1
|
Liu Y, Sun Y, Yang J, Wu D, Yu S, Liu J, Hu T, Luo J, Zhou H. DNMT1-targeting remodeling global DNA hypomethylation for enhanced tumor suppression and circumvented toxicity in oral squamous cell carcinoma. Mol Cancer 2024; 23:104. [PMID: 38755637 PMCID: PMC11097543 DOI: 10.1186/s12943-024-01993-1] [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: 12/19/2023] [Accepted: 04/03/2024] [Indexed: 05/18/2024] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND The faithful maintenance of DNA methylation homeostasis indispensably requires DNA methyltransferase 1 (DNMT1) in cancer progression. We previously identified DNMT1 as a potential candidate target for oral squamous cell carcinoma (OSCC). However, how the DNMT1- associated global DNA methylation is exploited to regulate OSCC remains unclear. METHODS The shRNA-specific DNMT1 knockdown was employed to target DNMT1 on oral cancer cells in vitro, as was the use of DNMT1 inhibitors. A xenografted OSCC mouse model was established to determine the effect on tumor suppression. High-throughput microarrays of DNA methylation, bulk and single-cell RNA sequencing analysis, multiplex immunohistochemistry, functional sphere formation and protein immunoblotting were utilized to explore the molecular mechanism involved. Analysis of human samples revealed associations between DNMT1 expression, global DNA methylation and collaborative molecular signaling with oral malignant transformation. RESULTS We investigated DNMT1 expression boosted steadily during oral malignant transformation in human samples, and its inhibition considerably minimized the tumorigenicity in vitro and in a xenografted OSCC model. DNMT1 overexpression was accompanied by the accumulation of cancer-specific DNA hypomethylation during oral carcinogenesis; conversely, DNMT1 knockdown caused atypically extensive genome-wide DNA hypomethylation in cancer cells and xenografted tumors. This novel DNMT1-remodeled DNA hypomethylation pattern hampered the dual activation of PI3K-AKT and CDK2-Rb and inactivated GSK3β collaboratively. When treating OSCC mice, targeting DNMT1 achieved greater anticancer efficacy than the PI3K inhibitor, and reduced the toxicity of blood glucose changes caused by the PI3K inhibitor or combination of PI3K and CDK inhibitors as well as adverse insulin feedback. CONCLUSIONS Targeting DNMT1 remodels a novel global DNA hypomethylation pattern to facilitate anticancer efficacy and minimize potential toxic effects via balanced signaling synergia. Our study suggests DNMT1 is a crucial gatekeeper regarding OSCC destiny and treatment outcome.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Yangfan Liu
- State Key Laboratory of Oral Diseases & National Center for Stomatology & National Clinical Research Center for Oral Diseases & Frontier Innovation Center for Dental Medicine Plus, West China Hospital of Stomatology, Sichuan University, Chengdu, 610041, Sichuan, China
| | - Yu Sun
- State Key Laboratory of Oral Diseases & National Center for Stomatology & National Clinical Research Center for Oral Diseases & Frontier Innovation Center for Dental Medicine Plus, West China Hospital of Stomatology, Sichuan University, Chengdu, 610041, Sichuan, China
- School of Stomatology, Hainan Medical University, Haikou, 571199, Hainan, China
| | - Jin Yang
- State Key Laboratory of Oral Diseases & National Center for Stomatology & National Clinical Research Center for Oral Diseases & Frontier Innovation Center for Dental Medicine Plus, West China Hospital of Stomatology, Sichuan University, Chengdu, 610041, Sichuan, China
| | - Deyang Wu
- State Key Laboratory of Oral Diseases & National Center for Stomatology & National Clinical Research Center for Oral Diseases & Frontier Innovation Center for Dental Medicine Plus, West China Hospital of Stomatology, Sichuan University, Chengdu, 610041, Sichuan, China
| | - Shuang Yu
- State Key Laboratory of Oral Diseases & National Center for Stomatology & National Clinical Research Center for Oral Diseases & Frontier Innovation Center for Dental Medicine Plus, West China Hospital of Stomatology, Sichuan University, Chengdu, 610041, Sichuan, China
| | - Junjiang Liu
- State Key Laboratory of Oral Diseases & National Center for Stomatology & National Clinical Research Center for Oral Diseases & Frontier Innovation Center for Dental Medicine Plus, West China Hospital of Stomatology, Sichuan University, Chengdu, 610041, Sichuan, China
| | - Tao Hu
- State Key Laboratory of Oral Diseases & National Center for Stomatology & National Clinical Research Center for Oral Diseases & Frontier Innovation Center for Dental Medicine Plus, West China Hospital of Stomatology, Sichuan University, Chengdu, 610041, Sichuan, China
| | - Jingjing Luo
- State Key Laboratory of Oral Diseases & National Center for Stomatology & National Clinical Research Center for Oral Diseases & Frontier Innovation Center for Dental Medicine Plus, West China Hospital of Stomatology, Sichuan University, Chengdu, 610041, Sichuan, China.
| | - Hongmei Zhou
- State Key Laboratory of Oral Diseases & National Center for Stomatology & National Clinical Research Center for Oral Diseases & Frontier Innovation Center for Dental Medicine Plus, West China Hospital of Stomatology, Sichuan University, Chengdu, 610041, Sichuan, China.
| |
Collapse
|
2
|
Zhang C, Wang W, Wu B. Molecular mechanism of WWP1-mediated ubiquitination modification affecting proliferation and invasion/migration of liver cancer cells. Kaohsiung J Med Sci 2024; 40:255-268. [PMID: 37997542 DOI: 10.1002/kjm2.12786] [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: 08/09/2023] [Revised: 10/16/2023] [Accepted: 10/24/2023] [Indexed: 11/25/2023] Open
Abstract
Liver cancer is the most prevalent fatal malignancy across the globe. The present study aims to explore the molecular mechanism of E3 ligase WWP1 in liver cancer cell proliferation and invasion/migration. RT-qPCR and Western blot were performed to detect WWP1, KLF14, and VEPH1 expressions in liver cancer cell lines. Furthermore, WWP1 expression was silenced in cells, followed by the detection of cell viability, proliferation, and invasion/migration by CCK-8, colony formation, and Transwell assays, respectively. ChIP was used to analyze the binding relationship between WWP1 and KLF14. We measured the KLF14 ubiquitination level and KLF14 enrichment on the VEPH1 promoter after MG132 treatment. Dual-luciferase reporter assay was used to validate the binding relationship between KLF14 and VEPH1. Consequently, WWP1 was highly expressed in liver cancer cells; WWP1 silencing reduced the proliferation and invasion/migration of liver cancer cells. Mechanistically, WWP1 promoted KLF14 ubiquitination degradation; KLF14 was enriched on the VEPH1 promoter to promote its transcription and protein expression. Inhibiting KLF14 or VEPH1 partially minimized the inhibitory effect of WWP1 silencing on liver cancer cell proliferation and invasion/migration. In summary, WWP1 degrades KLF14 through ubiquitination, hence repressing VEPH1 expression and accelerating proliferation and invasion/migration of liver cancer cells.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Chao Zhang
- Department of Hepatobiliary Surgery, Wuhan No 1 Hospital, Wuhan, Hubei, China
| | - Wei Wang
- Department of Hepatobiliary Surgery, Wuhan No 1 Hospital, Wuhan, Hubei, China
| | - Biao Wu
- Department of Gastrointestinal surgery, Wuhan No 1 Hospital, Wuhan, Hubei, China
| |
Collapse
|
3
|
Behera A, Reddy ABM. WWP1 E3 ligase at the crossroads of health and disease. Cell Death Dis 2023; 14:853. [PMID: 38129384 PMCID: PMC10739765 DOI: 10.1038/s41419-023-06380-0] [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: 04/21/2023] [Revised: 12/03/2023] [Accepted: 12/06/2023] [Indexed: 12/23/2023]
Abstract
The E3 ubiquitin ligase WWP1 (WW Domain-containing E3 Ubiquitin Protein Ligase 1) is a member of the HECT (Homologous to the E6-associated protein Carboxyl Terminus) E3 ligase family. It is conserved across several species and plays crucial roles in various physiological processes, including development, cell growth and proliferation, apoptosis, and differentiation. It exerts its functions through ubiquitination or protein-protein interaction with PPXY-containing proteins. WWP1 plays a role in several human diseases, including cardiac conditions, neurodevelopmental, age-associated osteogenic disorders, infectious diseases, and cancers. In solid tumors, WWP1 plays a dual role as both an oncogene and a tumor suppressor, whereas in hematological malignancies such as AML, it is identified as a dedicated oncogene. Importantly, WWP1 inhibition using small molecule inhibitors such as Indole-3-Carbinol (I3C) and Bortezomib or siRNAs leads to significant suppression of cancer growth and healing of bone fractures, suggesting that WWP1 might serve as a potential therapeutic target for several diseases. In this review, we discuss the evolutionary perspective, structure, and functions of WWP1 and its multilevel regulation by various regulators. We also examine its emerging roles in cancer progression and its therapeutic potential. Finally, we highlight WWP1's role in normal physiology, contribution to pathological conditions, and therapeutic potential for cancer and other diseases.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Abhayananda Behera
- Department of Animal Biology, School of Life Sciences, University of Hyderabad, Hyderabad, 500046, India
| | | |
Collapse
|
4
|
Wang Z, Deng H, Jin Y, Luo M, Huang J, Wang J, Zhang K, Wang L, Zhou J. Circular RNAs: biology and clinical significance of breast cancer. RNA Biol 2023; 20:859-874. [PMID: 37882644 PMCID: PMC10730165 DOI: 10.1080/15476286.2023.2272468] [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] [Accepted: 10/08/2023] [Indexed: 10/27/2023] Open
Abstract
Circular RNAs (circRNAs) are novel noncoding RNAs with covalently closed-loop structures that can regulate eukaryotic gene expression. Due to their stable structure, circRNAs are widely distributed in the cytoplasm and have important biological functions, including as microRNA sponges, RNA-binding protein conjugates, transcription regulators, and translation templates. Breast cancer is among the most common malignant cancers diagnosed in women worldwide. Despite the development of comprehensive treatments, breast cancer still has high mortality rates. Recent studies have unmasked critical roles for circRNAs in breast cancer as regulators of tumour initiation, progression, and metastasis. Further, research has revealed that some circRNAs have the potential for use as diagnostic and prognostic biomarkers in clinical practice. Herein, we review the biogenesis and biological functions of circRNAs, as well as their roles in different breast cancer subtypes. Moreover, we provide a comprehensive summary of the clinical significance of circRNAs in breast cancer. CircRNAs are believed to be a hot focus in basic and clinical research of breast cancer, and innovative future research directions of circRNAs could be used as biomarkers, therapeutic targets, or novel drugs.Abbreviations: CeRNA: Competitive endogenous RNA; ciRNA: Circular intronic RNA; circRNA: Circular RNA; EIciRNA: Exon-intron circRNA; EMT: Epithelial-mesenchymal transition; IRES: Internal ribosome entry site; lncRNA: Long non-coding RNA; miRNA: MicroRNA; MRE: MiRNA response element; ncRNA: Non-coding RNA; RBP: RNA-binding protein; RNA-seq: RNA sequencing; RT-PCR: Reverse transcription-polymerase chain reaction.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Zhanwei Wang
- Department of Breast Surgery, Huzhou Central Hospital, Affiliated Central Hospital Huzhou University, Huzhou, China
| | - Hao Deng
- The Key Laboratory of Cancer Prevention and Intervention, China National Ministry of Education, Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Hangzhou, China
- Department of Breast Surgery and Oncology, the Second Affiliated Hospital, Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Hangzhou, China
| | - Yao Jin
- The Key Laboratory of Cancer Prevention and Intervention, China National Ministry of Education, Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Hangzhou, China
- Department of Breast Surgery and Oncology, the Second Affiliated Hospital, Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Hangzhou, China
| | - Meng Luo
- The Key Laboratory of Cancer Prevention and Intervention, China National Ministry of Education, Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Hangzhou, China
- Department of Breast Surgery and Oncology, the Second Affiliated Hospital, Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Hangzhou, China
| | - Jia Huang
- The Key Laboratory of Cancer Prevention and Intervention, China National Ministry of Education, Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Hangzhou, China
- Department of Breast Surgery and Oncology, the Second Affiliated Hospital, Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Hangzhou, China
| | - Jing Wang
- The Key Laboratory of Cancer Prevention and Intervention, China National Ministry of Education, Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Hangzhou, China
- Department of Breast Surgery and Oncology, the Second Affiliated Hospital, Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Hangzhou, China
| | - Kun Zhang
- The Key Laboratory of Cancer Prevention and Intervention, China National Ministry of Education, Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Hangzhou, China
- Department of Breast Surgery and Oncology, the Second Affiliated Hospital, Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Hangzhou, China
| | - Li Wang
- Department of Emergency, the Second Affiliated Hospital, Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Hangzhou, China
| | - Jiaojiao Zhou
- The Key Laboratory of Cancer Prevention and Intervention, China National Ministry of Education, Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Hangzhou, China
- Department of Breast Surgery and Oncology, the Second Affiliated Hospital, Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Hangzhou, China
| |
Collapse
|
5
|
Abati E, Manini A, Comi GP, Corti S. Inhibition of myostatin and related signaling pathways for the treatment of muscle atrophy in motor neuron diseases. Cell Mol Life Sci 2022; 79:374. [PMID: 35727341 PMCID: PMC9213329 DOI: 10.1007/s00018-022-04408-w] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/28/2022] [Revised: 05/16/2022] [Accepted: 06/01/2022] [Indexed: 11/26/2022]
Abstract
Myostatin is a negative regulator of skeletal muscle growth secreted by skeletal myocytes. In the past years, myostatin inhibition sparked interest among the scientific community for its potential to enhance muscle growth and to reduce, or even prevent, muscle atrophy. These characteristics make it a promising target for the treatment of muscle atrophy in motor neuron diseases, namely, amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) and spinal muscular atrophy (SMA), which are rare neurological diseases, whereby the degeneration of motor neurons leads to progressive muscle loss and paralysis. These diseases carry a huge burden of morbidity and mortality but, despite this unfavorable scenario, several therapeutic advancements have been made in the past years. Indeed, a number of different curative therapies for SMA have been approved, leading to a revolution in the life expectancy and outcomes of SMA patients. Similarly, tofersen, an antisense oligonucleotide, is now undergoing clinical trial phase for use in ALS patients carrying the SOD1 mutation. However, these therapies are not able to completely halt or reverse progression of muscle damage. Recently, a trial evaluating apitegromab, a myostatin inhibitor, in SMA patients was started, following positive results from preclinical studies. In this context, myostatin inhibition could represent a useful strategy to tackle motor symptoms in these patients. The aim of this review is to describe the myostatin pathway and its role in motor neuron diseases, and to summarize and critically discuss preclinical and clinical studies of myostatin inhibitors in SMA and ALS. Then, we will highlight promises and pitfalls related to the use of myostatin inhibitors in the human setting, to aid the scientific community in the development of future clinical trials.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Elena Abati
- Department of Pathophysiology and Transplantation (DEPT), Dino Ferrari Centre, Neuroscience Section, Neurology Unit, Fondazione IRCCS Ca' Granda-Ospedale Maggiore Policlinico, University of Milan, Milan, Italy
- Neurology Unit, Department of Neuroscience, Fondazione IRCCS Ca' Granda Ospedale Maggiore Policlinico, Milan, Italy
| | - Arianna Manini
- Department of Pathophysiology and Transplantation (DEPT), Dino Ferrari Centre, Neuroscience Section, Neurology Unit, Fondazione IRCCS Ca' Granda-Ospedale Maggiore Policlinico, University of Milan, Milan, Italy
| | - Giacomo Pietro Comi
- Department of Pathophysiology and Transplantation (DEPT), Dino Ferrari Centre, Neuroscience Section, Neurology Unit, Fondazione IRCCS Ca' Granda-Ospedale Maggiore Policlinico, University of Milan, Milan, Italy
- Neurology Unit, Department of Neuroscience, Fondazione IRCCS Ca' Granda Ospedale Maggiore Policlinico, Milan, Italy
- Neuromuscular and Rare Diseases Unit, Department of Neuroscience, Fondazione IRCCS Ca' Granda Ospedale Maggiore Policlinico, Milan, Italy
| | - Stefania Corti
- Department of Pathophysiology and Transplantation (DEPT), Dino Ferrari Centre, Neuroscience Section, Neurology Unit, Fondazione IRCCS Ca' Granda-Ospedale Maggiore Policlinico, University of Milan, Milan, Italy.
- Neurology Unit, Department of Neuroscience, Fondazione IRCCS Ca' Granda Ospedale Maggiore Policlinico, Milan, Italy.
| |
Collapse
|
6
|
Wang K, Liu J, Li YL, Li JP, Zhang R. Ubiquitination/de-ubiquitination: A promising therapeutic target for PTEN reactivation in cancer. Biochim Biophys Acta Rev Cancer 2022; 1877:188723. [DOI: 10.1016/j.bbcan.2022.188723] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/11/2022] [Revised: 03/01/2022] [Accepted: 03/15/2022] [Indexed: 02/07/2023]
|