of cancer stem cell/progenitor phenotypes. Mechanistically, YAP and TAZ regulate these cellular processes by targeting transcriptional networks. In this review, we detail recently uncovered mechanisms whereby YAP and TAZ mediate tumor growth, metastasis, and therapy resistance, and discuss new therapeutic strategies to target YAP/TAZ function in various solid tumor types. Understanding the distinct and overlapping roles of YAP and TAZ in multiple cellular processes that promote tumor progression to metastasis is expected to enable the identification of effective therapies to treat solid tumors through the hyper-activation of YAP and TAZ.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Ann Marie Pendergast
- Department of Pharmacology and Cancer Biology, Duke University School of Medicine, Durham, NC 27710, USA
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31
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Okamoto K, Ando T, Izumi H, Kobayashi SS, Shintani T, Gutkind JS, Yanamoto S, Miyauchi M, Kajiya M. AXL activates YAP through the EGFR-LATS1/2 axis and confers resistance to EGFR-targeted drugs in head and neck squamous cell carcinoma. Oncogene 2023; 42:2869-2877. [PMID: 37591955 DOI: 10.1038/s41388-023-02810-7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/06/2023] [Revised: 08/01/2023] [Accepted: 08/09/2023] [Indexed: 08/19/2023]
Abstract
The Hippo signaling pathway and its downstream effector YAP play a central role in cell proliferation. Dysregulation of the Hippo pathway triggers YAP hyperactivation, thereby inducing head and neck squamous cell carcinoma (HNSCC). Recently, we reported that EGFR promotes tyrosine phosphorylation of MOB1 and subsequent LATS1/2 inactivation, which are core components of the Hippo pathway, resulting in YAP activation. However, EGFR-targeted monotherapy has shown a low response rate in HNSCC patients. Given that YAP is activated in patient samples refractory to EGFR-targeted therapy, EGFR inhibitors may temporarily inactivate YAP, but intrinsic hyperactivation or acquired reactivation of YAP may confer resistance to EGFR inhibitors in HNSCC cells. The mechanism by which YAP is activated in HNSCC resistant to EGFR inhibitors remains unclear. Comprehensive transcriptional analysis revealed that AXL activates YAP through a novel mechanism: AXL heterodimerizes with EGFR, thereby activating YAP via the EGFR-LATS1/2 axis. The combination of AXL and EGFR inhibitors synergistically inactivates YAP and suppresses the viability of HNSCC and lung adenocarcinoma cells. In turn, LATS1/2 knockout and YAP hyperactivation confer resistance to the synergistic effects of these inhibitors. Our findings suggest that co-targeting both AXL and EGFR represent a promising therapeutic approach in patients with EGFR-altered cancers.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kento Okamoto
- Department of Oral Oncology, Graduate School of Biomedical and Health Sciences, Hiroshima University, Hiroshima, Japan
| | - Toshinori Ando
- Center of Oral Clinical Examination, Hiroshima University Hospital, Hiroshima, Japan.
| | - Hiroki Izumi
- Department of Thoracic Oncology, National Cancer Center Hospital East, Kashiwa, Japan
| | - Susumu S Kobayashi
- Division of Translational Genomics, Exploratory Oncology Research and Clinical Trial Center, National Cancer Center, Kashiwa, Japan
- Department of Medicine, Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, USA
| | - Tomoaki Shintani
- Center of Oral Clinical Examination, Hiroshima University Hospital, Hiroshima, Japan
| | - J Silvio Gutkind
- Moores Cancer Center, University of California, San Diego, La Jolla, CA, USA
- Department of Pharmacology, University of California, San Diego, La Jolla, CA, USA
| | - Souichi Yanamoto
- Department of Oral Oncology, Graduate School of Biomedical and Health Sciences, Hiroshima University, Hiroshima, Japan
| | - Mutsumi Miyauchi
- Department of Oral and Maxillofacial Pathobiology, Graduate School of Biomedical and Health Sciences, Hiroshima University, Hiroshima, Japan
| | - Mikihito Kajiya
- Center of Oral Clinical Examination, Hiroshima University Hospital, Hiroshima, Japan
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32
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Maksimova V, Popova V, Prus A, Lylova E, Usalka O, Sagitova G, Zhidkova E, Makus J, Trapeznikova E, Belitsky G, Yakubovskaya M, Kirsanov K. Insights into the Mechanism of Curaxin CBL0137 Epigenetic Activity: The Induction of DNA Demethylation and the Suppression of BET Family Proteins. Int J Mol Sci 2023; 24:12874. [PMID: 37629054 PMCID: PMC10454690 DOI: 10.3390/ijms241612874] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/02/2023] [Revised: 08/10/2023] [Accepted: 08/14/2023] [Indexed: 08/27/2023] Open
Abstract
The development of malignant tumors is caused by a complex combination of genetic mutations and epigenetic alterations, the latter of which are induced by either external environmental factors or signaling disruption following genetic mutations. Some types of cancer demonstrate a significant increase in epigenetic enzymes, and targeting these epigenetic alterations represents a compelling strategy to reverse cell transcriptome to the normal state, improving chemotherapy response. Curaxin CBL0137 is a new potent anticancer drug that has been shown to activate epigenetically silenced genes. However, its detailed effects on the enzymes of the epigenetic system of transcription regulation have not been studied. Here, we report that CBL0137 inhibits the expression of DNA methyltransferase DNMT3a in HeLa TI cells, both at the level of mRNA and protein, and it decreases the level of integral DNA methylation in Ca Ski cells. For the first time, it is shown that CBL0137 decreases the level of BET family proteins, BRD2, BRD3, and BRD4, the key participants in transcription elongation, followed by the corresponding gene expression enhancement. Furthermore, we demonstrate that CBL0137 does not affect the mechanisms of histone acetylation and methylation. The ability of CBL0137 to suppress DNMT3A and BET family proteins should be taken into consideration when combined chemotherapy is applied. Our data demonstrate the potential of CBL0137 to be used in the therapy of tumors with corresponding aberrant epigenetic profiles.
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Affiliation(s)
- Varvara Maksimova
- Department of Chemical Carcinogenesis, Institute of Chemical Carcinogenesis, Blokhin National Medical Research Center of Oncology, 24 Kashirskoe Shosse, 115478 Moscow, Russia; (V.M.); (V.P.); (A.P.); (E.L.); (O.U.); (E.Z.); (J.M.); (E.T.); (G.B.); (K.K.)
| | - Valeriia Popova
- Department of Chemical Carcinogenesis, Institute of Chemical Carcinogenesis, Blokhin National Medical Research Center of Oncology, 24 Kashirskoe Shosse, 115478 Moscow, Russia; (V.M.); (V.P.); (A.P.); (E.L.); (O.U.); (E.Z.); (J.M.); (E.T.); (G.B.); (K.K.)
| | - Anzhelika Prus
- Department of Chemical Carcinogenesis, Institute of Chemical Carcinogenesis, Blokhin National Medical Research Center of Oncology, 24 Kashirskoe Shosse, 115478 Moscow, Russia; (V.M.); (V.P.); (A.P.); (E.L.); (O.U.); (E.Z.); (J.M.); (E.T.); (G.B.); (K.K.)
- Department of Biotechnology and Industrial Pharmacy, Lomonosov Institute of Fine Chemical Technologies, Russian Technological University (MIREA), 86 Vernadsky Avenue, 119571 Moscow, Russia
| | - Evgeniya Lylova
- Department of Chemical Carcinogenesis, Institute of Chemical Carcinogenesis, Blokhin National Medical Research Center of Oncology, 24 Kashirskoe Shosse, 115478 Moscow, Russia; (V.M.); (V.P.); (A.P.); (E.L.); (O.U.); (E.Z.); (J.M.); (E.T.); (G.B.); (K.K.)
| | - Olga Usalka
- Department of Chemical Carcinogenesis, Institute of Chemical Carcinogenesis, Blokhin National Medical Research Center of Oncology, 24 Kashirskoe Shosse, 115478 Moscow, Russia; (V.M.); (V.P.); (A.P.); (E.L.); (O.U.); (E.Z.); (J.M.); (E.T.); (G.B.); (K.K.)
- Institute of Clinical Medicine, Sechenov First Moscow State Medical University, 8-2 Trubetskaya Street, 119991 Moscow, Russia;
| | - Guzel Sagitova
- Institute of Clinical Medicine, Sechenov First Moscow State Medical University, 8-2 Trubetskaya Street, 119991 Moscow, Russia;
| | - Ekaterina Zhidkova
- Department of Chemical Carcinogenesis, Institute of Chemical Carcinogenesis, Blokhin National Medical Research Center of Oncology, 24 Kashirskoe Shosse, 115478 Moscow, Russia; (V.M.); (V.P.); (A.P.); (E.L.); (O.U.); (E.Z.); (J.M.); (E.T.); (G.B.); (K.K.)
| | - Julia Makus
- Department of Chemical Carcinogenesis, Institute of Chemical Carcinogenesis, Blokhin National Medical Research Center of Oncology, 24 Kashirskoe Shosse, 115478 Moscow, Russia; (V.M.); (V.P.); (A.P.); (E.L.); (O.U.); (E.Z.); (J.M.); (E.T.); (G.B.); (K.K.)
| | - Ekaterina Trapeznikova
- Department of Chemical Carcinogenesis, Institute of Chemical Carcinogenesis, Blokhin National Medical Research Center of Oncology, 24 Kashirskoe Shosse, 115478 Moscow, Russia; (V.M.); (V.P.); (A.P.); (E.L.); (O.U.); (E.Z.); (J.M.); (E.T.); (G.B.); (K.K.)
- Institute of Clinical Medicine, Sechenov First Moscow State Medical University, 8-2 Trubetskaya Street, 119991 Moscow, Russia;
| | - Gennady Belitsky
- Department of Chemical Carcinogenesis, Institute of Chemical Carcinogenesis, Blokhin National Medical Research Center of Oncology, 24 Kashirskoe Shosse, 115478 Moscow, Russia; (V.M.); (V.P.); (A.P.); (E.L.); (O.U.); (E.Z.); (J.M.); (E.T.); (G.B.); (K.K.)
| | - Marianna Yakubovskaya
- Department of Chemical Carcinogenesis, Institute of Chemical Carcinogenesis, Blokhin National Medical Research Center of Oncology, 24 Kashirskoe Shosse, 115478 Moscow, Russia; (V.M.); (V.P.); (A.P.); (E.L.); (O.U.); (E.Z.); (J.M.); (E.T.); (G.B.); (K.K.)
| | - Kirill Kirsanov
- Department of Chemical Carcinogenesis, Institute of Chemical Carcinogenesis, Blokhin National Medical Research Center of Oncology, 24 Kashirskoe Shosse, 115478 Moscow, Russia; (V.M.); (V.P.); (A.P.); (E.L.); (O.U.); (E.Z.); (J.M.); (E.T.); (G.B.); (K.K.)
- Institute of Medicine, Peoples’ Friendship University of Russia, 6 Miklukho-Maklaya Street, 117198 Moscow, Russia
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Ricco N, Kron SJ. Statins in Cancer Prevention and Therapy. Cancers (Basel) 2023; 15:3948. [PMID: 37568764 PMCID: PMC10417177 DOI: 10.3390/cancers15153948] [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: 06/29/2023] [Revised: 07/29/2023] [Accepted: 07/30/2023] [Indexed: 08/13/2023] Open
Abstract
Statins, a class of HMG-CoA reductase inhibitors best known for their cholesterol-reducing and cardiovascular protective activity, have also demonstrated promise in cancer prevention and treatment. This review focuses on their potential applications in head and neck cancer (HNC), a common malignancy for which established treatment often fails despite incurring debilitating adverse effects. Preclinical and clinical studies have suggested that statins may enhance HNC sensitivity to radiation and other conventional therapies while protecting normal tissue, but the underlying mechanisms remain poorly defined, likely involving both cholesterol-dependent and -independent effects on diverse cancer-related pathways. This review brings together recent discoveries concerning the anticancer activity of statins relevant to HNC, highlighting their anti-inflammatory activity and impacts on DNA-damage response. We also explore molecular targets and mechanisms and discuss the potential to integrate statins into conventional HNC treatment regimens to improve patient outcomes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Natalia Ricco
- Basic Sciences Department, Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences, Universitat Internacional de Catalunya, 08195 Barcelona, Spain;
| | - Stephen J. Kron
- Department of Molecular Genetics and Cell Biology and Ludwig Center for Metastasis Research, The University of Chicago, Chicago, IL 60637, USA
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Mokhtari RB, Ashayeri N, Baghaie L, Sambi M, Satari K, Baluch N, Bosykh DA, Szewczuk MR, Chakraborty S. The Hippo Pathway Effectors YAP/TAZ-TEAD Oncoproteins as Emerging Therapeutic Targets in the Tumor Microenvironment. Cancers (Basel) 2023; 15:3468. [PMID: 37444578 DOI: 10.3390/cancers15133468] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/09/2023] [Revised: 06/21/2023] [Accepted: 06/26/2023] [Indexed: 07/15/2023] Open
Abstract
Various cancer cell-associated intrinsic and extrinsic inputs act on YAP/TAZ proteins to mediate the hyperactivation of the TEAD transcription factor-based transcriptome. This YAP/TAZ-TEAD activity can override the growth-limiting Hippo tumor-suppressor pathway that maintains normal tissue homeostasis. Herein, we provide an integrated summary of the contrasting roles of YAP/TAZ during normal tissue homeostasis versus tumor initiation and progression. In addition to upstream factors that regulate YAP/TAZ in the TME, critical insights on the emerging functions of YAP/TAZ in immune suppression and abnormal vasculature development during tumorigenesis are illustrated. Lastly, we discuss the current methods that intervene with the YAP/TAZ-TEAD oncogenic signaling pathway and the emerging applications of combination therapies, gut microbiota, and epigenetic plasticity that could potentiate the efficacy of chemo/immunotherapy as improved cancer therapeutic strategies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Reza Bayat Mokhtari
- Department of Pharmacology and Therapeutics, Roswell Park Comprehensive Cancer Center, Buffalo, NY 14263, USA
- Department of Biomedical and Molecular Sciences, Queen's University, Kingston, ON K7L 3N6, Canada
| | - Neda Ashayeri
- Division of Hematology and Oncology, Department of Pediatrics, Ali-Asghar Children Hospital, Iran University of Medical Science, Tehran 1449614535, Iran
| | - Leili Baghaie
- Department of Biomedical and Molecular Sciences, Queen's University, Kingston, ON K7L 3N6, Canada
| | - Manpreet Sambi
- Department of Biomedical and Molecular Sciences, Queen's University, Kingston, ON K7L 3N6, Canada
| | - Kosar Satari
- Division of Hematology and Oncology, Department of Pediatrics, Ali-Asghar Children Hospital, Iran University of Medical Science, Tehran 1449614535, Iran
| | - Narges Baluch
- Department of Immunology and Allergy, The Hospital for Sick Children, Toronto, ON M5G 0A4, Canada
| | - Dmitriy A Bosykh
- Department of Pharmacology and Therapeutics, Roswell Park Comprehensive Cancer Center, Buffalo, NY 14263, USA
| | - Myron R Szewczuk
- Department of Biomedical and Molecular Sciences, Queen's University, Kingston, ON K7L 3N6, Canada
| | - Sayan Chakraborty
- Department of Pharmacology and Therapeutics, Roswell Park Comprehensive Cancer Center, Buffalo, NY 14263, USA
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Ji M, Chen D, Shu Y, Dong S, Zhang Z, Zheng H, Jin X, Zheng L, Liu Y, Zheng Y, Zhang W, Wang S, Zhou G, Li B, Ji B, Yang Y, Xu Y, Chang L. The role of mechano-regulated YAP/TAZ in erectile dysfunction. Nat Commun 2023; 14:3758. [PMID: 37353497 PMCID: PMC10290143 DOI: 10.1038/s41467-023-39009-z] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/17/2022] [Accepted: 05/25/2023] [Indexed: 06/25/2023] Open
Abstract
Phosphodiesterase type 5 inhibitors (PDE5is) constitute the primary therapeutic option for treating erectile dysfunction (ED). Nevertheless, a substantial proportion of patients, approximately 30%, do not respond to PDE5i treatment. Therefore, new treatment methods are needed. In this study, we identified a pathway that contributes to male erectile function. We show that mechano-regulated YAP/TAZ signaling in smooth muscle cells (SMCs) upregulates adrenomedullin transcription, which relaxed the SMCs to maintain erection. Using single-nucleus RNA sequencing, we investigated how penile erection stretches the SMCs, inducing YAP/TAZ activity. Subsequently, we demonstrate that YAP/TAZ plays a role in erectile function and penile rehabilitation, using genetic lesions and various animal models. This mechanism relies on direct transcriptional regulation of adrenomedullin by YAP/TAZ, which in turn modulates penile smooth muscle contraction. Importantly, conventional PDE5i, which targets NO-cGMP signaling, does not promote erectile function in YAP/TAZ-deficient ED model mice. In contrast, by activating the YAP/TAZ-adrenomedullin cascade, mechanostimulation improves erectile function in PDE5i nonrespondent ED model rats and mice. Furthermore, using clinical retrospective observational data, we found that mechanostimulation significantly promotes erectile function in patients irrespective of PDE5i use. Our studies lay the groundwork for exploring the mechano-YAP/TAZ-adrenomedullin axis as a potential target in the treatment of ED.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mintao Ji
- State Key Laboratory of Radiation Medicine and Protection, School of Radiation Medicine and Protection, Collaborative Innovation Center of Radiation Medicine of Jiangsu Higher Education Institutions, Medical College of Soochow University, 215123, Suzhou, China
| | - Dongsheng Chen
- Institute of Systems Medicine, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences & Peking Union Medical College, and Suzhou Institute of Systems Medicine, 215123, Suzhou, China
| | - Yinyin Shu
- State Key Laboratory of Radiation Medicine and Protection, School of Radiation Medicine and Protection, Collaborative Innovation Center of Radiation Medicine of Jiangsu Higher Education Institutions, Medical College of Soochow University, 215123, Suzhou, China
| | - Shuai Dong
- State Key Laboratory of Radiation Medicine and Protection, School of Radiation Medicine and Protection, Collaborative Innovation Center of Radiation Medicine of Jiangsu Higher Education Institutions, Medical College of Soochow University, 215123, Suzhou, China
| | - Zhisen Zhang
- State Key Laboratory of Radiation Medicine and Protection, School of Radiation Medicine and Protection, Collaborative Innovation Center of Radiation Medicine of Jiangsu Higher Education Institutions, Medical College of Soochow University, 215123, Suzhou, China
| | - Haimeng Zheng
- State Key Laboratory of Radiation Medicine and Protection, School of Radiation Medicine and Protection, Collaborative Innovation Center of Radiation Medicine of Jiangsu Higher Education Institutions, Medical College of Soochow University, 215123, Suzhou, China
| | - Xiaoni Jin
- State Key Laboratory of Radiation Medicine and Protection, School of Radiation Medicine and Protection, Collaborative Innovation Center of Radiation Medicine of Jiangsu Higher Education Institutions, Medical College of Soochow University, 215123, Suzhou, China
| | - Lijun Zheng
- State Key Laboratory of Radiation Medicine and Protection, School of Radiation Medicine and Protection, Collaborative Innovation Center of Radiation Medicine of Jiangsu Higher Education Institutions, Medical College of Soochow University, 215123, Suzhou, China
| | - Yang Liu
- Department of Urology, The Affiliated Hospital of Changchun University of Chinese Medicine, 130021, Changchun, China
| | - Yifei Zheng
- Institute of Biomechanics and Applications, Department of Engineering Mechanics, Zhejiang University, 310027, Hangzhou, China
- Wenzhou Institute, University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, 325001, Wenzhou, China
| | | | - Shiyou Wang
- Institute of Systems Medicine, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences & Peking Union Medical College, and Suzhou Institute of Systems Medicine, 215123, Suzhou, China
| | - Guangming Zhou
- State Key Laboratory of Radiation Medicine and Protection, School of Radiation Medicine and Protection, Collaborative Innovation Center of Radiation Medicine of Jiangsu Higher Education Institutions, Medical College of Soochow University, 215123, Suzhou, China
| | - Bingyan Li
- Department of Nutrition and Food Hygiene, Soochow University of Public Health, 215123, Suzhou, China
| | - Baohua Ji
- Institute of Biomechanics and Applications, Department of Engineering Mechanics, Zhejiang University, 310027, Hangzhou, China
| | - Yong Yang
- Department of Urology, The Affiliated Hospital of Changchun University of Chinese Medicine, 130021, Changchun, China.
| | - Yongde Xu
- Department of Urology, Beijing Friendship Hospital, Capital Medical University, 100050, Beijing, China.
| | - Lei Chang
- State Key Laboratory of Radiation Medicine and Protection, School of Radiation Medicine and Protection, Collaborative Innovation Center of Radiation Medicine of Jiangsu Higher Education Institutions, Medical College of Soochow University, 215123, Suzhou, China.
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Alam J, Huda MN, Tackett AJ, Miah S. Oncogenic signaling-mediated regulation of chromatin during tumorigenesis. Cancer Metastasis Rev 2023; 42:409-425. [PMID: 37147457 PMCID: PMC10348982 DOI: 10.1007/s10555-023-10104-3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/16/2022] [Accepted: 04/05/2023] [Indexed: 05/07/2023]
Abstract
Signaling pathways play critical roles in executing and controlling important biological processes within cells. Cells/organisms trigger appropriate signal transduction pathways in order to turn on or off intracellular gene expression in response to environmental stimuli. An orchestrated regulation of different signaling pathways across different organs and tissues is the basis of many important biological functions. Presumably, any malfunctions or dysregulation of these signaling pathways contribute to the pathogenesis of disease, particularly cancer. In this review, we discuss how the dysregulation of signaling pathways (TGF-β signaling, Hippo signaling, Wnt signaling, Notch signaling, and PI3K-AKT signaling) modulates chromatin modifications to regulate the epigenome, thereby contributing to tumorigenesis and metastasis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jahangir Alam
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, University of Arkansas for Medical Sciences, Little Rock, AR, USA
| | - Md Nazmul Huda
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, University of Arkansas for Medical Sciences, Little Rock, AR, USA
| | - Alan J Tackett
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, University of Arkansas for Medical Sciences, Little Rock, AR, USA
- Winthrop P. Rockefeller Cancer Institute, University of Arkansas for Medical Sciences, Little Rock, AR, USA
| | - Sayem Miah
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, University of Arkansas for Medical Sciences, Little Rock, AR, USA.
- Winthrop P. Rockefeller Cancer Institute, University of Arkansas for Medical Sciences, Little Rock, AR, USA.
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Luo J, Deng L, Zou H, Guo Y, Tong T, Huang M, Ling G, Li P. New insights into the ambivalent role of YAP/TAZ in human cancers. J Exp Clin Cancer Res 2023; 42:130. [PMID: 37211598 DOI: 10.1186/s13046-023-02704-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/17/2023] [Accepted: 05/10/2023] [Indexed: 05/23/2023] Open
Abstract
Hippo signaling was first identified in Drosophila as a key controller of organ size by regulating cell proliferation and anti-apoptosis. Subsequent studies have shown that this pathway is highly conserved in mammals, and its dysregulation is implicated in multiple events of cancer development and progression. Yes-associated protein (YAP) and transcriptional coactivator with PDZ-binding motif (TAZ) (hereafter YAP/TAZ) are the downstream effectors of the Hippo pathway. YAP/TAZ overexpression or activation is sufficient to induce tumor initiation and progression, as well as recurrence and therapeutic resistance. However, there is growing evidence that YAP/TAZ also exert a tumor-suppressive function in a context-dependent manner. Therefore, caution should be taken when targeting Hippo signaling in clinical trials in the future. In this review article, we will first give an overview of YAP/TAZ and their oncogenic roles in various cancers and then systematically summarize the tumor-suppressive functions of YAP/TAZ in different contexts. Based on these findings, we will further discuss the clinical implications of YAP/TAZ-based tumor targeted therapy and potential future directions.
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Affiliation(s)
- Juan Luo
- Scientific Research Center, The Seventh Affiliated Hospital of Sun Yat-sen University, No. 628 Zhenyuan Road, Shenzhen, 518107, Guangdong, People's Republic of China
| | - Liang Deng
- Department of General Surgery, The Seventh Affiliated Hospital of Sun Yat-sen University, No. 628 Zhenyuan Road, Shenzhen, 518107, Guangdong, People's Republic of China
| | - Hailin Zou
- Scientific Research Center, The Seventh Affiliated Hospital of Sun Yat-sen University, No. 628 Zhenyuan Road, Shenzhen, 518107, Guangdong, People's Republic of China
| | - Yibo Guo
- Scientific Research Center, The Seventh Affiliated Hospital of Sun Yat-sen University, No. 628 Zhenyuan Road, Shenzhen, 518107, Guangdong, People's Republic of China
| | - Tongyu Tong
- Scientific Research Center, The Seventh Affiliated Hospital of Sun Yat-sen University, No. 628 Zhenyuan Road, Shenzhen, 518107, Guangdong, People's Republic of China
- Department of Urology, Pelvic Floor Disorders Center, The Seventh Affiliated Hospital of Sun Yat-sen University, No. 628 Zhenyuan Road, Shenzhen, 518107, Guangdong, People's Republic of China
| | - Mingli Huang
- Department of General Surgery, The Seventh Affiliated Hospital of Sun Yat-sen University, No. 628 Zhenyuan Road, Shenzhen, 518107, Guangdong, People's Republic of China
| | - Gengqiang Ling
- Department of Neurosurgery, The Seventh Affiliated Hospital of Sun Yat-sen University, No. 628 Zhenyuan Road, Shenzhen, 518107, Guangdong, People's Republic of China
| | - Peng Li
- Scientific Research Center, The Seventh Affiliated Hospital of Sun Yat-sen University, No. 628 Zhenyuan Road, Shenzhen, 518107, Guangdong, People's Republic of China.
- Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Digestive Cancer Research, The Seventh Affiliated Hospital of Sun Yat-sen University, No. 628 Zhenyuan Road, Shenzhen, 518107, Guangdong, People's Republic of China.
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Zheng Q, Luo Z, Xu M, Ye S, Lei Y, Xi Y. HMGA1 and FOXM1 Cooperate to Promote G2/M Cell Cycle Progression in Cancer Cells. Life (Basel) 2023; 13:life13051225. [PMID: 37240870 DOI: 10.3390/life13051225] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/11/2023] [Revised: 05/14/2023] [Accepted: 05/19/2023] [Indexed: 05/28/2023] Open
Abstract
HMGA1 is a chromatin-binding protein and performs its biological function by remodeling chromatin structure or recruiting other transcription factors. However, the role of abnormally high level of HMGA1 in cancer cells and its regulatory mechanism still require further investigation. In this study, we performed a prognostic analysis and showed that high level of either HMGA1 or FOXM1 was associated with poor prognosis in various cancers based on the TCGA database. Furthermore, the expression pattern of HMGA1 and FOXM1 showed a significant strong positive correlation in most type of cancers, especially lung adenocarcinoma, pancreatic cancer and liver cancer. Further analysis of the biological effects of their high correlation in cancers suggested that cell cycle was the most significant related pathway commonly regulated by HMGA1 and FOXM1. After knockdown of HMGA1 and FOXM1 by specific siRNAs, an obvious increased G2/M phase was observed in the siHMGA1 and siFOXM1 groups compared to the siNC group. The expression levels of key G2/M phase regulatory genes PLK1 and CCNB1 were significantly downregulated. Importantly, HMGA1 and FOXM1 were identified to form a protein complex and co-located in the nucleus based on co-immunoprecipitation and immunofluorescence staining, respectively. Thus, our results provide the basic evidence that HMGA1 and FOXM1 cooperatively accelerate cell cycle progression by up-regulating PLK1 and CCNB1 to promote cancer cell proliferation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Qingfang Zheng
- Institute of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Basic Medical Sciences, Health Science Center, Ningbo University, Ningbo 315211, China
| | - Ziyang Luo
- Institute of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Basic Medical Sciences, Health Science Center, Ningbo University, Ningbo 315211, China
| | - Mingjun Xu
- Institute of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Basic Medical Sciences, Health Science Center, Ningbo University, Ningbo 315211, China
| | - Shazhou Ye
- Institute of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Basic Medical Sciences, Health Science Center, Ningbo University, Ningbo 315211, China
| | - Yuxin Lei
- Institute of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Basic Medical Sciences, Health Science Center, Ningbo University, Ningbo 315211, China
| | - Yang Xi
- Institute of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Basic Medical Sciences, Health Science Center, Ningbo University, Ningbo 315211, China
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Meli VS, Veerasubramanian PK, Downing TL, Wang W, Liu WF. Mechanosensation to inflammation: Roles for YAP/TAZ in innate immune cells. Sci Signal 2023; 16:eadc9656. [PMID: 37130167 PMCID: PMC10625748 DOI: 10.1126/scisignal.adc9656] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/11/2022] [Accepted: 04/14/2023] [Indexed: 05/04/2023]
Abstract
Innate immune cells are responsible for eliminating foreign infectious agents and cellular debris, and their ability to perceive, respond to, and integrate biochemical and mechanical cues from their microenvironment eventually determines their behavior. In response to tissue injury, pathogen invasion, or a biomaterial implant, immune cells activate many pathways to initiate inflammation in the tissue. In addition to common inflammatory pathways, studies have demonstrated the role of the mechanosensitive proteins and transcriptional coactivators YAP and TAZ (YAP/TAZ) in inflammation and immunity. We review our knowledge of YAP/TAZ in controlling inflammation and immunity in innate immune cells. Furthermore, we discuss the roles of YAP/TAZ in inflammatory diseases, wound healing, and tissue regeneration and how they integrate mechanical cues with biochemical signaling during disease progression. Last, we comment on possible approaches that can be exploited to harness the therapeutic potential of YAP/TAZ in inflammatory diseases.
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Affiliation(s)
- Vijaykumar S. Meli
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, University of California Irvine, CA 92697
- UCI Edwards Lifesciences Foundation Cardiovascular Innovation and Research Center, (CIRC), University of California Irvine, CA 92697
| | - Praveen Krishna Veerasubramanian
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, University of California Irvine, CA 92697
- UCI Edwards Lifesciences Foundation Cardiovascular Innovation and Research Center, (CIRC), University of California Irvine, CA 92697
| | - Timothy L. Downing
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, University of California Irvine, CA 92697
- UCI Edwards Lifesciences Foundation Cardiovascular Innovation and Research Center, (CIRC), University of California Irvine, CA 92697
- NSF-Simons Center for Multiscale Cell Fate Research, University of California Irvine, CA 92697
- Department of Microbiology and Molecular Genetics, University of California Irvine, CA 92697
| | - Wenqi Wang
- Department of Developmental and Cell Biology, University of California Irvine, CA 92697
| | - Wendy F. Liu
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, University of California Irvine, CA 92697
- UCI Edwards Lifesciences Foundation Cardiovascular Innovation and Research Center, (CIRC), University of California Irvine, CA 92697
- Department of Chemical and Biomolecular Engineering, University of California Irvine, CA 92697
- Department of Molecular Biology and Biochemistry, University of California Irvine, CA 92697
- Institute for Immunology, University of California Irvine, CA 92697
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40
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Du X, Wang H, Xu J, Zhang Y, Chen T, Li G. Profiling and integrated analysis of transcriptional addiction gene expression and prognostic value in hepatocellular carcinoma. Aging (Albany NY) 2023; 15:204676. [PMID: 37171044 PMCID: PMC10188332 DOI: 10.18632/aging.204676] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/06/2023] [Accepted: 04/15/2023] [Indexed: 05/13/2023]
Abstract
Transcriptional dysregulation caused by genomic and epigenetic alterations in cancer is called "transcriptional addiction". Transcriptional addiction is an important pathogenic factor of tumor malignancy. Hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) genomes are highly heterogeneous, with many dysregulated genes. Our study analyzed the possibility that transcriptional addiction-related genes play a significant role in HCC. All data sources for conducting this study were public cancer databases and tissue microarrays. We identified 38 transcriptional addiction genes, and most were differentially expressed genes. Among patients of different groups, there were significant differences in overall survival rates. Both nomogram and risk score were independent predictors of HCC outcomes. Transcriptional addiction gene expression characteristics determine the sensitivity of patients to immunotherapy, cisplatin, and sorafenib. Besides, HDAC2 was identified as an oncogene, and its expression was correlated with patient survival time. Our study conclusively demonstrated that transcriptional addiction is crucial in HCC. We provided biomarkers for predicting the prognosis of HCC patients, which can more precisely guide the patient's treatment.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xiaowei Du
- First Affiliated Hospital of Fujian Medical University, Fuzhou, China
| | - Hao Wang
- Second Department of Oncology, Seventh People’s Hospital of Shanghai University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Shanghai, China
| | - Jing Xu
- Second Department of Oncology, Seventh People’s Hospital of Shanghai University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Shanghai, China
| | - Yufei Zhang
- Second Department of Oncology, Seventh People’s Hospital of Shanghai University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Shanghai, China
| | - Tingsong Chen
- Second Department of Oncology, Seventh People’s Hospital of Shanghai University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Shanghai, China
| | - Gao Li
- Second Department of Oncology, Seventh People’s Hospital of Shanghai University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Shanghai, China
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41
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Di Giorgio E, Benetti R, Kerschbamer E, Xodo L, Brancolini C. Super-enhancer landscape rewiring in cancer: The epigenetic control at distal sites. INTERNATIONAL REVIEW OF CELL AND MOLECULAR BIOLOGY 2023; 380:97-148. [PMID: 37657861 DOI: 10.1016/bs.ircmb.2023.03.013] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 09/03/2023]
Abstract
Super-enhancers evolve as elements at the top of the hierarchical control of gene expression. They are important end-gatherers of signaling pathways that control stemness, differentiation or adaptive responses. Many epigenetic regulations focus on these regions, and not surprisingly, during the process of tumorigenesis, various alterations can account for their dysfunction. Super-enhancers are emerging as key drivers of the aberrant gene expression landscape that sustain the aggressiveness of cancer cells. In this review, we will describe and discuss about the structure of super-enhancers, their epigenetic regulation, and the major changes affecting their functionality in cancer.
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Affiliation(s)
- Eros Di Giorgio
- Laboratory of Biochemistry, Department of Medicine, Università degli Studi di Udine, Udine, Italy
| | - Roberta Benetti
- Laboratory of Epigenomics, Department of Medicine, Università degli Studi di Udine, Udine, Italy
| | - Emanuela Kerschbamer
- Laboratory of Epigenomics, Department of Medicine, Università degli Studi di Udine, Udine, Italy
| | - Luigi Xodo
- Laboratory of Biochemistry, Department of Medicine, Università degli Studi di Udine, Udine, Italy
| | - Claudio Brancolini
- Laboratory of Epigenomics, Department of Medicine, Università degli Studi di Udine, Udine, Italy.
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Niu X, Zhang L, Wu Y, Zong Z, Wang B, Liu J, Zhang L, Zhou F. Biomolecular condensates: Formation mechanisms, biological functions, and therapeutic targets. MedComm (Beijing) 2023; 4:e223. [PMID: 36875159 PMCID: PMC9974629 DOI: 10.1002/mco2.223] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/24/2022] [Revised: 01/20/2023] [Accepted: 02/02/2023] [Indexed: 03/06/2023] Open
Abstract
Biomolecular condensates are cellular structures composed of membraneless assemblies comprising proteins or nucleic acids. The formation of these condensates requires components to change from a state of solubility separation from the surrounding environment by undergoing phase transition and condensation. Over the past decade, it has become widely appreciated that biomolecular condensates are ubiquitous in eukaryotic cells and play a vital role in physiological and pathological processes. These condensates may provide promising targets for the clinic research. Recently, a series of pathological and physiological processes have been found associated with the dysfunction of condensates, and a range of targets and methods have been demonstrated to modulate the formation of these condensates. A more extensive description of biomolecular condensates is urgently needed for the development of novel therapies. In this review, we summarized the current understanding of biomolecular condensates and the molecular mechanisms of their formation. Moreover, we reviewed the functions of condensates and therapeutic targets for diseases. We further highlighted the available regulatory targets and methods, discussed the significance and challenges of targeting these condensates. Reviewing the latest developments in biomolecular condensate research could be essential in translating our current knowledge on the use of condensates for clinical therapeutic strategies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xin Niu
- Department of Otolaryngology Head and Neck Surgery The First Affiliated Hospital of Soochow University Suzhou China.,MOE Laboratory of Biosystems Homeostasis & Protection and Innovation Center for Cell Signaling Network Life Sciences Institute Zhejiang University Hangzhou China
| | - Lei Zhang
- Department of Orthopedics The First Affiliated Hospital of Wenzhou Medical University Wenzhou China
| | - Yuchen Wu
- Department of Clinical Medicine, The First School of Medicine Wenzhou Medical University Wenzhou China
| | - Zhi Zong
- MOE Laboratory of Biosystems Homeostasis & Protection and Innovation Center for Cell Signaling Network Life Sciences Institute Zhejiang University Hangzhou China
| | - Bin Wang
- MOE Laboratory of Biosystems Homeostasis & Protection and Innovation Center for Cell Signaling Network Life Sciences Institute Zhejiang University Hangzhou China
| | - Jisheng Liu
- Department of Otolaryngology Head and Neck Surgery The First Affiliated Hospital of Soochow University Suzhou China
| | - Long Zhang
- MOE Laboratory of Biosystems Homeostasis & Protection and Innovation Center for Cell Signaling Network Life Sciences Institute Zhejiang University Hangzhou China
| | - Fangfang Zhou
- Institutes of Biology and Medical Science Soochow University Suzhou China
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Weidle UH, Birzele F. Triple-negative Breast Cancer: Identification of circRNAs With Efficacy in Preclinical In Vivo Models. Cancer Genomics Proteomics 2023; 20:117-131. [PMID: 36870692 PMCID: PMC9989670 DOI: 10.21873/cgp.20368] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/21/2022] [Revised: 12/19/2022] [Accepted: 01/20/2023] [Indexed: 03/06/2023] Open
Abstract
Triple-negative breast cancer (TNBC) is an aggressive subtype of breast cancer with insufficient options for therapy. In order to identify new targets and treatment modalities we searched the literature for circular RNAs (circRNAs) which mediate efficacy in TNBC-related in vivo preclinical models. In addition to 5 down-regulated circRNAs which modulate tumor-suppressive pathways, we identified 15 up-regulated circRNAs. Down- and up-regulated refers to expression in corresponding non-transformed cells and tissues. The up-regulated circRNAs comprise five transmembrane receptors and secreted proteins as targets, five transcription factors and transcription-associated targets, four cell-cycle related circRNAs and one involved in paclitaxel resistance. In this review article we discuss drug-discovery related aspects and modalities of therapeutic intervention. Down-regulated circRNAs can be reconstituted by re-expression of corresponding circRNAs in tumor cells or up-regulation of corresponding targets. Up-regulated circRNAs can be inhibited by small-interfering RNA (siRNA) or short hairpin RNA (shRNA)-based approaches or inhibition of the corresponding targets with small molecules or antibody-related moieties.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ulrich H Weidle
- Roche Pharma Research and Development, Roche Innovation Center, Penzberg, Germany;
| | - Fabian Birzele
- Roche Pharma Research and Early Development, Pharmaceutical Sciences, Roche Innovation Center Basel, Basel, Switzerland
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Rational combinations of targeted cancer therapies: background, advances and challenges. Nat Rev Drug Discov 2023; 22:213-234. [PMID: 36509911 DOI: 10.1038/s41573-022-00615-z] [Citation(s) in RCA: 65] [Impact Index Per Article: 65.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 11/16/2022] [Indexed: 12/15/2022]
Abstract
Over the past two decades, elucidation of the genetic defects that underlie cancer has resulted in a plethora of novel targeted cancer drugs. Although these agents can initially be highly effective, resistance to single-agent therapies remains a major challenge. Combining drugs can help avoid resistance, but the number of possible drug combinations vastly exceeds what can be tested clinically, both financially and in terms of patient availability. Rational drug combinations based on a deep understanding of the underlying molecular mechanisms associated with therapy resistance are potentially powerful in the treatment of cancer. Here, we discuss the mechanisms of resistance to targeted therapies and how effective drug combinations can be identified to combat resistance. The challenges in clinically developing these combinations and future perspectives are considered.
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45
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Song J, Dang X, Shen X, Liu Y, Gu J, Peng X, Huang Z, Hong W, Cui L, Liu CY. The YAP/TEAD4 complex promotes tumor lymphangiogenesis by transcriptionally upregulating CCBE1 in colorectal cancer. J Biol Chem 2023; 299:103012. [PMID: 36781122 PMCID: PMC10124907 DOI: 10.1016/j.jbc.2023.103012] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/22/2022] [Revised: 02/02/2023] [Accepted: 02/03/2023] [Indexed: 02/13/2023] Open
Abstract
The secreted protein Collagen and calcium-binding EGF Domain 1 (CCBE1) is critical for embryonic lymphatic development through its role in the proteolytic activation of mature vascular endothelial growth factor C (VEGFC). We previously reported that CCBE1 is overexpressed in colorectal cancer (CRC) and that its transcription is negatively regulated by the TGFβ-SMAD pathway, but the transcriptional activation mechanism of CCBE1 in CRC remains unknown. Recent studies have revealed the vital role of the hippo effectors YAP/TAZ in lymphatic development; however, the role of YAP/TAZ in tumor lymphangiogenesis has not been clarified. In this study, we found that high nuclear expression of transcription factor TEAD4 is associated with lymph node metastasis and high lymphatic vessel density in CRC patients. YAP/TAZ/TEAD4 complexes transcriptionally upregulated the expression of CCBE1 by directly binding to the enhancer region of CCBE1 in both CRC cells and cancer-associated fibroblasts (CAFs), which resulted in enhanced VEGFC proteolysis and induced tube formation and migration of human lymphatic endothelial cells (HLECs) in vitro and lymphangiogenesis in a CRC cell-derived xenograft (CDX) model in vivo. In addition, the bromodomain and extra-terminal domain (BET) inhibitor JQ1 significantly inhibited the transcription of CCBE1, suppressed VEGFC proteolysis and inhibited tumor lymphangiogenesis in vitro and in vivo. Collectively, our study reveals a new positive transcriptional regulatory mechanism of CCBE1 via YAP/TAZ/TEAD4/BRD4 complexes in CRC, which exposes the protumor lymphangiogenic role of YAP/TAZ and the potential inhibitory effect of BET inhibitors on tumor lymphangiogenesis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jinglue Song
- Department of Colorectal and Anal Surgery, Xinhua Hospital, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai, China; Shanghai Colorectal Cancer Research Center, Shanghai, China
| | - Xuening Dang
- Department of Colorectal and Anal Surgery, Xinhua Hospital, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai, China; Shanghai Colorectal Cancer Research Center, Shanghai, China
| | - Xia Shen
- Department of Colorectal and Anal Surgery, Xinhua Hospital, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai, China; Shanghai Colorectal Cancer Research Center, Shanghai, China
| | - Yun Liu
- Department of Colorectal and Anal Surgery, Xinhua Hospital, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai, China; Shanghai Colorectal Cancer Research Center, Shanghai, China
| | - Jiani Gu
- Department of Colorectal and Anal Surgery, Xinhua Hospital, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai, China
| | - Xiang Peng
- Department of Colorectal and Anal Surgery, Xinhua Hospital, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai, China; Shanghai Colorectal Cancer Research Center, Shanghai, China
| | - Zhenyu Huang
- Department of Colorectal and Anal Surgery, Xinhua Hospital, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai, China; Shanghai Colorectal Cancer Research Center, Shanghai, China
| | - Wanjin Hong
- Institute of Molecular and Cell Biology, Agency for Science, Technology and Research (A∗STAR), Proteos, Singapore.
| | - Long Cui
- Department of Colorectal and Anal Surgery, Xinhua Hospital, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai, China; Shanghai Colorectal Cancer Research Center, Shanghai, China.
| | - Chen-Ying Liu
- Department of Colorectal and Anal Surgery, Xinhua Hospital, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai, China; Shanghai Colorectal Cancer Research Center, Shanghai, China.
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46
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Luo J, Zou H, Guo Y, Tong T, Chen Y, Xiao Y, Pan Y, Li P. The oncogenic roles and clinical implications of YAP/TAZ in breast cancer. Br J Cancer 2023; 128:1611-1624. [PMID: 36759723 PMCID: PMC10133323 DOI: 10.1038/s41416-023-02182-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 10.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/13/2022] [Revised: 01/16/2023] [Accepted: 01/23/2023] [Indexed: 02/11/2023] Open
Abstract
Breast cancer (BC) is the most commonly diagnosed form of cancer and a leading cause of cancer-related deaths among women worldwide. Yes-associated protein (YAP) and transcriptional coactivator with PDZ-binding motif (TAZ) are homologous transcriptional coactivators and downstream effectors of Hippo signalling. YAP/TAZ activation has been revealed to play essential roles in multiple events of BC development, including tumour initiation, progression, metastasis, drug resistance and stemness regulations. In this review, we will first give an overview of YAP/TAZ-mediated oncogenesis in BC, and then systematically summarise the oncogenic roles of YAP/TAZ in various BC subtypes, BC stem cells (BCSCs) and tumour microenvironments (TMEs). Based on these findings, we will further discuss the clinical implications of YAP/TAZ-based targeted therapies in BC and the potential future direction.
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Affiliation(s)
- Juan Luo
- Scientific Research Center, The Seventh Affiliated Hospital of Sun Yat-sen University, No. 628 Zhenyuan Road, 518107, Shenzhen, Guangdong, People's Republic of China
| | - Hailin Zou
- Scientific Research Center, The Seventh Affiliated Hospital of Sun Yat-sen University, No. 628 Zhenyuan Road, 518107, Shenzhen, Guangdong, People's Republic of China
| | - Yibo Guo
- Scientific Research Center, The Seventh Affiliated Hospital of Sun Yat-sen University, No. 628 Zhenyuan Road, 518107, Shenzhen, Guangdong, People's Republic of China
| | - Tongyu Tong
- Scientific Research Center, The Seventh Affiliated Hospital of Sun Yat-sen University, No. 628 Zhenyuan Road, 518107, Shenzhen, Guangdong, People's Republic of China.,Department of Urology, Pelvic Floor Disorders Center, The Seventh Affiliated Hospital of Sun Yat-sen University, No. 628 Zhenyuan Road, 518107, Shenzhen, Guangdong, People's Republic of China
| | - Yun Chen
- Scientific Research Center, The Seventh Affiliated Hospital of Sun Yat-sen University, No. 628 Zhenyuan Road, 518107, Shenzhen, Guangdong, People's Republic of China
| | - Yunjun Xiao
- Scientific Research Center, The Seventh Affiliated Hospital of Sun Yat-sen University, No. 628 Zhenyuan Road, 518107, Shenzhen, Guangdong, People's Republic of China
| | - Yihang Pan
- Scientific Research Center, The Seventh Affiliated Hospital of Sun Yat-sen University, No. 628 Zhenyuan Road, 518107, Shenzhen, Guangdong, People's Republic of China. .,Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Digestive Cancer Research, The Seventh Affiliated Hospital of Sun Yat-sen University, No. 628 Zhenyuan Road, 518107, Shenzhen, Guangdong, People's Republic of China.
| | - Peng Li
- Scientific Research Center, The Seventh Affiliated Hospital of Sun Yat-sen University, No. 628 Zhenyuan Road, 518107, Shenzhen, Guangdong, People's Republic of China. .,Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Digestive Cancer Research, The Seventh Affiliated Hospital of Sun Yat-sen University, No. 628 Zhenyuan Road, 518107, Shenzhen, Guangdong, People's Republic of China.
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Li S, Yang L, Li Y, Yue W, Xin S, Li J, Long S, Zhang W, Cao P, Lu J. Epstein-Barr Virus Synergizes with BRD7 to Conquer c-Myc-Mediated Viral Latency Maintenance via Chromatin Remodeling. Microbiol Spectr 2023; 11:e0123722. [PMID: 36728436 PMCID: PMC10101146 DOI: 10.1128/spectrum.01237-22] [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: 06/08/2022] [Accepted: 01/06/2023] [Indexed: 02/03/2023] Open
Abstract
Epstein-Barr virus (EBV) switches between latent and lytic phases in hosts, which is important in the development of related diseases. However, the underlying mechanism of controlling the viral biphasic life cycle and how EBV mediates this regulation remain largely unknown. This study identified bromodomain-containing protein 7 (BRD7) as a crucial host protein in EBV latent infection. Based on the chromatin immunoprecipitation (ChIP) sequencing of endogenous BRD7 in Burkitt lymphoma cells, we found that EBV drove BRD7 to regulate cellular and viral genomic loci, including the transcriptional activation of c-Myc, a recently reported regulator of EBV latency. Additionally, EBV-mediated BRD7 signals were enriched around the FUSE (far-upstream sequence element) site in chromosome 8 and the enhancer LOC108348026 in the lgH locus, which might activate the c-Myc alleles. Mechanically, EBV-encoded nuclear antigen 1 (EBNA1) bound to BRD7 and colocalized at promoter regions of the related genes, thus serving as cofactors for the maintenance of viral latency. Moreover, the disruption of BRD7 decreased the c-Myc expression, induced the BZLF1 expression, and reactivated the lytic cycle. Our findings reveal the unique role of BRD7 to synergize with EBV in maintaining the viral latency state via chromatin remodeling. This study paves the way for understanding the new molecular mechanism of EBV-induced chromatin remodeling and latent-lytic switch, providing novel therapeutic candidate targets for EBV persistent infection. IMPORTANCE When establishing persistent infection in most human hosts, EBV is usually latent. How the viral latency is maintained in cells remains largely unknown. c-Myc was recently reported to act as a controller of the lytic switch, while whether and how EBV regulates it remain to be explored. Here, we identified that BRD7 is involved in controlling EBV latency. We found that EBV-mediated BRD7 was enriched in both the normal promoter regions and the translocation alleles of c-Myc, and disruption of BRD7 decreased c-Myc expression to reactivate the lytic cycle. We also demonstrated that EBV-encoded EBNA1 bound to and regulated BRD7. Therefore, we reveal a novel mechanism by which EBV can regulate its infection state by coordinating with host BRD7 to target c-Myc. Our findings will help future therapeutic intervention strategies for EBV infection and pathogenesis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shen Li
- Hunan Cancer Hospital/the Affiliated Cancer Hospital of Xiangya School of Medicine, Central South University, Changsha, Hunan, China
- Department of Microbiology, School of Basic Medical Science, Central South University, Changsha, Hunan, China
- The Key Laboratory of Carcinogenesis and Cancer Invasion of the Chinese Ministry of Education, NHC Key Laboratory of Carcinogenesis, Cancer Research Institute, Central South University, Changsha, Hunan, China
- Department of Hematology, National Clinical Research Center for Geriatric Disorders, Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha, Hunan, China
- China-Africa Research Center of Infectious Diseases, Central South University, Changsha, Hunan, China
| | - Li Yang
- Hunan Cancer Hospital/the Affiliated Cancer Hospital of Xiangya School of Medicine, Central South University, Changsha, Hunan, China
- Department of Microbiology, School of Basic Medical Science, Central South University, Changsha, Hunan, China
- The Key Laboratory of Carcinogenesis and Cancer Invasion of the Chinese Ministry of Education, NHC Key Laboratory of Carcinogenesis, Cancer Research Institute, Central South University, Changsha, Hunan, China
- Department of Hematology, National Clinical Research Center for Geriatric Disorders, Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha, Hunan, China
- China-Africa Research Center of Infectious Diseases, Central South University, Changsha, Hunan, China
| | - Yanling Li
- Hunan Cancer Hospital/the Affiliated Cancer Hospital of Xiangya School of Medicine, Central South University, Changsha, Hunan, China
- Department of Microbiology, School of Basic Medical Science, Central South University, Changsha, Hunan, China
- The Key Laboratory of Carcinogenesis and Cancer Invasion of the Chinese Ministry of Education, NHC Key Laboratory of Carcinogenesis, Cancer Research Institute, Central South University, Changsha, Hunan, China
- China-Africa Research Center of Infectious Diseases, Central South University, Changsha, Hunan, China
| | - Wenxing Yue
- Department of Microbiology, School of Basic Medical Science, Central South University, Changsha, Hunan, China
- The Key Laboratory of Carcinogenesis and Cancer Invasion of the Chinese Ministry of Education, NHC Key Laboratory of Carcinogenesis, Cancer Research Institute, Central South University, Changsha, Hunan, China
| | - Shuyu Xin
- Hunan Cancer Hospital/the Affiliated Cancer Hospital of Xiangya School of Medicine, Central South University, Changsha, Hunan, China
- Department of Microbiology, School of Basic Medical Science, Central South University, Changsha, Hunan, China
- The Key Laboratory of Carcinogenesis and Cancer Invasion of the Chinese Ministry of Education, NHC Key Laboratory of Carcinogenesis, Cancer Research Institute, Central South University, Changsha, Hunan, China
- Department of Hematology, National Clinical Research Center for Geriatric Disorders, Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha, Hunan, China
- China-Africa Research Center of Infectious Diseases, Central South University, Changsha, Hunan, China
| | - Jing Li
- Hunan Cancer Hospital/the Affiliated Cancer Hospital of Xiangya School of Medicine, Central South University, Changsha, Hunan, China
- Department of Microbiology, School of Basic Medical Science, Central South University, Changsha, Hunan, China
- The Key Laboratory of Carcinogenesis and Cancer Invasion of the Chinese Ministry of Education, NHC Key Laboratory of Carcinogenesis, Cancer Research Institute, Central South University, Changsha, Hunan, China
- Department of Hematology, National Clinical Research Center for Geriatric Disorders, Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha, Hunan, China
- China-Africa Research Center of Infectious Diseases, Central South University, Changsha, Hunan, China
| | - Sijing Long
- Hunan Cancer Hospital/the Affiliated Cancer Hospital of Xiangya School of Medicine, Central South University, Changsha, Hunan, China
- Department of Microbiology, School of Basic Medical Science, Central South University, Changsha, Hunan, China
- The Key Laboratory of Carcinogenesis and Cancer Invasion of the Chinese Ministry of Education, NHC Key Laboratory of Carcinogenesis, Cancer Research Institute, Central South University, Changsha, Hunan, China
- Department of Hematology, National Clinical Research Center for Geriatric Disorders, Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha, Hunan, China
- China-Africa Research Center of Infectious Diseases, Central South University, Changsha, Hunan, China
| | - Wentao Zhang
- Hunan Cancer Hospital/the Affiliated Cancer Hospital of Xiangya School of Medicine, Central South University, Changsha, Hunan, China
- Department of Microbiology, School of Basic Medical Science, Central South University, Changsha, Hunan, China
- The Key Laboratory of Carcinogenesis and Cancer Invasion of the Chinese Ministry of Education, NHC Key Laboratory of Carcinogenesis, Cancer Research Institute, Central South University, Changsha, Hunan, China
- Department of Hematology, National Clinical Research Center for Geriatric Disorders, Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha, Hunan, China
- China-Africa Research Center of Infectious Diseases, Central South University, Changsha, Hunan, China
| | - Pengfei Cao
- Department of Hematology, National Clinical Research Center for Geriatric Disorders, Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha, Hunan, China
| | - Jianhong Lu
- Hunan Cancer Hospital/the Affiliated Cancer Hospital of Xiangya School of Medicine, Central South University, Changsha, Hunan, China
- Department of Microbiology, School of Basic Medical Science, Central South University, Changsha, Hunan, China
- The Key Laboratory of Carcinogenesis and Cancer Invasion of the Chinese Ministry of Education, NHC Key Laboratory of Carcinogenesis, Cancer Research Institute, Central South University, Changsha, Hunan, China
- Department of Hematology, National Clinical Research Center for Geriatric Disorders, Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha, Hunan, China
- China-Africa Research Center of Infectious Diseases, Central South University, Changsha, Hunan, China
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Cunningham R, Jia S, Purohit K, Salem O, Hui NS, Lin Y, Carragher NO, Hansen CG. YAP/TAZ activation predicts clinical outcomes in mesothelioma and is conserved in in vitro model of driver mutations. Clin Transl Med 2023; 13:e1190. [PMID: 36740402 PMCID: PMC9899629 DOI: 10.1002/ctm2.1190] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/28/2022] [Revised: 01/11/2023] [Accepted: 01/16/2023] [Indexed: 02/07/2023] Open
Abstract
The Hippo signalling pathway is dysregulated across a wide range of cancer types and, although driver mutations that directly affect the core Hippo components are rare, a handful is found within pleural mesothelioma (PM). PM is a deadly disease of the lining of the lung caused by asbestos exposure. By pooling the largest-scale clinical datasets publicly available, we here interrogate associations between the most prevalent driver mutations within PM and Hippo pathway disruption in patients, while assessing correlations with a variety of clinical markers. This analysis reveals a consistent worse outcome in patients exhibiting transcriptional markers of YAP/TAZ activation, pointing to the potential of leveraging Hippo pathway transcriptional activation status as a metric by which patients may be meaningfully stratified. Preclinical models recapitulating disease are transformative in order to develop new therapeutic strategies. We here establish an isogenic cell-line model of PM, which represents the most frequently mutated genes and which faithfully recapitulates the molecular features of clinical PM. This preclinical model is developed to probe the molecular basis by which the Hippo pathway and key driver mutations affect cancer initiation and progression. Implementing this approach, we reveal the role of NF2 as a mechanosensory component of the Hippo pathway in mesothelial cells. Cellular NF2 loss upon physiological stiffnesses analogous to the tumour niche drive YAP/TAZ-dependent anchorage-independent growth. Consequently, the development and characterisation of this cellular model provide a unique resource to obtain molecular insights into the disease and progress new drug discovery programs together with future stratification of PM patients.
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Affiliation(s)
- Richard Cunningham
- Centre for Inflammation ResearchInstitute for Regeneration and RepairEdinburgh BioQuarterUniversity of EdinburghEdinburghUK
| | - Siyang Jia
- Centre for Inflammation ResearchInstitute for Regeneration and RepairEdinburgh BioQuarterUniversity of EdinburghEdinburghUK
| | - Krishna Purohit
- Centre for Inflammation ResearchInstitute for Regeneration and RepairEdinburgh BioQuarterUniversity of EdinburghEdinburghUK
| | - Omar Salem
- Centre for Inflammation ResearchInstitute for Regeneration and RepairEdinburgh BioQuarterUniversity of EdinburghEdinburghUK
| | - Ning Sze Hui
- Centre for Inflammation ResearchInstitute for Regeneration and RepairEdinburgh BioQuarterUniversity of EdinburghEdinburghUK
| | - Yue Lin
- Centre for Inflammation ResearchInstitute for Regeneration and RepairEdinburgh BioQuarterUniversity of EdinburghEdinburghUK
| | - Neil O. Carragher
- Cancer Research UK Scotland CentreInstitute of Genetics and CancerUniversity of EdinburghEdinburghUK
| | - Carsten Gram Hansen
- Centre for Inflammation ResearchInstitute for Regeneration and RepairEdinburgh BioQuarterUniversity of EdinburghEdinburghUK
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Walker FM, Sobral LM, Danis E, Sanford B, Balakrishnan I, Wang D, Pierce A, Karam SD, Serkova NJ, Foreman NK, Venkataraman S, Dowell R, Vibhakar R, Dahl NA. Rapid PTEFb-dependent transcriptional reorganization underpins the glioma adaptive response to radiotherapy. BIORXIV : THE PREPRINT SERVER FOR BIOLOGY 2023:2023.01.24.525424. [PMID: 36747867 PMCID: PMC9900817 DOI: 10.1101/2023.01.24.525424] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/30/2023]
Abstract
Dynamic regulation of gene expression is fundamental for cellular adaptation to exogenous stressors. PTEFb-mediated pause-release of RNA polymerase II (Pol II) is a conserved regulatory mechanism for synchronous transcriptional induction in response to heat shock, but this pro-survival role has not been examined in the applied context of cancer therapy. Using model systems of pediatric high-grade glioma, we show that rapid genome-wide reorganization of active chromatin facilitates PTEFb-mediated nascent transcriptional induction within hours of exposure to therapeutic ionizing radiation. Concurrent inhibition of PTEFb disrupts this chromatin reorganization and blunts transcriptional induction, abrogating key adaptive programs such as DNA damage repair and cell cycle regulation. This combination demonstrates a potent, synergistic therapeutic potential agnostic of glioma subtype, leading to a marked induction of tumor cell apoptosis and prolongation of xenograft survival. These studies reveal a central role for PTEFb underpinning the early adaptive response to radiotherapy, opening new avenues for combinatorial treatment in these lethal malignancies.
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50
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Ippolito F, Consalvi V, Noce V, Battistelli C, Cicchini C, Tripodi M, Amicone L, Marchetti A. Extracellular signal-Regulated Kinase 5 (ERK5) is required for the Yes-associated protein (YAP) co-transcriptional activity. Cell Death Dis 2023; 14:32. [PMID: 36650140 PMCID: PMC9845357 DOI: 10.1038/s41419-023-05569-7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/22/2022] [Revised: 12/28/2022] [Accepted: 01/06/2023] [Indexed: 01/18/2023]
Abstract
YES-associated protein (YAP) is a transcriptional cofactor with a key role in the regulation of several physio-pathological cellular processes, by integrating multiple cell autonomous and microenvironmental cues. YAP is the main downstream effector of the Hippo pathway, a tumor-suppressive signaling able to transduce several extracellular signals. The Hippo pathway acts restraining YAP activity, since its activation induces YAP phosphorylation and cytoplasmic sequestration. However, recent observations indicate that YAP activity can be also modulated by Hippo independent/integrating pathways, still largely unexplored. In this study, we demonstrated the role of the extracellular signal-regulated kinase 5 (ERK5)/mitogen-activated protein kinase in the regulation of YAP activity. By means of ERK5 inhibition/silencing and overexpression experiments, and by using as model liver stem cells, hepatocytes, and hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) cell lines, we provided evidence that ERK5 is required for YAP-dependent gene expression. Mechanistically, ERK5 controls the recruitment of YAP on promoters of target genes and its physical interaction with the transcriptional partner TEAD; moreover, it mediates the YAP activation occurring in cell adhesion, migration, and TGFβ-induced EMT of liver cells. Furthermore, we demonstrated that ERK5 signaling modulates YAP activity in a LATS1/2-independent manner. Therefore, our observations identify ERK5 as a novel upstream Hippo-independent regulator of YAP activity, thus unveiling a new target for therapeutic approaches aimed at interfering with its function.
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Affiliation(s)
- Francesca Ippolito
- Department of Molecular Medicine, Sapienza University of Rome, Rome, Italy
| | - Veronica Consalvi
- Department of Molecular Medicine, Sapienza University of Rome, Rome, Italy
| | - Valeria Noce
- Department of Molecular Medicine, Sapienza University of Rome, Rome, Italy
| | | | - Carla Cicchini
- Department of Molecular Medicine, Sapienza University of Rome, Rome, Italy
| | - Marco Tripodi
- Department of Molecular Medicine, Sapienza University of Rome, Rome, Italy
- National Institute for Infectious Diseases L. Spallanzani, IRCCS, Rome, Italy
| | - Laura Amicone
- Department of Molecular Medicine, Sapienza University of Rome, Rome, Italy.
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