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Venditti M, Arcaniolo D, De Sio M, Minucci S. First Evidence of the Expression and Localization of Prothymosin α in Human Testis and Its Involvement in Testicular Cancers. Biomolecules 2022; 12:biom12091210. [PMID: 36139050 PMCID: PMC9496091 DOI: 10.3390/biom12091210] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/25/2022] [Revised: 08/23/2022] [Accepted: 08/30/2022] [Indexed: 11/16/2022] Open
Abstract
Prothymosin α (PTMA) is a phylogenetically conserved polypeptide in male gonads of Vertebrates. In Mammals, it is a ubiquitous protein, and, possessing a random-coil structure, it interacts with many other partners, in both cytoplasmic and nuclear compartments. PTMA has been widely studied during cell progression in different types of cancer because of its anti-apoptotic and proliferative properties. Here, we provided the first evidence of PTMA expression and localization in human testis and in two testicular cancers (TC): classic seminoma (CS) and Leydig cell tumor (LCT). Data showed that its protein level, together with that of proliferating cell nuclear antigen (PCNA), a cell cycle progression marker, increased in both CS and LCT samples, as compared to non-pathological (NP) tissue. Moreover, in the two-cancer tissue, a decreased apoptotic rate and an increased autophagic flux was also evidenced. Results confirmed the anti-apoptotic action of PTMA, also suggesting that it can act as a switcher from apoptosis to autophagy, to favor the survival of testicular cancer cells when they develop in adverse environments. Finally, the combined data, even if they need to be further validated, add new insight into the role of PTMA in human normal and pathological testicular tissue.
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Affiliation(s)
- Massimo Venditti
- Dipartimento di Medicina Sperimentale, Sez. Fisiologia Umana e Funzioni Biologiche Integrate “F. Bottazzi”, Università degli Studi della Campania “Luigi Vanvitelli”, Via Costantinopoli, 16-80138 Napoli, Italy
- Correspondence:
| | - Davide Arcaniolo
- Dipartimento della Donna, del Bambino e di Chirurgia Generale e Specialistica, Università degli Studi della Campania “Luigi Vanvitelli”, Via Luigi De Crecchio, 02-80138 Napoli, Italy
| | - Marco De Sio
- Dipartimento della Donna, del Bambino e di Chirurgia Generale e Specialistica, Università degli Studi della Campania “Luigi Vanvitelli”, Via Luigi De Crecchio, 02-80138 Napoli, Italy
| | - Sergio Minucci
- Dipartimento di Medicina Sperimentale, Sez. Fisiologia Umana e Funzioni Biologiche Integrate “F. Bottazzi”, Università degli Studi della Campania “Luigi Vanvitelli”, Via Costantinopoli, 16-80138 Napoli, Italy
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Overexpression of prothymosin-alpha in glioma is associated with tumor aggressiveness and poor prognosis. Biosci Rep 2022; 42:231053. [PMID: 35297481 PMCID: PMC9069441 DOI: 10.1042/bsr20212685] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/03/2021] [Revised: 02/10/2022] [Accepted: 03/03/2022] [Indexed: 12/05/2022] Open
Abstract
Prothymosin-α (PTMA), a nuclear protein, is strikingly associated with unfavorable clinical outcomes in many cancers. However, no information about its clinical relevance in glioma was available. Therefore in the present study, we evaluated the prognostic utility of this protein in a cohort of 81 glioma patients. The PTMA expression was assessed by immunohistochemical analysis, quantitative PCR, and Western blotting. Furthermore, the association of PTMA with clinicopathological features and molecular alterations were assessed in the patient cohort and validated in multiomics datasets, The Cancer Genome Atlas (TCGA; n=667) and Chinese Glioma Genome Atlas (CGGA; n=1013). We observed an increase in PTMA expression with increasing histological grades of this malignancy. PTMA immunostaining also displayed a strong positive association with the MIB-1 index. Univariate analysis revealed a superior prognostic value of PTMA to predict overall survival (OS) as compared with the routinely used markers (p53, isocitrate dehydrogenase (IDH) 1 (IDH1), α-thalassemia/intellectual disability syndrome X-linked (ATRX), and Ki-67). Interestingly, in Cox regression analysis it emerged as an independent predictor of OS (hazard ratio (HR) = 13.71, 95% CI = 5.96–31.52, P<0.0001). Thus, our results demonstrate the potential prognostic utility of PTMA in glioma which may prove useful in the management of this deadly malignancy.
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Xydia M, Rahbari R, Ruggiero E, Macaulay I, Tarabichi M, Lohmayer R, Wilkening S, Michels T, Brown D, Vanuytven S, Mastitskaya S, Laidlaw S, Grabe N, Pritsch M, Fronza R, Hexel K, Schmitt S, Müller-Steinhardt M, Halama N, Domschke C, Schmidt M, von Kalle C, Schütz F, Voet T, Beckhove P. Common clonal origin of conventional T cells and induced regulatory T cells in breast cancer patients. Nat Commun 2021; 12:1119. [PMID: 33602930 PMCID: PMC7893042 DOI: 10.1038/s41467-021-21297-y] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/26/2020] [Accepted: 12/11/2020] [Indexed: 02/06/2023] Open
Abstract
Regulatory CD4+ T cells (Treg) prevent tumor clearance by conventional T cells (Tconv) comprising a major obstacle of cancer immune-surveillance. Hitherto, the mechanisms of Treg repertoire formation in human cancers remain largely unclear. Here, we analyze Treg clonal origin in breast cancer patients using T-Cell Receptor and single-cell transcriptome sequencing. While Treg in peripheral blood and breast tumors are clonally distinct, Tconv clones, including tumor-antigen reactive effectors (Teff), are detected in both compartments. Tumor-infiltrating CD4+ cells accumulate into distinct transcriptome clusters, including early activated Tconv, uncommitted Teff, Th1 Teff, suppressive Treg and pro-tumorigenic Treg. Trajectory analysis suggests early activated Tconv differentiation either into Th1 Teff or into suppressive and pro-tumorigenic Treg. Importantly, Tconv, activated Tconv and Treg share highly-expanded clones contributing up to 65% of intratumoral Treg. Here we show that Treg in human breast cancer may considerably stem from antigen-experienced Tconv converting into secondary induced Treg through intratumoral activation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Maria Xydia
- RCI Regensburg Centre for Interventional Immunology, University and Department of Hematology/Oncology, University Medical Centre of Regensburg, Regensburg, Germany.
- Translational Immunology Department, German Cancer Research Centre, Heidelberg, Germany.
| | - Raheleh Rahbari
- The Cancer, Ageing and Somatic Mutation Program, Wellcome Sanger Institute, Hinxton, UK
| | - Eliana Ruggiero
- Translational Oncology Department, National Centre for Tumor Diseases and German Cancer Research Centre, Heidelberg, Germany
| | - Iain Macaulay
- The Cancer, Ageing and Somatic Mutation Program, Wellcome Sanger Institute, Hinxton, UK
- Technical Development, Earlham Institute, Norwich, UK
| | - Maxime Tarabichi
- The Cancer, Ageing and Somatic Mutation Program, Wellcome Sanger Institute, Hinxton, UK
- The Francis Crick Institute, London, UK
| | - Robert Lohmayer
- RCI Regensburg Centre for Interventional Immunology, University and Department of Hematology/Oncology, University Medical Centre of Regensburg, Regensburg, Germany
- Institute for Theoretical Physics, University of Regensburg, Regensburg, Germany
| | - Stefan Wilkening
- Translational Oncology Department, National Centre for Tumor Diseases and German Cancer Research Centre, Heidelberg, Germany
| | - Tillmann Michels
- RCI Regensburg Centre for Interventional Immunology, University and Department of Hematology/Oncology, University Medical Centre of Regensburg, Regensburg, Germany
| | - Daniel Brown
- Department of Human Genetics, University of Leuven, KU Leuven, Leuven, Belgium
- The Walter and Eliza Hall Institute of Medical Research, Melbourne, VIC, Australia
| | - Sebastiaan Vanuytven
- The Francis Crick Institute, London, UK
- Department of Human Genetics, University of Leuven, KU Leuven, Leuven, Belgium
| | - Svetlana Mastitskaya
- Medical Oncology Department, National Centre for Tumor Diseases, Heidelberg, Germany
- Centre for Cardiovascular and Metabolic Neuroscience, Department of Neuroscience, Physiology and Pharmacology, University College London, London, UK
| | - Sean Laidlaw
- The Cancer, Ageing and Somatic Mutation Program, Wellcome Sanger Institute, Hinxton, UK
| | - Niels Grabe
- Medical Oncology Department, National Centre for Tumor Diseases, Heidelberg, Germany
- Hamamatsu Tissue Imaging and Analysis Centre, BIOQUANT, University of Heidelberg, Heidelberg, Germany
| | - Maria Pritsch
- Translational Immunology Department, German Cancer Research Centre, Heidelberg, Germany
| | - Raffaele Fronza
- Translational Oncology Department, National Centre for Tumor Diseases and German Cancer Research Centre, Heidelberg, Germany
| | - Klaus Hexel
- Flow Cytometry Core Facility, German Cancer Research Centre, Heidelberg, Germany
| | - Steffen Schmitt
- Flow Cytometry Core Facility, German Cancer Research Centre, Heidelberg, Germany
| | - Michael Müller-Steinhardt
- German Red Cross (DRK Blood Donation Service in Baden-Württemberg-Hessen) and Institute for Transfusion Medicine and Immunology, Medical Faculty Mannheim, Heidelberg University, Mannheim, Germany
| | - Niels Halama
- Medical Oncology Department, National Centre for Tumor Diseases, Heidelberg, Germany
- Hamamatsu Tissue Imaging and Analysis Centre, BIOQUANT, University of Heidelberg, Heidelberg, Germany
| | - Christoph Domschke
- Department of Gynecology and Obstetrics, University Hospital of Heidelberg, Heidelberg, Germany
| | - Manfred Schmidt
- Translational Oncology Department, National Centre for Tumor Diseases and German Cancer Research Centre, Heidelberg, Germany
| | - Christof von Kalle
- Translational Oncology Department, National Centre for Tumor Diseases and German Cancer Research Centre, Heidelberg, Germany
- Clinical Study Centre, Charité/BIH, Berlin, Germany
| | - Florian Schütz
- Department of Gynecology and Obstetrics, University Hospital of Heidelberg, Heidelberg, Germany
| | - Thierry Voet
- The Cancer, Ageing and Somatic Mutation Program, Wellcome Sanger Institute, Hinxton, UK
- Department of Human Genetics, University of Leuven, KU Leuven, Leuven, Belgium
| | - Philipp Beckhove
- RCI Regensburg Centre for Interventional Immunology, University and Department of Hematology/Oncology, University Medical Centre of Regensburg, Regensburg, Germany.
- Translational Immunology Department, German Cancer Research Centre, Heidelberg, Germany.
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Karachaliou CE, Kalbacher H, Voelter W, Tsitsilonis OE, Livaniou E. In Vitro Immunodetection of Prothymosin Alpha in Normal and Pathological Conditions. Curr Med Chem 2020; 27:4840-4854. [PMID: 31389310 DOI: 10.2174/0929867326666190807145212] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/22/2019] [Revised: 05/20/2019] [Accepted: 07/22/2019] [Indexed: 02/06/2023]
Abstract
Prothymosin alpha (ProTα) is a highly acidic polypeptide, ubiquitously expressed in almost all mammalian cells and tissues and consisting of 109 amino acids in humans. ProTα is known to act both, intracellularly, as an anti-apoptotic and proliferation mediator, and extracellularly, as a biologic response modifier mediating immune responses similar to molecules termed as "alarmins". Antibodies and immunochemical techniques for ProTα have played a leading role in the investigation of the biological role of ProTα, several aspects of which still remain unknown and contributed to unraveling the diagnostic and therapeutic potential of the polypeptide. This review deals with the so far reported antibodies along with the related immunodetection methodology for ProTα (immunoassays as well as immunohistochemical, immunocytological, immunoblotting, and immunoprecipitation techniques) and its application to biological samples of interest (tissue extracts and sections, cells, cell lysates and cell culture supernatants, body fluids), in health and disease states. In this context, literature information is critically discussed, and some concluding remarks are presented.
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Affiliation(s)
- Chrysoula-Evangelia Karachaliou
- Institute of Nuclear & Radiological Sciences and Technology, Energy & Safety (INRASTES), National Centre for Scientific Research "Demokritos", 15310 Agia Paraskevi, Athens, Greece
| | - Hubert Kalbacher
- Interfaculty Institute of Biochemistry, University of Tuebingen, 72076 Tuebingen, Germany
| | - Wolfgang Voelter
- Interfaculty Institute of Biochemistry, University of Tuebingen, 72076 Tuebingen, Germany
| | - Ourania E Tsitsilonis
- Department of Biology, National and Kapodistrian University of Athens, 15701 Athens, Greece
| | - Evangelia Livaniou
- Institute of Nuclear & Radiological Sciences and Technology, Energy & Safety (INRASTES), National Centre for Scientific Research "Demokritos", 15310 Agia Paraskevi, Athens, Greece
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The high-resolution proteomic analysis of protein composition of rat spleen lymphocytes stimulated by Concanavalin A; a comparison with morphine-treated cells. J Neuroimmunol 2020; 341:577191. [PMID: 32113006 DOI: 10.1016/j.jneuroim.2020.577191] [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: 11/13/2019] [Revised: 02/12/2020] [Accepted: 02/12/2020] [Indexed: 11/23/2022]
Abstract
Morphine- and Concanavalin A-induced changes of protein composition of rat spleen lymphocytes were determined by high-resolution proteomic analysis, gel-free, label-free quantification, MaxLFQ. Stimulation by Con A resulted in a major reorganization of spleen cell protein composition evidenced by increased expression level of 94 proteins; 101 proteins were down-regulated (>2-fold). Interestingly, among proteins that were up-regulated to the largest extent were the prototypical brain proteins as a neuron specific enolase, synapsin-1, brain acid-soluble protein-1 and myelin basic protein. Morphine-induced change was limited to no more than 5 up-regulated and 18 down-regulated proteins (>2-fold).
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Kuo YH, Shiau AL, Tung CL, Su YC, Li CF, Su BH, Tsao CJ, Wu CL, Feng YH, Wu P. Expression of prothymosin α in lung cancer is associated with squamous cell carcinoma and smoking. Oncol Lett 2019; 17:5740-5746. [PMID: 31105795 DOI: 10.3892/ol.2019.10248] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/24/2018] [Accepted: 01/11/2019] [Indexed: 11/06/2022] Open
Abstract
Prothymosin α (ProTα) is a nuclear protein that serves a role in oncogenesis, by promoting proliferation and inhibiting apoptosis in various malignancies. The present study was designed to investigate ProTα expression in resected human non-small cell lung cancer to define the clinicopathological associations of ProTα-positive lung cancer. Immunohistochemical staining of ProTα was performed using tumor sample slides from 149 patients with non-small cell lung cancer, who underwent surgical resection. Association between the expression of ProTα and the following clinicopathological parameters was accessed: Age, sex, stage, lymph node involvement, pathological subtype, recurrence and cigarette smoking. A total of 85 tumors (57%) were classified as ProTα-positive lung cancer by staining intensity and 73 tumors (49%) were regarded as ProTα-positive by scoring index. The majority of patients with ProTα-positive tumors were younger (P=0.05) and had squamous cell carcinoma (P<0.01) compared with older and adenocarcinoma. Positive expression of ProTα by staining intensity was associated with a higher incidence rate of cancer recurrence (P=0.05) compared with negative ProTα expression. ProTα was also associated with cigarette smoking, particularly in the group with squamous cell carcinoma. Therefore, the present data suggested that ProTα-positive non-small cell lung cancer was associated with younger patients, squamous cell carcinoma, cigarette smoking and a higher incidence recurrence rate, subsequently indicating a subtype consisting of patients with smoking-associated inferior outcomes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yu-Hsuan Kuo
- Division of Hematology and Oncology, Department of Internal Medicine, Chi-Mei Medical Center, Tainan 71004, Taiwan, R.O.C.,College of Pharmacy and Science, Chia Nan University, Tainan 71710, Taiwan, R.O.C
| | - Ai-Li Shiau
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, National Cheng Kung University Medical College, Tainan 70101, Taiwan, R.O.C
| | - Chao-Ling Tung
- Division of Hematology and Oncology, Department of Internal Medicine, Chi-Mei Medical Center, Tainan 71004, Taiwan, R.O.C
| | - Yu-Chu Su
- Department of Otolaryngology, National Cheng Kung University Hospital, Medical College, National Cheng Kung University, Tainan 70101, Taiwan, R.O.C
| | - Chien-Feng Li
- Department of Pathology, Chi-Mei Medical Center, Yong Kang, Tainan 71004, Taiwan, R.O.C
| | - Bing-Hua Su
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, National Cheng Kung University Medical College, Tainan 70101, Taiwan, R.O.C
| | - Chao-Jung Tsao
- Division of Hematology and Oncology, Chi-Mei Medical Center, Tainan 73657, Taiwan, R.O.C
| | - Chao-Liang Wu
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, National Cheng Kung University Medical College, Tainan 70101, Taiwan, R.O.C
| | - Yin-Hsun Feng
- Division of Hematology and Oncology, Department of Internal Medicine, Chi-Mei Medical Center, Tainan 71004, Taiwan, R.O.C.,Department of Nursing, Chung Hwa University of Medical Technology, Tainan 71703, Taiwan, R.O.C
| | - Pensee Wu
- Institute of Reproductive and Developmental Biology, Imperial College London, London W12 ONN, UK
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Gut microbiome disruption altered the biotransformation and liver toxicity of arsenic in mice. Arch Toxicol 2018; 93:25-35. [PMID: 30357543 DOI: 10.1007/s00204-018-2332-7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 50] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/30/2018] [Accepted: 10/10/2018] [Indexed: 12/14/2022]
Abstract
The mammalian gut microbiome (GM) plays a critical role in xenobiotic biotransformation and can profoundly affect the toxic effects of xenobiotics. Previous in vitro studies have demonstrated that gut bacteria have the capability to metabolize arsenic (As); however, the specific roles of the gut microbiota in As metabolism in vivo and the toxic effects of As are largely unknown. Here, we administered sodium arsenite to conventionally raised mice (with normal microbiomes) and GM-disrupted mice with antibiotics to investigate the role of the gut microbiota in As biotransformation and its toxicity. We found that the urinary total As levels of GM-disrupted mice were much higher, but the fecal total As levels were lower, than the levels in the conventionally raised mice. In vitro experiments, in which the GM was incubated with As, also demonstrated that the gut bacteria could adsorb or take up As and thus reduce the free As levels in the culture medium. With the disruption of the gut microbiota, arsenic biotransformation was significantly perturbed. Of note, the urinary monomethylarsonic acid/dimethylarsinic acid ratio, a biomarker of arsenic metabolism and toxicity, was markedly increased. Meanwhile, the expression of genes of one-carbon metabolism, including folr2, bhmt, and mthfr, was downregulated, and the liver S-adenosylmethionine (SAM) levels were significantly decreased in the As-treated GM-disrupted mice only. Moreover, As exposure altered the expression of genes of the p53 signaling pathway, and the expression of multiple genes associated with hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) was also changed in the As-treated GM-disrupted mice only. Collectively, disruption of the GM enhances the effect of As on one-carbon metabolism, which could in turn affect As biotransformation. GM disruption also increases the toxic effects of As and may increase the risk of As-induced HCC in mice.
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Yajid AI, Ab Rahman HS, Wong MPK, Wan Zain WZ. Potential Benefits of Annona muricata in Combating Cancer: A Review. Malays J Med Sci 2018; 25:5-15. [PMID: 29599630 DOI: 10.21315/mjms2018.25.1.2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/12/2017] [Accepted: 07/28/2017] [Indexed: 01/29/2023] Open
Abstract
The incidence of cancer is increasing each year, which generates concerns regarding the efficacy of the current treatment options. This has caused patients to seek alternatives to complement or to replace surgery, chemotherapy and radiotherapy. Annona muricata and other plants have been shown to have promising compounds that can be utilised in the treatment of cancer. Native to the tropical and subtropical parts of the world, A. muricata plant extracts contain compounds that are particularly effective against cancer cells. In light of increasing concerns regarding the limitations of cancer treatment in hospitals, this review attempts to highlight the benefits of A. muricata and its potential to be integrated as one of the treatment options against cancer.
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Affiliation(s)
- Aidy Irman Yajid
- Department of Pathology, School of Medical Sciences, Universiti Sains Malaysia, 16150 Kubang Kerian, Kelantan, Malaysia
| | - Husna Syakirah Ab Rahman
- Department of Surgery, School of Medical Sciences, Universiti Sains Malaysia, 16150 Kubang Kerian, Kelantan, Malaysia
| | - Michael Pak Kai Wong
- Department of Surgery, School of Medical Sciences, Universiti Sains Malaysia, 16150 Kubang Kerian, Kelantan, Malaysia
| | - Wan Zainira Wan Zain
- Department of Surgery, School of Medical Sciences, Universiti Sains Malaysia, 16150 Kubang Kerian, Kelantan, Malaysia
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Cytoskeletal organization in microtentacles. Exp Cell Res 2017; 357:291-298. [PMID: 28551375 DOI: 10.1016/j.yexcr.2017.05.024] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/01/2017] [Revised: 04/22/2017] [Accepted: 05/24/2017] [Indexed: 11/23/2022]
Abstract
Microtentacles are thin, flexible cell protrusions that have recently been described and whose presence enhances efficient attachment of circulating cells. They are found on circulating tumor cells and can be induced on a wide range of breast cancer cell lines, where they are promoted by factors that either stabilize microtubules or destabilize the actin cytoskeleton. Evidence suggests that they are relevant to the metastatic spread of cancer, so understanding their structure and formation may lead to useful therapies. Microtentacles are formed by microtubules and contain vimentin intermediate filaments, but beyond this, there is little information about their ultrastructure. We have used electron microscopy of high pressure frozen sections and tomography of cryo-prepared intact cells, along with super resolution fluorescence microscopy, to provide the first ultrastructural insights into microtubule and intermediate filament arrangement within microtentacles. By scanning electron microscopy it was seen that microtentacles form within minutes of addition of drugs that stabilize microtubules and destabilize actin filaments. Mature microtentacles were found to be well below one micrometer in diameter, tapering gradually to below 100nm at the distal ends. They also contained frequent branches and bulges suggestive of heterogeneous internal structure. Super resolution fluorescence microscopy and examination of sectioned samples showed that the microtubules and intermediate filaments can occupy different areas within the microtentacles, rather than interacting intimately as had been expected. Cryo-electron tomography of thin regions of microtentacles revealed densely packed microtubules and absence of intermediate filaments. The number of microtubules ranged from several dozen in some areas to just a few in the thinnest regions, with none of the regular arrangement found in axonemes. Improved understanding of the mechanism of microtentacle formation, as well as the resultant structure, will be valuable in developing therapies against metastasis, if the hypothesized role of microtentacles in metastasis is confirmed. This work provides a significant step in this direction.
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Kijogi CM, Khayeka-Wandabwa C, Sasaki K, Tanaka Y, Kurosu H, Matsunaga H, Ueda H. Subcellular dissemination of prothymosin alpha at normal physiology: immunohistochemical vis-a-vis western blotting perspective. BMC PHYSIOLOGY 2016; 16:2. [PMID: 26932824 PMCID: PMC4774093 DOI: 10.1186/s12899-016-0021-4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/22/2015] [Accepted: 02/16/2016] [Indexed: 11/10/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND The cell type, cell status and specific localization of Prothymosin α (PTMA) within cells seemingly determine its function. PTMA undergoes 2 types of protease proteolytic modifications that are useful in elucidating its interactions with other molecules; a factor that typifies its roles. Preferably a nuclear protein, PTMA has been shown to function in the cytoplasm and extracellularly with much evidence leaning on pathognomonic status. As such, determination of its cellular distribution under normal physiological context while utilizing varied techniques is key to illuminating prospective validation of its distinct functions in different tissues. Differential distribution insights at normal physiology would also portent better basis for further clarification of its interactions and proteolytic modifications under pathological conditions like numerous cancer, ischemic stroke and immunomodulation. We therefore raised an antibody against the C terminal of PTMA to use in tandem with available antibody against the N terminal in a murine model to explicate the differences in its distribution in brain cell types and major peripheral organs through western blotting and immunohistochemical approaches. RESULTS The newly generated antibody was applied against the N-terminal antibody to distinguish truncated versions of PTMA or deduce possible masking of the protein by other interacting molecules. Western blot analysis indicated presence of a truncated form of the protein only in the thymus, while immunohistochemical analysis showed that in brain hippocampus the full-length PTMA was stained prominently in the nucleus whereas in the stomach full-length PTMA staining was not observed in the nucleus but in the cytoplasm. CONCLUSION Truncated PTMA could not be detected by western blotting when both antibodies were applied in all tissues examined except the thymus. However, immunohistochemistry revealed differential staining by these antibodies suggesting possible masking of epitopes by interacting molecules. The differential localization patterns observed in the context of nucleic versus cytoplasmic presence as well as punctate versus diffuse pattern in tissues and cell types, warrant further investigations as to the forms of PTMA interacting partners.
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Affiliation(s)
- Caroline Mwendwa Kijogi
- Department of Molecular Microbiology and Immunology, Division of Immunology, Graduate School of Biomedical Sciences, Nagasaki University, Nagasaki, Japan. .,Institute of Tropical Medicine and Infectious Diseases-KEMRI (ITROMID-KEMRI), Nairobi, Kenya.
| | - Christopher Khayeka-Wandabwa
- African Population and Health Research Center (APHRC), P. O. Box 10787-00100, Nairobi, Kenya. .,Institute of Tropical Medicine and Infectious Diseases-KEMRI (ITROMID-KEMRI), Nairobi, Kenya.
| | - Keita Sasaki
- Department of Pharmacology and Therapeutic Innovation, Graduate School of Biomedical Sciences, Nagasaki University, Nagasaki, Japan.
| | - Yoshimasa Tanaka
- Department of Pharmacology and Therapeutic Innovation, Graduate School of Biomedical Sciences, Nagasaki University, Nagasaki, Japan.
| | - Hiroshi Kurosu
- Department of Pharmacology and Therapeutic Innovation, Graduate School of Biomedical Sciences, Nagasaki University, Nagasaki, Japan.
| | - Hayato Matsunaga
- Department of Pharmacology and Therapeutic Innovation, Graduate School of Biomedical Sciences, Nagasaki University, Nagasaki, Japan.
| | - Hiroshi Ueda
- Department of Pharmacology and Therapeutic Innovation, Graduate School of Biomedical Sciences, Nagasaki University, Nagasaki, Japan.
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Prothymosin Alpha and Immune Responses: Are We Close to Potential Clinical Applications? VITAMINS AND HORMONES 2016; 102:179-207. [PMID: 27450735 PMCID: PMC7126549 DOI: 10.1016/bs.vh.2016.04.008] [Citation(s) in RCA: 21] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/15/2022]
Abstract
The thymus gland produces soluble molecules, which mediate significant immune functions. The first biologically active thymic extract was thymosin fraction V, the fractionation of which led to the isolation of a series of immunoactive polypeptides, including prothymosin alpha (proTα). ProTα displays a dual role, intracellularly as a survival and proliferation mediator and extracellularly as a biological response modifier. Accordingly, inside the cell, proTα is implicated in crucial intracellular circuits and may serve as a surrogate tumor biomarker, but when found outside the cell, it could be used as a therapeutic agent for treating immune system deficiencies. In fact, proTα possesses pleiotropic adjuvant activity and a series of immunomodulatory effects (eg, anticancer, antiviral, neuroprotective, cardioprotective). Moreover, several reports suggest that the variable activity of proTα might be exerted through different parts of the molecule. We first reported that the main immunoactive region of proTα is the carboxy-terminal decapeptide proTα(100-109). In conjunction with data from others, we also revealed that proTα and proTα(100-109) signal through Toll-like receptor 4. Although their precise molecular mechanism of action is yet not fully elucidated, proTα and proTα(100-109) are viewed as candidate adjuvants for cancer immunotherapy. Here, we present a historical overview on the discovery and isolation of thymosins with emphasis on proTα and data on some immune-related new activities of the polypeptide and smaller immunostimulatory peptides thereof. Finally, we propose a compiled scenario on proTα's mode of action, which could eventually contribute to its clinical application.
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Ha SY, Song DH, Hwang SH, Cho SY, Park CK. Expression of prothymosin alpha predicts early recurrence and poor prognosis of hepatocellular carcinoma. Hepatobiliary Pancreat Dis Int 2015; 14:171-7. [PMID: 25865690 DOI: 10.1016/s1499-3872(14)60326-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 21] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/05/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Prothymosin alpha (PTMA) is a nuclear oncoprotein-transcription factor essential for cell cycle progression and proliferation. PTMA was overexpressed in several human malignancies including hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC). However, the prognostic significance of PTMA protein expression in HCC remains unclear. In the present study, we evaluated PTMA protein expression by immunohistochemistry in order to elucidate the prognostic roles of PTMA in HCC patients. METHODS By immunohistochemistry, we investigated the expression of PTMA protein in tumor tissue from 226 HCC patients who underwent curative hepatectomy. Univariate and multivariate analyses were performed to evaluate its predictive value for tumor recurrence and survival of patients. The median follow-up period was 120 months. RESULTS PTMA expression was observed in 162 (71.7%) of the 226 HCC patients and was significantly associated with higher Edmondson grade, microvascular invasion, intrahepatic metastasis, higher American Joint Committee on Cancer (AJCC) T-stage, and lower albumin level. PTMA expression was an independent predictor of early recurrence (P=0.001). PTMA expression showed an unfavorable influence on recurrence-free survival (RFS) (P<0.001). Subgroup analysis showed that among patients with tumor size ≤5.0 cm (140 patients), patients at AJCC T-stage 1 (95 patients) and patients with alpha-fetoprotein ≤20 ng/mL (83 patients), the differences in RFS between PTMA-positive and PTMA-negative groups were also statistically significant (P=0.017, P=0.002 and P=0.002, respectively). In addition, PTMA expression was an independent predictor of shorter RFS (P=0.011). PTMA expression showed an unfavorable influence on overall survival (P=0.014), but was not an independent predictor of shorter overall survival (P=0.161). CONCLUSIONS PTMA protein expression might be a novel predictor of early recurrence and RFS in HCC patients, even those at early stage or with alpha-fetoprotein-negative after curative hepatectomy. PTMA could be used as an immunohistochemical biomarker to detect patients with a high risk of recurrence.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sang Yun Ha
- Department of Pathology, Samsung Medical Center, Sungkyunkwan University School of Medicine, Seoul, Korea.
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Lin YT, Lu HP, Chao CCK. Oncogenic c-Myc and prothymosin-alpha protect hepatocellular carcinoma cells against sorafenib-induced apoptosis. Biochem Pharmacol 2014; 93:110-24. [PMID: 25451688 DOI: 10.1016/j.bcp.2014.10.012] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/07/2014] [Revised: 10/22/2014] [Accepted: 10/24/2014] [Indexed: 11/15/2022]
Abstract
Prothymosin alpha (PTMA) is overexpressed in various human tumors, including hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC). The significance of PTMA overexpression and its underlying mechanism remain unclear. We show here that silencing PTMA sensitizes HCC cells to the kinase inhibitor sorafenib. In contrast, ectopic expression of PTMA induces cell resistance to the drug. While inhibitors targeting JNK, ERK or PI3K reduce PTMA expression, only ERK activation is suppressed by sorafenib. In addition, inhibition of ERK produces a dramatic decrease in both endogenous PTMA level and promoter activation. Ectopic expression of active MKK1/2 considerably induces PTMA expression. We also identify a sorafenib-responsive segment lying 1000-1500-bp upstream of the PTMA transcription start site and observe that it is controlled by c-Myc and ERK. Mutation in the PTMA promoter at the predicted c-Myc binding site and silencing of c-Myc both abrogate sorafenib's effect on PTMA transcription. We also find that silencing PTMA potentiates Bax translocation to mitochondria in response to sorafenib and this is associated with increased cytochrome c release from mitochondria and enhanced caspase-9 activation. These results indicate that PTMA is positively regulated by the oncoprotein c-Myc and protects HCC cells against sorafenib-induced cell death, thus identifying PTMA as a new target for chemotherapy against HCC.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yi-Te Lin
- Graduate Institute of Biomedical Sciences, College of Medicine, Chang Gung University, Taoyuan 333, Taiwan, Republic of China
| | - Hsing-Pang Lu
- Graduate Institute of Biomedical Sciences, College of Medicine, Chang Gung University, Taoyuan 333, Taiwan, Republic of China
| | - Chuck C-K Chao
- Graduate Institute of Biomedical Sciences, College of Medicine, Chang Gung University, Taoyuan 333, Taiwan, Republic of China; Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, College of Medicine, Chang Gung University, Taoyuan 333, Taiwan, Republic of China.
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Zhang M, Cui F, Lu S, Lu H, Jiang T, Chen J, Zhang X, Jin Y, Peng Z, Tang H. Increased expression of prothymosin-α, independently or combined with TP53, correlates with poor prognosis in colorectal cancer. INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF CLINICAL AND EXPERIMENTAL PATHOLOGY 2014; 7:4867-4876. [PMID: 25197357 PMCID: PMC4152047] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/27/2014] [Accepted: 08/02/2014] [Indexed: 06/03/2023]
Abstract
Human prothymosin-α (PTMA) plays an important role in tumorigenesis, and its overexpression triggers a TP53 response. In this study, we identified that PTMA expression was up-regulated at both the transcriptional and translational level in tumor tissue compared to that in adjacent normal tissue. PTMA overexpression was significantly associated with the depth of tumor invasion, lymph node metastasis (LNM), distant metastasis, advanced AJCC stage, and tumor differentiation. There was also a significant association between PTMA over-expression and mutant TP53 expression (r=0.515, P < 0.001). Survival analysis revealed that the disease-free survival (DFS) and overall survival (OS) rates were significantly lower among patients with PTMA- and TP53-positive tumors. Hence, PTMA might play an important role in the progression of CRC, and the assessment of both PTMA and mutant TP53 expression can help predict colon cancer prognosis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Meng Zhang
- Department of Pathology, Shanghai Jiaotong University Affiliated First People’s Hospital85 Wujin Road, Shanghai 200080, People’s Republic of China
| | - Feifei Cui
- General Surgery, Shanghai Jiaotong University Affiliated First People’s Hospital85 Wujin Road, Shanghai 200080, People’s Republic of China
| | - Su Lu
- Department of Pathology, Shanghai Jiaotong University Affiliated First People’s Hospital85 Wujin Road, Shanghai 200080, People’s Republic of China
| | - Huijun Lu
- Department of Pathology, Shanghai Jiaotong University Affiliated First People’s Hospital85 Wujin Road, Shanghai 200080, People’s Republic of China
| | - Tao Jiang
- Department of Anal-Colorectal Surgery, General Hospital of Ningxia Medical University804 South Shengli Road, Yinchuan 750004, People’s Republic of China
| | - Jian Chen
- General Surgery, Shanghai Jiaotong University Affiliated First People’s Hospital85 Wujin Road, Shanghai 200080, People’s Republic of China
| | - Xuemei Zhang
- Department of Pathology, Shanghai Jiaotong University Affiliated First People’s Hospital85 Wujin Road, Shanghai 200080, People’s Republic of China
| | - Yubiao Jin
- Department of Pathology, Shanghai Jiaotong University Affiliated First People’s Hospital85 Wujin Road, Shanghai 200080, People’s Republic of China
| | - Zhihai Peng
- General Surgery, Shanghai Jiaotong University Affiliated First People’s Hospital85 Wujin Road, Shanghai 200080, People’s Republic of China
| | - Huamei Tang
- Department of Pathology, Shanghai Jiaotong University Affiliated First People’s Hospital85 Wujin Road, Shanghai 200080, People’s Republic of China
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Ferrara D, Pariante P, Di Matteo L, Serino I, Oko R, Minucci S. First evidence of prothymosin alpha localization in the acrosome of mammalian male gametes. J Cell Physiol 2013; 228:1629-37. [DOI: 10.1002/jcp.24332] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/21/2012] [Accepted: 01/16/2013] [Indexed: 12/27/2022]
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Ueda H, Matsunaga H, Halder SK. Prothymosin α plays multifunctional cell robustness roles in genomic, epigenetic, and nongenomic mechanisms. Ann N Y Acad Sci 2012; 1269:34-43. [DOI: 10.1111/j.1749-6632.2012.06675.x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 21] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/22/2022]
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Ioannou K, Samara P, Livaniou E, Derhovanessian E, Tsitsilonis OE. Prothymosin alpha: a ubiquitous polypeptide with potential use in cancer diagnosis and therapy. Cancer Immunol Immunother 2012; 61:599-614. [PMID: 22366887 PMCID: PMC11029552 DOI: 10.1007/s00262-012-1222-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 35] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/08/2011] [Accepted: 02/10/2012] [Indexed: 01/06/2023]
Abstract
The thymus is a central lymphoid organ with crucial role in generating T cells and maintaining homeostasis of the immune system. More than 30 peptides, initially referred to as "thymic hormones," are produced by this gland. Although the majority of them have not been proven to be thymus-specific, thymic peptides comprise an effective group of regulators, mediating important immune functions. Thymosin fraction five (TFV) was the first thymic extract shown to stimulate lymphocyte proliferation and differentiation. Subsequent fractionation of TFV led to the isolation and characterization of a series of immunoactive peptides/polypeptides, members of the thymosin family. Extensive research on prothymosin α (proTα) and thymosin α1 (Tα1) showed that they are of clinical significance and potential medical use. They may serve as molecular markers for cancer prognosis and/or as therapeutic agents for treating immunodeficiencies, autoimmune diseases and malignancies. Although the molecular mechanisms underlying their effect are yet not fully elucidated, proTα and Tα1 could be considered as candidates for cancer immunotherapy. In this review, we will focus in principle on the eventual clinical utility of proTα, both as a tumor biomarker and in triggering anticancer immune responses. Considering the experience acquired via the use of Tα1 to treat cancer patients, we will also discuss potential approaches for the future introduction of proTα into the clinical setting.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kyriaki Ioannou
- Department of Animal and Human Physiology, Faculty of Biology, University of Athens, Panepistimiopolis, 15784 Athens, Greece
| | - Pinelopi Samara
- Department of Animal and Human Physiology, Faculty of Biology, University of Athens, Panepistimiopolis, 15784 Athens, Greece
| | - Evangelia Livaniou
- Immunopeptide Chemistry Lab, Institute of Radioisotopes and Radiodiagnostic Products, National Centre for Scientific Research “Demokritos”, Patriarchou Gregoriou and Neapoleos, Aghia Paraskevi, 15310 Athens, Greece
| | - Evelyna Derhovanessian
- Tübingen Ageing and Tumour Immunology Group, Center for Medical Research, University of Tübingen Medical School, Waldhörnlestr. 22, 72072 Tübingen, Germany
| | - Ourania E. Tsitsilonis
- Department of Animal and Human Physiology, Faculty of Biology, University of Athens, Panepistimiopolis, 15784 Athens, Greece
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Álvarez-Fernández L, Gómez-Márquez J. Preliminary methylation analysis of prothymosin α genomic sequences. Biochem Cell Biol 2012; 90:596-601. [PMID: 22463375 DOI: 10.1139/o2012-007] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/22/2022] Open
Abstract
Prothymosin α is a mammalian nuclear protein involved in cell proliferation and differentiation. Here, we carried out the first study of the methylation status of ProTα genomic sequences in cell lines during differentiation as well as in tumoral tissues. We found that there is hypermethylation in all cell lines analyzed with a pattern that is characteristic of each cell type revealing specific genomic reorganizations. The decrease of ProTα mRNA during differentiation was not accompanied by changes in the methylation status. Remarkably, we found that there is hypomethylation in gastrointestinal tumors when compared with the peritumoral tissue. The biological implications of these findings are discussed.
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Affiliation(s)
- Leoncio Álvarez-Fernández
- Departamento de Bioquímica e Bioloxía Molecular, Facultade de Bioloxía (edificio CIBUS), Universidade de Santiago de Compostela, 15782 Santiago de Compostela, Galicia, Spain
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Intracellular and extracellular cytokine-like functions of prothymosin α: implications for the development of immunotherapies. Future Med Chem 2012; 3:1199-208. [PMID: 21806381 DOI: 10.4155/fmc.11.72] [Citation(s) in RCA: 32] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/23/2022] Open
Abstract
Prothymosin α (ProTα) is a 12.5-kDa, highly acidic protein widely distributed in different cell types expressed intracellularly and extracellularly. ProTα does not contain a secretion-signal sequence and is released by a nonclassical secretory pathway with a cargo protein. New findings on the extracellular function of ProTα have yielded exciting insights into the cytokine-like functions of this host protein that stimulates type I interferon via Toll-like receptor 4. Here, we discuss the intracellular function of ProTα, how new findings of cytokine-like activities of ProTα aid our understanding of mechanisms that direct ProTα functions, and the potential application of these new insights to the development of immunotherapies.
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Tripathi SC, Matta A, Kaur J, Grigull J, Chauhan SS, Thakar A, Shukla NK, Duggal R, Choudhary AR, DattaGupta S, Sharma MC, Ralhan R, Siu KWM. Overexpression of prothymosin alpha predicts poor disease outcome in head and neck cancer. PLoS One 2011; 6:e19213. [PMID: 21573209 PMCID: PMC3088661 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0019213] [Citation(s) in RCA: 24] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/11/2010] [Accepted: 03/29/2011] [Indexed: 12/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Background In our recent study, tissue proteomic analysis of oral pre-malignant lesions (OPLs) and normal oral mucosa led to the identification of a panel of biomarkers, including prothymosin alpha (PTMA), to distinguish OPLs from histologically normal oral tissues. This study aimed to determine the clinical significance of PTMA overexpression in oral squamous cell hyperplasia, dysplasia and head and neck squamous cell carcinoma (HNSCC). Methodology Immunohistochemistry of PTMA protein was performed in HNSCCs (n = 100), squamous cell hyperplasia (n = 116), dysplasia (n = 50) and histologically normal oral tissues (n = 100). Statistical analysis was carried out to determine the association of PTMA overexpression with clinicopathological parameters and disease prognosis over 7 years for HNSCC patients. Results Our immunohistochemical analysis demonstrated significant overexpression of nuclear PTMA in squamous cell hyperplasia (63.8%), dysplasia (50%) and HNSCC (61%) in comparison with oral normal mucosa (ptrend<0.001). Chi-square analysis showed significant association of nuclear PTMA with advanced tumor stages (III+IV). Kaplan Meier survival analysis indicated reduced disease free survival (DFS) in HNSCC patients (p<0.001; median survival 11 months). Notably, Cox-multivariate analysis revealed nuclear PTMA as an independent predictor of poor prognosis of HNSCC patients (p<0.001, Hazard's ratio, HR = 5.2, 95% CI = 2.3–11.8) in comparison with the histological grade, T-stage, nodal status and tumor stage. Conclusions Nuclear PTMA may serve as prognostic marker in HNSCC to determine the subset of patients that are likely to show recurrence of the disease.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Ajay Matta
- Department of Chemistry and Centre for Research in Mass Spectrometry, York University, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
| | - Jatinder Kaur
- Department of Biochemistry, All India Institute of Medical Sciences, New Delhi, India
| | - Jorg Grigull
- Department of Mathematics and Statistics, York University, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
| | - Shyam Singh Chauhan
- Department of Biochemistry, All India Institute of Medical Sciences, New Delhi, India
| | - Alok Thakar
- Department of Otorhinolaryngology, All India Institute of Medical Sciences, New Delhi, India
| | - Nootan Kumar Shukla
- Department of Surgery, Dr. B. R. A. Institute Rotary Cancer Hospital, All India Institute of Medical Sciences, New Delhi, India
| | - Ritu Duggal
- Centre for Dental Education and Research, All India Institute of Medical Sciences, New Delhi, India
| | - Ajoy Roy Choudhary
- Centre for Dental Education and Research, All India Institute of Medical Sciences, New Delhi, India
| | | | - Mehar Chand Sharma
- Department of Pathology, All India Institute of Medical Sciences, New Delhi, India
| | - Ranju Ralhan
- Department of Chemistry and Centre for Research in Mass Spectrometry, York University, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
- Joseph and Mildred Sonshine Family Centre for Head and Neck Diseases and Department of Otolaryngology – Head and Neck Surgery, Mount Sinai Hospital, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
- Alex and Simona Shnaider Laboratory in Molecular Oncology and Department of Pathology and Laboratory Medicine, Mount Sinai Hospital, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
- Department of Otolaryngology – Head and Neck Surgery, University of Toronto, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
- * E-mail: (RR); (KWMS)
| | - K. W. Michael Siu
- Department of Chemistry and Centre for Research in Mass Spectrometry, York University, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
- * E-mail: (RR); (KWMS)
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Transgenic expression of prothymosin alpha on zebrafish epidermal cells promotes proliferation and attenuates UVB-induced apoptosis. Transgenic Res 2009; 19:655-65. [PMID: 20012190 DOI: 10.1007/s11248-009-9350-4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/29/2009] [Accepted: 11/25/2009] [Indexed: 10/20/2022]
Abstract
This study generated a transgenic zebrafish line Tg(k18:Ptmaa-RFP) with overexpression of Prothymosin alpha type a (Ptmaa) in the skin epidermis. Red fluorescence first appears very weakly in the early stage, become stronger and mainly restricted in the nuclei of the epithelial cells from 3 dpf-larvae to adult fish. However, no evident morphological abnormalities were observed. Thus, overexpression of Ptmaa alone is not sufficient to cause disorganized growths or even cancer in zebrafish skin. Molecular and histological evidences showed that Tg(k18:Ptmaa-RFP) embryos have more proliferating cells in the pelvic fins [WT: 3.92 +/- 7.15; Tg(k18:Ptmaa-RFP): 38.00 +/- 10.87] and thicker skin [WT: 10.98 +/- 1.41 mum; Tg(k18:Ptmaa-RFP): 14.02 +/- 1.32 mum], indicating that overexpression of Ptmaa can promote proliferation. On the other hand, fewer apoptotic signals were found when Tg(k18:Ptmaa-RFP) embryos were exposed to UVB. Together with quantitative RT-PCR data, we suggest that UVB-induced epidermal cell apoptosis of zebrafish larvae can be attenuated by overexpression of Ptmaa through the enhancement of transcriptions of bcl2 mRNAs. Taken together, we conclude that overexpression of Ptmaa in zebrafish epidermal cells promotes proliferation and attenuates UVB-induced apoptosis but does not cause skin cancer.
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Chen YH, Wang YH, Yu TH, Wu HJ, Pai CW. Transgenic zebrafish line with over-expression of Hedgehog on the skin: a useful tool to screen Hedgehog-inhibiting compounds. Transgenic Res 2009; 18:855-64. [PMID: 19412740 DOI: 10.1007/s11248-009-9275-y] [Citation(s) in RCA: 20] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/04/2009] [Accepted: 04/20/2009] [Indexed: 01/07/2023]
Abstract
We generated a transgenic line Tg(k18:shh:RFP) with overexpression of Sonic hedgehog in the skin epidermis. By 5 day-post-fertilization (dpf), many epidermal lesions were clearly observed, including a swollen yolk sac, epidermis growth malformation around the eyes and at the basement of the pectoral fins. Skin histology revealed embryos derived from Tg(k18:shh:RFP) displayed an elevated Nuclear/Cytoplasmic ratio and pleomorphic nuclei compared to their wild type littermates, suggesting the abnormal growth pattern on the epidermis of Tg(k18:shh:RFP) embryos were dysplasia. Later (by 7 dpf), Tg(k18:shh:RFP) embryos displayed broader pectoral fins which are similar to the polydactyly phenotypes of Nevoid basal cell carcinoma syndrome (NBCCS)/Gorlin patients and polydactylous mice. In addition, treatment with cyclopamine is able to enhance and prolong the survival rates and survival durations of Tg(k18:shh:RFP) embryos. In conclusion, this unique Tg(k18:shh:RFP) fish line, should be an excellent experimental animal for screening for a lower toxicity level of the new Hh-inhibitor and can even be used as a new anti-cancer drug-screening platform.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yau-Hung Chen
- Graduate Institute of Life Sciences, Tamkang University, No. 151 Ying-chuan Road, Tamsui, Taipei County, 251, Taiwan.
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Tsai YS, Jou YC, Lee GF, Chen YC, Shiau AL, Tsai HT, Wu CL, Tzai TS. Aberrant prothymosin-alpha expression in human bladder cancer. Urology 2008; 73:188-92. [PMID: 18692879 DOI: 10.1016/j.urology.2008.05.031] [Citation(s) in RCA: 34] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/01/2008] [Revised: 04/04/2008] [Accepted: 05/21/2008] [Indexed: 02/01/2023]
Abstract
OBJECTIVES To investigate the prothymosin-alpha (PTMA) expression in human bladder cancer using tissue microarrays. METHODS Two tissue microarray slides of 50 bladder tumors and 42 paired normal adjacent tissues were investigated using immunohistochemical staining. The staining distribution was categorized as negative, nuclear, cytoplasmic, and mixed expression. Quantitative immunoreactivity was measured using image analysis, as represented by the integrated optical density for each tissue core. RESULTS In 36 of 42 normal adjacent tissues, positive PTMA immunoreactivity could be seen in some nuclei of the normal urothelial cells, but not, or only minimally, in the cytoplasm and underlying submucosal tissues. A statistically significant enhancement of PTMA expression was found in bladder tumors of each grade compared with the normal adjacent tissue (P < .0001 for normal adjacent tissues vs grade 1, 2, or 3 tumors, paired t test). Of 48 transitional cell carcinoma specimens, only 4 (8.3%) were graded as negative and 44 (91.7%) were positive for PTMA expression, including nuclear (n = 8), cytoplasmic (n = 12), and mixed expression (n = 24) patterns. A statistically significant correlation was found between high grade and mixed expression (P = 0.0020, chi(2) test). CONCLUSIONS Increased PTMA expression was found in human bladder cancers compared with the paired normal adjacent bladder tissue. The distribution of PTMA expression was changed in high-grade tumors. The clinical significance of such an aberrant PTMA expression in bladder cancer is worthy of additional investigation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yuh-Shyan Tsai
- Institute of Clinical Medicine, University Hospital and Douliou Branch, National Cheng Kung University College of Medicine, Tainan, Taiwan
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Ojima E, Inoue Y, Miki C, Mori M, Kusunoki M. Effectiveness of gene expression profiling for response prediction of rectal cancer to preoperative radiotherapy. J Gastroenterol 2007; 42:730-6. [PMID: 17876542 DOI: 10.1007/s00535-007-2089-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 22] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/09/2006] [Accepted: 06/19/2007] [Indexed: 02/04/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Our aim was to determine whether the expression levels of specific genes could predict clinical radiosensitivity in human colorectal cancer. METHODS Radioresistant colorectal cancer cell lines were established by repeated X-ray exposure (total, 100 Gy), and the gene expressions of the parent and radioresistant cell lines were compared in a microarray analysis. To verify the microarray data, we carried out a reverse transcriptase-polymerase chain reaction analysis of identified genes in clinical samples from 30 irradiated rectal cancer patients. RESULTS A comparison of the intensity data for the parent and three radioresistant cell lines revealed 17 upregulated and 142 downregulated genes in all radioresistant cell lines. Next, we focused on two upregulated genes, PTMA (prothymosin alpha) and EIF5a2 (eukaryotic translation initiation factor 5A), in the radioresistant cell lines. In clinical samples, the expression of PTMA was significantly higher in the minor effect group than in the major effect group (P = 0.004), but there were no significant differences in EIF5a2 expression between the two groups. CONCLUSIONS We identified radiation-related genes in colorectal cancer and demonstrated that PTMA may play an important role in radiosensitivity. Our findings suggest that PTMA may be a novel marker for predicting the effectiveness of radiotherapy in clinical cases.
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Affiliation(s)
- Eiki Ojima
- Department of Gastrointestinal and Pediatric Surgery, Division of Reparative Medicine, Institute of Life Sciences, Mie University Graduate School of Medicine, 2-174 Edobashi, Tsu, 514-8507, Japan
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Abstract
The ability of thymosin alpha1 (Talpha1) to prevent lung and breast cancer was investigated. Lung adenomas developed in A/J mice injected with carcinogens, such as urethane. The lung adenoma number was reduced by 15-45% if animals were daily treated subcutaneously (s.c.) with Talpha1 (0.4 mg/kg). Talpha1 (1 microM) directly inhibited the growth of mouse lung cell lines. These results suggest that Talpha1 may prevent mouse lung carcinogenesis because it directly inhibits the growth of lung cancer cells. Talpha1 prevented mammary carcinogenesis in two animal models. In the Fisher rat, an animal model of mammary cancer that is estrogen receptor dependent, tumors were initiated by the injection of N-methylurea (NMU). The rat survival was significantly increased by the daily injection of Talpha1. In the SV40T antigen mouse, a transgenic female mouse that spontaneously gets mammary cancer in an estrogen receptor-independent manner, survival was increased and tumor burden was significantly decreased by daily injection of Talpha1. These results indicate that Talpha1 is a chemopreventive agent in animal models for lung and breast carcinogenesis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Terry W Moody
- Department of Health and Human Services, Center for Cancer Research, National Cancer Institute, NIH, Bethesda, MD 20892, USA.
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Whipple RA, Cheung AM, Martin SS. Detyrosinated microtubule protrusions in suspended mammary epithelial cells promote reattachment. Exp Cell Res 2007; 313:1326-36. [PMID: 17359970 PMCID: PMC3132414 DOI: 10.1016/j.yexcr.2007.02.001] [Citation(s) in RCA: 53] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/01/2006] [Revised: 01/31/2007] [Accepted: 02/01/2007] [Indexed: 11/17/2022]
Abstract
Breast tumor cells enter the bloodstream long before the development of clinically evident metastasis. However, the early presence of such bloodborne cells predicts poor patient outcome. Nearly 90% of human breast tumors arise as carcinomas from mammary epithelial cells, so it is important to study how these cells respond to the detached conditions that they would experience in the bloodstream. We report here that mammary epithelial cell lines produce long and dynamic protrusions of the plasma membrane when detached. Although human and mouse mammary epithelial cell lines die by apoptosis within 16 h of detachment, this protrusive response persists for days in cells overexpressing either Bcl-2 or Bcl-xL. Unlike actin-dependent invadopodia and podosomes, these protrusions are actually enhanced by actin depolymerization with Cytochalasin-D or Latrunculin-A. Immunofluorescence and Western blotting demonstrate that the protrusions are enriched in detyrosinated Glu-tubulin, a post-translationally modified form of alpha-tubulin that is found in stabilized microtubules. Video microscopy indicates that these protrusions promote cell-cell attachment, and inhibiting microtubule-based protrusions correlates with reduced extracellular matrix attachment. Since bloodborne metastasis depends on both cell-cell and cell-matrix attachment, microtubule-based protrusions in detached mammary epithelial cells provide a novel mechanism that could influence the metastatic spread of breast tumors.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rebecca A Whipple
- University of Maryland School of Medicine, Marlene and Stewart Greenebaum Cancer Center, Department of Physiology, Baltimore, MD 21201
| | - Agnes M. Cheung
- University of Maryland School of Medicine, Marlene and Stewart Greenebaum Cancer Center, Department of Physiology, Baltimore, MD 21201
| | - Stuart S. Martin
- University of Maryland School of Medicine, Marlene and Stewart Greenebaum Cancer Center, Department of Physiology, Baltimore, MD 21201
- Corresponding author: HSF-2, Rm S103C, 20 S. Penn St. Baltimore, MD 21201, Tel: 410-706-6601, Fax: 410-706-6600,
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Wang M, Pan JY, Song GR, Chen HB, An LJ, Qu SX. Altered expression of estrogen receptor alpha and beta in advanced gastric adenocarcinoma: correlation with prothymosin alpha and clinicopathological parameters. Eur J Surg Oncol 2006; 33:195-201. [PMID: 17046193 DOI: 10.1016/j.ejso.2006.09.009] [Citation(s) in RCA: 52] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/05/2006] [Accepted: 09/06/2006] [Indexed: 12/18/2022] Open
Abstract
AIMS We aimed to investigate the sources of estrogen receptor alpha (ERalpha), estrogen receptor beta (ERbeta) and estimate the value of both ER subtypes in gastric adenocarcinoma and analyze the possible relationship of prothymosin alpha (ProTalpha) to ERs. METHODS ERs at the mRNA and protein levels in matched advanced gastric adenocarcinomas and surrounding non-cancerous tissues were examined by using reverse transcription-polymerase chain reaction and immunohistochemical (IHC) methods. Cell proliferation related protein ProTalpha was also detected in IHC. The immunoreactive signal, corresponding to the proteins expression level, was quantitatively analyzed. RESULTS Both ERalpha and ERbeta mRNAs were detected in most of the cancer and matched normal tissues analyzed. At the protein level, the percentage of ERalpha and ERbeta positive cases changed. ERalpha immunoreactivity was only detected in poorly differentiated adenocarcinoma and ERalpha positive expression correlated with depth of invasion of the tumors. Compared with non-cancerous tissues, gastric tumors showed decreased ERbeta expression and lost ERbeta. Altered ERbeta in gastric adenocarcinoma correlated with decreased differentiation. And the tumors involved lymph node metastasis showed significantly lower expression level of ERbeta. ProTalpha in ERbeta-positive tumors showed higher expression than that in lost ERbeta tumors. CONCLUSIONS Altered expression of ERalpha and ERbeta in tumors compared with corresponding normal gastric tissues was more common in poorly differentiated adenocarcinomas and related to malignant properties, such as lymph node metastasis. Decreased ERbeta and increased ProTalpha expression in advanced gastric adenocarcinoma indicated that ERbeta may play an anti-proliferation role which is opposed to the role of ProTalpha in gastric epithelium.
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Affiliation(s)
- M Wang
- Department of Bioscience and Biotechnology, Dalian University of Technology, Dalian 116024, China
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Leys CM, Nomura S, LaFleur BJ, Ferrone S, Kaminishi M, Montgomery E, Goldenring JR. Expression and prognostic significance of prothymosin-alpha and ERp57 in human gastric cancer. Surgery 2006; 141:41-50. [PMID: 17188166 DOI: 10.1016/j.surg.2006.05.009] [Citation(s) in RCA: 81] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/15/2005] [Revised: 05/18/2006] [Accepted: 05/22/2006] [Indexed: 11/23/2022]
Abstract
PURPOSE Prothymosin-alpha and ERp57 were previously identified as markers for gastric metaplasia in a mouse model of Helicobacter-induced gastric metaplasia and neoplasia. In this paper we assess whether the expression of these putative biomarkers in humans is correlated with gastric metaplasia and adenocarcinoma and clinical outcomes. METHODS Eight tissue microarrays, containing 749 paraffin-embedded tissue cores from 164 gastric cancer patients, were stained for prothymosin-alpha and ERp57 by horseradish peroxidase immunohistochemical techniques. The proportion of stained cells per core was quantitated using the Ariol SL-50 automated image analysis system. RESULTS Prothymosin-alpha stained a significantly higher percentage of nuclei in cancer and metastases compared with normal gastric mucosa. ERp57 staining was significantly decreased in cancer and metastases compared with both normal gastric mucosa and metaplasias. ERp57 expression also correlated with greater depth of tumor invasion and advanced stage of disease. Kaplan-Meier survival analysis determined that tumors with the highest quartile of ERp57 expression were statistically associated with longer postoperative survival. A Cox proportional hazard analysis showed that maintenance of ERp57 expression was associated with longer postoperative survival. CONCLUSIONS These results suggest that although prothymosin-alpha is overexpressed in gastric adenocarcinoma, it is not associated with alterations in survival. In contrast, loss of ERp57 expression correlated with more aggressive disease and could provide useful prognostic information for gastric cancer patients.
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Affiliation(s)
- Charles M Leys
- Department of Surgery, Vanderbilt University School of Medicine, Nashville, TN 37232-2733, USA
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Carey KA, Segal D, Klein R, Sanigorski A, Walder K, Collier GR, Cameron-Smith D. Identification of novel genes expressed during rhabdomyosarcoma differentiation using cDNA microarrays. Pathol Int 2006; 56:246-55. [PMID: 16669873 DOI: 10.1111/j.1440-1827.2006.01958.x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/29/2022]
Abstract
Rhabdomyosarcomas (RMS) are highly aggressive tumors that are thought to arise as a consequence of the regulatory disruption of the growth and differentiation of skeletal muscle progenitor cells. Normal myogenesis is characterized by the expression of the myogenic regulatory factor gene family but, despite their expression in RMS, these tumor cells fail to complete the latter stages of myogenesis. The RMS cell line RD-A was treated with 12-O-tetradecanoylphorbol-13-acetate to induce differentiation and cultured for 10 days. RNA was extracted on days 1, 3, 6, 8 and 10. A human skeletal muscle cDNA microarray was developed and used to analyze the global gene expression of RMS tumors over the time-course of differentiation. As a comparison, the genes identified were subsequently examined during the differentiated primary human skeletal muscle cultures. Prothymosin alpha (PTMA), and translocase of inner mitochondrial membrane 10 (Tim10), two genes not previously implicated in RMS, showed reduced expression during differentiation. Marked differences in the expression of PTMA and Tim10 were observed during the differentiation of human primary skeletal muscle cells. These results identify several new genes with potential roles in the myogenic arrest present in rhabdomyosarcoma. PTMA expression in RMS biopsy samples might prove to be an effective diagnostic marker for this disease.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kate A Carey
- Center for Physical Activity and Nutrition, School of Exercise and Nutrition Sciences, Deakin University, Melbourne, Australia
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Suzuki S, Takahashi S, Takahashi S, Takeshita K, Hikosaka A, Wakita T, Nishiyama N, Fujita T, Okamura T, Shirai T. Expression of prothymosin alpha is correlated with development and progression in human prostate cancers. Prostate 2006; 66:463-9. [PMID: 16353248 DOI: 10.1002/pros.20385] [Citation(s) in RCA: 34] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/12/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Our previous study clearly demonstrated that decreased expression of prothymosin alpha (PTMA) was associated with inhibition of rat prostate carcinogenesis by isoflavones. The purpose of the present investigation was to provide a better understanding of the role of PTMA in human prostate cancers. METHODS AND RESULTS PTMA expression in 68 prostate cancer cases and in prostate cancer cell lines was examined by immunohistochemistry and immunoblotting, and its levels were increased with progression from normal epithelium, through prostatic intraepithelial neoplasia (PIN) to carcinomas, correlating with the Gleason's pattern. All cell lines studied (LNCaP, 22Rv1, DU145, and PC3) showed high PTMA expression compared with prostate epithelial cells (PrEC). Knockdown of PTMA expression in PC3 cells by RNAi resulted in the inhibition of both cell growth and invasion in vitro. CONCLUSIONS The present study clearly demonstrated that PTMA expression is intimately involved in the differentiation and progression of human prostate cancers, and could be a target for therapy and diagnostic purposes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shugo Suzuki
- Department of Experimental Pathology and Tumor Biology, Nagoya City University Graduate School of Medical Sciences, Nagoya, Japan.
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Klimentzou P, Paravatou-Petsotas M, Zikos C, Beck A, Skopeliti M, Czarnecki J, Tsitsilonis O, Voelter W, Livaniou E, Evangelatos GP. Development and immunochemical evaluation of antibodies Y for the poorly immunogenic polypeptide prothymosin alpha. Peptides 2006; 27:183-93. [PMID: 16150512 DOI: 10.1016/j.peptides.2005.07.002] [Citation(s) in RCA: 28] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/16/2005] [Revised: 07/01/2005] [Accepted: 07/05/2005] [Indexed: 01/29/2023]
Abstract
Since conserved mammalian polypeptides are believed to exhibit enhanced immunogenicity in avian species, hens were immunized against the poorly immunogenic, highly conserved mammalian polypeptide prothymosin alpha (ProTalpha), i.e. against either non-conjugated ProTalpha (isolated from bovine thymus) or ProTalpha conjugated to keyhole limpet hemocyanin (ProTalpha/KLH). The antibodies Y were isolated from the egg yolk and evaluated through suitable dot-blot and ELISA systems in parallel with antibodies G isolated from the antiserum of rabbits immunized against the same immunogens. As revealed, antibodies Y and G of low titer and/or affinity were obtained against non-conjugated ProTalpha, while antibodies Y against ProTalpha/KLH had a better apparent titer, could better discriminate between ProTalpha and the closely related bioactive peptide thymosin alpha 1, and were obtained at much larger quantities than the corresponding antibodies G.
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Affiliation(s)
- Persefoni Klimentzou
- National Centre for Scientific Research (NCSR) Demokritos, Institute of Radioisotopes & Radiodiagnostic Products, Immunopeptide Chemistry Laboratory, Aghia Paraskevi Attikis, Athens 15310, Greece
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Letsas KP, Frangou-Lazaridis M, Skyrlas A, Tsatsoulis A, Malamou-Mitsi V. Transcription factor-mediated proliferation and apoptosis in benign and malignant thyroid lesions. Pathol Int 2005; 55:694-702. [PMID: 16271081 DOI: 10.1111/j.1440-1827.2005.01899.x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 20] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/01/2023]
Abstract
Transcription factors play an essential role in regulating both cell proliferation and programmed cell death. Proliferation and apoptosis-related transcription factor immunoexpression patterns were concomitantly investigated in tissue sections of normal thyroid, goiters, follicular adenomas and well-differentiated papillary and follicular carcinomas using antibodies against prothymosin alpha, E2F-1, p53, Bcl2, and Bax proteins. Proliferation and apoptotic indices were determined by Ki-67 immunoreactivity and the terminal deoxynucleotidyl transferase-mediated deoxy uridine triphosphate nick-end labeling technique, respectively. Prothymosin alpha and E2F-1 immunoexpression levels were found to be significantly elevated in well-differentiated carcinomas compared to adenomas, goiters and normal tissues (P < 0.05). Both proteins were directly correlated with the proliferation index (P < 0.05). E2F-1 was additionally correlated with the apoptotic index (P < 0.05). The majority of cases were negative for p53 staining. Positive Bcl2 immunostaining was detected in all thyroid histotypes. None of the normal tissues showed Bax immunoreactivity, while positive accumulation differed significantly between hyperplastic and neoplastic histotypes. Direct correlations were observed between prothymosin alpha and Bcl2 as well as between E2F-1 and Bax immunoexpression (P < 0.05). These data demonstrate that prothymosin alpha and E2F-1 are strongly involved in the proliferation processes of thyroid neoplasias. Furthermore, prothymosin alpha may promote cell survival through the Bcl2 anti-apoptotic pathway, while E2F-1-induced apoptosis via p53-independent pathways may be associated with transcriptional activation of bax pro-apoptotic gene.
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Gattone VH. Prothymosin alpha as a cystogen. Kidney Int 2005; 67:2063-4. [PMID: 15840058 DOI: 10.1111/j.1523-1755.2005.00313.x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/28/2022]
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Lal A, Kawai T, Yang X, Mazan-Mamczarz K, Gorospe M. Antiapoptotic function of RNA-binding protein HuR effected through prothymosin alpha. EMBO J 2005; 24:1852-62. [PMID: 15861128 PMCID: PMC1142594 DOI: 10.1038/sj.emboj.7600661] [Citation(s) in RCA: 142] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/01/2004] [Accepted: 04/05/2005] [Indexed: 11/08/2022] Open
Abstract
We report the antiapoptotic effect of RNA-binding protein HuR, a critical regulator of the post-transcriptional fate of target transcripts. Among the most prominent mRNAs complexing with HuR is that encoding prothymosin alpha (ProTalpha), an inhibitor of the apoptosome. In HeLa cells, treatment with the apoptotic stimulus ultraviolet light (UVC) triggered the mobilization of ProTalpha mRNA to the cytoplasm and onto heavier polysomes, where its association with HuR increased dramatically. Analysis of a chimeric ProTalpha mRNA directly implicated HuR in regulating ProTalpha production: ProTalpha translation and cytoplasmic concentration increased in HuR-overexpressing cells and declined in cells in which HuR levels were lowered by RNA interference. Importantly, the antiapoptotic influence engendered by HuR was vitally dependent on ProTalpha expression, since use of oligomers that blocked ProTalpha translation abrogated the protective effect of HuR. Together, our data support a regulatory scheme whereby HuR binds the ProTalpha mRNA, elevates its cytoplasmic abundance and translation, and thereby elicits an antiapoptotic program.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ashish Lal
- Laboratory of Cellular and Molecular Biology, National Institute on Aging-IRP, National Institutes of Health, Baltimore, MD, USA
| | - Tomoko Kawai
- Laboratory of Cellular and Molecular Biology, National Institute on Aging-IRP, National Institutes of Health, Baltimore, MD, USA
| | - Xiaoling Yang
- Laboratory of Cellular and Molecular Biology, National Institute on Aging-IRP, National Institutes of Health, Baltimore, MD, USA
| | - Krystyna Mazan-Mamczarz
- Laboratory of Cellular and Molecular Biology, National Institute on Aging-IRP, National Institutes of Health, Baltimore, MD, USA
| | - Myriam Gorospe
- Laboratory of Cellular and Molecular Biology, National Institute on Aging-IRP, National Institutes of Health, Baltimore, MD, USA
- Box 12, LCMB, NIA-IRP, NIH 5600 Nathan Shock Drive, Baltimore, MD 21224, USA. Tel.: +1 410 558 8443; Fax: +1 410 558 8386; E-mail:
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Abstract
Apoptosis, or programmed cell death, is involved in development, elimination of damaged cells, and maintenance of cell homeostasis. Deregulation of apoptosis may cause diseases, such as cancers, immune diseases, and neurodegenerative disorders. Apoptosis is executed by a subfamily of cysteine proteases known as caspases. In mammalian cells, a major caspase activation pathway is the cytochrome c-initiated pathway. In this pathway, a variety of apoptotic stimuli cause cytochrome c release from mitochondria, which in turn induces a series of biochemical reactions that result in caspase activation and subsequent cell death. In this review, we focus on the recent progress in understanding the biochemical mechanisms and regulation of the pathway, the roles of the pathway in physiology and disease, and their potential therapeutic values.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xuejun Jiang
- Cell Biology Program, Memorial Sloan-Kettering Cancer Center, New York, New York 10021, USA.
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Nomura S, Baxter T, Yamaguchi H, Leys C, Vartapetian AB, Fox JG, Lee JR, Wang TC, Goldenring JR. Spasmolytic polypeptide expressing metaplasia to preneoplasia in H. felis-infected mice. Gastroenterology 2004; 127:582-94. [PMID: 15300590 DOI: 10.1053/j.gastro.2004.05.029] [Citation(s) in RCA: 122] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/20/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND & AIMS The emergence of oxyntic atrophy and metaplastic cell lineages in response to chronic Helicobacter pylori infection predisposes to gastric neoplasia. We have described a trefoil factor family 2 (TFF2; spasmolytic polypeptide) expressing metaplasia (SPEM) associated with gastric neoplasia in both rodent and human fundus. To examine the relationship of SPEM to the neoplastic process in the H. felis -infected C57BL/6 mouse, we have now studied the association of SPEM-related transcripts with preneoplasia. METHODS SPEM-related transcripts were identified by microarray analysis of amplified cRNA from SPEM, and surface mucous cells were isolated by laser capture microdissection from the same gastric sections from male C57BL/6 mice infected with H. felis for 6 months. Expression of SPEM-related transcripts was assessed by in situ hybridization and quantitative RT-PCR, as well as immunohistochemistry for prothymosin alpha. RESULTS Eleven SPEM-related transcripts were identified as detectable only in SPEM. The expression of the SPEM-related transcripts was validated by in situ hybridization and quantitative PCR. One transcript, the noncoding RNA Xist, was only identified in SPEM cells from the infected male mice. Ten of the 11 transcripts as well as TFF2 were also expressed in regions of gastritis cystica profunda. Immunocytochemistry for one of the identified proteins, prothymosin alpha, demonstrated prominent nuclear staining in SPEM and gastritis cystica profunda. CONCLUSIONS The expression of SPEM-related transcripts in regions of gastritis cystica profunda suggests that SPEM represents a precursor lineage for the development of dysplasia in this animal model of gastric carcinogenesis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sachiyo Nomura
- Nashville VA Medical Center and the Department of Surgery, Vanderbilt-Ingram Cancer Center, Vanderbilt University School of Medicine, Tennessee, USA
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Ciana P, Ghisletti S, Mussi P, Eberini I, Vegeto E, Maggi A. Estrogen receptor alpha, a molecular switch converting transforming growth factor-alpha-mediated proliferation into differentiation in neuroblastoma cells. J Biol Chem 2003; 278:31737-44. [PMID: 12709435 DOI: 10.1074/jbc.m301525200] [Citation(s) in RCA: 34] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/06/2022] Open
Abstract
Transforming growth factor-alpha (TGF-alpha) is known to promote both proliferation and differentiation of neural cell progenitors. Using the human neuroblastoma cell line SK-N-BE that is induced to proliferate by TGF-alpha, we demonstrated that the expression of a single transcription factor, the estrogen receptor-alpha (ER alpha), can reroute the TGF-alpha mitogenic signaling toward a path leading to differentiation. With selected mutations in ER alpha and signal transducer and activator of transcription 3 (Stat3), we demonstrated that the blockade of TGF-alpha mitotic potential was not dependent on ER alpha DNA binding activity but required a transcriptionally active Stat3. In neuroblastoma cells, 17 beta-estradiol treatment induced a transient increase in the transcription of estrogen-responsive element-containing promoters including those regulating TGF-alpha and prothymosin alpha synthesis. Based on the data presented, we hypothesized that in the presence of prothymosin alpha, ER alpha activates its direct target genes and increases cell proliferation, whereas in the presence of high levels of TGF-alpha, ER alpha preferentially interacts with Stat3 and causes cell differentiation. Our results reveal a novel form of "end-product" regulation of an intracellular receptor that occurs through recruitment of membrane receptors and their signaling effector system. Cross-coupling between membrane and intracellular receptors has been described by several laboratories. This study proves the relevance of these interactions in cellular responses to growth factors.
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Affiliation(s)
- Paolo Ciana
- Center of Excellence on Neurodegenerative Diseases, University of Milan, 20133 Milan, Italy
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Abstract
The estrogen receptor (ER), a member of the nuclear hormone receptor superfamily, is a hormone-regulated transcription factor that mediates the effects of estrogens and antiestrogens in breast cancer and other estrogen target cells. Because of the role of estrogens in promoting the growth and progression of breast cancer, there is great interest in exploring ways to functionally inactivate the ER, thereby suppressing ER-mediated gene expression and cell proliferation. These approaches have involved the use of antiestrogens such as tamoxifen, dominant negative ERs and, more recently, the use of corepressors. Through the use of two-hybrid screening, we have recently identified a selective repressor of estrogen receptor activity (REA). This protein is recruited to the hormone-occupied ER and selectively represses its transcriptional activity but not the other steroid and non-steroid nuclear receptors. REA also interacts with a protein, prothymosin-alpha (PTalpha), that selectively enhances ER transcriptional activity by recruiting the repressive REA protein away from ER. Analysis of the mechanisms underlying the activities of these two proteins highlights a new role for REA and PTalpha as activity-modulating proteins that confer receptor specificity.
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Affiliation(s)
- Paolo G V Martini
- Department of Molecular and Integrative Physiology, College of Medicine, University of Illinois, 524 Burrill Hall, 407 South Goodwin Avenue, Urbana, IL 61801, USA
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Tan ZJ, Hu XG, Cao GS, Tang Y. Analysis of gene expression profile of pancreatic carcinoma using cDNA microarray. World J Gastroenterol 2003; 9:818-23. [PMID: 12679940 PMCID: PMC4611457 DOI: 10.3748/wjg.v9.i4.818] [Citation(s) in RCA: 33] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/06/2023] Open
Abstract
AIM: To identify new diagnostic markers and drug targets, the gene expression profiles of pancreatic cancer were compared with that of adjacent normal tissues utilizing cDNA microarray analysis.
METHODS: cDNA probes were prepared by labeling mRNA from samples of six pancreatic carcinoma tissues with Cy5-dUTP and mRNA from adjacent normal tissues with Cy3-dUTP respectively through reverse transcription. The mixed probes of each sample were then hybridized with 12800 cDNA arrays (12648 unique human cDNA sequences), and the fluorescent signals were scanned by ScanArray 3000 scanner (General Scanning, Inc.). The values of Cy5-dUTP and Cy3-dUTP on each spot were analyzed and calculated by ImaGene 3.0 software (BioDiscovery, Inc.). Differentially expressed genes were screened according to the criterion that the absolute value of natural logarithm of the ratio of Cy5-dUTP to Cy3-dUTP was greater-than 0.69.
RESULTS: Among 6 samples investigated, 301 genes, which accounted for 2.38% of genes on the microarry slides, exhibited differentially expression at least in 5. There were 166 over-expressed genes including 136 having been registered in Genebank, and 135 under-expressed genes including 79 in Genebank in cancerous tissues.
CONCLUSION: Microarray analysis may provide invaluable information on disease pathology, progression, resistance to treatment, and response to cellular microenvironments of pancreatic carcinoma and ultimately may lead to improving early diagnosis and discovering innovative therapeutic approaches for cancer.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zhi-Jun Tan
- Department of General Surgery, Changhai Hospital, Second Military Medical University, Shanghai 200433, China
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Jiang X, Kim HE, Shu H, Zhao Y, Zhang H, Kofron J, Donnelly J, Burns D, Ng SC, Rosenberg S, Wang X. Distinctive roles of PHAP proteins and prothymosin-alpha in a death regulatory pathway. Science 2003; 299:223-6. [PMID: 12522243 DOI: 10.1126/science.1076807] [Citation(s) in RCA: 315] [Impact Index Per Article: 15.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/02/2022]
Abstract
A small molecule, alpha-(trichloromethyl)-4-pyridineethanol (PETCM), was identified by high-throughput screening as an activator of caspase-3 in extracts of a panel of cancer cells. PETCM was used in combination with biochemical fractionation to identify a pathway that regulates mitochondria-initiated caspase activation. This pathway consists of tumor suppressor putative HLA-DR-associated proteins (PHAP) and oncoprotein prothymosin-alpha (ProT). PHAP proteins promoted caspase-9 activation after apoptosome formation, whereas ProT negatively regulated caspase-9 activation by inhibiting apoptosome formation. PETCM relieved ProT inhibition and allowed apoptosome formation at a physiological concentration of deoxyadenosine triphosphate. Elimination of ProT expression by RNA interference sensitized cells to ultraviolet irradiation-induced apoptosis and negated the requirement of PETCM for caspase activation. Thus, this chemical-biological combinatory approach has revealed the regulatory roles of oncoprotein ProT and tumor suppressor PHAP in apoptosis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xuejun Jiang
- Howard Hughes Medical Institute, Department of Biochemistry, University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center, Dallas, TX 75390, USA
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Bianco NR, Montano MM. Regulation of prothymosin alpha by estrogen receptor alpha: molecular mechanisms and relevance in estrogen-mediated breast cell growth. Oncogene 2002; 21:5233-44. [PMID: 12149645 DOI: 10.1038/sj.onc.1205645] [Citation(s) in RCA: 29] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/21/2002] [Revised: 05/03/2002] [Accepted: 05/07/2002] [Indexed: 12/25/2022]
Abstract
Prothymosin alpha (PTalpha) is a small highly acidic protein found in the nuclei of virtually all mammalian tissues. Its high conservation in mammals and wide tissue distribution suggest an essential biological role. While the exact mechanism of action of PTalpha remains elusive, the one constant has been its relationship with the proliferative state of the cell and its requirement for cellular growth and survival. Recently PTalpha was found to promote transcriptional activity by sequestering the anticoactivator, REA from the Estrogen Receptor (ER) complex. We now report that Estradiol (E2) upregulates PTalpha mRNA and protein expression. Further studies indicate that ERalpha regulates PTalpha gene transcriptional activity. We have also delimited the region of PTalpha gene promoter involved in ERalpha-mediated transcriptional regulation and identified a novel ERalpha-binding element. Increased intracellular PTalpha expression in the presence of estrogens is accompanied by increased nuclear/decreased cytoplasmic localization. Increased nuclear expression of PTalpha is correlated with increased proliferation as measured by expression of Ki67 nuclear antigen. Conversely, inhibition of nuclear PTalpha expression in breast cancer cells using antisense methodology resulted in the inhibition of E2-induced breast cancer cell proliferation. Overall these studies underscore the importance of PTalpha in estrogen-induced breast cell proliferation.
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MESH Headings
- Blotting, Northern
- Blotting, Western
- Breast Neoplasms/metabolism
- Cell Division/physiology
- Chloramphenicol O-Acetyltransferase/metabolism
- DNA Primers/chemistry
- Electrophoretic Mobility Shift Assay
- Estradiol/pharmacology
- Estrogen Receptor alpha
- Gene Deletion
- Gene Expression Regulation, Neoplastic/physiology
- Humans
- Mutagenesis, Site-Directed
- Polymerase Chain Reaction
- Prohibitins
- Promoter Regions, Genetic/drug effects
- Promoter Regions, Genetic/physiology
- Protein Precursors/genetics
- Protein Precursors/metabolism
- RNA, Messenger/metabolism
- Receptors, Estrogen/physiology
- Retroviridae
- Thymosin/analogs & derivatives
- Thymosin/genetics
- Thymosin/metabolism
- Transcription, Genetic
- Tumor Cells, Cultured
- Up-Regulation
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Affiliation(s)
- Nicole R Bianco
- Department of Pharmacology, Case Western Reserve University, Cleveland, Ohio, OH 44122, USA
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Abstract
The effects of thymosin alpha1 (Talpha1) on mammary carcinogenesis was investigated in Fisher rats. Mammary carcinomas were observed 3 months after N-nitrosomethylurea (NMU) injection (10mg, i.p.) into Fisher rats. Daily administration of Talpha1 (10 microg, s.c.) reduced mammary carcinoma incidence and prolonged survival time. Animals treated with exogenous Talpha1 had a significantly greater blood white cell density than control Fisher rats. These results suggest that Talpha1 prevents mammary carcinoma incidence as a result of stimulation of the immune system.
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Affiliation(s)
- Terry W Moody
- Cell and Cancer Biology Branch, National Cancer Institute, 9610 Medical Center Drive, Building KWC, Rockville, MD 20850, USA.
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43
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Aniello F, Branno M, De Rienzo G, Ferrara D, Palmiero C, Minucci S. First evidence of prothymosin alpha in a non-mammalian vertebrate and its involvement in the spermatogenesis of the frog Rana esculenta. Mech Dev 2002; 110:213-7. [PMID: 11744386 DOI: 10.1016/s0925-4773(01)00569-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 21] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/22/2022]
Abstract
A cDNA clone encoding for a Prothymosin alpha (Prot-alpha) has been isolated and characterized from the testis of the frog Rana esculenta. Frog Prothymosin alpha (fProt-alpha) predicted a 109 amino acid protein with a high homology to the mammalian Prot-alpha. fProt-alpha contains 28 aspartic and 25 glutamic acid residues and presents the typical basic KKQK amino acid sequence in the close carboxyl terminal region. Northern blot analysis revealed that fProt-alpha is highly expressed in the testis. A different expression of fProt-alpha transcript was found during the frog reproductive cycle with a peak in September/October in concomitance with germ cell maturation, strongly suggesting a role for this protein in the testicular activity. In situ hybridization evidenced that the only germ cells expressing fProt-alpha are the primary and secondary spermatocytes; in addition, the hybridization signal was stronger in the October testis. Taken together, our findings indicate that fProt-alpha might contribute to the efficiency of frog spermatogenesis with a role during the meiosis. This study is the first report on the isolation and characterization of a Prot-alpha in a non-mammalian vertebrate. In addition, our results indicate that the testis of the frog R. esculenta may be a useful model to increase the knowledge concerning the physiological role of Prot-alpha in vertebrates.
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Affiliation(s)
- Francesco Aniello
- Dipartimento di Genetica, Biologia Generale e Molecolare Università degli Studi di Napoli Federico II - Via Mezzocannone 8, 80138 Naples, Italy
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Shiau AL, Lin PR, Chang MY, Wu CL. Retrovirus-mediated transfer of prothymosin gene inhibits tumor growth and prolongs survival in murine bladder cancer. Gene Ther 2001; 8:1609-17. [PMID: 11894999 DOI: 10.1038/sj.gt.3301568] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/09/2022]
Abstract
To explore the potential use of prothymosin alpha(ProT), a putative thymic hormone, in gene therapy for bladder cancer, we generated a replication-defective recombinant retroviral vector encoding ProT and tested its antitumor effect on the MBT-2 murine bladder cancer. C3H/HeN mice injected with MBT-2 cells in conjunction with retroviruses encoding ProT exhibited smaller tumor mass, lower tumor incidence and higher survival rate, as well as higher antitumor cytotoxic activities compared with those injected with control viruses. However, such effects were not observed in severe combined immunodeficiency mice, suggesting that ProT exerts antitumor effects through its immunomodulatory activities. Cell growth in monolayer culture and colony formation in soft agar were enhanced in ProT gene-modified MBT-2 clones, and such growth-promoting activities of ProT could be reversed if its nuclear localization signal (NLS) was deleted. To circumvent the proliferation-promoting effect of ProT on tumor cells, a retroviral vector encoding ProT lacking NLS was constructed. Our results showed that retroviruses encoding NLS-deleted ProT was more efficacious than those encoding wild-type ProT in prolonging survival of tumor-bearing mice. This is the first report indicating that ProT, in particular NLS-deleted ProT, delivered by retroviral vectors may be further explored for the treatment of bladder cancer.
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Affiliation(s)
- A L Shiau
- Department of Microbiology, National Cheng Kung University Medical College, Tainan, Taiwan
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Martini PG, Katzenellenbogen BS. Regulation of prothymosin alpha gene expression by estrogen in estrogen receptor-containing breast cancer cells via upstream half-palindromic estrogen response element motifs. Endocrinology 2001; 142:3493-501. [PMID: 11459795 DOI: 10.1210/endo.142.8.8314] [Citation(s) in RCA: 22] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/19/2022]
Abstract
Prothymosin alpha (PTalpha), a protein associated with cell proliferation and chromatin remodeling, and found to selectively enhance ER transcriptional activity by interacting with a repressor of ER activity, is shown to be a primary response gene to estrogen. Prothymosin alpha mRNA was rapidly increased by estrogen, followed by a 6-fold increase in prothymosin alpha protein content in ER-containing breast cancer cells. Analysis of the prothymosin alpha promoter and 5'-flanking region, and electrophoretic gel mobility shift studies showed the strong inducibility by the estradiol-ER complex to be mediated by two consensus half-palindromic estrogen response elements at -750 and -1051, which directly bind the ER. Estrogenic stimulation of prothymosin alpha required a DNA binding form of ER with a functional activation function-2 domain. The prothymosin alpha 5'-regulatory region also contains multiple Sp1 sites. Although addition of Sp1 did not further enhance estradiol-ER stimulated prothymosin alpha transcriptional activity in breast cancer cells, transfection and response element mutagenesis studies using Drosophila cells, which are deficient in Sp1, revealed that Sp1 and the estradiol occupied-ER can each activate the prothymosin alpha gene independently of the other and act in an additive manner. These observations, documenting robust prothymosin alpha up-regulation by the estradiol-ER complex via widely spaced half-palindromic estrogen response element motifs, are reminiscent of those shown previously for the ovalbumin gene and suggest that the use of multiple half response elements may be a more common mode for regulation of gene expression by the ER than previously appreciated. In addition, these observations suggest interrelationships between cell proliferation and gene transcriptional activities and indicate a positive mechanism by which PTalpha, which increases ER transcriptional effectiveness, is itself up-regulated by the estrogen-ER complex.
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Affiliation(s)
- P G Martini
- Department of Molecular and Integrative Physiology, University of Illinois and College of Medicine, Urbana, Illinois 61801, USA
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Abstract
The thymus is an endocrine organ. A unified, physiological concept of humoral regulation of the immune response emerged in the last three decades. The thymus is the primary major site of production of immunocompetent T-lymphocytes from their haematopoietic stem cells. The thymus provides a superior humoral microenvironment for the development of immunocompetent T-lymphocytes. Although yolk sac derived pre-T stem cells enter the thymus using a homing receptor, the immigration process requires also secretion of a peptide, called thymotaxin by the cells of the reticulo-epithelial (RE) network. This complex process requires direct cell to cell, receptor based interactions, as well as in situ paracrine information via the numerous cytokines and thymic hormones produced by the RE cells of thymic microenvironment. Thymic hormones induce in situ T-lymphocyte marker differentiation, expression and functions. These polypeptide hormones have also been shown by means of immunocytochemistry to localise in the RE cells of the thymic cellular microenvironment. Based on the complexity of the intrathymic maturation sequence of T-lymphocytes and the increasing numbers of T-lymphocyte subpopulations that are being identified, it would be surprising if a single thymic humoral factor could control all of the molecular steps and cell populations involved. Rather, it would appear that the control of intrathymic T-lymphocyte maturation and functional maturation involves a complex number of thymic-specific factors and other molecules that rigidly control the intermediary steps in the differentiation process. Thymosin fraction 5 (TF5) and its component polypeptides influence a variety of lymphocyte properties including cyclic nucleotide levels, migration inhibitory factor production, T-dependent antibody production and expression of certain surface maturation/differentiation markers. Recently, thymic hormones, mostly thymosins have been employed not only in neoplasms' early detection but also in clinical trials to strengthen the effects of immunomodulators in immunodeficiencies, autoimmune diseases and neoplastic malignancies. Combined chemoimmunotherapeutical antineoplastic treatment seems to be useful. Generally, haematopoietic toxicity of every chemotherapeutical clinical trial can be reduced significantly by the immunotherapy, compared to 50% in patients treated with chemotherapy alone.
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Affiliation(s)
- B Bodey
- Childrens Center for Cancer and Blood Diseases, Childrens Hospital Los Angeles, Los Angeles, CA, USA.
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