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Wang D, Du G, Chen X, Wang J, Liu K, Zhao H, Cheng C, He Y, Jing N, Xu P, Bao W, Xi X, Zhang Y, Wang N, Liu Y, Sun Y, Zhang K, Zhang P, Gao WQ, Zhu HH. Zeb1-controlled metabolic plasticity enables remodeling of chromatin accessibility in the development of neuroendocrine prostate cancer. Cell Death Differ 2024:10.1038/s41418-024-01295-5. [PMID: 38654072 DOI: 10.1038/s41418-024-01295-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/13/2023] [Revised: 04/07/2024] [Accepted: 04/10/2024] [Indexed: 04/25/2024] Open
Abstract
Cell plasticity has been found to play a critical role in tumor progression and therapy resistance. However, our understanding of the characteristics and markers of plastic cellular states during cancer cell lineage transition remains limited. In this study, multi-omics analyses show that prostate cancer cells undergo an intermediate state marked by Zeb1 expression with epithelial-mesenchymal transition (EMT), stemness, and neuroendocrine features during the development of neuroendocrine prostate cancer (NEPC). Organoid-formation assays and in vivo lineage tracing experiments demonstrate that Zeb1+ epithelioid cells are putative cells of origin for NEPC. Mechanistically, Zeb1 transcriptionally regulates the expression of several key glycolytic enzymes, thereby predisposing tumor cells to utilize glycolysis for energy metabolism. During this process, lactate accumulation-mediated histone lactylation enhances chromatin accessibility and cellular plasticity including induction of neuro-gene expression, which promotes NEPC development. Collectively, Zeb1-driven metabolic rewiring enables the epigenetic reprogramming of prostate cancer cells to license the adeno-to-neuroendocrine lineage transition.
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Affiliation(s)
- Deng Wang
- State Key Laboratory of Systems Medicine for Cancer, Renji-Med-X Stem Cell Research Center & Department of Urology, Ren Ji Hospital, Shanghai Cancer Institute, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine and School of Biomedical Engineering, Shanghai, 200127, China
- School of Biomedical Engineering & Med-X Research Institute, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, Shanghai, 200030, China
| | - Genyu Du
- State Key Laboratory of Systems Medicine for Cancer, Renji-Med-X Stem Cell Research Center & Department of Urology, Ren Ji Hospital, Shanghai Cancer Institute, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine and School of Biomedical Engineering, Shanghai, 200127, China
| | - Xinyu Chen
- State Key Laboratory of Systems Medicine for Cancer, Renji-Med-X Stem Cell Research Center & Department of Urology, Ren Ji Hospital, Shanghai Cancer Institute, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine and School of Biomedical Engineering, Shanghai, 200127, China
| | - Jinming Wang
- State Key Laboratory of Systems Medicine for Cancer, Renji-Med-X Stem Cell Research Center & Department of Urology, Ren Ji Hospital, Shanghai Cancer Institute, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine and School of Biomedical Engineering, Shanghai, 200127, China
| | - Kaiyuan Liu
- State Key Laboratory of Systems Medicine for Cancer, Renji-Med-X Stem Cell Research Center & Department of Urology, Ren Ji Hospital, Shanghai Cancer Institute, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine and School of Biomedical Engineering, Shanghai, 200127, China
| | - Huifang Zhao
- State Key Laboratory of Systems Medicine for Cancer, Renji-Med-X Stem Cell Research Center & Department of Urology, Ren Ji Hospital, Shanghai Cancer Institute, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine and School of Biomedical Engineering, Shanghai, 200127, China
| | - Chaping Cheng
- State Key Laboratory of Systems Medicine for Cancer, Renji-Med-X Stem Cell Research Center & Department of Urology, Ren Ji Hospital, Shanghai Cancer Institute, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine and School of Biomedical Engineering, Shanghai, 200127, China
| | - Yuman He
- State Key Laboratory of Systems Medicine for Cancer, Renji-Med-X Stem Cell Research Center & Department of Urology, Ren Ji Hospital, Shanghai Cancer Institute, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine and School of Biomedical Engineering, Shanghai, 200127, China
| | - Na Jing
- State Key Laboratory of Systems Medicine for Cancer, Renji-Med-X Stem Cell Research Center & Department of Urology, Ren Ji Hospital, Shanghai Cancer Institute, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine and School of Biomedical Engineering, Shanghai, 200127, China
- School of Biomedical Engineering & Med-X Research Institute, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, Shanghai, 200030, China
| | - Penghui Xu
- State Key Laboratory of Systems Medicine for Cancer, Renji-Med-X Stem Cell Research Center & Department of Urology, Ren Ji Hospital, Shanghai Cancer Institute, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine and School of Biomedical Engineering, Shanghai, 200127, China
- School of Biomedical Engineering & Med-X Research Institute, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, Shanghai, 200030, China
| | - Wei Bao
- State Key Laboratory of Systems Medicine for Cancer, Renji-Med-X Stem Cell Research Center & Department of Urology, Ren Ji Hospital, Shanghai Cancer Institute, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine and School of Biomedical Engineering, Shanghai, 200127, China
| | - Xialian Xi
- State Key Laboratory of Systems Medicine for Cancer, Renji-Med-X Stem Cell Research Center & Department of Urology, Ren Ji Hospital, Shanghai Cancer Institute, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine and School of Biomedical Engineering, Shanghai, 200127, China
| | - Yingchao Zhang
- State Key Laboratory of Systems Medicine for Cancer, Renji-Med-X Stem Cell Research Center & Department of Urology, Ren Ji Hospital, Shanghai Cancer Institute, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine and School of Biomedical Engineering, Shanghai, 200127, China
| | - Nan Wang
- State Key Laboratory of Systems Medicine for Cancer, Renji-Med-X Stem Cell Research Center & Department of Urology, Ren Ji Hospital, Shanghai Cancer Institute, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine and School of Biomedical Engineering, Shanghai, 200127, China
| | - Yiyun Liu
- State Key Laboratory of Systems Medicine for Cancer, Renji-Med-X Stem Cell Research Center & Department of Urology, Ren Ji Hospital, Shanghai Cancer Institute, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine and School of Biomedical Engineering, Shanghai, 200127, China
| | - Yujiao Sun
- State Key Laboratory of Systems Medicine for Cancer, Renji-Med-X Stem Cell Research Center & Department of Urology, Ren Ji Hospital, Shanghai Cancer Institute, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine and School of Biomedical Engineering, Shanghai, 200127, China
| | - Kai Zhang
- State Key Laboratory of Systems Medicine for Cancer, Renji-Med-X Stem Cell Research Center & Department of Urology, Ren Ji Hospital, Shanghai Cancer Institute, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine and School of Biomedical Engineering, Shanghai, 200127, China
| | - Pengcheng Zhang
- School of Biomedical Engineering, Shanghai Tech University, Shanghai, 201210, China
| | - Wei-Qiang Gao
- State Key Laboratory of Systems Medicine for Cancer, Renji-Med-X Stem Cell Research Center & Department of Urology, Ren Ji Hospital, Shanghai Cancer Institute, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine and School of Biomedical Engineering, Shanghai, 200127, China.
- School of Biomedical Engineering & Med-X Research Institute, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, Shanghai, 200030, China.
| | - Helen He Zhu
- State Key Laboratory of Systems Medicine for Cancer, Renji-Med-X Stem Cell Research Center & Department of Urology, Ren Ji Hospital, Shanghai Cancer Institute, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine and School of Biomedical Engineering, Shanghai, 200127, China.
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2
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Guo B, He M, Ma M, Tian Z, Jin J, Tian G. Long Non-coding RNA X-Inactive Specific Transcript Promotes Esophageal Squamous Cell Carcinoma Progression via the MicroRNA 34a/Zinc Finger E-box-Binding Homeobox 1 Pathway. Dig Dis Sci 2024; 69:1169-1181. [PMID: 38366093 PMCID: PMC11026218 DOI: 10.1007/s10620-024-08269-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/03/2023] [Accepted: 01/02/2024] [Indexed: 02/18/2024]
Abstract
BACKGROUND The long non-coding RNA X-inactive specific transcript (XIST) plays a crucial role in transcriptional silencing of the X chromosome. Zinc finger E-box-binding homeobox 1 (ZEB1) is a transcription factor involved in epithelial-mesenchymal transition (EMT) regulation. AIMS This study aimed to investigate the impact of XIST on esophageal squamous cell carcinoma (ESCC) progression and its underlying mechanism involving the miR-34a/ZEB1/E-cadherin/EMT pathway. METHODS XIST and ZEB1 expression were analyzed using quantitative PCR and immunohistochemistry. XIST knockdown was achieved in KYSE150 ESCC cells using siRNA or shRNA lentivirus transfection. Proliferation, migration, and invasion abilities were assessed, and luciferase reporter assays were performed to confirm XIST-miR-34a-ZEB1 interactions. In vivo ESCC growth was evaluated using a xenograft mouse model. RESULTS XIST and ZEB1 were upregulated in tumor tissues, correlating with metastasis and reduced survival. XIST knockdown inhibited proliferation, migration, and invasion of KYSE150 cells. It decreased ZEB1 expression, increased E-cadherin and miR-34a levels. Luciferase reporter assays confirmed miR-34a binding to XIST and ZEB1. XIST knockdown suppressed xenograft tumor growth. CONCLUSION XIST promotes ESCC progression via the miR-34a/ZEB1/E-cadherin/EMT pathway. Targeting the XIST/miR-34a/ZEB1 axis holds therapeutic potential and serves as a prognostic biomarker in ESCC.
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Affiliation(s)
- Bin Guo
- Department of Thoracic Surgery, Fourth Hospital of Hebei Medical University, 12 Jiankang Road, Chang'an District, Shijiazhuang, 050011, Hebei, China
| | - Ming He
- Department of Thoracic Surgery, Fourth Hospital of Hebei Medical University, 12 Jiankang Road, Chang'an District, Shijiazhuang, 050011, Hebei, China
| | - Minting Ma
- Department of Medical Oncology, Fourth Hospital of Hebei Medical University, 12 Jiankang Road, Chang'an District, Shijiazhuang, 050011, Hebei, China
| | - Ziqiang Tian
- Department of Thoracic Surgery, Fourth Hospital of Hebei Medical University, 12 Jiankang Road, Chang'an District, Shijiazhuang, 050011, Hebei, China.
| | - Jing Jin
- Department of Institute of Cancer, Fourth Hospital of Hebei Medical University, 12 Jiankang Road, Chang'an District, Shijiazhuang, 050011, Hebei, China
| | - Guo Tian
- Department of Record Room, Fourth Hospital of Hebei Medical University, 12 Jiankang Road, Chang'an District, Shijiazhuang, 050011, Hebei, China
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3
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Catalanotto M, Vaz JM, Abshire C, Youngblood R, Chu M, Levine H, Jolly MK, Dragoi AM. Dual role of CASP8AP2/FLASH in regulating epithelial-to-mesenchymal transition plasticity (EMP). Transl Oncol 2024; 39:101837. [PMID: 37984255 PMCID: PMC10689956 DOI: 10.1016/j.tranon.2023.101837] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/24/2023] [Revised: 10/17/2023] [Accepted: 11/14/2023] [Indexed: 11/22/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Epithelial-to-mesenchymal transition (EMT) is a developmental program that consists of the loss of epithelial features concomitant with the acquisition of mesenchymal features. Activation of EMT in cancer facilitates the acquisition of aggressive traits and cancer invasion. EMT plasticity (EMP), the dynamic transition between multiple hybrid states in which cancer cells display both epithelial and mesenchymal markers, confers survival advantages for cancer cells in constantly changing environments during metastasis. METHODS RNAseq analysis was performed to assess genome-wide transcriptional changes in cancer cells depleted for histone regulators FLASH, NPAT, and SLBP. Quantitative PCR and Western blot were used for the detection of mRNA and protein levels. Computational analysis was performed on distinct sets of genes to determine the epithelial and mesenchymal score in cancer cells and to correlate FLASH expression with EMT markers in the CCLE collection. RESULTS We demonstrate that loss of FLASH in cancer cells gives rise to a hybrid E/M phenotype with high epithelial scores even in the presence of TGFβ, as determined by computational methods using expression of predetermined sets of epithelial and mesenchymal genes. Multiple genes involved in cell-cell junction formation are similarly specifically upregulated in FLASH-depleted cells, suggesting that FLASH acts as a repressor of the epithelial phenotype. Further, FLASH expression in cancer lines is inversely correlated with the epithelial score. Nonetheless, subsets of mesenchymal markers were distinctly up-regulated in FLASH, NPAT, or SLBP-depleted cells. CONCLUSIONS The ZEB1low/SNAILhigh/E-cadherinhigh phenotype described in FLASH-depleted cancer cells is driving a hybrid E/M phenotype in which epithelial and mesenchymal markers coexist.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Joel Markus Vaz
- School of Biological Sciences, Georgia Institute of Technology, Atlanta, GA, USA
| | | | - Reneau Youngblood
- Department of Molecular and Cellular Physiology, LSUHSC, Shreveport, LA, USA
| | - Min Chu
- Feist-Weiller Cancer Center, INLET Core, LSUHSC, Shreveport, LA, USA
| | - Herbert Levine
- Center for Theoretical Biological Physics, Northeastern University, Boston, MA, USA; Department of Physics, Northeastern University, Boston, MA, USA; Department of Bioengineering, Northeastern University, Boston, MA, USA
| | - Mohit Kumar Jolly
- Center for BioSystems Science and Engineering, Indian Institute of Science, Bangalore, India
| | - Ana-Maria Dragoi
- Department of Molecular and Cellular Physiology, LSUHSC, Shreveport, LA, USA; Feist-Weiller Cancer Center, INLET Core, LSUHSC, Shreveport, LA, USA.
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4
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Iliesiu A, Toma RV, Ciongariu AM, Costea R, Zarnescu N, Bîlteanu L. A pancreatic adenocarcinoma mimicking hepatoid carcinoma of uncertain histogenesis: A case report and literature review. Oncol Lett 2023; 26:442. [PMID: 37720666 PMCID: PMC10502951 DOI: 10.3892/ol.2023.14029] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/23/2022] [Accepted: 06/19/2023] [Indexed: 09/19/2023] Open
Abstract
In rare cases, metastatic adenocarcinomas of different origin may exhibit the features of hepatoid carcinoma (HC), a rare malignant epithelial tumor, most commonly occurring in the ovaries and stomach, as well as in the pancreas and biliary ducts. A case of a 72-year-old female patient who developed a highly aggressive, poorly differentiated pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma with peritoneal carcinomatosis, demonstrating hepatoid differentiation upon conventional hematoxylin and eosin staining is reported in the present study. The patient presented with severe abdominal pain, and the radiological investigations performed revealed ovarian and hepatic tumor masses and peritoneal lesions, which were surgically removed. The gross examination of the peritoneum and omentum revealed multiple solid, firm, grey-white nodules, diffusely infiltrating the adipose tissue. The microscopic examination revealed a malignant epithelial proliferation, composed of polygonal cells with abundant eosinophilic cytoplasm and irregular, pleomorphic nuclei. Certain cells presented with intracytoplasmic mucus inclusions, raising suspicion of a HC with an uncertain histogenesis. Immunohistochemical staining was performed, and the tumor cells were found to be positive for cytokeratin (CK)7, CK18 and mucin 5AC, whereas negative staining for CK20, caudal-type homeobox transcription factor 2, α-fetoprotein, paired box gene 8, GATA-binding protein 3 and Wilms tumor 1 were documented. Thus, the diagnosis of metastatic pancreatic adenocarcinoma was established. The main aim of the present study was to provide further knowledge concerning poorly differentiated metastatic adenocarcinoma resembling HC, emphasizing the histopathological and immunohistochemical features of these malignant lesions and raising awareness of the diagnostic difficulties that may arise, as well as the importance of the use immunohistochemistry in differentiating carcinomas of uncertain histogenesis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Andreea Iliesiu
- Department of Pathology, University Emergency Hospital of Bucharest, Bucharest 014461, Romania
- Faculty of General Medicine, ‘Carol Davila’ University of Medicine and Pharmacy, Bucharest 050474, Romania
| | - Radu-Valeriu Toma
- Faculty of General Medicine, ‘Carol Davila’ University of Medicine and Pharmacy, Bucharest 050474, Romania
- Oncological Institute ‘Alexandru Trestioreanu’, Bucharest 022328, Romania
| | - Ana Maria Ciongariu
- Department of Pathology, University Emergency Hospital of Bucharest, Bucharest 014461, Romania
- Faculty of General Medicine, ‘Carol Davila’ University of Medicine and Pharmacy, Bucharest 050474, Romania
| | - Radu Costea
- Faculty of General Medicine, ‘Carol Davila’ University of Medicine and Pharmacy, Bucharest 050474, Romania
- Second Department of Surgery, University Emergency Hospital of Bucharest, Bucharest 050098, Romania
| | - Narcis Zarnescu
- Faculty of General Medicine, ‘Carol Davila’ University of Medicine and Pharmacy, Bucharest 050474, Romania
- Second Department of Surgery, University Emergency Hospital of Bucharest, Bucharest 050098, Romania
| | - Liviu Bîlteanu
- Oncological Institute ‘Alexandru Trestioreanu’, Bucharest 022328, Romania
- Department of Preclinical Sciences, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, University of Agronomic Sciences and Veterinary Medicine, Bucharest 050097, Romania
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5
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Voulgaridou GP, Theologidis V, Venetikidou M, Tsochantaridis I, Tsolou A, Koffa M, Panayiotidis MI, Pappa A. Investigating the Functional Roles of Aldehyde Dehydrogenase 3A1 in Human Corneal Epithelial Cells. Int J Mol Sci 2023; 24:ijms24065845. [PMID: 36982917 PMCID: PMC10056195 DOI: 10.3390/ijms24065845] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/30/2022] [Revised: 03/16/2023] [Accepted: 03/17/2023] [Indexed: 03/30/2023] Open
Abstract
Aldehyde dehydrogenase 3A1 (ALDH3A1) oxidizes medium-chain aldehydes to their corresponding carboxylic acids. It is expressed at high rates in the human cornea, where it has been characterized as a multi-functional protein displaying various cytoprotective modes of action. Previous studies identified its association with the DNA damage response (DDR) pathway. Here, we utilized a stable transfected HCE-2 (human corneal epithelium) cell line expressing ALDH3A1, to investigate the molecular mechanisms underlying the cytoprotective role(s) of ALDH3A1. Our data revealed morphological differences among the ALDH3A1-expressing and the mock-transfected HCE-2 cells accompanied by differential expression of E-cadherin. Similarly, the ALDH3A1/HCE-2 cells demonstrated higher mobility, reduced proliferation, upregulation of ZEB1, and downregulation of CDK3, and p57. The expression of ALDH3A1 also affected cell cycle progression by inducing the sequestration of HCE-2 cells at the G2/M phase. Following 16 h cell treatments with either H2O2 or etoposide, a significantly lower percentage of ALDH3A1/HCE-2 cells were apoptotic compared to the respective treated mock/HCE-2 cells. Interestingly, the protective effect of ALDH3A1 expression under these oxidative and genotoxic conditions was accompanied by a reduced formation of γ-H2AX foci and higher levels of total and phospho (Ser15) p53. Finally, ALDH3A1 was found to be localized both in the cytoplasm and the nucleus of transfected HCE-2 cells. Its cellular compartmentalization was not affected by oxidant treatment, while the mechanism by which ALDH3A1 translocates to the nucleus remains unknown. In conclusion, ALDH3A1 protects cells from both apoptosis and DNA damage by interacting with key homeostatic mechanisms associated with cellular morphology, cell cycle, and DDR.
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Affiliation(s)
- Georgia-Persephoni Voulgaridou
- Department of Molecular Biology and Genetics, School of Health Sciences, Democritus University of Thrace, 68100 Alexandroupolis, Greece
| | - Vasileios Theologidis
- Department of Molecular Biology and Genetics, School of Health Sciences, Democritus University of Thrace, 68100 Alexandroupolis, Greece
| | - Maria Venetikidou
- Department of Molecular Biology and Genetics, School of Health Sciences, Democritus University of Thrace, 68100 Alexandroupolis, Greece
| | - Ilias Tsochantaridis
- Department of Molecular Biology and Genetics, School of Health Sciences, Democritus University of Thrace, 68100 Alexandroupolis, Greece
| | - Avgi Tsolou
- Department of Molecular Biology and Genetics, School of Health Sciences, Democritus University of Thrace, 68100 Alexandroupolis, Greece
| | - Maria Koffa
- Department of Molecular Biology and Genetics, School of Health Sciences, Democritus University of Thrace, 68100 Alexandroupolis, Greece
| | - Mihalis I Panayiotidis
- Department of Cancer Genetics, Therapeutics & Ultrastructural Pathology, The Cyprus Institute of Neurology & Genetics, Ayios Dometios, Nicosia 2371, Cyprus
| | - Aglaia Pappa
- Department of Molecular Biology and Genetics, School of Health Sciences, Democritus University of Thrace, 68100 Alexandroupolis, Greece
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Pape J, Micalet A, Alsheikh W, Ezbakh N, Virjee RI, Al Hosni R, Moeendarbary E, Cheema U. Biophysical Parameters Can Induce Epithelial-to-Mesenchymal Phenotypic and Genotypic Changes in HT-29 Cells: A Preliminary Study. Int J Mol Sci 2023; 24:3956. [PMID: 36835368 PMCID: PMC9962772 DOI: 10.3390/ijms24043956] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/29/2022] [Revised: 02/09/2023] [Accepted: 02/13/2023] [Indexed: 02/18/2023] Open
Abstract
Epithelial to mesenchymal transition (EMT) in cancer is the process described where cancer epithelial cells acquire mesenchymal properties which can lead to enhanced invasiveness. Three-dimensional cancer models often lack the relevant and biomimetic microenvironment parameters appropriate to the native tumour microenvironment thought to drive EMT. In this study, HT-29 epithelial colorectal cells were cultivated in different oxygen and collagen concentrations to investigate how these biophysical parameters influenced invasion patterns and EMT. Colorectal HT-29 cells were grown in physiological hypoxia (5% O2) and normoxia (21% O2) in 2D, 3D soft (60 Pa), and 3D stiff (4 kPa) collagen matrices. Physiological hypoxia was sufficient to trigger expression of markers of EMT in the HT-29 cells in 2D by day 7. This is in contrast to a control breast cancer cell line, MDA-MB-231, which expresses a mesenchymal phenotype regardless of the oxygen concentration. In 3D, HT-29 cells invaded more extensively in a stiff matrix environment with corresponding increases in the invasive genes MMP2 and RAE1. This demonstrates that the physiological environment can directly impact HT-29 cells in terms of EMT marker expression and invasion, compared to an established cell line, MDA-MB-231, which has already undergone EMT. This study highlights the importance of the biophysical microenvironment to cancer epithelial cells and how these factors can direct cell behaviour. In particular, that stiffness of the 3D matrix drives greater invasion in HT-29 cells regardless of hypoxia. It is also pertinent that some cell lines (already having undergone EMT) are not as sensitive to the biophysical features of their microenvironment.
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Affiliation(s)
- Judith Pape
- Centre for 3D Models of Health and Disease, Department of Targeted Intervention, Division of Surgery and Interventional Science, University College London, Charles Bell House, 43-45 Foley Street, London W1W 7TS, UK
| | - Auxtine Micalet
- Centre for 3D Models of Health and Disease, Department of Targeted Intervention, Division of Surgery and Interventional Science, University College London, Charles Bell House, 43-45 Foley Street, London W1W 7TS, UK
- Department of Mechanical Engineering, University College London, Gower Street, London WC1E 6BT, UK
| | - Wissal Alsheikh
- Centre for 3D Models of Health and Disease, Department of Targeted Intervention, Division of Surgery and Interventional Science, University College London, Charles Bell House, 43-45 Foley Street, London W1W 7TS, UK
| | - Nadia Ezbakh
- Centre for 3D Models of Health and Disease, Department of Targeted Intervention, Division of Surgery and Interventional Science, University College London, Charles Bell House, 43-45 Foley Street, London W1W 7TS, UK
| | - Rania-Iman Virjee
- Centre for 3D Models of Health and Disease, Department of Targeted Intervention, Division of Surgery and Interventional Science, University College London, Charles Bell House, 43-45 Foley Street, London W1W 7TS, UK
| | - Rawiya Al Hosni
- Centre for 3D Models of Health and Disease, Department of Targeted Intervention, Division of Surgery and Interventional Science, University College London, Charles Bell House, 43-45 Foley Street, London W1W 7TS, UK
| | - Emad Moeendarbary
- Department of Mechanical Engineering, University College London, Gower Street, London WC1E 6BT, UK
| | - Umber Cheema
- Centre for 3D Models of Health and Disease, Department of Targeted Intervention, Division of Surgery and Interventional Science, University College London, Charles Bell House, 43-45 Foley Street, London W1W 7TS, UK
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7
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Yu QC, Geng A, Preusch CB, Chen Y, Peng G, Xu Y, Jia Y, Miao Y, Xue H, Gao D, Bao L, Pan W, Chen J, Garcia KC, Cheung TH, Zeng YA. Activation of Wnt/β-catenin signaling by Zeb1 in endothelial progenitors induces vascular quiescence entry. Cell Rep 2022; 41:111694. [DOI: 10.1016/j.celrep.2022.111694] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/25/2021] [Revised: 08/05/2022] [Accepted: 10/31/2022] [Indexed: 11/23/2022] Open
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8
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Nordick B, Chae-Yeon Park M, Quaranta V, Hong T. Cooperative RNA degradation stabilizes intermediate epithelial-mesenchymal states and supports a phenotypic continuum. iScience 2022; 25:105224. [PMID: 36248730 PMCID: PMC9557027 DOI: 10.1016/j.isci.2022.105224] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/24/2022] [Revised: 08/21/2022] [Accepted: 09/23/2022] [Indexed: 11/29/2022] Open
Abstract
Multiple intermediate epithelial-mesenchymal transition (EMT) states reflecting hybrid epithelial and mesenchymal phenotypes were observed in physiological and pathological conditions. Previous theoretical models explaining multiple EMT states rely on regulatory loops involving transcriptional feedback, which produce three or four attractors. This is incompatible with the observed continuum-like EMT spectrum. Here, we used mass-action-based models to describe post-transcriptional regulations, finding that cooperative RNA degradation via multiple microRNA binding sites can generate four-attractor systems without transcriptional feedback. Furthermore, the newly identified intermediates-enabling circuits are common in the EMT regulatory network, and they can synergize with transcriptional feedback to support phenotypic continuum. Finally, our model predicted a role of miR-101 in multistate EMT, and we identified evidence from single-cell RNA-sequencing data that support the prediction. Our work reveals a previously unknown role of cooperative RNA degradation and microRNAs in EMT, providing a framework that can bridge the gap between mechanistic models and single-cell experiments.
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Affiliation(s)
- Benjamin Nordick
- School of Genome Science and Technology, The University of Tennessee, Knoxville, TN 37916, USA
| | - Mary Chae-Yeon Park
- Department of Biochemistry & Cellular and Molecular Biology, The University of Tennessee, Knoxville, TN 37916, USA
| | - Vito Quaranta
- Department of Biochemistry, Vanderbilt University School of Medicine Basic Sciences, Nashville, TN 37232, USA
| | - Tian Hong
- Department of Biochemistry & Cellular and Molecular Biology, The University of Tennessee, Knoxville, TN 37916, USA
- National Institute for Mathematical and Biological Synthesis, Knoxville, TN 37916, USA
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9
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Nakayama J, Makinoshima H, Gong Z. Gastrulation Screening to Identify Anti-metastasis Drugs in Zebrafish Embryos. Bio Protoc 2022; 12:e4525. [PMID: 36313195 PMCID: PMC9548519 DOI: 10.21769/bioprotoc.4525] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/05/2022] [Revised: 08/04/2022] [Accepted: 08/25/2022] [Indexed: 12/29/2022] Open
Abstract
Few models exist that allow for rapid and effective screening of anti-metastasis drugs. Here, we present a drug screening protocol utilizing gastrulation of zebrafish embryos for identification of anti-metastasis drugs. Based on the evidence that metastasis proceeds through utilizing the molecular mechanisms of gastrulation, we hypothesized that chemicals interrupting zebrafish gastrulation might suppress the metastasis of cancer cells. Thus, we developed a phenotype-based chemical screen that uses epiboly, the first morphogenetic movement in gastrulation, as a marker. The screen only needs zebrafish embryos and enables hundreds of chemicals to be tested in five hours by observing the epiboly progression of chemical-treated embryos. In the screen, embryos at the two-cell stage are firstly corrected and then developed to the sphere stage. The embryos are treated with a test chemical and incubated in the presence of the chemical until vehicle-treated embryos develop to the 90% epiboly stage. Finally, positive 'hit' chemicals that interrupt epiboly progression are selected by comparing epiboly progression of the chemical-treated and vehicle-treated embryos under a stereoscopic microscope. A previous study subjected 1,280 FDA-approved drugs to the screen and identified adrenosterone and pizotifen as epiboly-interrupting drugs. These were validated to suppress metastasis of breast cancer cells in mice models of metastasis. Furthermore, 11β-hydroxysteroid dehydrogenase 1 (HSD11β1) and serotonin receptor 2C (HTR2C), the primary targets of adrenosterone and pizotifen, respectively, promoted metastasis through induction of epithelial-mesenchymal transition (EMT). Therefore, this screen could be converted into a chemical genetic screening platform for identification of metastasis-promoting genes. Graphical abstract.
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Affiliation(s)
- Joji Nakayama
- Tsuruoka Metabolomics Laboratory, National Cancer Center, Tsuruoka, Japan
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Shonai Regional Industry Promotion Center, Tsuruoka, Japan
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Department of Biological Science, National University of Singapore, Singapore
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*For correspondence:
| | - Hideki Makinoshima
- Tsuruoka Metabolomics Laboratory, National Cancer Center, Tsuruoka, Japan
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Division of Translational Research, Exploratory Oncology Research, and Clinical Trial Center, National Cancer Center, Kashiwa, Japan
| | - Zhiyuan Gong
- Department of Biological Science, National University of Singapore, Singapore
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10
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Abstract
INTRODUCTION Colorectal cancer (CRC) is the second leading cause of cancer-related deaths globally. Nonetheless, with early detection of CRC or its precancerous lesions, mortality, and CRC incidence can be reduced. Although colonoscopy is currently the gold standard for CRC screening and diagnosis, its invasive nature, and troublesome bowel preparation deter patient participation. Therefore, there is a need to expand the use of noninvasive or minimally invasive methods to increase patient compliance. AREAS COVERED This review summarizes advances in different methods for CRC screening, including stool bacterial and metagenomic markers, fecal proteins, genetic and epigenetic markers in blood and stools, and imaging modalities. The cost-effectiveness of these methods is also discussed. FIT is more cost-effective compared to virtual colonoscopy, mSEPT9 test, and Multitarget Stool DNA test, while the cost-effectiveness of other noninvasive methods requires further evaluation. EXPERT OPINION Recent evidence has well demonstrated the usefulness of gut microbiome and certain fecal bacterial markers in the noninvasive diagnosis of CRC and its precancerous lesions. Many of the fecal biomarkers, from host cells or the gut environment, show better diagnostic sensitivity than FIT. New screening tests based on these fecal biomarkers can be expected to replace FIT with higher cost-effectiveness in the near future.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sarah Cheuk Hei Chan
- Faculty of Medicine, The Chinese University of Hong Kong, Shatin, Hong Kong, China
| | - Jessie Qiaoyi Liang
- Department of Medicine and Therapeutics, Li Ka Shing Institute of Health Sciences, Cuhk Shenzhen Research Institute, the Chinese University of Hong Kong, Shatin, Hong Kong, China
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11
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de Vries M, Nwozor KO, Muizer K, Wisman M, Timens W, van den Berge M, Faiz A, Hackett TL, Heijink IH, Brandsma CA. The relation between age and airway epithelial barrier function. Respir Res 2022; 23:43. [PMID: 35241091 PMCID: PMC8892715 DOI: 10.1186/s12931-022-01961-7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/22/2021] [Accepted: 02/11/2022] [Indexed: 11/10/2022] Open
Abstract
Background The prevalence of age-associated diseases, such as chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), is increasing as the average life expectancy increases around the world. We previously identified a gene signature for ageing in the human lung which included genes involved in apical and tight junction assembly, suggesting a role for airway epithelial barrier dysfunction with ageing. Aim To investigate the association between genes involved in epithelial barrier function and age both in silico and in vitro in the airway epithelium. Methods We curated a gene signature of 274 genes for epithelial barrier function and tested the association with age in two independent cohorts of bronchial brushings from healthy individuals with no respiratory disease, using linear regression analysis (FDR < 0.05). Protein–protein interactions were identified using STRING©. The barrier function of primary bronchial epithelial cells at air–liquid interface and CRISPR–Cas9-induced knock-down of target genes in human bronchial 16HBE14o-cells was assessed using Trans epithelial resistance (TER) measurement and Electric cell-surface impedance sensing (ECIS) respectively. Results In bronchial brushings, we found 55 genes involved in barrier function to be significantly associated with age (FDR < 0.05). EPCAM was most significantly associated with increasing age and TRPV4 with decreasing age. Protein interaction analysis identified CDH1, that was negatively associated with higher age, as potential key regulator of age-related epithelial barrier function changes. In vitro, barrier function was lower in bronchial epithelial cells from subjects > 45 years of age and significantly reduced in CDH1-deficient 16HBE14o-cells. Conclusion The significant association between genes involved in epithelial barrier function and age, supported by functional studies in vitro, suggest a role for epithelial barrier dysfunction in age-related airway disease. Supplementary Information The online version contains supplementary material available at 10.1186/s12931-022-01961-7.
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Affiliation(s)
- M de Vries
- University Medical Center Groningen, University of Groningen, Department of Epidemiology, Hanzeplein 1, 9713, Groningen, The Netherlands. .,University Medical Center Groningen, University of Groningen, Groningen Research Institute for Asthma and COPD, Groningen, The Netherlands.
| | - K O Nwozor
- University Medical Center Groningen, University of Groningen, Groningen Research Institute for Asthma and COPD, Groningen, The Netherlands.,University Medical Center Groningen, University of Groningen, Department of Pathology and Medical Biology, Groningen, The Netherlands.,Department of Anesthesiology, Pharmacology & Therapeutics, Centre for Heart Lung Innovation, The University of British Columbia, Vancouver, Canada
| | - K Muizer
- University Medical Center Groningen, University of Groningen, Groningen Research Institute for Asthma and COPD, Groningen, The Netherlands.,University Medical Center Groningen, University of Groningen, Department of Pathology and Medical Biology, Groningen, The Netherlands
| | - M Wisman
- University Medical Center Groningen, University of Groningen, Groningen Research Institute for Asthma and COPD, Groningen, The Netherlands.,University Medical Center Groningen, University of Groningen, Department of Pathology and Medical Biology, Groningen, The Netherlands
| | - W Timens
- University Medical Center Groningen, University of Groningen, Groningen Research Institute for Asthma and COPD, Groningen, The Netherlands.,University Medical Center Groningen, University of Groningen, Department of Pathology and Medical Biology, Groningen, The Netherlands
| | - M van den Berge
- University Medical Center Groningen, University of Groningen, Groningen Research Institute for Asthma and COPD, Groningen, The Netherlands.,University Medical Center Groningen, University of Groningen, Department of Pulmonary Diseases, Groningen, The Netherlands
| | - A Faiz
- University Medical Center Groningen, University of Groningen, Groningen Research Institute for Asthma and COPD, Groningen, The Netherlands.,University Medical Center Groningen, University of Groningen, Department of Pathology and Medical Biology, Groningen, The Netherlands.,University Medical Center Groningen, University of Groningen, Department of Pulmonary Diseases, Groningen, The Netherlands
| | - T-L Hackett
- Department of Anesthesiology, Pharmacology & Therapeutics, Centre for Heart Lung Innovation, The University of British Columbia, Vancouver, Canada
| | - I H Heijink
- University Medical Center Groningen, University of Groningen, Groningen Research Institute for Asthma and COPD, Groningen, The Netherlands.,University Medical Center Groningen, University of Groningen, Department of Pathology and Medical Biology, Groningen, The Netherlands.,University Medical Center Groningen, University of Groningen, Department of Pulmonary Diseases, Groningen, The Netherlands
| | - C A Brandsma
- University Medical Center Groningen, University of Groningen, Groningen Research Institute for Asthma and COPD, Groningen, The Netherlands.,University Medical Center Groningen, University of Groningen, Department of Pathology and Medical Biology, Groningen, The Netherlands
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12
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Mouse models in palate development and orofacial cleft research: Understanding the crucial role and regulation of epithelial integrity in facial and palate morphogenesis. Curr Top Dev Biol 2022; 148:13-50. [PMID: 35461563 PMCID: PMC9060390 DOI: 10.1016/bs.ctdb.2021.12.003] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/22/2022]
Abstract
Cleft lip and cleft palate are common birth defects resulting from genetic and/or environmental perturbations of facial development in utero. Facial morphogenesis commences during early embryogenesis, with cranial neural crest cells interacting with the surface ectoderm to form initially partly separate facial primordia consisting of the medial and lateral nasal prominences, and paired maxillary and mandibular processes. As these facial primordia grow around the primitive oral cavity and merge toward the ventral midline, the surface ectoderm undergoes a critical differentiation step to form an outer layer of flattened and tightly connected periderm cells with a non-stick apical surface that prevents epithelial adhesion. Formation of the upper lip and palate requires spatiotemporally regulated inter-epithelial adhesions and subsequent dissolution of the intervening epithelial seam between the maxillary and medial/lateral nasal processes and between the palatal shelves. Proper regulation of epithelial integrity plays a paramount role during human facial development, as mutations in genes encoding epithelial adhesion molecules and their regulators have been associated with syndromic and non-syndromic orofacial clefts. In this chapter, we summarize mouse genetic studies that have been instrumental in unraveling the mechanisms regulating epithelial integrity and periderm differentiation during facial and palate development. Since proper epithelial integrity also plays crucial roles in wound healing and cancer, understanding the mechanisms regulating epithelial integrity during facial development have direct implications for improvement in clinical care of craniofacial patients.
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13
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Zhang X, Tanwar VS, Jose CC, Lee HW, Cuddapah S. Transcriptional repression of E-cadherin in nickel-exposed lung epithelial cells mediated by loss of Sp1 binding at the promoter. Mol Carcinog 2022; 61:99-110. [PMID: 34727382 PMCID: PMC8665052 DOI: 10.1002/mc.23364] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/14/2021] [Revised: 10/01/2021] [Accepted: 10/13/2021] [Indexed: 01/03/2023]
Abstract
E-cadherin plays a central role in the stability of epithelial tissues by facilitating cell-cell adhesion. Loss of E-cadherin expression is a hallmark of epithelial-mesenchymal transition (EMT), a major event in the pathogenesis of several lung diseases. Our earlier studies showed that nickel, a ubiquitous environmental toxicant, induced EMT by persistently downregulating E-cadherin expression in human lung epithelial cells and that the EMT remained irreversible postexposure. However, the molecular basis of persistent E-cadherin downregulation by nickel exposure is not understood. Here, our studies show that the binding of transcription factor Sp1 to the promoter of E-cadherin encoding gene, CDH1, is essential for its expression. Nickel exposure caused a loss of Sp1 binding at the CDH1 promoter, resulting in its downregulation and EMT induction. Loss of Sp1 binding at the CDH1 promoter was associated with an increase in the binding of ZEB1 adjacent to the Sp1 binding site. ZEB1, an EMT master regulator persistently upregulated by nickel exposure, is a negative regulator of CDH1. CRISPR-Cas9-mediated knockout of ZEB1 restored Sp1 binding at the CDH1 promoter. Furthermore, ZEB1 knockout rescued E-cadherin expression and re-established the epithelial phenotype. Since EMT is associated with a number of nickel-exposure-associated chronic inflammatory lung diseases including asthma, fibrosis and cancer and metastasis, our findings provide new insights into the mechanisms associated with nickel pathogenesis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xiaoru Zhang
- Department of Environmental Medicine, New York University School of Medicine, New York, NY 10010, USA
| | - Vinay Singh Tanwar
- Department of Environmental Medicine, New York University School of Medicine, New York, NY 10010, USA
| | - Cynthia C Jose
- Department of Environmental Medicine, New York University School of Medicine, New York, NY 10010, USA
| | - Hyun-Wook Lee
- Department of Environmental Medicine, New York University School of Medicine, New York, NY 10010, USA
| | - Suresh Cuddapah
- Department of Environmental Medicine, New York University School of Medicine, New York, NY 10010, USA
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14
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Nakayama J, Tan L, Li Y, Goh BC, Wang S, Makinoshima H, Gong Z. A zebrafish embryo screen utilizing gastrulation identifies the HTR2C inhibitor pizotifen as a suppressor of EMT-mediated metastasis. eLife 2021; 10:e70151. [PMID: 34919051 PMCID: PMC8824480 DOI: 10.7554/elife.70151] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/07/2021] [Accepted: 12/17/2021] [Indexed: 11/17/2022] Open
Abstract
Metastasis is responsible for approximately 90% of cancer-associated mortality but few models exist that allow for rapid and effective screening of anti-metastasis drugs. Current mouse models of metastasis are too expensive and time consuming to use for rapid and high-throughput screening. Therefore, we created a unique screening concept utilizing conserved mechanisms between zebrafish gastrulation and cancer metastasis for identification of potential anti-metastatic drugs. We hypothesized that small chemicals that interrupt zebrafish gastrulation might also suppress metastatic progression of cancer cells and developed a phenotype-based chemical screen to test the hypothesis. The screen used epiboly, the first morphogenetic movement in gastrulation, as a marker and enabled 100 chemicals to be tested in 5 hr. The screen tested 1280 FDA-approved drugs and identified pizotifen, an antagonist for serotonin receptor 2C (HTR2C) as an epiboly-interrupting drug. Pharmacological and genetic inhibition of HTR2C suppressed metastatic progression in a mouse model. Blocking HTR2C with pizotifen restored epithelial properties to metastatic cells through inhibition of Wnt signaling. In contrast, HTR2C induced epithelial-to-mesenchymal transition through activation of Wnt signaling and promoted metastatic dissemination of human cancer cells in a zebrafish xenotransplantation model. Taken together, our concept offers a novel platform for discovery of anti-metastasis drugs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Joji Nakayama
- Department of Biological Science, National University of SingaporeSingaporeSingapore
- Cancer Science Institute of Singapore, National University of SingaporeSingaporeSingapore
- Tsuruoka Metabolomics Laboratory, National Cancer CenterTsuruokaJapan
- Shonai Regional Industry Promotion CenterTsuruokaJapan
| | - Lora Tan
- Department of Biological Science, National University of SingaporeSingaporeSingapore
| | - Yan Li
- Department of Biological Science, National University of SingaporeSingaporeSingapore
| | - Boon Cher Goh
- Cancer Science Institute of Singapore, National University of SingaporeSingaporeSingapore
| | - Shu Wang
- Department of Biological Science, National University of SingaporeSingaporeSingapore
- Institute of Bioengineering and NanotechnologySingaporeSingapore
| | - Hideki Makinoshima
- Tsuruoka Metabolomics Laboratory, National Cancer CenterTsuruokaJapan
- Division of Translational Research, Exploratory Oncology Research and Clinical Trial Center, National Cancer CenterKashiwaJapan
| | - Zhiyuan Gong
- Department of Biological Science, National University of SingaporeSingaporeSingapore
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15
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Sisto M, Ribatti D, Lisi S. Cadherin Signaling in Cancer and Autoimmune Diseases. Int J Mol Sci 2021; 22:ijms222413358. [PMID: 34948155 PMCID: PMC8704376 DOI: 10.3390/ijms222413358] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/09/2021] [Revised: 12/06/2021] [Accepted: 12/08/2021] [Indexed: 02/07/2023] Open
Abstract
Cadherins mediate cell–cell adhesion through a dynamic process that is strongly dependent on the cellular context and signaling. Cadherin regulation reflects the interplay between fundamental cellular processes, including morphogenesis, proliferation, programmed cell death, surface organization of receptors, cytoskeletal organization, and cell trafficking. The variety of molecular mechanisms and cellular functions regulated by cadherins suggests that we have only scratched the surface in terms of clarifying the functions mediated by these versatile proteins. Altered cadherins expression is closely connected with tumorigenesis, epithelial–mesenchymal transition (EMT)-dependent fibrosis, and autoimmunity. We review the current understanding of how cadherins contribute to human health and disease, considering the mechanisms of cadherin involvement in diseases progression, as well as the clinical significance of cadherins as therapeutic targets.
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16
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Title AC, Silva PN, Godbersen S, Hasenöhrl L, Stoffel M. The miR-200-Zeb1 axis regulates key aspects of β-cell function and survival in vivo. Mol Metab 2021; 53:101267. [PMID: 34116231 PMCID: PMC8258987 DOI: 10.1016/j.molmet.2021.101267] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/31/2021] [Revised: 05/24/2021] [Accepted: 06/03/2021] [Indexed: 12/13/2022] Open
Abstract
OBJECTIVE The miR-200-Zeb1 axis regulates the epithelial-to-mesenchymal transition (EMT), differentiation, and resistance to apoptosis. A better understanding of these processes in diabetes is highly relevant, as β-cell dedifferentiation and apoptosis contribute to the loss of functional β-cell mass and diabetes progression. Furthermore, EMT promotes the loss of β-cell identity in the in vitro expansion of human islets. Though the miR-200 family has previously been identified as a regulator of β-cell apoptosis in vivo, studies focusing on Zeb1 are lacking. The aim of this study was thus to investigate the role of Zeb1 in β-cell function and survival in vivo. METHODS miR-200 and Zeb1 are involved in a double-negative feedback loop. We characterized a mouse model in which miR-200 binding sites in the Zeb1 3'UTR are mutated (Zeb1200), leading to a physiologically relevant upregulation of Zeb1 mRNA expression. The role of Zeb1 was investigated in this model via metabolic tests and analysis of isolated islets. Further insights into the distinct contributions of the miR-200 and Zeb1 branches of the feedback loop were obtained by crossing the Zeb1200 allele into a background of miR-141-200c overexpression. RESULTS Mild Zeb1 derepression in vivo led to broad transcriptional changes in islets affecting β-cell identity, EMT, insulin secretion, cell-cell junctions, the unfolded protein response (UPR), and the response to ER stress. The aggregation and insulin secretion of dissociated islets of mice homozygous for the Zeb1200 mutation (Zeb1200M) were impaired, and Zeb1200M islets were resistant to thapsigargin-induced ER stress ex vivo. Zeb1200M mice had increased circulating proinsulin levels but no overt metabolic phenotype, reflecting the strong compensatory ability of islets to maintain glucose homeostasis. CONCLUSIONS This study signifies the importance of the miR-200-Zeb1 axis in regulating key aspects of β-cell function and survival. A better understanding of this axis is highly relevant in developing therapeutic strategies for inducing β-cell redifferentiation and maintaining β-cell identity in in vitro islet expansion.
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Affiliation(s)
- Alexandra C Title
- Institute of Molecular Health Sciences (IMHS), ETH Zürich, Otto-Stern-Weg 7, 8093, Zürich, Switzerland; Competence Center Personalized Medicine, ETH Zürich, Voltastrasse 24, 8044, Zürich, Switzerland
| | - Pamuditha N Silva
- Institute of Molecular Health Sciences (IMHS), ETH Zürich, Otto-Stern-Weg 7, 8093, Zürich, Switzerland
| | - Svenja Godbersen
- Institute of Molecular Health Sciences (IMHS), ETH Zürich, Otto-Stern-Weg 7, 8093, Zürich, Switzerland
| | - Lynn Hasenöhrl
- Institute of Molecular Health Sciences (IMHS), ETH Zürich, Otto-Stern-Weg 7, 8093, Zürich, Switzerland
| | - Markus Stoffel
- Institute of Molecular Health Sciences (IMHS), ETH Zürich, Otto-Stern-Weg 7, 8093, Zürich, Switzerland; Competence Center Personalized Medicine, ETH Zürich, Voltastrasse 24, 8044, Zürich, Switzerland; Medical Faculty, University of Zürich, 8091, Zürich, Switzerland.
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17
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Almotiri A, Alzahrani H, Menendez-Gonzalez JB, Abdelfattah A, Alotaibi B, Saleh L, Greene A, Georgiou M, Gibbs A, Alsayari A, Taha S, Thomas LA, Shah D, Edkins S, Giles P, Stemmler MP, Brabletz S, Brabletz T, Boyd AS, Siebzehnrubl FA, Rodrigues NP. Zeb1 modulates hematopoietic stem cell fates required for suppressing acute myeloid leukemia. J Clin Invest 2021; 131:129115. [PMID: 33108352 PMCID: PMC7773410 DOI: 10.1172/jci129115] [Citation(s) in RCA: 32] [Impact Index Per Article: 10.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/25/2019] [Accepted: 10/14/2020] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
Zeb1, a zinc finger E-box binding homeobox epithelial-mesenchymal transition (EMT) transcription factor, confers properties of "stemness," such as self-renewal, in cancer. Yet little is known about the function of Zeb1 in adult stem cells. Here, we used the hematopoietic system as a well-established paradigm of stem cell biology to evaluate Zeb1-mediated regulation of adult stem cells. We employed a conditional genetic approach using the Mx1-Cre system to specifically knock out (KO) Zeb1 in adult hematopoietic stem cells (HSCs) and their downstream progeny. Acute genetic deletion of Zeb1 led to rapid-onset thymic atrophy and apoptosis-driven loss of thymocytes and T cells. A profound cell-autonomous self-renewal defect and multilineage differentiation block were observed in Zeb1-KO HSCs. Loss of Zeb1 in HSCs activated transcriptional programs of deregulated HSC maintenance and multilineage differentiation genes and of cell polarity consisting of cytoskeleton-, lipid metabolism/lipid membrane-, and cell adhesion-related genes. Notably, epithelial cell adhesion molecule (EpCAM) expression was prodigiously upregulated in Zeb1-KO HSCs, which correlated with enhanced cell survival, diminished mitochondrial metabolism, ribosome biogenesis, and differentiation capacity and an activated transcriptomic signature associated with acute myeloid leukemia (AML) signaling. ZEB1 expression was downregulated in AML patients, and Zeb1 KO in the malignant counterparts of HSCs - leukemic stem cells (LSCs) - accelerated MLL-AF9- and Meis1a/Hoxa9-driven AML progression, implicating Zeb1 as a tumor suppressor in AML LSCs. Thus, Zeb1 acts as a transcriptional regulator in hematopoiesis, critically coordinating HSC self-renewal, apoptotic, and multilineage differentiation fates required to suppress leukemic potential in AML.
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Affiliation(s)
- Alhomidi Almotiri
- European Cancer Stem Cell Research Institute, Cardiff University, School of Biosciences, Cardiff, United Kingdom.,College of Applied Medical Sciences-Dawadmi, Shaqra University, Dawadmi, Saudi Arabia
| | - Hamed Alzahrani
- European Cancer Stem Cell Research Institute, Cardiff University, School of Biosciences, Cardiff, United Kingdom
| | | | - Ali Abdelfattah
- European Cancer Stem Cell Research Institute, Cardiff University, School of Biosciences, Cardiff, United Kingdom
| | - Badi Alotaibi
- European Cancer Stem Cell Research Institute, Cardiff University, School of Biosciences, Cardiff, United Kingdom
| | - Lubaid Saleh
- European Cancer Stem Cell Research Institute, Cardiff University, School of Biosciences, Cardiff, United Kingdom
| | - Adelle Greene
- European Cancer Stem Cell Research Institute, Cardiff University, School of Biosciences, Cardiff, United Kingdom
| | - Mia Georgiou
- European Cancer Stem Cell Research Institute, Cardiff University, School of Biosciences, Cardiff, United Kingdom
| | - Alex Gibbs
- European Cancer Stem Cell Research Institute, Cardiff University, School of Biosciences, Cardiff, United Kingdom
| | - Amani Alsayari
- European Cancer Stem Cell Research Institute, Cardiff University, School of Biosciences, Cardiff, United Kingdom
| | - Sarab Taha
- European Cancer Stem Cell Research Institute, Cardiff University, School of Biosciences, Cardiff, United Kingdom
| | - Leigh-Anne Thomas
- European Cancer Stem Cell Research Institute, Cardiff University, School of Biosciences, Cardiff, United Kingdom
| | - Dhruv Shah
- European Cancer Stem Cell Research Institute, Cardiff University, School of Biosciences, Cardiff, United Kingdom
| | - Sarah Edkins
- Wales Gene Park and Wales Cancer Research Centre, Division of Cancer and Genetics, Cardiff University, School of Medicine, Cardiff, United Kingdom
| | - Peter Giles
- Wales Gene Park and Wales Cancer Research Centre, Division of Cancer and Genetics, Cardiff University, School of Medicine, Cardiff, United Kingdom
| | - Marc P Stemmler
- Department of Experimental Medicine 1, Nikolaus-Fiebiger-Center for Molecular Medicine, FAU University Erlangen-Nürnberg, Erlangen, Germany
| | - Simone Brabletz
- Department of Experimental Medicine 1, Nikolaus-Fiebiger-Center for Molecular Medicine, FAU University Erlangen-Nürnberg, Erlangen, Germany
| | - Thomas Brabletz
- Department of Experimental Medicine 1, Nikolaus-Fiebiger-Center for Molecular Medicine, FAU University Erlangen-Nürnberg, Erlangen, Germany
| | - Ashleigh S Boyd
- Department of Surgical Biotechnology, Division of Surgery and Interventional Science, Royal Free Hospital, and.,Institute of Immunity and Transplantation, University College London, London, United Kingdom
| | - Florian A Siebzehnrubl
- European Cancer Stem Cell Research Institute, Cardiff University, School of Biosciences, Cardiff, United Kingdom
| | - Neil P Rodrigues
- European Cancer Stem Cell Research Institute, Cardiff University, School of Biosciences, Cardiff, United Kingdom
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18
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Fratini L, Jaeger M, de Farias CB, Brunetto AT, Brunetto AL, Shaw L, Roesler R. Oncogenic functions of ZEB1 in pediatric solid cancers: interplays with microRNAs and long noncoding RNAs. Mol Cell Biochem 2021; 476:4107-4116. [PMID: 34292482 DOI: 10.1007/s11010-021-04226-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/12/2021] [Accepted: 07/14/2021] [Indexed: 12/14/2022]
Abstract
The transcription factor Zinc finger E-box binding 1 (ZEB1) displays a range of regulatory activities in cell function and embryonic development, including driving epithelial-mesenchymal transition. Several aspects of ZEB1 function can be regulated by its functional interactions with noncoding RNA types, namely microRNAs (miRNAs) and long noncoding RNAs (lncRNAs). Increasing evidence indicates that ZEB1 importantly influences cancer initiation, tumor progression, metastasis, and resistance to treatment. Cancer is the main disease-related cause of death in children and adolescents. Although the role of ZEB1 in pediatric cancer is still poorly understood, emerging findings have shown that it is expressed and regulates childhood solid tumors including osteosarcoma, retinoblastoma, neuroblastoma, and central nervous system tumors. Here, we review the evidence supporting a role for ZEB1, and its interplays with miRNAs and lncRNAs, in pediatric cancers.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lívia Fratini
- Cancer and Neurobiology Laboratory, Experimental Research Center, Clinical Hospital (CPE-HCPA), Federal University of Rio Grande do Sul, Rua Ramiro Barcelos, 2350, Porto Alegre, RS, 90035-003, Brazil. .,Department of Pharmacology, Institute for Basic Health Sciences, Federal University of Rio Grande do Sul, Rua Sarmento Leite, 500 (ICBS, Campus Centro/UFRGS), Porto Alegre, RS, 90050-170, Brazil.
| | - Mariane Jaeger
- Cancer and Neurobiology Laboratory, Experimental Research Center, Clinical Hospital (CPE-HCPA), Federal University of Rio Grande do Sul, Rua Ramiro Barcelos, 2350, Porto Alegre, RS, 90035-003, Brazil.,Children's Cancer Institute, Porto Alegre, RS, 90620-110, Brazil
| | - Caroline Brunetto de Farias
- Cancer and Neurobiology Laboratory, Experimental Research Center, Clinical Hospital (CPE-HCPA), Federal University of Rio Grande do Sul, Rua Ramiro Barcelos, 2350, Porto Alegre, RS, 90035-003, Brazil.,Children's Cancer Institute, Porto Alegre, RS, 90620-110, Brazil
| | - André T Brunetto
- Cancer and Neurobiology Laboratory, Experimental Research Center, Clinical Hospital (CPE-HCPA), Federal University of Rio Grande do Sul, Rua Ramiro Barcelos, 2350, Porto Alegre, RS, 90035-003, Brazil.,Children's Cancer Institute, Porto Alegre, RS, 90620-110, Brazil
| | - Algemir L Brunetto
- Cancer and Neurobiology Laboratory, Experimental Research Center, Clinical Hospital (CPE-HCPA), Federal University of Rio Grande do Sul, Rua Ramiro Barcelos, 2350, Porto Alegre, RS, 90035-003, Brazil.,Children's Cancer Institute, Porto Alegre, RS, 90620-110, Brazil
| | - Lisa Shaw
- School of Pharmacy and Biomedical Sciences, Faculty of Clinical and Biomedical Sciences, University of Central Lancashire, Preston, PR1 2HE, Lancashire, UK
| | - Rafael Roesler
- Cancer and Neurobiology Laboratory, Experimental Research Center, Clinical Hospital (CPE-HCPA), Federal University of Rio Grande do Sul, Rua Ramiro Barcelos, 2350, Porto Alegre, RS, 90035-003, Brazil. .,Department of Pharmacology, Institute for Basic Health Sciences, Federal University of Rio Grande do Sul, Rua Sarmento Leite, 500 (ICBS, Campus Centro/UFRGS), Porto Alegre, RS, 90050-170, Brazil.
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Shim G, Devenport D, Cohen DJ. Overriding native cell coordination enhances external programming of collective cell migration. Proc Natl Acad Sci U S A 2021; 118:e2101352118. [PMID: 34272284 PMCID: PMC8307614 DOI: 10.1073/pnas.2101352118] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/18/2022] Open
Abstract
As collective cell migration is essential in biological processes spanning development, healing, and cancer progression, methods to externally program cell migration are of great value. However, problems can arise if the external commands compete with strong, preexisting collective behaviors in the tissue or system. We investigate this problem by applying a potent external migratory cue-electrical stimulation and electrotaxis-to primary mouse skin monolayers where we can tune cell-cell adhesion strength to modulate endogenous collectivity. Monolayers with high cell-cell adhesion showed strong natural coordination and resisted electrotactic control, with this conflict actively damaging the leading edge of the tissue. However, reducing preexisting coordination in the tissue by specifically inhibiting E-cadherin-dependent cell-cell adhesion, either by disrupting the formation of cell-cell junctions with E-cadherin-specific antibodies or rapidly dismantling E-cadherin junctions with calcium chelators, significantly improved controllability. Finally, we applied this paradigm of weakening existing coordination to improve control and demonstrate accelerated wound closure in vitro. These results are in keeping with those from diverse, noncellular systems and confirm that endogenous collectivity should be considered as a key quantitative design variable when optimizing external control of collective migration.
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Affiliation(s)
- Gawoon Shim
- Department of Mechanical and Aerospace Engineering, Princeton University, Princeton, NJ 08540
| | - Danelle Devenport
- Department of Molecular Biology, Princeton University, Princeton, NJ 08540
| | - Daniel J Cohen
- Department of Mechanical and Aerospace Engineering, Princeton University, Princeton, NJ 08540;
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20
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Functional Implications of the Dynamic Regulation of EpCAM during Epithelial-to-Mesenchymal Transition. Biomolecules 2021; 11:biom11070956. [PMID: 34209658 PMCID: PMC8301972 DOI: 10.3390/biom11070956] [Citation(s) in RCA: 27] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/25/2021] [Revised: 06/11/2021] [Accepted: 06/16/2021] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
Epithelial cell adhesion molecule (EpCAM) is a transmembrane glycoprotein expressed in epithelial tissues. EpCAM forms intercellular, homophilic adhesions, modulates epithelial junctional protein complex formation, and promotes epithelial tissue homeostasis. EpCAM is a target of molecular therapies and plays a prominent role in tumor biology. In this review, we focus on the dynamic regulation of EpCAM expression during epithelial-to-mesenchymal transition (EMT) and the functional implications of EpCAM expression on the regulation of EMT. EpCAM is frequently and highly expressed in epithelial cancers, while silenced in mesenchymal cancers. During EMT, EpCAM expression is downregulated by extracellular signal-regulated kinases (ERK) and EMT transcription factors, as well as by regulated intramembrane proteolysis (RIP). The functional impact of EpCAM expression on tumor biology is frequently dependent on the cancer type and predominant oncogenic signaling pathways, suggesting that the role of EpCAM in tumor biology and EMT is multifunctional. Membrane EpCAM is cleaved in cancers and its intracellular domain (EpICD) is transported into the nucleus and binds β-catenin, FHL2, and LEF1. This stimulates gene transcription that promotes growth, cancer stem cell properties, and EMT. EpCAM is also regulated by epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR) signaling and the EpCAM ectoderm (EpEX) is an EGFR ligand that affects EMT. EpCAM is expressed on circulating tumor and cancer stem cells undergoing EMT and modulates metastases and cancer treatment responses. Future research exploring EpCAM’s role in EMT may reveal additional therapeutic opportunities.
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21
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Bradfield A, Button L, Drury J, Green DC, Hill CJ, Hapangama DK. Investigating the Role of Telomere and Telomerase Associated Genes and Proteins in Endometrial Cancer. Methods Protoc 2020; 3:E63. [PMID: 32899298 PMCID: PMC7565490 DOI: 10.3390/mps3030063] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/14/2020] [Revised: 08/24/2020] [Accepted: 08/30/2020] [Indexed: 12/16/2022] Open
Abstract
Endometrial cancer (EC) is the commonest gynaecological malignancy. Current prognostic markers are inadequate to accurately predict patient survival, necessitating novel prognostic markers, to improve treatment strategies. Telomerase has a unique role within the endometrium, whilst aberrant telomerase activity is a hallmark of many cancers. The aim of the current in silico study is to investigate the role of telomere and telomerase associated genes and proteins (TTAGPs) in EC to identify potential prognostic markers and therapeutic targets. Analysis of RNA-seq data from The Cancer Genome Atlas identified differentially expressed genes (DEGs) in EC (568 TTAGPs out of 3467) and ascertained DEGs associated with histological subtypes, higher grade endometrioid tumours and late stage EC. Functional analysis demonstrated that DEGs were predominantly involved in cell cycle regulation, while the survival analysis identified 69 DEGs associated with prognosis. The protein-protein interaction network constructed facilitated the identification of hub genes, enriched transcription factor binding sites and drugs that may target the network. Thus, our in silico methods distinguished many critical genes associated with telomere maintenance that were previously unknown to contribute to EC carcinogenesis and prognosis, including NOP56, WFS1, ANAPC4 and TUBB4A. Probing the prognostic and therapeutic utility of these novel TTAGP markers will form an exciting basis for future research.
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Affiliation(s)
- Alice Bradfield
- Department of Women’s and Children’s Health, University of Liverpool, Crown St, Liverpool L69 7ZX, UK; (A.B.); (J.D.); (C.J.H.)
| | - Lucy Button
- Faculty of Health and Life Sciences, University of Liverpool, Brownlow Hill, Liverpool L69 7ZX, UK;
| | - Josephine Drury
- Department of Women’s and Children’s Health, University of Liverpool, Crown St, Liverpool L69 7ZX, UK; (A.B.); (J.D.); (C.J.H.)
| | - Daniel C. Green
- Institute of Life Course and Medical Sciences, Faculty of Health and Life Sciences, University of Liverpool, Liverpool L7 8TX, UK;
| | - Christopher J. Hill
- Department of Women’s and Children’s Health, University of Liverpool, Crown St, Liverpool L69 7ZX, UK; (A.B.); (J.D.); (C.J.H.)
| | - Dharani K. Hapangama
- Department of Women’s and Children’s Health, University of Liverpool, Crown St, Liverpool L69 7ZX, UK; (A.B.); (J.D.); (C.J.H.)
- Liverpool Women’s NHS Foundation Trust, Member of Liverpool Health Partners, Liverpool L8 7SS, UK
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22
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Gires O, Pan M, Schinke H, Canis M, Baeuerle PA. Expression and function of epithelial cell adhesion molecule EpCAM: where are we after 40 years? Cancer Metastasis Rev 2020; 39:969-987. [PMID: 32507912 PMCID: PMC7497325 DOI: 10.1007/s10555-020-09898-3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 140] [Impact Index Per Article: 35.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/17/2022]
Abstract
EpCAM (epithelial cell adhesion molecule) was discovered four decades ago as a tumor antigen on colorectal carcinomas. Owing to its frequent and high expression on carcinomas and their metastases, EpCAM serves as a prognostic marker, a therapeutic target, and an anchor molecule on circulating and disseminated tumor cells (CTCs/DTCs), which are considered the major source for metastatic cancer cells. Today, EpCAM is reckoned as a multi-functional transmembrane protein involved in the regulation of cell adhesion, proliferation, migration, stemness, and epithelial-to-mesenchymal transition (EMT) of carcinoma cells. To fulfill these functions, EpCAM is instrumental in intra- and intercellular signaling as a full-length molecule and following regulated intramembrane proteolysis, generating functionally active extra- and intracellular fragments. Intact EpCAM and its proteolytic fragments interact with claudins, CD44, E-cadherin, epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR), and intracellular signaling components of the WNT and Ras/Raf pathways, respectively. This plethora of functions contributes to shaping intratumor heterogeneity and partial EMT, which are major determinants of the clinical outcome of carcinoma patients. EpCAM represents a marker for the epithelial status of primary and systemic tumor cells and emerges as a measure for the metastatic capacity of CTCs. Consequentially, EpCAM has reclaimed potential as a prognostic marker and target on primary and systemic tumor cells.
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Affiliation(s)
- Olivier Gires
- Department of Otorhinolaryngology, University Hospital, LMU Munich, Marchioninistr. 15, 81377, Munich, Germany.
- Clinical Cooperation Group "Personalized Radiotherapy in Head and Neck Cancer", Helmholtz Zentrum, Neuherberg, Germany.
| | - Min Pan
- Department of Otorhinolaryngology, University Hospital, LMU Munich, Marchioninistr. 15, 81377, Munich, Germany
- Department of Otorhinolaryngology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Chongqing Medical University, No. 1 Youyi Road, Yuzhong District, Chongqing, 400016, China
| | - Henrik Schinke
- Department of Otorhinolaryngology, University Hospital, LMU Munich, Marchioninistr. 15, 81377, Munich, Germany
| | - Martin Canis
- Department of Otorhinolaryngology, University Hospital, LMU Munich, Marchioninistr. 15, 81377, Munich, Germany
| | - Patrick A Baeuerle
- Institute for Immunology, LMU Munich, Grosshadernerstr. 9, 82152 Planegg, Martinsried, Germany
- MPM Capital, Cambridge MA, 450 Kendall Street, Cambridge, MA, 02142, USA
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23
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Nie X, Zhao J, Ling H, Deng Y, Li X, He Y. Exploring microRNAs in diabetic chronic cutaneous ulcers: Regulatory mechanisms and therapeutic potential. Br J Pharmacol 2020; 177:4077-4095. [PMID: 32449793 DOI: 10.1111/bph.15139] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/20/2020] [Revised: 05/04/2020] [Accepted: 05/07/2020] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
Diabetic chronic cutaneous ulcers (DCU) are one of the serious complications of diabetes mellitus, occurring mainly in diabetic patients with peripheral neuropathy. Recent studies have indicated that microRNAs (miRNAs/miRs) and their target genes are essential regulators of cell physiology and pathology including biological processes that are involved in the regulation of diabetes and diabetes-related microvascular complications. in vivo and in vitro models have revealed that the expression of some miRNAs can be regulated in the inflammatory response, cell proliferation, and wound remodelling of DCU. Nevertheless, the potential application of miRNAs to clinical use is still limited. Here, we provide a contemporary overview of the miRNAs as well as their associated target genes and pathways (including Wnt/β-catenin, NF-κB, TGF-β/Smad, and PI3K/AKT/mTOR) related to DCU healing. We also summarize the current development of drugs for DCU treatment and discuss the therapeutic challenges of DCU treatment and its future research directions.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xuqiang Nie
- Key Laboratory of Basic Pharmacology of Ministry of Education, Zunyi Medical University, Zunyi, China.,College of Pharmacy, Zunyi Medical University, Zunyi, China.,Institute of Materia Medica, College of Pharmacy, Third Military Medical University, Chongqing, China
| | - Jiufeng Zhao
- Key Laboratory of Basic Pharmacology of Ministry of Education, Zunyi Medical University, Zunyi, China
| | - Hua Ling
- School of Pharmacy, Georgia Campus - Philadelphia College of Osteopathic Medicine, Suwanee, GA, USA
| | - Youcai Deng
- Institute of Materia Medica, College of Pharmacy, Third Military Medical University, Chongqing, China
| | - Xiaohui Li
- Institute of Materia Medica, College of Pharmacy, Third Military Medical University, Chongqing, China
| | - Yuqi He
- Key Laboratory of Basic Pharmacology of Ministry of Education, Zunyi Medical University, Zunyi, China.,College of Pharmacy, Zunyi Medical University, Zunyi, China
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24
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Banote RK, Chebli J, Şatır TM, Varshney GK, Camacho R, Ledin J, Burgess SM, Abramsson A, Zetterberg H. Amyloid precursor protein-b facilitates cell adhesion during early development in zebrafish. Sci Rep 2020; 10:10127. [PMID: 32576936 PMCID: PMC7311384 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-020-66584-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/04/2019] [Accepted: 05/21/2020] [Indexed: 01/05/2023] Open
Abstract
Understanding the biological function of amyloid beta (Aβ) precursor protein (APP) beyond its role in Alzheimer's disease is emerging. Yet, its function during embryonic development is poorly understood. The zebrafish APP orthologue, Appb, is strongly expressed during early development but thus far has only been studied via morpholino-mediated knockdown. Zebrafish enables analysis of cellular processes in an ontogenic context, which is limited in many other vertebrates. We characterized zebrafish carrying a homozygous mutation that introduces a premature stop in exon 2 of the appb gene. We report that appb mutants are significantly smaller until 2 dpf and display perturbed enveloping layer (EVL) integrity and cell protrusions at the blastula stage. Moreover, appb mutants surviving beyond 48 hpf exhibited no behavioral defects at 6 dpf and developed into healthy and fertile adults. The expression of the app family member, appa, was also found to be altered in appb mutants. Taken together, we show that appb is involved in the initial development of zebrafish by supporting the integrity of the EVL, likely by mediating cell adhesion properties. The loss of Appb might then be compensated for by other app family members to maintain normal development.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rakesh Kumar Banote
- Institute of Neuroscience and Physiology, Department of Psychiatry and Neurochemistry, The Sahlgrenska Academy, University of Gothenburg, S-41345, Gothenburg, Sweden.,Cellectricon AB, Neongatan 4B, SE-431 53, Mölndal, Sweden
| | - Jasmine Chebli
- Institute of Neuroscience and Physiology, Department of Psychiatry and Neurochemistry, The Sahlgrenska Academy, University of Gothenburg, S-41345, Gothenburg, Sweden
| | - Tuğçe Munise Şatır
- Institute of Neuroscience and Physiology, Department of Psychiatry and Neurochemistry, The Sahlgrenska Academy, University of Gothenburg, S-41345, Gothenburg, Sweden
| | - Gaurav K Varshney
- Translational and Functional Genomics Branch, National Human Genome Research Institute, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, Maryland, 20892, USA.,Genes & Human Disease Program, Oklahoma Medical Research Foundation, Oklahoma City, OK, 73104, USA
| | - Rafael Camacho
- Centre for Cellular Imaging, Core Facilities, The Sahlgrenska Academy, University of Gothenburg, Gothenburg, Sweden
| | - Johan Ledin
- Translational and Functional Genomics Branch, National Human Genome Research Institute, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, Maryland, 20892, USA.,Department of Organismal Biology, Science for Life Laboratory, Uppsala University, Uppsala, Sweden
| | - Shawn M Burgess
- Translational and Functional Genomics Branch, National Human Genome Research Institute, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, Maryland, 20892, USA
| | - Alexandra Abramsson
- Institute of Neuroscience and Physiology, Department of Psychiatry and Neurochemistry, The Sahlgrenska Academy, University of Gothenburg, S-41345, Gothenburg, Sweden.
| | - Henrik Zetterberg
- Institute of Neuroscience and Physiology, Department of Psychiatry and Neurochemistry, The Sahlgrenska Academy, University of Gothenburg, S-41345, Gothenburg, Sweden.,Clinical Neurochemistry Laboratory, Sahlgrenska University Hospital, Mölndal, Sweden.,Department of Neurodegenerative Disease, UCL Institute of Neurology, Queen Square, London, WC1N3BG, United Kingdom.,UK Dementia Research Institute, London, WC1N3BG, United Kingdom
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25
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Zhang M, Wang Y, Matyunina LV, Akbar A, McDonald JF. The ability of miRNAs to induce mesenchymal-to-epithelial transition (MET) in cancer cells is highly dependent upon genetic background. Cancer Lett 2020; 480:15-23. [PMID: 32234315 DOI: 10.1016/j.canlet.2020.03.023] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/08/2020] [Revised: 03/18/2020] [Accepted: 03/25/2020] [Indexed: 12/30/2022]
Abstract
Understanding of the molecular basis of host cell-miRNA interactions is prerequisite to the successful application of miRNAs as potential therapeutic agents. We studied the morphological and molecular consequences of over expression of three sequence divergent miRNAs previously implicated in the mesenchymal-to-epithelial transition process (MET) in three distinct mesenchymal-like cancer cell lines. The ability of miRNAs to induce morphological changes characteristic of MET positively correlated with induced changes in the expression of genes previously implicated in the process. Variability in the responses of different mesenchymal-like cells to over expression of the same miRNAs was attributable to inherent differences in trans-regulatory profiles pre-disposing these cells to miRNA-induced MET. Collectively our results indicate that miRNA-mediated regulation of MET is a highly integrated process that is significantly modulated by the molecular background of individual cells.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mengnan Zhang
- School of Biological Sciences and Petit Institute for Bioengineering and Bioscience, Georgia Institute of Technology, 315 Ferst Drive, Atlanta, GA, 30332, USA.
| | - Yuehua Wang
- School of Biological Sciences and Petit Institute for Bioengineering and Bioscience, Georgia Institute of Technology, 315 Ferst Drive, Atlanta, GA, 30332, USA.
| | - Lilya V Matyunina
- School of Biological Sciences and Petit Institute for Bioengineering and Bioscience, Georgia Institute of Technology, 315 Ferst Drive, Atlanta, GA, 30332, USA.
| | - Amber Akbar
- School of Biological Sciences and Petit Institute for Bioengineering and Bioscience, Georgia Institute of Technology, 315 Ferst Drive, Atlanta, GA, 30332, USA.
| | - John F McDonald
- School of Biological Sciences and Petit Institute for Bioengineering and Bioscience, Georgia Institute of Technology, 315 Ferst Drive, Atlanta, GA, 30332, USA; Integrated Cancer Research Center, Georgia Institute of Technology, 315 Ferst Drive, Atlanta, GA, 30332, USA.
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26
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York JR, McCauley DW. The origin and evolution of vertebrate neural crest cells. Open Biol 2020; 10:190285. [PMID: 31992146 PMCID: PMC7014683 DOI: 10.1098/rsob.190285] [Citation(s) in RCA: 32] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/26/2019] [Accepted: 01/06/2020] [Indexed: 12/13/2022] Open
Abstract
The neural crest is a vertebrate-specific migratory stem cell population that generates a remarkably diverse set of cell types and structures. Because many of the morphological, physiological and behavioural novelties of vertebrates are derived from neural crest cells, it is thought that the origin of this cell population was an important milestone in early vertebrate history. An outstanding question in the field of vertebrate evolutionary-developmental biology (evo-devo) is how this cell type evolved in ancestral vertebrates. In this review, we briefly summarize neural crest developmental genetics in vertebrates, focusing in particular on the gene regulatory interactions instructing their early formation within and migration from the dorsal neural tube. We then discuss how studies searching for homologues of neural crest cells in invertebrate chordates led to the discovery of neural crest-like cells in tunicates and the potential implications this has for tracing the pre-vertebrate origins of the neural crest population. Finally, we synthesize this information to propose a model to explain the origin of neural crest cells. We suggest that at least some of the regulatory components of early stages of neural crest development long pre-date vertebrate origins, perhaps dating back to the last common bilaterian ancestor. These components, originally directing neuroectodermal patterning and cell migration, served as a gene regulatory 'scaffold' upon which neural crest-like cells with limited migration and potency evolved in the last common ancestor of tunicates and vertebrates. Finally, the acquisition of regulatory programmes controlling multipotency and long-range, directed migration led to the transition from neural crest-like cells in invertebrate chordates to multipotent migratory neural crest in the first vertebrates.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - David W. McCauley
- Department of Biology, University of Oklahoma, 730 Van Vleet Oval, Norman, OK 73019, USA
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27
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Nanduri LK, Hissa B, Weitz J, Schölch S, Bork U. The prognostic role of circulating tumor cells in colorectal cancer. Expert Rev Anticancer Ther 2019; 19:1077-1088. [PMID: 31778322 DOI: 10.1080/14737140.2019.1699065] [Citation(s) in RCA: 21] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/07/2023]
Abstract
Introduction: Metastasis is the main cause of cancer-associated death in colorectal cancer (CRC). The presence of circulating tumor cells (CTC) in the blood is associated with an increased risk of recurrence and poor prognosis. The clinical significance of CTCs as a novel biomarker has been extensively studied in the last decade. It has been shown that CTC detection applies to early cancer detection. The presence of CTCs is associated with metastatic spread and poor survival and is also useful as a marker for therapy response.Areas covered: We summarize the role of CTC in CRC, their clinical significance, current methods for CTC detection and challenges as well as future perspectives of CTC research.Expert commentary: The clinical significance of CTC in CRC patients is well established. Although insightful, the available marker-based approaches hampered our understanding of the CTCs and their biology, as such approaches do not take into account the heterogeneity of these cell populations. New technologies should expand the marker-based detection to multi biomarker-based approaches together with recent technological advances in microfluidics for single cell enrichment and analysis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lahiri Kanth Nanduri
- Department of Gastrointestinal-, Thoracic- and Vascular Surgery, Medizinische Fakultät Carl Gustav Carus, Technische Universität Dresden, Dresden, Germany.,German Cancer Consortium, Heidelberg, Germany.,German Cancer Research Center (DKFZ), Heidelberg, Germany
| | - Barbara Hissa
- Department of Surgery, Universitätsmedizin Mannheim, Medical Faculty Mannheim, University of Heidelberg, Mannheim, Germany
| | - Jürgen Weitz
- Department of Gastrointestinal-, Thoracic- and Vascular Surgery, Medizinische Fakultät Carl Gustav Carus, Technische Universität Dresden, Dresden, Germany.,German Cancer Consortium, Heidelberg, Germany.,German Cancer Research Center (DKFZ), Heidelberg, Germany
| | - Sebastian Schölch
- Department of Gastrointestinal-, Thoracic- and Vascular Surgery, Medizinische Fakultät Carl Gustav Carus, Technische Universität Dresden, Dresden, Germany.,German Cancer Consortium, Heidelberg, Germany.,German Cancer Research Center (DKFZ), Heidelberg, Germany.,Department of Surgery, Universitätsmedizin Mannheim, Medical Faculty Mannheim, University of Heidelberg, Mannheim, Germany
| | - Ulrich Bork
- Department of Gastrointestinal-, Thoracic- and Vascular Surgery, Medizinische Fakultät Carl Gustav Carus, Technische Universität Dresden, Dresden, Germany
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28
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Sharma P, Gupta S, Chaudhary M, Mitra S, Chawla B, Khursheed MA, Ramachandran R. Oct4 mediates Müller glia reprogramming and cell cycle exit during retina regeneration in zebrafish. Life Sci Alliance 2019; 2:2/5/e201900548. [PMID: 31594822 PMCID: PMC6784428 DOI: 10.26508/lsa.201900548] [Citation(s) in RCA: 26] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/11/2019] [Revised: 09/24/2019] [Accepted: 09/24/2019] [Indexed: 12/21/2022] Open
Abstract
The rapid induction of pluripotency-inducing factor Oct4 in the injured retina necessitates the de novo induction of stem cells and their subsequent cell cycle exit. Octamer-binding transcription factor 4 (Oct4, also known as Pou5F3) is an essential pluripotency-inducing factor, governing a plethora of biological functions during cellular reprogramming. Retina regeneration in zebrafish involves reprogramming of Müller glia (MG) into a proliferating population of progenitors (MGPCs) with stem cell–like characteristics, along with up-regulation of pluripotency-inducing factors. However, the significance of Oct4 during retina regeneration remains elusive. In this study, we show an early panretinal induction of Oct4, which is essential for MG reprogramming through the regulation of several regeneration-associated factors such as Ascl1a, Lin28a, Sox2, Zeb, E-cadherin, and various miRNAs, namely, let-7a, miR-200a/miR-200b, and miR-143/miR-145. We also show the crucial roles played by Oct4 during cell cycle exit of MGPCs in collaboration with members of nucleosome remodeling and deacetylase complex such as Hdac1. Notably, Oct4 regulates Tgf-β signaling negatively during MG reprogramming, and positively to cause cycle exit of MGPCs. Our study reveals unique mechanistic involvement of Oct4, during MG reprogramming and cell cycle exit in zebrafish, which may also account for the inefficient retina regeneration in mammals.
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Affiliation(s)
- Poonam Sharma
- Indian Institute of Science Education and Research, Mohali, India
| | - Shivangi Gupta
- Indian Institute of Science Education and Research, Mohali, India
| | - Mansi Chaudhary
- Indian Institute of Science Education and Research, Mohali, India
| | - Soumitra Mitra
- Indian Institute of Science Education and Research, Mohali, India
| | - Bindia Chawla
- Indian Institute of Science Education and Research, Mohali, India
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29
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Pan M, Schinke H, Luxenburger E, Kranz G, Shakhtour J, Libl D, Huang Y, Gaber A, Pavšič M, Lenarčič B, Kitz J, Jakob M, Schwenk-Zieger S, Canis M, Hess J, Unger K, Baumeister P, Gires O. EpCAM ectodomain EpEX is a ligand of EGFR that counteracts EGF-mediated epithelial-mesenchymal transition through modulation of phospho-ERK1/2 in head and neck cancers. PLoS Biol 2018; 16:e2006624. [PMID: 30261040 PMCID: PMC6177200 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pbio.2006624] [Citation(s) in RCA: 33] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/09/2018] [Revised: 10/09/2018] [Accepted: 09/12/2018] [Indexed: 12/18/2022] Open
Abstract
Head and neck squamous cell carcinomas (HNSCCs) are characterized by outstanding molecular heterogeneity that results in severe therapy resistance and poor clinical outcome. Inter- and intratumoral heterogeneity in epithelial-mesenchymal transition (EMT) was recently revealed as a major parameter of poor clinical outcome. Here, we addressed the expression and function of the therapeutic target epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR) and of the major determinant of epithelial differentiation epithelial cell adhesion molecule (EpCAM) in clinical samples and in vitro models of HNSCCs. We describe improved survival of EGFRlow/EpCAMhigh HNSCC patients (n = 180) and provide a molecular basis for the observed disparities in clinical outcome. EGF/EGFR have concentration-dependent dual capacities as inducers of proliferation and EMT through differential activation of the central molecular switch phosphorylated extracellular signal–regulated kinase 1/2 (pERK1/2) and EMT transcription factors (EMT-TFs) Snail, zinc finger E-box-binding homeobox 1 (Zeb1), and Slug. Furthermore, soluble ectodomain of EpCAM (EpEX) was identified as a ligand of EGFR that activates pERK1/2 and phosphorylated AKT (pAKT) and induces EGFR-dependent proliferation but represses EGF-mediated EMT, Snail, Zeb1, and Slug activation and cell migration. EMT repression by EpEX is realized through competitive modulation of pERK1/2 activation strength and inhibition of EMT-TFs, which is reflected in levels of pERK1/2 and its target Slug in clinical samples. Accordingly, high expression of pERK1/2 and/or Slug predicted poor outcome of HNSCCs. Hence, EpEX is a ligand of EGFR that induces proliferation but counteracts EMT mediated by the EGF/EGFR/pERK1/2 axis. Therefore, the emerging EGFR/EpCAM molecular cross talk represents a promising target to improve patient-tailored adjuvant treatment of HNSCCs. Head and neck squamous cell carcinomas (HNSCCs) display poor survival, with death rates above 55%. Major factors affecting survival are metastases’ formation and therapy resistance. Phenotypic changes during partial epithelial-mesenchymal transition (EMT) provide tumor cells with increased migration, invasion, and therapy resistance. Understanding molecular mechanisms of EMT, as a central process of the metastatic cascade and the development of therapy resistance, is therefore important. In the present work, we identified molecular cross talk between epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR) and epithelial cell adhesion molecule (EpCAM) as a novel determinant of clinical outcome in HNSCCs. Low levels of EGFR but high levels of EpCAM (EGFRlow/EpCAMhigh) were associated with favorable prognosis, with survival rates above 90%, whereas EGFRhigh/EpCAMlow correlated with poor survival, below 10%. EGFR was shown to have a concentration-dependent capacity to induce proliferation and EMT. Proteolytic cleavage of the extracellular domain of EpCAM (EpEX) produces a ligand of EGFR that induces EGFR-dependent proliferation but counteracts EGF-induced EMT. We delineate an EGFR/extracellular signal–regulated kinase 1/2 (ERK1/2)/EpCAM signaling axis that may be a promising therapeutic target for HNSCCs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Min Pan
- Department of Otorhinolaryngology, Head and Neck Surgery, Grosshadern Medical Center, Ludwig-Maximilians-University, Munich, Germany
| | - Henrik Schinke
- Department of Otorhinolaryngology, Head and Neck Surgery, Grosshadern Medical Center, Ludwig-Maximilians-University, Munich, Germany
| | - Elke Luxenburger
- Department of Otorhinolaryngology, Head and Neck Surgery, Grosshadern Medical Center, Ludwig-Maximilians-University, Munich, Germany
| | - Gisela Kranz
- Department of Otorhinolaryngology, Head and Neck Surgery, Grosshadern Medical Center, Ludwig-Maximilians-University, Munich, Germany
| | - Julius Shakhtour
- Department of Otorhinolaryngology, Head and Neck Surgery, Grosshadern Medical Center, Ludwig-Maximilians-University, Munich, Germany
| | - Darko Libl
- Department of Otorhinolaryngology, Head and Neck Surgery, Grosshadern Medical Center, Ludwig-Maximilians-University, Munich, Germany
| | - Yuanchi Huang
- Department of Otorhinolaryngology, Head and Neck Surgery, Grosshadern Medical Center, Ludwig-Maximilians-University, Munich, Germany
| | - Aljaž Gaber
- Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry, Faculty of Chemistry and Chemical Technology, University of Ljubljana, Ljubljana, Slovenia
| | - Miha Pavšič
- Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry, Faculty of Chemistry and Chemical Technology, University of Ljubljana, Ljubljana, Slovenia
| | - Brigita Lenarčič
- Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry, Faculty of Chemistry and Chemical Technology, University of Ljubljana, Ljubljana, Slovenia
- Department of Biochemistry, Molecular and Structural Biology, Institute Jožef Stefan, Ljubljana, Slovenia
| | - Julia Kitz
- Institute of Pathology, University Medical Center, Göttingen, Germany
| | - Mark Jakob
- Department of Otorhinolaryngology, Head and Neck Surgery, Grosshadern Medical Center, Ludwig-Maximilians-University, Munich, Germany
| | - Sabina Schwenk-Zieger
- Department of Otorhinolaryngology, Head and Neck Surgery, Grosshadern Medical Center, Ludwig-Maximilians-University, Munich, Germany
| | - Martin Canis
- Department of Otorhinolaryngology, Head and Neck Surgery, Grosshadern Medical Center, Ludwig-Maximilians-University, Munich, Germany
| | - Julia Hess
- Clinical Cooperation Group “Personalized Radiotherapy in Head and Neck Cancer“, Helmholtz Zentrum München, Research Center for Environmental Health (GmbH), Neuherberg, Germany
- Research Unit Radiation Cytogenetics, Helmholtz Zentrum München, Research Center for Environmental Health (GmbH), Neuherberg, Germany
| | - Kristian Unger
- Clinical Cooperation Group “Personalized Radiotherapy in Head and Neck Cancer“, Helmholtz Zentrum München, Research Center for Environmental Health (GmbH), Neuherberg, Germany
- Research Unit Radiation Cytogenetics, Helmholtz Zentrum München, Research Center for Environmental Health (GmbH), Neuherberg, Germany
| | - Philipp Baumeister
- Department of Otorhinolaryngology, Head and Neck Surgery, Grosshadern Medical Center, Ludwig-Maximilians-University, Munich, Germany
- Clinical Cooperation Group “Personalized Radiotherapy in Head and Neck Cancer“, Helmholtz Zentrum München, Research Center for Environmental Health (GmbH), Neuherberg, Germany
| | - Olivier Gires
- Department of Otorhinolaryngology, Head and Neck Surgery, Grosshadern Medical Center, Ludwig-Maximilians-University, Munich, Germany
- Clinical Cooperation Group “Personalized Radiotherapy in Head and Neck Cancer“, Helmholtz Zentrum München, Research Center for Environmental Health (GmbH), Neuherberg, Germany
- * E-mail:
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30
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Wang Y, Wu Z, Hu L. The regulatory effects of metformin on the [SNAIL/miR-34]:[ZEB/miR-200] system in the epithelial-mesenchymal transition(EMT) for colorectal cancer(CRC). Eur J Pharmacol 2018; 834:45-53. [PMID: 30017802 DOI: 10.1016/j.ejphar.2018.07.006] [Citation(s) in RCA: 31] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/06/2018] [Revised: 06/22/2018] [Accepted: 07/09/2018] [Indexed: 01/26/2023]
Abstract
The epithelial-mesenchymal transition (EMT) plays a critical role in cancer progression, metastasis and drug resistance. The transcription factor(TF) and microRNA (miR) chimeric [SNAIL/miR-34]:[ZEB/miR-200] unit is the core regulatory system for the EMT process. Here, we proposed to assess the anti-EMT abilities and explore the inherent pharmacological mechanisms of the classic hypoglycaemic agent metformin for colorectal cancer(CRC). For the EMT model, the TGF-β-induced CRC cell lines SW480 and HCT116 were treated with metformin. The viability, migration and invasion abilities of the cells were evaluated with the Cell Counting Kit-8, wound-healing and trans-well assay. The alterations of the [SNAIL/miR-34]:[ZEB/miR-200] system and the EMT markers E-cadherin and vimentin were detected by western blot, qPCR and immunofluorescent staining. Metformin exhibited inhibitory effects on the proliferation, migration and invasion of the CRC SW480 cells. The up-regulation of E-cadherin and the down-regulation of vimentin for both SW480 and HCT116 cells revealed the anti-EMT abilities of metformin. For the [SNAIL/miR-34]:[ZEB/miR-200] system, metformin increased miR-200a, miR-200c and miR-429 levels and decreased miR-34a, SNAIL1 and ZEB1 levels in the TGF-β-induced EMT. From immunofluorescence, we observed increased E-cadherin and ZEB1 co-expression in metformin-treated cells. Metformin may perform bidirectional regulations of the [SNAIL/miR-34]:[ZEB/miR-200] system in the EMT process for colorectal cancer. Such regulation is expressed as the inhibition of EMT in general as well as an increased higher proportion of E/M hybrid cells in the total population.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yaodu Wang
- Cancer Center, Shandong University Qilu Hospital, West Wenhua Road 107, Jinan 250012, Shandong Province, PR China
| | - Zhiyang Wu
- Intensive Care Unit, Shandong University Qilu Hospital(Qingdao), Hefei Road 758, Qingdao 266035, Shandong Province, PR China
| | - Likuan Hu
- Cancer Center, Shandong University Qilu Hospital, West Wenhua Road 107, Jinan 250012, Shandong Province, PR China.
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31
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Eckerle S, Ringler M, Lecaudey V, Nitschke R, Driever W. Progesterone modulates microtubule dynamics and epiboly progression during zebrafish gastrulation. Dev Biol 2018; 434:249-266. [DOI: 10.1016/j.ydbio.2017.12.016] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/07/2017] [Revised: 12/19/2017] [Accepted: 12/23/2017] [Indexed: 10/18/2022]
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32
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Lee YJ, Bernstock JD, Klimanis D, Hallenbeck JM. Akt Protein Kinase, miR-200/miR-182 Expression and Epithelial-Mesenchymal Transition Proteins in Hibernating Ground Squirrels. Front Mol Neurosci 2018; 11:22. [PMID: 29440989 PMCID: PMC5797618 DOI: 10.3389/fnmol.2018.00022] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/14/2017] [Accepted: 01/16/2018] [Indexed: 01/06/2023] Open
Abstract
Hibernating 13-lined ground squirrels (Ictidomys tridecemlineatus; TLGS) rank among the most brain hypoperfusion-tolerant mammals known. Herein we provide some evidence of cycling between an epithelial phenotype and a hybrid epithelial/mesenchymal (E/M) phenotype (partial EMT) within the brains of TLGS during each bout of hibernation torpor. During hibernation torpor, expression of the epithelial marker E-cadherin (E-CDH) was reduced, while expression of the well-known mesenchymal markers vimentin and Sox2 were increased. P-cadherin (P-CDH), which has recently been proposed as a marker of intermediate/partial EMT, also increased during torpor, suggesting that a partial EMT may be taking place during hibernation torpor. Members of the miR-200 family and miR-182 cluster and Akt isoforms (Akt1, Akt2), well-known EMT regulators, were also differentially regulated in the TLGS brain during hibernation bouts. Using SHSY5Y cells, we also demonstrate that the Akt1/Akt2 ratio determined the expression levels of miR-200/miR-182 miRNA family members, and that these miRNAs controlled the expression of EMT-related proteins. Accordingly, we propose that such cell state transitions (EMT/MET) may be one of the mechanisms underlying the extraordinary ischemic tolerance of the TLGS brain during hibernation bouts; hibernator brain cells appear to enter reversible states that confer the stress survival characteristics of cancer cells without the risk of neoplastic transformation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yang-Ja Lee
- Clinical Investigation Section, Stroke Branch, National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke, National Institutes of Health (NINDS/NIH), Bethesda, MD, United States
| | - Joshua D Bernstock
- Clinical Investigation Section, Stroke Branch, National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke, National Institutes of Health (NINDS/NIH), Bethesda, MD, United States
| | - Dace Klimanis
- Clinical Investigation Section, Stroke Branch, National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke, National Institutes of Health (NINDS/NIH), Bethesda, MD, United States
| | - John M Hallenbeck
- Clinical Investigation Section, Stroke Branch, National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke, National Institutes of Health (NINDS/NIH), Bethesda, MD, United States
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33
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Schwab A, Siddiqui A, Vazakidou ME, Napoli F, Böttcher M, Menchicchi B, Raza U, Saatci Ö, Krebs AM, Ferrazzi F, Rapa I, Dettmer-Wilde K, Waldner MJ, Ekici AB, Rasheed SAK, Mougiakakos D, Oefner PJ, Sahin O, Volante M, Greten FR, Brabletz T, Ceppi P. Polyol Pathway Links Glucose Metabolism to the Aggressiveness of Cancer Cells. Cancer Res 2018; 78:1604-1618. [PMID: 29343522 DOI: 10.1158/0008-5472.can-17-2834] [Citation(s) in RCA: 67] [Impact Index Per Article: 11.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/15/2017] [Revised: 11/28/2017] [Accepted: 01/12/2018] [Indexed: 11/16/2022]
Abstract
Cancer cells alter their metabolism to support their malignant properties. In this study, we report that the glucose-transforming polyol pathway (PP) gene aldo-keto-reductase-1-member-B1 (AKR1B1) strongly correlates with epithelial-to-mesenchymal transition (EMT). This association was confirmed in samples from lung cancer patients and from an EMT-driven colon cancer mouse model with p53 deletion. In vitro, mesenchymal-like cancer cells showed increased AKR1B1 levels, and AKR1B1 knockdown was sufficient to revert EMT. An equivalent level of EMT suppression was measured by targeting the downstream enzyme sorbitol-dehydrogenase (SORD), further pointing at the involvement of the PP. Comparative RNA sequencing confirmed a profound alteration of EMT in PP-deficient cells, revealing a strong repression of TGFβ signature genes. Excess glucose was found to promote EMT through autocrine TGFβ stimulation, while PP-deficient cells were refractory to glucose-induced EMT. These data show that PP represents a molecular link between glucose metabolism, cancer differentiation, and aggressiveness, and may serve as a novel therapeutic target.Significance: A glucose-transforming pathway in TGFβ-driven epithelial-to-mesenchymal transition provides novel mechanistic insights into the metabolic control of cancer differentiation. Cancer Res; 78(7); 1604-18. ©2018 AACR.
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Affiliation(s)
- Annemarie Schwab
- Junior Research Group 1, Interdisciplinary Center for Clinical Research, Friedrich-Alexander-University Erlangen-Nürnberg (FAU), Erlangen, Germany
| | - Aarif Siddiqui
- Junior Research Group 1, Interdisciplinary Center for Clinical Research, Friedrich-Alexander-University Erlangen-Nürnberg (FAU), Erlangen, Germany
| | - Maria Eleni Vazakidou
- Junior Research Group 1, Interdisciplinary Center for Clinical Research, Friedrich-Alexander-University Erlangen-Nürnberg (FAU), Erlangen, Germany
| | - Francesca Napoli
- Junior Research Group 1, Interdisciplinary Center for Clinical Research, Friedrich-Alexander-University Erlangen-Nürnberg (FAU), Erlangen, Germany
| | - Martin Böttcher
- Department of Internal Medicine 5, Hematology and Oncology, University Hospital Erlangen, Erlangen, Germany
| | - Bianca Menchicchi
- Department of Medicine 1, University Hospital Erlangen, Erlangen, Germany
| | - Umar Raza
- Department of Molecular Biology and Genetics, Bilkent University, Ankara, Turkey
| | - Özge Saatci
- Department of Molecular Biology and Genetics, Bilkent University, Ankara, Turkey
| | - Angela M Krebs
- Experimental Medicine I, FAU Erlangen-Nürnberg, Erlangen, Germany
| | - Fulvia Ferrazzi
- Institute of Human Genetics, Friedrich-Alexander-Universität Erlangen-Nürnberg, Erlangen, Germany
| | - Ida Rapa
- Pathology Unit, San Luigi Hospital, University of Turin, Turin, Italy
| | - Katja Dettmer-Wilde
- Institute of Functional Genomics University of Regensburg, Regensburg, Germany
| | | | - Arif B Ekici
- Institute of Human Genetics, Friedrich-Alexander-Universität Erlangen-Nürnberg, Erlangen, Germany
| | | | - Dimitrios Mougiakakos
- Department of Internal Medicine 5, Hematology and Oncology, University Hospital Erlangen, Erlangen, Germany
| | - Peter J Oefner
- Institute of Functional Genomics University of Regensburg, Regensburg, Germany
| | - Ozgur Sahin
- Department of Molecular Biology and Genetics, Bilkent University, Ankara, Turkey
| | - Marco Volante
- Pathology Unit, San Luigi Hospital, University of Turin, Turin, Italy
| | - Florian R Greten
- Georg-Speyer-Haus, Institute for Tumor Biology and Experimental Therapy, Frankfurt am Main, Germany
| | - Thomas Brabletz
- Experimental Medicine I, FAU Erlangen-Nürnberg, Erlangen, Germany
| | - Paolo Ceppi
- Junior Research Group 1, Interdisciplinary Center for Clinical Research, Friedrich-Alexander-University Erlangen-Nürnberg (FAU), Erlangen, Germany.
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34
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Cai J, Culley MK, Zhao Y, Zhao J. The role of ubiquitination and deubiquitination in the regulation of cell junctions. Protein Cell 2017; 9:754-769. [PMID: 29080116 PMCID: PMC6107491 DOI: 10.1007/s13238-017-0486-3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 63] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/27/2017] [Accepted: 10/09/2017] [Indexed: 12/11/2022] Open
Abstract
Maintenance of cell junctions plays a crucial role in the regulation of cellular functions including cell proliferation, permeability, and cell death. Disruption of cell junctions is implicated in a variety of human disorders, such as inflammatory diseases and cancers. Understanding molecular regulation of cell junctions is important for development of therapeutic strategies for intervention of human diseases. Ubiquitination is an important type of post-translational modification that primarily regulates endogenous protein stability, receptor internalization, enzyme activity, and protein-protein interactions. Ubiquitination is tightly regulated by ubiquitin E3 ligases and can be reversed by deubiquitinating enzymes. Recent studies have been focusing on investigating the effect of protein stability in the regulation of cell-cell junctions. Ubiquitination and degradation of cadherins, claudins, and their interacting proteins are implicated in epithelial and endothelial barrier disruption. Recent studies have revealed that ubiquitination is involved in regulation of Rho GTPases’ biological activities. Taken together these studies, ubiquitination plays a critical role in modulating cell junctions and motility. In this review, we will discuss the effects of ubiquitination and deubiquitination on protein stability and expression of key proteins in the cell-cell junctions, including junction proteins, their interacting proteins, and small Rho GTPases. We provide an overview of protein stability in modulation of epithelial and endothelial barrier integrity and introduce potential future search directions to better understand the effects of ubiquitination on human disorders caused by dysfunction of cell junctions.
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Affiliation(s)
- Junting Cai
- Acute Lung Injury Center of Excellence, Division of Pulmonary, Asthma, and Critical Care Medicine, Department of Medicine, The University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, PA, 15213, USA.,Xiangya Hospital of Central South University, Changsha, 410008, China
| | - Miranda K Culley
- Acute Lung Injury Center of Excellence, Division of Pulmonary, Asthma, and Critical Care Medicine, Department of Medicine, The University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, PA, 15213, USA
| | - Yutong Zhao
- Acute Lung Injury Center of Excellence, Division of Pulmonary, Asthma, and Critical Care Medicine, Department of Medicine, The University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, PA, 15213, USA
| | - Jing Zhao
- Acute Lung Injury Center of Excellence, Division of Pulmonary, Asthma, and Critical Care Medicine, Department of Medicine, The University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, PA, 15213, USA.
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35
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Fedele V, Dai F, Masilamani AP, Heiland DH, Kling E, Gätjens-Sanchez AM, Ferrarese R, Platania L, Soroush D, Kim H, Nelander S, Weyerbrock A, Prinz M, Califano A, Iavarone A, Bredel M, Carro MS. Epigenetic Regulation of ZBTB18 Promotes Glioblastoma Progression. Mol Cancer Res 2017; 15:998-1011. [PMID: 28512252 PMCID: PMC5967621 DOI: 10.1158/1541-7786.mcr-16-0494] [Citation(s) in RCA: 27] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/28/2016] [Revised: 04/07/2017] [Accepted: 05/12/2017] [Indexed: 12/31/2022]
Abstract
Glioblastoma (GBM) comprises distinct subtypes characterized by their molecular profile. Mesenchymal identity in GBM has been associated with a comparatively unfavorable prognosis, primarily due to inherent resistance of these tumors to current therapies. The identification of molecular determinants of mesenchymal transformation could potentially allow for the discovery of new therapeutic targets. Zinc Finger and BTB Domain Containing 18 (ZBTB18/ZNF238/RP58) is a zinc finger transcriptional repressor with a crucial role in brain development and neuronal differentiation. Here, ZBTB18 is primarily silenced in the mesenchymal subtype of GBM through aberrant promoter methylation. Loss of ZBTB18 contributes to the aggressive phenotype of glioblastoma through regulation of poor prognosis-associated signatures. Restitution of ZBTB18 expression reverses the phenotype and impairs tumor-forming ability. These results indicate that ZBTB18 functions as a tumor suppressor in GBM through the regulation of genes associated with phenotypically aggressive properties.Implications: This study characterizes the role of the putative tumor suppressor ZBTB18 and its regulation by promoter hypermethylation, which appears to be a common mechanism to silence ZBTB18 in the mesenchymal subtype of GBM and provides a new mechanistic opportunity to specifically target this tumor subclass. Mol Cancer Res; 15(8); 998-1011. ©2017 AACR.
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Affiliation(s)
- Vita Fedele
- Dept. of Neurosurgery, Medical Center – University of Freiburg, Germany
- Faculty of Medicine, University of Freiburg, Germany
| | - Fangping Dai
- Dept. of Neurosurgery, Medical Center – University of Freiburg, Germany
- Faculty of Medicine, University of Freiburg, Germany
| | - Anie Priscilla Masilamani
- Dept. of Neurosurgery, Medical Center – University of Freiburg, Germany
- Faculty of Medicine, University of Freiburg, Germany
| | - Dieter Henrik Heiland
- Dept. of Neurosurgery, Medical Center – University of Freiburg, Germany
- Faculty of Medicine, University of Freiburg, Germany
| | - Eva Kling
- Dept. of Neurosurgery, Medical Center – University of Freiburg, Germany
- Faculty of Medicine, University of Freiburg, Germany
| | - Ana Maria Gätjens-Sanchez
- Dept. of Neurosurgery, Medical Center – University of Freiburg, Germany
- Faculty of Medicine, University of Freiburg, Germany
| | - Roberto Ferrarese
- Dept. of Neurosurgery, Medical Center – University of Freiburg, Germany
- Faculty of Medicine, University of Freiburg, Germany
| | - Leonardo Platania
- Dept. of Neurosurgery, Medical Center – University of Freiburg, Germany
- Faculty of Medicine, University of Freiburg, Germany
| | - Doostkam Soroush
- Institute of Neuropathology, Neurocenter, and Comprehensive Cancer Center, University of Freiburg, D-79106 Freiburg, BIOSS Centre for Biological Signalling Studies, University of Freiburg, Germany
| | - Hyunsoo Kim
- The Jackson Laboratory for Genomic Medicine, Farmington, CT, USA
| | - Sven Nelander
- Department of Immunology, Genetics and Pathology and Science for Life Laboratories, University of Uppsala, Uppsala, 75105, Sweden
| | - Astrid Weyerbrock
- Dept. of Neurosurgery, Medical Center – University of Freiburg, Germany
- Faculty of Medicine, University of Freiburg, Germany
| | - Marco Prinz
- Institute of Neuropathology, Neurocenter, and Comprehensive Cancer Center, University of Freiburg, D-79106 Freiburg, BIOSS Centre for Biological Signalling Studies, University of Freiburg, Germany
| | - Andrea Califano
- Institute for Cancer Genetics, Columbia University, New York, NY 10032, USA
- Department of Biomedical Informatics, Columbia University, New York, NY 10032, USA
- Department of Systems Biology, Columbia University, New York, NY 10032, USA
| | - Antonio Iavarone
- Institute for Cancer Genetics, Columbia University, New York, NY 10032, USA
- Department of Pathology, Columbia University Medical Center, New York, New York, USA
- Department of Neurology, Columbia University Medical Center, New York, New York, USA
| | - Markus Bredel
- Department of Radiation Oncology, Comprehensive Cancer Center, University of Alabama at Birmingham School of Medicine, Birmingham, AL 35249, USA
- Department of Neurosurgery, Stanford Cancer Institute, Stanford University School of Medicine, Stanford, CA 94305, USA
| | - Maria Stella Carro
- Dept. of Neurosurgery, Medical Center – University of Freiburg, Germany
- Faculty of Medicine, University of Freiburg, Germany
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36
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Tsutsumi S, Saeki H, Nakashima Y, Ito S, Oki E, Morita M, Oda Y, Okano S, Maehara Y. Programmed death-ligand 1 expression at tumor invasive front is associated with epithelial-mesenchymal transition and poor prognosis in esophageal squamous cell carcinoma. Cancer Sci 2017; 108:1119-1127. [PMID: 28294486 PMCID: PMC5480087 DOI: 10.1111/cas.13237] [Citation(s) in RCA: 85] [Impact Index Per Article: 12.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/27/2017] [Revised: 03/03/2017] [Accepted: 03/08/2017] [Indexed: 01/01/2023] Open
Abstract
Programmed death‐ligand 1 (PD‐L1) plays a crucial role in the host immune system in cancer progression. The gene promoter region of PD‐L1 also contains a binding site for ZEB1, a transcription factor related to epithelial‐mesenchymal transition (EMT). The purpose of this study was to clarify the relationship between PD‐L1 and EMT and its clinical importance in esophageal squamous cell carcinoma (ESCC). PD‐L1 and ZEB1 expression at the tumor invasive front was examined by immunohistochemistry in resected specimens from 90 patients with ESCC who underwent surgery without preoperative therapy, and their expression and clinicopathological factors were compared. ZEB1 and PD‐L1 expression was determined in TE8 cells, which demonstrate the EMT phenotype, following ZEB1 knockdown by siZEB1. TE5, TE6 and TE11 cells with non‐EMT phenotype were also used for studies of TGF‐β1‐dependent EMT induction and ZEB1 and PD‐L1 expression. In cases of high PD‐L1 expression at the invasive front, significantly greater depth of tumor invasion, EMT, and less CD8+ lymphocyte infiltration were observed. High PD‐L1 expression was also associated with worse overall and relapse‐free survival. A correlation was observed between PD‐L1 and ZEB1 expression. In TE8 cells, siZEB1 suppressed PD‐L1 and promoted E‐cadherin mRNA and protein expression. TGF‐β1 induced EMT and surface expression of PD‐L1 in TE5, TE6 and TE11 cell lines. PD‐L1 expression at the ESCC invasive front was related to ZEB1 expression, EMT and poor prognosis. We suggest that a cooperative mechanism bridging between tumor immune avoidance and EMT contributes to tumor malignancy in ESCC.
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Affiliation(s)
- Satoshi Tsutsumi
- Department of Surgery and Science, Graduate School of Medical Sciences, Kyushu University, Fukuoka, Japan
| | - Hiroshi Saeki
- Department of Surgery and Science, Graduate School of Medical Sciences, Kyushu University, Fukuoka, Japan
| | - Yuichiro Nakashima
- Department of Surgery and Science, Graduate School of Medical Sciences, Kyushu University, Fukuoka, Japan
| | - Shuhei Ito
- Department of Surgery and Science, Graduate School of Medical Sciences, Kyushu University, Fukuoka, Japan
| | - Eiji Oki
- Department of Surgery and Science, Graduate School of Medical Sciences, Kyushu University, Fukuoka, Japan
| | - Masaru Morita
- Department of Surgery and Science, Graduate School of Medical Sciences, Kyushu University, Fukuoka, Japan
| | - Yoshinao Oda
- Department of Anatomic Pathology, Pathological Science, Graduate School of Medical Sciences, Kyushu University, Fukuoka, Japan
| | - Shinji Okano
- Department of Surgery and Science, Graduate School of Medical Sciences, Kyushu University, Fukuoka, Japan.,Department of General Surgery, Digestive Disease and Surgery Institute, Cleveland Clinic, Cleveland, Ohio, USA
| | - Yoshihiko Maehara
- Department of Surgery and Science, Graduate School of Medical Sciences, Kyushu University, Fukuoka, Japan
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37
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Mooney SM, Talebian V, Jolly MK, Jia D, Gromala M, Levine H, McConkey BJ. The GRHL2/ZEB Feedback Loop-A Key Axis in the Regulation of EMT in Breast Cancer. J Cell Biochem 2017; 118:2559-2570. [PMID: 28266048 DOI: 10.1002/jcb.25974] [Citation(s) in RCA: 75] [Impact Index Per Article: 10.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/03/2017] [Accepted: 03/03/2017] [Indexed: 12/17/2022]
Abstract
More than 90% of cancer-related deaths are caused by metastasis. Epithelial-to-Mesenchymal Transition (EMT) causes tumor cell dissemination while the reverse process, Mesenchymal-to-Epithelial Transition (MET) allows cancer cells to grow and establish a potentially deadly metastatic lesion. Recent evidence indicates that in addition to E and M, cells can adopt a stable hybrid Epithelial/Mesenchymal (E/M) state where they can move collectively leading to clusters of Circulating Tumor Cells-the "bad actors" of metastasis. EMT is postulated to occur in all four major histological breast cancer subtypes. Here, we identify a set of genes strongly correlated with CDH1 in 877 cancer cell lines, and differentially expressed genes in cell lines overexpressing ZEB1, SNAIL, and TWIST. GRHL2 and ESRP1 appear in both these sets and also correlate with CDH1 at the protein level in 40 breast cancer specimens. Next, we find that GRHL2 and CD24 expression coincide with an epithelial character in human mammary epithelial cells. Further, we show that high GRHL2 expression is highly correlated with worse relapse-free survival in all four subtypes of breast cancer. Finally, we integrate CD24, GRHL2, and ESRP1 into a mathematical model of EMT regulation to validate the role of these players in EMT. Our data analysis and modeling results highlight the relationships among multiple crucial EMT/MET drivers including ZEB1, GRHL2, CD24, and ESRP1, particularly in basal-like breast cancers, which are most similar to triple-negative breast cancer (TNBC) and are considered the most dangerous subtype. J. Cell. Biochem. 118: 2559-2570, 2017. © 2017 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
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Affiliation(s)
- Steven M Mooney
- Department of Biology, University of Waterloo, Waterloo N2L3G1, ON, Canada
| | - Vida Talebian
- Department of Biology, University of Waterloo, Waterloo N2L3G1, ON, Canada
| | - Mohit Kumar Jolly
- Center for Theoretical Biological Physics, Rice University, Houston 77005, Texas.,Department of Bioengineering, Rice University, Houston 77005, Texas
| | - Dongya Jia
- Center for Theoretical Biological Physics, Rice University, Houston 77005, Texas.,Program in Systems/Synthetic/Physical Biology, Rice University, Houston 77005, Texas
| | - Monica Gromala
- Department of Biology, University of Waterloo, Waterloo N2L3G1, ON, Canada
| | - Herbert Levine
- Center for Theoretical Biological Physics, Rice University, Houston 77005, Texas.,Program in Systems/Synthetic/Physical Biology, Rice University, Houston 77005, Texas.,Department of Physics and Astronomy, Rice University, Houston 77005, Texas
| | - Brendan J McConkey
- Department of Biology, University of Waterloo, Waterloo N2L3G1, ON, Canada
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38
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The EMT-activator Zeb1 is a key factor for cell plasticity and promotes metastasis in pancreatic cancer. Nat Cell Biol 2017; 19:518-529. [PMID: 28414315 DOI: 10.1038/ncb3513] [Citation(s) in RCA: 652] [Impact Index Per Article: 93.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/30/2016] [Accepted: 03/16/2017] [Indexed: 02/07/2023]
Abstract
Metastasis is the major cause of cancer-associated death. Partial activation of the epithelial-to-mesenchymal transition program (partial EMT) was considered a major driver of tumour progression from initiation to metastasis. However, the role of EMT in promoting metastasis has recently been challenged, in particular concerning effects of the Snail and Twist EMT transcription factors (EMT-TFs) in pancreatic cancer. In contrast, we show here that in the same pancreatic cancer model, driven by Pdx1-cre-mediated activation of mutant Kras and p53 (KPC model), the EMT-TF Zeb1 is a key factor for the formation of precursor lesions, invasion and notably metastasis. Depletion of Zeb1 suppresses stemness, colonization capacity and in particular phenotypic/metabolic plasticity of tumour cells, probably causing the observed in vivo effects. Accordingly, we conclude that different EMT-TFs have complementary subfunctions in driving pancreatic tumour metastasis. Therapeutic strategies should consider these potential specificities of EMT-TFs to target these factors simultaneously.
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39
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A double-negative feedback loop between EpCAM and ERK contributes to the regulation of epithelial-mesenchymal transition in cancer. Oncogene 2017; 36:3706-3717. [PMID: 28192403 DOI: 10.1038/onc.2016.504] [Citation(s) in RCA: 45] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/25/2016] [Revised: 10/17/2016] [Accepted: 12/05/2016] [Indexed: 12/13/2022]
Abstract
Epithelial-mesenchymal transition (EMT) is an important biological process that has been implicated in cancer metastasis. Epithelial cell adhesion molecule (EpCAM) is expressed at the basolateral membrane of most normal epithelial cells but is overexpressed in many epithelial cancers. In our studies on the role of EpCAM in cancer biology, we observed that EpCAM expression is decreased in mesenchymal-like primary cancer specimens in vivo and following induction of EMT in cancer cell lines in vitro. Extracellular signal-related kinase (ERK) is a key regulator of EMT. We observed that EpCAM expression is decreased with activation of the ERK pathway in primary cancer specimens in vivo and in cancer cell lines in vitro. In experimental models, growth factor stimulation and/or oncogene-induced ERK2 activation suppressed EpCAM expression, whereas genetic or pharmacological inhibition of the ERK pathway restored EpCAM expression. In detailed studies of the EpCAM promoter region, we observed that ERK2 suppresses EpCAM transcription directly by binding to a consensus ERK2-binding site in the EpCAM promoter and indirectly through activation of EMT-associated transcription factors SNAI1, SNAI2, TWIST1 and ZEB1, which bind to E-box sites in the EpCAM promoter. Surprisingly, EpCAM appears to modulate ERK activity. Using multiple cell lines, we demonstrated that specific ablation of EpCAM resulted in increased ERK pathway activity and SNAI2 expression, migration and invasion, whereas forced expression of EpCAM resulted in decreased ERK pathway activity and SNAI2 expression, migration and invasion. These observations provide important insights into the regulation of EpCAM expression during EMT, demonstrate an unexpected role for EpCAM in the regulation of ERK and define a novel double-negative feedback loop between EpCAM and ERK that contributes to the regulation of EMT. These studies have important translational implications as both EpCAM and ERK are currently being targeted in human clinical trials.
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40
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Zeb1 Is a Potential Regulator of Six2 in the Proliferation, Apoptosis and Migration of Metanephric Mesenchyme Cells. Int J Mol Sci 2016; 17:ijms17081283. [PMID: 27509493 PMCID: PMC5000680 DOI: 10.3390/ijms17081283] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/17/2016] [Revised: 07/21/2016] [Accepted: 07/27/2016] [Indexed: 01/10/2023] Open
Abstract
Nephron progenitor cells surround around the ureteric bud tips (UB) and inductively interact with the UB to originate nephrons, the basic units of renal function. This process is determined by the internal balance between self-renewal and consumption of the nephron progenitor cells, which is depending on the complicated regulation networks. It has been reported that Zeb1 regulates the proliferation of mesenchymal cells in mouse embryos. However, the role of Zeb1 in nephrons generation is not clear, especially in metanephric mesenchyme (MM). Here, we detected cell proliferation, apoptosis and migration in MM cells by EdU assay, flow cytometry assay and wound healing assay, respectively. Meanwhile, Western and RT-PCR were used to measure the expression level of Zeb1 and Six2 in MM cells and developing kidney. Besides, the dual-luciferase assay was conducted to study the molecular relationship between Zeb1 and Six2. We found that knock-down of Zeb1 decreased cell proliferation, migration and promoted cell apoptosis in MM cells and Zeb1 overexpression leaded to the opposite data. Western-blot and RT-PCR results showed that knock-down of Zeb1 decreased the expression of Six2 in MM cells and Zeb1 overexpression contributed to the opposite results. Similarly, Zeb1 promoted Six2 promoter reporter activity in luciferase assays. However, double knock-down of Zeb1 and Six2 did not enhance the apoptosis of MM cells compared with control cells. Nevertheless, double silence of Zeb1 and Six2 repressed cell proliferation. In addition, we also found that Zeb1 and Six2 had an identical pattern in distinct developing phases of embryonic kidney. These results indicated that there may exist a complicated regulation network between Six2 and Zeb1. Together, we demonstrate Zeb1 promotes proliferation and apoptosis and inhibits the migration of MM cells, in association with Six2.
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41
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Gallardo M, Calaf GM. Curcumin inhibits invasive capabilities through epithelial mesenchymal transition in breast cancer cell lines. Int J Oncol 2016; 49:1019-27. [DOI: 10.3892/ijo.2016.3598] [Citation(s) in RCA: 42] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/29/2016] [Accepted: 03/22/2016] [Indexed: 11/05/2022] Open
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42
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The EMT-activator ZEB1 induces bone metastasis associated genes including BMP-inhibitors. Oncotarget 2016; 6:14399-412. [PMID: 25973542 PMCID: PMC4546475 DOI: 10.18632/oncotarget.3882] [Citation(s) in RCA: 38] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/22/2014] [Accepted: 04/21/2015] [Indexed: 01/05/2023] Open
Abstract
Tumor cell invasion, dissemination and metastasis is triggered by an aberrant activation of epithelial-to-mesenchymal transition (EMT), often mediated by the transcription factor ZEB1. Disseminating tumor cells must acquire specific features that allow them to colonize at different organ sites. Here we identify a set of genes that is highly expressed in breast cancer bone metastasis and activated by ZEB1. This gene set includes various secreted factors, e.g. the BMP-inhibitor FST, that are described to reorganize the bone microenvironment. By inactivating BMP-signaling, BMP-inhibitors are well-known to induce osteolysis in development and disease. We here demonstrate that the expression of ZEB1 and BMP-inhibitors is correlated with bone metastasis, but not with brain or lung metastasis of breast cancer patients. In addition, we show that this correlated expression pattern is causally linked, as ZEB1 induces the expression of the BMP-inhibitors NOG, FST and CHRDL1 both by directly increasing their gene transcription, as well as by indirectly suppressing their reduction via miR-200 family members. Consequently, ZEB1 stimulates BMP-inhibitor mediated osteoclast differentiation. These findings suggest that ZEB1 is not only driving EMT, but also contributes to the formation of osteolytic bone metastases in breast cancer.
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43
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Zhao P, Guo S, Tu Z, Di L, Zha X, Zhou H, Zhang X. Grhl3 induces human epithelial tumor cell migration and invasion via downregulation of E-cadherin. Acta Biochim Biophys Sin (Shanghai) 2016; 48:266-74. [PMID: 26837418 DOI: 10.1093/abbs/gmw001] [Citation(s) in RCA: 20] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/03/2015] [Accepted: 11/24/2015] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Grainyhead genes are involved in wound healing and developmental neural tube closure. Metastasis is a multistep process during which cancer cells disseminate from the site of primary tumors and establish secondary tumors in distant organs. The adhesion protein E-cadherin plays an essential role in metastasis. In light of the high degree of similarity between the epithelial-mesenchymal transition (EMT) occurring in wound-healing processes and the EMT occurring during the acquisition of invasiveness in skin or breast cancer, we investigated the role of the Grainyhead genes in cancer invasion. Here, we show that there is an inverse relationship between Grainyhead-like 3 (Grhl3) and E-cadherin expression in some epithelial tumor cell lines. Overexpression of Grhl3 in the E-cadherin-positive epithelial tumor cell line, characterized by less invasiveness, generated a transcriptional blockage of the E-cadherin gene and promoted cell migration and cell invasion. Conversely, Grhl3 depletion inhibited cell migration and cell invasion and was associated with a gain of E-cadherin expression. To further explore the mechanism by which Grhl3 regulated E-cadherin expression, an E-cadherin promoter report analysis was performed and results showed that Grhl3 repressed E-cadherin gene expression by directly or indirectly binding to the E-boxes present in the proximal E-cadherin promoter. Taken together, our findings define a major role for Grhl3 in the induction of migration and invasion by the downregulation of E-cadherin in cancer cells.
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Affiliation(s)
- Pan Zhao
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Anhui Medical University, Hefei 230032, China
| | - Sijia Guo
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Anhui Medical University, Hefei 230032, China
| | - Zhenzhen Tu
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Anhui Medical University, Hefei 230032, China
| | - Lijun Di
- Faculty of Health Sciences, University of Macau, Macau SAR, China
| | - Xiaojun Zha
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Anhui Medical University, Hefei 230032, China
| | - Haisheng Zhou
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Anhui Medical University, Hefei 230032, China Institute of Dermatology, Anhui Medical University, Hefei 230032, China
| | - Xuejun Zhang
- Institute of Dermatology, Anhui Medical University, Hefei 230032, China
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44
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Dynamics and plasticity of the epithelial to mesenchymal transition induced by miR-200 family inhibition. Sci Rep 2016; 6:21117. [PMID: 26887353 PMCID: PMC4758077 DOI: 10.1038/srep21117] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/29/2015] [Accepted: 01/18/2016] [Indexed: 01/19/2023] Open
Abstract
Whereas miR-200 family is known to be involved in the epithelial-to-mesenchymal transition (EMT), a crucial biological process observed in normal and pathological contexts, it has been largely unclear how far the functional levels of these tiny RNAs alone can propagate the molecular events to accomplish this process within several days. By developing a potent inhibitor of miR-200 family members (TuD-141/200c), the expression of which is strictly regulatable by the Tet (tetracycline)-On system, we found using a human colorectal cell line, HCT116, that several direct gene target mRNAs (Zeb1/Zeb2, ESRP1, FN1and FHOD1) of miR-200 family were elevated with distinct kinetics. Prompt induction of the transcriptional suppressors, Zeb1/Zeb2 in turn reduced the expression levels of miR-200c/-141 locus, EpCAM, ESRP1 and E-Cad. The loss of ESRP1 subsequently switched the splicing isoforms of CD44 and p120 catenin mRNAs to mesenchymal type. Importantly, within 9 days after the release from the inhibition of miR-200 family, all of the expression changes in the 14 genes observed in this study returned to their original levels in the epithelial cells. This suggests that the inherent epithelial plasticity is supported by a weak retention of key regulatory gene expression in either the epithelial or mesenchymal states through epigenetic regulation.
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45
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ZEB1 turns into a transcriptional activator by interacting with YAP1 in aggressive cancer types. Nat Commun 2016; 7:10498. [PMID: 26876920 PMCID: PMC4756710 DOI: 10.1038/ncomms10498] [Citation(s) in RCA: 228] [Impact Index Per Article: 28.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/02/2015] [Accepted: 12/21/2015] [Indexed: 02/08/2023] Open
Abstract
Early dissemination, metastasis and therapy resistance are central hallmarks of aggressive cancer types and the leading cause of cancer-associated deaths. The EMT-inducing transcriptional repressor ZEB1 is a crucial stimulator of these processes, particularly by coupling the activation of cellular motility with stemness and survival properties. ZEB1 expression is associated with aggressive behaviour in many tumour types, but the potent effects cannot be solely explained by its proven function as a transcriptional repressor of epithelial genes. Here we describe a direct interaction of ZEB1 with the Hippo pathway effector YAP, but notably not with its paralogue TAZ. In consequence, ZEB1 switches its function to a transcriptional co-activator of a ‘common ZEB1/YAP target gene set', thereby linking two pathways with similar cancer promoting effects. This gene set is a predictor of poor survival, therapy resistance and increased metastatic risk in breast cancer, indicating the clinical relevance of our findings. The transcription factors ZEB1 and YAP function in different pathways yet both activate aggressive behaviour in cancer cells. Here, the authors describe that the proteins physically interact and that this changes the transcriptional activity of ZEB1 from a repressor to an activator.
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46
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Bryan RT. Cell adhesion and urothelial bladder cancer: the role of cadherin switching and related phenomena. Philos Trans R Soc Lond B Biol Sci 2015; 370:20140042. [PMID: 25533099 DOI: 10.1098/rstb.2014.0042] [Citation(s) in RCA: 40] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Cadherins are mediators of cell-cell adhesion in epithelial tissues. E-cadherin is a known tumour suppressor and plays a central role in suppressing the invasive phenotype of cancer cells. However, the abnormal expression of N- and P-cadherin ('cadherin switching', CS) has been shown to promote a more invasive and m̀alignant phenotype of cancer, with P-cadherin possibly acting as a key mediator of invasion and metastasis in bladder cancer. Cadherins are also implicated in numerous signalling events related to embryonic development, tissue morphogenesis and homeostasis. It is these wide ranging effects and the serious implications of CS that make the cadherin cell adhesion molecules and their related pathways strong candidate targets for the inhibition of cancer progression, including bladder cancer. This review focuses on CS in the context of bladder cancer and in particular the switch to P-cadherin expression, and discusses other related molecules and phenomena, including EpCAM and the development of the cancer stem cell phenotype.
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Affiliation(s)
- Richard T Bryan
- School of Cancer Sciences, College of Medical and Dental Sciences, University of Birmingham, Birmingham, UK
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47
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Schneck H, Gierke B, Uppenkamp F, Behrens B, Niederacher D, Stoecklein NH, Templin MF, Pawlak M, Fehm T, Neubauer H. EpCAM-Independent Enrichment of Circulating Tumor Cells in Metastatic Breast Cancer. PLoS One 2015; 10:e0144535. [PMID: 26695635 PMCID: PMC4687932 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0144535] [Citation(s) in RCA: 79] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/11/2015] [Accepted: 11/19/2015] [Indexed: 12/18/2022] Open
Abstract
Circulating tumor cells (CTCs) are the potential precursors of metastatic disease. Most assays established for the enumeration of CTCs so far–including the gold standard CellSearch—rely on the expression of the cell surface marker epithelial cell adhesion molecule (EpCAM). But, these approaches may not detect CTCs that express no/low levels of EpCAM, e.g. by undergoing epithelial-to-mesenchymal transition (EMT). Here we present an enrichment strategy combining different antibodies specific for surface proteins and extracellular matrix (ECM) components to capture an EpCAMlow/neg cell line and EpCAMneg CTCs from blood samples of breast cancer patients depleted for EpCAM-positive cells. The expression of respective proteins (Trop2, CD49f, c-Met, CK8, CD44, ADAM8, CD146, TEM8, CD47) was verified by immunofluorescence on EpCAMpos (e.g. MCF7, SKBR3) and EpCAMlow/neg (MDA-MB-231) breast cancer cell lines. To test antibodies and ECM proteins (e.g. hyaluronic acid (HA), collagen I, laminin) for capturing EpCAMneg cells, the capture molecules were first spotted in a single- and multi-array format onto aldehyde-coated glass slides. Tumor cell adhesion of EpCAMpos/neg cell lines was then determined and visualized by Coomassie/MitoTracker staining. In consequence, marginal binding of EpCAMlow/neg MDA-MB-231 cells to EpCAM-antibodies could be observed. However, efficient adhesion/capturing of EpCAMlow/neg cells could be achieved via HA and immobilized antibodies against CD49f and Trop2. Optimal capture conditions were then applied to immunomagnetic beads to detect EpCAMneg CTCs from clinical samples. Captured CTCs were verified/quantified by immunofluorescence staining for anti-pan-Cytokeratin (CK)-FITC/anti-CD45 AF647/DAPI. In total, in 20 out of 29 EpCAM-depleted fractions (69%) from 25 metastatic breast cancer patients additional EpCAMneg CTCs could be identified [range of 1–24 CTCs per sample] applying Trop2, CD49f, c-Met, CK8 and/or HA magnetic enrichment. EpCAMneg dual-positive (CKpos/CD45pos) cells could be traced in 28 out of 29 samples [range 1–480]. By single-cell array-based comparative genomic hybridization we were able to demonstrate the malignant nature of one EpCAMneg subpopulation. In conclusion, we established a novel enhanced CTC enrichment strategy to capture EpCAMneg CTCs from clinical blood samples by targeting various cell surface antigens with antibody mixtures and ECM components.
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Affiliation(s)
- Helen Schneck
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, University Hospital and Medical Faculty of the Heinrich-Heine University Duesseldorf, Duesseldorf, Germany
| | - Berthold Gierke
- NMI Natural and Medical Sciences Institute at the University of Tuebingen, Reutlingen, Germany
| | - Frauke Uppenkamp
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, University Hospital and Medical Faculty of the Heinrich-Heine University Duesseldorf, Duesseldorf, Germany
| | - Bianca Behrens
- Department of General, Visceral and Pediatric Surgery, University Hospital and Medical Faculty of the Heinrich-Heine University Duesseldorf, Duesseldorf, Germany
| | - Dieter Niederacher
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, University Hospital and Medical Faculty of the Heinrich-Heine University Duesseldorf, Duesseldorf, Germany
| | - Nikolas H. Stoecklein
- Department of General, Visceral and Pediatric Surgery, University Hospital and Medical Faculty of the Heinrich-Heine University Duesseldorf, Duesseldorf, Germany
| | - Markus F. Templin
- NMI Natural and Medical Sciences Institute at the University of Tuebingen, Reutlingen, Germany
| | - Michael Pawlak
- NMI Natural and Medical Sciences Institute at the University of Tuebingen, Reutlingen, Germany
| | - Tanja Fehm
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, University Hospital and Medical Faculty of the Heinrich-Heine University Duesseldorf, Duesseldorf, Germany
| | - Hans Neubauer
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, University Hospital and Medical Faculty of the Heinrich-Heine University Duesseldorf, Duesseldorf, Germany
- * E-mail:
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48
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Tsaktanis T, Kremling H, Pavšič M, von Stackelberg R, Mack B, Fukumori A, Steiner H, Vielmuth F, Spindler V, Huang Z, Jakubowski J, Stoecklein NH, Luxenburger E, Lauber K, Lenarčič B, Gires O. Cleavage and cell adhesion properties of human epithelial cell adhesion molecule (HEPCAM). J Biol Chem 2015; 290:24574-91. [PMID: 26292218 DOI: 10.1074/jbc.m115.662700] [Citation(s) in RCA: 34] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/04/2015] [Indexed: 12/14/2022] Open
Abstract
Human epithelial cell adhesion molecule (HEPCAM) is a tumor-associated antigen frequently expressed in carcinomas, which promotes proliferation after regulated intramembrane proteolysis. Here, we describe extracellular shedding of HEPCAM at two α-sites through a disintegrin and metalloprotease (ADAM) and at one β-site through BACE1. Transmembrane cleavage by γ-secretase occurs at three γ-sites to generate extracellular Aβ-like fragments and at two ϵ-sites to release human EPCAM intracellular domain HEPICD, which is efficiently degraded by the proteasome. Mapping of cleavage sites onto three-dimensional structures of HEPEX cis-dimer predicted conditional availability of α- and β-sites. Endocytosis of HEPCAM warrants acidification in cytoplasmic vesicles to dissociate protein cis-dimers required for cleavage by BACE1 at low pH values. Intramembrane cleavage sites are accessible and not part of the structurally important transmembrane helix dimer crossing region. Surprisingly, neither chemical inhibition of cleavage nor cellular knock-out of HEPCAM using CRISPR-Cas9 technology impacted the adhesion of carcinoma cell lines. Hence, a direct function of HEPCAM as an adhesion molecule in carcinoma cells is not supported and appears to be questionable.
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Affiliation(s)
- Thanos Tsaktanis
- From the Department of Otorhinolaryngology, Head and Neck Surgery, Grosshadern Medical Center
| | - Heidi Kremling
- From the Department of Otorhinolaryngology, Head and Neck Surgery, Grosshadern Medical Center
| | - Miha Pavšič
- the Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry, Faculty of Chemistry and Chemical Technology, University of Ljubljana, Večna Pot 113, SI-1000 Ljubljana, Slovenia
| | - Ricarda von Stackelberg
- From the Department of Otorhinolaryngology, Head and Neck Surgery, Grosshadern Medical Center
| | - Brigitte Mack
- From the Department of Otorhinolaryngology, Head and Neck Surgery, Grosshadern Medical Center
| | - Akio Fukumori
- the DZNE-German Center for Neurodegenerative Diseases, Feodor-Lynen-Strasse 17, 81377 Munich, Germany
| | - Harald Steiner
- the DZNE-German Center for Neurodegenerative Diseases, Feodor-Lynen-Strasse 17, 81377 Munich, Germany, Biomedical Center, Biochemistry
| | | | | | - Zhe Huang
- From the Department of Otorhinolaryngology, Head and Neck Surgery, Grosshadern Medical Center
| | - Jasmine Jakubowski
- From the Department of Otorhinolaryngology, Head and Neck Surgery, Grosshadern Medical Center, the Munich Center for Neurosciences, LMU Biocenter, AMGEN Scholars Programme, Ludwig-Maximilians-Universität Munich, Grosshaderner Strasse 2, 82152 Planegg-Martinsried, Germany, and
| | - Nikolas H Stoecklein
- the Department for General, Visceral, and Pediatric Surgery, University Hospital and Medical Faculty of the Heinrich-Heine University Düsseldorf, Moorenstrasse 5, D-40225 Düsseldorf, Germany
| | - Elke Luxenburger
- From the Department of Otorhinolaryngology, Head and Neck Surgery, Grosshadern Medical Center
| | - Kirsten Lauber
- Clinic for Radiotherapy and Radiation Oncology, and the Clinical Cooperation Group Personalized Radiotherapy of Head and Neck Tumors, Ludwig-Maximilians-University of Munich, Marchioninistrasse 15, 81377 Munich, Germany
| | - Brigita Lenarčič
- the Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry, Faculty of Chemistry and Chemical Technology, University of Ljubljana, Večna Pot 113, SI-1000 Ljubljana, Slovenia
| | - Olivier Gires
- From the Department of Otorhinolaryngology, Head and Neck Surgery, Grosshadern Medical Center,
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49
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Jolly MK, Boareto M, Huang B, Jia D, Lu M, Ben-Jacob E, Onuchic JN, Levine H. Implications of the Hybrid Epithelial/Mesenchymal Phenotype in Metastasis. Front Oncol 2015; 5:155. [PMID: 26258068 PMCID: PMC4507461 DOI: 10.3389/fonc.2015.00155] [Citation(s) in RCA: 469] [Impact Index Per Article: 52.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/22/2015] [Accepted: 06/29/2015] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
Transitions between epithelial and mesenchymal phenotypes – the epithelial to mesenchymal transition (EMT) and its reverse the mesenchymal to epithelial transition (MET) – are hallmarks of cancer metastasis. While transitioning between the epithelial and mesenchymal phenotypes, cells can also attain a hybrid epithelial/mesenchymal (E/M) (i.e., partial or intermediate EMT) phenotype. Cells in this phenotype have mixed epithelial (e.g., adhesion) and mesenchymal (e.g., migration) properties, thereby allowing them to move collectively as clusters. If these clusters reach the bloodstream intact, they can give rise to clusters of circulating tumor cells (CTCs), as have often been seen experimentally. Here, we review the operating principles of the core regulatory network for EMT/MET that acts as a “three-way” switch giving rise to three distinct phenotypes – E, M and hybrid E/M – and present a theoretical framework that can elucidate the role of many other players in regulating epithelial plasticity. Furthermore, we highlight recent studies on partial EMT and its association with drug resistance and tumor-initiating potential; and discuss how cell–cell communication between cells in a partial EMT phenotype can enable the formation of clusters of CTCs. These clusters can be more apoptosis-resistant and have more tumor-initiating potential than singly moving CTCs with a wholly mesenchymal (complete EMT) phenotype. Also, more such clusters can be formed under inflammatory conditions that are often generated by various therapies. Finally, we discuss the multiple advantages that the partial EMT or hybrid E/M phenotype have as compared to a complete EMT phenotype and argue that these collectively migrating cells are the primary “bad actors” of metastasis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mohit Kumar Jolly
- Center for Theoretical Biological Physics, Rice University , Houston, TX , USA ; Department of Bioengineering, Rice University , Houston, TX , USA
| | - Marcelo Boareto
- Center for Theoretical Biological Physics, Rice University , Houston, TX , USA ; Institute of Physics, University of São Paulo , São Paulo , Brazil
| | - Bin Huang
- Center for Theoretical Biological Physics, Rice University , Houston, TX , USA ; Department of Chemistry, Rice University , Houston, TX , USA
| | - Dongya Jia
- Center for Theoretical Biological Physics, Rice University , Houston, TX , USA ; Graduate Program in Systems, Synthetic and Physical Biology, Rice University , Houston, TX , USA
| | - Mingyang Lu
- Center for Theoretical Biological Physics, Rice University , Houston, TX , USA
| | - Eshel Ben-Jacob
- Center for Theoretical Biological Physics, Rice University , Houston, TX , USA ; School of Physics and Astronomy, and The Sagol School of Neuroscience, Tel-Aviv University , Tel-Aviv , Israel ; Department of Biosciences, Rice University , Houston, TX , USA
| | - José N Onuchic
- Center for Theoretical Biological Physics, Rice University , Houston, TX , USA ; Department of Chemistry, Rice University , Houston, TX , USA ; Department of Physics and Astronomy, Rice University , Houston, TX , USA ; Department of Biosciences, Rice University , Houston, TX , USA
| | - Herbert Levine
- Center for Theoretical Biological Physics, Rice University , Houston, TX , USA ; Department of Bioengineering, Rice University , Houston, TX , USA ; Department of Physics and Astronomy, Rice University , Houston, TX , USA ; Department of Biosciences, Rice University , Houston, TX , USA
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50
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Preca BT, Bajdak K, Mock K, Sundararajan V, Pfannstiel J, Maurer J, Wellner U, Hopt UT, Brummer T, Brabletz S, Brabletz T, Stemmler MP. A self-enforcing CD44s/ZEB1 feedback loop maintains EMT and stemness properties in cancer cells. Int J Cancer 2015; 137:2566-77. [PMID: 26077342 DOI: 10.1002/ijc.29642] [Citation(s) in RCA: 133] [Impact Index Per Article: 14.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/01/2014] [Accepted: 06/05/2015] [Indexed: 12/14/2022]
Abstract
Invasion and metastasis of carcinomas are often activated by induction of aberrant epithelial-mesenchymal transition (EMT). This is mainly driven by the transcription factor ZEB1, promoting tumor-initiating capacity correlated with increased expression of the putative stem cell marker CD44. However, the direct link between ZEB1, CD44 and tumourigenesis is still enigmatic. Remarkably, EMT-induced repression of ESRP1 controls alternative splicing of CD44, causing a shift in the expression from the variant CD44v to the standard CD44s isoform. We analyzed whether CD44 and ZEB1 regulate each other and show that ZEB1 controls CD44s splicing by repression of ESRP1 in breast and pancreatic cancer. Intriguingly, CD44s itself activates the expression of ZEB1, resulting in a self-sustaining ZEB1 and CD44s expression. Activation of this novel CD44s-ZEB1 regulatory loop has functional impact on tumor cells, as evident by increased tumor-sphere initiation capacity, drug-resistance and tumor recurrence. In summary, we identified a self-enforcing feedback loop that employs CD44s to activate ZEB1 expression. This renders tumor cell stemness independent of external stimuli, as ZEB1 downregulates ESRP1, further promoting CD44s isoform synthesis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Bogdan-Tiberius Preca
- Department of Visceral Surgery, University Medical Center Freiburg, D-79106, Freiburg, Germany.,Faculty of Biology, Albert-Ludwigs-University Freiburg, Freiburg, Germany
| | - Karolina Bajdak
- Department of Visceral Surgery, University Medical Center Freiburg, D-79106, Freiburg, Germany.,Faculty of Biology, Albert-Ludwigs-University Freiburg, Freiburg, Germany
| | - Kerstin Mock
- Department of Visceral Surgery, University Medical Center Freiburg, D-79106, Freiburg, Germany.,Faculty of Biology, Albert-Ludwigs-University Freiburg, Freiburg, Germany
| | - Vignesh Sundararajan
- Department of Visceral Surgery, University Medical Center Freiburg, D-79106, Freiburg, Germany.,Faculty of Biology, Albert-Ludwigs-University Freiburg, Freiburg, Germany.,Spemann Graduate School of Biology and Medicine (SGBM), Albert-Ludwigs-University Freiburg, Germany
| | - Jessica Pfannstiel
- Department of Visceral Surgery, University Medical Center Freiburg, D-79106, Freiburg, Germany
| | - Jochen Maurer
- Department of Visceral Surgery, University Medical Center Freiburg, D-79106, Freiburg, Germany.,German Cancer Consortium (DKTK), Heidelberg, Germany.,German Cancer Research Center (DKFZ), Heidelberg, Germany
| | - Ulrich Wellner
- Department of Surgery, University Medical Center Schleswig-Holstein, Campus Lübeck, Germany
| | - Ulrich T Hopt
- Department of Visceral Surgery, University Medical Center Freiburg, D-79106, Freiburg, Germany
| | - Tilman Brummer
- Institute for Molecular Medicine and Cell Research, Albert-Ludwigs-University Freiburg, Germany.,BIOSS Centre for Biological Signalling Studies, Albert-Ludwigs-University Freiburg, Germany.,Comprehensive Cancer Center Freiburg, University Medical Center Freiburg, Germany
| | - Simone Brabletz
- Department of Visceral Surgery, University Medical Center Freiburg, D-79106, Freiburg, Germany.,Department of Experimental Medicine I, Nikolaus-Fiebiger Center for Molecular Medicine, Friedrich-Alexander University of Erlangen-Nürnberg, D-91054, Erlangen, Germany
| | - Thomas Brabletz
- Department of Experimental Medicine I, Nikolaus-Fiebiger Center for Molecular Medicine, Friedrich-Alexander University of Erlangen-Nürnberg, D-91054, Erlangen, Germany
| | - Marc P Stemmler
- Department of Visceral Surgery, University Medical Center Freiburg, D-79106, Freiburg, Germany.,Department of Experimental Medicine I, Nikolaus-Fiebiger Center for Molecular Medicine, Friedrich-Alexander University of Erlangen-Nürnberg, D-91054, Erlangen, Germany
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