1
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Li F, Li W. Readers of RNA Modification in Cancer and Their Anticancer Inhibitors. Biomolecules 2024; 14:881. [PMID: 39062595 PMCID: PMC11275166 DOI: 10.3390/biom14070881] [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: 06/18/2024] [Revised: 07/19/2024] [Accepted: 07/21/2024] [Indexed: 07/28/2024] Open
Abstract
Cancer treatment has always been a challenge for humanity. The inadequacies of current technologies underscore the limitations of our efforts against this disease. Nevertheless, the advent of targeted therapy has introduced a promising avenue, furnishing us with more efficacious tools. Consequently, researchers have turned their attention toward epigenetics, offering a novel perspective in this realm. The investigation of epigenetics has brought RNA readers to the forefront, as they play pivotal roles in recognizing and regulating RNA functions. Recently, the development of inhibitors targeting these RNA readers has emerged as a focal point in research and holds promise for further strides in targeted therapy. In this review, we comprehensively summarize various types of inhibitors targeting RNA readers, including non-coding RNA (ncRNA) inhibitors, small-molecule inhibitors, and other potential inhibitors. We systematically elucidate their mechanisms in suppressing cancer progression by inhibiting readers, aiming to present inhibitors of readers at the current stage and provide more insights into the development of anticancer drugs.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Wenjin Li
- Institute for Advanced Study, Shenzhen University, Shenzhen 518060, China;
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2
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Wu Y, Chen Y, Yan X, Dai X, Liao Y, Yuan J, Wang L, Liu D, Niu D, Sun L, Chen L, Zhang Y, Xiang L, Chen A, Li S, Xiang W, Ni Z, Chen M, He F, Yang M, Lian J. Lopinavir enhances anoikis by remodeling autophagy in a circRNA-dependent manner. Autophagy 2024; 20:1651-1672. [PMID: 38433354 PMCID: PMC11210930 DOI: 10.1080/15548627.2024.2325304] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/12/2023] [Accepted: 02/26/2024] [Indexed: 03/05/2024] Open
Abstract
Macroautophagy/autophagy-mediated anoikis resistance is crucial for tumor metastasis. As a key autophagy-related protein, ATG4B has been demonstrated to be a prospective anti-tumor target. However, the existing ATG4B inhibitors are still far from clinical application, especially for tumor metastasis. In this study, we identified a novel circRNA, circSPECC1, that interacted with ATG4B. CircSPECC1 facilitated liquid-liquid phase separation of ATG4B, which boosted the ubiquitination and degradation of ATG4B in gastric cancer (GC) cells. Thus, pharmacological addition of circSPECC1 may serve as an innovative approach to suppress autophagy by targeting ATG4B. Specifically, the circSPECC1 underwent significant m6A modification in GC cells and was subsequently recognized and suppressed by the m6A reader protein ELAVL1/HuR. The activation of the ELAVL1-circSPECC1-ATG4B pathway was demonstrated to mediate anoikis resistance in GC cells. Moreover, we also verified that the above pathway was closely related to metastasis in tissues from GC patients. Furthermore, we determined that the FDA-approved compound lopinavir efficiently enhanced anoikis and prevented metastasis by eliminating repression of ELAVL1 on circSPECC1. In summary, this study provides novel insights into ATG4B-mediated autophagy and introduces a viable clinical inhibitor of autophagy, which may be beneficial for the treatment of GC with metastasis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yaran Wu
- Department of Clinical Laboratory Medicine, Southwest Hospital, Army Medical University, Chongqing, China
- Department of Clinical Biochemistry, Faculty of Pharmacy and Laboratory Medicine, Army Medical University, Chongqing, China
| | - Yang Chen
- Department of Clinical Biochemistry, Faculty of Pharmacy and Laboratory Medicine, Army Medical University, Chongqing, China
- Department of Gastroenterology, Xinqiao Hospital, Army Medical University, Chongqing, China
| | - Xiaojing Yan
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, College of Basic Medical Sciences, Army Medical University, Chongqing, China
| | - Xufang Dai
- College of Education and Science, Chongqing Normal University, Chongqing, China
| | - Yaling Liao
- Department of Clinical Biochemistry, Faculty of Pharmacy and Laboratory Medicine, Army Medical University, Chongqing, China
| | - Jing Yuan
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, College of Basic Medical Sciences, Army Medical University, Chongqing, China
| | - Liting Wang
- Biomedical Analysis Center, Army Medical University, Chongqing, China
| | - Dong Liu
- Department of Clinical Biochemistry, Faculty of Pharmacy and Laboratory Medicine, Army Medical University, Chongqing, China
| | - Dun Niu
- Department of Clinical Biochemistry, Faculty of Pharmacy and Laboratory Medicine, Army Medical University, Chongqing, China
| | - Liangbo Sun
- Department of Clinical Biochemistry, Faculty of Pharmacy and Laboratory Medicine, Army Medical University, Chongqing, China
| | - Lingxi Chen
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, College of Basic Medical Sciences, Army Medical University, Chongqing, China
| | - Yang Zhang
- Department of Clinical Biochemistry, Faculty of Pharmacy and Laboratory Medicine, Army Medical University, Chongqing, China
| | - Li Xiang
- Department of Clinical Biochemistry, Faculty of Pharmacy and Laboratory Medicine, Army Medical University, Chongqing, China
| | - An Chen
- Department of Clinical Biochemistry, Faculty of Pharmacy and Laboratory Medicine, Army Medical University, Chongqing, China
| | - Shuhui Li
- Department of Clinical Biochemistry, Faculty of Pharmacy and Laboratory Medicine, Army Medical University, Chongqing, China
| | - Wei Xiang
- State Key Laboratory of Trauma, Burns and Combined Injury, Department of Rehabilitation Medicine, Daping Hospital, Army Medical University, Chongqing, China
| | - Zhenhong Ni
- State Key Laboratory of Trauma, Burns and Combined Injury, Department of Rehabilitation Medicine, Daping Hospital, Army Medical University, Chongqing, China
| | - Ming Chen
- Department of Clinical Laboratory Medicine, Southwest Hospital, Army Medical University, Chongqing, China
| | - Fengtian He
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, College of Basic Medical Sciences, Army Medical University, Chongqing, China
| | - Mingzhen Yang
- Department of Clinical Biochemistry, Faculty of Pharmacy and Laboratory Medicine, Army Medical University, Chongqing, China
| | - Jiqin Lian
- Department of Clinical Laboratory Medicine, Southwest Hospital, Army Medical University, Chongqing, China
- Department of Clinical Biochemistry, Faculty of Pharmacy and Laboratory Medicine, Army Medical University, Chongqing, China
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3
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Long J, Zhao W, Xiang Y, Wang Y, Xiang W, Liu X, Jiang M, Song Y, Hu J. STAT3 promotes cytoplasmic-nuclear translocation of RNA-binding protein HuR to inhibit IL-1β-induced IL-8 production. Int Immunopharmacol 2024; 133:112065. [PMID: 38608448 DOI: 10.1016/j.intimp.2024.112065] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/25/2023] [Revised: 04/08/2024] [Accepted: 04/08/2024] [Indexed: 04/14/2024]
Abstract
Signal transducer and activator of transcription 3 (STAT3) functions to regulate inflammation and immune response, but its mechanism is not fully understood. We report here that STAT3 inhibitors Stattic and Niclosamide up-regulated IL-1β-induced IL-8 production in C33A, CaSki, and Siha cervical cancer cells. As expected, IL-1β-induced IL-8 production was also up-regulated through the molecular inhibition of STAT3 by use of CRISPR/Cas9 technology. Unexpectedly, IL-1β induced IL-8 production via activating ERK and P38 signal pathways, but neither STAT3 inhibitors nor STAT3 knockout affected IL-1β-induced signal transduction, suggesting that STAT3 decreases IL-8 production not via inhibition of signal transduction. To our surprise, STAT3 inhibition increased the stabilization, and decreased the degradation of IL-8 mRNA, suggesting a post-transcriptional regulation of IL-1β-induced IL-8. Moreover, Dihydrotanshinone I, an inhibitor of RNA-binding protein HuR, down-regulated IL-1β-induced IL-8 dose-dependently. HuR inhibition by CRISPR/Cas9 also decreased IL-8 production induced by IL-1β. Mechanistically, co-immunoprecipitation results showed that STAT3 did not react with HuR directly, but STAT3 inhibition increased the protein levels of HuR in cytoplasm. And IL-6 activation of STAT3 induced HuR cytoplasmic-nuclear transport. Taken together, these results suggest that STAT3 contributes to HuR nuclear localization and inhibits Il-1β-induced IL-8 production through this non-transcriptional mechanism.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jiangwen Long
- Department of Clinical Laboratory, Affiliated Changsha Central Hospital of Hengyang Medical School, University of South China, Changsha 410004, China
| | - Wang Zhao
- Medical Research Center, Affiliated Changsha Central Hospital of Hengyang Medical School, University of South China, Changsha 410004, China
| | - Yangen Xiang
- Department of Clinical Laboratory, Affiliated Changsha Central Hospital of Hengyang Medical School, University of South China, Changsha 410004, China
| | - Yufei Wang
- Department of Clinical Laboratory, Affiliated Changsha Central Hospital of Hengyang Medical School, University of South China, Changsha 410004, China; Medical Research Center, Affiliated Changsha Central Hospital of Hengyang Medical School, University of South China, Changsha 410004, China
| | - Wei Xiang
- Department of Clinical Laboratory, Affiliated Changsha Central Hospital of Hengyang Medical School, University of South China, Changsha 410004, China; Medical Research Center, Affiliated Changsha Central Hospital of Hengyang Medical School, University of South China, Changsha 410004, China
| | - Xueting Liu
- Medical Research Center, Affiliated Changsha Central Hospital of Hengyang Medical School, University of South China, Changsha 410004, China
| | - Manli Jiang
- Medical Research Center, Affiliated Changsha Central Hospital of Hengyang Medical School, University of South China, Changsha 410004, China
| | - Yinghui Song
- Central Laboratory, Hunan Provincial People's Hospital/The First Affiliated Hospital of Hunan Normal University, Changsha 410005, China
| | - Jinyue Hu
- Medical Research Center, Affiliated Changsha Central Hospital of Hengyang Medical School, University of South China, Changsha 410004, China.
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4
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Yu X, Du Z, Zhu P, Liao B. Diagnostic, prognostic, and therapeutic potential of exosomal microRNAs in renal cancer. Pharmacol Rep 2024; 76:273-286. [PMID: 38388810 DOI: 10.1007/s43440-024-00568-7] [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: 10/18/2023] [Revised: 01/22/2024] [Accepted: 01/23/2024] [Indexed: 02/24/2024]
Abstract
Renal cell carcinoma (RCC) arises from the tubular epithelial cells of the nephron. It has the highest mortality rate among urological cancers. There are no effective therapeutic approaches and no non-invasive biomarkers for diagnosis and follow-up. Thus, suitable novel biomarkers and therapeutic targets are essential for improving RCC diagnosis/prognosis and treatment. Circulating exosomes such as exosomal microRNAs (Exo-miRs) provide non-invasive prognostic/diagnostic biomarkers and valuable therapeutic targets, as they can be easily isolated and quantified and show high sensitivity and specificity. Exosomes secreted by an RCC can exhibit alterations in the miRs' profile that may reflect the cellular origin and (patho)physiological state, as a ''signature'' or ''fingerprint'' of the donor cell. It has been shown that the transportation of renal-specific miRs in exosomes can be rapidly detected and measured, holding great potential as biomarkers in RCC. The present review highlights the studies reporting tumor microenvironment-derived Exo-miRs with therapeutic potential as well as circulating Exo-miRs as potential diagnostic/prognostic biomarkers in patients with RCC.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xiaodong Yu
- Department of Urology, Affiliated Hospital of North Sichuan Medical College, Nanchong, 637000, China
| | - Zhongbo Du
- Department of Urology, Affiliated Hospital of North Sichuan Medical College, Nanchong, 637000, China
| | - Pingyu Zhu
- Department of Urology, Affiliated Hospital of North Sichuan Medical College, Nanchong, 637000, China
| | - Bo Liao
- Department of Urology, Affiliated Hospital of North Sichuan Medical College, Nanchong, 637000, China.
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5
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Saluja S, Bansal I, Bhardwaj R, Beg MS, Palanichamy JK. Inflammation as a driver of hematological malignancies. Front Oncol 2024; 14:1347402. [PMID: 38571491 PMCID: PMC10987768 DOI: 10.3389/fonc.2024.1347402] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/01/2023] [Accepted: 03/05/2024] [Indexed: 04/05/2024] Open
Abstract
Hematopoiesis is a tightly regulated process that produces all adult blood cells and immune cells from multipotent hematopoietic stem cells (HSCs). HSCs usually remain quiescent, and in the presence of external stimuli like infection or inflammation, they undergo division and differentiation as a compensatory mechanism. Normal hematopoiesis is impacted by systemic inflammation, which causes HSCs to transition from quiescence to emergency myelopoiesis. At the molecular level, inflammatory cytokine signaling molecules such as tumor necrosis factor (TNF), interferons, interleukins, and toll-like receptors can all cause HSCs to multiply directly. These cytokines actively encourage HSC activation, proliferation, and differentiation during inflammation, which results in the generation and activation of immune cells required to combat acute injury. The bone marrow niche provides numerous soluble and stromal cell signals, which are essential for maintaining normal homeostasis and output of the bone marrow cells. Inflammatory signals also impact this bone marrow microenvironment called the HSC niche to regulate the inflammatory-induced hematopoiesis. Continuous pro-inflammatory cytokine and chemokine activation can have detrimental effects on the hematopoietic system, which can lead to cancer development, HSC depletion, and bone marrow failure. Reactive oxygen species (ROS), which damage DNA and ultimately lead to the transformation of HSCs into cancerous cells, are produced due to chronic inflammation. The biological elements of the HSC niche produce pro-inflammatory cytokines that cause clonal growth and the development of leukemic stem cells (LSCs) in hematological malignancies. The processes underlying how inflammation affects hematological malignancies are still not fully understood. In this review, we emphasize the effects of inflammation on normal hematopoiesis, the part it plays in the development and progression of hematological malignancies, and potential therapeutic applications for targeting these pathways for therapy in hematological malignancies.
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6
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Li A, Bouhss A, Clément MJ, Bauvais C, Taylor JP, Bollot G, Pastré D. Using the structural diversity of RNA: protein interfaces to selectively target RNA with small molecules in cells: methods and perspectives. Front Mol Biosci 2023; 10:1298441. [PMID: 38033386 PMCID: PMC10687564 DOI: 10.3389/fmolb.2023.1298441] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/21/2023] [Accepted: 10/24/2023] [Indexed: 12/02/2023] Open
Abstract
In recent years, RNA has gained traction both as a therapeutic molecule and as a therapeutic target in several human pathologies. In this review, we consider the approach of targeting RNA using small molecules for both research and therapeutic purposes. Given the primary challenge presented by the low structural diversity of RNA, we discuss the potential for targeting RNA: protein interactions to enhance the structural and sequence specificity of drug candidates. We review available tools and inherent challenges in this approach, ranging from adapted bioinformatics tools to in vitro and cellular high-throughput screening and functional analysis. We further consider two critical steps in targeting RNA/protein interactions: first, the integration of in silico and structural analyses to improve the efficacy of molecules by identifying scaffolds with high affinity, and second, increasing the likelihood of identifying on-target compounds in cells through a combination of high-throughput approaches and functional assays. We anticipate that the development of a new class of molecules targeting RNA: protein interactions to prevent physio-pathological mechanisms could significantly expand the arsenal of effective therapeutic compounds.
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Affiliation(s)
- Aixiao Li
- Synsight, Genopole Entreprises, Evry, France
| | - Ahmed Bouhss
- Université Paris-Saclay, INSERM U1204, Université d’Évry, Structure-Activité des Biomolécules Normales et Pathologiques (SABNP), Evry, France
| | - Marie-Jeanne Clément
- Université Paris-Saclay, INSERM U1204, Université d’Évry, Structure-Activité des Biomolécules Normales et Pathologiques (SABNP), Evry, France
| | | | - J. Paul Taylor
- Department of Cell and Molecular Biology, St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital, Memphis, TN, United States
| | | | - David Pastré
- Université Paris-Saclay, INSERM U1204, Université d’Évry, Structure-Activité des Biomolécules Normales et Pathologiques (SABNP), Evry, France
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7
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Finan JM, Sutton TL, Dixon DA, Brody JR. Targeting the RNA-Binding Protein HuR in Cancer. Cancer Res 2023; 83:3507-3516. [PMID: 37683260 DOI: 10.1158/0008-5472.can-23-0972] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/29/2023] [Revised: 07/12/2023] [Accepted: 09/06/2023] [Indexed: 09/10/2023]
Abstract
The RNA-binding protein human antigen R (HuR) is a well-established regulator of gene expression at the posttranscriptional level. Its dysregulation has been implicated in various human diseases, particularly cancer. In cancer, HuR is considered "active" when it shows increased subcellular localization in the cytoplasm, in addition to its normal nuclear localization. Cytoplasmic HuR plays a crucial role in stabilizing and enhancing the translation of prosurvival mRNAs that are involved in stress responses relevant to cancer progression, such as hypoxia, radiotherapy, and chemotherapy. In general, due to HuR's abundance and function in cancer cells compared with normal cells, it is an appealing target for oncology research. Exploiting the principles underlying HuR's role in tumorigenesis and resistance to stressors, targeting HuR has the potential for synergy with existing and novel oncologic therapies. This review aims to explore HuR's role in homeostasis and cancer pathophysiology, as well as current targeting strategies, which include silencing HuR expression, preventing its translocation and dimerization from the nucleus to the cytoplasm, and inhibiting mRNA binding. Furthermore, this review will discuss recent studies investigating the potential synergy between HuR inhibition and traditional chemotherapeutics.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jennifer M Finan
- Department of Surgery, Oregon Health & Science University, Portland, Oregon
| | - Thomas L Sutton
- Department of Surgery, Oregon Health & Science University, Portland, Oregon
| | - Dan A Dixon
- Department of Molecular Biosciences, University of Kansas, Lawrence, Kansas
| | - Jonathan R Brody
- Department of Surgery, Oregon Health & Science University, Portland, Oregon
- Brenden-Colson Center for Pancreatic Care, Oregon Health & Science University, Portland, Oregon
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8
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Joseph BP, Weber V, Knüpfer L, Giorgetti A, Alfonso-Prieto M, Krauß S, Carloni P, Rossetti G. Low Molecular Weight Inhibitors Targeting the RNA-Binding Protein HuR. Int J Mol Sci 2023; 24:13127. [PMID: 37685931 PMCID: PMC10488267 DOI: 10.3390/ijms241713127] [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: 07/31/2023] [Revised: 08/18/2023] [Accepted: 08/22/2023] [Indexed: 09/10/2023] Open
Abstract
The RNA-binding protein human antigen R (HuR) regulates stability, translation, and nucleus-to-cytoplasm shuttling of its target mRNAs. This protein has been progressively recognized as a relevant therapeutic target for several pathologies, like cancer, neurodegeneration, as well as inflammation. Inhibitors of mRNA binding to HuR might thus be beneficial against a variety of diseases. Here, we present the rational identification of structurally novel HuR inhibitors. In particular, by combining chemoinformatic approaches, high-throughput virtual screening, and RNA-protein pulldown assays, we demonstrate that the 4-(2-(2,4,6-trioxotetrahydropyrimidin-5(2H)-ylidene)hydrazineyl)benzoate ligand exhibits a dose-dependent HuR inhibition effect in binding experiments. Importantly, the chemical scaffold is new with respect to the currently known HuR inhibitors, opening up a new avenue for the design of pharmaceutical agents targeting this important protein.
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Affiliation(s)
- Benjamin Philipp Joseph
- Institute for Neuroscience and Medicine and Institute for Advanced Simulations (INM-9/IAS-5), Computational Biomedicine, Forschungszentrum Jülich, 52425 Jülich, Germany; (B.P.J.); (V.W.); (A.G.); (M.A.-P.); (G.R.)
- Faculty of Mathematics, Computer Science and Natural Sciences, RWTH Aachen University, 52062 Aachen, Germany
| | - Verena Weber
- Institute for Neuroscience and Medicine and Institute for Advanced Simulations (INM-9/IAS-5), Computational Biomedicine, Forschungszentrum Jülich, 52425 Jülich, Germany; (B.P.J.); (V.W.); (A.G.); (M.A.-P.); (G.R.)
- Faculty of Mathematics, Computer Science and Natural Sciences, RWTH Aachen University, 52062 Aachen, Germany
| | - Lisa Knüpfer
- Institute of Biology, University of Siegen, 57076 Siegen, Germany;
| | - Alejandro Giorgetti
- Institute for Neuroscience and Medicine and Institute for Advanced Simulations (INM-9/IAS-5), Computational Biomedicine, Forschungszentrum Jülich, 52425 Jülich, Germany; (B.P.J.); (V.W.); (A.G.); (M.A.-P.); (G.R.)
- Department of Biotechnology, University of Verona, 37134 Verona, Italy
| | - Mercedes Alfonso-Prieto
- Institute for Neuroscience and Medicine and Institute for Advanced Simulations (INM-9/IAS-5), Computational Biomedicine, Forschungszentrum Jülich, 52425 Jülich, Germany; (B.P.J.); (V.W.); (A.G.); (M.A.-P.); (G.R.)
| | - Sybille Krauß
- Institute of Biology, University of Siegen, 57076 Siegen, Germany;
| | - Paolo Carloni
- Institute for Neuroscience and Medicine and Institute for Advanced Simulations (INM-9/IAS-5), Computational Biomedicine, Forschungszentrum Jülich, 52425 Jülich, Germany; (B.P.J.); (V.W.); (A.G.); (M.A.-P.); (G.R.)
- Faculty of Mathematics, Computer Science and Natural Sciences, RWTH Aachen University, 52062 Aachen, Germany
| | - Giulia Rossetti
- Institute for Neuroscience and Medicine and Institute for Advanced Simulations (INM-9/IAS-5), Computational Biomedicine, Forschungszentrum Jülich, 52425 Jülich, Germany; (B.P.J.); (V.W.); (A.G.); (M.A.-P.); (G.R.)
- Jülich Supercomputing Centre (JSC), Forschungszentrum Jülich, 52425 Jülich, Germany
- Department of Neurology, RWTH Aachen University, 44517 Aachen, Germany
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9
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Schmeing S, Amrahova G, Bigler K, Chang JY, Openy J, Pal S, Posada L, Gasper R, 't Hart P. Rationally designed stapled peptides allosterically inhibit PTBP1-RNA-binding. Chem Sci 2023; 14:8269-8278. [PMID: 37564416 PMCID: PMC10411625 DOI: 10.1039/d3sc00985h] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/21/2023] [Accepted: 06/28/2023] [Indexed: 08/12/2023] Open
Abstract
The diverse role of the splicing factor PTBP1 in human cells has been widely studied and was found to be a driver for several diseases. PTBP1 binds RNA through its RNA-recognition motifs which lack obvious pockets for inhibition. A unique transient helix has been described to be part of its first RNA-recognition motif and to be important for RNA binding. In this study, we further confirmed the role of this helix and envisioned its dynamic nature as a unique opportunity to develop stapled peptide inhibitors of PTBP1. The peptides were found to be able to inhibit RNA binding via fluorescence polarization assays and directly occupy the helix binding site as observed by protein crystallography. These cell-permeable inhibitors were validated in cellulo to alter the regulation of alternative splicing events regulated by PTBP1. Our study demonstrates transient secondary structures of a protein can be mimicked by stapled peptides to inhibit allosteric mechanisms.
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Affiliation(s)
- Stefan Schmeing
- Chemical Genomics Centre of the Max Planck Society, Max Planck Institute of Molecular Physiology Otto-Hahn-Strasse 11 44227 Dortmund Germany
| | - Gulshan Amrahova
- Chemical Genomics Centre of the Max Planck Society, Max Planck Institute of Molecular Physiology Otto-Hahn-Strasse 11 44227 Dortmund Germany
| | - Katrin Bigler
- Chemical Genomics Centre of the Max Planck Society, Max Planck Institute of Molecular Physiology Otto-Hahn-Strasse 11 44227 Dortmund Germany
| | - Jen-Yao Chang
- Chemical Genomics Centre of the Max Planck Society, Max Planck Institute of Molecular Physiology Otto-Hahn-Strasse 11 44227 Dortmund Germany
| | - Joseph Openy
- Chemical Genomics Centre of the Max Planck Society, Max Planck Institute of Molecular Physiology Otto-Hahn-Strasse 11 44227 Dortmund Germany
| | - Sunit Pal
- Chemical Genomics Centre of the Max Planck Society, Max Planck Institute of Molecular Physiology Otto-Hahn-Strasse 11 44227 Dortmund Germany
| | - Laura Posada
- Chemical Genomics Centre of the Max Planck Society, Max Planck Institute of Molecular Physiology Otto-Hahn-Strasse 11 44227 Dortmund Germany
| | - Raphael Gasper
- Crystallography and Biophysics Unit, Max-Planck-Institute of Molecular Physiology Otto-Hahn-Strasse 11 44227 Dortmund Germany
| | - Peter 't Hart
- Chemical Genomics Centre of the Max Planck Society, Max Planck Institute of Molecular Physiology Otto-Hahn-Strasse 11 44227 Dortmund Germany
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10
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Feng Y, Zhu S, Liu T, Zhi G, Shao B, Liu J, Li B, Jiang C, Feng Q, Wu P, Wang D. Surmounting Cancer Drug Resistance: New Perspective on RNA-Binding Proteins. Pharmaceuticals (Basel) 2023; 16:1114. [PMID: 37631029 PMCID: PMC10458901 DOI: 10.3390/ph16081114] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/30/2023] [Revised: 07/20/2023] [Accepted: 08/02/2023] [Indexed: 08/27/2023] Open
Abstract
RNA-binding proteins (RBPs), being pivotal elements in both physiological and pathological processes, possess the ability to directly impact RNA, thereby exerting a profound influence on cellular life. Furthermore, the dysregulation of RBPs not only induces alterations in the expression levels of genes associated with cancer but also impairs the occurrence of post-transcriptional regulatory mechanisms. Consequently, these circumstances can give rise to aberrations in cellular processes, ultimately resulting in alterations within the proteome. An aberrant proteome can disrupt the equilibrium between oncogenes and tumor suppressor genes, promoting cancer progression. Given their significant role in modulating gene expression and post-transcriptional regulation, directing therapeutic interventions towards RBPs represents a viable strategy for combating drug resistance in cancer treatment. RBPs possess significant potential as diagnostic and prognostic markers for diverse cancer types. Gaining comprehensive insights into the structure and functionality of RBPs, along with delving deeper into the molecular mechanisms underlying RBPs in tumor drug resistance, can enhance cancer treatment strategies and augment the prognostic outcomes for individuals afflicted with cancer.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | - Peijie Wu
- School of Basic Medical Sciences and State Key Laboratory of Southwestern Chinese Medicine Resources, Chengdu University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Chengdu 611137, China; (Y.F.); (S.Z.); (T.L.); (G.Z.); (B.S.); (J.L.); (B.L.); (C.J.); (Q.F.)
| | - Dong Wang
- School of Basic Medical Sciences and State Key Laboratory of Southwestern Chinese Medicine Resources, Chengdu University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Chengdu 611137, China; (Y.F.); (S.Z.); (T.L.); (G.Z.); (B.S.); (J.L.); (B.L.); (C.J.); (Q.F.)
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11
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Bertoldo JB, Müller S, Hüttelmaier S. RNA-binding proteins in cancer drug discovery. Drug Discov Today 2023; 28:103580. [PMID: 37031812 DOI: 10.1016/j.drudis.2023.103580] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 11.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/20/2022] [Revised: 03/25/2023] [Accepted: 03/29/2023] [Indexed: 04/11/2023]
Abstract
RNA-binding proteins (RBPs) are crucial players in tumorigenesis and, hence, promising targets in cancer drug discovery. However, they are largely regarded as 'undruggable', because of the often noncatalytic and complex interactions between protein and RNA, which limit the discovery of specific inhibitors. Nonetheless, over the past 10 years, drug discovery efforts have uncovered RBP inhibitors with clinical relevance, highlighting the disruption of RNA-protein networks as a promising avenue for cancer therapeutics. In this review, we discuss the role of structurally distinct RBPs in cancer, and the mechanisms of RBP-directed small-molecule inhibitors (SMOIs) focusing on drug-protein interactions, binding surfaces, potency, and translational potential. Additionally, we underline the limitations of RBP-targeting drug discovery assays and comment on future trends in the field.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jean B Bertoldo
- Children's Cancer Institute, Lowy Cancer Research Centre, UNSW Sydney, Sydney, NSW, Australia; School of Clinical Medicine, UNSW Sydney, Sydney, NSW, Australia
| | - Simon Müller
- Institute for Molecular Medicine, Faculty of Medicine, Martin-Luther University of Halle-Wittenberg, Halle (Saale), Germany; New York Genome Center, New York, NY, USA; Department of Biology, New York University, New York, NY, USA
| | - Stefan Hüttelmaier
- Institute for Molecular Medicine, Faculty of Medicine, Martin-Luther University of Halle-Wittenberg, Halle (Saale), Germany.
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12
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Guha A, Husain MA, Si Y, Nabors LB, Filippova N, Promer G, Smith R, King PH. RNA regulation of inflammatory responses in glia and its potential as a therapeutic target in central nervous system disorders. Glia 2023; 71:485-508. [PMID: 36380708 DOI: 10.1002/glia.24288] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/17/2022] [Revised: 09/29/2022] [Accepted: 10/14/2022] [Indexed: 11/17/2022]
Abstract
A major hallmark of neuroinflammation is the activation of microglia and astrocytes with the induction of inflammatory mediators such as IL-1β, TNF-α, iNOS, and IL-6. Neuroinflammation contributes to disease progression in a plethora of neurological disorders ranging from acute CNS trauma to chronic neurodegenerative disease. Posttranscriptional pathways of mRNA stability and translational efficiency are major drivers for the expression of these inflammatory mediators. A common element in this level of regulation centers around the adenine- and uridine-rich element (ARE) which is present in the 3' untranslated region (UTR) of the mRNAs encoding these inflammatory mediators. (ARE)-binding proteins (AUBPs) such as Human antigen R (HuR), Tristetraprolin (TTP) and KH- type splicing regulatory protein (KSRP) are key nodes for directing these posttranscriptional pathways and either promote (HuR) or suppress (TTP and KSRP) glial production of inflammatory mediators. This review will discuss basic concepts of ARE-mediated RNA regulation and its impact on glial-driven neuroinflammatory diseases. We will discuss strategies to target this novel level of gene regulation for therapeutic effect and review exciting preliminary studies that underscore its potential for treating neurological disorders.
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Affiliation(s)
- Abhishek Guha
- Department Neurology, The University of Alabama at Birmingham, Birmingham, Alabama, USA
| | - Mohammed Amir Husain
- Department Neurology, The University of Alabama at Birmingham, Birmingham, Alabama, USA
| | - Ying Si
- Department Neurology, The University of Alabama at Birmingham, Birmingham, Alabama, USA
- Department Cell, Developmental, and Integrative Biology, The University of Alabama at Birmingham, Birmingham, Alabama, USA
| | - L Burt Nabors
- Department Neurology, The University of Alabama at Birmingham, Birmingham, Alabama, USA
| | - Natalia Filippova
- Department Neurology, The University of Alabama at Birmingham, Birmingham, Alabama, USA
| | - Grace Promer
- Department Neurology, The University of Alabama at Birmingham, Birmingham, Alabama, USA
| | - Reed Smith
- Department Neurology, The University of Alabama at Birmingham, Birmingham, Alabama, USA
| | - Peter H King
- Department Neurology, The University of Alabama at Birmingham, Birmingham, Alabama, USA
- Department Cell, Developmental, and Integrative Biology, The University of Alabama at Birmingham, Birmingham, Alabama, USA
- Birmingham Department of Veterans Health Care System, Birmingham, Alabama, USA
- Center for Neurodegeneration and Experimental Therapeutics, The University of Alabama at Birmingham, Birmingham, USA
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13
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Liu Z, Gao L, Cheng L, Lv G, Sun B, Wang G, Tang Q. The roles of N6-methyladenosine and its target regulatory noncoding RNAs in tumors: classification, mechanisms, and potential therapeutic implications. Exp Mol Med 2023; 55:487-501. [PMID: 36854773 PMCID: PMC10073155 DOI: 10.1038/s12276-023-00944-y] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/16/2022] [Revised: 11/16/2022] [Accepted: 12/04/2022] [Indexed: 03/02/2023] Open
Abstract
N6-methyladenosine (m6A) is one of the epigenetic modifications of RNA. The addition of this chemical mark to RNA molecules regulates gene expression by affecting the fate of the RNA molecules. This posttranscriptional RNA modification is reversible and regulated by methyltransferase "writers" and demethylase "erasers". The fate of m6A-modified RNAs depends on the function of different "readers" that recognize and bind to them. Research on m6A methylation modification has recently increased due to its important role in regulating cancer progression. Noncoding RNAs (ncRNAs) are a class of RNA molecules that are transcribed from the genome but whose roles have been overlooked due to their lack of well-defined potential for translation into proteins or peptides. However, this misconception has now been completely overturned. ncRNAs regulate various diseases, especially tumors, and it has been confirmed that they play either tumor-promoting or tumor-suppressing roles in almost all types of tumors. In this review, we discuss the m6A modification of different types of ncRNA and summarize the mechanisms involved. Finally, we discuss the progress of research on clinical treatment and discuss the important significance of the m6A modification of ncRNAs in the clinical treatment of tumors.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ziying Liu
- Department of Pancreatic and Biliary Surgery, The First Affiliated Hospital of Harbin Medical University, Harbin, Heilongjiang, China
- Key Laboratory of Hepatosplenic Surgery, Ministry of Education, The First Affiliated Hospital of Harbin Medical University, Harbin, Heilongjiang, China
| | - Lei Gao
- Department of Pancreatic and Biliary Surgery, The First Affiliated Hospital of Harbin Medical University, Harbin, Heilongjiang, China
- Key Laboratory of Hepatosplenic Surgery, Ministry of Education, The First Affiliated Hospital of Harbin Medical University, Harbin, Heilongjiang, China
| | - Long Cheng
- Department of Pancreatic and Biliary Surgery, The First Affiliated Hospital of Harbin Medical University, Harbin, Heilongjiang, China
- Key Laboratory of Hepatosplenic Surgery, Ministry of Education, The First Affiliated Hospital of Harbin Medical University, Harbin, Heilongjiang, China
| | - Gaoyuan Lv
- Department of Pancreatic and Biliary Surgery, The First Affiliated Hospital of Harbin Medical University, Harbin, Heilongjiang, China
- Key Laboratory of Hepatosplenic Surgery, Ministry of Education, The First Affiliated Hospital of Harbin Medical University, Harbin, Heilongjiang, China
| | - Bei Sun
- Department of Pancreatic and Biliary Surgery, The First Affiliated Hospital of Harbin Medical University, Harbin, Heilongjiang, China
- Key Laboratory of Hepatosplenic Surgery, Ministry of Education, The First Affiliated Hospital of Harbin Medical University, Harbin, Heilongjiang, China
| | - Gang Wang
- Department of Pancreatic and Biliary Surgery, The First Affiliated Hospital of Harbin Medical University, Harbin, Heilongjiang, China.
| | - Qiushi Tang
- Chinese Journal of Practical Surgery, Chinese Medical University, Shenyang, Liaoning, China.
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14
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Wu X, Ramesh R, Wang J, Zheng Y, Armaly AM, Wei L, Xing M, Roy S, Lan L, Gao FP, Miao Y, Xu L, Aubé J. Small Molecules Targeting the RNA-Binding Protein HuR Inhibit Tumor Growth in Xenografts. J Med Chem 2023; 66:2032-2053. [PMID: 36690437 PMCID: PMC10101218 DOI: 10.1021/acs.jmedchem.2c01723] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/25/2023]
Abstract
The RNA-binding protein Hu antigen R (HuR) is a post-transcriptional regulator critical in several types of diseases, including cancer, making it a promising therapeutic target. We have identified small-molecule inhibitors of HuR through a screening approach used in combination with fragment analysis. A total of 36 new compounds originating from fragment linking or structural optimization were studied to establish structure-activity relationships in the set. Two top inhibitors, 1c and 7c, were further validated by binding assays and cellular functional assays. Both block HuR function by directly binding to the RNA-binding pocket, inhibit cancer cell growth dependence of HuR, and suppress cancer cell invasion. Intraperitoneal administration of inhibitor 1c inhibits tumor growth as a single agent and shows a synergistic effect in combination with chemotherapy docetaxel in breast cancer xenograft models. Mechanistically, 1c interferes with the HuR-TGFB/THBS1 axis.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Remya Ramesh
- Division of Chemical Biology and Medicinal Chemistry, UNC Eshelman School of Pharmacy, The University of North Carolina, Chapel Hill, North Carolina 27599, United States
| | | | - Youguang Zheng
- School of Pharmacy, Xuzhou Medical University, Xuzhou, Jiangsu 221004, China
| | - Ahlam M Armaly
- Division of Chemical Biology and Medicinal Chemistry, UNC Eshelman School of Pharmacy, The University of North Carolina, Chapel Hill, North Carolina 27599, United States
| | | | | | - Sudeshna Roy
- Division of Chemical Biology and Medicinal Chemistry, UNC Eshelman School of Pharmacy, The University of North Carolina, Chapel Hill, North Carolina 27599, United States
| | | | | | | | - Liang Xu
- Department of Radiation Oncology, The University of Kansas Medical Center, Kansas City, Kansas 66160, United States
| | - Jeffrey Aubé
- Division of Chemical Biology and Medicinal Chemistry, UNC Eshelman School of Pharmacy, The University of North Carolina, Chapel Hill, North Carolina 27599, United States
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15
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Novel roles of RNA-binding proteins in drug resistance of breast cancer: from molecular biology to targeting therapeutics. Cell Death Discov 2023; 9:52. [PMID: 36759501 PMCID: PMC9911762 DOI: 10.1038/s41420-023-01352-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/24/2022] [Revised: 01/25/2023] [Accepted: 01/30/2023] [Indexed: 02/11/2023] Open
Abstract
Therapy resistance remains a huge challenge for current breast cancer treatments. Exploring molecular mechanisms of therapy resistance might provide therapeutic targets for patients with advanced breast cancer and improve their prognosis. RNA-binding proteins (RBPs) play an important role in regulating therapy resistance. Here we summarize the functions of RBPs, highlight their tremendously important roles in regulating therapy sensitivity and resistance and we also reveal current therapeutic approaches reversing abnormal functions of RBPs in breast cancer.
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16
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Mehta M, Raguraman R, Ramesh R, Munshi A. RNA binding proteins (RBPs) and their role in DNA damage and radiation response in cancer. Adv Drug Deliv Rev 2022; 191:114569. [PMID: 36252617 PMCID: PMC10411638 DOI: 10.1016/j.addr.2022.114569] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/24/2022] [Revised: 09/27/2022] [Accepted: 09/29/2022] [Indexed: 01/24/2023]
Abstract
Traditionally majority of eukaryotic gene expression is influenced by transcriptional and post-transcriptional events. Alterations in the expression of proteins that act post-transcriptionally can affect cellular signaling and homeostasis. RNA binding proteins (RBPs) are a family of proteins that specifically bind to RNAs and are involved in post-transcriptional regulation of gene expression and important cellular processes such as cell differentiation and metabolism. Deregulation of RNA-RBP interactions and any changes in RBP expression or function can lead to various diseases including cancer. In cancer cells, RBPs play an important role in regulating the expression of tumor suppressors and oncoproteins involved in various cell-signaling pathways. Several RBPs such as HuR, AUF1, RBM38, LIN28, RBM24, tristetrapolin family and Musashi play critical roles in various types of cancers and their aberrant expression in cancer cells makes them an attractive therapeutic target for cancer treatment. In this review we provide an overview of i). RBPs involved in cancer progression and their mechanism of action ii). the role of RBPs, including HuR, in breast cancer progression and DNA damage response and iii). explore RBPs with emphasis on HuR as therapeutic target for breast cancer therapy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Meghna Mehta
- Department of Radiation Oncology, The University of Oklahoma Health Sciences Center, Oklahoma City, OK 73013, USA; Stephenson Cancer Center, The University of Oklahoma Health Sciences Center, Oklahoma City, OK 73013, USA
| | - Rajeswari Raguraman
- Department of Pathology, The University of Oklahoma Health Sciences Center, Oklahoma City, OK 73013, USA; Stephenson Cancer Center, The University of Oklahoma Health Sciences Center, Oklahoma City, OK 73013, USA
| | - Rajagopal Ramesh
- Department of Pathology, The University of Oklahoma Health Sciences Center, Oklahoma City, OK 73013, USA; Stephenson Cancer Center, The University of Oklahoma Health Sciences Center, Oklahoma City, OK 73013, USA
| | - Anupama Munshi
- Department of Radiation Oncology, The University of Oklahoma Health Sciences Center, Oklahoma City, OK 73013, USA; Stephenson Cancer Center, The University of Oklahoma Health Sciences Center, Oklahoma City, OK 73013, USA.
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17
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Li W, Deng X, Chen J. RNA-binding proteins in regulating mRNA stability and translation: roles and mechanisms in cancer. Semin Cancer Biol 2022; 86:664-677. [PMID: 35381329 PMCID: PMC9526761 DOI: 10.1016/j.semcancer.2022.03.025] [Citation(s) in RCA: 37] [Impact Index Per Article: 18.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/05/2022] [Revised: 03/25/2022] [Accepted: 03/30/2022] [Indexed: 01/10/2023]
Abstract
RNA-binding proteins (RBPs) are key players in cellular physiology through posttranscriptional regulation of the expression of target RNA transcripts. By modulating the processing, stability and translation of cancer-related messenger RNA (mRNA) transcripts, a large set of RBPs play essential roles in various types of cancers. Perturbations in RBP activity have been causally associated with cancer development, tumor metabolism, drug resistance, cancer stem cell self-renewal, and tumor immune evasion. Here, we summarize the recent advances in cancer pathological roles and mechanisms of RBPs in regulating mRNA stability and translation with an emphasis on the emerging category of RNA modification-associated RBPs. The functional diversity of RBPs in different types of cancers and the therapeutic potential of targeting dysregulated RBPs for cancer treatment are also discussed.
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Affiliation(s)
- Wei Li
- Department of Systems Biology, Beckman Research Institute of City of Hope, Monrovia 91016, USA
| | - Xiaolan Deng
- Department of Systems Biology, Beckman Research Institute of City of Hope, Monrovia 91016, USA
| | - Jianjun Chen
- Department of Systems Biology, Beckman Research Institute of City of Hope, Monrovia 91016, USA; City of Hope Comprehensive Cancer Center, Duarte, CA 91010, USA; Gehr Family Center for Leukemia Research, City of Hope, Duarte, CA 91010, USA.
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18
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Sorge RE, Si Y, Norian LA, Guha A, Moore GE, Nabors LB, Filippova N, Yang X, Smith R, Chellappan R, King PH. Inhibition of the RNA Regulator HuR by SRI-42127 Attenuates Neuropathic Pain After Nerve Injury Through Suppression of Neuroinflammatory Responses. Neurotherapeutics 2022; 19:1649-1661. [PMID: 35864415 PMCID: PMC9606176 DOI: 10.1007/s13311-022-01278-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 07/10/2022] [Indexed: 12/14/2022] Open
Abstract
Microglial activation with the production of pro-inflammatory mediators such as IL-6, TNF-α, and IL-1β, is a major driver of neuropathic pain (NP) following peripheral nerve injury. We have previously shown that the RNA binding protein, HuR, is a positive node of regulation for many of these inflammatory mediators in glia and that its chemical inhibition or genetic deletion attenuates their production. In this report, we show that systemic administration of SRI-42127, a novel small molecule HuR inhibitor, attenuates mechanical allodynia, a hallmark of NP, in the early and chronic phases after spared nerve injury in male and female mice. Flow cytometry of lumbar spinal cords in SRI-42127-treated mice shows a reduction in infiltrating macrophages and a concomitant decrease in microglial populations expressing IL-6, TNF-α, IL-1β, and CCL2. Immunohistochemistry, ELISA, and qPCR of lumbar spinal cord tissue indicate suppression of these cytokines and other inflammatory mediators. ELISA of plasma samples in the acute phase also shows attenuation of inflammatory responses. In summary, inhibition of HuR by SRI-42127 leads to the suppression of neuroinflammatory responses and allodynia after nerve injury and represents a promising new direction in the treatment of NP.
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Affiliation(s)
- Robert E Sorge
- Department of Psychology, The University of Alabama at Birmingham, Birmingham, AL, 35294, USA
| | - Ying Si
- Department of Neurology, The University of Alabama at Birmingham, Civitan 545C, 1719 6th Ave. South, Birmingham, AL, 35294, USA
- Birmingham Veterans Affairs Medical Center, Birmingham, AL, 35294, USA
| | - Lyse A Norian
- Department of Nutrition Sciences, The University of Alabama at Birmingham, Birmingham, AL, 35294, USA
| | - Abhishek Guha
- Department of Neurology, The University of Alabama at Birmingham, Civitan 545C, 1719 6th Ave. South, Birmingham, AL, 35294, USA
| | - Grace E Moore
- Department of Psychology, The University of Alabama at Birmingham, Birmingham, AL, 35294, USA
| | - L Burt Nabors
- Department of Neurology, The University of Alabama at Birmingham, Civitan 545C, 1719 6th Ave. South, Birmingham, AL, 35294, USA
| | - Natalia Filippova
- Department of Neurology, The University of Alabama at Birmingham, Civitan 545C, 1719 6th Ave. South, Birmingham, AL, 35294, USA
| | - Xiuhua Yang
- Department of Neurology, The University of Alabama at Birmingham, Civitan 545C, 1719 6th Ave. South, Birmingham, AL, 35294, USA
| | - Reed Smith
- Department of Neurology, The University of Alabama at Birmingham, Civitan 545C, 1719 6th Ave. South, Birmingham, AL, 35294, USA
| | - Rajeshwari Chellappan
- Department of Neurology, The University of Alabama at Birmingham, Civitan 545C, 1719 6th Ave. South, Birmingham, AL, 35294, USA
- Birmingham Veterans Affairs Medical Center, Birmingham, AL, 35294, USA
| | - Peter H King
- Department of Neurology, The University of Alabama at Birmingham, Civitan 545C, 1719 6th Ave. South, Birmingham, AL, 35294, USA.
- Department of Cell, Developmental, and Integrative Biology, The University of Alabama at Birmingham, Birmingham, AL, 35294, USA.
- Center for Neurodegeneration and Experimental Therapeutics, The University of Alabama at Birmingham, Birmingham, AL, 35294, USA.
- Birmingham Veterans Affairs Medical Center, Birmingham, AL, 35294, USA.
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19
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Majumder M, Chakraborty P, Mohan S, Mehrotra S, Palanisamy V. HuR as a molecular target for cancer therapeutics and immune-related disorders. Adv Drug Deliv Rev 2022; 188:114442. [PMID: 35817212 DOI: 10.1016/j.addr.2022.114442] [Citation(s) in RCA: 23] [Impact Index Per Article: 11.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/07/2021] [Revised: 04/12/2022] [Accepted: 07/05/2022] [Indexed: 11/19/2022]
Abstract
The control of eukaryotic gene expression occurs at multiple levels, from transcription to messenger RNA processing, transport, localization, turnover, and translation. RNA-binding proteins control gene expression and are involved in different stages of mRNA processing, including splicing, maturation, turnover, and translation. A ubiquitously expressed RBP Human antigen R is engaged in the RNA processes mentioned above but, most importantly, controls mRNA stability and turnover. Dysregulation of HuR is linked to many diseases, including cancer and other immune-related disorders. HuR targets mRNAs containing AU-rich elements at their 3'untranslated region, which encodes proteins involved in cell growth, proliferation, tumor formation, angiogenesis, immune evasion, inflammation, invasion, and metastasis. HuR overexpression has been reported in many tumor types, which led to a poor prognosis for patients. Hence, HuR is considered an appealing drug target for cancer treatment. Therefore, multiple attempts have been made to identify small molecule inhibitors for blocking HuR functions. This article reviews the current prospects of drugs that target HuR in numerous cancer types, their mode of action, and off-target effects. Furthermore, we will summarize drugs that interfered with HuR-RNA interactions and established themselves as novel therapeutics. We will also highlight the significance of HuR overexpression in multiple cancers and discuss its role in immune functions. This review provides evidence of a new era of HuR-targeted small molecules that can be used for cancer therapeutics either as a monotherapy or in combination with other cancer treatment modalities.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mrinmoyee Majumder
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Charleston, SC 29425, USA
| | - Paramita Chakraborty
- Department of Surgery, College of Medicine, Medical University of South Carolina, Charleston, SC 29425, USA
| | - Sarumathi Mohan
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Charleston, SC 29425, USA
| | - Shikhar Mehrotra
- Department of Surgery, College of Medicine, Medical University of South Carolina, Charleston, SC 29425, USA
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20
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Sobolewski C, Dubuquoy L, Legrand N. MicroRNAs, Tristetraprolin Family Members and HuR: A Complex Interplay Controlling Cancer-Related Processes. Cancers (Basel) 2022; 14:cancers14143516. [PMID: 35884580 PMCID: PMC9319505 DOI: 10.3390/cancers14143516] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/29/2022] [Revised: 07/15/2022] [Accepted: 07/18/2022] [Indexed: 12/17/2022] Open
Abstract
Simple Summary AU-rich Element Binding Proteins (AUBPs) represent important post-transcriptional regulators of gene expression by regulating mRNA decay and/or translation. Importantly, AUBPs can interfere with microRNA-dependent regulation by (i) competing with the same binding sites on mRNA targets, (ii) sequestering miRNAs, thereby preventing their binding to their specific targets or (iii) promoting miRNA-dependent regulation. These data highlight a new paradigm where both miRNA and RNA binding proteins form a complex regulatory network involved in physiological and pathological processes. However, this interplay is still poorly considered, and our current models do not integrate this level of complexity, thus potentially giving misleading interpretations regarding the role of these regulators in human cancers. This review summarizes the current knowledge regarding the crosstalks existing between HuR, tristetraprolin family members and microRNA-dependent regulation. Abstract MicroRNAs represent the most characterized post-transcriptional regulators of gene expression. Their altered expression importantly contributes to the development of a wide range of metabolic and inflammatory diseases but also cancers. Accordingly, a myriad of studies has suggested novel therapeutic approaches aiming at inhibiting or restoring the expression of miRNAs in human diseases. However, the influence of other trans-acting factors, such as long-noncoding RNAs or RNA-Binding-Proteins, which compete, interfere, or cooperate with miRNAs-dependent functions, indicate that this regulatory mechanism is much more complex than initially thought, thus questioning the current models considering individuals regulators. In this review, we discuss the interplay existing between miRNAs and the AU-Rich Element Binding Proteins (AUBPs), HuR and tristetraprolin family members (TTP, BRF1 and BRF2), which importantly control the fate of mRNA and whose alterations have also been associated with the development of a wide range of chronic disorders and cancers. Deciphering the interplay between these proteins and miRNAs represents an important challenge to fully characterize the post-transcriptional regulation of pro-tumorigenic processes and design new and efficient therapeutic approaches.
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21
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Yu D, Feng Y, Jiang Z, Yan T, Fang K, Shi Y, Zhang J, Zhang S. The role of human antigen R (HuR) in modulating proliferation, senescence and radiosensitivity of skin cells. Exp Ther Med 2022; 24:566. [PMID: 35965840 PMCID: PMC9372994 DOI: 10.3892/etm.2022.11503] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/24/2022] [Accepted: 06/22/2022] [Indexed: 11/19/2022] Open
Abstract
The skin is the largest outermost organ of the human body. It is vulnerable to various damages, such as ionizing radiation. Exploration of proliferation, senescence and radiosensitivity of skin cells contributes to the development of medical and cosmetic countermeasures against skin aging and toward injury protection. Human antigen R (HuR) is one of the most widely studied RNA-binding proteins and serves an important role in stabilization of mRNA and regulation of the expression of the target genes. To investigate the role of HuR in modulating proliferation, senescence and radiosensitivity of skin cells, the present study performed an in vitro study using lentivirus-mediated overexpression or silencing of HuR in human keratinocyte HaCaT cells and human skin fibroblast WS1 cells. The results indicated that overexpression of HuR promoted proliferation, whereas downregulation of HuR inhibited proliferation of HaCaT and WS1 cells. Overexpression of HuR reduced apoptosis and senescence in skin cells. RNA-Seq of skin cells with HuR overexpression or knockdown identified 77 mRNAs positively or negatively correlated with HuR expression levels. In addition, silencing of HuR induced a significant increase in radiogenic reactive oxygen species after irradiation. Overexpression of HuR increased radiotolerance of HaCaT and WS1 cells. RNA immunoprecipitation coupled with RNA-Seq identified 14 mRNAs interacting with HuR upon radiation exposure. Overall, the findings of the present study illustrated the key role of HuR in modulating proliferation, senescence and radiosensitivity of skin cells providing a new therapeutic strategy for cosmetic treatments and to combat skin injury.
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Affiliation(s)
- Daojiang Yu
- Department of Surgery, Second Affiliated Hospital of Chengdu Medical College, China National Nuclear Corporation 416 Hospital, Chengdu, Sichuan 610051, P.R. China
| | - Yahui Feng
- Department of Surgery, Second Affiliated Hospital of Chengdu Medical College, China National Nuclear Corporation 416 Hospital, Chengdu, Sichuan 610051, P.R. China
| | - Zhiqiang Jiang
- Department of Surgery, Second Affiliated Hospital of Chengdu Medical College, China National Nuclear Corporation 416 Hospital, Chengdu, Sichuan 610051, P.R. China
| | - Tao Yan
- Department of Surgery, Second Affiliated Hospital of Chengdu Medical College, China National Nuclear Corporation 416 Hospital, Chengdu, Sichuan 610051, P.R. China
| | - Kai Fang
- Department of Surgery, Second Affiliated Hospital of Chengdu Medical College, China National Nuclear Corporation 416 Hospital, Chengdu, Sichuan 610051, P.R. China
| | - Yuhong Shi
- Department of Surgery, Second Affiliated Hospital of Chengdu Medical College, China National Nuclear Corporation 416 Hospital, Chengdu, Sichuan 610051, P.R. China
| | - Jie Zhang
- Radiation Medicine Department of Institute of Preventive Medicine, Fourth Military Medical University, Xi'an, Shaanxi 710032, P.R. China
| | - Shuyu Zhang
- Laboratory of Radiation Medicine, West China School of Basic Medical Sciences and Forensic Medicine, Chengdu, Sichuan 610041, P.R. China
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22
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Wu X, Xu L. The RNA-binding protein HuR in human cancer: A friend or foe? Adv Drug Deliv Rev 2022; 184:114179. [PMID: 35248670 PMCID: PMC9035123 DOI: 10.1016/j.addr.2022.114179] [Citation(s) in RCA: 46] [Impact Index Per Article: 23.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/30/2021] [Revised: 01/26/2022] [Accepted: 02/27/2022] [Indexed: 12/12/2022]
Abstract
The RNA-binding proteins (RBPs) are critical trans factors that associate with specific cis elements present in mRNAs whose stability and translation are subject to regulation. The RBP Hu antigen R (HuR) is overexpressed in a wide variety of human cancers and serves as a prognostic factor of poor clinical outcome. HuR promotes tumorigenesis by interacting with a subset of oncogenic mRNAs implicated in different cancer hallmarks, and resistance to therapy. Reduction of HuR levels in cancer cells leads to tumor regression in mouse xenograft models. These findings prompt a working model whereby cancer cells use HuR, a master switch of multiple oncogenic mRNAs, to drive drug resistance and promote cell survival and metastasis, thus rendering the tumor cells with high cytoplasmic HuR more progressive and resistant to therapy. This review summarizes the roles of HuR in cancer and other diseases, therapeutic potential of HuR inhibition, and the current status of drug discovery on HuR.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xiaoqing Wu
- Higuchi Biosciences Center, The University of Kansas, Lawrence, KS, USA; The University of Kansas Cancer Center, The University of Kansas Medical Center, Kansas City, KS, USA.
| | - Liang Xu
- The University of Kansas Cancer Center, The University of Kansas Medical Center, Kansas City, KS, USA; Department of Molecular Biosciences, The University of Kansas, Lawrence, KS, USA; Department of Radiation Oncology, The University of Kansas Medical Center, Kansas City, KS, USA.
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23
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Cai H, Zheng D, Yao Y, Yang L, Huang X, Wang L. Roles of Embryonic Lethal Abnormal Vision-Like RNA Binding Proteins in Cancer and Beyond. Front Cell Dev Biol 2022; 10:847761. [PMID: 35465324 PMCID: PMC9019298 DOI: 10.3389/fcell.2022.847761] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/03/2022] [Accepted: 03/04/2022] [Indexed: 12/31/2022] Open
Abstract
Embryonic lethal abnormal vision-like (ELAVL) proteins are RNA binding proteins that were originally discovered as indispensable regulators of the development and functioning of the nervous system. Subsequent studies have shown that ELAVL proteins not only exist in the nervous system, but also have regulatory effects in other tissues. ELAVL proteins have attracted attention as potential therapeutic targets because they stabilize multiple mRNAs by binding within the 3′-untranslated region and thus promote the development of tumors, including hepatocellular carcinoma, pancreatic cancer, ovarian cancer, breast cancer, colorectal carcinoma and lung cancer. Previous studies have focused on these important relationships with downstream mRNAs, but emerging studies suggest that ELAVL proteins also interact with non-coding RNAs. In this review, we will summarize the relationship of the ELAVL protein family with mRNA and non-coding RNA and the roles of ELAVL protein family members in a variety of physiological and pathological processes.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | | | - Lehe Yang
- *Correspondence: Lehe Yang, ; Xiaoying Huang, ; Liangxing Wang,
| | - Xiaoying Huang
- *Correspondence: Lehe Yang, ; Xiaoying Huang, ; Liangxing Wang,
| | - Liangxing Wang
- *Correspondence: Lehe Yang, ; Xiaoying Huang, ; Liangxing Wang,
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Millien G, Wang H, Zhang Z, Alkon DL, Hongpaisan J. PKCε Activation Restores Loss of PKCε, Manganese Superoxide Dismutase, Vascular Endothelial Growth Factor, and Microvessels in Aged and Alzheimer’s Disease Hippocampus. Front Aging Neurosci 2022; 14:836634. [PMID: 35299945 PMCID: PMC8922019 DOI: 10.3389/fnagi.2022.836634] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/15/2021] [Accepted: 02/07/2022] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Vascular endothelial dysfunction and capillary loss are currently considered to be a primary phenotype of normal human aging and Alzheimer’s disease (AD). Activation of protein kinase C (PKCε) improves several molecular, cellular, physiological, and behavioral endpoints, yet it is not known whether a loss of PKCε activity occurs in the microvascular endothelium in aged and AD hippocampi, whether this loss contributes to microvascular change, or whether activation of PKCε protects against microvascular damage, an early change that induces age-associated memory defect and AD. We investigated the effect of the PKCε activation on microvascular loss in the hippocampus, important for memory storage. In cultured human brain microvascular endothelial cells, tert-butyl hydroperoxide induced oxidative stress and a decrease in manganese superoxide dismutase (MnSOD) mRNA and protein expression that were blocked by the antioxidant drugs. The PKCε activators bryostatin and DCPLA methyl ester increased PKCε, associated with an increase in MnSOD mRNA and its protein as well as vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF), which was inhibited by the mRNA-stabilizing HuR inhibitors. In rats (>24 months old) and AD transgenic mice Tg2576 (5 months old), bryostatin or DCP-LA prevented a decrease in vascular PKCε, MnSOD, and VEGF and prevented microvascular loss and age-related memory impairment. An autopsy-confirmed AD hippocampus showed a decrease in PKCε and MnSOD mRNAs and their proteins and VEGF as well as in microvascular density compared to non-AD controls. In conclusion, the PKCε activation can rescue a decrease in PKCε, MnSOD, and VEGF via posttranscription regulation and alleviate oxidative stress, and in doing so, prevent microvascular loss during aging and AD.
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Affiliation(s)
- Guetchyn Millien
- Center for Translational Medicine, Department of Medicine, Sidney Kimmel Medical College, Thomas Jefferson University, Philadelphia, PA, United States
| | - Huaixing Wang
- Center for Translational Medicine, Department of Medicine, Sidney Kimmel Medical College, Thomas Jefferson University, Philadelphia, PA, United States
| | - Zongxiu Zhang
- Center for Translational Medicine, Department of Medicine, Sidney Kimmel Medical College, Thomas Jefferson University, Philadelphia, PA, United States
| | - Dan L. Alkon
- Neurotrope Bioscience, Inc., New York, NY, United States
| | - Jarin Hongpaisan
- Center for Translational Medicine, Department of Medicine, Sidney Kimmel Medical College, Thomas Jefferson University, Philadelphia, PA, United States
- *Correspondence: Jarin Hongpaisan,
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Assoni G, La Pietra V, Digilio R, Ciani C, Licata NV, Micaelli M, Facen E, Tomaszewska W, Cerofolini L, Pérez-Ràfols A, Varela Rey M, Fragai M, Woodhoo A, Marinelli L, Arosio D, Bonomo I, Provenzani A, Seneci P. HuR-targeted agents: An insight into medicinal chemistry, biophysical, computational studies and pharmacological effects on cancer models. Adv Drug Deliv Rev 2022; 181:114088. [PMID: 34942276 DOI: 10.1016/j.addr.2021.114088] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/06/2021] [Revised: 10/07/2021] [Accepted: 12/16/2021] [Indexed: 12/13/2022]
Abstract
The Human antigen R (HuR) protein is an RNA-binding protein, ubiquitously expressed in human tissues, that orchestrates target RNA maturation and processing both in the nucleus and in the cytoplasm. A survey of known modulators of the RNA-HuR interactions is followed by a description of its structure and molecular mechanism of action - RRM domains, interactions with RNA, dimerization, binding modes with naturally occurring and synthetic HuR inhibitors. Then, the review focuses on HuR as a validated molecular target in oncology and briefly describes its role in inflammation. Namely, we show ample evidence for the involvement of HuR in the hallmarks and enabling characteristics of cancer, reporting findings from in vitro and in vivo studies; and we provide abundant experimental proofs of a beneficial role for the inhibition of HuR-mRNA interactions through silencing (CRISPR, siRNA) or pharmacological inhibition (small molecule HuR inhibitors).
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Affiliation(s)
- Giulia Assoni
- Chemistry Department, University of Milan, Via Golgi 19, I-20133 Milan, Italy; Department of Cellular, Computational and Integrative Biology (CIBIO), University of Trento, via Sommarive 9, 38123 Trento, Italy
| | - Valeria La Pietra
- Department of Pharmacy, University of Napoli Federico II, Via D. Montesano 49, 80131 Napoli, Italy
| | - Rosangela Digilio
- Department of Cellular, Computational and Integrative Biology (CIBIO), University of Trento, via Sommarive 9, 38123 Trento, Italy
| | - Caterina Ciani
- Department of Cellular, Computational and Integrative Biology (CIBIO), University of Trento, via Sommarive 9, 38123 Trento, Italy
| | - Nausicaa Valentina Licata
- Department of Cellular, Computational and Integrative Biology (CIBIO), University of Trento, via Sommarive 9, 38123 Trento, Italy
| | - Mariachiara Micaelli
- Department of Cellular, Computational and Integrative Biology (CIBIO), University of Trento, via Sommarive 9, 38123 Trento, Italy
| | - Elisa Facen
- Department of Cellular, Computational and Integrative Biology (CIBIO), University of Trento, via Sommarive 9, 38123 Trento, Italy
| | - Weronika Tomaszewska
- Department of Cellular, Computational and Integrative Biology (CIBIO), University of Trento, via Sommarive 9, 38123 Trento, Italy
| | - Linda Cerofolini
- Magnetic Resonance Center (CERM), University of Florence and Interuniversity Consortium for Magnetic Resonance of Metalloproteins (CIRMMP), Via L. Sacconi 6, 50019 Sesto Fiorentino (FI), Italy
| | - Anna Pérez-Ràfols
- Giotto Biotech S.R.L., Via Madonna del Piano 6, 50019 Sesto Fiorentino (FI), Italy
| | - Marta Varela Rey
- Gene Regulatory Control in Disease Group, Center for Research in Molecular Medicine and Chronic Diseases (CIMUS), Health Research Institute of Santiago de Compostela (IDIS), University of Santiago de Compostela, 15706 Santiago de Compostela, Spain
| | - Marco Fragai
- Magnetic Resonance Center (CERM), University of Florence and Interuniversity Consortium for Magnetic Resonance of Metalloproteins (CIRMMP), Via L. Sacconi 6, 50019 Sesto Fiorentino (FI), Italy
| | - Ashwin Woodhoo
- Gene Regulatory Control in Disease Group, Center for Research in Molecular Medicine and Chronic Diseases (CIMUS), Health Research Institute of Santiago de Compostela (IDIS), University of Santiago de Compostela, 15706 Santiago de Compostela, Spain; Department of Functional Biology, University of Santiago de Compostela, 15782 Santiago de Compostela, Spain; Galician Agency of Innovation (GAIN), Xunta de Galicia, Santiago de Compostela, Spain; Center for Cooperative Research in Biosciences (CIC bioGUNE, Basque Research and Technology Alliance (BRTA), Bizkaia Technology Park, Building 801A, 48160 Derio, Spain; IKERBASQUE, Basque Foundation for Science, Bilbao 48013, Spain
| | - Luciana Marinelli
- Department of Pharmacy, University of Napoli Federico II, Via D. Montesano 49, 80131 Napoli, Italy
| | - Daniela Arosio
- Istituto di Scienze e Tecnologie Chimiche "G. Natta" (SCITEC), National Research Council (CNR), Via C. Golgi 19, I-20133 Milan, Italy
| | - Isabelle Bonomo
- Department of Cellular, Computational and Integrative Biology (CIBIO), University of Trento, via Sommarive 9, 38123 Trento, Italy
| | - Alessandro Provenzani
- Department of Cellular, Computational and Integrative Biology (CIBIO), University of Trento, via Sommarive 9, 38123 Trento, Italy.
| | - Pierfausto Seneci
- Chemistry Department, University of Milan, Via Golgi 19, I-20133 Milan, Italy.
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Raguraman R, Shanmugarama S, Mehta M, Elle Peterson J, Zhao YD, Munshi A, Ramesh R. Drug delivery approaches for HuR-targeted therapy for lung cancer. Adv Drug Deliv Rev 2022; 180:114068. [PMID: 34822926 PMCID: PMC8724414 DOI: 10.1016/j.addr.2021.114068] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/17/2021] [Accepted: 11/18/2021] [Indexed: 01/03/2023]
Abstract
Lung cancer (LC) is often diagnosed at an advanced stage and conventional treatments for disease management have limitations associated with them. Novel therapeutic targets are thus avidly sought for the effective management of LC. RNA binding proteins (RBPs) have been convincingly established as key players in tumorigenesis, and their dysregulation is linked to multiple cancers, including LC. In this context, we review the role of Human antigen R (HuR), an RBP that is overexpressed in LC, and further associated with various aspects of LC tumor growth and response to therapy. Herein, we describe the role of HuR in LC progression and outline the evidences supporting various pharmacologic and biologic approaches for inhibiting HuR expression and function. These approaches, including use of small molecule inhibitors, siRNAs and shRNAs, have demonstrated favorable results in reducing tumor cell growth, invasion and migration, angiogenesis and metastasis. Hence, HuR has significant potential as a key therapeutic target in LC. Use of siRNA-based approaches, however, have certain limitations that prevent their maximal exploitation as cancer therapies. To address this, in the conclusion of this review, we provide a list of nanomedicine-based HuR targeting approaches currently being employed for siRNA and shRNA delivery, and provide a rationale for the immense potential therapeutic benefits offered by nanocarrier-based HuR targeting and its promise for treating patients with LC.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rajeswari Raguraman
- Department of Pathology, The University of Oklahoma Health Sciences Center, Oklahoma City, OK, USA; Stephenson Cancer Center, University of Oklahoma Health Sciences Center, Oklahoma City, OK, USA
| | - Santny Shanmugarama
- Department of Pathology, The University of Oklahoma Health Sciences Center, Oklahoma City, OK, USA; Graduate Program in Biomedical Sciences, University of Oklahoma Health Sciences Center, Oklahoma City, OK 73104, USA
| | - Meghna Mehta
- Radiation Oncology, The University of Oklahoma Health Sciences Center, Oklahoma City, OK, USA; Stephenson Cancer Center, University of Oklahoma Health Sciences Center, Oklahoma City, OK, USA
| | - Jo Elle Peterson
- Department of Pathology, The University of Oklahoma Health Sciences Center, Oklahoma City, OK, USA
| | - Yan D Zhao
- Biostatistics and Epidemiology, The University of Oklahoma Health Sciences Center, Oklahoma City, OK, USA; Stephenson Cancer Center, University of Oklahoma Health Sciences Center, Oklahoma City, OK, USA
| | - Anupama Munshi
- Radiation Oncology, The University of Oklahoma Health Sciences Center, Oklahoma City, OK, USA; Stephenson Cancer Center, University of Oklahoma Health Sciences Center, Oklahoma City, OK, USA
| | - Rajagopal Ramesh
- Department of Pathology, The University of Oklahoma Health Sciences Center, Oklahoma City, OK, USA; Stephenson Cancer Center, University of Oklahoma Health Sciences Center, Oklahoma City, OK, USA; Graduate Program in Biomedical Sciences, University of Oklahoma Health Sciences Center, Oklahoma City, OK 73104, USA.
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Osma-Garcia IC, Capitan-Sobrino D, Mouysset M, Bell SE, Lebeurrier M, Turner M, Diaz-Muñoz MD. The RNA-binding protein HuR is required for maintenance of the germinal centre response. Nat Commun 2021; 12:6556. [PMID: 34772950 PMCID: PMC8590059 DOI: 10.1038/s41467-021-26908-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/16/2020] [Accepted: 10/22/2021] [Indexed: 11/09/2022] Open
Abstract
The germinal centre (GC) is required for the generation of high affinity antibodies and immunological memory. Here we show that the RNA binding protein HuR has an essential function in GC B cells to sustain the GC response. In its absence, the GC reaction and production of high-affinity antibody is severely impaired. Mechanistically, HuR affects the transcriptome qualitatively and quantitatively. The expression and splicing patterns of hundreds of genes are altered in the absence of HuR. Among these genes, HuR is required for the expression of Myc and a Myc-dependent transcriptional program that controls GC B cell proliferation and Ig somatic hypermutation. Additionally, HuR regulates the splicing and abundance of mRNAs required for entry into and transition through the S phase of the cell cycle, and it modulates a gene signature associated with DNA deamination protecting GC B cells from DNA damage and cell death.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ines C Osma-Garcia
- Toulouse Institute for Infectious and Inflammatory Diseases (Infinity), Inserm UMR1291, CNRS UMR5051, University Paul Sabatier, CHU Purpan, Toulouse, France
| | - Dunja Capitan-Sobrino
- Toulouse Institute for Infectious and Inflammatory Diseases (Infinity), Inserm UMR1291, CNRS UMR5051, University Paul Sabatier, CHU Purpan, Toulouse, France
| | - Mailys Mouysset
- Toulouse Institute for Infectious and Inflammatory Diseases (Infinity), Inserm UMR1291, CNRS UMR5051, University Paul Sabatier, CHU Purpan, Toulouse, France
| | - Sarah E Bell
- Immunology Program, The Babraham Institute, Babraham Research Campus, Cambridge, CB22 3AT, UK
| | - Manuel Lebeurrier
- Toulouse Institute for Infectious and Inflammatory Diseases (Infinity), Inserm UMR1291, CNRS UMR5051, University Paul Sabatier, CHU Purpan, Toulouse, France
| | - Martin Turner
- Immunology Program, The Babraham Institute, Babraham Research Campus, Cambridge, CB22 3AT, UK.
| | - Manuel D Diaz-Muñoz
- Toulouse Institute for Infectious and Inflammatory Diseases (Infinity), Inserm UMR1291, CNRS UMR5051, University Paul Sabatier, CHU Purpan, Toulouse, France. .,Immunology Program, The Babraham Institute, Babraham Research Campus, Cambridge, CB22 3AT, UK.
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28
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Divulging the Critical Role of HuR in Pancreatic Cancer as a Therapeutic Target and a Means to Overcome Chemoresistance. Cancers (Basel) 2021; 13:cancers13184634. [PMID: 34572861 PMCID: PMC8471481 DOI: 10.3390/cancers13184634] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/19/2021] [Revised: 09/10/2021] [Accepted: 09/14/2021] [Indexed: 12/21/2022] Open
Abstract
Simple Summary With pancreatic cancer incidence constantly rising, constituting one of the most lethal type of cancers worldwide, the need for discovering novel therapeutic targets and approaches becomes of the utmost importance. Meanwhile, modern eating habits, hyperadiposity, mutational burden affecting core signaling pathways and the unique tumor microenvironment of pancreatic cancer tissues intermingle and form a disease that is lethal and hard to treat. The importance of HuR in pancreatic cancer has repeatedly been observed and represents a key molecule in pancreatic carcinogenesis and chemoresistance. Therefore, creating and obtaining new therapeutic skills against HuR protein could prove to be the answer to pancreatic cancer therapy. Abstract Pancreatic cancer is set to become the most lethal and common type of cancer worldwide. This is partly attributed to the mutational burden that affects core signaling pathways and the crosstalk of tumor cells with their surrounding microenvironment, but it is also due to modern eating habits. Hyperadiposity along with the constant rise in metabolic syndrome’s incidence contribute to a state of metaflammation that impacts immune cells and causes them to shift towards an immunosuppressive phenotype that, ultimately, allows tumor cells to evade immune control. Unfortunately, among the conventional therapeutic modalities and the novel therapeutic agents introduced, pancreatic cancer still holds one of the lowest response rates to therapy. Human antigen R (HuR), an RNA binding protein (RBP), has been repeatedly found to be implicated in pancreatic carcinogenesis and chemotherapy resistance through the posttranscriptional binding and regulation of mRNA target genes. Additionally, its overexpression has been linked to adverse clinical outcomes, in terms of tumor grade, stage, lymph node status and metastasis. These properties suggest the prospective role that HuR’s therapeutic targeting can play in facilitating pancreatic neoplasia and could provide the means to overcome chemoresistance.
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29
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Della Volpe S, Linciano P, Listro R, Tumminelli E, Amadio M, Bonomo I, Elgaher WAM, Adam S, Hirsch AKH, Boeckler FM, Vasile F, Rossi D, Collina S. Identification of N,N-arylalkyl-picolinamide derivatives targeting the RNA-binding protein HuR, by combining biophysical fragment-screening and molecular hybridization. Bioorg Chem 2021; 116:105305. [PMID: 34482166 DOI: 10.1016/j.bioorg.2021.105305] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/29/2021] [Revised: 07/26/2021] [Accepted: 08/23/2021] [Indexed: 12/31/2022]
Abstract
Hu proteins are members of the RNA-binding protein (RBP) family and play a pivotal role in the regulation of post-transcriptional processes. Through interaction with selected mRNAs, RBPs regulate their function and stability; as a consequence, RBP dysregulation can cause abnormal translation of key proteins involved in several pathologies. In the past few years, this observation has sparked interest to develop new treatments against these pathologies by using small molecules able to modulate RBP activity. Among the four Hu proteins, we have directed our efforts towards the isoform HuR, which is mainly involved in cancer, inflammation and retinopathy. Aimed at developing compounds able to modulate the stability of HuR-mRNA complexes, in the present work, we applied a biophysical fragment screening by assessing a library of halogen-enriched heterocyclic fragments (HEFLibs) via Surface Plasmon Resonance (SPR) and Saturation Transfer Difference (STD) NMR to select promising fragments able to interact with HuR. One selected fragment and a few commercially available congeners were exploited to design and synthesize focused analogues of compound N-(3-chlorobenzyl)-N-(3,5-dihydroxyphenethyl)-4-hydroxybenzamide (1), our previously reported hit. STDNMR spectroscopy, molecular modeling, and SPR offered further insight into the HuR-small molecule interaction and showed that fragment-based approaches represent a promising and yet underexplored strategy to tackle such unusual targets. Lastly, fluorescence polarization (FP) studies revealed the capability of the new compounds to interfere with the formation of the HuR-mRNA complex. This is, to our knowledge, the first fragment-based campaign performed on the Hu protein class, and one of the few examples in the larger RBP field and constitutes an important step in the quest for the rational modulation of RBPs and related RNA functions by small molecules.
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Affiliation(s)
- S Della Volpe
- Department of Drug Sciences, University of Pavia, Viale Taramelli 12, 27100, Pavia, Italy; Helmholtz Institute for Pharmaceutical Research Saarland (HIPS) - Helmholtz Centre for Infection Research (HZI), Campus building E8.1, 66123 Saarbrücken, Germany; Department of Pharmacy, Saarland University, Campus Building E8.1, 66123 Saarbrücken, Germany.
| | - P Linciano
- Department of Drug Sciences, University of Pavia, Viale Taramelli 12, 27100, Pavia, Italy.
| | - R Listro
- Department of Drug Sciences, University of Pavia, Viale Taramelli 12, 27100, Pavia, Italy.
| | - E Tumminelli
- Department of Drug Sciences, University of Pavia, Viale Taramelli 12, 27100, Pavia, Italy; Helmholtz Institute for Pharmaceutical Research Saarland (HIPS) - Helmholtz Centre for Infection Research (HZI), Campus building E8.1, 66123 Saarbrücken, Germany.
| | - M Amadio
- Department of Drug Sciences, University of Pavia, Viale Taramelli 12, 27100, Pavia, Italy.
| | - I Bonomo
- Department of Cellular, Computational and Integrative Biology, University of Trento, Trento, Italy.
| | - W A M Elgaher
- Helmholtz Institute for Pharmaceutical Research Saarland (HIPS) - Helmholtz Centre for Infection Research (HZI), Campus building E8.1, 66123 Saarbrücken, Germany.
| | - S Adam
- Helmholtz Institute for Pharmaceutical Research Saarland (HIPS) - Helmholtz Centre for Infection Research (HZI), Campus building E8.1, 66123 Saarbrücken, Germany.
| | - A K H Hirsch
- Helmholtz Institute for Pharmaceutical Research Saarland (HIPS) - Helmholtz Centre for Infection Research (HZI), Campus building E8.1, 66123 Saarbrücken, Germany; Department of Pharmacy, Saarland University, Campus Building E8.1, 66123 Saarbrücken, Germany.
| | - F M Boeckler
- Department of Pharmacy and Biochemistry, Institute of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Eberhard Karls Universität Tübingen, Tübingen, Germany; Center for Bioinformatics Tübingen (ZBIT), Eberhard Karls Universität Tübingen, Tübingen, Germany.
| | - F Vasile
- Department of Chemistry, University of Milan, Via Golgi 19, 20133 Milano, Italy.
| | - D Rossi
- Department of Drug Sciences, University of Pavia, Viale Taramelli 12, 27100, Pavia, Italy.
| | - S Collina
- Department of Drug Sciences, University of Pavia, Viale Taramelli 12, 27100, Pavia, Italy.
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Dolicka D, Foti M, Sobolewski C. The Emerging Role of Stress Granules in Hepatocellular Carcinoma. Int J Mol Sci 2021; 22:ijms22179428. [PMID: 34502337 PMCID: PMC8430939 DOI: 10.3390/ijms22179428] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/06/2021] [Revised: 08/24/2021] [Accepted: 08/26/2021] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
Stress granules (SGs) are small membrane-free cytosolic liquid-phase ordered entities in which mRNAs are protected and translationally silenced during cellular adaptation to harmful conditions (e.g., hypoxia, oxidative stress). This function is achieved by structural and functional SG components such as scaffold proteins and RNA-binding proteins controlling the fate of mRNAs. Increasing evidence indicates that the capacity of cells to assemble/disassemble functional SGs may significantly impact the onset and the development of metabolic and inflammatory diseases, as well as cancers. In the liver, the abnormal expression of SG components and formation of SG occur with chronic liver diseases, hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC), and selective hepatic resistance to anti-cancer drugs. Although, the role of SG in these diseases is still debated, the modulation of SG assembly/disassembly or targeting the expression/activity of specific SG components may represent appealing strategies to treat hepatic disorders and potentially cancer. In this review, we discuss our current knowledge about pathophysiological functions of SGs in HCC as well as available molecular tools and drugs capable of modulating SG formation and functions for therapeutic purposes.
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31
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Schultz CW, McCarthy GA, Nerwal T, Nevler A, DuHadaway JB, McCoy MD, Jiang W, Brown SZ, Goetz A, Jain A, Calvert VS, Vishwakarma V, Wang D, Preet R, Cassel J, Summer R, Shaghaghi H, Pommier Y, Baechler SA, Pishvaian MJ, Golan T, Yeo CJ, Petricoin EF, Prendergast GC, Salvino J, Singh PK, Dixon DA, Brody JR. The FDA-Approved Anthelmintic Pyrvinium Pamoate Inhibits Pancreatic Cancer Cells in Nutrient-Depleted Conditions by Targeting the Mitochondria. Mol Cancer Ther 2021; 20:2166-2176. [PMID: 34413127 DOI: 10.1158/1535-7163.mct-20-0652] [Citation(s) in RCA: 20] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/31/2020] [Revised: 02/09/2021] [Accepted: 08/11/2021] [Indexed: 11/16/2022]
Abstract
Pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma (PDAC) is a lethal aggressive cancer, in part due to elements of the microenvironment (hypoxia, hypoglycemia) that cause metabolic network alterations. The FDA-approved antihelminthic pyrvinium pamoate (PP) has previously been shown to cause PDAC cell death, although the mechanism has not been fully determined. We demonstrated that PP effectively inhibited PDAC cell viability with nanomolar IC50 values (9-93 nmol/L) against a panel of PDAC, patient-derived, and murine organoid cell lines. In vivo, we demonstrated that PP inhibited PDAC xenograft tumor growth with both intraperitoneal (IP; P < 0.0001) and oral administration (PO; P = 0.0023) of human-grade drug. Metabolomic and phosphoproteomic data identified that PP potently inhibited PDAC mitochondrial pathways including oxidative phosphorylation and fatty acid metabolism. As PP treatment reduced oxidative phosphorylation (P < 0.001), leading to an increase in glycolysis (P < 0.001), PP was 16.2-fold more effective in hypoglycemic conditions similar to those seen in PDAC tumors. RNA sequencing demonstrated that PP caused a decrease in mitochondrial RNA expression, an effect that was not observed with established mitochondrial inhibitors rotenone and oligomycin. Mechanistically, we determined that PP selectively bound mitochondrial G-quadruplexes and inhibited mitochondrial RNA transcription in a G-quadruplex-dependent manner. This subsequently led to a 90% reduction in mitochondrial encoded gene expression. We are preparing to evaluate the efficacy of PP in PDAC in an IRB-approved window-of-opportunity trial (IND:144822).
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Affiliation(s)
- Christopher W Schultz
- The Jefferson Pancreas, Biliary and Related Cancer Center, Department of Surgery, Thomas Jefferson University, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania
| | - Grace A McCarthy
- Brenden-Colson Center for Pancreatic Care, Departments of Surgery and Cell, Developmental and Cancer Biology, Oregon Health and Science University, Portland, Oregon
| | - Teena Nerwal
- The Jefferson Pancreas, Biliary and Related Cancer Center, Department of Surgery, Thomas Jefferson University, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania
| | - Avinoam Nevler
- The Jefferson Pancreas, Biliary and Related Cancer Center, Department of Surgery, Thomas Jefferson University, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania
| | | | | | - Wei Jiang
- Pathology Department, Thomas Jefferson University, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania
| | - Samantha Z Brown
- Brenden-Colson Center for Pancreatic Care, Departments of Surgery and Cell, Developmental and Cancer Biology, Oregon Health and Science University, Portland, Oregon
| | - Austin Goetz
- The Jefferson Pancreas, Biliary and Related Cancer Center, Department of Surgery, Thomas Jefferson University, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania
| | - Aditi Jain
- The Jefferson Pancreas, Biliary and Related Cancer Center, Department of Surgery, Thomas Jefferson University, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania
| | | | | | - Dezhen Wang
- Eppley Institute for Research in Cancer, University of Nebraska Medical Center, Omaha, Nebraska
| | | | - Joel Cassel
- Wistar Institute, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania
| | - Ross Summer
- Jane and Leonard Korman Respiratory Institute at Thomas Jefferson University, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania
| | - Hoora Shaghaghi
- Jane and Leonard Korman Respiratory Institute at Thomas Jefferson University, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania
| | - Yves Pommier
- Developmental Therapeutics Branch, NCI Bethesda, Maryland
| | | | | | - Talia Golan
- Oncology institute, Chaim Sheba Medical Center, Tel Aviv, Israel.,Sackler Faculty of Medicine, Tel Aviv University, Tel Aviv, Israel
| | - Charles J Yeo
- The Jefferson Pancreas, Biliary and Related Cancer Center, Department of Surgery, Thomas Jefferson University, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania
| | | | | | | | - Pankaj K Singh
- Eppley Institute for Research in Cancer, University of Nebraska Medical Center, Omaha, Nebraska
| | | | - Jonathan R Brody
- Brenden-Colson Center for Pancreatic Care, Departments of Surgery and Cell, Developmental and Cancer Biology, Oregon Health and Science University, Portland, Oregon.
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Allegri L, Domenis R, Navarra M, Celano M, Russo D, Capriglione F, Damante G, Baldan F. Dihydrotanshinone exerts antitumor effects and improves the effects of cisplatin in anaplastic thyroid cancer cells. Oncol Rep 2021; 46:204. [PMID: 34318905 DOI: 10.3892/or.2021.8155] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/19/2020] [Accepted: 04/08/2021] [Indexed: 11/06/2022] Open
Abstract
Anaplastic thyroid cancer (ATC) is the most aggressive type of thyroid cancer and is responsible for 20‑50% of thyroid cancer‑associated deaths. The absence of response to conventional treatments makes the search for novel therapeutics a clinical challenge. In the present study, the effects of 15,16‑dihydrotanshinone I (DHT), a tanshinone extracted from Salvia miltiorrhiza Bunge (Danshen), which has previously been shown to possess anticancer activity, were examined in two human ATC cell lines. DHT significantly reduced cell viability, which was coupled with an increase in apoptosis. DHT administration also reduced the colony‑forming ability and proliferation of these cells in soft agar and downregulated the expression of epithelial‑to‑mesenchymal transition‑related genes. In addition, DHT significantly reduced MAD2 expression, a target of HuR with a relevant role in ATC. Finally, cotreatment with cisplatin and DHT has a greater effect on cell viability than each compound alone. In conclusion, to the best of our knowledge, the present study is the first to demonstrate that DHT exerts antitumor effects on ATC cells by reducing MAD2 expression levels. Moreover, a synergistic effect of DHT with cisplatin was shown. Further in vivo studies are required to assess this phytochemical compound as a potential adjuvant for the treatment of ATC.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lorenzo Allegri
- Department of Medicine, University of Udine, I‑33100 Udine, Italy
| | - Rossana Domenis
- Department of Medicine, University of Udine, I‑33100 Udine, Italy
| | - Michele Navarra
- Department of Chemical, Biological, Pharmaceutical and Environmental Sciences, University of Messina, I‑98122 Messina, Italy
| | - Marilena Celano
- Department of Health Sciences, University of Catanzaro 'Magna Graecia', I‑88100 Catanzaro, Italy
| | - Diego Russo
- Department of Health Sciences, University of Catanzaro 'Magna Graecia', I‑88100 Catanzaro, Italy
| | - Francesca Capriglione
- Department of Health Sciences, University of Catanzaro 'Magna Graecia', I‑88100 Catanzaro, Italy
| | - Giuseppe Damante
- Department of Medicine, University of Udine, I‑33100 Udine, Italy
| | - Federica Baldan
- Department of Medicine, University of Udine, I‑33100 Udine, Italy
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Goutas D, Pergaris A, Giaginis C, Theocharis S. HuR as Therapeutic Target in Cancer: What the Future Holds. Curr Med Chem 2021; 29:56-65. [PMID: 34182901 DOI: 10.2174/0929867328666210628143430] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/12/2021] [Revised: 04/20/2021] [Accepted: 04/25/2021] [Indexed: 11/22/2022]
Abstract
ELAV-like protein 1, or HuR (human antigen R), is an RNA-binding protein encoded by the ELAVL1 gene in humans. One of its best functions is to stabilize mRNAs in order to regulate gene expression. HuR protein overexpression has undoubtedly been linked to an increased risk of tumor growth, progression, and metastasis, rendering it a potential therapeutic target candidate in cancer. Novel agents interfering with HuR expression have been tested, both in vitro and in vivo, with promising results. The aim of this paper is to review the existing literature regarding the potential agents that could actively act on and inhibit HuR expression. HuR molecule controls the expression of various proto-oncogenes, cytokines and growth factors, representing a major player in tumor progression, invasion, and metastasis and constituting an emerging target for cancer therapy. PubMed database was thoroughly searched, and all published articles providing scientific data on molecules that can exhibit antitumorigenic effects via HuR inhibition were included. According to these data, HuR inhibition should be a promising target in cancer therapeutics.
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Affiliation(s)
- Dimitrios Goutas
- First Department of Pathology, The National and Kapodistrian University of Athens, Medical School, Athens, Greece
| | - Alexandros Pergaris
- First Department of Pathology, The National and Kapodistrian University of Athens, Medical School, Athens, Greece
| | | | - Stamatios Theocharis
- First Department of Pathology, The National and Kapodistrian University of Athens, Medical School, Athens, Greece
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Gu W, Gong L, Wu X, Yao X. Hypoxic TAM-derived exosomal miR-155-5p promotes RCC progression through HuR-dependent IGF1R/AKT/PI3K pathway. Cell Death Discov 2021; 7:147. [PMID: 34131104 PMCID: PMC8206073 DOI: 10.1038/s41420-021-00525-w] [Citation(s) in RCA: 30] [Impact Index Per Article: 10.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/17/2021] [Revised: 04/30/2021] [Accepted: 05/27/2021] [Indexed: 12/14/2022] Open
Abstract
Hypoxic tumor-associated macrophages (TAMs) are related to poor prognosis of patients with clear cell renal cell carcinoma (ccRCC). Exosomes are small lipid-bilayer vesicles that implicated in tumor progression and metastasis. However, whether hypoxic TAM-derived exosomes affect RCC progression within the hypoxic tumor microenvironment has not been elucidated. GSE analysis identified miR-155-5p was upregulated in RCC. Moreover, we quantified levels of miR-155-5p using RT-qPCR, performed immunohistochemical staining in 79 pairs of primary RCC specimens and related them to clinicopathological parameters. Higher miR-155-5p levels were related to more CD163 + TAM infiltration and elevated HIF-1a expression in our cohort. In the in vitro studies, we initially purified and characterized the exosomes from the supernatant of TAMs subjected to normoxia or hypoxia, and then transfected antagomiR-155-5p or control into these TAMs to produce corresponding exosomes. Gain and loss-of-function studies further investigated the effect of transferred hypoxic exosomal miR-155-5p on the cross-talk between TAMs and RCC cells in xenograft model and in vitro co-culture experiments. The results of RNA immunoprecipitation analyses elucidated that miR-155-5p could directly interact with human antigen R (HuR), thus increasing IGF1R mRNA stability. Mechanistically, hypoxic TAM-Exo transferred miR-155-5p promoted RCC progression partially through activating IGF1R/PI3K/AKT cascades. Taken together, transfer of miR-155-5p from hypoxic TAMs by exosomes to renal cancer cells explains the oncogenic manner, in which M2 macrophages confer the malignant phenotype to RCC cells by enhancing HuR-mediated mRNA stability of IGF1R.
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Affiliation(s)
- Wenyu Gu
- Department of Urology, Shanghai Tenth People's Hospital, Tongji University School of Medicine, Shanghai, China
| | - Linjing Gong
- Department of Pulmonary Medicine, Zhongshan Hospital, Fudan University, Shanghai, China
| | - Xu Wu
- Department of Pulmonary Medicine, Zhongshan Hospital, Fudan University, Shanghai, China.
| | - Xudong Yao
- Department of Urology, Shanghai Tenth People's Hospital, Tongji University School of Medicine, Shanghai, China.
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Mohammadi E, Sadoughi F, Younesi S, Karimian A, Asemi Z, Farsad-Akhtar N, Jahanbakhshi F, Jamilian H, Yousefi B. The molecular mechanism of nuclear signaling for degradation of cytoplasmic DNA: Importance in DNA damage response and cancer. DNA Repair (Amst) 2021; 103:103115. [PMID: 33915415 DOI: 10.1016/j.dnarep.2021.103115] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/26/2021] [Revised: 04/03/2021] [Accepted: 04/04/2021] [Indexed: 11/17/2022]
Abstract
This review summarizes and addresses non-coding RNAs (rRNA, tRNA, Vault and Y RNA, snRNA, and miRNA) cytoplasmic decay pathways, the molecules, enzymes, and modifications such as uridylation, which play vital roles in the degradation processes in various eukaryotic organisms. Plus, SIRT1's role in fundamental cellular processes, including autophagy, DNA repair, DNA damage response (DDR), and the molecular mechanisms, is explored. Further, the HuR (an RNA-binding protein) impact on the expression of genes following DNA damage, and the pathways that regulate HuR function, which is through phosphorylation by Chk1/Cdk1 and Chk2, are specified. Finally, the role of DIF1/ Rnr2-Rnr4 in DDR has been discussed.
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Affiliation(s)
- Erfan Mohammadi
- Drug Applied Research Center, Tabriz University of Medical Sciences, Tabriz, Iran; Department of Biology, Faculty of Natural Sciences, University of Tabriz, Tabriz, Iran.
| | - Fatemeh Sadoughi
- Research Center for Biochemistry and Nutrition in Metabolic Diseases, Institute for Basic Sciences, Kashan University of Medical Sciences, Kashan, Iran.
| | - Simin Younesi
- School of Health and Biomedical Sciences RMIT University, Melbourne, Vic., Australia.
| | - Ansar Karimian
- Drug Applied Research Center, Tabriz University of Medical Sciences, Tabriz, Iran.
| | - Zatollah Asemi
- Research Center for Biochemistry and Nutrition in Metabolic Diseases, Institute for Basic Sciences, Kashan University of Medical Sciences, Kashan, Iran.
| | - Nader Farsad-Akhtar
- Department of Biology, Faculty of Natural Sciences, University of Tabriz, Tabriz, Iran.
| | - Fahime Jahanbakhshi
- Department of Gynecology and Obstetrics, School of Medicine, Shahid Beheshti University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran.
| | - Hamidreza Jamilian
- Department of Psychiatry, Arak University of Medical Sciences, Arak, Iran.
| | - Bahman Yousefi
- Drug Applied Research Center, Tabriz University of Medical Sciences, Tabriz, Iran.
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36
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Filippova N, Yang X, Ananthan S, Calano J, Pathak V, Bratton L, Vekariya RH, Zhang S, Ofori E, Hayward EN, Namkoong D, Crossman DK, Crowley MR, King PH, Mobley J, Nabors LB. Targeting the HuR Oncogenic Role with a New Class of Cytoplasmic Dimerization Inhibitors. Cancer Res 2021; 81:2220-2233. [PMID: 33602784 DOI: 10.1158/0008-5472.can-20-2858] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/21/2020] [Revised: 12/29/2020] [Accepted: 02/10/2021] [Indexed: 11/16/2022]
Abstract
The development of novel therapeutics that exploit alterations in the activation state of key cellular signaling pathways due to mutations in upstream regulators has generated the field of personalized medicine. These first-generation efforts have focused on actionable mutations identified by deep sequencing of large numbers of tumor samples. We propose that a second-generation opportunity exists by exploiting key downstream "nodes of control" that contribute to oncogenesis and are inappropriately activated due to loss of upstream regulation and microenvironmental influences. The RNA-binding protein HuR represents such a node. Because HuR functionality in cancer cells is dependent on HuR dimerization and its nuclear/cytoplasmic shuttling, we developed a new class of molecules targeting HuR protein dimerization. A structure-activity relationship algorithm enabled development of inhibitors of HuR multimer formation that were soluble, had micromolar activity, and penetrated the blood-brain barrier. These inhibitors were evaluated for activity validation and specificity in a robust cell-based assay of HuR dimerization. SRI-42127, a molecule that met these criteria, inhibited HuR multimer formation across primary patient-derived glioblastoma xenolines (PDGx), leading to arrest of proliferation, induction of apoptosis, and inhibition of colony formation. SRI-42127 had favorable attributes with central nervous system penetration and inhibited tumor growth in mouse models. RNA and protein analysis of SRI-42127-treated PDGx xenolines across glioblastoma molecular subtypes confirmed attenuation of targets upregulated by HuR. These results highlight how focusing on key attributes of HuR that contribute to cancer progression, namely cytoplasmic localization and multimerization, has led to the development of a novel, highly effective inhibitor. SIGNIFICANCE: These findings utilize a cell-based mechanism of action assay with a structure-activity relationship compound development pathway to discover inhibitors that target HuR dimerization, a mechanism required for cancer promotion.
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Affiliation(s)
- Natalia Filippova
- Division of Neuro-oncology, Department of Neurology, University of Alabama at Birmingham, Birmingham, Alabama
| | - Xiuhua Yang
- Division of Neuro-oncology, Department of Neurology, University of Alabama at Birmingham, Birmingham, Alabama
| | - Subramaniam Ananthan
- Drug Discovery Division, Chemistry Department, Southern Research Institute, Birmingham, Alabama
| | - Jennifer Calano
- Division of Neuro-oncology, Department of Neurology, University of Alabama at Birmingham, Birmingham, Alabama
| | - Vibha Pathak
- Drug Discovery Division, Chemistry Department, Southern Research Institute, Birmingham, Alabama
| | - Larry Bratton
- Drug Discovery Division, Chemistry Department, Southern Research Institute, Birmingham, Alabama
| | - Rakesh H Vekariya
- Drug Discovery Division, Chemistry Department, Southern Research Institute, Birmingham, Alabama
| | - Sixue Zhang
- Drug Discovery Division, Chemistry Department, Southern Research Institute, Birmingham, Alabama
| | - Edward Ofori
- Drug Discovery Division, Chemistry Department, Southern Research Institute, Birmingham, Alabama
| | - Emily N Hayward
- Division of Neuro-oncology, Department of Neurology, University of Alabama at Birmingham, Birmingham, Alabama
| | - David Namkoong
- Division of Neuro-oncology, Department of Neurology, University of Alabama at Birmingham, Birmingham, Alabama
| | - David K Crossman
- Department of Genetics, UAB Genomics Core, University of Alabama at Birmingham, Birmingham, Alabama
| | - Michael R Crowley
- Department of Genetics, UAB Genomics Core, University of Alabama at Birmingham, Birmingham, Alabama
| | - Peter H King
- Department of Neurology, Birmingham Veterans Affairs Medical Center, Birmingham, Alabama
| | - James Mobley
- Division of Molecular and Translational Biomedicine, Department of Anesthesiology and Perioperative Medicine, O'Neal Comprehensive Cancer Center MS/Proteomics Shared Facility, University of Alabama at Birmingham, Birmingham, Alabama
| | - Louis B Nabors
- Division of Neuro-oncology, Department of Neurology, University of Alabama at Birmingham, Birmingham, Alabama.
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Dihydrotanshinone I Is Effective against Drug-Resistant Helicobacter pylori In Vitro and In Vivo. Antimicrob Agents Chemother 2021; 65:AAC.01921-20. [PMID: 33318002 DOI: 10.1128/aac.01921-20] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/06/2020] [Accepted: 12/05/2020] [Indexed: 02/07/2023] Open
Abstract
Helicobacter pylori is a major global pathogen and has been implicated in gastritis, peptic ulcer, and gastric carcinoma. The efficacy of the extensive therapy of H. pylori infection with antibiotics is compromised by the development of drug resistance and toxicity toward human gut microbiota, which urgently demands novel and selective antibacterial strategies. The present study was mainly performed to assess the in vitro and in vivo effects of a natural herbal compound, dihydrotanshinone I (DHT), against standard and clinical H. pylori strains. DHT demonstrated effective antibacterial activity against H. pylori in vitro (MIC50/90, 0.25/0.5 μg/ml), with no development of resistance during continuous serial passaging. Time-kill curves showed strong time-dependent bactericidal activity for DHT. Also, DHT eliminated preformed biofilms and killed biofilm-encased H. pylori cells more efficiently than the conventional antibiotic metronidazole. In mouse models of multidrug-resistant H. pylori infection, dual therapy with DHT and omeprazole showed in vivo killing efficacy superior to that of the standard triple-therapy approach. Moreover, DHT treatment induces negligible toxicity against normal tissues and exhibits a relatively good safety index. These results suggest that DHT could be suitable for use as an anti-H. pylori agent in combination with a proton pump inhibitor to eradicate multidrug-resistant H. pylori.
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38
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Kang D, Lee Y, Lee JS. RNA-Binding Proteins in Cancer: Functional and Therapeutic Perspectives. Cancers (Basel) 2020; 12:cancers12092699. [PMID: 32967226 PMCID: PMC7563379 DOI: 10.3390/cancers12092699] [Citation(s) in RCA: 79] [Impact Index Per Article: 19.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/23/2020] [Revised: 09/17/2020] [Accepted: 09/18/2020] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
Simple Summary RNA-binding proteins (RBPs) play central roles in regulating posttranscriptional expression of genes. Many of them are known to be deregulated in a wide variety of cancers. Dysregulated RBPs influence the expression levels of target RNAs related to cancer phenotypes, such as proliferation, apoptosis, angiogenesis, senescence, and EMT/invasion/metastasis. Thus, understanding the molecular functions of RBPs and their roles in cancer-related phenotypes can lead to improved therapeutic strategies. Abstract RNA-binding proteins (RBPs) crucially regulate gene expression through post-transcriptional regulation, such as by modulating microRNA (miRNA) processing and the alternative splicing, alternative polyadenylation, subcellular localization, stability, and translation of RNAs. More than 1500 RBPs have been identified to date, and many of them are known to be deregulated in cancer. Alterations in the expression and localization of RBPs can influence the expression levels of oncogenes, tumor-suppressor genes, and genome stability-related genes. RBP-mediated gene regulation can lead to diverse cancer-related cellular phenotypes, such as proliferation, apoptosis, angiogenesis, senescence, and epithelial-mesenchymal transition (EMT)/invasion/metastasis. This regulation can also be associated with cancer prognosis. Thus, RBPs can be potential targets for the development of therapeutics for the cancer treatment. In this review, we describe the molecular functions of RBPs, their roles in cancer-related cellular phenotypes, and various approaches that may be used to target RBPs for cancer treatment.
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Affiliation(s)
- Donghee Kang
- Medical Research Center, College of Medicine, Inha University, Incheon 22212, Korea; (D.K.); (Y.L.)
- Department of Molecular Medicine, College of Medicine, Inha University, Incheon 22212, Korea
- Program in Biomedical Science & Engineering, Inha University Graduate School, Incheon 22212, Korea
| | - Yerim Lee
- Medical Research Center, College of Medicine, Inha University, Incheon 22212, Korea; (D.K.); (Y.L.)
- Department of Molecular Medicine, College of Medicine, Inha University, Incheon 22212, Korea
| | - Jae-Seon Lee
- Medical Research Center, College of Medicine, Inha University, Incheon 22212, Korea; (D.K.); (Y.L.)
- Department of Molecular Medicine, College of Medicine, Inha University, Incheon 22212, Korea
- Program in Biomedical Science & Engineering, Inha University Graduate School, Incheon 22212, Korea
- Correspondence: ; Tel.: +82-32-860-9832
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Wu M, Tong CWS, Yan W, To KKW, Cho WCS. The RNA Binding Protein HuR: A Promising Drug Target for Anticancer Therapy. Curr Cancer Drug Targets 2020; 19:382-399. [PMID: 30381077 DOI: 10.2174/1568009618666181031145953] [Citation(s) in RCA: 32] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/24/2018] [Revised: 08/24/2018] [Accepted: 10/18/2018] [Indexed: 02/07/2023]
Abstract
The stability of mRNA is one of the key factors governing the regulation of eukaryotic gene expression and function. Human antigen R (HuR) is an RNA-binding protein that regulates the stability, translation, and nucleus-to-cytoplasm shuttling of its target mRNAs. While HuR is normally localized within the nucleus, it has been shown that HuR binds mRNAs in the nucleus and then escorts the mRNAs to the cytoplasm where HuR protects them from degradation. It contains several RNA recognition motifs, which specifically bind to adenylate and uridylate-rich regions within the 3'-untranslated region of the target mRNA to mediate its effect. Many of the HuR target mRNAs encode proteins important for cell growth, tumorigenesis, angiogenesis, tumor inflammation, invasion and metastasis. HuR overexpression is known to correlate well with high-grade malignancy and poor prognosis in many tumor types. Thus, HuR has emerged as an attractive drug target for cancer therapy. Novel small molecule HuR inhibitors have been identified by high throughput screening and new formulations for targeted delivery of HuR siRNA to tumor cells have been developed with promising anticancer activity. This review summarizes the significant role of HuR in cancer development, progression, and poor treatment response. We will discuss the potential and challenges of targeting HuR therapeutically.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mingxia Wu
- School of Pharmacy, Faculty of Medicine, The Chinese University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong
| | - Christy W S Tong
- School of Pharmacy, Faculty of Medicine, The Chinese University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong
| | - Wei Yan
- School of Pharmacy, Faculty of Medicine, The Chinese University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong
| | - Kenneth K W To
- School of Pharmacy, Faculty of Medicine, The Chinese University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong
| | - William C S Cho
- Department of Clinical Oncology, Queen Elizabeth Hospital, Hong Kong
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Zhu Y, Yang L, Xu J, Yang X, Luan P, Cui Q, Zhang P, Wang F, Li R, Ding X, Jiang L, Lin G, Zhang J. Discovery of the anti-angiogenesis effect of eltrombopag in breast cancer through targeting of HuR protein. Acta Pharm Sin B 2020; 10:1414-1425. [PMID: 32963940 PMCID: PMC7488360 DOI: 10.1016/j.apsb.2020.02.007] [Citation(s) in RCA: 20] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/24/2019] [Revised: 01/04/2020] [Accepted: 01/07/2020] [Indexed: 01/26/2023] Open
Abstract
HuR (human antigen R), an mRNA-binding protein responsible for poor prognosis in nearly all kinds of malignancies, is a potential anti-tumor target for drug development. While screening HuR inhibitors with a fluorescence polarization (FP) based high-throughput screening (HTS) system, the clinically used drug eltrombopag was identified. Activity of eltrombopag on molecular level was verified with FP, electrophoretic mobility shift assay (EMSA), simulation docking and surface plasmon resonance (SPR). Further, we showed that eltrombopag inhibited in vitro cell proliferation of multiple cancer cell lines and macrophages, and the in vivo anti-tumor activity was also demonstrated in a 4T1 tumor-bearing mouse model. The in vivo data showed that eltrombopag was efficient in reducing microvessels in tumor tissues. We then confirmed the HuR-dependent anti-angiogenesis effect of eltrombopag in 4T1 cells and RAW264.7 macrophages with qRT-PCR, HuR-overexpression and HuR-silencing assays, RNA stability assays, RNA immunoprecipitation and luciferase assays. Finally, we analyzed the in vitro anti-angiogenesis effect of eltrombopag on human umbilical vein endothelial cells (HUVECs) mediated by macrophages with cell scratch assay and in vitro Matrigel angiogenesis assay. With these data, we revealed the HuR-dependent anti-angiogenesis effect of eltrombopag in breast tumor, suggesting that the existing drug eltrombopag may be used as an anti-cancer drug.
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Key Words
- ARE, AU-rich element
- Angiogenesis
- Anti-tumor
- ELB, eltrombopag
- ELISA, enzyme linked immune sorbent assay
- EMSA, electrophoretic mobility shift assay
- Eltrombopag
- FP, fluorescence polarization
- HTS, high-throughput screening
- HUVEC, human umbilical vein endothelial cell
- HuR
- HuR, human antigen R
- IHC, immunohistochemistry
- RIP, RNA immunoprecipitation
- SPR, surface plasmon resonance
- mRNAs stability
- qRT-PCR, quantitative real-time PCR
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Affiliation(s)
- Yuying Zhu
- The Research Center of Chiral Drugs, Innovation Research Institute of Traditional Chinese Medicine (IRI), Shanghai University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Shanghai 201203, China
| | - Liuqing Yang
- The Research Center of Chiral Drugs, Innovation Research Institute of Traditional Chinese Medicine (IRI), Shanghai University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Shanghai 201203, China
| | - Jiazhen Xu
- The Research Center of Chiral Drugs, Innovation Research Institute of Traditional Chinese Medicine (IRI), Shanghai University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Shanghai 201203, China
| | - Xiyan Yang
- Institute of Drug Discovery and Development, School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou 450001, China
| | - Pengwei Luan
- Institute of Drug Discovery and Development, School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou 450001, China
| | - Qianfei Cui
- Institute of Drug Discovery and Development, School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou 450001, China
| | - Pei Zhang
- The Research Center of Chiral Drugs, Innovation Research Institute of Traditional Chinese Medicine (IRI), Shanghai University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Shanghai 201203, China
| | - Feiyun Wang
- The Research Center of Chiral Drugs, Innovation Research Institute of Traditional Chinese Medicine (IRI), Shanghai University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Shanghai 201203, China
| | - Ruixiang Li
- The Research Center of Chiral Drugs, Innovation Research Institute of Traditional Chinese Medicine (IRI), Shanghai University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Shanghai 201203, China
| | - Xinyue Ding
- The Research Center of Chiral Drugs, Innovation Research Institute of Traditional Chinese Medicine (IRI), Shanghai University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Shanghai 201203, China
| | - Lixian Jiang
- The Research Center of Chiral Drugs, Innovation Research Institute of Traditional Chinese Medicine (IRI), Shanghai University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Shanghai 201203, China
| | - Guoqiang Lin
- The Research Center of Chiral Drugs, Innovation Research Institute of Traditional Chinese Medicine (IRI), Shanghai University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Shanghai 201203, China
| | - Jiange Zhang
- The Research Center of Chiral Drugs, Innovation Research Institute of Traditional Chinese Medicine (IRI), Shanghai University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Shanghai 201203, China
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Guha A, Nag S, Ray PS. Negative feedback regulation by HuR controls TRIM21 expression and function in response to UV radiation. Sci Rep 2020; 10:11753. [PMID: 32678213 PMCID: PMC7367240 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-020-68646-3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/11/2019] [Accepted: 05/22/2020] [Indexed: 12/16/2022] Open
Abstract
The E3 ubiquitin ligase TRIM21 plays a crucial role as a negative regulator of innate immune responses. Recent evidence has also indicated the involvement of TRIM21 in the genotoxic stress response and suppressing tumorigenesis. Our previous work has demonstrated a new function of TRIM21 in inhibiting p53 protein synthesis by degrading the RNA-binding protein HuR in response to UV radiation. This suggested a pro-oncogenic role of TRIM21. In this study, we have shown that TRIM21 enhances the proliferation of MCF7 breast carcinoma cells and counteracts the decrease in cell proliferation and colony formation caused by UV-induced DNA damage. Further, this pro-oncogenic role of TRIM21 in response to DNA damage is mediated by its degradation of HuR. Conversely, we found that HuR binds to a U-rich element in the 3'UTR of TRIM21 mRNA and activates its translation, thereby constituting a negative feedback loop. We found that dihydrotanshinone-I (DHTS-I), a plant-derived product which prevents HuR binding to specific RNAs, prevented HuR-mediated upregulation of TRIM21, while increasing the HuR-mediated upregulation of p53. Together, these findings demonstrate a negative feedback regulation between TRIM21 and HuR, which may play an important role in regulating the level of p53 in the genotoxic stress response.
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Affiliation(s)
- Abhishek Guha
- Department of Biological Sciences, Indian Institute of Science Education and Research Kolkata, Mohanpur, West Bengal, 741246, India.,Department of Neurology, University of Alabama, Birmingham, AL, 35294, USA
| | - Sharanya Nag
- Department of Biological Sciences, Indian Institute of Science Education and Research Kolkata, Mohanpur, West Bengal, 741246, India
| | - Partho Sarothi Ray
- Department of Biological Sciences, Indian Institute of Science Education and Research Kolkata, Mohanpur, West Bengal, 741246, India.
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Abstract
Protein-RNA interactions have crucial roles in various cellular activities, which, when dysregulated, can lead to a range of human diseases. The identification of small molecules that target the interaction between RNA-binding proteins (RBPs) and RNA is progressing rapidly and represents a novel strategy for the discovery of chemical probes that facilitate understanding of the cellular functions of RBPs and of therapeutic agents with new mechanisms of action. In this Review, I present a current overview of targeting emerging RBPs using small-molecule inhibitors and recent progress in this burgeoning field. Small-molecule inhibitors that were reported for three representative emerging classes of RBPs, the microRNA-binding protein LIN28, the single-stranded or double-stranded RNA-binding Toll-like receptors and the CRISPR-associated (Cas) proteins, are highlighted from a medicinal-chemistry and chemical-biology perspective. However, although this field is burgeoning, challenges remain in the discovery and characterization of small-molecule inhibitors of RBPs.
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Volpe SD, Listro R, Parafioriti M, Di Giacomo M, Rossi D, Ambrosio FA, Costa G, Alcaro S, Ortuso F, Hirsch AKH, Vasile F, Collina S. BOPC1 Enantiomers Preparation and HuR Interaction Study. From Molecular Modeling to a Curious DEEP-STD NMR Application. ACS Med Chem Lett 2020; 11:883-888. [PMID: 32435400 DOI: 10.1021/acsmedchemlett.9b00659] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/28/2019] [Accepted: 01/28/2020] [Indexed: 01/13/2023] Open
Abstract
The Hu family of RNA-binding proteins plays a crucial role in post-transcriptional processes; indeed, Hu-RNA complexes are involved in various dysfunctions (i.e., inflammation, neurodegeneration, and cancer) and have been recently proposed as promising therapeutic targets. Intrigued by this concept, our research efforts aim at identifying small molecules able to modulate HuR-RNA interactions, with a focus on subtype HuR, upregulated and dysregulated in several cancers. By applying structure-based design, we had already identified racemic trans-BOPC1 as promising HuR binder. In this Letter, we accomplished the enantio-resolution, the assignment of the absolute configuration, and the recognition study with HuR of enantiomerically pure trans-BOPC1. For the first time, we apply DEEP (differential epitope mapping)-STD NMR to study the interaction of BOPC1 with HuR and compare its enantiomers, gaining information on ligand orientation and amino acids involved in the interaction, and thus increasing focus on the in silico binding site model.
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Affiliation(s)
- Serena Della Volpe
- Department of Drug Sciences, Medicinal Chemistry and Technology Section, University of Pavia, Via Taramelli 12, 27100 Pavia, Italy
- Department of Chemistry, University of Milan, Via Golgi 19, 20133 Milano, Italy
| | - Roberta Listro
- Department of Drug Sciences, Medicinal Chemistry and Technology Section, University of Pavia, Via Taramelli 12, 27100 Pavia, Italy
| | - Michela Parafioriti
- Department of Drug Sciences, Medicinal Chemistry and Technology Section, University of Pavia, Via Taramelli 12, 27100 Pavia, Italy
| | - Marcello Di Giacomo
- Department of Drug Sciences, Medicinal Chemistry and Technology Section, University of Pavia, Via Taramelli 12, 27100 Pavia, Italy
| | - Daniela Rossi
- Department of Drug Sciences, Medicinal Chemistry and Technology Section, University of Pavia, Via Taramelli 12, 27100 Pavia, Italy
| | | | - Giosuè Costa
- Department of Health Sciences, University “Magna Græcia” of Catanzaro, Viale Europa, 88100 Catanzaro, Italy
- Net4Science Academic Spin-Off, University “Magna Græcia” of Catanzaro, Campus “S. Venuta”, Viale Europa, Germaneto, 88100 Catanzaro, Italy
| | - Stefano Alcaro
- Department of Health Sciences, University “Magna Græcia” of Catanzaro, Viale Europa, 88100 Catanzaro, Italy
- Net4Science Academic Spin-Off, University “Magna Græcia” of Catanzaro, Campus “S. Venuta”, Viale Europa, Germaneto, 88100 Catanzaro, Italy
| | - Francesco Ortuso
- Department of Health Sciences, University “Magna Græcia” of Catanzaro, Viale Europa, 88100 Catanzaro, Italy
- Net4Science Academic Spin-Off, University “Magna Græcia” of Catanzaro, Campus “S. Venuta”, Viale Europa, Germaneto, 88100 Catanzaro, Italy
| | - Anna K. H. Hirsch
- Helmholtz Institute for Pharmaceutical Research Saarland (HIPS)−Helmholtz Centre for Infection Research (HZI), Department of Drug Design and Optimization, Campus Building E8.1, 66123 Saarbrücken, Germany
- Department of Pharmacy, Saarland University, Campus Building E8.1, 66123 Saarbrücken, Germany
| | - Francesca Vasile
- Department of Chemistry, University of Milan, Via Golgi 19, 20133 Milano, Italy
| | - Simona Collina
- Department of Drug Sciences, Medicinal Chemistry and Technology Section, University of Pavia, Via Taramelli 12, 27100 Pavia, Italy
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GRK2-Dependent HuR Phosphorylation Regulates HIF1α Activation under Hypoxia or Adrenergic Stress. Cancers (Basel) 2020; 12:cancers12051216. [PMID: 32413989 PMCID: PMC7281538 DOI: 10.3390/cancers12051216] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/01/2020] [Revised: 05/09/2020] [Accepted: 05/11/2020] [Indexed: 12/18/2022] Open
Abstract
Adaptation to hypoxia is a common feature in solid tumors orchestrated by oxygen-dependent and independent upregulation of the hypoxia-inducible factor-1α (HIF-1α). We unveiled that G protein-coupled receptor kinase (GRK2), known to be overexpressed in certain tumors, fosters this hypoxic pathway via phosphorylation of the mRNA-binding protein HuR, a central HIF-1α modulator. GRK2-mediated HuR phosphorylation increases the total levels and cytoplasmic shuttling of HuR in response to hypoxia, and GRK2-phosphodefective HuR mutants show defective cytosolic accumulation and lower binding to HIF-1α mRNA in hypoxic Hela cells. Interestingly, enhanced GRK2 and HuR expression correlate in luminal breast cancer patients. GRK2 also promotes the HuR/HIF-1α axis and VEGF-C accumulation in normoxic MCF7 breast luminal cancer cells and is required for the induction of HuR/HIF1-α in response to adrenergic stress. Our results point to a relevant role of the GRK2/HuR/HIF-1α module in the adaptation of malignant cells to tumor microenvironment-related stresses.
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Wang Q, Yi S, Du Z, Huang X, Xu J, Cao Q, Su G, Kijlstra A, Yang P. The Rs12569232 SNP Association with Vogt-Koyanagi-Harada Disease and Behcet's Disease is Probably Mediated by Regulation of Linc00467 Expression. Ocul Immunol Inflamm 2020; 29:1464-1470. [PMID: 32400232 DOI: 10.1080/09273948.2020.1745244] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/24/2022]
Abstract
Purpose: To investigate whether the rs12569232 SNP association with Vogt-Koyanagi-Harada disease and Behcet's disease is mediated by regulation of Linc00467 expression.Methods: The expression of linc00467 was detected by real-time PCR. Adenovirus carrying the linc00467 was transduced into CD4+T cells and the effect on cell viability was measured by the CCK-8 test. Human proteome microarray and starBase 2.0 were used to identify the binding proteins of linc00467 and RNA Immunoprecipitation (RIP) was used to confirm the identity of bound proteins.Results: The rs12569232 was associated with the expression of linc00467. The expression of linc00467 was up-regulated in PBMCs and CD4+T cells from VKH disease and BD patients. Over-expression of linc00467 increased cell viability of CD4+T cells. HUR was the common binding protein identified by the two methods and confirmed by RIP.Conclusions: The rs12569232 association with VKH disease and BD may be mediated via regulating the expression of linc00467.
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Affiliation(s)
- Qingfeng Wang
- Chongqing Key Laboratory of Ophthalmology and Chongqing Eye Institute, The First Affiliated Hospital of Chongqing Medical University, Chongqing, People's Republic of China
| | - Shenglan Yi
- Chongqing Key Laboratory of Ophthalmology and Chongqing Eye Institute, The First Affiliated Hospital of Chongqing Medical University, Chongqing, People's Republic of China
| | - Ziyu Du
- Chongqing Key Laboratory of Ophthalmology and Chongqing Eye Institute, The First Affiliated Hospital of Chongqing Medical University, Chongqing, People's Republic of China
| | - Xinyue Huang
- Chongqing Key Laboratory of Ophthalmology and Chongqing Eye Institute, The First Affiliated Hospital of Chongqing Medical University, Chongqing, People's Republic of China
| | - Jing Xu
- Chongqing Key Laboratory of Ophthalmology and Chongqing Eye Institute, The First Affiliated Hospital of Chongqing Medical University, Chongqing, People's Republic of China
| | - Qingfeng Cao
- Chongqing Key Laboratory of Ophthalmology and Chongqing Eye Institute, The First Affiliated Hospital of Chongqing Medical University, Chongqing, People's Republic of China
| | - Guannan Su
- Chongqing Key Laboratory of Ophthalmology and Chongqing Eye Institute, The First Affiliated Hospital of Chongqing Medical University, Chongqing, People's Republic of China
| | - Aize Kijlstra
- University Eye Clinic Maastricht, Maastricht, The Netherlands
| | - Peizeng Yang
- Chongqing Key Laboratory of Ophthalmology and Chongqing Eye Institute, The First Affiliated Hospital of Chongqing Medical University, Chongqing, People's Republic of China
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Targeting the interaction between RNA-binding protein HuR and FOXQ1 suppresses breast cancer invasion and metastasis. Commun Biol 2020; 3:193. [PMID: 32332873 PMCID: PMC7181695 DOI: 10.1038/s42003-020-0933-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 58] [Impact Index Per Article: 14.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/24/2019] [Accepted: 04/07/2020] [Indexed: 01/02/2023] Open
Abstract
Patients diagnosed with metastatic breast cancer have a dismal 5-year survival rate of only 24%. The RNA-binding protein Hu antigen R (HuR) is upregulated in breast cancer, and elevated cytoplasmic HuR correlates with high-grade tumors and poor clinical outcome of breast cancer. HuR promotes tumorigenesis by regulating numerous proto-oncogenes, growth factors, and cytokines that support major tumor hallmarks including invasion and metastasis. Here, we report a HuR inhibitor KH-3, which potently suppresses breast cancer cell growth and invasion. Furthermore, KH-3 inhibits breast cancer experimental lung metastasis, improves mouse survival, and reduces orthotopic tumor growth. Mechanistically, we identify FOXQ1 as a direct target of HuR. KH-3 disrupts HuR–FOXQ1 mRNA interaction, leading to inhibition of breast cancer invasion. Our study suggests that inhibiting HuR is a promising therapeutic strategy for lethal metastatic breast cancer. Wu et al. identify an inhibitor to the RNA-binding protein HuR, KH-3, that disrupts the interaction between HuR and target RNAs and inhibits human cancer growth and metastasis in mouse xenograft assays. This study suggests the therapeutic potential of targeting HuR in breast cancer with HuR overexpression.
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RNA-Targeted Therapies and High-Throughput Screening Methods. Int J Mol Sci 2020; 21:ijms21082996. [PMID: 32340368 PMCID: PMC7216119 DOI: 10.3390/ijms21082996] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/31/2020] [Revised: 04/20/2020] [Accepted: 04/21/2020] [Indexed: 02/07/2023] Open
Abstract
RNA-binding proteins (RBPs) are involved in regulating all aspects of RNA metabolism, including processing, transport, translation, and degradation. Dysregulation of RNA metabolism is linked to a plethora of diseases, such as cancer, neurodegenerative diseases, and neuromuscular disorders. Recent years have seen a dramatic shift in the knowledge base, with RNA increasingly being recognised as an attractive target for precision medicine therapies. In this article, we are going to review current RNA-targeted therapies. Furthermore, we will scrutinise a range of drug discoveries targeting protein-RNA interactions. In particular, we will focus on the interplay between Lin28 and let-7, splicing regulatory proteins and survival motor neuron (SMN) pre-mRNA, as well as HuR, Musashi, proteins and their RNA targets. We will highlight the mechanisms RBPs utilise to modulate RNA metabolism and discuss current high-throughput screening strategies. This review provides evidence that we are entering a new era of RNA-targeted medicine.
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48
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Platania CBM, Pittalà V, Pascale A, Marchesi N, Anfuso CD, Lupo G, Cristaldi M, Olivieri M, Lazzara F, Di Paola L, Drago F, Bucolo C. Novel indole derivatives targeting HuR-mRNA complex to counteract high glucose damage in retinal endothelial cells. Biochem Pharmacol 2020; 175:113908. [PMID: 32171729 DOI: 10.1016/j.bcp.2020.113908] [Citation(s) in RCA: 29] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/03/2019] [Accepted: 03/09/2020] [Indexed: 12/31/2022]
Abstract
The ELAVL1 (or human antigen R - HuR) RNA binding protein stabilizes the mRNA, with an AU-rich element, of several genes such as growth factors (i.e. VEGF) and inflammatory cytokines (i.e. TNFα). We hereby carried out a virtual screening campaign in order to identify and test novel HuR-mRNA disruptors. Best-scored compounds were tested in an in-vitro model of diabetic retinopathy, namely human retinal endothelial cells (HRECs) challenged with high-glucose levels (25 mM). HuR, VEGF and TNFα protein contents were evaluated by western-blot analysis in total cell lysates. VEGF and TNFα released from HRECs were measured in cell medium by ELISA. We found that two derivatives bearing indole moiety, VP12/14 and VP12/110, modulated HuR expression and decreased VEGF and TNF-α release by HREC exposed to high glucose (HG) levels. VP12/14 and VP12/110 inhibited VEGF and TNF-α release in HRECs challenged with high glucose levels, similarly to dihydrotanshinone (DHTS), a small molecule known to interfere with HuR- TNFα mRNA binding. The present findings demonstrated that VP12/14 and VP12/110 are innovative molecules with anti-inflammatory and anti-angiogenic properties, suggesting their potential use as novel candidates for treatment of diabetic retinopathy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Chiara Bianca Maria Platania
- Department of Biomedical and Biotechnological Sciences, School of Medicine, University of Catania, Catania, Italy
| | - Valeria Pittalà
- Departement of Drug Sciences, University of Catania, Catania, Italy
| | - Alessia Pascale
- Department of Drug Sciences, Pharmacology Section, University of Pavia, Pavia, Italy
| | - Nicoletta Marchesi
- Department of Drug Sciences, Pharmacology Section, University of Pavia, Pavia, Italy
| | - Carmelina Daniela Anfuso
- Department of Biomedical and Biotechnological Sciences, School of Medicine, University of Catania, Catania, Italy; Center for Research in Ocular Pharmacology-CERFO, University of Catania, Catania, Italy
| | - Gabriella Lupo
- Department of Biomedical and Biotechnological Sciences, School of Medicine, University of Catania, Catania, Italy; Center for Research in Ocular Pharmacology-CERFO, University of Catania, Catania, Italy
| | - Martina Cristaldi
- Department of Biomedical and Biotechnological Sciences, School of Medicine, University of Catania, Catania, Italy
| | - Melania Olivieri
- Department of Biomedical and Biotechnological Sciences, School of Medicine, University of Catania, Catania, Italy
| | - Francesca Lazzara
- Department of Biomedical and Biotechnological Sciences, School of Medicine, University of Catania, Catania, Italy
| | - Luisa Di Paola
- Unit of Chemical-Physics Fundamentals in Chemical Engineering, Department of Engineering, Campus Bio-Medico University, Roma, Italy
| | - Filippo Drago
- Department of Biomedical and Biotechnological Sciences, School of Medicine, University of Catania, Catania, Italy; Center for Research in Ocular Pharmacology-CERFO, University of Catania, Catania, Italy
| | - Claudio Bucolo
- Department of Biomedical and Biotechnological Sciences, School of Medicine, University of Catania, Catania, Italy; Center for Research in Ocular Pharmacology-CERFO, University of Catania, Catania, Italy.
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Chen J, Martindale JL, Abdelmohsen K, Kumar G, Fortina PM, Gorospe M, Rostami A, Yu S. RNA-Binding Protein HuR Promotes Th17 Cell Differentiation and Can Be Targeted to Reduce Autoimmune Neuroinflammation. THE JOURNAL OF IMMUNOLOGY 2020; 204:2076-2087. [PMID: 32169842 DOI: 10.4049/jimmunol.1900769] [Citation(s) in RCA: 23] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/08/2019] [Accepted: 02/06/2020] [Indexed: 02/06/2023]
Abstract
Dysregulated Th17 cell differentiation is associated with autoimmune diseases such as multiple sclerosis, which has no curative treatment. Understanding the molecular mechanisms of regulating Th17 cell differentiation will help find a novel therapeutic target for treating Th17 cell-mediated diseases. In this study, we investigated the cell-intrinsic processes by which RNA-binding protein HuR orchestrates Th17 cell fate decisions by posttranscriptionally regulating transcription factors Irf4 and Runx1 and receptor Il12rb1 expression, in turn promoting Th17 cell and Th1-like Th17 cell differentiation in C57BL/6J mice. Knockout of HuR altered the transcriptome of Th17 cells characterized by reducing the levels of RORγt, IRF4, RUNX1, and T-bet, thereby reducing the number of pathogenic IL-17+IFN-γ+CD4+ T cells in the spleen during experimental autoimmune encephalomyelitis. In keeping with the fact that HuR increased the abundance of adhesion molecule VLA-4 on Th17 cells, knockout of HuR impaired splenic Th17 cell migration to the CNS and abolished the disease. Accordingly, targeting HuR by its inhibitor DHTS inhibited splenic Th17 cell differentiation and reduced experimental autoimmune encephalomyelitis severity. In sum, we uncovered the molecular mechanism of HuR regulating Th17 cell functions, underscoring the therapeutic value of HuR for treatment of autoimmune neuroinflammation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jing Chen
- Department of Neurology, Thomas Jefferson University, Philadelphia, PA 19107;
| | - Jennifer L Martindale
- Laboratory of Genetics and Genomics, National Institute on Aging-Intramural Research Program, National Institutes of Health, Baltimore, MD 21224; and
| | - Kotb Abdelmohsen
- Laboratory of Genetics and Genomics, National Institute on Aging-Intramural Research Program, National Institutes of Health, Baltimore, MD 21224; and
| | - Gaurav Kumar
- Department of Cancer Biology, Thomas Jefferson University, Philadelphia, PA 19107
| | - Paolo M Fortina
- Department of Cancer Biology, Thomas Jefferson University, Philadelphia, PA 19107
| | - Myriam Gorospe
- Laboratory of Genetics and Genomics, National Institute on Aging-Intramural Research Program, National Institutes of Health, Baltimore, MD 21224; and
| | | | - Shiguang Yu
- Department of Neurology, Thomas Jefferson University, Philadelphia, PA 19107;
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50
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Human antigen R: A potential therapeutic target for liver diseases. Pharmacol Res 2020; 155:104684. [PMID: 32045667 DOI: 10.1016/j.phrs.2020.104684] [Citation(s) in RCA: 25] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/24/2020] [Revised: 02/07/2020] [Accepted: 02/07/2020] [Indexed: 02/08/2023]
Abstract
Human antigen R (HuR), also known as HuA and embryonic lethal abnormal vision-like 1 (ELAVL1), is a ubiquitously expressed RNA binding protein and functions as an RNA regulator and mediates the expression of various proteins by diverse post-transcriptional mechanisms. HuR has been well characterized in the inflammatory responses and in the development of various cancers. The importance of HuR-mediated roles in cell signaling, inflammation, fibrogenesis and cancer development in the liver has attracted a great deal of attention. However, there is still a substantial gap between the current understanding of the potential roles of HuR in the progression of liver disease and whether HuR can be targeted for the treatment of liver diseases. In this review, we introduce the function and mechanistic characterization of HuR, and then focus on the physiopathological roles of HuR in the development of different liver diseases, including hepatic inflammation, alcoholic liver diseases, non-alcoholic fatty liver diseases, viral hepatitis, liver fibrosis and liver cancers. We also summarize existing approaches targeting HuR function. In conclusion, although characterizing the liver-specific HuR function and demonstrating the multi-level regulative networks of HuR in the liver are still required, emerging evidence supports the notion that HuR represents a potential therapeutic target for the treatment of chronic liver diseases.
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