1
|
Herman L, Amo A, Legois B, Di Carlo C, Veitia RA, Todeschini AL. A cellular model provides insights into the pathogenicity of the oncogenic FOXL2 somatic variant p.Cys134Trp. Br J Cancer 2024; 130:1453-1462. [PMID: 38429437 PMCID: PMC11059147 DOI: 10.1038/s41416-024-02613-x] [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: 05/15/2023] [Revised: 01/30/2024] [Accepted: 02/01/2024] [Indexed: 03/03/2024] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND FOXL2 is a transcription factor expressed in ovarian granulosa cells. A somatic variant of FOXL2 (c.402 C > G, p.Cys134Trp) is the hallmark of adult-type granulosa cell tumours. METHODS We generated KGN cell clones either heterozygous for this variant (MUT) or homozygous for the wild-type (WT) allele by CRISPR/Cas9 editing. They underwent RNA-Seq and bioinformatics analyses to uncover pathways impacted by deregulated genes. Cell morphology and migration were studied. RESULTS The differentially expressed genes (DEGs) between WT/MUT and WT/WT KGN cells (DEGs-WT/MUT), pointed to several dysregulated pathways, like TGF-beta pathway, cell adhesion and migration. Consistently, WT/MUT cells were rounder than WT/WT cells and displayed a different distribution of stress fibres and paxillin staining. A comparison of the DEGs-WT/MUT with those found when FOXL2 was knocked down (KD) in WT/WT KGN cells showed that most DEGs-WT/MUT cells were not so in the KD experiment, supporting a gain-of-function (GOF) scenario. MUT-FOXL2 also displayed a stronger interaction with SMAD3. CONCLUSIONS Our work, aiming at better understanding the GOF scenario, shows that the dysregulated genes and pathways are consistent with this idea. Besides, we propose that GOF might result from an enhanced interaction with SMAD3 that could underlie an ectopic capacity of mutated FOXL2 to bind SMAD4.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Laetitia Herman
- Université Paris Cité, CNRS, Institut Jacques Monod, Paris, France
| | - Angélique Amo
- Université Paris Cité, CNRS, Institut Jacques Monod, Paris, France
| | - Berangère Legois
- Université Paris Cité, CNRS, Institut Jacques Monod, Paris, France
| | | | - Reiner A Veitia
- Université Paris Cité, CNRS, Institut Jacques Monod, Paris, France
- Université Paris Saclay, Paris, France
- Institut de Biologie François Jacob, CEA, Fontenay aux Roses, Paris, France
| | | |
Collapse
|
2
|
Yu SY, Luan Y, Xu PC, Zhang Y, Dong R, Abazarikia A, Kim SY. Metabolic characteristics of granulosa cell tumor: role of PPARγ signaling†. Biol Reprod 2024; 110:509-520. [PMID: 38123510 PMCID: PMC10941086 DOI: 10.1093/biolre/ioad173] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/11/2023] [Revised: 10/27/2023] [Accepted: 12/18/2023] [Indexed: 12/23/2023] Open
Abstract
Granulosa cell tumors are relatively rare, posing challenges for comprehension and therapeutic development due to limited cases and preclinical models. Metabolic reprogramming, a hallmark of cancer, manifests in granulosa cell tumors with notable lipid accumulation and increased expression of peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor gamma (PPARγ), a key lipid metabolism regulator. The roles of these features, however, remain unclear. In our previous work, we established a granulosa cell tumor model in mice by introducing a constitutively active Pik3ca mutant in oocytes, enabling the study of predictable tumor patterns from postnatal day 50. In this study, we characterized metabolic alterations during tumorigenesis (postnatal day 8 to day 50) and tumor growth (day 50 to day 65) in this model and explored the impact of PPARγ antagonism on human granulosa cell tumor proliferation. The tumor exhibited significant lipid accumulation, with PPARγ and the proliferation marker Ki67 co-localizing at postnatal day 65. Transcriptome analysis demonstrates that pathways for lipid metabolism and mitochondrial oxidation are promoted during tumorigenesis and tumor growth, respectively. Overlappingly upregulated genes during tumorigenesis and tumor growth are associated with lipid metabolism pathways. Correspondingly, mouse granulosa cell tumor shows overexpression of peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor gamma and DGAT2 proteins at postnatal day 65. Furthermore, GW9662 reduces the proliferation of KGN human granulosa cell tumor cells and decreases the phosphorylation of AKT and SMAD3. Our findings identify metabolic abnormalities in ooPIK3CA* granulosa cell tumor model and suggest peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor gamma as a potential driver for primary granulosa cell tumor growth.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Seok-Yeong Yu
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Olson Center for Women’s Health, College of Medicine, University of Nebraska Medical Center, Omaha, NE, USA
| | - Yi Luan
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Olson Center for Women’s Health, College of Medicine, University of Nebraska Medical Center, Omaha, NE, USA
| | - Pauline C Xu
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Olson Center for Women’s Health, College of Medicine, University of Nebraska Medical Center, Omaha, NE, USA
| | - Yaqi Zhang
- Division of Reproductive Science in Medicine, Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Feinberg School of Medicine, Northwestern University, Chicago, IL, USA
| | - Rosemary Dong
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Olson Center for Women’s Health, College of Medicine, University of Nebraska Medical Center, Omaha, NE, USA
| | - Amirhossein Abazarikia
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Olson Center for Women’s Health, College of Medicine, University of Nebraska Medical Center, Omaha, NE, USA
| | - So-Youn Kim
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Olson Center for Women’s Health, College of Medicine, University of Nebraska Medical Center, Omaha, NE, USA
- Fred & Pamela Buffett Cancer Center, University of Nebraska Medical Center, 985860 Nebraska Med Center, Omaha, NE, 68198, USA
| |
Collapse
|
3
|
Gaspari L, Haouzi D, Gennetier A, Granes G, Soler A, Sultan C, Paris F, Hamamah S. Transgenerational Transmission of 2,3,7,8-Tetrachlorodibenzo-p-dioxin (TCDD) Effects in Human Granulosa Cells: The Role of MicroRNAs. Int J Mol Sci 2024; 25:1144. [PMID: 38256218 PMCID: PMC10816780 DOI: 10.3390/ijms25021144] [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: 11/26/2023] [Revised: 12/27/2023] [Accepted: 12/27/2023] [Indexed: 01/24/2024] Open
Abstract
Endocrine-disrupting chemicals (EDCs) might contribute to the increase in female-specific cancers in Western countries. 2,3,7,8-tetrachlordibenzo-p-dioxin (TCDD) is considered the "prototypical toxicant" to study EDCs' effects on reproductive health. Epigenetic regulation by small noncoding RNAs (sncRNAs), such as microRNAs (miRNA), is crucial for controlling cancer development. The aim of this study was to analyze transcriptional activity and sncRNA expression changes in the KGN cell line after acute (3 h) and chronic (72 h) exposure to 10 nM TCDD in order to determine whether sncRNAs' deregulation may contribute to transmitting TCDD effects to the subsequent cell generations (day 9 and day 14 after chronic exposure). Using Affymetrix GeneChip miRNA 4.0 arrays, 109 sncRNAs were found to be differentially expressed (fold change < -2 or >2; p-value < 0.05) between cells exposed or not (control) to TCDD for 3 h and 72 h and on day 9 and day 14 after chronic exposure. Ingenuity Pathway Analysis predicted that following the acute and chronic exposure of KGN cells, sncRNAs linked to cellular development, growth and proliferation were downregulated, and those linked to cancer promotion were upregulated on day 9 and day 14. These results indicated that TCDD-induced sncRNA dysregulation may have transgenerational cancer-promoting effects.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Laura Gaspari
- Unité d’Endocrinologie-Gynécologie Pédiatrique, Service de Pédiatrie, Hôpital Arnaud-de-Villeneuve, CHU Montpellier, Université de Montpellier, 34295 Montpellier, France; (L.G.); (C.S.)
- Centre de Référence Maladies Rares du Développement Génital, Constitutif Sud, Hôpital Lapeyronie, CHU Montpellier, Université de Montpellier, 34295 Montpellier, France
- INSERM U 1203, Développement Embryonnaire Fertilité Environnement, Université de Montpellier, INSERM, 34295 Montpellier, France (A.S.)
| | - Delphine Haouzi
- INSERM U 1203, Développement Embryonnaire Fertilité Environnement, Université de Montpellier, INSERM, 34295 Montpellier, France (A.S.)
- Département de Biologie de la Reproduction et DPI (ART/PGD), Hôpital A. de Villeneuve, CHU Montpellier, Université de Montpellier, 34295 Montpellier, France
| | - Aurélie Gennetier
- INSERM U 1203, Développement Embryonnaire Fertilité Environnement, Université de Montpellier, INSERM, 34295 Montpellier, France (A.S.)
| | - Gaby Granes
- INSERM U 1203, Développement Embryonnaire Fertilité Environnement, Université de Montpellier, INSERM, 34295 Montpellier, France (A.S.)
| | - Alexandra Soler
- INSERM U 1203, Développement Embryonnaire Fertilité Environnement, Université de Montpellier, INSERM, 34295 Montpellier, France (A.S.)
- Global ART Innovation Network (GAIN), 34295 Montpellier, France
| | - Charles Sultan
- Unité d’Endocrinologie-Gynécologie Pédiatrique, Service de Pédiatrie, Hôpital Arnaud-de-Villeneuve, CHU Montpellier, Université de Montpellier, 34295 Montpellier, France; (L.G.); (C.S.)
| | - Françoise Paris
- Unité d’Endocrinologie-Gynécologie Pédiatrique, Service de Pédiatrie, Hôpital Arnaud-de-Villeneuve, CHU Montpellier, Université de Montpellier, 34295 Montpellier, France; (L.G.); (C.S.)
- Centre de Référence Maladies Rares du Développement Génital, Constitutif Sud, Hôpital Lapeyronie, CHU Montpellier, Université de Montpellier, 34295 Montpellier, France
- INSERM U 1203, Développement Embryonnaire Fertilité Environnement, Université de Montpellier, INSERM, 34295 Montpellier, France (A.S.)
| | - Samir Hamamah
- INSERM U 1203, Développement Embryonnaire Fertilité Environnement, Université de Montpellier, INSERM, 34295 Montpellier, France (A.S.)
- Département de Biologie de la Reproduction et DPI (ART/PGD), Hôpital A. de Villeneuve, CHU Montpellier, Université de Montpellier, 34295 Montpellier, France
| |
Collapse
|
4
|
Wessman S, Fuentes BB, Severin-Karlsson J, Westbom-Fremer S, Nistér M, Kokaraki G, Petta TB, Haglund F, Carlson JW. FOXL2 Mutation Status in Sex Cord-stromal Tumors Cannot be Predicted by Morphology. Int J Gynecol Pathol 2024; 43:78-89. [PMID: 37255476 DOI: 10.1097/pgp.0000000000000953] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/01/2023]
Abstract
Granulosa-cell tumors (GCTs) are the most common type of malignant ovarian sex cord-stromal tumor (SCST). The histopathologic diagnosis of these tumors can be challenging. A recurrent somatic mutation of the forkhead box L2 (FOXL2) gene has been identified in adult GCT. In this retrospective single-center study of 44 SCST, a morphologic review together with analysis of FOXL2 C134W was evaluated in relation to tumor morphology. In addition, TERT promoter mutation testing was performed. Twelve of 36 cases got an altered diagnosis based on morphology alone. The overarching architectural growth pattern in 32/44 (72.7%) tumors was diffuse/solid with several tumors showing markedly heterogeneous architecture. In correlation to FOXL2 C134W mutation status, cytoplasmic color, and nuclear shape, differed between the FOXL2 C134W positive and FOXL2 C134 W negative groups, but these differences were not significant when comparing them separately. Nineteen of 44 cases underwent TERT promoter sequencing with a positive result in 3 cases; 2 adult GCTs and 1 cellular fibroma. Three patients developed a recurrence of which 2 were FOXL2 C134W positive adult GCTs and the third was an unclassified SCST. In conclusion, the morphologic and immunohistochemical diagnosis of different SCSTs is challenging and one cannot reliably identify FOXL2 mutation-positive tumors solely by morphologic features. Therefore, broad use of molecular analysis of the FOXL2 C134W mutation is suggested for SCSTs, and further studies are needed to evaluate the clinical outcome of these tumors as well as the diagnostic and prognostic implications of TERT promoter mutations.
Collapse
|
5
|
Trecourt A, Donzel M, Alsadoun N, Allias F, Devouassoux-Shisheboran M. Relevance of Molecular Pathology for the Diagnosis of Sex Cord-Stromal Tumors of the Ovary: A Narrative Review. Cancers (Basel) 2023; 15:5864. [PMID: 38136408 PMCID: PMC10741682 DOI: 10.3390/cancers15245864] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/15/2023] [Revised: 12/12/2023] [Accepted: 12/13/2023] [Indexed: 12/24/2023] Open
Abstract
Ovarian sex cord-stromal tumors (SCSTs) account for 8% of all primary ovarian neo-plasms. Accurate diagnosis is crucial since each subtype has a specific prognostic and treatment. Apart from fibrosarcomas, stromal tumors are benign while sex cord tumors may recur, sometimes with a significant time to relapse. Although the diagnosis based on morphology is straightforward, in some cases the distinction between stromal tumors and sex cord tumors may be tricky. Indeed, the immunophenotype is usually nonspecific between stromal tumors and sex cord tumors. Therefore, molecular pathology plays an important role in the diagnosis of such entities, with pathognomonic or recurrent alterations, such as FOXL2 variants in adult granulosa cell tumors. In addition, these neoplasms may be associated with genetic syndromes, such as Peutz-Jeghers syndrome for sex cord tumors with annular tubules, and DICER1 syndrome for Sertoli-Leydig cell tumors (SLCTs), for which the pathologist may be in the front line of syndromic suspicion. Molecular pathology of SCST is also relevant for patient prognosis and management. For instance, the DICER1 variant is associated with moderately to poorly differentiated SLCTS and a poorer prognosis. The present review summarizes the histomolecular criteria useful for the diagnosis of SCST, using recent molecular data from the literature.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Alexis Trecourt
- Service de Pathologie Multi-Site—Site Sud, Centre Hospitalier Lyon Sud, Hospices Civils de Lyon, 69310 Lyon, France; (A.T.); (M.D.); (N.A.); (F.A.)
- UR 3738, Centre pour l’Innovation en Cancérologie de Lyon (CICLY), Université Claude Bernard Lyon 1, 69921 Lyon, France
| | - Marie Donzel
- Service de Pathologie Multi-Site—Site Sud, Centre Hospitalier Lyon Sud, Hospices Civils de Lyon, 69310 Lyon, France; (A.T.); (M.D.); (N.A.); (F.A.)
| | - Nadjla Alsadoun
- Service de Pathologie Multi-Site—Site Sud, Centre Hospitalier Lyon Sud, Hospices Civils de Lyon, 69310 Lyon, France; (A.T.); (M.D.); (N.A.); (F.A.)
| | - Fabienne Allias
- Service de Pathologie Multi-Site—Site Sud, Centre Hospitalier Lyon Sud, Hospices Civils de Lyon, 69310 Lyon, France; (A.T.); (M.D.); (N.A.); (F.A.)
| | - Mojgan Devouassoux-Shisheboran
- Service de Pathologie Multi-Site—Site Sud, Centre Hospitalier Lyon Sud, Hospices Civils de Lyon, 69310 Lyon, France; (A.T.); (M.D.); (N.A.); (F.A.)
- UR 3738, Centre pour l’Innovation en Cancérologie de Lyon (CICLY), Université Claude Bernard Lyon 1, 69921 Lyon, France
| |
Collapse
|
6
|
Zutterling C, Todeschini AL, Fourmy D, Busso D, Veaute X, Ducongé F, Veitia RA. The forkhead DNA-binding domain binds specific G2-rich RNA sequences. Nucleic Acids Res 2023; 51:12367-12380. [PMID: 37933840 PMCID: PMC10711433 DOI: 10.1093/nar/gkad994] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/31/2023] [Revised: 09/06/2023] [Accepted: 10/17/2023] [Indexed: 11/08/2023] Open
Abstract
Transcription factors contain a DNA-binding domain ensuring specific recognition of DNA target sequences. The family of forkhead (FOX) transcription factors is composed of dozens of paralogs in mammals. The forkhead domain (FHD) is a segment of about 100 amino acids that binds an A-rich DNA sequence. Using DNA and RNA PCR-SELEX, we show that recombinant FOXL2 proteins, either wild-type or carrying the oncogenic variant C134W, recognize similar DNA-binding sites. This suggests that the oncogenic variant does not alter the intrinsic sequence-specificity of FOXL2. Most importantly, we show that FOXL2 binds G2-rich RNA sequences whereas it virtually fails to bind similar sequences in DNA chemistry. Interestingly, a statistically significant subset of genes responding to the knock-down of FOXL2/Foxl2 harbor such G2-rich sequences and are involved in crucial signaling pathways and cellular processes. In addition, we show that FOXA1, FOXO3a and chimeric FOXL2 proteins containing the FHD of the former are also able to interact with some of the preferred FOXL2-binding sequences. Our results point to an unexpected and novel characteristic of the forkhead domain, the biological relevance of which remains to be explored.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Caroline Zutterling
- Université Paris Cité, CNRS, Institut Jacques Monod, CNRS UMR7592, Paris 75013, France
| | - Anne-Laure Todeschini
- Université Paris Cité, CNRS, Institut Jacques Monod, CNRS UMR7592, Paris 75013, France
| | - Deborah Fourmy
- Molecular Imaging Research Center, Fontenay-aux-Roses, France
- Université Paris Saclay, France
- Institut de Biologie François Jacob, CEA, Fontenay aux Roses, France
| | - Didier Busso
- Université Paris Saclay, France
- Institut de Biologie François Jacob, CEA, Fontenay aux Roses, France
- CIGEx platform. UMR Stabilité Génétique Cellules Souches et Radiations, Fontenay-aux-Roses, France
| | - Xavier Veaute
- Université Paris Saclay, France
- Institut de Biologie François Jacob, CEA, Fontenay aux Roses, France
- CIGEx platform. UMR Stabilité Génétique Cellules Souches et Radiations, Fontenay-aux-Roses, France
| | - Frédéric Ducongé
- Molecular Imaging Research Center, Fontenay-aux-Roses, France
- Université Paris Saclay, France
- Institut de Biologie François Jacob, CEA, Fontenay aux Roses, France
| | - Reiner A Veitia
- Université Paris Cité, CNRS, Institut Jacques Monod, CNRS UMR7592, Paris 75013, France
- Université Paris Saclay, France
- Institut de Biologie François Jacob, CEA, Fontenay aux Roses, France
| |
Collapse
|
7
|
Fang X, Nie L, Putluri S, Ni N, Bartholin L, Li Q. Sertoli Cell-Specific Activation of Transforming Growth Factor Beta Receptor 1 Leads to Testicular Granulosa Cell Tumor Formation. Cells 2023; 12:2717. [PMID: 38067144 PMCID: PMC10706251 DOI: 10.3390/cells12232717] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/23/2023] [Revised: 11/20/2023] [Accepted: 11/23/2023] [Indexed: 12/18/2023] Open
Abstract
The transforming growth factor β (TGFβ) superfamily, consisting of protein ligands, receptors, and intracellular SMAD transducers, regulates fundamental biological processes and cancer development. Our previous study has shown that sustained activation of TGFβ receptor 1 (TGFBR1) driven by anti-Mullerian hormone receptor type 2 (Amhr2)-Cre in the mouse testis induces the formation of testicular granulosa cell tumors (TGCTs). As Amhr2-Cre is expressed in both Sertoli cells and Leydig cells, it remains unclear whether the activation of TGFBR1 in Sertoli cells alone is sufficient to induce TGCT formation. Therefore, the objective of this study was to determine whether Sertoli cell-activation of TGFBR1 drives oncogenesis in the testis. Our hypothesis was that overactivation of TGFBR1 in Sertoli cells would promote their transdifferentiation into granulosa-like cells and the formation of TGCTs. To test this hypothesis, we generated mice harboring constitutive activation of TGFBR1 in Sertoli cells using anti-Mullerian hormone (Amh)-Cre. Disorganized seminiferous tubules and tumor nodules were found in TGFBR1CA; Amh-Cre mice. A histological analysis showed that Sertoli cell-specific activation of TGFBR1 led to the development of neoplasms resembling granulosa cell tumors, which derailed spermatogenesis. Moreover, TGCTs expressed granulosa cell markers including FOXL2, FOXO1, and INHA. Using a dual fluorescence reporter line, the membrane-targeted tdTomato (mT)/membrane-targeted EGFP (mG) mouse, we provided evidence that Sertoli cells transdifferentiated toward a granulosa cell fate during tumorigenesis. Thus, our findings indicate that Sertoli cell-specific activation of TGFBR1 leads to the formation of TGCTs, supporting a key contribution of Sertoli cell reprogramming to the development of this testicular malignancy in our model.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Xin Fang
- Department of Veterinary Integrative Biosciences, Texas A&M University, College Station, TX 77843, USA
| | - Linfeng Nie
- Department of Veterinary Integrative Biosciences, Texas A&M University, College Station, TX 77843, USA
| | - Satwikreddy Putluri
- Department of Veterinary Integrative Biosciences, Texas A&M University, College Station, TX 77843, USA
| | - Nan Ni
- Department of Veterinary Integrative Biosciences, Texas A&M University, College Station, TX 77843, USA
| | - Laurent Bartholin
- INSERM U1052, CNRS UMR5286, Centre de Recherche en Cancérologie de Lyon, Université Lyon 1, F-69000 Lyon, France
- Centre Léon Bérard, F-69008 Lyon, France
| | - Qinglei Li
- Department of Veterinary Integrative Biosciences, Texas A&M University, College Station, TX 77843, USA
| |
Collapse
|
8
|
Yi M, Wang S, Zhang X, Jiang L, Xia X, Zhang T, Fang X. Linc-ROR Promotes EMT by Targeting miR-204-5p/SMAD4 in Endometriosis. Reprod Sci 2023; 30:2665-2679. [PMID: 36917423 DOI: 10.1007/s43032-023-01204-0] [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: 01/20/2022] [Accepted: 02/17/2023] [Indexed: 03/16/2023]
Abstract
Endometriosis (EMs) is a systemic and chronic disease with cancer-like feature, namely, distant implantation, which caused heavy healthy burden of nearly 200 million females. LncRNAs have been proved as new modulators in epithelial-mesenchymal transition (EMT) and EMs. Quantitative real-time PCR was conducted to measure the expression level of long intergenic non-protein coding RNA, regulator of reprogramming (Linc-ROR), and miR-204-5p in ectopic endometrium (n = 25), eutopic endometrium (n = 20), and natural control endometrium (n = 22). Overexpression of Linc-ROR, knockdown or overexpression of miR-204-5p in End1/E6E7 and Ishikawa cells, was conducted to detect the function of Linc-ROR and miR-204-5p in EMs. Furthermore, luciferase reports were used to confirm the combination of Linc-ROR and miR-204-5p and the combination between miR-204-5p and SMAD4. Cell-Counting Kit-8, EdU assay, transwell assays, and Western blotting were used to detect the function of Linc-ROR and miR-204-5p in EMs cancer-like behaviors and EMT process. Linc-ROR was up-regulated in ectopic endometrium. Overexpressed Linc-ROR promotes cell proliferation, invasion, and EMT process. Linc-ROR regulated the EMT process, cellular proliferation, and invasion of EMs via binding to miR-204-5p. In addition, overexpression of Linc-ROR up-regulated SMAD4, a target protein of miR-204-5p, with which regulated EMT process and cancer-like behaviors in EMs together. Linc-ROR/miR-204-5p/SMAD4 axis plays a vital role in regulation EMT process in EMs, which might become a novel therapeutic targets and powerful biomarkers in EMs therapy.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Mingyu Yi
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, The Second Xiangya Hospital of Central South University, NO.139 Middle Renmin Road, Changsha, 410011, Hunan, China
| | - Sixue Wang
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, The Second Xiangya Hospital of Central South University, NO.139 Middle Renmin Road, Changsha, 410011, Hunan, China
| | - Xinyue Zhang
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, The Second Xiangya Hospital of Central South University, NO.139 Middle Renmin Road, Changsha, 410011, Hunan, China
| | - Li Jiang
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, The Second Xiangya Hospital of Central South University, NO.139 Middle Renmin Road, Changsha, 410011, Hunan, China
| | - Xiaomeng Xia
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, The Second Xiangya Hospital of Central South University, NO.139 Middle Renmin Road, Changsha, 410011, Hunan, China
| | - Tingting Zhang
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, The Second Xiangya Hospital of Central South University, NO.139 Middle Renmin Road, Changsha, 410011, Hunan, China
| | - Xiaoling Fang
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, The Second Xiangya Hospital of Central South University, NO.139 Middle Renmin Road, Changsha, 410011, Hunan, China.
| |
Collapse
|
9
|
Wang Q, Xiong F, Wu G, Wang D, Liu W, Chen J, Qi Y, Wang B, Chen Y. SMAD Proteins in TGF-β Signalling Pathway in Cancer: Regulatory Mechanisms and Clinical Applications. Diagnostics (Basel) 2023; 13:2769. [PMID: 37685308 PMCID: PMC10487229 DOI: 10.3390/diagnostics13172769] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/08/2023] [Revised: 08/17/2023] [Accepted: 08/25/2023] [Indexed: 09/10/2023] Open
Abstract
Suppressor of mother against decapentaplegic (SMAD) family proteins are central to one of the most versatile cytokine signalling pathways in metazoan biology, the transforming growth factor-β (TGF-β) pathway. The TGF-β pathway is widely known for its dual role in cancer progression as both an inhibitor of tumour cell growth and an inducer of tumour metastasis. This is mainly mediated through SMAD proteins and their cofactors or regulators. SMAD proteins act as transcription factors, regulating the transcription of a wide range of genes, and their rich post-translational modifications are influenced by a variety of regulators and cofactors. The complex role, mechanisms, and important functions of SMAD proteins in tumours are the hot topics in current oncology research. In this paper, we summarize the recent progress on the effects and mechanisms of SMAD proteins on tumour development, diagnosis, treatment and prognosis, and provide clues for subsequent research on SMAD proteins in tumours.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Qi Wang
- Department of Biliary-Pancreatic Surgery, Tongji Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan 430000, China; (Q.W.); (F.X.); (G.W.); (D.W.); (W.L.); (J.C.); (B.W.)
| | - Fei Xiong
- Department of Biliary-Pancreatic Surgery, Tongji Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan 430000, China; (Q.W.); (F.X.); (G.W.); (D.W.); (W.L.); (J.C.); (B.W.)
| | - Guanhua Wu
- Department of Biliary-Pancreatic Surgery, Tongji Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan 430000, China; (Q.W.); (F.X.); (G.W.); (D.W.); (W.L.); (J.C.); (B.W.)
| | - Da Wang
- Department of Biliary-Pancreatic Surgery, Tongji Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan 430000, China; (Q.W.); (F.X.); (G.W.); (D.W.); (W.L.); (J.C.); (B.W.)
| | - Wenzheng Liu
- Department of Biliary-Pancreatic Surgery, Tongji Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan 430000, China; (Q.W.); (F.X.); (G.W.); (D.W.); (W.L.); (J.C.); (B.W.)
| | - Junsheng Chen
- Department of Biliary-Pancreatic Surgery, Tongji Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan 430000, China; (Q.W.); (F.X.); (G.W.); (D.W.); (W.L.); (J.C.); (B.W.)
| | - Yongqiang Qi
- Key Laboratory of Laparoscopic Technology of Zhejiang Province, Department of General Surgery, Sir Run-Run Shaw Hospital, Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Hangzhou 310016, China;
| | - Bing Wang
- Department of Biliary-Pancreatic Surgery, Tongji Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan 430000, China; (Q.W.); (F.X.); (G.W.); (D.W.); (W.L.); (J.C.); (B.W.)
| | - Yongjun Chen
- Department of Biliary-Pancreatic Surgery, Tongji Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan 430000, China; (Q.W.); (F.X.); (G.W.); (D.W.); (W.L.); (J.C.); (B.W.)
| |
Collapse
|
10
|
Llano E, Todeschini AL, Felipe-Medina N, Corte-Torres MD, Condezo YB, Sanchez-Martin M, López-Tamargo S, Astudillo A, Puente XS, Pendas AM, Veitia RA. The Oncogenic FOXL2 C134W Mutation Is a Key Driver of Granulosa Cell Tumors. Cancer Res 2023; 83:239-250. [PMID: 36409821 DOI: 10.1158/0008-5472.can-22-1880] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/09/2022] [Revised: 10/24/2022] [Accepted: 11/15/2022] [Indexed: 11/22/2022]
Abstract
Adult-type granulosa cell tumors (AGCT) are the most common type of malignant ovarian sex cord-stromal tumors. Most AGCTs carry the somatic variant c.402C>G (p.C134W) affecting the transcription factor FOXL2. Germline dominant variants in FOXL2 are responsible for blepharophimosis syndrome, which is characterized by underdevelopment of the eyelid. In this work, we generated a mouse model harboring the C134W variant of FOXL2 to evaluate in vivo the poorly understood oncogenic role of FOXL2. The mutation was dominant regarding eyelid hypoplasia, reminiscent of blepharophimosis syndrome. Interestingly, Foxl2+/C134W female mice had reduced fertility and developed AGCTs through a progression from abnormal ovaries with aberrant granulosa cells to ovaries with stromal hyperplasia and atypia and on to tumors in adut mice. The genes dysregulated in mouse AGCTs exhibited the hallmarks of cancer and were consistent with a gain-of-function of the mutated allele affecting TGFβ signaling. A comparison of these data with previous results on human AGCTs indicated similar deregulated pathways. Finally, a mutational analysis of mouse AGCT transcriptomic data suggested the absence of additional driver mutations apart from FOXL2-C134W. These results provide a clear in vivo example in which a single mutational hit triggers tumor development associated with profound transcriptomic alterations. SIGNIFICANCE A newly generated mouse model carrying a FOXL2 mutation characteristic of adult-type granulosa cell tumors shows that FOXL2 C134W shifts the transcriptome towards a signature of granulosa cell cancer and drives tumorigenesis.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Elena Llano
- Molecular Mechanisms Program, Centro de Investigación del Cáncer and Instituto de Biologıía Molecular y Celular del Cáncer (CSIC-Universidad de Salamanca), Salamanca, Spain.,Departamento de Fisiología, Universidad de Salamanca, Salamanca, Spain
| | | | - Natalia Felipe-Medina
- Molecular Mechanisms Program, Centro de Investigación del Cáncer and Instituto de Biologıía Molecular y Celular del Cáncer (CSIC-Universidad de Salamanca), Salamanca, Spain
| | - María D Corte-Torres
- Instituto de Investigación Sanitaria de Asturias, Hospital Universitario del Principado de Asturias, Oviedo, Spain
| | - Yazmine B Condezo
- Molecular Mechanisms Program, Centro de Investigación del Cáncer and Instituto de Biologıía Molecular y Celular del Cáncer (CSIC-Universidad de Salamanca), Salamanca, Spain
| | | | - Sara López-Tamargo
- Departamento de Bioquímica y Biología Molecular, Instituto Universitario de Oncología (IUOPA), Universidad de Oviedo, Oviedo, Spain
| | - Aurora Astudillo
- Instituto de Investigación Sanitaria de Asturias, Hospital Universitario del Principado de Asturias, Oviedo, Spain
| | - Xose S Puente
- Departamento de Bioquímica, Universidad de Oviedo, Oviedo, Spain.,Centro de Investigación Biomédica en Red de Cáncer (CIBERONC), Madrid, Spain
| | - Alberto M Pendas
- Molecular Mechanisms Program, Centro de Investigación del Cáncer and Instituto de Biologıía Molecular y Celular del Cáncer (CSIC-Universidad de Salamanca), Salamanca, Spain
| | - Reiner A Veitia
- Université Paris Cité, CNRS, Institut Jacques Monod, Paris, France.,Université Paris Saclay, Paris, France.,Institut de Biologie François Jacob, CEA, Fontenay-aux-Roses, Paris, France
| |
Collapse
|
11
|
Bridges K, Yao HHC, Nicol B. Loss of Runx1 Induces Granulosa Cell Defects and Development of Ovarian Tumors in the Mouse. Int J Mol Sci 2022; 23:ijms232214442. [PMID: 36430923 PMCID: PMC9697285 DOI: 10.3390/ijms232214442] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/17/2022] [Revised: 11/03/2022] [Accepted: 11/04/2022] [Indexed: 11/22/2022] Open
Abstract
Genetic alterations of the RUNX1 gene are associated with a variety of malignancies, including female-related cancers. The role of RUNX1 as either a tumor suppressor gene or an oncogene is tissue-dependent and varies based on the cancer type. Both the amplification and deletion of the RUNX1 gene have been associated with ovarian cancer in humans. In this study, we investigated the effects of Runx1 loss on ovarian pathogenesis in mice. A conditional loss of Runx1 in the somatic cells of the ovary led to an increased prevalence of ovarian tumors in aged mice. By the age of 15 months, 27% of Runx1 knockout (KO) females developed ovarian tumors that presented characteristics of granulosa cell tumors. While ovaries from young adult mice did not display tumors, they all contained abnormal follicle-like lesions. The granulosa cells composing these follicle-like lesions were quiescent, displayed defects in differentiation and were organized in a rosette-like pattern. The RNA-sequencing analysis further revealed differentially expressed genes in Runx1 KO ovaries, including genes involved in metaplasia, ovarian cancer, epithelial cell development, tight junctions, cell-cell adhesion, and the Wnt/beta-catenin pathway. Together, this study showed that Runx1 is required for normal granulosa cell differentiation and prevention of ovarian tumor development in mice.
Collapse
|
12
|
Li X, Tian B, Liu M, Miao C, Wang D. Adult-type granulosa cell tumor of the ovary. Am J Cancer Res 2022; 12:3495-3511. [PMID: 36119817 PMCID: PMC9442026] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/08/2022] [Accepted: 07/09/2022] [Indexed: 06/15/2023] Open
Abstract
Adult-type Granulosa Cell Tumor of the Ovary (AGCT) is a relatively rare subtype of ovarian cancer, accounting for 2-4% of all ovarian cancer. AGCT originates from proliferating normal preovulatory granulosa cells (GCs) and retains several features of those GCs. The hormonal features of AGCT explain the clinical manifestations and provide reliable markers for early diagnosis and recurrence prediction of the disease. Most AGCT patients are diagnosed at an early stage and usually demonstrate a better prognosis than patients with other types of ovarian cancer. Surgery is crucial for both initial and post-relapse treatments, whereas adjuvant therapy is still in the exploratory stage. In 2009, a population-based screening makes an exciting step, about 97% of AGCT has somatic missense mutations in the transcription factor FOXL2 gene and the FOXL2 mutation is considered to be a molecular characteristic of AGCT. Unfortunately, the FOXL2 mutation does not fully explain the development of AGCT. Ongoing research is focusing on signalling pathways in the molecular pathogenesis of AGCT to identify the possible pathogenetic factors and signal transduction pathways and provide a theoretical basis for targeted treatment. Postoperative recurrence of ovarian AGCT is common and is associated with a high mortality rate, which necessitates regular follow-up. The life management of postoperative patients is also crucial, which requires multidisciplinary experts to design recurrence treatment from the perspective of patients and implement meaningful treatment measures.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Xiuwen Li
- School of Basic Medical Sciences, Weifang Medical UniversityWeifang 261053, Shandong, P. R. China
| | - Bo Tian
- Plastic Surgery Institute, Weifang Medical UniversityWeifang 261053, Shandong, P. R. China
| | - Mengyan Liu
- Taoyuan People’s HospitalChangde 425700, Hunan, P. R. China
| | - Chunlei Miao
- Plastic Surgery Institute, Weifang Medical UniversityWeifang 261053, Shandong, P. R. China
| | - Di Wang
- School of Basic Medical Sciences, Weifang Medical UniversityWeifang 261053, Shandong, P. R. China
- Plastic Surgery Institute, Weifang Medical UniversityWeifang 261053, Shandong, P. R. China
| |
Collapse
|
13
|
Spatiotemporal modulation of SMAD4 by HBx is required for cellular proliferation in hepatitis B-related liver cancer. Cell Oncol (Dordr) 2022; 45:573-589. [PMID: 35716259 DOI: 10.1007/s13402-022-00683-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 06/02/2022] [Indexed: 11/03/2022] Open
Abstract
PURPOSE Hepatitis B virus (HBV) plays a crucial role in the progression of hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC). It is known that HBV-encoded X protein (HBx) can induce genetic alterations in some oncogenes and that SMAD4 is relevant for the development of some cancers, especially HBV-related HCC. Previously, it has been reported that HBx can promote SMAD4 protein expression in liver fibrosis and HCC but, as yet, its regulatory mechanism has not been fully elucidated. Here, we aimed to investigate the correlation between and regulatory mechanism behind HBx and SMAD4 in HCC. METHODS mRNA and protein expression of SMAD4 in HCC tissues was detected by qRT-PCR, Western blotting and IHC. CCK-8 and colony forming assays, as well as xenograft murine models were used to evaluate the effects of HBx and SMAD4 on the proliferation and tumorigenicity of HCC cells. Luciferase reporter, immunofluorescence, Co-IP and truncation assays were performed to assess the regulatory relationship between HBx and SMAD4. RESULTS We found that SMAD4 was highly expressed in HBV-positive HCC patient samples and correlated with a poor prognosis. The proliferation of HCC cells with a high SMAD4 expression was found to be enhanced in vitro and in vivo, and knocking down HBx while replenishing SMAD4 rescued HCC cell proliferation. Mechanically, we found that HBx regulates SMAD4 expression at the transcriptional level via TFII-I and can bind to SMAD4 to repress its ubiquitination. The binding region comprised the MH2 domain of SMAD4. Furthermore, we found that SMAD4 can promote HBx expression through a positive feedback mechanism. CONCLUSIONS From our data we conclude that SMAD4 is modulated spatiotemporally via both transcriptional activation and protein stabilization by HBx in HCC cells. Our data shed light on the molecular mechanism underlying HBx-induced hepatocarcinogenesis.
Collapse
|
14
|
Ni N, Fang X, Mullens DA, Cai JJ, Ivanov I, Bartholin L, Li Q. Transcriptomic Profiling of Gene Expression Associated with Granulosa Cell Tumor Development in a Mouse Model. Cancers (Basel) 2022; 14:cancers14092184. [PMID: 35565312 PMCID: PMC9105549 DOI: 10.3390/cancers14092184] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/16/2022] [Revised: 04/05/2022] [Accepted: 04/24/2022] [Indexed: 11/16/2022] Open
Abstract
Ovarian granulosa cell tumors (GCTs) are rare sex cord-stromal tumors, accounting for ~5% ovarian tumors. The etiology of GCTs remains poorly defined. Genetically engineered mouse models are potentially valuable for understanding the pathogenesis of GCTs. Mice harboring constitutively active TGFβ signaling (TGFBR1-CA) develop ovarian GCTs that phenocopy several hormonal and molecular characteristics of human GCTs. To determine molecular alterations in the ovary upon TGFβ signaling activation, we performed transcriptomic profiling of gene expression associated with GCT development using ovaries from 1-month-old TGFBR1-CA mice and age-matched controls. RNA-sequencing and bioinformatics analysis coupled with the validation of select target genes revealed dysregulations of multiple cellular events and signaling molecules/pathways. The differentially expressed genes are enriched not only for known GCT-related pathways and tumorigenic events but also for signaling events potentially mediated by neuroactive ligand-receptor interaction, relaxin signaling, insulin signaling, and complements in TGFBR1-CA ovaries. Additionally, a comparative analysis of our data in mice with genes dysregulated in human GCTs or granulosa cells overexpressing a mutant FOXL2, the genetic hallmark of adult GCTs, identified some common genes altered in both conditions. In summary, this study has revealed the molecular signature of ovarian GCTs in a mouse model that harbors the constitutive activation of TGFBR1. The findings may be further exploited to understand the pathogenesis of a class of poorly defined ovarian tumors.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Nan Ni
- Department of Veterinary Integrative Biosciences, Texas A&M University, College Station, TX 77843, USA; (N.N.); (X.F.); (J.J.C.)
| | - Xin Fang
- Department of Veterinary Integrative Biosciences, Texas A&M University, College Station, TX 77843, USA; (N.N.); (X.F.); (J.J.C.)
| | - Destiny A. Mullens
- Department of Veterinary Physiology and Pharmacology, Texas A&M University, College Station, TX 77843, USA; (D.A.M.); (I.I.)
| | - James J. Cai
- Department of Veterinary Integrative Biosciences, Texas A&M University, College Station, TX 77843, USA; (N.N.); (X.F.); (J.J.C.)
| | - Ivan Ivanov
- Department of Veterinary Physiology and Pharmacology, Texas A&M University, College Station, TX 77843, USA; (D.A.M.); (I.I.)
| | - Laurent Bartholin
- INSERM U1052, CNRS UMR5286, Centre de Recherche en Cancérologie de Lyon, Université Lyon 1, F-69000 Lyon, France;
- Centre Léon Bérard, F-69008 Lyon, France
| | - Qinglei Li
- Department of Veterinary Integrative Biosciences, Texas A&M University, College Station, TX 77843, USA; (N.N.); (X.F.); (J.J.C.)
- Correspondence: ; Tel.: +1-979-862-2009
| |
Collapse
|
15
|
Liu X, Dai S, Wu J, Wei X, Zhou X, Chen M, Tan D, Pu D, Li M, Wang D. Roles of anti-Müllerian hormone and its duplicates in sex determination and germ cell proliferation of Nile tilapia. Genetics 2021; 220:6486528. [PMID: 35100374 PMCID: PMC9208641 DOI: 10.1093/genetics/iyab237] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/23/2021] [Accepted: 12/17/2021] [Indexed: 12/30/2022] Open
Abstract
Duplicates of amh are crucial for fish sex determination and differentiation. In Nile tilapia, unlike in other teleosts, amh is located on X chromosome. The Y chromosome amh (amhΔ-y) is mutated with 5 bp insertion and 233 bp deletion in the coding sequence, and tandem duplicate of amh on Y chromosome (amhy) has been identified as the sex determiner. However, the expression of amh, amhΔ-y, and amhy, their roles in germ cell proliferation and the molecular mechanism of how amhy determines sex is still unclear. In this study, expression and functions of each duplicate were analyzed. Sex reversal occurred only when amhy was mutated as revealed by single, double, and triple mutation of the 3 duplicates in XY fish. Homozygous mutation of amhy in YY fish also resulted in sex reversal. Earlier and higher expression of amhy/Amhy was observed in XY gonads compared with amh/Amh during sex determination. Amhy could inhibit the transcription of cyp19a1a through Amhr2/Smads signaling. Loss of cyp19a1a rescued the sex reversal phenotype in XY fish with amhy mutation. Interestingly, mutation of both amh and amhy in XY fish or homozygous mutation of amhy in YY fish resulted in infertile females with significantly increased germ cell proliferation. Taken together, these results indicated that up-regulation of amhy during the critical period of sex determination makes it the sex-determining gene, and it functions through repressing cyp19a1a expression via Amhr2/Smads signaling pathway. Amh retained its function in controlling germ cell proliferation as reported in other teleosts, while amhΔ-y was nonfunctionalized.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Xingyong Liu
- Key Laboratory of Freshwater Fish Reproduction and Development (Ministry of Education), Key Laboratory of Aquatic Science of Chongqing, School of Life Sciences, Southwest University, Chongqing 400715, China
| | - Shengfei Dai
- Key Laboratory of Freshwater Fish Reproduction and Development (Ministry of Education), Key Laboratory of Aquatic Science of Chongqing, School of Life Sciences, Southwest University, Chongqing 400715, China
| | - Jiahong Wu
- Key Laboratory of Freshwater Fish Reproduction and Development (Ministry of Education), Key Laboratory of Aquatic Science of Chongqing, School of Life Sciences, Southwest University, Chongqing 400715, China
| | - Xueyan Wei
- Key Laboratory of Freshwater Fish Reproduction and Development (Ministry of Education), Key Laboratory of Aquatic Science of Chongqing, School of Life Sciences, Southwest University, Chongqing 400715, China
| | - Xin Zhou
- Key Laboratory of Freshwater Fish Reproduction and Development (Ministry of Education), Key Laboratory of Aquatic Science of Chongqing, School of Life Sciences, Southwest University, Chongqing 400715, China
| | - Mimi Chen
- Key Laboratory of Freshwater Fish Reproduction and Development (Ministry of Education), Key Laboratory of Aquatic Science of Chongqing, School of Life Sciences, Southwest University, Chongqing 400715, China
| | - Dejie Tan
- Key Laboratory of Freshwater Fish Reproduction and Development (Ministry of Education), Key Laboratory of Aquatic Science of Chongqing, School of Life Sciences, Southwest University, Chongqing 400715, China
| | - Deyong Pu
- Key Laboratory of Freshwater Fish Reproduction and Development (Ministry of Education), Key Laboratory of Aquatic Science of Chongqing, School of Life Sciences, Southwest University, Chongqing 400715, China
| | - Minghui Li
- Key Laboratory of Freshwater Fish Reproduction and Development (Ministry of Education), Key Laboratory of Aquatic Science of Chongqing, School of Life Sciences, Southwest University, Chongqing 400715, China,Corresponding author: Key Laboratory of Freshwater Fish Reproduction and Development (Ministry of Education), Key Laboratory of Aquatic Science of Chongqing, School of Life Sciences, Southwest University, Chongqing 400715, China. ; Corresponding author: Key Laboratory of Freshwater Fish Reproduction and Development (Ministry of Education), Key Laboratory of Aquatic Science of Chongqing, School of Life Sciences, Southwest University, Chongqing 400715, China.
| | - Deshou Wang
- Key Laboratory of Freshwater Fish Reproduction and Development (Ministry of Education), Key Laboratory of Aquatic Science of Chongqing, School of Life Sciences, Southwest University, Chongqing 400715, China,Corresponding author: Key Laboratory of Freshwater Fish Reproduction and Development (Ministry of Education), Key Laboratory of Aquatic Science of Chongqing, School of Life Sciences, Southwest University, Chongqing 400715, China. ; Corresponding author: Key Laboratory of Freshwater Fish Reproduction and Development (Ministry of Education), Key Laboratory of Aquatic Science of Chongqing, School of Life Sciences, Southwest University, Chongqing 400715, China.
| |
Collapse
|
16
|
Fuller PJ, Nguyen T, Alexiadis M, Chu S. FOXL2 C134W : much ado about something! †. J Pathol 2021; 256:1-3. [PMID: 34687235 DOI: 10.1002/path.5816] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/05/2021] [Accepted: 10/19/2021] [Indexed: 11/06/2022]
Abstract
Recent studies have suggested that the unique FOXL2C134W mutation, which is pathognomonic for adult granulosa cell tumours of the ovary, is a tumour suppressor gene. In a recent issue of The Journal of Pathology, a detailed study by Pilsworth et al seeks to rebut the proposition that the FOXL2C134W mutation, which uniquely characterises adult granulosa cell tumours of the ovary, leads to reduced transcript levels with the implication that FOXL2 is a tumour suppressor gene. The study provides compelling evidence that both wild-type and mutant FOXL2 transcripts and protein are expressed at equivalent levels. In the context of other recent studies, one is drawn to the conclusion that FOXL2C134W is a gain-of-function mutation whose impact is mediated through enhanced interactions with the SMAD transcription factor complex. © 2021 The Pathological Society of Great Britain and Ireland.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Peter J Fuller
- Hudson Institute of Medical Research and the Monash University Department of Molecular and Translational Science, Clayton, Australia
| | - Trang Nguyen
- Hudson Institute of Medical Research and the Monash University Department of Molecular and Translational Science, Clayton, Australia
| | - Maria Alexiadis
- Hudson Institute of Medical Research and the Monash University Department of Molecular and Translational Science, Clayton, Australia
| | - Simon Chu
- Hudson Institute of Medical Research and the Monash University Department of Molecular and Translational Science, Clayton, Australia
| |
Collapse
|
17
|
Sabol M, Calleja-Agius J, Di Fiore R, Suleiman S, Ozcan S, Ward MP, Ozretić P. (In)Distinctive Role of Long Non-Coding RNAs in Common and Rare Ovarian Cancers. Cancers (Basel) 2021; 13:cancers13205040. [PMID: 34680193 PMCID: PMC8534192 DOI: 10.3390/cancers13205040] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/06/2021] [Revised: 10/04/2021] [Accepted: 10/06/2021] [Indexed: 02/05/2023] Open
Abstract
Rare ovarian cancers (ROCs) are OCs with an annual incidence of fewer than 6 cases per 100,000 women. They affect women of all ages, but due to their low incidence and the potential clinical inexperience in management, there can be a delay in diagnosis, leading to a poor prognosis. The underlying causes for these tumors are varied, but generally, the tumors arise due to alterations in gene/protein expression in cellular processes that regulate normal proliferation and its checkpoints. Dysregulation of the cellular processes that lead to cancer includes gene mutations, epimutations, non-coding RNA (ncRNA) regulation, posttranscriptional and posttranslational modifications. Long non-coding RNA (lncRNA) are defined as transcribed RNA molecules, more than 200 nucleotides in length which are not translated into proteins. They regulate gene expression through several mechanisms and therefore add another level of complexity to the regulatory mechanisms affecting tumor development. Since few studies have been performed on ROCs, in this review we summarize the mechanisms of action of lncRNA in OC, with an emphasis on ROCs.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Maja Sabol
- Laboratory for Hereditary Cancer, Division of Molecular Medicine, Ruđer Bošković Institute, HR-10000 Zagreb, Croatia;
| | - Jean Calleja-Agius
- Department of Anatomy, Faculty of Medicine and Surgery, University of Malta, MSD 2080 Msida, Malta; (J.C.-A.); (R.D.F.); (S.S.)
| | - Riccardo Di Fiore
- Department of Anatomy, Faculty of Medicine and Surgery, University of Malta, MSD 2080 Msida, Malta; (J.C.-A.); (R.D.F.); (S.S.)
- Sbarro Institute for Cancer Research and Molecular Medicine, Center for Biotechnology, College of Science and Technology, Temple University, Philadelphia, PA 19122, USA
| | - Sherif Suleiman
- Department of Anatomy, Faculty of Medicine and Surgery, University of Malta, MSD 2080 Msida, Malta; (J.C.-A.); (R.D.F.); (S.S.)
| | - Sureyya Ozcan
- Department of Chemistry, Middle East Technical University (METU), 06800 Ankara, Turkey;
- Cancer Systems Biology Laboratory (CanSyl), Middle East Technical University (METU), 06800 Ankara, Turkey
| | - Mark P. Ward
- Department of Histopathology, Trinity St James’s Cancer Institute, Emer Casey Molecular Pathology Laboratory, Trinity College Dublin and Coombe Women’s and Infants University Hospital, D08 RX0X Dublin, Ireland;
| | - Petar Ozretić
- Laboratory for Hereditary Cancer, Division of Molecular Medicine, Ruđer Bošković Institute, HR-10000 Zagreb, Croatia;
- Correspondence: ; Tel.: +385-(1)-4571292
| |
Collapse
|
18
|
Abd El hafez A. Nuclear Localization of SMAD3 as an Independent Predictor of Recurrence in Ovarian Adult Granulosa Cell Tumor. JOURNAL OF OBSTETRICS, GYNECOLOGY AND CANCER RESEARCH 2021; 7:38-44. [DOI: 10.30699/jogcr.7.1.38] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 09/02/2023]
|
19
|
Veitia RA, Pilsworth J, Todeschini AL, Huntsman D. Reply to "An alternative miRISC targets a cancer-associated coding sequence mutation in FOXL2". EMBO J 2021; 40:e107517. [PMID: 34396573 DOI: 10.15252/embj.2020107517] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/14/2020] [Revised: 04/15/2021] [Accepted: 05/31/2021] [Indexed: 01/02/2023] Open
Affiliation(s)
- Reiner A Veitia
- Université de Paris, Paris, France.,Université de Paris, CNRS, Institut Jacques Monod, Paris, France.,Université Paris-Saclay, Institut de Biologie F. Jacob, Commissariat à l'Energie Atomique, Fontenay aux Roses, France
| | - Jessica Pilsworth
- Department of Pathology and Laboratory Medicine, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, BC, Canada.,Department of Molecular Oncology, BC Cancer, Vancouver, BC, Canada.,Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, BC, Canada
| | - Anne-Laure Todeschini
- Université de Paris, Paris, France.,Université de Paris, CNRS, Institut Jacques Monod, Paris, France
| | - David Huntsman
- Department of Pathology and Laboratory Medicine, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, BC, Canada.,Department of Molecular Oncology, BC Cancer, Vancouver, BC, Canada.,Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, BC, Canada
| |
Collapse
|
20
|
Pilsworth JA, Todeschini AL, Neilson SJ, Cochrane DR, Lai D, Anttonen M, Heikinheimo M, Huntsman DG, Veitia RA. FOXL2 in adult-type granulosa cell tumour of the ovary: oncogene or tumour suppressor gene? J Pathol 2021; 255:225-231. [PMID: 34338304 DOI: 10.1002/path.5771] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/15/2021] [Revised: 07/13/2021] [Accepted: 07/28/2021] [Indexed: 12/19/2022]
Abstract
A recurrent mutation in FOXL2 (c.402C>G; p.C134W) is present in over 95% of adult-type granulosa cell tumours (AGCTs). In contrast, various loss-of-function mutations in FOXL2 lead to the development of blepharophimosis, ptosis, and epicanthus inversus syndrome (BPES). BPES is characterised by an eyelid malformation often accompanied with primary ovarian insufficiency. Two recent studies suggest that FOXL2 C402G is a gain- or change-of-function mutation with altered DNA-binding specificity. Another study proposes that FOXL2 C402G is selectively targeted for degradation, inducing somatic haploinsufficiency, suggesting its role as a tumour suppressor. The latter study relies on data indicative of an FOXL2 allelic imbalance in AGCTs. Here we present RNA-seq data as genetic evidence that no real allelic imbalance is observed at the transcriptomic level in AGCTs. Additionally, there is no loss of protein expression in tumours harbouring the mutated allele. These data and other features of this mutation compared to other oncogenes and tumour suppressor genes argue strongly against FOXL2 being a tumour suppressor in this context. Given the likelihood that FOXL2 C402G is oncogenic, targeting the variant protein or its downstream consequences is the most viable path forward to identifying an effective treatment for this cancer. © 2021 The Pathological Society of Great Britain and Ireland. Published by John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Jessica A Pilsworth
- Department of Medical Genetics, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, Canada.,Department of Molecular Oncology, BC Cancer, Vancouver, Canada
| | - Anne-Laure Todeschini
- Université de Paris, Paris, France.,Université de Paris, CNRS, Institut Jacques Monod, Paris, France
| | | | - Dawn R Cochrane
- Department of Molecular Oncology, BC Cancer, Vancouver, Canada
| | - Daniel Lai
- Department of Molecular Oncology, BC Cancer, Vancouver, Canada.,Department of Pathology and Laboratory Medicine, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, Canada
| | - Mikko Anttonen
- Department of Clinical Chemistry, University of Helsinki and Helsinki University Hospital, Helsinki, Finland
| | - Markku Heikinheimo
- Children's Hospital, University of Helsinki and Helsinki University Hospital, Helsinki, Finland
| | - David G Huntsman
- Department of Molecular Oncology, BC Cancer, Vancouver, Canada.,Department of Pathology and Laboratory Medicine, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, Canada.,Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, Canada
| | - Reiner A Veitia
- Université de Paris, Paris, France.,Université de Paris, CNRS, Institut Jacques Monod, Paris, France.,Université Paris-Saclay, Institut de Biologie F. Jacob, Commissariat à l'Energie Atomique, Fontenay aux Roses, France
| |
Collapse
|
21
|
FOXL2 and TERT promoter mutation detection in circulating tumor DNA of adult granulosa cell tumors as biomarker for disease monitoring. Gynecol Oncol 2021; 162:413-420. [PMID: 34083028 DOI: 10.1016/j.ygyno.2021.05.027] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/03/2021] [Accepted: 05/23/2021] [Indexed: 12/21/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE Adult granulosa cell tumors (aGCTs) represent a rare, hormonally active subtype of ovarian cancer that has a tendency to relapse late and repeatedly. Current serum hormone markers are inaccurate in reflecting tumor burden in a subset of aGCT patients, indicating the need for a novel biomarker. We investigated the presence of circulating tumor DNA (ctDNA) harboring a FOXL2 or TERT promoter mutation in serial plasma samples of aGCT patients to determine its clinical value for monitoring disease. METHODS In a national multicenter study, plasma samples (n = 110) were prospectively collected from 21 patients with primary (n = 3) or recurrent (n = 18) aGCT harboring a FOXL2 402C > G and/or TERT (C228T or C250T) promoter mutation. Circulating cell-free DNA was extracted and assessed for ctDNA containing one of either mutations using droplet digital PCR (ddPCR). Fractional abundance of FOXL2 mutant and TERT mutant ctDNA was correlated with clinical parameters. RESULTS FOXL2 mutant ctDNA was found in plasma of 11 out of 14 patients (78.6%) with aGCT with a confirmed FOXL2 mutation. TERT C228T or TERT C250T mutant ctDNA was detected in plasma of 4 of 10 (40%) and 1 of 2 patients, respectively. Both FOXL2 mutant ctDNA and TERT promoter mutant ctDNA levels correlated with disease progression and treatment response in the majority of patients. CONCLUSIONS FOXL2 mutant ctDNA was present in the majority of aGCT patients and TERT promoter mutant ctDNA has been identified in a smaller subset of patients. Both FOXL2 and TERT mutant ctDNA detection may have clinical value in disease monitoring.
Collapse
|
22
|
Li J, Chu R, Chen Z, Meng J, Yao S, Song K, Kong B. Progress in the management of ovarian granulosa cell tumor: A review. Acta Obstet Gynecol Scand 2021; 100:1771-1778. [PMID: 34027996 DOI: 10.1111/aogs.14189] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/04/2020] [Revised: 05/14/2021] [Accepted: 05/15/2021] [Indexed: 11/29/2022]
Abstract
Ovarian granulosa cell tumor (GCT) is a rare, low-grade malignant tumor that accounts for 70% of the sex cord-stromal tumors. It has two histopathologic types with different clinical and biologic features: adult GCT and juvenile GCT. Most women diagnosed with the adult GCT have a favorable prognosis, with a 5-year survival rate of 97%-98%, but adult GCT has a feature of late relapse; the recurrence time could be more than 20 years after diagnosis. Juvenile GCT has a survival rate of 97% in stage I and a 5-year survival rate of 0%-22% in advanced stage with earlier recurrence than adult GCT. Consequently, the scenario emphasizes the need for early diagnosis, standardized treatment protocols, and long-term follow up. However, there is a lack of consensus regarding accurate diagnosis of GCT and adjuvant treatment. Furthermore, GCT tends to occur in young women, which emphasizes the viability of fertility-sparing surgery. The current review performed a systematic literature review of 60 articles to summarize the latest advances in GCT, with an emphasis on the molecular pathogenesis and survival after fertility-sparing surgery. We found that young women with fertility-sparing surgery had a desirable reproductive and survival outcome compared with those undergoing radical surgery.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Junting Li
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Qilu Hospital, Cheeloo College of Medicine, Shandong University, Jinan, Shandong, China
| | - Ran Chu
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Qilu Hospital, Cheeloo College of Medicine, Shandong University, Jinan, Shandong, China
| | - Zhongshao Chen
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Qilu Hospital, Cheeloo College of Medicine, Shandong University, Jinan, Shandong, China
| | - Jinyu Meng
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Qilu Hospital, Cheeloo College of Medicine, Shandong University, Jinan, Shandong, China
| | - Shu Yao
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Qilu Hospital, Cheeloo College of Medicine, Shandong University, Jinan, Shandong, China
| | - Kun Song
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Qilu Hospital, Cheeloo College of Medicine, Shandong University, Jinan, Shandong, China.,Gynecology Oncology Key Laboratory, Qilu Hospital, Shandong University, Jinan, Shandong, China
| | - Beihua Kong
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Qilu Hospital, Cheeloo College of Medicine, Shandong University, Jinan, Shandong, China.,Gynecology Oncology Key Laboratory, Qilu Hospital, Shandong University, Jinan, Shandong, China
| |
Collapse
|
23
|
Pilsworth JA, Cochrane DR, Neilson SJ, Moussavi BH, Lai D, Munzur AD, Senz J, Wang YK, Zareian S, Bashashati A, Wong A, Keul J, Staebler A, van Meurs HS, Horlings HM, Kommoss S, Kommoss F, Oliva E, Färkkilä AEM, Gilks B, Huntsman DG. Adult-type granulosa cell tumor of the ovary: a FOXL2-centric disease. J Pathol Clin Res 2021; 7:243-252. [PMID: 33428330 PMCID: PMC8072996 DOI: 10.1002/cjp2.198] [Citation(s) in RCA: 23] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/18/2020] [Revised: 11/16/2020] [Accepted: 11/26/2020] [Indexed: 02/06/2023]
Abstract
Adult-type granulosa cell tumors (aGCTs) account for 90% of malignant ovarian sex cord-stromal tumors and 2-5% of all ovarian cancers. These tumors are usually diagnosed at an early stage and are treated with surgery. However, one-third of patients relapse between 4 and 8 years after initial diagnosis, and there are currently no effective treatments other than surgery for these relapsed patients. As the majority of aGCTs (>95%) harbor a somatic mutation in FOXL2 (c.C402G; p.C134W), the aim of this study was to identify genetic mutations besides FOXL2 C402G in aGCTs that could explain the clinical diversity of this disease. Whole-genome sequencing of 10 aGCTs and their matched normal blood was performed to identify somatic mutations. From this analysis, a custom amplicon-based panel was designed to sequence 39 genes of interest in a validation cohort of 83 aGCTs collected internationally. KMT2D inactivating mutations were present in 10 of 93 aGCTs (10.8%), and the frequency of these mutations was similar between primary and recurrent aGCTs. Inactivating mutations, including a splice site mutation in candidate tumor suppressor WNK2 and nonsense mutations in PIK3R1 and NLRC5, were identified at a low frequency in our cohort. Missense mutations were identified in cell cycle-related genes TP53, CDKN2D, and CDK1. From these data, we conclude that aGCTs are comparatively a homogeneous group of tumors that arise from a limited set of genetic events and are characterized by the FOXL2 C402G mutation. Secondary mutations occur in a subset of patients but do not explain the diverse clinical behavior of this disease. As the FOXL2 C402G mutation remains the main driver of this disease, progress in the development of therapeutics for aGCT would likely come from understanding the functional consequences of the FOXL2 C402G mutation.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Jessica A Pilsworth
- Department of Molecular OncologyBritish Columbia Cancer Research CentreVancouverBCCanada
- Department of Medical GeneticsUniversity of British ColumbiaVancouverBCCanada
| | - Dawn R Cochrane
- Department of Molecular OncologyBritish Columbia Cancer Research CentreVancouverBCCanada
| | - Samantha J Neilson
- Department of Molecular OncologyBritish Columbia Cancer Research CentreVancouverBCCanada
| | - Bahar H Moussavi
- Department of Molecular OncologyBritish Columbia Cancer Research CentreVancouverBCCanada
| | - Daniel Lai
- Department of Molecular OncologyBritish Columbia Cancer Research CentreVancouverBCCanada
| | - Aslı D Munzur
- Department of Molecular OncologyBritish Columbia Cancer Research CentreVancouverBCCanada
| | - Janine Senz
- Department of Molecular OncologyBritish Columbia Cancer Research CentreVancouverBCCanada
| | - Yi Kan Wang
- Department of Molecular OncologyBritish Columbia Cancer Research CentreVancouverBCCanada
| | - Sina Zareian
- Department of Molecular OncologyBritish Columbia Cancer Research CentreVancouverBCCanada
| | - Ali Bashashati
- Department of Pathology and Laboratory MedicineUniversity of British ColumbiaVancouverBCCanada
- School of Biomedical EngineeringUniversity of British ColumbiaVancouverBCCanada
| | - Adele Wong
- Department of PathologyMassachusetts General HospitalBostonMAUSA
| | - Jacqueline Keul
- Department of Women's HealthTübingen University HospitalTübingenGermany
| | - Annette Staebler
- Institute of Pathology and NeuropathologyTübingen University HospitalTübingenGermany
| | - Hannah S van Meurs
- Department of GynecologyCenter for Gynecologic Oncology Amsterdam, Academic Medical CenterAmsterdamThe Netherlands
| | - Hugo M Horlings
- Department of PathologyThe Netherlands Cancer Institute – Antoni van LeeuwenhoekAmsterdamThe Netherlands
| | - Stefan Kommoss
- Department of Women's HealthTübingen University HospitalTübingenGermany
| | - Friedrich Kommoss
- Institute of Pathology, Medizin Campus BodenseeFriedrichshafenGermany
| | - Esther Oliva
- Department of PathologyMassachusetts General HospitalBostonMAUSA
| | - Anniina EM Färkkilä
- Research Program for Systems OncologyUniversity of Helsinki and Helsinki University HospitalHelsinkiFinland
| | - Blake Gilks
- Department of Pathology and Laboratory MedicineUniversity of British ColumbiaVancouverBCCanada
| | - David G Huntsman
- Department of Molecular OncologyBritish Columbia Cancer Research CentreVancouverBCCanada
- Department of Pathology and Laboratory MedicineUniversity of British ColumbiaVancouverBCCanada
| |
Collapse
|
24
|
Advances in the Regulation of Mammalian Follicle-Stimulating Hormone Secretion. Animals (Basel) 2021; 11:ani11041134. [PMID: 33921032 PMCID: PMC8071398 DOI: 10.3390/ani11041134] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/28/2021] [Revised: 04/13/2021] [Accepted: 04/13/2021] [Indexed: 02/07/2023] Open
Abstract
Simple Summary The reproduction of mammals is regulated by the hypothalamic-pituitary-gonadal axis. Follicle stimulating hormone, as one of the gonadotropins secreted by the pituitary gland, plays an immeasurable role. This article mainly reviews the molecular basis and classical signaling pathways that regulate the synthesis and secretion of follicle stimulating hormone, and summarizes its internal molecular mechanism, which provides a certain theoretical basis for the research of mammalian reproduction regulation and the application of follicle stimulating hormone in production practice. Abstract Mammalian reproduction is mainly driven and regulated by the hypothalamic-pituitary-gonadal (HPG) axis. Follicle-stimulating hormone (FSH), which is synthesized and secreted by the anterior pituitary gland, is a key regulator that ultimately affects animal fertility. As a dimeric glycoprotein hormone, the biological specificity of FSH is mainly determined by the β subunit. As research techniques are being continuously innovated, studies are exploring the underlying molecular mechanism regulating the secretion of mammalian FSH. This article will review the current knowledge on the molecular mechanisms and signaling pathways systematically regulating FSH synthesis and will present the latest hypothesis about the nuclear cross-talk among the various endocrine-induced pathways for transcriptional regulation of the FSH β subunit. This article will provide novel ideas and potential targets for the improved use of FSH in livestock breeding and therapeutic development.
Collapse
|
25
|
Di Fiore R, Suleiman S, Pentimalli F, O’Toole SA, O’Leary JJ, Ward MP, Conlon NT, Sabol M, Ozretić P, Erson-Bensan AE, Reed N, Giordano A, Herrington CS, Calleja-Agius J. Could MicroRNAs Be Useful Tools to Improve the Diagnosis and Treatment of Rare Gynecological Cancers? A Brief Overview. Int J Mol Sci 2021; 22:ijms22083822. [PMID: 33917022 PMCID: PMC8067678 DOI: 10.3390/ijms22083822] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/17/2021] [Revised: 04/01/2021] [Accepted: 04/05/2021] [Indexed: 02/07/2023] Open
Abstract
Gynecological cancers pose an important public health issue, with a high incidence among women of all ages. Gynecological cancers such as malignant germ-cell tumors, sex-cord-stromal tumors, uterine sarcomas and carcinosarcomas, gestational trophoblastic neoplasia, vulvar carcinoma and melanoma of the female genital tract, are defined as rare with an annual incidence of <6 per 100,000 women. Rare gynecological cancers (RGCs) are associated with poor prognosis, and given the low incidence of each entity, there is the risk of delayed diagnosis due to clinical inexperience and limited therapeutic options. There has been a growing interest in the field of microRNAs (miRNAs), a class of small non-coding RNAs of ∼22 nucleotides in length, because of their potential to regulate diverse biological processes. miRNAs usually induce mRNA degradation and translational repression by interacting with the 3' untranslated region (3'-UTR) of target mRNAs, as well as other regions and gene promoters, as well as activating translation or regulating transcription under certain conditions. Recent research has revealed the enormous promise of miRNAs for improving the diagnosis, therapy and prognosis of all major gynecological cancers. However, to date, only a few studies have been performed on RGCs. In this review, we summarize the data currently available regarding RGCs.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Riccardo Di Fiore
- Department of Anatomy, Faculty of Medicine and Surgery, University of Malta, MSD 2080 Msida, Malta;
- Center for Biotechnology, Sbarro Institute for Cancer Research and Molecular Medicine, College of Science and Technology, Temple University, Philadelphia, PA 19122, USA;
- Correspondence: (R.D.F.); (J.C.-A.); Tel.: +356-2340-3871 (R.D.F.); +356-2340-1892 (J.C.-A.)
| | - Sherif Suleiman
- Department of Anatomy, Faculty of Medicine and Surgery, University of Malta, MSD 2080 Msida, Malta;
| | - Francesca Pentimalli
- Cell Biology and Biotherapy Unit, Istituto Nazionale Tumori-IRCCS-Fondazione G. Pascale, I-80131 Napoli, Italy;
| | - Sharon A. O’Toole
- Departments of Obstetrics and Gynaecology and Histopathology, Trinity St James’s Cancer Institute, Trinity College Dublin, 8 Dublin, Ireland;
| | - John J. O’Leary
- Department of Histopathology, Trinity St James’s Cancer Institute, Trinity College Dublin, 8 Dublin, Ireland; (J.J.O.); (M.P.W.)
| | - Mark P. Ward
- Department of Histopathology, Trinity St James’s Cancer Institute, Trinity College Dublin, 8 Dublin, Ireland; (J.J.O.); (M.P.W.)
| | - Neil T. Conlon
- National Institute for Cellular Biotechnology, Dublin City University, Glasnevin, 9 Dublin, Ireland;
| | - Maja Sabol
- Laboratory for Hereditary Cancer, Division of Molecular Medicine, Ruđer Bošković Institute, 10000 Zagreb, Croatia; (M.S.); (P.O.)
| | - Petar Ozretić
- Laboratory for Hereditary Cancer, Division of Molecular Medicine, Ruđer Bošković Institute, 10000 Zagreb, Croatia; (M.S.); (P.O.)
| | - Ayse Elif Erson-Bensan
- Department of Biological Sciences, Middle East Technical University, Ankara 06810, Turkey;
| | - Nicholas Reed
- Beatson Oncology Centre, Gartnavel General Hospital, 1053 Great Western Road, Glasgow G12 0YN, UK;
| | - Antonio Giordano
- Center for Biotechnology, Sbarro Institute for Cancer Research and Molecular Medicine, College of Science and Technology, Temple University, Philadelphia, PA 19122, USA;
- Department of Medical Biotechnologies, University of Siena, 53100 Siena, Italy
| | - C. Simon Herrington
- Cancer Research UK Edinburgh Centre, Western General Hospital, University of Edinburgh, Crewe Road South, Edinburgh EH4 2XR, UK;
| | - Jean Calleja-Agius
- Department of Anatomy, Faculty of Medicine and Surgery, University of Malta, MSD 2080 Msida, Malta;
- Correspondence: (R.D.F.); (J.C.-A.); Tel.: +356-2340-3871 (R.D.F.); +356-2340-1892 (J.C.-A.)
| |
Collapse
|
26
|
Wang Y, Xue Q, Zheng Q, Jin Y, Shen X, Yang M, Zhou X, Li Y. SMAD4 mutation correlates with poor prognosis in non-small cell lung cancer. J Transl Med 2021; 101:463-476. [PMID: 33303972 DOI: 10.1038/s41374-020-00517-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/31/2020] [Revised: 11/07/2020] [Accepted: 11/11/2020] [Indexed: 02/07/2023] Open
Abstract
SMAD4 is an intracellular signaling mediator of the TGF-β pathway. Its mutation was commonly observed in gastrointestinal cancers, such as pancreatic cancer. The loss of SMAD4 on immunohistochemical staining is often used to suggest a pancreaticobiliary differentiation in evaluating a metastatic adenocarcinoma with unknown origin. However, the function and molecular mechanism of SMAD4 in non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) development are largely unknown. Thus, we studied the correlation between SMAD4 mutations and clinico-molecular features in the patients with NSCLC. We reported the frequencies and prognostic values of SMAD4 mutations in a Chinese NSCLC cohort using next-generation sequencing. The NSCLC cases from several public databases, including The Cancer Genome Atlas and others, were also used in this study to elucidate SMAD4-related molecular partners and mechanisms. Integrated bioinformatics analyses were conducted, such as analysis of Gene Ontology enrichment analysis, gene set enrichment analysis (GSEA), and survival analysis. Immunohistochemistry showed that the tissues harboring SMAD4 mutations tended to show SMAD4 deficiency or loss, while SMAD4 expression was significantly reduced at all stages of NSCLC cases. We found that reduced SMAD4 expression was more frequent in the patients with poor disease-free survival and resistance to platinum-based chemotherapy. SMAD4 mutation was an independent risk factor for the survival of NSCLC patients. The expression of SMAD4 was associated with that of SMAD2. The GSEA showed that SMAD4 might promote NSCLC progression by regulating proliferation, adhesion, and immune response. In conclusion, these data suggest that SMAD4 mutation or loss as well as reduced expression can be used to identify the NSCLC patients with poor survival and resistance to platinum-based chemotherapy. SMAD4 may be a predictive marker or therapeutic target in NSCLC. The source code and user's guide are freely available at Github: https://github.com/wangyue77-ab/smad4 .
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Yue Wang
- Department of Pathology, Fudan University Shanghai Cancer Center, Shanghai, China
- Department of Oncology, Shanghai Medical College, Fudan University, Shanghai, China
| | - Qianqian Xue
- Department of Pathology, Fudan University Shanghai Cancer Center, Shanghai, China
- Department of Oncology, Shanghai Medical College, Fudan University, Shanghai, China
| | - Qiang Zheng
- Department of Pathology, Fudan University Shanghai Cancer Center, Shanghai, China
- Department of Oncology, Shanghai Medical College, Fudan University, Shanghai, China
| | - Yan Jin
- Department of Pathology, Fudan University Shanghai Cancer Center, Shanghai, China
- Department of Oncology, Shanghai Medical College, Fudan University, Shanghai, China
| | - Xuxia Shen
- Department of Pathology, Fudan University Shanghai Cancer Center, Shanghai, China
- Department of Oncology, Shanghai Medical College, Fudan University, Shanghai, China
| | - Mu Yang
- Department of Pathology, Shanghai First People's Hospital, Shanghai Jiaotong University School of Medicine, Shanghai, 200032, China.
| | - Xiaoyan Zhou
- Department of Pathology, Fudan University Shanghai Cancer Center, Shanghai, China
- Department of Oncology, Shanghai Medical College, Fudan University, Shanghai, China
| | - Yuan Li
- Department of Pathology, Fudan University Shanghai Cancer Center, Shanghai, China.
- Department of Oncology, Shanghai Medical College, Fudan University, Shanghai, China.
| |
Collapse
|
27
|
Secchi C, Benaglio P, Mulas F, Belli M, Stupack D, Shimasaki S. FOXO1 mitigates the SMAD3/FOXL2 C134W transcriptomic effect in a model of human adult granulosa cell tumor. J Transl Med 2021; 19:90. [PMID: 33639972 PMCID: PMC7913442 DOI: 10.1186/s12967-021-02754-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/21/2020] [Accepted: 02/16/2021] [Indexed: 01/17/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Adult granulosa cell tumor (aGCT) is a rare type of stromal cell malignant cancer of the ovary characterized by elevated estrogen levels. aGCTs ubiquitously harbor a somatic mutation in FOXL2 gene, Cys134Trp (c.402C < G); however, the general molecular effect of this mutation and its putative pathogenic role in aGCT tumorigenesis is not completely understood. We previously studied the role of FOXL2C134W, its partner SMAD3 and its antagonist FOXO1 in cellular models of aGCT. METHODS In this work, seeking more comprehensive profiling of FOXL2C134W transcriptomic effects, we performed an RNA-seq analysis comparing the effect of FOXL2WT/SMAD3 and FOXL2C134W/SMAD3 overexpression in an established human GC line (HGrC1), which is not luteinized, and bears normal alleles of FOXL2. RESULTS Our data shows that FOXL2C134W/SMAD3 overexpression alters the expression of 717 genes. These genes include known and novel FOXL2 targets (TGFB2, SMARCA4, HSPG2, MKI67, NFKBIA) and are enriched for neoplastic pathways (Proteoglycans in Cancer, Chromatin remodeling, Apoptosis, Tissue Morphogenesis, Tyrosine Kinase Receptors). We additionally expressed the FOXL2 antagonistic Forkhead protein, FOXO1. Surprisingly, overexpression of FOXO1 mitigated 40% of the altered genome-wide effects specifically related to FOXL2C134W, suggesting it can be a new target for aGCT treatment. CONCLUSIONS Our transcriptomic data provide novel insights into potential genes (FOXO1 regulated) that could be used as biomarkers of efficacy in aGCT patients.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Christian Secchi
- Department of Obstetrics, Gynecology, and Reproductive Sciences, University of California, San Diego School of Medicine, 9500 Gilman Drive, La Jolla, CA, 92093, USA.
| | - Paola Benaglio
- Department of Pediatrics, University of California San Diego, School of Medicine, La Jolla, CA, USA
| | - Francesca Mulas
- Department of Pediatrics, University of California San Diego, School of Medicine, La Jolla, CA, USA
| | - Martina Belli
- Department of Obstetrics, Gynecology, and Reproductive Sciences, University of California, San Diego School of Medicine, 9500 Gilman Drive, La Jolla, CA, 92093, USA
| | - Dwayne Stupack
- Department of Obstetrics, Gynecology, and Reproductive Sciences, University of California, San Diego School of Medicine, 9500 Gilman Drive, La Jolla, CA, 92093, USA
| | - Shunichi Shimasaki
- Department of Obstetrics, Gynecology, and Reproductive Sciences, University of California, San Diego School of Medicine, 9500 Gilman Drive, La Jolla, CA, 92093, USA
| |
Collapse
|