1
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Shi H, Chen L, Wang T, Zhang W, Liu J, Huang Y, Li J, Qi H, Wu Z, Wang Y, Chen H, Zhu Y, Li Q. Nur77-IRF1 axis inhibits esophageal squamous cell carcinoma growth and improves anti-PD-1 treatment efficacy. Cell Death Discov 2024; 10:254. [PMID: 38789431 PMCID: PMC11126585 DOI: 10.1038/s41420-024-02019-x] [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: 01/28/2024] [Revised: 05/07/2024] [Accepted: 05/09/2024] [Indexed: 05/26/2024] Open
Abstract
The nuclear receptor Nur77 plays paradoxical roles in numerous cancers. However, whether Nur77 inhibits esophageal squamous cell carcinoma (ESCC) growth and affects immunological responses against ESCC has not been determined. The functional role of Nur77 in ESCC was investigated in this study using human ESCC cell lines, quantitative real-time polymerase chain reaction (PCR), cell proliferation and colony formation assays, flow cytometry analysis, western blotting and animal models. The target gene controlled by Nur77 was verified using dual-luciferase reporter assays, chromatin immunoprecipitation analysis and functional rescue experiments. To examine the clinical importance of Nur77, 72 human primary ESCC tissues were subjected to immunohistochemistry. Taken together, these findings showed that, both in vitro and in vivo, Nur77 dramatically reduced ESCC cell growth and triggered apoptosis. Nur77 directly interacts with the interferon regulatory factor 1 (IRF1) promoter to inhibit its activity in ESCC. Pharmacological induction of Nur77 using cytosporone B (CsnB) inhibited ESCC cell proliferation and promoted apoptosis both in vitro and in vivo. Furthermore, CsnB increased CD8+ T-cell infiltration and cytotoxicity to inhibit the formation of ESCC tumors in an immunocompetent mouse model. In ESCC tissues, Nur77 expression was downregulated, and IRF1 expression was increased; moreover, their expression levels were negatively related. IRF1 and Nur77 were strongly correlated with overall survival. These findings suggested that Nur77 targets and regulates the IRF1/PD-L1 axis to serve as a tumor suppressor in ESCC. Graphical abstract of the regulatory mechanism of Nur77 overexpression downregulates IRF1 in the inhibition of ESCC progression and enhance anti-PD-1 therapy efficacy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Huanying Shi
- Department of Pharmacy, Huashan Hospital, Fudan University, No.12 Urumqi Middle Road, Shanghai, 200040, China
| | - Lu Chen
- Department of Pharmacy, Huashan Hospital, Fudan University, No.12 Urumqi Middle Road, Shanghai, 200040, China
| | - Tianxiao Wang
- Department of Pharmacy, Huashan Hospital, Fudan University, No.12 Urumqi Middle Road, Shanghai, 200040, China
| | - Wenxin Zhang
- Department of Pharmacy, Huashan Hospital, Fudan University, No.12 Urumqi Middle Road, Shanghai, 200040, China
| | - Jiafeng Liu
- Department of Pharmacy, Huashan Hospital, Fudan University, No.12 Urumqi Middle Road, Shanghai, 200040, China
| | - Yuxin Huang
- Department of Pharmacy, Huashan Hospital, Fudan University, No.12 Urumqi Middle Road, Shanghai, 200040, China
| | - Jiyifan Li
- Department of Pharmacy, Huashan Hospital, Fudan University, No.12 Urumqi Middle Road, Shanghai, 200040, China
| | - Huijie Qi
- Department of Pharmacy, Huashan Hospital, Fudan University, No.12 Urumqi Middle Road, Shanghai, 200040, China
| | - Zimei Wu
- Department of Pharmacy, Huashan Hospital, Fudan University, No.12 Urumqi Middle Road, Shanghai, 200040, China
| | - Yi Wang
- Department of Pharmacy, Huashan Hospital, Fudan University, No.12 Urumqi Middle Road, Shanghai, 200040, China
| | - Haifei Chen
- Department of Pharmacy, Huashan Hospital, Fudan University, No.12 Urumqi Middle Road, Shanghai, 200040, China.
| | - Yongjun Zhu
- Department of Cardio-Thoracic Surgery, Huashan Hospital, Fudan University, No.12 Urumqi Middle Road, Shanghai, 200040, China.
| | - Qunyi Li
- Department of Pharmacy, Huashan Hospital, Fudan University, No.12 Urumqi Middle Road, Shanghai, 200040, China.
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2
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Phelan DE, Reddan B, Shigemura M, Sznajder JI, Crean D, Cummins EP. Orphan Nuclear Receptor Family 4A (NR4A) Members NR4A2 and NR4A3 Selectively Modulate Elements of the Monocyte Response to Buffered Hypercapnia. Int J Mol Sci 2024; 25:2852. [PMID: 38474099 PMCID: PMC10931687 DOI: 10.3390/ijms25052852] [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: 01/12/2024] [Revised: 02/19/2024] [Accepted: 02/22/2024] [Indexed: 03/14/2024] Open
Abstract
Hypercapnia occurs when the partial pressure of carbon dioxide (CO2) in the blood exceeds 45 mmHg. Hypercapnia is associated with several lung pathologies and is transcriptionally linked to suppression of immune and inflammatory signalling through poorly understood mechanisms. Here we propose Orphan Nuclear Receptor Family 4A (NR4A) family members NR4A2 and NR4A3 as potential transcriptional regulators of the cellular response to hypercapnia in monocytes. Using a THP-1 monocyte model, we investigated the sensitivity of NR4A family members to CO2 and the impact of depleting NR4A2 and NR4A3 on the monocyte response to buffered hypercapnia (10% CO2) using RNA-sequencing. We observed that NR4A2 and NR4A3 are CO2-sensitive transcription factors and that depletion of NR4A2 and NR4A3 led to reduced CO2-sensitivity of mitochondrial and heat shock protein (Hsp)-related genes, respectively. Several CO2-sensitive genes were, however, refractory to depletion of NR4A2 and NR4A3, indicating that NR4As regulate certain elements of the cellular response to buffered hypercapnia but that other transcription factors also contribute. Bioinformatic analysis of conserved CO2-sensitive genes implicated several novel putative CO2-sensitive transcription factors, of which the ETS Proto-Oncogene 1 Transcription Factor (ETS-1) was validated to show increased nuclear expression in buffered hypercapnia. These data give significant insights into the understanding of immune responses in patients experiencing hypercapnia.
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Affiliation(s)
- David E. Phelan
- School of Medicine, University College Dublin, Dublin 4, Ireland (B.R.)
- Conway Institute of Biomolecular and Biomedical Science, University College Dublin, Dublin 4, Ireland
| | - Ben Reddan
- School of Medicine, University College Dublin, Dublin 4, Ireland (B.R.)
- Conway Institute of Biomolecular and Biomedical Science, University College Dublin, Dublin 4, Ireland
| | - Masahiko Shigemura
- Division of Thoracic Surgery, Northwestern University, Chicago, IL 60611, USA;
| | - Jacob I. Sznajder
- Pulmonary and Critical Care Medicine, Feinberg School of Medicine, Northwestern University, Chicago, IL 60611, USA;
| | - Daniel Crean
- Conway Institute of Biomolecular and Biomedical Science, University College Dublin, Dublin 4, Ireland
- School of Veterinary Medicine, University College Dublin, Dublin 4, Ireland
| | - Eoin P. Cummins
- School of Medicine, University College Dublin, Dublin 4, Ireland (B.R.)
- Conway Institute of Biomolecular and Biomedical Science, University College Dublin, Dublin 4, Ireland
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3
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Reamon-Buettner SM, Rittinghausen S, Klauke A, Hiemisch A, Ziemann C. Malignant peritoneal mesotheliomas of rats induced by multiwalled carbon nanotubes and amosite asbestos: transcriptome and epigenetic profiles. Part Fibre Toxicol 2024; 21:3. [PMID: 38297314 PMCID: PMC10829475 DOI: 10.1186/s12989-024-00565-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: 06/21/2023] [Accepted: 01/25/2024] [Indexed: 02/02/2024] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Malignant mesothelioma is an aggressive cancer that often originates in the pleural and peritoneal mesothelium. Exposure to asbestos is a frequent cause. However, studies in rodents have shown that certain multiwalled carbon nanotubes (MWCNTs) can also induce malignant mesothelioma. The exact mechanisms are still unclear. To gain further insights into molecular pathways leading to carcinogenesis, we analyzed tumors in Wistar rats induced by intraperitoneal application of MWCNTs and amosite asbestos. Using transcriptomic and epigenetic approaches, we compared the tumors by inducer (MWCNTs or amosite asbestos) or by tumor type (sarcomatoid, epithelioid, or biphasic). RESULTS Genome-wide transcriptome datasets, whether grouped by inducer or tumor type, showed a high number of significant differentially expressed genes (DEGs) relative to control peritoneal tissues. Bioinformatic evaluations using Ingenuity Pathway Analysis (IPA) revealed that while the transcriptome datasets shared commonalities, they also showed differences in DEGs, regulated canonical pathways, and affected molecular functions. In all datasets, among highly- scoring predicted canonical pathways were Phagosome Formation, IL8 Signaling, Integrin Signaling, RAC Signaling, and TREM1 Signaling. Top-scoring activated molecular functions included cell movement, invasion of cells, migration of cells, cell transformation, and metastasis. Notably, we found many genes associated with malignant mesothelioma in humans, which showed similar expression changes in the rat tumor transcriptome datasets. Furthermore, RT-qPCR revealed downregulation of Hrasls, Nr4a1, Fgfr4, and Ret or upregulation of Rnd3 and Gadd45b in all or most of the 36 tumors analyzed. Bisulfite sequencing of Hrasls, Nr4a1, Fgfr4, and Ret revealed heterogeneity in DNA methylation of promoter regions. However, higher methylation percentages were observed in some tumors compared to control tissues. Lastly, global 5mC DNA, m6A RNA and 5mC RNA methylation levels were also higher in tumors than in control tissues. CONCLUSIONS Our findings may help better understand how exposure to MWCNTs can lead to carcinogenesis. This information is valuable for risk assessment and in the development of safe-by-design strategies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Stella Marie Reamon-Buettner
- Fraunhofer Institute for Toxicology and Experimental Medicine (ITEM), Nikolai-Fuchs-Strasse 1, 30625, Hannover, Germany.
| | - Susanne Rittinghausen
- Fraunhofer Institute for Toxicology and Experimental Medicine (ITEM), Nikolai-Fuchs-Strasse 1, 30625, Hannover, Germany
| | - Annika Klauke
- Fraunhofer Institute for Toxicology and Experimental Medicine (ITEM), Nikolai-Fuchs-Strasse 1, 30625, Hannover, Germany
| | - Andreas Hiemisch
- Fraunhofer Institute for Toxicology and Experimental Medicine (ITEM), Nikolai-Fuchs-Strasse 1, 30625, Hannover, Germany
| | - Christina Ziemann
- Fraunhofer Institute for Toxicology and Experimental Medicine (ITEM), Nikolai-Fuchs-Strasse 1, 30625, Hannover, Germany
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4
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Wang H, Zhang M, Fang F, Xu C, Liu J, Gao L, Zhao C, Wang Z, Zhong Y, Wang X. The nuclear receptor subfamily 4 group A1 in human disease. Biochem Cell Biol 2023; 101:148-159. [PMID: 36861809 DOI: 10.1139/bcb-2022-0331] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 03/03/2023] Open
Abstract
Nuclear receptor 4A1 (NR4A1), a member of the NR4A subfamily, acts as a gene regulator in a wide range of signaling pathways and responses to human diseases. Here, we provide a brief overview of the current functions of NR4A1 in human diseases and the factors involved in its function. A deeper understanding of these mechanisms can potentially improve drug development and disease therapy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hongshuang Wang
- Graduate School, Hebei University of Chinese Medicine, Shijiazhuang 050091, China
| | - Mengjuan Zhang
- Graduate School, Hebei University of Chinese Medicine, Shijiazhuang 050091, China
| | - Fang Fang
- Graduate School, Hebei University of Chinese Medicine, Shijiazhuang 050091, China
| | - Chang Xu
- Graduate School, Hebei University of Chinese Medicine, Shijiazhuang 050091, China
| | - Jiazhi Liu
- Graduate School, Hebei University of Chinese Medicine, Shijiazhuang 050091, China
| | - Lanjun Gao
- Graduate School, Hebei University of Chinese Medicine, Shijiazhuang 050091, China
| | - Chenchen Zhao
- Graduate School, Hebei University of Chinese Medicine, Shijiazhuang 050091, China
| | - Zheng Wang
- Hebei Key Laboratory of Integrative Medicine on Liver-Kidney Patterns Research, Shijiazhuang 050091, China.,Institute of Integrative Medicine, College of Integrative Medicine, Hebei University of Chinese Medicine, Shijiazhuang 050200, China
| | - Yan Zhong
- Hebei Key Laboratory of Integrative Medicine on Liver-Kidney Patterns Research, Shijiazhuang 050091, China.,Institute of Integrative Medicine, College of Integrative Medicine, Hebei University of Chinese Medicine, Shijiazhuang 050200, China
| | - Xiangting Wang
- Hebei Key Laboratory of Integrative Medicine on Liver-Kidney Patterns Research, Shijiazhuang 050091, China
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5
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Piao YJ, Kim HS, Han W, Moon WK. Transcriptome analysis of SerpinB2-deficient breast tumors provides insight into deciphering SerpinB2-mediated roles in breast cancer progression. BMC Genomics 2022; 23:479. [PMID: 35768767 PMCID: PMC9241327 DOI: 10.1186/s12864-022-08704-4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/18/2022] [Accepted: 06/17/2022] [Indexed: 11/10/2022] Open
Abstract
Background SerpinB2 is highly expressed in immune and tumor cells and is involved in multiple biological functions, including cell survival and remodeling for disease progression. This study prepared SerpinB2-deficient mice and analyzed the differentially expressed genes (DEGs) to determine if loss of this protein delays mammary tumor progression. Results A total of 305 DEGs (75 upregulated and 230 downregulated; > 1.5-fold difference, P < 0.05) were identified in SB2−/−;PyMT tumors compared with PyMT tumors. The DEGs were mainly involved in immune and inflammatory responses related to T cell differentiation, IFN-γ production, and lymphocyte chemotaxis based on 61 enriched GO terms, hierarchical clustering, KEGG pathways, and a functionally grouped annotation network. The significantly changed DEGs (Anxa3, Ccl17, Cxcl13, Cxcr3, IFN-γ, Nr4a1, and Sema3a) annotated with at least two GO categories in SB2−/−;PyMT tumors was validated by qRT-PCR. Conclusions SerpinB2 deficiency alters the expression of multiple genes in mammary tumors, which might cause a delay in PyMT-induced mammary tumor progression. Supplementary Information The online version contains supplementary material available at 10.1186/s12864-022-08704-4.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yin Ji Piao
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, Seoul National University College of Medicine, 103 Daehak-ro, Jongno-gu, Seoul, 03080, Republic of Korea.,Department of Radiology, Sun Yat-Sen Memorial Hospital, Sun Yat-Sen University, No.107,Yanjiang Road West, Guangzhou, 510120, China
| | - Hoe Suk Kim
- Department of Radiology, Seoul National University Hospital and Seoul National University College of Medicine, 101 Daehak-ro, Jongno-gu, Seoul, 03080, Republic of Korea.,Cancer Research Institute, Seoul National University, 101 Daehak-ro, Jongno-gu, Seoul, 03080, Republic of Korea.,Biomedical Research Institute, Seoul National University Hospital, 101 Daehak-ro, Jongno-gu, Seoul, 03080, Republic of Korea
| | - Wonshik Han
- Cancer Research Institute, Seoul National University, 101 Daehak-ro, Jongno-gu, Seoul, 03080, Republic of Korea.,Biomedical Research Institute, Seoul National University Hospital, 101 Daehak-ro, Jongno-gu, Seoul, 03080, Republic of Korea.,Interdisciplinary Programs in Cancer Biology Major, Seoul National University Graduate School, 103 Daehak-ro, Jongno-gu, Seoul, 03080, Republic of Korea.,Integrated Major in Innovative Medical Science, Seoul National University Graduate School, 103 Daehak-ro, Jongno-gu, Seoul, 03080, Republic of Korea.,Department of Surgery, Seoul National University Hospital and Seoul National University College of Medicine, 101 Daehak-ro, Jongno-gu, Seoul, 03080, Republic of Korea
| | - Woo Kyung Moon
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, Seoul National University College of Medicine, 103 Daehak-ro, Jongno-gu, Seoul, 03080, Republic of Korea. .,Department of Radiology, Seoul National University Hospital and Seoul National University College of Medicine, 101 Daehak-ro, Jongno-gu, Seoul, 03080, Republic of Korea. .,Biomedical Research Institute, Seoul National University Hospital, 101 Daehak-ro, Jongno-gu, Seoul, 03080, Republic of Korea. .,Integrated Major in Innovative Medical Science, Seoul National University Graduate School, 103 Daehak-ro, Jongno-gu, Seoul, 03080, Republic of Korea.
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6
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The key role of differential broad H3K4me3 and H3K4ac domains in breast cancer. Gene 2022; 826:146463. [PMID: 35358653 DOI: 10.1016/j.gene.2022.146463] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/21/2022] [Revised: 03/22/2022] [Accepted: 03/25/2022] [Indexed: 12/18/2022]
Abstract
Epigenetic processes are radically altered in cancer cells. The altered epigenetic events may include histone post-translational modifications (PTMs), DNA modifications, and/or alterations in the levels and modifications of chromatin modifying enzymes and chromatin remodelers. With changes in gene programming are changes in the genomic distribution of histone PTMs. Genes that are poised or transcriptionally active have histone H3 trimethylated lysine 4 (H3K4me3) located at the transcription start site and at the 5' end of the gene. However, a small population of genes that are involved in cell identity or cancer cell properties have a broad H3K4me3 domain that may stretch for several kilobases through the coding region of the gene. Each cancer cell type appears to mark a select set of cancer-related genes in this manner. In this study, we determined which genes were differentially marked with the broad H3K4me3 domain in normal-like (MCF10A), luminal-type breast cancer (MCF7), and triple-negative breast cancer (MDA-MB-231) cells. We also determined whether histone H3 acetylated lysine 4 (H3K4ac), also a mark of active promoters, had a broad domain configuration. We applied two peak callers (MACS2, PeakRanger) to analyze H3K4me3 and H3K4ac chromatin immunoprecipitation sequencing (ChIP-Seq) data. We identified genes with a broad H3K4me3 and/or H3K4ac domain specific to each cell line and show that the genes have critical roles in the breast cancer subtypes. Furthermore, we show that H3K4ac marks enhancers. The identified genes with the broad H3K4me3/H3K4ac domain have been targeted in clinical and pre-clinical studies including therapeutic treatments of breast cancer.
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7
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Yousefi H, Fong J, Alahari SK. NR4A Family Genes: A Review of Comprehensive Prognostic and Gene Expression Profile Analysis in Breast Cancer. Front Oncol 2022; 12:777824. [PMID: 35547878 PMCID: PMC9082356 DOI: 10.3389/fonc.2022.777824] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/15/2021] [Accepted: 03/14/2022] [Indexed: 11/24/2022] Open
Abstract
This report analyzes nuclear receptor (NR) subfamily 4A’s potential role in treating those diagnosed with breast cancer. Here we reviewed the current literature on NR4 family members. We also examined the relative gene expression of the NR4A receptor subfamily in the basal, HER2 (human epidermal growth factor receptor 2) positive, luminal A, and luminal B subtypes using data from tumor samples in The Cancer Genome Atlas (TCGA) and Molecular Taxonomy of Breast Cancer International Consortium (METABRIC). These data showed a positive link between NR4A1-NR4A3 expression and increased overall survival and relapse-free survival in breast cancer patients. In addition, we observed that high expression of NR4A1, NR4A2, and NR4A3 led to better survival. Furthermore, NR4A family genes seem to play an essential regulatory role in glycolysis and oxidative phosphorylation in breast cancer. The novel prognostic role of the NR4A1–NR4A3 receptors implicates these receptors as important mediators controlling breast cancer metabolic reprograming and its progression. The review establishes a strong clinical basis for the investigation of the cellular, molecular, and physiological roles of NR4A genes in breast cancer.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hassan Yousefi
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Louisiana State University Health Science Center (LSUHSC), New Orleans, LA, United States.,Stanley S. Scott Cancer Research Center, Louisiana State University Health Sciences Center, New Orleans, LA, United States
| | - Jordyn Fong
- Biological Sciences, Louisiana State University, Baton Rouge, LA, United States
| | - Suresh K Alahari
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Louisiana State University Health Science Center (LSUHSC), New Orleans, LA, United States.,Stanley S. Scott Cancer Research Center, Louisiana State University Health Sciences Center, New Orleans, LA, United States
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8
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Martinez JD, Mo Q, Xu Y, Qin L, Li Y, Xu J. Common Genomic Aberrations in Mouse and Human Breast Cancers with Concurrent P53 Deficiency and Activated PTEN-PI3K-AKT Pathway. Int J Biol Sci 2022; 18:229-241. [PMID: 34975329 PMCID: PMC8692138 DOI: 10.7150/ijbs.65763] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/05/2021] [Accepted: 10/20/2021] [Indexed: 11/27/2022] Open
Abstract
Simultaneous P53 loss and activation of the PTEN-restricted PI3K-AKT pathway frequently occur in aggressive breast cancers. P53 loss causes genome instability, while PTEN loss and/or activating mutations of PIK3CA and AKT promote cancer cell proliferation that also increases incidences of genomic aberrations. However, the genomic alterations associated with P53 loss and activated PTEN-PI3K-AKT signaling in breast cancer have not been defined. Spatiotemporally controlled breast cancer models with inactivation of both P53 and Pten in adult mice have not been established for studying genomic alterations. Herein, we deleted both floxed Pten and Tp53 genes in the mammary gland epithelial cells in adult mice using a RCAS virus-mediated Cre-expressing system. These mice developed small tumors in 21 weeks, and poorly differentiated larger tumors in 26 weeks. In these tumors, we identified 360 genes mutated by nonsynonymous point mutations and small insertions and deletions (NSPMs/InDels), 435 genes altered by copy number amplifications (CNAs), and 450 genes inactivated by copy number deletions (CNDs). Importantly, 22.2%, 75.9% and 27.3% of these genes were also altered in human breast tumors with P53 and PTEN losses or P53 loss and activated PI3K-AKT signaling by NSPMs/InDels, CNAs and CNDs, respectively. Therefore, inactivation of P53 and Pten in adult mice causes rapid-growing breast tumors, and these tumors recapitulate a significant number of genetic aberrations in human breast tumors with inactivated P53 and activated PTEN-PI3K-AKT signaling. Further characterization of these commonly altered genes in breast cancer should help to identify novel cancer-driving genes and molecular targets for developing therapeutics.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jarrod D Martinez
- Department of Molecular and Cellular Biology, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, TX 77030
| | - Qianxing Mo
- Dan L. Duncan Comprehensive Cancer Center, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, TX 77030
| | - Yixiang Xu
- Department of Molecular and Cellular Biology, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, TX 77030
| | - Li Qin
- Department of Molecular and Cellular Biology, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, TX 77030
| | - Yi Li
- Department of Molecular and Cellular Biology, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, TX 77030
- Dan L. Duncan Comprehensive Cancer Center, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, TX 77030
| | - Jianming Xu
- Department of Molecular and Cellular Biology, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, TX 77030
- Dan L. Duncan Comprehensive Cancer Center, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, TX 77030
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9
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NR4A1 Regulates Tamoxifen Resistance by Suppressing ERK Signaling in ER-Positive Breast Cancer. Cells 2021; 10:cells10071633. [PMID: 34209871 PMCID: PMC8307977 DOI: 10.3390/cells10071633] [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: 06/03/2021] [Revised: 06/18/2021] [Accepted: 06/28/2021] [Indexed: 11/18/2022] Open
Abstract
Endocrine therapy is used to treat estrogen receptor (ER)-positive breast cancer. Tamoxifen is effective against this cancer subtype. Nonetheless, approximately 30% of patients treated with tamoxifen acquire resistance, resulting in therapeutic challenges. NR4A1 plays key roles in processes associated with carcinogenesis, apoptosis, DNA repair, proliferation, and inflammation. However, the role of NR4A1 in tamoxifen-resistant ER-positive breast cancer has not yet been elucidated. Here, we propose that NR4A1 is a promising target to overcome tamoxifen resistance. NR4A1 gene expression was downregulated in tamoxifen-resistant MCF7 (TamR) cells compared to that in MCF7 cells. Kaplan-Meier plots were used to identify high NR4A1 expression correlated with increased survival rates in patients with ER-positive breast cancer following tamoxifen treatment. Gain and loss of function experiments showed that NR4A1 restores sensitivity to tamoxifen by regulating cell proliferation, migration, invasion, and apoptosis. NR4A1 localized to the cytoplasm enhanced the expression of apoptotic factors. In silico and in vitro analyses revealed that NR4A1 enhanced responsiveness to tamoxifen by suppressing ERK signaling in ER-positive breast cancer, suggesting that the NR4A1/ERK signaling axis modulates tamoxifen resistance. These results indicate that NR4A1 could be a potential therapeutic target to overcome tamoxifen resistance in ER-positive breast cancer.
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10
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NR4A1 Regulates Tamoxifen Resistance by Suppressing ERK Signaling in ER-Positive Breast Cancer. Cells 2021. [PMID: 34209871 DOI: 10.3390/cells10071633/s1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 03/05/2023] Open
Abstract
Endocrine therapy is used to treat estrogen receptor (ER)-positive breast cancer. Tamoxifen is effective against this cancer subtype. Nonetheless, approximately 30% of patients treated with tamoxifen acquire resistance, resulting in therapeutic challenges. NR4A1 plays key roles in processes associated with carcinogenesis, apoptosis, DNA repair, proliferation, and inflammation. However, the role of NR4A1 in tamoxifen-resistant ER-positive breast cancer has not yet been elucidated. Here, we propose that NR4A1 is a promising target to overcome tamoxifen resistance. NR4A1 gene expression was downregulated in tamoxifen-resistant MCF7 (TamR) cells compared to that in MCF7 cells. Kaplan-Meier plots were used to identify high NR4A1 expression correlated with increased survival rates in patients with ER-positive breast cancer following tamoxifen treatment. Gain and loss of function experiments showed that NR4A1 restores sensitivity to tamoxifen by regulating cell proliferation, migration, invasion, and apoptosis. NR4A1 localized to the cytoplasm enhanced the expression of apoptotic factors. In silico and in vitro analyses revealed that NR4A1 enhanced responsiveness to tamoxifen by suppressing ERK signaling in ER-positive breast cancer, suggesting that the NR4A1/ERK signaling axis modulates tamoxifen resistance. These results indicate that NR4A1 could be a potential therapeutic target to overcome tamoxifen resistance in ER-positive breast cancer.
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11
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Phelan DE, Shigemura M, Aldhafiri S, Mota C, Hall TJ, Sznajder JI, Murphy EP, Crean D, Cummins EP. Transcriptional Profiling of Monocytes Deficient in Nuclear Orphan Receptors NR4A2 and NR4A3 Reveals Distinct Signalling Roles Related to Antigen Presentation and Viral Response. Front Immunol 2021; 12:676644. [PMID: 34248958 PMCID: PMC8267906 DOI: 10.3389/fimmu.2021.676644] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/05/2021] [Accepted: 06/07/2021] [Indexed: 11/22/2022] Open
Abstract
The nuclear receptor sub-family 4 group A (NR4A) family are early response genes that encode proteins that are activated in several tissues/cells in response to a variety of stressors. The NR4A family comprises NR4A1, NR4A2 and NR4A3 of which NR4A2 and NR4A3 are under researched and less understood, particularly in the context of immune cells. NR4A expression is associated with multiple diseases e.g. arthritis and atherosclerosis and the development of NR4A-targetting molecules as therapeutics is a current focus in this research field. Here, we use a combination of RNA-sequencing coupled with strategic bioinformatic analysis to investigate the down-stream effects of NR4A2 and NR4A3 in monocytes and dissect their common and distinct signalling roles. Our data reveals that NR4A2 and NR4A3 depletion has a robust and broad-reaching effect on transcription in both the unstimulated state and in the presence of LPS. Interestingly, many of the genes affected were present in both the unstimulated and stimulated states revealing a previously unappreciated role for the NR4As in unstimulated cells. Strategic clustering and bioinformatic analysis identified both distinct and common transcriptional roles for NR4A2 and NR4A3 in monocytes. NR4A2 notably was linked by both bioinformatic clustering analysis and transcription factor interactome analysis to pathways associated with antigen presentation and regulation of MHC genes. NR4A3 in contrast was more closely linked to pathways associated with viral response. Functional studies further support our data analysis pointing towards preferential/selective roles for NR4A2 in the regulation of antigen processing with common roles for NR4A2 and NR4A3 evident with respect to cell migration. Taken together this study provides novel mechanistic insights into the role of the enigmatic nuclear receptors NR4A2 and NR4A3 in monocytes.
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Affiliation(s)
- David E Phelan
- School of Medicine, University College Dublin, Dublin, Ireland.,Conway Institute of Biomolecular and Biomedical Research, University College Dublin, Dublin, Ireland
| | - Masahiko Shigemura
- Division of Pulmonary and Critical Care Medicine, Feinberg School of Medicine, Northwestern University, Chicago, IL, United States
| | - Sarah Aldhafiri
- Conway Institute of Biomolecular and Biomedical Research, University College Dublin, Dublin, Ireland.,Animal Genomics Laboratory, School of Veterinary Medicine, University College Dublin, Dublin, Ireland
| | - Catarina Mota
- School of Medicine, University College Dublin, Dublin, Ireland.,Conway Institute of Biomolecular and Biomedical Research, University College Dublin, Dublin, Ireland
| | - Thomas J Hall
- School of Agriculture and Food Science, University College Dublin, Dublin, Ireland
| | - Jacob I Sznajder
- Division of Pulmonary and Critical Care Medicine, Feinberg School of Medicine, Northwestern University, Chicago, IL, United States
| | - Evelyn P Murphy
- School of Medicine, University of Limerick, Limerick, Ireland
| | - Daniel Crean
- Conway Institute of Biomolecular and Biomedical Research, University College Dublin, Dublin, Ireland.,Animal Genomics Laboratory, School of Veterinary Medicine, University College Dublin, Dublin, Ireland
| | - Eoin P Cummins
- School of Medicine, University College Dublin, Dublin, Ireland.,Conway Institute of Biomolecular and Biomedical Research, University College Dublin, Dublin, Ireland
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12
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NR4A1 Ligands as Potent Inhibitors of Breast Cancer Cell and Tumor Growth. Cancers (Basel) 2021; 13:cancers13112682. [PMID: 34072371 PMCID: PMC8198788 DOI: 10.3390/cancers13112682] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/14/2021] [Revised: 05/25/2021] [Accepted: 05/27/2021] [Indexed: 12/26/2022] Open
Abstract
Nuclear receptor 4A1 (NR4A1, Nur77, TR3) is more highly expressed in breast and solid tumors compared to non-tumor tissues and is a pro-oncogenic factor in solid tumor-derived cancers. NR4A1 regulates cancer cell growth, survival, migration, and invasion, and bis-indole-derived compounds (CDIMs) that bind NR4A1 act as antagonists and inhibit tumor growth. Preliminary structure-binding studies identified 1,1-bis(3'-indolyl)-1-(3,5-disubstitutedphenyl)methane analogs as NR4A1 ligands with low KD values; we further investigated the anticancer activity of the four most active analogs (KD's ≤ 3.1 µM) in breast cancer cells and in athymic mouse xenograft models. The treatment of MDA-MB-231 and SKBR3 breast cancer cells with the 3-bromo-5-methoxy, 3-chloro-5-trifluoromethoxy, 3-chloro-5-trifluoromethyl, and 3-bromo-5-trifluoromethoxy phenyl-substituted analogs decreased cell growth and the expression of epidermal of growth factor receptor (EGFR), hepatocyte growth factor receptor (cMET), and PD-L1 as well as inhibited mTOR phosphorylation. In addition, all four compounds inhibited tumor growth in athymic nude mice bearing MDA-MB-231 cells (orthotopic) at a dose of 1 mg/kg/d, which was not accompanied by changes in body weight. These 3,5-disubstituted analogs were the most potent CDIM/NR4A1 ligands reported and are being further developed for clinical applications.
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13
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Crean D, Murphy EP. Targeting NR4A Nuclear Receptors to Control Stromal Cell Inflammation, Metabolism, Angiogenesis, and Tumorigenesis. Front Cell Dev Biol 2021; 9:589770. [PMID: 33634114 PMCID: PMC7901948 DOI: 10.3389/fcell.2021.589770] [Citation(s) in RCA: 21] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/31/2020] [Accepted: 01/06/2021] [Indexed: 12/17/2022] Open
Abstract
The NR4A1–NR4A3 (Nur77, Nurr1, and Nor-1) subfamily of nuclear receptors is a group of immediate early genes induced by a pleiotropy of stimuli including peptide hormones, growth factors, cytokines, inflammatory, and physiological stimuli, and cellular stress. NR4A receptors function as potent sensors of changes in the cellular microenvironment to control physiological and pathological processes through genomic and non-genomic actions. NR4A receptors control metabolism and cardiovascular and neurological functions and mediate immune cell homeostasis in inflammation and cancer. This receptor subfamily is increasingly recognized as an important molecular connection between chronic inflammation, altered immune cell responses, and cancer development. In this review, we examine how transcriptome analysis identified NR4A1/NR4A2 receptors as transcriptional regulators in mesenchymal stromal cell (MSC) migration, cell cycle progression, and cytokine production to control local immune responses. In chronic inflammatory conditions, such as rheumatoid arthritis, NR4A receptors have been shown to modify the activity of MSC and fibroblast-like stromal cells to regulate synovial tissue hyperplasia, pathological angiogenesis, and cartilage turnover in vivo. Additionally, as NR4A1 has been observed as a major transcriptional regulator in tumor–stromal communication controlling tumorigenesis, we discuss how advances in the pharmacological control of these receptors lead to important new mechanistic insights into understanding the role of the tumor microenvironment in health and disease.
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Affiliation(s)
- Daniel Crean
- School of Veterinary Medicine, University College Dublin, Dublin, Ireland
| | - Evelyn P Murphy
- School of Medicine, University of Limerick, Limerick, Ireland
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14
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Isoharringtonine Induces Apoptosis of Non-Small Cell Lung Cancer Cells in Tumorspheroids via the Intrinsic Pathway. Biomolecules 2020; 10:biom10111521. [PMID: 33172112 PMCID: PMC7694770 DOI: 10.3390/biom10111521] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/08/2020] [Revised: 10/30/2020] [Accepted: 11/04/2020] [Indexed: 12/24/2022] Open
Abstract
Lung cancer is the major cause of cancer-associated death worldwide, and development of new therapeutic drugs is needed to improve treatment outcomes. Three-dimensional (3D) tumorspheroids offer many advantages over conventional two-dimensional cell cultures due to the similarities to in vivo tumors. We found that isoharringtonine, a natural product purified from Cephalotaxus koreana Nakai, significantly inhibited the growth of tumorspheroids with NCI-H460 cells in a dose-dependent manner and induced apoptotic cell death in our 3D cell culture system. On the other hand, A549 tumorspheroids displayed low sensitivity to isoharringtonine-induced apoptosis. Nuclear receptor subfamily 4 group A member 1 (NR4A1) is an orphan nuclear receptor known to regulate proliferation and apoptosis of cancer cells. We observed that knockdown of NR4A1 dramatically increased isoharringtonine-induced cancer cell death in A549 tumorspheroids by activating the intrinsic apoptosis pathway. Furthermore, treatment with combined isoharringtonine and iNR4A1 significantly inhibited multivulva formation in a Caenorhabditis elegans model and tumor development in a xenograft mouse model. Taken together, our data suggest that isoharringtonine is a potential natural product for treatment of non-small cell lung cancers, and inhibition of NR4A1 sensitizes cancer cells to anti-cancer treatment.
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15
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Safe S, Karki K. The Paradoxical Roles of Orphan Nuclear Receptor 4A (NR4A) in Cancer. Mol Cancer Res 2020; 19:180-191. [PMID: 33106376 DOI: 10.1158/1541-7786.mcr-20-0707] [Citation(s) in RCA: 40] [Impact Index Per Article: 10.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/13/2020] [Revised: 09/22/2020] [Accepted: 10/19/2020] [Indexed: 11/16/2022]
Abstract
The three-orphan nuclear receptor 4A genes are induced by diverse stressors and stimuli, and there is increasing evidence that NR4A1 (Nur77), NR4A2 (Nurr1), and NR4A3 (Nor1) play an important role in maintaining cellular homeostasis and in pathophysiology. In blood-derived tumors (leukemias and lymphomas), NR4A expression is low and NR4A1-/-/NR4A3-/- double knockout mice rapidly develop acute myelocytic leukemia, suggesting that these receptors exhibit tumor suppressor activity. Treatment of leukemia and most lymphoma cells with drugs that induce expression of NR4A1and NR4A3 enhances apoptosis, and this represents a potential clinical application for treating this disease. In contrast, most solid tumor-derived cell lines express high levels of NR4A1 and NR4A2, and both receptors exhibit pro-oncogenic activities in solid tumors, whereas NR4A3 exhibits tumor-specific activities. Initial studies with retinoids and apoptosis-inducing agents demonstrated that their cytotoxic activity is NR4A1 dependent and involved drug-induced nuclear export of NR4A1 and formation of a mitochondrial proapoptotic NR4A1-bcl-2 complex. Drug-induced nuclear export of NR4A1 has been reported for many agents/biologics and involves interactions with multiple mitochondrial and extramitochondrial factors to induce apoptosis. Synthetic ligands for NR4A1, NR4A2, and NR4A3 have been identified, and among these compounds, bis-indole derived (CDIM) NR4A1 ligands primarily act on nuclear NR4A1 to inhibit NR4A1-regulated pro-oncogenic pathways/genes and similar results have been observed for CDIMs that bind NR4A2. Based on results of laboratory animal studies development of NR4A inducers (blood-derived cancers) and NR4A1/NR4A2 antagonists (solid tumors) may be promising for cancer therapy and also for enhancing immune surveillance.
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Affiliation(s)
- Stephen Safe
- Department of Veterinary Physiology and Pharmacology, Texas A&M University, College Station, Texas.
| | - Keshav Karki
- Department of Veterinary Physiology and Pharmacology, Texas A&M University, College Station, Texas
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16
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Blocking PPARγ interaction facilitates Nur77 interdiction of fatty acid uptake and suppresses breast cancer progression. Proc Natl Acad Sci U S A 2020; 117:27412-27422. [PMID: 33087562 DOI: 10.1073/pnas.2002997117] [Citation(s) in RCA: 57] [Impact Index Per Article: 14.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/18/2022] Open
Abstract
Nuclear receptor Nur77 participates in multiple metabolic regulations and plays paradoxical roles in tumorigeneses. Herein, we demonstrated that the knockout of Nur77 stimulated mammary tumor development in two mouse models, which would be reversed by a specific reexpression of Nur77 in mammary tissues. Mechanistically, Nur77 interacted and recruited corepressors, the SWI/SNF complex, to the promoters of CD36 and FABP4 to suppress their transcriptions, which hampered the fatty acid uptake, leading to the inhibition of cell proliferation. Peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor-γ (PPARγ) played an antagonistic role in this process through binding to Nur77 to facilitate ubiquitin ligase Trim13-mediated ubiquitination and degradation of Nur77. Cocrystallographic and functional analysis revealed that Csn-B, a Nur77-targeting compound, promoted the formation of Nur77 homodimer to prevent PPARγ binding by steric hindrance, thereby strengthening the Nur77's inhibitory role in breast cancer. Therefore, our study reveals a regulatory function of Nur77 in breast cancer via impeding fatty acid uptake.
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17
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Piqué DG, Greally JM, Mar JC. Identification of a novel subgroup of endometrial cancer patients with loss of thyroid hormone receptor beta expression and improved survival. BMC Cancer 2020; 20:857. [PMID: 32894083 PMCID: PMC7487950 DOI: 10.1186/s12885-020-07325-y] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/01/2020] [Accepted: 08/20/2020] [Indexed: 12/28/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Endometrial cancer (EC) is the most common gynecologic cancer in women, and the incidence of EC has increased by about 1% per year in the U. S over the last 10 years. Although 5-year survival rates for early-stage EC are around 80%, certain subtypes of EC that lose nuclear hormone receptor (NHR) expression are associated with poor survival rates. For example, estrogen receptor (ER)-negative EC typically harbors a worse prognosis compared to ER-positive EC. The molecular basis for the loss of NHR expression in endometrial tumors and its contribution to poor survival is largely unknown. Furthermore, there are no tools to systematically identify tumors that lose NHR mRNA expression relative to normal tissue. The development of such an approach could identify sets of NHR-based biomarkers for classifying patients into subgroups with poor survival outcomes. METHODS Here, a new computational method, termed receptLoss, was developed for identifying NHR expression loss in endometrial cancer relative to adjacent normal tissue. When applied to gene expression data from The Cancer Genome Atlas (TCGA), receptLoss identified 6 NHRs that were highly expressed in normal tissue and exhibited expression loss in a subset of endometrial tumors. RESULTS Three of the six identified NHRs - estrogen, progesterone, and androgen receptors - that are known to lose expression in ECs were correctly identified by receptLoss. Additionally, a novel association was found between thyroid hormone receptor beta (THRB) expression loss, increased expression of miRNA-146a, and increased rates of 5-year survival in the EC TCGA patient cohort. THRB expression loss occurs independently of estrogen and progesterone expression loss, suggesting the discovery of a distinct, clinically-relevant molecular subgroup. CONCLUSION ReceptLoss is a novel, open-source software tool to systematically identify NHR expression loss in cancer. The application of receptLoss to endometrial cancer gene expression data identified THRB, a previously undescribed biomarker of survival in endometrial cancer. Applying receptLoss to expression data from additional cancer types could lead to the development of biomarkers of disease progression for patients with any other tumor type. ReceptLoss can be applied to expression data from additional cancer types with the goal of identifying biomarkers of differential survival.
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Affiliation(s)
- Daniel G. Piqué
- Department of Systems and Computational Biology, Albert Einstein College of Medicine, 1300 Morris Park Avenue, Bronx, NY 10461 USA
- Department of Genetics, Albert Einstein College of Medicine, 1300 Morris Park Avenue, Bronx, NY 10461 USA
| | - John M. Greally
- Department of Genetics, Albert Einstein College of Medicine, 1300 Morris Park Avenue, Bronx, NY 10461 USA
| | - Jessica C. Mar
- Department of Systems and Computational Biology, Albert Einstein College of Medicine, 1300 Morris Park Avenue, Bronx, NY 10461 USA
- Department of Epidemiology and Population Health, Albert Einstein College of Medicine, 1300 Morris Park Avenue, Bronx, NY 10461 USA
- Australian Institute for Bioengineering and Nanotechnology, The University of Queensland, Building 75, Cnr. College Rd & Cooper Rd, Brisbane, QLD 4072 Australia
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18
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Gagliano T, Shah K, Gargani S, Lao L, Alsaleem M, Chen J, Ntafis V, Huang P, Ditsiou A, Vella V, Yadav K, Bienkowska K, Bresciani G, Kang K, Li L, Carter P, Benstead-Hume G, O’Hanlon T, Dean M, Pearl FM, Lee SC, Rakha EA, Green AR, Kontoyiannis DL, Song E, Stebbing J, Giamas G. PIK3Cδ expression by fibroblasts promotes triple-negative breast cancer progression. J Clin Invest 2020; 130:3188-3204. [PMID: 32125284 PMCID: PMC7260014 DOI: 10.1172/jci128313] [Citation(s) in RCA: 27] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/28/2019] [Accepted: 02/27/2020] [Indexed: 12/28/2022] Open
Abstract
As there is growing evidence for the tumor microenvironment's role in tumorigenesis, we investigated the role of fibroblast-expressed kinases in triple-negative breast cancer (TNBC). Using a high-throughput kinome screen combined with 3D invasion assays, we identified fibroblast-expressed PIK3Cδ (f-PIK3Cδ) as a key regulator of cancer progression. Although PIK3Cδ was expressed in primary fibroblasts derived from TNBC patients, it was barely detectable in breast cancer (BC) cell lines. Genetic and pharmacological gain- and loss-of-function experiments verified the contribution of f-PIK3Cδ in TNBC cell invasion. Integrated secretomics and transcriptomics analyses revealed a paracrine mechanism via which f-PIK3Cδ confers its protumorigenic effects. Inhibition of f-PIK3Cδ promoted the secretion of factors, including PLGF and BDNF, that led to upregulation of NR4A1 in TNBC cells, where it acts as a tumor suppressor. Inhibition of PIK3Cδ in an orthotopic BC mouse model reduced tumor growth only after inoculation with fibroblasts, indicating a role of f-PIK3Cδ in cancer progression. Similar results were observed in the MMTV-PyMT transgenic BC mouse model, along with a decrease in tumor metastasis, emphasizing the potential immune-independent effects of PIK3Cδ inhibition. Finally, analysis of BC patient cohorts and TCGA data sets identified f-PIK3Cδ (protein and mRNA levels) as an independent prognostic factor for overall and disease-free survival, highlighting it as a therapeutic target for TNBC.
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Affiliation(s)
- Teresa Gagliano
- Department of Biochemistry and Biomedicine, School of Life Sciences, University of Sussex, Falmer, Brighton, United Kingdom
| | - Kalpit Shah
- Division of Cancer Epidemiology and Genetics, National Cancer Institute, NIH, Bethesda, Maryland, USA
| | - Sofia Gargani
- Division of Immunology, Biomedical Sciences Research Center Alexander Fleming, Vari, Greece
| | - Liyan Lao
- Breast Tumor Center, Sun Yat-Sen Memorial Hospital, Sun Yat-Sen University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Mansour Alsaleem
- Nottingham Breast Cancer Research Centre, Division of Cancer and Stem Cells, School of Medicine, Nottingham City Hospital, University of Nottingham, Nottingham, United Kingdom
| | - Jianing Chen
- Breast Tumor Center, Sun Yat-Sen Memorial Hospital, Sun Yat-Sen University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Vasileios Ntafis
- Division of Immunology, Biomedical Sciences Research Center Alexander Fleming, Vari, Greece
| | - Penghan Huang
- Breast Tumor Center, Sun Yat-Sen Memorial Hospital, Sun Yat-Sen University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Angeliki Ditsiou
- Department of Biochemistry and Biomedicine, School of Life Sciences, University of Sussex, Falmer, Brighton, United Kingdom
| | - Viviana Vella
- Department of Biochemistry and Biomedicine, School of Life Sciences, University of Sussex, Falmer, Brighton, United Kingdom
| | - Kritika Yadav
- Cancer Science Institute of Singapore, National University of Singapore, Singapore
| | - Kamila Bienkowska
- Department of Biochemistry and Biomedicine, School of Life Sciences, University of Sussex, Falmer, Brighton, United Kingdom
| | - Giulia Bresciani
- Department of Biochemistry and Biomedicine, School of Life Sciences, University of Sussex, Falmer, Brighton, United Kingdom
- Department of Medical Sciences, University of Ferrara, Ferrara, Italy
| | - Kai Kang
- Biostatistics and Computational Biology Branch, National Institute of Environmental Health Sciences, NIH, Durham, North Carolina, USA
| | - Leping Li
- Biostatistics and Computational Biology Branch, National Institute of Environmental Health Sciences, NIH, Durham, North Carolina, USA
| | - Philip Carter
- Division of Cancer, Department of Surgery and Cancer, Imperial College London, Hammersmith Hospital Campus, London, United Kingdom
| | - Graeme Benstead-Hume
- Bioinformatics Group, School of Life Sciences, University of Sussex, Falmer, Brighton, United Kingdom
| | - Timothy O’Hanlon
- Cancer Genomics Research Laboratory, Frederick National Laboratory for Cancer Research, Bethesda, Maryland, USA
| | - Michael Dean
- Division of Cancer Epidemiology and Genetics, National Cancer Institute, NIH, Bethesda, Maryland, USA
| | - Frances M.G. Pearl
- Bioinformatics Group, School of Life Sciences, University of Sussex, Falmer, Brighton, United Kingdom
| | - Soo-Chin Lee
- Cancer Science Institute of Singapore, National University of Singapore, Singapore
- Department of Haematology-Oncology, National University Cancer Institute, Singapore
- National University Health System, Singapore
| | - Emad A. Rakha
- Nottingham Breast Cancer Research Centre, Division of Cancer and Stem Cells, School of Medicine, Nottingham City Hospital, University of Nottingham, Nottingham, United Kingdom
| | - Andrew R. Green
- Nottingham Breast Cancer Research Centre, Division of Cancer and Stem Cells, School of Medicine, Nottingham City Hospital, University of Nottingham, Nottingham, United Kingdom
| | - Dimitris L. Kontoyiannis
- Division of Immunology, Biomedical Sciences Research Center Alexander Fleming, Vari, Greece
- Department of Genetics, Development and Molecular Biology, School of Biology, Aristotle University of Thessaloniki, Thessaloniki, Greece
| | - Erwei Song
- Breast Tumor Center, Sun Yat-Sen Memorial Hospital, Sun Yat-Sen University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Justin Stebbing
- Division of Cancer, Department of Surgery and Cancer, Imperial College London, Hammersmith Hospital Campus, London, United Kingdom
| | - Georgios Giamas
- Department of Biochemistry and Biomedicine, School of Life Sciences, University of Sussex, Falmer, Brighton, United Kingdom
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19
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Function of Nr4a Orphan Nuclear Receptors in Proliferation, Apoptosis and Fuel Utilization Across Tissues. Cells 2019; 8:cells8111373. [PMID: 31683815 PMCID: PMC6912296 DOI: 10.3390/cells8111373] [Citation(s) in RCA: 75] [Impact Index Per Article: 15.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/30/2019] [Revised: 10/24/2019] [Accepted: 10/30/2019] [Indexed: 12/21/2022] Open
Abstract
The Nr4a family of nuclear hormone receptors is composed of three members-Nr4a1/Nur77, Nr4a2/Nurr1 and Nr4a3/Nor1. While currently defined as ligandless, these transcription factors have been shown to regulate varied processes across a host of tissues. Of particular interest, the Nr4a family impinge, in a tissue dependent fashion, on cellular proliferation, apoptosis and fuel utilization. The regulation of these processes occurs through both nuclear and non-genomic pathways. The purpose of this review is to provide a balanced perspective of the tissue specific and Nr4a family member specific, effects on cellular proliferation, apoptosis and fuel utilization.
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20
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C. elegans protein interaction network analysis probes RNAi validated pro-longevity effect of nhr-6, a human homolog of tumor suppressor Nr4a1. Sci Rep 2019; 9:15711. [PMID: 31673088 PMCID: PMC6823380 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-019-51649-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/01/2018] [Accepted: 09/30/2019] [Indexed: 02/07/2023] Open
Abstract
Protein-protein interaction (PPI) studies are gaining momentum these days due to the plethora of various high-throughput experimental methods available for detecting PPIs. Proteins create complexes and networks by functioning in harmony with other proteins and here in silico network biology hold the promise to reveal new functionality of genes as it is very difficult and laborious to carry out experimental high-throughput genetic screens in living organisms. We demonstrate this approach by computationally screening C. elegans conserved homologs of already reported human tumor suppressor and aging associated genes. We select by this nhr-6, vab-3 and gst-23 as predicted longevity genes for RNAi screen. The RNAi results demonstrated the pro-longevity effect of these genes. Nuclear hormone receptor nhr-6 RNAi inhibition resulted in a C. elegans phenotype of 23.46% lifespan reduction. Moreover, we show that nhr-6 regulates oxidative stress resistance in worms and does not affect the feeding behavior of worms. These findings imply the potential of nhr-6 as a common therapeutic target for aging and cancer ailments, stressing the power of in silico PPI network analysis coupled with RNAi screens to describe gene function.
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21
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Hedrick E, Li X, Cheng Y, Lacey A, Mohankumar K, Zarei M, Safe S. Potent inhibition of breast cancer by bis-indole-derived nuclear receptor 4A1 (NR4A1) antagonists. Breast Cancer Res Treat 2019; 177:29-40. [PMID: 31119568 PMCID: PMC6681651 DOI: 10.1007/s10549-019-05279-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/30/2019] [Accepted: 05/13/2019] [Indexed: 01/15/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Nuclear receptor 4A1 (NR4A1) is overexpressed in mammary tumors, and the methylene-substituted bis-indole derivative 1,1-bis(3'-indolyl)-1-(p-hydroxyphenyl)methane (DIM-C-pPhOH) acts as an NR4A1 antagonist (inverse agonist) and inhibits NR4A1-regulated pro-oncogenic pathways/genes in breast and other cancer cells. METHODS Buttressed analogs of DIM-C-pPhOH were synthesized by condensation of the substituted p-hydroxybenzaldehydes with indole. Breast cancer cell growth, survival, and migration assays were carried out by cell counting, Annexin V staining, and Boyden chamber assays, respectively. Changes in RNA and protein expression were determined by RT-PCR and western blots, respectively. Analysis of RNAseq results was carried out using Ingenuity Pathway Analysis, and in vivo potencies of NR4A1 antagonists were determined in athymic nude mice bearing MDA-MB-231 cells in an orthotopic model. RESULTS Ingenuity Pathway analysis of common genes modulated by NR4A1 knockdown or treatment with DIM-C-pPhOH showed that changes in gene expression were consistent with the observed decreased functional responses, namely inhibition of growth and migration and increased apoptosis. DIM-C-pPhOH is rapidly metabolized and the effects and potencies of buttressed analogs of DIM-C-pPhOH which contain one or two substituents ortho to the hydroxyl groups were investigated using NR4A1-regulated gene/gene products as endpoints. The buttressed analogs were more potent than DIM-C-pPhOH in both in vitro assays and as inhibitors of mammary tumor growth. Moreover, using 1,1-bis(3'-indolyl)-1-(3-chloro-4-hydroxy-5-methoxyphenyl)methane (DIM-C-pPhOh-3-Cl-5-OCH3) significant tumor growth inhibition was observed at doses as low as 2 mg/kg/d which was at least an order of magnitude more potent than DIM-C-pPhOH. CONCLUSIONS These buttressed analogs represent a more potent set of second generation NR4A1 antagonists as inhibitors of breast cancer.
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Affiliation(s)
- Erik Hedrick
- Department of Veterinary Physiology and Pharmacology, Texas A&M University, College Station, TX, 77843, USA
- Cleveland Clinic, Lerner Research Institute, Cleveland, OH, 44195, USA
| | - Xi Li
- Department of Veterinary Physiology and Pharmacology, Texas A&M University, College Station, TX, 77843, USA
| | - Yating Cheng
- Department of Veterinary Physiology and Pharmacology, Texas A&M University, College Station, TX, 77843, USA
- MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, TX, 77030, USA
| | | | - Kumaravel Mohankumar
- Department of Veterinary Physiology and Pharmacology, Texas A&M University, College Station, TX, 77843, USA
| | - Mahsa Zarei
- Department of Veterinary Physiology and Pharmacology, Texas A&M University, College Station, TX, 77843, USA
| | - Stephen Safe
- Department of Veterinary Physiology and Pharmacology, Texas A&M University, College Station, TX, 77843, USA.
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22
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Sun L, Zhou R, Dong J, Liu S, Jiao Y, Wang L, Hu S, He P, Liu X, Zhao X, Jiang G, Zhao Y. Lnc-NA inhibits proliferation and metastasis in endometrioid endometrial carcinoma through regulation of NR4A1. J Cell Mol Med 2019; 23:4699-4710. [PMID: 31050196 PMCID: PMC6584524 DOI: 10.1111/jcmm.14345] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/24/2018] [Revised: 02/09/2019] [Accepted: 03/26/2019] [Indexed: 12/29/2022] Open
Abstract
Endometrioid endometrial carcinoma (EEC) is the most common gynaecologic malignancy worldwide. Long non-coding RNAs have previously been demonstrated to play important roles in regulating human diseases, particularly cancer. However, the biological functions and molecular mechanisms of long non-coding RNAs in EEC have not been extensively studied. Here, we describe the discovery of Lnc-NA from the promoter of the transcription factor nuclear receptor subfamily 4 group A member 1 (NR4A1) gene. The role and function of Lnc-NA in EEC remain unknown. In this study, we used quantitative real-time polymerase chain reactions to confirm that Lnc-NA expression was down-regulated in 30 EEC cases (90%) and in EEC cell lines compared with that in the paired adjacent tissues and normal endometrial cells. In vitro experiments further demonstrated that overexpressing Lnc-NA decreased EEC cell proliferation, migration and invasion and promoted apoptosis via inactivation of the apoptosis signalling pathway. Moreover, the results show that Lnc-NA expression was positively correlated with NR4A1. Furthermore, Lnc-NA regulated NR4A1 expression and activated the apoptosis signalling pathway to inhibit tumour progression. In summary, our results demonstrate that the Lnc-NA-NR4A1 axis could be a useful tumour suppressor and a promising therapeutic target for EEC.
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Affiliation(s)
- Linying Sun
- Department of Central LabShandong Provincial Hospital affiliated with Shandong UniversityJinanChina
- Institute of Public HealthTaishan Medical UniversityTaianChina
| | - Rongfang Zhou
- Department of Central LabShandong Provincial Hospital affiliated with Shandong UniversityJinanChina
| | - Jing Dong
- Department of Central LabShandong Provincial Hospital affiliated with Shandong UniversityJinanChina
| | - Shuang Liu
- Department of Central LabShandong Provincial Hospital affiliated with Shandong UniversityJinanChina
| | - Yulian Jiao
- Department of Central LabShandong Provincial Hospital affiliated with Shandong UniversityJinanChina
| | - Laicheng Wang
- Department of Central LabShandong Provincial Hospital affiliated with Shandong UniversityJinanChina
| | - Shengnan Hu
- Department of Central LabShandong Provincial Hospital affiliated with Shandong UniversityJinanChina
| | - Pengjuan He
- Department of Gynaecology and ObstetricsShandong Provincial Hospital affiliated with Shandong UniversityJinanChina
| | - Xiaowen Liu
- Department of Central LabShandong Provincial Hospital affiliated with Shandong UniversityJinanChina
| | - Xingbo Zhao
- Department of Gynaecology and ObstetricsShandong Provincial Hospital affiliated with Shandong UniversityJinanChina
| | - Guosheng Jiang
- Department of ImmunologyBinzhou Medical UniversityYantaiChina
| | - Yueran Zhao
- Department of Central LabShandong Provincial Hospital affiliated with Shandong UniversityJinanChina
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Liu N, Wu Z, Chen A, Chai D, Li L, Zhang L, Zheng J. ISG12a and its interaction partner NR4A1 are involved in TRAIL-induced apoptosis in hepatoma cells. J Cell Mol Med 2019; 23:3520-3529. [PMID: 30821058 PMCID: PMC6484314 DOI: 10.1111/jcmm.14251] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/17/2018] [Revised: 12/24/2018] [Accepted: 02/05/2019] [Indexed: 12/30/2022] Open
Abstract
Tumor necrosis factor-related apoptosis-inducing ligand (TRAIL) can induce apoptosis in cancer cells while sparing normal cells, thereby leading to the development of TRAIL receptor agonists for cancer treatment. However, these agonist-based therapeutics exhibit little clinical benefits due to the lack of biomarkers to predict whether patients are responsive to the treatment, as well as determine the resistance of cancer cells to TRAIL-based agonists. Our previous study has demonstrated that ISG12a enhances TRAIL-induced apoptosis and might serve as a biomarker to predict the TRAIL response. The downstream mechanism by which ISG12a augments TRAIL-induced apoptosis remains to be elucidated. In this study, we found that ISG12a was localized in the mitochondria and nucleus and augmented TRAIL-induced apoptosis through intrinsic apoptotic pathway. In addition, ISG12a interacted with NR4A1 and promoted its nuclear-to-cytoplasm translocation. Upon translocate to cytoplasm, NR4A1 targeted mitochondria and induced Bcl2 conformational change, thereby exposing its BH3 domain. Moreover, TRAIL treatment can induce NR4A1 expression through the activation of NF-κB in TRAIL-resistant Huh7 hepatoma cells. Knockdown of NR4A1 could overcome TRAIL resistance. However, in TRAIL-sensitive LH86 liver cancer cells, TRAIL activated the Jun N-terminal kinases signalling pathway. Overall, these results showed that both ISG12a and its interaction partner NR4A1 are involved in TRAIL-mediated apoptosis in hepatoma cells.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nianli Liu
- Cancer Institute, Xuzhou Medical University, Xuzhou, Jiangsu, China.,Department of Radiation Oncology, Affiliated Hospital of Xuzhou Medical University, Xuzhou, Jiangsu, China
| | - Zhiyuan Wu
- Cancer Institute, Xuzhou Medical University, Xuzhou, Jiangsu, China.,Department of Radiation Oncology, Affiliated Hospital of Xuzhou Medical University, Xuzhou, Jiangsu, China
| | - Aoxing Chen
- Cancer Institute, Xuzhou Medical University, Xuzhou, Jiangsu, China.,Department of Radiation Oncology, Affiliated Hospital of Xuzhou Medical University, Xuzhou, Jiangsu, China
| | - Dafei Chai
- Cancer Institute, Xuzhou Medical University, Xuzhou, Jiangsu, China
| | - Liantao Li
- Cancer Institute, Xuzhou Medical University, Xuzhou, Jiangsu, China.,Department of Radiation Oncology, Affiliated Hospital of Xuzhou Medical University, Xuzhou, Jiangsu, China
| | - Longzhen Zhang
- Cancer Institute, Xuzhou Medical University, Xuzhou, Jiangsu, China.,Department of Radiation Oncology, Affiliated Hospital of Xuzhou Medical University, Xuzhou, Jiangsu, China
| | - Junnian Zheng
- Cancer Institute, Xuzhou Medical University, Xuzhou, Jiangsu, China.,Center of Clinical Oncology, Affiliated Hospital of Xuzhou Medical University, Xuzhou, Jiangsu, China.,Jiangsu Center for the Collaboration and Innovation of Cancer Biotherapy, Cancer Institute, Xuzhou Medical University, Xuzhou, Jiangsu, China
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24
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Sun R, Bao MY, Long X, Yuan Y, Wu MM, Li X, Bao JK. Metabolic gene NR4A1 as a potential therapeutic target for non-smoking female non-small cell lung cancer patients. Thorac Cancer 2019; 10:715-727. [PMID: 30806032 PMCID: PMC6449245 DOI: 10.1111/1759-7714.12989] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/13/2018] [Revised: 01/04/2019] [Accepted: 01/05/2019] [Indexed: 02/05/2023] Open
Abstract
Background Although cigarette smoking is considered one of the key risk factors for lung cancer, 15% of male patients and 53% of female patients with lung cancer are non‐smokers. Metabolic changes are critical features of cancer. Therapeutic target identification from a metabolic perspective in non‐small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) tissue of female non‐smokers has long been ignored. Results Based on microarray data retrieved from Affymetrix expression arrays E‐GEOD‐19804, we found that the downregulated genes in non‐smoking female NSCLC patients tended to participate in protein/amino acid and lipid metabolism, while upregulated genes were more involved in protein/amino acid and carbohydrate metabolism. Combining nutrient metabolic co‐expression, protein–protein interaction network construction and overall survival assessment, we identified NR4A1 and TIE1 as potential therapeutic targets for NSCLC in female non‐smokers. To accelerate the drug development for non‐smoking female NSCLC patients, we identified nilotinib as a potential agonist targeting NR4A1 encoded protein by molecular docking and molecular dynamic stimulation. We also show that nilotinib inhibited proliferation and induced senescence of cells in non‐smoking female NSCLC patients in vitro. Conclusions These results not only uncover nutrient metabolic characteristics in non‐smoking female NSCLC patients, but also provide a new paradigm for identifying new targets and drugs for novel therapy for such patients.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rong Sun
- Key Laboratory of Bio-Resource and Eco-Environment of Ministry of Education, College of Life Sciences, Sichuan University, Chengdu, China
| | - Min-Yue Bao
- State Key Laboratory of Oral Diseases, National Clinical Research Center for Oral Diseases, West China Hospital of Stomatology, Sichuan University, Chengdu, China
| | - Xin Long
- Key Laboratory of Bio-Resource and Eco-Environment of Ministry of Education, College of Life Sciences, Sichuan University, Chengdu, China
| | - Yuan Yuan
- Key Laboratory of Bio-Resource and Eco-Environment of Ministry of Education, College of Life Sciences, Sichuan University, Chengdu, China
| | - Miao-Miao Wu
- Key Laboratory of Bio-Resource and Eco-Environment of Ministry of Education, College of Life Sciences, Sichuan University, Chengdu, China
| | - Xin Li
- State Key Laboratory of Oral Diseases, National Clinical Research Center for Oral Diseases, West China Hospital of Stomatology, Sichuan University, Chengdu, China
| | - Jin-Ku Bao
- Key Laboratory of Bio-Resource and Eco-Environment of Ministry of Education, College of Life Sciences, Sichuan University, Chengdu, China.,State Key Laboratory of Oral Diseases, National Clinical Research Center for Oral Diseases, West China Hospital of Stomatology, Sichuan University, Chengdu, China
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25
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Condello V, Torregrossa L, Sartori C, Denaro M, Poma AM, Piaggi P, Valerio L, Materazzi G, Elisei R, Vitti P, Basolo F. mRNA and miRNA expression profiling of follicular variant of papillary thyroid carcinoma with and without distant metastases. Mol Cell Endocrinol 2019; 479:93-102. [PMID: 30261209 DOI: 10.1016/j.mce.2018.09.005] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/16/2018] [Revised: 09/14/2018] [Accepted: 09/22/2018] [Indexed: 12/19/2022]
Abstract
Follicular Variant of Papillary Thyroid Carcinoma (FVPTC) is usually associated with a good outcome. Nevertheless, in rare cases, it develops distant metastases (1-9%). Our goal was to investigate whether mRNA and miRNA expression profiles may help distinguish between metastatic versus non-metastatic FVPTCs. Twenty-four primary FVPTCs, 12 metastatic and 12 non-metastatic, with similar clinicopathological features were selected and analyzed by nanoString nCounter technology using two distinct panels for expression analysis of 740 mRNA and 798 miRNAs. Data analysis was performed using the nanoString nSolver 3.0 software. Forty-seven mRNA and 35 miRNAs were differentially expressed between the two groups. Using these mRNA and miRNAs, metastatic and non-metastatic FVPTCs were clearly divided into two distinct clusters. Our results indicate that FVPTCs with metastatic abilities have different expression profiles compared to the non-metastatic. A prospective validation is needed to evaluate the usefulness of this molecular approach in the early identification of high-risk FVPTCs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Vincenzo Condello
- Department of Surgical, Medical, Molecular Pathology and Critical Area, University Hospital of Pisa, via Savi 10, 56126, Pisa, Italy
| | - Liborio Torregrossa
- Division of Surgical Pathology, University Hospital of Pisa, via Paradisa 2, 56124, Pisa, Italy
| | - Chiara Sartori
- Division of Surgical Pathology, University Hospital of Pisa, via Paradisa 2, 56124, Pisa, Italy
| | - Maria Denaro
- Department of Surgical, Medical, Molecular Pathology and Critical Area, University Hospital of Pisa, via Savi 10, 56126, Pisa, Italy
| | - Anello Marcello Poma
- Department of Surgical, Medical, Molecular Pathology and Critical Area, University Hospital of Pisa, via Savi 10, 56126, Pisa, Italy
| | - Paolo Piaggi
- National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Disease, Phoenix, AZ, USA
| | - Laura Valerio
- Department of Clinical and Experimental Medicine (Endocrine Unit), University Hospital of Pisa, via Paradisa 2, 56124, Pisa, Italy
| | - Gabriele Materazzi
- Department of Surgical, Medical, Molecular Pathology and Critical Area, University Hospital of Pisa, via Savi 10, 56126, Pisa, Italy
| | - Rossella Elisei
- Department of Clinical and Experimental Medicine (Endocrine Unit), University Hospital of Pisa, via Paradisa 2, 56124, Pisa, Italy
| | - Paolo Vitti
- Department of Clinical and Experimental Medicine (Endocrine Unit), University Hospital of Pisa, via Paradisa 2, 56124, Pisa, Italy
| | - Fulvio Basolo
- Department of Surgical, Medical, Molecular Pathology and Critical Area, University Hospital of Pisa, via Savi 10, 56126, Pisa, Italy.
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26
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Liu F, Shangli Z, Hu Z. CAV2 promotes the growth of renal cell carcinoma through the EGFR/PI3K/Akt pathway. Onco Targets Ther 2018; 11:6209-6216. [PMID: 30288056 PMCID: PMC6163017 DOI: 10.2147/ott.s172803] [Citation(s) in RCA: 19] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
Background Caveolin-2 (CAV2) is reported to have an important role in cancer. The following study investigated the expression and function of CAV2 in kidney cancer in vitro and in vivo. Materials and methods Real-time PCR, immunohistochemistry and Western blotting analysis were used to determine CAV2, epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR), phosphatidylinositol 3-kinase (PI3K) and protein kinase B (Akt) in kidney cancer cell line OS-RC-2 and clinical specimens. The role of CAV2 in maintaining kidney cancer malignant phenotype was examined by wound healing assay, Matrigel invasion assays and mouse orthotopic xenograft model. Results Higher expression of CAV2 was found in renal cell carcinoma tissue compared to normal tissue. Furthermore, increased expression of CAV2 was associated with cancer progression. Also, silencing of CAV2 inhibited the proliferation, migration and invasion, as well as the expression of EGFR, PI3K and p-Akt in OS-RC-2 cells in vitro, and OS-RC-2 xenograft growth in vivo. Conclusion Our results revealed that CAV2 promotes the growth of renal cell carcinoma through EGFR/PI3K/Akt pathway.
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Affiliation(s)
- Fu Liu
- The First People's Hospital of Ziyang, Sichuan, People's Republic of China,
| | - Zhi Shangli
- The First People's Hospital of Ziyang, Sichuan, People's Republic of China,
| | - Zhili Hu
- The Second Hospital Affiliated to Chongqing Medical University, Chongqing, People's Republic of China
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27
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Yang Y, Zhou Y, Xiong X, Huang M, Ying X, Wang M. ALG3 Is Activated by Heat Shock Factor 2 and Promotes Breast Cancer Growth. Med Sci Monit 2018; 24:3479-3487. [PMID: 29799832 PMCID: PMC5996847 DOI: 10.12659/msm.907461] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/10/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Previous research found that ALG3 is associated with cervical cancer, but the role of ALG3 in breast cancer was still unknown. MATERIAL AND METHODS The expression of ALG3 in breast carcinoma tissues was determined by immunochemistry. The ability of cellular proliferation, migration, and invasion was determined by CCK-8 assay, wound healing migration assay, and cell invasion assays, respectively. The binding between HSF2 and promoter of ALG3 was determined by ChIP assay. RESULTS There was an increased expression of ALG3 in breast cancer tissues compared to normal breast tissues (p<0.05). High expression of ALG3 was significantly correlated with poor OS (p<0.05). ALG3 expression was significantly increased in cancer samples with advanced stages (stage III/IV) compared with those in the early stages of disease (stage I/II) (p<0.05). The staining intensity of ALG3 was significantly correlated to the tumor grade (grades 2-3 versus 1, p<0.05). Silencing ALG3 or HSF2 inhibited the proliferation, migration, and invasion abilities of MCF-7 cells. Silencing ALG3 retarded the growth of MCF-7 cells in vivo. CONCLUSIONS Silencing ALG3 inhibited MCF-7 cells growth in vitro and in vivo. HSF2 activated ALG3 and promoted the growth of breast carcinoma.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yongde Yang
- Department of Breast Diseases, Chongqing Three Gorges Central Hospital, Chongqing, China (mainland)
| | - Yanlin Zhou
- Department of Breast Diseases, Chongqing Three Gorges Central Hospital, Chongqing, China (mainland)
| | - Xin Xiong
- Department of Breast Diseases, Chongqing Three Gorges Central Hospital, Chongqing, China (mainland)
| | - Man Huang
- Department of Breast Diseases, Chongqing Three Gorges Central Hospital, Chongqing, China (mainland)
| | - Xueyan Ying
- Department of Breast Diseases, Chongqing Three Gorges Central Hospital, Chongqing, China (mainland)
| | - Mengyuan Wang
- Department of Breast Diseases, Chongqing Three Gorges Central Hospital, Chongqing, China (mainland)
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28
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Zeng B, Zhou M, Wu H, Xiong Z. SPP1 promotes ovarian cancer progression via Integrin β1/FAK/AKT signaling pathway. Onco Targets Ther 2018; 11:1333-1343. [PMID: 29559792 PMCID: PMC5856063 DOI: 10.2147/ott.s154215] [Citation(s) in RCA: 81] [Impact Index Per Article: 13.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/19/2022] Open
Abstract
OBJECTIVES Ovarian cancer is one of the most lethal malignant tumors in women. Secreted phosphoprotein 1 (SPP1) plays an important role in some cancer types. Therefore, the role of SPP1 in ovarian cancer was determined and the potential mechanism was elucidated. MATERIALS AND METHODS The expression of SPP1 in ovarian cancer was determined by immunohistochemistry in ovarian cancer tissues and normal ovarian tissues. Cellular proliferation, migration, and invasion were determined by cell counting kit-8 assay, wound healing assay, and Matrigel invasion assay in SKOV3 and A2780 cells. The protein expression of SPP1, integrin subunit β1 (Integrin β1), focal adhesion kinase (FAK), and phosphorylation protein kinase B (p-AKT) was detected by Western blotting in SKOV3 cells after silencing SPP1. The expression of SPP1 was determined in SKOV3 cells after transfecting with miR-181a mimics or inhibitors. The growth of SKOV3 cells in vivo was determined in a nude mouse model of ovarian cancer after silencing SPP1. RESULTS The expression of SPP1 was higher in epithelial ovarian cancer tissues than in normal ovarian tissues. Silencing SPP1 decreased the cell proliferation, migration, and invasion. Ectopic expression of SPP1 increased the cell proliferation, migration, and invasion. Silencing SPP1 prevented ovarian cancer growth in mice. Silencing SPP1 inhibited Integrin β1/FAK/AKT pathway. In agreement, ectopically expressed SPP1 activated Integrin β1/FAK/AKT pathway. Also, SPP1 was regulated by miR-181a. CONCLUSION SPP1 is a biomarker for the prognosis of ovarian cancer. It is also oncogenic and a potential target for ovarian cancer therapy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Biao Zeng
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Second Affiliated Hospital, Chongqing Medical University, Chongqing, China
| | - Min Zhou
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Second Affiliated Hospital, Chongqing Medical University, Chongqing, China
| | - Huan Wu
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Second Affiliated Hospital, Chongqing Medical University, Chongqing, China
| | - Zhengai Xiong
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Second Affiliated Hospital, Chongqing Medical University, Chongqing, China
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29
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Overexpression of NR4A1 is associated with tumor recurrence and poor survival in non-small-cell lung carcinoma. Oncotarget 2017; 8:113977-113986. [PMID: 29371962 PMCID: PMC5768379 DOI: 10.18632/oncotarget.23048] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/12/2017] [Accepted: 09/18/2017] [Indexed: 12/18/2022] Open
Abstract
The expression level and clinical significance of NR4A1 are presently unknown in the non-small-cell lung carcinoma (NSCLC). This study aimed to explore the expression, prognostic value, and function of NR4A1 in NSCLC. METHODS Clinicopathological parameters of 167 NSCLC patients who received radical surgery from January 2007 and December 2012 were retrospectively reviewed. The NR4A1 expression in NSCLC tumors and the adjacent matched para-carcinoma specimens were examined, and the association between NR4A1 expression and clinical variables was explored. Cell viability assay, and transwell migration and invasion assays were used to access the function of NR4A1 in NSCLC. Kaplan-Meier analysis and Cox regression were performed to investigate the prognostic significance of NR4A1 for NSCLC. RESULTS NR4A1 was overexpressed in NSCLC tissues compared with the para-carcinoma specimens. Consistently, Oncomine analysis showed that NR4A1 was overexpressed in NSCLC tissues compared with normal tissues in published datasets (P < 0.001). The elevated NR4A1 expression was associated with carcinoma recurrence (P < 0.05). The 5-year median overall survival (OS) and progression free survival (PFS) were significantly poorer in the NR4A1-overexpression group. Multivariate Cox analysis showed that NR4A1 overexpression was an independent factor for OS (HR, 95%CI: P < 0.05) and PFS (HR, 95%CI: P < 0.05) in NSCLC. Moreover, knockdown of NR4A1 significantly reduced NSCLC cell proliferation, migration, and invasion. CONCLUSIONS NR4A1 exhibits a tumor-promoting effect on NSCLC, and might serve as a promising prognostic biomarker and a therapeutic target for NSCLC.
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30
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Yan H, Xiao F, Zou J, Qiu C, Sun W, Gu M, Zhang L. NR4A1-induced increase in the sensitivity of a human gastric cancer line to TNFα-mediated apoptosis is associated with the inhibition of JNK/Parkin-dependent mitophagy. Int J Oncol 2017; 52:367-378. [PMID: 29207128 PMCID: PMC5741370 DOI: 10.3892/ijo.2017.4216] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/22/2017] [Accepted: 11/21/2017] [Indexed: 12/24/2022] Open
Abstract
Tumor necrosis factor α (TNFα)-based immunotherapy is the vital host defense system against the progression of gastric cancer (GC) as a pro-inflammatory and pro-apoptotic cytokine. However, resistance limits its therapeutic efficiency. Therefore, an increasing number of studies are focusing on the development of drugs or methods with which to enhance the treatment efficacy of TNFα. Nuclear receptor subfamily 4 group A member 1 (NR4A1) has been shown to exert antitumor effects through several mechanisms, such as by inhibiting proliferation, as well as pro-apoptotic and potent pro-oxidant effects. In this study, we examined the effects and mechanisms of action of NR4A1 on the apoptosis of GC cells treated with TNFα, with particular focus on mitochondrial homeostasis. We found that TNFα treatment decreased NR4A1 expression. Moreover, the overexpression of NR4A1 in the presence of TNFα further increased GC cell apoptosis. Mechanistically, the overexpression of NR4A1 augmented caspase-9-dependent mitochondrial apoptosis, as evidenced by reduced mitochondrial membrane potential, reactive oxygen species (ROS) overproduction, mitochondrial permeability transition pore (mPTP) opening and the leakage of cytochrome c (Cyt-c) leakage. Moreover, NR4A1 overexpression also evoked mitochondrial energy disorder via the suppression of mitochondrial respiratory complex expression. Furthermore, we found that TNFα treatment activated Parkin-dependent mitophagy. Excessive Parkin-dependent mitophagy blocked mitochondrial apoptosis, undermining the toxic effects of TNFα on cells. However, NR4A1 overexpression suppressed Parkin-dependent mitophagy via the inhibition of c-Jun N-terminal kinase (JNK). Re-activation of the JNK/Parkin pathway abrogated the inhibitory effects of NR4A1 on mitophagy, eventually limiting cell apoptosis. Collectively, this study confirmed that NR4A1 sensitizes GC cells to TNFα-induced apoptosis through the inhibition of JNK/Parkin-dependent mitophagy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hongzhu Yan
- Department of Pathology, Seventh People's Hospital of Shanghai University of TCM, Shanghai 200137, P.R. China
| | - Feng Xiao
- Department of Pathology, Seventh People's Hospital of Shanghai University of TCM, Shanghai 200137, P.R. China
| | - Jue Zou
- Department of Pathology, Seventh People's Hospital of Shanghai University of TCM, Shanghai 200137, P.R. China
| | - Chengmin Qiu
- Department of Pathology, Songjiang Hospital Affiliated to Τhe First People's Hospital, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, Shanghai 201600, P.R. China
| | - Weiwei Sun
- Department of Pathology, Songjiang Hospital Affiliated to Τhe First People's Hospital, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, Shanghai 201600, P.R. China
| | - Minmin Gu
- Department of Pathology, Songjiang Hospital Affiliated to Τhe First People's Hospital, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, Shanghai 201600, P.R. China
| | - Li Zhang
- Department of Pathology, Songjiang Hospital Affiliated to Τhe First People's Hospital, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, Shanghai 201600, P.R. China
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