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Pandya DV, Parikh RV, Gena RM, Kothari NR, Parekh PS, Chorawala MR, Jani MA, Yadav MR, Shah PA. The scaffold protein disabled 2 (DAB2) and its role in tumor development and progression. Mol Biol Rep 2024; 51:701. [PMID: 38822973 DOI: 10.1007/s11033-024-09653-9] [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: 03/29/2024] [Accepted: 05/20/2024] [Indexed: 06/03/2024]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Disabled 2 (DAB2) is a multifunctional protein that has emerged as a critical component in the regulation of tumor growth. Its dysregulation is implicated in various types of cancer, underscoring its importance in understanding the molecular mechanisms underlying tumor development and progression. This review aims to unravel the intricate molecular mechanisms by which DAB2 exerts its tumor-suppressive functions within cancer signaling pathways. METHODS AND RESULTS We conducted a comprehensive review of the literature focusing on the structure, expression, physiological functions, and tumor-suppressive roles of DAB2. We provide an overview of the structure, expression, and physiological functions of DAB2. Evidence supporting DAB2's role as a tumor suppressor is explored, highlighting its ability to inhibit cell proliferation, induce apoptosis, and modulate key signaling pathways involved in tumor suppression. The interaction between DAB2 and key oncogenes is examined, elucidating the interplay between DAB2 and oncogenic signaling pathways. We discuss the molecular mechanisms underlying DAB2-mediated tumor suppression, including its involvement in DNA damage response and repair, regulation of cell cycle progression and senescence, and modulation of epithelial-mesenchymal transition (EMT). The review explores the regulatory networks involving DAB2, covering post-translational modifications, interactions with other tumor suppressors, and integration within complex signaling networks. We also highlight the prognostic significance of DAB2 and its role in pre-clinical studies of tumor suppression. CONCLUSION This review provides a comprehensive understanding of the molecular mechanisms by which DAB2 exerts its tumor-suppressive functions. It emphasizes the significance of DAB2 in cancer signaling pathways and its potential as a target for future therapeutic interventions.
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Affiliation(s)
- Disha V Pandya
- Department of Pharmacology and Pharmacy Practice, L. M. College of Pharmacy, Opp. Gujarat University, Ahmedabad, Gujarat, 380009, India
| | - Rajsi V Parikh
- Department of Pharmacology and Pharmacy Practice, L. M. College of Pharmacy, Opp. Gujarat University, Ahmedabad, Gujarat, 380009, India
| | - Ruhanahmed M Gena
- Department of Pharmacology and Pharmacy Practice, L. M. College of Pharmacy, Opp. Gujarat University, Ahmedabad, Gujarat, 380009, India
| | - Nirjari R Kothari
- Department of Pharmacology and Pharmacy Practice, L. M. College of Pharmacy, Opp. Gujarat University, Ahmedabad, Gujarat, 380009, India
| | - Priyajeet S Parekh
- Pharmacy Practice Division, AV Pharma LLC, 1545 University Blvd N Ste A, Jacksonville, FL, 32211, USA
| | - Mehul R Chorawala
- Department of Pharmacology and Pharmacy Practice, L. M. College of Pharmacy, Opp. Gujarat University, Ahmedabad, Gujarat, 380009, India.
| | - Maharsh A Jani
- Pharmacy Practice Division, Anand Niketan, Shilaj, Ahmedabad, Gujarat, 380059, India
| | - Mayur R Yadav
- Department of Pharmacy Practice and Administration, Western University of Health Science, 309 E Second St, Pomona, CA, 91766, USA
| | - Palak A Shah
- Department of Pharmacology and Pharmacy Practice, K. B. Institute of Pharmaceutical Education and Research, Gandhinagar, Gujarat, 382023, India
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O'Donnell E, Muñoz M, Davis R, Randall RL, Tepper C, Carr-Ascher J. Genetic and Epigenetic Characterization of Sarcoma Stem Cells Across Subtypes Identifies EZH2 as a Therapeutic Target. BIORXIV : THE PREPRINT SERVER FOR BIOLOGY 2024:2024.05.14.594060. [PMID: 38798385 PMCID: PMC11118861 DOI: 10.1101/2024.05.14.594060] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 05/29/2024]
Abstract
High-grade complex karyotype soft tissue sarcomas (STS) are a heterogeneous and aggressive set of cancers that share a common treatment strategy. Disease progression and failure to respond to anthracycline based chemotherapy, standard first-line treatment, is associated with poor patient outcomes. To address this, we investigated the contribution of STS cancer stem cells (STS-CSCs) to doxorubicin resistance. We identified a positive correlation between CSC abundance and doxorubicin IC 50 in resistant cell lines. We investigated if a common genetic signature across STS-CSCs could be targeted. Utilizing patient derived samples from five sarcoma subtypes we identified Enhancer of Zeste homolog 2 (EZH2), a member of the polycomb repressive complex 2 (PRC2) responsible for H3K27 methylation as being enriched in the CSC population. EZH2 activity and a shared epigenetic profile was observed across subtypes. Targeting of EZH2 using Tazemetostat, an FDA approved inhibitor specifically ablated the STS-CSC population. Treatment of doxorubicin resistant cell lines with tazemetostat resulted in a decrease in the STS-CSC population. Further, co-treatment was not only synergistic in the parent cell lines, but restored chemosensitivity in doxorubicin resistant lines. These data confirm the presence of shared genetic programs across distinct subtypes of CSC-STS that can be therapeutically targeted.
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Wang Y, Situ X, Cardenas H, Siu E, Alhunayan SA, Keathley R, Tanner E, Wei JJ, Tan Y, Prabhu Dessai CV, Cheng JX, Matei D. Preclinical Evaluation of NTX-301, a Novel DNA Hypomethylating Agent in Ovarian Cancer. Clin Cancer Res 2024; 30:1175-1188. [PMID: 38231483 PMCID: PMC10947827 DOI: 10.1158/1078-0432.ccr-23-2368] [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: 08/07/2023] [Revised: 11/27/2023] [Accepted: 01/12/2024] [Indexed: 01/18/2024]
Abstract
PURPOSE DNA methylation causes silencing of tumor-suppressor and differentiation-associated genes, being linked to chemoresistance. Previous studies demonstrated that hypomethylating agents (HMA) resensitize ovarian cancer to chemotherapy. NTX-301 is a highly potent and orally bioavailable HMA, in early clinical development. EXPERIMENTAL DESIGN The antitumor effects of NTX-301 were studied in ovarian cancer models by using cell viability, stemness and ferroptosis assays, RNA sequencing, lipidomic analyses, and stimulated Raman spectroscopy. RESULTS Ovarian cancer cells (SKOV3, IC50 = 5.08 nmol/L; OVCAR5 IC50 = 3.66 nmol/L) were highly sensitive to NTX-301 compared with fallopian tube epithelial cells. NTX-301 downregulated expression of DNA methyltransferases 1-3 and induced transcriptomic reprogramming with 15,000 differentially expressed genes (DEG, P < 0.05). Among them, Gene Ontology enrichment analysis identified regulation of fatty acid biosynthesis and molecular functions related to aldehyde dehydrogenase (ALDH) and oxidoreductase, known features of cancer stem cells. Low-dose NTX-301 reduced the ALDH(+) cell population and expression of stemness-associated transcription factors. Stearoyl-coenzyme A desaturase 1 (SCD), which regulates production of unsaturated fatty acids (UFA), was among the top DEG downregulated by NTX-301. NTX-301 treatment decreased levels of UFA and increased oxidized lipids, and this was blunted by deferoxamine, indicating cell death via ferroptosis. NTX-301-induced ferroptosis was rescued by oleic acid. In vivo, monotherapy with NTX-301 significantly inhibited ovarian cancer and patient-derived xenograft growth (P < 0.05). Decreased SCD levels and increased oxidized lipids were detected in NTX-301-treated xenografts. CONCLUSIONS NTX-301 is active in ovarian cancer models. Our findings point to a new mechanism by which epigenetic blockade disrupts lipid homeostasis and promotes cancer cell death.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yinu Wang
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Feinberg School of Medicine, Northwestern University, Chicago, Illinois
| | - Xiaolei Situ
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Feinberg School of Medicine, Northwestern University, Chicago, Illinois
| | - Horacio Cardenas
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Feinberg School of Medicine, Northwestern University, Chicago, Illinois
| | - Ellie Siu
- Department of Biological Sciences, Weinberg College of Arts and Sciences, Northwestern University, Chicago, Illinois
| | - Sayedabdulrazzaq A Alhunayan
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Feinberg School of Medicine, Northwestern University, Chicago, Illinois
| | - Russell Keathley
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Feinberg School of Medicine, Northwestern University, Chicago, Illinois
- Driskill Graduate Program in Life Sciences, Northwestern University, Chicago, Illinois
| | - Edward Tanner
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Feinberg School of Medicine, Northwestern University, Chicago, Illinois
| | - Jian-Jun Wei
- Department of Pathology, Feinberg School of Medicine, Northwestern University, Chicago, Illinois
- Robert H. Lurie Comprehensive Cancer Center, Chicago, Illinois
| | - Yuying Tan
- Department of Physics, Boston University, Boston, Massachusetts
| | | | - Ji-Xin Cheng
- Department of Physics, Boston University, Boston, Massachusetts
| | - Daniela Matei
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Feinberg School of Medicine, Northwestern University, Chicago, Illinois
- Robert H. Lurie Comprehensive Cancer Center, Chicago, Illinois
- Jesse Brown Veteran Affairs Medical Center, Chicago, Illinois
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Duan XP, Qin BD, Jiao XD, Liu K, Wang Z, Zang YS. New clinical trial design in precision medicine: discovery, development and direction. Signal Transduct Target Ther 2024; 9:57. [PMID: 38438349 PMCID: PMC10912713 DOI: 10.1038/s41392-024-01760-0] [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: 11/30/2023] [Revised: 01/25/2024] [Accepted: 01/29/2024] [Indexed: 03/06/2024] Open
Abstract
In the era of precision medicine, it has been increasingly recognized that individuals with a certain disease are complex and different from each other. Due to the underestimation of the significant heterogeneity across participants in traditional "one-size-fits-all" trials, patient-centered trials that could provide optimal therapy customization to individuals with specific biomarkers were developed including the basket, umbrella, and platform trial designs under the master protocol framework. In recent years, the successive FDA approval of indications based on biomarker-guided master protocol designs has demonstrated that these new clinical trials are ushering in tremendous opportunities. Despite the rapid increase in the number of basket, umbrella, and platform trials, the current clinical and research understanding of these new trial designs, as compared with traditional trial designs, remains limited. The majority of the research focuses on methodologies, and there is a lack of in-depth insight concerning the underlying biological logic of these new clinical trial designs. Therefore, we provide this comprehensive review of the discovery and development of basket, umbrella, and platform trials and their underlying logic from the perspective of precision medicine. Meanwhile, we discuss future directions on the potential development of these new clinical design in view of the "Precision Pro", "Dynamic Precision", and "Intelligent Precision". This review would assist trial-related researchers to enhance the innovation and feasibility of clinical trial designs by expounding the underlying logic, which be essential to accelerate the progression of precision medicine.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xiao-Peng Duan
- Department of Medical Oncology, Changzheng Hospital, Naval Medical University, Shanghai, China
| | - Bao-Dong Qin
- Department of Medical Oncology, Changzheng Hospital, Naval Medical University, Shanghai, China
| | - Xiao-Dong Jiao
- Department of Medical Oncology, Changzheng Hospital, Naval Medical University, Shanghai, China
| | - Ke Liu
- Department of Medical Oncology, Changzheng Hospital, Naval Medical University, Shanghai, China
| | - Zhan Wang
- Department of Medical Oncology, Changzheng Hospital, Naval Medical University, Shanghai, China
| | - Yuan-Sheng Zang
- Department of Medical Oncology, Changzheng Hospital, Naval Medical University, Shanghai, China.
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Wang J, Ford JC, Mitra AK. Defining the Role of Metastasis-Initiating Cells in Promoting Carcinogenesis in Ovarian Cancer. BIOLOGY 2023; 12:1492. [PMID: 38132318 PMCID: PMC10740540 DOI: 10.3390/biology12121492] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/01/2023] [Revised: 11/23/2023] [Accepted: 11/30/2023] [Indexed: 12/23/2023]
Abstract
Ovarian cancer is the deadliest gynecological malignancy with a high prevalence of transcoelomic metastasis. Metastasis is a multi-step process and only a small percentage of cancer cells, metastasis-initiating cells (MICs), have the capacity to finally establish metastatic lesions. These MICs maintain a certain level of stemness that allows them to differentiate into other cell types with distinct transcriptomic profiles and swiftly adapt to external stresses. Furthermore, they can coordinate with the microenvironment, through reciprocal interactions, to invade and establish metastases. Therefore, identifying, characterizing, and targeting MICs is a promising strategy to counter the spread of ovarian cancer. In this review, we provided an overview of OC MICs in the context of characterization, identification through cell surface markers, and their interactions with the metastatic niche to promote metastatic colonization.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ji Wang
- Indiana University School of Medicine-Bloomington, Indiana University, Bloomington, IN 47405, USA; (J.W.); (J.C.F.)
- Melvin and Bren Simon Comprehensive Cancer Center, Indiana University, Indianapolis, IN 46202, USA
| | - James C. Ford
- Indiana University School of Medicine-Bloomington, Indiana University, Bloomington, IN 47405, USA; (J.W.); (J.C.F.)
| | - Anirban K. Mitra
- Indiana University School of Medicine-Bloomington, Indiana University, Bloomington, IN 47405, USA; (J.W.); (J.C.F.)
- Melvin and Bren Simon Comprehensive Cancer Center, Indiana University, Indianapolis, IN 46202, USA
- Medical and Molecular Genetics, Indiana University School of Medicine, Indianapolis, IN 46202, USA
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Wang K, Jiang X, Jiang Y, Liu J, Du Y, Zhang Z, Li Y, Zhao X, Li J, Zhang R. EZH2-H3K27me3-mediated silencing of mir-139-5p inhibits cellular senescence in hepatocellular carcinoma by activating TOP2A. J Exp Clin Cancer Res 2023; 42:320. [PMID: 38008711 PMCID: PMC10680220 DOI: 10.1186/s13046-023-02855-2] [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: 07/20/2023] [Accepted: 10/08/2023] [Indexed: 11/28/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Epigenetic alterations play an important role in hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) development. Enhancer of zeste homolog 2 (EZH2) is a well-known epigenetic modifier that functions as an oncogene in tumors by promoting the H3K27me3-mediated transcriptional repression of tumor suppressor genes. "Senescent cells" has been proposed as a possible core component of the hallmarks of cancer conceptualization. Induction of cell senescence and targeted elimination of these senescent tumor cells are new strategies for tumor therapy. However, the role of EZH2 in regulating cellular senescence remains poorly understood. METHODS Bioinformatics analyses suggested that EZH2 and DNA topoisomerase II alpha (TOP2A) are coexpressed in tumors, including HCC. Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genome (KEGG) pathway enrichment analyses and gene set enrichment analyses (GSEA) suggests a correlation of EZH2 and TOP2A expression with cellular senescence in HCC. MicroRNA (miRNA) inhibitor and mimics, siRNA, PLKO-shRNA, and plenti6.3-miR-139 were used to upregulate or downregulate the expression of target genes. CCK8, EdU, clone formation, and senescence-associated β-galactosidase (SA-β-gal) staining assays were performed to assess cell proliferation and cellular senescence phenotypes. Dual-luciferase reporter and chromatin immunoprecipitation assays were performed to investigate the targeted binding and inhibition of TOP2A 3' untranslated region (UTR) by miR-139-5p and the DNA enrichment of miR139-5p by EZH2 and H3K27me3. BALB/c nude mice were used to establish a xenograft tumor model and verify the phenotypes upon EZH2 and TOP2A silencing and miR-139 overexpression in vivo. In addition, tissue microarrays were used to analyze the expression patterns and correlations among EZH2, TOP2A, and miR-139-5p expression in HCC. RESULTS Bioinformatics analysis revealed that EZH2 and TOP2A are coexpressed in HCC. In vitro gain- and loss-of-function experiments showed that inhibition of EZH2 and TOP2A induces cellular senescence and inhibits proliferation of HCC cells. In vivo tumorigenesis assays indicated that EZH2 and TOP2A knockdown inhibits tumorigenesis by inducing cellular senescence. Mechanistically, EZH2 promotes TOP2A expression by regulating the H3K27me3-mediated epigenetic silencing of miR-139-5p. TOP2A is a direct target of miR-139-5p, and inhibition of miR-139-5p can reverse the promotion by EZH2 of TOP2A expression. The overexpression of miR-139-5p induces cellular senescence and inhibits proliferation of HCC cells both in vitro and in vivo. Clinically, expression of EZH2 and TOP2A are higher in HCC tissues than in normal tissues, and this high coexpression indicates a worse outcome of patients with HCC. Moreover, expression of EZH2 and TOP2A is significantly correlated with tumor differentiation grade, tumor invasion, and TNM stage in HCC. miR-139-5p expression is lower in HCC tumors than in normal tissues and is correlated with better prognosis of HCC patients. CONCLUSIONS Our study revealed the role of the EZH2/miR-139-5p/TOP2A axis in regulating cellular senescence and cell proliferation in HCC, enriching the molecular mechanisms of EZH2-mediated epigenetic regulation in HCC. Therefore, our results provide insight into the therapeutic potential of targeting EZH2 to induce cellular senescence and then destroy senescent cells for HCC.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ke Wang
- Department of digestive surgery, Xijing Hospital, Fourth Military Medical University, Xi'an, 710032, China
- Department of General Surgery, Central Theater Command General Hospital of the Chinese People's Liberation Army, Wuhan, 430064, China
- State Key Laboratory of Cancer Biology, Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Fourth Military Medical University, Xi'an, 710032, China
| | - Xunliang Jiang
- Department of digestive surgery, Xijing Hospital, Fourth Military Medical University, Xi'an, 710032, China
- State Key Laboratory of Cancer Biology, Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Fourth Military Medical University, Xi'an, 710032, China
| | - Yu Jiang
- Department of Hepatobiliary Surgery, XI'AN DAXING hospital, Xi'an, 710032, China
| | - Jun Liu
- State Key Laboratory of Cancer Biology, Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Fourth Military Medical University, Xi'an, 710032, China
| | - Yongtao Du
- Department of digestive surgery, Xijing Hospital, Fourth Military Medical University, Xi'an, 710032, China
- State Key Laboratory of Cancer Biology, Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Fourth Military Medical University, Xi'an, 710032, China
| | - Zecheng Zhang
- Department of digestive surgery, Xijing Hospital, Fourth Military Medical University, Xi'an, 710032, China
- State Key Laboratory of Cancer Biology, Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Fourth Military Medical University, Xi'an, 710032, China
| | - Yunlong Li
- Department of digestive surgery, Xijing Hospital, Fourth Military Medical University, Xi'an, 710032, China
| | - Xinhui Zhao
- Department of Thyroid and Breast Surgery, Xi'an No.3 Hospital, the Affiliated Hospital of Northwest University, Xi'an, 710018, China
| | - Jipeng Li
- Department of digestive surgery, Xijing Hospital, Fourth Military Medical University, Xi'an, 710032, China.
- Department of Experimental Surgery, Xijing Hospital, Fourth Military Medical University, Xi'an, 710032, China.
| | - Rui Zhang
- State Key Laboratory of Cancer Biology, Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Fourth Military Medical University, Xi'an, 710032, China.
- State Key Laboratory of Cancer Biology, Department of Immunology, Fourth Military Medical University, Xi'an, 710032, China.
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Zhou J, Deng Z, Pei X, Lai J, Qu W. DAB2IP stabilizes p27 Kip1 via suppressing PI3K/AKT signaling in clear cell renal cell carcinoma. Funct Integr Genomics 2023; 23:326. [PMID: 37880458 DOI: 10.1007/s10142-023-01255-1] [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: 07/27/2023] [Revised: 09/28/2023] [Accepted: 10/13/2023] [Indexed: 10/27/2023]
Abstract
Renal cell carcinoma (RCC) is the most lethal of the urologic malignancies. We previously discovered that DAB2IP, a novel Ras GTPase-activating protein, was frequently epigenetically silenced in RCC, and DAB2IP loss was correlated with the overall survival of RCC patients. In this study, we determined the biological functions of DAB2IP in clear cell RCC (ccRCC) and its potential mechanisms of action. Correlations between DAB2IP expression level and ccRCC tumor size and patient survival were analyzed, and the results showed that ccRCC patients with high DAB2IP mRNA level exhibited smaller tumor size and better survival than the patients with low DAB2IP. Compared to control, DAB2IP knockdown significantly increased cell proliferation, promoted cell cycle progression in G1/S phase, and decreased p27 expression. Mechanism studies demonstrated that loss of DAB2IP promoted p27 protein phosphorylation, cytosolic sequestration, and subsequently ubiquitination-mediated degradation in ccRCC cells. Further studies confirmed that the proline-rich domain in C terminal (CPR) of DAB2IP suppressed AKT phosphorylation and p27 phosphorylation on S10. Hence, DAB2IP is essential for p27 protein stabilization in ccRCC, which is at less partly mediated by PI3K/AKT signaling pathway.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jiancheng Zhou
- Department of Urology, Shaanxi Provincial People's Hospital, Xi'an, 710068, Shaanxi, China
| | - Zhuo Deng
- Department of Gynecology, Shaanxi Provincial People's Hospital, Xi'an, 710068, Shaanxi, China
| | - Xinqi Pei
- Department of Urology, Shaanxi Provincial People's Hospital, Xi'an, 710068, Shaanxi, China
| | - Jiawei Lai
- Department of Urology, Shaanxi Provincial People's Hospital, Xi'an, 710068, Shaanxi, China
| | - Weixing Qu
- Department of Urology, Shaanxi Provincial People's Hospital, Xi'an, 710068, Shaanxi, China.
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Zeng Z, Fu M, Hu Y, Wei Y, Wei X, Luo M. Regulation and signaling pathways in cancer stem cells: implications for targeted therapy for cancer. Mol Cancer 2023; 22:172. [PMID: 37853437 PMCID: PMC10583419 DOI: 10.1186/s12943-023-01877-w] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/01/2023] [Accepted: 10/05/2023] [Indexed: 10/20/2023] Open
Abstract
Cancer stem cells (CSCs), initially identified in leukemia in 1994, constitute a distinct subset of tumor cells characterized by surface markers such as CD133, CD44, and ALDH. Their behavior is regulated through a complex interplay of networks, including transcriptional, post-transcriptional, epigenetic, tumor microenvironment (TME), and epithelial-mesenchymal transition (EMT) factors. Numerous signaling pathways were found to be involved in the regulatory network of CSCs. The maintenance of CSC characteristics plays a pivotal role in driving CSC-associated tumor metastasis and conferring resistance to therapy. Consequently, CSCs have emerged as promising targets in cancer treatment. To date, researchers have developed several anticancer agents tailored to specifically target CSCs, with some of these treatment strategies currently undergoing preclinical or clinical trials. In this review, we outline the origin and biological characteristics of CSCs, explore the regulatory networks governing CSCs, discuss the signaling pathways implicated in these networks, and investigate the influential factors contributing to therapy resistance in CSCs. Finally, we offer insights into preclinical and clinical agents designed to eliminate CSCs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zhen Zeng
- Laboratory of Aging Research and Cancer Agent Target, State Key Laboratory of Biotherapy, Cancer Center, National Clinical Research Center for Geriatrics, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, No. 17, Block 3, Southern Renmin Road, Chengdu, Sichuan, 610041, P.R. China
| | - Minyang Fu
- Laboratory of Aging Research and Cancer Agent Target, State Key Laboratory of Biotherapy, Cancer Center, National Clinical Research Center for Geriatrics, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, No. 17, Block 3, Southern Renmin Road, Chengdu, Sichuan, 610041, P.R. China
| | - Yuan Hu
- Department of Pediatric Nephrology Nursing, Key Laboratory of Birth Defects and Related Diseases of Women and Children, Ministry of Education, West China Second Hospital, Sichuan University, No. 17, Block 3, Southern Renmin Road, Chengdu, Sichuan, 610041, P.R. China
| | - Yuquan Wei
- Laboratory of Aging Research and Cancer Agent Target, State Key Laboratory of Biotherapy, Cancer Center, National Clinical Research Center for Geriatrics, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, No. 17, Block 3, Southern Renmin Road, Chengdu, Sichuan, 610041, P.R. China
| | - Xiawei Wei
- Laboratory of Aging Research and Cancer Agent Target, State Key Laboratory of Biotherapy, Cancer Center, National Clinical Research Center for Geriatrics, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, No. 17, Block 3, Southern Renmin Road, Chengdu, Sichuan, 610041, P.R. China
| | - Min Luo
- Laboratory of Aging Research and Cancer Agent Target, State Key Laboratory of Biotherapy, Cancer Center, National Clinical Research Center for Geriatrics, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, No. 17, Block 3, Southern Renmin Road, Chengdu, Sichuan, 610041, P.R. China.
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Ghobashi AH, Vuong TT, Kimani JW, Ladaika CA, Hollenhorst PC, O’Hagan HM. Activation of AKT induces EZH2-mediated β-catenin trimethylation in colorectal cancer. iScience 2023; 26:107630. [PMID: 37670785 PMCID: PMC10475482 DOI: 10.1016/j.isci.2023.107630] [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: 03/20/2023] [Revised: 08/09/2023] [Accepted: 08/11/2023] [Indexed: 09/07/2023] Open
Abstract
Colorectal cancer (CRC) develops in part through the deregulation of different signaling pathways, including activation of the WNT/β-catenin and PI3K/AKT pathways. Additionally, the lysine methyltransferase enhancer of zeste homologue 2 (EZH2) is commonly overexpressed in CRC. EZH2 canonically represses gene transcription by trimethylating lysine 27 of histone H3, but also has non-histone substrates. Here, we demonstrated that in CRC, active AKT phosphorylated EZH2 on serine 21. Phosphorylation of EZH2 by AKT induced EZH2 to interact with and methylate β-catenin at lysine 49, which increased β-catenin's binding to the chromatin. Additionally, EZH2-mediated β-catenin trimethylation induced β-catenin to interact with TCF1 and RNA polymerase II and resulted in dramatic gains in genomic regions with β-catenin occupancy. EZH2 catalytic inhibition decreased stemness but increased migratory phenotypes of CRC cells with active AKT. Overall, we demonstrated that EZH2 modulates AKT-induced changes in gene expression through the AKT/EZH2/β-catenin axis in CRC.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ahmed H. Ghobashi
- Genome, Cell, and Developmental Biology Graduate Program, Department of Biology, Indiana University Bloomington, Bloomington, IN 47405, USA
- Medical Sciences Program, Indiana University School of Medicine, Bloomington, IN 47405, USA
| | - Truc T. Vuong
- Medical Sciences Program, Indiana University School of Medicine, Bloomington, IN 47405, USA
- Cell, Molecular and Cancer Biology Graduate Program, Indiana University School of Medicine, Bloomington, IN 47405, USA
| | - Jane W. Kimani
- Medical Sciences Program, Indiana University School of Medicine, Bloomington, IN 47405, USA
| | - Christopher A. Ladaika
- Genome, Cell, and Developmental Biology Graduate Program, Department of Biology, Indiana University Bloomington, Bloomington, IN 47405, USA
- Medical Sciences Program, Indiana University School of Medicine, Bloomington, IN 47405, USA
| | - Peter C. Hollenhorst
- Medical Sciences Program, Indiana University School of Medicine, Bloomington, IN 47405, USA
- Cell, Molecular and Cancer Biology Graduate Program, Indiana University School of Medicine, Bloomington, IN 47405, USA
- Tumor Microenvironment & Metastasis Program, Indiana University Melvin and Bren Simon Comprehensive Cancer Center, Indianapolis, IN 46202, USA
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Indiana University School of Medicine, Indianapolis, IN 46202, USA
| | - Heather M. O’Hagan
- Medical Sciences Program, Indiana University School of Medicine, Bloomington, IN 47405, USA
- Cell, Molecular and Cancer Biology Graduate Program, Indiana University School of Medicine, Bloomington, IN 47405, USA
- Tumor Microenvironment & Metastasis Program, Indiana University Melvin and Bren Simon Comprehensive Cancer Center, Indianapolis, IN 46202, USA
- Department of Medical and Molecular Genetics, Indiana University School of Medicine, Indianapolis, IN 46202, USA
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10
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Huang Q, Zhang R, Xia Y, Shen J, Dong H, Li X, Tao D, Xie D, Liu L. DAB2IP suppresses invadopodia formation through destabilizing ALK by interacting with USP10 in breast cancer. iScience 2023; 26:107606. [PMID: 37664607 PMCID: PMC10470318 DOI: 10.1016/j.isci.2023.107606] [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: 02/15/2023] [Revised: 05/26/2023] [Accepted: 08/08/2023] [Indexed: 09/05/2023] Open
Abstract
Invadopodia, being actin-rich membrane protrusions, play a vital role in tumor cell invasion and metastasis. Our previous studies have revealed some functions of the DOC-2/DAB2 interacting protein (DAB2IP) as a tumor suppressor. Nevertheless, the specific role and mechanism of DAB2IP in invadopodia formation remain unclear. Here, we find that DAB2IP effectively suppresses invadopodia formation and metastasis in breast cancer, both in vitro and in vivo. Additionally, DAB2IP could downregulate anaplastic lymphoma kinase (ALK), resulting in the inhibition of tyrosine phosphorylation of Cortactin and the prevention of invadopodia formation. DAB2IP competitively antagonizes the interaction between the deubiquitinating enzyme Ubiquitin-specific peptidase 10 (USP10) and ALK, leading to a decrease in the abundance of ALK protein. In summary, DAB2IP impairs the stability of ALK through USP10-dependent deubiquitination, suppressing Cortactin phosphorylation, thereby inhibiting invadopodia formation and metastasis of breast cancer cells. Furthermore, this study suggests a potential therapeutic strategy for breast cancer treatment.
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Affiliation(s)
- Qingwen Huang
- Molecular Medicine Center, Tongji Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan 430030, P.R. China
- Department of GI Surgery, Tongji Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan 430030, P.R. China
| | - Rui Zhang
- Molecular Medicine Center, Tongji Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan 430030, P.R. China
- Department of GI Surgery, Tongji Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan 430030, P.R. China
| | - Yun Xia
- Department of Breast and Thyroid Surgery, Tongji Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan 430030, P.R. China
| | - Jie Shen
- Molecular Medicine Center, Tongji Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan 430030, P.R. China
- Department of GI Surgery, Tongji Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan 430030, P.R. China
| | - Hongliang Dong
- Molecular Medicine Center, Tongji Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan 430030, P.R. China
- Department of GI Surgery, Tongji Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan 430030, P.R. China
| | - Xiaolan Li
- Molecular Medicine Center, Tongji Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan 430030, P.R. China
| | - Deding Tao
- Department of GI Surgery, Tongji Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan 430030, P.R. China
| | - Daxing Xie
- Molecular Medicine Center, Tongji Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan 430030, P.R. China
- Department of GI Surgery, Tongji Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan 430030, P.R. China
| | - Liang Liu
- Molecular Medicine Center, Tongji Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan 430030, P.R. China
- Department of GI Surgery, Tongji Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan 430030, P.R. China
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11
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Dardis GJ, Wang J, Simon JM, Wang GG, Baldwin AS. An EZH2-NF-κB regulatory axis drives expression of pro-oncogenic gene signatures in triple negative breast cancer. iScience 2023; 26:107115. [PMID: 37416481 PMCID: PMC10319845 DOI: 10.1016/j.isci.2023.107115] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/08/2023] [Revised: 05/10/2023] [Accepted: 06/09/2023] [Indexed: 07/08/2023] Open
Abstract
The histone methyltransferase EZH2 has been studied most extensively in the context of PRC2-dependent gene repression. Accumulating evidence indicates non-canonical functions for EZH2 in cancer contexts including promoting paradoxical gene expression through interactions with transcription factors, including NF-κB in triple negative breast cancer (TNBC). We profile EZH2 and NF-κB factor co-localization and positive gene regulation genome-wide, and define a subset of NF-κB targets and genes associated with oncogenic functions in TNBC that is enriched in patient datasets. We demonstrate interaction between EZH2 and RelA requiring the recently identified transactivation domain (TAD) which mediates EZH2 recruitment to, and activation of certain NF-κB-dependent genes, and supports downstream migration and stemness phenotypes in TNBC cells. Interestingly, EZH2-NF-κB positive regulation of genes and stemness does not require PRC2. This study provides new insight into pro-oncogenic regulatory functions for EZH2 in breast cancer through PRC2-independent, and NF-κB-dependent regulatory mechanisms.
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Affiliation(s)
- Gabrielle J. Dardis
- Lineberger Comprehensive Cancer Center, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill School of Medicine, Chapel Hill, NC 27599, USA
- Department of Biochemistry and Biophysics, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill School of Medicine, Chapel Hill, NC 27599, USA
| | - Jun Wang
- Lineberger Comprehensive Cancer Center, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill School of Medicine, Chapel Hill, NC 27599, USA
- Department of Biochemistry and Biophysics, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill School of Medicine, Chapel Hill, NC 27599, USA
| | - Jeremy M. Simon
- Lineberger Comprehensive Cancer Center, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill School of Medicine, Chapel Hill, NC 27599, USA
- Department of Genetics, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill School of Medicine, Chapel Hill, NC 27599, USA
- UNC Neuroscience Center, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Chapel Hill, NC 27599, USA
| | - Gang Greg Wang
- Lineberger Comprehensive Cancer Center, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill School of Medicine, Chapel Hill, NC 27599, USA
- Department of Biochemistry and Biophysics, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill School of Medicine, Chapel Hill, NC 27599, USA
| | - Albert S. Baldwin
- Lineberger Comprehensive Cancer Center, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill School of Medicine, Chapel Hill, NC 27599, USA
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12
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Yun EJ, Kim D, Kim S, Hsieh JT, Baek ST. Targeting Wnt/β-catenin-mediated upregulation of oncogenic NLGN3 suppresses cancer stem cells in glioblastoma. Cell Death Dis 2023; 14:423. [PMID: 37443071 PMCID: PMC10344874 DOI: 10.1038/s41419-023-05967-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/21/2023] [Revised: 06/30/2023] [Accepted: 07/06/2023] [Indexed: 07/15/2023]
Abstract
Glioblastoma (GBM) is the most malignant tumor in brain and is highly resistant to therapy. Clinical evidence suggests increased number of cancer stem cells (CSCs) may contribute to the failure of conventional therapies, but the mechanisms associated with acquisition of CSC properties in GBM are not fully understood. We found that DAB2IP suppresses CSC properties by targeting the synaptic proteins neuroligin 3 (NLGN3) in GBM. Furthermore, we showed that GBM-derived NLGN3 has an oncogenic function by inducing CSC properties within GBM. Moreover, elevated NLGN3 transcription mediated by Wnt/β-catenin signaling pathway resulted in increased secretion of NLGN3 into the surrounding tumor microenvironment. Both condition media containing NLGN3 and recombinant NLGN3 transformed neighboring cells to CSCs, suggesting NLGN3 as a critical component inducing CSC properties. Furthermore, targeting NLGN3-bearing CSCs using upstream Wnt/β-catenin inhibitors synergistically enhances the efficacy of conventional treatment. Hence, we unveiled the series of regulatory mechanisms for acquisition of CSC properties in GBM progression by Wnt/β-catenin-mediated NLGN3. These results may provide a new targeting strategy to improve the therapeutic efficacy of GBM treatments.
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Affiliation(s)
- Eun-Jin Yun
- POSTECH Biotech Center, POSTECH, Pohang, Republic of Korea
| | - Donghwi Kim
- Department of Life Sciences, POSTECH, Pohang, Republic of Korea
| | - Sangwoo Kim
- Department of Biomedical Systems Informatics and Brain Korea 21 PLUS Project for Medical Science, Yonsei University College of Medicine, Seoul, Republic of Korea
| | - Jer-Tsong Hsieh
- Department of Biotechnology, Kaohsiung Medical University, Kaohsiung, Taiwan, Republic of China
- Department of Urology, University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center, Dallas, TX, USA
| | - Seung Tae Baek
- Department of Life Sciences, POSTECH, Pohang, Republic of Korea.
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13
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Zhang Y, Wang Y, Valdivia A, Huang H, Matei D. DOT1 L Regulates Ovarian Cancer Stem Cells by Activating β-catenin Signaling. Mol Cancer Res 2023; 21:140-154. [PMID: 36318113 PMCID: PMC9898143 DOI: 10.1158/1541-7786.mcr-22-0418] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/01/2022] [Revised: 09/09/2022] [Accepted: 10/28/2022] [Indexed: 11/05/2022]
Abstract
Cancer stem cells (CSC) represent a population of cancer cells responsible for tumor initiation, chemoresistance, and metastasis. Here, we identified the H3K79 methyltransferase disruptor of telomeric silencing-1-like (DOT1L) as a critical regulator of self-renewal and tumor initiation in ovarian CSCs. DOT1 L was upregulated in ovarian CSCs versus non-CSCs. shRNA-mediated DOT1 L knockdown decreased the aldehyde dehydrogenase (ALDH)+ cell population, impaired the tumor initiation capacity (TIC) of ovarian CSCs, and blocked the expression of stemness-associated genes. Inhibition of DOT1L's methyltransferase activity by the small-molecule inhibitor (DOT1Li) EPZ-5676 also effectively targeted ovarian CSCs. Integrated RNA-sequencing analyses of ovarian cancer cells in which DOT1 L was knocked down versus control cells and of ovarian CSCs versus non-CSCs, identified Wnt signaling as a shared pathway deregulated in both CSCs and in DOT1L-deficient ovarian cancer cells. β-catenin, a key transcription factor regulated by Wnt, was downregulated in ovarian cancer cells in which DOT1 L was knocked down and upregulated in DOT1 L overexpressing ovarian cancer cells. Chromatin immunoprecipitation (ChIP) revealed enrichment of the H3K79Me3 mark at the β-catenin promoter, suggesting that its transcription is regulated by DOT1L. Our results suggest that DOT1 L is critical for the self-renewal and TIC of ovarian CSCs by regulating β-catenin signaling. Targeting DOT1 L in ovarian cancer could be a new strategy to eliminate CSCs. IMPLICATIONS This study found that the histone methyltransferase DOT1 L regulates the self-renewal and tumor initiation capacity of ovarian CSCs and suggests DOT1 L as a new cancer target.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yaqi Zhang
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Feinberg School of Medicine, Northwestern University, Chicago, IL 60611, USA,Driskill Graduate Training Program in Life Sciences, Feinberg School of Medicine, Northwestern University, Chicago, IL 60611, USA
| | - Yinu Wang
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Feinberg School of Medicine, Northwestern University, Chicago, IL 60611, USA
| | - Andres Valdivia
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Feinberg School of Medicine, Northwestern University, Chicago, IL 60611, USA
| | - Hao Huang
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Feinberg School of Medicine, Northwestern University, Chicago, IL 60611, USA
| | - Daniela Matei
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Feinberg School of Medicine, Northwestern University, Chicago, IL 60611, USA,Robert H. Lurie Comprehensive Cancer Center, Feinberg School of Medicine, Northwestern University, Chicago, IL 60611, USA,Jesse Brown VA Medical Center, Chicago, IL, 60612, USA
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14
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Xiong Z, Yang L, Li N, Fu J, Liu P, Sun P, Wei W, Xie X. DAB2IP attenuates chemoresistance of triple-negative breast cancer through sequestration of RAC1 to prevent β-catenin nuclear accumulation. Clin Transl Med 2022; 12:e1133. [PMID: 36536485 PMCID: PMC9763535 DOI: 10.1002/ctm2.1133] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/13/2022] [Revised: 10/20/2022] [Accepted: 11/17/2022] [Indexed: 12/24/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Although chemotherapy, the most widely used systemic treatment in triple-negative breast cancer (TNBC), markedly improved the patients' outcome, chemoresistance always occurs. This study purposed to explore new therapeutic strategies for the treatment of chemoresistance. METHODS AND RESULTS The expression and prognostic value of DAB2IP were investigated in TNBC tissues and cell lines. Low DAB2IP expression predicted high mortality risk in TNBC. Inhibition of DAB2IP expression conferred cancer stem cell capacity and chemoresistance in TNBC cell lines. Using murine breast cancer (BC) xenograft models, we evaluated the association with DAB2IP and chemoresistance. DAB2IP inhibited TNBC tumourigenesis and chemoresistance in vivo. Further, we revealed that DAB2IP inhibited β-catenin nuclear transport through competitive interaction with RAC1 and decreased β-catenin accumulation in the cell nucleus. Finally, we found that the DNA methylation level was negatively associated with DAB2IP expression in TNBC. Inhibition of DNA methylation restored the DAB2IP expression and attenuated chemoresistance in TNBC. CONCLUSIONS We revealed that DAB2IP attenuates chemoresistance of TNBC via inhibition of RAC1-mediated β-catenin nuclear accumulation. Decitabine treatment results in re-expression of DAB2IP by inhibiting DNA methylation and could be a potential therapeutic strategy for chemoresistance in TNBC.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zhenchong Xiong
- Department of Breast OncologySun Yat‐sen University Cancer CenterState Key Laboratory of Oncology in South ChinaCollaborative Innovation Center of Cancer MedicineGuangzhouChina
| | - Lin Yang
- Department of Radiation OncologyNanfang HospitalSouthern Medical UniversityGuangzhouChina
| | - Ning Li
- Department of Breast OncologySun Yat‐sen University Cancer CenterState Key Laboratory of Oncology in South ChinaCollaborative Innovation Center of Cancer MedicineGuangzhouChina
| | - Jianchang Fu
- Department of PathologySun Yat‐sen University Cancer CenterState Key Laboratory of Oncology in South ChinaCollaborative Innovation Center of Cancer MedicineGuangzhouChina
| | - Peng Liu
- Department of Breast OncologySun Yat‐sen University Cancer CenterState Key Laboratory of Oncology in South ChinaCollaborative Innovation Center of Cancer MedicineGuangzhouChina
| | - Peng Sun
- Department of PathologySun Yat‐sen University Cancer CenterState Key Laboratory of Oncology in South ChinaCollaborative Innovation Center of Cancer MedicineGuangzhouChina
| | - Weidong Wei
- Department of Breast OncologySun Yat‐sen University Cancer CenterState Key Laboratory of Oncology in South ChinaCollaborative Innovation Center of Cancer MedicineGuangzhouChina
| | - Xiaoming Xie
- Department of Breast OncologySun Yat‐sen University Cancer CenterState Key Laboratory of Oncology in South ChinaCollaborative Innovation Center of Cancer MedicineGuangzhouChina
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15
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Day CA, Hinchcliffe EH, Robinson JP. H3K27me3 in Diffuse Midline Glioma and Epithelial Ovarian Cancer: Opposing Epigenetic Changes Leading to the Same Poor Outcomes. Cells 2022; 11:cells11213376. [PMID: 36359771 PMCID: PMC9655269 DOI: 10.3390/cells11213376] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/29/2022] [Revised: 10/19/2022] [Accepted: 10/24/2022] [Indexed: 11/29/2022] Open
Abstract
Histone post-translational modifications modulate gene expression through epigenetic gene regulation. The core histone H3 family members, H3.1, H3.2, and H3.3, play a central role in epigenetics. H3 histones can acquire many post-translational modifications, including the trimethylation of H3K27 (H3K27me3), which represses transcription. Triple methylation of H3K27 is performed by the histone methyltransferase Enhancer of Zeste Homologue 2 (EZH2), a component of the Polycomb Repressive Complex 2. Both global increases and decreases in H3K27me3 have been implicated in a wide range of cancer types. Here, we explore how opposing changes in H3K27me3 contribute to cancer by highlighting its role in two vastly different cancer types; (1) a form of glioma known as diffuse midline glioma H3K27-altered and (2) epithelial ovarian cancer. These two cancers vary widely in the age of onset, sex, associated mutations, and cell and organ type. However, both diffuse midline glioma and ovarian cancer have dysregulation of H3K27 methylation, triggering changes to the cancer cell transcriptome. In diffuse midline glioma, the loss of H3K27 methylation is a primary driving factor in tumorigenesis that promotes glial cell stemness and silences tumor suppressor genes. Conversely, hypermethylation of H3K27 occurs in late-stage epithelial ovarian cancer, which promotes tumor vascularization and tumor cell migration. By using each cancer type as a case study, this review emphasizes the importance of H3K27me3 in cancer while demonstrating that the mechanisms of histone H3 modification and subsequent gene expression changes are not a one-size-fits-all across cancer types.
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Affiliation(s)
- Charles A. Day
- Hormel Institute, University of Minnesota, Austin, MN 55912, USA
- Mayo Clinic, Rochester, MN 55902, USA
- Correspondence:
| | - Edward H. Hinchcliffe
- Hormel Institute, University of Minnesota, Austin, MN 55912, USA
- Masonic Cancer Center, University of Minnesota, Minneapolis, MN 55455, USA
| | - James P. Robinson
- Hormel Institute, University of Minnesota, Austin, MN 55912, USA
- Masonic Cancer Center, University of Minnesota, Minneapolis, MN 55455, USA
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16
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Sriramkumar S, Metcalfe TX, Lai T, Zong X, Fang F, O’Hagan HM, Nephew KP. Single-cell analysis of a high-grade serous ovarian cancer cell line reveals transcriptomic changes and cell subpopulations sensitive to epigenetic combination treatment. PLoS One 2022; 17:e0271584. [PMID: 35921335 PMCID: PMC9348737 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0271584] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/28/2022] [Accepted: 07/01/2022] [Indexed: 11/19/2022] Open
Abstract
Ovarian cancer (OC) is a lethal gynecological malignancy with a five-year survival rate of only 46%. Development of resistance to platinum-based chemotherapy is a common cause of high mortality rates among OC patients. Tumor and transcriptomic heterogeneity are drivers of platinum resistance in OC. Platinum-based chemotherapy enriches for ovarian cancer stem cells (OCSCs) that are chemoresistant and contribute to disease recurrence and relapse. Studies examining the effect of different treatments on subpopulations of HGSOC cell lines are limited. Having previously demonstrated that combined treatment with an enhancer of zeste homolog 2 inhibitor (EZH2i) and a RAC1 GTPase inhibitor (RAC1i) inhibited survival of OCSCs, we investigated EZH2i and RAC1i combination effects on HGSOC heterogeneity using single cell RNA sequencing. We demonstrated that RAC1i reduced expression of stemness and early secretory marker genes, increased expression of an intermediate secretory marker gene and induced inflammatory gene expression. Importantly, RAC1i alone and in combination with EZH2i significantly reduced oxidative phosphorylation and upregulated Sirtuin signaling pathways. Altogether, we demonstrated that combining a RAC1i with an EZH2i promoted differentiation of subpopulations of HGSOC cells, supporting the future development of epigenetic drug combinations as therapeutic approaches in OC.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shruthi Sriramkumar
- Cell, Molecular and Cancer Biology Graduate Program and Medical Sciences Program, Indiana University School of Medicine, Bloomington, Indiana, United States of America
| | - Tara X. Metcalfe
- Cell, Molecular and Cancer Biology Graduate Program and Medical Sciences Program, Indiana University School of Medicine, Bloomington, Indiana, United States of America
| | - Tim Lai
- Luddy School of Informatics, Computing, and Engineering, Indiana University, Bloomington, Indiana, United States of America
- Department of Mathematics, Indiana University, Bloomington, Indiana, United States of America
| | - Xingyue Zong
- Cell, Molecular and Cancer Biology Graduate Program and Medical Sciences Program, Indiana University School of Medicine, Bloomington, Indiana, United States of America
| | - Fang Fang
- Department of Medical and Molecular Genetics, Indiana University School of Medicine, Indianapolis, Indiana, United States of America
| | - Heather M. O’Hagan
- Cell, Molecular and Cancer Biology Graduate Program and Medical Sciences Program, Indiana University School of Medicine, Bloomington, Indiana, United States of America
- Department of Medical and Molecular Genetics, Indiana University School of Medicine, Indianapolis, Indiana, United States of America
- Indiana University Melvin and Bren Simon Comprehensive Cancer Center, Indianapolis, Indiana, United States of America
- * E-mail: (KPN); (HMO)
| | - Kenneth P. Nephew
- Cell, Molecular and Cancer Biology Graduate Program and Medical Sciences Program, Indiana University School of Medicine, Bloomington, Indiana, United States of America
- Indiana University Melvin and Bren Simon Comprehensive Cancer Center, Indianapolis, Indiana, United States of America
- Department of Anatomy, Cell Biology and Physiology; Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Indiana University School of Medicine, Indianapolis, Indiana, United States of America
- * E-mail: (KPN); (HMO)
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17
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Muralikrishnan V, Fang F, Given TC, Podicheti R, Chtcherbinine M, Metcalfe TX, Sriramkumar S, O’Hagan HM, Hurley TD, Nephew KP. A Novel ALDH1A1 Inhibitor Blocks Platinum-Induced Senescence and Stemness in Ovarian Cancer. Cancers (Basel) 2022; 14:3437. [PMID: 35884498 PMCID: PMC9318275 DOI: 10.3390/cancers14143437] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/04/2022] [Revised: 07/08/2022] [Accepted: 07/10/2022] [Indexed: 02/04/2023] Open
Abstract
Ovarian cancer is a deadly disease attributed to late-stage detection as well as recurrence and the development of chemoresistance. Ovarian cancer stem cells (OCSCs) are hypothesized to be largely responsible for the emergence of chemoresistant tumors. Although chemotherapy may initially succeed at decreasing the size and number of tumors, it leaves behind residual malignant OCSCs. In this study, we demonstrate that aldehyde dehydrogenase 1A1 (ALDH1A1) is essential for the survival of OCSCs. We identified a first-in-class ALDH1A1 inhibitor, compound 974, and used 974 as a tool to decipher the mechanism of stemness regulation by ALDH1A1. The treatment of OCSCs with 974 significantly inhibited ALDH activity, the expression of stemness genes, and spheroid and colony formation. An in vivo limiting dilution assay demonstrated that 974 significantly inhibited CSC frequency. A transcriptomic sequencing of cells treated with 974 revealed a significant downregulation of genes related to stemness and chemoresistance as well as senescence and the senescence-associated secretory phenotype (SASP). We confirmed that 974 inhibited the senescence and stemness induced by platinum-based chemotherapy in functional assays. Overall, these data establish that ALDH1A1 is essential for OCSC survival and that ALDH1A1 inhibition suppresses chemotherapy-induced senescence and stemness. Targeting ALDH1A1 using small-molecule inhibitors in combination with chemotherapy therefore presents a promising strategy to prevent ovarian cancer recurrence and has the potential for clinical translation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Vaishnavi Muralikrishnan
- Cell, Molecular and Cancer Biology Graduate Program, Medical Sciences Department, Indiana University School of Medicine, Bloomington, IN 47405, USA; (V.M.); (T.C.G.); (T.X.M.); (S.S.); (H.M.O.)
| | - Fang Fang
- Department of Medical and Molecular Genetics, Indiana University School of Medicine, Indianapolis, IN 46202, USA;
| | - Tyler C. Given
- Cell, Molecular and Cancer Biology Graduate Program, Medical Sciences Department, Indiana University School of Medicine, Bloomington, IN 47405, USA; (V.M.); (T.C.G.); (T.X.M.); (S.S.); (H.M.O.)
| | - Ram Podicheti
- Center for Genomics and Bioinformatics, Indiana University, Bloomington, IN 46202, USA;
| | - Mikhail Chtcherbinine
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Indiana University School of Medicine, Indianapolis, IN 46202, USA;
| | - Tara X. Metcalfe
- Cell, Molecular and Cancer Biology Graduate Program, Medical Sciences Department, Indiana University School of Medicine, Bloomington, IN 47405, USA; (V.M.); (T.C.G.); (T.X.M.); (S.S.); (H.M.O.)
| | - Shruthi Sriramkumar
- Cell, Molecular and Cancer Biology Graduate Program, Medical Sciences Department, Indiana University School of Medicine, Bloomington, IN 47405, USA; (V.M.); (T.C.G.); (T.X.M.); (S.S.); (H.M.O.)
| | - Heather M. O’Hagan
- Cell, Molecular and Cancer Biology Graduate Program, Medical Sciences Department, Indiana University School of Medicine, Bloomington, IN 47405, USA; (V.M.); (T.C.G.); (T.X.M.); (S.S.); (H.M.O.)
- Department of Medical and Molecular Genetics, Indiana University School of Medicine, Indianapolis, IN 46202, USA;
- Indiana University Melvin and Bren Simon Comprehensive Cancer Center, Indianapolis, IN 46202, USA
| | - Thomas D. Hurley
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Indiana University School of Medicine, Indianapolis, IN 46202, USA;
| | - Kenneth P. Nephew
- Cell, Molecular and Cancer Biology Graduate Program, Medical Sciences Department, Indiana University School of Medicine, Bloomington, IN 47405, USA; (V.M.); (T.C.G.); (T.X.M.); (S.S.); (H.M.O.)
- Department of Medical and Molecular Genetics, Indiana University School of Medicine, Indianapolis, IN 46202, USA;
- Department of Anatomy, Cell Biology and Physiology, Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Indiana University School of Medicine, Indianapolis, IN 46202, USA
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18
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Zhang M, Peng Y, Yang Z, Zhang H, Xu C, Liu L, Zhao Q, Wu J, Wang H, Liu J. DAB2IP down-regulates HSP90AA1 to inhibit the malignant biological behaviors of colorectal cancer. BMC Cancer 2022; 22:561. [PMID: 35590292 PMCID: PMC9118737 DOI: 10.1186/s12885-022-09596-z] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/12/2021] [Accepted: 04/22/2022] [Indexed: 12/15/2022] Open
Abstract
Background Studies have shown that DAB2IP inhibits cancer progression, while HSP90AA1 promotes cancer progression. However, the specific regulatory mechanism of DAB2IP and HSP90AA1 in colorectal cancer (CRC) is not clear. Our aim is to investigate the role and mechanism of DAB2IP and HSP90AA1 in the development of CRC. Methods We used bioinformation to analyze the interaction between DAB2IP and HSP90AA1 and predict their downstream pathways. Then, a series of in vitro and in vivo experiments were conducted to reveal the role of DAB2IP and HSP90AA1 in the invasion and metastasis of colorectal cancer, and flow cytometry was used to explore their effects on apoptosis. Results Loss of DAB2IP was associated with poor prognosis of CRC. In contrast, elevated expression of HSP90AA1 was associated with the malignant behavior of CRC. The present study demonstrated a negative correlation between DAB2IP and HSP90AA1. Using bioinformatic analysis, we scanned SRP9 which was highly expressed in CRC, as a co-related gene of DAB2IP and HSP90AA1. Mechanistically, DAB2IP promoted apoptosis through HSP90AA1/SRP9/ASK1/JNK signaling axis in CRC. Conclusions These findings provide evidence that DAB2IP-based therapy may enhance the anticancer effect of HSP90AA1 inhibitors, and combined targeting of DAB2IP and HSP90AA1 may be a powerful treatment strategy to combat CRC. Supplementary Information The online version contains supplementary material available at 10.1186/s12885-022-09596-z.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mengna Zhang
- Department of Gastroenterology, Zhongnan Hospital of Wuhan University, No. 169, Donghu Road, Wuchang District, WuhanHubei Province, 430071, China.,Hubei Clinical Center & Key Lab of Intestinal & Colorectal Diseases, Wuhan, 430071, China
| | - Yanan Peng
- Department of Gastroenterology, Zhongnan Hospital of Wuhan University, No. 169, Donghu Road, Wuchang District, WuhanHubei Province, 430071, China.,Hubei Clinical Center & Key Lab of Intestinal & Colorectal Diseases, Wuhan, 430071, China
| | - Zhenwei Yang
- Department of Gastroenterology, Zhongnan Hospital of Wuhan University, No. 169, Donghu Road, Wuchang District, WuhanHubei Province, 430071, China.,Hubei Clinical Center & Key Lab of Intestinal & Colorectal Diseases, Wuhan, 430071, China
| | - Hailin Zhang
- Department of Gastroenterology, Zhongnan Hospital of Wuhan University, No. 169, Donghu Road, Wuchang District, WuhanHubei Province, 430071, China.,Hubei Clinical Center & Key Lab of Intestinal & Colorectal Diseases, Wuhan, 430071, China
| | - Cong Xu
- Tongji Hospital of Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, 430030, China
| | - Lan Liu
- Department of Gastroenterology, Zhongnan Hospital of Wuhan University, No. 169, Donghu Road, Wuchang District, WuhanHubei Province, 430071, China.,Hubei Clinical Center & Key Lab of Intestinal & Colorectal Diseases, Wuhan, 430071, China
| | - Qiu Zhao
- Department of Gastroenterology, Zhongnan Hospital of Wuhan University, No. 169, Donghu Road, Wuchang District, WuhanHubei Province, 430071, China.,Hubei Clinical Center & Key Lab of Intestinal & Colorectal Diseases, Wuhan, 430071, China
| | - Jixiong Wu
- Department of Gastroenterology, Huanggang Central Hospital, Huangzhou District, No.11, Kaopeng Street, HuanggangHubei Province, 438000, China.
| | - Hongling Wang
- Department of Gastroenterology, Zhongnan Hospital of Wuhan University, No. 169, Donghu Road, Wuchang District, WuhanHubei Province, 430071, China. .,Hubei Clinical Center & Key Lab of Intestinal & Colorectal Diseases, Wuhan, 430071, China.
| | - Jing Liu
- Department of Gastroenterology, Zhongnan Hospital of Wuhan University, No. 169, Donghu Road, Wuchang District, WuhanHubei Province, 430071, China. .,Hubei Clinical Center & Key Lab of Intestinal & Colorectal Diseases, Wuhan, 430071, China.
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19
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Wnt antagonist as therapeutic targets in ovarian cancer. Int J Biochem Cell Biol 2022; 145:106191. [PMID: 35272015 DOI: 10.1016/j.biocel.2022.106191] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/30/2021] [Revised: 02/27/2022] [Accepted: 03/02/2022] [Indexed: 12/28/2022]
Abstract
Ovarian cancer is a fatal malignancy in women with a low survival rate that demands new therapeutic paradigms. Cancer cells acquire various exclusive alterations to proliferate, invade, metastasize, and escape cell death, acting independently of growth-inducing or growth-inhibiting signals. The nature of cellular signaling in tumorigenesis is interwoven. Wnt signaling is an evolutionarily conserved signaling cascade that has been shown to regulate ovarian cancer pathogenesis. The molecular mechanism of Wnt signaling underlying the development of ovarian cancer, drug resistance, and relapse is not completely understood. Extracellularly secreted Wnt signaling inhibitors are crucial regulators of ovarian cancer tumorigenesis and malignant properties of cancer stem cells. Wnt inhibitors arbitrated modifications affecting Wnt pathway proteins on the cell membranes, in the cytoplasm, and in the nucleus have been shown to span essential contributions in the initiation, progression, and chemoresistance of ovarian cancer. Although many extrinsic inhibitors developed targeting the downstream components of the Wnt signaling pathway, investigating the molecular mechanisms of endogenous secreted inhibitors might substantiate prognostic or therapeutic biomarkers development. Given the importance of Wnt signaling in ovarian cancer, more systematic studies combined with clinical studies are requisite to probe the precise mechanistic interactions of Wnt antagonists in ovarian cancer. This review outlines the latest progress on the Wnt antagonists and ovarian cancer-specific regulators such as micro-RNAs, small molecules, and drugs regulating these Wnt antagonists in ovarian tumourigenesis.
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20
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Mirzaei S, Gholami MH, Hushmandi K, Hashemi F, Zabolian A, Canadas I, Zarrabi A, Nabavi N, Aref AR, Crea F, Wang Y, Ashrafizadeh M, Kumar AP. The long and short non-coding RNAs modulating EZH2 signaling in cancer. J Hematol Oncol 2022; 15:18. [PMID: 35236381 PMCID: PMC8892735 DOI: 10.1186/s13045-022-01235-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 88] [Impact Index Per Article: 44.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/03/2021] [Accepted: 02/09/2022] [Indexed: 02/08/2023] Open
Abstract
Non-coding RNAs (ncRNAs) are a large family of RNA molecules with no capability in encoding proteins. However, they participate in developmental and biological processes and their abnormal expression affects cancer progression. These RNA molecules can function as upstream mediators of different signaling pathways and enhancer of zeste homolog 2 (EZH2) is among them. Briefly, EZH2 belongs to PRCs family and can exert functional roles in cells due to its methyltransferase activity. EZH2 affects gene expression via inducing H3K27me3. In the present review, our aim is to provide a mechanistic discussion of ncRNAs role in regulating EZH2 expression in different cancers. MiRNAs can dually induce/inhibit EZH2 in cancer cells to affect downstream targets such as Wnt, STAT3 and EMT. Furthermore, miRNAs can regulate therapy response of cancer cells via affecting EZH2 signaling. It is noteworthy that EZH2 can reduce miRNA expression by binding to promoter and exerting its methyltransferase activity. Small-interfering RNA (siRNA) and short-hairpin RNA (shRNA) are synthetic, short ncRNAs capable of reducing EZH2 expression and suppressing cancer progression. LncRNAs mainly regulate EZH2 expression via targeting miRNAs. Furthermore, lncRNAs induce EZH2 by modulating miRNA expression. Circular RNAs (CircRNAs), like lncRNAs, affect EZH2 expression via targeting miRNAs. These areas are discussed in the present review with a focus on molecular pathways leading to clinical translation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sepideh Mirzaei
- Department of Biology, Faculty of Science, Islamic Azad University, Science and Research Branch, Tehran, Iran
| | | | - Kiavash Hushmandi
- Department of Food Hygiene and Quality Control, Division of Epidemiology and Zoonoses, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, University of Tehran, Tehran, Iran
| | - Farid Hashemi
- Department of Comparative Biosciences, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, University of Tehran, 1417466191, Tehran, Iran
| | - Amirhossein Zabolian
- Department of Orthopedics, School of Medicine, 5th Azar Hospital, Golestan University of Medical Sciences, Gorgan, Golestan, Iran
| | - Israel Canadas
- Blood Cell Development and Function Program, Fox Chase Cancer Center, Philadelphia, PA, USA
| | - Ali Zarrabi
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, Faculty of Engineering and Natural Sciences, Istinye University, Istanbul, 34396, Turkey
| | - Noushin Nabavi
- Department of Urological Sciences and Vancouver Prostate Centre, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, BC, V6H3Z6, Canada
| | - Amir Reza Aref
- Belfer Center for Applied Cancer Science, Dana-Farber Cancer Institute, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, USA
- Department of Translational Sciences, Xsphera Biosciences Inc., Boston, MA, USA
| | - Francesco Crea
- Cancer Research Group-School of Life Health and Chemical Sciences, The Open University, Walton Hall, Milton Keynes, MK7 6AA, UK
| | - Yuzhuo Wang
- Department of Urological Sciences and Vancouver Prostate Centre, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, BC, V6H3Z6, Canada.
| | - Milad Ashrafizadeh
- Faculty of Engineering and Natural Sciences, Sabanci University, Orta Mahalle, Üniversite Caddesi No. 27, Orhanlı, Tuzla, Istanbul, 34956, Turkey.
| | - Alan Prem Kumar
- Cancer Science Institute of Singapore and Department of Pharmacology, Yong Loo Lin School of Medicine, National University of Singapore, Singapore, 117599, Singapore.
- NUS Centre for Cancer Research (N2CR), Yong Loo Lin School of Medicine, National University of Singapore, Singapore, Singapore.
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21
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Interplay between ceRNA and Epigenetic Control of microRNA: Modelling Approaches with Application to the Role of Estrogen in Ovarian Cancer. Int J Mol Sci 2022; 23:ijms23042277. [PMID: 35216394 PMCID: PMC8876507 DOI: 10.3390/ijms23042277] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/06/2022] [Revised: 02/11/2022] [Accepted: 02/16/2022] [Indexed: 12/19/2022] Open
Abstract
MicroRNAs (miRNAs) play an important role in gene regulation by degradation or translational inhibition of the targeted mRNAs. It has been experimentally shown that the way miRNAs interact with their targets can be used to explain the indirect interactions among their targets, i.e., competing endogenous RNA (ceRNA). However, whether the protein translated from the targeted mRNAs can play any role in this ceRNA network has not been explored. Here we propose a deterministic model to demonstrate that in a network of one miRNA interacting with multiple-targeted mRNAs, the competition between miRNA-targeted mRNAs is not sufficient for the significant change of those targeted mRNA levels, while dramatic changes of these miRNA-targeted mRNAs require transcriptional inhibition of miRNA by its target proteins. When applied to estrogen receptor signaling pathways, the miR-193a targets E2F6 (a target of estrogen receptor), c-KIT (a marker for cancer stemness), and PBX1 (a transcriptional activator for immunosuppressive cytokine, IL-10) in ovarian cancer, such that epigenetic silencing of miR-193a by E2F6 protein is required for the significant change of c-KIT and PBX1 mRNA level for cancer stemness and immunoevasion, respectively, in ovarian cancer carcinogenesis.
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22
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Zhou Y, Yang Z, Zhang H, Li H, Zhang M, Wang H, Zhang M, Qiu P, Zhang R, Liu J. DNMT3A facilitates colorectal cancer progression via regulating DAB2IP mediated MEK/ERK activation. Biochim Biophys Acta Mol Basis Dis 2022; 1868:166353. [DOI: 10.1016/j.bbadis.2022.166353] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/18/2021] [Revised: 01/10/2022] [Accepted: 01/12/2022] [Indexed: 12/16/2022]
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23
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Histone H3 lysine-trimethylation markers are decreased by recombinant methioninase and increased by methotrexate at concentrations which inhibit methionine-addicted osteosarcoma cell proliferation. Biochem Biophys Rep 2021; 28:101177. [PMID: 34877414 PMCID: PMC8633566 DOI: 10.1016/j.bbrep.2021.101177] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/15/2021] [Revised: 11/12/2021] [Accepted: 11/22/2021] [Indexed: 11/26/2022] Open
Abstract
Methionine addiction is a fundamental and general hallmark of cancer cells, which require exogenous methionine, despite their ability to synthesize normal amounts of methionine from homocysteine. In contrast, methionine-independent normal cells do not require exogenous methionine in the presence of a methionine precursor. The methionine addiction of cancer cells is due to excess transmethylation reactions. We have previously shown that histone H3 lysine marks are over-methylated in cancer cells and the over-methylation is unstable when the cancer cells are restricted of methionine. In the present study, we show that methionine-addicted osteosarcoma cells are sensitive to both methotrexate (MTX) and recombinant methioninase (rMETase), but they affect histone H3 lysine-methylation in the opposite direction. Concentrations of MTX and rMETase, which inhibit osteosarcoma cells viability to 20%, had opposing effects on the status of histone methylation of H3K9me3 and H3K27me3. rMETase significantly decreased the amount of H3K9me3 and H3K27me3. In contrast, MTX significantly increased the amount of H3K9me and H3K27me3. The results suggest that increase or decrease in these methylated histone lysine marks is associated with proliferation arrest of methionine-addicted osteosarcoma. Osteosarcoma cells are sensitive to both methotrexate and recombinant methioninase. MTX increased the amount of H3K9me and H3K27me3. RMETase decreased the amount of H3K9me3 and H3K27me3. Increase/decrease in H3K9me3 and H3K27me3 is associated with proliferation arrest.
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24
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Peng CY, Lin CY, Chen SH, Liao YW, Yu CC, Lee SP. microRNA-1266-5p directly targets DAB2IP to enhance oncogenicity and metastasis in oral cancer. J Dent Sci 2021; 17:718-724. [PMID: 35756756 PMCID: PMC9201632 DOI: 10.1016/j.jds.2021.11.001] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/14/2021] [Revised: 11/01/2021] [Indexed: 11/16/2022] Open
Abstract
Background/purpose Oral cancer has been recognized as one of the most common malignancies worldwide and ranks the fifth leading cause of cancer death in Taiwan. A variety of studies have demonstrated that microRNAs are involved in the regulation of the hallmarks of oral carcinogenesis. Nevertheless, the effect of miR-1266-5p on the tumorigenesis of oral cancer has not been investigated, and not to mention, its functional role in oral cancer. Materials and methods The upregulation of miR-1266-5p in SASVO3 and SASM5 cells was identified by RNA-Seq and examined by qRT-PCR analysis. The phenotypic assays including proliferation activity, migration capacity, invasion, wound healing, and colony-forming abilities were conducted in oral cancer cells after knockdown of miR-1266-5p. Luciferase reporter and western blotting were used to validate DAB2IP was a direct target of miR-1266-5p in oral cancer. Results We identified that miR-1266-5p was significantly overexpressed in highly tumorigenic SASVO3 cells and metastatic SASM5 cells. qRT-PCR revealed that miR-1266 significantly increased upregulated in oral cancer and lymph node metastatic tissues compared to normal counterparts We found that downregulation of miR-1266-5p inhibited the proliferation and clonogenicity capacities of SASVO3 cells. Knockdown of miR-1266-5p also inhibited migration/invasion and self-renewal abilities in SASM5 cells. Moreover, we validated miR-1266-5p directly bound to the 3′UTR of DAB2IP in oral cancer cells. We found that DAB2IP knockdown reversed the inhibitory effects of self-renewal and migration mediated by silencing of miR-1266-5p. Conclusion miR-1266 functions as a biomarker in oral cancer patients, and downregulation of miR-1266 may ameliorate the oncogenic and metastasis potential of oral cancer by targeting DAB2IP.
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25
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TPH1 and 5-HT 7 Receptor Overexpression Leading to Gemcitabine-Resistance Requires Non-Canonical Permissive Action of EZH2 in Pancreatic Ductal Adenocarcinoma. Cancers (Basel) 2021; 13:cancers13215305. [PMID: 34771469 PMCID: PMC8582390 DOI: 10.3390/cancers13215305] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/14/2021] [Revised: 10/20/2021] [Accepted: 10/20/2021] [Indexed: 02/06/2023] Open
Abstract
Simple Summary Most patients with pancreatic cancer initially respond to the first-choice drug gemcitabine, but the cancer cells rapidly acquire drug resistance, resulting in poor survival. In this study, we investigated whether the serotonin (5-hydroxytryptamine, 5-HT) system plays an important role in gemcitabine resistance and the maintenance of pancreatic cancer stem cells (CSCs) in association with an Enhancer of zeste homolog 2 (EZH2), an epigenetic regulator of transcription. Herein, we demonstrate that long-term exposure of PDAC cells to 5-HT leads to enhanced EZH2 expression which, in turn, allows upregulation of TPH1 and 5-HT7, resulting in EZH2-TPH1-5-HT7 axis operating in a feed-forward manner. The results suggest that the EZH2-TPH1-5-HT7 axis may be a highly efficient therapeutic target against drug-resistant pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma (PDAC). Abstract In the present study, we investigated the regulatory mechanisms underlying overexpression of EZH2, tryptophan hydroxylase 1 (TPH1), and 5-HT7, in relation to gemcitabine resistance and CSC survival in PDAC cells. In aggressive PANC-1 and MIA PaCa-2 cells, knock-down (KD) of EZH2, TPH1, or HTR7 induced a decrease in CSCs and recovery from gemcitabine resistance, while preconditioning of less aggressive Capan-1 cells with 5-HT induced gemcitabine resistance with increased expression of EZH2, TPH1, and 5-HT7. Such effects of the gene KD and 5-HT treatment were mediated through PI3K/Akt and JAK2/STAT3 signaling pathways. EZH2 KD or GSK-126 (an EZH2 inhibitor) inhibited activities of these signaling pathways which altered nuclear level of NF-kB, Sp1, and p-STAT3, accompanied by downregulation of TPH1 and 5-HT7. Co-immunoprecipation with EZH2 and pan-methyl lysine antibodies revealed that auto-methylated EZH2 served as a scaffold for binding with methylated NF-kB and Sp1 as well as unmethylated p-STAT3. Furthermore, the inhibitor of EZH2, TPH1, or 5-HT7 effectively regressed pancreatic tumor growth in a xenografted mouse tumor model. Overall, the results revealed that long-term exposure to 5-HT upregulated EZH2, and the noncanonical action of EZH2 allowed the expression of TPH1-5-HT7 axis leading to gemcitabine resistance and CSC population in PDAC.
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26
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Cai C, Peng X, Zhang Y. Downregulation of cell division cycle-associated protein 7 (CDCA7) suppresses cell proliferation, arrests cell cycle of ovarian cancer, and restrains angiogenesis by modulating enhancer of zeste homolog 2 (EZH2) expression. Bioengineered 2021; 12:7007-7019. [PMID: 34551671 PMCID: PMC8806772 DOI: 10.1080/21655979.2021.1965441] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/14/2022] Open
Abstract
The purpose of the current study was to investigate the biological function of cell division cycle-associated protein 7 (CDCA7) on ovarian cancer (OC) progression and analyze the molecular mechanism of CDCA7 on OC cellular processes and angiogenesis. CDCA7 expression in OC tissues and adjacent normal tissues was obtained from Gene Expression Profiling Interactive Analysis (GEPIA) and in various cancer cell lines was obtained from Cancer Cell Line Encyclopedia (CCLE). Moreover, CDCA7 expression in adjacent normal tissues and tumor tissues of OC patients as well as in normal ovarian epithelial cells (NOEC) and ovarian cancer cells (OVCAR3, SKOV3, CAOV-3, A2780) was further confirmed via Western blot assay and Reverse transcription-quantitative polymerase chain reaction (RT-qPCR). In addition, Immunohistochemistry (IHC) was also applied for determination of CDCA7 expression in tissues of OC patients. Then, SKOV3 cells were introduced with shRNA-CDCA7 for functional experiments. GeneMANIA database analysis and coimmunoprecipitation (Co-IP) assay verified the interaction between CDCA7 and enhancer of zeste homolog 2 (EZH2) to probe the potential mechanism. CDCA7 expression was elevated in tumor tissues of OC patients and OC cell lines. CDCA7 silencing restrained the proliferative, migrative and invasive capacities and arrested cell cycle of OC cells. In addition, CDCA7 knockdown induced a weaker in vitro angiogenesis of HUVECs. Mechanistically, CDCA7 interacted with EZH2. Downregulation of CDCA7 arrested angiogenesis by suppressing EZH2 expression. To sum up, the current study revealed the impact and potential mechanism of CDCA7 on OC cellular processes, developing a promising molecular target for OC therapies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Chunyan Cai
- Department Of Gynaecology, The Affiliated Huai'an No.1 People's Hospital of Nanjing Medical University, Huai'an, Jiangsu, China
| | - Xing Peng
- Department Of Gynaecology, The Affiliated Huai'an No.1 People's Hospital of Nanjing Medical University, Huai'an, Jiangsu, China
| | - Yumei Zhang
- Department Of Gynaecology, The Affiliated Huai'an No.1 People's Hospital of Nanjing Medical University, Huai'an, Jiangsu, China
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27
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Chirshev E, Suzuki T, Wang H, Nguyen A, Hojo N, Sanderman L, Mirshahidi S, Ioffe YJ, Unternaehrer JJ. Let-7i Reduces Aggressive Phenotype and Induces BRCAness in Ovarian Cancer Cells. Cancers (Basel) 2021; 13:cancers13184617. [PMID: 34572843 PMCID: PMC8468164 DOI: 10.3390/cancers13184617] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/02/2021] [Revised: 09/05/2021] [Accepted: 09/09/2021] [Indexed: 12/24/2022] Open
Abstract
High-grade serous carcinoma of the ovary is a deadly gynecological cancer with poor long-term survival. Dysregulation of microRNAs has been shown to contribute to the formation of cancer stem cells (CSCs), an important part of oncogenesis and tumor progression. The let-7 family of microRNAs has previously been shown to regulate stemness and has tumor suppressive actions in a variety of cancers, including ovarian. Here, we demonstrate tumor suppressor actions of let-7i: repression of cancer cell stemness, inhibition of migration and invasion, and promotion of apoptosis, features important for cancer progression, relapse, and metastasis. Let-7i over-expression results in increased sensitivity to the PARP inhibitor olaparib in samples without BRCA mutations, consistent with induction of BRCAness phenotype. We also show that let-7i inhibits the expression of several factors involved in the homologous recombination repair (HRR) pathway, providing potential mechanisms by which the BRCAness phenotype could be induced. These actions of let-7i add to the rationale for use of this miRNA as a treatment for ovarian cancer patients, including those without mutations in the HRR pathway.
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Affiliation(s)
- Evgeny Chirshev
- Department of Basic Sciences, Division of Biochemistry, Loma Linda University, Loma Linda, CA 92354, USA; (E.C.); (T.S.); (H.W.); (A.N.); (N.H.); (L.S.)
- Department of Pathology and Human Anatomy, Loma Linda University School of Medicine, Loma Linda, CA 92354, USA
| | - Tise Suzuki
- Department of Basic Sciences, Division of Biochemistry, Loma Linda University, Loma Linda, CA 92354, USA; (E.C.); (T.S.); (H.W.); (A.N.); (N.H.); (L.S.)
| | - Hanmin Wang
- Department of Basic Sciences, Division of Biochemistry, Loma Linda University, Loma Linda, CA 92354, USA; (E.C.); (T.S.); (H.W.); (A.N.); (N.H.); (L.S.)
| | - Anthony Nguyen
- Department of Basic Sciences, Division of Biochemistry, Loma Linda University, Loma Linda, CA 92354, USA; (E.C.); (T.S.); (H.W.); (A.N.); (N.H.); (L.S.)
| | - Nozomi Hojo
- Department of Basic Sciences, Division of Biochemistry, Loma Linda University, Loma Linda, CA 92354, USA; (E.C.); (T.S.); (H.W.); (A.N.); (N.H.); (L.S.)
| | - Linda Sanderman
- Department of Basic Sciences, Division of Biochemistry, Loma Linda University, Loma Linda, CA 92354, USA; (E.C.); (T.S.); (H.W.); (A.N.); (N.H.); (L.S.)
- Biology Department, California State University San Bernardino, San Bernardino, CA 92407, USA
| | - Saied Mirshahidi
- Biospecimen Laboratory, Loma Linda University Cancer Center, Department of Basic Sciences, Division of Microbiology & Molecular Genetics, Loma Linda University, Loma Linda, CA 92354, USA;
| | - Yevgeniya J. Ioffe
- Department of Gynecology and Obstetrics, Division of Gynecologic Oncology, Loma Linda University Medical Center, Loma Linda, CA 92354, USA;
| | - Juli J. Unternaehrer
- Department of Basic Sciences, Division of Biochemistry, Loma Linda University, Loma Linda, CA 92354, USA; (E.C.); (T.S.); (H.W.); (A.N.); (N.H.); (L.S.)
- Department of Gynecology and Obstetrics, Loma Linda University, Loma Linda, CA 92354, USA
- Center for Health Disparities and Molecular Medicine, Loma Linda University, Loma Linda, CA 92354, USA
- Correspondence:
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28
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Li H, Zhou Y, Wang M, Wang H, Zhang Y, Peng R, Zhang R, Zhang M, Zhang M, Qiu P, Liu L, Zhao Q, Liu J. DOC-2/DAB2 interactive protein destabilizes c-Myc to impair the growth and self-renewal of colon tumor-repopulating cells. Cancer Sci 2021; 112:4593-4603. [PMID: 34449943 PMCID: PMC8586666 DOI: 10.1111/cas.15120] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/16/2021] [Revised: 08/21/2021] [Accepted: 08/25/2021] [Indexed: 02/06/2023] Open
Abstract
Colorectal carcinoma (CRC) remains a huge challenge in clinical treatment due to tumor metastasis and recurrence. Stem cell-like colon tumor-repopulating cells (TRCs) are a subpopulation of cancer cells with highly tumorigenic and chemotherapy resistant properties. The core transcription factor c-Myc is essential for maintaining cancer stem-like cell phenotypes, yet its roles and regulatory mechanisms remain unclear in colon TRCs. We report that elevated c-Myc protein supported formation and growth of TRC spheroids. The tumor suppressor DOC-2/DAB2 interactive protein (DAB2IP) suppressed c-Myc expression to inhibit TRC expansion and self-renewal. Particularly, DAB2IP disrupted c-Myc stability through glycogen synthase kinase 3β/protein phosphatase 2A-B56α-mediated phosphorylation and dephosphorylation cascade on c-Myc protein, leading to its eventual degradation through the ubiquitin-proteasome pathway. The expression of DAB2IP was negatively correlated with c-Myc in CRC specimens. Overall, our results improved mechanistic insight into how DAB2IP suppressed TRC growth and self-renewal.
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Affiliation(s)
- Haiou Li
- Department of Gastroenterology, Zhongnan Hospital of Wuhan University, Wuhan, China.,Hubei Clinical Center and Key Laboratory of Intestinal and Colorectal Diseases, Wuhan, China
| | - Yunjiao Zhou
- Department of Gastroenterology, Zhongnan Hospital of Wuhan University, Wuhan, China.,Hubei Clinical Center and Key Laboratory of Intestinal and Colorectal Diseases, Wuhan, China
| | - Meng Wang
- Department of Gastroenterology, Zhongnan Hospital of Wuhan University, Wuhan, China.,Hubei Clinical Center and Key Laboratory of Intestinal and Colorectal Diseases, Wuhan, China
| | - Haizhou Wang
- Department of Gastroenterology, Zhongnan Hospital of Wuhan University, Wuhan, China.,Hubei Clinical Center and Key Laboratory of Intestinal and Colorectal Diseases, Wuhan, China
| | - Yangyang Zhang
- Department of Gastroenterology, Zhongnan Hospital of Wuhan University, Wuhan, China.,Hubei Clinical Center and Key Laboratory of Intestinal and Colorectal Diseases, Wuhan, China
| | - Ruyi Peng
- Department of Gastroenterology, Zhongnan Hospital of Wuhan University, Wuhan, China.,Hubei Clinical Center and Key Laboratory of Intestinal and Colorectal Diseases, Wuhan, China
| | - Ruike Zhang
- Department of Gastroenterology, Zhongnan Hospital of Wuhan University, Wuhan, China.,Hubei Clinical Center and Key Laboratory of Intestinal and Colorectal Diseases, Wuhan, China
| | - Meng Zhang
- Department of Gastroenterology, Zhongnan Hospital of Wuhan University, Wuhan, China.,Hubei Clinical Center and Key Laboratory of Intestinal and Colorectal Diseases, Wuhan, China
| | - Mengna Zhang
- Department of Gastroenterology, Zhongnan Hospital of Wuhan University, Wuhan, China.,Hubei Clinical Center and Key Laboratory of Intestinal and Colorectal Diseases, Wuhan, China
| | - Peishan Qiu
- Department of Gastroenterology, Zhongnan Hospital of Wuhan University, Wuhan, China.,Hubei Clinical Center and Key Laboratory of Intestinal and Colorectal Diseases, Wuhan, China
| | - Lan Liu
- Department of Gastroenterology, Zhongnan Hospital of Wuhan University, Wuhan, China.,Hubei Clinical Center and Key Laboratory of Intestinal and Colorectal Diseases, Wuhan, China
| | - Qiu Zhao
- Department of Gastroenterology, Zhongnan Hospital of Wuhan University, Wuhan, China.,Hubei Clinical Center and Key Laboratory of Intestinal and Colorectal Diseases, Wuhan, China
| | - Jing Liu
- Department of Gastroenterology, Zhongnan Hospital of Wuhan University, Wuhan, China.,Hubei Clinical Center and Key Laboratory of Intestinal and Colorectal Diseases, Wuhan, China
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29
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Ni J, Zhang X, Li J, Zheng Z, Zhang J, Zhao W, Liu L. Tumour-derived exosomal lncRNA-SOX2OT promotes bone metastasis of non-small cell lung cancer by targeting the miRNA-194-5p/RAC1 signalling axis in osteoclasts. Cell Death Dis 2021; 12:662. [PMID: 34215717 PMCID: PMC8253828 DOI: 10.1038/s41419-021-03928-w] [Citation(s) in RCA: 39] [Impact Index Per Article: 13.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/03/2021] [Revised: 06/09/2021] [Accepted: 06/09/2021] [Indexed: 02/06/2023]
Abstract
Bone is a frequent metastatic site of non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC), and bone metastasis (BoM) presents significant challenges for patient survival and quality of life. Osteolytic BoM is characterised by aberrant differentiation and malfunction of osteoclasts through modulation of the TGF-β/pTHrP/RANKL signalling pathway, but its upstream regulatory mechanism is unclear. In this study, we found that lncRNA-SOX2OT was highly accumulated in exosomes derived from the peripheral blood of NSCLC patients with BoM and that patients with higher expression of exosomal lncRNA-SOX2OT had significantly shorter overall survival. Additionally, exosomal lncRNA-SOX2OT derived from NSCLC cells promoted cell invasion and migration in vitro, as well as BoM in vivo. Mechanistically, we discovered that NSCLC cell-derived exosomal lncRNA-SOX2OT modulated osteoclast differentiation and stimulated BoM by targeting the miRNA-194-5p/RAC1 signalling axis and TGF-β/pTHrP/RANKL signalling pathway in osteoclasts. In conclusion, exosomal lncRNA-SOX2OT plays a crucial role in promoting BoM and may serve as a promising prognostic biomarker and treatment target in metastatic NSCLC.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jianjiao Ni
- grid.452404.30000 0004 1808 0942Department of Radiation Oncology, Fudan University Shanghai Cancer Center, Shanghai, China ,grid.8547.e0000 0001 0125 2443Department of Oncology, Shanghai Medical College, Fudan University, Shanghai, China
| | - Xiaofei Zhang
- grid.452404.30000 0004 1808 0942Department of Radiation Oncology, Fudan University Shanghai Cancer Center, Shanghai, China ,grid.8547.e0000 0001 0125 2443Department of Oncology, Shanghai Medical College, Fudan University, Shanghai, China
| | - Juan Li
- grid.452404.30000 0004 1808 0942Department of Radiation Oncology, Fudan University Shanghai Cancer Center, Shanghai, China ,grid.8547.e0000 0001 0125 2443Department of Oncology, Shanghai Medical College, Fudan University, Shanghai, China
| | - Zhiqin Zheng
- grid.452404.30000 0004 1808 0942Department of Radiation Oncology, Fudan University Shanghai Cancer Center Minhang Branch Hospital, Shanghai, China
| | - Junhua Zhang
- grid.452404.30000 0004 1808 0942Department of Radiation Oncology, Fudan University Shanghai Cancer Center, Shanghai, China ,grid.8547.e0000 0001 0125 2443Department of Oncology, Shanghai Medical College, Fudan University, Shanghai, China
| | - Weixin Zhao
- grid.452404.30000 0004 1808 0942Department of Radiation Oncology, Fudan University Shanghai Cancer Center, Shanghai, China ,grid.8547.e0000 0001 0125 2443Department of Oncology, Shanghai Medical College, Fudan University, Shanghai, China
| | - Liang Liu
- grid.452404.30000 0004 1808 0942Department of Radiation Oncology, Fudan University Shanghai Cancer Center, Shanghai, China ,grid.8547.e0000 0001 0125 2443Department of Oncology, Shanghai Medical College, Fudan University, Shanghai, China
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Lu C, Liu Z, Klement JD, Yang D, Merting AD, Poschel D, Albers T, Waller JL, Shi H, Liu K. WDR5-H3K4me3 epigenetic axis regulates OPN expression to compensate PD-L1 function to promote pancreatic cancer immune escape. J Immunother Cancer 2021; 9:e002624. [PMID: 34326167 PMCID: PMC8323468 DOI: 10.1136/jitc-2021-002624] [Citation(s) in RCA: 38] [Impact Index Per Article: 12.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 06/29/2021] [Indexed: 12/18/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Despite PD-L1 (Programmed death receptor ligand-1) expression on tumor cells and cytotoxic T lymphocytes tumor infiltration in the tumor microenvironment, human pancreatic cancer stands out as one of the human cancers that does not respond to immune checkpoint inhibitor (ICI) immunotherapy. Epigenome dysregulation has emerged as a major mechanism in T cell exhaustion and non-response to ICI immunotherapy, we, therefore, aimed at testing the hypothesis that an epigenetic mechanism compensates PD-L1 function to render pancreatic cancer non-response to ICI immunotherapy. METHODS Two orthotopic pancreatic tumor mouse models were used for chromatin immunoprecipitation-Seq and RNA-Seq to identify genome-wide dysregulation of H3K4me3 and gene expression. Human pancreatic tumor and serum were analyzed for osteopontin (OPN) protein level and for correlation with patient prognosis. OPN and PD-L1 cellular location were determined in the tumors using flow cytometry. The function of WDR5-H3K4me3 axis in OPN expression were determined by Western blotting. The function of H3K4me3-OPN axis in pancreatic cancer immune escape and response to ICI immunotherapy was determined in an orthotopic pancreatic tumor mouse model. RESULTS Mouse pancreatic tumors have a genome-wide increase in H3K4me3 deposition as compared with normal pancreas. OPN and its receptor CD44 were identified being upregulated in pancreatic tumors by their promoter H3K4me3 deposition. OPN protein is increased in both tumor cells and tumor-infiltrating immune cells in human pancreatic carcinoma and is inversely correlated with pancreatic cancer patient survival. OPN is primarily expressed in tumor cells and monocytic myeloid-derived suppressor cells (M-MDSCs), whereas PD-L1 is expressed in tumor cells, M-MDSCs, polymorphonuclear MDSCs and tumor-associated macrophages. WDR5 is essential for H3K4me3-specific histone methyltransferase activity that regulates OPN expression in tumor cells and MDSCs. Inhibition of WDR5 significantly decreased OPN protein level. Inhibition of WDR5 or knocking out of OPN suppressed orthotopic mouse pancreatic tumor growth. Inhibition of WDR5 also significantly increased efficacy of anti-PD-1 immunotherapy in suppression of mouse pancreatic tumor growth in vivo. CONCLUSIONS OPN compensates PD-L1 function to promote pancreatic cancer immune escape. Pharmacological inhibition of the WDR5-H3K4me3 epigenetic axis is effective in suppressing pancreatic tumor immune escape and in improving efficacy of anti-PD-1 immunotherapy in pancreatic cancer.
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Affiliation(s)
- Chunwan Lu
- School of Life Sciences, Tianjin University, Tianjin, China
| | - Zhuoqi Liu
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Nanchang University, Nanchang, China
| | - John D Klement
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Medical College of Georgia, Augusta, Georgia, USA
- Georgia Cancer Center, Medical College of Georgia, Augusta, Georgia, USA
- Charlie Norwood VA Medical Center, Augusta, Georgia, USA
| | - Dafeng Yang
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Medical College of Georgia, Augusta, Georgia, USA
- Georgia Cancer Center, Medical College of Georgia, Augusta, Georgia, USA
- Charlie Norwood VA Medical Center, Augusta, Georgia, USA
| | - Alyssa D Merting
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Medical College of Georgia, Augusta, Georgia, USA
- Georgia Cancer Center, Medical College of Georgia, Augusta, Georgia, USA
- Charlie Norwood VA Medical Center, Augusta, Georgia, USA
| | - Dakota Poschel
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Medical College of Georgia, Augusta, Georgia, USA
- Georgia Cancer Center, Medical College of Georgia, Augusta, Georgia, USA
- Charlie Norwood VA Medical Center, Augusta, Georgia, USA
| | - Thomas Albers
- Georgia Cancer Center, Medical College of Georgia, Augusta, Georgia, USA
| | - Jennifer L Waller
- Department of Population Health Science, Medical College of Georgia, Augusta, Georgia, USA
| | - Huidong Shi
- Georgia Cancer Center, Medical College of Georgia, Augusta, Georgia, USA
| | - Kebin Liu
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Medical College of Georgia, Augusta, Georgia, USA
- Georgia Cancer Center, Medical College of Georgia, Augusta, Georgia, USA
- Charlie Norwood VA Medical Center, Augusta, Georgia, USA
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31
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Gao L, Wu ZX, Assaraf YG, Chen ZS, Wang L. Overcoming anti-cancer drug resistance via restoration of tumor suppressor gene function. Drug Resist Updat 2021; 57:100770. [PMID: 34175687 DOI: 10.1016/j.drup.2021.100770] [Citation(s) in RCA: 58] [Impact Index Per Article: 19.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/11/2021] [Revised: 06/08/2021] [Accepted: 06/13/2021] [Indexed: 02/07/2023]
Abstract
The cytotoxic anti-cancer drugs cisplatin, paclitaxel, doxorubicin, 5-fluorouracil (5-FU), as well as targeted drugs including imatinib, erlotinib, and nivolumab, play key roles in clinical cancer treatment. However, the frequent emergence of drug resistance severely comprosises their anti-cancer efficacy. A number of studies indicated that loss of function of tumor suppressor genes (TSGs) is involved in the development of cancer drug resistance, apart from decreased drug influx, increased drug efflux, induction of anti-apoptosis mechanisms, alterations in tumor microenvironment, drug compartmentalization, enhanced DNA repair and drug inactivation. TSGs are involved in the pathogenesis of tumor formation through regulation of DNA damage repair, cell apoptosis, autophagy, proliferation, cell cycle progression, and signal transduction. Our increased understanding of TSGs in the past decades demonstrates that gene mutation is not the only reason that leads to the inactivation of TSGs. Loss of function of TSGs may be based on the ubiquitin-proteasome pathway, epigenetic and transcriptional regualtion, post-translation modifications like phosphorylation as well as cellular translocation of TSGs. As the above processes can constitute"druggable targets", these mechanisms provide novel therapeutic approaches in targeting TSGs. Some small molecule compounds targeting these approaches re-activated TSGs and reversed cancer drug resistance. Along this vein, functional restoration of TSGs is a novel and promising approach to surmount cancer drug resistance. In the current review, we draw a scenario based on the role of loss of function of TSGs in drug resistance, on mechanisms leading to inactivation of TSGs and on pharmacological agents acting on these mechanisms to overcome cancer drug resistance. This review discusses novel therapeutic strategies targeting TSGs and offers possible modalities to conquer cancer drug resistance.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lingyue Gao
- Department of Pharmacology, Shenyang Pharmaceutical University, Shenyang, PR China; Benxi Institute of Pharmaceutical Research, Shenyang Pharmaceutical University, Shenyang, PR China
| | - Zhuo-Xun Wu
- Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, College of Pharmacy and Health Sciences, St. John's University, NY, 11439, USA
| | - Yehuda G Assaraf
- The Fred Wyszkowski Cancer Research Laboratory, Department of Biology, Technion-Israel Institute of Technology, Haifa, 3200003, Israel
| | - Zhe-Sheng Chen
- Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, College of Pharmacy and Health Sciences, St. John's University, NY, 11439, USA.
| | - Lihui Wang
- Department of Pharmacology, Shenyang Pharmaceutical University, Shenyang, PR China; Benxi Institute of Pharmaceutical Research, Shenyang Pharmaceutical University, Shenyang, PR China.
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LINC01348 suppresses hepatocellular carcinoma metastasis through inhibition of SF3B3-mediated EZH2 pre-mRNA splicing. Oncogene 2021; 40:4675-4685. [PMID: 34140643 DOI: 10.1038/s41388-021-01905-3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/23/2020] [Revised: 05/26/2021] [Accepted: 06/09/2021] [Indexed: 12/11/2022]
Abstract
Long non-coding RNAs (lncRNA) play crucial roles in hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) progression. However, the specific functions of lncRNAs in alternative splicing (AS) and the metastatic cascade in liver cancer remain largely unclear. In this study, we identified a novel lncRNA, LINC01348, which was significantly downregulated in HCC and correlated with survival functions in HCC patients. Ectopic expression of LINC01348 induced marked inhibition of cell growth, and metastasis in vitro and in vivo. Conversely, these phenotypes were reversed upon knockdown of LINC01348. Mechanistically, LINC01348 complexed with splicing factor 3b subunit 3 (SF3B3) acted as a modulator of EZH2 pre-mRNA AS, and induced alterations in JNK/c-Jun activity and expression of Snail. Notably, C-terminal truncated HBx (Ct-HBx) negatively regulated LINC01348 through c-Jun signaling. Our data collectively highlight those novel regulatory associations involving LINC01348/SF3B3/EZH2/JNK/c-Jun/Snail are an important determinant of metastasis in HCC cells and support the potential utility of targeting LINC01348 as a therapeutic strategy for HCC.
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33
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Suthon S, Perkins RS, Bryja V, Miranda-Carboni GA, Krum SA. WNT5B in Physiology and Disease. Front Cell Dev Biol 2021; 9:667581. [PMID: 34017835 PMCID: PMC8129536 DOI: 10.3389/fcell.2021.667581] [Citation(s) in RCA: 19] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/13/2021] [Accepted: 04/09/2021] [Indexed: 12/20/2022] Open
Abstract
WNT5B, a member of the WNT family of proteins that is closely related to WNT5A, is required for cell migration, cell proliferation, or cell differentiation in many cell types. WNT5B signals through the non-canonical β-catenin-independent signaling pathway and often functions as an antagonist of canonical WNT signaling. Although WNT5B has a high amino acid identity with WNT5A and is often assumed to have similar activities, WNT5B often exhibits unique expression patterns and functions. Here, we describe the distinct effects and mechanisms of WNT5B on development, bone, adipose tissue, cardiac tissue, the nervous system, the mammary gland, the lung and hematopoietic cells, compared to WNT5A. We also highlight aberrances in non-canonical WNT5B signaling contributing to diseases such as osteoarthritis, osteoporosis, obesity, type 2 diabetes mellitus, neuropathology, and chronic diseases associated with aging, as well as various cancers.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sarocha Suthon
- Department of Orthopaedic Surgery and Biomedical Engineering, University of Tennessee Health Science Center, Memphis, TN, United States
| | - Rachel S Perkins
- Department of Orthopaedic Surgery and Biomedical Engineering, University of Tennessee Health Science Center, Memphis, TN, United States
| | - Vitezslav Bryja
- Department of Experimental Biology, Faculty of Science, Masaryk University, Brno, Czechia.,Department of Cytokinetics, Institute of Biophysics, Czech Academy of Sciences, Brno, Czechia
| | - Gustavo A Miranda-Carboni
- Division of Hematology and Oncology, Department of Medicine, University of Tennessee Health Science Center, Memphis, TN, United States.,Center for Cancer Research, University of Tennessee Health Science Center, Memphis, TN, United States
| | - Susan A Krum
- Department of Orthopaedic Surgery and Biomedical Engineering, University of Tennessee Health Science Center, Memphis, TN, United States.,Center for Cancer Research, University of Tennessee Health Science Center, Memphis, TN, United States
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34
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Wang W, Fang F, Ozes A, Nephew KP. Targeting Ovarian Cancer Stem Cells by Dual Inhibition of HOTAIR and DNA Methylation. Mol Cancer Ther 2021; 20:1092-1101. [PMID: 33785648 DOI: 10.1158/1535-7163.mct-20-0826] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/24/2020] [Revised: 01/11/2021] [Accepted: 03/22/2021] [Indexed: 12/12/2022]
Abstract
Ovarian cancer is a chemoresponsive tumor with very high initial response rates to standard therapy consisting of platinum/paclitaxel. However, most women eventually develop recurrence, which rapidly evolves into chemoresistant disease. Persistence of ovarian cancer stem cells (OCSCs) at the end of therapy has been shown to contribute to resistant tumors. In this study, we demonstrate that the long noncoding RNA HOTAIR is overexpressed in HGSOC cell lines. Furthermore, HOTAIR expression was upregulated in OCSCs compared with non-CSC, ectopic overexpression of HOTAIR enriched the ALDH+ cell population and HOTAIR overexpression increased spheroid formation and colony-forming ability. Targeting HOTAIR using peptide nucleic acid-PNA3, which acts by disrupting the interaction between HOTAIR and EZH2, in combination with a DNMT inhibitor inhibited OCSC spheroid formation and decreased the percentage of ALDH+ cells. Disrupting HOTAIR-EZH2 with PNA3 in combination with the DNMTi on the ability of OCSCs to initiate tumors in vivo as xenografts was examined. HGSOC OVCAR3 cells were treated with PNA3 in vitro and then implanted in nude mice. Tumor growth, initiation, and stem cell frequency were inhibited. Collectively, these results demonstrate that blocking HOTAIR-EZH2 interaction combined with inhibiting DNA methylation is a potential approach to eradicate OCSCs and block disease recurrence.
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Affiliation(s)
- Weini Wang
- Medical Sciences, Indiana University School of Medicine, Bloomington, Indiana
| | - Fang Fang
- Medical Sciences, Indiana University School of Medicine, Bloomington, Indiana
| | - Ali Ozes
- Medical Sciences, Indiana University School of Medicine, Bloomington, Indiana
| | - Kenneth P Nephew
- Medical Sciences, Indiana University School of Medicine, Bloomington, Indiana. .,Melvin and Bren Simon Comprehensive Cancer Center, Indianapolis, Indiana
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35
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Bellazzo A, Collavin L. Cutting the Brakes on Ras-Cytoplasmic GAPs as Targets of Inactivation in Cancer. Cancers (Basel) 2020; 12:cancers12103066. [PMID: 33096593 PMCID: PMC7588890 DOI: 10.3390/cancers12103066] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/28/2020] [Revised: 10/11/2020] [Accepted: 10/15/2020] [Indexed: 12/16/2022] Open
Abstract
Simple Summary GTPase-Activating Proteins (RasGAPs) are a group of structurally related proteins with a fundamental role in controlling the activity of Ras in normal and cancer cells. In particular, loss of function of RasGAPs may contribute to aberrant Ras activation in cancer. Here we review the multiple molecular mechanisms and factors that are involved in downregulating RasGAPs expression and functions in cancer. Additionally, we discuss how extracellular stimuli from the tumor microenvironment can control RasGAPs expression and activity in cancer cells and stromal cells, indirectly affecting Ras activation, with implications for cancer development and progression. Abstract The Ras pathway is frequently deregulated in cancer, actively contributing to tumor development and progression. Oncogenic activation of the Ras pathway is commonly due to point mutation of one of the three Ras genes, which occurs in almost one third of human cancers. In the absence of Ras mutation, the pathway is frequently activated by alternative means, including the loss of function of Ras inhibitors. Among Ras inhibitors, the GTPase-Activating Proteins (RasGAPs) are major players, given their ability to modulate multiple cancer-related pathways. In fact, most RasGAPs also have a multi-domain structure that allows them to act as scaffold or adaptor proteins, affecting additional oncogenic cascades. In cancer cells, various mechanisms can cause the loss of function of Ras inhibitors; here, we review the available evidence of RasGAP inactivation in cancer, with a specific focus on the mechanisms. We also consider extracellular inputs that can affect RasGAP levels and functions, implicating that specific conditions in the tumor microenvironment can foster or counteract Ras signaling through negative or positive modulation of RasGAPs. A better understanding of these conditions might have relevant clinical repercussions, since treatments to restore or enhance the function of RasGAPs in cancer would help circumvent the intrinsic difficulty of directly targeting the Ras protein.
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