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Orda MA, Fowler PMPT, Tayo LL. Modular Hub Genes in DNA Microarray Suggest Potential Signaling Pathway Interconnectivity in Various Glioma Grades. BIOLOGY 2024; 13:206. [PMID: 38666818 PMCID: PMC11048586 DOI: 10.3390/biology13040206] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/12/2024] [Revised: 03/07/2024] [Accepted: 03/21/2024] [Indexed: 04/28/2024]
Abstract
Gliomas have displayed significant challenges in oncology due to their high degree of invasiveness, recurrence, and resistance to treatment strategies. In this work, the key hub genes mainly associated with different grades of glioma, which were represented by pilocytic astrocytoma (PA), oligodendroglioma (OG), anaplastic astrocytoma (AA), and glioblastoma multiforme (GBM), were identified through weighted gene co-expression network analysis (WGCNA) of microarray datasets retrieved from the Gene Expression Omnibus (GEO) database. Through this, four highly correlated modules were observed to be present across the PA (GSE50161), OG (GSE4290), AA (GSE43378), and GBM (GSE36245) datasets. The functional annotation and pathway enrichment analysis done through the Database for Annotation, Visualization, and Integrated Discovery (DAVID) showed that the modules and hub genes identified were mainly involved in signal transduction, transcription regulation, and protein binding, which collectively deregulate several signaling pathways, mainly PI3K/Akt and metabolic pathways. The involvement of several hub genes primarily linked to other signaling pathways, including the cAMP, MAPK/ERK, Wnt/β-catenin, and calcium signaling pathways, indicates potential interconnectivity and influence on the PI3K/Akt pathway and, subsequently, glioma severity. The Drug Repurposing Encyclopedia (DRE) was used to screen for potential drugs based on the up- and downregulated hub genes, wherein the synthetic progestin hormones norgestimate and ethisterone were the top drug candidates. This shows the potential neuroprotective effect of progesterone against glioma due to its influence on EGFR expression and other signaling pathways. Aside from these, several experimental and approved drug candidates were also identified, which include an adrenergic receptor antagonist, a PPAR-γ receptor agonist, a CDK inhibitor, a sodium channel blocker, a bradykinin receptor antagonist, and a dopamine receptor agonist, which further highlights the gene network as a potential therapeutic avenue for glioma.
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Affiliation(s)
- Marco A. Orda
- School of Chemical, Biological, and Materials Engineering and Sciences, Mapúa University, Manila City 1002, Philippines; (M.A.O.); (P.M.P.T.F.)
- School of Graduate Studies, Mapúa University, Manila City 1002, Philippines
| | - Peter Matthew Paul T. Fowler
- School of Chemical, Biological, and Materials Engineering and Sciences, Mapúa University, Manila City 1002, Philippines; (M.A.O.); (P.M.P.T.F.)
- Department of Biology, School of Health Sciences, Mapúa University, Makati City 1203, Philippines
| | - Lemmuel L. Tayo
- School of Chemical, Biological, and Materials Engineering and Sciences, Mapúa University, Manila City 1002, Philippines; (M.A.O.); (P.M.P.T.F.)
- Department of Biology, School of Health Sciences, Mapúa University, Makati City 1203, Philippines
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Zhang Y, Sun X, Li Z, Han X, Wang W, Xu P, Liu Y, Xue Y, Wang Z, Xu S, Wang X, Li G, Tian Y, Zhao Q. Interactions between miRNAs and the Wnt/β-catenin signaling pathway in endometriosis. Biomed Pharmacother 2024; 171:116182. [PMID: 38262146 DOI: 10.1016/j.biopha.2024.116182] [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: 08/01/2023] [Revised: 01/15/2024] [Accepted: 01/16/2024] [Indexed: 01/25/2024] Open
Abstract
Endometriosis is a disease characterized by the ectopic growth of endometrial tissue (glands and stroma) outside the confines of the uterus and often involves vital organs such as the intestines and urinary system. Endometriosis is considered a refractory disease owing to its enigmatic etiology, propensity for recurrence following conservative or surgical interventions, and the absence of radical treatment and long-term management. In recent years, the incidence of endometriosis has gradually increased, rendering it a pressing concern among women of childbearing age. A more profound understanding of its pathogenesis can significantly improve prognosis. Recent research endeavors have spotlighted the molecular mechanisms by which microRNAs (miRNAs) regulate the occurrence and progression of endometriosis. Many miRNAs have been reported to be aberrantly expressed in the affected tissues of both patients and animal models. These miRNAs actively participate in the regulation of inflammatory reactions, cellular proliferation, angiogenesis, and tissue remodeling. Their capacity to modulate crucial signaling pathways, such as the Wnt/β-catenin signaling pathway, reinforces their potential utility as diagnostic markers or therapeutic agents for endometriosis. In this review, we provide the latest insights into the role of miRNAs that interact with the Wnt/β-catenin pathway to regulate the biological behaviors of endometriosis cells and disease-related symptoms, such as pain and infertility. We hope that this review will provide novel insights and promising targets for innovative therapies addressing endometriosis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yu Zhang
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou, Henan 450052, PR China
| | - Xueyu Sun
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou, Henan 450052, PR China; Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Nanfang Hospital, Southern Medical University, Guangzhou, Guangdong 510515, PR China
| | - Zhongkang Li
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, The Second Hospital of Hebei Medical University, Shijiazhuang, Hebei 050000, PR China
| | - Xianhong Han
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou, Henan 450052, PR China
| | - Wenjun Wang
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou, Henan 450052, PR China
| | - Penglin Xu
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou, Henan 450052, PR China
| | - Yangyang Liu
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou, Henan 450052, PR China
| | - Yuna Xue
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou, Henan 450052, PR China
| | - Zhe Wang
- Department of Basic Medicine, Chengde Medical College, Chengde, Hebei 067000, PR China
| | - Shuling Xu
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou, Henan 450052, PR China
| | - Xueying Wang
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou, Henan 450052, PR China
| | - Gailing Li
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou, Henan 450052, PR China
| | - Yanpeng Tian
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou, Henan 450052, PR China.
| | - Qian Zhao
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou, Henan 450052, PR China.
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Xu Y, Hu J, Lv Q, Shi C, Qiu M, Xie L, Liu W, Yang B, Shan W, Cheng Y, Zhao B, Chen X. Endometrium-derived mesenchymal stem cells suppress progression of endometrial cancer via the DKK1-Wnt/β-catenin signaling pathway. Stem Cell Res Ther 2023; 14:159. [PMID: 37287079 DOI: 10.1186/s13287-023-03387-4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/11/2022] [Accepted: 05/25/2023] [Indexed: 06/09/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Mesenchymal stem cell (MSC) therapy is an attractive treatment option for various cancers. Whether MSCs can be used to treat well-differentiated endometrial cancer (EC) remains unclear. The aim of this study is to explore the potential therapeutic effects of MSCs on EC and the underlying mechanisms. METHODS The effects of adipose-derived MSCs (AD-MSCs), umbilical-cord-derived MSCs (UC-MSCs), and endometrium-derived MSCs (eMSCs) on the malignant behaviors of EC cells were explored via in vitro and in vivo experiments. Three EC models, including patient-derived EC organoid lines, EC cell lines, and EC xenograft model in female BALB/C nude mice, were used for this study. The effects of MSCs on EC cell proliferation, apoptosis, migration, and the growth of xenograft tumors were evaluated. The potential mechanisms by which eMSCs inhibit EC cell proliferation and stemness were explored by regulating DKK1 expression in eMSCs or Wnt signaling in EC cells. RESULTS Our results showed that eMSCs had the highest inhibitory effect on EC cell viability, and EC xenograft tumor growth in mice compared to AD-MSCs and UC-MSCs. Conditioned medium (CM) obtained from eMSCs significantly suppressed the sphere-forming ability and stemness-related gene expression of EC cells. In comparison to AD-MSCs and UC-MSCs, eMSCs had the highest level of Dickkopf-related protein 1 (DKK1) secretion. Mechanistically, eMSCs inhibited Wnt/β-catenin signaling in EC cells via secretion of DKK1, and eMSCs suppressed EC cell viability and stemness through DKK1-Wnt/β-catenin signaling. Additionally, the combination of eMSCs and medroxyprogesterone acetate (MPA) significantly inhibited the viability of EC organoids and EC cells compared with eMSCs or MPA alone. CONCLUSIONS The eMSCs, but not AD-MSCs or UC-MSCs, could suppress the malignant behaviors of EC both in vivo and in vitro via inhibiting the Wnt/β-catenin signaling pathway by secreting DKK1. The combination of eMSCs and MPA effectively inhibited EC growth, indicating that eMSCs may potentially be a new therapeutic strategy for young EC patients desiring for fertility preservation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yuhui Xu
- Obstetrics and Gynecology Hospital of Fudan University, 419 Fangxie Road, Shanghai, 200011, People's Republic of China
- Shanghai Key Laboratory of Female Reproductive Endocrine Related Diseases, Fudan University, Shanghai, 200011, People's Republic of China
| | - Jiali Hu
- Obstetrics and Gynecology Hospital of Fudan University, 419 Fangxie Road, Shanghai, 200011, People's Republic of China
- Shanghai Key Laboratory of Female Reproductive Endocrine Related Diseases, Fudan University, Shanghai, 200011, People's Republic of China
| | - Qiaoying Lv
- Obstetrics and Gynecology Hospital of Fudan University, 419 Fangxie Road, Shanghai, 200011, People's Republic of China
- Shanghai Key Laboratory of Female Reproductive Endocrine Related Diseases, Fudan University, Shanghai, 200011, People's Republic of China
| | - Chenyi Shi
- State Key Laboratory of Genetic Engineering, School of Life Sciences, Human Phenome Institute, Fudan University, Shanghai, 200438, People's Republic of China
| | - Mengdi Qiu
- State Key Laboratory of Genetic Engineering, School of Life Sciences, Human Phenome Institute, Fudan University, Shanghai, 200438, People's Republic of China
| | - Liying Xie
- Obstetrics and Gynecology Hospital of Fudan University, 419 Fangxie Road, Shanghai, 200011, People's Republic of China
- Shanghai Key Laboratory of Female Reproductive Endocrine Related Diseases, Fudan University, Shanghai, 200011, People's Republic of China
| | - Wei Liu
- Obstetrics and Gynecology Hospital of Fudan University, 419 Fangxie Road, Shanghai, 200011, People's Republic of China
- Shanghai Key Laboratory of Female Reproductive Endocrine Related Diseases, Fudan University, Shanghai, 200011, People's Republic of China
| | - Bingyi Yang
- Obstetrics and Gynecology Hospital of Fudan University, 419 Fangxie Road, Shanghai, 200011, People's Republic of China
- Shanghai Key Laboratory of Female Reproductive Endocrine Related Diseases, Fudan University, Shanghai, 200011, People's Republic of China
| | - Weiwei Shan
- Obstetrics and Gynecology Hospital of Fudan University, 419 Fangxie Road, Shanghai, 200011, People's Republic of China
- Shanghai Key Laboratory of Female Reproductive Endocrine Related Diseases, Fudan University, Shanghai, 200011, People's Republic of China
| | - Yali Cheng
- Obstetrics and Gynecology Hospital of Fudan University, 419 Fangxie Road, Shanghai, 200011, People's Republic of China
- Shanghai Key Laboratory of Female Reproductive Endocrine Related Diseases, Fudan University, Shanghai, 200011, People's Republic of China
| | - Bing Zhao
- State Key Laboratory of Genetic Engineering, School of Life Sciences, Human Phenome Institute, Fudan University, Shanghai, 200438, People's Republic of China.
| | - Xiaojun Chen
- Obstetrics and Gynecology Hospital of Fudan University, 419 Fangxie Road, Shanghai, 200011, People's Republic of China.
- Shanghai Key Laboratory of Female Reproductive Endocrine Related Diseases, Fudan University, Shanghai, 200011, People's Republic of China.
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Ayyagari VN, Li M, Diaz-Sylvester P, Groesch K, Wilson T, Pasman Z, Shah EM, Braundmeier-Fleming A, Brard L. Evaluation of sterol‑o‑acyl transferase 1 and cholesterol ester levels in plasma, peritoneal fluid and tumor tissue of patients with endometrial cancer: A pilot study. Oncol Lett 2023; 25:231. [PMID: 37153054 PMCID: PMC10157603 DOI: 10.3892/ol.2023.13817] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/14/2022] [Accepted: 12/20/2022] [Indexed: 05/09/2023] Open
Abstract
Endometrial cancer (EC) is the most prevalent gynecological malignancy. Abnormal accumulation of sterol-O-acyl transferase 1 (SOAT1) and SOAT1-mediated cholesterol ester (CE) contributes to cancer progression in various malignancies, including ovarian cancer. Therefore, it was hypothesized that similar molecular changes may occur in EC. The present study aimed to evaluate the diagnostic and/or prognostic potential of SOAT1 and CE in EC by: i) Determining SOAT1 and CE levels in plasma, peritoneal fluid and endometrial tissue from patients with EC and control subjects; ii) performing receiver operating characteristic curve analysis to determine diagnostic performance; iii) comparing SOAT1 and CE expression to that of the tumor proliferation marker Ki67; and iv) assessing the association between SOAT1 expression and survival. Enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay was used to determine the levels of SOAT1 protein in tissue, plasma and peritoneal fluid. The mRNA and protein expression levels of SOAT1 and Ki67 in tissues were detected by reverse transcription-quantitative polymerase chain reaction and immunohistochemistry, respectively. CE levels were determined colorimetrically in plasma and peritoneal fluid. SOAT1-associated survival data from the cBioPortal cancer genomics database were used to assess prognostic relevance. The results revealed that SOAT1 and CE levels were significantly elevated in tumor tissue and peritoneal fluid samples collected from the EC group. By contrast, the plasma levels of SOAT1 and CE in the EC and control groups were similar. Significant positive associations between CE and SOAT1, SOAT1/CE and Ki67, and SOAT1/CE and poor overall survival in patients with EC suggested that SOAT1/CE may be associated with malignancy, aggressiveness and poor prognosis. In conclusion, SOAT1 and CE may serve as potential biomarkers for prognosis and target-specific treatment of EC.
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Affiliation(s)
- Vijayalakshmi N. Ayyagari
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Southern Illinois University School of Medicine, Springfield, IL 62702, USA
- Simmons Cancer Institute, Southern Illinois University School of Medicine, Springfield, IL 62702, USA
- Correspondence to: Dr Vijayalakshmi N. Ayyagari, Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Southern Illinois University School of Medicine, 801 N. Rutledge Steet, Springfield, IL 62702, USA, E-mail:
| | - Miao Li
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Southern Illinois University School of Medicine, Springfield, IL 62702, USA
| | - Paula Diaz-Sylvester
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Southern Illinois University School of Medicine, Springfield, IL 62702, USA
- Simmons Cancer Institute, Southern Illinois University School of Medicine, Springfield, IL 62702, USA
- Center for Clinical Research, Southern Illinois University School of Medicine, Springfield, IL 62702, USA
| | - Kathleen Groesch
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Southern Illinois University School of Medicine, Springfield, IL 62702, USA
- Center for Clinical Research, Southern Illinois University School of Medicine, Springfield, IL 62702, USA
| | - Teresa Wilson
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Southern Illinois University School of Medicine, Springfield, IL 62702, USA
- Center for Clinical Research, Southern Illinois University School of Medicine, Springfield, IL 62702, USA
| | - Zvi Pasman
- Department of Chemistry, Illinois College, Jacksonville, IL 62650, USA
| | - Ejaz M. Shah
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Southern Illinois University School of Medicine, Springfield, IL 62702, USA
| | - Andrea Braundmeier-Fleming
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Southern Illinois University School of Medicine, Springfield, IL 62702, USA
- Simmons Cancer Institute, Southern Illinois University School of Medicine, Springfield, IL 62702, USA
- Department of Medical Microbiology, Immunology and Cell Biology, Southern Illinois University School of Medicine, Springfield, IL 62702, USA
| | - Laurent Brard
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Southern Illinois University School of Medicine, Springfield, IL 62702, USA
- Simmons Cancer Institute, Southern Illinois University School of Medicine, Springfield, IL 62702, USA
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Corr BR, Moroney MR, Woodruff E, Watson ZL, Jordan KR, Danhorn T, Bailey C, Wolsky RJ, Bitler BG. Combination CDC-like kinase inhibition (CLK)/Dual-specificity tyrosine-regulated kinase (DYRK) and taxane therapy in CTNNB1-mutated endometrial cancer. BIORXIV : THE PREPRINT SERVER FOR BIOLOGY 2023:2023.04.04.535570. [PMID: 37066339 PMCID: PMC10104048 DOI: 10.1101/2023.04.04.535570] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 04/18/2023]
Abstract
SM08502 (cirtuvivint) is a novel pan CDC-like kinase (CLK) and Dual specificity tyrosine kinase (DYRK) inhibitor that targets mRNA splicing and is optimized for Wnt pathway inhibition. Previous evaluation of single agent CLK/DYRK inhibition (SM04690) demonstrated inhibition of tumor progression and β-catenin/TCF transcriptional activity in CTNNB1-mutant endometrial cancer (EC). In-vitro analysis of SM08502 similarly decreases Wnt transcriptional activity and cellular proliferation while increasing cellular apoptosis. SM08502 is an active single-agent therapy with IC50's in the nanomolar range for all EC cell lines evaluated. Combination of SM08502 with paclitaxel has synergistic effect in vitro, as demonstrated by Combination Index <1, and inhibits tumor progression in four endometrial cancer models (HEC265, Ishikawa, Ishikawa-S33Y, and SNGM). In our in vivo mouse models, Ishikawa demonstrated significantly lower tumor volumes of combination vs SM08502 alone (Repeated Measures one-way ANOVA, p = 0.04), but not vs paclitaxel alone. HEC265, SNGM, and Ishikawa-S33Y tumors all had significantly lower tumor volumes with combination SM08502 and paclitaxel compared to single-agent paclitaxel (Repeated Measures one-way ANOVA, p = 0.01, 0.004, and 0.0008, respectively) or single-agent SM08502 (Repeated Measures one-way ANOVA, p = 0.002, 0.005, and 0.01, respectively) alone. Mechanistically, treatment with SM08502 increases alternative splicing (AS) events compared to treatment with paclitaxel. AS regulation is an important post-transcriptional mechanism associated with the oncogenic process in many cancers, including EC. Results from these studies have led to a Phase I evaluation of this combination in recurrent EC.
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Affiliation(s)
- Bradley R Corr
- Division of Gynecologic Oncology, Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, University of Colorado School of Medicine, Aurora, Colorado, USA
| | - Marisa R Moroney
- Division of Gynecologic Oncology, Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, University of Colorado School of Medicine, Aurora, Colorado, USA
| | - Elizabeth Woodruff
- Division of Reproductive Sciences, Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, University of Colorado School of Medicine, Aurora, Colorado, USA
| | - Zachary L Watson
- Division of Reproductive Sciences, Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, University of Colorado School of Medicine, Aurora, Colorado, USA
| | - Kimberly R Jordan
- Department of Immunology and Microbiology, University of Colorado School of Medicine, Aurora, Colorado, USA
| | - Thomas Danhorn
- University of Colorado Cancer Center, University of Colorado School of Medicine, Aurora, Colorado, USA; Department of Pharmacology, University of Colorado School of Medicine, Aurora, Colorado, USA
| | - Courtney Bailey
- Division of Reproductive Sciences, Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, University of Colorado School of Medicine, Aurora, Colorado, USA
| | - Rebecca J Wolsky
- Department of Pathology, University of Colorado School of Medicine, Aurora, Colorado, USA
| | - Benjamin G Bitler
- Division of Reproductive Sciences, Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, University of Colorado School of Medicine, Aurora, Colorado, USA
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Ledinek Ž, Sobočan M, Sisinger D, Hojnik M, Büdefeld T, Potočnik U, Knez J. The association of Wnt-signalling and EMT markers with clinical characteristics in women with endometrial cancer. Front Oncol 2023; 13:1013463. [PMID: 36969079 PMCID: PMC10031053 DOI: 10.3389/fonc.2023.1013463] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/07/2022] [Accepted: 02/20/2023] [Indexed: 03/11/2023] Open
Abstract
Endometrial cancer is the most common gynecologic malignancy in the developed world. Risk stratification and treatment approaches are changing due to better understanding of tumor biology. Upregulated Wnt signaling plays an important role in cancer initiation and progression with promising potential for development of specific Wnt inhibitor therapy. One of the ways in which Wnt signaling contributes to progression of cancer, is by activating epithelial-to-mesenchymal transition (EMT) in tumor cells, causing the expression of mesenchymal markers, and enabling tumor cells to dissociate and migrate. This study analyzed the expression of Wnt signaling and EMT markers in endometrial cancer. Wnt signaling and EMT markers were significantly correlated with hormone receptors status in EC, but not with other clinico-pathological characteristics. Expression of Wnt antagonist, Dkk1 was significantly different between the ESGO-ESTRO-ESP patient risk assessment categories using integrated molecular risk assessment.
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Affiliation(s)
- Živa Ledinek
- Department of Pathology, University Medical Centre Maribor, Maribor, Slovenia
| | - Monika Sobočan
- Divison for Gynaecology and Perinatology, University Medical Centre Maribor, Maribor, Slovenia
- Department of Gynaecology and Obstetrics, Faculty of Medicine University of Maribor, Maribor, Slovenia
| | - Damjan Sisinger
- Department of Pathology, University Medical Centre Maribor, Maribor, Slovenia
| | - Marko Hojnik
- Department of Pathology, University Medical Centre Maribor, Maribor, Slovenia
| | - Tomaž Büdefeld
- Center for Human Molecular Genetics and Pharmacogenomics, Faculty of Medicine, University of Maribor, Maribor, Slovenia
| | - Uroš Potočnik
- Center for Human Molecular Genetics and Pharmacogenomics, Faculty of Medicine, University of Maribor, Maribor, Slovenia
- Laboratory for Biochemistry, Molecular Biology and Genomics, University of Maribor, Maribor, Slovenia
- Department for Science and Research, University Medical Centre Maribor, Maribor, Slovenia
| | - Jure Knez
- Divison for Gynaecology and Perinatology, University Medical Centre Maribor, Maribor, Slovenia
- Department of Gynaecology and Obstetrics, Faculty of Medicine University of Maribor, Maribor, Slovenia
- *Correspondence: Jure Knez,
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Cheng Y, Xie L, Xu Z, Hao M, Yang B, Shan W, Wang Y, Lv Q, Chen X. NrCAM secreted by endometrial stromal cells enhances the progestin sensitivity of endometrial cancer cells through epigenetic modulation of PRB. Cancer Gene Ther 2022; 29:1452-1462. [PMID: 35388173 PMCID: PMC9576598 DOI: 10.1038/s41417-022-00467-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/26/2021] [Revised: 03/06/2022] [Accepted: 03/22/2022] [Indexed: 11/29/2022]
Abstract
Progestin is one of the main hormone treatment regimens for early-stage estrogen receptor- and progesterone receptor (PR)-positive endometrial cancer (EC). However, the response rate of EC to progestins is unsatisfactory. Investigating the mechanisms related to progestin treatment could help improve treatment efficacy. Studies have demonstrated that normal endometrial stromal cells (ESCs) increase the inhibitory effect of progestin on EC cell proliferation via paracrine signaling, but the mechanisms involved remain unclear. In this study, we found that ESCs had different morphological features between progestin-sensitive and -insensitive EC tissues. ESCs presented typical decidualization changes in progestin-sensitive cases, while they remained slim in progestin-insensitive EC lesions, indicating no response. Furthermore, ESCs enhanced the inhibitory effect of medroxyprogesterone acetate (MPA) on EC cell proliferation by secreting neuron cell adhesion molecule (NrCAM). MPA treatment enhanced NrCAM secretion by ESCs. EC xenografts in BALB/C nude mice demonstrated that MPA combined with NrCAM had an increased tumor inhibitory effect compared with MPA or NrCAM alone. Mechanistically, MPA upregulated NrCAM expression in ESCs through PR. Specifically, NrCAM increased PR expression in EC cells through TET1-induced hydroxymethylation of the PRB gene promoter region. These findings indicate that NrCAM or NrCAM combined with progestins could be a new EC treatment.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yali Cheng
- Department of Gynecology, Obstetrics and Gynecology Hospital of Fudan University, Shanghai, China
- Shanghai Key Laboratory of Female Reproductive Endocrine Related Diseases, Fudan University, Shanghai, P. R. China
| | - Liying Xie
- Department of Gynecology, Obstetrics and Gynecology Hospital of Fudan University, Shanghai, China
- Shanghai Key Laboratory of Female Reproductive Endocrine Related Diseases, Fudan University, Shanghai, P. R. China
| | - Zhiying Xu
- Department of Gynecology, Obstetrics and Gynecology Hospital of Fudan University, Shanghai, China
- Shanghai Key Laboratory of Female Reproductive Endocrine Related Diseases, Fudan University, Shanghai, P. R. China
| | - Mengxin Hao
- Department of Gynecology, Obstetrics and Gynecology Hospital of Fudan University, Shanghai, China
- Shanghai Key Laboratory of Female Reproductive Endocrine Related Diseases, Fudan University, Shanghai, P. R. China
| | - Bingyi Yang
- Department of Gynecology, Obstetrics and Gynecology Hospital of Fudan University, Shanghai, China
- Shanghai Key Laboratory of Female Reproductive Endocrine Related Diseases, Fudan University, Shanghai, P. R. China
| | - Weiwei Shan
- Department of Gynecology, Obstetrics and Gynecology Hospital of Fudan University, Shanghai, China
- Shanghai Key Laboratory of Female Reproductive Endocrine Related Diseases, Fudan University, Shanghai, P. R. China
| | - Yiqin Wang
- Department of Gynecology, Obstetrics and Gynecology Hospital of Fudan University, Shanghai, China
- Department of Pathology, Obstetrics and Gynecology Hospital of Fudan University, Shanghai, China
| | - Qiaoying Lv
- Department of Gynecology, Obstetrics and Gynecology Hospital of Fudan University, Shanghai, China.
- Shanghai Key Laboratory of Female Reproductive Endocrine Related Diseases, Fudan University, Shanghai, P. R. China.
| | - Xiaojun Chen
- Department of Gynecology, Obstetrics and Gynecology Hospital of Fudan University, Shanghai, China.
- Shanghai Key Laboratory of Female Reproductive Endocrine Related Diseases, Fudan University, Shanghai, P. R. China.
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Fedotcheva TA, Fedotcheva NI, Shimanovsky NL. Progesterone as an Anti-Inflammatory Drug and Immunomodulator: New Aspects in Hormonal Regulation of the Inflammation. Biomolecules 2022; 12:biom12091299. [PMID: 36139138 PMCID: PMC9496164 DOI: 10.3390/biom12091299] [Citation(s) in RCA: 26] [Impact Index Per Article: 13.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/19/2022] [Revised: 09/10/2022] [Accepted: 09/11/2022] [Indexed: 11/25/2022] Open
Abstract
The specific regulation of inflammatory processes by steroid hormones has been actively studied in recent years, especially by progesterone (P4) and progestins. The mechanisms of the anti-inflammatory and immunomodulatory P4 action are not fully clear. The anti-inflammatory effects of P4 can be defined as nonspecific, associated with the inhibition of NF-κB and COX, as well as the inhibition of prostaglandin synthesis, or as specific, associated with the regulation of T-cell activation, the regulation of the production of pro- and anti-inflammatory cytokines, and the phenomenon of immune tolerance. The specific anti-inflammatory effects of P4 and its derivatives (progestins) can also include the inhibition of proliferative signaling pathways and the antagonistic action against estrogen receptor beta-mediated signaling as a proinflammatory and mitogenic factor. The anti-inflammatory action of P4 is accomplished through the participation of progesterone receptor (PR) chaperones HSP90, as well as immunophilins FKBP51 and FKBP52, which are the validated targets of clinically approved immunosuppressive drugs. The immunomodulatory and anti-inflammatory effects of HSP90 inhibitors, tacrolimus and cyclosporine, are manifested, among other factors, due to their participation in the formation of an active ligand–receptor complex of P4 and their interaction with its constituent immunophilins. Pharmacological agents such as HSP90 inhibitors can restore the lost anti-inflammatory effect of glucocorticoids and P4 in chronic inflammatory and autoimmune diseases. By regulating the activity of FKBP51 and FKBP52, it is possible to increase or decrease hormonal signaling, as well as restore it during the development of hormone resistance. The combined action of immunophilin suppressors with steroid hormones may be a promising strategy in the treatment of chronic inflammatory and autoimmune diseases, including endometriosis, stress-related disorders, rheumatoid arthritis, and miscarriages. Presumably, the hormone receptor- and immunophilin-targeted drugs may act synergistically, allowing for a lower dose of each.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tatiana A. Fedotcheva
- Science Research Laboratory of Molecular Pharmacology, Medical Biological Faculty, Pirogov Russian National Research Medical University, Ministry of Health of the Russian Federation, Ostrovityanova St. 1, Moscow 117997, Russia
- Correspondence: ; Tel.: +7-9169353196
| | - Nadezhda I. Fedotcheva
- Institute of Theoretical and Experimental Biophysics, Russian Academy of Sciences, Institutskaya Str. 3, Pushchino 142290, Russia
| | - Nikolai L. Shimanovsky
- Science Research Laboratory of Molecular Pharmacology, Medical Biological Faculty, Pirogov Russian National Research Medical University, Ministry of Health of the Russian Federation, Ostrovityanova St. 1, Moscow 117997, Russia
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9
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Gelissen JH, Huang GS. Intersections of endocrine pathways and the epithelial mesenchymal transition in endometrial cancer. Front Oncol 2022; 12:914405. [PMID: 36052252 PMCID: PMC9424890 DOI: 10.3389/fonc.2022.914405] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/06/2022] [Accepted: 07/15/2022] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
The epithelial mesenchymal transition (EMT) is the process by which cancer cells of epithelial origin, including endometrial cancer, acquire a mesenchymal phenotype with enhanced migratory and invasive capacity, to facilitate metastasis. The regulation of EMT is tissue-specific, and in endometrial cancer, endocrine signaling pathways serve as critical regulators of EMT. The intersections of endocrine signaling and EMT highlight potential avenues for therapeutic intervention to target cancer metastasis with the aim of reduced mortality.
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10
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Yu J, Yao HW, Liu TT, Wang D, Shi JH, Yuan GW, Ma S, Wu LY. Comprehensive Analysis and Experimental Validation of a Novel Estrogen/Progesterone-Related Prognostic Signature for Endometrial Cancer. J Pers Med 2022; 12:jpm12060914. [PMID: 35743699 PMCID: PMC9225250 DOI: 10.3390/jpm12060914] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/10/2022] [Revised: 05/16/2022] [Accepted: 05/23/2022] [Indexed: 12/04/2022] Open
Abstract
Estrogen and progesterone are the major determinants of the occurrence and development of endometrial cancer (EC), which is one of the most common gynecological cancers worldwide. Our purpose was to develop a novel estrogen/progesterone-related gene signature to better predict the prognosis of EC and help discover effective therapeutic strategies. We downloaded the clinical and RNA-seq data of 397 EC patients from The Cancer Genome Atlas (TCGA) database. The “limma” R package was used to screen for estrogen/progesterone-related differentially expressed genes (DEGs) between EC and normal tissues. Univariate and multivariate Cox proportional hazards regression analyses were applied to identify these DEGs that were associated with prognosis; then, a novel estrogen/progesterone-related prognostic signature comprising CDC25B, GNG3, ITIH3, PRXL2A and SDHB was established. The Kaplan–Meier (KM) survival analysis showed that the low-risk group identified by this signature had significantly longer overall survival (OS) than the high-risk group; the receiver operating characteristic (ROC) and risk distribution curves suggested this signature was an accurate predictor independent of risk factors. A nomogram incorporating the signature risk score and stage was constructed, and the calibration plot suggested it could accurately predict the survival rate. Compared with normal tissues, tumor tissues had increased mRNA levels of GNG3 and PRXL2A and a reduced mRNA level of ITIH3. The knockdown of PRXL2A and GNG3 significantly inhibited the proliferation and colony formation of Ishikawa and AN3CA cells, while the inhibition of PRXL2A expression suppressed xenograft growth. In this study, five estrogen/progesterone-related genes were identified and incorporated into a novel signature, which provided a new classification tool for improved risk assessment and potential molecular targets for EC therapies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jing Yu
- Department of Gynecologic Oncology, National Cancer Center/National Clinical Research Center for Cancer/Cancer Hospital, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences and Peking Union Medical College, Beijing 100021, China; (J.Y.); (H.-W.Y.); (G.-W.Y.)
| | - Hong-Wen Yao
- Department of Gynecologic Oncology, National Cancer Center/National Clinical Research Center for Cancer/Cancer Hospital, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences and Peking Union Medical College, Beijing 100021, China; (J.Y.); (H.-W.Y.); (G.-W.Y.)
| | - Ting-Ting Liu
- Department of Blood Grouping, Beijing Red Cross Blood Center, Beijing 100088, China;
| | - Di Wang
- The Fourth Affiliated Hospital, Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Yiwu 322000, China;
| | - Jian-Hong Shi
- State Key Laboratory of Molecular Oncology, National Cancer Center/National Clinical Research Center for Cancer/Cancer Hospital, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences and Peking Union Medical College, Beijing 100021, China;
| | - Guang-Wen Yuan
- Department of Gynecologic Oncology, National Cancer Center/National Clinical Research Center for Cancer/Cancer Hospital, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences and Peking Union Medical College, Beijing 100021, China; (J.Y.); (H.-W.Y.); (G.-W.Y.)
| | - Sai Ma
- Department of Laboratory, The Affiliated Suzhou Hospital of Nanjing Medical University, Suzhou 215000, China
- Gusu School, Nanjing Medical University, Suzhou 215000, China
- Correspondence: (S.M.); (L.-Y.W.)
| | - Ling-Ying Wu
- Department of Gynecologic Oncology, National Cancer Center/National Clinical Research Center for Cancer/Cancer Hospital, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences and Peking Union Medical College, Beijing 100021, China; (J.Y.); (H.-W.Y.); (G.-W.Y.)
- Correspondence: (S.M.); (L.-Y.W.)
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11
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The effect of progesterone administration on the expression of metastasis tumor antigens (MTA1 and MTA3) in placentas of normal and dexamethasone-treated rats. Mol Biol Rep 2022; 49:1935-1943. [PMID: 35037193 DOI: 10.1007/s11033-021-07005-5] [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: 05/05/2021] [Accepted: 11/23/2021] [Indexed: 10/19/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Dexamethasone (DEX) induces intrauterine growth restriction (IUGR) in pregnant rats. IUGR can occur due to apoptosis of trophoblasts, which is believed to be inhibited by progesterone (P4). A group of genes called MTAs play a role in proliferation and apoptosis. MTA1 upregulates trophoblasts proliferation and differentiation, while MTA3 downregulates proliferation and induces apoptosis. Hence, we hypothesized that during IUGR, placental MTA1 decreases and MTA3 increases and this is reversed by P4 treatment. METHODS Pregnant Sprague-Dawley rats were divided into 4 groups based on daily intraperitoneal injections: control (C, saline), DEX (DEX, 0.2 mg/kg/day), DEX and P4 (DEX + P4, DEX: 0.2 mg/kg/day, P4: 5 mg/kg/day) and P4-treated (P4, 5 mg/kg/day) groups. Injections were started on 15 dg until the day of dissection (19 or 21 dg). Gene and protein expressions of MTA1 and MTA3 were studied in the labyrinth (LZ) and basal (BZ) zones using real-time PCR and Western blotting, respectively. RESULTS DEX treatment induced 18% reduction in fetal body weight (p < 0.001) and 30% reduction in placental weight (p < 0.01). Maternal P4 level was also significantly lower in DEX treated groups (p < 0.05). MTA1 expression was decreased in the LZ (gene, p < 0.001) and BZ (protein p < 0.01), while MTA3 protein expression was upregulated in the LZ with DEX treatment (p < 0.001). These changes were reversed with P4 treatment. CONCLUSION The findings of the present study indicate that DEX induces IUGR through changing the expression of placental MTA1 and MTA3 antigens and P4 improved pregnancy outcome by preventing the changes in MTAs expression.
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12
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Wang Y, Yu H, Xie X, Deng T, Ye L, Wu L, Ding X, Yang Z, Zhu Q, Li J, Zheng Y, Yu Z, Chen G. Plasmalemma vesicle-associated protein promotes angiogenesis in cholangiocarcinoma via the DKK1/CKAP4/PI3K signaling pathway. Oncogene 2021; 40:4324-4337. [PMID: 34079085 DOI: 10.1038/s41388-021-01844-z] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/17/2019] [Revised: 04/26/2021] [Accepted: 05/17/2021] [Indexed: 02/07/2023]
Abstract
Cholangiocarcinoma (CCA) is aggressive and has poor clinical outcomes because of typically delayed diagnosis and a lack of effective non-surgical therapeutic options. Recent studies have shown that plasmalemma vesicle-associated protein (PLVAP) is related to angiogenesis in various tumors, and in vivo PLVAP targeting therapy has been proven effective against hepatocellular carcinoma and pancreatic cancer. The goal of this study was to determine the potential therapeutic utility of targeting PLVAP and thus angiogenesis in CCA and explore the underlying molecular mechanisms. We found that the PLVAP expression levels were significantly higher in CCA tissues when compared with matched adjacent non-tumor tissues obtained from a total of 90 CCA patients; higher expression levels of PLVAP were associated with shorter overall survival of patients. In addition, overexpression of PLVAP was associated with higher micro-vessel density in CCA tissues. In a PLVAP overexpressing CCA patient-derived xenograft model, a novel humanized anti-PLVAP antibody in combination with Gemcitabine plus Cisplatin was significantly inhibited tumor growth. Molecular analysis of CCA cells co-cultured with human umbilical vascular endothelial cells or human hepatic sinusoidal endothelial cells showed that Dickkopf-related protein 1 (DKK1) secreted by CCA cells activated the PI3K/Akt pathway after binding to its receptor, cytoskeleton-associated protein 4 (CKAP4), resulting in the upregulation of PLVAP. Thus, CCA cells increased the angiogenic potency of endothelial cells in a paracrine fashion. Consistently, patients bearing CKAP4 and PLVAP overexpressing tumors had a poor prognosis. In conclusion, the DKK1/CKAP4/PI3K/PLVAP pathway increases angiogenesis in CCA and is therefore a potential anti-angiogenic target.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yi Wang
- Division of Preventive Medicine, School of Public Health and Management, Wenzhou Medical University, Wenzhou, China.
| | - Haitao Yu
- Key Laboratory of Diagnosis and Treatment of Severe Hepato-Pancreatic Diseases of Zhejiang Province, The First Affiliated Hospital of Wenzhou Medical University, Wenzhou, China
- Department of Hepatobiliary Surgery, The First Affiliated Hospital of Wenzhou Medical University, Wenzhou, China
| | - Xiaozai Xie
- Key Laboratory of Diagnosis and Treatment of Severe Hepato-Pancreatic Diseases of Zhejiang Province, The First Affiliated Hospital of Wenzhou Medical University, Wenzhou, China
- Department of Hepatobiliary Surgery, The First Affiliated Hospital of Wenzhou Medical University, Wenzhou, China
| | - Tuo Deng
- Key Laboratory of Diagnosis and Treatment of Severe Hepato-Pancreatic Diseases of Zhejiang Province, The First Affiliated Hospital of Wenzhou Medical University, Wenzhou, China
- Department of Hepatobiliary Surgery, The First Affiliated Hospital of Wenzhou Medical University, Wenzhou, China
| | - Longyun Ye
- Key Laboratory of Diagnosis and Treatment of Severe Hepato-Pancreatic Diseases of Zhejiang Province, The First Affiliated Hospital of Wenzhou Medical University, Wenzhou, China
- Department of Hepatobiliary Surgery, The First Affiliated Hospital of Wenzhou Medical University, Wenzhou, China
| | - Lijun Wu
- Key Laboratory of Diagnosis and Treatment of Severe Hepato-Pancreatic Diseases of Zhejiang Province, The First Affiliated Hospital of Wenzhou Medical University, Wenzhou, China
- Department of Hepatobiliary Surgery, The First Affiliated Hospital of Wenzhou Medical University, Wenzhou, China
| | - Xiwei Ding
- Department of Gastroenterology, Nanjing Drum Tower Hospital, The Affiliated Hospital of Nanjing University Medical School, Nanjing, Jiangsu, China
| | - Zhen Yang
- Department of Infectious Diseases, Shandong Provincial Hospital affiliated to Shandong University, Jinan, China
| | - Qiandong Zhu
- Key Laboratory of Diagnosis and Treatment of Severe Hepato-Pancreatic Diseases of Zhejiang Province, The First Affiliated Hospital of Wenzhou Medical University, Wenzhou, China
- Department of Hepatobiliary Surgery, The First Affiliated Hospital of Wenzhou Medical University, Wenzhou, China
| | - Junjian Li
- Key Laboratory of Diagnosis and Treatment of Severe Hepato-Pancreatic Diseases of Zhejiang Province, The First Affiliated Hospital of Wenzhou Medical University, Wenzhou, China
- Department of Hepatobiliary Surgery, The First Affiliated Hospital of Wenzhou Medical University, Wenzhou, China
| | - Yihu Zheng
- Key Laboratory of Diagnosis and Treatment of Severe Hepato-Pancreatic Diseases of Zhejiang Province, The First Affiliated Hospital of Wenzhou Medical University, Wenzhou, China
- Department of Hepatobiliary Surgery, The First Affiliated Hospital of Wenzhou Medical University, Wenzhou, China
| | - Zhengping Yu
- Key Laboratory of Diagnosis and Treatment of Severe Hepato-Pancreatic Diseases of Zhejiang Province, The First Affiliated Hospital of Wenzhou Medical University, Wenzhou, China
- Department of Hepatobiliary Surgery, The First Affiliated Hospital of Wenzhou Medical University, Wenzhou, China
| | - Gang Chen
- Key Laboratory of Diagnosis and Treatment of Severe Hepato-Pancreatic Diseases of Zhejiang Province, The First Affiliated Hospital of Wenzhou Medical University, Wenzhou, China.
- Department of Hepatobiliary Surgery, The First Affiliated Hospital of Wenzhou Medical University, Wenzhou, China.
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13
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Moroney MR, Woodruff E, Qamar L, Bradford AP, Wolsky R, Bitler BG, Corr BR. Inhibiting Wnt/beta-catenin in CTNNB1-mutated endometrial cancer. Mol Carcinog 2021; 60:511-523. [PMID: 34038589 DOI: 10.1002/mc.23308] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/14/2021] [Revised: 05/06/2021] [Accepted: 05/07/2021] [Indexed: 12/25/2022]
Abstract
The role of β-catenin/TCF transcriptional activity in endometrial cancer (EC) recurrence is not well understood. We assessed the impact of Wnt/β-catenin inhibition in EC models. In an analysis of the Cancer Genome Atlas, we confirmed that CTNNB1 mutations are enriched in recurrent low-risk EC and showed that aberrant Wnt/β-catenin pathway activation is associated with recurrence. We studied CTNNB1-wildtype (HEC1B, Ishikawa) and CTNNB1-mutant (HEC108, HEC265, HEC1B-S33Y, Ishikawa-S33Y) EC cell lines. Dose response curves were determined for 5 Wnt/β-catenin pathway inhibitors (Wnt-C59, XAV-939, PyrPam, PRI-724, SM04690). XAV939, Wnt-C59 and PyrPam inhibited function upstream of β-catenin transcriptional activity and were ineffective at inhibiting cell viability. In contrast, PRI724 and SM04690 indirectly inhibited β-catenin transcriptional activity and significantly reduced cell viability in CTNNB1-mutant cell lines. Treatment with SM04690 reduced cell viability (Licor Cell stain) in all EC cell lines, but viability was significantly lower in CTNNB1-mutant cell lines (p < 0.01). Mechanistically, SM04690 significantly inhibited proliferation measured via 5'-bromo-2'-deoxyuridine incorporation and reduced T cell factor (TCF) transcriptional activity. HEC1B, HEC1B-S33Y and HEC265 tumor-bearing mice were treated with vehicle or SM04690. Tumors treated with SM04690 had smaller mean volumes than those treated with vehicle (p < 0.001, p = 0.014, p = 0.06). In HEC1B-S33Y and HEC265 tumors, SM04690 treatment significantly reduced Ki67 H-scores compared to vehicle (p = 0.035, p = 0.024). Targeting the Wnt/β-catenin pathway in CTNNB1-mutant EC effectively inhibited proliferation and β-catenin/TCF transcriptional activity and blunted tumor progression in in vivo models. These studies suggest β-catenin transcriptional inhibitors are effective in EC and particularly in CTNNB1-mutant EC, highlighting a potential therapeutic vulnerability for treatment of CTNNB1-mutant EC.
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Affiliation(s)
- Marisa R Moroney
- Division of Gynecologic Oncology, Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, University of Colorado School of Medicine, Aurora, Colorado, USA
| | - Elizabeth Woodruff
- Division of Reproductive Sciences, Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, University of Colorado School of Medicine, Aurora, Colorado, USA
| | - Lubna Qamar
- Division of Reproductive Sciences, Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, University of Colorado School of Medicine, Aurora, Colorado, USA
| | - Andrew P Bradford
- Division of Reproductive Sciences, Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, University of Colorado School of Medicine, Aurora, Colorado, USA
| | - Rebecca Wolsky
- Department of Pathology, University of Colorado School of Medicine, Aurora, Colorado, USA
| | - Benjamin G Bitler
- Division of Gynecologic Oncology, Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, University of Colorado School of Medicine, Aurora, Colorado, USA.,Division of Reproductive Sciences, Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, University of Colorado School of Medicine, Aurora, Colorado, USA
| | - Bradley R Corr
- Division of Gynecologic Oncology, Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, University of Colorado School of Medicine, Aurora, Colorado, USA
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14
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Targeting Wnt Signaling in Endometrial Cancer. Cancers (Basel) 2021; 13:cancers13102351. [PMID: 34068065 PMCID: PMC8152465 DOI: 10.3390/cancers13102351] [Citation(s) in RCA: 30] [Impact Index Per Article: 10.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/01/2021] [Revised: 05/03/2021] [Accepted: 05/08/2021] [Indexed: 02/06/2023] Open
Abstract
Simple Summary Wnt has diverse regulatory roles at multiple cellular levels and numerous targeting points, and aberrant Wnt signaling has crucial roles in carcinogenesis, metastasis, cancer recurrence, and chemotherapy resistance; based on these facts, Wnt represents an appealing therapeutic target for cancer treatment. Although preclinical data supports a role for the Wnt signaling pathway in uterine carcinogenesis, this area remains understudied. In this review, we identify the functions of several oncogenes of the Wnt/β-catenin signaling pathway in tumorigenesis and address the translation approach with potent Wnt inhibitors that have already been established or are being investigated to target key components of the pathway. Further research is likely to expand the potential for both biomarker and cancer drug development. There is a scarcity of treatment choices for advanced and recurrent endometrial cancer; investigating the sophisticated connections of Wnt signaling networks in endometrial cancer could address the unmet need for new therapeutic targets. Abstract This review presents new findings on Wnt signaling in endometrial carcinoma and implications for possible future treatments. The Wnt proteins are essential mediators in cell signaling during vertebrate embryo development. Recent biochemical and genetic studies have provided significant insight into Wnt signaling, in particular in cell cycle regulation, inflammation, and cancer. The role of Wnt signaling is well established in gastrointestinal and breast cancers, but its function in gynecologic cancers, especially in endometrial cancers, has not been well elucidated. Development of a subset of endometrial carcinomas has been attributed to activation of the APC/β-catenin signaling pathway (due to β-catenin mutations) and downregulation of Wnt antagonists by epigenetic silencing. The Wnt pathway also appears to be linked to estrogen and progesterone, and new findings implicate it in mTOR and Hedgehog signaling. Therapeutic interference of Wnt signaling remains a significant challenge. Herein, we discuss the Wnt-activating mechanisms in endometrial cancer and review the current advances and challenges in drug discovery.
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15
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Liu D, Enriquez L, Ford CE. ROR2 Is Epigenetically Regulated in Endometrial Cancer. Cancers (Basel) 2021; 13:cancers13030383. [PMID: 33494187 PMCID: PMC7864349 DOI: 10.3390/cancers13030383] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/09/2020] [Revised: 01/18/2021] [Accepted: 01/18/2021] [Indexed: 12/24/2022] Open
Abstract
Simple Summary Endometrial cancer is one of the fastest rising cancers in women. The Wnt signalling receptor ROR2 has been shown to play distinct roles in regards to tumorigenesis in different tumour types. The aim of this study was to investigate the role of ROR2 in endometrial cancer and to determine if ROR2 expression is epigenetically regulated. Through the analyses of publicly available TCGA and GEO datasets, low ROR2 expression was correlated with unfavourable outcome and reduced overall survival of endometrial cancer patients. In addition, we observed epigenetic repression of ROR2 expression in endometrial cancer cell lines and patient samples. Ectopic expression of ROR2 in vitro inhibited the invasive ability of high grade serous endometrial cancer cells. Therefore, we concluded that ROR2 plays a tumour suppressor role in endometrial cancer and appears to be a diagnostic or therapeutic candidate. Abstract The Wnt signalling receptor ROR2 has been identified as a possible therapeutic target in numerous cancers; however, its exact role remains unclear. The aim of this study was to investigate the role of ROR2 in endometrial cancer (EC) and the potential mechanism associated with its altered expression. The association between ROR2 mRNA expression levels and clinicopathological parameters, including overall survival (OS), in EC was analysed in The Cancer Genome Atlas Uterine Corpus Endometrial Carcinoma (TCGA-UCEC) cohort and GEO dataset GSE17025. Four EC cell lines (KLE, MFE-296, Ishikawa and ARK-1) and eight clinical EC samples were analysed for ROR2 methylation via Combined Bisulphite Restriction Analysis (COBRA) and bisulphite genomic sequencing (BGS). In addition, the functional effects of ROR2 overexpression were investigated in Ishikawa and ARK-1 cells following ectopic ROR2 expression. ROR2 promoter methylation or reduced ROR2 expression were both found to correlate with shorter OS, high grade and serous subtype in the TCGA-UCEC and GEO datasets. ROR2 was epigenetically silenced by promoter methylation in both patient samples and cell lines. A significant correlation between ROR2 expression levels and promoter methylation was observed in patient samples (r = −0.797, p = 0.018). ROR2 restoration in ARK-1 significantly decreased invasion ability, with associated changes in epithelial-mesenchymal transition (EMT) markers. ROR2 plays a tumour-suppressor role in EC and is epigenetically suppressed with the development of disease. It may represent a diagnostic or therapeutic candidate for EC.
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16
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Garcia-Alonso L, Handfield LF, Roberts K, Nikolakopoulou K, Fernando RC, Gardner L, Woodhams B, Arutyunyan A, Polanski K, Hoo R, Sancho-Serra C, Li T, Kwakwa K, Tuck E, Lorenzi V, Massalha H, Prete M, Kleshchevnikov V, Tarkowska A, Porter T, Mazzeo CI, van Dongen S, Dabrowska M, Vaskivskyi V, Mahbubani KT, Park JE, Jimenez-Linan M, Campos L, Kiselev VY, Lindskog C, Ayuk P, Prigmore E, Stratton MR, Saeb-Parsy K, Moffett A, Moore L, Bayraktar OA, Teichmann SA, Turco MY, Vento-Tormo R. Mapping the temporal and spatial dynamics of the human endometrium in vivo and in vitro. Nat Genet 2021; 53:1698-1711. [PMID: 34857954 PMCID: PMC8648563 DOI: 10.1038/s41588-021-00972-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 195] [Impact Index Per Article: 65.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/13/2021] [Accepted: 10/18/2021] [Indexed: 12/24/2022]
Abstract
The endometrium, the mucosal lining of the uterus, undergoes dynamic changes throughout the menstrual cycle in response to ovarian hormones. We have generated dense single-cell and spatial reference maps of the human uterus and three-dimensional endometrial organoid cultures. We dissect the signaling pathways that determine cell fate of the epithelial lineages in the lumenal and glandular microenvironments. Our benchmark of the endometrial organoids reveals the pathways and cell states regulating differentiation of the secretory and ciliated lineages both in vivo and in vitro. In vitro downregulation of WNT or NOTCH pathways increases the differentiation efficiency along the secretory and ciliated lineages, respectively. We utilize our cellular maps to deconvolute bulk data from endometrial cancers and endometriotic lesions, illuminating the cell types dominating in each of these disorders. These mechanistic insights provide a platform for future development of treatments for common conditions including endometriosis and endometrial carcinoma.
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Affiliation(s)
- Luz Garcia-Alonso
- grid.10306.340000 0004 0606 5382Wellcome Sanger Institute, Cambridge, UK
| | | | - Kenny Roberts
- grid.10306.340000 0004 0606 5382Wellcome Sanger Institute, Cambridge, UK
| | - Konstantina Nikolakopoulou
- grid.5335.00000000121885934Centre for Trophoblast Research, University of Cambridge, Cambridge, UK ,grid.5335.00000000121885934Department of Pathology, University of Cambridge, Cambridge, UK ,grid.482245.d0000 0001 2110 3787Present Address: Friedrich Miescher Institute for Biomedical Research, Basel, Switzerland
| | - Ridma C. Fernando
- grid.5335.00000000121885934Centre for Trophoblast Research, University of Cambridge, Cambridge, UK ,grid.5335.00000000121885934Department of Pathology, University of Cambridge, Cambridge, UK ,grid.482245.d0000 0001 2110 3787Present Address: Friedrich Miescher Institute for Biomedical Research, Basel, Switzerland
| | - Lucy Gardner
- grid.5335.00000000121885934Centre for Trophoblast Research, University of Cambridge, Cambridge, UK ,grid.5335.00000000121885934Department of Pathology, University of Cambridge, Cambridge, UK
| | - Benjamin Woodhams
- grid.10306.340000 0004 0606 5382Wellcome Sanger Institute, Cambridge, UK ,EMBL-EBI, Wellcome Genome Campus, Hinxton, UK
| | - Anna Arutyunyan
- grid.10306.340000 0004 0606 5382Wellcome Sanger Institute, Cambridge, UK ,grid.5335.00000000121885934Centre for Trophoblast Research, University of Cambridge, Cambridge, UK
| | - Krzysztof Polanski
- grid.10306.340000 0004 0606 5382Wellcome Sanger Institute, Cambridge, UK
| | - Regina Hoo
- grid.10306.340000 0004 0606 5382Wellcome Sanger Institute, Cambridge, UK ,grid.5335.00000000121885934Centre for Trophoblast Research, University of Cambridge, Cambridge, UK
| | | | - Tong Li
- grid.10306.340000 0004 0606 5382Wellcome Sanger Institute, Cambridge, UK
| | | | - Elizabeth Tuck
- grid.10306.340000 0004 0606 5382Wellcome Sanger Institute, Cambridge, UK
| | - Valentina Lorenzi
- grid.10306.340000 0004 0606 5382Wellcome Sanger Institute, Cambridge, UK
| | - Hassan Massalha
- grid.10306.340000 0004 0606 5382Wellcome Sanger Institute, Cambridge, UK ,grid.5335.00000000121885934Theory of Condensed Matter Group, Cavendish Laboratory, University of Cambridge, Cambridge, UK
| | - Martin Prete
- grid.10306.340000 0004 0606 5382Wellcome Sanger Institute, Cambridge, UK
| | | | | | - Tarryn Porter
- grid.10306.340000 0004 0606 5382Wellcome Sanger Institute, Cambridge, UK
| | | | - Stijn van Dongen
- grid.10306.340000 0004 0606 5382Wellcome Sanger Institute, Cambridge, UK
| | - Monika Dabrowska
- grid.10306.340000 0004 0606 5382Wellcome Sanger Institute, Cambridge, UK
| | - Vasyl Vaskivskyi
- grid.10306.340000 0004 0606 5382Wellcome Sanger Institute, Cambridge, UK
| | - Krishnaa T. Mahbubani
- grid.5335.00000000121885934Department of Haematology, University of Cambridge, Cambridge, UK ,grid.454369.9Cambridge Biorepository for Translational Medicine (CBTM), NIHR Cambridge Biomedical Research Centre, Cambridge, UK
| | - Jong-eun Park
- grid.10306.340000 0004 0606 5382Wellcome Sanger Institute, Cambridge, UK
| | - Mercedes Jimenez-Linan
- grid.24029.3d0000 0004 0383 8386Department of Pathology, Cambridge University Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust, Cambridge, UK
| | - Lia Campos
- grid.10306.340000 0004 0606 5382Wellcome Sanger Institute, Cambridge, UK
| | | | - Cecilia Lindskog
- grid.8993.b0000 0004 1936 9457Department of Immunology, Genetics and Pathology and Science for Life Laboratory, Uppsala University, Uppsala, Sweden
| | - Paul Ayuk
- grid.420004.20000 0004 0444 2244Department of Women’s Services, Newcastle-upon-Tyne Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust, Newcastle upon Tyne, UK
| | - Elena Prigmore
- grid.10306.340000 0004 0606 5382Wellcome Sanger Institute, Cambridge, UK
| | | | - Kourosh Saeb-Parsy
- grid.454369.9Cambridge Biorepository for Translational Medicine (CBTM), NIHR Cambridge Biomedical Research Centre, Cambridge, UK ,grid.5335.00000000121885934Department of Surgery, University of Cambridge, Cambridge, UK
| | - Ashley Moffett
- grid.5335.00000000121885934Centre for Trophoblast Research, University of Cambridge, Cambridge, UK ,grid.5335.00000000121885934Department of Pathology, University of Cambridge, Cambridge, UK
| | - Luiza Moore
- grid.10306.340000 0004 0606 5382Wellcome Sanger Institute, Cambridge, UK ,grid.24029.3d0000 0004 0383 8386Department of Pathology, Cambridge University Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust, Cambridge, UK
| | - Omer A. Bayraktar
- grid.10306.340000 0004 0606 5382Wellcome Sanger Institute, Cambridge, UK
| | - Sarah A. Teichmann
- grid.10306.340000 0004 0606 5382Wellcome Sanger Institute, Cambridge, UK ,grid.5335.00000000121885934Theory of Condensed Matter Group, Cavendish Laboratory, University of Cambridge, Cambridge, UK
| | - Margherita Y. Turco
- grid.5335.00000000121885934Centre for Trophoblast Research, University of Cambridge, Cambridge, UK ,grid.5335.00000000121885934Department of Pathology, University of Cambridge, Cambridge, UK ,grid.482245.d0000 0001 2110 3787Present Address: Friedrich Miescher Institute for Biomedical Research, Basel, Switzerland
| | - Roser Vento-Tormo
- grid.10306.340000 0004 0606 5382Wellcome Sanger Institute, Cambridge, UK ,grid.5335.00000000121885934Centre for Trophoblast Research, University of Cambridge, Cambridge, UK
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17
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Examination of expression patterns of WNT signaling in the human fallopian tubes. GENE REPORTS 2020. [DOI: 10.1016/j.genrep.2020.100821] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/17/2022]
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18
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Clinicopathologic and Immunohistochemical Correlates of CTNNB1 Mutated Endometrial Endometrioid Carcinoma. Int J Gynecol Pathol 2020; 39:119-127. [PMID: 30702464 DOI: 10.1097/pgp.0000000000000583] [Citation(s) in RCA: 52] [Impact Index Per Article: 13.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/21/2022]
Abstract
Endometrial endometrioid carcinomas (EECs) with exon 3 CTNNB1 mutations characterize a more aggressive subset of tumors in patients with low-grade low-stage disease. Thus, prospectively identifying these cases may be clinically relevant. The aim of this study was to examine the feasibility of β-catenin and Cyclin D1 immunohistochemistry to identify EECs harboring CTNNB1 mutations and to evaluate the clinicopathologic features of EECs with exon 3 CTNNB1 mutations. Thirty-nine CTNNB1 mutated EECs and 40 CTNNB1 wild-type EECs were identified from a cohort of previously sequenced endometrial carcinomas using a targeted next-generation sequencing panel. Immunohistochemistry for β-catenin and Cyclin D1 was performed on all cases. Immunohistochemistry results were correlated with CTNNB1 mutation status and clinicopathologic parameters. Patients with CTNNB1 mutated EECs were younger than those with CTNNB1 wild-type (56.2 vs. 61.5 y; P=0.033). Nuclear β-catenin expression correlated with exon 3 CTNNB1 mutation (P<0.0001) with a sensitivity of 91% and a specificity of 89%. Cyclin D1 expression correlated with CTNNB1 exon 3 mutation with relatively high specificity (90%) but low sensitivity (29%). Recurrence rate in patients with stage IA disease at diagnosis was significantly higher in patients whose tumors were CTNNB1 mutated compared with CTNNB1 wild-type (30% vs. 0%; P=0.025) and included distant metastases; all recurrent tumors in this group harbored exon 3 mutations and were histologically low grade (5 grade 1, 2 grade 2). Nuclear β-catenin expression appears to be an acceptable proxy for CTNNB1 mutation.
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19
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Liu S, Harmston N, Glaser TL, Wong Y, Zhong Z, Madan B, Virshup DM, Petretto E. Wnt-regulated lncRNA discovery enhanced by in vivo identification and CRISPRi functional validation. Genome Med 2020; 12:89. [PMID: 33092630 PMCID: PMC7580003 DOI: 10.1186/s13073-020-00788-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/13/2020] [Accepted: 10/02/2020] [Indexed: 12/13/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Wnt signaling is an evolutionarily conserved developmental pathway that is frequently hyperactivated in cancer. While multiple protein-coding genes regulated by Wnt signaling are known, the functional lncRNAs regulated by Wnt signaling have not been systematically characterized. METHODS We comprehensively mapped Wnt-regulated lncRNAs from an orthotopic Wnt-addicted pancreatic cancer model and examined the response of lncRNAs to Wnt inhibition between in vivo and in vitro cancer models. We further annotated and characterized these Wnt-regulated lncRNAs using existing genomic classifications (using data from FANTOM5) in the context of Wnt signaling and inferred their role in cancer pathogenesis (using GWAS and expression data from the TCGA). To functionally validate Wnt-regulated lncRNAs, we performed CRISPRi screens to assess their role in cancer cell proliferation both in vivo and in vitro. RESULTS We identified 3633 lncRNAs, of which 1503 were regulated by Wnt signaling in an orthotopic Wnt-addicted pancreatic cancer model. These lncRNAs were much more sensitive to changes in Wnt signaling in xenografts than in cultured cells. Our analysis suggested that Wnt signaling inhibition could influence the co-expression relationship of Wnt-regulated lncRNAs and their eQTL-linked protein-coding genes. Wnt-regulated lncRNAs were also implicated in specific gene networks involved in distinct biological processes that contribute to the pathogenesis of cancers. Consistent with previous genome-wide lncRNA CRISPRi screens, around 1% (13/1503) of the Wnt-regulated lncRNAs were found to modify cancer cell growth in vitro. This included CCAT1 and LINC00263, previously reported to regulate cancer growth. Using an in vivo CRISPRi screen, we doubled the discovery rate, identifying twice as many Wnt-regulated lncRNAs (25/1503) that had a functional effect on cancer cell growth. CONCLUSIONS Our study demonstrates the value of studying lncRNA functions in vivo, provides a valuable resource of lncRNAs regulated by Wnt signaling, and establishes a framework for systematic discovery of functional lncRNAs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shiyang Liu
- Program in Cancer and Stem Cell Biology, Duke-NUS Medical School, Singapore, Singapore
- Program in Cardiovascular and Metabolic Disorders, Duke-NUS Medical School, Singapore, Singapore
| | | | - Trudy Lee Glaser
- Program in Cancer and Stem Cell Biology, Duke-NUS Medical School, Singapore, Singapore
| | - Yunka Wong
- Program in Cancer and Stem Cell Biology, Duke-NUS Medical School, Singapore, Singapore
| | - Zheng Zhong
- Program in Cancer and Stem Cell Biology, Duke-NUS Medical School, Singapore, Singapore
| | - Babita Madan
- Program in Cancer and Stem Cell Biology, Duke-NUS Medical School, Singapore, Singapore
| | - David M Virshup
- Program in Cancer and Stem Cell Biology, Duke-NUS Medical School, Singapore, Singapore.
- Department of Pediatrics, Duke University School of Medicine, Durham, North Carolina, USA.
| | - Enrico Petretto
- Program in Cardiovascular and Metabolic Disorders, Duke-NUS Medical School, Singapore, Singapore.
- MRC London Institute of Medical Sciences, Imperial College London, London, UK.
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20
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Wnt Signaling in Gynecologic Malignancies. Int J Mol Sci 2020; 21:ijms21124272. [PMID: 32560059 PMCID: PMC7348953 DOI: 10.3390/ijms21124272] [Citation(s) in RCA: 40] [Impact Index Per Article: 10.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/01/2020] [Revised: 06/12/2020] [Accepted: 06/13/2020] [Indexed: 12/24/2022] Open
Abstract
Gynecologic malignancies, including ovarian cancer, endometrial cancer, and cervical cancer, affect hundreds of thousands of women worldwide every year. Wnt signaling, specifically Wnt/β-catenin signaling, has been found to play an essential role in many oncogenic processes in gynecologic malignancies, including tumorigenesis, metastasis, recurrence, and chemotherapy resistance. As such, the Wnt/β-catenin signaling pathway has the potential to be a target for effective treatment, improving patient outcomes. In this review, we discuss the evidence supporting the importance of the Wnt signaling pathways in the development, progression, and treatment of gynecologic malignancies.
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21
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Mehdinejadiani S, Amidi F, Mehdizadeh M, Barati M, Pazhohan A, Alyasin A, Mehdinejadiani K, Sobhani A. Effects of letrozole and clomiphene citrate on Wnt signaling pathway in endometrium of polycystic ovarian syndrome and healthy women†. Biol Reprod 2020; 100:641-648. [PMID: 30184105 DOI: 10.1093/biolre/ioy187] [Citation(s) in RCA: 27] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/25/2018] [Revised: 07/11/2018] [Indexed: 12/20/2022] Open
Abstract
Polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) is an endocrine disorder in women of reproductive age. In addition to anovulation, endometrial dysfunction can reduce fertility in PCOS. The cyclical changes of endometrium are controlled by estrogen and progesterone via modulating the Wnt/B-catenin pathway. Clomiphene citrate (CC) and letrozole are used to induce ovulation; unlike letrozole, there is a discrepancy between ovulation and pregnancy rates in CC-treated cycles. Because of the anti-estrogenic effects of CC on endometrium, we compared the expression of the key molecules of the Wnt/B-catenin pathway in the endometrium of women taking CC and letrozole. This study included PCOS and healthy women divided into the groups stimulated with letrozole (5 mg) or CC (100 mg) as well as NO-treatment groups. The endometrial thickness and hormonal profile were measured on day 12 of the menses. Using real-time polymerase chain reaction and western blot, we evaluated mRNA and protein expression of B-catenin, glycogen synthase kinase 3 beta (GSK3B), dickkopf Wnt signaling pathway inhibitor 1 (DKK1), and estrogen receptor 1 (ESR1) in the endometrial samples. Significantly, the mean serum estrogen and progesterone were lower and higher, respectively, in letrozole than CC groups. The endometrial thickness was significantly reduced in CC. The proteins expression of active B-catenin, inactive GSK3B, and ESR1 were significantly decreased in CC-treated groups. The mRNA and protein assessment of DKK1 showed significantly higher expression in CC. Our results indicate that letrozole can provide an acceptable activation of the Wnt/B-catenin pathway, resulting in adequate proliferation of endometrium in the women receiving letrozole compared to CC.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shayesteh Mehdinejadiani
- Department of Anatomy, School of Medicine, Tehran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran.,Cellular and Molecular Research Center, Iran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
| | - Fardin Amidi
- Department of Anatomy, School of Medicine, Tehran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran.,Department of Endocrinology and Infertility, Shariati Hospital, Tehran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
| | - Mehdi Mehdizadeh
- Cellular and Molecular Research Center, Faculty of Advanced Technologies in Medicine, Department of Anatomy, Iran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
| | - Mahmood Barati
- Department of Medical Biotechnology, Faculty of Allied Medicine, Iran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
| | - Azar Pazhohan
- Department of Midwifery, Urmia Branch, Islamic Azad University, Urmia, Iran.,Infertility center of Academic Center for Education, Culture and Research, East Azarbaijan, Tabriz, Iran
| | - Ashraf Alyasin
- Department of Endocrinology and Infertility, Shariati Hospital, Tehran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
| | - Kobra Mehdinejadiani
- Department of Immunology, School of Medicine, Shahid Beheshti University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
| | - Aligholi Sobhani
- Department of Anatomy, School of Medicine, Tehran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
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22
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Deng L, Liang H, Han Y. Cyclooxygenase-2 and β-Catenin as Potential Diagnostic and Prognostic Markers in Endometrial Cancer. Front Oncol 2020; 10:56. [PMID: 32154162 PMCID: PMC7046792 DOI: 10.3389/fonc.2020.00056] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/19/2019] [Accepted: 01/13/2020] [Indexed: 02/06/2023] Open
Abstract
Objectives: Explore the diagnostic and prognostic value of cyclooxygenase-2 and wnt3a/β-catenin pathway in endometrial cancer. Methods: A prospective cohort study of 93 women underwent hysterectomy at the China-Japan Friendship Hospital (61 patients with primary endometrial carcinoma, and 32 control patients with uterine prolapse or leiomyoma of uterus). Cox2 and β-catenin expression were determined by immunohistochemistry. The serum levels of cox2 and wnt3a were detected via ELISA assays. Results: Patients with endometrial cancer showed overexpression of cox2 and β-catenin, as well as significantly higher serum levels of cox2 and wnt3a. The serum cox2 level, which is highly significant in predicting the risk of disease progression (RR, 9.617, 95% confidence interval, 1.162–79.622, P = 0.036), showed good diagnostic and prognostic potential, with cut-off of 55 U/L, but alongside β-catenin expression in tissues, were related to poor prognosis (RR, 12.426; 95% confidence interval, 1.618–95.450; P = 0.015). Conclusion: Serum levels of cox2 and wnt3a exhibited diagnostic value for endometrial cancer. Cox2 serum levels and β-catenin expression also showed potential value of prognostic prediction. Cox2 serum levels might be a potential marker for early diagnosis and prognosis prediction in endometrial cancer.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lin Deng
- China-Japan Friendship Hospital, Beijing, China.,Graduate School of Peking Union Medical College, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences, Beijing, China
| | | | - Yi Han
- Beijing Haidian Center for Disease Control and Prevention, Beijing, China
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23
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The menstrual cycle may not be limited to the endometrium but also may impact gut permeability. Acta Neuropsychiatr 2019; 31:294-304. [PMID: 31364524 DOI: 10.1017/neu.2019.30] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/12/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE To examine associations between IgA responses to Gram-negative gut commensal bacteria and peri-menstrual symptoms and sex hormone levels during the menstrual cycle in women with and without premenstrual symptoms. METHODS Forty women aged 18-45 years completed the Daily Record of Severity of Problems (DRSP) during all 28 consecutive days of the menstrual cycle. We assayed, in plasma, IgA responses to six Gram-negative bacteria, that is, Hafnei alvei, Pseudomonas aeruginosa, Morganella morganii, Klebsiella pneumoniae, Pseudomonas putida and Citobacter koseri, progesterone and oestradiol at days 7, 14, 21 and 28 of the menstrual cycle. RESULTS Significant changes in Δ (actual - 1 week earlier) IgA to lipopolysaccharides (LPS) of the six Gram-negative bacteria during the menstrual cycle were observed with peak IgA levels at T4 (day 28) and lows at T1 or T2 (day 7 or 14). The ΔIgA changes in H. alvei, M. Morganii, P. putida during the menstrual cycle were significantly and positively associated with changes in the total DRSP score, and severity of physio-somatic, anxiety and breast-craving, but not depressive, symptoms. The changes in IgA responses to LPS were largely predicted by changes in progesterone and steady-state levels of progesterone averaged over the luteal phase. DISCUSSION Menstrual cycle-associated changes in IgA directed against LPS and by inference bacterial translocation may be driven by the effects of progesterone on transcellular, paracellular and vascular pathways (leaky gut) thereby contributing to the severity of physio-somatic and anxiety symptoms as well as fatigue, breast swelling and food cravings.
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24
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The transcriptional regulator CBX2 and ovarian function: A whole genome and whole transcriptome approach. Sci Rep 2019; 9:17033. [PMID: 31745224 PMCID: PMC6864077 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-019-53370-4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/27/2019] [Accepted: 10/30/2019] [Indexed: 12/26/2022] Open
Abstract
The chromobox homolog 2 (CBX2) was found to be important for human testis development, but its role in the human ovary remains elusive. We conducted a genome-wide analysis based on DNA adenine methyltransferase identification (DamID) and RNA sequencing strategies to investigate CBX2 in the human granulosa cells. Functional analysis revealed that CBX2 was upstream of genes contributing to ovarian function like folliculogenesis and steroidogenesis (i.e. ESR1, NRG1, AKR1C1, PTGER2, BMP15, BMP2, FSHR and NTRK1/2). We identified CBX2 regulated genes associated with polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) such as TGFβ, MAP3K15 and DKK1, as well as genes implicated in premature ovarian failure (POF) (i.e. POF1B, BMP15 and HOXA13) and the pituitary deficiency (i.e. LHX4 and KISS1). Our study provided an excellent opportunity to identify genes surrounding CBX2 in the ovary and might contribute to the understanding of ovarian physiopathology causing infertility in women.
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25
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Travaglino A, Raffone A, Saccone G, Mascolo M, D'Alessandro P, Arduino B, Mollo A, Insabato L, Zullo F. Nuclear expression of β-catenin in endometrial hyperplasia as marker of premalignancy. APMIS 2019; 127:699-709. [PMID: 31403731 DOI: 10.1111/apm.12988] [Citation(s) in RCA: 41] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/14/2019] [Accepted: 07/23/2019] [Indexed: 01/02/2023]
Abstract
We aimed to assess (1)-whether nuclear β-catenin is a marker of endometrial precancer, and (2)-the diagnostic accuracy of β-catenin immunohistochemistry in the differential diagnosis between benign and premalignant endometrial hyperplasia (EH), defining criteria for its use. Electronic databases were searched for studies evaluating β-catenin immunohistochemistry in normal endometrium (NE), benign and/or premalignant EH, and endometrioid carcinoma (EC). Odds ratio (OR; p < 0.05), sensitivity, specificity, diagnostic OR (DOR), positive and negative likelihood ratios (LR+, LR-) were calculated. Subgroup analyses were based on the classification system used (WHO or EIN) and criteria to define aberrant β-catenin expression (only nuclear or cytoplasmic/nuclear). Twelve studies with 1510 specimens were included. Nuclear β-catenin rate significantly increased from NE to benign EH (OR = 26.01; p = 0.0002, only in WHO subgroup), and from benign EH to premalignant EH (OR = 3.89; p = 0.0002; more markedly in EIN subgroup), but not from premalignant EH to EC (OR = 0.78; p = 0.29). Nuclear β-catenin accuracy was very low in WHO subgroup (sensitivity = 0.40, specificity = 0.76, LR+ = 1.85, LR- = 0.72; DOR = 2.89) and moderate in EIN subgroup (sensitivity = 0.19, specificity = 1.00, LR+ = 14.80, LR- = 0.83; DOR = 18.14). Cytoplasmic/nuclear β-catenin accuracy was absent in WHO subgroup (sensitivity = 0.45, specificity = 0.54, LR+ = 1.01, LR- = 1.01; DOR = 0.99) and low in EIN subgroup (sensitivity = 0.57, specificity = 0.86, LR+ = 3.63, LR- = 0.51; DOR = 8.30). Considering nuclear expression and using EIN system, β-catenin immunohistochemistry might be reliable as rule-in test for diagnosis of endometrial precancer, with perfect specificity and moderate overall accuracy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Antonio Travaglino
- Anatomic Pathology Unit, Department of Advanced Biomedical Sciences, School of Medicine, University of Naples Federico II, Naples, Italy
| | - Antonio Raffone
- Gynecology and Obstetrics Unit, Department of Neuroscience, Reproductive Sciences and Dentistry, School of Medicine, University of Naples Federico II, Naples, Italy
| | - Gabriele Saccone
- Gynecology and Obstetrics Unit, Department of Neuroscience, Reproductive Sciences and Dentistry, School of Medicine, University of Naples Federico II, Naples, Italy
| | - Massimo Mascolo
- Anatomic Pathology Unit, Department of Advanced Biomedical Sciences, School of Medicine, University of Naples Federico II, Naples, Italy
| | - Pietro D'Alessandro
- Gynecology and Obstetrics Unit, Department of Neuroscience, Reproductive Sciences and Dentistry, School of Medicine, University of Naples Federico II, Naples, Italy
| | - Bruno Arduino
- Gynecology and Obstetrics Unit, Department of Neuroscience, Reproductive Sciences and Dentistry, School of Medicine, University of Naples Federico II, Naples, Italy
| | - Antonio Mollo
- Gynecology and Obstetrics Unit, Department of Neuroscience, Reproductive Sciences and Dentistry, School of Medicine, University of Naples Federico II, Naples, Italy
| | - Luigi Insabato
- Anatomic Pathology Unit, Department of Advanced Biomedical Sciences, School of Medicine, University of Naples Federico II, Naples, Italy
| | - Fulvio Zullo
- Gynecology and Obstetrics Unit, Department of Neuroscience, Reproductive Sciences and Dentistry, School of Medicine, University of Naples Federico II, Naples, Italy
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26
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Zou Y, Lin X, Bu J, Lin Z, Chen Y, Qiu Y, Mo H, Tang Y, Fang W, Wu Z. Timeless-Stimulated miR-5188-FOXO1/β-Catenin-c-Jun Feedback Loop Promotes Stemness via Ubiquitination of β-Catenin in Breast Cancer. Mol Ther 2019; 28:313-327. [PMID: 31604679 DOI: 10.1016/j.ymthe.2019.08.015] [Citation(s) in RCA: 40] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/16/2018] [Revised: 08/13/2019] [Accepted: 08/14/2019] [Indexed: 12/30/2022] Open
Abstract
MicroRNAs (miRNAs) play an essential role in the self-renewal of breast cancer stem cells (BCCs). Our study aimed to clarify the role of proto-oncogene c-Jun-regulated miR-5188 in breast cancer progression and its association with Timeless-mediated cancer stemness. In the present study, we showed that miR-5188 exerted an oncogenic effect by inducing breast cancer stemness, proliferation, metastasis, and chemoresistance in vitro and in vivo. The mechanistic analysis demonstrated that miR-5188 directly targeted FOXO1, which interacted with β-catenin in the cytoplasm, facilitated β-catenin degradation, and impaired the nuclear accumulation of β-catenin, thus stimulating the activation of known Wnt targets, epithelial-mesenchymal transition (EMT) markers, and key regulators of cancer stemness. Moreover, miR-5188 potentiated Wnt/β-catenin/c-Jun signaling to promote breast cancer progression. Interestingly, c-Jun enhanced miR-5188 transcription to form a positive regulatory loop, and Timeless interacted with Sp1/c-Jun to induce miR-5188 expression by promoting c-Jun-mediated transcription, which further activated miR-5188-FOXO1/β-catenin-c-Jun loop and facilitated breast cancer progression. Importantly, miR-5188 was upregulated in breast cancer and was positively correlated with poor patient prognosis. This study identifies miR-5188 as a novel oncomiR and provides a new theoretical basis for the clinical use of miR-5188 antagonists in the treatment of breast cancer.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yujiao Zou
- Cancer Center, Integrated Hospital of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Southern Medical University, Guangzhou, Guangdong 510310, China; Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Molecular Tumor Pathology, Guangzhou 510515, China; Department of Pathology, School of Basic Medical Science, Southern Medical University, Guangzhou 510515, China; Department of Radiation Oncology, Zhujiang Hospital, Southern Medical University, Guangzhou 510280, China
| | - Xian Lin
- Cancer Center, Integrated Hospital of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Southern Medical University, Guangzhou, Guangdong 510310, China
| | - Junguo Bu
- Department of Radiation Oncology, Zhujiang Hospital, Southern Medical University, Guangzhou 510280, China
| | - Zelong Lin
- Cancer Center, Integrated Hospital of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Southern Medical University, Guangzhou, Guangdong 510310, China
| | - Yanjuan Chen
- Cancer Center, Integrated Hospital of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Southern Medical University, Guangzhou, Guangdong 510310, China
| | - Yunhui Qiu
- Cancer Center, Integrated Hospital of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Southern Medical University, Guangzhou, Guangdong 510310, China
| | - Haiyue Mo
- Cancer Center, Integrated Hospital of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Southern Medical University, Guangzhou, Guangdong 510310, China
| | - Yao Tang
- Cancer Center, Integrated Hospital of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Southern Medical University, Guangzhou, Guangdong 510310, China
| | - Weiyi Fang
- Cancer Center, Integrated Hospital of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Southern Medical University, Guangzhou, Guangdong 510310, China.
| | - Ziqing Wu
- Cancer Center, Integrated Hospital of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Southern Medical University, Guangzhou, Guangdong 510310, China; Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Molecular Tumor Pathology, Guangzhou 510515, China; Department of Pathology, School of Basic Medical Science, Southern Medical University, Guangzhou 510515, China.
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27
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Tríbulo P, Rabaglino MB, Bo MB, Carvalheira LDR, Bishop JV, Hansen TR, Hansen PJ. Dickkopf-related protein 1 is a progestomedin acting on the bovine embryo during the morula-to-blastocyst transition to program trophoblast elongation. Sci Rep 2019; 9:11816. [PMID: 31413296 PMCID: PMC6694114 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-019-48374-z] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/04/2019] [Accepted: 07/19/2019] [Indexed: 12/16/2022] Open
Abstract
Progesterone regulates the endometrium to support pregnancy establishment and maintenance. In the ruminant, one action of progesterone early in pregnancy is to alter embryonic development and hasten the process of trophoblast elongation around day 14–15 of pregnancy, which is required for maternal recognition of pregnancy. Here we demonstrate that the WNT antagonist DKK1, whose expression is increased by progesterone treatment, can act on the bovine embryo during day 5 to 7.5 of development (the morula to blastocyst stage) to promote embryonic elongation on day 15 of pregnancy. Embryos were produced in vitro and exposed to 0 or 100 ng/ml recombinant human DKK1 from day 5 to 7.5 of culture. Blastocysts were transferred into synchronized recipient cows on day 7.5 (n = 23 for control and 17 for DKK1). On day 15, cows were slaughtered and embryos recovered by flushing the uterus. Embryo recovery was n = 11 for controls (48% recovery) and n = 11 for DKK1 (65% recovery). Except for two DKK1 embryos, all embryos were filamentous. Treatment with DKK1 increased (P = 0.007) the length of filamentous embryos from 43.9 mm to 117.4 mm and the intrauterine content of the maternal recognition of pregnancy signal IFNT (P = 0.01) from 4.9 µg to 16.6 µg. Determination of differentially expressed genes (DEG), using the R environment, revealed 473 DEG at p < 0.05 but none at FDR < 0.05, suggesting that DKK1 did not strongly modify the embryo transcriptome at the time it was measured. However, samples clustered apart in a multidimensional scaling analyisis. Weighted gene co-expression analysis of the transcriptome of filamentous embryos revealed a subset of genes that were related to embryo length, with identification of a significant module of genes in the DKK1 group only. Thus, several of the differences between DKK1 and control groups in gene expression were due to differences in embryo length. In conclusion, DKK1 can act on the morula-to-blastocyst stage embryo to modify subsequent trophoblast elongation. Higher pregnancy rates associated with transfer of DKK1-treated embryos may be due in part to enhancements of trophoblast growth and antiluteolytic signaling through IFNT secretion. Given that progesterone can regulate both timing of trophoblast elongation and DKK1 expression, DKK1 may be a mediator of progesterone effects on embryonic development.
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Affiliation(s)
- Paula Tríbulo
- Department of Animal Sciences, D.H. Barron Reproductive and Perinatal Biology Research Program, and Genetics Institute, University of Florida, Gainesville, FL, 32611-0910, USA
| | | | | | - Luciano de R Carvalheira
- Departamento de Clínica e Cirugia Veterinárias, Escola de Veterinária, Universidade Federal de Minas Gerais, Belo Horizonte, Minas Gerais, Brazil
| | - Jeanette V Bishop
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, Colorado State University, Fort Collins, CO, 80523-1683, USA
| | - Thomas R Hansen
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, Colorado State University, Fort Collins, CO, 80523-1683, USA
| | - Peter J Hansen
- Department of Animal Sciences, D.H. Barron Reproductive and Perinatal Biology Research Program, and Genetics Institute, University of Florida, Gainesville, FL, 32611-0910, USA.
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28
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Lira-Albarrán S, Vega CC, Durand M, Rangel C, Larrea F. Functional genomic analysis of the human receptive endometrium transcriptome upon administration of mifepristone at the time of follicle rupture. Mol Cell Endocrinol 2019; 485:88-96. [PMID: 30796948 DOI: 10.1016/j.mce.2019.02.010] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/26/2018] [Revised: 02/06/2019] [Accepted: 02/15/2019] [Indexed: 01/10/2023]
Abstract
The aim of this study was to analyze the effects of progesterone withdrawal on gene transcription in receptive endometrium by the administration of a single dose of 50 mg of the anti-progesterone receptor mifepristone (MFP) at the time of follicle rupture (FR). Six volunteer ovulatory women were studied, taking endometrial biopsies of three control and three MFP-treated women on days LH+2 (C-LH+2) and LH+7 (T-MFP), respectively. The biopsies were prepared for RNA isolation or histological and immunohistochemistry studies. The genomic data from 14 women (C-LH+7) were included as a historical control. The functional genomic analysis of the differentially expressed genes showed that MFP interfered negatively with the bio-functions decidualization of uterus and implantation of blastocyst and embryo. The results of this study confirm but also give new information on how MFP affects endometrial gene expression when administered at the time of FR and the dose used in emergency contraception.
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Affiliation(s)
- Saúl Lira-Albarrán
- Departmento de Biología de La Reproducción Dr. Carlos Gual Castro, Instituto Nacional de Ciencias Médicas y Nutrición Salvador Zubirán, Avenida Vasco de Quiroga No. 15, Ciudad de México, 14080, México
| | - Claudia C Vega
- Departmento de Biología de La Reproducción Dr. Carlos Gual Castro, Instituto Nacional de Ciencias Médicas y Nutrición Salvador Zubirán, Avenida Vasco de Quiroga No. 15, Ciudad de México, 14080, México
| | - Marta Durand
- Departmento de Biología de La Reproducción Dr. Carlos Gual Castro, Instituto Nacional de Ciencias Médicas y Nutrición Salvador Zubirán, Avenida Vasco de Quiroga No. 15, Ciudad de México, 14080, México
| | - Claudia Rangel
- Departamento de Genómica Computacional, Instituto Nacional de Medicina Genómica, Periférico Sur No. 4809, Ciudad de México, 14610, México
| | - Fernando Larrea
- Departmento de Biología de La Reproducción Dr. Carlos Gual Castro, Instituto Nacional de Ciencias Médicas y Nutrición Salvador Zubirán, Avenida Vasco de Quiroga No. 15, Ciudad de México, 14080, México.
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Epithelial to Mesenchymal Transition and Cell Biology of Molecular Regulation in Endometrial Carcinogenesis. J Clin Med 2019; 8:jcm8040439. [PMID: 30935077 PMCID: PMC6518354 DOI: 10.3390/jcm8040439] [Citation(s) in RCA: 30] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/22/2019] [Revised: 03/21/2019] [Accepted: 03/25/2019] [Indexed: 12/15/2022] Open
Abstract
Endometrial carcinogenesis is involved in several signaling pathways and it comprises multiple steps. The four major signaling pathways—PI3K/AKT, Ras/Raf/MEK/ERK, WNT/β-catenin, and vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF)—are involved in tumor cell metabolism, growth, proliferation, survival, and angiogenesis. The genetic mutation and germline mitochondrial DNA mutations also impair cell proliferation, anti-apoptosis signaling, and epithelial–mesenchymal transition by several transcription factors, leading to endometrial carcinogenesis and distant metastasis. The PI3K/AKT pathway activates the ransforming growth factor beta (TGF-β)-mediated endothelial-to-mesenchymal transition (EMT) and it interacts with downstream signals to upregulate EMT-associated factors. Estrogen and progesterone signaling in EMT also play key roles in the prognosis of endometrial carcinogenesis. In this review article, we summarize the current clinical and basic research efforts regarding the detailed molecular regulation in endometrial carcinogenesis, especially in EMT, to provide novel targets for further anti-carcinogenesis treatment.
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Fragni M, Fiorentini C, Rossini E, Fisogni S, Vezzoli S, Bonini SA, Dalmiglio C, Grisanti S, Tiberio GAM, Claps M, Cosentini D, Salvi V, Bosisio D, Terzolo M, Missale C, Facchetti F, Memo M, Berruti A, Sigala S. In vitro antitumor activity of progesterone in human adrenocortical carcinoma. Endocrine 2019; 63:592-601. [PMID: 30367443 DOI: 10.1007/s12020-018-1795-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 21] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/02/2018] [Accepted: 10/15/2018] [Indexed: 12/17/2022]
Abstract
PURPOSE The management of patients with adrenocortical carcinoma (ACC) is challenging. As mitotane and chemotherapy show limited efficacy, there is an urgent need to develop therapeutic approaches. The aim of this study was to investigate the antitumor activity of progesterone and explore the molecular mechanisms underlying its cytotoxic effects in the NCI-H295R cell line and primary cell cultures derived from ACC patients. METHODS Cell viability, cell cycle, and apoptosis were analyzed in untreated and progesterone-treated ACC cells. The ability of progesterone to affect the Wnt/β-catenin pathway in NCI-H295R cells was investigated by immunofluorescence. Progesterone and mitotane combination experiments were also performed to evaluate their interaction on NCI-H295R cell viability. RESULTS We demonstrated that progesterone exerted a concentration-dependent inhibition of ACC cell viability. Apoptosis was the main mechanism, as demonstrated by a significant increase of apoptosis and cleaved-Caspase-3 levels. Reduction of β-catenin nuclear translocation may contribute to the progesterone cytotoxic effect. The progesterone antineoplastic activity was synergically increased when mitotane was added to the cell culture medium. CONCLUSIONS Our results show that progesterone has antineoplastic activity in ACC cells. The synergistic cytotoxic activity of progesterone with mitotane provides the rationale for testing this combination in a clinical study.
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Affiliation(s)
- Martina Fragni
- Section of Pharmacology, Department of Molecular and Translational Medicine, University of Brescia, Brescia, Italy
| | - Chiara Fiorentini
- Section of Pharmacology, Department of Molecular and Translational Medicine, University of Brescia, Brescia, Italy
| | - Elisa Rossini
- Section of Pharmacology, Department of Molecular and Translational Medicine, University of Brescia, Brescia, Italy
| | - Simona Fisogni
- Pathology Unit, Department of Molecular and Translational Medicine, University of Brescia and ASST Spedali Civili di Brescia, Brescia, Italy
| | - Sara Vezzoli
- Section of Pharmacology, Department of Molecular and Translational Medicine, University of Brescia, Brescia, Italy
| | - Sara A Bonini
- Section of Pharmacology, Department of Molecular and Translational Medicine, University of Brescia, Brescia, Italy
| | - Cristina Dalmiglio
- Oncology Unit, Department of Medical and Surgical Specialties, Radiological Sciences, and Public Health, University of Brescia and ASST Spedali Civili di Brescia, Brescia, Italy
| | - Salvatore Grisanti
- Oncology Unit, Department of Medical and Surgical Specialties, Radiological Sciences, and Public Health, University of Brescia and ASST Spedali Civili di Brescia, Brescia, Italy
| | - Guido A M Tiberio
- Surgical Clinic, Department of Clinical and Experimental Sciences, University of Brescia and ASST Spedali Civili di Brescia, Brescia, Italy
| | - Melanie Claps
- Oncology Unit, Department of Medical and Surgical Specialties, Radiological Sciences, and Public Health, University of Brescia and ASST Spedali Civili di Brescia, Brescia, Italy
| | - Deborah Cosentini
- Oncology Unit, Department of Medical and Surgical Specialties, Radiological Sciences, and Public Health, University of Brescia and ASST Spedali Civili di Brescia, Brescia, Italy
| | - Valentina Salvi
- Section of Oncology and Experimental Immunology, Department of Molecular and Translational Medicine, University of Brescia, Brescia, Italy
| | - Daniela Bosisio
- Section of Oncology and Experimental Immunology, Department of Molecular and Translational Medicine, University of Brescia, Brescia, Italy
| | - Massimo Terzolo
- Department of Clinical and Biological Sciences University of Turin, Internal Medicine 1, San Luigi Gonzaga Hospital, Orbassano, Italy
| | - Cristina Missale
- Section of Pharmacology, Department of Molecular and Translational Medicine, University of Brescia, Brescia, Italy
| | - Fabio Facchetti
- Pathology Unit, Department of Molecular and Translational Medicine, University of Brescia and ASST Spedali Civili di Brescia, Brescia, Italy
| | - Maurizio Memo
- Section of Pharmacology, Department of Molecular and Translational Medicine, University of Brescia, Brescia, Italy
| | - Alfredo Berruti
- Oncology Unit, Department of Medical and Surgical Specialties, Radiological Sciences, and Public Health, University of Brescia and ASST Spedali Civili di Brescia, Brescia, Italy.
| | - Sandra Sigala
- Section of Pharmacology, Department of Molecular and Translational Medicine, University of Brescia, Brescia, Italy
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Tempest N, Baker AM, Wright NA, Hapangama DK. Does human endometrial LGR5 gene expression suggest the existence of another hormonally regulated epithelial stem cell niche? Hum Reprod 2019; 33:1052-1062. [PMID: 29648645 PMCID: PMC5972618 DOI: 10.1093/humrep/dey083] [Citation(s) in RCA: 47] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/12/2017] [Accepted: 03/27/2018] [Indexed: 12/21/2022] Open
Abstract
STUDY QUESTION Is human endometrial leucine-rich repeat-containing G-protein-coupled receptor 5 (LGR5) gene expression limited to the postulated epithelial stem cell niche, stratum basalis glands, and is it hormonally regulated? SUMMARY ANSWER LGR5 expressing cells are not limited to the postulated stem cell niche but LGR5 expression is hormonally regulated. WHAT IS KNOWN ALREADY The human endometrium is a highly regenerative tissue; however, endometrial epithelial stem cell markers are yet to be confirmed. LGR5 is a marker of stem cells in various epithelia. STUDY DESIGN, SIZE, DURATION The study was conducted at a University Research Institute. Endometrial samples from 50 healthy women undergoing benign gynaecological surgery with no endometrial pathology at the Liverpool Women's hospital were included and analysed in the following six sub-categories; proliferative, secretory phases of menstrual cycle, postmenopausal, those using oral and local progestagens and samples for in vitro explant culture. PARTICIPANTS/MATERIALS, SETTING, METHODS In this study, we used the gold standard method, in situ hybridisation (ISH) along with qPCR and a systems biology approach to study the location of LGR5 gene expression in full thickness human endometrium and Fallopian tubes. The progesterone regulation of endometrial LGR5 was examined in vivo and in short-term cultured endometrial tissue explants in vitro. LGR5 expression was correlated with epithelial proliferation (Ki67), and expression of previously reported epithelia progenitor markers (SOX9 and SSEA-1) immunohistochemistry (IHC). MAIN RESULTS AND THE ROLE OF CHANCE LGR5 gene expression was significantly higher in the endometrial luminal epithelium than in all other epithelial compartments in the healthy human endometrium, including the endometrial stratum basalis (P < 0.05). The strongest SSEA-1 and SOX9 staining was observed in the stratum basalis glands, but the general trend of SOX9 and SSEA-1 expression followed the same cyclical pattern of expression as LGR5. Stratum functionalis epithelial Ki67-LI and LGR5 expression levels correlated significantly (r = 0.74, P = 0.01), however, they did not correlate in luminal and stratum basalis epithelium (r = 0.5 and 0.13, respectively). Endometrial LGR5 demonstrates a dynamic spatiotemporal expression pattern, suggesting hormonal regulation. Oral and local progestogens significantly reduced endometrial LGR5 mRNA levels compared with women not on hormonal treatment (P < 0.01). Our data were in agreement with in silico analysis of published endometrial microarrays. LARGE SCALE DATA We did not generate our own large scale data but interrogated publically available large scale data sets. LIMITATIONS, REASONS FOR CAUTION In the absence of reliable antibodies for human LGR5 protein and validated lineage markers for the various epithelial populations that potentially exist within the endometrium, our study does not formally characterise or examine the functional ability of the resident LGR5+ cells as multipotent. WIDER IMPLICATIONS OF THE FINDINGS These data will facilitate future lineage tracing studies in the human endometrial epithelium; to identify the location of stem cells and further complement the in vitro functional studies, to confirm if the LGR5 expressing epithelial cells indeed represent the epithelial stem cell population. STUDY FUNDING/COMPETING INTEREST(S) This work was supported by funding from the Wellbeing of Women project grant (RTF510) and Cancer Research UK (A14895). None of the authors have any conflicts of interest to disclose.
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Affiliation(s)
- N Tempest
- Liverpool Women's Hospital NHS Foundation Trust, Liverpool L8 7SS, UK.,Department of Women's and Children's Health, Institute of Translational Medicine, University of Liverpool, Liverpool L8 7SS, UK
| | - A M Baker
- Barts Cancer Institute, Barts and the London School of Medicine and Dentistry, Queen Mary University of London, London EC1M 6BQ, UK
| | - N A Wright
- Barts Cancer Institute, Barts and the London School of Medicine and Dentistry, Queen Mary University of London, London EC1M 6BQ, UK
| | - D K Hapangama
- Liverpool Women's Hospital NHS Foundation Trust, Liverpool L8 7SS, UK.,Department of Women's and Children's Health, Institute of Translational Medicine, University of Liverpool, Liverpool L8 7SS, UK
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32
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Heinosalo T, Gabriel M, Kallio L, Adhikari P, Huhtinen K, Laajala TD, Kaikkonen E, Mehmood A, Suvitie P, Kujari H, Aittokallio T, Perheentupa A, Poutanen M. Secreted frizzled-related protein 2 (SFRP2) expression promotes lesion proliferation via canonical WNT signaling and indicates lesion borders in extraovarian endometriosis. Hum Reprod 2019; 33:817-831. [PMID: 29462326 DOI: 10.1093/humrep/dey026] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/30/2017] [Accepted: 01/24/2018] [Indexed: 12/21/2022] Open
Abstract
STUDY QUESTION What is the role of SFRP2 in endometriosis? SUMMARY ANSWER SFRP2 acts as a canonical WNT/CTNNB1 signaling agonist in endometriosis, regulating endometriosis lesion growth and indicating endometriosis lesion borders together with CTNNB1 (also known as beta catenin). WHAT IS KNOWN ALREADY Endometriosis is a common, chronic disease that affects women of reproductive age, causing pain and infertility, and has significant economic impact on national health systems. Despite extensive research, the pathogenesis of endometriosis is poorly understood, and targeted medical treatments are lacking. WNT signaling is dysregulated in various human diseases, but its role in extraovarian endometriosis has not been fully elucidated. STUDY DESIGN, SIZE, DURATION We evaluated the significance of WNT signaling, and especially secreted frizzled-related protein 2 (SFRP2), in extraovarian endometriosis, including peritoneal and deep lesions. The study design was based on a cohort of clinical samples collected by laparoscopy or curettage and questionnaire data from healthy controls and endometriosis patients. PARTICIPANTS/MATERIALS, SETTING, METHODS Global gene expression analysis in human endometrium (n = 104) and endometriosis (n = 177) specimens from 47 healthy controls and 103 endometriosis patients was followed by bioinformatics and supportive qPCR analyses. Immunohistochemistry, Western blotting, primary cell culture and siRNA knockdown approaches were used to validate the findings. MAIN RESULTS AND THE ROLE OF CHANCE Among the 220 WNT signaling and CTNNB1 target genes analysed, 184 genes showed differential expression in extraovarian endometriosis (P < 0.05) compared with endometrium tissue, including SFRP2 and CTNNB1. Menstrual cycle-dependent regulation of WNT genes observed in the endometrium was lost in endometriosis lesions, as shown by hierarchical clustering. Immunohistochemical analysis indicated that SFRP2 and CTNNB1 are novel endometriosis lesion border markers, complementing immunostaining for the known marker CD10 (also known as MME). SFRP2 and CTNNB1 localized similarly in both the epithelium and stroma of extraovarian endometriosis tissue, and interestingly, both also indicated an additional distant lesion border, suggesting that WNT signaling is altered in the endometriosis stroma beyond the primary border indicated by the known marker CD10. SFRP2 expression was positively associated with pain symptoms experienced by patients (P < 0.05), and functional loss of SFRP2 in extraovarian endometriosis primary cell cultures resulted in decreased cell proliferation (P < 0.05) associated with reduced CTNNB1 protein expression (P = 0.05). LIMITATIONS REASONS FOR CAUTION SFRP2 and CTNNB1 improved extraovarian endometriosis lesion border detection in a relatively small cohort (n = 20), although larger studies with different endometriosis subtypes in variable cycle phases and under hormonal medication are required. WIDER IMPLICATIONS OF THE FINDINGS The highly expressed SFRP2 and CTNNB1 improve endometriosis lesion border detection, which can have clinical implications for better visualization of endometriosis lesions over CD10. Furthermore, SFRP2 acts as a canonical WNT/CTNNB1 signaling agonist in endometriosis and positively regulates endometriosis lesion growth, suggesting that the WNT pathway may be an important therapeutic target for endometriosis. STUDY FUNDING/COMPETING INTEREST(S) This study was funded by the Academy of Finland and by Tekes: Finnish Funding Agency for Innovation. The authors have no conflict of interest to declare.
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Affiliation(s)
- T Heinosalo
- Institute of Biomedicine, Research Centre for Integrative Physiology and Pharmacology, University of Turku, 20014 Turku, Finland
| | - M Gabriel
- Institute of Biomedicine, Research Centre for Integrative Physiology and Pharmacology, University of Turku, 20014 Turku, Finland.,Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, University of Turku and Turku University Hospital, 20014 Turku, Finland
| | - L Kallio
- Institute of Biomedicine, Research Centre for Integrative Physiology and Pharmacology, University of Turku, 20014 Turku, Finland
| | - P Adhikari
- Institute of Biomedicine, Research Centre for Integrative Physiology and Pharmacology, University of Turku, 20014 Turku, Finland
| | - K Huhtinen
- Institute of Biomedicine, Research Centre for Integrative Physiology and Pharmacology, University of Turku, 20014 Turku, Finland.,Institute of Biomedicine, Research Center for Cancer, Infections and Immunity, University of Turku, 20014 Turku, Finland.,Department of Pathology, Turku University Hospital, 20521 Turku, Finland
| | - T D Laajala
- Department of Mathematics and Statistics, University of Turku, 20014 Turku, Finland.,Institute for Molecular Medicine Finland (FIMM), University of Helsinki, 00014 Helsinki, Finland.,Turku Center for Disease Modeling (TCDM), University of Turku, 20014 Turku, Finland
| | - E Kaikkonen
- Institute of Biomedicine, Research Centre for Integrative Physiology and Pharmacology, University of Turku, 20014 Turku, Finland
| | - A Mehmood
- Institute of Biomedicine, Research Centre for Integrative Physiology and Pharmacology, University of Turku, 20014 Turku, Finland.,Turku Centre for Biotechnology, University of Turku and Åbo Akademi, Turku, Finland
| | - P Suvitie
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, University of Turku and Turku University Hospital, 20014 Turku, Finland
| | - H Kujari
- Institute of Biomedicine, Research Center for Cancer, Infections and Immunity, University of Turku, 20014 Turku, Finland.,Department of Pathology, Turku University Hospital, 20521 Turku, Finland
| | - T Aittokallio
- Department of Mathematics and Statistics, University of Turku, 20014 Turku, Finland.,Institute for Molecular Medicine Finland (FIMM), University of Helsinki, 00014 Helsinki, Finland.,Turku Center for Disease Modeling (TCDM), University of Turku, 20014 Turku, Finland
| | - A Perheentupa
- Institute of Biomedicine, Research Centre for Integrative Physiology and Pharmacology, University of Turku, 20014 Turku, Finland.,Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, University of Turku and Turku University Hospital, 20014 Turku, Finland
| | - M Poutanen
- Institute of Biomedicine, Research Centre for Integrative Physiology and Pharmacology, University of Turku, 20014 Turku, Finland.,Turku Center for Disease Modeling (TCDM), University of Turku, 20014 Turku, Finland.,Institute of Medicine, Sahlgrenska Academy, 405 30 Gothenburg University, Gothenburg, Sweden
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Feng M, Zhang T, Ma H. Progesterone ameliorates the endometrial polyp by modulating the signaling pathway of Wnt and β-catenin via regulating the expression of H19 and miR-152. J Cell Biochem 2019; 120:10164-10174. [PMID: 30659641 DOI: 10.1002/jcb.28301] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/16/2018] [Accepted: 11/28/2018] [Indexed: 12/12/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND MicroRNAs and long noncoding RNAs are believed to play important roles in the pathogenesis of various diseases. This study aimed to explore the potential mechanism of the involvement of H19 and miR-152 in an endometrial polyp. METHODS Luciferase assay was conducted to determine the effect of progesterone. Real-time polymerase chain reaction (PCR) and western blot were performed to detect the influence of progesterone on miR-152 and Wnt1. MTT assay and flow cytometry (FCM) were utilized to detect the effect of progesterone on cell proliferation and apoptosis. In silicon analysis, luciferase assay, real-time PCR, and immunohistochemistry (IHC) were performed to explore the regulatory relationship between H19 and miR-152 or miR-152 and Wnt1. RESULTS Progesterone dose-dependently increased the H19 expression level through driving the promoter efficiency of H19. Then, progesterone upregulated Wnt1 level and downregulated miR-152 in a dose-dependent manner in ECC1 and HEC1A cells. Administration of progesterone inhibited cell viability and promoted cell apoptosis. H19 negatively regulated miR-152 expression by binding to miR-152. Furthermore, Wnt1 was identified as a virtual target gene of miR-152 and was inhibited by miR-152. Progesterone receptors mRNA and miR-152 were lowly expressed in participants with an endometrial polyp, while the levels of H19 and Wnt1 were much higher in the endometrial polyp group compared with normal controls. H19 negatively regulated miR-152 and miR-152 negatively regulated Wnt1, with the negative correlation coefficients being -0.500 and -0.500, respectively. Using IHC, it was found that Wnt1 and Bcl-2 protein were highly expressed in the endometrial polyp group compared with normal controls. CONCLUSION The results suggested that H19 was associated with endometrial polyp via mediating cell proliferation and apoptosis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Meining Feng
- Reproductive Medicine Department, Xianyang Central Hospital, Xianyang, Shaanxi, China
| | - Tongmei Zhang
- Department of Gynecology and Obstetrics, Baoji Maternal and Child Health Hospital, Baoji, Shaanxi, China
| | - Huiping Ma
- Gynecology Department, No. 215 Hospital of Shaanxi Nuclear Industry, Xianyang, Shaanxi, China
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García-Gómez E, Vázquez-Martínez ER, Reyes-Mayoral C, Cruz-Orozco OP, Camacho-Arroyo I, Cerbón M. Regulation of Inflammation Pathways and Inflammasome by Sex Steroid Hormones in Endometriosis. Front Endocrinol (Lausanne) 2019; 10:935. [PMID: 32063886 PMCID: PMC7000463 DOI: 10.3389/fendo.2019.00935] [Citation(s) in RCA: 68] [Impact Index Per Article: 13.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/13/2019] [Accepted: 12/23/2019] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
Endometriosis is a gynecological disorder characterized by the growth of endometrial tissue (glands and stroma) outside the uterus, mainly in the peritoneal cavity, ovaries, and intestines. This condition shows estrogen dependency and progesterone resistance, and it has been associated with chronic inflammation, severe pain, and infertility, which negatively affect the quality of life in reproductive women. The molecular mechanisms involved in the pathogenesis of endometriosis are not completely understood; however, inflammation plays a key role in the pathophysiology of the disease, mainly by altering the function of immune cells (macrophages, natural killer, and T cells) and increasing levels of pro-inflammatory mediators in the peritoneal cavity, endometrium, and blood. These immune alterations inhibit apoptotic pathways and promote adhesion and proliferation of endometriotic cells, as well as angiogenesis and neurogenesis in endometriotic lesions. It has been demonstrated that hormonal alterations in endometriosis are related to the inflammatory unbalance in this disease. Particularly, steroid hormones (mainly estradiol) promote the expression and release of pro-inflammatory factors. Excessive inflammation in endometriosis contributes to changes of hormonal regulation by modulating sex steroid receptors expression and increasing aromatase activity. In addition, dysregulation of the inflammasome pathway, mediated by an alteration of cellular responses to steroid hormones, participates in disease progression through preventing cell death, promoting adhesion, invasion, and cell proliferation. Furthermore, inflammation is involved in endometriosis-associated infertility, which alters endometrium receptivity by impairing biochemical responses and decidualization. The purpose of this review is to present current research about the role of inflammasome in the pathogenesis of endometriosis as well as the molecular role of sex hormones in the inflammatory responses in endometriosis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Elizabeth García-Gómez
- Unidad de Investigación en Reproducción Humana, Consejo Nacional de Ciencia y Tecnología (CONACyT)-Instituto Nacional de Perinatología, Mexico City, Mexico
- *Correspondence: Elizabeth García-Gómez
| | - Edgar Ricardo Vázquez-Martínez
- Unidad de Investigación en Reproducción Humana, Instituto Nacional de Perinatología-Facultad de Química, Universidad Nacional Autónoma de México, Mexico City, Mexico
| | | | | | - Ignacio Camacho-Arroyo
- Unidad de Investigación en Reproducción Humana, Instituto Nacional de Perinatología-Facultad de Química, Universidad Nacional Autónoma de México, Mexico City, Mexico
| | - Marco Cerbón
- Unidad de Investigación en Reproducción Humana, Instituto Nacional de Perinatología-Facultad de Química, Universidad Nacional Autónoma de México, Mexico City, Mexico
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Suresh R, Twigg A, Murase JE. The relationship between menopausal hormone therapy and keratinocyte carcinoma: A review. Int J Womens Dermatol 2018; 5:8-13. [PMID: 30809572 PMCID: PMC6374736 DOI: 10.1016/j.ijwd.2018.07.002] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/15/2018] [Accepted: 07/27/2018] [Indexed: 11/18/2022] Open
Abstract
Introduction Keratinocyte carcinoma (KC) is the most common malignancy in the United States. The two most common forms of KC are basal cell carcinoma and squamous cell carcinoma (SCC), which account for 80% and 20% of cases, respectively. Objective There are many well-established risk factors for KC, but a more controversial risk factor for KC development is menopausal hormone therapy (MHT). This review synthesizes existing information on this topic and identifies knowledge gaps for future study. Methods A systematic review of the literature using the Medical Subject Headings terms “menopausal hormone therapy; skin neoplasms” was conducted in the PubMed database from March 19, 2018 to April 1, 2018. This yielded 168 articles, case reports, and reviews, which were further refined for inclusion during the development of this manuscript. Additional articles were identified from cited references. Results Four studies pertaining to this topic were identified. The results were evaluated in the context of these studies’ strengths and weaknesses. MHT contributes to an increased risk of basal cell carcinoma in Caucasian subjects and may make these tumors histologically more aggressive. There is not enough evidence to make a conclusion with regard to a potential relationship between MHT and SCC. However, one study suggested an increased risk of SCC with MHT use and another demonstrated a temporal association with prolonged MHT use and increased risk of SCC development. Conclusion Ever users of MHT should be screened more frequently for KC. This issue is of importance to dermatologists because patients who receive earlier diagnoses of KC will have a better opportunity to pursue treatment.
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Affiliation(s)
- R Suresh
- Department of Dermatology, University of California, San Francisco, San Francisco, California
| | - A Twigg
- Department of Dermatology, University of California, San Francisco, San Francisco, California
| | - J E Murase
- Department of Dermatology, University of California, San Francisco, San Francisco, California.,Department of Dermatology, Palo Alto Foundation Medical Group, Mountain View, California
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Mehdinejadiani S, Amidi F, Mehdizadeh M, Barati M, Safdarian L, Aflatoonian R, Alyasin A, Aghahosseini M, Pazhohan A, Hayat P, Mohammadzadeh Kazorgah F, Sobhani A. The effects of letrozole and clomiphene citrate on ligands expression of Wnt3, Wnt7a, and Wnt8b in proliferative endometrium of women with Polycystic ovarian syndrome. Gynecol Endocrinol 2018; 34:775-780. [PMID: 29510649 DOI: 10.1080/09513590.2018.1446934] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/17/2022] Open
Abstract
Polycystic ovarian syndrome (PCOS) is a common endocrinologic disorder in women of reproductive age characterized by polycystic ovaries, oligo/anovulation, and hyperandrogenism. Not only anovulation but also endometrial dysfunction can reduce fertility in PCOS patients. Wnt pathway is responsible for endometrial proliferation which be strongly regulated by estradiol. To determine the effects of clomiphene citrate (CC) and letrozole, we measured the expression of some main ligands of Wnt/β-catenin signaling including Wnt7a, Wnt3, and Wnt8b in the endometrial samples taken from PCOS women on day 12 of the menses who received 100 mg CC or 5 mg letrozole as well as from women without treatment. Significantly, the mean estrogen and progesterone concentration were lower and higher, respectively, in letrozole than CC. The mean endometrial thickness (ET) was significantly greater in letrozole compared to CC. Assessment of the mRNA and protein expression of Wnt7a, Wnt3, and Wnt8b showed significantly lower expression in CC than the letrozole and control groups. Collectively, letrozole provided a better molecular response in the endometrium of PCOS patients during the proliferative phase, similar to natural cycles, compared to CC. CC decreased the ligands expression of Wnt3, Wnt7a, and Wnt8b, resulting in endometrial dysfunction.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shayesteh Mehdinejadiani
- a Department of Anatomy , School of Medicine, Tehran University of Medical Sciences , Tehran , Iran
- b Cellular and Molecular Research Center , Iran University of Medical Sciences , Tehran , Iran
| | - Fardin Amidi
- a Department of Anatomy , School of Medicine, Tehran University of Medical Sciences , Tehran , Iran
- c Department of Endocrinology and Infertility , Shariati Hospital, Tehran University of Medical Sciences , Tehran , Iran
| | - Mehdi Mehdizadeh
- d Cellular and Molecular Research Center, Department of Anatomy, Faculty of Advanced Technologies in Medicine , Iran University of Medical Sciences , Tehran , Iran
| | - Mahmood Barati
- e Department of Medical Biotechnology, Faculty of Allied Medicine , Iran University of Medical Sciences , Tehran , Iran
| | - Leili Safdarian
- c Department of Endocrinology and Infertility , Shariati Hospital, Tehran University of Medical Sciences , Tehran , Iran
| | - Reza Aflatoonian
- f Department of Endocrinology and Female Infertility, Reproductive Biomedicine Research Center , Royan Institute for Reproductive Biomedicine, ACECR , Tehran , Iran
| | - Ashraf Alyasin
- c Department of Endocrinology and Infertility , Shariati Hospital, Tehran University of Medical Sciences , Tehran , Iran
| | - Marzieh Aghahosseini
- c Department of Endocrinology and Infertility , Shariati Hospital, Tehran University of Medical Sciences , Tehran , Iran
| | - Azar Pazhohan
- g Department of Midwifery, Urmia Branch , Islamic Azad University , Urmia , Iran
| | - Parisa Hayat
- b Cellular and Molecular Research Center , Iran University of Medical Sciences , Tehran , Iran
| | | | - Aligholi Sobhani
- a Department of Anatomy , School of Medicine, Tehran University of Medical Sciences , Tehran , Iran
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Coopes A, Henry CE, Llamosas E, Ford CE. An update of Wnt signalling in endometrial cancer and its potential as a therapeutic target. Endocr Relat Cancer 2018; 25:ERC-18-0112. [PMID: 30093601 DOI: 10.1530/erc-18-0112] [Citation(s) in RCA: 25] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/01/2018] [Revised: 07/31/2018] [Accepted: 08/06/2018] [Indexed: 12/20/2022]
Abstract
Endometrial cancer is the most common gynaecological malignancy in developed nations, and its prevalence is rising as women defer or decide not to have children and as obesity rises, both key risk factors. Despite this, treatment options remain limited, particularly for advanced or refractory disease. New genomic analyses have revealed distinct mutational profiles with therapeutic and prognostic potential. Wnt signalling, which is pivotal in embryogenesis, healing and homeostasis, is of importance in the endometrium and has been linked to carcinogenesis. This review aims to update and discuss the current evidence for the role of β-catenin dependent and independent Wnt signalling, including the ROR receptors in the endometrium and its potential as a therapeutic target, in light of recent trials of Wnt-targeted therapy in multiple tumour types.
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Affiliation(s)
- Amy Coopes
- A Coopes, School of Women's and Children's Health, University of New South Wales Adult Cancer Program, Sydney, Australia
| | - Claire E Henry
- C Henry, School of Women's and Children's Health, University of New South Wales Adult Cancer Program, Sydney, Australia
| | - Estelle Llamosas
- E Llamosas, School of Women's and Children's Health, University of New South Wales Adult Cancer Program, Sydney, Australia
| | - Caroline Elizabeth Ford
- C Ford, School of Women's and Children's Health, University of New South Wales Adult Cancer Program, Sydney, Australia
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Shukla V, Popli P, Kaushal JB, Gupta K, Dwivedi A. Uterine TPPP3 plays important role in embryo implantation via modulation of β-catenin†. Biol Reprod 2018; 99:982-999. [DOI: 10.1093/biolre/ioy136] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/19/2017] [Accepted: 06/11/2018] [Indexed: 12/22/2022] Open
Affiliation(s)
- Vinay Shukla
- Division of Endocrinology, CSIR- Central Drug Research Institute, Lucknow-226031, UP, India
- Academy of Scientific and Innovative Research (AcSIR), CSIR-CDRI Campus, Lucknow, India
| | - Pooja Popli
- Division of Endocrinology, CSIR- Central Drug Research Institute, Lucknow-226031, UP, India
| | - Jyoti Bala Kaushal
- Division of Endocrinology, CSIR- Central Drug Research Institute, Lucknow-226031, UP, India
- Academy of Scientific and Innovative Research (AcSIR), CSIR-CDRI Campus, Lucknow, India
| | - Kanchan Gupta
- Division of Endocrinology, CSIR- Central Drug Research Institute, Lucknow-226031, UP, India
| | - Anila Dwivedi
- Division of Endocrinology, CSIR- Central Drug Research Institute, Lucknow-226031, UP, India
- Academy of Scientific and Innovative Research (AcSIR), CSIR-CDRI Campus, Lucknow, India
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Abstract
Oestrogen–progesterone signalling is highly versatile and critical for the maintenance of healthy endometrium in humans. The genomic and nongenomic signalling cascades initiated by these hormones in differentiated cells of endometrium have been the primary focus of research since 1920s. However, last decade of research has shown a significant role of stem cells in the maintenance of a healthy endometrium and the modulatory effects of hormones on these cells. Endometriosis, the growth of endometrium outside the uterus, is very common in infertile patients and the elusiveness in understanding of disease pathology causes hindrance in selection of treatment approaches to enhance fertility. In endometriosis, the stem cells are dysfunctional as it can confer progesterone resistance to their progenies resulting in disharmony of hormonal orchestration of endometrial homeostasis. The bidirectional communication between stem cell signalling pathways and oestrogen–progesterone signalling is found to be disrupted in endometriosis though it is not clear which precedes the other. In this paper, we review the intricate connection between hormones, stem cells and the cross-talks in their signalling cascades in normal endometrium and discuss how this is deregulated in endometriosis. Re-examination of the oestrogen–progesterone dependency of endometrium with a focus on stem cells is imperative to delineate infertility associated with endometriosis and thereby aid in designing better treatment modalities.
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Du Q, Liu J, Zhang X, Zhang X, Zhu H, Wei M, Wang S. Propofol inhibits proliferation, migration, and invasion but promotes apoptosis by regulation of Sox4 in endometrial cancer cells. ACTA ACUST UNITED AC 2018; 51:e6803. [PMID: 29490000 PMCID: PMC5856446 DOI: 10.1590/1414-431x20176803] [Citation(s) in RCA: 29] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/04/2017] [Accepted: 12/14/2017] [Indexed: 01/27/2023]
Abstract
Propofol is an intravenous sedative hypnotic agent of which the growth-inhibitory effect has been reported on various cancers. However, the roles of propofol in endometrial cancer (EC) remain unclear. This study aimed to explore the effects of propofol on EC in vitro and in vivo. Different concentrations of propofol were used to treat Ishikawa cells. Colony number, cell viability, cell cycle, apoptosis, migration, and invasion were analyzed by colony formation, MTT, flow cytometry, and Transwell assays. In addition, the pcDNA3.1-Sox4 and Sox4 siRNA plasmids were transfected into Ishikawa cells to explore the relationship between propofol and Sox4 in EC cell proliferation. Tumor weight in vivo was measured by xenograft tumor model assay. Protein levels of cell cycle-related factors, apoptosis-related factors, matrix metalloproteinases 9 (MMP9), matrix metalloproteinases 2 (MMP2) and Wnt/β-catenin pathway were examined by western blot. Results showed that propofol significantly decreased colony numbers, inhibited cell viability, migration, and invasion but promoted apoptosis in a dose-dependent manner in Ishikawa cells. Moreover, propofol reduced the expression of Sox4 in a dose-dependent manner. Additionally, propofol significantly suppressed the proportions of Ki67+ cells, but Sox4 overexpression reversed the results. Furthermore, in vivo assay results showed that propofol inhibited tumor growth; however, the inhibitory effect was abolished by Sox4 overexpression. Moreover, propofol inhibited Sox4 expression via inactivation of Wnt/β-catenin signal pathway. Our study demonstrated that propofol inhibited cell proliferation, migration, and invasion but promoted apoptosis by regulation of Sox4 in EC cells. These findings might indicate a novel treatment strategy for EC.
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Affiliation(s)
- Qing Du
- Department of Anesthesiology, Qingdao University, Qingdao, China
| | - Jia Liu
- Department of Anesthesiology, Qingdao University, Qingdao, China
| | - Xuezhi Zhang
- Department of Emergency, Qingdao University, Qingdao, China
| | - Xin Zhang
- Department of Anesthesiology, Qingdao University, Qingdao, China
| | - He Zhu
- Department of Anesthesiology, Qingdao University, Qingdao, China
| | - Ming Wei
- Department of Anesthesiology, Qingdao University, Qingdao, China
| | - Shilei Wang
- Department of Anesthesiology, Qingdao University, Qingdao, China
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41
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Zavareh S, Gholizadeh Z, Lashkarbolouki T. Evaluation of changes in the expression of Wnt/β-catenin target genes in mouse reproductive tissues during estrous cycle: An experimental study. Int J Reprod Biomed 2018. [DOI: 10.29252/ijrm.16.2.69] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
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Henry CE, Llamosas E, Daniels B, Coopes A, Tang K, Ford CE. ROR1 and ROR2 play distinct and opposing roles in endometrial cancer. Gynecol Oncol 2018; 148:576-584. [PMID: 29395309 DOI: 10.1016/j.ygyno.2018.01.025] [Citation(s) in RCA: 21] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/17/2017] [Revised: 01/17/2018] [Accepted: 01/23/2018] [Indexed: 12/15/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE In recent years, the Wnt signalling pathway and the ROR1 and ROR2 receptors have been implicated in a range of gynecological cancers. These receptors have been described as prospective therapeutic targets, and this study investigated such potential in an endometrial cancer context. METHOD Immunohistochemistry for ROR1 and ROR2 was performed in a patient cohort, and expression was correlated with clinicopathological parameters including type, stage, grade, myometrial invasion, lymphovascular involvement, patient age and survival. The functional role of these receptors in endometrial cancer was investigated via siRNA knockdown of ROR1 and ROR2 in three cell line models (KLE, RL95-2 and MFE-319). Effects on proliferation, adhesion, migration and invasion were measured. RESULTS High ROR1 expression in patient samples correlated with worse overall survival (p = 0.0169) while high ROR2 expression correlated with better overall survival (p = 0.06). ROR1 knockdown in KLE cells significantly decreased proliferation (p = 0.047) and reduced migration and invasion. ROR2 knockdown in RL95-2 cells increased cell migration and invasion (p = 0.011). Double ROR1 and ROR2 knockdown in MFE-319 cells decreased adhesion and significantly increased cell migration (P = 0.008) and invasion (p < 0.001). CONCLUSION ROR1 and ROR2 play distinct roles in endometrial cancer. ROR1 may promote tumor progression, similar to its role in ovarian cancer, while ROR2 may act as a tumor suppressor in endometrioid endometrial cancer, similar to its role in colorectal cancer. With several ROR-targeting therapies currently in development and phase I clinical trials for other tumor types, this study supports the potential of these receptors as therapeutic targets for women with endometrial cancer.
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Affiliation(s)
- C E Henry
- Gynaecological Cancer Research Group, Lowy Cancer Research Centre, School of Women's and Children's Health, Faculty of Medicine, University of New South Wales, Australia
| | - E Llamosas
- Gynaecological Cancer Research Group, Lowy Cancer Research Centre, School of Women's and Children's Health, Faculty of Medicine, University of New South Wales, Australia
| | - B Daniels
- Medicines Policy Research Unit, Centre for Big Data Research in Health, Faculty of Medicine, University of New South Wales, Australia
| | - A Coopes
- Gynaecological Cancer Research Group, Lowy Cancer Research Centre, School of Women's and Children's Health, Faculty of Medicine, University of New South Wales, Australia
| | - K Tang
- South Eastern Area Laboratory Services Pathology, Prince of Wales Hospital, Randwick, Australia
| | - C E Ford
- Gynaecological Cancer Research Group, Lowy Cancer Research Centre, School of Women's and Children's Health, Faculty of Medicine, University of New South Wales, Australia.
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Kintner J, Moore CG, Whittimore JD, Butler M, Hall JV. Inhibition of Wnt Signaling Pathways Impairs Chlamydia trachomatis Infection in Endometrial Epithelial Cells. Front Cell Infect Microbiol 2017; 7:501. [PMID: 29322031 PMCID: PMC5732136 DOI: 10.3389/fcimb.2017.00501] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/07/2017] [Accepted: 11/20/2017] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
Chlamydia trachomatis infections represent the predominant cause of bacterial sexually transmitted infections. As an obligate intracellular bacterium, C. trachomatis is dependent on the host cell for survival, propagation, and transmission. Thus, factors that affect the host cell, including nutrition, cell cycle, and environmental signals, have the potential to impact chlamydial development. Previous studies have demonstrated that activation of Wnt/β-catenin signaling benefits C. trachomatis infections in fallopian tube epithelia. In cervical epithelial cells chlamydiae sequester β-catenin within the inclusion. These data indicate that chlamydiae interact with the Wnt signaling pathway in both the upper and lower female genital tract (FGT). However, hormonal activation of canonical and non-canonical Wnt signaling pathways is an essential component of cyclic remodeling in another prominent area of the FGT, the endometrium. Given this information, we hypothesized that Wnt signaling would impact chlamydial infection in endometrial epithelial cells. To investigate this hypothesis, we analyzed the effect of Wnt inhibition on chlamydial inclusion development and elementary body (EB) production in two endometrial cell lines, Ishikawa (IK) and Hec-1B, in nonpolarized cell culture and in a polarized endometrial epithelial (IK)/stromal (SHT-290) cell co-culture model. Inhibition of Wnt by the small molecule inhibitor (IWP2) significantly decreased inclusion size in IK and IK/SHT-290 cultures (p < 0.005) and chlamydial infectivity (p ≤ 0.01) in both IK and Hec-1B cells. Confocal and electron microscopy analysis of chlamydial inclusions revealed that Wnt inhibition caused chlamydiae to become aberrant in morphology. EB formation was also impaired in IK, Hec-1B and IK/SHT-290 cultures regardless of whether Wnt inhibition occurred throughout, in the middle (24 hpi) or late (36 hpi) during the development cycle. Overall, these data lead us to conclude that Wnt signaling in the endometrium is a key host pathway for the proper development of C. trachomatis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jennifer Kintner
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, Quillen College of Medicine, East Tennessee State University, Johnson City, TN, United States.,Center for Infectious Disease, Inflammation and Immunity, Quillen College of Medicine, East Tennessee State University, Johnson City, TN, United States
| | - Cheryl G Moore
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, Quillen College of Medicine, East Tennessee State University, Johnson City, TN, United States.,Center for Infectious Disease, Inflammation and Immunity, Quillen College of Medicine, East Tennessee State University, Johnson City, TN, United States
| | - Judy D Whittimore
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, Quillen College of Medicine, East Tennessee State University, Johnson City, TN, United States.,Center for Infectious Disease, Inflammation and Immunity, Quillen College of Medicine, East Tennessee State University, Johnson City, TN, United States
| | - Megan Butler
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, Quillen College of Medicine, East Tennessee State University, Johnson City, TN, United States
| | - Jennifer V Hall
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, Quillen College of Medicine, East Tennessee State University, Johnson City, TN, United States.,Center for Infectious Disease, Inflammation and Immunity, Quillen College of Medicine, East Tennessee State University, Johnson City, TN, United States
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Yang T, Zhang H, Qiu H, Li B, Wang J, Du G, Ren C, Wan X. EFEMP1 is repressed by estrogen and inhibits the epithelial-mesenchymal transition via Wnt/β-catenin signaling in endometrial carcinoma. Oncotarget 2017; 7:25712-25. [PMID: 27015552 PMCID: PMC5041938 DOI: 10.18632/oncotarget.8263] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/09/2015] [Accepted: 03/02/2016] [Indexed: 01/06/2023] Open
Abstract
Epidermal growth factor-containing fibulin-like extracellular matrix protein 1 (EFEMP1) acted as a tumor suppressor in endometrial carcinoma (EC). However, the correlation between EFEMP1 and estrogen is unknown. Here, we reported that the expression of EFEMP1 was conversely associated with ERα in endometrial carcinoma tissues. In endometrial carcinoma cells, estrogen/ERα signaling significantly suppressed the expression of EFEMP1. Moreover, chromatin immunoprecipitation (CHIP) and dual-luciferase reporter assays demonstrate that estrogen/ERα bound to the estrogen response element (ERE) located in EFEMP1 promoter and repressed its expression. Besides, in vitro and in vivo, EFEMP1 could remarkably suppress the expression of epithelial-mesenchymal transition (EMT) markers such as Vimentin, Snail and the Wnt/β-catenin target genes like Cyclin-D1 and c-Myc, which could be restored when EFEMP1 was silenced. In addition, XAV93920 (the inhibitor of the Wnt/β-catenin pathway) blocked and LiCl (the activator of the Wnt/β-catenin pathway) enhanced the effect of EFEMP1 on EMT. In conclusion, we demonstrated that estrogen/ERα signal suppresses EFEMP1. Besides, EFEMP1 inhibits EMT via interfering the Wnt/β-catenin signaling.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tingting Yang
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Shanghai First People's Hospital Affiliated to Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing, China.,Center for Reproductive Medicine, Affiliated Hospital of Weifang Medical University, Weifang, China
| | - Huilin Zhang
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Shanghai First People's Hospital Affiliated to Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing, China.,Department of Gynecology and Obstetrics, Nanjing Maternal and Children Care Hospital Affiliated to Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing, China
| | - Haifeng Qiu
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Shanghai First People's Hospital Affiliated to Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing, China
| | - Bilan Li
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Shanghai First Maternity and Infant Hospital, Tongji University School of Medicine, Shanghai, China
| | - Jingyun Wang
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Shanghai First Maternity and Infant Hospital, Tongji University School of Medicine, Shanghai, China
| | - Guiqiang Du
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Shanghai First Maternity and Infant Hospital, Tongji University School of Medicine, Shanghai, China
| | - Chune Ren
- Center for Reproductive Medicine, Affiliated Hospital of Weifang Medical University, Weifang, China
| | - Xiaoping Wan
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Shanghai First People's Hospital Affiliated to Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing, China.,Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Shanghai First Maternity and Infant Hospital, Tongji University School of Medicine, Shanghai, China
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45
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Laedrach C, Salhia B, Cihoric N, Zlobec I, Tapia C. Immunophenotypic profile of tumor buds in breast cancer. Pathol Res Pract 2017; 214:25-29. [PMID: 29254793 PMCID: PMC7474545 DOI: 10.1016/j.prp.2017.11.023] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/20/2017] [Revised: 11/20/2017] [Accepted: 11/28/2017] [Indexed: 02/06/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Tumor buds are associated with lympho-vascular invasion and lymph node metastases leading to the assumption that they are involved in the early metastatic process. Hence, it would be important to know if tumor buds can be targeted with the most widely used targeted therapies in breast cancer (BC) and if changes in hormone and Her2 status occur. The aim of this study was to answer these questions by determining whether hormone receptor (HR) and Her2 status are expressed in the tumor buds of a large cohort of BCs. DESIGN We constructed a tumor bud next-generation tissue microarray (ngTMA) consisting of n = 199 BCs of non-special type. Generally, two 1 mm punches were taken from the tumor bud areas in the periphery (PTB) and within the tumor center (ITB). HR and Her2 status was assessed using immunohistochemistry and fluorescence in situ hybridization, respectively. HR status was positive if ≥1% of tumor bud cells were positive. Her2 status was considered positive if bud cells showed strong complete membranous Her2 over-expression or Her2 amplification. RESULTS Most tumor buds were positive for estrogen (ER) (PTB: 86%; ITB: 88.3) and progesterone receptor (PgR) (PTB: 72%; ITB: 72.8%) and Her2 was positive in: PTB 11.5% and ITB 11%. A difference between the main tumor mass and tumor buds (PTB and ITB) was seen for PgR in 3.5% of cases (n = 7). No differences were seen for ER and Her2 between tumor buds and main tumor mass. CONCLUSION Most tumor buds (96.5%) share the same HR and Her2 expression profile of the main tumor mass, implying that tumor buds relay on the same pathways as the main tumor mass and might be equally responsive to targeted therapies.
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Affiliation(s)
- C Laedrach
- Intstitute of Pathology, University of Bern, Bern, Switzerland
| | - B Salhia
- Department of Translational Genomics, Keck School of Medicine of USC, Los Angeles, CA, USA
| | - N Cihoric
- Department of Radio-Oncology, Inselspital, Bern, Switzerland; Breast Center, Inselspital, Bern, Switzerland
| | - I Zlobec
- Intstitute of Pathology, University of Bern, Bern, Switzerland
| | - C Tapia
- Intstitute of Pathology, University of Bern, Bern, Switzerland; Breast Center, Inselspital, Bern, Switzerland; Department of Molecular Pathology, UT MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, TX, USA; Department of Investigational Cancer Therapeutics, UT MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, TX, USA.
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Abstract
The canonical Wnt/β-catenin signaling pathway, an important modulator of progenitor cell proliferation and differentiation, is highly regulated for the maintenance of critical biological homeostasis. Decades of studies in cancer genetics and genomics have demonstrated that multiple genes encoding key proteins in this signaling pathway serve as targets for recurrent mutational alterations. Among these proteins, β-catenin and adenomatosis polyposis coli (APC) are two key nodes. β-catenin contributes in transporting extracellular signals for nuclear programming. Mutations of the CTNNB1 gene that encodes β-catenin occur in a wide spectrum of cancers. These mutations alter the spatial characteristics of the β-catenin protein, leading to drastic reprogramming of the nuclear transcriptional network. Among the outcomes of this reprogramming are increased cell proliferation, enhanced immunosuppression, and disruption of metabolic regulation. Herein we review the current understanding of CTNNB1 mutations, their roles in tumorigenesis and discuss their possible therapeutic implications for cancer.
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47
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Qin Y, Yu Z, Yang J, Cao D, Yu M, Wang Y, Shen K. Oral Progestin Treatment for Early-Stage Endometrial Cancer: A Systematic Review and Meta-analysis. Int J Gynecol Cancer 2017; 26:1081-91. [PMID: 27177279 DOI: 10.1097/igc.0000000000000723] [Citation(s) in RCA: 22] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/16/2023] Open
Abstract
OBJECTIVE This study aimed to evaluate the efficacy and safety of oral progestin treatment for early-stage endometrial cancer. METHODS We conducted a systematic review and meta-analysis of the proportions from observational studies. Original studies were selected if patients with early-stage endometrial cancer, especially those of reproductive age, were treated with oral progestin. We conducted searches on studies listed in MEDLINE, EMBASE, and Cochrane that were published through June 2014, and relevant articles were also searched. The methodological quality of the included studies was assessed using the Newcastle-Ottawa quality assessment scale. Funnel plots and metaregression analyses were used to assess bias. RESULTS The final sample included 25 articles involving 445 patients. Based on a random-effects model, patients achieved a disease regression rate of 82.4% (95% confidence interval [CI], 75.3%-88.7%), a relapse rate of 25.0% (95% CI, 15.8%-35.2%), a pregnancy rate of 28.8% (95% CI, 22.5%-35.5%), and a live birth rate of 19.6% (95% CI, 12.8%-27.4%). Body weight gain, liver dysfunction, and abnormal blood coagulation test results were the most common treatment-related adverse effects. Only 2 disease-related deaths were reported during the follow-up duration. CONCLUSIONS Based on the present systematic review and meta-analysis, oral progestin treatment is feasible and safe for patients of reproductive age.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yun Qin
- *Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Peking Union Medical College Hospital; and †Department of Epidemiology and Biostatistics, School of Basic Medicine Peking Union Medical College and Institute of Basic Medical Sciences, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences and Peking Union Medical College, Beijing, China
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Pazhohan A, Amidi F, Akbari-Asbagh F, Seyedrezazadeh E, Farzadi L, Khodarahmin M, Mehdinejadiani S, Sobhani A. The Wnt/β-catenin signaling in endometriosis, the expression of total and active forms of β-catenin, total and inactive forms of glycogen synthase kinase-3β, WNT7a and DICKKOPF-1. Eur J Obstet Gynecol Reprod Biol 2017; 220:1-5. [PMID: 29107840 DOI: 10.1016/j.ejogrb.2017.10.025] [Citation(s) in RCA: 21] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/29/2017] [Revised: 10/05/2017] [Accepted: 10/30/2017] [Indexed: 02/07/2023]
Abstract
OBJECTIVES The cyclical changes in proliferation and differentiation of endometrial cells are regulated by estrogen and progesterone via modulating Wnt/β-catenin signaling. Imbalance in the expression of estrogen and progesterone receptors causes progesterone resistance in endometriosis patients. The aim of this study was to investigate the expression of some main components of Wnt/β-catenin signaling including WNT7a, DKK-1, β-catenin, and GSK-3β in eutopic endometrium and peritoneal endometriotic lesions of endometriosis patients compared to healthy endometrium in the mid-secretory phase of menstrual cycle. STUDY DESIGN This prospective study was performed, during a 12 months period from December 2015 to November 2016, on healthy women as the control group (n=14) and endometriosis patients (n=34). We used real-time polymerase chain reaction and Western blot techniques. RESULTS Protein and mRNA expression of DKK-1 were significantly down-regulated in both endometriotic lesions and eutopic endometrium of endometriosis group. We also demonstrated that the expression of non-phosphorylated β-catenin (active form) and phosphorylated GSK-3β (inactive form) were up-regulated in endometriosis patients. The mRNA levels of β-catenin, GSK-3β, and WNT7a, as well as the protein levels of total β-catenin, total GSK-3β, and WNT7a in endometriosis group, were not significantly different with those in control group. The patterns of mRNA and protein expression of all interested factors in the lesions were similar to those in the eutopic endometrium of same patients. CONCLUSIONS It seems that the aberrant activation of Wnt/β-catenin signaling in the secretory phase of the menstrual cycle in endometriosis has two essential elements: excessive inactivation of GSK-3β and suppression of the expression of Wnt signaling inhibitor DKK-1. Interventions in this signaling pathway may allow for the exploration of potential new targets for the control of development and progression of endometriosis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Azar Pazhohan
- Department of Anatomy, School of Medicine, Tehran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
| | - Fardin Amidi
- Department of Anatomy, School of Medicine, Tehran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
| | - Firoozeh Akbari-Asbagh
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, School of Medicine, Tehran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
| | - Ensiyeh Seyedrezazadeh
- Tuberculosis and Lung Disease Research Center, Tabriz University of Medical Sciences, Tabriz, Iran
| | - Laya Farzadi
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Faculty of Medicine, Tabriz University of Medical Sciences, Tabriz, Iran
| | - Mahshad Khodarahmin
- Department of Anatomy, School of Medicine, Tehran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
| | | | - Aligholi Sobhani
- Department of Anatomy, School of Medicine, Tehran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran.
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Zhang Y, Mao X, Su J, Geng Y, Guo R, Tang S, Li J, Xiao X, Xu H, Yang H. A network pharmacology-based strategy deciphers the underlying molecular mechanisms of Qixuehe Capsule in the treatment of menstrual disorders. Chin Med 2017; 12:23. [PMID: 28835770 PMCID: PMC5563918 DOI: 10.1186/s13020-017-0145-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 30] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/19/2017] [Accepted: 08/16/2017] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND QiXueHe Capsule (QXHC) is a Chinese patent drug that is extensively used for the treatment of menstrual disorders. However, its underlying pharmacological mechanisms have not been fully elucidated. METHODS A list of QXHC putative targets were predicted using MetaDrug. An interaction network using links between QXHC putative targets and the known therapeutic targets of menstrual disorders was constructed. QXHC candidate targets were also identified via calculating the topological feature values of nodes in the network. Additionally, molecular docking simulation was performed to determine the binding efficiency of QXHC compound-putative target pairs. RESULTS A total of 1022 putative targets were predicted for 311 chemical components containing in QXHC. Following the calculation of topological features of QXHC putative target-known therapeutic target of menstrual disorder network, 66 QXHC candidate targets for the treatment of menstrual disorders were identified. Functionally, QXHC candidate targets were significantly associated with several biological pathways, such as VEGF and Chemokine signaling pathways, Alanine/aspartate/glutamate metabolism, Long-term depression and T/B cell receptor signaling pathway. Moreover, molecular docking simulation demonstrated that there were 20 pairs of QXHC chemical component-candidate target had the strong binding free energy. CONCLUSIONS This novel and scientific network pharmacology-based study holistically deciphers that the pharmacological mechanisms of QXHC in the treatment of menstrual disorders may be associated with its involvement into hemopoiesis, analgesia, nutrients absorption and metabolism, mood regulation, as well as immune modulation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yanqiong Zhang
- Institute of Chinese Materia Medica, China Academy of Chinese Medical Sciences, No. 16, Nanxiaojie, Dongzhimennei, Beijing, 100700 China
| | - Xia Mao
- Institute of Chinese Materia Medica, China Academy of Chinese Medical Sciences, No. 16, Nanxiaojie, Dongzhimennei, Beijing, 100700 China
| | - Jing Su
- Institute of Chinese Materia Medica, China Academy of Chinese Medical Sciences, No. 16, Nanxiaojie, Dongzhimennei, Beijing, 100700 China
| | - Ya Geng
- School of Basic Medicine, Shandong University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Jinan, 250300 China
| | - Rui Guo
- College of Pharmacy, Tianjin University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Tianjin, 300193 China
| | - Shihuan Tang
- Institute of Chinese Materia Medica, China Academy of Chinese Medical Sciences, No. 16, Nanxiaojie, Dongzhimennei, Beijing, 100700 China
| | - Junfang Li
- College of Pharmacy, Tianjin University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Tianjin, 300193 China
| | - Xuefeng Xiao
- College of Pharmacy, Tianjin University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Tianjin, 300193 China
| | - Haiyu Xu
- Institute of Chinese Materia Medica, China Academy of Chinese Medical Sciences, No. 16, Nanxiaojie, Dongzhimennei, Beijing, 100700 China
| | - Hongjun Yang
- Institute of Chinese Materia Medica, China Academy of Chinese Medical Sciences, No. 16, Nanxiaojie, Dongzhimennei, Beijing, 100700 China
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孙 瑞, 龚 建, 邹 海, 张 林, 高 林. miR-17-92基因簇在肿瘤发生发展中作用的研究进展. Shijie Huaren Xiaohua Zazhi 2017; 25:1840-1853. [DOI: 10.11569/wcjd.v25.i20.1840] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/06/2023] Open
Abstract
肿瘤是威胁全世界人类健康和影响社会经济的重要因素. 近年来, 随着经济的发展, 肿瘤的发病率呈明显上升趋势, 但是其病因尚未完全阐明. 越来越多的证据显示肿瘤的发生和遗传因素有关, 随着病理生理学和遗传学的发展, 许多学者认为生物标志物可以预测癌症甚至指导临床治疗. 微小RNA(microRNA, miRNA)是非编码小分子RNA, 在发育、生理、病理过程以及肿瘤发生等环节中起着重要的调节作用. miR-17-92基因簇是研究较为深入、最有特点的miRNA, 被认为是原癌基因miRNA的代表, 在多种肿瘤的发生发展中起着至关重要的作用. 本文就miR-17-92基因簇在肿瘤发生发展中的作用及功能进行综述.
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