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Alqithami SM, Machwe A, Orren DK. Cigarette Smoke-Induced Epithelial-to-Mesenchymal Transition: Insights into Cellular Mechanisms and Signaling Pathways. Cells 2024; 13:1453. [PMID: 39273025 PMCID: PMC11394110 DOI: 10.3390/cells13171453] [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: 07/24/2024] [Revised: 08/20/2024] [Accepted: 08/21/2024] [Indexed: 09/15/2024] Open
Abstract
This review delves into the molecular complexities underpinning the epithelial-to-mesenchymal transition (EMT) induced by cigarette smoke (CS) in human bronchial epithelial cells (HBECs). The complex interplay of pathways, including those related to WNT//β-catenin, TGF-β/SMAD, hypoxia, oxidative stress, PI3K/Akt, and NF-κB, plays a central role in mediating this transition. While these findings significantly broaden our understanding of CS-induced EMT, the research reviewed herein leans heavily on 2D cell cultures, highlighting a research gap. Furthermore, the review identifies a stark omission of genetic and epigenetic factors in recent studies. Despite these shortcomings, the findings furnish a consolidated foundation not only for the academic community but also for the broader scientific and industrial sectors, including large tobacco companies and manufacturers of related products, both highlighting areas of current understanding and identifying areas for deeper exploration. The synthesis herein aims to propel further research, hoping to unravel the complexities of the EMT in the context of CS exposure. This review not only expands our understanding of CS-induced EMT but also reveals critical limitations in current methodologies, primarily the reliance on 2D cell cultures, which may not adequately simulate more complex biological interactions. Additionally, it highlights a significant gap in the literature concerning the genetic and epigenetic factors involved in CS-induced EMT, suggesting an urgent need for comprehensive studies that incorporate these types of experiments.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sarah Mohammed Alqithami
- Department of Toxicology and Cancer Biology, University of Kentucky College of Medicine, Lexington, KY 40536, USA
| | - Amrita Machwe
- Department of Toxicology and Cancer Biology, University of Kentucky College of Medicine, Lexington, KY 40536, USA
| | - David K Orren
- Department of Toxicology and Cancer Biology, University of Kentucky College of Medicine, Lexington, KY 40536, USA
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2
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Beri P, Woo YJ, Schierenbeck K, Chen K, Barnes SW, Ross O, Krutil D, Quackenbush D, Fang B, Walker J, Barnes W, Toyama EQ. A high-throughput cigarette smoke-treated bronchosphere model for disease-relevant phenotypic compound screening. PLoS One 2023; 18:e0287809. [PMID: 37384771 PMCID: PMC10310037 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0287809] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/22/2022] [Accepted: 06/13/2023] [Indexed: 07/01/2023] Open
Abstract
Cigarette smoking (CS) is the leading cause of COPD, and identifying the pathways that are driving pathogenesis in the airway due to CS exposure can aid in the discovery of novel therapies for COPD. An additional barrier to the identification of key pathways that are involved in the CS-induced pathogenesis is the difficulty in building relevant and high throughput models that can recapitulate the phenotypic and transcriptomic changes associated with CS exposure. To identify these drivers, we have developed a cigarette smoke extract (CSE)-treated bronchosphere assay in 384-well plate format that exhibits CSE-induced decreases in size and increase in luminal secretion of MUC5AC. Transcriptomic changes in CSE-treated bronchospheres resemble changes that occur in human smokers both with and without COPD compared to healthy groups, indicating that this model can capture human smoking signature. To identify new targets, we ran a small molecule compound deck screening with diversity in target mechanisms of action and identified hit compounds that attenuated CSE induced changes, either decreasing spheroid size or increasing secreted mucus. This work provides insight into the utility of this bronchopshere model to examine human respiratory disease impacted by CSE exposure and the ability to screen for therapeutics to reverse the pathogenic changes caused by CSE.
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Affiliation(s)
- Pranjali Beri
- Novartis Institutes for Biomedical Research, San Diego, California, United States of America
| | - Young Jae Woo
- Novartis Institutes for Biomedical Research, San Diego, California, United States of America
| | - Katie Schierenbeck
- Novartis Institutes for Biomedical Research, San Diego, California, United States of America
| | - Kaisheng Chen
- Novartis Institutes for Biomedical Research, San Diego, California, United States of America
| | - S. Whitney Barnes
- Novartis Institutes for Biomedical Research, San Diego, California, United States of America
| | - Olivia Ross
- Novartis Institutes for Biomedical Research, San Diego, California, United States of America
| | - Douglas Krutil
- Novartis Institutes for Biomedical Research, San Diego, California, United States of America
| | - Doug Quackenbush
- Novartis Institutes for Biomedical Research, San Diego, California, United States of America
| | - Bin Fang
- Novartis Institutes for Biomedical Research, San Diego, California, United States of America
| | - John Walker
- Novartis Institutes for Biomedical Research, San Diego, California, United States of America
| | - William Barnes
- Novartis Institutes for Biomedical Research, San Diego, California, United States of America
| | - Erin Quan Toyama
- Novartis Institutes for Biomedical Research, San Diego, California, United States of America
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3
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Brock S, Jackson DB, Soldatos TG, Hornischer K, Schäfer A, Diella F, Emmert MY, Hoerstrup SP. Whole patient knowledge modeling of COVID-19 symptomatology reveals common molecular mechanisms. FRONTIERS IN MOLECULAR MEDICINE 2023; 2:1035290. [PMID: 39086962 PMCID: PMC11285600 DOI: 10.3389/fmmed.2022.1035290] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/02/2022] [Accepted: 12/12/2022] [Indexed: 08/02/2024]
Abstract
Infection with SARS-CoV-2 coronavirus causes systemic, multi-faceted COVID-19 disease. However, knowledge connecting its intricate clinical manifestations with molecular mechanisms remains fragmented. Deciphering the molecular basis of COVID-19 at the whole-patient level is paramount to the development of effective therapeutic approaches. With this goal in mind, we followed an iterative, expert-driven process to compile data published prior to and during the early stages of the pandemic into a comprehensive COVID-19 knowledge model. Recent updates to this model have also validated multiple earlier predictions, suggesting the importance of such knowledge frameworks in hypothesis generation and testing. Overall, our findings suggest that SARS-CoV-2 perturbs several specific mechanisms, unleashing a pathogenesis spectrum, ranging from "a perfect storm" triggered by acute hyper-inflammation, to accelerated aging in protracted "long COVID-19" syndromes. In this work, we shortly report on these findings that we share with the community via 1) a synopsis of key evidence associating COVID-19 symptoms and plausible mechanisms, with details presented within 2) the accompanying "COVID-19 Explorer" webserver, developed specifically for this purpose (found at https://covid19.molecularhealth.com). We anticipate that our model will continue to facilitate clinico-molecular insights across organ systems together with hypothesis generation for the testing of potential repurposing drug candidates, new pharmacological targets and clinically relevant biomarkers. Our work suggests that whole patient knowledge models of human disease can potentially expedite the development of new therapeutic strategies and support evidence-driven clinical hypothesis generation and decision making.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | - Theodoros G. Soldatos
- Molecular Health GmbH, Heidelberg, Germany
- SRH Hochschule, University of Applied Science, Heidelberg, Germany
| | | | | | | | - Maximilian Y. Emmert
- Institute for Regenerative Medicine, University of Zurich, Zurich, Switzerland
- Wyss Zurich, University of Zurich and ETH Zurich, Zurich, Switzerland
- Department of Cardiothoracic and Vascular Surgery, German Heart Institute Berlin, Berlin, Germany
- Department of Cardiovascular Surgery, Charité Universitätsmedizin Berlin, Berlin, Germany
| | - Simon P. Hoerstrup
- Institute for Regenerative Medicine, University of Zurich, Zurich, Switzerland
- Wyss Zurich, University of Zurich and ETH Zurich, Zurich, Switzerland
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4
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Byrd AL, Qu X, Lukyanchuk A, Liu J, Chen F, Naughton KJ, DuCote TJ, Song X, Bowman HC, Zhao Y, Edgin AR, Wang C, Liu J, Brainson CF. Dysregulated Polycomb Repressive Complex 2 contributes to chronic obstructive pulmonary disease by rewiring stem cell fate. Stem Cell Reports 2022; 18:289-304. [PMID: 36525966 PMCID: PMC9860081 DOI: 10.1016/j.stemcr.2022.11.009] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/26/2021] [Revised: 11/11/2022] [Accepted: 11/14/2022] [Indexed: 12/23/2022] Open
Abstract
Aberrant lung cell differentiation is a hallmark of many lung diseases including chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD). The EZH2-containing Polycomb Repressive Complex 2 (PRC2) regulates embryonic lung stem cell fate, but its role in adult lung is obscure. Histological analysis of patient tissues revealed that loss of PRC2 activity was correlated with aberrant bronchiolar cell differentiation in COPD lung. Histological and single-cell RNA-sequencing analyses showed that loss of EZH2 in mouse lung organoids led to lowered self-renewal capability, increased squamous morphological development, and marked shifts in progenitor cell populations. Evaluation of in vivo models revealed that heterozygosity of Ezh2 in mice with ovalbumin-induced lung inflammation led to epithelial cell differentiation patterns similar to those in COPD lung. We also identified cystathionine-β-synthase as a possible upstream factor for PRC2 destabilization. Our findings suggest that PRC2 is integral to facilitating proper lung stem cell differentiation in humans and mice.
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Affiliation(s)
- Aria L. Byrd
- Department of Toxicology and Cancer Biology, University of Kentucky, Lexington, KY, USA
| | - Xufeng Qu
- Department of Biostatistics, Virginia Commonwealth University, Richmond, VA, USA
| | - Alexsandr Lukyanchuk
- Department of Toxicology and Cancer Biology, University of Kentucky, Lexington, KY, USA
| | - Jinpeng Liu
- Department of Internal Medicine, University of Kentucky, Lexington, KY, USA
| | - Fan Chen
- Department of Toxicology and Cancer Biology, University of Kentucky, Lexington, KY, USA
| | - Kassandra J. Naughton
- Department of Toxicology and Cancer Biology, University of Kentucky, Lexington, KY, USA
| | - Tanner J. DuCote
- Department of Toxicology and Cancer Biology, University of Kentucky, Lexington, KY, USA
| | - Xiulong Song
- Department of Toxicology and Cancer Biology, University of Kentucky, Lexington, KY, USA
| | - Hannah C. Bowman
- Department of Toxicology and Cancer Biology, University of Kentucky, Lexington, KY, USA
| | - Yanming Zhao
- Department of Toxicology and Cancer Biology, University of Kentucky, Lexington, KY, USA
| | - Abigail R. Edgin
- Department of Toxicology and Cancer Biology, University of Kentucky, Lexington, KY, USA
| | - Chi Wang
- Department of Internal Medicine, University of Kentucky, Lexington, KY, USA,Markey Cancer Center, University of Kentucky, Lexington, KY, USA
| | - Jinze Liu
- Department of Biostatistics, Virginia Commonwealth University, Richmond, VA, USA,Massey Cancer Center, Virginia Commonwealth University, Richmond, VA, USA
| | - Christine Fillmore Brainson
- Department of Toxicology and Cancer Biology, University of Kentucky, Lexington, KY, USA; Markey Cancer Center, University of Kentucky, Lexington, KY, USA.
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Kirk NA, Kim KB, Park KS. Effect of chromatin modifiers on the plasticity and immunogenicity of small-cell lung cancer. Exp Mol Med 2022; 54:2118-2127. [PMID: 36509828 PMCID: PMC9794818 DOI: 10.1038/s12276-022-00905-x] [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: 07/31/2022] [Revised: 10/25/2022] [Accepted: 10/26/2022] [Indexed: 12/14/2022] Open
Abstract
Tumor suppressor genes (TSGs) are often involved in maintaining homeostasis. Loss of tumor suppressor functions causes cellular plasticity that drives numerous types of cancer, including small-cell lung cancer (SCLC), an aggressive type of lung cancer. SCLC is largely driven by numerous loss-of-function mutations in TSGs, often in those encoding chromatin modifiers. These mutations present a therapeutic challenge because they are not directly actionable. Alternatively, understanding the resulting molecular changes may provide insight into tumor intervention strategies. We hypothesize that despite the heterogeneous genomic landscape in SCLC, the impacts of mutations in patient tumors are related to a few important pathways causing malignancy. Specifically, alterations in chromatin modifiers result in transcriptional dysregulation, driving mutant cells toward a highly plastic state that renders them immune evasive and highly metastatic. This review will highlight studies in which imbalance of chromatin modifiers with opposing functions led to loss of immune recognition markers, effectively masking tumor cells from the immune system. This review also discusses the role of chromatin modifiers in maintaining neuroendocrine characteristics and the role of aberrant transcriptional control in promoting epithelial-to-mesenchymal transition during tumor development and progression. While these pathways are thought to be disparate, we highlight that the pathways often share molecular drivers and mediators. Understanding the relationships among frequently altered chromatin modifiers will provide valuable insights into the molecular mechanisms of SCLC development and progression and therefore may reveal preventive and therapeutic vulnerabilities of SCLC and other cancers with similar mutations.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nicole A. Kirk
- grid.27755.320000 0000 9136 933XDepartment of Microbiology, Immunology, and Cancer Biology, School of Medicine, University of Virginia, Charlottesville, VA 22908 USA
| | - Kee-Beom Kim
- grid.258803.40000 0001 0661 1556BK21 FOUR KNU Creative BioResearch Group, School of Life Sciences, Kyungpook National University, Daegu, 41566 Republic of Korea
| | - Kwon-Sik Park
- grid.27755.320000 0000 9136 933XDepartment of Microbiology, Immunology, and Cancer Biology, School of Medicine, University of Virginia, Charlottesville, VA 22908 USA
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6
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Liu X, Zheng N, Liu Y, Zhu B, Hou J, Qian M, Zhang L, Li L, Zeng Y, Chen C, Wang X. Transcriptomic atlas of GNAT family members in pulmonary epithelia under pathological conditions using single-cell and bulk cell sequencing. Clin Transl Med 2022; 12:e841. [PMID: 35858249 PMCID: PMC9299758 DOI: 10.1002/ctm2.841] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/04/2022] [Revised: 04/05/2022] [Accepted: 04/08/2022] [Indexed: 11/14/2022] Open
Affiliation(s)
- Xuanqi Liu
- Department of Pulmonary and Critical Care Medicine, Zhongshan Hospital, Institute for Clinical Science, Shanghai Institute of Clinical Bioinformatics, Shanghai Engineering Research for AI Technology for Cardiopulmonary Diseases, Shanghai, China
| | - Nannan Zheng
- Department of Pulmonary and Critical Care Medicine, Zhongshan Hospital, Institute for Clinical Science, Shanghai Institute of Clinical Bioinformatics, Shanghai Engineering Research for AI Technology for Cardiopulmonary Diseases, Shanghai, China.,Jinshan Hospital Centre for Tumor Diagnosis and Therapy, Fudan University Shanghai Medical College, Shanghai, China
| | - Yifei Liu
- Center of Molecular Diagnosis and therapy, The Second Hospital of Fujian Medical University, Quanzhou, China
| | - Bijun Zhu
- Department of Pulmonary and Critical Care Medicine, Zhongshan Hospital, Institute for Clinical Science, Shanghai Institute of Clinical Bioinformatics, Shanghai Engineering Research for AI Technology for Cardiopulmonary Diseases, Shanghai, China
| | - Jiayun Hou
- Department of Pulmonary and Critical Care Medicine, Zhongshan Hospital, Institute for Clinical Science, Shanghai Institute of Clinical Bioinformatics, Shanghai Engineering Research for AI Technology for Cardiopulmonary Diseases, Shanghai, China
| | - Mengjia Qian
- Department of Pulmonary and Critical Care Medicine, Zhongshan Hospital, Institute for Clinical Science, Shanghai Institute of Clinical Bioinformatics, Shanghai Engineering Research for AI Technology for Cardiopulmonary Diseases, Shanghai, China
| | - Linlin Zhang
- Department of Pulmonary and Critical Care Medicine, Zhongshan Hospital, Institute for Clinical Science, Shanghai Institute of Clinical Bioinformatics, Shanghai Engineering Research for AI Technology for Cardiopulmonary Diseases, Shanghai, China
| | - Liyang Li
- Department of Pulmonary and Critical Care Medicine, Zhongshan Hospital, Institute for Clinical Science, Shanghai Institute of Clinical Bioinformatics, Shanghai Engineering Research for AI Technology for Cardiopulmonary Diseases, Shanghai, China
| | - Yiming Zeng
- Quzhou Hospital of Wenzhou Medical University, Quzhou, China
| | - Chengshui Chen
- Quzhou Hospital of Wenzhou Medical University, Quzhou, China
| | - Xiangdong Wang
- Department of Pulmonary and Critical Care Medicine, Zhongshan Hospital, Institute for Clinical Science, Shanghai Institute of Clinical Bioinformatics, Shanghai Engineering Research for AI Technology for Cardiopulmonary Diseases, Shanghai, China
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7
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Zhang C, Gu S, Kang X. CircRNA circ_0006892 regulates miR-24/PHLPP2 axis to mitigate cigarette smoke extract-induced bronchial epithelial cell injury. Biotechnol Appl Biochem 2022; 69:735-748. [PMID: 33734482 DOI: 10.1002/bab.2148] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/25/2020] [Accepted: 01/29/2021] [Indexed: 12/22/2022]
Abstract
Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) is a chronic airway disorder mainly resulted from cigarette smoke exposure. The dysregulated circular RNAs (circRNAs) are relevant to the pathogenesis of COPD. This study aims to explore the function and mechanism of circRNA hsa_circ_0006892 (circ_0006892) in cigarette smoke extract (CSE)-induced bronchial epithelial injury. The lung tissues were collected from 17 nonsmokers and 23 smokers with COPD. The bronchial epithelial cells (BEAS-2B and 16HBE) were stimulated via CSE. Circ_0006892, microRNA-24 (miR-24), and PH domain and leucine-rich repeat protein phosphatase 2 (PHLPP2) abundances were examined via a quantitative reverse transcription polymerase chain reaction or Western blot. Cell viability, apoptosis, and inflammatory response were assessed via cell counting kit-8 (CCK-8), flow cytometry, and enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA). The target relationship of miR-24 and circ_0006892 or PHLPP2 was tested via dual-luciferase reporter analysis, RNA immunoprecipitation, and RNA pull-down. Circ_0006892 expression was reduced in lung tissues of smokers with COPD and CSE-stimulated bronchial epithelial cells. Circ_0006892 overexpression alleviated CSE-induced viability reduction and promotion of apoptosis and inflammatory response. MiR-24 was bound via circ_0006892, and miR-24 overexpression reversed the effect of circ_0006892 on CSE-induced injury. PHLPP2 was targeted via miR-24, and miR-24 knockdown mitigated CSE-induced viability reduction and promotion of apoptosis and inflammatory response via regulating PHLPP2. Circ_0006892 could promote PHLPP2 expression via regulating miR-24. Circ_0006892 attenuated CSE-induced bronchial epithelial cell apoptosis and inflammatory response via regulating miR-24/PHLPP2 axis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Chenying Zhang
- Department of Respiratory Medicine, The Hospital of Lianyungang Affiliated Xuzhou Medical University, Lianyungang, Jiangsu, China
| | - Shuangshuang Gu
- Department of Emergency, Nanjing Drum Tower Hospital Affiliated to Nanjing University Medical School, Nanjing, Jiangsu, China
| | - Xiuwen Kang
- Department of Intensive Care Unit, The Hospital of Lianyungang Affiliated Xuzhou Medical University, Lianyungang, Jiangsu, China
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Tao F, Zhou Y, Wang M, Wang C, Zhu W, Han Z, Sun N, Wang D. Metformin alleviates chronic obstructive pulmonary disease and cigarette smoke extract-induced glucocorticoid resistance by activating the nuclear factor E2-related factor 2/heme oxygenase-1 signaling pathway. THE KOREAN JOURNAL OF PHYSIOLOGY & PHARMACOLOGY 2022; 26:95-111. [PMID: 35203060 PMCID: PMC8890943 DOI: 10.4196/kjpp.2022.26.2.95] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/02/2021] [Revised: 11/08/2021] [Accepted: 11/29/2021] [Indexed: 11/15/2022]
Abstract
Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) is an important healthcare problem worldwide. Often, glucocorticoid (GC) resistance develops during COPD treatment. As a classic hypoglycemic drug, metformin (MET) can be used as a treatment strategy for COPD due to its anti-inflammatory and antioxidant effects, but its specific mechanism of action is not known. We aimed to clarify the role of MET on COPD and cigarette smoke extract (CSE)-induced GC resistance. Through establishment of a COPD model in rats, we found that MET could improve lung function, reduce pathological injury, as well as reduce the level of inflammation and oxidative stress in COPD, and upregulate expression of nuclear factor E2-related factor 2 (Nrf2), heme oxygenase-1 (HO-1), multidrug resistance protein 1 (MRP1), and histone deacetylase 2 (HDAC2). By establishing a model of GC resistance in human bronchial epithelial cells stimulated by CSE, we found that MET reduced secretion of interleukin-8, and could upregulate expression of Nrf2, HO-1, MRP1, and HDAC2. MET could also increase the inhibition of MRP1 efflux by MK571 significantly, and increase expression of HDAC2 mRNA and protein. In conclusion, MET may upregulate MRP1 expression by activating the Nrf2/HO-1 signaling pathway, and then regulate expression of HDAC2 protein to reduce GC resistance.
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Affiliation(s)
- Fulin Tao
- College of Pharmacy, Anhui University of Chinese Medicine, Hefei, Anhui 230012, China
| | - Yuanyuan Zhou
- College of Pharmacy, Anhui University of Chinese Medicine, Hefei, Anhui 230012, China
| | - Mengwen Wang
- College of Pharmacy, Anhui University of Chinese Medicine, Hefei, Anhui 230012, China
| | - Chongyang Wang
- College of Pharmacy, Anhui University of Chinese Medicine, Hefei, Anhui 230012, China
| | - Wentao Zhu
- College of Pharmacy, Anhui University of Chinese Medicine, Hefei, Anhui 230012, China
| | - Zhili Han
- College of Pharmacy, Anhui University of Chinese Medicine, Hefei, Anhui 230012, China
| | - Nianxia Sun
- College of Pharmacy, Anhui University of Chinese Medicine, Hefei, Anhui 230012, China
| | - Dianlei Wang
- College of Pharmacy, Anhui University of Chinese Medicine, Hefei, Anhui 230012, China
- Anhui Province Key Laboratory of Research & Development of Chinese Medicine, Hefei, Anhui 230012, China
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9
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Anzalone G, Moscato M, Montalbano AM, Albano GD, Gagliardo R, Marchese R, Fucarino A, Nigro CL, Drago G, Profita M. PBDEs affect inflammatory and oncosuppressive mechanisms via the EZH2 methyltransferase in airway epithelial cells. Life Sci 2021; 282:119827. [PMID: 34273373 DOI: 10.1016/j.lfs.2021.119827] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/25/2021] [Revised: 06/30/2021] [Accepted: 07/08/2021] [Indexed: 12/21/2022]
Abstract
AIMS We aimed to investigate the effect of PBDEs (47, 99, 209) on cellular events involved in epigenetic modification, inflammation, and epithelial mesenchymal transition (EMT). MATERIALS AND METHODS We studied: 1) ERK1/2 phosphorylation; 2) Enhancer of Zester Homolog 2 (EZH2); 3) Histone H3 tri-methylated in lysine 27 (H3K27me3); 4) K-RAS; 5) silencing disabled homolog 2-interacting protein gene (DAB2IP), 6) let-7a; 7) Muc5AC/Muc5B, and 8) IL-8 in a 3D in vitro model of epithelium obtained with primary Normal Human Bronchial Epithelial cells (pNHBEs) or A549 cell line, chronically exposed to PBDEs (47, 99, 209). KEY FINDINGS PBDEs (10 nM, 100 nM and 1 μM) increased ERK1/2 phosphorylation, and EZH2, H3K27me3, and K-RAS protein expression, while decreased DAB2IP and Let-7a transcripts in pNHBEs ALI culture. Furthermore PBDEs (47, 99) (100 nM) increased Muc5AC and Muc5B mRNA, and PBDE 47 (100 nM) IL-8 mRNA via EZH2 in pNHBEs. Finally, PBDEs (100 nM) affected EZH2, H3K27me3, K-RAS protein expression, and DAB2IP, Let-7a transcripts and cell invasion in A549 cells. Gsk343 (methyltransferase EZH2 inhibitor) (1 mM) and U0126 (inhibitor of MEK1/2) (10 μM) were used to show the specific effect of PBDEs. SIGNIFICANCE PBDE inhalation might promote inflammation/cancer via EZH2 methyltransferase activity and H3K27me3, k-RAS and ERk1/2 involvement, generating adverse health outcomes of the human lung.
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Affiliation(s)
- Giulia Anzalone
- Institute for Biomedical Research and Innovation (IRIB), National Research Council of Italy (CNR), Palermo, Italy
| | - Monica Moscato
- Institute for Biomedical Research and Innovation (IRIB), National Research Council of Italy (CNR), Palermo, Italy
| | - Angela Marina Montalbano
- Institute for Biomedical Research and Innovation (IRIB), National Research Council of Italy (CNR), Palermo, Italy
| | - Giusy Daniela Albano
- Institute for Biomedical Research and Innovation (IRIB), National Research Council of Italy (CNR), Palermo, Italy
| | - Rosalia Gagliardo
- Institute for Biomedical Research and Innovation (IRIB), National Research Council of Italy (CNR), Palermo, Italy
| | - Roberto Marchese
- Interventional Pulmonology Unit, La Maddalena Cancer Center, Palermo, Italy
| | - Alberto Fucarino
- Department of Experimental Biomedicine and Clinical Neuroscience (BioNec), University of Palermo, Palermo, Italy
| | - Chiara Lo Nigro
- Interventional Pulmonology Unit, La Maddalena Cancer Center, Palermo, Italy
| | - Gaspare Drago
- Institute for Biomedical Research and Innovation (IRIB), National Research Council of Italy (CNR), Palermo, Italy
| | - Mirella Profita
- Institute for Biomedical Research and Innovation (IRIB), National Research Council of Italy (CNR), Palermo, Italy.
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10
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Khan P, Siddiqui JA, Maurya SK, Lakshmanan I, Jain M, Ganti AK, Salgia R, Batra SK, Nasser MW. Epigenetic landscape of small cell lung cancer: small image of a giant recalcitrant disease. Semin Cancer Biol 2020; 83:57-76. [PMID: 33220460 PMCID: PMC8218609 DOI: 10.1016/j.semcancer.2020.11.006] [Citation(s) in RCA: 19] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/25/2020] [Revised: 11/10/2020] [Accepted: 11/11/2020] [Indexed: 12/12/2022]
Abstract
Small cell lung cancer (SCLC) is a particular subtype of lung cancer with high mortality. Recent advances in understanding SCLC genomics and breakthroughs of immunotherapy have substantially expanded existing knowledge and treatment modalities. However, challenges associated with SCLC remain enigmatic and elusive. Most of the conventional drug discovery approaches targeting altered signaling pathways in SCLC end up in the 'grave-yard of drug discovery', which mandates exploring novel approaches beyond inhibiting cell signaling pathways. Epigenetic modifications have long been documented as the key contributors to the tumorigenesis of almost all types of cancer, including SCLC. The last decade witnessed an exponential increase in our understanding of epigenetic modifications for SCLC. The present review highlights the central role of epigenetic regulations in acquiring neoplastic phenotype, metastasis, aggressiveness, resistance to chemotherapy, and immunotherapeutic approaches of SCLC. Different types of epigenetic modifications (DNA/histone methylation or acetylation) that can serve as predictive biomarkers for prognostication, treatment stratification, neuroendocrine lineage determination, and development of potential SCLC therapies are also discussed. We also review the utility of epigenetic targets/epidrugs in combination with first-line chemotherapy and immunotherapy that are currently under investigation in preclinical and clinical studies. Altogether, the information presents the inclusive landscape of SCLC epigenetics and epidrugs that will help to improve SCLC outcomes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Parvez Khan
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, University of Nebraska Medical Center, Omaha, NE-68198, USA
| | - Jawed Akhtar Siddiqui
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, University of Nebraska Medical Center, Omaha, NE-68198, USA
| | - Shailendra Kumar Maurya
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, University of Nebraska Medical Center, Omaha, NE-68198, USA
| | - Imayavaramban Lakshmanan
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, University of Nebraska Medical Center, Omaha, NE-68198, USA
| | - Maneesh Jain
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, University of Nebraska Medical Center, Omaha, NE-68198, USA; Fred and Pamela Buffett Cancer Center, University of Nebraska Medical Center, Omaha, NE 68198, USA
| | - Apar Kishor Ganti
- Fred and Pamela Buffett Cancer Center, University of Nebraska Medical Center, Omaha, NE 68198, USA; Division of Oncology-Hematology, Department of Internal Medicine, VA-Nebraska Western Iowa Health Care System, Omaha, NE, 68105, USA; Division of Oncology-Hematology, Department of Internal Medicine, University of Nebraska Medical Center, Omaha, NE, 68198, USA
| | - Ravi Salgia
- Department of Medical Oncology and Therapeutics Research, City of Hope Comprehensive Cancer Center and Beckman Research Institute, Duarte 91010, CA, USA
| | - Surinder Kumar Batra
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, University of Nebraska Medical Center, Omaha, NE-68198, USA; Fred and Pamela Buffett Cancer Center, University of Nebraska Medical Center, Omaha, NE 68198, USA; Eppley Institute for Research in Cancer and Allied Diseases, University of Nebraska Medical Center, Omaha, NE 68198, USA
| | - Mohd Wasim Nasser
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, University of Nebraska Medical Center, Omaha, NE-68198, USA; Fred and Pamela Buffett Cancer Center, University of Nebraska Medical Center, Omaha, NE 68198, USA.
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Prognostic Value of EZH2 in Non-Small-Cell Lung Cancers: A Meta-Analysis and Bioinformatics Analysis. BIOMED RESEARCH INTERNATIONAL 2020; 2020:2380124. [PMID: 33299862 PMCID: PMC7705440 DOI: 10.1155/2020/2380124] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/10/2020] [Revised: 09/20/2020] [Accepted: 10/22/2020] [Indexed: 12/25/2022]
Abstract
Background The prognosis of non-small-cell lung cancer (NSCLC) has not been significantly improved. In the past several years, research on epigenetics is in full swing. There is a focus on the gene EZH2; however, its role as a predictor of the prognosis of NSCLC is in the debate. Objective To clarify if the expression level of EZH2 can influence the prognosis of NSCLC and explain its prognostic value. Methods We have systematically searched PubMed, Web of Science, and Cochrane library, screened relevant articles, and conducted a meta-analysis on the expression level of EZH2 in NSCLC. We collected the hazard ratio (HR) and the 95% confidence interval (CI) and used STATA 12.0 to calculate the combined result of EZH2 overall survival. In addition, we conducted subgroup analyses, a sensitivity analysis, and a funnel plot to test the reliability of the results. We further validated these meta-analysis results using the Kaplan-Meier plotter database and The Cancer Genome Atlas (TCGA) database. In addition, we have investigated the correlation between EZH2 expression and EGFR expression, KRAS expression, BRAF expression, and smoking in TCGA database to further explore the mechanism behind the influence of high EZH2 expression on lung cancer prognosis. Results 13 studies including 2180 participants were included in the meta-analysis. We found that high expression of EZH2 indicates a poor prognosis of NSCLC (HR = 1.65 and 95% CI 1.16-2.35; p ≤ 0.001). Subgroup analyses showed high heterogeneity in stages I-IV (I 2 = 85.1% and p ≤ 0.001) and stages I-III (I 2 = 66.9% and p = 0.029) but not in stage I (I 2 = 0.00% and p = 0.589). In the Kaplan-Meier plotter database, there was a high expression in 963 cases and low expression in 964 cases (HR = 1.31 and 95% CI 1.15-1.48; p < 0.05). Further analysis found that the high expression of EZH2 was statistically significant in lung adenocarcinoma (HR = 1.27and 95% CI 1.01-1.6; p = 0.045), but not in lung squamous cell carcinoma (HR = 1.03 and 95% CI 0.81-1.3; p = 0.820). The results of the TCGA database showed that the expression of EZH2 in normal tissues was lower than that in lung cancer tissues (p < 0.05). Smoking was associated with high expression of EZH2 (p < 0.001). EZH2 was also highly expressed in lung cancers with positive KRAS expression, and the correlation was positive in lung adenocarcinoma (r = 0.3129 and p < 0.001). The correlation was also positive in lung squamous cell carcinoma (r = 0.3567 and p < 0.001). EZH2 expression was positively correlated with BRAF expression (r = 0.2397 and p < 0.001), especially in lung squamous cell carcinoma (r = 0.3662 and p < 0.001). In lung squamous cell carcinoma, a positive yet weak correlation was observed between EZH2 expression and EGFR expression (r = 0.1122 and p < 0.001). Conclusions The high expression of EZH2 indicates a poor prognosis of NSCLC, which may be related to tumor stage or cancer type. EZH2 may be an independent prognostic factor for NSCLC. EZH2 high expression or its synergistic action with KRAS and BRAF mutations affects the prognosis of non-small-cell lung cancer.
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Bellazzo A, Collavin L. Cutting the Brakes on Ras-Cytoplasmic GAPs as Targets of Inactivation in Cancer. Cancers (Basel) 2020; 12:cancers12103066. [PMID: 33096593 PMCID: PMC7588890 DOI: 10.3390/cancers12103066] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/28/2020] [Revised: 10/11/2020] [Accepted: 10/15/2020] [Indexed: 12/16/2022] Open
Abstract
Simple Summary GTPase-Activating Proteins (RasGAPs) are a group of structurally related proteins with a fundamental role in controlling the activity of Ras in normal and cancer cells. In particular, loss of function of RasGAPs may contribute to aberrant Ras activation in cancer. Here we review the multiple molecular mechanisms and factors that are involved in downregulating RasGAPs expression and functions in cancer. Additionally, we discuss how extracellular stimuli from the tumor microenvironment can control RasGAPs expression and activity in cancer cells and stromal cells, indirectly affecting Ras activation, with implications for cancer development and progression. Abstract The Ras pathway is frequently deregulated in cancer, actively contributing to tumor development and progression. Oncogenic activation of the Ras pathway is commonly due to point mutation of one of the three Ras genes, which occurs in almost one third of human cancers. In the absence of Ras mutation, the pathway is frequently activated by alternative means, including the loss of function of Ras inhibitors. Among Ras inhibitors, the GTPase-Activating Proteins (RasGAPs) are major players, given their ability to modulate multiple cancer-related pathways. In fact, most RasGAPs also have a multi-domain structure that allows them to act as scaffold or adaptor proteins, affecting additional oncogenic cascades. In cancer cells, various mechanisms can cause the loss of function of Ras inhibitors; here, we review the available evidence of RasGAP inactivation in cancer, with a specific focus on the mechanisms. We also consider extracellular inputs that can affect RasGAP levels and functions, implicating that specific conditions in the tumor microenvironment can foster or counteract Ras signaling through negative or positive modulation of RasGAPs. A better understanding of these conditions might have relevant clinical repercussions, since treatments to restore or enhance the function of RasGAPs in cancer would help circumvent the intrinsic difficulty of directly targeting the Ras protein.
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