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Inyang I, White HE, Timme K, Keating AF. Biological sex differences in hepatic response to in utero dimethylbenz(a)anthracene exposure. Reprod Toxicol 2024; 124:108553. [PMID: 38307155 DOI: 10.1016/j.reprotox.2024.108553] [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: 09/19/2023] [Revised: 01/24/2024] [Accepted: 01/26/2024] [Indexed: 02/04/2024]
Abstract
Fetal hepatic dimethylbenz(a)anthracene (DMBA) biotransformation is not defined, thus, this study investigated whether the fetal liver metabolizes DMBA and differs with biological sex. KK.Cg-a/a (lean; n = 20) or KK.Cg-Ay/J (obese; n = 20) pregnant mice were exposed to corn oil (CT) or DMBA (1 mg/kg bw/day) by intraperitoneal injection (n = 10/treatment) from gestation day 7-14. Postnatal day 2 male or female offspring livers were collected. Total RNA (n = 6) and protein (n = 6) were analyzed via a PCR-based array or LC-MS/MS, respectively. The level of Mgst3 was lower (P < 0.05) in livers of female compared to male offspring. Furthermore, in utero DMBA exposure increased (P < 0.1) Cyp2c29 and Gpx3 levels (P < 0.05) in female offspring. In male offspring, the abundance of Ahr, Comt (P < 0.1), Alox5, and Asna1 (P < 0.05) decreased due to DMBA exposure. Female and male offspring had 34 and 21 hepatic proteins altered (P < 0.05) by in utero DMBA exposure, respectively. Opposing patterns for hepatic CD81 and KRT78 occurred, being decreased in females but increased in males, while YWHAG was decreased by DMBA exposure in both. Functional KEGG pathway analysis identified enrichment of 26 and 13 hepatic metabolic proteins in male and female offspring, respectively, due to in utero DMBA exposure. In silico transcription factor analysis of differentially expressed proteins predicted involvement of female NRF1 but male AHR. Thus, hepatic biological sex differences and capacity to respond to toxicants in utero are supported.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Hunter E White
- Department of Animal Science, Iowa State University, USA
| | - Kelsey Timme
- Department of Animal Science, Iowa State University, USA
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2
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Miret NV, Pontillo CA, Buján S, Chiappini FA, Randi AS. Mechanisms of breast cancer progression induced by environment-polluting aryl hydrocarbon receptor agonists. Biochem Pharmacol 2023; 216:115773. [PMID: 37659737 DOI: 10.1016/j.bcp.2023.115773] [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: 06/15/2023] [Revised: 08/23/2023] [Accepted: 08/30/2023] [Indexed: 09/04/2023]
Abstract
Breast cancer is the most common invasive malignancy among women worldwide and constitutes a complex and heterogeneous disease. Interest has recently grown in the role of the aryl hydrocarbon receptor (AhR) in breast cancer and the contribution of environment-polluting AhR agonists. Here, we present a literature review addressing AhR ligands, including pesticides hexachlorobenzene and chlorpyrifos, polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons, polychlorinated dibenzo-p-dioxins and dibenzofurans, polychlorinated biphenyls, parabens, and phthalates. The objectives of this review are a) to summarize recent original experimental, preclinical, and clinical studies on the biological mechanisms of AhR agonists which interfere with the regulation of breast endocrine functions, and b) to examine the biological effects of AhR ligands and their impact on breast cancer development and progression. We discuss biological mechanisms of action in cell viability, cell cycle, proliferation, epigenetic changes, epithelial to mesenchymal transition, and cell migration and invasion. In addition, we examine the effects of AhR ligands on angiogenic processes, metastasis, chemoresistance, and stem cell renewal. We conclude that exposure to AhR agonists stimulates pathways that promote breast cancer development and may contribute to tumor progression. Given the massive use of industrial and agricultural chemicals, ongoing evaluation of their effects in laboratory assays and preclinical studies in breast cancer at environmentally relevant doses is deemed essential. Likewise, awareness should be raised in the population regarding the most harmful toxicants to eradicate or minimize their use.
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Affiliation(s)
- Noelia V Miret
- Universidad de Buenos Aires, Facultad de Medicina, Departamento de Bioquímica Humana, Laboratorio de Efectos Biológicos de Contaminantes Ambientales, Paraguay 2155, Piso 5, (CP 1121), Buenos Aires, Argentina; Universidad de Buenos Aires, Facultad de Farmacia y Bioquímica, Departamento de Físico-Matemática, Laboratorio de Radioisótopos, Junín 954, 1er subsuelo (CP1113), Buenos Aires, Argentina.
| | - Carolina A Pontillo
- Universidad de Buenos Aires, Facultad de Medicina, Departamento de Bioquímica Humana, Laboratorio de Efectos Biológicos de Contaminantes Ambientales, Paraguay 2155, Piso 5, (CP 1121), Buenos Aires, Argentina
| | - Sol Buján
- Universidad de Buenos Aires, Facultad de Medicina, Departamento de Bioquímica Humana, Laboratorio de Efectos Biológicos de Contaminantes Ambientales, Paraguay 2155, Piso 5, (CP 1121), Buenos Aires, Argentina
| | - Florencia A Chiappini
- Universidad de Buenos Aires, Facultad de Medicina, Departamento de Bioquímica Humana, Laboratorio de Efectos Biológicos de Contaminantes Ambientales, Paraguay 2155, Piso 5, (CP 1121), Buenos Aires, Argentina
| | - Andrea S Randi
- Universidad de Buenos Aires, Facultad de Medicina, Departamento de Bioquímica Humana, Laboratorio de Efectos Biológicos de Contaminantes Ambientales, Paraguay 2155, Piso 5, (CP 1121), Buenos Aires, Argentina.
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3
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Diedrich JD, Gonzalez-Pons R, Medeiros HCD, Ensink E, Liby KT, Wellberg EA, Lunt SY, Bernard JJ. Adipocyte-derived kynurenine stimulates malignant transformation of mammary epithelial cells through the aryl hydrocarbon receptor. Biochem Pharmacol 2023; 216:115763. [PMID: 37625554 PMCID: PMC10587895 DOI: 10.1016/j.bcp.2023.115763] [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: 06/15/2023] [Revised: 08/17/2023] [Accepted: 08/21/2023] [Indexed: 08/27/2023]
Abstract
Anti-hormone therapies are not efficacious for reducing the incidence of triple negative breast cancer (TNBC), which lacks both estrogen and progesterone receptors. While the etiology of this aggressive breast cancer subtype is unclear, visceral obesity is a strong risk factor for both pre- and post-menopausal cases. The mechanism by which excessive deposition of visceral adipose tissue (VAT) promotes the malignant transformation of hormone receptor-negative mammary epithelial cells is currently unknown. We developed a novel in vitro system of malignant transformation in which non-tumorigenic human breast epithelial cells (MCF-10A) grow in soft agar when cultured with factors released from VAT. These cells, which acquire the capacity for 3D growth, show elevated aryl hydrocarbon receptor (AhR) protein and AhR target genes, suggesting that AhR activity may drive malignant transformation by VAT. AhR is a ligand-dependent transcription factor that generates biological responses to exogenous carcinogens and to the endogenous tryptophan pathway metabolite, kynurenine. The serum kynurenine to tryptophan ratio has been shown to be elevated in patients with obesity. Herein, we demonstrate that AhR inhibitors or knockdown of AhR in MCF-10A cells prevents VAT-induced malignant transformation. Specifically, VAT-induced transformation is inhibited by Kyn-101, an inhibitor for the endogenous ligand binding site of AhR. Mass spectrometry analysis demonstrates that adipocytes metabolize tryptophan and release kynurenine, which is taken up by MCF-10A cells and activates the AhR to induce CYP1B1 and promote malignant transformation. This novel hormone receptor-independent mechanism of malignant transformation suggests targeting AhR for TNBC prevention in the context of visceral adiposity.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jonathan D Diedrich
- Department of Pharmacology and Toxicology, Michigan State University, East Lansing, MI 48824 USA
| | - Romina Gonzalez-Pons
- Department of Pharmacology and Toxicology, Michigan State University, East Lansing, MI 48824 USA
| | - Hyllana C D Medeiros
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Michigan State University, East Lansing, MI 48824 USA
| | - Elliot Ensink
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Michigan State University, East Lansing, MI 48824 USA
| | - Karen T Liby
- Department of Pharmacology and Toxicology, Michigan State University, East Lansing, MI 48824 USA
| | - Elizabeth A Wellberg
- Department of Pathology, University of Oklahoma Health Sciences Center, Stephenson Cancer Center, Harold Hamm Diabetes Center, Oklahoma City, OK, USA
| | - Sophia Y Lunt
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Michigan State University, East Lansing, MI 48824 USA; Department of Chemical Engineering and Materials Science, Michigan State University, East Lansing, MI 48824 USA
| | - Jamie J Bernard
- Department of Pharmacology and Toxicology, Michigan State University, East Lansing, MI 48824 USA; Department of Medicine, Michigan State University, East Lansing, MI 48824 USA.
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Farghadani R, Naidu R. The anticancer mechanism of action of selected polyphenols in triple-negative breast cancer (TNBC). Biomed Pharmacother 2023; 165:115170. [PMID: 37481930 DOI: 10.1016/j.biopha.2023.115170] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/23/2023] [Revised: 07/10/2023] [Accepted: 07/12/2023] [Indexed: 07/25/2023] Open
Abstract
Breast cancer is a leadingcause of cancer-related deaths in women globally, with triple-negative breast cancer (TNBC) being an aggressive subtype that lacks targeted therapies and is associated with a poor prognosis. Polyphenols, naturally occurring compounds in plants, have been investigated as a potential therapeutic strategy for TNBC. This review provides an overview of the anticancer effects of polyphenols in TNBC and their mechanisms of action. Several polyphenols, including resveratrol, quercetin, kaempferol, genistein, epigallocatechin-3-gallate, apigenin, fisetin, hesperetin and luteolin, have been shown to inhibit TNBC cell proliferation, induce cell cycle arrest, promote apoptosis, and suppress migration/invasion in preclinical models. The molecular mechanisms underlying their anticancer effects involve the modulation of several signalling pathways, such as PI3K/Akt, MAPK, STATT, and NF-κB pathways. Polyphenols also exhibit synergistic effects with chemotherapy drugs, making them promising candidates for combination therapy. The review also highlights clinical trials investigating the potential use of polyphenols, individually or in combination therapy, against breast cancer. This review deepens the under-standing of the mechanism of action of respective polyphenols and provides valuable insights into the potential use of polyphenols as a therapeutic strategy for TNBC, and lays the groundwork for future research in this area.
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Affiliation(s)
- Reyhaneh Farghadani
- Jeffrey Cheah School of Medicine and Health Sciences, Monash University Malaysia, Jalan Lagoon Selatan, Bandar Sunway, Selangor Darul Ehsan 47500, Malaysia.
| | - Rakesh Naidu
- Jeffrey Cheah School of Medicine and Health Sciences, Monash University Malaysia, Jalan Lagoon Selatan, Bandar Sunway, Selangor Darul Ehsan 47500, Malaysia.
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Therachiyil L, Hussein OJ, Uddin S, Korashy HM. Regulation of the aryl hydrocarbon receptor in cancer and cancer stem cells of gynecological malignancies: An update on signaling pathways. Semin Cancer Biol 2022; 86:1186-1202. [PMID: 36252938 DOI: 10.1016/j.semcancer.2022.10.003] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/28/2022] [Revised: 10/04/2022] [Accepted: 10/12/2022] [Indexed: 01/27/2023]
Abstract
Gynecological malignancies are a female type of cancers that affects the reproductive system. Cancer metastasis or recurrence mediated by cellular invasiveness occurs at advanced stages of cancer progression. Cancer Stem Cells (CSCs) enrichment in tumors leads to chemoresistance, which results in cancer mortality. Exposure to environmental pollutants such as polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons is associated with an increased the risk of CSC enrichment in gynecological cancers. One of the important pathways that mediates the metabolism and bioactivation of these environmental chemicals is the transcription factor, aryl hydrocarbon receptor (AhR). The present review explores the molecular mechanisms regulating the crosstalk and interaction of the AhR with cancer-related signaling pathways, such as apoptosis, epithelial-mesenchymal transition, immune checkpoints, and G-protein-coupled receptors in several gynecological malignancies such as ovarian, uterine, endometrial, and cervical cancers. The review also discusses the potential of targeting the AhR pathway as a novel chemotherapy for gynecological cancers.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lubna Therachiyil
- Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, College of Pharmacy, QU Health, Qatar University, Doha, Qatar; Translational Research Institute, Academic Health System, Hamad Medical Corporation, Doha, Qatar.
| | - Ola J Hussein
- Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, College of Pharmacy, QU Health, Qatar University, Doha, Qatar.
| | - Shahab Uddin
- Translational Research Institute, Academic Health System, Hamad Medical Corporation, Doha, Qatar; Dermatology Institute, Academic Health System, Hamad Medical Corporation, Doha, Qatar.
| | - Hesham M Korashy
- Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, College of Pharmacy, QU Health, Qatar University, Doha, Qatar.
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Teniou S, Bensegueni A, Hybertson BM, Gao B, Bose SK, McCord JM, Chovelon B, Bensouici C, Boumendjel A, Hininger-Favier I. Biodriven investigation of the wild edible mushroom Pleurotus eryngii revealing unique properties as functional food. J Funct Foods 2022. [DOI: 10.1016/j.jff.2022.104965] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/09/2023] Open
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Ruscito I, Gasparri ML, De Marco MP, Costanzi F, Besharat AR, Papadia A, Kuehn T, Gentilini OD, Bellati F, Caserta D. The Clinical and Pathological Profile of BRCA1 Gene Methylated Breast Cancer Women: A Meta-Analysis. Cancers (Basel) 2021; 13:cancers13061391. [PMID: 33808555 PMCID: PMC8003261 DOI: 10.3390/cancers13061391] [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: 02/18/2021] [Revised: 03/09/2021] [Accepted: 03/16/2021] [Indexed: 01/28/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND DNA aberrant hypermethylation is the major cause of transcriptional silencing of the breast cancer gene 1 (BRCA1) gene in sporadic breast cancer patients. The aim of the present meta-analysis was to analyze all available studies reporting clinical characteristics of BRCA1 gene hypermethylated breast cancer in women, and to pool the results to provide a unique clinical profile of this cancer population. METHODS On September 2020, a systematic literature search was performed. Data were retrieved from PubMed, MEDLINE, and Scopus by searching the terms: "BRCA*" AND "methyl*" AND "breast". All studies evaluating the association between BRCA1 methylation status and breast cancer patients' clinicopathological features were considered for inclusion. RESULTS 465 studies were retrieved. Thirty (6.4%) studies including 3985 patients met all selection criteria. The pooled analysis data revealed a significant correlation between BRCA1 gene hypermethylation and advanced breast cancer disease stage (OR = 0.75: 95% CI: 0.58-0.97; p = 0.03, fixed effects model), lymph nodes involvement (OR = 1.22: 95% CI: 1.01-1.48; p = 0.04, fixed effects model), and pre-menopausal status (OR = 1.34: 95% CI: 1.08-1.66; p = 0.008, fixed effects model). No association could be found between BRCA1 hypermethylation and tumor histology (OR = 0.78: 95% CI: 0.59-1.03; p = 0.08, fixed effects model), tumor grading (OR = 0.78: 95% CI :0.46-1.32; p = 0.36, fixed effects model), and breast cancer molecular classification (OR = 1.59: 95% CI: 0.68-3.72; p = 0.29, random effects model). CONCLUSIONS hypermethylation of the BRCA1 gene significantly correlates with advanced breast cancer disease, lymph nodes involvement, and pre-menopausal cancer onset.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ilary Ruscito
- Gynecology Division, Department of Medical and Surgical Sciences and Translational Medicine, Sant’Andrea University Hospital, Sapienza University of Rome, Via di Grottarossa 1035, 00189 Rome, Italy; (M.P.D.M.); (F.C.); (A.R.B.); (F.B.); (D.C.)
- Correspondence: ; Tel.: +39-06-3377-5696
| | - Maria Luisa Gasparri
- Department of Gynecology and Obstetrics, Ente Ospedaliere Cantonale (EOC), Via Tesserete 46, 6900 Lugano, Switzerland; (M.L.G.); (A.P.)
- University of the Italian Switzerland (USI), Via Giuseppe Buffi 13, 6900 Lugano, Switzerland
| | - Maria Paola De Marco
- Gynecology Division, Department of Medical and Surgical Sciences and Translational Medicine, Sant’Andrea University Hospital, Sapienza University of Rome, Via di Grottarossa 1035, 00189 Rome, Italy; (M.P.D.M.); (F.C.); (A.R.B.); (F.B.); (D.C.)
| | - Flavia Costanzi
- Gynecology Division, Department of Medical and Surgical Sciences and Translational Medicine, Sant’Andrea University Hospital, Sapienza University of Rome, Via di Grottarossa 1035, 00189 Rome, Italy; (M.P.D.M.); (F.C.); (A.R.B.); (F.B.); (D.C.)
| | - Aris Raad Besharat
- Gynecology Division, Department of Medical and Surgical Sciences and Translational Medicine, Sant’Andrea University Hospital, Sapienza University of Rome, Via di Grottarossa 1035, 00189 Rome, Italy; (M.P.D.M.); (F.C.); (A.R.B.); (F.B.); (D.C.)
| | - Andrea Papadia
- Department of Gynecology and Obstetrics, Ente Ospedaliere Cantonale (EOC), Via Tesserete 46, 6900 Lugano, Switzerland; (M.L.G.); (A.P.)
- University of the Italian Switzerland (USI), Via Giuseppe Buffi 13, 6900 Lugano, Switzerland
| | - Thorsten Kuehn
- Interdisciplinary Breast Center, Department of Gynecology and Obstetrics, Klinikum Esslingen, 73730 Neckar, Germany;
| | - Oreste Davide Gentilini
- Breast Surgery Unit, San Raffaele University Hospital, via Olgettina 60, 20132 Milan, Italy;
| | - Filippo Bellati
- Gynecology Division, Department of Medical and Surgical Sciences and Translational Medicine, Sant’Andrea University Hospital, Sapienza University of Rome, Via di Grottarossa 1035, 00189 Rome, Italy; (M.P.D.M.); (F.C.); (A.R.B.); (F.B.); (D.C.)
| | - Donatella Caserta
- Gynecology Division, Department of Medical and Surgical Sciences and Translational Medicine, Sant’Andrea University Hospital, Sapienza University of Rome, Via di Grottarossa 1035, 00189 Rome, Italy; (M.P.D.M.); (F.C.); (A.R.B.); (F.B.); (D.C.)
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Lichtiger L, Rivera J, Sahay D, Miller RL. Polycyclic Aromatic Hydrocarbons and Mammary Cancer Risk: Does Obesity Matter too? JOURNAL OF CANCER IMMUNOLOGY 2021; 3:154-162. [PMID: 34734210 PMCID: PMC8561337] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/25/2022]
Abstract
Breast cancer risk remains incompletely explained, and higher incidence rates of breast cancer over recent times and in urban and industrialized areas suggest environmental causes. Polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAH) are ubiquitous in the environment and epidemiological and rodent studies have shown associations between exposure to PAH and breast cancer incidence as well as mammary tumorigenesis. In addition, in vitro and rodent studies have implicated alterations in estrogen receptor alpha (Erα) signaling pathways following PAH exposure in limited experimental studies. However, our understanding of these mechanisms is incomplete. Sahay et al. addressed this gap by examining the effect of PAH exposure on epigenetic and transcriptional regulation of genes in the Erα pathway in a mouse cohort exposed to aerosolized PAH at proportions measured in urban air. In addition to alterations in the Erα signaling pathway in the pregnant mice and in their offspring and grandoffspring, the investigators observed higher body weights in mice exposed to PAH compared to the control. Given that associations between mammary tissue adiposity, systemic adiposity, and breast cancer risk have been observed previously, the finding of higher body weight in the PAH exposure group raises the possibility that body weight might influence the association between PAH exposure and breast cancer risk. Along with new analyses, we discuss the possibility that body weight may modify the association between PAH exposure, mammary cellular proliferation, and mammary gland ductal hyperplasia in offspring and grandoffspring mice and future research that may be needed to delineate these associations.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | | | - Rachel L. Miller
- Correspondence should be addressed to Rachel L. Miller MD, FAAAAI;
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Heng B, Bilgin AA, Lovejoy DB, Tan VX, Milioli HH, Gluch L, Bustamante S, Sabaretnam T, Moscato P, Lim CK, Guillemin GJ. Differential kynurenine pathway metabolism in highly metastatic aggressive breast cancer subtypes: beyond IDO1-induced immunosuppression. Breast Cancer Res 2020; 22:113. [PMID: 33109232 PMCID: PMC7590459 DOI: 10.1186/s13058-020-01351-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 28] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/28/2020] [Accepted: 10/05/2020] [Indexed: 12/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Background Immunotherapy has recently been proposed as a promising treatment to stop breast cancer (BrCa) progression and metastasis. However, there has been limited success in the treatment of BrCa with immune checkpoint inhibitors. This implies that BrCa tumors have other mechanisms to escape immune surveillance. While the kynurenine pathway (KP) is known to be a key player mediating tumor immune evasion and while there are several studies on the roles of the KP in cancer, little is known about KP involvement in BrCa. Methods To understand how KP is regulated in BrCa, we examined the KP profile in BrCa cell lines and clinical samples (n = 1997) that represent major subtypes of BrCa (luminal, HER2-enriched, and triple-negative (TN)). We carried out qPCR, western blot/immunohistochemistry, and ultra-high pressure liquid chromatography on these samples to quantify the KP enzyme gene, protein, and activity, respectively. Results We revealed that the KP is highly dysregulated in the HER2-enriched and TN BrCa subtype. Gene, protein expression, and KP metabolomic profiling have shown that the downstream KP enzymes KMO and KYNU are highly upregulated in the HER2-enriched and TN BrCa subtypes, leading to increased production of the potent immunosuppressive metabolites anthranilic acid (AA) and 3-hydroxylanthranilic acid (3HAA). Conclusions Our findings suggest that KMO and KYNU inhibitors may represent new promising therapeutic targets for BrCa. We also showed that KP metabolite profiling can be used as an accurate biomarker for BrCa subtyping, as we successfully discriminated TN BrCa from other BrCa subtypes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Benjamin Heng
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences, Macquarie University, Sydney, Australia.
| | - Ayse A Bilgin
- Faculty of Sciences and Engineering, Macquarie University, Sydney, Australia
| | - David B Lovejoy
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences, Macquarie University, Sydney, Australia
| | - Vanessa X Tan
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences, Macquarie University, Sydney, Australia
| | - Heloisa H Milioli
- School of Environmental and Life Sciences, The University of Newcastle, Callaghan, Australia
| | | | - Sonia Bustamante
- Bioanalytical Mass Spectrometry Facility, University of New South Wales, Sydney, Australia
| | - Tharani Sabaretnam
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences, Macquarie University, Sydney, Australia
| | - Pablo Moscato
- School of Electrical Engineering and Life Sciences, The University of Newcastle, Callaghan, Australia
| | - Chai K Lim
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences, Macquarie University, Sydney, Australia
| | - Gilles J Guillemin
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences, Macquarie University, Sydney, Australia.
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10
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Selmin OI, Donovan MG, Stillwater BJ, Neumayer L, Romagnolo DF. Epigenetic Regulation and Dietary Control of Triple Negative Breast Cancer. Front Nutr 2020; 7:159. [PMID: 33015128 PMCID: PMC7506147 DOI: 10.3389/fnut.2020.00159] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/04/2020] [Accepted: 08/06/2020] [Indexed: 12/21/2022] Open
Abstract
Triple negative breast cancer (TNBC) represents a highly heterogeneous group of breast cancers, lacking expression of the estrogen (ER) and progesterone (PR) receptors, and human epidermal growth factor receptor 2 (HER2). TNBC are characterized by a high level of mutation and metastasis, poor clinical outcomes and overall survival. Here, we review the epigenetic mechanisms of regulation involved in cell pathways disrupted in TNBC, with particular emphasis on dietary food components that may be exploited for the development of effective strategies for management of TNBC.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ornella I Selmin
- Department of Nutritional Sciences, The University of Arizona, Tucson, AZ, United States.,University of Arizona Cancer Center, The University of Arizona, Tucson, AZ, United States
| | - Micah G Donovan
- University of Arizona Cancer Center, The University of Arizona, Tucson, AZ, United States
| | - Barbara J Stillwater
- Department of Surgery, Breast Surgery Oncology, The University of Arizona, Tucson, AZ, United States
| | - Leigh Neumayer
- Department of Surgery, Breast Surgery Oncology, The University of Arizona, Tucson, AZ, United States
| | - Donato F Romagnolo
- Department of Nutritional Sciences, The University of Arizona, Tucson, AZ, United States.,University of Arizona Cancer Center, The University of Arizona, Tucson, AZ, United States
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11
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Akhtar S, Hourani S, Therachiyil L, Al-Dhfyan A, Agouni A, Zeidan A, Uddin S, Korashy HM. Epigenetic Regulation of Cancer Stem Cells by the Aryl Hydrocarbon Receptor Pathway. Semin Cancer Biol 2020; 83:177-196. [PMID: 32877761 DOI: 10.1016/j.semcancer.2020.08.014] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/21/2020] [Revised: 08/20/2020] [Accepted: 08/23/2020] [Indexed: 12/14/2022]
Abstract
Compelling evidence has demonstrated that tumor bulk comprises distinctive subset of cells generally referred as cancer stem cells (CSCs) that have been proposed as a strong sustainer and promoter of tumorigenesis and therapeutic resistance. These distinguished properties of CSCs have raised interest in understanding the molecular mechanisms that govern the maintenance of these cells. Numerous experimental and epidemiological studies have demonstrated that exposure to environmental toxins such as the polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs) is strongly involved in cancer initiation and progression. The PAH-induced carcinogenesis is shown to be mediated through the activation of a cytosolic receptor, aryl hydrocarbon receptor (AhR)/Cytochrome P4501A pathway, suggesting a possible direct link between AhR and CSCs. Several recent studies have investigated the role of AhR in CSCs self-renewal and maintenance, however the molecular mechanisms and particularly the epigenetic regulations of CSCs by the AhR/CYP1A pathway have not been reviewed before. In this review, we first summarize the crosstalk between AhR and cancer genetics, with a particular emphasis on the mechanisms relevant to CSCs such as Wnt/β-catenin, Notch, NF-κB, and PTEN-PI3K/Akt signaling pathways. The second part of this review discusses the recent advances and studies highlighting the epigenetic mechanisms mediated by the AhR/CYP1A pathway that control CSC gene expression, self-renewal, and chemoresistance in various human cancers. Furthermore, the review also sheds light on the importance of targeting the epigenetic pathways as a novel therapeutic approach against CSCs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sabah Akhtar
- Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, College of Pharmacy, QU Health, Qatar University, Doha, Qatar
| | - Shireen Hourani
- Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, College of Pharmacy, QU Health, Qatar University, Doha, Qatar
| | - Lubna Therachiyil
- Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, College of Pharmacy, QU Health, Qatar University, Doha, Qatar; Translational Research Institute, Academic Health System, Hamad Medical Corporation, Doha, Qatar
| | - Abdullah Al-Dhfyan
- Stem Cell & Tissue Re-Engineering, King Faisal Specialist Hospital and Research Centre, Riyadh, 11211, Saudi Arabia
| | - Abdelali Agouni
- Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, College of Pharmacy, QU Health, Qatar University, Doha, Qatar
| | - Asad Zeidan
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, College of Medicine, QU Health, Qatar University, Doha, Qatar
| | - Shahab Uddin
- Translational Research Institute, Academic Health System, Hamad Medical Corporation, Doha, Qatar
| | - Hesham M Korashy
- Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, College of Pharmacy, QU Health, Qatar University, Doha, Qatar.
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12
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Aryl Hydrocarbon Receptor Connects Inflammation to Breast Cancer. Int J Mol Sci 2020; 21:ijms21155264. [PMID: 32722276 PMCID: PMC7432832 DOI: 10.3390/ijms21155264] [Citation(s) in RCA: 27] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/15/2020] [Revised: 07/12/2020] [Accepted: 07/20/2020] [Indexed: 02/06/2023] Open
Abstract
Aryl hydrocarbon receptor (AhR), an evolutionary conserved transcription factor, is a pleiotropic signal transductor. Thanks to its promiscuous ligand binding domain, during the evolution of eukaryotic cells its developmental functions were integrated with biosensor functions. Its activation by a multitude of endogenous and exogenous molecules stimulates its participation in several pathways, some of which are linked to inflammation and breast cancer (BC). Over time, the study of this malignancy has led to the identification of several therapeutic targets in cancer cells. An intense area of study is dedicated to BC phenotypes lacking adequate targets. In this context, due to its high constitutive activation in BC, AhR is currently gaining more and more attention. In this review, I have considered its interactions with: 1. the immune system, whose dysregulation is a renowned cancer hallmark; 2. interleukin 6 (IL6) which is a pivotal inflammatory marker and is closely correlated to breast cancer risk; 3. NF-kB, another evolutionary conserved transcription factor, which plays a key role in immunoregulatory functions, inflammatory response and breast carcinogenesis; 4. kynurenine, a tryptophan-derived ligand that activates and bridges AhR to chronic inflammation and breast carcinogenesis. Overall, the data here presented form an interesting framework where AhR is an interesting connector between inflammation and BC.
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13
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Moyano P, García J, García JM, Pelayo A, Muñoz-Calero P, Frejo MT, Anadon MJ, Lobo M, Del Pino J. Chlorpyrifos-induced cell proliferation in human breast cancer cell lines differentially mediated by estrogen and aryl hydrocarbon receptors and KIAA1363 enzyme after 24 h and 14 days exposure. CHEMOSPHERE 2020; 251:126426. [PMID: 32171938 DOI: 10.1016/j.chemosphere.2020.126426] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/22/2019] [Revised: 02/27/2020] [Accepted: 03/04/2020] [Indexed: 05/28/2023]
Abstract
Organophosphate biocide chlorpyrifos (CPF) is involved with breast cancer. However, the mechanisms remain unknown. CPF increases cell division in MCF-7 cells, by estrogen receptor alpha (ERα) activation, although it is a weak ERα agonist, suggesting other mechanisms should be involved. Aromatic hydrocarbon receptor (AhR) activation increases cell division in human breast cancer cells, and CPF strongly activates it. Finally, the KIAA1363 enzyme, which is regulated by CPF, is overexpressed in cancer cells. Accordingly, we hypothesized that CPF or its metabolite chlorpyrifos-oxon (CPFO) could induce cell viability promotion in MCF-7 and MDA-MB-231 cell lines, through mechanisms related to ERα, AhR, and KIAA1363, after 24 h and 14 days treatment. Results show that, after acute and long-term treatment, CPF and CPFO alter differently KIAA1363, AhR, ER and cytochrome P450 isoenzyme 1A1 (CYP1A1) expression. In addition, they induced cell proliferation through ERα activation after 24 h exposure in MCF-7 cells and through KIAA1363 overexpression and AhR activation in MCF-7 and MDA-MB-231 cells after acute and long-term treatment. The results obtained in this work provide new information relative to the mechanisms involved in the CPF toxic effects that could lead to breast cancer disease.
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Affiliation(s)
- Paula Moyano
- Department of Pharmacology and Toxicology, Medicine School, Complutense University of Madrid, 28040, Madrid, Spain
| | - Jimena García
- Department of Pharmacology, Health Sciences School, Alfonso X University, 28691, Madrid, Spain
| | - José Manuel García
- Department of Pharmacology and Toxicology, Medicine School, Complutense University of Madrid, 28040, Madrid, Spain
| | - Adela Pelayo
- Department of Legal Medicine, Psychiatry and Pathology, Medicine School, Complutense University of Madrid, 28040, Madrid, Spain
| | | | - María Teresa Frejo
- Department of Pharmacology and Toxicology, Medicine School, Complutense University of Madrid, 28040, Madrid, Spain
| | - Maria Jose Anadon
- Department of Legal Medicine, Psychiatry and Pathology, Medicine School, Complutense University of Madrid, 28040, Madrid, Spain
| | - Margarita Lobo
- Department of Pharmacology and Toxicology, Medicine School, Complutense University of Madrid, 28040, Madrid, Spain
| | - Javier Del Pino
- Department of Pharmacology and Toxicology, Medicine School, Complutense University of Madrid, 28040, Madrid, Spain.
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14
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Donini CF, El Helou M, Wierinckx A, Győrffy B, Aires S, Escande A, Croze S, Clezardin P, Lachuer J, Diab-Assaf M, Ghayad SE, Fervers B, Cavaillès V, Maguer-Satta V, Cohen PA. Long-Term Exposure of Early-Transformed Human Mammary Cells to Low Doses of Benzo[a]pyrene and/or Bisphenol A Enhances Their Cancerous Phenotype via an AhR/GPR30 Interplay. Front Oncol 2020; 10:712. [PMID: 32670863 PMCID: PMC7326103 DOI: 10.3389/fonc.2020.00712] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/29/2019] [Accepted: 04/15/2020] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
It is of utmost importance to decipher the role of chronic exposure to low doses of environmental carcinogens on breast cancer progression. The early-transformed triple-negative human mammary MCF10AT1 cells were chronically (60 days) exposed to low doses (10−10 M) of Benzo[a]pyrene (B[a]P), a genotoxic agent, and/or Bisphenol A (BPA), an endocrine disruptor. Our study revealed that exposed MCF10AT1 cells developed, in a time-dependent manner, an acquired phenotype characterized by an increase in cancerous properties (anchorage independent growth and stem-like phenotype). Co-exposure of MCF10AT1 cells to B[a]P and BPA led to a significantly greater aggressive phenotype compared to B[a]P or BPA alone. This study provided new insights into the existence of a functional interplay between the aryl hydrocarbon receptor (AhR) and the G protein-coupled receptor 30 (GPR30) by which chronic and low-dose exposure of B[a]P and/or BPA fosters the progression of MCF10AT1 cells into a more aggressive substage. Experiments using AhR or GPR30 antagonists, siRNA strategies, and RNAseq analysis led us to propose a model in which AhR signaling plays a “driver role” in the AhR/GPR30 cross-talk in mediating long-term and low-dose exposure of B[a]P and/or BPA. Retrospective analysis of two independent breast cancer cohorts revealed that the AhR/GPR30 mRNA expression signature resulted in poor breast cancer prognosis, in particular in the ER-negative and the triple-negative subtypes. Finally, the study identified targeting AhR and/or GPR30 with specific antagonists as a strategy capable of inhibiting carcinogenesis associated with chronic exposure to low doses of B[a]P and BPA in MCF10AT1 cells. Altogether, our results indicate that the engagement of both AhR and GPR30 functions, in particular in an ER-negative/triple-negative context of breast cells, favors tumor progression and leads to poor prognosis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Caterina F Donini
- Université Lyon 1, Lyon, France.,CRCL-Centre de Recherche en Cancérologie de Lyon-Inserm U1052-CNRS U5286, Lyon, France.,Département Cancer et Environnement, Centre Léon Bérard, Lyon, France
| | - Myriam El Helou
- Université Lyon 1, Lyon, France.,CRCL-Centre de Recherche en Cancérologie de Lyon-Inserm U1052-CNRS U5286, Lyon, France.,Faculty of sciences II, Lebanese University, Fanar, Lebanon
| | - Anne Wierinckx
- Université Lyon 1, Lyon, France.,CRCL-Centre de Recherche en Cancérologie de Lyon-Inserm U1052-CNRS U5286, Lyon, France.,ProfileXpert, SFR-Est, CNRS UMR-S3453, INSERM US7, Lyon, France
| | - Balázs Győrffy
- Department of Bioinformatics, Semmelweis University and TTK Lendület Cancer Biomarker Research Group, Budapest, Hungary
| | - Sophie Aires
- Université Lyon 1, Lyon, France.,CRCL-Centre de Recherche en Cancérologie de Lyon-Inserm U1052-CNRS U5286, Lyon, France
| | | | - Séverine Croze
- Université Lyon 1, Lyon, France.,ProfileXpert, SFR-Est, CNRS UMR-S3453, INSERM US7, Lyon, France
| | | | - Joël Lachuer
- Université Lyon 1, Lyon, France.,CRCL-Centre de Recherche en Cancérologie de Lyon-Inserm U1052-CNRS U5286, Lyon, France.,ProfileXpert, SFR-Est, CNRS UMR-S3453, INSERM US7, Lyon, France
| | | | | | - Béatrice Fervers
- Université Lyon 1, Lyon, France.,CRCL-Centre de Recherche en Cancérologie de Lyon-Inserm U1052-CNRS U5286, Lyon, France.,Département Cancer et Environnement, Centre Léon Bérard, Lyon, France
| | - Vincent Cavaillès
- IRCM - Institut de Recherche en Cancérologie de Montpellier, INSERM U1194, Université de Montpellier, Institut régional du Cancer de Montpellier, CNRS, Montpellier, France
| | | | - Pascale A Cohen
- Université Lyon 1, Lyon, France.,CRCL-Centre de Recherche en Cancérologie de Lyon-Inserm U1052-CNRS U5286, Lyon, France.,Département Cancer et Environnement, Centre Léon Bérard, Lyon, France.,ProfileXpert, SFR-Est, CNRS UMR-S3453, INSERM US7, Lyon, France.,INSERM, UMR1033 LYOS, Lyon, France
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15
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Baker JR, Sakoff JA, McCluskey A. The aryl hydrocarbon receptor (AhR) as a breast cancer drug target. Med Res Rev 2019; 40:972-1001. [PMID: 31721255 DOI: 10.1002/med.21645] [Citation(s) in RCA: 29] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/21/2019] [Revised: 10/04/2019] [Accepted: 10/29/2019] [Indexed: 12/25/2022]
Abstract
Breast cancer is the most common cancer in women, with more than 1.7 million diagnoses worldwide per annum. Metastatic breast cancer remains incurable, and the presence of triple-negative phenotypes makes targeted treatment impossible. The aryl hydrocarbon receptor (AhR), most commonly associated with the metabolism of xenobiotic ligands, has emerged as a promising biological target for the treatment of this deadly disease. Ligands for the AhR can be classed as exogenous or endogenous and may have agonistic or antagonistic activity. It has been well reported that agonistic ligands may have potent and selective growth inhibition activity in a number of oncogenic cell lines, and one (aminoflavone) has progressed to phase I clinical trials for breast cancer sufferers. In this study, we examine the current state of the literature in this area and elucidate the promising advances that are being made in hijacking the cytosolic-to-nuclear pathway of the AhR for the possible future treatment of breast cancer.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jennifer R Baker
- Chemistry, School of Environmental & Life Sciences, the University of Newcastle, Callaghan, NSW, Australia
| | - Jennette A Sakoff
- Department of Medical Oncology, Calvary Mater Newcastle Hospital, Waratah, NSW, Australia
| | - Adam McCluskey
- Chemistry, School of Environmental & Life Sciences, the University of Newcastle, Callaghan, NSW, Australia
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16
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Donovan MG, Selmin OI, Doetschman TC, Romagnolo DF. Epigenetic Activation of BRCA1 by Genistein In Vivo and Triple Negative Breast Cancer Cells Linked to Antagonism toward Aryl Hydrocarbon Receptor. Nutrients 2019; 11:nu11112559. [PMID: 31652854 PMCID: PMC6893467 DOI: 10.3390/nu11112559] [Citation(s) in RCA: 31] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/19/2019] [Revised: 10/16/2019] [Accepted: 10/17/2019] [Indexed: 12/24/2022] Open
Abstract
Triple negative breast cancers (TNBC) are the most aggressive and lethal breast cancers (BC). The aryl hydrocarbon receptor (AHR) is often overexpressed in TNBC, and its activation results in the epigenetic silencing of BRCA1, which is a necessary factor for the transcriptional activation of estrogen receptor (ER)α. The dietary isoflavone genistein (GEN) modulates BRCA1 CpG methylation in BC cells. The purpose of this study was to investigate the effect of GEN on BRCA1 epigenetic regulation and AHR activity in vivo and TNBC cells. Mice were administered a control or GEN-enriched (4 and 10 ppm) diet from gestation through post-natal day 50. Mammary tissue was analyzed for changes in BRCA1 regulation and AhR activity. TNBC cells with constitutively hypermethylated BRCA1 (HCC38) and MCF7 cells were used. Protein levels and mRNA expression were measured by Western blot and real-time PCR, respectively. BRCA1 promoter occupancy and CpG methylation were analyzed by chromatin immunoprecipitation and methylation-specific PCR, respectively. Cell viability was determined by 3-(4,5-dimethylthiazol-2-yl)-2,5-diphenyltetrazolium bromide (MTT) assay. GEN administered in the diet dose-dependently decreased basal Brca1 methylation and AHR activity in the mammary gland of adult mice. HCC38 cells were found to overexpress constitutively active AHR in parallel with BRCA1 hypermethylation. The treatment of HCC38 cells with GEN upregulated BRCA1 protein levels, which was attributable to decreased CpG methylation and AHR binding at BRCA1 exon 1a. In MCF7 cells, GEN prevented the 2,3,7,8-tetrachlorodibenzo-p-dioxin (TCDD)-dependent localization of AHR at the BRCA1 gene. These effects were consistent with those elicited by control AHR antagonists galangin (GAL), CH-223191, and α-naphthoflavone. The pre-treatment with GEN sensitized HCC38 cells to the antiproliferative effects of 4-hydroxytamoxifen. We conclude that the dietary compound GEN may be effective for the prevention and reversal of AHR-dependent BRCA1 hypermethylation, and the restoration of ERα-mediated response, thus imparting the sensitivity of TNBC to antiestrogen therapy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Micah G Donovan
- Cancer Biology Graduate Interdisciplinary Program, The University of Arizona, Tucson, AZ 85724, USA.
- The University of Arizona Cancer Center, The University of Arizona, Tucson, AZ 85724, USA.
| | - Ornella I Selmin
- The University of Arizona Cancer Center, The University of Arizona, Tucson, AZ 85724, USA.
- Department of Nutritional Sciences, The University of Arizona, Tucson, AZ 85721, USA.
| | - Thomas C Doetschman
- The University of Arizona Cancer Center, The University of Arizona, Tucson, AZ 85724, USA.
- Department of Cellular and Molecular Medicine, The University of Arizona, Tucson, AZ 85724, USA.
| | - Donato F Romagnolo
- The University of Arizona Cancer Center, The University of Arizona, Tucson, AZ 85724, USA.
- Department of Nutritional Sciences, The University of Arizona, Tucson, AZ 85721, USA.
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17
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Rowland LK, Campbell PS, Mavingire N, Wooten JV, McLean L, Zylstra D, Thorne G, Daly D, Boyle K, Whang S, Unternaehrer J, Brantley EJ. Putative tumor suppressor cytoglobin promotes aryl hydrocarbon receptor ligand-mediated triple negative breast cancer cell death. J Cell Biochem 2019; 120:6004-6014. [PMID: 30450577 PMCID: PMC6382570 DOI: 10.1002/jcb.27887] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/05/2018] [Accepted: 09/21/2018] [Indexed: 12/17/2022]
Abstract
Nearly 40 000 women die annually from breast cancer in the United States. Clinically available targeted breast cancer therapy is largely ineffective in triple negative breast cancer (TNBC), characterized by tumors that lack expression of the estrogen receptor (ER), progesterone receptor (PR), and human epidermal growth factor receptor 2 (Her2). TNBC is associated with a poor prognosis. Previous reports show that aryl hydrocarbon receptor (AhR) partial agonist 2-(4-amino-3-methylphenyl)-5-fluorobenzothiazole (5F 203) selectively inhibits the growth of breast cancer cells, including those of the TNBC subtype. We previously demonstrated that 5F 203 induced the expression of putative tumor suppressor gene cytoglobin (CYGB) in breast cancer cells. In the current study, we determined that 5F 203 induces apoptosis and caspase-3 activation in MDA-MB-468 TNBC cells and in T47D ER+ PR + Her2 - breast cancer cells. We also show that caspases and CYGB promote 5F 203-mediated apoptosis in MDA-MB-468 cells. 5F 203 induced lysosomal membrane permeabilization (LMP) and cathepsin B release in MDA-MB-468 and T47D cells. In addition, silencing CYGB attenuated the ability of 5F 203 to induce caspase-3/-7 activation, proapoptotic gene expression, LMP, and cathepsin B release in MDA-MB-468 cells. Moreover, 5F 203 induced CYGB protein expression, proapoptotic protein expression, and caspase-3 cleavage in MDA-MB-468 cells and in MDA-MB-468 xenograft tumors grown orthotopically in athymic mice. These data provide a basis for the development of AhR ligands with the potential to restore CYGB expression as a novel strategy to treat TNBC.
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Affiliation(s)
- Leah K. Rowland
- Department of Basic Sciences, Center for Health Disparities and Molecular Medicine, Loma Linda University Health School of Medicine, Loma Linda, CA
| | - Petreena S. Campbell
- Department of Basic Sciences, Center for Health Disparities and Molecular Medicine, Loma Linda University Health School of Medicine, Loma Linda, CA
| | - Nicole Mavingire
- Department of Basic Sciences, Center for Health Disparities and Molecular Medicine, Loma Linda University Health School of Medicine, Loma Linda, CA
| | - Jonathan V. Wooten
- Department of Basic Sciences, Center for Health Disparities and Molecular Medicine, Loma Linda University Health School of Medicine, Loma Linda, CA
| | - Lancelot McLean
- Dental Education Services, Loma Linda University Health School of Dentistry, Loma Linda, CA
| | - Dain Zylstra
- Department of Pharmaceutical and Administrative Sciences, Loma Linda University Health School of Pharmacy, Loma Linda, CA
| | - Gabriell Thorne
- Department of Basic Sciences, Center for Health Disparities and Molecular Medicine, Loma Linda University Health School of Medicine, Loma Linda, CA
- Department of Pharmacy and Health Professions, Elizabeth City State University, Elizabeth City, NC, USA
| | - Devin Daly
- Department of Basic Sciences, Center for Health Disparities and Molecular Medicine, Loma Linda University Health School of Medicine, Loma Linda, CA
| | - Kristopher Boyle
- Department of Pharmaceutical and Administrative Sciences, Loma Linda University Health School of Pharmacy, Loma Linda, CA
| | - Sonya Whang
- Department of Basic Sciences, Center for Health Disparities and Molecular Medicine, Loma Linda University Health School of Medicine, Loma Linda, CA
| | - Juli Unternaehrer
- Department of Basic Sciences, Center for Health Disparities and Molecular Medicine, Loma Linda University Health School of Medicine, Loma Linda, CA
| | - Eileen J. Brantley
- Department of Basic Sciences, Center for Health Disparities and Molecular Medicine, Loma Linda University Health School of Medicine, Loma Linda, CA
- Department of Pharmaceutical and Administrative Sciences, Loma Linda University Health School of Pharmacy, Loma Linda, CA
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18
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Donovan MG, Selmin OI, Romagnolo DF. Aryl Hydrocarbon Receptor Diet and Breast Cancer Risk. THE YALE JOURNAL OF BIOLOGY AND MEDICINE 2018; 91:105-127. [PMID: 29962921 PMCID: PMC6020732] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/06/2022]
Abstract
Breast cancer is the most common type of cancer and leading cause of cancer mortality among women worldwide. However, the majority of breast malignancies are of sporadic etiology. Therefore, identifying risk-mitigating factors may significantly decrease the burden of breast cancer. Diet can have both a predisposing and protective role in breast tumorigenesis. However, establishing efficacy of dietary constituents for cancer prevention has been limited by suboptimal dietary assessment. There is a need to acquire new experimental evidence that can be used to discriminate beneficial from harmful dietary constituents. The aryl hydrocarbon receptor (AhR) is a ligand-activated transcription factor that is recognized as the mediator of halogenated and polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbon toxicities. Importantly, evidence points to a breast tumor-promoting role for the AhR. Preclinical and clinical studies suggest that the AhR is overexpressed in advanced and triple negative breast cancers. Several dietary constituents, namely flavonoid compounds, have demonstrated inhibitory effects on AhR activation. Given this background, in this paper we elaborate on the working hypothesis that a diet rich in AhR food agonists favors breast tumor development, whereas a diet rich in AhR food antagonists is protective. As an initial approach to developing an AhR diet hypothesis, we conducted a review of published studies reporting on the association between intake of AhR inhibitory foods and risk of breast cancer. To assist the reader with interpretation of the concepts leading to the AhR diet hypothesis, we have preceded this review with an overview of AhR biology and its role in breast cancer development.
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Affiliation(s)
- Micah G. Donovan
- The University of Arizona Cancer Center, The University of Arizona, Tucson, AZ
| | - Ornella I. Selmin
- The University of Arizona Cancer Center, The University of Arizona, Tucson, AZ,Department of Nutritional Sciences, University of Arizona, Tucson, AZ
| | - Donato F. Romagnolo
- The University of Arizona Cancer Center, The University of Arizona, Tucson, AZ,Department of Nutritional Sciences, University of Arizona, Tucson, AZ,To whom all correspondence should be addressed: Donato F. Romagnolo, The University of Arizona Cancer Center, Room 3999A, The University of Arizona, Tucson, AZ, USA; Tel: 520-626-9751; Fax: 520-621-9446.
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19
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Vacher S, Castagnet P, Chemlali W, Lallemand F, Meseure D, Pocard M, Bieche I, Perrot-Applanat M. High AHR expression in breast tumors correlates with expression of genes from several signaling pathways namely inflammation and endogenous tryptophan metabolism. PLoS One 2018; 13:e0190619. [PMID: 29320557 PMCID: PMC5761880 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0190619] [Citation(s) in RCA: 60] [Impact Index Per Article: 10.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/15/2017] [Accepted: 12/18/2017] [Indexed: 12/02/2022] Open
Abstract
Increasing epidemiological and animal experimental data provide substantial support for the role of aryl hydrocarbon receptor (AhR) in mammary tumorigenesis. The effects of AhR have been clearly demonstrated in rodent models of breast carcinogenesis and in several established human breast cancer cell lines following exposure to AhR ligands or AhR overexpression. However, relatively little is known about the role of AhR in human breast cancers. AhR has always been considered to be a regulator of toxic and carcinogenic responses to environmental contaminants such as TCDD (dioxin) and benzo[a]pyrene (BaP). The aim of this study was to identify the type of breast tumors (ERα-positive or ERα-negative) that express AHR and how AhR affects human tumorigenesis. The levels of AHR, AHR nuclear translocator (ARNT) and AHR repressor (AHRR) mRNA expression were analyzed in a cohort of 439 breast tumors, demonstrating a weak association between high AHR expression and age greater than fifty years and ERα-negative status, and HR-/ERBB2 breast cancer subtypes. AHRR mRNA expression was associated with metastasis-free survival, while AHR mRNA expression was not. Immunohistochemistry revealed the presence of AhR protein in both tumor cells (nucleus and/or cytoplasm) and the tumor microenvironment (including endothelial cells and lymphocytes). High AHR expression was correlated with high expression of several genes involved in signaling pathways related to inflammation (IL1B, IL6, TNF, IL8 and CXCR4), metabolism (IDO1 and TDO2 from the kynurenine pathway), invasion (MMP1, MMP2 and PLAU), and IGF signaling (IGF2R, IGF1R and TGFB1). Two well-known ligands for AHR (TCDD and BaP) induced mRNA expression of IL1B and IL6 in an ERα-negative breast tumor cell line. The breast cancer ER status likely influences AhR activity involved in these signaling pathways. The mechanisms involved in AhR activation and target gene expression in breast cancers are also discussed.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sophie Vacher
- Department of Genetics, Pharmacogenomics Unit, Institut Curie, Paris, France
- * E-mail:
| | - Patrice Castagnet
- Department of Pathology, Lariboisière-Saint Louis Hospital, Paris, France
| | - Walid Chemlali
- Department of Genetics, Pharmacogenomics Unit, Institut Curie, Paris, France
| | - François Lallemand
- Department of Genetics, Pharmacogenomics Unit, Institut Curie, Paris, France
| | | | - Marc Pocard
- INSERM U965, Lariboisière-Saint Louis Hospital, Paris, France
- University of Paris Diderot-Paris 7, Paris, France
| | - Ivan Bieche
- Department of Genetics, Pharmacogenomics Unit, Institut Curie, Paris, France
- EA7331, University of Paris Descartes, Paris, France
| | - Martine Perrot-Applanat
- INSERM U965, Lariboisière-Saint Louis Hospital, Paris, France
- University of Paris Diderot-Paris 7, Paris, France
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20
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Romagnolo DF, Daniels KD, Grunwald JT, Ramos SA, Propper CR, Selmin OI. Epigenetics of breast cancer: Modifying role of environmental and bioactive food compounds. Mol Nutr Food Res 2017; 60:1310-29. [PMID: 27144894 DOI: 10.1002/mnfr.201501063] [Citation(s) in RCA: 48] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/25/2015] [Revised: 04/24/2016] [Accepted: 04/26/2016] [Indexed: 12/12/2022]
Abstract
SCOPE Reduced expression of tumor suppressor genes (TSG) increases the susceptibility to breast cancer. However, only a small percentage of breast tumors is related to family history and mutational inactivation of TSG. Epigenetics refers to non-mutational events that alter gene expression. Endocrine disruptors found in foods and drinking water may disrupt epigenetically hormonal regulation and increase breast cancer risk. This review centers on the working hypothesis that agonists of the aromatic hydrocarbon receptor (AHR), bisphenol A (BPA), and arsenic compounds, induce in TSG epigenetic signatures that mirror those often seen in sporadic breast tumors. Conversely, it is hypothesized that bioactive food components that target epigenetic mechanisms protect against sporadic breast cancer induced by these disruptors. METHODS AND RESULTS This review highlights (i) overlaps between epigenetic signatures placed in TSG by AHR-ligands, BPA, and arsenic with epigenetic alterations associated with sporadic breast tumorigenesis; and (ii) potential opportunities for the prevention of sporadic breast cancer with food components that target the epigenetic machinery. CONCLUSIONS Characterizing the overlap between epigenetic signatures elicited in TSG by endocrine disruptors with those observed in sporadic breast tumors may afford new strategies for breast cancer prevention with specific bioactive food components or diet.
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Affiliation(s)
- Donato F Romagnolo
- Department of Nutritional Sciences, The University of Arizona, Tucson, AZ, USA.,The University of Arizona Cancer Center, Tucson, AZ, USA
| | - Kevin D Daniels
- Department of Biological Sciences, Northern Arizona University, Flagstaff, AZ, USA
| | - Jonathan T Grunwald
- Department of Biological Sciences, Northern Arizona University, Flagstaff, AZ, USA
| | - Stephan A Ramos
- Department of Biological Sciences, Northern Arizona University, Flagstaff, AZ, USA
| | - Catherine R Propper
- Department of Biological Sciences, Northern Arizona University, Flagstaff, AZ, USA
| | - Ornella I Selmin
- Department of Nutritional Sciences, The University of Arizona, Tucson, AZ, USA.,The University of Arizona Cancer Center, Tucson, AZ, USA
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21
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Yue C, Ji C, Zhang H, Zhang LW, Tong J, Jiang Y, Chen T. Protective effects of folic acid on PM2.5-induced cardiac developmental toxicity in zebrafish embryos by targeting AhR and Wnt/β-catenin signal pathways. ENVIRONMENTAL TOXICOLOGY 2017; 32:2316-2322. [PMID: 28722335 DOI: 10.1002/tox.22448] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/11/2017] [Revised: 06/21/2017] [Accepted: 07/02/2017] [Indexed: 05/06/2023]
Abstract
Our previous observations indicated that extractable organic matter (EOM) from PM2.5 induced malformations in the heart of zebrafish embryos by activating AhR and inhibiting canonical Wnt/β-catenin signal pathway. As a nutritional factor, folic acid (FA) is reported to prevent cardiac defects during embryo development. Hence, we hypothesize that FA may prevent PM2.5-induced heart defects by interfering with AhR and Wnt/β-catenin signaling pathways. Our results showed that FA supplementation alleviated the EOM-induced heart defects in zebrafish embryos, and both AhR inhibitor CH223191 and Wnt activator CHIR99021 enhanced the protective efficiency of FA. Furthermore, FA supplementation attenuated the EOM-induced upregulation of AhR and its target genes including Cyp1a1, Cyp1b1, Ahrra, and Ahrrb. EROD assay confirmed that the EOM agonized Cyp1a1 activity was diminished by FA. The EOM-induced downregulation of β-catenin and its target genes including Nkx2.5, Axin2, Sox9b, and Cox2b were recovered or even overexpressed in embryos exposed to EOM plus FA. In conclusion, our study suggested that FA supplementation protected against PM2.5 cardiac development toxicity by targeting AhR and Wnt/β-catenin signal pathways.
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Affiliation(s)
- Cong Yue
- Department of Toxicology, School of Public Health, Soochow University, Suzhou, China
- Jiangsu Key Laboratory of Preventive and Translational Medicine for Geriatric Diseases, Soochow University, Suzhou, China
| | - Cheng Ji
- Department of Genetics, School of Biology and Basic Medical Sciences, Soochow University, Suzhou, China
| | - Hang Zhang
- Department of Toxicology, School of Public Health, Soochow University, Suzhou, China
- Jiangsu Key Laboratory of Preventive and Translational Medicine for Geriatric Diseases, Soochow University, Suzhou, China
| | - Leshuai W Zhang
- School for Radiological and interdisciplinary Sciences (RAD-X) and Collaborative Innovation Center of Radiation Medicine of Jiangsu Higher Education Institutions, Soochow University, Suzhou, Jiangsu Province, 215123, China
| | - Jian Tong
- Department of Toxicology, School of Public Health, Soochow University, Suzhou, China
- Jiangsu Key Laboratory of Preventive and Translational Medicine for Geriatric Diseases, Soochow University, Suzhou, China
| | - Yan Jiang
- Department of Physiology, School of Biology and Basic Medical Sciences, Soochow University, Suzhou, China
| | - Tao Chen
- Department of Toxicology, School of Public Health, Soochow University, Suzhou, China
- Jiangsu Key Laboratory of Preventive and Translational Medicine for Geriatric Diseases, Soochow University, Suzhou, China
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22
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Romagnolo DF, Donovan MG, Papoutsis AJ, Doetschman TC, Selmin OI. Genistein Prevents BRCA1 CpG Methylation and Proliferation in Human Breast Cancer Cells with Activated Aromatic Hydrocarbon Receptor. Curr Dev Nutr 2017; 1:e000562. [PMID: 29955703 PMCID: PMC5998349 DOI: 10.3945/cdn.117.000562] [Citation(s) in RCA: 30] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/14/2017] [Revised: 03/02/2017] [Accepted: 05/19/2017] [Indexed: 01/11/2023] Open
Abstract
Background: Previous studies have suggested a causative role for agonists of the aromatic hydrocarbon receptor (AhR) in the etiology of breast cancer 1, early-onset (BRCA-1)-silenced breast tumors, for which prospects for treatment remain poor. Objectives: We investigated the regulation of BRCA1 by the soy isoflavone genistein (GEN) in human estrogen receptor α (ERα)-positive Michigan Cancer Foundation-7 (MCF-7) and ERα-negative sporadic University of Arizona Cell Culture-3199 (UACC-3199) breast cancer cells, respectively, with inducible and constitutively active AhR. Methods: In MCF-7 cells, we analyzed the dose- and time-dependent effects of GEN and (-)-epigallocatechin-3-gallate (EGCG) control, selected as prototype dietary DNA methyltransferase (DNMT) inhibitors, on BRCA-1 expression after AhR activation with 2,3,7,8-tetrachlorodibenzo-p-dioxin (TCDD) and in TCDD-washout experiments. We compared the effects of GEN and EGCG on BRCA1 cytosine-phosphate-guanine (CpG) methylation and cell proliferation. Controls for DNA methylation and proliferation were changes in expression of DNMT-1, cyclin D1, and p53, respectively. In UACC-3199 cells, we compared the effects of GEN and α-naphthoflavone (αNF; 7,8-benzoflavone), a synthetic flavone and AhR antagonist, on BRCA1 expression and CpG methylation, cyclin D1, and cell growth. Finally, we examined the effects of GEN and αNF on BRCA1, AhR-inducible cytochrome P450 (CYP)-1A1 (CYP1A1) and CYP1B1, and AhR mRNA expression. Results: In MCF-7 cells, GEN exerted dose- and time-dependent preventative effects against TCDD-dependent downregulation of BRCA-1. After TCDD washout, GEN rescued BRCA-1 protein expression while reducing DNMT-1 and cyclin D1. GEN and EGCG reduced BRCA1 CpG methylation and cell proliferation associated with increased p53. In UACC-3199 cells, GEN reduced BRCA1 and estrogen receptor-1 (ESR1) CpG methylation, cyclin D1, and cell growth while inducing BRCA-1 and CYP1A1. Conclusions: Results suggest preventative effects for GEN and EGCG against BRCA1 CpG methylation and downregulation in ERα-positive breast cancer cells with activated AhR. GEN and flavone antagonists of AhR may be useful for reactivation of BRCA1 and ERα via CpG demethylation in ERα-negative breast cancer cells harboring constitutively active AhR.
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Affiliation(s)
- Donato F Romagnolo
- Department of Nutritional Sciences, The University of Arizona, Tucson, AZ
- Department of The University of Arizona Cancer Center, The University of Arizona, Tucson, AZ
| | - Micah G Donovan
- Department of Nutritional Sciences, The University of Arizona, Tucson, AZ
- Department of The University of Arizona Cancer Center, The University of Arizona, Tucson, AZ
| | - Andreas J Papoutsis
- Department of Nutritional Sciences, The University of Arizona, Tucson, AZ
- Department of The University of Arizona Cancer Center, The University of Arizona, Tucson, AZ
| | - Tom C Doetschman
- Department of Cellular and Molecular Medicine, The University of Arizona, Tucson, AZ
- Department of The University of Arizona Cancer Center, The University of Arizona, Tucson, AZ
| | - Ornella I Selmin
- Department of Nutritional Sciences, The University of Arizona, Tucson, AZ
- Department of The University of Arizona Cancer Center, The University of Arizona, Tucson, AZ
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23
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Wiedmeier JE, Ohlrich A, Chu A, Rountree MR, Turker MS. Induction of the long noncoding RNA NBR2 from the bidirectional BRCA1 promoter under hypoxic conditions. Mutat Res 2017; 796:13-19. [PMID: 28249151 DOI: 10.1016/j.mrfmmm.2017.02.001] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/01/2016] [Revised: 01/27/2017] [Accepted: 02/09/2017] [Indexed: 06/06/2023]
Abstract
BRCA1 plays an important role in preventing breast cancer and is often silenced or repressed in sporadic cancer. The BRCA1 promoter is bidirectional: it drives transcription of the long non-coding (lnc) NBR2 transcript in the opposite orientation relative to the BRCA1 transcript. Hypoxic conditions repress BRCA1 transcription, but their effect on expression of the NBR2 transcript has not been reported. We used quantitative RT-PCR to measure BRCA1 and NBR2 transcript levels in 0% and 1% oxygen in MCF-7 breast cancer cells and found that NBR2 transcript levels increased as a function of time under hypoxic conditions, whereas BRCA1 mRNA levels were repressed. Hypoxic conditions were ineffective in reducing BRCA1 mRNA in the UACC-3199 breast cancer cell line, which is reported to have an epigenetically silenced BRCA1 promoter, even though appreciable levels of BRCA1 and NBR2 mRNA were detected. Significant recovery back to baseline RNA levels occurred within 48h after the MCF-7 cells were restored to normoxic conditions. We used a construct with the 218bp minimal BRCA1 promoter linked to marker genes to show that this minimal promoter repressed expression bidirectionally under hypoxic conditions, which suggests that the elements necessary for induction of NBR2 are located elsewhere.
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Affiliation(s)
- J Erin Wiedmeier
- University of Utah School of Medicine, Salt Lake City, UT 84132, United States
| | - Anna Ohlrich
- Oregon Institute of Occupational Health Sciences, Oregon Health & Science University, Portland, OR, 97239, United States
| | - Adrian Chu
- University of Utah School of Medicine, Salt Lake City, UT 84132, United States
| | | | - Mitchell S Turker
- Oregon Institute of Occupational Health Sciences, Oregon Health & Science University, Portland, OR, 97239, United States; Department of Molecular and Medical Genetics, Oregon Health & Science University, Portland, OR, 97239, United States.
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