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Crouch SA, Krause J, Dandekar T, Breitenbach T. DataXflow: Synergizing data-driven modeling with best parameter fit and optimal control - An efficient data analysis for cancer research. Comput Struct Biotechnol J 2024; 23:1755-1772. [PMID: 38707537 PMCID: PMC11068525 DOI: 10.1016/j.csbj.2024.04.010] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/17/2024] [Revised: 04/04/2024] [Accepted: 04/05/2024] [Indexed: 05/07/2024] Open
Abstract
Building data-driven models is an effective strategy for information extraction from empirical data. Adapting model parameters specifically to data with a best fitting approach encodes the relevant information into a mathematical model. Subsequently, an optimal control framework extracts the most efficient targets to steer the model into desired changes via external stimuli. The DataXflow software framework integrates three software pipelines, D2D for model fitting, a framework solving optimal control problems including external stimuli and JimenaE providing graphical user interfaces to employ the other frameworks lowering the barriers for the need of programming skills, and simultaneously automating reoccurring modeling tasks. Such tasks include equation generation from a graph and script generation allowing also to approach systems with many agents, like complex gene regulatory networks. A desired state of the model is defined, and therapeutic interventions are modeled as external stimuli. The optimal control framework purposefully exploits the model-encoded information by providing those external stimuli that effect the desired changes most efficiently. The implementation of DataXflow is available under https://github.com/MarvelousHopefull/DataXflow. We showcase its application by detecting specific drug targets for a therapy of lung cancer from measurement data to lower proliferation and increase apoptosis. By an iterative modeling process refining the topology of the model, the regulatory network of the tumor is generated from the data. An application of the optimal control framework in our example reveals the inhibition of AURKA and the activation of CDH1 as the most efficient drug target combination. DataXflow paves the way to an agile interplay between data generation and its analysis potentially accelerating cancer research by an efficient drug target identification, even in complex networks.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | - Thomas Dandekar
- Department of Bioinformatics, Biocenter, University of Würzburg, Am Hubland 97074, Würzburg, Germany
| | - Tim Breitenbach
- Department of Bioinformatics, Biocenter, University of Würzburg, Am Hubland 97074, Würzburg, Germany
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de Ponthaud C, Abdalla S, Belot MP, Shao X, Penna C, Brouquet A, Bougnères P. Increased CpG methylation at the CDH1 locus in inflamed ileal mucosa of patients with Crohn disease. Clin Epigenetics 2024; 16:28. [PMID: 38355645 PMCID: PMC10865720 DOI: 10.1186/s13148-024-01631-z] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/20/2023] [Accepted: 01/18/2024] [Indexed: 02/16/2024] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND E-cadherin, a major actor of cell adhesion in the intestinal barrier, is encoded by the CDH1 gene associated with susceptibility to Crohn Disease (CD) and colorectal cancer. Since epigenetic mechanisms are suspected to contribute to the multifactorial pathogenesis of CD, we studied CpG methylation at the CDH1 locus. The methylation of the CpG island (CGI) and of the 1st enhancer, two critical regulatory positions, was quantified in surgical specimens of inflamed ileal mucosa and in peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMC) of 21 CD patients. Sixteen patients operated on for a non-inflammatory bowel disease, although not normal controls, provided a macroscopically normal ileal mucosa and PBMC for comparison. RESULTS In ileal mucosa, 19/21 (90%) CD patients vs 8/16 control patients (50%) (p < 0.01) had a methylated CDH1 promoter CGI. In PBMC, CD patients with methylated CGI were 11/21 (52%) vs 7/16 controls (44%), respectively. Methylation in the 1st enhancer of CDH1 was also higher in the CD group for each of the studied CpGs and for their average value (45 ± 17% in CD patients vs 36 ± 17% in controls; p < 0.001). Again, methylation was comparable in PBMC. Methylation of CGI and 1st enhancer were not correlated in mucosa or PBMC. CONCLUSIONS Methylation of several CpGs at the CDH1 locus was increased in the inflamed ileal mucosa, not in the PBMC, of CD patients, suggesting the association of CDH1 methylation with ileal inflammation. Longitudinal studies will explore if this increased methylation is a risk marker for colorectal cancer.
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Affiliation(s)
- Charles de Ponthaud
- Department of Visceral and Digestive Surgery, Hôpital Bicêtre AP-HP, Paris Saclay University, 94276, Le Kremlin-Bicêtre Cedex, France
- UMR INSERM 1169 and Université Paris Saclay, Hôpital Bicêtre, 94276, Le Kremlin-Bicêtre Cedex, France
| | - Solafah Abdalla
- Department of Visceral and Digestive Surgery, Hôpital Bicêtre AP-HP, Paris Saclay University, 94276, Le Kremlin-Bicêtre Cedex, France
- UMR INSERM 1169 and Université Paris Saclay, Hôpital Bicêtre, 94276, Le Kremlin-Bicêtre Cedex, France
| | - Marie-Pierre Belot
- Groupe d'Études sur le Diabète, l'Obésité, la Croissance, GETDOC, Hôpital Bicêtre, 94276, Le Kremlin-Bicêtre Cedex, France
| | - Xiaojian Shao
- Digital Technologies Research Center, National Research Council Canada, Ottawa, ON, K1A 0R6, Canada
| | - Christophe Penna
- Department of Visceral and Digestive Surgery, Hôpital Bicêtre AP-HP, Paris Saclay University, 94276, Le Kremlin-Bicêtre Cedex, France
| | - Antoine Brouquet
- Department of Visceral and Digestive Surgery, Hôpital Bicêtre AP-HP, Paris Saclay University, 94276, Le Kremlin-Bicêtre Cedex, France
| | - Pierre Bougnères
- UMR INSERM 1169 and Université Paris Saclay, Hôpital Bicêtre, 94276, Le Kremlin-Bicêtre Cedex, France.
- Groupe d'Études sur le Diabète, l'Obésité, la Croissance, GETDOC, Hôpital Bicêtre, 94276, Le Kremlin-Bicêtre Cedex, France.
- MIRCEN Institute, CEA Paris-Saclay/site de Fontenay-aux-Roses, Bâtiment 56 PC 103, 18 route du Panorama, BP6 92265, Fontenay-aux-Roses Cedex, France.
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Giammanco A, Anzalone R, Serra N, Graceffa G, Vieni S, Scibetta N, Rea T, Capra G, Fasciana T. Helicobacter pylori and Epstein-Barr Virus Co-Infection in Gastric Disease: What Is the Correlation with p53 Mutation, Genes Methylation and Microsatellite Instability in a Cohort of Sicilian Population? Int J Mol Sci 2023; 24:ijms24098104. [PMID: 37175810 PMCID: PMC10179236 DOI: 10.3390/ijms24098104] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/01/2023] [Revised: 04/06/2023] [Accepted: 04/10/2023] [Indexed: 05/15/2023] Open
Abstract
Genetic predisposition, environmental factors, and infectious agents interact in the development of gastric diseases. Helicobacter pylori (Hp) and Epstein-Barr virus (EBV) infection has recently been shown to be correlated with these diseases. A cross-sectional study was performed on 100 hospitalized Italian patients with and without gastric diseases. The patients were stratified into four groups. Significant methylation status differences among CDH1, DAPK, COX2, hMLH1 and CDKN2A were observed for coinfected (Hp-EBV group) patients; particularly, a significant presence of COX2 (p = 0.0179) was observed. For microsatellite instability, minor stability was described in the Hp-HBV group (69.23%, p = 0.0456). Finally, for p53 mutation in the EBV group, exon 6 was, significantly, most frequent in comparison to others (p = 0.0124), and in the Hp-EBV group exon 8 was, significantly, most frequent in comparison to others (p < 0.0001). A significant positive relationship was found between patients with infection (Hp, EBV or both) and p53 mutation (rho = 0.383, p = 0.0001), methylation status (rho = 0.432, p < 0.0001) and microsatellite instability (rho = 0.285, p = 0.004). Finally, we observed among infection and methylation status, microsatellite instability, and p53 mutation a significant positive relationship only between infection and methylation status (OR = 3.78, p = 0.0075) and infection and p53 mutation (OR = 6.21, p = 0.0082). According to our analysis, gastric disease in the Sicilian population has different pathways depending on the presence of various factors, including infectious agents such as Hp and EBV and genetic factors of the subject.
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Affiliation(s)
- Anna Giammanco
- Department of Health Promotion, Mother and Child Care, Internal Medicine and Medical Specialties, University of Palermo, 90127 Palermo, Italy
| | - Rita Anzalone
- Department of Surgical Oncological and Oral Sciences, University of Palermo, 90133 Palermo, Italy
| | - Nicola Serra
- Department of Public Health, University Federico II of Naples, 80138 Napoli, Italy
| | - Giuseppa Graceffa
- Department of Surgical Oncological and Oral Sciences, University of Palermo, 90133 Palermo, Italy
| | - Salvatore Vieni
- Department of Surgical Oncological and Oral Sciences, University of Palermo, 90133 Palermo, Italy
| | - Nunzia Scibetta
- Anatomopathology Unit, Arnas Civico Di Cristina Benfratelli Hospital, 90127 Palermo, Italy
| | - Teresa Rea
- Public Health Department, Federico II University Hospital, 80131 Naples, Italy
| | - Giuseppina Capra
- Department of Health Promotion, Mother and Child Care, Internal Medicine and Medical Specialties, University of Palermo, 90127 Palermo, Italy
| | - Teresa Fasciana
- Department of Health Promotion, Mother and Child Care, Internal Medicine and Medical Specialties, University of Palermo, 90127 Palermo, Italy
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Li G, Fu Q, Liu C, Peng Y, Gong J, Li S, Huang Y, Zhang H. The regulatory role of N6-methyladenosine RNA modification in gastric cancer: Molecular mechanisms and potential therapeutic targets. Front Oncol 2022; 12:1074307. [PMID: 36561529 PMCID: PMC9763625 DOI: 10.3389/fonc.2022.1074307] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/19/2022] [Accepted: 11/16/2022] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
N6-methyladenosinen (m6A) methylation is a frequent RNA methylation modification that is regulated by three proteins: "writers", "erasers", and "readers". The m6A modification regulates RNA stability and other mechanisms, including translation, cleavage, and degradation. Interestingly, recent research has linked m6A RNA modification to the occurrence and development of cancers, such as hepatocellular carcinoma and non-small cell lung cancer. This review summarizes the regulatory role of m6A RNA modification in gastric cancer (GC), including targets, the mechanisms of action, and the potential signaling pathways. Our present findings can facilitate our understanding of the significance of m6A RNA modification in GC.
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Affiliation(s)
- Gaofeng Li
- School of Basic Medicine, Health Science Center, Yangtze University, Jingzhou, Hubei, China
| | - Qiru Fu
- School of Basic Medicine, Health Science Center, Yangtze University, Jingzhou, Hubei, China
| | - Cong Liu
- Editorial Department of Journal of Hubei University of Science and Technology, Xianning, Hubei, China
| | - Yuxi Peng
- School of Basic Medicine, Health Science Center, Yangtze University, Jingzhou, Hubei, China
| | - Jun Gong
- Department of Abdominal and Pelvic Medical Oncology, Huangshi Central Hospital, Affiliated Hospital of Hubei Polytechnic University, Edong Healthcare Group, Huangshi, Hubei, China
| | - Shilan Li
- School of Basic Medicine, Health Science Center, Yangtze University, Jingzhou, Hubei, China
| | - Yan Huang
- Department of Clinical Laboratory, Huangshi Central Hospital, Affiliated Hospital of Hubei Polytechnic University, Edong Healthcare Group, Huangshi, Hubei, China,*Correspondence: Haiyuan Zhang, ; Yan Huang,
| | - Haiyuan Zhang
- School of Basic Medicine, Health Science Center, Yangtze University, Jingzhou, Hubei, China,*Correspondence: Haiyuan Zhang, ; Yan Huang,
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Malpeli G, Barbi S, Innamorati G, Alloggio M, Filippini F, Decimo I, Castelli C, Perris R, Bencivenga M. Landscape of Druggable Molecular Pathways Downstream of Genomic CDH1/Cadherin-1 Alterations in Gastric Cancer. J Pers Med 2022; 12:jpm12122006. [PMID: 36556227 PMCID: PMC9784514 DOI: 10.3390/jpm12122006] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/16/2022] [Revised: 11/03/2022] [Accepted: 11/24/2022] [Indexed: 12/09/2022] Open
Abstract
Loss of CDH1/Cadherin-1 is a common step towards the acquisition of an abnormal epithelial phenotype. In gastric cancer (GC), mutation and/or downregulation of CDH1/Cadherin-1 is recurrent in sporadic and hereditary diffuse GC type. To approach the molecular events downstream of CDH1/Cadherin-1 alterations and their relevance in gastric carcinogenesis, we queried public databases for genetic and DNA methylation data in search of molecular signatures with a still-uncertain role in the pathological mechanism of GC. In all GC subtypes, modulated genes correlating with CDH1/Cadherin-1 aberrations are associated with stem cell and epithelial-to-mesenchymal transition pathways. A higher level of genes upregulated in CDH1-mutated GC cases is associated with reduced overall survival. In the diffuse GC (DGC) subtype, genes downregulated in CDH1-mutated compared to cases with wild type CDH1/Cadherin-1 resulted in being strongly intertwined with the DREAM complex. The inverse correlation between hypermethylated CpGs and CDH1/Cadherin-1 transcription in diverse subtypes implies a common epigenetic program. We identified nonredundant protein-encoding isoforms of 22 genes among those differentially expressed in GC compared to normal stomach. These unique proteins represent potential agents involved in cell transformation and candidate therapeutic targets. Meanwhile, drug-induced and CDH1/Cadherin-1 mutation-related gene expression comparison predicts FIT, GR-127935 hydrochloride, amiodarone hydrochloride in GC and BRD-K55722623, BRD-K13169950, and AY 9944 in DGC as the most effective treatments, providing cues for the design of combined pharmacological treatments. By integrating genetic and epigenetic aspects with their expected functional outcome, we unveiled promising targets for combinatorial pharmacological treatments of GC.
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Affiliation(s)
- Giorgio Malpeli
- Department of Surgical, Odontostomatologic, Maternal and Child Sciences, University of Verona, 37134 Verona, Italy
- Correspondence:
| | - Stefano Barbi
- Department of Diagnostics and Public Health, University and Hospital Trust of Verona, 37134 Verona, Italy
| | - Giulio Innamorati
- Department of Surgical, Odontostomatologic, Maternal and Child Sciences, University of Verona, 37134 Verona, Italy
| | - Mariella Alloggio
- General and Upper GI Surgery Division, Department and of Surgical, Odontostomatologic, Maternal and Child Sciences, University of Verona, 37134 Verona, Italy
| | - Federica Filippini
- General and Upper GI Surgery Division, Department and of Surgical, Odontostomatologic, Maternal and Child Sciences, University of Verona, 37134 Verona, Italy
| | - Ilaria Decimo
- Section of Pharmacology, Department of Diagnostic and Public Health, University of Verona, 37134 Verona, Italy
| | - Claudia Castelli
- Pathology Unit, Department of Diagnostics and Public Health, University and Hospital Trust of Verona, 37134 Verona, Italy
| | - Roberto Perris
- Department of Biosciences, COMT-Centre for Molecular and Translational Oncology, University of Parma, 43124 Parma, Italy
| | - Maria Bencivenga
- General and Upper GI Surgery Division, Department and of Surgical, Odontostomatologic, Maternal and Child Sciences, University of Verona, 37134 Verona, Italy
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Sogutlu F, Pekerbas M, Biray Avci C. Epigenetic signatures in gastric cancer: current knowledge and future perspectives. Expert Rev Mol Diagn 2022; 22:1063-1075. [PMID: 36522183 DOI: 10.1080/14737159.2022.2159381] [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: 12/23/2022]
Abstract
INTRODUCTION Gastric cancer (GC) is the fifth most common malignancy in the world and accounts for 7.7% of all cancer-related deaths. Early diagnosis of GC is critical in terms of prognosis, and aberrations at the molecular level, especially epigenetic alterations, manifest much earlier than histological findings. In recent years, there has been a great deal of research on the epigenomic profile of GC, and epigenetic alterations seem to play a more important role than genetic factors. With the introduction of epigenetic drugs into clinical use in the last decade, the importance of the epigenetic background of GC has increased considerably. AREAS COVERED In this review, we summarize the role of methylation changes, histone modifications, and non-coding RNAs in the pathogenesis of GC and how these signatures can be used as diagnostic and therapeutic targets in clinical management. EXPERT OPINION Epigenetic alterations take place before most genetic aberrations observed in GC and may have an initiating role in the pathogenesis of GC. They can be used as biomarkers in risk calculation, early diagnosis, and evaluation of prognosis of GC, as well as treatment targets.
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Affiliation(s)
- Fatma Sogutlu
- Department of Medical Biology, Faculty of Medicine, Ege University, Bornova, 35100, Izmir, Turkey
| | - Mert Pekerbas
- Department of Medical Genetics, Faculty of Medicine, Ege University, Bornova, 35100, Izmir, Turkey
| | - Cigir Biray Avci
- Department of Medical Biology, Faculty of Medicine, Ege University, Bornova, 35100, Izmir, Turkey
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Gao SS, Zhang ZK, Wang XB, Ma Y, Yin GQ, Guo XB. Role of transcribed ultraconserved regions in gastric cancer and therapeutic perspectives. World J Gastroenterol 2022; 28:2900-2909. [PMID: 35978878 PMCID: PMC9280734 DOI: 10.3748/wjg.v28.i25.2900] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/21/2022] [Revised: 04/08/2022] [Accepted: 05/28/2022] [Indexed: 02/06/2023] Open
Abstract
Gastric cancer (GC) is the fourth leading cause of cancer-related death. The occurrence and development of GC is a complex process involving multiple biological mechanisms. Although traditional regulation modulates molecular functions related to the occurrence and development of GC, the comprehensive mechanisms remain unclear. Ultraconserved region (UCR) refers to a genome sequence that is completely conserved in the homologous regions of the human, rat and mouse genomes, with 100% identity, without any insertions or deletions, and often located in fragile sites and tumour-related genes. The transcribed UCR (T-UCR) is transcribed from the UCR and is a new type of long noncoding RNA. Recent studies have found that the expression level of T-UCRs changes during the occurrence and development of GC, revealing a new mechanism underlying GC. Therefore, this article aims to review the relevant research on T-UCRs in GC, as well as the function of T-UCRs and their regulatory role in the occurrence and development of GC, to provide new strategies for GC diagnosis and treatment.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shen-Shuo Gao
- Department of Gastrointestinal Surgery, Shandong Provincial Hospital, Cheeloo College of Medicine, Shandong University, Jinan 250021, Shandong Province, China
| | - Zhi-Kai Zhang
- Department of Gastrointestinal Surgery, Shandong Provincial Hospital, Cheeloo College of Medicine, Shandong University, Jinan 250021, Shandong Province, China
| | - Xu-Bin Wang
- Department of Gastrointestinal Surgery, Shandong Provincial Hospital Affiliated to Shandong First Medical University, Jinan 250021, Shandong Province, China
| | - Yan Ma
- Department of Gastrointestinal Surgery, Shandong Provincial Hospital, Cheeloo College of Medicine, Shandong University, Jinan 250021, Shandong Province, China
- Department of Gastrointestinal Surgery, Shandong Provincial Hospital Affiliated to Shandong First Medical University, Jinan 250021, Shandong Province, China
| | - Guo-Qing Yin
- Department of Anus and Intestine Surgery, Qingzhou Hospital Affiliated to Shandong First Medical University, Qingzhou 262500, Shandong Province, China
| | - Xiao-Bo Guo
- Department of Gastrointestinal Surgery, Shandong Provincial Hospital, Cheeloo College of Medicine, Shandong University, Jinan 250021, Shandong Province, China
- Department of Gastrointestinal Surgery, Shandong Provincial Hospital Affiliated to Shandong First Medical University, Jinan 250021, Shandong Province, China
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E-Cadherin Signaling in Salivary Gland Development and Autoimmunity. J Clin Med 2022; 11:jcm11082241. [PMID: 35456333 PMCID: PMC9031707 DOI: 10.3390/jcm11082241] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/11/2022] [Revised: 04/04/2022] [Accepted: 04/15/2022] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
E-cadherin, the major epithelial cadherin, is located in regions of cell–cell contact known as adherens junctions. E-cadherin contributes to the maintenance of the epithelial integrity through homophylic interaction; the cytoplasmic tail of E-cadherin directly binds catenins, forming a dynamic complex that regulates several intracellular signal transduction pathways, including epithelial-to-mesenchymal transition (EMT). Recent progress uncovered a novel and critical role for this adhesion molecule in salivary gland (SG) development and in SG diseases. We summarize the structure and regulation of the E-cadherin gene and transcript in view of the role of this remarkable protein in SG morphogenesis, focusing, in the second part of the review, on altered E-cadherin expression in EMT-mediated SG autoimmunity.
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Gharbi S, Mohammadi Z, Dezaki MS, Dokanehiifard S, Dabiri S, Korsching E. Characterization of the first microRNA in human CDH1 that affects cell cycle and apoptosis and indicates breast cancers progression. J Cell Biochem 2022; 123:657-672. [PMID: 34997630 DOI: 10.1002/jcb.30211] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/27/2021] [Revised: 11/26/2021] [Accepted: 12/21/2021] [Indexed: 11/12/2022]
Abstract
The E-cadherin protein (Cadherin 1, gene: CDH1), a master regulator of the human epithelial homeostasis, contributes to the epithelial-mesenchymal transition (EMT) which confers cell migratory features to the cells. The EMT is central to many pathophysiological changes in cancer. Therefore, a better understanding of this regulatory scenario is beneficial for therapeutic regiments. The CDH1 gene is approximately 100 kbp long and consists of 16 exons with a relatively large second intron. Since none microRNA (miRNA) has been identified in CDH1 up to now we screened the CDH1 gene for promising miRNA hairpin structures in silico. Out of the 27 hairpin structures we identified, one stable RNA fold with a promising sequence motive was selected for experimental verification. The exogenous validation of the hairpin sequence was performed by transfection of HEK293T cells and the mature miRNA sequences could be verified by quantitative polymerase chain reaction. The endogenous expression of the mature miRNA provisionally named CDH1-i2-miR-1 could be confirmed in two normal (HEK293T, HUVEK) and five cancer cell lines (MCF7, MDA-MB-231, SW480, HT-29, A549). The functional characterization by the 3-(4,5-dimethylthiazol-2-yl)-2,5-diphenyltetrazolium bromide assay showed a suppression of HEK293T cell proliferation. A flow cytometry-based approach showed the ability of CDH1-i2-miR-1 to arrest transfected cells on a G2/M state while annexin staining exemplified an apoptotic effect. BAX and PTEN expression levels were affected following the overexpression with the new miRNA. The in vivo expression level was assessed in 35 breast tumor tissues and their paired nonmalignant marginal part. A fourfold downregulation in the tumor specimens compared to their marginal controls could be observed. It can be concluded that the sequence of the hub gene CDH1 harbors at least one miRNA but eventually even more relevant for the pathophysiology of breast cancer.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sedigheh Gharbi
- Department of Biology, Faculty of Sciences, Shahid Bahonar University of Kerman, Kerman, Iran
| | - Zahra Mohammadi
- Department of Biology, Faculty of Sciences, Shahid Bahonar University of Kerman, Kerman, Iran
| | - Maryam Saedi Dezaki
- Department of Biology, Faculty of Sciences, Shahid Bahonar University of Kerman, Kerman, Iran
| | - Sadat Dokanehiifard
- Department of Human Genetics, Sylvester Comprehensive Cancer Center, University of Miami Miller School of Medicine, Miami, Florida, USA
| | - Shahriar Dabiri
- Department of Pathology, Pathology and Stem Cell Research Center, Kerman University of Medical Sciences, Kerman, Iran
| | - Eberhard Korsching
- Institute of Bioinformatics, Faculty of Medicine, University of Münster, Münster, Germany
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Nowak E, Bednarek I. Aspects of the Epigenetic Regulation of EMT Related to Cancer Metastasis. Cells 2021; 10:3435. [PMID: 34943943 PMCID: PMC8700111 DOI: 10.3390/cells10123435] [Citation(s) in RCA: 42] [Impact Index Per Article: 14.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/30/2021] [Revised: 11/28/2021] [Accepted: 12/03/2021] [Indexed: 12/11/2022] Open
Abstract
Epithelial to mesenchymal transition (EMT) occurs during the pathological process associated with tumor progression and is considered to influence and promote the metastatic cascade. Characterized by loss of cell adhesion and apex base polarity, EMT enhances cell motility and metastasis. The key markers of the epithelial to mesenchymal transition are proteins characteristic of the epithelial phenotype, e.g., E-cadherin, cytokeratins, occludin, or desmoplakin, the concentration and activity of which are reduced during this process. On the other hand, as a result of acquiring the characteristics of mesenchymal cells, an increased amount of N-cadherin, vimentin, fibronectin, or vitronectin is observed. Importantly, epithelial cells undergo partial EMT where some of the cells show both epithelial and mesenchymal characteristics. The significant influence of epigenetic regulatory mechanisms is observed in the gene expression involved in EMT. Among the epigenetic modifications accompanying incorrect genetic reprogramming in cancer are changes in the level of DNA methylation within the CpG islands and posttranslational covalent changes of histone proteins. All observed modifications, which are stable but reversible changes, affect the level of gene expression leading to the development and progression of the disease, and consequently affect the uncontrolled growth of the population of cancer cells.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ewa Nowak
- Department of Biotechnology and Genetic Engineering, Faculty of Pharmaceutical Sciences in Sosnowiec, Medical University of Silesia, 40-055 Katowice, Poland;
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Sremac M, Paic F, Grubelic Ravic K, Serman L, Pavicic Dujmovic A, Brcic I, Krznaric Z, Nikuseva Martic T. Aberrant expression of SFRP1, SFRP3, DVL2 and DVL3 Wnt signaling pathway components in diffuse gastric carcinoma. Oncol Lett 2021; 22:822. [PMID: 34691249 PMCID: PMC8527567 DOI: 10.3892/ol.2021.13083] [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: 06/14/2021] [Accepted: 09/03/2021] [Indexed: 02/07/2023] Open
Abstract
Diffuse gastric carcinoma (DGC) is characterized by poorly cohesive cells, highly invasive growth patterns, poor prognosis and resistance to the majority of available systemic therapeutic strategies. It has been previously reported that the Wnt/β-catenin signaling pathway serves a prominent role in the tumorigenesis of gastric carcinoma. However, the mechanism underlying the dysregulation of this pathway in DGC has not been fully elucidated. Therefore, the present study aimed to investigate the expression profiles of Wnt antagonists, secreted frizzled-related protein 1 (SFRP1) and secreted frizzled-related protein 3 (SFRP3), and dishevelled protein family members, dishevelled segment polarity protein 2 (DVL2) and dishevelled segment polarity protein 3 (DVL3), in DGC tissues. The association between the expression levels of these factors and the clinicopathological parameters of the patients was determined. Protein and mRNA expression levels in 62 DGC tumor tissues and 62 normal gastric mucosal tissues obtained from patients with non-malignant disease were measured using immunohistochemical and reverse transcription-quantitative PCR (RT-qPCR) analysis. Significantly lower protein expression levels of SFRP1 (P<0.001) and SFRP3 (P<0.001), but significantly higher protein expression levels of DVL2 (P<0.001) and DVL3 (P<0.001) were observed in DGC tissues compared with in control tissues by immunohistochemistry. In addition, significantly lower expression levels of SFRP1 (P<0.05) and higher expression levels of DVL3 (P<0.05) were found in in DGC tissues compared with those in normal gastric mucosal tissues using RT-qPCR. According to correlation analysis between the SFRP1, SFRP3, DVL2 and DVL3 protein expression levels and the clinicopathological characteristics of patients with DGC, a statistically significant correlation was found between the SFRP3 volume density and T stage (r=0.304; P=0.017) and between the SFRP3 volume density and clinical stage (r=0.336; P=0.008). In conclusion, the findings of the present study suggested that the Wnt signaling pathway components SFRP1, SFRP3, DVL2 and DVL3 may be aberrantly expressed in DGC tissues, implicating their possible role in the development of this malignant disease. The present data also revealed a positive relationship between SFRP3 protein expression and the clinical and T stage of DGC.
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Affiliation(s)
- Maja Sremac
- Division of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, University Hospital Center, 10000 Zagreb, Croatia
| | - Frane Paic
- Laboratory for Epigenetics and Molecular Medicine, Department of Medical Biology, School of Medicine, University of Zagreb, 10000 Zagreb, Croatia
| | - Katja Grubelic Ravic
- Division of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, University Hospital Center, 10000 Zagreb, Croatia
| | - Ljiljana Serman
- Department of Medical Biology, School of Medicine, University of Zagreb, 10000 Zagreb, Croatia.,Centre of Excellence in Reproductive and Regenerative Medicine, School of Medicine, University of Zagreb, 10000 Zagreb, Croatia
| | - Aja Pavicic Dujmovic
- Department of Radiology, General Hospital 'Dr. Ivo Pedisic', 44000 Sisak, Croatia
| | - Iva Brcic
- Diagnostic and Research Institute of Pathology, Medical University of Graz, A-8010 Graz, Austria
| | - Zeljko Krznaric
- Division of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, University Hospital Center, 10000 Zagreb, Croatia
| | - Tamara Nikuseva Martic
- Department of Medical Biology, School of Medicine, University of Zagreb, 10000 Zagreb, Croatia.,Centre of Excellence in Reproductive and Regenerative Medicine, School of Medicine, University of Zagreb, 10000 Zagreb, Croatia
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