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Chen RX, Xu SD, Deng MH, Hao SH, Chen JW, Ma XD, Zhuang WT, Cao JH, Lv YR, Lin JL, Li SY, Qiao GB, Xie D, Wang FW. Mex-3 RNA binding family member A (MEX3A)/circMPP6 complex promotes colorectal cancer progression by inhibiting autophagy. Signal Transduct Target Ther 2024; 9:80. [PMID: 38565536 PMCID: PMC10987644 DOI: 10.1038/s41392-024-01787-3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/27/2023] [Revised: 01/30/2024] [Accepted: 03/01/2024] [Indexed: 04/04/2024] Open
Abstract
RNA-binding proteins (RBPs)-RNA networks have contributed to cancer development. Circular RNAs (circRNAs) are considered as protein recruiters; nevertheless, the patterns of circRNA-protein interactions in colorectal cancer (CRC) are still lacking. Processing bodies (PBs) formed through liquid-liquid phase separation (LLPS) are membrane-less organelles (MLOs) consisting of RBPs and RNA. Previous evidence suggests a connection between PBs dynamics and cancer progression. Despite the increasingly acknowledged crucial role of RBPs and RNA in the accumulation and maintenance of MLOs, there remains a lack of specific research on the interactions between PBs-related RBPs and circRNAs in CRC. Herein, we identify that MEX-3 RNA binding family member A (MEX3A), frequently upregulated in CRC tissues, predicts poorer patient survival. Elevated MEX3A accelerates malignance and inhibits autophagy of CRC cells. Importantly, MEX3A undergoes intrinsically disordered regions (IDRs)-dependent LLPS in the cytoplasm. Specifically, circMPP6 acts as a scaffold to facilitate the interaction between MEX3A and PBs proteins. The MEX3A/circMPP6 complex modulates PBs dynamic and promotes UPF-mediated phosphodiesterase 5A (PDE5A) mRNA degradation, consequently leading to the aggressive properties of CRC cells. Clinically, CRC patients exhibiting high MEX3A expression and low PDE5A expression have the poorest overall survival. Our findings reveal a collaboration between MEX3A and circMPP6 in the regulation of mRNA decay through triggering the PBs aggregation, which provides prognostic markers and/or therapeutic targets for CRC.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ri-Xin Chen
- Department of Thoracic Surgery, Guangdong Provincial People's Hospital (Guangdong Academy of Medical Sciences), Southern Medical University, Guangzhou, 510080, China
- State Key Laboratory of Oncology in South China, Guangdong Provincial Clinical Research Center for Cancer, Sun Yat-sen University Cancer Center, Guangzhou, 510060, China
- Medical Research Institute, Guangdong Provincial People's Hospital (Guangdong Academy of Medical Sciences), Southern Medical University, Guangzhou, 510080, China
| | - Shui-Dan Xu
- State Key Laboratory of Oncology in South China, Guangdong Provincial Clinical Research Center for Cancer, Sun Yat-sen University Cancer Center, Guangzhou, 510060, China
| | - Min-Hua Deng
- State Key Laboratory of Oncology in South China, Guangdong Provincial Clinical Research Center for Cancer, Sun Yat-sen University Cancer Center, Guangzhou, 510060, China
| | - Shi-Hui Hao
- State Key Laboratory of Oncology in South China, Guangdong Provincial Clinical Research Center for Cancer, Sun Yat-sen University Cancer Center, Guangzhou, 510060, China
| | - Jie-Wei Chen
- State Key Laboratory of Oncology in South China, Guangdong Provincial Clinical Research Center for Cancer, Sun Yat-sen University Cancer Center, Guangzhou, 510060, China
- Department of Pathology, Sun Yat-sen University Cancer Center, Guangzhou, 510060, China
| | - Xiao-Dan Ma
- State Key Laboratory of Oncology in South China, Guangdong Provincial Clinical Research Center for Cancer, Sun Yat-sen University Cancer Center, Guangzhou, 510060, China
| | - Wei-Tao Zhuang
- State Key Laboratory of Oncology in South China, Guangdong Provincial Clinical Research Center for Cancer, Sun Yat-sen University Cancer Center, Guangzhou, 510060, China
| | - Jing-Hua Cao
- State Key Laboratory of Oncology in South China, Guangdong Provincial Clinical Research Center for Cancer, Sun Yat-sen University Cancer Center, Guangzhou, 510060, China
| | - Yong-Rui Lv
- State Key Laboratory of Oncology in South China, Guangdong Provincial Clinical Research Center for Cancer, Sun Yat-sen University Cancer Center, Guangzhou, 510060, China
| | - Jin-Long Lin
- State Key Laboratory of Oncology in South China, Guangdong Provincial Clinical Research Center for Cancer, Sun Yat-sen University Cancer Center, Guangzhou, 510060, China
| | - Si-Yu Li
- State Key Laboratory of Oncology in South China, Guangdong Provincial Clinical Research Center for Cancer, Sun Yat-sen University Cancer Center, Guangzhou, 510060, China
| | - Gui-Bin Qiao
- Department of Thoracic Surgery, Guangdong Provincial People's Hospital (Guangdong Academy of Medical Sciences), Southern Medical University, Guangzhou, 510080, China.
| | - Dan Xie
- State Key Laboratory of Oncology in South China, Guangdong Provincial Clinical Research Center for Cancer, Sun Yat-sen University Cancer Center, Guangzhou, 510060, China.
- Department of Pathology, Sun Yat-sen University Cancer Center, Guangzhou, 510060, China.
| | - Feng-Wei Wang
- State Key Laboratory of Oncology in South China, Guangdong Provincial Clinical Research Center for Cancer, Sun Yat-sen University Cancer Center, Guangzhou, 510060, China.
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Zablon FM, Desai P, Dellinger K, Aravamudhan S. Cellular and Exosomal MicroRNAs: Emerging Clinical Relevance as Targets for Breast Cancer Diagnosis and Prognosis. Adv Biol (Weinh) 2024; 8:e2300532. [PMID: 38258348 DOI: 10.1002/adbi.202300532] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/02/2023] [Revised: 12/26/2023] [Indexed: 01/24/2024]
Abstract
Breast cancer accounts for the highest cancer cases globally, with 12% of occurrences progressing to metastatic breast cancer with a low survival rate and limited effective early intervention strategies augmented by late diagnosis. Moreover, a low concentration of prognostic and predictive markers hinders disease monitoring. Circulating and exosomal microRNAs (miRNAs) have recently shown a considerable interplay in breast cancer, standing out as effective diagnostic and prognostic markers. The primary functions are as gene regulatory agents at the genetic and epigenetic levels. An array of dysregulated miRNAs stimulates cancer-promoting mechanisms, activating oncogenes and controlling tumor-suppressing genes and mechanisms. Exosomes are vastly studied extracellular vesicles, carrying, and transporting cargo, including noncoding RNAs with premier roles in oncogenesis. Translocation of miRNAs from the circulation to exosomes, with RNA-binding proteins in stress-induced conditions, has shown significant cooperation in function to promote breast cancer. This review examines cellular and exosomal miRNA biogenesis and loading, the clinical implications of their dysregulation, their function in diagnosis, prognosis, and prediction of breast cancer, and in regulating cancer signaling pathways. The influence of cellular and exosomal miRNAs presents clinical significance on breast cancer diagnosis, subtyping, staging, prediction, and disease monitoring during treatment, hence a potent marker for breast cancer.
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Affiliation(s)
- Faith Mokobi Zablon
- Department of Nanoengineering, Joint School of Nanoscience and Nanoengineering, North Carolina, A&T State University, 2907 E. Gate City Blvd, Greensboro, NC, 27401, USA
| | - Parth Desai
- Department of Nanoscience, Joint School of Nanoscience and Nanoengineering, University of North Carolina, 2904 E. Gate City Blvd, Greensboro, NC, 27401, USA
| | - Kristen Dellinger
- Department of Nanoengineering, Joint School of Nanoscience and Nanoengineering, North Carolina, A&T State University, 2907 E. Gate City Blvd, Greensboro, NC, 27401, USA
| | - Shyam Aravamudhan
- Department of Nanoengineering, Joint School of Nanoscience and Nanoengineering, North Carolina, A&T State University, 2907 E. Gate City Blvd, Greensboro, NC, 27401, USA
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3
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He Z, Zhang H, Xiao H, Zhang X, Xu H, Sun R, Li S. Ubiquitylation of RUNX3 by RNA-binding ubiquitin ligase MEX3C promotes tumorigenesis in lung adenocarcinoma. J Transl Med 2024; 22:216. [PMID: 38424632 PMCID: PMC10905843 DOI: 10.1186/s12967-023-04700-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/21/2023] [Accepted: 11/03/2023] [Indexed: 03/02/2024] Open
Abstract
Lung adenocarcinoma (LUAD) is the most common pathological type of lung cancer, but the early diagnosis rate is low. The RNA-binding ubiquitin ligase MEX3C promotes tumorigenesis in several cancers but its mechanism of action in LUAD is unclear. In this study, the biological activity of MEX3C was assessed in LUAD. MEX3C and RUNX3 mRNA levels in the tissues of LUAD patients were determined using reverse transcription‑quantitative PCR. The involvement of MEX3C in the growth and metastasis of LUAD cells was measured by EdU assay, CCK-8, colony formation, Transwell assay, TUNEL, and flow cytometry. Expression of apoptosis and epithelial-mesenchymal transition related proteins were determined using western blotting analysis. LUAD cells transfected with si-MEX3C were administered to mice subcutaneously to monitor tumor progression and metastasis. We found that MEX3C is strongly upregulated in LUAD tissue sections, and involved in proliferation and migration. A549 and H1299 cells had significantly higher levels of MEX3C expression compared to control HBE cells. Knockdown of MEX3C dramatically decreased cell proliferation, migration, and invasion, and accelerated apoptosis. Mechanistically, we demonstrate MEX3C induces ubiquitylation and degradation of tumor suppressor RUNX3. Moreover, RUNX3 transcriptionally represses Suv39H1, as revealed by RNA pull-down and chromatin immunoprecipitation assays. The in vivo mice model demonstrated that knockdown of MEX3C reduced LUAD growth and metastasis significantly. Collectively, we reveal a novel MEX3C-RUNX3-Suv39H1 signaling axis driving LUAD pathogenesis. Targeting MEX3C may represent a promising therapeutic strategy against LUAD.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zelai He
- Department of Radiation Oncology, The first affiliated hospital of Bengbu Medical University, Bengbu, 233000, Anhui, China
| | - Huijun Zhang
- Department of Cardiothoracic Surgery, Huashan Hospital of Fudan University, Shanghai, 200040, China
| | - Haibo Xiao
- Department of Cardiothoracic Surgery, Xinhua Hospital Affiliated to Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai, 200092, China
| | - Xiangyu Zhang
- Department of Pathology, Jining First People's Hospital, Jining Medical University, Jining, 272002, Shandong, China
| | - Hongbo Xu
- Department of Radiation Oncology, The first affiliated hospital of Bengbu Medical University, Bengbu, 233000, Anhui, China.
| | - Ruifen Sun
- Science and Technology Division, Yunnan University of Chinese Medicine, Kunming, 650500, Yunnan, China.
| | - Siwen Li
- Department of Thoracic Surgery, The Sixth Affiliated Hospital of Guangzhou Medical University, Qingyuan, 511500, Guangdong, China.
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Hu J, Xiang Y, Zhu X, Hu C, Xu X, Li D, Deng Z, Jiang Z. Grass carp (Ctenopharyngodon idella) Mex3B positively regulates innate immunity by promoting the K63-linked ubiquitination of TLR3. FISH & SHELLFISH IMMUNOLOGY 2023; 141:109023. [PMID: 37625735 DOI: 10.1016/j.fsi.2023.109023] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/13/2023] [Revised: 08/20/2023] [Accepted: 08/21/2023] [Indexed: 08/27/2023]
Abstract
As a member of Mex3 (muscle excess protein-3) family, Mex3B (Mex-3 RNA binding family member B) is crucial in cell proliferation and migration in mammals. In this study, an ortholog of mammalian Mex3B (denominated CiMex3B, MT276802.1) was cloned and identified in grass carp (Ctenopharyngodon idella). CiMex3B is 1578 bp in length and encodes a polypeptide of 525 amino acids. Consistent with its mammalian counterpart, CiMex3B also contains one C-terminal RING domain and two N-terminal conserved tandem KH domains. CiMex3B up-regulates the expressions of IFN1, ISG15, MX2, as well as the expressions of inflammatory cytokines such as IL6, IL8 and TNFα in response to poly(I:C). A screening test for identifying potential targets indicated that CiMex3B is associated with TLR3 and TRIF. CiMex3B co-localizes with TLR3 in the late endosome, mitochondria and endoplasmic reticulum after poly(I:C) stimulation, whereas they are rarely discovered in the lysosomes. CiMex3B serves as a positive regulator in the phosphorylation of IRF3 and induces IFN1 expression. In addition, two truncation mutants of CiMex3B (1-220 and 221-525) were constructed to better understand the molecular mechanism of CiMex3B-mediated ubiquitination of TLR3. In line with wild-type protein, CiMex3B mutant (1-220) was found mainly in the cytoplasm; however, CiMex3B mutant (221-525) resided in the cytoplasm and the nucleus as well, and it was further confirmed that CiMex3B mutant (221-525) still interacts with TLR3. We also observed that CiMex3B promotes the K63-linked ubiquitination of TLR3, while neither of the truncation mutants (1-220 or 221-525) retains this activity. To sum up, this study revealed that CiMex3B potentiates the K63-linked ubiquitination of TLR3, and then elicits the IRF3-mediated antiviral innate immune responses.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jihuan Hu
- State Key Laboratory of Food Science and Resources, Nanchang University, Nanchang, 330047, Jiangxi, China; Department of Bioscience, College of Life Science, Nanchang University, Nanchang, 330031, Jiangxi, China
| | - Yang Xiang
- Department of Bioscience, College of Life Science, Nanchang University, Nanchang, 330031, Jiangxi, China
| | - Xuechun Zhu
- Department of Bioscience, College of Life Science, Nanchang University, Nanchang, 330031, Jiangxi, China
| | - Chengyu Hu
- Department of Bioscience, College of Life Science, Nanchang University, Nanchang, 330031, Jiangxi, China
| | - Xiaowen Xu
- Department of Bioscience, College of Life Science, Nanchang University, Nanchang, 330031, Jiangxi, China
| | - Dongming Li
- Fuzhou Medical College, Nanchang University, Fuzhou, 344000, Jiangxi, China
| | - Zeyuan Deng
- State Key Laboratory of Food Science and Resources, Nanchang University, Nanchang, 330047, Jiangxi, China
| | - Zeyin Jiang
- State Key Laboratory of Food Science and Resources, Nanchang University, Nanchang, 330047, Jiangxi, China; Department of Bioscience, College of Life Science, Nanchang University, Nanchang, 330031, Jiangxi, China.
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5
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Chen W, Hu L, Lu X, Wang X, Zhao C, Guo C, Li X, Ding Y, Zhao H, Tong D, Wang L, Huang C. The RNA binding protein MEX3A promotes tumor progression of breast cancer by post-transcriptional regulation of IGFBP4. Breast Cancer Res Treat 2023; 201:353-366. [PMID: 37433992 PMCID: PMC10460732 DOI: 10.1007/s10549-023-07028-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/17/2023] [Accepted: 06/27/2023] [Indexed: 07/13/2023]
Abstract
PURPOSE Breast cancer (BC) is the most frequent malignant tumor in women worldwide with exceptionally high morbidity. The RNA-binding protein MEX3A plays a crucial role in genesis and progression of multiple cancers. We attempted to explore its clinicopathological and functional significance in BC in which MEX3A is expressed. METHODS The expression of MEX3A detected by RT-qPCR and correlated the results with clinicopathological variables in 53 BC patients. MEX3A and IGFBP4 profile data of BC patients were downloaded from TCGA and GEO database. Kaplan-Meier (KM) analysis was used to estimate the survival rate of BC patients. Western Blot, CCK-8, EdU, colony formation and flow cytometry were performed to investigate the role of MEX3A and IGFBP4 in BC cell proliferation, invasion and cell cycle in vitro. A subcutaneous tumor mouse model was constructed to analyze in vivo growth of BC cells after MEX3A knockdown. The interactions among MEX3A and IGFBP4 were measured by RNA pull-down and RNA immunoprecipitation. RESULTS The expression of MEX3A was upregulated in BC tissues compared to adjacent tissues and high expression of MEX3A was associated with poor prognosis. Subsequent in vitro studies demonstrated that MEX3A knockdown inhibited BC cells proliferation and migration, as well as xenograft tumor growth in vivo. The expression of IGFBP4 was significantly negatively correlated with MEX3A in BC tissues. Mechanistic investigation showed that MEX3A binds to IGFBP4 mRNA in BC cells, decreasing IGFBP4 mRNA levels, which further activated the PI3K/AKT and other downstream signaling pathways implicated cell cycle progression and cell migration. CONCLUSION Our results indicate that MEX3A plays a prominent oncogenic role in BC tumorigenesis and progression by targeting IGFBP4 mRNA and activating PI3K/AKT signaling, which can be used as a novel therapeutic target for BC.
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Affiliation(s)
- Wenhu Chen
- Department of Cell Biology and Genetics, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Xi'an Jiaotong University Health Science Center, No. 76 Yanta West Road, Xi'an, 710061, Shanxi, China
- School of Basic Medical Sciences & Forensic Medicine, Hangzhou Medical College, Hangzhou, 310053, China
| | - Liqiang Hu
- Cancer Institute of Integrated Traditional Chinese and Western Medicine, Zhejiang Academy of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Hangzhou, 310012, China
| | - Xuemei Lu
- College of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Zhejiang Chinese Medical University, Hangzhou, 310053, China
| | - Xiaofei Wang
- Biomedical Experimental Center of Xi'an Jiaotong University, Xi'an, 710061, China
| | - Changan Zhao
- Department of Pathology, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Xi'an Jiaotong University Health Science Center, Xi'an, 710061, China
| | - Chen Guo
- Department of Cell Biology and Genetics, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Xi'an Jiaotong University Health Science Center, No. 76 Yanta West Road, Xi'an, 710061, Shanxi, China
| | - Xiaoyan Li
- School of Basic Medical Sciences & Forensic Medicine, Hangzhou Medical College, Hangzhou, 310053, China
| | - Yuqin Ding
- Department of Breast Surgery, Cancer Hospital of the University of Chinese Academy of Sciences (Zhejiang Cancer Hospital), Hangzhou, 310005, China
| | - Hongguang Zhao
- Department of Thoracic Surgery, Cancer Hospital of the University of Chinese Academy of Sciences (Zhejiang Cancer Hospital), Hangzhou, 310005, China
| | - Dongdong Tong
- Department of Cell Biology and Genetics, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Xi'an Jiaotong University Health Science Center, No. 76 Yanta West Road, Xi'an, 710061, Shanxi, China
- Key Laboratory of Environment and Genes Related to Diseases, Xi'an Jiaotong University Health Science Center, Xi'an, 710061, China
| | - Lifang Wang
- College of Innovation & Entrepreneurship, Hangzhou Medical College, No. 548 Binwen Road, Hangzhou, 310053, Zhejiang, China.
| | - Chen Huang
- Department of Cell Biology and Genetics, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Xi'an Jiaotong University Health Science Center, No. 76 Yanta West Road, Xi'an, 710061, Shanxi, China.
- Key Laboratory of Environment and Genes Related to Diseases, Xi'an Jiaotong University Health Science Center, Xi'an, 710061, China.
- Key Laboratory of Shaanxi Province for Craniofacial Precision Medicine Research, College of Stomatology, Xi'an Jiaotong University, Xi'an, 710061, China.
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6
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Domingo-Muelas A, Duart-Abadia P, Morante-Redolat JM, Jordán-Pla A, Belenguer G, Fabra-Beser J, Paniagua-Herranz L, Pérez-Villalba A, Álvarez-Varela A, Barriga FM, Gil-Sanz C, Ortega F, Batlle E, Fariñas I. Post-transcriptional control of a stemness signature by RNA-binding protein MEX3A regulates murine adult neurogenesis. Nat Commun 2023; 14:373. [PMID: 36690670 PMCID: PMC9871011 DOI: 10.1038/s41467-023-36054-6] [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: 08/01/2022] [Accepted: 01/12/2023] [Indexed: 01/25/2023] Open
Abstract
Neural stem cells (NSCs) in the adult murine subependymal zone balance their self-renewal capacity and glial identity with the potential to generate neurons during the lifetime. Adult NSCs exhibit lineage priming via pro-neurogenic fate determinants. However, the protein levels of the neural fate determinants are not sufficient to drive direct differentiation of adult NSCs, which raises the question of how cells along the neurogenic lineage avoid different conflicting fate choices, such as self-renewal and differentiation. Here, we identify RNA-binding protein MEX3A as a post-transcriptional regulator of a set of stemness associated transcripts at critical transitions in the subependymal neurogenic lineage. MEX3A regulates a quiescence-related RNA signature in activated NSCs that is needed for their return to quiescence, playing a role in the long-term maintenance of the NSC pool. Furthermore, it is required for the repression of the same program at the onset of neuronal differentiation. Our data indicate that MEX3A is a pivotal regulator of adult murine neurogenesis acting as a translational remodeller.
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Grants
- EC | EU Framework Programme for Research and Innovation H2020 | H2020 Priority Excellent Science | H2020 European Research Council (H2020 Excellent Science - European Research Council)
- Ministerio de Ciencia e Innovación (MICINN, Spain) - PID2020-119917RB-I00.
- Regional Government of Valencia | Conselleria d'Educació, Investigació, Cultura i Esport (Conselleria d'Educació, Investigació, Cultura i Esport de la Generalitat Valenciana)
- Ministerio de Ciencia e Innovación (MICINN, Spain) - PID2020-117937GB-I00, PID2020-119917RB-I00, PID 2019-109155RB-I00, PID2020-114227RB-I00, RyC-2015-19058, PRE2018-084838. Centro de Investigación Biomédica en Red Enfermedades Neurodegenerativas (CIBERNED, Spain) - MICINN- CB06/05/0086.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ana Domingo-Muelas
- Departamento de Biología Celular, Biología Funcional y Antropología Física, Universidad de Valencia, Valencia, Spain
- Instituto de Biotecnología y Biomedicina (BIOTECMED), Universidad de Valencia, Valencia, Spain
- Centro de Investigación Biomédica en Red sobre Enfermedades Neurodegenerativas (CIBERNED), Valencia, Spain
| | - Pere Duart-Abadia
- Departamento de Biología Celular, Biología Funcional y Antropología Física, Universidad de Valencia, Valencia, Spain
- Instituto de Biotecnología y Biomedicina (BIOTECMED), Universidad de Valencia, Valencia, Spain
- Centro de Investigación Biomédica en Red sobre Enfermedades Neurodegenerativas (CIBERNED), Valencia, Spain
| | - Jose Manuel Morante-Redolat
- Departamento de Biología Celular, Biología Funcional y Antropología Física, Universidad de Valencia, Valencia, Spain
- Instituto de Biotecnología y Biomedicina (BIOTECMED), Universidad de Valencia, Valencia, Spain
- Centro de Investigación Biomédica en Red sobre Enfermedades Neurodegenerativas (CIBERNED), Valencia, Spain
| | - Antonio Jordán-Pla
- Instituto de Biotecnología y Biomedicina (BIOTECMED), Universidad de Valencia, Valencia, Spain
| | - Germán Belenguer
- Departamento de Biología Celular, Biología Funcional y Antropología Física, Universidad de Valencia, Valencia, Spain
- Instituto de Biotecnología y Biomedicina (BIOTECMED), Universidad de Valencia, Valencia, Spain
- Centro de Investigación Biomédica en Red sobre Enfermedades Neurodegenerativas (CIBERNED), Valencia, Spain
| | - Jaime Fabra-Beser
- Departamento de Biología Celular, Biología Funcional y Antropología Física, Universidad de Valencia, Valencia, Spain
- Instituto de Biotecnología y Biomedicina (BIOTECMED), Universidad de Valencia, Valencia, Spain
| | - Lucía Paniagua-Herranz
- Departamento de Bioquímica y Biología Molecular, Universidad Complutense de Madrid (UCM), Madrid, Spain
- Instituto Universitario de Investigación en Neuroquímica (IUIN), Madrid, Spain
- Instituto de Investigación Sanitaria San Carlos (IdISSC), Madrid, Spain
| | - Ana Pérez-Villalba
- Departamento de Biología Celular, Biología Funcional y Antropología Física, Universidad de Valencia, Valencia, Spain
- Instituto de Biotecnología y Biomedicina (BIOTECMED), Universidad de Valencia, Valencia, Spain
- Centro de Investigación Biomédica en Red sobre Enfermedades Neurodegenerativas (CIBERNED), Valencia, Spain
| | - Adrián Álvarez-Varela
- Institute for Research in Biomedicine (IRB Barcelona), Barcelona, Spain
- Centro de Investigación Biomédica en Red de Cáncer (CIBERONC), Barcelona, Spain
| | - Francisco M Barriga
- Institute for Research in Biomedicine (IRB Barcelona), Barcelona, Spain
- Centro de Investigación Biomédica en Red de Cáncer (CIBERONC), Barcelona, Spain
| | - Cristina Gil-Sanz
- Departamento de Biología Celular, Biología Funcional y Antropología Física, Universidad de Valencia, Valencia, Spain
- Instituto de Biotecnología y Biomedicina (BIOTECMED), Universidad de Valencia, Valencia, Spain
- Centro de Investigación Biomédica en Red sobre Enfermedades Neurodegenerativas (CIBERNED), Valencia, Spain
| | - Felipe Ortega
- Departamento de Bioquímica y Biología Molecular, Universidad Complutense de Madrid (UCM), Madrid, Spain
- Instituto Universitario de Investigación en Neuroquímica (IUIN), Madrid, Spain
- Instituto de Investigación Sanitaria San Carlos (IdISSC), Madrid, Spain
| | - Eduard Batlle
- Institute for Research in Biomedicine (IRB Barcelona), Barcelona, Spain.
- Centro de Investigación Biomédica en Red de Cáncer (CIBERONC), Barcelona, Spain.
- ICREA, Barcelona, Spain.
| | - Isabel Fariñas
- Departamento de Biología Celular, Biología Funcional y Antropología Física, Universidad de Valencia, Valencia, Spain.
- Instituto de Biotecnología y Biomedicina (BIOTECMED), Universidad de Valencia, Valencia, Spain.
- Centro de Investigación Biomédica en Red sobre Enfermedades Neurodegenerativas (CIBERNED), Valencia, Spain.
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7
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Wang CK, Chen TJ, Tan GY, Chang FP, Sridharan S, Yu CHA, Chang YH, Chen YJ, Cheng LT, Hwang-Verslues WW. MEX3A Mediates p53 Degradation to Suppress Ferroptosis and Facilitate Ovarian Cancer Tumorigenesis. Cancer Res 2023; 83:251-263. [PMID: 36354374 PMCID: PMC9845988 DOI: 10.1158/0008-5472.can-22-1159] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 11.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/07/2022] [Revised: 08/24/2022] [Accepted: 11/07/2022] [Indexed: 11/12/2022]
Abstract
Epithelial ovarian cancer is a highly heterogeneous and malignant female cancer with an overall low survival rate. Mutations in p53 are prevalent in the major ovarian cancer histotype, high-grade serous ovarian carcinoma (HGSOC), while p53 mutations are much less frequent in other ovarian cancer subtypes, particularly in ovarian clear cell carcinoma (OCCC). Advanced stage OCCC with wild-type (WT) p53 has a worse prognosis and increased drug resistance, metastasis, and recurrence than HGSOC. The mechanisms responsible for driving the aggressiveness of WT p53-expressing ovarian cancer remain poorly understood. Here, we found that upregulation of MEX3A, a dual-function protein containing a RING finger domain and an RNA-binding domain, was critical for tumorigenesis in WT p53-expressing ovarian cancer. MEX3A overexpression enhanced the growth and clonogenicity of OCCC cell lines. In contrast, depletion of MEX3A in OCCC cells, as well as ovarian teratocarcinoma cells, reduced cell survival and proliferative ability. MEX3A depletion also inhibited tumor growth and prolonged survival in orthotopic xenograft models. MEX3A depletion did not alter p53 mRNA level but did increase p53 protein stability. MEX3A-mediated p53 protein degradation was crucial to suppress ferroptosis and enhance tumorigenesis. Consistently, p53 knockdown reversed the effects of MEX3A depletion. Together, our observations identified MEX3A as an important oncogenic factor promoting tumorigenesis in ovarian cancer cells expressing WT p53. SIGNIFICANCE Degradation of p53 mediated by MEX3A drives ovarian cancer growth by circumventing p53 tumor suppressive functions, suggesting targeting MEX3A as a potential strategy for treating of ovarian cancer expressing WT p53.
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Affiliation(s)
- Cheng-Kai Wang
- Genomics Research Center, Academia Sinica, Taipei, Taiwan
| | - Tzu-Jou Chen
- Genomics Research Center, Academia Sinica, Taipei, Taiwan
| | - Grace Y.T. Tan
- Genomics Research Center, Academia Sinica, Taipei, Taiwan
| | - Fang-Pei Chang
- Genomics Research Center, Academia Sinica, Taipei, Taiwan
| | | | | | - Yen-Hou Chang
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Taipei Veterans General Hospital, Taipei, Taiwan.,School of Medicine, National Yang Ming Chiao Tung University, Taipei, Taiwan.,Institute of Clinical Medicine, National Yang Ming Chiao Tung University, Taipei, Taiwan
| | - Yi-Jen Chen
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Taipei Veterans General Hospital, Taipei, Taiwan.,School of Medicine, National Yang Ming Chiao Tung University, Taipei, Taiwan.,Institute of Clinical Medicine, National Yang Ming Chiao Tung University, Taipei, Taiwan
| | - Li-Tzu Cheng
- Genomics Research Center, Academia Sinica, Taipei, Taiwan
| | - Wendy W. Hwang-Verslues
- Genomics Research Center, Academia Sinica, Taipei, Taiwan.,Corresponding Author: Wendy W. Hwang-Verslues, Genomics Research Center, Academia Sinica, No. 128, Sec. 2, Academia Road, Taipei 115, Taiwan. Phone: +886-2-2787-1246; Fax: +886-2-2789-9924; E-mail:
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8
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Yang P, Zhang P, Zhang S. RNA-Binding Protein MEX3A Interacting with DVL3 Stabilizes Wnt/β-Catenin Signaling in Endometrial Carcinoma. Int J Mol Sci 2022; 24:ijms24010592. [PMID: 36614043 PMCID: PMC9820120 DOI: 10.3390/ijms24010592] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/04/2022] [Revised: 12/14/2022] [Accepted: 12/18/2022] [Indexed: 12/31/2022] Open
Abstract
Disease recurrence and metastasis lead to poor prognosis in patients with advanced endometrial carcinoma (EC). RNA-binding proteins (RBPs) are closely associated with tumor initiation and metastasis, but the function and molecular mechanisms of RBPs in EC are unclear. RBPs were screened and identified using the TCGA, GEO, and RBPTD databases. The effect of MEX3A on EC was verified by in vitro and in vivo experiments. Gene set enrichment analysis (GSEA), immunofluorescence (IF), and co-immunoprecipitation (Co-IP) were used to identify potential molecular mechanisms of action. We identified 148 differentially expressed RBPs in EC. MEX3A was upregulated and related to poor prognosis in patients with EC. In vitro and vivo experiments demonstrated that MEX3A promoted the growth, migration, and invasion capacities of EC cells. Mechanistically, DVL3, a positive regulator of the Wnt/β-catenin pathway, also increased the proliferation and metastasis of EC cells. MEX3A enhanced EMT and played a pro-carcinogenic role by interacting with DVL3 to stabilize β-catenin and upregulated the expression of its downstream target genes. MEX3A is upregulated in EC and promotes tumor progression by activating EMT and regulating the Wnt/β-catenin pathway via DVL3. MEX3A may therefore be a novel therapeutic target for EC.
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9
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Zhang M, Cao L, Hou G, Lv X, Deng J. Investigation of the Potential Correlation Between RNA-Binding Proteins in the Evolutionarily Conserved MEX3 Family and Non-small-Cell Lung Cancer. Mol Biotechnol 2022:10.1007/s12033-022-00638-2. [DOI: 10.1007/s12033-022-00638-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/27/2022] [Accepted: 12/05/2022] [Indexed: 12/14/2022]
Abstract
Abstract
Members of the MEX3 (muscle excess 3) family, uniquely characterised as mRNA binding proteins, play emerging roles in the post-transcriptional regulation of programmed biological processes, including tumour cell death and immune mechanisms, and have been shown to be involved in a variety of diseases. However, the role of MEX3 in non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) has not been fully elucidated. In this study, we found no significant changes in the sequence and copy number of the MEX3 gene through analysis using the COSMIC database, revealing its stability during malignancy development. Its expression in NSCLC was examined using the Oncomine™ database, and the prognosis of each member gene was analysed by Kaplan–Meier. The results showed that overexpression of MEX3A, MEX3B, MEX3C and MEX3D was associated with significantly worse OS in patients with LUAD, while overexpression of MEX3D was also associated with significantly worse OS in patients with LUSC. Afterwards, we applied the Tumour Immunology Estimation Resource (TIMER) tool to assess the correlation between different MEX3 and infiltrative immune cell infiltration. Ultimately, we found that most MEX3 members were highly expressed in NSCLC, with high expression suggesting poor prognosis and correlating with immune cell infiltration. The complexity and heterogeneity of NSCLC was understood through MEX3, setting the framework for the prognostic impact of MEX3 in NSCLC patients and the development of new targeted therapeutic strategies in the future.
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10
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Deng Y, Xiao M, Wan AH, Li J, Sun L, Liang H, Wang QP, Yin S, Bu X, Wan G. RNA and RNA Derivatives: Light and Dark Sides in Cancer Immunotherapy. Antioxid Redox Signal 2022; 37:1266-1290. [PMID: 35369726 DOI: 10.1089/ars.2022.0035] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/16/2022]
Abstract
Significance: Immunotherapy, which utilizes the patient's immune system to fight tumor cells, has been approved for the treatment of some types of advanced cancer. Recent Advances: The complexity and diversity of tumor immunity are responsible for the varying response rates toward current immunotherapy strategies and highlight the importance of exploring regulators in tumor immunotherapy. Several genetic factors have proved to be critical regulators of tumor immunotherapy. RNAs, including messenger RNAs and non-coding RNAs, play vital and diverse roles in tumorigenesis, metastasis, drug resistance, and immunotherapy response. RNA modifications, including N6-methyladenosine methylation, are involved in tumor immunity. Critical Issues: A critical issue is the lack of summary of the regulatory RNA molecules and their derivatives in mediating immune activities in human cancers that could provide potential applications for tumor immunotherapeutic strategy. Future Directions: This review summarizes the dual roles (the light and dark sides) of RNA and its derivatives in tumor immunotherapy and discusses the development of RNA-based therapies as novel immunotherapeutic strategies for cancer treatment. Antioxid. Redox Signal. 37, 1266-1290.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yuan Deng
- National-Local Joint Engineering Laboratory of Druggability and New Drug Evaluation, National Engineering Research Center for New Drug and Druggability (Cultivation), Guangdong Province Key Laboratory of New Drug Design and Evaluation, School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Sun Yat-Sen University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Min Xiao
- National-Local Joint Engineering Laboratory of Druggability and New Drug Evaluation, National Engineering Research Center for New Drug and Druggability (Cultivation), Guangdong Province Key Laboratory of New Drug Design and Evaluation, School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Sun Yat-Sen University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Arabella H Wan
- Zhongshan School of Medicine, Sun Yat-Sen University, Guangzhou, China.,Department of Gastrointestinal Surgery, The First Affiliated Hospital, Sun Yat-Sen University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Jiarui Li
- National-Local Joint Engineering Laboratory of Druggability and New Drug Evaluation, National Engineering Research Center for New Drug and Druggability (Cultivation), Guangdong Province Key Laboratory of New Drug Design and Evaluation, School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Sun Yat-Sen University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Lei Sun
- National-Local Joint Engineering Laboratory of Druggability and New Drug Evaluation, National Engineering Research Center for New Drug and Druggability (Cultivation), Guangdong Province Key Laboratory of New Drug Design and Evaluation, School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Sun Yat-Sen University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Heng Liang
- National-Local Joint Engineering Laboratory of Druggability and New Drug Evaluation, National Engineering Research Center for New Drug and Druggability (Cultivation), Guangdong Province Key Laboratory of New Drug Design and Evaluation, School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Sun Yat-Sen University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Qiao-Ping Wang
- School of Pharmaceutical Sciences (Shenzhen), Shenzhen Campus of Sun Yat-Sen University, Shenzhen, China
| | - Sheng Yin
- National-Local Joint Engineering Laboratory of Druggability and New Drug Evaluation, National Engineering Research Center for New Drug and Druggability (Cultivation), Guangdong Province Key Laboratory of New Drug Design and Evaluation, School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Sun Yat-Sen University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Xianzhang Bu
- National-Local Joint Engineering Laboratory of Druggability and New Drug Evaluation, National Engineering Research Center for New Drug and Druggability (Cultivation), Guangdong Province Key Laboratory of New Drug Design and Evaluation, School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Sun Yat-Sen University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Guohui Wan
- National-Local Joint Engineering Laboratory of Druggability and New Drug Evaluation, National Engineering Research Center for New Drug and Druggability (Cultivation), Guangdong Province Key Laboratory of New Drug Design and Evaluation, School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Sun Yat-Sen University, Guangzhou, China
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11
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Gan T, Wang Y, Xie M, Wang Q, Zhao S, Wang P, Shi Q, Qian X, Miao F, Shen Z, Nie E. MEX3A Impairs DNA Mismatch Repair Signaling and Mediates Acquired Temozolomide Resistance in Glioblastoma. Cancer Res 2022; 82:4234-4246. [PMID: 36112059 DOI: 10.1158/0008-5472.can-22-2036] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/23/2022] [Revised: 08/12/2022] [Accepted: 09/12/2022] [Indexed: 12/14/2022]
Abstract
MutS protein homolog 2 (MSH2) is a key element involved in the DNA mismatch repair (MMR) system, which is responsible for recognizing and repairing mispaired bases. Simultaneously, MSH2 identifies DNA adducts induced by temozolomide (TMZ) and triggers apoptosis and autophagy in tumor cells. Previous work has revealed that reduced MSH2 expression is often observed in patients with glioblastoma (GBM) who relapse after chemotherapy. Elucidation of the mechanism behind TMZ-mediated reduction of MSH2 could help improve GBM treatment. Here, we report significant upregulation of Mex-3 RNA binding family member A (MEX3A) in GBM tissues and cell lines following TMZ treatment. MEX3A bound to the MEX3 recognition element (MRE) of MSH2 mRNA, which in turn recruited CCR4-NOT complexes to target MSH2 mRNA for deadenylation and degradation. In addition, ectopic expression of MEX3A significantly decreased cellular DNA MMR activities and reduced the chemosensitivity of GBM cells via downregulation of MSH2, while depletion of MEX3A sensitized GBM cells to TMZ. In MGMT-deficient patients with GBM, MEX3A expression correlated with MSH2 levels, and high MEX3A expression was associated with poor prognosis. Overall, these findings reveal a potential mechanism by which MSH2 expression is reduced in post-TMZ recurrent GBM. SIGNIFICANCE A MEX3A/CCR4-NOT/MSH2 axis plays a crucial role in promoting temozolomide resistance, providing new insights into the function of MEX3A and suggesting MEX3A as a potential therapeutic target in therapy-resistant glioblastoma.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tian Gan
- Department of Endocrinology, The Affiliated Hospital of Xuzhou Medical University, Xuzhou, Jiangsu Province, P.R. China
| | - Yan Wang
- Department of Neurosurgery, The Affiliated Hospital of Xuzhou Medical University, Xuzhou, Jiangsu Province, P.R. China
| | - Manyi Xie
- Department of Neurosurgery, The Affiliated Hospital of Xuzhou Medical University, Xuzhou, Jiangsu Province, P.R. China
| | - Qiang Wang
- Department of Neurosurgery, The Affiliated Hospital of Xuzhou Medical University, Xuzhou, Jiangsu Province, P.R. China
| | - Saisai Zhao
- Department of Neurosurgery, The Affiliated Hospital of Xuzhou Medical University, Xuzhou, Jiangsu Province, P.R. China
| | - Peng Wang
- Department of Neurosurgery, Rizhao Central Hospital, Rizhao, Shandong Province, P.R. China
| | - Qinyu Shi
- Department of Neurosurgery, the First Affiliated Hospital of Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing, Jiangsu Province, P.R. China
| | - Xuanchen Qian
- Department of Neurosurgery, The Affiliated Hospital of Xuzhou Medical University, Xuzhou, Jiangsu Province, P.R. China
| | - Faan Miao
- Department of Neurosurgery, The Affiliated Hospital of Xuzhou Medical University, Xuzhou, Jiangsu Province, P.R. China
| | - Zhigang Shen
- Department of Neurosurgery, The Affiliated Hospital of Xuzhou Medical University, Xuzhou, Jiangsu Province, P.R. China
| | - Er Nie
- Department of Neurosurgery, The Affiliated Hospital of Xuzhou Medical University, Xuzhou, Jiangsu Province, P.R. China
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12
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Xiao Y, Li Y, Shi D, Wang X, Dai S, Yang M, Kong L, Chen B, Huang X, Lin C, Liao W, Xu B, Chen X, Wang L, Chen X, Ouyang Y, Liu G, Li H, Song L. MEX3C-Mediated Decay of SOCS3 mRNA Promotes JAK2/STAT3 Signaling to Facilitate Metastasis in Hepatocellular Carcinoma. Cancer Res 2022; 82:4191-4205. [PMID: 36112698 DOI: 10.1158/0008-5472.can-22-1203] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/11/2022] [Revised: 08/02/2022] [Accepted: 09/13/2022] [Indexed: 12/24/2022]
Abstract
Tumor metastasis is one of the major causes of high mortality in patients with hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC). Sustained activation of STAT3 signaling plays a critical role in HCC metastasis. RNA binding protein (RBP)-mediated posttranscriptional regulation is involved in the precise control of signal transduction, including STAT3 signaling. In this study, we investigated whether RBPs are important regulators of HCC metastasis. The RBP MEX3C was found to be significantly upregulated in highly metastatic HCC and correlated with poor prognosis in HCC. Mechanistically, MEX3C increased JAK2/STAT3 pathway activity by downregulating SOCS3, a major negative regulator of JAK2/STAT3 signaling. MEX3C interacted with the 3'UTR of SOCS3 and recruited CNOT7 to ubiquitinate and accelerate decay of SOCS3 mRNA. Treatment with MEX3C-specific antisense oligonucleotide significantly inhibited JAK2/STAT3 pathway activation, suppressing HCC migration in vitro and metastasis in vivo. These findings highlight a novel mRNA decay-mediated mechanism for the disruption of SOCS3-driven negative regulation of JAK2/STAT3 signaling, suggesting MEX3C may be a potential prognostic biomarker and promising therapeutic target in HCC. SIGNIFICANCE This study reveals that RNA-binding protein MEX3C induces SOCS3 mRNA decay to promote JAK2/STAT3 activation and tumor metastasis in hepatocellular carcinoma, identifying MEX3C targeting as a potential approach for treating metastatic disease.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yunyun Xiao
- Department of Experimental Research, State Key Laboratory of Oncology in South China, Collaborative Innovation Center for Cancer Medicine, Sun Yat-sen University Cancer Center, Guangzhou, China
| | - Yue Li
- Department of Experimental Research, State Key Laboratory of Oncology in South China, Collaborative Innovation Center for Cancer Medicine, Sun Yat-sen University Cancer Center, Guangzhou, China
| | - Dongni Shi
- Department of Experimental Research, State Key Laboratory of Oncology in South China, Collaborative Innovation Center for Cancer Medicine, Sun Yat-sen University Cancer Center, Guangzhou, China
| | - Xiaoqing Wang
- Department of Radiation Oncology, Nanfang Hospital, Southern Medical University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Shuqin Dai
- Department of Medicinal Laboratory, State Key Laboratory of Oncology in South China, Collaborative Innovation Center for Cancer Medicine, Sun Yat-sen University Cancer Center, Guangzhou, China
| | - Muwen Yang
- Department of Experimental Research, State Key Laboratory of Oncology in South China, Collaborative Innovation Center for Cancer Medicine, Sun Yat-sen University Cancer Center, Guangzhou, China
| | - Lingzhi Kong
- Department of Experimental Research, State Key Laboratory of Oncology in South China, Collaborative Innovation Center for Cancer Medicine, Sun Yat-sen University Cancer Center, Guangzhou, China
| | - Boyu Chen
- Department of Experimental Research, State Key Laboratory of Oncology in South China, Collaborative Innovation Center for Cancer Medicine, Sun Yat-sen University Cancer Center, Guangzhou, China
| | - Xinjian Huang
- Department of Experimental Research, State Key Laboratory of Oncology in South China, Collaborative Innovation Center for Cancer Medicine, Sun Yat-sen University Cancer Center, Guangzhou, China
| | - Chuyong Lin
- Department of Experimental Research, State Key Laboratory of Oncology in South China, Collaborative Innovation Center for Cancer Medicine, Sun Yat-sen University Cancer Center, Guangzhou, China
| | - Wenting Liao
- Department of Experimental Research, State Key Laboratory of Oncology in South China, Collaborative Innovation Center for Cancer Medicine, Sun Yat-sen University Cancer Center, Guangzhou, China
| | - Benke Xu
- Department of Human Anatomy, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Yangtze University, Jingzhou, China
| | - Xin Chen
- Key Laboratory of Protein Modification and Degradation, School of Basic Medical Sciences; Affiliated Cancer Hospital & Institute of Guangzhou Medical University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Lishuai Wang
- Department of Medical Oncology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Sun Yat-Sen University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Xiangfu Chen
- Department of Experimental Research, State Key Laboratory of Oncology in South China, Collaborative Innovation Center for Cancer Medicine, Sun Yat-sen University Cancer Center, Guangzhou, China
| | - Ying Ouyang
- Department of Experimental Research, State Key Laboratory of Oncology in South China, Collaborative Innovation Center for Cancer Medicine, Sun Yat-sen University Cancer Center, Guangzhou, China
| | - Guozhen Liu
- School of Medicine, The Chinese University of Hong Kong, Shenzhen, China
| | - Heping Li
- Department of Medical Oncology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Sun Yat-Sen University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Libing Song
- Department of Experimental Research, State Key Laboratory of Oncology in South China, Collaborative Innovation Center for Cancer Medicine, Sun Yat-sen University Cancer Center, Guangzhou, China.,Key Laboratory of Protein Modification and Degradation, School of Basic Medical Sciences; Affiliated Cancer Hospital & Institute of Guangzhou Medical University, Guangzhou, China
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13
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Jiang Z, Sun Z, Hu J, Li D, Xu X, Li M, Feng Z, Zeng S, Mao H, Hu C. Grass Carp Mex3A Promotes Ubiquitination and Degradation of RIG-I to Inhibit Innate Immune Response. Front Immunol 2022; 13:909315. [PMID: 35865536 PMCID: PMC9295999 DOI: 10.3389/fimmu.2022.909315] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/31/2022] [Accepted: 06/03/2022] [Indexed: 11/23/2022] Open
Abstract
As one of the Mex3 family members, Mex3A is crucial in cell proliferation, migration, and apoptosis in mammals. In this study, a novel gene homologous to mammalian Mex3A (named CiMex3A, MW368974) was cloned and identified in grass carp, which is 1,521 bp in length encoding a putative polypeptide of 506 amino acids. In CIK cells, CiMex3A is upregulated after stimulation with LPS, Z-DNA, and especially with intracellular poly(I:C). CiMex3A overexpression reduces the expressions of IFN1, ISG15, and pro-inflammatory factors IL8 and TNFα; likewise, Mex3A inhibits IRF3 phosphorylation upon treatment with poly(I:C). A screening test to identify potential targets suggested that CiMex3A interacts with RIG-I exclusively. Co-localization analysis showed that Mex3A and RIG-I are simultaneously located in the endoplasmic reticulum, while they rarely appear in the endosome, mitochondria, or lysosome after exposure to poly(I:C). However, RIG-I is mainly located in the early endosome and then transferred to the late endosome following stimulation with poly(I:C). Moreover, we investigated the molecular mechanism underlying CiMex3A-mediated suppression of RIG-I ubiquitination. The results demonstrated that Mex3A truncation mutant (deletion in the RING domain) can still interact physically with RIG-I, but fail to degrade it, suggesting that Mex3A also acts as a RING-type E3 ubiquitin ligase. Taken together, this study showed that grass carp Mex3A can interact with RIG-I in the endoplasmic reticulum following poly(I:C) stimulation, and then Mex3A facilitates the ubiquitination and degradation of RIG-I to inhibit IRF3-mediated innate antiviral immune response.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zeyin Jiang
- School of Life Science, Key Laboratory of Aquatic Resources and Utilization of Jiangxi Province, Nanchang University, Nanchang, China
| | - Zhichao Sun
- School of Life Science, Key Laboratory of Aquatic Resources and Utilization of Jiangxi Province, Nanchang University, Nanchang, China
- Human Aging Research Institute, Nanchang University, Nanchang, China
- Jiangxi Key Laboratory of Human Aging, Nanchang, China
| | - Jihuan Hu
- School of Life Science, Key Laboratory of Aquatic Resources and Utilization of Jiangxi Province, Nanchang University, Nanchang, China
| | - Dongming Li
- School of Basic Medical Sciences, Fuzhou Medical University, Fuzhou, China
| | - Xiaowen Xu
- School of Life Science, Key Laboratory of Aquatic Resources and Utilization of Jiangxi Province, Nanchang University, Nanchang, China
| | - Meifeng Li
- School of Life Science, Key Laboratory of Aquatic Resources and Utilization of Jiangxi Province, Nanchang University, Nanchang, China
| | - Zhiqing Feng
- School of Life Science, Key Laboratory of Aquatic Resources and Utilization of Jiangxi Province, Nanchang University, Nanchang, China
| | - Shanshan Zeng
- School of Life Science, Key Laboratory of Aquatic Resources and Utilization of Jiangxi Province, Nanchang University, Nanchang, China
| | - Huiling Mao
- School of Life Science, Key Laboratory of Aquatic Resources and Utilization of Jiangxi Province, Nanchang University, Nanchang, China
| | - Chengyu Hu
- School of Life Science, Key Laboratory of Aquatic Resources and Utilization of Jiangxi Province, Nanchang University, Nanchang, China
- *Correspondence: Chengyu Hu,
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14
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Li F, Zhao C, Diao Y, Wang Z, Peng J, Yang N, Qiu C, Kong B, Li Y. MEX3A promotes the malignant progression of ovarian cancer by regulating intron retention in TIMELESS. Cell Death Dis 2022; 13:553. [PMID: 35715407 PMCID: PMC9205863 DOI: 10.1038/s41419-022-05000-7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/27/2021] [Revised: 05/31/2022] [Accepted: 06/07/2022] [Indexed: 01/21/2023]
Abstract
The latest research shows that RNA-binding proteins (RBPs) could serve as novel potential targets for cancer therapy. We used bioinformatics analysis to screen and identify the key RBPs in ovarian cancer, from which we found that Mex-3 RNA Binding Family Member A (MEX3A) was intimately associated with the clinical prognosis of ovarian cancer. Nevertheless, little is known about its biological roles in ovarian cancer. In this case, we observed that MEX3A was highly overexpressed in fresh-frozen ovarian cancer tissues. MEX3A knockdown suppressed the development and invasion of ovarian cancer cells, while MEX3A overexpression promoted the proliferation and invasion of ovarian cancer cells. Mechanistically, TIMELESS was the critical downstream target gene of MEX3A, as demonstrated through alternative splicing event analysis based on RNA-seq. MEX3A knockdown resulted in retention of intron twenty-three of TIMELESS mRNA and decreased TIMELESS mRNA owing to stimulation of nonsense-mediated RNA decay (NMD). Additionally, we found that TIMELESS overexpression with MEX3A knockdown partially restored the proliferation ability of ovarian cancer cells. The results of this paper demonstrated that the MEX3A/TIMELESS signaling pathway was a key regulator of ovarian cancer, and MEX3A was a novel possible treatment target for ovarian cancer patients.
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Affiliation(s)
- Fangfang Li
- grid.452402.50000 0004 1808 3430Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Qilu Hospital of Shandong University, Jinan, Shandong 250012 China ,grid.452240.50000 0004 8342 6962Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, Binzhou Medical University Hospital, Binzhou, 256600 Shangdong China
| | - Chen Zhao
- grid.452402.50000 0004 1808 3430Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Qilu Hospital of Shandong University, Jinan, Shandong 250012 China
| | - Yuchao Diao
- grid.412521.10000 0004 1769 1119Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, The Affiliated Hospital of Qingdao University, Qingdao, 266000 Shangdong China
| | - Zixiang Wang
- grid.27255.370000 0004 1761 1174Medical Integration and Practice Center, Cheeloo College of Medicine, Shandong University, Jinan, Shandong 250012 China
| | - Jiali Peng
- grid.452402.50000 0004 1808 3430Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Qilu Hospital of Shandong University, Jinan, Shandong 250012 China
| | - Ning Yang
- grid.452402.50000 0004 1808 3430Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Qilu Hospital of Shandong University, Jinan, Shandong 250012 China
| | - Chunping Qiu
- grid.452402.50000 0004 1808 3430Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Qilu Hospital of Shandong University, Jinan, Shandong 250012 China
| | - Beihua Kong
- grid.452402.50000 0004 1808 3430Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Qilu Hospital of Shandong University, Jinan, Shandong 250012 China
| | - Yingwei Li
- grid.452402.50000 0004 1808 3430Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Qilu Hospital of Shandong University, Jinan, Shandong 250012 China ,grid.27255.370000 0004 1761 1174Medical Integration and Practice Center, Cheeloo College of Medicine, Shandong University, Jinan, Shandong 250012 China
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15
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Pan L, Fan Y, Zhou L. SMYD2
epigenetically activates
MEX3A
and suppresses
CDX2
in colorectal cancer cells to augment cancer growth. Clin Exp Pharmacol Physiol 2022; 49:959-969. [PMID: 35637161 DOI: 10.1111/1440-1681.13679] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/27/2022] [Revised: 05/16/2022] [Accepted: 05/26/2022] [Indexed: 12/24/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Lizhen Pan
- Department of Gastroenterology Suzhou Hospital of Integrated Traditional Chinese and Western Medicine Suzhou Jiangsu P.R. China
| | - Yuejuan Fan
- Department of Gastroenterology Suzhou Hospital of Integrated Traditional Chinese and Western Medicine Suzhou Jiangsu P.R. China
| | - Lei Zhou
- Department of Gastroenterology Suzhou Hospital of Integrated Traditional Chinese and Western Medicine Suzhou Jiangsu P.R. China
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16
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RNA-binding protein MEX3D promotes cervical carcinoma tumorigenesis by destabilizing TSC22D1 mRNA. Cell Death Dis 2022; 8:250. [PMID: 35513372 PMCID: PMC9072549 DOI: 10.1038/s41420-022-01049-7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/11/2022] [Revised: 04/25/2022] [Accepted: 04/27/2022] [Indexed: 11/11/2022]
Abstract
RNA-binding proteins (RBPs) have been related to cancer development. Their functions in cervical cancer, however, are virtually unknown. One of these proteins, Mex-3 RNA-binding family member D (MEX3D), has been recently found to exhibit oncogenic properties in a variety of cancer types. In this present study, the functional roles and the regulatory mechanisms underlying MEX3D were examined in cervical cancer. The detection of MEX3D mRNA expression levels in cervical tissues was performed using reverse transcription-quantitative PCR. For functional analysis, for detecting apoptosis and cell proliferation in cervical cancer cells, the Cell Counting Kit-8, colony formation, and flow cytometry were utilized (SiHa and CaSki). The potential mechanisms of MEX3D were assessed and elucidated utilizing western blot analysis, RNA pull-down, RNA immunoprecipitation, and mRNA stability assays. For verification of MEX3D role in vivo, mouse xenograft models were established. When compared to normal cervical tissues, MEX3D expression was observed to be higher in cervical cancer tissues. MEX3D expression was increased in human papillomavirus (HPV) 16 positive cervical cancer tissues and positively regulated by HPV16 E7. When MEX3D expression was knocked down in cervical cancer cells, cell proliferation was decreased, colony formation was inhibited, and apoptosis was promoted. Furthermore, in a mouse xenograft model, knocking down MEX3D expression reduced cervical cancer tumor growth. In addition, MEX3D acted as an RBP to reduce TSC22 domain family protein 1 (TSC22D1) mRNA stability by directly binding to TSC22D1 mRNA. The findings revealed that MEX3D is upregulated by HPV16 E7 and has a crucial oncogenic in cervical cancer development via sponging TSC22D1 for destabilizing its mRNA levels. According to the findings of this study, MEX3D may be a potential therapeutic target for treating cervical cancer patients.
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17
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Chan CP, Jin DY. Cytoplasmic RNA sensors and their interplay with RNA-binding partners in innate antiviral response: theme and variations. RNA (NEW YORK, N.Y.) 2022; 28:449-477. [PMID: 35031583 PMCID: PMC8925969 DOI: 10.1261/rna.079016.121] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/14/2023]
Abstract
Sensing of pathogen-associated molecular patterns including viral RNA by innate immunity represents the first line of defense against viral infection. In addition to RIG-I-like receptors and NOD-like receptors, several other RNA sensors are known to mediate innate antiviral response in the cytoplasm. Double-stranded RNA-binding protein PACT interacts with prototypic RNA sensor RIG-I to facilitate its recognition of viral RNA and induction of host interferon response, but variations of this theme are seen when the functions of RNA sensors are modulated by other RNA-binding proteins to impinge on antiviral defense, proinflammatory cytokine production and cell death programs. Their discrete and coordinated actions are crucial to protect the host from infection. In this review, we will focus on cytoplasmic RNA sensors with an emphasis on their interplay with RNA-binding partners. Classical sensors such as RIG-I will be briefly reviewed. More attention will be brought to new insights on how RNA-binding partners of RNA sensors modulate innate RNA sensing and how viruses perturb the functions of RNA-binding partners.
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Affiliation(s)
- Chi-Ping Chan
- School of Biomedical Sciences and State Key Laboratory of Liver Research, Faculty of Medicine Building, Pokfulam, Hong Kong
| | - Dong-Yan Jin
- School of Biomedical Sciences and State Key Laboratory of Liver Research, Faculty of Medicine Building, Pokfulam, Hong Kong
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18
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Liang S, Zhou Z, Yu C, Zhou Z, Liu J, Huang W, Dong H, Zou F, Zhao H, Cai S. CBX4 Regulates Long-Form Thymic Stromal Lymphopoietin-Mediated Airway Inflammation Through SUMOylation in HDM-Induced Asthma. Am J Respir Cell Mol Biol 2022; 66:648-660. [PMID: 35358396 DOI: 10.1165/rcmb.2021-0301oc] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/24/2022] Open
Abstract
Thymic stromal lymphopoietin (TSLP) presents in two distinct isoforms: short-form (sfTSLP) and long-form (lfTSLP). lfTSLP promotes inflammation while sfTSLP inhibits inflammation in allergic asthma. However, little is known about the regulation of lfTSLP and sfTSLP during allergic attack in asthma airway epithelium. Here, we report that SUMOylation was enhanced in HDM-induced allergic asthma airway epithelium. Inhibition of SUMOylation significantly alleviated airway Th2 inflammation and lfTSLP expression. Mechanistically, CBX4, a SUMOylation E3 ligase, enhanced lfTSLP mRNA translation, but not sfTSLP, through the RNA binding protein, MEX-3B. MEX-3B promoted lfTSLP translation by binding the lfTSLP mRNA through its KH domains. Furthermore, CBX4 regulated MEX-3B transcription in human bronchial epithelial cell (HBE) through enhancing SUMOylation levels of the transcription factor, TFII-I. In conclusion, we demonstrate an important mechanism whereby CBX4 promotes MEX-3B transcription through enhancing TFII-I SUMOylation, and MEX-3B enhances the expression of lfTSLP through binding to the lfTSLP mRNA and promoting its translation. Our findings uncover a novel target of CBX4 for therapeutic agents to lfTSLP-mediated asthma.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shixiu Liang
- Southern Medical University Nanfang Hospital, 198153, Department of Respiratory and Critical Care Medicine, Guangzhou, China
| | - Zicong Zhou
- Southern Medical University Nanfang Hospital, 198153, Department of Respiratory and Critical Care Medicine, Chronic Airways Diseases Laboratory, Guangzhou, China
| | | | - Zili Zhou
- Southern Medical University Nanfang Hospital, 198153, Department of Respiratory and Critical Care Medicine, Chronic Airways Diseases Laboratory, Guangzhou, China
| | - Jieyi Liu
- Southern Medical University Nanfang Hospital, 198153, Department of Respiratory and Critical Care Medicine, Chronic Airways Diseases Laboratory, Guangzhou, China
| | - Wufeng Huang
- Southern Medical University Nanfang Hospital, 198153, Department of Respiratory and Critical Care Medicine, Chronic Airways Diseases Laboratory, Guangzhou, China
| | - Hangming Dong
- School of Public Health and Tropical Medicine, Southern Medical University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Fei Zou
- Laboratory of Tropical Disease Research, School of Public Health, Southern Medical University, Department of Occupational Health and Occupational Medicine, Guangzhou, China
| | - Haijin Zhao
- Southern Medical University, Respiration, Guangzhou, China
| | - Shaoxi Cai
- Southern Medical University Nanfang Hospital, 198153, Department of Respiratory and Critical Care Medicine, Guangzhou, China;
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19
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RNA-binding protein MEX3A controls G1/S transition via regulating the RB/E2F pathway in clear cell renal cell carcinoma. MOLECULAR THERAPY - NUCLEIC ACIDS 2022; 27:241-255. [PMID: 34976441 PMCID: PMC8703191 DOI: 10.1016/j.omtn.2021.11.026] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/07/2021] [Accepted: 11/29/2021] [Indexed: 11/24/2022]
Abstract
MEX3A is an RNA-binding protein that mediates mRNA decay through binding to 3′ untranslated regions. However, its role and mechanism in clear cell renal cell carcinoma remain unknown. In this study, we found that MEX3A expression was transcriptionally activated by ETS1 and upregulated in clear cell renal cell carcinoma. Silencing MEX3A markedly reduced clear cell renal cell carcinoma cell proliferation in vitro and in vivo. Inhibiting MEX3A induced G1/S cell-cycle arrest. Gene set enrichment analysis revealed that E2F targets are the central downstream pathways of MEX3A. To identify MEX3A targets, systematic screening using enhanced cross-linking and immunoprecipitation sequencing, and RNA-immunoprecipitation sequencing assays were performed. A network of 4,000 genes was identified as potential targets of MEX3A. Gene ontology analysis of upregulated genes bound by MEX3A indicated that negative regulation of the cell proliferation pathway was highly enriched. Further assays indicated that MEX3A bound to the CDKN2B 3′ untranslated region, promoting its mRNA degradation. This leads to decreased levels of CDKN2B and an uncontrolled cell cycle in clear cell renal cell carcinoma, which was confirmed by rescue experiments. Our findings revealed that MEX3A acts as a post-transcriptional regulator of abnormal cell-cycle progression in clear cell renal cell carcinoma.
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20
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Salamon I, Rasin MR. Evolution of the Neocortex Through RNA-Binding Proteins and Post-transcriptional Regulation. Front Neurosci 2022; 15:803107. [PMID: 35082597 PMCID: PMC8784817 DOI: 10.3389/fnins.2021.803107] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/27/2021] [Accepted: 12/16/2021] [Indexed: 12/24/2022] Open
Abstract
The human neocortex is undoubtedly considered a supreme accomplishment in mammalian evolution. It features a prenatally established six-layered structure which remains plastic to the myriad of changes throughout an organism’s lifetime. A fundamental feature of neocortical evolution and development is the abundance and diversity of the progenitor cell population and their neuronal and glial progeny. These evolutionary upgrades are partially enabled due to the progenitors’ higher proliferative capacity, compartmentalization of proliferative regions, and specification of neuronal temporal identities. The driving force of these processes may be explained by temporal molecular patterning, by which progenitors have intrinsic capacity to change their competence as neocortical neurogenesis proceeds. Thus, neurogenesis can be conceptualized along two timescales of progenitors’ capacity to (1) self-renew or differentiate into basal progenitors (BPs) or neurons or (2) specify their fate into distinct neuronal and glial subtypes which participate in the formation of six-layers. Neocortical development then proceeds through sequential phases of proliferation, differentiation, neuronal migration, and maturation. Temporal molecular patterning, therefore, relies on the precise regulation of spatiotemporal gene expression. An extensive transcriptional regulatory network is accompanied by post-transcriptional regulation that is frequently mediated by the regulatory interplay between RNA-binding proteins (RBPs). RBPs exhibit important roles in every step of mRNA life cycle in any system, from splicing, polyadenylation, editing, transport, stability, localization, to translation (protein synthesis). Here, we underscore the importance of RBP functions at multiple time-restricted steps of early neurogenesis, starting from the cell fate transition of transcriptionally primed cortical progenitors. A particular emphasis will be placed on RBPs with mostly conserved but also divergent evolutionary functions in neural progenitors across different species. RBPs, when considered in the context of the fascinating process of neocortical development, deserve to be main protagonists in the story of the evolution and development of the neocortex.
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21
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Babuta M, Szabo G. Extracellular vesicles in inflammation: Focus on the microRNA cargo of EVs in modulation of liver diseases. J Leukoc Biol 2021; 111:75-92. [PMID: 34755380 PMCID: PMC9235439 DOI: 10.1002/jlb.3mir0321-156r] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
Extracellular vesicles (EVs) are heterogeneous nanometer-ranged particles that are released by cells under both normal and pathological conditions. EV cargo comprises of DNA, protein, lipids cargo, metabolites, mRNA, and non-coding RNA that can modulate the immune system by altering inflammatory response. EV associated miRNAs contribute to the pathobiology of alcoholic liver disease, non-alcoholic liver disease, viral hepatitis, acetaminophen-induced liver injury, fibrosis, and hepatocellular carcinoma. In context of liver diseases, EVs, via their cargo, alter the inflammatory response by communicating with different cell types within the liver and between liver and other organs. Here, the role of EVs and its associated miRNA in inter-cellular communication in different liver disease and as a potential biomarker and therapeutic target is reviewed.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mrigya Babuta
- Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center, Harvard Medical School, Boston, Massachusetts, USA
| | - Gyongyi Szabo
- Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center, Harvard Medical School, Boston, Massachusetts, USA
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22
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Shao L, Wang J, Karatas O, Ittmann M. MEX3D is an oncogenic driver in prostate cancer. Prostate 2021; 81:1202-1213. [PMID: 34455614 PMCID: PMC8460603 DOI: 10.1002/pros.24216] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/13/2020] [Revised: 01/10/2021] [Accepted: 02/19/2021] [Indexed: 11/05/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Prostate cancer (PCa) is the most common visceral malignancy and the second leading cause of cancer deaths in US men. The two most common genetic alterations in PCa are expression of the TMPRSS2/ERG (TE) fusion gene and loss of the PTEN tumor suppressor. These genetic alterations act cooperatively to transform prostatic epithelium but the exact mechanisms involved are unclear. METHODS Microarray expression analysis of immortalized prostate epithelial cells transformed by loss of PTEN and expression of the TE fusion revealed MEX3D as one of the most highly upregulated genes. MEX3D expression in prostate cancer was examined in patient samples and in silico. In vitro and in vivo studies to characterize the biological impact of MEX3D were carried out. Analysis of the TCGA PanCancer database revealed TCF3 as a major target of MEX3D. The induction of TCF3 by MEX3D was confirmed and the biological impact of TCF3 examined by in vitro studies. RESULTS MEX3D is expressed at increased levels in prostate cancer and is increased by decreased PTEN and/or expression of the TE fusion gene and drives soft agar colony formation, invasion and tumor formation in vivo. The known oncogenic transcription factor TCF3 is highly correlated with MEX3D in prostate cancer. MEX3D expression strongly induces TCF3, which promotes soft agar colony formation and invasion in vitro. CONCLUSIONS Loss of PTEN and expression of the TE fusion gene in prostate cancer strongly upregulates expression of MEX3D and its target TCF3 and promotes transformation associated phenotypes via this pathway.
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Affiliation(s)
- Longjiang Shao
- Department of Pathology & Immunology, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, Texas, USA
- Michael E. DeBakey Dept. of Veterans Affairs Medical Center, Houston, Texas, USA
| | - Jianghua Wang
- Department of Pathology & Immunology, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, Texas, USA
- Michael E. DeBakey Dept. of Veterans Affairs Medical Center, Houston, Texas, USA
| | - Omer Karatas
- Department of Pathology & Immunology, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, Texas, USA
- Michael E. DeBakey Dept. of Veterans Affairs Medical Center, Houston, Texas, USA
| | - Michael Ittmann
- Department of Pathology & Immunology, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, Texas, USA
- Michael E. DeBakey Dept. of Veterans Affairs Medical Center, Houston, Texas, USA
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Peswani Sajnani SL, Zhang Y, Vllasaliu D. Exosome-based therapies for mucosal delivery. Int J Pharm 2021; 608:121087. [PMID: 34530100 DOI: 10.1016/j.ijpharm.2021.121087] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/14/2021] [Revised: 09/07/2021] [Accepted: 09/09/2021] [Indexed: 02/08/2023]
Abstract
Exosomes are membrane-bound extracellular nanovesicles secreted by most cells and found in multiple sources, including bodily fluids, plants, fruit, and bovine milk. They play an important role as mediators of intercellular communication, having a distinct ability to carry small molecules, proteins, and nucleic acids to recipient cells over large distances. Moreover, competency in crossing usually poorly permeable biological barriers has led to their promising use in diagnostics and in therapeutics, either as therapeutic entities on their own or as drug delivery vehicles, with superior stability, biocompatibility, circulation time and target specificity in comparison to conventional drug delivery systems. The aim of this review is to summarise and critically discuss the current literature on the use of exosomes in a therapeutic setting, with a particular focus on their use as drug delivery vehicles for mucosal drug delivery.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shilpa Lekhraj Peswani Sajnani
- Institute of Pharmaceutical Science, School of Cancer & Pharmaceutical Sciences, Faculty of Life Sciences & Medicine, King's College London, SE1 9NH London, United Kingdom.
| | - Yunyue Zhang
- Institute of Pharmaceutical Science, School of Cancer & Pharmaceutical Sciences, Faculty of Life Sciences & Medicine, King's College London, SE1 9NH London, United Kingdom.
| | - Driton Vllasaliu
- Institute of Pharmaceutical Science, School of Cancer & Pharmaceutical Sciences, Faculty of Life Sciences & Medicine, King's College London, SE1 9NH London, United Kingdom.
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24
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Vera-Otarola J, Castillo-Vargas E, Angulo J, Barriga FM, Batlle E, Lopez-Lastra M. The viral nucleocapsid protein and the human RNA-binding protein Mex3A promote translation of the Andes orthohantavirus small mRNA. PLoS Pathog 2021; 17:e1009931. [PMID: 34547046 PMCID: PMC8454973 DOI: 10.1371/journal.ppat.1009931] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/16/2021] [Accepted: 08/30/2021] [Indexed: 11/30/2022] Open
Abstract
The capped Small segment mRNA (SmRNA) of the Andes orthohantavirus (ANDV) lacks a poly(A) tail. In this study, we characterize the mechanism driving ANDV-SmRNA translation. Results show that the ANDV-nucleocapsid protein (ANDV-N) promotes in vitro translation from capped mRNAs without replacing eukaryotic initiation factor (eIF) 4G. Using an RNA affinity chromatography approach followed by mass spectrometry, we identify the human RNA chaperone Mex3A (hMex3A) as a SmRNA-3’UTR binding protein. Results show that hMex3A enhances SmRNA translation in a 3’UTR dependent manner, either alone or when co-expressed with the ANDV-N. The ANDV-N and hMex3A proteins do not interact in cells, but both proteins interact with eIF4G. The hMex3A–eIF4G interaction showed to be independent of ANDV-infection or ANDV-N expression. Together, our observations suggest that translation of the ANDV SmRNA is enhanced by a 5’-3’ end interaction, mediated by both viral and cellular proteins. Andes orthohantavirus (ANDV) is endemic in Argentina and Chile and is the primary etiological agent of hantavirus cardiopulmonary syndrome (HCPS) in South America. ANDV is unique among other members of the Hantaviridae family of viruses because of its ability to spread from person to person. The molecular mechanisms driving ANDV protein synthesis remain poorly understood. A previous report showed that translation of the Small segment mRNA (SmRNA) of ANDV relied on both the 5’cap and the 3’untranslated region (UTR) of the SmRNA. In this new study, we further characterize the mechanism by which the 5’ and 3’end of the SmRNA interact to assure viral protein synthesis. We establish that the viral nucleocapsid protein N and the cellular protein hMex3A participate in the process. These observations indicated that both viral and cellular proteins regulate viral gene expression during ANDV infection by enabling the viral mRNA to establish a non-covalent 5’-3’end interaction.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jorge Vera-Otarola
- Laboratorio de Virología Molecular, Instituto Milenio de Inmunología e Inmunoterapia, Departamento de Enfermedades Infecciosas e Inmunología Pediátrica, Centro de Investigaciones Médicas, Escuela de Medicina, Pontificia Universidad Católica de Chile, Santiago, Chile
- Unidad de Virología Aplicada, Dirección de Investigación y Doctorados de la Escuela de Medicina, Pontificia Universidad Católica de Chile, Santiago, Chile
| | - Estefania Castillo-Vargas
- Laboratorio de Virología Molecular, Instituto Milenio de Inmunología e Inmunoterapia, Departamento de Enfermedades Infecciosas e Inmunología Pediátrica, Centro de Investigaciones Médicas, Escuela de Medicina, Pontificia Universidad Católica de Chile, Santiago, Chile
- Facultad de Odontología, Universidad Finis Terrae, Santiago, Chile
| | - Jenniffer Angulo
- Laboratorio de Virología Molecular, Instituto Milenio de Inmunología e Inmunoterapia, Departamento de Enfermedades Infecciosas e Inmunología Pediátrica, Centro de Investigaciones Médicas, Escuela de Medicina, Pontificia Universidad Católica de Chile, Santiago, Chile
| | - Francisco M. Barriga
- Institute for Research in Biomedicine (IRB Barcelona). The Barcelona Institute of Science and Technology. Barcelona, Spain
| | - Eduard Batlle
- Institute for Research in Biomedicine (IRB Barcelona). The Barcelona Institute of Science and Technology. Barcelona, Spain
- ICREA, Barcelona, Spain
- Centro de Investigación Biomédica en Red de Cáncer (CIBERONC), Barcelona, Spain
| | - Marcelo Lopez-Lastra
- Laboratorio de Virología Molecular, Instituto Milenio de Inmunología e Inmunoterapia, Departamento de Enfermedades Infecciosas e Inmunología Pediátrica, Centro de Investigaciones Médicas, Escuela de Medicina, Pontificia Universidad Católica de Chile, Santiago, Chile
- * E-mail:
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25
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Yan L, Li H, An W, Wei W, Zhang X, Wang L. Mex-3 RNA binding MEX3A promotes the proliferation and migration of breast cancer cells via regulating RhoA/ROCK1/LIMK1 signaling pathway. Bioengineered 2021; 12:5850-5858. [PMID: 34486491 PMCID: PMC8806898 DOI: 10.1080/21655979.2021.1964155] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/24/2022] Open
Abstract
Breast cancer has been known as cancer with high mortality rates. It has been studied that MEX3A (Mex-3 RNA Binding Family Member A) is involved in carcinogenesis by accelerating cancer proliferation and migration. Therefore, this research aimed to study how MEX3A regulates the biological behaviors of breast cancer. Firstly, we used GEPIA and KM-plotter databases to evaluate MEX3A expression in human breast cancer tissue compared to adjacent normal tissue. Immunohistochemistry was employed to assess MEX3A protein expression in clinical specimens. MEX3A mRNA expression level was assessed through quantitative real-time PCR (RT-qPCR). Western blotting was used to detect protein expression. Moreover, Cell Count Kit-8 (CCK-8) assay, wound healing assay and transwell invasion assay were used to determine the proliferation, migration and invasion of breast cancer cells, respectively. Our study found that MEX3A expression level was much higher in human breast cancer tissues as compared to adjacent normal tissues. Similarly, breast cancer cell lines showed higher expression of MEX3A as compared to the normal breast cells. This higher expression of MEX3A was linked with the poor survival of breast cancer. Moreover, we found that overexpression of MEX3A stimulated proliferation and migration in the breast cancer cells. However, inhibition of MEX3A significantly reduced the proliferation and migration of breast cancer cells. In addition, we determined that MEX3A could activate RhoA/ROCK1/LIMK1 signaling in the breast cancer cells. Overall, our study concluded that MEX3A promotes its migration and proliferation in breast cancer cells via modulating RhoA/ROCK1/LIMK1 signaling pathway.
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Affiliation(s)
- Li Yan
- Department Of Pathology, Dongying People's Hospital, Dongying City, Shandong Province, China
| | - Hongjing Li
- Department Of Pathology, Dongying People's Hospital, Dongying City, Shandong Province, China
| | - Wenbo An
- Department Of Radiology, Dongying People's Hospital, Dongying City, Shandong Province, China
| | - Wei Wei
- Department Of Oncology, Dongying People's Hospital, Dongying City, Shandong Province, China
| | - Xiaolei Zhang
- Department Of Oncology, Dongying People's Hospital, Dongying City, Shandong Province, China
| | - Linlin Wang
- Department Of Pathology, Dongying People's Hospital, Dongying City, Shandong Province, China
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26
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Albarqi MMY, Ryder SP. The endogenous mex-3 3´UTR is required for germline repression and contributes to optimal fecundity in C. elegans. PLoS Genet 2021; 17:e1009775. [PMID: 34424904 PMCID: PMC8412283 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pgen.1009775] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/20/2021] [Revised: 09/02/2021] [Accepted: 08/11/2021] [Indexed: 11/18/2022] Open
Abstract
RNA regulation is essential to successful reproduction. Messenger RNAs delivered from parent to progeny govern early embryonic development. RNA-binding proteins (RBPs) are the key effectors of this process, regulating the translation and stability of parental transcripts to control cell fate specification events prior to zygotic gene activation. The KH-domain RBP MEX-3 is conserved from nematode to human. It was first discovered in Caenorhabditis elegans, where it is essential for anterior cell fate and embryo viability. Here, we show that loss of the endogenous mex-3 3´UTR disrupts its germline expression pattern. An allelic series of 3´UTR deletion variants identify repressing regions of the UTR and demonstrate that repression is not precisely coupled to reproductive success. We also show that several RBPs regulate mex-3 mRNA through its 3´UTR to define its unique germline spatiotemporal expression pattern. Additionally, we find that both poly(A) tail length control and the translation initiation factor IFE-3 contribute to its expression pattern. Together, our results establish the importance of the mex-3 3´UTR to reproductive health and its expression in the germline. Our results suggest that additional mechanisms control MEX-3 function when 3´UTR regulation is compromised. In sexually reproducing organisms, germ cells undergo meiosis and differentiate to form oocytes or sperm. Coordination of this process requires a gene regulatory program that acts while the genome is undergoing chromatin condensation. As such, RNA regulatory pathways are an important contributor. The germline of the nematode Caenorhabditis elegans is a suitable model system to study germ cell differentiation. Several RNA-binding proteins (RBPs) coordinate each transition in the germline such as the transition from mitosis to meiosis. MEX-3 is a conserved RNA-binding protein found in most animals including humans. In C. elegans, MEX-3 displays a highly restricted pattern of expression. Here, we define the importance of the 3´UTR in regulating MEX-3 expression pattern in vivo and characterize the RNA-binding proteins involved in this regulation. Our results show that deleting various mex-3 3´UTR regions alter the pattern of expression in the germline in various ways. These mutations also reduced—but did not eliminate—reproductive capacity. Finally, we demonstrate that multiple post-transcriptional mechanisms control MEX-3 levels in different domains of the germline. Our data suggest that coordination of MEX-3 activity requires multiple layers of regulation to ensure reproductive robustness.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mennatallah M. Y. Albarqi
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Pharmacology, University of Massachusetts Medical School, Worcester, Massachusetts, United States of America
| | - Sean P. Ryder
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Pharmacology, University of Massachusetts Medical School, Worcester, Massachusetts, United States of America
- * E-mail:
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27
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Shi X, Sun Y, Zhang Y, Wang W, Xu J, Guan Y, Ding Y, Yao Y. MEX3A promotes development and progression of breast cancer through regulation of PIK3CA. Exp Cell Res 2021; 404:112580. [PMID: 33811903 DOI: 10.1016/j.yexcr.2021.112580] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/17/2020] [Revised: 03/12/2021] [Accepted: 03/24/2021] [Indexed: 12/24/2022]
Abstract
Breast cancer has been identified as the most common malignant tumors among women and the morbidity of breast cancer is still increasing rapidly. MEX3A possesses important functions in the regulation of mRNAs and may be involved in a variety of human diseases including cancer, whose relationship with breast cancer is still not clear. In this study, MEX3A was identified as a potential promotor in breast cancer, whose expression was strongly higher in breast cancer tissues than normal tissues. The in vitro experiments showed that MEX3A is capable of promoting the development of breast cancer through stimulating cell proliferation, inhibiting cell apoptosis, arresting cell cycle and promoting cell migration. The functions of MEX3A were also verified in vivo. Furthermore, a combination of genechip analysis and Ingenuity pathway analysis (IPA) identified PIK3CA as a potential downstream target of MEX3A, knockdown of which executes similar inhibitory effects on breast cancer and could alleviate MEX3A-induced progression of breast cancer. In conclusion, our study unveiled, as the first time, MEX3A as a tumor promotor for breast cancer, whose function was carried out probably through the regulation of PIK3CA.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xianbiao Shi
- Department of General Surgery, The Affiliated Drum Tower Hospital, Medical School of Nanjing University, Nanjing, China
| | - Yulu Sun
- School of Medicine, Southeast University, Nanjing, China
| | - Yin Zhang
- Department of General Surgery, The Affiliated Drum Tower Hospital, Medical School of Nanjing University, Nanjing, China
| | - Wei Wang
- Department of General Surgery, The Affiliated Drum Tower Hospital, Medical School of Nanjing University, Nanjing, China
| | - Jiahan Xu
- Nanjing Drum Tower Hospital, Clinical College of Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing, China
| | - Yinan Guan
- School of Medicine, Southeast University, Nanjing, China
| | - Yitao Ding
- Department of General Surgery, The Affiliated Drum Tower Hospital, Medical School of Nanjing University, Nanjing, China.
| | - Yongzhong Yao
- Department of General Surgery, The Affiliated Drum Tower Hospital, Medical School of Nanjing University, Nanjing, China.
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28
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Santovito D, Egea V, Bidzhekov K, Natarelli L, Mourão A, Blanchet X, Wichapong K, Aslani M, Brunßen C, Horckmans M, Hristov M, Geerlof A, Lutgens E, Daemen MJAP, Hackeng T, Ries C, Chavakis T, Morawietz H, Naumann R, von Hundelshausen P, Steffens S, Duchêne J, Megens RTA, Sattler M, Weber C. Noncanonical inhibition of caspase-3 by a nuclear microRNA confers endothelial protection by autophagy in atherosclerosis. Sci Transl Med 2021; 12:12/546/eaaz2294. [PMID: 32493793 DOI: 10.1126/scitranslmed.aaz2294] [Citation(s) in RCA: 73] [Impact Index Per Article: 24.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/22/2019] [Accepted: 04/02/2020] [Indexed: 12/11/2022]
Abstract
MicroRNAs (miRNAs) are versatile regulators of gene expression with profound implications for human disease including atherosclerosis, but whether they can exert posttranslational functions to control cell adaptation and whether such noncanonical features harbor pathophysiological relevance is unknown. Here, we show that miR-126-5p sustains endothelial integrity in the context of high shear stress and autophagy. Bound to argonaute-2 (Ago2), miR-126-5p forms a complex with Mex3a, which occurs on the surface of autophagic vesicles and guides its transport into the nucleus. Mutational studies and biophysical measurements demonstrate that Mex3a binds to the central U- and G-rich regions of miR-126-5p with nanomolar affinity via its two K homology domains. In the nucleus, miR-126-5p dissociates from Ago2 and binds to caspase-3 in an aptamer-like fashion with its seed sequence, preventing dimerization of the caspase and inhibiting its activity to limit apoptosis. The antiapoptotic effect of miR-126-5p outside of the RNA-induced silencing complex is important for endothelial integrity under conditions of high shear stress promoting autophagy: ablation of Mex3a or ATG5 in vivo attenuates nuclear import of miR-126-5p, aggravates endothelial apoptosis, and exacerbates atherosclerosis. In human plaques, we found reduced nuclear miR-126-5p and active caspase-3 in areas of disturbed flow. The direct inhibition of caspase-3 by nuclear miR-126-5p reveals a noncanonical mechanism by which miRNAs can modulate protein function.
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Affiliation(s)
- Donato Santovito
- Institute for Cardiovascular Prevention (IPEK), Ludwig-Maximillians-Universität (LMU) München, D-80336 Munich, Germany. .,German Center for Cardiovascular Research (DZHK), partner site Munich Heart Alliance, D-80336 Munich, Germany
| | - Virginia Egea
- Institute for Cardiovascular Prevention (IPEK), Ludwig-Maximillians-Universität (LMU) München, D-80336 Munich, Germany
| | - Kiril Bidzhekov
- Institute for Cardiovascular Prevention (IPEK), Ludwig-Maximillians-Universität (LMU) München, D-80336 Munich, Germany
| | - Lucia Natarelli
- Institute for Cardiovascular Prevention (IPEK), Ludwig-Maximillians-Universität (LMU) München, D-80336 Munich, Germany.,German Center for Cardiovascular Research (DZHK), partner site Munich Heart Alliance, D-80336 Munich, Germany
| | - André Mourão
- Institute of Structural Biolology, Helmholtz Zentrum München, D-85764 Neuherberg, Germany
| | - Xavier Blanchet
- Institute for Cardiovascular Prevention (IPEK), Ludwig-Maximillians-Universität (LMU) München, D-80336 Munich, Germany
| | - Kanin Wichapong
- Department of Biochemistry, Cardiovascular Research Institute Maastricht (CARIM), Maastricht University, 6229HX Maastricht, Netherlands
| | - Maria Aslani
- Institute for Cardiovascular Prevention (IPEK), Ludwig-Maximillians-Universität (LMU) München, D-80336 Munich, Germany.,German Center for Cardiovascular Research (DZHK), partner site Munich Heart Alliance, D-80336 Munich, Germany
| | - Coy Brunßen
- Division of Vascular Endothelium and Microcirculation, Department of Medicine III, Faculty of Medicine, TU Dresden, D-01307 Dresden, Germany
| | - Michael Horckmans
- Institute for Cardiovascular Prevention (IPEK), Ludwig-Maximillians-Universität (LMU) München, D-80336 Munich, Germany.,Institut de Recherche Interdisciplinaire en Biologie Humaine et Moléculaire, Université Libre de Bruxelles (ULB), B-1070 Brussels, Belgium
| | - Michael Hristov
- Institute for Cardiovascular Prevention (IPEK), Ludwig-Maximillians-Universität (LMU) München, D-80336 Munich, Germany
| | - Arie Geerlof
- Institute of Structural Biolology, Helmholtz Zentrum München, D-85764 Neuherberg, Germany
| | - Esther Lutgens
- Institute for Cardiovascular Prevention (IPEK), Ludwig-Maximillians-Universität (LMU) München, D-80336 Munich, Germany.,German Center for Cardiovascular Research (DZHK), partner site Munich Heart Alliance, D-80336 Munich, Germany.,Department of Medical Biochemistry and Pathology, Amsterdam University Medical Centers, Amsterdam School of Cardiovascular Sciences (ACS), 1081HZ Amsterdam, Netherlands
| | - Mat J A P Daemen
- Department of Medical Biochemistry and Pathology, Amsterdam University Medical Centers, Amsterdam School of Cardiovascular Sciences (ACS), 1081HZ Amsterdam, Netherlands
| | - Tilman Hackeng
- Department of Biochemistry, Cardiovascular Research Institute Maastricht (CARIM), Maastricht University, 6229HX Maastricht, Netherlands
| | - Christian Ries
- Institute for Cardiovascular Prevention (IPEK), Ludwig-Maximillians-Universität (LMU) München, D-80336 Munich, Germany
| | - Triantafyllos Chavakis
- Institute of Clinical Chemistry and Laboratory Medicine, Faculty of Medicine, TU Dresden, D-01307 Dresden, Germany
| | - Henning Morawietz
- Division of Vascular Endothelium and Microcirculation, Department of Medicine III, Faculty of Medicine, TU Dresden, D-01307 Dresden, Germany
| | - Ronald Naumann
- Max-Planck-Institute of Molecular Cell Biology and Genetics, D-01307 Dresden, Germany
| | - Philipp von Hundelshausen
- Institute for Cardiovascular Prevention (IPEK), Ludwig-Maximillians-Universität (LMU) München, D-80336 Munich, Germany.,German Center for Cardiovascular Research (DZHK), partner site Munich Heart Alliance, D-80336 Munich, Germany
| | - Sabine Steffens
- Institute for Cardiovascular Prevention (IPEK), Ludwig-Maximillians-Universität (LMU) München, D-80336 Munich, Germany.,German Center for Cardiovascular Research (DZHK), partner site Munich Heart Alliance, D-80336 Munich, Germany
| | - Johan Duchêne
- Institute for Cardiovascular Prevention (IPEK), Ludwig-Maximillians-Universität (LMU) München, D-80336 Munich, Germany
| | - Remco T A Megens
- Institute for Cardiovascular Prevention (IPEK), Ludwig-Maximillians-Universität (LMU) München, D-80336 Munich, Germany.,Department of Biochemistry, Cardiovascular Research Institute Maastricht (CARIM), Maastricht University, 6229HX Maastricht, Netherlands
| | - Michael Sattler
- Institute of Structural Biolology, Helmholtz Zentrum München, D-85764 Neuherberg, Germany.,Center for Integrated Protein Science Munich at Biomolecular NMR Spectroscopy, Department of Chemistry, Technical University of Munich, D-85747 Garching, Germany
| | - Christian Weber
- Institute for Cardiovascular Prevention (IPEK), Ludwig-Maximillians-Universität (LMU) München, D-80336 Munich, Germany. .,German Center for Cardiovascular Research (DZHK), partner site Munich Heart Alliance, D-80336 Munich, Germany.,Department of Biochemistry, Cardiovascular Research Institute Maastricht (CARIM), Maastricht University, 6229HX Maastricht, Netherlands.,Munich Cluster for Systems Neurology (SyNergy), D-81377 Munich, Germany
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Comprehensive Analysis of Prognostic Value of MEX3A and Its Relationship with Immune Infiltrates in Ovarian Cancer. J Immunol Res 2021; 2021:5574176. [PMID: 34189143 PMCID: PMC8195639 DOI: 10.1155/2021/5574176] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/13/2021] [Revised: 05/03/2021] [Accepted: 05/20/2021] [Indexed: 12/18/2022] Open
Abstract
MEX3A is a critical RNA-binding ubiquitin ligase that is upregulated in various types of cancer. However, the correlations of MEX3A with prognosis and its molecular mechanism in ovarian cancer (OC) remain unclear. The expression level, prognostic values, and the genetic variations of MEX3A were analyzed via Gene Expression Profiling Interactive Analysis (GEPIA) Oncomine, Kaplan-Meier plotter, and cBioPortal. We used the LinkedOmics database to investigate the functions of MEX3A coexpressed genes and performed visualizing gene interaction network analysis on the GeneMANIA website. The correlations between MEX3A and cancer immune infiltration were analyzed by the Tumor Immune Estimation Resource (TIMER) site and the TISIDB database. Furthermore, in vitro analysis was performed to evaluate the biological functions of MEX3A in OC cells. Our study showed that the expression of the MEX3A in OC was higher than in normal tissues; it had the greatest prognostic value in OC, and strong physical interaction with PABPC1, LAMTOR2, KHDRBS2, and IGF2BP2, which indicated the association between MEX3A and immune infiltration. We also found that MEX3A was negatively related to infiltrating levels of several types of immune cells, including macrophages, neutrophils, dendritic cells (DCs), B cells, and CD8+ T cells. Additionally, in vitro experiments demonstrated that MEX3A promotes proliferation and migration in OC cells. Taken together, MEX3A might influence the biological functions of OC cells by regulating the immune infiltration in the microenvironment as a prognostic biomarker and a potential therapeutic target.
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Lederer M, Müller S, Glaß M, Bley N, Ihling C, Sinz A, Hüttelmaier S. Oncogenic Potential of the Dual-Function Protein MEX3A. BIOLOGY 2021; 10:415. [PMID: 34067172 PMCID: PMC8151450 DOI: 10.3390/biology10050415] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/08/2021] [Revised: 04/26/2021] [Accepted: 05/05/2021] [Indexed: 12/23/2022]
Abstract
MEX3A belongs to the MEX3 (Muscle EXcess) protein family consisting of four members (MEX3A-D) in humans. Characteristic for MEX3 proteins is their domain structure with 2 HNRNPK homology (KH) domains mediating RNA binding and a C-terminal really interesting new gene (RING) domain that harbors E3 ligase function. In agreement with their domain composition, MEX3 proteins were reported to modulate both RNA fate and protein ubiquitination. MEX3 paralogs exhibit an oncofetal expression pattern, they are severely downregulated postnatally, and re-expression is observed in various malignancies. Enforced expression of MEX3 proteins in various cancers correlates with poor prognosis, emphasizing their oncogenic potential. The latter is supported by MEX3A's impact on proliferation, self-renewal as well as migration of tumor cells in vitro and tumor growth in xenograft studies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Marcell Lederer
- Charles Tanford Protein Center, Faculty of Medicine, Institute of Molecular Medicine, Section for Molecular Cell Biology, Martin Luther University Halle-Wittenberg, Kurt-Mothes-Str. 3a, 06120 Halle, Germany; (S.M.).; (M.G.).; (N.B.); (S.H.)
| | - Simon Müller
- Charles Tanford Protein Center, Faculty of Medicine, Institute of Molecular Medicine, Section for Molecular Cell Biology, Martin Luther University Halle-Wittenberg, Kurt-Mothes-Str. 3a, 06120 Halle, Germany; (S.M.).; (M.G.).; (N.B.); (S.H.)
| | - Markus Glaß
- Charles Tanford Protein Center, Faculty of Medicine, Institute of Molecular Medicine, Section for Molecular Cell Biology, Martin Luther University Halle-Wittenberg, Kurt-Mothes-Str. 3a, 06120 Halle, Germany; (S.M.).; (M.G.).; (N.B.); (S.H.)
| | - Nadine Bley
- Charles Tanford Protein Center, Faculty of Medicine, Institute of Molecular Medicine, Section for Molecular Cell Biology, Martin Luther University Halle-Wittenberg, Kurt-Mothes-Str. 3a, 06120 Halle, Germany; (S.M.).; (M.G.).; (N.B.); (S.H.)
| | - Christian Ihling
- Center for Structural Mass Spectrometry, Department of Pharmaceutical Chemistry & Bioanalytics, Institute of Pharmacy, Martin Luther University Halle-Wittenberg, Kurt-Mothes-Str. 3, 06120 Halle (Saale), Germany; (C.I.); (A.S.)
| | - Andrea Sinz
- Center for Structural Mass Spectrometry, Department of Pharmaceutical Chemistry & Bioanalytics, Institute of Pharmacy, Martin Luther University Halle-Wittenberg, Kurt-Mothes-Str. 3, 06120 Halle (Saale), Germany; (C.I.); (A.S.)
| | - Stefan Hüttelmaier
- Charles Tanford Protein Center, Faculty of Medicine, Institute of Molecular Medicine, Section for Molecular Cell Biology, Martin Luther University Halle-Wittenberg, Kurt-Mothes-Str. 3a, 06120 Halle, Germany; (S.M.).; (M.G.).; (N.B.); (S.H.)
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31
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Wang G, Zheng C. Zinc finger proteins in the host-virus interplay: multifaceted functions based on their nucleic acid-binding property. FEMS Microbiol Rev 2021; 45:fuaa059. [PMID: 33175962 DOI: 10.1093/femsre/fuaa059] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/15/2020] [Accepted: 11/07/2020] [Indexed: 12/14/2022] Open
Abstract
Zinc finger proteins (ZFPs) are a huge family comprised of massive, structurally diverse proteins characterized by zinc ion coordinating. They engage in the host-virus interplay in-depth and occupy a significant portion of the host antiviral arsenal. Nucleic acid-binding is the basic property of certain ZFPs, which draws increasing attention due to their immense influence on viral infections. ZFPs exert multiple roles on the viral replications and host cell transcription profiles by recognizing viral genomes and host mRNAs. Their roles could be either antiviral or proviral and were separately discussed. Our review covers the recent research progress and provides a comprehensive understanding of ZFPs in antiviral immunity based on their DNA/RNA binding property.
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Affiliation(s)
- Guanming Wang
- Department of Immunology, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Fujian Medical University, No.1 Xue Yuan Road, University Town, FuZhou Fujian, 350108, China
| | - Chunfu Zheng
- Department of Immunology, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Fujian Medical University, No.1 Xue Yuan Road, University Town, FuZhou Fujian, 350108, China
- Department of Microbiology, Immunology and Infectious Diseases, University of Calgary, 3330 Hospital Dr NW, Calgary, Alberta, Canada, AB T2N 4N1
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32
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Qiu Y, Li P, Zhang Z, Wu M. Insights Into Exosomal Non-Coding RNAs Sorting Mechanism and Clinical Application. Front Oncol 2021; 11:664904. [PMID: 33987099 PMCID: PMC8111219 DOI: 10.3389/fonc.2021.664904] [Citation(s) in RCA: 22] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/06/2021] [Accepted: 04/07/2021] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
Exosomes are natural nanoscale bilayer phospholipid vesicles that can be secreted by almost all types of cells and are detected in almost all types of body fluids. Exosomes are effective mediators of cell–cell signaling communication because of their ability to carry and transfer a variety of bioactive molecules, including non-coding RNAs. Non-coding RNAs have also been found to exert strong effects on a variety of biological processes, including tumorigenesis. Many researchers have established that exosomes encapsulate bioactive non-coding RNAs that alter the biological phenotype of specific target cells in an autocrine or a paracrine manner. However, the mechanism by which the producer cells package non-coding RNAs into exosomes is not well understood. This review focuses on the current research on exosomal non-coding RNAs, including the biogenesis of exosomes, the possible mechanism of sorting non-coding RNAs, their biological functions, and their potential for clinical application in the future.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yi Qiu
- Hunan Provincial Tumor Hospital and the Affiliated Tumor Hospital of Xiangya Medical School, Central South University, Changsha, China.,Cancer Research Institute, School of Basic Medical Science, Central South University, Changsha, China
| | - Peiyao Li
- Hunan Provincial Tumor Hospital and the Affiliated Tumor Hospital of Xiangya Medical School, Central South University, Changsha, China.,Key Laboratory of Carcinogenesis and Cancer Invasion of Ministry of Education, China National Health Commission Key Laboratory of Carcinogenesis, Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha, China
| | - Zuping Zhang
- Hunan Provincial Tumor Hospital and the Affiliated Tumor Hospital of Xiangya Medical School, Central South University, Changsha, China.,Cancer Research Institute, School of Basic Medical Science, Central South University, Changsha, China
| | - Minghua Wu
- Hunan Provincial Tumor Hospital and the Affiliated Tumor Hospital of Xiangya Medical School, Central South University, Changsha, China.,Cancer Research Institute, School of Basic Medical Science, Central South University, Changsha, China
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33
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Xu Y, Pan S, Chen H, Qian H, Wang Z, Zhu X. MEX3A suppresses proliferation and EMT via inhibiting Akt signaling pathway in cervical cancer. Am J Cancer Res 2021; 11:1446-1462. [PMID: 33948367 PMCID: PMC8085868] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/30/2020] [Accepted: 02/11/2021] [Indexed: 06/12/2023] Open
Abstract
MEX3A, one member of the human MEX3 gene family, exerts different effects on a variety of human cancer cells. However, the biological functions and regulatory mechanism have not been explored in cervical cancer. In our study, we used multiple approaches to determine the functions and underlying molecular mechanism of MEX3A in cervical tumorigenesis, including CCK-8 assay, BrdU assay, FACS for cell cycle and apoptosis, wound healing assay, Transwell migration and invasion assays, immunohistochemistry (IHC) assay, Transfection, real-time RT-PCR and Western blotting analysis. IHC results showed that the expression levels of MEX3A were decreased in cervical cancer patients with advanced clinical stages and lymph node involvement. Moreover, upregulation of MEX3A attenuated cell proliferation, migration and invasion and induced cell cycle arrest at G0/G1 phase in human cervical cancer cells, whereas knockdown of MEX3A exhibited the opposite effects. Mechanistically, MEX3A exerted its tumor suppressive functions via inactivation of Akt signaling pathway and inhibiting epithelial to mesenchymal transition (EMT). Importantly, Akt activation by its activator SC79 reversed the biological functions of MEX3A overexpression. Furthermore, MEX3A inhibited tumor growth in xenograft models. Overall, our investigation suggested that MEX3A participated in antitumor activity in cervical cancer by inhibition of the Akt signaling pathway and EMT. Hence, targeting MEX3A might have a therapeutic potential to treat cervical cancer.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yichi Xu
- Center for Uterine Cancer Diagnosis & Therapy Research of Zhejiang Province, Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, The Second Affiliated Hospital of Wenzhou Medical University Wenzhou, People's Republic of China
| | - Shuya Pan
- Center for Uterine Cancer Diagnosis & Therapy Research of Zhejiang Province, Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, The Second Affiliated Hospital of Wenzhou Medical University Wenzhou, People's Republic of China
| | - Hong Chen
- Center for Uterine Cancer Diagnosis & Therapy Research of Zhejiang Province, Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, The Second Affiliated Hospital of Wenzhou Medical University Wenzhou, People's Republic of China
| | - Hongfei Qian
- Center for Uterine Cancer Diagnosis & Therapy Research of Zhejiang Province, Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, The Second Affiliated Hospital of Wenzhou Medical University Wenzhou, People's Republic of China
| | - Zhiwei Wang
- Center for Uterine Cancer Diagnosis & Therapy Research of Zhejiang Province, Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, The Second Affiliated Hospital of Wenzhou Medical University Wenzhou, People's Republic of China
| | - Xueqiong Zhu
- Center for Uterine Cancer Diagnosis & Therapy Research of Zhejiang Province, Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, The Second Affiliated Hospital of Wenzhou Medical University Wenzhou, People's Republic of China
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The effects of MEX3A knockdown on proliferation, apoptosis and migration of osteosarcoma cells. Cancer Cell Int 2021; 21:197. [PMID: 33827584 PMCID: PMC8028067 DOI: 10.1186/s12935-021-01882-3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/04/2020] [Accepted: 03/16/2021] [Indexed: 12/21/2022] Open
Abstract
Background Osteosarcoma is an aggressive malignant tumor which has attracted worldwide attention. MEX3A may be associated with tumors while has not yet seen its coverage on osteosarcoma. Herein, this study was to investigate the correlation between MEX3A and the progression of osteosarcoma. Methods Firstly, we determined that expression of MEX3A was significantly higher in osteosarcoma tissues than that in marginal bone by immunohistochemical staining. Additionally, MEX3A expression was downregulated by the RNAi‐mediated knockdown. The functions of MEX3A knockdown on proliferation, apoptosis, cell cycle, migration was assessed by MTT assay, flow cytometry, wound-healing assay and Transwell assay, respectively. Knockdown of MEX3A resulted in suppressing cell proliferation, increasing cell apoptosis, inducing the G2 phase cell cycle arrest, and attenuating cellular migration. Furthermore, mouse xenograft model confirmed inhibitory effects of MEX3A knockdown on osteosarcoma formation. Results The preliminary exploration on the molecular mechanism of MEX3A in osteosarcoma cells showed that the induction of apoptosis needs the participation of a series of apoptosis- associated factors, such as upregulation of Caspase 3, Caspase 8 and HSP60, downregulation of HSP27 and XIAP. Conclusions In summary, these findings predicated that therapy directed at decreasing MEX3A expression is a potential osteosarcoma treatment. Supplementary Information The online version contains supplementary material available at 10.1186/s12935-021-01882-3.
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Liu YF, Sun XY, Zhang JK, Wang ZH, Ren ZG, Li J, Guo WZ, Zhang SJ. hMex-3A is associated with poor prognosis and contributes to the progression of hepatocellular carcinoma. Hepatobiliary Pancreat Dis Int 2021; 20:147-153. [PMID: 32291179 DOI: 10.1016/j.hbpd.2020.03.005] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/08/2019] [Accepted: 03/10/2020] [Indexed: 02/05/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND HMex-3A, an RNA-binding protein, was found to be associated with tumorigenesis. However, the roles of hMex-3A in hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) progression remained unclear. METHODS The different expression of hMex-3A between HCC tissues and non-tumor tissues was evaluated using The Cancer Genome Atlas database. Thereafter, the hMex-3A expression was evaluated in HCC tissues using Western blotting and qRT-PCR. Immunohistochemistry was performed to investigate the association between hMex-3A level and clinicopathological features including prognosis in HCC patients. In addition, we used si-hMex-3A to knockdown hMex-3A in HCC cells to test Cell Counting Kit-8, colony formation, cell migration and invasion. RESULTS The hMex-3A expression was significantly elevated in HCC tissues. Analysis of the clinicopathological parameters suggested that hMex-3A expression was significantly associated with pathological grade (P = 0.019) and TNM stage (P = 0.001) in HCC. Moreover, univariate and multivariate Cox-regression analyses revealed that high hMex-3A expression (HR = 1.491, 95% CI: 1.107-2.007; P = 0.009) was an independent risk factor for overall survival in HCC patients. Finally, we confirmed that si-hMex-3A could significantly inhibit HCC cell proliferation, migration, and invasion in vitro. CONCLUSIONS HMex-3A may contribute to the progression of HCC and might be used as a novel therapeutic target and prognostic marker in HCC.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yi-Fan Liu
- Zhengzhou Key Laboratory of Hepatobiliary and Pancreatic Diseases and Organ Transplantation, Zhengzhou 450052, China; Henan Key Laboratory of Digestive Organ Transplantation, Zhengzhou 450052, China
| | - Xiao-Yan Sun
- Zhengzhou Key Laboratory of Hepatobiliary and Pancreatic Diseases and Organ Transplantation, Zhengzhou 450052, China; Henan Key Laboratory of Digestive Organ Transplantation, Zhengzhou 450052, China
| | - Jia-Kai Zhang
- Department of Hepatobiliary and Pancreatic Surgery, the First Affiliated Hospital of Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou 450052, China; Open and Key Laboratory of Hepatobiliary and Pancreatic Surgery and Digestive Organ Transplantation at Henan Universities, the First Affiliated Hospital of Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou 450052, China
| | - Zhi-Hui Wang
- Department of Hepatobiliary and Pancreatic Surgery, the First Affiliated Hospital of Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou 450052, China; Open and Key Laboratory of Hepatobiliary and Pancreatic Surgery and Digestive Organ Transplantation at Henan Universities, the First Affiliated Hospital of Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou 450052, China
| | - Zhi-Gang Ren
- Department of Infectious Diseases, the First Affiliated Hospital of Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou 450052, China
| | - Jie Li
- Zhengzhou Key Laboratory of Hepatobiliary and Pancreatic Diseases and Organ Transplantation, Zhengzhou 450052, China; Henan Key Laboratory of Digestive Organ Transplantation, Zhengzhou 450052, China
| | - Wen-Zhi Guo
- Zhengzhou Key Laboratory of Hepatobiliary and Pancreatic Diseases and Organ Transplantation, Zhengzhou 450052, China; Henan Key Laboratory of Digestive Organ Transplantation, Zhengzhou 450052, China; Department of Hepatobiliary and Pancreatic Surgery, the First Affiliated Hospital of Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou 450052, China; Open and Key Laboratory of Hepatobiliary and Pancreatic Surgery and Digestive Organ Transplantation at Henan Universities, the First Affiliated Hospital of Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou 450052, China
| | - Shui-Jun Zhang
- Zhengzhou Key Laboratory of Hepatobiliary and Pancreatic Diseases and Organ Transplantation, Zhengzhou 450052, China; Henan Key Laboratory of Digestive Organ Transplantation, Zhengzhou 450052, China; Department of Hepatobiliary and Pancreatic Surgery, the First Affiliated Hospital of Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou 450052, China; Open and Key Laboratory of Hepatobiliary and Pancreatic Surgery and Digestive Organ Transplantation at Henan Universities, the First Affiliated Hospital of Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou 450052, China.
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The construction and validation of an RNA binding protein-related prognostic model for bladder cancer. BMC Cancer 2021; 21:244. [PMID: 33685397 PMCID: PMC7938493 DOI: 10.1186/s12885-021-07930-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/11/2020] [Accepted: 02/17/2021] [Indexed: 12/21/2022] Open
Abstract
Background RNA-binding proteins (RBPs) play crucial and multifaceted roles in post-transcriptional regulation. While RBPs dysregulation is involved in tumorigenesis and progression, little is known about the role of RBPs in bladder cancer (BLCA) prognosis. This study aimed to establish a prognostic model based on the prognosis-related RBPs to predict the survival of BLCA patients. Methods We downloaded BLCA RNA sequence data from The Cancer Genome Atlas (TCGA) database and identified RBPs differentially expressed between tumour and normal tissues. Then, functional enrichment analysis of these differentially expressed RBPs was conducted. Independent prognosis-associated RBPs were identified by univariable and multivariable Cox regression analyses to construct a risk score model. Subsequently, Kaplan–Meier and receiver operating characteristic curves were plotted to assess the performance of this prognostic model. Finally, a nomogram was established followed by the validation of its prognostic value and expression of the hub RBPs. Results The 385 differentially expressed RBPs were identified included 218 and 167 upregulated and downregulated RBPs, respectively. The eight independent prognosis-associated RBPs (EFTUD2, GEMIN7, OAS1, APOBEC3H, TRIM71, DARS2, YTHDC1, and RBMS3) were then used to construct a prognostic prediction model. An in-depth analysis showed lower overall survival (OS) in patients in the high-risk subgroup compared to that in patients in the low-risk subgroup according to the prognostic model. The area under the curve of the time-dependent receiver operator characteristic (ROC) curve were 0.795 and 0.669 for the TCGA training and test datasets, respectively, showing a moderate predictive discrimination of the prognostic model. A nomogram was established, which showed a favourable predictive value for the prognosis of BLCA. Conclusions We developed and validated the performance of a prognostic model for BLCA that might facilitate the development of new biomarkers for the prognostic assessment of BLCA patients.
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Li H, Liang J, Wang J, Han J, Li S, Huang K, Liu C. Mex3a promotes oncogenesis through the RAP1/MAPK signaling pathway in colorectal cancer and is inhibited by hsa-miR-6887-3p. Cancer Commun (Lond) 2021; 41:472-491. [PMID: 33638620 PMCID: PMC8211350 DOI: 10.1002/cac2.12149] [Citation(s) in RCA: 33] [Impact Index Per Article: 11.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/13/2020] [Revised: 01/30/2021] [Accepted: 02/17/2021] [Indexed: 12/22/2022] Open
Abstract
Background Although Mex3 RNA‐binding family member A (Mex3a) has demonstrated an important role in multiple cancers, its role and regulatory mechanism in CRC is unclear. In this study, we aimed to investigate the role and clinical significance of Mex3a in CRC and to explore its underlying mechanism. Methods Western blotting and quantitative real‐time polymerase chain reaction (qRT‐PCR) were performed to detect the expression levels of genes. 5‐Ethynyl‐2'‐deoxyuridine (EDU) and transwell assays were utilized to examine CRC cell proliferation and metastatic ability. The R software was used to do hierarchical clustering analysis and Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genomes (KEGG) pathway analysis. Overexpression and rescue experiments which included U0126, a specific mitogen activated protein kinase kinase/extracellular regulated protein kinase (MEK/ERK) inhibitor, and PX‐478, a hypoxia‐inducible factor 1 subunit alpha (HIF‐1α) inhibitor, were used to study the molecular mechanisms of Mex3a in CRC cells. Co‐immunoprecipitation (Co‐IP) assay was performed to detect the interaction between two proteins. Bioinformatics analysis including available public database and Starbase software (starbase.sysu.edu.cn) were used to evaluate the expression and prognostic significance of genes. TargetScan (www.targetscan.org) and the miRDB (mirdb.org) website were used to predict the combination site between microRNA and target mRNA. BALB/c nude mice were used to study the function of Mex3a and hsa‐miR‐6887‐3p in vivo. Results Clinicopathological and immunohistochemical (IHC) studies of 101 CRC tissues and 79 normal tissues demonstrated that Mex3a was a significant prognostic factor for overall survival (OS) in CRC patients. Mex3a knockdown substantially inhibited the migration, invasion, and proliferation of CRC cells. Transcriptome analysis and mechanism verification showed that Mex3a regulated the RAP1 GTPase activating protein (RAP1GAP)/MEK/ERK/HIF‐1α pathway. Furthermore, RAP1GAP was identified to interact with Mex3a in Co‐IP experiments. Bioinformatics and dual‐luciferase reporter experiments revealed that hsa‐miR‐6887‐3p could bind to the 3'‐untranslated regions (3'‐UTR) of the Mex3a mRNA. hsa‐miR‐6887‐3p downregulated Mex3a expression and inhibited the tumorigenesis of CRC both in vitro and in vivo. Conclusions Our study demonstrated that the hsa‐miR‐6887‐3p/Mex3a/RAP1GAP signaling axis was a key regulator of CRC and Mex3a has the potential to be a new diagnostic marker and treatment target for CRC.
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Affiliation(s)
- Haixia Li
- Department of Physiology and Pathophysiology, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Cheeloo College of Medicine, Shandong University, Jinan, Shandong, 250012, P. R. China
| | - Jinghui Liang
- Department of Thoracic Surgery, Qilu Hospital, Cheeloo College of Medicine, Shandong University, Jinan, Shandong, 250012, P. R. China
| | - Jiang Wang
- Weifang People's Hospital, Weifang, Shandong, 261000, P. R. China
| | - Jingyi Han
- Department of Thoracic Surgery, Qilu Hospital, Cheeloo College of Medicine, Shandong University, Jinan, Shandong, 250012, P. R. China
| | - Shuang Li
- Department of Physiology and Pathophysiology, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Cheeloo College of Medicine, Shandong University, Jinan, Shandong, 250012, P. R. China
| | - Kai Huang
- Department of Medical Oncology, Qilu Hospital, Cheeloo College of Medicine, Shandong University, Jinan, Shandong, 250012, P. R. China
| | - Chuanyong Liu
- Department of Physiology and Pathophysiology, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Cheeloo College of Medicine, Shandong University, Jinan, Shandong, 250012, P. R. China.,Provincial Key Lab of Mental Disorder, Shandong University, Jinan, Shandong, 250012, P. R. China
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Yang C, Zhan H, Zhao Y, Wu Y, Li L, Wang H. MEX3A contributes to development and progression of glioma through regulating cell proliferation and cell migration and targeting CCL2. Cell Death Dis 2021; 12:14. [PMID: 33414423 PMCID: PMC7791131 DOI: 10.1038/s41419-020-03307-x] [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] [Received: 12/19/2019] [Revised: 11/03/2020] [Accepted: 11/05/2020] [Indexed: 01/03/2023]
Abstract
Glioma is one of the most commonly diagnosed intracranial malignant tumors with extremely high morbidity and mortality, whose treatment was seriously limited because of the unclear molecular mechanism. In this study, in order to identify a novel therapeutic target for glioma treatment, we explored the functions and mechanism of MEX3A in regulating glioma. The immunohistochemical staining of MEX3A in glioma and normal tissues revealed the upregulation of MEX3A and further indicated the relationship between high MEX3A expression and higher malignancy as well as poorer prognosis of glioma. In vitro loss-of-function and gain-of-function experiments comprehensively demonstrated that MEX3A may promote glioma development through regulating cell proliferation, cell apoptosis, cell cycle, and cell migration. In vivo experiments also suggested the inhibition of glioma growth by MEX3A knockdown. Moreover, our mechanistic study identifies CCL2 as a potential downstream target of MEX3A, which possesses similar regulatory effects on glioma development with MEX3A and could attenuate the promotion of glioma induced by MEX3A overexpression. Overall, MEX3A was identified as a potential tumor promoter in glioma development and therapeutic target in glioma treatment.
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Affiliation(s)
- Chao Yang
- Department of Neurosurgery, First Affiliated Hospital of Sun Yat-Sen University, Guangzhou, 510080, China
| | - Haoqiang Zhan
- Department of Neurosurgery, The Six Affiliated Hospital of Sun Yat-Sen University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Yiqing Zhao
- Department of Neurosurgery, TongJi hospital of TongJi Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Hankou, Wuhan, 430030, China
| | - Yasong Wu
- Department of Neurosurgery, TongJi hospital of TongJi Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Hankou, Wuhan, 430030, China
| | - Lisha Li
- The Key Laboratory of Pathobiology, Ministry of Education, College of Basic Medical Sciences, Jilin University, Changchun, 130012, China
| | - Heping Wang
- Department of Neurosurgery, TongJi hospital of TongJi Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Hankou, Wuhan, 430030, China.
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Du Y, Sun D, Li Y. Mex3c mutation affects lactation through impairing milk ejection in female mice. Biosci Rep 2020; 40:BSR20201285. [PMID: 33180120 PMCID: PMC7729293 DOI: 10.1042/bsr20201285] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/18/2020] [Revised: 10/14/2020] [Accepted: 11/11/2020] [Indexed: 11/24/2022] Open
Abstract
Mouse Mex3c encodes RNA-binding proteins of variant length through alternative splicing. Its mutation results in multiple defects including growth retardation, perturbed energy balance, and defective antiviral innate immunity. Here we report that Mex3c mutation affects mammary gland development and lactation in female mice. Pups of Mex3c mutant dams die of starvation soon after birth. Milk contents are present in the alveoli but deficient in the ducts of the mammary glands in mutant mice. Mutant mice do not show prolactin or oxytocin deficiency. They also develop myoepithelial cells in the mammary glands. Mex3c is expressed in the mammary gland epithelium. Our data suggest that functional defects in mammary gland epithelium or myoepithelial cells could cause lactation defects.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yong Du
- Department of Surgical Research, General Hospital, Ningxia Medical University, Ningxia 750004, China
| | - Dongjun Sun
- Graduate School, Ningxia Medical University, Ningxia 750004, China
- Institute for Regenerative Medicine, Wake Forest University Health Sciences, Winston-Salem, NC 27157, U.S.A
| | - Yan Li
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, General Hospital, Ningxia Medical University, Ningxia 750004, China
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40
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Fabbiano F, Corsi J, Gurrieri E, Trevisan C, Notarangelo M, D'Agostino VG. RNA packaging into extracellular vesicles: An orchestra of RNA-binding proteins? J Extracell Vesicles 2020; 10:e12043. [PMID: 33391635 PMCID: PMC7769857 DOI: 10.1002/jev2.12043] [Citation(s) in RCA: 121] [Impact Index Per Article: 30.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/18/2020] [Revised: 11/17/2020] [Accepted: 12/03/2020] [Indexed: 12/11/2022] Open
Abstract
Extracellular vesicles (EVs) are heterogeneous membranous particles released from the cells through different biogenetic and secretory mechanisms. We now conceive EVs as shuttles mediating cellular communication, carrying a variety of molecules resulting from intracellular homeostatic mechanisms. The RNA is a widely detected cargo and, impressively, a recognized functional intermediate that elects EVs as modulators of cancer cell phenotypes, determinants of disease spreading, cell surrogates in regenerative medicine, and a source for non-invasive molecular diagnostics. The mechanistic elucidation of the intracellular events responsible for the engagement of RNA into EVs will significantly improve the comprehension and possibly the prediction of EV "quality" in association with cell physiology. Interestingly, the application of multidisciplinary approaches, including biochemical as well as cell-based and computational strategies, is increasingly revealing an active RNA-packaging process implicating RNA-binding proteins (RBPs) in the sorting of coding and non-coding RNAs. In this review, we provide a comprehensive view of RBPs recently emerging as part of the EV biology, considering the scenarios where: (i) individual RBPs were detected in EVs along with their RNA substrates, (ii) RBPs were detected in EVs with inferred RNA targets, and (iii) EV-transcripts were found to harbour sequence motifs mirroring the activity of RBPs. Proteins so far identified are members of the hnRNP family (hnRNPA2B1, hnRNPC1, hnRNPG, hnRNPH1, hnRNPK, and hnRNPQ), as well as YBX1, HuR, AGO2, IGF2BP1, MEX3C, ANXA2, ALIX, NCL, FUS, TDP-43, MVP, LIN28, SRP9/14, QKI, and TERT. We describe the RBPs based on protein domain features, current knowledge on the association with human diseases, recognition of RNA consensus motifs, and the need to clarify the functional significance in different cellular contexts. We also summarize data on previously identified RBP inhibitor small molecules that could also be introduced in EV research as potential modulators of vesicular RNA sorting.
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Affiliation(s)
- Fabrizio Fabbiano
- Department of CellularComputational and Integrative Biology (CIBIO)University of TrentoTrentoItaly
| | - Jessica Corsi
- Department of CellularComputational and Integrative Biology (CIBIO)University of TrentoTrentoItaly
| | - Elena Gurrieri
- Department of CellularComputational and Integrative Biology (CIBIO)University of TrentoTrentoItaly
| | - Caterina Trevisan
- Department of CellularComputational and Integrative Biology (CIBIO)University of TrentoTrentoItaly
| | - Michela Notarangelo
- Department of CellularComputational and Integrative Biology (CIBIO)University of TrentoTrentoItaly
| | - Vito G. D'Agostino
- Department of CellularComputational and Integrative Biology (CIBIO)University of TrentoTrentoItaly
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Panzeri V, Manni I, Capone A, Naro C, Sacconi A, Di Agostino S, de Latouliere L, Montori A, Pilozzi E, Piaggio G, Capurso G, Sette C. The RNA-binding protein MEX3A is a prognostic factor and regulator of resistance to gemcitabine in pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma. Mol Oncol 2020; 15:579-595. [PMID: 33159833 PMCID: PMC7858117 DOI: 10.1002/1878-0261.12847] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/09/2020] [Revised: 10/16/2020] [Accepted: 11/05/2020] [Indexed: 12/16/2022] Open
Abstract
Pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma (PDAC) is a highly aggressive cancer. Most patients present with advanced disease at diagnosis, which only permits palliative chemotherapeutic treatments. RNA dysregulation is a hallmark of most human cancers, including PDAC. To test the impact of RNA processing dysregulation on PDAC pathology, we performed a bioinformatics analysis to identify RNA-binding proteins (RBPs) associated with prognosis. Among the 12 RBPs associated with progression-free survival, we focused on MEX3A because it was recently shown to mark an intestinal stem cell population that is refractory to chemotherapeutic treatments, a typical feature of PDAC. Increased expression of MEX3A was correlated with higher disease stage in PDAC patients and with tumor development in a mouse model of PDAC. Depletion of MEX3A in PDAC cells enhanced sensitivity to chemotherapeutic treatment with gemcitabine, whereas its expression was increased in PDAC cells selected upon chronic exposure to the drug. RNA-sequencing analyses highlighted hundreds of genes whose expression is sensitive to MEX3A expression, with significant enrichment in cell cycle genes. MEX3A binds to its target mRNAs, like cyclin-dependent kinase 6 (CDK6), and promotes their stability. Accordingly, knockdown of MEX3A caused a significant reduction in PDAC cell proliferation and in progression to the S phase of the cell cycle. These findings uncover a novel role for MEX3A in the acquisition and maintenance of chemoresistance by PDAC cells, suggesting that it may represent a novel therapeutic target for PDAC.
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Affiliation(s)
- Valentina Panzeri
- Department of Science Medical/Chirurgic and Translational Medicine, University of Rome "Sapienza", Italy.,Department of Neuroscience, Section of Human Anatomy, Catholic University of the Sacred Heart, Rome, Italy
| | - Isabella Manni
- UOSD SAFU, Department of Research, Diagnosis and Innovative Technologies, IRCCS Regina Elena National Cancer Institute, Rome, Italy
| | | | - Chiara Naro
- Department of Neuroscience, Section of Human Anatomy, Catholic University of the Sacred Heart, Rome, Italy.,IRCCS Fondazione Policlinico Agostino Gemelli, Rome, Italy
| | - Andrea Sacconi
- Clinical Trial Center, Biostatistics and Bioinformatics Unit, IRCCS Regina Elena National Cancer Institute, Rome, Italy
| | - Silvia Di Agostino
- Oncogenomic and Epigenetic Unit, Department of Diagnostic Research and Technological Innovation, IRCCS Regina Elena National Cancer Institute, Rome, Italy
| | - Luisa de Latouliere
- UOSD SAFU, Department of Research, Diagnosis and Innovative Technologies, IRCCS Regina Elena National Cancer Institute, Rome, Italy
| | - Andrea Montori
- Department of Clinical and Molecular Medicine, UOC Anatomia Patologica, Sant' Andrea Hospital, Sapienza University of Rome, Italy
| | - Emanuela Pilozzi
- Department of Clinical and Molecular Medicine, UOC Anatomia Patologica, Sant' Andrea Hospital, Sapienza University of Rome, Italy
| | - Giulia Piaggio
- UOSD SAFU, Department of Research, Diagnosis and Innovative Technologies, IRCCS Regina Elena National Cancer Institute, Rome, Italy
| | - Gabriele Capurso
- PancreatoBiliary Endoscopy and EUS Division, Pancreas Translational and Clinical Research Center, San Raffaele Scientific Institute IRCCS, Milan, Italy
| | - Claudio Sette
- Department of Neuroscience, Section of Human Anatomy, Catholic University of the Sacred Heart, Rome, Italy.,Fondazione Santa Lucia IRCCS, Rome, Italy
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42
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Du Y, Huo Q, Li T, Sun D, Sun T, Lu Z. Construction of a Mex3c Gene-Deficient Mouse Model to Study C-FOS Expression in Hypothalamic Nuclei and Observe Morphological Differences in Embryonic Neural Tube Development. Med Sci Monit 2020; 26:e927334. [PMID: 33191393 PMCID: PMC7678243 DOI: 10.12659/msm.927334] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/25/2022] Open
Abstract
Background This study utilized CRISPR/Cas9 gene editing technology to construct a Mex3c gene-deficient mouse model, and studied C-FOS expression in hypothalamic nuclei. Material/Methods Thirty Mex3c−/+ mice, 30 mice in the normal group, and 30 Mex3c−/+ mice were randomly divided into control, leptin, and ghrelin groups according to different intraperitoneal injections. HE and Nissl staining were performed to observe the morphology of hypothalamic nerve cells. The C-FOS expression in hypothalamic nuclei of each group was analyzed by immunohistochemical techniques. HE staining was used to observe neural tube morphology, and LFB staining was used to observe nerve myelin sheath morphology. TEM was used to observe neuronal ultrastructure and immunohistochemical techniques were utilized to analyze nestin expression. Results C-FOS expression was lower in the normal control group than in the leptin and ghrelin groups. The Mex3c control group and the leptin group had higher C-FOS expression than the ghrelin group. In neural tube studies, no significant differences were found in the neural tube pathological sections of E14.5-day embryos in each group. Nestin results demonstrated lower expression in the normal group and there was little difference between the HD and Mex3c groups. Conclusions Mex3c appears to participate in the regulation of energy metabolism by inducing C-FOS expression in the hypothalamus. The neural tubes of the offspring of Mex3c−/+ mice had defects during development.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yong Du
- Department of Laboratory Surgery, General Hospital of Ningxia Medical University, Yinchuan, Ningxia, China (mainland).,Department of Pediatric Surgery, General Hospital of Ningxia Medical University, Yinchuan, Ningxia, China (mainland)
| | - Quan Huo
- Department of Pediatric Surgery, College of Clinical Medicine, Ningxia Medical University, Yinchuan, Ningxia, China (mainland)
| | - Ting Li
- Department of Pediatric Surgery, College of Clinical Medicine, Ningxia Medical University, Yinchuan, Ningxia, China (mainland)
| | - Dongjun Sun
- Department of Pediatric Surgery, College of Clinical Medicine, Ningxia Medical University, Yinchuan, Ningxia, China (mainland)
| | - Ting Sun
- Biological Sample Bank, General Hospital of Ningxia Medical University, Yinchuan, Ningxia, China (mainland)
| | - Zhiguo Lu
- Department of Pediatric Surgery, College of Clinical Medicine, Ningxia Medical University, Yinchuan, Ningxia, China (mainland)
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43
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Wei L, Wang B, Hu L, Xu Y, Li Z, Shen Y, Huang H. MEX3A is upregulated in esophageal squamous cell carcinoma (ESCC) and promotes development and progression of ESCC through targeting CDK6. Aging (Albany NY) 2020; 12:21091-21113. [PMID: 33188661 PMCID: PMC7695430 DOI: 10.18632/aging.103196] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/26/2019] [Accepted: 04/13/2020] [Indexed: 02/07/2023]
Abstract
Esophageal squamous cell carcinoma (ESCC) is one of the most commonly diagnosed malignant tumors worldwide and identified as a serious threat to human health. The role of MEX3A in ESCC remains unclear. In this study, we found that MEX3A was upregulated in tumor tissues of ESCC and positively associated with more advanced tumor stage, higher risk of lymphatic metastasis and poor prognosis. The downregulation of MEX3A in ESCC cell lines could induce inhibition of cell proliferation, colony formation, cell migration, and the promotion of cell apoptosis, while MEX3A overexpression exhibited opposite effects. In vivo experiments also verified the inhibition of ESCC induced by MEX3A knockdown. Moreover, we identified CDK6 as a potential target of MEX3A, which was also upregulated in ESCC. Further studies demonstrated that knockdown of CDK6 showed similar effects on the development of ESCC with MEX3A. More importantly, it was illustrated that CDK6 knockdown could alleviate the promotion effects of MEX3A overexpression on ESCC. In conclusion, MEX3A was identified as a tumor promotor in the development and progression of ESCC by targeting CDK6, which may be considered as a novel prognostic indicator and therapeutic target in treatment of ESCC.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lei Wei
- Department of Cardiothoracic Surgery, Jinling Hospital, Nanjing 210002, China
| | - Bo Wang
- Department of Thoracic Surgery, Nanjing Chest Hospital, Nanjing 210029, China
| | - Liwen Hu
- Department of Cardiothoracic Surgery, Jinling Hospital, Nanjing 210002, China
| | - Yang Xu
- Department of Cardiothoracic Surgery, Jinling Hospital, Nanjing 210002, China
| | - Zhongdong Li
- Department of Cardiothoracic Surgery, Jinling Hospital, Nanjing 210002, China
| | - Yi Shen
- Department of Cardiothoracic Surgery, Jinling Hospital, Nanjing 210002, China
| | - Hairong Huang
- Department of Cardiothoracic Surgery, Jinling Hospital, Nanjing 210002, China
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Naef V, De Sarlo M, Testa G, Corsinovi D, Azzarelli R, Borello U, Ori M. The Stemness Gene Mex3A Is a Key Regulator of Neuroblast Proliferation During Neurogenesis. Front Cell Dev Biol 2020; 8:549533. [PMID: 33072742 PMCID: PMC7536324 DOI: 10.3389/fcell.2020.549533] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/06/2020] [Accepted: 08/31/2020] [Indexed: 01/31/2023] Open
Abstract
Mex3A is an RNA binding protein that can also act as an E3 ubiquitin ligase to control gene expression at the post-transcriptional level. In intestinal adult stem cells, MEX3A is required for cell self-renewal and when overexpressed, MEX3A can contribute to support the proliferation of different cancer cell types. In a completely different context, we found mex3A among the genes expressed in neurogenic niches of the embryonic and adult fish brain and, notably, its expression was downregulated during brain aging. The role of mex3A during embryonic and adult neurogenesis in tetrapods is still unknown. Here, we showed that mex3A is expressed in the proliferative region of the developing brain in both Xenopus and mouse embryos. Using gain and loss of gene function approaches, we showed that, in Xenopus embryos, mex3A is required for neuroblast proliferation and its depletion reduced the neuroblast pool, leading to microcephaly. The tissue-specific overexpression of mex3A in the developing neural plate enhanced the expression of sox2 and msi-1 keeping neuroblasts into a proliferative state. It is now clear that the stemness property of mex3A, already demonstrated in adult intestinal stem cells and cancer cells, is a key feature of mex3a also in developing brain, opening new lines of investigation to better understand its role during brain aging and brain cancer development.
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Affiliation(s)
- Valentina Naef
- Unità di Biologia Cellulare e dello Sviluppo, Dipartimento di Biologia, Università di Pisa, Pisa, Italy.,Molecular Medicine, IRCCS Fondazione Stella Maris, Pisa, Italy
| | - Miriam De Sarlo
- Unità di Biologia Cellulare e dello Sviluppo, Dipartimento di Biologia, Università di Pisa, Pisa, Italy
| | - Giovanna Testa
- Unità di Biologia Cellulare e dello Sviluppo, Dipartimento di Biologia, Università di Pisa, Pisa, Italy.,Scuola Normale Superiore di Pisa, Pisa, Italy
| | - Debora Corsinovi
- Unità di Biologia Cellulare e dello Sviluppo, Dipartimento di Biologia, Università di Pisa, Pisa, Italy
| | - Roberta Azzarelli
- Unità di Biologia Cellulare e dello Sviluppo, Dipartimento di Biologia, Università di Pisa, Pisa, Italy
| | - Ugo Borello
- Unità di Biologia Cellulare e dello Sviluppo, Dipartimento di Biologia, Università di Pisa, Pisa, Italy
| | - Michela Ori
- Unità di Biologia Cellulare e dello Sviluppo, Dipartimento di Biologia, Università di Pisa, Pisa, Italy
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45
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MEX3A promotes triple negative breast cancer proliferation and migration via the PI3K/AKT signaling pathway. Exp Cell Res 2020; 395:112191. [DOI: 10.1016/j.yexcr.2020.112191] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/09/2020] [Revised: 07/11/2020] [Accepted: 07/21/2020] [Indexed: 12/16/2022]
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46
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Backlund M, Stein F, Rettel M, Schwarzl T, Perez-Perri JI, Brosig A, Zhou Y, Neu-Yilik G, Hentze MW, Kulozik AE. Plasticity of nuclear and cytoplasmic stress responses of RNA-binding proteins. Nucleic Acids Res 2020; 48:4725-4740. [PMID: 32313943 PMCID: PMC7229827 DOI: 10.1093/nar/gkaa256] [Citation(s) in RCA: 32] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/29/2020] [Revised: 04/01/2020] [Accepted: 04/04/2020] [Indexed: 02/07/2023] Open
Abstract
Cellular stress causes multifaceted reactions to trigger adaptive responses to environmental cues at all levels of the gene expression pathway. RNA-binding proteins (RBP) are key contributors to stress-induced regulation of RNA fate and function. Here, we uncover the plasticity of the RNA interactome in stressed cells, differentiating between responses in the nucleus and in the cytoplasm. We applied enhanced RNA interactome capture (eRIC) analysis preceded by nucleo-cytoplasmic fractionation following arsenite-induced oxidative stress. The data reveal unexpectedly compartmentalized RNA interactomes and their responses to stress, including differential responses of RBPs in the nucleus versus the cytoplasm, which would have been missed by whole cell analyses.
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Affiliation(s)
- Michael Backlund
- Molecular Medicine Partnership Unit (MMPU), Heidelberg University, Im Neuenheimer Feld 350, 69120 Heidelberg, Germany & European Molecular Biology Laboratory (EMBL), Meyerhofstrasse 1, 69117 Heidelberg, Germany
- Department of Pediatric Oncology, Hematology and Immunology, Heidelberg University, Im Neuenheimer Feld 430, 69120 Heidelberg, Germany & Hopp Children's Cancer Center, National Center for Tumor Diseases (NCT), Im Neuenheimer Feld 460, 69120 Heidelberg, Germany
- To whom correspondence should be addressed. Tel: +49 6221 564555;
| | - Frank Stein
- European Molecular Biology Laboratory (EMBL), Meyerhofstrasse 1, 69117 Heidelberg, Germany
| | - Mandy Rettel
- European Molecular Biology Laboratory (EMBL), Meyerhofstrasse 1, 69117 Heidelberg, Germany
| | - Thomas Schwarzl
- European Molecular Biology Laboratory (EMBL), Meyerhofstrasse 1, 69117 Heidelberg, Germany
| | - Joel I Perez-Perri
- European Molecular Biology Laboratory (EMBL), Meyerhofstrasse 1, 69117 Heidelberg, Germany
| | - Annika Brosig
- Molecular Medicine Partnership Unit (MMPU), Heidelberg University, Im Neuenheimer Feld 350, 69120 Heidelberg, Germany & European Molecular Biology Laboratory (EMBL), Meyerhofstrasse 1, 69117 Heidelberg, Germany
- Department of Pediatric Oncology, Hematology and Immunology, Heidelberg University, Im Neuenheimer Feld 430, 69120 Heidelberg, Germany & Hopp Children's Cancer Center, National Center for Tumor Diseases (NCT), Im Neuenheimer Feld 460, 69120 Heidelberg, Germany
- European Molecular Biology Laboratory (EMBL), Meyerhofstrasse 1, 69117 Heidelberg, Germany
- Collaboration for joint PhD degree between EMBL and Faculty of Biosciences, Heidelberg University, 69120 Heidelberg, Germany
| | - Yang Zhou
- Molecular Medicine Partnership Unit (MMPU), Heidelberg University, Im Neuenheimer Feld 350, 69120 Heidelberg, Germany & European Molecular Biology Laboratory (EMBL), Meyerhofstrasse 1, 69117 Heidelberg, Germany
- Department of Pediatric Oncology, Hematology and Immunology, Heidelberg University, Im Neuenheimer Feld 430, 69120 Heidelberg, Germany & Hopp Children's Cancer Center, National Center for Tumor Diseases (NCT), Im Neuenheimer Feld 460, 69120 Heidelberg, Germany
| | - Gabriele Neu-Yilik
- Molecular Medicine Partnership Unit (MMPU), Heidelberg University, Im Neuenheimer Feld 350, 69120 Heidelberg, Germany & European Molecular Biology Laboratory (EMBL), Meyerhofstrasse 1, 69117 Heidelberg, Germany
- Department of Pediatric Oncology, Hematology and Immunology, Heidelberg University, Im Neuenheimer Feld 430, 69120 Heidelberg, Germany & Hopp Children's Cancer Center, National Center for Tumor Diseases (NCT), Im Neuenheimer Feld 460, 69120 Heidelberg, Germany
| | - Matthias W Hentze
- Molecular Medicine Partnership Unit (MMPU), Heidelberg University, Im Neuenheimer Feld 350, 69120 Heidelberg, Germany & European Molecular Biology Laboratory (EMBL), Meyerhofstrasse 1, 69117 Heidelberg, Germany
- European Molecular Biology Laboratory (EMBL), Meyerhofstrasse 1, 69117 Heidelberg, Germany
- Correspondence may also be addressed to Matthias W. Hentze.
| | - Andreas E Kulozik
- Molecular Medicine Partnership Unit (MMPU), Heidelberg University, Im Neuenheimer Feld 350, 69120 Heidelberg, Germany & European Molecular Biology Laboratory (EMBL), Meyerhofstrasse 1, 69117 Heidelberg, Germany
- Department of Pediatric Oncology, Hematology and Immunology, Heidelberg University, Im Neuenheimer Feld 430, 69120 Heidelberg, Germany & Hopp Children's Cancer Center, National Center for Tumor Diseases (NCT), Im Neuenheimer Feld 460, 69120 Heidelberg, Germany
- Correspondence may also be addressed to Andreas E. Kulozik.
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Mex3a interacts with LAMA2 to promote lung adenocarcinoma metastasis via PI3K/AKT pathway. Cell Death Dis 2020; 11:614. [PMID: 32792503 PMCID: PMC7427100 DOI: 10.1038/s41419-020-02858-3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 70] [Impact Index Per Article: 17.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/28/2020] [Revised: 07/30/2020] [Accepted: 07/30/2020] [Indexed: 12/17/2022]
Abstract
Lung adenocarcinoma (LUAD) is the main subtype of lung cancer. In this study, we found that RBP Mex3a was significantly upregulated in LUAD tissues and elevated Mex3a expression was associated with poor LUAD prognosis and metastasis. Furthermore, we demonstrated that Mex3a knockdown significantly inhibited LUAD cell migration and invasion in vitro and metastasis in nude mice. Transcriptome sequencing indicated that Mex3a affected gene expression linked to ECM-receptor interactions, including laminin subunit alpha 2(LAMA2). RNA immunoprecipitation (RIP) assay revealed Mex3a directly bound to LAMA2 mRNA and Mex3a increased the instability of LAMA2 mRNA in LUAD cells. Furthermore, we discovered that LAMA2 was surprisingly downregulated in LUAD and inhibited LUAD metastasis. LAMA2 knockdown partially reverse the decrease of cell migration and invasion caused by Mex3a knockdown. In addition, we found that both Mex3a and LAMA2 could influence PI3K-AKT pathway, which are downstream effectors of the ECM-receptor pathway. Moreover, the reduced activation of PI3K-AKT pathway in caused by Mex3a depletion was rescued by LAMA2 knockdown. In conclusion, we demonstrated that Mex3a downregulates LAMA2 expression to exert a prometastatic role in LUAD. Our study revealed the prognostic and prometastatic effects of Mex3a in LUAD, suggesting that Mex3a can serve as a prognostic biomarker and a target for metastatic therapy.
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ALKBH5 regulates anti-PD-1 therapy response by modulating lactate and suppressive immune cell accumulation in tumor microenvironment. Proc Natl Acad Sci U S A 2020; 117:20159-20170. [PMID: 32747553 PMCID: PMC7443867 DOI: 10.1073/pnas.1918986117] [Citation(s) in RCA: 279] [Impact Index Per Article: 69.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/22/2022] Open
Abstract
Although immune checkpoint blockade (ICB) therapy has revolutionized cancer treatment, many patients do not respond or develop resistance to ICB. N6 -methylation of adenosine (m6A) in RNA regulates many pathophysiological processes. Here, we show that deletion of the m6A demethylase Alkbh5 sensitized tumors to cancer immunotherapy. Alkbh5 has effects on m6A density and splicing events in tumors during ICB. Alkbh5 modulates Mct4/Slc16a3 expression and lactate content of the tumor microenvironment and the composition of tumor-infiltrating Treg and myeloid-derived suppressor cells. Importantly, a small-molecule Alkbh5 inhibitor enhanced the efficacy of cancer immunotherapy. Notably, the ALKBH5 gene mutation and expression status of melanoma patients correlate with their response to immunotherapy. Our results suggest that m6A demethylases in tumor cells contribute to the efficacy of immunotherapy and identify ALKBH5 as a potential therapeutic target to enhance immunotherapy outcome in melanoma, colorectal, and potentially other cancers.
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Jasinski-Bergner S, Steven A, Seliger B. The Role of the RNA-Binding Protein Family MEX-3 in Tumorigenesis. Int J Mol Sci 2020; 21:ijms21155209. [PMID: 32717840 PMCID: PMC7432607 DOI: 10.3390/ijms21155209] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/02/2020] [Revised: 07/16/2020] [Accepted: 07/21/2020] [Indexed: 12/16/2022] Open
Abstract
The muscle excess 3 (MEX-3) protein was first identified in Caenorhabditis elegans (C. elegans), and its respective homologues were also observed in vertebrates, including humans. It is a RNA-binding protein (RBP) with an additional ubiquitin E3 ligase function, which further acts as a post-transcriptional repressor through unknown mechanisms. In humans, MEX-3 proteins post-transcriptionally regulate a number of biological processes, including tumor immunological relevant ones. These have been shown to be involved in various diseases, including tumor diseases of distinct origins. This review provides information on the expression and function of the human MEX-3 family in healthy tissues, as well after malignant transformation. Indeed, the MEX-3 expression was shown to be deregulated in several cancers and to affect tumor biological functions, including apoptosis regulation, antigen processing, and presentation, thereby, contributing to the immune evasion of tumor cells. Furthermore, current research suggests MEX-3 proteins as putative markers for prognosis and as novel targets for the anti-cancer treatment.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | - Barbara Seliger
- Correspondence: ; Tel.: +49-345-557-1357; Fax: +49-345-557-4055
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Groot M, Lee H. Sorting Mechanisms for MicroRNAs into Extracellular Vesicles and Their Associated Diseases. Cells 2020; 9:cells9041044. [PMID: 32331346 PMCID: PMC7226101 DOI: 10.3390/cells9041044] [Citation(s) in RCA: 190] [Impact Index Per Article: 47.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/07/2020] [Revised: 04/18/2020] [Accepted: 04/21/2020] [Indexed: 12/17/2022] Open
Abstract
Extracellular vesicles (EV) are secretory membranous elements used by cells to transport proteins, lipids, mRNAs, and microRNAs (miRNAs). While their existence has been known for many years, only recently has research begun to identify their function in intercellular communication and gene regulation. Importantly, cells have the ability to selectively sort miRNA into EVs for secretion to nearby or distant targets. These mechanisms broadly include RNA-binding proteins such as hnRNPA2B1 and Argonaute-2, but also membranous proteins involved in EV biogenesis such as Caveolin-1 and Neural Sphingomyelinase 2. Moreover, certain disease states have also identified dysregulated EV-miRNA content, shedding light on the potential role of selective sorting in pathogenesis. These pathologies include chronic lung disease, immune response, neuroinflammation, diabetes mellitus, cancer, and heart disease. In this review, we will overview the mechanisms whereby cells selectively sort miRNA into EVs and also outline disease states where EV-miRNAs become dysregulated.
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Affiliation(s)
- Michael Groot
- Department of Medicine, Boston University Medical Campus, Boston, MA 02118, USA;
| | - Heedoo Lee
- Department of Biology and Chemistry, Changwon National University, Changwon 51140, Korea
- Correspondence: ; Tel.: +82-55-213-3452
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