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Khazem F, Zetoune AB. Decoding high mobility group A2 protein expression regulation and implications in human cancers. Discov Oncol 2024; 15:322. [PMID: 39085703 PMCID: PMC11291832 DOI: 10.1007/s12672-024-01202-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/10/2024] [Accepted: 07/29/2024] [Indexed: 08/02/2024] Open
Abstract
High Mobility Group A2 (HMGA2) oncofetal proteins are a distinct category of Transcription Factors (TFs) known as "architectural factors" due to their lack of direct transcriptional activity. Instead, they modulate the three-dimensional structure of chromatin by binding to AT-rich regions in the minor grooves of DNA through their AT-hooks. This binding allows HMGA2 to interact with other proteins and different regions of DNA, thereby regulating the expression of numerous genes involved in carcinogenesis. Consequently, multiple mechanisms exist to finely control HMGA2 protein expression at various transcriptional levels, ensuring precise concentration adjustments to maintain cellular homeostasis. During embryonic development, HMGA2 protein is highly expressed but becomes absent in adult tissues. However, recent studies have revealed its re-elevation in various cancer types. Extensive research has demonstrated the involvement of HMGA2 protein in carcinogenesis at multiple levels. It intervenes in crucial processes such as cell cycle regulation, apoptosis, angiogenesis, epithelial-to-mesenchymal transition, cancer cell stemness, and DNA damage repair mechanisms, ultimately promoting cancer cell survival. This comprehensive review provides insights into the HMGA2 protein, spanning from the genetic regulation to functional protein behavior. It highlights the significant mechanisms governing HMGA2 gene expression and elucidates the molecular roles of HMGA2 in the carcinogenesis process.
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Affiliation(s)
- Farah Khazem
- Department of Biochemistry and Microbiology, Faculty of Pharmacy, Damascus University, Damascus, Syria.
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2
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Maharaj AV, Cottrell E, Thanasupawat T, Joustra SD, Triggs-Raine B, Fujimoto M, Kant SG, van der Kaay D, Clement-de Boers A, Brooks AS, Aguirre GA, Martín del Estal I, Castilla de Cortázar Larrea MI, Massoud A, van Duyvenvoorde HA, De Bruin C, Hwa V, Klonisch T, Hombach-Klonisch S, Storr HL. Characterization of HMGA2 variants expands the spectrum of Silver-Russell syndrome. JCI Insight 2024; 9:e169425. [PMID: 38516887 PMCID: PMC11063932 DOI: 10.1172/jci.insight.169425] [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: 02/16/2023] [Accepted: 02/08/2024] [Indexed: 03/23/2024] Open
Abstract
Silver-Russell syndrome (SRS) is a heterogeneous disorder characterized by intrauterine and postnatal growth retardation. HMGA2 variants are a rare cause of SRS and its functional role in human linear growth is unclear. Patients with suspected SRS negative for 11p15LOM/mUPD7 underwent whole-exome and/or targeted-genome sequencing. Mutant HMGA2 protein expression and nuclear localization were assessed. Two Hmga2-knockin mouse models were generated. Five clinical SRS patients harbored HMGA2 variants with differing functional impacts: 2 stop-gain nonsense variants (c.49G>T, c.52C>T), c.166A>G missense variant, and 2 frameshift variants (c.144delC, c.145delA) leading to an identical, extended-length protein. Phenotypic features were highly variable. Nuclear localization was reduced/absent for all variants except c.166A>G. Homozygous knockin mice recapitulating the c.166A>G variant (Hmga2K56E) exhibited a growth-restricted phenotype. An Hmga2Ter76-knockin mouse model lacked detectable full-length Hmga2 protein, similarly to patient 3 and 5 variants. These mice were infertile, with a pygmy phenotype. We report a heterogeneous group of individuals with SRS harboring variants in HMGA2 and describe the first Hmga2 missense knockin mouse model (Hmga2K56E) to our knowledge causing a growth-restricted phenotype. In patients with clinical features of SRS but negative genetic screening, HMGA2 should be included in next-generation sequencing testing approaches.
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Affiliation(s)
- Avinaash V. Maharaj
- Centre for Endocrinology, William Harvey Research Institute, QMUL, London, United Kingdom
| | - Emily Cottrell
- Centre for Endocrinology, William Harvey Research Institute, QMUL, London, United Kingdom
| | - Thatchawan Thanasupawat
- Department of Human Anatomy and Cell Science, University of Manitoba, Winnipeg, Manitoba, Canada
| | - Sjoerd D. Joustra
- Division of Paediatric Endocrinology, Department of Paediatrics, Willem-Alexander Children’s Hospital, Leiden University Medical Centre, Leiden, Netherlands
| | - Barbara Triggs-Raine
- Department of Biochemistry and Medical Genetics, University of Manitoba, Winnipeg, Manitoba, Canada
| | - Masanobu Fujimoto
- Cincinnati Center for Growth Disorders, Division of Endocrinology, Cincinnati Children’s Hospital Medical Center, Department of Pediatrics, University of Cincinnati College of Medicine, Cincinnati, USA
| | - Sarina G. Kant
- Division of Paediatric Endocrinology, Department of Paediatrics, Willem-Alexander Children’s Hospital, Leiden University Medical Centre, Leiden, Netherlands
| | - Danielle van der Kaay
- Division of Paediatric Endocrinology, Department of Paediatrics, Erasmus University Medical Centre, Sophia Children’s Hospital, Rotterdam, Netherlands
| | - Agnes Clement-de Boers
- Department of Paediatrics, Juliana Children’s Hospital/Haga Teaching Hospital, The Hague, Netherlands
| | - Alice S. Brooks
- Department of Clinical Genetics, Erasmus MC University Medical Center, Rotterdam, Netherlands
| | | | | | | | - Ahmed Massoud
- Department of Paediatrics and Child Health, HCA Healthcare UK, London, United Kingdom
| | - Hermine A. van Duyvenvoorde
- Laboratory for Diagnostic Genome analysis (LDGA), Department of Clinical Genetics, Leiden University Medical Centre, Leiden, Netherlands
| | - Christiaan De Bruin
- Division of Paediatric Endocrinology, Department of Paediatrics, Willem-Alexander Children’s Hospital, Leiden University Medical Centre, Leiden, Netherlands
| | - Vivian Hwa
- Cincinnati Center for Growth Disorders, Division of Endocrinology, Cincinnati Children’s Hospital Medical Center, Department of Pediatrics, University of Cincinnati College of Medicine, Cincinnati, USA
| | - Thomas Klonisch
- Department of Human Anatomy and Cell Science, University of Manitoba, Winnipeg, Manitoba, Canada
- Department of Pathology, and
- Department of Medical Microbiology and Infectious Diseases, University of Manitoba, Winnipeg, Manitoba, Canada
| | - Sabine Hombach-Klonisch
- Department of Human Anatomy and Cell Science, University of Manitoba, Winnipeg, Manitoba, Canada
- Department of Pathology, and
| | - Helen L. Storr
- Centre for Endocrinology, William Harvey Research Institute, QMUL, London, United Kingdom
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Ahmed SM, Ragunathan P, Shin J, Peter S, Kleissle S, Neuenschwander M, Schäfer R, Kries JPV, Grüber G, Dröge P. The FGFR inhibitor PD173074 binds to the C-terminus of oncofetal HMGA2 and modulates its DNA-binding and transcriptional activation functions. FEBS Lett 2023; 597:1977-1988. [PMID: 37259564 DOI: 10.1002/1873-3468.14675] [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: 03/06/2023] [Revised: 04/20/2023] [Accepted: 05/23/2023] [Indexed: 06/02/2023]
Abstract
The architectural chromatin factor high-mobility group AT-hook 2 (HMGA2) is causally involved in several human malignancies and pathologies. HMGA2 is not expressed in most normal adult somatic cells, which renders the protein an attractive drug target. An established cell-based compound library screen identified the fibroblast growth factor receptor (FGFR) inhibitor PD173074 as an antagonist of HMGA2-mediated transcriptional reporter gene activation. We determined that PD173074 binds the C-terminus of HMGA2 and interferes with functional coordination of the three AT-hook DNA-binding domains mediated by the C-terminus. The HMGA2-antagonistic effect of PD173074 on transcriptional activation may therefore result from an induced altered DNA-binding mode of HMGA2. PD173074 as a novel HMGA2-specific antagonist could trigger the development of derivates with enhanced attributes and clinical potential.
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Affiliation(s)
- Syed Moiz Ahmed
- School of Biological Sciences, Nanyang Technological University, Singapore City, Singapore
| | - Priya Ragunathan
- School of Biological Sciences, Nanyang Technological University, Singapore City, Singapore
| | - Joon Shin
- School of Biological Sciences, Nanyang Technological University, Singapore City, Singapore
| | - Sabrina Peter
- School of Biological Sciences, Nanyang Technological University, Singapore City, Singapore
| | - Sabrina Kleissle
- Max-Delbrück-Centrum für Molekulare Medizin in der Helmholtz-Gemeinschaft, Berlin, Germany
| | | | - Reinhold Schäfer
- Comprehensive Cancer Center, Charité Universitätsmedizin Berlin, Germany
- German Cancer Consortium, German Cancer Research Center, Heidelberg, Germany
| | - Jens Peter V Kries
- Leibniz-Forschungsinstitut fűr Molekulare Pharmakologie, Berlin, Germany
| | - Gerhard Grüber
- School of Biological Sciences, Nanyang Technological University, Singapore City, Singapore
| | - Peter Dröge
- School of Biological Sciences, Nanyang Technological University, Singapore City, Singapore
- LambdaGen Pte Ltd, Singapore City, Singapore
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Ong LJY, Chia S, Wong SQR, Zhang X, Chua H, Loo JM, Chua WY, Chua C, Tan E, Hentze H, Tan IB, DasGupta R, Toh YC. A comparative study of tumour-on-chip models with patient-derived xenografts for predicting chemotherapy efficacy in colorectal cancer patients. Front Bioeng Biotechnol 2022; 10:952726. [PMID: 36147524 PMCID: PMC9488115 DOI: 10.3389/fbioe.2022.952726] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/25/2022] [Accepted: 07/19/2022] [Indexed: 11/24/2022] Open
Abstract
Inter-patient and intra-tumour heterogeneity (ITH) have prompted the need for a more personalised approach to cancer therapy. Although patient-derived xenograft (PDX) models can generate drug response specific to patients, they are not sustainable in terms of cost and time and have limited scalability. Tumour Organ-on-Chip (OoC) models are in vitro alternatives that can recapitulate some aspects of the 3D tumour microenvironment and can be scaled up for drug screening. While many tumour OoC systems have been developed to date, there have been limited validation studies to ascertain whether drug responses obtained from tumour OoCs are comparable to those predicted from patient-derived xenograft (PDX) models. In this study, we established a multiplexed tumour OoC device, that consists of an 8 × 4 array (32-plex) of culture chamber coupled to a concentration gradient generator. The device enabled perfusion culture of primary PDX-derived tumour spheroids to obtain dose-dependent response of 5 distinct standard-of-care (SOC) chemotherapeutic drugs for 3 colorectal cancer (CRC) patients. The in vitro efficacies of the chemotherapeutic drugs were rank-ordered for individual patients and compared to the in vivo efficacy obtained from matched PDX models. We show that quantitative correlation analysis between the drug efficacies predicted via the microfluidic perfusion culture is predictive of response in animal PDX models. This is a first study showing a comparative framework to quantitatively correlate the drug response predictions made by a microfluidic tumour organ-on-chip (OoC) model with that of PDX animal models.
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Affiliation(s)
- Louis Jun Ye Ong
- School of Mechanical, Medical and Process Engineering, Queensland University of Technology (QUT), Brisbane, QL, Australia
- Centre for Biomedical Technologies, Queensland University of Technology (QUT), Brisbane, QL, Australia
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, National University of Singapore, Singapore, Singapore
- Institute for Health Innovation and Technology, National University of Singapore, Singapore, Singapore
| | - Shumei Chia
- Laboratory of Precision Oncology and Cancer Evolution, Genome Institute of Singapore, A*STAR, Singapore, Singapore
| | - Stephen Qi Rong Wong
- Laboratory of Precision Oncology and Cancer Evolution, Genome Institute of Singapore, A*STAR, Singapore, Singapore
- Biological Resource Centre, Agency for Science, Technology and Research (A*STAR), Singapore, Singapore
- Samuel Oschin Cancer Center, Cedars-Sinai Medical Center, Los Angeles, CA, United States
| | - Xiaoqian Zhang
- Laboratory of Precision Oncology and Cancer Evolution, Genome Institute of Singapore, A*STAR, Singapore, Singapore
| | - Huiwen Chua
- Laboratory of Precision Oncology and Cancer Evolution, Genome Institute of Singapore, A*STAR, Singapore, Singapore
| | - Jia Min Loo
- Laboratory of Precision Oncology and Cancer Evolution, Genome Institute of Singapore, A*STAR, Singapore, Singapore
| | - Wei Yong Chua
- Laboratory of Precision Oncology and Cancer Evolution, Genome Institute of Singapore, A*STAR, Singapore, Singapore
| | - Clarinda Chua
- National Cancer Centre Singapore, Singapore, Singapore
| | - Emile Tan
- Singapore General Hospital, Singapore, Singapore
| | - Hannes Hentze
- Experimental, Drug Development Centre, A*STAR, Singapore, Singapore
| | - Iain Beehuat Tan
- Laboratory of Precision Oncology and Cancer Evolution, Genome Institute of Singapore, A*STAR, Singapore, Singapore
- National Cancer Centre Singapore, Singapore, Singapore
- Duke-NUS Graduate Medical School, Singapore, Singapore
| | - Ramanuj DasGupta
- Laboratory of Precision Oncology and Cancer Evolution, Genome Institute of Singapore, A*STAR, Singapore, Singapore
- *Correspondence: Ramanuj DasGupta, ; Yi-Chin Toh,
| | - Yi-Chin Toh
- School of Mechanical, Medical and Process Engineering, Queensland University of Technology (QUT), Brisbane, QL, Australia
- Centre for Biomedical Technologies, Queensland University of Technology (QUT), Brisbane, QL, Australia
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, National University of Singapore, Singapore, Singapore
- Institute for Health Innovation and Technology, National University of Singapore, Singapore, Singapore
- *Correspondence: Ramanuj DasGupta, ; Yi-Chin Toh,
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Cui J, Dean D, Hornicek FJ, Yi G, Duan Z. Expression and Clinical Significance of High-Mobility Group AT-hook 2 (HMGA2) in Osteosarcoma. Orthop Surg 2022; 14:955-966. [PMID: 35388973 PMCID: PMC9087380 DOI: 10.1111/os.13167] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/25/2021] [Revised: 09/27/2021] [Accepted: 10/09/2021] [Indexed: 11/29/2022] Open
Abstract
Objective Although high‐mobility group AT‐hook 2 (HMGA2) has been shown to have crucial roles in the pathogenesis and metastasis of various malignancies, its expression and significance in osteosarcoma remain unknown. Here we evaluate the expression, clinical prognostic value, and overall function of HMGA2 in osteosarcoma. Methods Sixty‐nine osteosarcoma patient specimens within a tissue microarray (TMA) were analyzed by immunohistochemistry for HMGA2 expression. Demographics and clinicopathological information including age, gender, tumor location, metastasis, recurrence, chemotherapy response, follow‐up time, and disease status were also collected. After validation of expression, we determined whether there was a correlation between HMGA2 expression and patient clinicopathology. HMGA2 expression was also evaluated in osteosarcoma cell lines and patient tissues by Western blot, we analyzed the expression of HMGA2 in the human osteosarcoma cell lines MG63, 143B, U2OS, Saos‐2, MNNG/HOS, and KHOS. HMGA2‐specific siRNA and clonogenic assays were then used to determine the effect of HMGA2 inhibition on osteosarcoma cell proliferation, growth, and chemosensitivity. Results HMGA2 expression was elevated in the osteosarcoma patient specimens and human osteosarcoma cell lines. HMGA2 was differentially expressed in human osteosarcoma cell lines. Specifically, a relatively high expression of HMGA2 was present in KHOS, MNNG/HOS, 143B and a relatively low expression was in MG63, U2OS as well as Saos‐2. HMGA2 expression is correlated with metastasis and shorter overall survival. High HMGA2 expression is an independent predictor of poor osteosarcoma prognosis. There was no significant correlation between HMGA2 expression and the age, gender, or tumor site of the patient. HMGA2 expression is predominantly within the nucleus. The expression of HMGA2 also directly correlated to neoadjuvant chemoresistance. There was a significant reduction of HMGA2 expression in the siRNA transfection group. After the use of siRNA, the proliferation of osteosarcoma cells is decreased and the chemosensitivity of osteosarcoma cells is significantly increased. Conclusion Our study supports HMGA2 as a potential prognostic biomarker and therapeutic target in osteosarcoma.
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Affiliation(s)
- Juncheng Cui
- Department of Orthopedic Surgery, The First Affiliated Hospital of University of South China, Hengyang, China.,Department of Orthopedic Surgery, Sarcoma Biology Laboratory, David Geffen School of Medicine at UCLA, Los Angeles, California, USA
| | - Dylan Dean
- Department of Orthopedic Surgery, Sarcoma Biology Laboratory, David Geffen School of Medicine at UCLA, Los Angeles, California, USA
| | - Francis J Hornicek
- Department of Orthopedic Surgery, Sarcoma Biology Laboratory, David Geffen School of Medicine at UCLA, Los Angeles, California, USA
| | - Guoliang Yi
- Department of Orthopedic Surgery, The First Affiliated Hospital of University of South China, Hengyang, China
| | - Zhenfeng Duan
- Department of Orthopedic Surgery, Sarcoma Biology Laboratory, David Geffen School of Medicine at UCLA, Los Angeles, California, USA
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Dong K, Bai L, Tong D, Shi X, Wei S, Cai Y. Long non-coding RNA HIT000218960 is associated with poor prognosis in patients with gastric cancer. Exp Ther Med 2021; 22:694. [PMID: 34055048 PMCID: PMC8145346 DOI: 10.3892/etm.2021.10126] [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: 03/31/2020] [Accepted: 02/15/2021] [Indexed: 12/11/2022] Open
Abstract
Long non-coding RNAs (lncRNAs) have been indicated to have important roles in the development of malignant tumors. In the present study, the expression of HIT000218960 in gastric cancer (GC) tissues was assessed and its clinical significance was analyzed. It was revealed that HIT000218960 was highly expressed in GC tissues and HIT000218960 levels in GC tissues from 103 cases were positively correlated with high mobility group AT-hook 2 (HMGA2) mRNA expression. Furthermore, HIT000218960 was significantly associated with tumor diameter, TNM stage, histological grade, the number of lymph nodes with metastasis and HMGA2 expression in tumor tissues of patients with GC. The results of the univariate and multivariate Cox regression analysis indicated that HIT000218960 expression was a factor affecting the prognosis of patients with GC. In addition, patients with GC with lower HIT000218960 or HMGA2 expression had more favorable 3-year survival, while HIT000218960 expression did not affect the 3-year overall survival of patients with GC with different levels of HMGA2 expression. In conclusion, HIT000218960 was highly expressed in patients with GC and was related to poor prognosis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kunbo Dong
- Department of Gastroenterology, The 970th Hospital of the PLA joint Logistics Support Force, Yantai, Shandong 264001, P.R. China
| | - Li Bai
- Department of Gastroenterology, The 970th Hospital of the PLA joint Logistics Support Force, Yantai, Shandong 264001, P.R. China
| | - Deyong Tong
- Department of Oncology, The 970th Hospital of the PLA joint Logistics Support Force, Yantai, Shandong 264001, P.R. China
| | - Xiuna Shi
- Department of Gastroenterology, The 970th Hospital of the PLA joint Logistics Support Force, Yantai, Shandong 264001, P.R. China
| | - Sirong Wei
- Department of Intervention, The 970th Hospital of the PLA joint Logistics Support Force, Yantai, Shandong 264001, P.R. China
| | - Yongguo Cai
- Department of Gastroenterology, The 970th Hospital of the PLA joint Logistics Support Force, Yantai, Shandong 264001, P.R. China
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Mahmood N, Mushtaq S, Jamal Q, Hanif M, Akhlaq H, Rehman DES, Awan R. Potential Utility of Cell Free High Mobility Group AT-hook 2 (HMGA2) as a Prognostic Biomarker in Liquid Biopsies of Oral Squamous Cell Carcinoma. Asian Pac J Cancer Prev 2021; 22:407-412. [PMID: 33639654 PMCID: PMC8190352 DOI: 10.31557/apjcp.2021.22.2.407] [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: 09/07/2020] [Indexed: 12/24/2022] Open
Abstract
Background: Locoregional spread is a frequent finding in oral cancer which dictates poor prognosis. HMGA2 expression has been linked to malignant traits of oral cancer in tissue biopsies however, data on HMGA2 expression in liquid biopsies in oral cancer is sparse. Purpose of this study was to explore prognostic relevance of HMGA2 in liquid biopsies of oral cancer patients. Patients and Methods: After obtaining approval from Institutional Review Board of Ziauddin University and informed written consent from study subjects, expression of circulating HMGA2 was evaluated in 96 OSCC cases and 100 age and sex matched controls via real time PCR using specific set of primers. We further analyzed relationship of various sociodemographic and clinicopathological variables with HMGA2expression and explored its prognostic potential. Results: Expression was seen in 22 (23%) cases. A higher expression was observed among subjects with local invasion (52.6% vs 47.4 %), distant metastasis (71.4% vs 28.6%) and tumor recurrence (57.1% vs 42.9%) p <0.05. Subjects having HMGA2 expression had a poor survival compared to HMGA2 negative (13.6% vs 35.4%), p <0.05. Conclusion: Circulating HMGA2 reflects presence of local invasion and distant metastasis and dictates poor prognosis in OSCC. It may contribute in categorizing high risk patients using a minimally invasive technique who are likely to benefit from targeted therapy.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Shamim Mushtaq
- Biochemsitry, Director Postgraduate Ziauddin University, Pakistan
| | | | - Muhammad Hanif
- Karachi Institute of Radiotherapy and Nuclear Medicine, Pakistan
| | | | | | - Rashid Awan
- Internal, Medicine, Chinniot General Hospital, Pakistan
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Zheng H, Yan B, Wu Q, Zhang J. MicroRNA-9-5p increases the sensitivity of colorectal cancer cells to 5-fluorouracil by downregulating high mobility group A2 expression. Oncol Lett 2021; 21:235. [PMID: 33613724 PMCID: PMC7856691 DOI: 10.3892/ol.2021.12496] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/11/2020] [Accepted: 11/26/2020] [Indexed: 12/11/2022] Open
Abstract
Chemotherapy drug 5-fluorouracil (5-FU) is the first-line treatment for colorectal cancer (CRC); however, 5-FU resistance decreases CRC therapeutic efficiency. A previous study revealed that microRNA (miR)-9-5p serves an antitumor effect in CRC. However, the effect of miR-9-5p in CRC chemoresistance remains unknown. In the present study, two CRC cell lines, including HT-29 and HCT-116 cells, were used to investigate the impact of miR-9-5p in overcoming 5-FU resistance. The results revealed that treatment with 5-FU decreased CRC cell viability and upregulated miR-9-5p expression in both CRC cells. Knockdown of miR-9-5p decreased HCT-116 cell sensitivity to 5-FU and inhibited apoptosis. By contrast, miR-9-5p overexpression enhanced the sensitivity of HT-29 cells to 5-FU and induced apoptosis. Additionally, it was confirmed that miR-9-5p directly targeted high mobility group A2 (HMGA2). HMGA2 overexpression reversed miR-9-5p-induced HT-29 apoptosis. The present study indicated that miR-9-5p enhanced the sensitivity of CRC cells to 5-FU via downregulating HMGA2 expression.
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Affiliation(s)
- Huizhe Zheng
- Department of Pathology, Hongqi Hospital Affiliated to Mudanjiang Medical University, Mudanjiang, Heilongjiang 157011, P.R. China.,Key Laboratory of Tumor Prevention and Treatment of Heilongjiang Province, Mudanjiang Medical University, Mudanjiang, Heilongjiang 157011, P.R. China
| | - Bin Yan
- Department of Pathology, Hongqi Hospital Affiliated to Mudanjiang Medical University, Mudanjiang, Heilongjiang 157011, P.R. China.,Key Laboratory of Tumor Prevention and Treatment of Heilongjiang Province, Mudanjiang Medical University, Mudanjiang, Heilongjiang 157011, P.R. China
| | - Qi Wu
- Department of Pathology, Hongqi Hospital Affiliated to Mudanjiang Medical University, Mudanjiang, Heilongjiang 157011, P.R. China.,Key Laboratory of Tumor Prevention and Treatment of Heilongjiang Province, Mudanjiang Medical University, Mudanjiang, Heilongjiang 157011, P.R. China
| | - Jingli Zhang
- Department of Rheumatology and Immunology, Hongqi Hospital Affiliated to Mudanjiang Medical University, Mudanjiang, Heilongjiang 157011, P.R. China
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Pegoraro S, Ros G, Sgubin M, Petrosino S, Zambelli A, Sgarra R, Manfioletti G. Targeting the intrinsically disordered architectural High Mobility Group A (HMGA) oncoproteins in breast cancer: learning from the past to design future strategies. Expert Opin Ther Targets 2020; 24:953-969. [PMID: 32970506 DOI: 10.1080/14728222.2020.1814738] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/07/2023]
Abstract
INTRODUCTION Triple-negative breast cancer (TNBC) is the most difficult breast cancer subtype to treat because of its heterogeneity and lack of specific therapeutic targets. High Mobility Group A (HMGA) proteins are chromatin architectural factors that have multiple oncogenic functions in breast cancer, and they represent promising molecular therapeutic targets for this disease. AREAS COVERED We offer an overview of the strategies that have been exploited to counteract HMGA oncoprotein activities at the transcriptional and post-transcriptional levels. We also present the possibility of targeting cancer-associated factors that lie downstream of HMGA proteins and discuss the contribution of HMGA proteins to chemoresistance. EXPERT OPINION Different strategies have been exploited to counteract HMGA protein activities; these involve interfering with their nucleic acid binding properties and the blocking of HMGA expression. Some approaches have provided promising results. However, some unique characteristics of the HMGA proteins have not been exploited; these include their extensive protein-protein interaction network and their intrinsically disordered status that present the possibility that HMGA proteins could be involved in the formation of proteinaceous membrane-less organelles (PMLO) by liquid-liquid phase separation. These unexplored characteristics could open new pharmacological avenues to counteract the oncogenic contributions of HMGA proteins.
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Affiliation(s)
- Silvia Pegoraro
- Department of Life Sciences, University of Trieste , Trieste, Italy
| | - Gloria Ros
- Department of Life Sciences, University of Trieste , Trieste, Italy
| | - Michela Sgubin
- Department of Life Sciences, University of Trieste , Trieste, Italy
| | - Sara Petrosino
- Department of Life Sciences, University of Trieste , Trieste, Italy
| | | | - Riccardo Sgarra
- Department of Life Sciences, University of Trieste , Trieste, Italy
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Chromatin Architectural Factors as Safeguards against Excessive Supercoiling during DNA Replication. Int J Mol Sci 2020; 21:ijms21124504. [PMID: 32599919 PMCID: PMC7349988 DOI: 10.3390/ijms21124504] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/06/2020] [Revised: 06/17/2020] [Accepted: 06/23/2020] [Indexed: 12/21/2022] Open
Abstract
Key DNA transactions, such as genome replication and transcription, rely on the speedy translocation of specialized protein complexes along a double-stranded, right-handed helical template. Physical tethering of these molecular machines during translocation, in conjunction with their internal architectural features, generates DNA topological strain in the form of template supercoiling. It is known that the build-up of transient excessive supercoiling poses severe threats to genome function and stability and that highly specialized enzymes—the topoisomerases (TOP)—have evolved to mitigate these threats. Furthermore, due to their intracellular abundance and fast supercoil relaxation rates, it is generally assumed that these enzymes are sufficient in coping with genome-wide bursts of excessive supercoiling. However, the recent discoveries of chromatin architectural factors that play important accessory functions have cast reasonable doubts on this concept. Here, we reviewed the background of these new findings and described emerging models of how these accessory factors contribute to supercoil homeostasis. We focused on DNA replication and the generation of positive (+) supercoiling in front of replisomes, where two accessory factors—GapR and HMGA2—from pro- and eukaryotic cells, respectively, appear to play important roles as sinks for excessive (+) supercoiling by employing a combination of supercoil constrainment and activation of topoisomerases. Looking forward, we expect that additional factors will be identified in the future as part of an expanding cellular repertoire to cope with bursts of topological strain. Furthermore, identifying antagonists that target these accessory factors and work synergistically with clinically relevant topoisomerase inhibitors could become an interesting novel strategy, leading to improved treatment outcomes.
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11
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The Mammalian High Mobility Group Protein AT-Hook 2 (HMGA2): Biochemical and Biophysical Properties, and Its Association with Adipogenesis. Int J Mol Sci 2020; 21:ijms21103710. [PMID: 32466162 PMCID: PMC7279267 DOI: 10.3390/ijms21103710] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/03/2020] [Revised: 04/30/2020] [Accepted: 05/12/2020] [Indexed: 12/11/2022] Open
Abstract
The mammalian high-mobility-group protein AT-hook 2 (HMGA2) is a small DNA-binding protein and consists of three “AT-hook” DNA-binding motifs and a negatively charged C-terminal motif. It is a multifunctional nuclear protein directly linked to obesity, human height, stem cell youth, human intelligence, and tumorigenesis. Biochemical and biophysical studies showed that HMGA2 is an intrinsically disordered protein (IDP) and could form homodimers in aqueous buffer solution. The “AT-hook” DNA-binding motifs specifically bind to the minor groove of AT-rich DNA sequences and induce DNA-bending. HMGA2 plays an important role in adipogenesis most likely through stimulating the proliferative expansion of preadipocytes and also through regulating the expression of transcriptional factor Peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor γ (PPARγ) at the clonal expansion step from preadipocytes to adipocytes. Current evidence suggests that a main function of HMGA2 is to maintain stemness and renewal capacity of stem cells by which HMGA2 binds to chromosome and lock chromosome into a specific state, to allow the human embryonic stem cells to maintain their stem cell potency. Due to the importance of HMGA2 in adipogenesis and tumorigenesis, HMGA2 is considered a potential therapeutic target for anticancer and anti-obesity drugs. Efforts are taken to identify inhibitors targeting HMGA2.
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Unachukwu U, Chada K, D’Armiento J. High Mobility Group AT-Hook 2 (HMGA2) Oncogenicity in Mesenchymal and Epithelial Neoplasia. Int J Mol Sci 2020; 21:ijms21093151. [PMID: 32365712 PMCID: PMC7246488 DOI: 10.3390/ijms21093151] [Citation(s) in RCA: 31] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/01/2020] [Revised: 04/27/2020] [Accepted: 04/28/2020] [Indexed: 12/31/2022] Open
Abstract
High mobility group AT-hook 2 (HMGA2) has been associated with increased cell proliferation and cell cycle dysregulation, leading to the ontogeny of varied tumor types and their metastatic potentials, a frequently used index of disease prognosis. In this review, we deepen our understanding of HMGA2 pathogenicity by exploring the mechanisms by which HMGA2 misexpression and ectopic expression induces mesenchymal and epithelial tumorigenesis respectively and distinguish the pathogenesis of benign from malignant mesenchymal tumors. Importantly, we highlight the regulatory role of let-7 microRNA family of tumor suppressors in determining HMGA2 misexpression events leading to tumor pathogenesis and focused on possible mechanisms by which HMGA2 could propagate lymphangioleiomyomatosis (LAM), benign mesenchymal tumors of the lungs. Lastly, we discuss potential therapeutic strategies for epithelial and mesenchymal tumorigenesis based on targeting the HMGA2 signaling pathway.
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Affiliation(s)
- Uchenna Unachukwu
- Department of Anesthesiology, Columbia University Medical Center, 630 West 168th Street, P&S 12-402, New York, NY 10032, USA;
| | - Kiran Chada
- Department of Biochemistry & Molecular Biology; Robert Wood Johnson Medical School, 675 Hoes Lane, Piscataway, NJ 08854, USA;
| | - Jeanine D’Armiento
- Department of Anesthesiology, Columbia University Medical Center, 630 West 168th Street, P&S 12-402, New York, NY 10032, USA;
- Correspondence: ; Tel.: +212-305-3745
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Hocher A, Taddei A. Subtelomeres as Specialized Chromatin Domains. Bioessays 2020; 42:e1900205. [PMID: 32181520 DOI: 10.1002/bies.201900205] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/31/2019] [Revised: 02/19/2020] [Indexed: 12/26/2022]
Abstract
Specificities associated with chromosomal linearity are not restricted to telomeres. Here, recent results obtained on fission and budding yeast are summarized and an attempt is made to define subtelomeres using chromatin features extending beyond the heterochromatin emanating from telomeres. Subtelomeres, the chromosome domains adjacent to telomeres, differ from the rest of the genome by their gene content, rapid evolution, and chromatin features that together contribute to organism adaptation. However, current definitions of subtelomeres are generally based on synteny and are largely gene-centered. Taking into consideration both the peculiar gene content and dynamics as well as the chromatin properties of those domains, it is discussed how chromatin features can contribute to subtelomeric properties and functions, and play a pivotal role in the emergence of subtelomeres.
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Affiliation(s)
- Antoine Hocher
- MRC London Institute of Medical Sciences (LMS), Du Cane Road, London, W12 0NN, UK.,Institute of Clinical Sciences (ICS), Faculty of Medicine, Imperial College London, Du Cane Road, London, W12 0NN, UK
| | - Angela Taddei
- Institut Curie, PSL Research University, CNRS, UMR3664, Paris, F-75005, France.,Sorbonne Université, UPMC University Paris 06, CNRS, UMR3664, Paris, F-75005, France
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Ahmed SM, Dröge P. Oncofetal HMGA2 attenuates genotoxic damage induced by topoisomerase II target compounds through the regulation of local DNA topology. Mol Oncol 2019; 13:2062-2078. [PMID: 31271486 PMCID: PMC6763970 DOI: 10.1002/1878-0261.12541] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/19/2019] [Revised: 06/26/2019] [Accepted: 07/03/2019] [Indexed: 12/26/2022] Open
Abstract
Rapidly dividing cells maintain chromatin supercoiling homeostasis via two specialized classes of enzymes, DNA topoisomerase type 1 and 2 (TOP1/2). Several important anticancer drugs perturb this homeostasis by targeting TOP1/2, thereby generating genotoxic DNA damage. Our recent studies indicated that the oncofetal chromatin structuring high‐mobility group AT‐hook 2 (HMGA2) protein plays an important role as a DNA replication fork chaperone in coping with DNA topological ramifications that occur during replication stress, both genomewide and at fragile sites such as subtelomeres. Intriguingly, a recent large‐scale clinical study identified HMGA2 expression as a sole predicting marker for relapse and poor clinical outcomes in 350 acute myeloid leukemia (AML) patients receiving combinatorial treatments that targeted TOP2 and replicative DNA synthesis. Here, we demonstrate that HMGA2 significantly enhanced the DNA supercoil relaxation activity of the drug target TOP2A and that this activator function is mechanistically linked to HMGA2's known ability to constrain DNA supercoils within highly compacted ternary complexes. Furthermore, we show that HMGA2 significantly reduced genotoxic DNA damage in each tested cancer cell model during treatment with the TOP2A poison etoposide or the catalytic TOP2A inhibitor merbarone. Taken together with the recent clinical data obtained with AML patients targeted with TOP2 poisons, our study suggests a novel mechanism of cancer chemoresistance toward combination therapies administering TOP2 poisons or inhibitors. We therefore strongly argue for the future implementation of trials of HMGA2 expression profiling to stratify patients before finalizing clinical treatment regimes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Syed Moiz Ahmed
- School of Biological Sciences, Nanyang Technological University, Singapore, Singapore
| | - Peter Dröge
- School of Biological Sciences, Nanyang Technological University, Singapore, Singapore
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