1
|
Lu X, Zhong L, Lindell E, Veanes M, Guo J, Zhao M, Salehi M, Swartling FJ, Chen X, Sjöblom T, Zhang X. Identification of ATF3 as a novel protective signature of quiescent colorectal tumor cells. Cell Death Dis 2023; 14:676. [PMID: 37833290 PMCID: PMC10576032 DOI: 10.1038/s41419-023-06204-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/06/2023] [Revised: 09/20/2023] [Accepted: 09/28/2023] [Indexed: 10/15/2023]
Abstract
Colorectal cancer (CRC) is the third most common cancer and the second leading cause of death in the world. In most cases, drug resistance and tumor recurrence are ultimately inevitable. One obstacle is the presence of chemotherapy-insensitive quiescent cancer cells (QCCs). Identification of unique features of QCCs may facilitate the development of new targeted therapeutic strategies to eliminate tumor cells and thereby delay tumor recurrence. Here, using single-cell RNA sequencing, we classified proliferating and quiescent cancer cell populations in the human colorectal cancer spheroid model and identified ATF3 as a novel signature of QCCs that could support cells living in a metabolically restricted microenvironment. RNA velocity further showed a shift from the QCC group to the PCC group indicating the regenerative capacity of the QCCs. Our further results of epigenetic analysis, STING analysis, and evaluation of TCGA COAD datasets build a conclusion that ATF3 can interact with DDIT4 and TRIB3 at the transcriptional level. In addition, decreasing the expression level of ATF3 could enhance the efficacy of 5-FU on CRC MCTS models. In conclusion, ATF3 was identified as a novel marker of QCCs, and combining conventional drugs targeting PCCs with an option to target QCCs by reducing ATF3 expression levels may be a promising strategy for more efficient removal of tumor cells.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Xi Lu
- Department of Immunology, Genetics and Pathology, Uppsala University, Uppsala, Sweden
| | - Lei Zhong
- Department of Immunology, Genetics and Pathology, Uppsala University, Uppsala, Sweden
- Department of Pharmacy, Personalized Drug Therapy Key Laboratory of Sichuan Province, Sichuan Provincial People's Hospital, Sichuan, China
| | - Emma Lindell
- Department of Immunology, Genetics and Pathology, Uppsala University, Uppsala, Sweden
| | - Margus Veanes
- Department of Immunology, Genetics and Pathology, Uppsala University, Uppsala, Sweden
| | - Jing Guo
- Centre for Computational Biology, Duke-NUS Medical School, 8 College Road, 169857, Singapore, Singapore
| | - Miao Zhao
- Department of Immunology, Genetics and Pathology, Uppsala University, Uppsala, Sweden
| | - Maede Salehi
- Department of Immunology, Genetics and Pathology, Uppsala University, Uppsala, Sweden
| | - Fredrik J Swartling
- Department of Immunology, Genetics and Pathology, Uppsala University, Uppsala, Sweden
| | - Xingqi Chen
- Department of Immunology, Genetics and Pathology, Uppsala University, Uppsala, Sweden
| | - Tobias Sjöblom
- Department of Immunology, Genetics and Pathology, Uppsala University, Uppsala, Sweden
| | - Xiaonan Zhang
- Department of Immunology, Genetics and Pathology, Uppsala University, Uppsala, Sweden.
| |
Collapse
|
2
|
Kang Q, Zheng J, Jia J, Xu Y, Bai X, Chen X, Zhang XK, Wong FS, Zhang C, Li M. Disruption of the glucagon receptor increases glucagon expression beyond α-cell hyperplasia in zebrafish. J Biol Chem 2022; 298:102665. [PMID: 36334626 PMCID: PMC9719020 DOI: 10.1016/j.jbc.2022.102665] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/27/2022] [Revised: 10/24/2022] [Accepted: 10/26/2022] [Indexed: 11/11/2022] Open
Abstract
The glucagon receptor (GCGR) is a potential target for diabetes therapy. Several emerging GCGR antagonism-based therapies are under preclinical and clinical development. However, GCGR antagonism, as well as genetically engineered GCGR deficiency in animal models, are accompanied by α-cell hyperplasia and hyperglucagonemia, which may limit the application of GCGR antagonism. To better understand the physiological changes in α cells following GCGR disruption, we performed single cell sequencing of α cells isolated from control and gcgr-/- (glucagon receptor deficient) zebrafish. Interestingly, beyond the α-cell hyperplasia, we also found that the expression of gcga, gcgb, pnoca, and several glucagon-regulatory transcription factors were dramatically increased in one cluster of gcgr-/- α cells. We further confirmed that glucagon mRNA was upregulated in gcgr-/- animals by in situ hybridization and that glucagon promoter activity was increased in gcgr-/-;Tg(gcga:GFP) reporter zebrafish. We also demonstrated that gcgr-/- α cells had increased glucagon protein levels and increased granules after GCGR disruption. Intriguingly, the increased mRNA and protein levels could be suppressed by treatment with high-level glucose or knockdown of the pnoca gene. In conclusion, these data demonstrated that GCGR deficiency not only induced α-cell hyperplasia but also increased glucagon expression in α cells, findings which provide more information about physiological changes in α-cells when the GCGR is disrupted.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Qi Kang
- School of Pharmaceutical Sciences and School of Life Sciences, Xiamen University, Xiamen, China; Fujian Provincial Key Laboratory of Innovative Drug Target Research, School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Xiamen University, Xiamen, China
| | - Jihong Zheng
- Fundamental Research Center, Shanghai YangZhi Rehabilitation Hospital (Shanghai Sunshine Rehabilitation Center), School of Life Sciences and Technology, Tongji University, Shanghai, China
| | - Jianxin Jia
- School of Pharmaceutical Sciences and School of Life Sciences, Xiamen University, Xiamen, China; Fujian Provincial Key Laboratory of Innovative Drug Target Research, School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Xiamen University, Xiamen, China
| | - Ying Xu
- Fundamental Research Center, Shanghai YangZhi Rehabilitation Hospital (Shanghai Sunshine Rehabilitation Center), School of Life Sciences and Technology, Tongji University, Shanghai, China
| | - Xuanxuan Bai
- School of Pharmaceutical Sciences and School of Life Sciences, Xiamen University, Xiamen, China; Fundamental Research Center, Shanghai YangZhi Rehabilitation Hospital (Shanghai Sunshine Rehabilitation Center), School of Life Sciences and Technology, Tongji University, Shanghai, China
| | - Xinhua Chen
- Key Laboratory of Biotechnology of Fujian Province, Institute of Oceanology, Fujian Agriculture and Forestry University, Fuzhou, China
| | - Xiao-Kun Zhang
- School of Pharmaceutical Sciences and School of Life Sciences, Xiamen University, Xiamen, China; Fujian Provincial Key Laboratory of Innovative Drug Target Research, School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Xiamen University, Xiamen, China
| | - F Susan Wong
- Division of Infection and Immunity, Cardiff University School of Medicine, Cardiff, UK
| | - Chao Zhang
- Department of Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery, Shanghai Ninth People's Hospital, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai, China.
| | - Mingyu Li
- School of Pharmaceutical Sciences and School of Life Sciences, Xiamen University, Xiamen, China; Fujian Provincial Key Laboratory of Innovative Drug Target Research, School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Xiamen University, Xiamen, China.
| |
Collapse
|
3
|
Kobayashi N, Arihiro S, Shimada K, Hoshino A, Saijo H, Oka N, Saruta M, Kondo K. Activating transcription factor 3 (ATF3) as a perspective biomarker of Crohn’s disease. EUR J INFLAMM 2020. [DOI: 10.1177/2058739220929790] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/17/2022] Open
Abstract
Introduction: Inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) is characterized by chronic inflammation of the intestinal tract. Known types are Crohn’s disease (CD) and ulcerative colitis (UC), but their cause remains unclear and there is no convenient biomarker for IBD. The present study aimed to demonstrate an association between the onset of CD and activating transcription factor 3 (ATF3); as a new biomarker, measurement of blood ATF3 mRNA would be useful for distinguishing between CD and UC. Methods: First, in a mouse model of IBD in which damage to the intestinal mucosa was chemically induced with dextran sulfate sodium (DSS), intestinal ATF3 mRNA was evaluated. Next, in human subjects, CD and UC patients, blood ATF3 mRNA and intestinal ATF3 protein production were evaluated. Results: In the mouse model of IBD, intestinal ATF3 mRNA was elevated compared with the control ( P < 0.0001). In CD patients, blood ATF3 mRNA was elevated as compared with normal controls (NCs) and UC patients ( P < 0.05). In addition, we observed an increase in ATF3 production in the intestinal tract specific to CD. Conclusion: ATF3 is involved in the onset of CD, and blood ATF3 mRNA measurements would be useful for distinguishing it from UC.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Nobuyuki Kobayashi
- Department of Virology, The Jikei University School of Medicine, Minato-ku, Japan
| | - Seiji Arihiro
- Division of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Department of Internal Medicine, The Jikei University Katsushika Medical Center, Katsushika-ku, Japan
| | - Kazuya Shimada
- Department of Virology, The Jikei University School of Medicine, Minato-ku, Japan
| | - Atsushi Hoshino
- Division of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Department of Internal Medicine, The Jikei University School of Medicine, Minato-ku, Japan
| | - Hiroki Saijo
- Department of Anatomy, The Jikei University School of Medicine, Minato-ku, Japan
| | - Naomi Oka
- Department of Virology, The Jikei University School of Medicine, Minato-ku, Japan
| | - Masayuki Saruta
- Division of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Department of Internal Medicine, The Jikei University School of Medicine, Minato-ku, Japan
| | - Kazuhiro Kondo
- Department of Virology, The Jikei University School of Medicine, Minato-ku, Japan
| |
Collapse
|
4
|
Ku HC, Cheng CF. Master Regulator Activating Transcription Factor 3 (ATF3) in Metabolic Homeostasis and Cancer. Front Endocrinol (Lausanne) 2020; 11:556. [PMID: 32922364 PMCID: PMC7457002 DOI: 10.3389/fendo.2020.00556] [Citation(s) in RCA: 148] [Impact Index Per Article: 37.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/16/2020] [Accepted: 07/07/2020] [Indexed: 12/18/2022] Open
Abstract
Activating transcription factor 3 (ATF3) is a stress-induced transcription factor that plays vital roles in modulating metabolism, immunity, and oncogenesis. ATF3 acts as a hub of the cellular adaptive-response network. Multiple extracellular signals, such as endoplasmic reticulum (ER) stress, cytokines, chemokines, and LPS, are connected to ATF3 induction. The function of ATF3 as a regulator of metabolism and immunity has recently sparked intense attention. In this review, we describe how ATF3 can act as both a transcriptional activator and a repressor. We then focus on the role of ATF3 and ATF3-regulated signals in modulating metabolism, immunity, and oncogenesis. The roles of ATF3 in glucose metabolism and adipose tissue regulation are also explored. Next, we summarize how ATF3 regulates immunity and maintains normal host defense. In addition, we elaborate on the roles of ATF3 as a regulator of prostate, breast, colon, lung, and liver cancers. Further understanding of how ATF3 regulates signaling pathways involved in glucose metabolism, adipocyte metabolism, immuno-responsiveness, and oncogenesis in various cancers, including prostate, breast, colon, lung, and liver cancers, is then provided. Finally, we demonstrate that ATF3 acts as a master regulator of metabolic homeostasis and, therefore, may be an appealing target for the treatment of metabolic dyshomeostasis, immune disorders, and various cancers.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Hui-Chen Ku
- Department of Pediatrics, Taipei Tzu Chi Hospital, Buddhist Tzu Chi Medical Foundation, Taipei, Taiwan
| | - Ching-Feng Cheng
- Department of Pediatrics, Taipei Tzu Chi Hospital, Buddhist Tzu Chi Medical Foundation, Taipei, Taiwan
- Institute of Biomedical Sciences, Academia Sinica, Taipei, Taiwan
- Department of Pediatrics, Tzu Chi University, Hualien, Taiwan
- *Correspondence: Ching-Feng Cheng
| |
Collapse
|
5
|
Cheng CF, Ku HC, Cheng JJ, Chao SW, Li HF, Lai PF, Chang CC, Don MJ, Chen HH, Lin H. Adipocyte browning and resistance to obesity in mice is induced by expression of ATF3. Commun Biol 2019; 2:389. [PMID: 31667363 PMCID: PMC6813364 DOI: 10.1038/s42003-019-0624-y] [Citation(s) in RCA: 30] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/07/2018] [Accepted: 09/13/2019] [Indexed: 02/07/2023] Open
Abstract
Billions of people have obesity-related metabolic syndromes such as diabetes and hyperlipidemia. Promoting the browning of white adipose tissue has been suggested as a potential strategy, but a drug still needs to be identified. Here, genetic deletion of activating transcription factor 3 (ATF3-/- ) in mice under a high-fat diet (HFD) resulted in obesity and insulin resistance, which was abrogated by virus-mediated ATF3 restoration. ST32da, a synthetic ATF3 inducer isolated from Salvia miltiorrhiza, promoted ATF3 expression to downregulate adipokine genes and induce adipocyte browning by suppressing the carbohydrate-responsive element-binding protein-stearoyl-CoA desaturase-1 axis. Furthermore, ST32da increased white adipose tissue browning and reduced lipogenesis in HFD-induced obese mice. The anti-obesity efficacy of oral ST32da administration was similar to that of the clinical drug orlistat. Our study identified the ATF3 inducer ST32da as a promising therapeutic drug for treating diet-induced obesity and related metabolic disorders.
Collapse
MESH Headings
- 3T3-L1 Cells
- Activating Transcription Factor 3/deficiency
- Activating Transcription Factor 3/genetics
- Activating Transcription Factor 3/metabolism
- Adipocytes, Brown/metabolism
- Adipocytes, Brown/pathology
- Adipose Tissue, Brown/metabolism
- Adipose Tissue, Brown/pathology
- Adipose Tissue, White/metabolism
- Adipose Tissue, White/pathology
- Animals
- Anti-Obesity Agents/pharmacology
- Basic Helix-Loop-Helix Leucine Zipper Transcription Factors/metabolism
- Body Temperature Regulation/physiology
- Diet, High-Fat/adverse effects
- Disease Models, Animal
- Humans
- Insulin Resistance
- Lipogenesis/drug effects
- Male
- Mice
- Mice, Inbred C57BL
- Mice, Knockout
- Obesity/genetics
- Obesity/metabolism
- Obesity/prevention & control
- Orlistat/pharmacology
- Plant Extracts/pharmacology
- Plants, Medicinal/chemistry
- Salvia miltiorrhiza/chemistry
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Ching-Feng Cheng
- Department of Pediatrics, Taipei Tzu Chi Hospital, Buddhist Tzu Chi Medical Foundation, Taipei, Taiwan
- Institute of Biomedical Sciences, Academia Sinica, Taipei, Taiwan
- Department of Pediatrics, Tzu Chi University, Hualien, Taiwan
| | - Hui-Chen Ku
- Department of Pediatrics, Taipei Tzu Chi Hospital, Buddhist Tzu Chi Medical Foundation, Taipei, Taiwan
- Ph.D. Program in Biotechnology Research and Development, Taipei Medical University, Taipei, Taiwan
- Department of Physiology, School of Medicine, College of Medicine, Taipei Medical University, Taipei, Taiwan
| | - Jing-Jy Cheng
- Ph.D. Program in Clinical Drug Discovery from Botanical Herbs, Taipei Medical, University, Taipei, Taiwan
- National Research Institute of Chinese Medicine, Taipei, Taiwan
| | - Shi-Wei Chao
- Ph.D. Program in Biotechnology Research and Development, Taipei Medical University, Taipei, Taiwan
- Department of Physiology, School of Medicine, College of Medicine, Taipei Medical University, Taipei, Taiwan
| | - Hsiao-Fen Li
- Ph.D. Program in Biotechnology Research and Development, Taipei Medical University, Taipei, Taiwan
| | - Pei-Fang Lai
- Department of Emergency Medicine, Buddhist Tzu Chi General Hospital, Hualien, Taiwan
| | - Che-Chang Chang
- Ph.D. Program in Biotechnology Research and Development, Taipei Medical University, Taipei, Taiwan
| | - Ming-Jaw Don
- National Research Institute of Chinese Medicine, Taipei, Taiwan
| | - Hsi-Hsien Chen
- Division of Nephrology, Department of Internal Medicine, School of Medicine, College of Medicine, Taipei Medical University, Taipei, Taiwan
- Division of Nephrology, Department of Internal Medicine, Taipei Medical University Hospital, Taipei, Taiwan
| | - Heng Lin
- Ph.D. Program in Biotechnology Research and Development, Taipei Medical University, Taipei, Taiwan
- Department of Physiology, School of Medicine, College of Medicine, Taipei Medical University, Taipei, Taiwan
| |
Collapse
|
6
|
Jadhav K, Zhang Y. Activating transcription factor 3 in immune response and metabolic regulation. LIVER RESEARCH 2017; 1:96-102. [PMID: 29242753 PMCID: PMC5724780 DOI: 10.1016/j.livres.2017.08.001] [Citation(s) in RCA: 43] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/22/2022]
Abstract
Activating transcription factor 3 (ATF3) is a member of the ATF/cAMP-response element binding protein (CREB) family of transcription factors. In response to stress stimuli, ATF3 forms dimers to activate or repress gene expression. Further, ATF3 modulates the immune response, atherogenesis, cell cycle, apoptosis, and glucose homeostasis. Recent studies have shown that ATF3 may also be involved in pathogenesis of other diseases. However, more studies are needed to determine the role of ATF3 in metabolic regulation.
Collapse
|
7
|
Mirasierra M, Vallejo M. Glucose-dependent downregulation of glucagon gene expression mediated by selective interactions between ALX3 and PAX6 in mouse alpha cells. Diabetologia 2016; 59:766-75. [PMID: 26739814 DOI: 10.1007/s00125-015-3849-4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/15/2015] [Accepted: 12/07/2015] [Indexed: 12/11/2022]
Abstract
AIMS/HYPOTHESIS The stimulation of glucagon secretion in response to decreased glucose levels has been studied extensively. In contrast, little is known about the regulation of glucagon gene expression in response to fluctuations in glucose concentration. Paired box 6 (PAX6) is a key transcription factor that regulates the glucagon promoter by binding to the G1 and G3 elements. Here, we investigated the role of the transcription factor aristaless-like homeobox 3 (ALX3) as a glucose-dependent modulator of PAX6 activity in alpha cells. METHODS Experiments were performed in wild-type or Alx3-deficient islets and alphaTC1 cells. We used chromatin immunoprecipitations and electrophoretic mobility shift assays for DNA binding, immunoprecipitations and pull-down assays for protein interactions, transfected cells for promoter activity, and small interfering RNA and quantitative RT-PCR for gene expression. RESULTS Elevated glucose concentration resulted in stimulated expression of Alx3 and decreased glucagon gene expression in wild-type islets. In ALX3-deficient islets, basal glucagon levels were non-responsive to changes in glucose concentration. In basal conditions ALX3 bound to the glucagon promoter at G3, but not at G1. ALX3 could form heterodimers with PAX6 that were permissive for binding to G3 but not to G1. Thus, increasing the levels of ALX3 in response to glucose resulted in the sequestration of PAX6 by ALX3 for binding to G1, thus reducing glucagon promoter activation and glucagon gene expression. CONCLUSIONS/INTERPRETATION Glucose-stimulated expression of ALX3 in alpha cells provides a regulatory mechanism for the downregulation of glucagon gene expression by interfering with PAX6-mediated transactivation on the glucagon G1 promoter element.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Mercedes Mirasierra
- Centro de Investigación Biomédica en Red de Diabetes y Enfermedades Metabólicas Asociadas (CIBERDEM), Madrid, Spain
- Instituto de Investigaciones Biomédicas Alberto Sols, Consejo Superior de Investigaciones Científicas/Universidad Autónoma de Madrid (CSIC/UAM), Calle Arturo Duperier 4, 28029, Madrid, Spain
| | - Mario Vallejo
- Centro de Investigación Biomédica en Red de Diabetes y Enfermedades Metabólicas Asociadas (CIBERDEM), Madrid, Spain.
- Instituto de Investigaciones Biomédicas Alberto Sols, Consejo Superior de Investigaciones Científicas/Universidad Autónoma de Madrid (CSIC/UAM), Calle Arturo Duperier 4, 28029, Madrid, Spain.
| |
Collapse
|
8
|
Sasaki T, Kuroko M, Sekine S, Matsui S, Kikuchi O, Susanti VY, Kobayashi M, Tanaka Y, Yuasa T, Kitamura T. Overexpression of insulin receptor partially improves obese and diabetic phenotypes in db/db mice. Endocr J 2015; 62:787-96. [PMID: 26096452 DOI: 10.1507/endocrj.ej15-0255] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/23/2022] Open
Abstract
Type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) is one of the major health concern among the world. Several treatment options for T2DM are in clinical use, including injecting insulin, promoting insulin secretion by insulin secretagogues, and improving insulin sensitivity by insulin sensitizers. However, increasing the amount of insulin receptor in insulin-target tissues has not been explored. In order to test the efficacy of insulin receptor overexpression for improving glucose control, we established a transgenic mouse line expressing human insulin receptor (INSR). We analyzed, growth, energy balance, and glucose control of INSR-overexpressing db/db mice (INSR; db/db), which we produced by mating INSR transgenic mice with db/db mice, a genetic model of obesity due to insufficient leptin signaling. Compared to db/db mice, INSR; db/db mice were rescued from hyperphagia and obesity, leading to improved blood glucose levels. Unexpectedly, however, INSR; db/db mice presented with stunted growth, accompanied by decreased plasma levels of free IGF1 and IGFBP-3, indicating the down-regulation of GH/IGF1 axis. These phenotypes were observed in INSR; db/db mice but not in INSR littermates. Meanwhile, bone defects observed in db/db male mice were not rescued. Moreover, improved blood glucose was not accompanied by improved insulin sensitivity. Therefore, overexpression of insulin receptor improves obese and diabetic phenotypes in db/db mice, with consequences on growth.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Tsutomu Sasaki
- Laboratory of Metabolic Signal, Institute for Molecular and Cellular Regulation, Gunma University, Maebashi 371-8512, Japan
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Collapse
|