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Yuan L, Zhou D, Li W, Guan J, Li J, Xu B. TFAP2C Activates CST1 Transcription to Facilitate Breast Cancer Progression and Suppress Ferroptosis. Biochem Genet 2024:10.1007/s10528-023-10660-x. [PMID: 38243003 DOI: 10.1007/s10528-023-10660-x] [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: 08/08/2023] [Accepted: 12/30/2023] [Indexed: 01/21/2024]
Abstract
Cystatin SN (CST1) appears to have pro-tumor effects in breast cancer (BC) and is involved in ferroptosis; however, there is no report on the regulation of ferroptosis by CST1 for BC development. The purpose of this study is to investigate the functions and mechanisms operated by CST1 in BC development and ferroptosis. Transcription Factor Activator Protein 2γ (TFAP2C) and CST1 levels in BC tissues and estrogen receptor (ER)+ cells were quantified by RT-qPCR and western blotting. After knocking down TFAP2C and CST1 expression in MCF7 and T47D cells, the proliferation, colony formation ability, apoptosis, and cell cycle were assessed. Ferroptosis was verified by detecting glutathione peroxidase 4 (GPX4) and 4-hydroxy-2-nonenal (4HNE) levels. The kits were used to test Fe2+, reactive oxygen species, malondialdehyde, and glutathione levels, and ultrastructure of mitochondria was observed through transmission electron microscope. Dual-luciferase reporter assay and chromatin immunoprecipitation test were carried out to investigate the interaction of TFAP2C and CST1. A transplanted tumor model was established to explore the function of TFAP2C in tumorigenesis by quantifying TFAP2C, CST1, Ki67, and GPX4 levels through western blotting and immunochemistry after silencing TFAP2C. TFAP2C and CST1 were predominantly expressed in BC cells. Silencing of TFAP2C or CST1 expression suppressed ER+ BC cell proliferation, promoted apoptosis and ferroptosis, and blocked cell cycle transition from G1 phase to S phase. TFAP2C knockdown in transplanted tumors inhibited tumor growth and GPX4 level. Upregulating CST1 nullified the anti-tumor effects of TFAP2C knockdown and TFAP2C promoted CST1 expression through transcription activation. TFAP2C activates CST1 transcription to facilitate BC development and block ferroptosis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lin Yuan
- Department of General Surgery, the First Affiliated Hospital of Jinan University, No. 613 West Whampoa Avenue, Guangzhou, Guangdong, 510630, P.R. China
- Department of Breast, Jiangmen Central Hospital, Jiangmen, Guangdong, 529030, P.R. China
| | - Di Zhou
- Department of Health Examination, Jiangmen Central Hospital, Jiangmen, Guangdong, 529030, P.R. China
| | - Weiwen Li
- Department of Breast, Jiangmen Central Hospital, Jiangmen, Guangdong, 529030, P.R. China
| | - Jianhua Guan
- Department of Breast, Jiangmen Central Hospital, Jiangmen, Guangdong, 529030, P.R. China
| | - Junda Li
- Department of Breast, Jiangmen Central Hospital, Jiangmen, Guangdong, 529030, P.R. China
| | - Bo Xu
- Department of General Surgery, the First Affiliated Hospital of Jinan University, No. 613 West Whampoa Avenue, Guangzhou, Guangdong, 510630, P.R. China.
- Departments of General Surgery and Thyroid Surgery, Guangzhou First People's Hospital, School of Medicine, South China University of Technology, Guangzhou, Guangdong, 510180, P.R. China.
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Lu X, Luo Y, Nie X, Zhang B, Wang X, Li R, Liu G, Zhou Q, Liu Z, Fan L, Hotaling JM, Zhang Z, Bo H, Guo J. Single-cell multi-omics analysis of human testicular germ cell tumor reveals its molecular features and microenvironment. Nat Commun 2023; 14:8462. [PMID: 38123589 PMCID: PMC10733385 DOI: 10.1038/s41467-023-44305-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/06/2023] [Accepted: 12/07/2023] [Indexed: 12/23/2023] Open
Abstract
Seminoma is the most common malignant solid tumor in 14 to 44 year-old men. However, its molecular features and tumor microenvironment (TME) is largely unexplored. Here, we perform a series of studies via genomics profiling (single cell multi-omics and spatial transcriptomics) and functional examination using seminoma samples and a seminoma cell line. We identify key gene expression programs share between seminoma and primordial germ cells, and further characterize the functions of TFAP2C in promoting tumor invasion and migration. We also identify 15 immune cell subtypes in TME, and find that subtypes with exhaustion features were located closer to the tumor region through combined spatial transcriptome analysis. Furthermore, we identify key pathways and genes that may facilitate seminoma disseminating beyond the seminiferous tubules. These findings advance our knowledge of seminoma tumorigenesis and produce a multi-omics atlas of in situ human seminoma microenvironment, which could help discover potential therapy targets for seminoma.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xiaojian Lu
- State Key Laboratory of Stem Cell and Reproductive Biology, Institute of Zoology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, China
- Beijing Institute for Stem Cell and Regenerative Medicine, Beijing, China
- University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, China
| | - Yanwei Luo
- Department of Blood Transfusion, The Third Xiangya Hospital of Central South University, Changsha, China
| | - Xichen Nie
- Division of Urology, Department of Surgery, University of Utah School of Medicine, Salt Lake City, UT, USA
| | - Bailing Zhang
- State Key Laboratory of Stem Cell and Reproductive Biology, Institute of Zoology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, China
- Beijing Institute for Stem Cell and Regenerative Medicine, Beijing, China
- University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, China
| | - Xiaoyan Wang
- State Key Laboratory of Stem Cell and Reproductive Biology, Institute of Zoology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, China
- Beijing Institute for Stem Cell and Regenerative Medicine, Beijing, China
| | - Ran Li
- State Key Laboratory of Stem Cell and Reproductive Biology, Institute of Zoology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, China
- Beijing Institute for Stem Cell and Regenerative Medicine, Beijing, China
| | - Guangmin Liu
- NHC Key Laboratory of Human Stem Cell and Reproductive Engineering, Institute of Reproductive and Stem Cell Engineering, School of Basic Medical Science, Central South University, Changsha, Hunan, China
| | - Qianyin Zhou
- NHC Key Laboratory of Human Stem Cell and Reproductive Engineering, Institute of Reproductive and Stem Cell Engineering, School of Basic Medical Science, Central South University, Changsha, Hunan, China
| | - Zhizhong Liu
- NHC Key Laboratory of Human Stem Cell and Reproductive Engineering, Institute of Reproductive and Stem Cell Engineering, School of Basic Medical Science, Central South University, Changsha, Hunan, China
| | - Liqing Fan
- NHC Key Laboratory of Human Stem Cell and Reproductive Engineering, Institute of Reproductive and Stem Cell Engineering, School of Basic Medical Science, Central South University, Changsha, Hunan, China
- Clinical Research Center for Reproduction and Genetics in Hunan Province, Reproductive and Genetic Hospital of CITIC-Xiangya, Changsha, Hunan, China
| | - James M Hotaling
- Division of Urology, Department of Surgery, University of Utah School of Medicine, Salt Lake City, UT, USA
| | - Zhe Zhang
- Department of Urology, Peking University Third Hospital, Beijing, China.
- Center for Reproductive Medicine, Peking University Third Hospital, Beijing, China.
| | - Hao Bo
- NHC Key Laboratory of Human Stem Cell and Reproductive Engineering, Institute of Reproductive and Stem Cell Engineering, School of Basic Medical Science, Central South University, Changsha, Hunan, China.
- Clinical Research Center for Reproduction and Genetics in Hunan Province, Reproductive and Genetic Hospital of CITIC-Xiangya, Changsha, Hunan, China.
| | - Jingtao Guo
- State Key Laboratory of Stem Cell and Reproductive Biology, Institute of Zoology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, China.
- Beijing Institute for Stem Cell and Regenerative Medicine, Beijing, China.
- University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, China.
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3
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Liu K, Xiao Y, Gan L, Li W, Zhang J, Min J. Structural basis for specific DNA sequence motif recognition by the TFAP2 transcription factors. Nucleic Acids Res 2023; 51:8270-8282. [PMID: 37409559 PMCID: PMC10450164 DOI: 10.1093/nar/gkad583] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/24/2023] [Revised: 06/01/2023] [Accepted: 06/27/2023] [Indexed: 07/07/2023] Open
Abstract
The TFAP2 family regulates gene expression during differentiation, development, and organogenesis, and includes five homologs in humans. They all possess a highly conserved DNA binding domain (DBD) followed by a helix-span-helix (HSH) domain. The DBD-HSH tandem domain specifically binds to a GCC(N3)GGC consensus sequence, but the precise recognition mechanisms remain unclear. Here, we found that TFAP2 preferred binding to the GCC(N3)GGC sequence, and the pseudo-palindromic GCC and GGC motifs and the length of the central spacer between the two motifs determined their binding specificity. Structural studies revealed that the two flat amphipathic α-helical HSH domains of TFAP2A stacked with each other to form a dimer via hydrophobic interactions, while the stabilized loops from both DBD domains inserted into two neighboring major grooves of the DNA duplex to form base-specific interactions. This specific DNA binding mechanism controlled the length of the central spacer and determined the DNA sequence specificity of TFAP2. Mutations of the TFAP2 proteins are implicated in various diseases. We illustrated that reduction or disruption of the DNA binding ability of the TFAP2 proteins is the primary cause of TFAP2 mutation-associated diseases. Thus, our findings also offer valuable insights into the pathogenesis of disease-associated mutations in TFAP2 proteins.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ke Liu
- Hubei Key Laboratory of Genetic Regulation and Integrative Biology, School of Life Sciences, Central China Normal University, Wuhan 430079, PR China
| | - Yuqing Xiao
- Hubei Key Laboratory of Genetic Regulation and Integrative Biology, School of Life Sciences, Central China Normal University, Wuhan 430079, PR China
| | - Linyao Gan
- Hubei Key Laboratory of Genetic Regulation and Integrative Biology, School of Life Sciences, Central China Normal University, Wuhan 430079, PR China
| | - Weifang Li
- Hubei Key Laboratory of Genetic Regulation and Integrative Biology, School of Life Sciences, Central China Normal University, Wuhan 430079, PR China
| | - Jin Zhang
- Hubei Key Laboratory of Genetic Regulation and Integrative Biology, School of Life Sciences, Central China Normal University, Wuhan 430079, PR China
| | - Jinrong Min
- Hubei Key Laboratory of Genetic Regulation and Integrative Biology, School of Life Sciences, Central China Normal University, Wuhan 430079, PR China
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Jin C, Luo Y, Liang Z, Li X, Kołat D, Zhao L, Xiong W. Crucial role of the transcription factors family activator protein 2 in cancer: current clue and views. J Transl Med 2023; 21:371. [PMID: 37291585 PMCID: PMC10249218 DOI: 10.1186/s12967-023-04189-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/12/2023] [Accepted: 05/08/2023] [Indexed: 06/10/2023] Open
Abstract
The transcription factor family activator protein 2 (TFAP2) is vital for regulating both embryonic and oncogenic development. The TFAP2 family consists of five DNA-binding proteins, including TFAP2A, TFAP2B, TFAP2C, TFAP2D and TFAP2E. The importance of TFAP2 in tumor biology is becoming more widely recognized. While TFAP2D is not well studied, here, we mainly focus on the other four TFAP2 members. As a transcription factor, TFAP2 regulates the downstream targets directly by binding to their regulatory region. In addition, the regulation of downstream targets by epigenetic modification, posttranslational regulation, and interaction with noncoding RNA have also been identified. According to the pathways in which the downstream targets are involved in, the regulatory effects of TFAP2 on tumorigenesis are generally summarized as follows: stemness and EMT, interaction between TFAP2 and tumor microenvironment, cell cycle and DNA damage repair, ER- and ERBB2-related signaling pathway, ferroptosis and therapeutic response. Moreover, the factors that affect TFAP2 expression in oncogenesis are also summarized. Here, we review and discuss the most recent studies on TFAP2 and its effects on carcinogenesis and regulatory mechanisms.
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Affiliation(s)
- Chen Jin
- Department of Cardiothoracic Surgery, The First Affiliated Hospital of Chongqing Medical University, Chongqing, China
- Department of Liver Surgery, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu, China
| | - Yuxiao Luo
- University Medical Center Göttingen, University of Göttingen, Göttingen, Germany
| | - Zhu Liang
- Target Discovery Institute, Centre for Medicines Discovery, Nuffield Department of Medicine, University of Oxford, Chinese Academy for Medical Sciences Oxford Institute, Oxford, UK
| | - Xi Li
- Department of Urology, Churchill Hospital, Oxford University Hospitals NHS Foundation, Oxford, UK
| | - Damian Kołat
- Department of Experimental Surgery, Medical University of Lodz, Lodz, Poland
| | - Linyong Zhao
- Department of General Surgery & Laboratory of Gastric Cancer, State Key Laboratory of Biotherapy/Collaborative Innovation Center of Biotherapy and Cancer Center, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu, China.
- Gastric Cancer Center, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu, China.
| | - Weixi Xiong
- Department of Neurology, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu, China.
- Institute of Brain Science and Brain-Inspired Technology, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu, China.
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5
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Zhang Y, Mostafa AAA, Sriboonvorakul N, Hu J. Roles of activator protein-2 gamma in breast cancer: A narrative review (SANRA). Medicine (Baltimore) 2022; 101:e30587. [PMID: 36197225 PMCID: PMC9509159 DOI: 10.1097/md.0000000000030587] [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] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/27/2022] Open
Abstract
Activator protein-2 gamma (AP-2γ) is a crucial transcription factor involved in breast cancer development. Abnormal expression and activity of AP-2γ have also been identified as important markers of malignancy. In the last decade, the importance of AP-2γ in breast cancer progression has been widely studied. In this review, we summarize the current knowledge on the regulatory roles of AP-2γ in breast cancer oncogenesis and progression and its potential as a diagnostic biomarker and drug target in breast cancer treatment.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yifei Zhang
- Engineering Research Centre of Fujian-Taiwan Special Marine Food Processing and Nutrition, Ministry of Education, Fuzhou, Fujian, China
| | - Asal AA Mostafa
- Food Technology Research Institute, Agriculture Research Center, Egypt
| | - Natthida Sriboonvorakul
- Department of Clinical Tropical Medicine, Faculty of Tropical Medicine, Mahidol University, Bangkok, Thailand
| | - Jiamiao Hu
- Engineering Research Centre of Fujian-Taiwan Special Marine Food Processing and Nutrition, Ministry of Education, Fuzhou, Fujian, China
- Faculty of Health Sciences, University of Macau, Macau, China
- *Correspondence: Jiamiao Hu, Engineering Research Centre of Fujian-Taiwan Special Marine Food Processing and Nutrition, Ministry of Education, Fuzhou, Fujian, China (e-mail: )
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Mohammadi Ghahhari N, Sznurkowska MK, Hulo N, Bernasconi L, Aceto N, Picard D. Cooperative interaction between ERα and the EMT-inducer ZEB1 reprograms breast cancer cells for bone metastasis. Nat Commun 2022; 13:2104. [PMID: 35440541 PMCID: PMC9018728 DOI: 10.1038/s41467-022-29723-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 22] [Impact Index Per Article: 11.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/04/2021] [Accepted: 03/30/2022] [Indexed: 02/08/2023] Open
Abstract
The epithelial to mesenchymal transition (EMT) has been proposed to contribute to the metastatic spread of breast cancer cells. EMT-promoting transcription factors determine a continuum of different EMT states. In contrast, estrogen receptor α (ERα) helps to maintain the epithelial phenotype of breast cancer cells and its expression is crucial for effective endocrine therapies. Determining whether and how EMT-associated transcription factors such as ZEB1 modulate ERα signaling during early stages of EMT could promote the discovery of therapeutic approaches to suppress metastasis. Here we show that, shortly after induction of EMT and while cells are still epithelial, ZEB1 modulates ERα-mediated transcription induced by estrogen or cAMP signaling in breast cancer cells. Based on these findings and our ex vivo and xenograft results, we suggest that the functional interaction between ZEB1 and ERα may alter the tissue tropism of metastatic breast cancer cells towards bone. The epithelial mesenchymal transition (EMT) is important in the metastatic spread of cancer cells. Here, the authors show that the EMT transcription factor, ZEB1, can modify estrogen receptor α during EMT and facilitate the migration of breast cancer cells to the bone
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Magdalena K Sznurkowska
- Department of Biology, Institute of Molecular Health Sciences, ETH Zurich, 8093, Zürich, Switzerland
| | - Nicolas Hulo
- Institute of Genetics and Genomics of Geneva, Université de Genève, 1211, Genève 4, Switzerland
| | - Lilia Bernasconi
- Département de Biologie Cellulaire, Université de Genève, Sciences III, 1211, Genève 4, Switzerland
| | - Nicola Aceto
- Department of Biology, Institute of Molecular Health Sciences, ETH Zurich, 8093, Zürich, Switzerland
| | - Didier Picard
- Département de Biologie Cellulaire, Université de Genève, Sciences III, 1211, Genève 4, Switzerland.
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7
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Fang F, Yuan Q. Anlotinib inhibits the proliferation, migration and invasion, and induces apoptosis of breast cancer cells by downregulating TFAP2C. Oncol Lett 2022; 23:46. [PMID: 34976158 PMCID: PMC8674883 DOI: 10.3892/ol.2021.13164] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/02/2021] [Accepted: 07/23/2021] [Indexed: 01/20/2023] Open
Abstract
The vascular endothelial growth factor receptor (VEGFR) network contributes to breast cancer pathogenesis and progression. Anlotinib is a highly potent multi-target tyrosine kinase inhibitor that has been previously shown to exert antitumor effects in various types of cancer. The aim of the present study is to investigate the effect of Anlotinib against breast cancer cells in vitro and uncover the possible underlying mechanisms. The human breast cancer cell line MCF-7 was treated with different concentrations of Anlotinib, before cell proliferation, migration, invasion and apoptosis were assessed using colony formation, wound healing, Transwell and TUNEL staining assays. In addition, the expression of transcription factor AP-2γ (TFAP2C) following Anlotinib stimulation was measured using reverse transcription-quantitative PCR and western blot analysis. TFAP2C was overexpressed in MCF-7 using transfection with a pcDNA3.1 vector, before the aforementioned experiments were repeated. The results revealed that Anlotinib impaired cell viability and colony formation, reduced proliferating cell nuclear antigen, Ki-67, MMP2, MMP9 and Bcl-2 expression levels, and inhibited cell migration and invasion. By contrast, the expression levels of tissue inhibitor of metalloproteinase 1, the frequency of apoptotic cells, the expression of Bax and the cleaved caspase-3/caspase-3 ratio increased in a concentration-dependent manner. Additionally, the expression of TFAP2C decreased after Anlotinib treatment. However, TFAP2C overexpression partially blocked the effects of Anlotinib on the proliferation, migration, invasion and apoptosis of MCF-7 cells. To conclude, Anlotinib suppressed proliferation, migration and invasion, whilst inducing apoptosis of MCF-7 cells, which may be partially dependent on the inhibition of TFAP2C expression.
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Affiliation(s)
- Fuxiao Fang
- Operating Room, Deqing County People's Hospital, Huzhou, Zhejiang 313200, P.R. China
| | - Qing Yuan
- Department of Thyroid and Breast Surgery, The Central Hospital of Wuhan, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, Hubei 430014, P.R. China
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Zhong JX, Kong YY, Luo RG, Xia GJ, He WX, Chen XZ, Tan WW, Chen QJ, Huang YY, Guan YX. Circular RNA circ-ERBB2 promotes HER2-positive breast cancer progression and metastasis via sponging miR-136-5p and miR-198. J Transl Med 2021; 19:455. [PMID: 34732216 PMCID: PMC8564996 DOI: 10.1186/s12967-021-03114-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/08/2021] [Accepted: 10/09/2021] [Indexed: 12/21/2022] Open
Abstract
Background Circular RNAs (circRNAs) are pivotal regulators of various human cancers and circ-ERBB2 is abnormally expressed in breast cancer cells. However, the role and mechanism of circ-ERBB2 in HER2-positive breast cancer are still unknown. Methods The circ-ERBB2 expressions in the tumor tissues of HER2-positive breast cancer patients were tested using quantitative real-time PCR. The circ-ERBB2 function was investigated by cell counting kit 8 assay, Transwell, flow cytometry and Western blot. Mechanistically, fluorescence in situ hybridization, RNA immunoprecipitation, RNA pull-down and dual-luciferase reporter gene assays were conducted to confirm the interaction between circ-ERBB2 and miR-136-5p or miR-198 in HER2-positive breast cancer cells. Results Circ-ERBB2 was elevated in the tumor tissues of HER2-positive breast cancer patients. Functionally, the interference with circ-ERBB2 repressed HER2-positive breast cancer cell proliferation, migration, invasion and accelerated cell apoptosis. Furthermore, the mechanistic analysis corroborated that circ-ERBB2 acted as a competing endogenous RNA for miR-136-5p or miR-198 to relieve the repressive influence of miR-136-5p or miR-198 on its target transcription factor activator protein 2C (TFAP2C). Meanwhile, in vivo assays further corroborated the oncogenic function of circ-ERBB2 in HER2-positive breast cancer. Conclusions Circ-ERBB2 accelerated HER2-positive breast cancer progression through the circ-ERBB2/miR-136-5p/TFAP2C axis or the circ-ERBB2/miR-198/TFAP2C axis. Supplementary Information The online version contains supplementary material available at 10.1186/s12967-021-03114-8.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jin-Xiu Zhong
- Department of Breast Cancer Center/Nuclear Medicine, The Affiliated Cancer Hospital of Nanchang University, Nanchang, 330029, China
| | - Yun-Yuan Kong
- Department of Nuclear Medicine/Radiology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Nanchang University, No. 17 Yong Wai Street, Nanchang, 330006, Jiangxi, China
| | - Rong-Guang Luo
- Department of Nuclear Medicine/Radiology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Nanchang University, No. 17 Yong Wai Street, Nanchang, 330006, Jiangxi, China
| | - Guo-Jin Xia
- Department of Nuclear Medicine/Radiology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Nanchang University, No. 17 Yong Wai Street, Nanchang, 330006, Jiangxi, China
| | - Wen-Xing He
- Department of Breast Cancer Center/Nuclear Medicine, The Affiliated Cancer Hospital of Nanchang University, Nanchang, 330029, China
| | - Xue-Zhong Chen
- Department of Nuclear Medicine/Radiology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Nanchang University, No. 17 Yong Wai Street, Nanchang, 330006, Jiangxi, China
| | - Wei-Wei Tan
- Department of Nuclear Medicine/Radiology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Nanchang University, No. 17 Yong Wai Street, Nanchang, 330006, Jiangxi, China
| | - Qing-Jie Chen
- Department of Nuclear Medicine/Radiology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Nanchang University, No. 17 Yong Wai Street, Nanchang, 330006, Jiangxi, China
| | - Yu-Yin Huang
- Department of Nuclear Medicine/Radiology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Nanchang University, No. 17 Yong Wai Street, Nanchang, 330006, Jiangxi, China
| | - Yan-Xing Guan
- Department of Nuclear Medicine/Radiology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Nanchang University, No. 17 Yong Wai Street, Nanchang, 330006, Jiangxi, China.
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Kołat D, Kałuzińska Ż, Bednarek AK, Płuciennik E. WWOX Loses the Ability to Regulate Oncogenic AP-2γ and Synergizes with Tumor Suppressor AP-2α in High-Grade Bladder Cancer. Cancers (Basel) 2021; 13:cancers13122957. [PMID: 34204827 PMCID: PMC8231628 DOI: 10.3390/cancers13122957] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/07/2021] [Revised: 06/03/2021] [Accepted: 06/10/2021] [Indexed: 02/07/2023] Open
Abstract
The cytogenic locus of the WWOX gene overlaps with the second most active fragile site, FRA16D, which is present at a higher frequency in bladder cancer (BLCA) patients with smoking habit, a known risk factor of this tumor. Recently, we demonstrated the relevance of the role of WWOX in grade 2 BLCA in collaboration with two AP-2 transcription factors whose molecular actions supported or opposed pro-cancerous events, suggesting a distinct character. As further research is needed on higher grades, the aim of the present study was to examine WWOX-AP-2 functionality in grade 3 and 4 BLCA using equivalent in vitro methodology with additional transcriptome profiling of cellular variants. WWOX and AP-2α demonstrated similar anti-cancer functionality in most biological processes with subtle differences in MMP-2/9 regulation; this contradicted that of AP-2γ, whose actions potentiated cancer progression. Simultaneous overexpression of WWOX and AP-2α/AP-2γ revealed that single discrepancies appear in WWOX-AP-2α collaboration but only at the highest BLCA grade; WWOX-AP-2α collaboration was considered anti-cancer. However, WWOX only appeared to have residual activity against oncogenic AP-2γ in grade 3 and 4: variants with either AP-2γ overexpression alone or combined WWOX and AP-2γ overexpression demonstrated similar pro-tumoral behavior. Transcriptome profiling with further gene ontology certified biological processes investigated in vitro and indicated groups of genes consisting of AP-2 targets and molecules worth investigation as biomarkers. In conclusion, tumor suppressor synergism between WWOX and AP-2α is unimpaired in high-grade BLCA compared to intermediate grade, yet the ability of WWOX to guide oncogenic AP-2γ is almost completely lost.
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Aure MR, Fleischer T, Bjørklund S, Ankill J, Castro-Mondragon JA, Børresen-Dale AL, Tost J, Sahlberg KK, Mathelier A, Tekpli X, Kristensen VN. Crosstalk between microRNA expression and DNA methylation drives the hormone-dependent phenotype of breast cancer. Genome Med 2021; 13:72. [PMID: 33926515 PMCID: PMC8086068 DOI: 10.1186/s13073-021-00880-4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 23] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/04/2020] [Accepted: 03/26/2021] [Indexed: 02/08/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Abnormal DNA methylation is observed as an early event in breast carcinogenesis. However, how such alterations arise is still poorly understood. microRNAs (miRNAs) regulate gene expression at the post-transcriptional level and play key roles in various biological processes. Here, we integrate miRNA expression and DNA methylation at CpGs to study how miRNAs may affect the breast cancer methylome and how DNA methylation may regulate miRNA expression. METHODS miRNA expression and DNA methylation data from two breast cancer cohorts, Oslo2 (n = 297) and The Cancer Genome Atlas (n = 439), were integrated through a correlation approach that we term miRNA-methylation Quantitative Trait Loci (mimQTL) analysis. Hierarchical clustering was used to identify clusters of miRNAs and CpGs that were further characterized through analysis of mRNA/protein expression, clinicopathological features, in silico deconvolution, chromatin state and accessibility, transcription factor binding, and long-range interaction data. RESULTS Clustering of the significant mimQTLs identified distinct groups of miRNAs and CpGs that reflect important biological processes associated with breast cancer pathogenesis. Notably, two major miRNA clusters were related to immune or fibroblast infiltration, hence identifying miRNAs associated with cells of the tumor microenvironment, while another large cluster was related to estrogen receptor (ER) signaling. Studying the chromatin landscape surrounding CpGs associated with the estrogen signaling cluster, we found that miRNAs from this cluster are likely to be regulated through DNA methylation of enhancers bound by FOXA1, GATA2, and ER-alpha. Further, at the hub of the estrogen cluster, we identified hsa-miR-29c-5p as negatively correlated with the mRNA and protein expression of DNA methyltransferase DNMT3A, a key enzyme regulating DNA methylation. We found deregulation of hsa-miR-29c-5p already present in pre-invasive breast lesions and postulate that hsa-miR-29c-5p may trigger early event abnormal DNA methylation in ER-positive breast cancer. CONCLUSIONS We describe how miRNA expression and DNA methylation interact and associate with distinct breast cancer phenotypes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Miriam Ragle Aure
- Department of Medical Genetics, Institute of Clinical Medicine, Faculty of Medicine, University of Oslo and Oslo University Hospital, Oslo, Norway
- Department of Cancer Genetics, Institute for Cancer Research, Oslo University Hospital, 0310 Oslo, Norway
| | - Thomas Fleischer
- Department of Cancer Genetics, Institute for Cancer Research, Oslo University Hospital, 0310 Oslo, Norway
| | - Sunniva Bjørklund
- Department of Medical Genetics, Institute of Clinical Medicine, Faculty of Medicine, University of Oslo and Oslo University Hospital, Oslo, Norway
- Department of Cancer Genetics, Institute for Cancer Research, Oslo University Hospital, 0310 Oslo, Norway
| | - Jørgen Ankill
- Department of Cancer Genetics, Institute for Cancer Research, Oslo University Hospital, 0310 Oslo, Norway
| | - Jaime A. Castro-Mondragon
- Centre for Molecular Medicine Norway (NCMM), Nordic EMBL Partnership, University of Oslo, 0318 Oslo, Norway
| | - Anne-Lise Børresen-Dale
- Department of Cancer Genetics, Institute for Cancer Research, Oslo University Hospital, 0310 Oslo, Norway
- Institute for Clinical Medicine, University of Oslo, Oslo, Norway
| | - Jörg Tost
- Laboratory for Epigenetics and Environment, Centre National de Recherche en Génomique Humaine, CEA–Institut de Biologie François Jacob, University Paris-Saclay, Evry, France
| | - Kristine K. Sahlberg
- Department of Cancer Genetics, Institute for Cancer Research, Oslo University Hospital, 0310 Oslo, Norway
- Department of Research, Vestre Viken Hospital Trust, Drammen, Norway
| | - Anthony Mathelier
- Department of Medical Genetics, Institute of Clinical Medicine, Faculty of Medicine, University of Oslo and Oslo University Hospital, Oslo, Norway
- Department of Cancer Genetics, Institute for Cancer Research, Oslo University Hospital, 0310 Oslo, Norway
- Centre for Molecular Medicine Norway (NCMM), Nordic EMBL Partnership, University of Oslo, 0318 Oslo, Norway
| | - Xavier Tekpli
- Department of Medical Genetics, Institute of Clinical Medicine, Faculty of Medicine, University of Oslo and Oslo University Hospital, Oslo, Norway
- Department of Cancer Genetics, Institute for Cancer Research, Oslo University Hospital, 0310 Oslo, Norway
| | - Vessela N. Kristensen
- Department of Medical Genetics, Institute of Clinical Medicine, Faculty of Medicine, University of Oslo and Oslo University Hospital, Oslo, Norway
- Department of Cancer Genetics, Institute for Cancer Research, Oslo University Hospital, 0310 Oslo, Norway
- Department of Clinical Molecular Biology and Laboratory Science (EpiGen), Division of Medicine, Akershus University Hospital, Lørenskog, Norway
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11
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Beck AC, Cho E, White JR, Paemka L, Li T, Gu VW, Thompson DT, Koch KE, Franke C, Gosse M, Wu VT, Landers SR, Pamatmat AJ, Kulak MV, Weigel RJ. AP-2α Regulates S-Phase and Is a Marker for Sensitivity to PI3K Inhibitor Buparlisib in Colon Cancer. Mol Cancer Res 2021; 19:1156-1167. [PMID: 33753551 DOI: 10.1158/1541-7786.mcr-20-0867] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/05/2020] [Revised: 01/21/2021] [Accepted: 03/16/2021] [Indexed: 01/22/2023]
Abstract
Activating protein 2 alpha (AP-2α; encoded by TFAP2A) functions as a tumor suppressor and influences response to therapy in several cancer types. We aimed to characterize regulation of the transcriptome by AP-2α in colon cancer. CRISPR-Cas9 and short hairpin RNA were used to eliminate TFAP2A expression in HCT116 and a panel of colon cancer cell lines. AP-2α target genes were identified with RNA sequencing and chromatin immunoprecipitation sequencing. Effects on cell cycle were characterized in cells synchronized with aphidicolin and analyzed by FACS and Premo FUCCI. Effects on invasion and tumorigenesis were determined by invasion assay, growth of xenografts, and phosphorylated histone H3 (PHH3). Knockout of TFAP2A induced significant alterations in the transcriptome including repression of TGM2, identified as a primary gene target of AP-2α. Loss of AP-2α delayed progression through S-phase into G2-M and decreased phosphorylation of AKT, effects that were mediated through regulation of TGM2. Buparlisib (BKM120) repressed in vitro invasiveness of HCT116 and a panel of colon cancer cell lines; however, loss of AP-2α induced resistance to buparlisib. Similarly, buparlisib repressed PHH3 and growth of tumor xenografts and increased overall survival of tumor-bearing mice, whereas, loss of AP-2α induced resistance to the effect of PI3K inhibition. Loss of AP-2α in colon cancer leads to prolonged S-phase through altered activation of AKT leading to resistance to the PI3K inhibitor, Buparlisib. The findings demonstrate an important role for AP-2α in regulating progression through the cell cycle and indicates that AP-2α is a marker for response to PI3K inhibitors. IMPLICATIONS: AP-2α regulated cell cycle through the PI3K cascade and activation of AKT mediated through TGM2. AP-2α induced sensitivity to Buparlisib/BKM120, indicating that AP-2α is a biomarker predictive of response to PI3K inhibitors.
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Affiliation(s)
- Anna C Beck
- Department of Surgery, University of Iowa, Iowa City, Iowa
| | - Edward Cho
- Department of Surgery, University of Iowa, Iowa City, Iowa
| | | | - Lily Paemka
- Department of Surgery, University of Iowa, Iowa City, Iowa.,Department of Biochemistry, Cell and Molecular Biology, West African Center for Cell Biology of Infectious Pathogens, School of Biological Sciences, College of Basic and Applied Science University of Ghana, Accra, Ghana
| | - Tiandao Li
- Department of Surgery, University of Iowa, Iowa City, Iowa
| | - Vivian W Gu
- Department of Surgery, University of Iowa, Iowa City, Iowa
| | | | - Kelsey E Koch
- Department of Surgery, University of Iowa, Iowa City, Iowa
| | | | - Matthew Gosse
- Department of Pathology, University of Iowa, Iowa City, Iowa
| | - Vincent T Wu
- Department of Surgery, University of Iowa, Iowa City, Iowa
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