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Wang M, Sun F, Zhang S, Zhang X, Sun Y, Yu T, Li Y, Jiang A, Qiao P, Ren C, Yang T. NEK2 promotes the development of ovarian endometriosis and impairs decidualization by phosphorylating FOXO1. Cell Mol Life Sci 2024; 81:237. [PMID: 38795132 PMCID: PMC11127904 DOI: 10.1007/s00018-024-05270-8] [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: 11/20/2023] [Revised: 05/03/2024] [Accepted: 05/06/2024] [Indexed: 05/27/2024]
Abstract
Ovarian endometriosis is a common gynecological disease, and one of its most significant symptoms is infertility. In patients with endometriosis, defects in endometrial decidualization lead to impaired endometrial receptivity and embryo implantation, thus affecting early pregnancy and women's desire to have children. However, the mechanisms underlying the development of endometriosis and its associated defective decidualization are unclear. We find that NEK2 expression is increased in the ectopic and eutopic endometrium of patients with endometriosis. Meanwhile, NEK2 interacts with FOXO1 and phosphorylates FOXO1 at Ser184, inhibiting the stability of the FOXO1 protein. Importantly, NEK2-mediated phosphorylation of FOXO1 at Ser184 promotes cell proliferation, migration, invasion and impairs decidualization. Furthermore, INH1, an inhibitor of NEK2, inhibits the growth of ectopic lesions in mouse models of endometriosis and promotes endometrial decidualization in mouse models of artificially induced decidualization. Taken together, these findings indicate that NEK2 regulates the development of endometriosis and associated disorders of decidualization through the phosphorylation of FOXO1, providing a new therapeutic target for its treatment.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mengxue Wang
- Department of Reproductive Medicine, Affiliated Hospital of Shandong Second Medical University, Weifang, Shandong Province, P.R. China
- School of Clinical Medicine, Shandong Second Medical University, Weifang, Shandong Province, P.R. China
| | - Fangyuan Sun
- Department of Reproductive Medicine, Affiliated Hospital of Shandong Second Medical University, Weifang, Shandong Province, P.R. China
- School of Clinical Medicine, Shandong Second Medical University, Weifang, Shandong Province, P.R. China
| | - Shucai Zhang
- Emergency Department, Affiliated Hospital of Shandong Second Medical University, Weifang, Shandong Province, P.R. China
| | - Xiaohui Zhang
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Zhucheng People's Hospital, Shandong Second Medical University, Weifang, Shandong Province, P.R. China
| | - Yujun Sun
- Department of Reproductive Medicine, Affiliated Hospital of Shandong Second Medical University, Weifang, Shandong Province, P.R. China
- School of Clinical Medicine, Shandong Second Medical University, Weifang, Shandong Province, P.R. China
| | - Ting Yu
- Department of Reproductive Medicine, Affiliated Hospital of Shandong Second Medical University, Weifang, Shandong Province, P.R. China
- School of Clinical Medicine, Shandong Second Medical University, Weifang, Shandong Province, P.R. China
| | - Yuanyuan Li
- Department of Reproductive Medicine, Affiliated Hospital of Shandong Second Medical University, Weifang, Shandong Province, P.R. China
- School of Clinical Medicine, Shandong Second Medical University, Weifang, Shandong Province, P.R. China
| | - Aifang Jiang
- Department of Reproductive Medicine, Affiliated Hospital of Shandong Second Medical University, Weifang, Shandong Province, P.R. China
| | - Pengyun Qiao
- Department of Reproductive Medicine, Affiliated Hospital of Shandong Second Medical University, Weifang, Shandong Province, P.R. China
| | - Chune Ren
- Department of Reproductive Medicine, Affiliated Hospital of Shandong Second Medical University, Weifang, Shandong Province, P.R. China.
| | - Tingting Yang
- Department of Reproductive Medicine, Affiliated Hospital of Shandong Second Medical University, Weifang, Shandong Province, P.R. China.
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Guo D, Zhou S, Liu R, Yao W, Li S, Zhang X, Shen W, Zhu S. NEK2 contributes to radioresistance in esophageal squamous cell carcinoma by inducing protective autophagy via regulating TRIM21. Cancer Cell Int 2024; 24:179. [PMID: 38783335 PMCID: PMC11112778 DOI: 10.1186/s12935-024-03367-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/10/2024] [Accepted: 05/09/2024] [Indexed: 05/25/2024] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Radiotherapy (RT) has been identified as a vital treatment for esophageal squamous cell carcinoma (ESCC), while the development of radioresistance remains a major obstacle in ESCC management. The aim of this study was to investigate the effect of NIMA-related kinase 2 (NEK2) on radioresistance in ESCC cells and to reveal potential molecular mechanisms. METHODS Human esophageal epithelial cells (HEEC) and human ESCC cell lines were obtained from the Research Center of the Fourth Hospital of Hebei Medical University (Shijiazhuang, China). Cell Counting Kit-8 (CCK-8) and flow cytometry assays were applied to assess the proliferation ability, cell cycle, apoptosis rates, and ROS production of ESCC cells. The colony-forming assay was used to estimate the effect of NEK2 on radiosensitivity. Autophagy was investigated by western blotting analysis, GFP-mRFP-LC3 fluorescence assay, and transmission electron microscopy (TEM). RESULTS In the present study, our results showed that NEK2 was associated with radioresistance, cell cycle arrest, apoptosis, ROS production, and survival of ESCC. NEK2 knockdown could significantly inhibit growth while enhancing radiosensitivity and ROS production in ESCC cells. Interestingly, NEK2 knockdown inhibited ESCC cell autophagy and reduced autophagic flux, ultimately reversing NEK2-induced radioresistance. Mechanistically, NEK2 bound to and regulated the stability of tripartite motif-containing protein 21 (TRIM21). The accumulation of NEK2-induced light chain 3 beta 2 (LC3B II) can be reversed by the knockdown of TRIM21. CONCLUSION These results demonstrated that NEK2 activated autophagy through TRIM21, which may provide a promising therapeutic strategy for elucidating NEK2-mediated radioresistance in ESCC.
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Affiliation(s)
- Dong Guo
- Department of Radiation Oncology, Fourth Hospital of Hebei Medical University, Shijiazhuang, 050000, China
| | - Shuo Zhou
- Department of Radiation Oncology, Fourth Hospital of Hebei Medical University, Shijiazhuang, 050000, China
| | - Ruixue Liu
- Department of Radiation Oncology, Fourth Hospital of Hebei Medical University, Shijiazhuang, 050000, China
| | - Weinan Yao
- Department of Radiation Oncology, Fourth Hospital of Hebei Medical University, Shijiazhuang, 050000, China
| | - Shuguang Li
- Department of Radiation Oncology, Fourth Hospital of Hebei Medical University, Shijiazhuang, 050000, China
| | - Xueyuan Zhang
- Department of Radiation Oncology, Fourth Hospital of Hebei Medical University, Shijiazhuang, 050000, China
| | - Wenbin Shen
- Department of Radiation Oncology, Fourth Hospital of Hebei Medical University, Shijiazhuang, 050000, China
| | - Shuchai Zhu
- Department of Radiation Oncology, Fourth Hospital of Hebei Medical University, Shijiazhuang, 050000, China.
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Tang P, Zheng G, Xu C, Yu N, Du J, Hu L, Zhou Z, Zheng Y. Function of NEK2 in clear cell renal cell carcinoma and its effect on the tumor microenvironment. Medicine (Baltimore) 2024; 103:e37939. [PMID: 38758909 PMCID: PMC11098263 DOI: 10.1097/md.0000000000037939] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/08/2023] [Accepted: 03/29/2024] [Indexed: 05/19/2024] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Previous studies have revealed the critical functions of NEK2 in controlling the cell cycle which is linked to poor prognosis in multiple tumor types, but less research has been devoted to clear cell renal cell carcinoma (ccRCC). METHODS We downloaded clinical data from the gene expression omnibus (GEO) and TCGA databases together with transcriptional and mutational datasets. Strongly coexpressed genes with NEK2 were extracted from TCGA-KIRC cohort, and were submitted to Gene Ontology (GO) and Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genomes (KEGG) for functional analyses. According to NEK2 levels, the survival status, mutational characteristics, response to immunotherapy and sensitivity to drugs of the patients were studied. The potential correlations between NEK2 levels and immune cell state as well as immune cell infiltration were examined using the GEPIA, TIMER and TISIDB databases. Double immunofluorescence (IF) was performed to identify the NEK2 overexpression and relationship with CD8 in ccRCC. RESULTS The NEK2 gene was overexpressed and would enhance the nuclear division and cell cycle activities in ccRCC. ccRCC patients with high NEK2 expression had worse clinical outcomes, higher mutation burden and better therapeutic response. Moreover, NEK2 gene overexpression was positively related to various immune cell marker sets, which was also proved by validation cohort, and more infiltration of various immune cells. CONCLUSION ccRCC patients with NEK2 high expression have a poorer prognosis than those with NEK2 low expression, resulting from its function of promoting proliferation, accompanied by increased infiltration of CD8 + T cells and Tregs and T-cell exhaustion and will respond better to proper treatments.
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Affiliation(s)
- Peng Tang
- The Fourth Affiliated Hospital, Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Yiwu, China
- Department of Urology, The First People’s Hospital of Linping District of Hangzhou, Hangzhou, China
| | - Gangfu Zheng
- The Fourth Affiliated Hospital, Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Yiwu, China
| | - Congcong Xu
- The Second Affiliated Hospital, Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Hangzhou, China
| | - Nengfeng Yu
- The Fourth Affiliated Hospital, Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Yiwu, China
| | - Jiaqi Du
- The Fourth Affiliated Hospital, Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Yiwu, China
| | - Liqian Hu
- The Fourth Affiliated Hospital, Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Yiwu, China
| | - Zhan Zhou
- The Fourth Affiliated Hospital, Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Yiwu, China
- Innovation Institute for Artificial Intelligence in Medicine and Zhejiang Provincial Key Laboratory of An-ti-Cancer Drug Research, College of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, China
| | - Yichun Zheng
- The Fourth Affiliated Hospital, Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Yiwu, China
- The Second Affiliated Hospital, Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Hangzhou, China
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Karaca C, Demir Karaman E, Leblebici A, Kurter H, Ellidokuz H, Koc A, Ellidokuz EB, Isik Z, Basbinar Y. New treatment alternatives for primary and metastatic colorectal cancer by an integrated transcriptome and network analyses. Sci Rep 2024; 14:8762. [PMID: 38627442 PMCID: PMC11021540 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-024-59101-8] [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: 01/23/2024] [Accepted: 04/08/2024] [Indexed: 04/19/2024] Open
Abstract
Metastatic colorectal cancer (CRC) is still in need of effective treatments. This study applies a holistic approach to propose new targets for treatment of primary and liver metastatic CRC and investigates their therapeutic potential in-vitro. An integrative analysis of primary and metastatic CRC samples was implemented for alternative target and treatment proposals. Integrated microarray samples were grouped based on a co-expression network analysis. Significant gene modules correlated with primary CRC and metastatic phenotypes were identified. Network clustering and pathway enrichments were applied to gene modules to prioritize potential targets, which were shortlisted by independent validation. Finally, drug-target interaction search led to three agents for primary and liver metastatic CRC phenotypes. Hesperadin and BAY-1217389 suppress colony formation over a 14-day period, with Hesperadin showing additional efficacy in reducing cell viability within 48 h. As both candidates target the G2/M phase proteins NEK2 or TTK, we confirmed their anti-proliferative properties by Ki-67 staining. Hesperadinin particular arrested the cell cycle at the G2/M phase. IL-29A treatment reduced migration and invasion capacities of TGF-β induced metastatic cell lines. In addition, this anti-metastatic treatment attenuated TGF-β dependent mesenchymal transition. Network analysis suggests IL-29A induces the JAK/STAT pathway in a preventive manner.
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Affiliation(s)
- Caner Karaca
- Department of Translational Oncology, Institute of Health Sciences, Dokuz Eylul University, Izmir, Turkey
| | - Ezgi Demir Karaman
- Department of Computer Engineering, Faculty of Engineering, Dokuz Eylul University, Izmir, Turkey
| | - Asim Leblebici
- Department of Translational Oncology, Institute of Health Sciences, Dokuz Eylul University, Izmir, Turkey
| | - Hasan Kurter
- Department of Translational Oncology, Institute of Health Sciences, Dokuz Eylul University, Izmir, Turkey
| | - Hulya Ellidokuz
- Department of Preventive Oncology, Institute of Oncology, Dokuz Eylul University, Izmir, Turkey
| | - Altug Koc
- Department of Translational Oncology, Institute of Health Sciences, Dokuz Eylul University, Izmir, Turkey
| | - Ender Berat Ellidokuz
- Department of Gastroenterology, Faculty of Medicine, Dokuz Eylul University, Izmir, Turkey
| | - Zerrin Isik
- Department of Computer Engineering, Faculty of Engineering, Dokuz Eylul University, Izmir, Turkey.
| | - Yasemin Basbinar
- Department of Translational Oncology, Institute of Oncology, Dokuz Eylul University, Izmir, Turkey.
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Liang M, Sheng L, Ke Y, Wu Z. The research progress on radiation resistance of cervical cancer. Front Oncol 2024; 14:1380448. [PMID: 38651153 PMCID: PMC11033433 DOI: 10.3389/fonc.2024.1380448] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/01/2024] [Accepted: 03/25/2024] [Indexed: 04/25/2024] Open
Abstract
Cervical carcinoma is the most prevalent gynecology malignant tumor and ranks as the fourth most common cancer worldwide, thus posing a significant threat to the lives and health of women. Advanced and early-stage cervical carcinoma patients with high-risk factors require adjuvant treatment following surgery, with radiotherapy being the primary approach. However, the tolerance of cervical cancer to radiotherapy has become a major obstacle in its treatment. Recent studies have demonstrated that radiation resistance in cervical cancer is closely associated with DNA damage repair pathways, the tumor microenvironment, tumor stem cells, hypoxia, cell cycle arrest, and epigenetic mechanisms, among other factors. The development of tumor radiation resistance involves complex interactions between multiple genes, pathways, and mechanisms, wherein each factor interacts through one or more signaling pathways. This paper provides an overview of research progress on an understanding of the mechanism underlying radiation resistance in cervical cancer.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | - Yumin Ke
- Department of Gynecology and Obstetrics, The Second Affiliated Hospital of Fujian Medical University, Quanzhou, Fujian, China
| | - Zhuna Wu
- Department of Gynecology and Obstetrics, The Second Affiliated Hospital of Fujian Medical University, Quanzhou, Fujian, China
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Wu J, Luo D, Tou L, Xu H, Jiang C, Wu D, Que H, Zheng J. NEK2 affects the ferroptosis sensitivity of gastric cancer cells by regulating the expression of HMOX1 through Keap1/Nrf2. Mol Cell Biochem 2024:10.1007/s11010-024-04960-y. [PMID: 38503948 DOI: 10.1007/s11010-024-04960-y] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/17/2023] [Accepted: 02/05/2024] [Indexed: 03/21/2024]
Abstract
NEK2 is a serine/threonine protein kinase that is involved in regulating the progression of various tumors. Our previous studies have found that NEK2 is highly expressed in gastric cancer and suggests that patients have a worse prognosis. However, its role and mechanism in gastric cancer are only poorly studied. In this study, we established a model of ferroptosis induced by RSL3 or Erastin in AGS cells in vitro, and konckdown NEK2, HOMX1, Nrf2 by siRNA. The assay kit was used to analyzed cell viability, MDA levels, GSH and GSSG content, and FeRhoNox™-1 fluorescent probe, BODIPY™ 581/591 C11 lipid oxidation probe, CM-H2DCFDA fluorescent probe were used to detected intracellular Fe2+, lipid peroxidation, and ROS levels, respectively. Calcein-AM/PI staining was used to detect the ratio of live and dead cells, qRT-PCR and Western blot were used to identify the mRNA and protein levels of genes in cells, immunofluorescence staining was used to analyze the localization of Nrf2 in cells, RNA-seq was used to analyze changes in mRNA expression profile, and combined with the FerrDb database, ferroptosis-related molecules were screened to elucidate the impact of NEK2 on the sensitivity of gastric cancer cells to ferroptosis. We found that inhibition of NEK2 could enhance the sensitivity of gastric cancer cells to RSL3 and Erastin-induced ferroptosis, which was reflected in the combination of inhibition of NEK2 and ferroptosis induction compared with ferroptosis induction alone: cell viability and GSH level were further decreased, while the proportion of dead cells, Fe2+ level, ROS level, lipid oxidation level, MDA level, GSSG level and GSSG/GSH ratio were further increased. Mechanism studies have found that inhibiting NEK2 could promote the expression of HMOX1, a gene related to ferroptosis, and enhance the sensitivity of gastric cancer cells to ferroptosis by increasing HMOX1. Further mechanism studies have found that inhibiting NEK2 could promote the ubiquitination and proteasome degradation of Keap1, increase the level of Nrf2 in the nucleus, and thus promote the expression of HMOX1. This study confirmed that NEK2 can regulate HMOX1 expression through Keap1/Nrf2 signal, and then affect the sensitivity of gastric cancer cells to ferroptosis, enriching the role and mechanism of NEK2 in gastric cancer.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jianyong Wu
- Gastroenterology Department, Lishui Municipal Central Hospital, The Fifth Affiliated Hospital of Wenzhou Medical University, Lishui, Zhejiang, China
| | - Desheng Luo
- Gastrointestinal Surgery, Lishui Municipal Central Hospital, The Fifth Affiliated Hospital of Wenzhou Medical University, Lishui, Zhejiang, China
| | - Laizhen Tou
- Gastrointestinal Surgery, Lishui Municipal Central Hospital, The Fifth Affiliated Hospital of Wenzhou Medical University, Lishui, Zhejiang, China
| | - Hongtao Xu
- Gastrointestinal Surgery, Lishui Municipal Central Hospital, The Fifth Affiliated Hospital of Wenzhou Medical University, Lishui, Zhejiang, China
| | - Chuan Jiang
- Gastrointestinal Surgery, Lishui Municipal Central Hospital, The Fifth Affiliated Hospital of Wenzhou Medical University, Lishui, Zhejiang, China
| | - Dan Wu
- Gastrointestinal Surgery, Lishui Municipal Central Hospital, The Fifth Affiliated Hospital of Wenzhou Medical University, Lishui, Zhejiang, China
| | - Haifeng Que
- Gastrointestinal Surgery, Lishui Municipal Central Hospital, The Fifth Affiliated Hospital of Wenzhou Medical University, Lishui, Zhejiang, China
| | - Jingjing Zheng
- Gastrointestinal Surgery, Lishui Municipal Central Hospital, The Fifth Affiliated Hospital of Wenzhou Medical University, Lishui, Zhejiang, China.
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Chen J, Dai XY, Zhao BC, Xu XW, Kang JX, Xu YR, Li JL. Role of the GLP2-Wnt1 axis in silicon-rich alkaline mineral water maintaining intestinal epithelium regeneration in piglets under early-life stress. Cell Mol Life Sci 2024; 81:126. [PMID: 38470510 PMCID: PMC10933158 DOI: 10.1007/s00018-024-05162-x] [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: 12/10/2023] [Revised: 01/11/2024] [Accepted: 02/06/2024] [Indexed: 03/14/2024]
Abstract
Stress-induced intestinal epithelial injury (IEI) and a delay in repair in infancy are predisposing factors for refractory gut diseases in adulthood, such as irritable bowel syndrome (IBS). Hence, it is necessary to develop appropriate mitigation methods for mammals when experiencing early-life stress (ELS). Weaning, as we all know, is a vital procedure that all mammalian newborns, including humans, must go through. Maternal separation (MS) stress in infancy (regarded as weaning stress in animal science) is a commonly used ELS paradigm. Drinking silicon-rich alkaline mineral water (AMW) has a therapeutic effect on enteric disease, but the specific mechanisms involved have not been reported. Herein, we discover the molecular mechanism by which silicon-rich AMW repairs ELS-induced IEI by maintaining intestinal stem cell (ISC) proliferation and differentiation through the glucagon-like peptide (GLP)2-Wnt1 axis. Mechanistic study showed that silicon-rich AMW activates GLP2-dependent Wnt1/β-catenin pathway, and drives ISC proliferation and differentiation by stimulating Lgr5+ ISC cell cycle passage through the G1-S-phase checkpoint, thereby maintaining intestinal epithelial regeneration and IEI repair. Using GLP2 antagonists (GLP23-33) and small interfering RNA (SiWnt1) in vitro, we found that the GLP2-Wnt1 axis is the target of silicon-rich AMW to promote intestinal epithelium regeneration. Therefore, silicon-rich AMW maintains intestinal epithelium regeneration through the GLP2-Wnt1 axis in piglets under ELS. Our research contributes to understanding the mechanism of silicon-rich AMW promoting gut epithelial regeneration and provides a new strategy for the alleviation of ELS-induced IEI.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jian Chen
- College of Veterinary Medicine, Northeast Agricultural University, Harbin, 150030, People's Republic of China
| | - Xue-Yan Dai
- College of Veterinary Medicine, Northeast Agricultural University, Harbin, 150030, People's Republic of China
| | - Bi-Chen Zhao
- College of Veterinary Medicine, Northeast Agricultural University, Harbin, 150030, People's Republic of China
| | - Xiang-Wen Xu
- College of Veterinary Medicine, Northeast Agricultural University, Harbin, 150030, People's Republic of China
| | - Jian-Xun Kang
- College of Veterinary Medicine, Northeast Agricultural University, Harbin, 150030, People's Republic of China
| | - Ya-Ru Xu
- College of Veterinary Medicine, Northeast Agricultural University, Harbin, 150030, People's Republic of China
| | - Jin-Long Li
- College of Veterinary Medicine, Northeast Agricultural University, Harbin, 150030, People's Republic of China.
- Key Laboratory of the Provincial Education, Department of Heilongjiang for Common Animal Disease Prevention and Treatment, Northeast Agricultural University, Harbin, 150030, People's Republic of China.
- Heilongjiang Key Laboratory for Laboratory Animals and Comparative Medicine, Northeast Agricultural University, Harbin, 150030, People's Republic of China.
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Jeon SB, Jeong PS, Kang HG, Kim MJ, Yun JH, Lim KS, Song BS, Kim SU, Cho SK, Sim BW. NEK2 plays an essential role in porcine embryonic development by maintaining mitotic division and DNA damage response via the Wnt/β-catenin signalling pathway. Cell Prolif 2024:e13626. [PMID: 38426218 DOI: 10.1111/cpr.13626] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/24/2023] [Revised: 02/16/2024] [Accepted: 02/19/2024] [Indexed: 03/02/2024] Open
Abstract
NIMA-related kinase 2 (NEK2) is a serine/threonine protein kinase that regulates mitosis and plays pivotal roles in cell cycle regulation and DNA damage repair. However, its function in porcine embryonic development is unknown. In this study, we used an NEK2-specific inhibitor, JH295 (JH), to investigate the role of NEK2 in embryonic development and the underlying regulatory mechanisms. Inhibition of NEK2 after parthenogenesis activation or in vitro fertilization significantly reduced the rates of cleavage and blastocyst formation, the numbers of trophectoderm and total cells and the cellular survival rate compared with the control condition. NEK2 inhibition delayed cell cycle progression at all stages from interphase to cytokinesis during the first mitotic division; it caused abnormal nuclear morphology in two- and four-cell stage embryos. Additionally, NEK2 inhibition significantly increased DNA damage and apoptosis, and it altered the expression levels of DNA damage repair- and apoptosis-related genes. Intriguingly, NEK2 inhibition downregulated the expression of β-catenin and its downstream target genes. To validate the relationship between Wnt/β-catenin signalling and NEK2 during porcine embryonic development, we cultured porcine embryos in JH-treated medium with or without CHIR99021, a Wnt activator. CHIR99021 co-treatment strongly restored the developmental parameters reduced by NEK2 inhibition to control levels. Our findings suggest that NEK2 plays an essential role in porcine embryonic development by regulating DNA damage repair and normal mitotic division via the Wnt/β-catenin signalling pathway.
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Affiliation(s)
- Se-Been Jeon
- Futuristic Animal Resource & Research Center (FARRC), Korea Research Institute of Bioscience and Biotechnology (KRIBB), Cheongju, Republic of Korea
- Department of Animal Science, College of Natural Resources & Life Science, Pusan National University, Miryang, Republic of Korea
| | - Pil-Soo Jeong
- Futuristic Animal Resource & Research Center (FARRC), Korea Research Institute of Bioscience and Biotechnology (KRIBB), Cheongju, Republic of Korea
| | - Hyo-Gu Kang
- Futuristic Animal Resource & Research Center (FARRC), Korea Research Institute of Bioscience and Biotechnology (KRIBB), Cheongju, Republic of Korea
- Department of Animal Science and Biotechnology, College of Agriculture and Life Science, Chungnam National University, Daejeon, Republic of Korea
| | - Min Ju Kim
- Futuristic Animal Resource & Research Center (FARRC), Korea Research Institute of Bioscience and Biotechnology (KRIBB), Cheongju, Republic of Korea
- Department of Animal Science, College of Natural Resources & Life Science, Pusan National University, Miryang, Republic of Korea
| | - Ji Hyeon Yun
- Futuristic Animal Resource & Research Center (FARRC), Korea Research Institute of Bioscience and Biotechnology (KRIBB), Cheongju, Republic of Korea
- Department of Animal BioScience, School of Animal Life Convergence, Hankyong National University, Ansung, Republic of Korea
| | - Kyung Seob Lim
- Futuristic Animal Resource & Research Center (FARRC), Korea Research Institute of Bioscience and Biotechnology (KRIBB), Cheongju, Republic of Korea
| | - Bong-Seok Song
- Futuristic Animal Resource & Research Center (FARRC), Korea Research Institute of Bioscience and Biotechnology (KRIBB), Cheongju, Republic of Korea
| | - Sun-Uk Kim
- Futuristic Animal Resource & Research Center (FARRC), Korea Research Institute of Bioscience and Biotechnology (KRIBB), Cheongju, Republic of Korea
- Department of Functional Genomics, University of Science and Technology, Daejeon, Republic of Korea
| | - Seong-Keun Cho
- Department of Animal Science, Life and Industry Convergence Research Institute (RICRI), College of Natural Resources & Life Science, Pusan National University, Miryang, Republic of Korea
| | - Bo-Woong Sim
- Futuristic Animal Resource & Research Center (FARRC), Korea Research Institute of Bioscience and Biotechnology (KRIBB), Cheongju, Republic of Korea
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Shen W, Yuan L, Hao B, Xiang J, Cheng F, Wu Z, Li X. KLF3 promotes colorectal cancer growth by activating WNT1. Aging (Albany NY) 2024; 16:2475-2493. [PMID: 38305787 PMCID: PMC10911342 DOI: 10.18632/aging.205494] [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: 08/17/2023] [Accepted: 12/26/2023] [Indexed: 02/03/2024]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE The function of Kruppel-like factor 3 (KLF3) remains largely unexplored in colorectal cancer (CRC). METHODS KLF3 expression in CRC was assessed through qPCR, western blotting, immunohistochemical assays, and The Cancer Genome Atlas (TCGA) database. The tumor-promoting capacity of KLF3 was explored by performing in vitro functional experiments using CRC cells. A subcutaneous nude mouse tumor assay was employed to evaluate tumor growth. To further elucidate the interaction between KLF3 and other factors, luciferase reporter assay, agarose gel electrophoresis, and ChIP analysis were performed. RESULTS KLF3 was downregulated in CRC tissue and cells. Silencing of KLF3 increased the potential of CRC cells for proliferation, migration, and invasion, while its activation decreased these processes. Downregulated KLF3 was associated with accelerated tumor growth in vivo. Mechanistically, KLF3 was discovered to target the promoter sequence of WNT1. Consequently, the diminished expression of KLF3 led to the buildup of WNT1 and the WNT/β-catenin pathway activation, consequently stimulating the progression of CRC. CONCLUSIONS This investigation suggests that the involvement of KLF3/WNT1 regulatory pathway contributes to the progression of CRC, thereby emphasizing its promise as an important focus for future therapies aimed at treating CRC.
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Affiliation(s)
- Wei Shen
- Department of General Surgery, The Second Affiliated Hospital of Nanchang University, Nanchang 330006, Jiangxi, China
| | - Lebin Yuan
- Department of General Surgery, The Second Affiliated Hospital of Nanchang University, Nanchang 330006, Jiangxi, China
| | - Boyu Hao
- General Medicine, First Affiliated Hospital of Nanchang University, Nanchang 330006, Jiangxi, China
| | - Jiajia Xiang
- Laboratory of Molecular Center, The Second Affiliated Hospital of Nanchang University, Nanchang 330006, Jiangxi, China
| | - Fei Cheng
- Department of General Surgery, The Second Affiliated Hospital of Nanchang University, Nanchang 330006, Jiangxi, China
| | - Zhao Wu
- Department of General Surgery, The Second Affiliated Hospital of Nanchang University, Nanchang 330006, Jiangxi, China
| | - Xiaodong Li
- Department of General Surgery, The Second Affiliated Hospital of Nanchang University, Nanchang 330006, Jiangxi, China
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Song H, Qiu J, Hua K. USP14 promotes the proliferation of cervical cancer via upregulating β-catenin. ENVIRONMENTAL TOXICOLOGY 2024; 39:1031-1043. [PMID: 38069565 DOI: 10.1002/tox.23990] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/29/2023] [Revised: 08/24/2023] [Accepted: 09/21/2023] [Indexed: 01/09/2024]
Abstract
In recent years, the ubiquitin-proteasome system (UPS) has become a hot spot in medical research in cervical cancer (CC) and has received extensive attention. Among them, ubiquitin-specific protease 14 (USP14) is involved in a wide variety of typical cell signaling pathways and is recognized to be involved in the progression of most known tumors. However, the expression and significance of USP14 in CC have not been directly studied. Through database analysis, we found that USP14 was overexpressed in CC, which influenced the FIGO stage and prognosis of CC patients, and it was positively correlated with the expression level of β-catenin. In this study, USP14 promoted the G1-S phase transition of Hela and Siha cells and inhibited cell apoptosis, thereby promoting the proliferation, migration, and invasion of CC cells. In addition, USP14 also significantly promoted the growth of subcutaneous tumor in nude mice. We also found that overexpression of USP14 significantly upregulated β-catenin expression and increased the activity of Wnt/β-catenin signaling pathway. While knockdown of USP14 resulted in the opposite. These results suggest that USP14 may promote the proliferation of CC by up-regulating the expression of β-catenin, contributing to a deeper understanding of the mechanisms of CC and providing a potential therapeutic target.
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Affiliation(s)
- Han Song
- Department of Gynecology, Obstetrics and Gynecology Hospital, Fudan University, Shanghai, China
| | - Junjun Qiu
- Department of Gynecology, Obstetrics and Gynecology Hospital, Fudan University, Shanghai, China
| | - Keqin Hua
- Department of Gynecology, Obstetrics and Gynecology Hospital, Fudan University, Shanghai, China
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Wang J, Liu Y, Wu D, Tian C, Gao J, Yang Q, Hong X, Gu F, Zhang K, Hu Y, Xu S, Liu L, Zeng Y. OTUB1 Targets CHK1 for Deubiquitination and Stabilization to Facilitate Lung Cancer Progression and Radioresistance. Int J Radiat Oncol Biol Phys 2024:S0360-3016(24)00246-3. [PMID: 38266782 DOI: 10.1016/j.ijrobp.2024.01.202] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/21/2023] [Revised: 12/26/2023] [Accepted: 01/08/2024] [Indexed: 01/26/2024]
Abstract
PURPOSE Radioresistance of lung cancer poses a significant challenge when it comes to the treatment of advanced, recurrent, and metastatic cases. Ovarian tumor domain ubiquitin aldehyde binding 1 (OTUB1) is a key member of the deubiquitinase OTU superfamily. This protein is involved in various cellular functions, including cell proliferation, iron death, lipid metabolism, and cytokine secretion as well as immune response processes. However, its specific role and molecular mechanism in lung cancer radioresistance remain to be clarified. METHODS AND MATERIALS The expression levels of OTUB1 in paired lung cancer tissues were determined by immunohistochemistry. In vitro and in vivo experiments were conducted to investigate the impact of OTUB1 on the growth and proliferation of lung cancer. Coimmunoprecipitation and Western blotting techniques were performed to examine the interaction between OTUB1 and CHK1. The DNA damage response was measured by comet tailing and immunofluorescence staining. KEGG pathways and Gene Ontology terms were analyzed based on RNA sequencing. RESULTS Our findings reveal a high frequency of OTUB1 overexpression, which is associated with an unfavorable prognosis in patients with lung cancer. Through comprehensive investigations, we demonstrate that OTUB1 depletion impairs the process of DNA damage repair and overcomes radioresistance. In terms of the underlying mechanism, our study uncovers that OTUB1 deubiquitinates and stabilizes CHK1, which enhances CHK1 stability, thereby regulating DNA damage and repair. Additionally, we identify CHK1 as the primary downstream effector responsible for mediating the functional effects exerted by OTUB1 specifically in lung cancer. Importantly, OTUB1 has the potential to be a valuable marker for improving the efficacy of radiation therapy for lung adenocarcinoma. CONCLUSIONS These findings unveil a novel role for OTUB1 in enhancing radioresistance by deubiquitination and stabilization of the expression of CHK1 in lung cancer and indicate that targeting OTUB1 holds great potential as an effective therapeutic approach for enhancing the efficacy of radiation therapy in lung cancer.
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Affiliation(s)
- Juanjuan Wang
- Cancer Center, Union Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, China; Hubei Key Laboratory of Precision Radiation Oncology, Wuhan, China; Institute of Radiation Oncology, Union Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong, University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, China
| | - Yuting Liu
- Cancer Center, Union Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, China; Hubei Key Laboratory of Precision Radiation Oncology, Wuhan, China; Institute of Radiation Oncology, Union Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong, University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, China
| | - Di Wu
- Cancer Center, Union Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, China
| | - Chen Tian
- Cancer Center, Union Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, China; Hubei Key Laboratory of Precision Radiation Oncology, Wuhan, China; Institute of Radiation Oncology, Union Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong, University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, China
| | - Jiaqi Gao
- Cancer Center, Union Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, China; Hubei Key Laboratory of Precision Radiation Oncology, Wuhan, China; Institute of Radiation Oncology, Union Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong, University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, China
| | - Qifan Yang
- Cancer Center, Union Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, China; Hubei Key Laboratory of Precision Radiation Oncology, Wuhan, China; Institute of Radiation Oncology, Union Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong, University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, China
| | - Xiaohua Hong
- Cancer Center, Union Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, China; Hubei Key Laboratory of Precision Radiation Oncology, Wuhan, China; Institute of Radiation Oncology, Union Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong, University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, China
| | - Feifei Gu
- Cancer Center, Union Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, China; Hubei Key Laboratory of Precision Radiation Oncology, Wuhan, China; Institute of Radiation Oncology, Union Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong, University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, China
| | - Kai Zhang
- Cancer Center, Union Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, China; Hubei Key Laboratory of Precision Radiation Oncology, Wuhan, China; Institute of Radiation Oncology, Union Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong, University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, China
| | - Yue Hu
- Cancer Center, Union Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, China; Hubei Key Laboratory of Precision Radiation Oncology, Wuhan, China; Institute of Radiation Oncology, Union Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong, University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, China
| | - Shuangbing Xu
- Cancer Center, Union Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, China; Hubei Key Laboratory of Precision Radiation Oncology, Wuhan, China; Institute of Radiation Oncology, Union Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong, University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, China
| | - Li Liu
- Cancer Center, Union Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, China; Hubei Key Laboratory of Precision Radiation Oncology, Wuhan, China; Institute of Radiation Oncology, Union Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong, University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, China.
| | - Yulan Zeng
- Cancer Center, Union Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, China; Hubei Key Laboratory of Precision Radiation Oncology, Wuhan, China; Institute of Radiation Oncology, Union Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong, University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, China.
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Wang J, Wei W, Xing C, Wang H, Liu M, Xu J, He X, Liu Y, Guo X, Jiang R. Transcriptome and Weighted Gene Co-Expression Network Analysis for Feather Follicle Density in a Chinese Indigenous Breed. Animals (Basel) 2024; 14:173. [PMID: 38200904 PMCID: PMC10778273 DOI: 10.3390/ani14010173] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/04/2023] [Revised: 12/27/2023] [Accepted: 01/03/2024] [Indexed: 01/12/2024] Open
Abstract
Feather follicle density plays an important role in appealing to consumers' first impressions when making purchasing decisions. However, the molecular network that contributes to this trait remains largely unknown. The aim of this study was to perform transcriptome and weighted gene co-expression network analyses to determine the candidate genes relating to feather follicle density in Wannan male chickens. In total, five hundred one-day-old Wannan male chickens were kept in a conventional cage system. Feather follicle density was recorded for each bird at 12 weeks of age. At 12 weeks, fifteen skin tissue samples were selected for weighted gene co-expression network analysis, of which six skin tissue samples (three birds in the H group and three birds in the L group) were selected for transcriptome analysis. The results showed that, in total, 95 DEGs were identified, and 56 genes were upregulated and 39 genes were downregulated in the high-feather-follicle-density group when compared with the low-feather-follicle-density group. Thirteen co-expression gene modules were identified. The red module was highly significantly negatively correlated with feather follicle density (p < 0.01), with a significant negative correlation coefficient of -0.72. In total, 103 hub genes from the red module were screened. Upon comparing the 103 hub genes with differentially expressed genes (DEGs), it was observed that 13 genes were common to both sets, including MELK, GTSE1, CDK1, HMMR, and CENPE. From the red module, FOXM1, GTSE1, MELK, CDK1, ECT2, and NEK2 were selected as the most important genes. These genes were enriched in the DNA binding pathway, the heterocyclic compound binding pathway, the cell cycle pathway, and the oocyte meiosis pathway. This study suggests that FOXM1, GTSE1, MELK, CDK1, ECT2, and NEK2 may be involved in regulating the development of feather follicle density in Wannan male chickens. The results of this study reveal the genetic structure and molecular regulatory network of feather follicle density in Wannan male chickens, and provide a basis for further elucidating the genetic regulatory mechanism and identifying molecular markers with breeding value.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | - Runshen Jiang
- College of Animal Science and Technology, Anhui Agricultural University, Hefei 230036, China; (J.W.); (W.W.); (C.X.); (H.W.); (M.L.); (J.X.); (X.H.); (Y.L.); (X.G.)
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13
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Peng Y, Zhang Y, Luo M, Pan Y, Zhou R, Yan YN, Yi T, Luo F, Wang B, Wang L, Ran C, Wang H. NEK2 overexpression aggravates IL-22-induced keratinocyte proliferation and cytokine level increases and IMQ-induced psoriasis-like dermatitis. BIOCHIMICA ET BIOPHYSICA ACTA. MOLECULAR CELL RESEARCH 2023; 1870:119525. [PMID: 37348763 DOI: 10.1016/j.bbamcr.2023.119525] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/22/2022] [Revised: 06/07/2023] [Accepted: 06/10/2023] [Indexed: 06/24/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Psoriasis is a common inflammatory skin disease characterized by the excessive proliferation and abnormal differentiation of keratinocytes. Protein kinases could act on intracellular signaling pathways associated with cell proliferation. OBJECTIVE Identifying more hub protein kinases affecting cellular and molecular processes in psoriasis, and exploring the dynamic effects of baicalin and NEK2 on the IL-22-induced cellular inflammation and IMQ-induced psoriasis-like mice. METHODS AND RESULTS In this study, differentially expressed protein kinases playing a hub role in psoriasis initiation and development were identified using integrative bioinformatics analyses, and NEK2 has been chosen. NEK2 was significantly up-regulated in psoriatic samples according to online datasets and experimental analyses. In IL-22-induced cellular inflammation model in HaCaT cells, NEK2 overexpression promoted, whereas NEK2 knockdown partially abolished IL-22-induced alterations in cell viability, DNA synthesis, cytokine levels, as well as STAT3 phosphorylation and p-RB, cyclin D1, CDK4, and CDK6 protein contents. Baicalin treatment partially suppressed IL-22-induced HaCaT cell viability, DNA synthesis, and increases in cytokine levels, whereas NEK2 overexpression significantly abolished Baicalin-induced protection against cellular inflammation. In IMQ-induced psoriasis-like skin inflammation model in mice, baicalin markedly ameliorated IMQ-induced psoriasis-like symptoms and local skin inflammation, whereas NEK2 overexpression partially eliminated the therapeutic effects of baicalin. CONCLUSION NEK2, up-regulated in psoriatic lesion skin, could aggravate IMQ-induced psoriasis-like dermatitis and attenuate the therapeutic efficiency of baicalin through promoting keratinocyte proliferation and cytokine levels. The STAT3 signaling might be involved.
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Affiliation(s)
- Youhua Peng
- Department of Dermatology, the Second Affiliated Hospital, the Domestic First-class Discipline Construction Project of Hunan University of Chinese Medicine, Changsha 410005, Hunan, China; Department of Dermatology, Hunan Aerospace Hospital, Changsha, Hunan, China
| | - Yujin Zhang
- Department of Dermatology, the Second Affiliated Hospital, the Domestic First-class Discipline Construction Project of Hunan University of Chinese Medicine, Changsha 410005, Hunan, China
| | - Meijunzi Luo
- Department of Dermatology, the Second Affiliated Hospital, the Domestic First-class Discipline Construction Project of Hunan University of Chinese Medicine, Changsha 410005, Hunan, China
| | - Yi Pan
- Department of Dermatology, the Second Affiliated Hospital, the Domestic First-class Discipline Construction Project of Hunan University of Chinese Medicine, Changsha 410005, Hunan, China
| | - Rong Zhou
- Department of Dermatology, the Second Affiliated Hospital, the Domestic First-class Discipline Construction Project of Hunan University of Chinese Medicine, Changsha 410005, Hunan, China
| | - Yi-Ning Yan
- Department of Dermatology, the Second Affiliated Hospital, the Domestic First-class Discipline Construction Project of Hunan University of Chinese Medicine, Changsha 410005, Hunan, China
| | - Tingting Yi
- Department of Dermatology, the Second Affiliated Hospital, the Domestic First-class Discipline Construction Project of Hunan University of Chinese Medicine, Changsha 410005, Hunan, China
| | - Feifei Luo
- Department of Dermatology, the Second Affiliated Hospital, the Domestic First-class Discipline Construction Project of Hunan University of Chinese Medicine, Changsha 410005, Hunan, China
| | - Biying Wang
- Department of Dermatology, the Second Affiliated Hospital, the Domestic First-class Discipline Construction Project of Hunan University of Chinese Medicine, Changsha 410005, Hunan, China
| | - Li Wang
- Department of Dermatology, the Second Affiliated Hospital, the Domestic First-class Discipline Construction Project of Hunan University of Chinese Medicine, Changsha 410005, Hunan, China
| | - Chongjun Ran
- Department of Dermatology, the Second Affiliated Hospital, the Domestic First-class Discipline Construction Project of Hunan University of Chinese Medicine, Changsha 410005, Hunan, China
| | - Haizhen Wang
- Department of Dermatology, the Second Affiliated Hospital, the Domestic First-class Discipline Construction Project of Hunan University of Chinese Medicine, Changsha 410005, Hunan, China.
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14
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Cheng Z, Wang H, Yang Z, Li J, Chen X. LMP2 and TAP2 impair tumor growth and metastasis by inhibiting Wnt/β-catenin signaling pathway and EMT in cervical cancer. BMC Cancer 2023; 23:1128. [PMID: 37986152 PMCID: PMC10662702 DOI: 10.1186/s12885-023-11639-y] [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: 11/07/2022] [Accepted: 11/13/2023] [Indexed: 11/22/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND The roles of low molecular mass polypeptide 2 (LMP2) and transporter-associated with antigen processing (TAP2) in tumorigenesis are controversial. Here we aimed to explore the effect of LMP2 and TAP2 on the oncogenesis and metastasis of cervical cancer cells. METHODS The expressions of LMP2 and TAP2 in cervical cancer and normal tissues were determined by qPCR. Plate colony formation, cell counting kit-8 analysis and in vivo tumor xenograft assays were used to detect the tumor growth. Wound healing and transwell assays were used to detect the metastasis of cervical cancer. Gelatin zymography and western blotting assays were used to detect the effect of LMP2 and TAP2 on the EMT and Wnt/β-catenin pathway in cervical cancer cells. RESULTS In the present study, we reported that LMP2 and TAP2 levels were overexpressed in cervical cancer. Overexpression of LMP2 and TAP2 impaired the proliferation of Hela cells. In vivo studies substantiated that LMP2 and TAP2 antagonized tumor growth. Likewise, LMP2 and TAP2 overexpression decreased the migration and invasion ability of Hela cells by regulating the process of epithelial-mesenchymal transition (EMT). Mechanically, LMP2 and TAP2 subverted the protein abundance of Wnt1 and β-catenin, thereby downregulating their downstream targets Cyclin D1 and c-Myc. In addition, Wnt1 overexpression partially rescued the observed consequences of ectopic expression of LMP2 and TAP2 in cervical cancer cells. Taken together, our study revealed that LMP2 and TAP2 suppress the oncogenesis and metastasis of cervical cancer cells by Wnt/β-catenin pathway and altering EMT. CONCLUSION LMP2 and TAP2 may inhibit the oncogenesis and metastasis of cervical cancer cells by inhibiting the process of EMT and the Wnt/β-catenin signaling pathway, which may provide important insight into prospective targets for the treatment of cervical cancer.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zhengyan Cheng
- Department of Pathology, Eastern Hospital, Sichuan Academy of Medical Science & Sichuan Provincial People's Hospital, Chengdu, 610101, China.
| | - Hongbo Wang
- Department of Pathology, Eastern Hospital, Sichuan Academy of Medical Science & Sichuan Provincial People's Hospital, Chengdu, 610101, China
| | - Zewei Yang
- Department of Pathology, Eastern Hospital, Sichuan Academy of Medical Science & Sichuan Provincial People's Hospital, Chengdu, 610101, China
| | - Jiaxu Li
- Department of Pathology, Eastern Hospital, Sichuan Academy of Medical Science & Sichuan Provincial People's Hospital, Chengdu, 610101, China
| | - Xing Chen
- Department of Thoracic Surgery, Eastern Hospital, Sichuan Academy of Medical Science & Sichuan Provincial People's Hospital, Chengdu, 610101, China
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15
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George N, Bhandari P, Shruptha P, Jayaram P, Chaudhari S, Satyamoorthy K. Multidimensional outlook on the pathophysiology of cervical cancer invasion and metastasis. Mol Cell Biochem 2023; 478:2581-2606. [PMID: 36905477 PMCID: PMC10006576 DOI: 10.1007/s11010-023-04686-3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/14/2022] [Accepted: 02/20/2023] [Indexed: 03/12/2023]
Abstract
Cervical cancer being one of the primary causes of high mortality rates among women is an area of concern, especially with ineffective treatment strategies. Extensive studies are carried out to understand various aspects of cervical cancer initiation, development and progression; however, invasive cervical squamous cell carcinoma has poor outcomes. Moreover, the advanced stages of cervical cancer may involve lymphatic circulation with a high risk of tumor recurrence at distant metastatic sites. Dysregulation of the cervical microbiome by human papillomavirus (HPV) together with immune response modulation and the occurrence of novel mutations that trigger genomic instability causes malignant transformation at the cervix. In this review, we focus on the major risk factors as well as the functionally altered signaling pathways promoting the transformation of cervical intraepithelial neoplasia into invasive squamous cell carcinoma. We further elucidate genetic and epigenetic variations to highlight the complexity of causal factors of cervical cancer as well as the metastatic potential due to the changes in immune response, epigenetic regulation, DNA repair capacity, and cell cycle progression. Our bioinformatics analysis on metastatic and non-metastatic cervical cancer datasets identified various significantly and differentially expressed genes as well as the downregulation of potential tumor suppressor microRNA miR-28-5p. Thus, a comprehensive understanding of the genomic landscape in invasive and metastatic cervical cancer will help in stratifying the patient groups and designing potential therapeutic strategies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Neena George
- Department of Cell and Molecular Biology, Manipal School of Life Sciences, Planetarium Complex, Manipal Academy of Higher Education, Manipal, Karnataka, 576104, India
| | - Poonam Bhandari
- Department of Cell and Molecular Biology, Manipal School of Life Sciences, Planetarium Complex, Manipal Academy of Higher Education, Manipal, Karnataka, 576104, India
| | - Padival Shruptha
- Department of Cell and Molecular Biology, Manipal School of Life Sciences, Planetarium Complex, Manipal Academy of Higher Education, Manipal, Karnataka, 576104, India
| | - Pradyumna Jayaram
- Department of Cell and Molecular Biology, Manipal School of Life Sciences, Planetarium Complex, Manipal Academy of Higher Education, Manipal, Karnataka, 576104, India
| | - Sima Chaudhari
- Department of Cell and Molecular Biology, Manipal School of Life Sciences, Planetarium Complex, Manipal Academy of Higher Education, Manipal, Karnataka, 576104, India
| | - Kapaettu Satyamoorthy
- Department of Cell and Molecular Biology, Manipal School of Life Sciences, Planetarium Complex, Manipal Academy of Higher Education, Manipal, Karnataka, 576104, India.
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Chen L, Ballout F, Lu H, Hu T, Zhu S, Chen Z, Peng D. Differential Expression of NEK Kinase Family Members in Esophageal Adenocarcinoma and Barrett's Esophagus. Cancers (Basel) 2023; 15:4821. [PMID: 37835513 PMCID: PMC10571661 DOI: 10.3390/cancers15194821] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/01/2023] [Revised: 09/20/2023] [Accepted: 09/28/2023] [Indexed: 10/15/2023] Open
Abstract
The incidence of esophageal adenocarcinoma (EAC) has risen rapidly during the past four decades, making it the most common type of esophageal cancer in the USA and Western countries. The NEK (Never in mitosis A (NIMA) related kinase) gene family is a group of serine/threonine kinases with 11 members. Aberrant expression of NEKs has been recently found in a variety of human cancers and plays important roles in tumorigenesis, progression, and drug-resistance. However, the expression of the NEKs in EAC and its precancerous condition (Barrett's esophagus, BE) has not been investigated. In the present study, we first analyzed the TCGA and 9 GEO databases (a total of 10 databases in which 8 contain EAC and 6 contain BE) using bioinformatic approaches for NEKs expression in EAC and BE. We identified that several NEK members, such as NEK2 (7/8), NEK3 (6/8), and NEK6 (6/8), were significantly upregulated in EAC as compared to normal esophagus samples. Alternatively, NEK1 was downregulated in EAC as compared to the normal esophagus. On the contrary, genomic alterations of these NEKs are not frequent in EAC. We validated the above findings using qRT-PCR and the protein expression of NEKs in EAC cell lines using Western blotting and in primary EAC tissues using immunohistochemistry and immunofluorescence. Our data suggest that frequent upregulation of NEK2, NEK3, and NEK7 may be important in EAC.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lei Chen
- Department of Surgery, Miller School of Medicine, University of Miami, Miami, FL 33136, USA; (L.C.); (F.B.); (H.L.); (T.H.); (S.Z.); (Z.C.)
| | - Farah Ballout
- Department of Surgery, Miller School of Medicine, University of Miami, Miami, FL 33136, USA; (L.C.); (F.B.); (H.L.); (T.H.); (S.Z.); (Z.C.)
| | - Heng Lu
- Department of Surgery, Miller School of Medicine, University of Miami, Miami, FL 33136, USA; (L.C.); (F.B.); (H.L.); (T.H.); (S.Z.); (Z.C.)
- Sylvester Comprehensive Cancer Center, Miami, FL 33136, USA
| | - Tianling Hu
- Department of Surgery, Miller School of Medicine, University of Miami, Miami, FL 33136, USA; (L.C.); (F.B.); (H.L.); (T.H.); (S.Z.); (Z.C.)
| | - Shoumin Zhu
- Department of Surgery, Miller School of Medicine, University of Miami, Miami, FL 33136, USA; (L.C.); (F.B.); (H.L.); (T.H.); (S.Z.); (Z.C.)
| | - Zheng Chen
- Department of Surgery, Miller School of Medicine, University of Miami, Miami, FL 33136, USA; (L.C.); (F.B.); (H.L.); (T.H.); (S.Z.); (Z.C.)
- Sylvester Comprehensive Cancer Center, Miami, FL 33136, USA
| | - Dunfa Peng
- Department of Surgery, Miller School of Medicine, University of Miami, Miami, FL 33136, USA; (L.C.); (F.B.); (H.L.); (T.H.); (S.Z.); (Z.C.)
- Sylvester Comprehensive Cancer Center, Miami, FL 33136, USA
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Xue W, Cai L, Li S, Hou Y, Wang YD, Yang D, Xia Y, Nie X. WNT ligands in non-small cell lung cancer: from pathogenesis to clinical practice. Discov Oncol 2023; 14:136. [PMID: 37486552 PMCID: PMC10366069 DOI: 10.1007/s12672-023-00739-7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/21/2023] [Accepted: 06/26/2023] [Indexed: 07/25/2023] Open
Abstract
Non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) is the malignant tumor with the highest morbidity and leading cause of death worldwide, whereas its pathogenesis has not been fully elucidated. Although mutations in some crucial genes in WNT pathways such as β-catenin and APC are not common in NSCLC, the abnormal signal transduction of WNT pathways is still closely related to the occurrence and progression of NSCLC. WNT ligands (WNTs) are a class of secreted glycoproteins that activate WNT pathways through binding to their receptors and play important regulatory roles in embryonic development, cell differentiation, and tissue regeneration. Therefore, the abnormal expression or dysfunction of WNTs undoubtedly affects WNT pathways and thus participates in the pathogenesis of diseases. There are 19 members of human WNTs, WNT1, WNT2, WNT2b, WNT3, WNT3a, WNT4, WNT5a, WNT5b, WNT6, WNT7a, WNT7b, WNT8a, WNT8b, WNT9a, WNT9b, WNT10a, WNT10b, WNT11 and WNT16. The expression levels of WNTs, binding receptors, and activated WNT pathways are diverse in different tissue types, which endows the complexity of WNT pathways and multifarious biological effects. Although abundant studies have reported the role of WNTs in the pathogenesis of NSCLC, it still needs further study as therapeutic targets for lung cancer. This review will systematically summarize current research on human WNTs in NSCLC, from molecular pathogenesis to potential clinical practice.
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Affiliation(s)
- Wanting Xue
- Key Laboratory of Receptors-Mediated Gene Regulation and Drug Discovery, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Hebi Key Laboratory of Liver Disease, People's Hospital of Hebi, Henan University, Kaifeng, Hebi, China
| | - Lihong Cai
- Kaifeng Key Laboratory of Radiation Oncology, Kaifeng Cancer Hospital, Kaifeng University, Kaifeng, 475003, China
| | - Su Li
- Key Laboratory of Receptors-Mediated Gene Regulation and Drug Discovery, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Hebi Key Laboratory of Liver Disease, People's Hospital of Hebi, Henan University, Kaifeng, Hebi, China
| | - Yujia Hou
- Key Laboratory of Receptors-Mediated Gene Regulation and Drug Discovery, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Hebi Key Laboratory of Liver Disease, People's Hospital of Hebi, Henan University, Kaifeng, Hebi, China
| | - Yan-Dong Wang
- State Key Laboratory of Chemical Resource Engineering, College of Life Science and Technology, Beijing University of Chemical Technology, Beijing, China
| | - Dongbin Yang
- Key Laboratory of Receptors-Mediated Gene Regulation and Drug Discovery, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Hebi Key Laboratory of Liver Disease, People's Hospital of Hebi, Henan University, Kaifeng, Hebi, China.
- Hebi Key Laboratory of Liver Disease, People's Hospital of Hebi, Henan University, Hebi, 458030, China.
| | - Yubing Xia
- Kaifeng Key Laboratory of Radiation Oncology, Kaifeng Cancer Hospital, Kaifeng University, Kaifeng, 475003, China.
| | - Xiaobo Nie
- Key Laboratory of Receptors-Mediated Gene Regulation and Drug Discovery, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Hebi Key Laboratory of Liver Disease, People's Hospital of Hebi, Henan University, Kaifeng, Hebi, China.
- School of Basic Medical Sciences, Henan University, Kaifeng, 475004, China.
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18
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Tian R, Li H, Ren S, Li S, Fang R, Liu Y. circRNA THBS1 silencing inhibits the malignant biological behavior of cervical cancer cells via the regulation of miR-543/HMGB2 axis. Open Med (Wars) 2023; 18:20230709. [PMID: 37465349 PMCID: PMC10350892 DOI: 10.1515/med-2023-0709] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/20/2022] [Revised: 04/14/2023] [Accepted: 05/07/2023] [Indexed: 07/20/2023] Open
Abstract
Circular RNA (circRNA) THBS1 has been shown to exist as an oncogene in non-small-cell lung cancer, but its role in cervical cancer is still unclear. Our experiment aimed to uncover the functions and specific mechanism of circRNA THBS1 in cervical cancer cells. Levels of circRNA THBS1 and miR-543 in cervical cancer tissues and cell lines were assessed by RT-qPCR. starBase and dual luciferase reporter gene assay were applied for investigating the correlation between miR-543 and circRNA THBS1/HMGB2. Cell proliferation and apoptosis were evaluated by MTT and flow cytometry, respectively. Furthermore, the levels of HMGB2, E-cadherin, and N-cadherin in HeLa cells were determined by RT-qPCR and western blot analysis. Our data revealed that circRNA THBS1 was significantly upregulated and miR-543 was low expressed in cervical cancer tissues and cell lines. circRNA THBS1 interacted with miR-543 and negatively regulated miR-543 expression in HeLa cells. Silencing of circRNA THBS1 remarkably suppressed HeLa cells' viability, accelerated cells' apoptosis, and inhibited the EMT of HeLa cells, while these changes were reversed by miR-543 inhibitor. Moreover, miR-543 affected HeLa cells by targeting HMGB2. In conclusion, circRNA THBS1 silencing inhibited the malignant biological behaviors of cervical cancer cells via the regulation of miR-543/HMGB2 axis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rui Tian
- Gynecology Department, Shanghai Mengchao Cancer Hospital, Shanghai201800, China
| | - Huixin Li
- Gynecology Department, Shanghai Mengchao Cancer Hospital, Shanghai201800, China
| | - Songjie Ren
- Gynecology Department, Shanghai Mengchao Cancer Hospital, Shanghai201800, China
| | - Shukui Li
- Urinary Surgery, Renhe Hospital, Baoshan District, Shanghai200431, China
| | - Run Fang
- Urinary Surgery, Shanghai Mengchao Cancer Hospital, Shanghai201800, China
| | - Yang Liu
- Gynaecology and Obstetrics, Lin’an District First People’s Hospital, 548 Yijin Street, Lin’an District, Hangzhou311300, China
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19
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Wei X, Sun K, Li S, Lin C, Wei Z. PSME3 induces radioresistance and enhances aerobic glycolysis in cervical cancer by regulating PARP1. Tissue Cell 2023; 83:102151. [PMID: 37467687 DOI: 10.1016/j.tice.2023.102151] [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: 04/10/2023] [Revised: 06/04/2023] [Accepted: 06/27/2023] [Indexed: 07/21/2023]
Abstract
Cervical cancer (CC) ranks the fourth in gynecologic cancers. The incidence and mortality of CC has been decreased due to the cancer screening and early treatments in recent years, but the prognosis of CC patients at advanced stage is still sorrowful. Whether PSME3 exerted a role in the radioresistance of CC cells remains to be investigated. In this study, the expression of PSME3 in mRNA and protein levels was measured by RT-qPCR and western blot analysis, and increased expression of PSME3 in CC tissues and cells was observed. CCK-8 and colony formation assay revealed that the cell viability and proliferation of Hela and CaSki cells treated with different doses of X-ray was reduced due to the depletion of PSME3, indicating that silencing of PSME3 enhanced the radiosensitivity of CC cells. In addition, repair on DNA damage in CC cells was enhanced by PSME3 and the damage was attenuated by PSME3. Besides, the expression of glycolysis-related proteins (GLUT1, PGC-1α, LDHA and HK2) were enhanced by PSME3 but reduced by silencing PSME3 in CC cells. PSME3 restraint attenuated the levels of glucose consumption and lactate production, suggesting PSME3 depletion suppressed abnormal glycolysis of CC cells. Mechanically, PSME3 increased the PARP1 expression via elevating c-myc. Finally, we observed PSME3 attenuation inhibited CC growth in vivo. In conclusion, PSME3 enhanced radioresistance and aerobic glycolysis in CC by regulating PARP1, which might shed a light into the function of PSME3 in CC treatment.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xing Wei
- Department of Biochemistry and Cell Biology, YouJiang Medical University for Nationalities, Baise City, Guangxi Zhuang Autonomous Region 533000, China.
| | - Ke Sun
- Department of Biochemistry and Cell Biology, YouJiang Medical University for Nationalities, Baise City, Guangxi Zhuang Autonomous Region 533000, China
| | - Shubo Li
- Department of Biochemistry and Cell Biology, YouJiang Medical University for Nationalities, Baise City, Guangxi Zhuang Autonomous Region 533000, China
| | - Cheng Lin
- Department of Oncology, Affiliated Hospital of YouJiang Medical University for Nationalities, Baise City, Guangxi Zhuang Autonomous Region 533000, China
| | - Zhongheng Wei
- Department of Oncology, Affiliated Hospital of YouJiang Medical University for Nationalities, Baise City, Guangxi Zhuang Autonomous Region 533000, China
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20
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Kang E, Kim HK, Lee HB, Han W. Never in mitosis gene A-related kinase-8 promotes proliferation, migration, invasion, and stemness of breast cancer cells via β-catenin signalling activation. Sci Rep 2023; 13:6829. [PMID: 37100815 PMCID: PMC10133229 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-023-32631-3] [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: 10/04/2022] [Accepted: 03/30/2023] [Indexed: 04/28/2023] Open
Abstract
Never in mitosis gene A (NIMA)-related kinase-8 (NEK8) is involved in cell cycle progression, cytoskeleton development, and DNA damage repair. However, its role in breast cancer has not yet been explored. To investigate this, NEK8 was knocked down in MDA-MB-231, BT549, and HCC38 breast cancer cell lines. We observed a decrease in cell proliferation and colony formation owing to regulation of the G1/S and G2/M transitions. Furthermore, the expression of several cell cycle regulatory proteins was altered, including that of cyclin D1, cyclin B1, CDK4, CDK2, and surviving. NEK8 knockdown impaired cell migration and invasion as well as reduced the expression of epithelial-mesenchymal transition markers. Regarding stem-cell characteristics, NEK8 knockdown decreased the tumour sphere formation, aldehyde dehydrogenase activity, and stem-cell marker expression, including that of CD44, Sox2, Oct4a, and Nanog. Further analysis revealed that NEK8 interacts with β-catenin. Also, NEK8 knockdown promoted β-catenin degradation. NEK8-silenced MDA-MB-231 cells inhibited xenograft tumour growth, metastasis, and tumour initiation in vivo. Using the Oncomine and TNMplot public databases, we found a significant correlation between NEK8 overexpression and poor clinical outcomes in breast cancer patients. Thus, NEK8 may be a crucial regulator of breast cancer progression and a potential therapeutic target.
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Affiliation(s)
- Eunji Kang
- Cancer Research Institute, Seoul National University, 101 Daehak-ro, Jongno-gu, Seoul, Republic of Korea
| | - Hong-Kyu Kim
- Cancer Research Institute, Seoul National University, 101 Daehak-ro, Jongno-gu, Seoul, Republic of Korea
- Department of Surgery, Seoul National University College of Medicine, 101 Daehak-ro, Jongno-gu, Seoul, Republic of Korea
- Biomedical Research Institute, Seoul National University Hospital, 101 Daehak-ro, Jongno-gu, Seoul, Republic of Korea
| | - Han-Byoel Lee
- Cancer Research Institute, Seoul National University, 101 Daehak-ro, Jongno-gu, Seoul, Republic of Korea
- Department of Surgery, Seoul National University College of Medicine, 101 Daehak-ro, Jongno-gu, Seoul, Republic of Korea
- Biomedical Research Institute, Seoul National University Hospital, 101 Daehak-ro, Jongno-gu, Seoul, Republic of Korea
| | - Wonshik Han
- Cancer Research Institute, Seoul National University, 101 Daehak-ro, Jongno-gu, Seoul, Republic of Korea.
- Department of Surgery, Seoul National University College of Medicine, 101 Daehak-ro, Jongno-gu, Seoul, Republic of Korea.
- Biomedical Research Institute, Seoul National University Hospital, 101 Daehak-ro, Jongno-gu, Seoul, Republic of Korea.
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21
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Liu X, Zhang W, Wan J, Xiao D, Wei M. Landscape and Construction of a Novel N6-methyladenosine-related LncRNAs in Cervical Cancer. Reprod Sci 2023; 30:903-913. [PMID: 36074248 DOI: 10.1007/s43032-022-01074-y] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/28/2022] [Accepted: 08/23/2022] [Indexed: 10/14/2022]
Abstract
Cervical cancer is a crucial clinical problem with high mortality. Despite much research in therapy, the prognosis of patients with cervical cancer is still not ideal. The data on cervical cancer were downloaded from The Cancer Genome Atlas (TCGA) portal. R language was used to screen out the N6-methyladenosine (m6A)-related lncRNAs (long non-coding RNA). A consensus clustering algorithm was performed to identify m6A-related lncRNAs in cervical cancer; 10 m6A-related lncRNAs showing a significant association with survival were filtrated through a gradually univariate Cox regression model, least absolute shrinkage and selection operator (LASSO) algorithm, and multivariate Cox regression preliminarily. Furthermore, we conducted Kaplan-Meier curves, receiver operating curve (ROC) analyses, and proportional hazards model to quantify the underlying character of the m6A-related model in the prevision of cervical cancer patients. Gene set enrichment analysis (GSEA) was used to explore several pathways significantly. Finally, cell-type identification by estimating relative subsets of RNA transcripts (CIBERSORT) was applied to estimate the immune cell infiltration in the profiling. In the present study, 10 m6A-related lncRNAs make up our prediction model. This prediction model can do duty for an independent predictive biomolecular element. Subsequently, we then found that the model was still valid in further validation of the training group and the test group. Our signature was correlated with immune cell infiltration and partial signaling pathway. These lncRNAs played a no negligible biomolecular role in contributing to the prognosis of cervical cancer.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xin Liu
- Department of Blood Transfusion Department, The Fifth Affiliated Hospital of Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou, 450052, Henan Province, China
| | - Weijie Zhang
- Department of Pharmacy Department, The Fifth Affiliated Hospital of Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou, 450052, Henan Province, China
| | - Jun Wan
- Department of General Practice Department, The Fifth Affiliated Hospital of Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou, 450052, Henan Province, China
| | - Diming Xiao
- Department of Blood Transfusion Department, The Fifth Affiliated Hospital of Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou, 450052, Henan Province, China
| | - Ming Wei
- Department of Blood Transfusion Department, The Fifth Affiliated Hospital of Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou, 450052, Henan Province, China.
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22
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Singharajkomron N, Yodsurang V, Seephan S, Kungsukool S, Petchjorm S, Maneeganjanasing N, Promboon W, Dangwilailuck W, Pongrakhananon V. Evaluating the Expression and Prognostic Value of Genes Encoding Microtubule-Associated Proteins in Lung Cancer. Int J Mol Sci 2022; 23:ijms232314724. [PMID: 36499051 PMCID: PMC9738182 DOI: 10.3390/ijms232314724] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/25/2022] [Revised: 11/19/2022] [Accepted: 11/23/2022] [Indexed: 11/27/2022] Open
Abstract
Microtubule-associated proteins (MAPs) play essential roles in cancer development. This study aimed to identify transcriptomic biomarkers among MAP genes for the diagnosis and prognosis of lung cancer by analyzing differential gene expressions and correlations with tumor progression. Gene expression data of patients with lung adenocarcinoma (LUAD) and lung squamous cell carcinoma (LUSC) from the Cancer Genome Atlas (TCGA) database were used to identify differentially expressed MAP genes (DEMGs). Their prognostic value was evaluated by Kaplan-Meier and Cox regression analysis. Moreover, the relationships between alterations in lung cancer hallmark genes and the expression levels of DEMGs were investigated. The candidate biomarker genes were validated using three independent datasets from the Gene Expression Omnibus (GEO) database and by quantitative reverse transcription polymerase chain reaction (qRT-PCR) on clinical samples. A total of 88 DEMGs were identified from TCGA data. The 20 that showed the highest differential expression were subjected to association analysis with hallmark genes. Genetic alterations in TP53, EGFR, PTEN, NTRK1, and PIK3CA correlated with the expression of most of these DEMGs. Of these, six candidates-NUF2, KIF4A, KIF18B, DLGAP5, NEK2, and LRRK2-were significantly differentially expressed and correlated with the overall survival (OS) of the patients. The mRNA expression profiles of these candidates were consistently verified using three GEO datasets and qRT-PCR on patient lung tissues. The expression levels of NUF2, KIF4A, KIF18B, DLGAP5, NEK2, and LRRK2 can serve as diagnostic biomarkers for LUAD and LUSC. Moreover, the first five can serve as prognostic biomarkers for LUAD, while LRRK2 can be a prognostic biomarker for LUSC. Our research describes the novel role and potential application of MAP-encoding genes in clinical practice.
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Affiliation(s)
- Natsaranyatron Singharajkomron
- Department of Pharmacology and Physiology, Faculty of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Chulalongkorn University, Bangkok 10330, Thailand
| | - Varalee Yodsurang
- Department of Pharmacology and Physiology, Faculty of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Chulalongkorn University, Bangkok 10330, Thailand
- Preclinical Toxicity and Efficacy, Assessment of Medicines and Chemicals Research Unit, Chulalongkorn University, Bangkok 10330, Thailand
| | - Suthasinee Seephan
- Pharmaceutical Sciences and Technology Graduate Program, Faculty of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Chulalongkorn University, Bangkok 10330, Thailand
| | - Sakkarin Kungsukool
- Respiratory Medicine Department, Central Chest Institute of Thailand, Muang District, Nonthaburi 11000, Thailand
| | - Supinda Petchjorm
- Division of Anatomical Pathology, Central Chest Institute of Thailand, Muang District, Nonthaburi 11000, Thailand
| | - Nara Maneeganjanasing
- Department of Pharmacology and Physiology, Faculty of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Chulalongkorn University, Bangkok 10330, Thailand
| | - Warunyu Promboon
- Department of Pharmacology and Physiology, Faculty of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Chulalongkorn University, Bangkok 10330, Thailand
| | - Wadsana Dangwilailuck
- Department of Pharmacology and Physiology, Faculty of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Chulalongkorn University, Bangkok 10330, Thailand
| | - Varisa Pongrakhananon
- Department of Pharmacology and Physiology, Faculty of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Chulalongkorn University, Bangkok 10330, Thailand
- Preclinical Toxicity and Efficacy, Assessment of Medicines and Chemicals Research Unit, Chulalongkorn University, Bangkok 10330, Thailand
- Correspondence: ; Tel.: +662-218-8325; Fax: +662-218-8340
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23
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Zhang YR, Zheng PS. NEK2 inactivates the Hippo pathway to advance the proliferation of cervical cancer cells by cooperating with STRIPAK complexes. Cancer Lett 2022; 549:215917. [PMID: 36115593 DOI: 10.1016/j.canlet.2022.215917] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/27/2022] [Revised: 09/08/2022] [Accepted: 09/08/2022] [Indexed: 11/19/2022]
Abstract
The never in mitosis gene A (NIMA)-related kinase 2 (NEK2) protein has been reported to be an oncoprotein that plays different oncogenic roles in multiple cancers. Here, we confirmed that NEK2 highly expressed in cervical cancer cells rather than in normal epithelial basal layer cells in cervical tissues and correlated with worse outcomes. We also demonstrated that NEK2 promoted the in vivo growth of subcutaneous xenograft tumors stemming from cervical cancer cells and the in vitro cell proliferation by decreasing Ser127-phosphorylation of the YAP protein retained in the cytoplasm while increasing the levels of active nucleus-associated YAP protein, which was followed by increases in the targeted proteins CTGF, CYR61 and GLI2. Furthermore, the Hippo signaling pathway was inactivated in manipulated NEK2-overexpressing cervical cancer cells by regulating the levels of MST1/2 dephosphorylation. Additionally, mass spectrometric sequencing and bilateral coimmunoprecipitation were employed suggested that NEK2 acted at an early upstream step to promote dephosphorylation of MST2 and inactivate the Hippo signaling cascade by cooperating with STRIPAK complexes. We conjecture that NEK2 may be a future target for cervical cancer therapy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yan-Ru Zhang
- Department of Reproductive Medicine, The First Affiliated Hospital of Xi'an Jiaotong University, Xi'an, 710061, Shaanxi, PR China
| | - Peng-Sheng Zheng
- Department of Reproductive Medicine, The First Affiliated Hospital of Xi'an Jiaotong University, Xi'an, 710061, Shaanxi, PR China; Section of Cancer Stem Cell Research, Key Laboratory of Environment and Genes Related to Diseases, Ministry of Education of the People's Republic of China, Xi'an, 710061, Shaanxi, PR China.
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24
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lncRNA SNHG15 as a ceRNA modulates Osteoclast Differentiation, Proliferation, and Metastasis by Sponging miR-381-3p/NEK2 Axis. J Immunol Res 2022; 2022:8634820. [PMID: 35733923 PMCID: PMC9206997 DOI: 10.1155/2022/8634820] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/07/2022] [Accepted: 04/28/2022] [Indexed: 02/05/2023] Open
Abstract
Background A growing number of studies have shown that long noncoding RNAs play an important role in osteoclast differentiation. However, there are few studies on the roles of lncRNA small nucleolar RNA host gene 15 (SNHG15) in osteoclast differentiation. Methods The expressions of SNHG15, miR-381-3p, and never in mitosis-related kinase 2 (NEK2) mRNA were detected by real-time quantitative polymerase chain reaction (RT-qPCR); Western blot detected NEK2 and osteoclast markers (Cathepsin K, CTSK), matrix metalloproteinase 9 (MMP9), nuclear factor of activated T cell 2 (NFAT2), and tartrate-resistant acid phosphatase (TRAP) protein levels; cell proliferation was detected by Cell Counting Kit-8 (CCK-8), and the formation of osteoclasts was observed by TRAP staining; the F-actin skeleton was stained with tetramethylrhodamine isothiocyanate (TRITC) phalloidin; cell migration rate was detected by Transwell; dual-luciferase reporter gene assay and RNA-binding protein immunoprecipitation (RIP) assay verified the targeting relationship between miR-381-3p, SNHG15, and NEK2. Results The expression of SNHG15 was increased in THP-1 cells stimulated by macrophage colony-stimulating factor (M-CSF)/receptor activator of nuclear factor-kappa B ligand (RANKL). Overexpression of SNHG15 significantly promoted the proliferation, migration, osteoclast differentiation, and expression of osteoclast markers CTSK, MMP9, NFAT2, and TRAP of THP-1 cells induced by M-CSF/RANKL. Knockdown of SNHG15 reversed this effect. Overexpression of SNHG15 downregulated the inhibitory effect of overexpression of miR-381-3p on the proliferation, migration, and differentiation of THP-1 cells induced by M-CSF/RANKL. Knockdown of miR-381-3p reversed the inhibitory effect of knockdown of NEK2 on the proliferation, migration, and differentiation of THP-1 cells induced by M-CSF/RANKL. Conclusion SNHG15 acted as a ceRNA promoted the proliferation, migration, and differentiation of THP-1 cells induced by M-CSF/RANKL through sponging miR-381-3p to promote the expression of NEK2.
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25
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Su W, Hu H, Ding Q, Wang M, Zhu Y, Zhang Z, Geng Z, Lin S, Zhou P. NEK2 promotes the migration and proliferation of ESCC via stabilization of YAP1 by phosphorylation at Thr-143. Cell Commun Signal 2022; 20:87. [PMID: 35705994 PMCID: PMC9199137 DOI: 10.1186/s12964-022-00898-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/24/2022] [Accepted: 05/07/2022] [Indexed: 11/10/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Esophageal Squamous Cell Carcinoma (ESCC) was characterized as a regional-prevalent and aggressive tumor with high morbidity and mortality. NIMA-related kinase 2 (NEK2) is an interesting oncogene, the alteration of which leads to patients-beneficial outcomes. We aimed to explore the role of NEK2 in ESCC and excavate its mechanism. METHODS RNA-seq data were downloaded from TCGA and GEO and analyzed by R software. The protein levels were detected by immunohistochemistry (IHC) or western blot (WB), and mRNA expression was detected by qRT-PCR. The in vitro role of proliferation and migration was detected by Transwell migration assay and by colony formation assay, respectively. The in vivo roles were explored using a subcutaneous xenograft tumor model, where immunofluorescence (IF) and IHC were employed to investigate expression and localization. The interaction between proteins was detected by immunoprecipitation. The stability of proteins was measured by WB in the presence of cycloheximide. RESULTS A higher level of NEK2 was found in ESCC than normal esophageal epithelia in GEO, TCGA, and tissue microarray, which was associated with worse prognoses. The NEK2 knockdown impaired the proliferation and migration of ESCC, which also downregulated YAP1 and EMT markers like N-cadherin and Vimentin in vitro. On the contrary, NEK2 overexpression enhanced the migration of ESCC and elevated the levels of YAP1, N-cadherin, and Vimentin. Additionally, the overexpression of YAP1 in NEK2 knocked down ESCCs partly rescued the corresponding decrease in migration. The knockdown of NEK2 played an anti-tumor role in vivo and was accompanied by a lower level and nucleus shuffling of YAP1. In mechanism, NEK2 interacted with YAP1 and increased the stability of both endogenous and exogenous YAP1 by preventing ubiquitination. Moreover, the computer-predicted phosphorylation site of YAP1, Thr-143, reduced the ubiquitination of HA-YAP1, strengthened its stability, and thus influenced the migration in vitro. CONCLUSIONS NEK2 is a prognostic oncogene highly expressed in ESCC and promotes the progression of ESCC in vitro and in vivo. Mechanistically, NEK2-mediated phosphorylation of YAP1 at Thr-143 protects it from proteasome degradation and might serve as a promising therapeutic target in ESCC. Video Abstract.
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Affiliation(s)
- Wei Su
- Zhongshan Hospital Fudan University Endoscopy Center, Shanghai, 200032, China.,Shanghai Collaborative Innovation Center of Endoscopy, Shanghai, 200032, China
| | - Hao Hu
- Zhongshan Hospital Fudan University Endoscopy Center, Shanghai, 200032, China.,Shanghai Collaborative Innovation Center of Endoscopy, Shanghai, 200032, China
| | - Qiurong Ding
- Institute of Nutrition Science, Shanghai Institutes for Biological Sciences, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Shanghai, 200031, China
| | - Min Wang
- Department of Gastroenterology, Hepatology and Nutrition, Shanghai Children's Hospital, Shanghai Jiaotong University, Shanghai, 200062, China
| | - Yan Zhu
- Zhongshan Hospital Fudan University Endoscopy Center, Shanghai, 200032, China.,Shanghai Collaborative Innovation Center of Endoscopy, Shanghai, 200032, China
| | - Zhaochao Zhang
- Zhongshan Hospital Fudan University Endoscopy Center, Shanghai, 200032, China.,Shanghai Collaborative Innovation Center of Endoscopy, Shanghai, 200032, China
| | - Zihan Geng
- Zhongshan Hospital Fudan University Endoscopy Center, Shanghai, 200032, China.,Shanghai Collaborative Innovation Center of Endoscopy, Shanghai, 200032, China
| | - Shengli Lin
- Zhongshan Hospital Fudan University Endoscopy Center, Shanghai, 200032, China. .,Shanghai Collaborative Innovation Center of Endoscopy, Shanghai, 200032, China.
| | - Pinghong Zhou
- Zhongshan Hospital Fudan University Endoscopy Center, Shanghai, 200032, China. .,Shanghai Collaborative Innovation Center of Endoscopy, Shanghai, 200032, China.
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26
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Huang X, Zhang G, Tang T, Gao X, Liang T. One shoot, three birds: Targeting NEK2 orchestrates chemoradiotherapy, targeted therapy, and immunotherapy in cancer treatment. Biochim Biophys Acta Rev Cancer 2022; 1877:188696. [PMID: 35157980 DOI: 10.1016/j.bbcan.2022.188696] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/22/2021] [Revised: 02/02/2022] [Accepted: 02/04/2022] [Indexed: 12/16/2022]
Abstract
Combinational therapy has improved the cancer therapeutic landscape but is associated with a concomitant increase in adverse side reactions. Emerging evidence proposes that targeting one core target with multiple critical roles in tumors can achieve combined anti-tumor effects. This review focuses on NEK2, a member of serine/threonine kinases, with broad sequence identity to the mitotic regulator NIMA of the filamentous fungus Aspergillus nidulans. Elevated expression of NEK2 was initially found to promote tumorigeneses through abnormal regulation of the cell cycle. Subsequent studies report that NEK2 is overexpressed in a broad spectrum of tumor types and is associated with tumor progression and therapeutic resistance. Intriguingly, NEK2 has recently been revealed to mediate tumor immune escape by stabilizing the expression of PD-L1. Targeting NEK2 is thus becoming a promising approach for cancer treatment by orchestrating chemoradiotherapy, targeted therapy, and immunotherapy. It represents a novel strategy for inducing combined anti-cancer effects using a mono-agent.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xing Huang
- Zhejiang Provincial Key Laboratory of Pancreatic Disease, The First Affiliated Hospital, Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Hangzhou 310009, Zhejiang, China; Department of Hepatobiliary and Pancreatic Surgery, The First Affiliated Hospital, Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Hangzhou 310003, Zhejiang, China; Zhejiang Clinical Research Center of Hepatobiliary and Pancreatic Diseases, Hangzhou 310003, Zhejiang, China; The Innovation Center for the Study of Pancreatic Diseases of Zhejiang Province, Hangzhou 310009, Zhejiang, China; Cancer Center, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou 310058, Zhejiang, China.
| | - Gang Zhang
- Zhejiang Provincial Key Laboratory of Pancreatic Disease, The First Affiliated Hospital, Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Hangzhou 310009, Zhejiang, China; Department of Hepatobiliary and Pancreatic Surgery, The First Affiliated Hospital, Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Hangzhou 310003, Zhejiang, China; Zhejiang Clinical Research Center of Hepatobiliary and Pancreatic Diseases, Hangzhou 310003, Zhejiang, China; The Innovation Center for the Study of Pancreatic Diseases of Zhejiang Province, Hangzhou 310009, Zhejiang, China; Cancer Center, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou 310058, Zhejiang, China
| | - Tianyu Tang
- Zhejiang Provincial Key Laboratory of Pancreatic Disease, The First Affiliated Hospital, Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Hangzhou 310009, Zhejiang, China; Department of Hepatobiliary and Pancreatic Surgery, The First Affiliated Hospital, Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Hangzhou 310003, Zhejiang, China; Zhejiang Clinical Research Center of Hepatobiliary and Pancreatic Diseases, Hangzhou 310003, Zhejiang, China; The Innovation Center for the Study of Pancreatic Diseases of Zhejiang Province, Hangzhou 310009, Zhejiang, China; Cancer Center, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou 310058, Zhejiang, China
| | - Xiang Gao
- Zhejiang Provincial Key Laboratory of Pancreatic Disease, The First Affiliated Hospital, Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Hangzhou 310009, Zhejiang, China; Department of Hepatobiliary and Pancreatic Surgery, The First Affiliated Hospital, Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Hangzhou 310003, Zhejiang, China; Zhejiang Clinical Research Center of Hepatobiliary and Pancreatic Diseases, Hangzhou 310003, Zhejiang, China; The Innovation Center for the Study of Pancreatic Diseases of Zhejiang Province, Hangzhou 310009, Zhejiang, China; Cancer Center, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou 310058, Zhejiang, China
| | - Tingbo Liang
- Zhejiang Provincial Key Laboratory of Pancreatic Disease, The First Affiliated Hospital, Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Hangzhou 310009, Zhejiang, China; Department of Hepatobiliary and Pancreatic Surgery, The First Affiliated Hospital, Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Hangzhou 310003, Zhejiang, China; Zhejiang Clinical Research Center of Hepatobiliary and Pancreatic Diseases, Hangzhou 310003, Zhejiang, China; The Innovation Center for the Study of Pancreatic Diseases of Zhejiang Province, Hangzhou 310009, Zhejiang, China; Cancer Center, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou 310058, Zhejiang, China.
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27
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Qi TF, Miao W, Wang Y. Targeted Profiling of Epitranscriptomic Reader, Writer, and Eraser Proteins Accompanied with Radioresistance in Breast Cancer Cells. Anal Chem 2022; 94:1525-1530. [PMID: 35021009 PMCID: PMC8792366 DOI: 10.1021/acs.analchem.1c05441] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/27/2023]
Abstract
Epitranscriptomic reader, writer, and eraser (RWE) proteins recognize, install, and remove modified nucleosides in RNA, which are known to play crucial roles in RNA processing, splicing, and stability. Here, we established a liquid chromatography-parallel-reaction monitoring (LC-PRM) method for high-throughput profiling of a total of 152 epitranscriptomic RWE proteins. We also applied the LC-PRM method, in conjunction with stable isotope labeling by amino acids in cell culture (SILAC), to quantify these proteins in two pairs of matched parental/radioresistant breast cancer cells (i.e., MDA-MB-231 and MCF-7 cells and their corresponding radioresistant C5 and C6 clones), with the goal of assessing the roles of these proteins in radioresistance. We found that eight epitranscriptomic RWE proteins were commonly altered by over 1.5-fold in the two pairs of breast cancer cells. Among them, TRMT1 (an m2,2G writer) may play a role in promoting breast cancer radioresistance due to its clinical relevance and its correlation with DNA repair gene sets. To our knowledge, this is the first report of a targeted proteomic method for comprehensive quantifications of epitranscriptomic RWE proteins. We envision that the LC-PRM method is applicable for studying the roles of these proteins in the metastatic transformation of cancer and therapeutic resistance of other types of cancer in the future.
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Xiang J, Alafate W, Wu W, Wang Y, Li X, Xie W, Bai X, Li R, Wang M, Wang J. NEK2 enhances malignancies of glioblastoma via NIK/NF-κB pathway. Cell Death Dis 2022; 13:58. [PMID: 35031599 PMCID: PMC8760305 DOI: 10.1038/s41419-022-04512-6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/16/2021] [Revised: 12/16/2021] [Accepted: 01/06/2022] [Indexed: 02/08/2023]
Abstract
Glioblastoma (GBM) is one of the most lethal primary brain tumor with a poor median survival less than 15 months. Despite the development of the clinical strategies over the decades, the outcomes for GBM patients remain dismal due to the strong proliferation and invasion ability and the acquired resistance to radiotherapy and chemotherapy. Therefore, developing new biomarkers and therapeutic strategies targeting GBM is in urgent need. In this study, gene expression datasets and relevant clinical information were extracted from public cancers/glioma datasets, including TCGA, GRAVENDEEL, REMBRANDT, and GILL datasets. Differentially expressed genes were analyzed and NEK2 was picked as a candidate gene for subsequent validation. Human tissue samples and corresponding data were collected from our center and detected by immunohistochemistry analysis. Molecular biological assays and in vivo xenograft transplantation were performed to confirm the bioinformatic findings. High-throughput RNA sequencing, followed by KEGG analysis, GSEA analysis and GO analysis were conducted to identify potential signaling pathways related to NEK2 expression. Subsequent mechanism assays were used to verify the relationship between NEK2 and NF-κB signaling. Overall, we identified that NEK2 is significantly upregulated in GBM and the higher expression of NEK2 exhibited a poorer prognosis. Functionally, NEK2 knockdown attenuated cell proliferation, migration, invasion, and tumorigenesis of GBM while NEK2 overexpression promoted the GBM progression. Furthermore, High-throughput RNA sequencing and bioinformatics analysis indicated that NEK2 was positively related to the NF-κB signaling pathway in GBM. Mechanically, NEK2 activated the noncanonical NF-κB signaling pathway by phosphorylating NIK and increasing the activity and stability of NIK. In conclusion, NEK2 promoted the progression of GBM through activation of noncanonical NF-κB signaling, indicating that NEK2- NF-κB axis could be a potential drug target for GBM.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jianyang Xiang
- Department of Neurosurgery, The First Affiliated Hospital of Xi'an Jiaotong University, Xi'an, Shaanxi, 710061, China
- Center of Brain Science, The First Affiliated Hospital of Xi'an Jiaotong University, Xi'an, Shaanxi, 710061, China
| | - Wahafu Alafate
- Department of Neurosurgery, The First Affiliated Hospital of Xi'an Jiaotong University, Xi'an, Shaanxi, 710061, China
- Center of Brain Science, The First Affiliated Hospital of Xi'an Jiaotong University, Xi'an, Shaanxi, 710061, China
| | - Wei Wu
- Department of Neurosurgery, The First Affiliated Hospital of Xi'an Jiaotong University, Xi'an, Shaanxi, 710061, China
- Center of Brain Science, The First Affiliated Hospital of Xi'an Jiaotong University, Xi'an, Shaanxi, 710061, China
| | - Yichang Wang
- Department of Neurosurgery, The First Affiliated Hospital of Xi'an Jiaotong University, Xi'an, Shaanxi, 710061, China
- Center of Brain Science, The First Affiliated Hospital of Xi'an Jiaotong University, Xi'an, Shaanxi, 710061, China
| | - Xiaodong Li
- Department of Neurosurgery, The First Affiliated Hospital of Xi'an Jiaotong University, Xi'an, Shaanxi, 710061, China
- Center of Brain Science, The First Affiliated Hospital of Xi'an Jiaotong University, Xi'an, Shaanxi, 710061, China
| | - Wanfu Xie
- Department of Neurosurgery, The First Affiliated Hospital of Xi'an Jiaotong University, Xi'an, Shaanxi, 710061, China
| | - Xiaobin Bai
- Department of Neurosurgery, The First Affiliated Hospital of Xi'an Jiaotong University, Xi'an, Shaanxi, 710061, China
| | - Ruichun Li
- Department of Neurosurgery, The First Affiliated Hospital of Xi'an Jiaotong University, Xi'an, Shaanxi, 710061, China
| | - Maode Wang
- Department of Neurosurgery, The First Affiliated Hospital of Xi'an Jiaotong University, Xi'an, Shaanxi, 710061, China.
- Center of Brain Science, The First Affiliated Hospital of Xi'an Jiaotong University, Xi'an, Shaanxi, 710061, China.
| | - Jia Wang
- Department of Neurosurgery, The First Affiliated Hospital of Xi'an Jiaotong University, Xi'an, Shaanxi, 710061, China.
- Center of Brain Science, The First Affiliated Hospital of Xi'an Jiaotong University, Xi'an, Shaanxi, 710061, China.
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Dana D, Das T, Choi A, Bhuiyan AI, Das TK, Talele TT, Pathak SK. Nek2 Kinase Signaling in Malaria, Bone, Immune and Kidney Disorders to Metastatic Cancers and Drug Resistance: Progress on Nek2 Inhibitor Development. Molecules 2022; 27:347. [PMID: 35056661 PMCID: PMC8779408 DOI: 10.3390/molecules27020347] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/27/2021] [Revised: 12/27/2021] [Accepted: 12/30/2021] [Indexed: 11/25/2022] Open
Abstract
Cell cycle kinases represent an important component of the cell machinery that controls signal transduction involved in cell proliferation, growth, and differentiation. Nek2 is a mitotic Ser/Thr kinase that localizes predominantly to centrosomes and kinetochores and orchestrates centrosome disjunction and faithful chromosomal segregation. Its activity is tightly regulated during the cell cycle with the help of other kinases and phosphatases and via proteasomal degradation. Increased levels of Nek2 kinase can promote centrosome amplification (CA), mitotic defects, chromosome instability (CIN), tumor growth, and cancer metastasis. While it remains a highly attractive target for the development of anti-cancer therapeutics, several new roles of the Nek2 enzyme have recently emerged: these include drug resistance, bone, ciliopathies, immune and kidney diseases, and parasitic diseases such as malaria. Therefore, Nek2 is at the interface of multiple cellular processes and can influence numerous cellular signaling networks. Herein, we provide a critical overview of Nek2 kinase biology and discuss the signaling roles it plays in both normal and diseased human physiology. While the majority of research efforts over the last two decades have focused on the roles of Nek2 kinase in tumor development and cancer metastasis, the signaling mechanisms involving the key players associated with several other notable human diseases are highlighted here. We summarize the efforts made so far to develop Nek2 inhibitory small molecules, illustrate their action modalities, and provide our opinion on the future of Nek2-targeted therapeutics. It is anticipated that the functional inhibition of Nek2 kinase will be a key strategy going forward in drug development, with applications across multiple human diseases.
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Affiliation(s)
- Dibyendu Dana
- Chemistry and Biochemistry Department, Queens College of the City University of New York, 65-30 Kissena Blvd., Flushing, NY 11367, USA; (D.D.); (T.D.); (A.C.); (A.I.B.)
- KemPharm Inc., 2200 Kraft Drive, Blacksburg, VA 24060, USA
| | - Tuhin Das
- Chemistry and Biochemistry Department, Queens College of the City University of New York, 65-30 Kissena Blvd., Flushing, NY 11367, USA; (D.D.); (T.D.); (A.C.); (A.I.B.)
| | - Athena Choi
- Chemistry and Biochemistry Department, Queens College of the City University of New York, 65-30 Kissena Blvd., Flushing, NY 11367, USA; (D.D.); (T.D.); (A.C.); (A.I.B.)
- Brooklyn Technical High School, 29 Fort Greene Pl, Brooklyn, NY 11217, USA
| | - Ashif I. Bhuiyan
- Chemistry and Biochemistry Department, Queens College of the City University of New York, 65-30 Kissena Blvd., Flushing, NY 11367, USA; (D.D.); (T.D.); (A.C.); (A.I.B.)
- Chemistry Doctoral Program, The Graduate Center of the City University of New York, 365 5th Ave, New York, NY 10016, USA
| | - Tirtha K. Das
- Department of Cell, Developmental, and Regenerative Biology, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, NY 10029, USA;
- Mindich Child Health and Development Institute, Department of Pediatrics, Department of Genetics and Genomic Science, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, NY 10029, USA
| | - Tanaji T. Talele
- Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, College of Pharmacy and Health Sciences, St. John’s University, 8000 Utopia Parkway, Queens, NY 11439, USA;
| | - Sanjai K. Pathak
- Chemistry and Biochemistry Department, Queens College of the City University of New York, 65-30 Kissena Blvd., Flushing, NY 11367, USA; (D.D.); (T.D.); (A.C.); (A.I.B.)
- Chemistry Doctoral Program, The Graduate Center of the City University of New York, 365 5th Ave, New York, NY 10016, USA
- Biochemistry Doctoral Program, The Graduate Center of the City University of New York, 365 5th Ave, New York, NY 10016, USA
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30
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Lai E, Tai Y, Jiang J, Zhao C, Xiao Y, Quan X, Wu H, Gao J. Prognostic evaluation and immune infiltration analysis of five bioinformatic selected genes in hepatocellular carcinoma. J Cell Mol Med 2021; 25:11128-11141. [PMID: 34726341 PMCID: PMC8650024 DOI: 10.1111/jcmm.17035] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/02/2021] [Revised: 09/24/2021] [Accepted: 09/30/2021] [Indexed: 02/05/2023] Open
Abstract
Despite the development in hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) treatment in recent years, the therapeutic outcome of HCC remains unfavourable. This study examines the prognosis of HCC from a genetic level using clinical databases and single‐cell data to identify genes with a high prognostic value. Three up‐regulated genes (UBE2S, PTTG1, and CDC20) and two down‐regulated genes (SOCS2 and DNASE1L3) in HCC tissues were identified. Various analyses confirmed its correlation with tumour stage (p < 0.01) and patient survival time (log‐rank p < 0.001). Immune analysis, single‐cell analysis, and gene set enrichment analysis (GSEA) were employed to provide insight on how they affect cancer progression, and we observed a close relation between these genes and tumour immune infiltration. Eventually, we constructed a risk score system that risk score = (0.0465) × UBE2S + (0.1851) × CDC20 + (−0.0461) × DNASE1L3 + (−0.2279) × SOCS2 (5‐year area under curve = 0.706). The risk score system may serve as an effective novel prognostic system for HCC patients. This study might provide novel ideas for prognostic or therapeutic biomarkers for HCC.
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Affiliation(s)
- Enjiang Lai
- Lab of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu, China.,Department of Gastroenterology, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu, China
| | - Yang Tai
- Lab of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu, China.,Department of Gastroenterology, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu, China
| | - Jingsun Jiang
- Department of Gastroenterology, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu, China
| | - Chong Zhao
- Lab of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu, China.,Department of Gastroenterology, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu, China
| | - Yang Xiao
- Lab of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu, China.,Department of Gastroenterology, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu, China
| | - Xin Quan
- Lab of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu, China.,Department of Gastroenterology, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu, China
| | - Hao Wu
- Department of Gastroenterology, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu, China
| | - Jinhang Gao
- Lab of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu, China.,Department of Gastroenterology, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu, China
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Paskeh MDA, Mirzaei S, Gholami MH, Zarrabi A, Zabolian A, Hashemi M, Hushmandi K, Ashrafizadeh M, Aref AR, Samarghandian S. Cervical cancer progression is regulated by SOX transcription factors: Revealing signaling networks and therapeutic strategies. Biomed Pharmacother 2021; 144:112335. [PMID: 34700233 DOI: 10.1016/j.biopha.2021.112335] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/03/2021] [Revised: 10/05/2021] [Accepted: 10/10/2021] [Indexed: 12/24/2022] Open
Abstract
Cervical cancer is the fourth common gynecologic cancer and is considered as second leading cause of death among women. Various strategies are applied in treatment of cervical cancer including radiotherapy, chemotherapy and surgery. However, cervical cancer cells demonstrate aggressive behavior in advanced phases, requiring novel strategies in their elimination. On the other hand, SOX proteins are transcription factors capable of regulating different molecular pathways and their expression varies during embryogenesis, disease development and carcinogenesis. In the present review, our aim is to reveal role of SOX transcription factors in cervical cancer. SOX transcription factors play like a double-edged sword in cancer. For instance, SOX9 possesses both tumor-suppressor and tumor-promoting role in cervical cancer. Therefore, exact role of each SOX members in cervical cancer has been discussed to direct further experiments for revealing other functions. SOX proteins can regulate proliferation and metastasis of cervical cancer cells. Furthermore, response of cervical cancer cells to chemotherapy and radiotherapy is tightly regulated by SOX transcription factors. Different downstream targets of SOX proteins such as Wnt signaling, EMT and Hedgehog have been identified. Besides, upstream mediators such as microRNAs, lncRNAs and circRNAs can regulate SOX expression in cervical cancer. In addition to pre-clinical studies, role of SOX transcription factors as prognostic and diagnostic tools in cervical cancer has been shown.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mahshid Deldar Abad Paskeh
- Department of Genetics, Faculty of Advanced Science and Technology, Tehran Medical Sciences, Islamic Azad University, Tehran, Iran; Farhikhtegan Medical Convergence Sciences Research Center, Farhikhtegan Hospital Tehran Medical Sciences, Islamic Azad University, Tehran, Iran
| | - Sepideh Mirzaei
- Department of Biology, Faculty of Science, Islamic Azad University, Science and Research Branch, Tehran, Iran
| | - Mohammad Hossein Gholami
- DVM. Graduated, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Kazerun Branch, Islamic Azad University, Kazerun, Iran
| | - Ali Zarrabi
- Sabanci University Nanotechnology Research and Application Center (SUNUM), Tuzla, 34956 Istanbul, Turkey; Department of Biomedical Engineering, Faculty of Engineering and Natural Sciences, Istinye University, Sariyer, Istanbul 34396, Turkey
| | - Amirhossein Zabolian
- Young Researchers and Elite Club, Tehran Medical Sciences, Islamic Azad University, Tehran, Iran
| | - Mehrdad Hashemi
- Department of Genetics, Faculty of Advanced Science and Technology, Tehran Medical Sciences, Islamic Azad University, Tehran, Iran; Farhikhtegan Medical Convergence Sciences Research Center, Farhikhtegan Hospital Tehran Medical Sciences, Islamic Azad University, Tehran, Iran
| | - Kiavash Hushmandi
- Department of Food Hygiene and Quality Control, Division of epidemiology & Zoonoses, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, University of Tehran, Tehran, Iran
| | - Milad Ashrafizadeh
- Sabanci University Nanotechnology Research and Application Center (SUNUM), Tuzla, 34956 Istanbul, Turkey; Faculty of Engineering and Natural Sciences, Sabanci University, Orta Mahalle, Üniversite Caddesi No. 27, Orhanlı, Tuzla, 34956 Istanbul, Turkey
| | - Amir Reza Aref
- Belfer Center for Applied Cancer Science, Dana-Farber Cancer Institute, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, USA; Vice President at Translational Sciences, Xsphera Biosciences Inc. 6 Tide Street, Boston, MA 02210, USA
| | - Saeed Samarghandian
- Noncommunicable Diseases Research Center, Neyshabur University of Medical Sciences, Neyshabur, Iran.
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Bacolod MD, Barany F. A Unified Transcriptional, Pharmacogenomic, and Gene Dependency Approach to Decipher the Biology, Diagnostic Markers, and Therapeutic Targets Associated with Prostate Cancer Metastasis. Cancers (Basel) 2021; 13:cancers13205158. [PMID: 34680307 PMCID: PMC8534121 DOI: 10.3390/cancers13205158] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/29/2021] [Revised: 10/01/2021] [Accepted: 10/06/2021] [Indexed: 01/18/2023] Open
Abstract
Simple Summary This manuscript demonstrates how integrated bioinformatic and statistical reanalysis of publicly available genomic datasets can be utilized to identify molecular pathways and biomarkers that may be clinically relevant to metastatic prostate cancer (mPrCa) progression. The most notable observation is that the transition from primary prostate cancer to mPrCa is characterized by upregulation of processes associated with DNA replication, metastasis, and events regulated by the serine/threonine kinase PLK1. Moreover, our analysis also identified over-expressed genes that may be exploited for potential targeted therapeutics and minimally invasive diagnostics and monitoring of mPrCa. The primary data analyzed were two transcriptional datasets for tissues derived from normal prostate, primary prostate cancer, and mPrCa. Also incorporated in the analysis were the transcriptional, gene dependency, and drug response data for hundreds of cell lines, including those derived from prostate cancer tissues. Abstract Our understanding of metastatic prostate cancer (mPrCa) has dramatically advanced during the genomics era. Nonetheless, many aspects of the disease may still be uncovered through reanalysis of public datasets. We integrated the expression datasets for 209 PrCa tissues (metastasis, primary, normal) with expression, gene dependency (GD) (from CRISPR/cas9 screen), and drug viability data for hundreds of cancer lines (including PrCa). Comparative statistical and pathways analyses and functional annotations (available inhibitors, protein localization) revealed relevant pathways and potential (and previously reported) protein markers for minimally invasive mPrCa diagnostics. The transition from localized to mPrCa involved the upregulation of DNA replication, mitosis, and PLK1-mediated events. Genes highly upregulated in mPrCa and with very high average GD (~1) are potential therapeutic targets. We showed that fostamatinib (which can target PLK1 and other over-expressed serine/threonine kinases such as AURKA, MELK, NEK2, and TTK) is more active against cancer lines with more pronounced signatures of invasion (e.g., extracellular matrix organization/degradation). Furthermore, we identified surface-bound (e.g., ADAM15, CD276, ABCC5, CD36, NRP1, SCARB1) and likely secreted proteins (e.g., APLN, ANGPT2, CTHRC1, ADAM12) that are potential mPrCa diagnostic markers. Overall, we demonstrated that comprehensive analyses of public genomics data could reveal potentially clinically relevant information regarding mPrCa.
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Yang S, Xiao H, Sun Y, Cao L. Zeylenone synergizes with cisplatin in osteosarcoma by enhancing DNA damage, apoptosis, and necrosis via the Hsp90/AKT/GSK3β and Fanconi anaemia pathway. Phytother Res 2021; 35:5899-5918. [PMID: 34585447 DOI: 10.1002/ptr.7299] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/29/2021] [Revised: 09/05/2021] [Accepted: 09/07/2021] [Indexed: 11/12/2022]
Abstract
A safer and more effective combination strategy designed to enhance the efficacy and minimize the toxicity of cisplatin in osteosarcoma (OS) is urgently needed. Zeylenone (zey), a cyclohexene oxide compound, exerted an obvious inhibitory effect on several cancer cell lines and exhibited little cytotoxicity towards normal cells, enabling zey to play a unique role in combination therapy. Thus, the study aimed to determine whether the combination of zey and cisplatin produces synergistic antitumour effects on OS and to further explore molecular mechanisms. Initially, we found that zey potentiated the anti-osteosarcoma efficacy of cisplatin and exhibited synergistic interactions with cisplatin in vitro, which also were confirmed in vivo by using xenograft model. Mechanistically, zey and cisplatin synergistically induced DNA damage, cell cycle arrest, necrosis, and apoptosis in OS cells. Importantly, zey had a high binding affinity for Hsp90 and reduced the expression of Hsp90, which further induced the suppression of AKT/GSK3β signalling axis and the degradation of Fanconi anaemia (FA) pathway proteins. Thus, the Hsp90/AKT/GSK3β and FA pathway are the key to the synergism between zey and cisplatin. Overall, zey shows promise for development as a cisplatin chemosensitizer with clinical utility in restoring cisplatin sensitivity of cancer cells.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shuxian Yang
- Institute of Medicinal Plant Development, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences & Peking Union Medical College, Beijing, China.,Zhongguancun Open Laboratory of the Research and Development of Natural Medicine and Health Products, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences & Peking Union Medical College, Beijing, China.,Key Laboratory of Bioactive Substances and Resource Utilization of Chinese Herbal Medicine, Ministry of Education, Institute of Medicinal Plant Development, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences & Peking Union Medical College, Beijing, China
| | - Haiyan Xiao
- Institute of Medicinal Plant Development, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences & Peking Union Medical College, Beijing, China.,Zhongguancun Open Laboratory of the Research and Development of Natural Medicine and Health Products, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences & Peking Union Medical College, Beijing, China.,Key Laboratory of Bioactive Substances and Resource Utilization of Chinese Herbal Medicine, Ministry of Education, Institute of Medicinal Plant Development, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences & Peking Union Medical College, Beijing, China
| | - Yunfang Sun
- Institute of Medicinal Plant Development, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences & Peking Union Medical College, Beijing, China.,Zhongguancun Open Laboratory of the Research and Development of Natural Medicine and Health Products, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences & Peking Union Medical College, Beijing, China.,Key Laboratory of Bioactive Substances and Resource Utilization of Chinese Herbal Medicine, Ministry of Education, Institute of Medicinal Plant Development, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences & Peking Union Medical College, Beijing, China
| | - Li Cao
- Institute of Medicinal Plant Development, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences & Peking Union Medical College, Beijing, China.,Zhongguancun Open Laboratory of the Research and Development of Natural Medicine and Health Products, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences & Peking Union Medical College, Beijing, China.,Key Laboratory of Bioactive Substances and Resource Utilization of Chinese Herbal Medicine, Ministry of Education, Institute of Medicinal Plant Development, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences & Peking Union Medical College, Beijing, China
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Silencing of Nek2 suppresses the proliferation, migration and invasion and induces apoptosis of breast cancer cells by regulating ERK/MAPK signaling. J Mol Histol 2021; 52:809-821. [PMID: 34009515 DOI: 10.1007/s10735-021-09979-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/19/2021] [Accepted: 05/08/2021] [Indexed: 02/08/2023]
Abstract
Breast cancer is a frequent cancer among women. The current study investigated the biological functions of Nek2 in breast cancer and its possible mechanism. The mRNA expression of Nek2 in breast epithelial cells and eight breast cancer cell lines was detected by qRT-PCR. Silencing Nek2 was transfected into MDA-MB-231 and MCF7 cells to examine its roles in the viability, migration, invasion, cell colony, apoptosis and cell cycle of the breast cancer cells by performing CCK-8, wound scratch, Transwell, clone formation and flow cytometry assays, respectively. The expressions of related genes were detected using qRT-PCR and Western blot. MAPK pathway agonist IGF (insulin-like growth factor-1) was added into MDA-MB-231 and MCF7 cells and then cell viability was examined. Nek2 expression was frequently up-regulated in breast cancer cell lines, and silencing Nek2 significantly inhibited the viability, cell migration, invasion and clone formation, promoted cell apoptosis of MDA-MB-231 and MCF7 cells, and arrested cell cycle in G0/G1 phase. Furthermore, knocking down Nek2 decreased the mRNA and protein expressions of Bcl-2, CyclinB1 and CyclinD1, and increased Bax and p27 expressions. Moreover, knocking down Nek2 inhibited the phosphorylation of ERK and p38, and almost completely reversed the expression of p-ERK increased by IGF, but Nek2 knockdown had no obvious effect on p-p38. The inhibitory effect of Nek2 silencing on the cell viability was mainly realized by the inhibition of ERK/MAPK signaling. Nek2 plays an important role in the regulation of the progression of breast cancer in vitro probably through regulating the ERK/MAPK signaling.
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Pavan ICB, Peres de Oliveira A, Dias PRF, Basei FL, Issayama LK, Ferezin CDC, Silva FR, Rodrigues de Oliveira AL, Alves dos Reis Moura L, Martins MB, Simabuco FM, Kobarg J. On Broken Ne(c)ks and Broken DNA: The Role of Human NEKs in the DNA Damage Response. Cells 2021; 10:cells10030507. [PMID: 33673578 PMCID: PMC7997185 DOI: 10.3390/cells10030507] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/08/2021] [Revised: 02/04/2021] [Accepted: 02/22/2021] [Indexed: 02/07/2023] Open
Abstract
NIMA-related kinases, or NEKs, are a family of Ser/Thr protein kinases involved in cell cycle and mitosis, centrosome disjunction, primary cilia functions, and DNA damage responses among other biological functional contexts in vertebrate cells. In human cells, there are 11 members, termed NEK1 to 11, and the research has mainly focused on exploring the more predominant roles of NEKs in mitosis regulation and cell cycle. A possible important role of NEKs in DNA damage response (DDR) first emerged for NEK1, but recent studies for most NEKs showed participation in DDR. A detailed analysis of the protein interactions, phosphorylation events, and studies of functional aspects of NEKs from the literature led us to propose a more general role of NEKs in DDR. In this review, we express that NEK1 is an activator of ataxia telangiectasia and Rad3-related (ATR), and its activation results in cell cycle arrest, guaranteeing DNA repair while activating specific repair pathways such as homology repair (HR) and DNA double-strand break (DSB) repair. For NEK2, 6, 8, 9, and 11, we found a role downstream of ATR and ataxia telangiectasia mutated (ATM) that results in cell cycle arrest, but details of possible activated repair pathways are still being investigated. NEK4 shows a connection to the regulation of the nonhomologous end-joining (NHEJ) repair of DNA DSBs, through recruitment of DNA-PK to DNA damage foci. NEK5 interacts with topoisomerase IIβ, and its knockdown results in the accumulation of damaged DNA. NEK7 has a regulatory role in the detection of oxidative damage to telomeric DNA. Finally, NEK10 has recently been shown to phosphorylate p53 at Y327, promoting cell cycle arrest after exposure to DNA damaging agents. In summary, this review highlights important discoveries of the ever-growing involvement of NEK kinases in the DDR pathways. A better understanding of these roles may open new diagnostic possibilities or pharmaceutical interventions regarding the chemo-sensitizing inhibition of NEKs in various forms of cancer and other diseases.
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Affiliation(s)
- Isadora Carolina Betim Pavan
- Graduate Program in “Ciências Farmacêuticas”, School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Faculty of Pharmaceutical Sciences, State University of Campinas (UNICAMP), R. Cândido Portinari 200, Prédio 2, Campinas CEP 13083-871, Brazil; (I.C.B.P.); (A.P.d.O.); (P.R.F.D.); (F.L.B.); (L.K.I.); (F.R.S.); (A.L.R.d.O.); (L.A.d.R.M.); (M.B.M.)
| | - Andressa Peres de Oliveira
- Graduate Program in “Ciências Farmacêuticas”, School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Faculty of Pharmaceutical Sciences, State University of Campinas (UNICAMP), R. Cândido Portinari 200, Prédio 2, Campinas CEP 13083-871, Brazil; (I.C.B.P.); (A.P.d.O.); (P.R.F.D.); (F.L.B.); (L.K.I.); (F.R.S.); (A.L.R.d.O.); (L.A.d.R.M.); (M.B.M.)
| | - Pedro Rafael Firmino Dias
- Graduate Program in “Ciências Farmacêuticas”, School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Faculty of Pharmaceutical Sciences, State University of Campinas (UNICAMP), R. Cândido Portinari 200, Prédio 2, Campinas CEP 13083-871, Brazil; (I.C.B.P.); (A.P.d.O.); (P.R.F.D.); (F.L.B.); (L.K.I.); (F.R.S.); (A.L.R.d.O.); (L.A.d.R.M.); (M.B.M.)
| | - Fernanda Luisa Basei
- Graduate Program in “Ciências Farmacêuticas”, School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Faculty of Pharmaceutical Sciences, State University of Campinas (UNICAMP), R. Cândido Portinari 200, Prédio 2, Campinas CEP 13083-871, Brazil; (I.C.B.P.); (A.P.d.O.); (P.R.F.D.); (F.L.B.); (L.K.I.); (F.R.S.); (A.L.R.d.O.); (L.A.d.R.M.); (M.B.M.)
| | - Luidy Kazuo Issayama
- Graduate Program in “Ciências Farmacêuticas”, School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Faculty of Pharmaceutical Sciences, State University of Campinas (UNICAMP), R. Cândido Portinari 200, Prédio 2, Campinas CEP 13083-871, Brazil; (I.C.B.P.); (A.P.d.O.); (P.R.F.D.); (F.L.B.); (L.K.I.); (F.R.S.); (A.L.R.d.O.); (L.A.d.R.M.); (M.B.M.)
| | - Camila de Castro Ferezin
- Graduate Program in “Biologia Funcional e Molecular”, Department of Biochemistry and Tissue Biology, Institute of Biology, State University of Campinas (UNICAMP), Campinas 13083-857, Brazil;
| | - Fernando Riback Silva
- Graduate Program in “Ciências Farmacêuticas”, School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Faculty of Pharmaceutical Sciences, State University of Campinas (UNICAMP), R. Cândido Portinari 200, Prédio 2, Campinas CEP 13083-871, Brazil; (I.C.B.P.); (A.P.d.O.); (P.R.F.D.); (F.L.B.); (L.K.I.); (F.R.S.); (A.L.R.d.O.); (L.A.d.R.M.); (M.B.M.)
| | - Ana Luisa Rodrigues de Oliveira
- Graduate Program in “Ciências Farmacêuticas”, School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Faculty of Pharmaceutical Sciences, State University of Campinas (UNICAMP), R. Cândido Portinari 200, Prédio 2, Campinas CEP 13083-871, Brazil; (I.C.B.P.); (A.P.d.O.); (P.R.F.D.); (F.L.B.); (L.K.I.); (F.R.S.); (A.L.R.d.O.); (L.A.d.R.M.); (M.B.M.)
| | - Lívia Alves dos Reis Moura
- Graduate Program in “Ciências Farmacêuticas”, School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Faculty of Pharmaceutical Sciences, State University of Campinas (UNICAMP), R. Cândido Portinari 200, Prédio 2, Campinas CEP 13083-871, Brazil; (I.C.B.P.); (A.P.d.O.); (P.R.F.D.); (F.L.B.); (L.K.I.); (F.R.S.); (A.L.R.d.O.); (L.A.d.R.M.); (M.B.M.)
| | - Mariana Bonjiorno Martins
- Graduate Program in “Ciências Farmacêuticas”, School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Faculty of Pharmaceutical Sciences, State University of Campinas (UNICAMP), R. Cândido Portinari 200, Prédio 2, Campinas CEP 13083-871, Brazil; (I.C.B.P.); (A.P.d.O.); (P.R.F.D.); (F.L.B.); (L.K.I.); (F.R.S.); (A.L.R.d.O.); (L.A.d.R.M.); (M.B.M.)
- Graduate Program in “Biologia Funcional e Molecular”, Department of Biochemistry and Tissue Biology, Institute of Biology, State University of Campinas (UNICAMP), Campinas 13083-857, Brazil;
| | | | - Jörg Kobarg
- Graduate Program in “Ciências Farmacêuticas”, School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Faculty of Pharmaceutical Sciences, State University of Campinas (UNICAMP), R. Cândido Portinari 200, Prédio 2, Campinas CEP 13083-871, Brazil; (I.C.B.P.); (A.P.d.O.); (P.R.F.D.); (F.L.B.); (L.K.I.); (F.R.S.); (A.L.R.d.O.); (L.A.d.R.M.); (M.B.M.)
- Graduate Program in “Biologia Funcional e Molecular”, Department of Biochemistry and Tissue Biology, Institute of Biology, State University of Campinas (UNICAMP), Campinas 13083-857, Brazil;
- Correspondence: ; Tel.: +55-19-3521-8143
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