1
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Zhu R, Mao Y, Xu X, Li Y, Zheng J. HOXA1 silencing inhibits cisplatin resistance of oral squamous cell carcinoma cells via IκB/NF-κB signaling pathway. Anticancer Drugs 2024; 35:492-500. [PMID: 38477942 DOI: 10.1097/cad.0000000000001592] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 03/14/2024]
Abstract
The resistance of oral squamous cell carcinoma (OSCC) cells to cisplatin remains a tough nut to crack in OSCC therapy. Homeobox A1 (HOXA1) overexpression has been detected in head and neck squamous carcinoma (HNSC). Accordingly, this study aims to explore the potential role and mechanism of HOXA1 on cisplatin resistance in OSCC. The expression of HOXA1 in HNSC and its role in overall survival (OS) rate of OSCC patients were analyzed by bioinformatic analysis. Following transfection as needed, OSCC cells were induced by different concentrations of cisplatin, and the cell viability and apoptosis were evaluated by cell counting kit-8 and flow cytometry assays. The mRNA and protein expression levels of HOXA1 and the phosphorylation of IκBα and p65 were determined by real-time quantitative PCR and western blot. HOXA1 expression level was upregulated in HNSC tissues and OSCC cells. Overexpressed HOXA1 was correlated with a low OS rate of OSCC patients. Cisplatin exerted an anti-cancer effect on OSCC cells. HOXA1 silencing or cisplatin suppressed OSCC cell viability, boosted the apoptosis, and repressed the phosphorylation of IκBα and p65. Intriguingly, the combination of HOXA1 silencing and cisplatin generated a stronger anti-cancer effect on OSCC cells than their single use. HOXA1 silencing attenuates cisplatin resistance of OSCC cells via IκB/NF-κB signaling pathway, hinting that HOXA1 is a biomarker associated with OSCC and HOXA1 silencing can enhance the sensitivity of OSCC cells to cisplatin.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ruifeng Zhu
- School of Stomatology, Xuzhou Medical University
| | - Yiting Mao
- School of Stomatology, Xuzhou Medical University
| | - Xianzhi Xu
- School of Stomatology, Xuzhou Medical University
| | - Yingying Li
- School of Stomatology, Xuzhou Medical University
| | - Jiwei Zheng
- School of Stomatology, Xuzhou Medical University
- Department of Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery, Affiliated Hospital of Xuzhou Medical University, Xuzhou, Jiangsu Province, China
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2
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El-Mahdy HA, Mohamadin AM, Abulsoud AI, Khidr EG, El-Husseiny AA, Ismail A, Elsakka EGE, Mokhlis HA, El-Husseiny HM, Doghish AS. miRNAs as potential game-changers in head and neck cancer: Future clinical and medicinal uses. Pathol Res Pract 2023; 245:154457. [PMID: 37058745 DOI: 10.1016/j.prp.2023.154457] [Citation(s) in RCA: 41] [Impact Index Per Article: 41.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/24/2023] [Revised: 04/06/2023] [Accepted: 04/07/2023] [Indexed: 04/16/2023]
Abstract
Head and neck cancers (HNCs) are a group of heterogeneous tumors formed most frequently from epithelial cells of the larynx, lips, oropharynx, nasopharynx, and mouth. Numerous epigenetic components, including miRNAs, have been demonstrated to have an impact on HNCs characteristics like progression, angiogenesis, initiation, and resistance to therapeutic interventions. The miRNAs may control the production of numerous genes linked to HNCs pathogenesis. The roles that miRNAs play in angiogenesis, invasion, metastasis, cell cycle, proliferation, and apoptosis are responsible for this impact. The miRNAs also have an impact on crucial HNCs-related mechanistic networks like the WNT/β-catenin signaling, PTEN/Akt/mTOR pathway, TGFβ, and KRAS mutations. miRNAs may affect how the HNCs respond to treatments like radiation and chemotherapy in addition to pathophysiology. This review aims to demonstrate the relationship between miRNAs and HNCs with a particular emphasis on how miRNAs impact HNCs signaling networks.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hesham A El-Mahdy
- Biochemistry and Molecular Biology Department, Faculty of Pharmacy (Boys), Al-Azhar University, Nasr, Cairo 11231, Egypt.
| | - Ahmed M Mohamadin
- Biochemistry and Molecular Biology Department, Faculty of Pharmacy (Boys), Al-Azhar University, Nasr, Cairo 11231, Egypt
| | - Ahmed I Abulsoud
- Biochemistry and Molecular Biology Department, Faculty of Pharmacy (Boys), Al-Azhar University, Nasr, Cairo 11231, Egypt; Department of Biochemistry and Biotechnology, Faculty of Pharmacy, Heliopolis University, Cairo 11785, Egypt
| | - Emad Gamil Khidr
- Biochemistry and Molecular Biology Department, Faculty of Pharmacy (Boys), Al-Azhar University, Nasr, Cairo 11231, Egypt
| | - Ahmed A El-Husseiny
- Biochemistry and Molecular Biology Department, Faculty of Pharmacy (Boys), Al-Azhar University, Nasr, Cairo 11231, Egypt; Department of Biochemistry, Faculty of Pharmacy, Egyptian Russian University, Badr, Cairo 11829, Egypt
| | - Ahmed Ismail
- Biochemistry and Molecular Biology Department, Faculty of Pharmacy (Boys), Al-Azhar University, Nasr, Cairo 11231, Egypt
| | - Elsayed G E Elsakka
- Biochemistry and Molecular Biology Department, Faculty of Pharmacy (Boys), Al-Azhar University, Nasr, Cairo 11231, Egypt
| | - Hamada Ahmed Mokhlis
- Pharmacology and Toxicology Department, Faculty of Pharmacy, Al-Azhar University, Nasr, Cairo 11231, Egypt
| | - Hussein M El-Husseiny
- Cooperative Department of Veterinary Medicine, Faculty of Agriculture, Tokyo University of Agriculture and Technology, 3-5-8 Saiwai Cho, Fuchu-shi, Tokyo 183-8509, Japan; Department of Surgery, Anesthesiology, and Radiology, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Benha University, Moshtohor, Toukh, Al Qalyubia 13736, Egypt
| | - Ahmed S Doghish
- Department of Biochemistry, Faculty of Pharmacy, Badr University in Cairo (BUC), Badr, Cairo 11829, Egypt; Faculty of Pharmacy (Boys), Al-Azhar University, Nasr, Cairo 11231, Egypt.
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3
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Erfanparast L, Taghizadieh M, Shekarchi AA. Non-Coding RNAs and Oral Cancer: Small Molecules With Big Functions. Front Oncol 2022; 12:914593. [PMID: 35898889 PMCID: PMC9309727 DOI: 10.3389/fonc.2022.914593] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/07/2022] [Accepted: 06/16/2022] [Indexed: 12/24/2022] Open
Abstract
Oral cancer remains a major public concern with considerable socioeconomic impact in the world. Despite substantial advancements have been made in treating oral cancer, the five-year survival rate for oral cancer remained undesirable, and the molecular mechanisms underlying OSCC carcinogenesis have not been fully understood. Noncoding RNAs (ncRNAs) include transfer RNAs (tRNAs), as well as small RNAs such as microRNAs, and the long ncRNAs such as HOTAIR are a large segment of the transcriptome that do not have apparent protein-coding roles, but they have been verified to play important roles in diverse biological processes, including cancer cell development. Cell death, such as apoptosis, necrosis, and autophagy, plays a vital role in the progression of cancer. A better understanding of the regulatory relationships between ncRNAs and these various types of cancer cell death is therefore urgently required. The occurrence and development of oral cancer can be controlled by increasing or decreasing the expression of ncRNAs, a method which confers broad prospects for oral cancer treatment. Therefore, it is urgent for us to understand the influence of ncRNAs on the development of different modes of oral tumor death, and to evaluate whether ncRNAs have the potential to be used as biological targets for inducing cell death and recurrence of chemotherapy. The purpose of this review is to describe the impact of ncRNAs on cell apoptosis and autophagy in oral cancer in order to explore potential targets for oral cancer therapy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Leila Erfanparast
- Department of Pediatric Dentistry, Faculty of Dentistry, Tabriz University of Medical Sciences, Tabriz, Iran
| | - Mohammad Taghizadieh
- Department of Pathology, Faculty of Medicine, Tabriz University of Medical Sciences, Tabriz, Iran
- *Correspondence: Mohammad Taghizadieh,
| | - Ali Akbar Shekarchi
- Department of Pathology, Tabriz University of Medical Sciences, Tabriz, Iran
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4
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Padam KSR, Morgan R, Hunter K, Chakrabarty S, Kumar NAN, Radhakrishnan R. Identification of HOX signatures contributing to oral cancer phenotype. Sci Rep 2022; 12:10123. [PMID: 35710803 PMCID: PMC9203786 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-022-14412-6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/20/2021] [Accepted: 06/07/2022] [Indexed: 11/09/2022] Open
Abstract
The role of evolutionarily conserved homeobox-containing HOX genes as transcriptional regulators in the developmental specification of organisms is well known. The contribution of HOX genes involvement in oral cancer phenotype has yet to be fully ascertained. TCGA-HNSC HTSeq-counts and clinical data were retrieved from the GDC portal for oral cavity neoplasms. GEO datasets (GSE72627, GSE30784, GSE37991) were accessed and analyzed using GEO2R. Differential HOX gene expression was profiled using the DESeq2 R package with a log2 fold change cut-off (- 1 and + 1) and Benjamini-Hochberg p-adjusted value at ≤ 0.01. Gene set over-representation analysis and semantic analysis associated with the disease ontology was performed using the ClusterProfiler R package, and pathway over-representation analysis was performed using IMPaLa. HOX protein interaction network was constructed using the Pathfind R package. HOX phenotype associations were performed using Mammalian Phenotype Ontology, Human Phenotype Ontology, PhenGenI associations, Jensen tissues, and OMIM entries. Drug connectivity mapping was carried out with Dr. Insight R package. HOXA2 was upregulated in oral dysplasia but silenced during tumor progression. Loss of HOXB2 expression was consistent in the potentially malignant oral lesions as well as in the primary tumor. HOXA7, HOXA10, HOXB7, HOXC6, HOXC10, HOXD10, and HOXD11 were consistently upregulated from premalignancy to malignancy and were notably associated with risk factors. Overrepresentation analysis suggested HOXA10 was involved in the transcriptional misregulation contributing to the oral cancer phenotype. HOX genes subnetwork analysis showed crucial interactions with cell cycle regulators, growth responsive elements, and proto-oncogenes. Phenotype associations specific to the oral region involving HOX genes provide intrinsic cues to tumor development. The 5' HOX genes were aberrantly upregulated during oral carcinogenesis reflecting their posterior prevalence.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kanaka Sai Ram Padam
- Department of Cell and Molecular Biology, Manipal School of Life Sciences, Manipal Academy of Higher Education, Manipal, Karnataka, 576104, India
| | - Richard Morgan
- School of Biomedical Sciences, University of West London, London, W5 5RF, UK
| | - Keith Hunter
- Academic Unit of Oral and Maxillofacial Medicine and Pathology, School of Clinical Dentistry, University of Sheffield, Sheffield, S10 2TA, UK
| | - Sanjiban Chakrabarty
- Department of Cell and Molecular Biology, Manipal School of Life Sciences, Manipal Academy of Higher Education, Manipal, Karnataka, 576104, India
| | - Naveena A N Kumar
- Department of Surgical Oncology, Kasturba Medical College and Hospital, Manipal Academy of Higher Education, Manipal, Karnataka, 576104, India
| | - Raghu Radhakrishnan
- Department of Oral Pathology, Manipal College of Dental Sciences, Manipal, Manipal Academy of Higher Education, Manipal, 576104, India.
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5
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Integrated computational analysis reveals HOX genes cluster as oncogenic drivers in head and neck squamous cell carcinoma. Sci Rep 2022; 12:7952. [PMID: 35562533 PMCID: PMC9106698 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-022-11590-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/27/2021] [Accepted: 04/04/2022] [Indexed: 11/23/2022] Open
Abstract
Alterations in homeobox (HOX) gene expression are involved in the progression of several cancer types including head and neck squamous cell carcinoma (HNSCC). However, regulation of the entire HOX cluster in the pathophysiology of HNSCC is still elusive. By using different comprehensive databases, we have identified the significance of differentially expressed HOX genes (DEHGs) in stage stratification and HPV status in the cancer genome atlas (TCGA)-HNSCC datasets. The genetic and epigenetic alterations, druggable genes, their associated functional pathways and their possible association with cancer hallmarks were identified. We have performed extensive analysis to identify the target genes of DEHGs driving HNSCC. The differentially expressed HOX cluster-embedded microRNAs (DEHMs) in HNSCC and their association with HOX-target genes were evaluated to construct a regulatory network of the HOX cluster in HNSCC. Our analysis identified sixteen DEHGs in HNSCC and determined their importance in stage stratification and HPV infection. We found a total of 55 HNSCC driver genes that were identified as targets of DEHGs. The involvement of DEHGs and their targets in cancer-associated signaling mechanisms have confirmed their role in pathophysiology. Further, we found that their oncogenic nature could be targeted by using the novel and approved anti-neoplastic drugs in HNSCC. Construction of the regulatory network depicted the interaction between DEHGs, DEHMs and their targets genes in HNSCC. Hence, aberrantly expressed HOX cluster genes function in a coordinated manner to drive HNSCC. It could provide a broad perspective to carry out the experimental investigation, to understand the underlying oncogenic mechanism and allow the discovery of new clinical biomarkers for HNSCC.
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6
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The Diagnostic and Prognostic Values of HOXA Gene Family in Kidney Clear Cell Renal Cell Carcinoma. JOURNAL OF ONCOLOGY 2022; 2022:1762637. [PMID: 35342423 PMCID: PMC8942704 DOI: 10.1155/2022/1762637] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/25/2021] [Revised: 01/03/2022] [Accepted: 02/07/2022] [Indexed: 12/24/2022]
Abstract
Kidney renal clear cell carcinoma (KIRC) is one of the most common cancers with high mortality worldwide. As members of the homeobox (HOX) family, homeobox-A (HOXA) genes have been reported to play an increasingly important role in tumorigenesis and the progression of multiple cancers. However, limited studies have investigated the potential diagnostic and prognostic roles of HOXA genes in KIRC. In this research, we explored the expression pattern of the HOXA gene family in KIRC progression by differential analysis of expression profiles from The Cancer Genome Atlas (TCGA). By using univariate Cox analysis and lasso regression analysis, we comprehensively evaluated the prognostic value of HOXA genes and eventually identified a prognostic risk model consisting of five HOXA genes (HOXA2, HOXA3, HOXA7, HOXA11, and HOXA13). The risk model was further validated as a novel independent prognostic factor for KIRC patients based on the calculated risk score by Kaplan-Meier analysis, univariate and multivariate Cox regression analyses, and time-dependent receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curve analysis. Moreover, to explore the potential mechanism of tumorigenesis and clinical application of KIRC, we also developed the HOXA-based competing endogenous RNA (ceRNA) regulatory network and machine learning classification model. Valproic acid and tretinoin were predicted to be the most promising small molecules to adjuvant treatment of KIRC by mining the CMAP and DGIdb drug database. Subsequently, pathway and functional enrichment analyses provided us with new ways to search for a possible mechanism of action of drugs. Taken together, our study demonstrated the nonnegligible role of HOXA genes in KIRC and constructed an effective prognostic and diagnostic model, which offers novel insights into KIRC prognosis.
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7
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Jeong S, Kim SA, Ahn SG. HOXC6-Mediated miR-188-5p Expression Induces Cell Migration through the Inhibition of the Tumor Suppressor FOXN2. Int J Mol Sci 2021; 23:ijms23010009. [PMID: 35008435 PMCID: PMC8744690 DOI: 10.3390/ijms23010009] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/16/2021] [Revised: 12/17/2021] [Accepted: 12/18/2021] [Indexed: 12/21/2022] Open
Abstract
Homeobox C6 (HOXC6) is a transcription factor that plays a role in the malignant progression of various cancers. However, the roles of HOXC6 and its regulatory mechanism remain unclear. In this study, we used microRNA (miRNA) regulatory networks to identify key regulatory interactions responsible for HOXC6-mediated cancer progression. In microarray profiling of miRNAs, the levels of miRNAs such as hsa-miR-188-5p, hsa-miR-8063, and hsa-miR-8064 were significantly increased in HOXC6-overexpressing cells. Higher positive expression rates of HOXC6 and miR-188-5p were observed in malignant cancer. We also found that HOXC6 significantly upregulated miR-188-5p expression. The underlying function of HOXC6-mediated miR-188-5p expression was predicted through TargetScan and the MiRNA Database. Overexpression of mir-188-5p inhibited the expression of forkhead box N2 (FOXN2), a tumor suppressor gene. Furthermore, in the luciferase assay, miR-188-5p bound to the 3'-UTR of FOXN2 and was mainly responsible for the dysregulation of FOXN2 expression. Silencing FOXN2 induced cell migration, and the effect of FOXN2 silencing was enhanced when the HOXC6/miR-188-5p axis was induced. These results suggest that HOXC6/miR-188-5p may induce malignant progression in cancer by inhibiting the activation of the FOXN2 signaling pathway.
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Affiliation(s)
- Seho Jeong
- Department of Pathology, School of Dentistry, Chosun University, Gwangju 61452, Korea;
| | - Soo-A Kim
- Department of Biochemistry, School of Oriental Medicine, Dongguk University, Gyeongju 38066, Korea;
| | - Sang-Gun Ahn
- Department of Pathology, School of Dentistry, Chosun University, Gwangju 61452, Korea;
- Correspondence: ; Tel.: +82-62-230-6898
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8
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Padam KSR, Basavarajappa DS, Shenoy US, Chakrabarty S, Kabekkodu SP, Hunter KD, Radhakrishnan R. In silico interaction of HOX cluster-embedded microRNAs and long non-coding RNAs in oral cancer. J Oral Pathol Med 2021; 51:18-29. [PMID: 34358375 DOI: 10.1111/jop.13225] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/19/2021] [Revised: 07/07/2021] [Accepted: 07/27/2021] [Indexed: 12/31/2022]
Abstract
The essential role HOX-associated non-coding RNAs play in chromatin dynamics and gene regulation has been well documented. The potential roles of these microRNAs and long non-coding RNAs in oral cancer development, with their attendant involvement in various cellular processes including proliferation, invasion, migration, epithelial-mesenchymal transition and metastasis is gaining credence. An interaction network of HOX-embedded non-coding RNAs was constructed to identify the RNA interaction landscape using the arena-Idb platform and visualized using Cytoscape. The miR-10a was shown to interact with HOXA1, miR-10b with HOXD10, miR-196a1 with HOXA5, HOXA7, HOXB8, HOXC8, HOXD8, and miR-196a2 with HOXA5. The lncRNAs, HOTAIR interacted with HOXC11, HOTAIRM1 with HOXA1 and HOXA4, HOTTIP with HOXA13, HOXA-AS2 with HOXA3, HOXA11-AS with HOXA11 and HOXD-AS1 with HOXB8. Changes in the HOX cluster-embedded non-coding RNAs have implications for prognosis and overall disease survival. Our review aims to analyze the functional significance and clinical relevance of non-coding RNAs within the HOX cluster in the context of oral carcinogenesis. Elucidating these interactions between the non-coding RNAs and HOX genes in oral cancer development and progression could pave the way for the identification of reliable biomarkers and potential therapeutic targets.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kanaka Sai Ram Padam
- Department of Cell and Molecular Biology, Manipal School of Life Sciences, Manipal Academy of Higher Education, Manipal, India
| | - Dhanraj Salur Basavarajappa
- Department of Cell and Molecular Biology, Manipal School of Life Sciences, Manipal Academy of Higher Education, Manipal, India
| | - U Sangeetha Shenoy
- Department of Cell and Molecular Biology, Manipal School of Life Sciences, Manipal Academy of Higher Education, Manipal, India
| | - Sanjiban Chakrabarty
- Department of Cell and Molecular Biology, Manipal School of Life Sciences, Manipal Academy of Higher Education, Manipal, India
| | - Shama Prasada Kabekkodu
- Department of Cell and Molecular Biology, Manipal School of Life Sciences, Manipal Academy of Higher Education, Manipal, India
| | - Keith D Hunter
- Academic Unit of Oral and Maxillofacial Medicine and Pathology, School of Clinical Dentistry, University of Sheffield, Sheffield, United Kingdom
| | - Raghu Radhakrishnan
- Department of Oral Pathology, Manipal College of Dental Sciences, Manipal Academy of Higher Education, Manipal, India
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9
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The let-7c/HoxB7 axis regulates the cell proliferation, migration and apoptosis in hepatocellular carcinoma. Anticancer Drugs 2020; 31:6-18. [PMID: 31609764 DOI: 10.1097/cad.0000000000000843] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/24/2022]
Abstract
Ectopic expression of HOX-containing genes is closely related to carcinogenesis, acting as either tumor suppressors or oncogenes. A preliminary bioinformatics analysis showed that HoxB7 is a possible target of let-7c. In this study, we aimed to investigate the relationship between HoxB7 and let-7c in liver carcinogenesis. We found that HoxB7 was upregulated in hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) tissues and cells and negatively correlated with survival time, whereas let-7c was downregulated and positively correlated with survival time in patients with HCC. Let-7c overexpression suppressed proliferation, migration but promoted cell apoptosis in HCC cells. We validated that HoxB7 is a target of let-7c. Consistently, let-7c overexpression reversed the promotional effects of HoxB7 on proliferation and migration in HCC cells, and increased the cell apoptotic rate reduced by HoxB7. Furthermore, let-7c overexpression reversed the promotional effect of HoxB7 on tumor growth in subcutaneous HCC tumor model. Our data suggest that the let-7c/HoxB7 axis regulates HCC development, which may provide a novel therapeutic strategy for the treatment of HCC.
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10
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Liu Z, Shen F, Wang H, Li A, Wang J, Du L, Liu B, Zhang B, Lian X, Pang B, Liu L, Gao Y. Abnormally high expression of HOXA2 as an independent factor for poor prognosis in glioma patients. Cell Cycle 2020; 19:1632-1640. [PMID: 32436804 DOI: 10.1080/15384101.2020.1762038] [Citation(s) in RCA: 20] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/07/2023] Open
Abstract
In recent years, studies have revealed HOXA2 as a new oncogene, but its function is unknown in gliomas. We aimed to reveal the relationship between HOXA2 and glioma based on the Chinese Glioma Genome Atlas(CGGA) and the cancer genome atlas (TCGA). HOXA2 expression data and clinically relevant information of glioma patients were obtained from the CGGA and TCGA containing 1447 glioma tissues and five non-tumor brain tissues. The Wilcox or Kruskal tests were used to detect the correlation between the HOXA2 expression level and clinical data of glioma patients. the Kaplan-Meier method were used to examine the relationship between HOXA2 and overall patient survival. Gene set enrichment analysis (GSEA) was conducted to indirectly reveal the signaling pathways involved in HOXA2, and RT-PCR was used to detect HOXA2 expression in gliomas and non-tumor brain tissues. High HOXA2 expression was found to be positively correlated with clinical grade, histological type, age, and tumor recurrence, but negatively correlated with 1p19 codeletion and isocitrate dehydrogenase mutation status.RT-PCR results showed that HOXA2 expression levels were significantly higher in tumor tissues than in non-tumor brain tissues. GSEA showed that HOXA2 promoted the activation of the activation of the JAK-STAT-signaling pathway, focal adhesion, cell-adhesion-molecules-CAMS pathway, cytosolic DNA sensing pathway, and natural killer cell-mediated cytotoxicity. This study revealed for the first time that the novel oncogene,HOXA2, leads to poor prognosis in gliomas, and can be used as a biomarker for the diagnosis and treatment of gliomas.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zhendong Liu
- Department of Orthopaedics, Henan Provincial People's Hospital, People's Hospital of Zhengzhou University, School of Clinical Medicine, Henan University , Zhengzhou, Henan, China
| | - Fei Shen
- Department of Ophthalmology, Kaifeng Central Hospital , Kaifeng, Henan, China
| | - Hongbo Wang
- Henan Provincial People's Hospital, Henan University People's Hospital , Zhengzhou, Henan, China
| | - Ang Li
- Department of Orthopaedics, Henan Provincial People's Hospital, People's Hospital of Zhengzhou University, School of Clinical Medicine, Henan University , Zhengzhou, Henan, China
| | - Jialin Wang
- Henan Provincial People's Hospital, Zhengzhou University People's Hospital , Zhengzhou, Henan, China
| | - Lin Du
- Department of Orthopaedics, Henan Provincial People's Hospital, People's Hospital of Zhengzhou University, School of Clinical Medicine, Henan University , Zhengzhou, Henan, China
| | - Binfeng Liu
- Henan Provincial People's Hospital, Zhengzhou University People's Hospital , Zhengzhou, Henan, China
| | - Bo Zhang
- Henan Provincial People's Hospital, Henan University People's Hospital , Zhengzhou, Henan, China
| | - Xiaoyu Lian
- Henan Provincial People's Hospital, Zhengzhou University People's Hospital , Zhengzhou, Henan, China
| | - Bo Pang
- Department of Neurosurgery, The Fourth Medical Center of Chinese PLA General Hospital , Beijing, China
| | - Liyun Liu
- Department of Orthopaedics, Henan Provincial People's Hospital, People's Hospital of Zhengzhou University, School of Clinical Medicine, Henan University , Zhengzhou, Henan, China
| | - Yanzheng Gao
- Department of Orthopaedics, Henan Provincial People's Hospital, People's Hospital of Zhengzhou University, School of Clinical Medicine, Henan University , Zhengzhou, Henan, China
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11
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Li J, Ye M, Zhou C. Expression Profile and Prognostic Values of HOXA Family Members in Laryngeal Squamous Cell Cancer. Front Oncol 2020; 10:368. [PMID: 32296636 PMCID: PMC7136465 DOI: 10.3389/fonc.2020.00368] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/29/2019] [Accepted: 03/02/2020] [Indexed: 12/13/2022] Open
Abstract
The homeobox A cluster (HOXA) gene family, comprising 11 members, is involved in a wide spectrum of biological functions in human cancers. However, there is little research on the expression profile and prognostic values of HOXA genes in laryngeal squamous cell cancer (LSCC). Based on updated public resources and integrative bioinformatics analysis, we assessed the expression profile and prognostic values of the HOXA family members. Expression and methylation data on HOXA family members were obtained from The Cancer Genome Atlas (TCGA). The prognostic values of HOXA members and clinical features were identified. A gene set enrichment analysis (GSEA) was conducted to explore the mechanism underlying the involvement of HOXA members in LSCC. The associations between tumor immune infiltrating cells (TIICs) and the HOXA family members were evaluated using the Tumor Immune Estimation Resource (TIMER) database. HOXA2 and HOXA4 were downregulated and HOXA7 and HOXA9–13 were upregulated in LSCC. Upregulation of HOXA10, HOXA11, and HOXA13, along with two clinical characteristics (M stage and gender), were associated with a poor LSCC prognosis based on the results of univariate and multivariate Cox proportional hazards regression analyses. Although there were no significant correlations between TIICs and HOXA members, the GSEA results indicated that HOXA members participate in multiple biological processes underlying tumorigenesis. This study comprehensively analyzed the HOXA members, providing insights for further investigation of the HOXA family members as potential targets in LSCC.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jinyun Li
- Department of Oncology and Hematology, The Affiliated Hospital of Medical School of Ningbo University, Ningbo, China
| | - Meng Ye
- Department of Oncology and Hematology, The Affiliated Hospital of Medical School of Ningbo University, Ningbo, China
| | - Chongchang Zhou
- Department of Otorhinolaryngology Head and Neck Surgery, Ningbo Medical Center Lihuili Hospital, Ningbo, China
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12
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You X, Zhou Z, Chen W, Wei X, Zhou H, Luo W. MicroRNA-495 confers inhibitory effects on cancer stem cells in oral squamous cell carcinoma through the HOXC6-mediated TGF-β signaling pathway. Stem Cell Res Ther 2020; 11:117. [PMID: 32171324 PMCID: PMC7071696 DOI: 10.1186/s13287-020-1576-3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 24] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/29/2019] [Revised: 01/03/2020] [Accepted: 01/29/2020] [Indexed: 02/06/2023] Open
Abstract
Background Oral squamous cell carcinoma (OSCC) is associated with high morbidity and ranks sixth among malignancies worldwide. Increasing evidence suggests that microRNAs (miRNAs or miRs) play a critical role in regulating cancer stem cells (CSCs), which drive the proliferation and spread of OSCC. Therefore, based on the alteration of aberrantly expressed miR-495 and homeobox C6 (HOXC6) by Gene Expression Omnibus (GEO) analysis, we subsequently explore the potential effect of miR-495 on the progression of CSCs in OSCC. Methods After the isolation of CSCs from the clinical tissue samples of OSCC patients, the expression of miR-495 and HOXC6 was determined, followed by the validation of the relationship between miR-495 and HOXC6. Subsequently, gain- and loss-function approach was performed to detect the role of miR-495 and HOXC6 in cell proliferation, migration, invasion, cell cycle entry, apoptosis, and epithelial-mesenchymal transition (EMT) of CSCs in OSCC, as well as the tumor growth in vivo. Results HOXC6 was highly expressed while miR-495 was poorly expressed in OSCC. HOXC6 was verified to be a target gene of miR-495, and miR-495 could inhibit the activation of the TGF-β signaling pathway. CSCs with miR-495 overexpression or HOXC6 silencing exhibited reversed EMT process; reduced abilities of proliferation, migration, and invasion; and promoted cell apoptosis in vitro. Moreover, inhibited tumor growth was observed in vivo after injection with miR-495 agomir or sh-HOXC6. In contrast, the downregulation of miR-495 showed an induced role in the progression of OSCC. Conclusion These findings suggest that miR-495 may suppress HOXC6 to inhibit EMT, proliferation, migration, and invasion while promoting apoptosis of CSCs in OSCC by inhibiting the TGF-β signaling pathway.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xiaolong You
- Department of Head and Neck Surgery, Jiangxi Cancer Hospital, No. 519, Beijing East Road, Nanchang, 330029, Jiangxi Province, People's Republic of China
| | - Zhengyu Zhou
- Department of Intensive Care Medicine, Jiangxi Cancer Hospital, Nanchang, 330029, People's Republic of China
| | - Wen Chen
- Department of Plastic Surgery, Jiangxi Cancer Hospital, Nanchang, 330029, People's Republic of China
| | - Xiaoyong Wei
- Department of Liver Oncology, Jiangxi Cancer Hospital, Nanchang, 330029, People's Republic of China
| | - Heqiang Zhou
- Department of Head and Neck Surgery, Jiangxi Cancer Hospital, No. 519, Beijing East Road, Nanchang, 330029, Jiangxi Province, People's Republic of China
| | - Wenzheng Luo
- Department of Head and Neck Surgery, Jiangxi Cancer Hospital, No. 519, Beijing East Road, Nanchang, 330029, Jiangxi Province, People's Republic of China.
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13
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Tsompana M, Gluck C, Sethi I, Joshi I, Bard J, Nowak NJ, Sinha S, Buck MJ. Reactivation of super-enhancers by KLF4 in human Head and Neck Squamous Cell Carcinoma. Oncogene 2019; 39:262-277. [PMID: 31477832 DOI: 10.1038/s41388-019-0990-4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/14/2018] [Revised: 05/29/2019] [Accepted: 06/03/2019] [Indexed: 12/18/2022]
Abstract
Head and neck squamous cell carcinoma (HNSCC) is a disease of significant morbidity and mortality and rarely diagnosed in early stages. Despite extensive genetic and genomic characterization, targeted therapeutics and diagnostic markers of HNSCC are lacking due to the inherent heterogeneity and complexity of the disease. Herein, we have generated the global histone mark based epigenomic and transcriptomic cartogram of SCC25, a representative cell type of mesenchymal HNSCC and its normal oral keratinocyte counterpart. Examination of genomic regions marked by differential chromatin states and associated with misregulated gene expression led us to identify SCC25 enriched regulatory sequences and transcription factors (TF) motifs. These findings were further strengthened by ATAC-seq based open chromatin and TF footprint analysis which unearthed Krüppel-like Factor 4 (KLF4) as a potential key regulator of the SCC25 cistrome. We reaffirm the results obtained from in silico and chromatin studies in SCC25 by ChIP-seq of KLF4 and identify ΔNp63 as a co-oncogenic driver of the cancer-specific gene expression milieu. Taken together, our results lead us to propose a model where elevated KLF4 levels sustains the oncogenic state of HNSCC by reactivating repressed chromatin domains at key downstream genes, often by targeting super-enhancers.
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Affiliation(s)
- Maria Tsompana
- Department of Biochemistry, Center of Excellence in Bioinformatics and Life Sciences, State University of New York at Buffalo, Buffalo, NY, USA
| | - Christian Gluck
- Department of Biochemistry, Center of Excellence in Bioinformatics and Life Sciences, State University of New York at Buffalo, Buffalo, NY, USA
| | - Isha Sethi
- Department of Biochemistry, Center of Excellence in Bioinformatics and Life Sciences, State University of New York at Buffalo, Buffalo, NY, USA
| | - Ishita Joshi
- Department of Biochemistry, Center of Excellence in Bioinformatics and Life Sciences, State University of New York at Buffalo, Buffalo, NY, USA
| | - Jonathan Bard
- Department of Biochemistry, Center of Excellence in Bioinformatics and Life Sciences, State University of New York at Buffalo, Buffalo, NY, USA
| | - Norma J Nowak
- Department of Biochemistry, Center of Excellence in Bioinformatics and Life Sciences, State University of New York at Buffalo, Buffalo, NY, USA
| | - Satrajit Sinha
- Department of Biochemistry, Center of Excellence in Bioinformatics and Life Sciences, State University of New York at Buffalo, Buffalo, NY, USA.
| | - Michael J Buck
- Department of Biochemistry, Center of Excellence in Bioinformatics and Life Sciences, State University of New York at Buffalo, Buffalo, NY, USA.
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14
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Watanabe Y, Saito M, Saito K, Matsumoto Y, Kanke Y, Onozawa H, Hayase S, Sakamoto W, Ishigame T, Momma T, Ohki S, Takenoshita S. Upregulated HOXA9 expression is associated with lymph node metastasis in colorectal cancer. Oncol Lett 2017; 15:2756-2762. [PMID: 29435001 PMCID: PMC5778893 DOI: 10.3892/ol.2017.7650] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/08/2016] [Accepted: 03/30/2017] [Indexed: 12/19/2022] Open
Abstract
Homeobox A (HOXA) cluster genes, members of the HOX family, perform an important role in normal organ development. It has previously been reported that HOXA gene expression in various types of cancer is associated with poor patient outcomes. However, the role of HOXA genes, as well as their expression, in colorectal cancers (CRC) remains unknown. Therefore, the present study investigated HOXA gene expression in patients with CRC and revealed that HOXA9 expression was significantly increased in tumor tissues compared with non-tumor tissues. Additionally, the functional role of HOXA9 was assessed by knocking down the HOXA9 gene in CRC cells and by evaluating cell growth. Regarding gene expression, cases with positive HOXA9 expression (as detected by immunohistochemical staining) were significantly associated with higher TNM stage and positive lymph node metastasis, although no association was observed between increased HOXA9 levels and the rate of overall survival in the present cohort. Regarding the functional role, HOXA9 expression was demonstrated to be upregulated in patients with CRC and was associated with lymph node metastasis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yohei Watanabe
- Department of Organ Regulatory Surgery, Fukushima Medical University School of Medicine, Fukushima 960-1295, Japan
| | - Motonobu Saito
- Department of Organ Regulatory Surgery, Fukushima Medical University School of Medicine, Fukushima 960-1295, Japan
| | - Katsuharu Saito
- Department of Organ Regulatory Surgery, Fukushima Medical University School of Medicine, Fukushima 960-1295, Japan
| | - Yoshiko Matsumoto
- Department of Organ Regulatory Surgery, Fukushima Medical University School of Medicine, Fukushima 960-1295, Japan
| | - Yasuyuki Kanke
- Department of Organ Regulatory Surgery, Fukushima Medical University School of Medicine, Fukushima 960-1295, Japan
| | - Hisashi Onozawa
- Department of Organ Regulatory Surgery, Fukushima Medical University School of Medicine, Fukushima 960-1295, Japan
| | - Suguru Hayase
- Department of Organ Regulatory Surgery, Fukushima Medical University School of Medicine, Fukushima 960-1295, Japan
| | - Wataru Sakamoto
- Department of Organ Regulatory Surgery, Fukushima Medical University School of Medicine, Fukushima 960-1295, Japan
| | - Teruhide Ishigame
- Department of Organ Regulatory Surgery, Fukushima Medical University School of Medicine, Fukushima 960-1295, Japan
| | - Tomoyuki Momma
- Department of Organ Regulatory Surgery, Fukushima Medical University School of Medicine, Fukushima 960-1295, Japan
| | - Shinji Ohki
- Department of Organ Regulatory Surgery, Fukushima Medical University School of Medicine, Fukushima 960-1295, Japan
| | - Seiichi Takenoshita
- Department of Organ Regulatory Surgery, Fukushima Medical University School of Medicine, Fukushima 960-1295, Japan
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15
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Wang K, Jin J, Ma T, Zhai H. MiR-376c-3p regulates the proliferation, invasion, migration, cell cycle and apoptosis of human oral squamous cancer cells by suppressing HOXB7. Biomed Pharmacother 2017; 91:517-525. [PMID: 28482289 DOI: 10.1016/j.biopha.2017.04.050] [Citation(s) in RCA: 31] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/24/2016] [Revised: 03/29/2017] [Accepted: 04/13/2017] [Indexed: 12/21/2022] Open
Abstract
PURPOSE To test the influence of miR-376c-3p on the proliferation, invasion, migration, cell cycle and apoptosis of human oral squamous cancer cells (OSCC) and the relevant mechanism. METHODS We applied qRT-PCR and Western blot to compare the expression level of miR-376c-3p and HOXB7 in SCC-4, SCC-9, SCC-15, SCC-25 OSCC cell lines and 49 paired OSCC and normal oral epithelial tissue specimens were included in our present study. Also we analyzed the relative relationship of expression level between miR-376c-3p and HOXB7 in cancer tissues. Luciferase assay was used to confirm the target relationship between miR-376c-3p and HOXB7. Besides, MTT, Transwell, wound healing, colony formation and flow cytometer experiments were applied to evaluate the proliferation, cell viability, apoptosis, invasion and migration of transfected OSCC. RESULTS MiR-376c-3p was down-regulated while HOXB7 was up-regulated in OSCC tissues and cells than the normal ones. MiR-376c-3p directly targeted HOXB7 and reduced the expression of HOXB7. Overexpression of miR-376c-3p attenuated proliferation of SCC-9, SCC-15, SCC-24 and SCC-25 cells. Moreover, miR-376c-3p suppressed proliferation, viability, migration and invasion and induced G1/G0 arrest and cell apoptosis of SCC-25 cells. Besides, overexpression of HOXB7 efficiently abrogates these influences caused by overexpression of miR-376c-3p. CONCLUSION MiR-376c-3p suppresses the fission, proliferation, migration and invasion and induces cell apoptosis of OSCC via targeting HOXB7.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kai Wang
- Department of Plastic Surgery, Henan Provincial People's Hospital, Zhengzhou, 450003, Henan, China
| | - Jun Jin
- Department of Plastic Surgery, Henan Provincial People's Hospital, Zhengzhou, 450003, Henan, China
| | - Tengxiao Ma
- Department of Plastic Surgery, Henan Provincial People's Hospital, Zhengzhou, 450003, Henan, China
| | - Hongfeng Zhai
- Department of Plastic Surgery, Henan Provincial People's Hospital, Zhengzhou, 450003, Henan, China.
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16
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Bhosale PG, Cristea S, Ambatipudi S, Desai RS, Kumar R, Patil A, Kane S, Borges AM, Schäffer AA, Beerenwinkel N, Mahimkar MB. Chromosomal Alterations and Gene Expression Changes Associated with the Progression of Leukoplakia to Advanced Gingivobuccal Cancer. Transl Oncol 2017; 10:396-409. [PMID: 28433800 PMCID: PMC5403767 DOI: 10.1016/j.tranon.2017.03.008] [Citation(s) in RCA: 44] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/01/2017] [Revised: 03/21/2017] [Accepted: 03/21/2017] [Indexed: 12/11/2022] Open
Abstract
We present an integrative genome-wide analysis that can be used to predict the risk of progression from leukoplakia to oral squamous cell carcinoma (OSCC) arising in the gingivobuccal complex (GBC). We find that the genomic and transcriptomic profiles of leukoplakia resemble those observed in later stages of OSCC and that several changes are associated with this progression, including amplification of 8q24.3, deletion of 8p23.2, and dysregulation of DERL3, EIF5A2, ECT2, HOXC9, HOXC13, MAL, MFAP5 and NELL2. Comparing copy number profiles of primary tumors with and without lymph-node metastasis, we identify alterations associated with metastasis, including amplifications of 3p26.3, 8q24.21, 11q22.1, 11q22.3 and deletion of 8p23.2. Integrative analysis reveals several biomarkers that have never or rarely been reported in previous OSCC studies, including amplifications of 1p36.33 (attributable to MXRA8), 3q26.31 (EIF5A2), 9p24.1 (CD274), and 12q13.2 (HOXC9 and HOXC13). Additionally, we find that amplifications of 1p36.33 and 11q22.1 are strongly correlated with poor clinical outcome. Overall, our findings delineate genomic changes that can be used in treatment management for patients with potentially malignant leukoplakia and OSCC patients with higher risk of lymph-node metastasis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Priyanka G Bhosale
- Cancer Research Institute (CRI), Advanced Centre for Treatment, Research and Education in Cancer (ACTREC), Tata Memorial Centre (TMC), Navi Mumbai, 410210, India; Homi Bhabha National Institute, Training School Complex, Anushakti Nagar, Mumbai, 400085, India
| | - Simona Cristea
- Department of Biosystems Science and Engineering, ETH Zurich, 4058, Basel, Switzerland; SIB Swiss Institute of Bioinformatics, 4058, Basel, Switzerland
| | - Srikant Ambatipudi
- Cancer Research Institute (CRI), Advanced Centre for Treatment, Research and Education in Cancer (ACTREC), Tata Memorial Centre (TMC), Navi Mumbai, 410210, India; MRC Integrative Epidemiology Unit, University of Bristol, BS8 1TH, UK
| | - Rajiv S Desai
- Department of Oral Pathology & Microbiology, Nair Hospital Dental College, Mumbai, 400 008, India
| | - Rajiv Kumar
- Department of Pathology, Tata Memorial Hospital, Tata Memorial Centre (TMC), Parel, Mumbai, 400012, India
| | - Asawari Patil
- Department of Pathology, Tata Memorial Hospital, Tata Memorial Centre (TMC), Parel, Mumbai, 400012, India
| | - Shubhada Kane
- Department of Pathology, Tata Memorial Hospital, Tata Memorial Centre (TMC), Parel, Mumbai, 400012, India
| | - Anita M Borges
- Department of Pathology & Laboratory Medicine, S. L. Raheja Hospital, Mumbai, 400016, India
| | - Alejandro A Schäffer
- Computational Biology Branch, National Center for Biotechnology Information, National Institute of Health (NIH), Department of Health and Human Services (DHHS), Bethesda, MD, 20894, USA
| | - Niko Beerenwinkel
- Department of Biosystems Science and Engineering, ETH Zurich, 4058, Basel, Switzerland; SIB Swiss Institute of Bioinformatics, 4058, Basel, Switzerland
| | - Manoj B Mahimkar
- Cancer Research Institute (CRI), Advanced Centre for Treatment, Research and Education in Cancer (ACTREC), Tata Memorial Centre (TMC), Navi Mumbai, 410210, India; Homi Bhabha National Institute, Training School Complex, Anushakti Nagar, Mumbai, 400085, India.
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17
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The function of homeobox genes and lncRNAs in cancer. Oncol Lett 2016; 12:1635-1641. [PMID: 27588114 DOI: 10.3892/ol.2016.4901] [Citation(s) in RCA: 36] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/15/2015] [Accepted: 05/24/2016] [Indexed: 02/02/2023] Open
Abstract
Recently, the homeobox (HOX) gene family has been reported as a factor in tumorigenesis. In the human genome, the HOX gene family contains 4 clusters with 39 genes and multiple transcripts. Mutation or abnormal expression of genes is responsible for developmental disorders. In addition, changes in the levels and activation of certain HOX genes has been associated with the development of cancer. Long non-coding RNAs (lncRNAs) have also been identified to serve critical functions in cancer. Although a limited number of lncRNAs have been previously investigated, the list of functional lncRNA genes has recently grown. Two of the most important and well-studied lncRNAs and HOX transcript genes are HOX transcript antisense RNA (HOTAIR) and HOXA distal transcript antisense RNA (HOTTIP). The present study aimed to review not only the function of the HOTAIR and HOTTIP genes in certain forms of cancer, but also to review other HOX genes and protein functions in cancer, particularly HOX family genes associated with lncRNAs.
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18
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Platais C, Hakami F, Darda L, Lambert DW, Morgan R, Hunter KD. The role of HOX genes in head and neck squamous cell carcinoma. J Oral Pathol Med 2015; 45:239-47. [PMID: 26661059 DOI: 10.1111/jop.12388] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 10/31/2015] [Indexed: 12/13/2022]
Abstract
Recent decades have witnessed the publication of numerous studies reporting alterations in the genome and transcriptome of head and neck squamous cell carcinoma (HNSCC). Currently, the utilisation of these alterations as biomarkers and targets for therapy is limited and new, useful molecular characteristics are being sought. Many of the published HNSCC gene expression profiles demonstrate alterations in the expression of HOX genes. These are a family of Homeobox-containing genes which are involved in developmental patterning and morphogenesis in the embryo, and which are often aberrantly expressed in cancer. The 39 HOX genes found in the human genome are arranged in four paralogous groups at different chromosomal loci. These control a wide range of cellular processes, including proliferation and migration, which are relevant in the context of cancer development. In this review article, we will outline the biology of HOX genes in relation to cancer and summarise the accumulating evidence for their role in the development of HNSCC and the possibility that they could be a therapeutic target in this malignancy. We will also identify areas where our current understanding is weak to focus future work and appraise the ongoing strategies for pharmacological intervention.
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Affiliation(s)
- Christopher Platais
- Unit of Oral and Maxillofacial Pathology, School of Clinical Dentistry, University of Sheffield, Sheffield, UK
| | - Fahad Hakami
- Unit of Oral and Maxillofacial Pathology, School of Clinical Dentistry, University of Sheffield, Sheffield, UK.,Department of Pathology and Laboratory Medicine, King Abdulaziz Medical City-WR, Jeddah, Saudi Arabia
| | - Lav Darda
- Unit of Oral and Maxillofacial Pathology, School of Clinical Dentistry, University of Sheffield, Sheffield, UK
| | - Daniel W Lambert
- Unit of Oral and Maxillofacial Pathology, School of Clinical Dentistry, University of Sheffield, Sheffield, UK
| | - Richard Morgan
- Institute of Cancer Therapeutics, University of Bradford, Bradford, UK
| | - Keith D Hunter
- Unit of Oral and Maxillofacial Pathology, School of Clinical Dentistry, University of Sheffield, Sheffield, UK.,Department of Oral Pathology and Biology, University of Pretoria, Pretoria, South Africa
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Sharpe DJ, Orr KS, Moran M, White SJ, McQuaid S, Lappin TR, Thompson A, James JA. POU2F1 activity regulates HOXD10 and HOXD11 promoting a proliferative and invasive phenotype in head and neck cancer. Oncotarget 2015; 5:8803-15. [PMID: 25301728 PMCID: PMC4226723 DOI: 10.18632/oncotarget.2492] [Citation(s) in RCA: 37] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/25/2022] Open
Abstract
HOX genes are master regulators of organ morphogenesis and cell differentiation during embryonic development, and continue to be expressed throughout post-natal life. To test the hypothesis that HOX genes are dysregulated in head and neck squamous cell carcinoma (HNSCC) we defined their expression profile, and investigated the function, transcriptional regulation and clinical relevance of a subset of highly expressed HOXD genes. Two HOXD genes, D10 and D11, showed strikingly high levels in HNSCC cell lines, patient tumor samples and publicly available datasets. Knockdown of HOXD10 in HNSCC cells caused decreased proliferation and invasion, whereas knockdown of HOXD11 reduced only invasion. POU2F1 consensus sequences were identified in the 5' DNA of HOXD10 and D11. Knockdown of POU2F1 significantly reduced expression of HOXD10 and D11 and inhibited HNSCC proliferation. Luciferase reporter constructs of the HOXD10 and D11 promoters confirmed that POU2F1 consensus binding sites are required for optimal promoter activity. Utilizing patient tumor samples a significant association was found between immunohistochemical staining of HOXD10 and both the overall and the disease-specific survival, adding further support that HOXD10 is dysregulated in head and neck cancer. Additional studies are now warranted to fully evaluate HOXD10 as a prognostic tool in head and neck cancers.
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Affiliation(s)
- Daniel J Sharpe
- Centre for Cancer Research and Cell Biology, Queen's University Belfast, Belfast, BT9 7BL
| | - Katy S Orr
- Centre for Cancer Research and Cell Biology, Queen's University Belfast, Belfast, BT9 7BL
| | - Michael Moran
- Centre for Cancer Research and Cell Biology, Queen's University Belfast, Belfast, BT9 7BL
| | - Sharon J White
- Pathology Department, Ninewells Hospital and Medical School, Dundee, DD1 9SY
| | - Stephen McQuaid
- The Northern Ireland Molecular Pathology Laboratory, Centre for Cancer Research and Cell Biology, Queen's University Belfast, 97 Lisburn Road, Belfast, BT9 7BL and The Belfast Trust, Belfast City Hospital, Lisburn Road, Belfast
| | - Terence R Lappin
- Centre for Cancer Research and Cell Biology, Queen's University Belfast, Belfast, BT9 7BL
| | - Alexander Thompson
- Centre for Cancer Research and Cell Biology, Queen's University Belfast, Belfast, BT9 7BL
| | - Jacqueline A James
- Centre for Cancer Research and Cell Biology, Queen's University Belfast, Belfast, BT9 7BL. The Northern Ireland Molecular Pathology Laboratory, Centre for Cancer Research and Cell Biology, Queen's University Belfast, Belfast, BT9 7BL and The Belfast Trust, Belfast City Hospital, Lisburn Road, Belfast
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20
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Darda L, Hakami F, Morgan R, Murdoch C, Lambert DW, Hunter KD. The role of HOXB9 and miR-196a in head and neck squamous cell carcinoma. PLoS One 2015; 10:e0122285. [PMID: 25860510 PMCID: PMC4393232 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0122285] [Citation(s) in RCA: 42] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/06/2014] [Accepted: 02/10/2015] [Indexed: 01/14/2023] Open
Abstract
Background Previous studies have demonstrated that a number of HOX genes, a family of transcription factors with key roles in early development, are up-regulated in head and neck squamous cell carcinoma (HNSCC) and other cancers. The loci of several Homeobox (HOX) genes also contain microRNAs (miRs), including miR-196a. Methods Global miR expression and expression of all 39 HOX genes in normal oral keratinocytes (NOKs), oral pre-malignant (OPM) and HNSCC cells was assessed by expression microarray and qPCR and in tissues by immunohistochemistry (IHC) and qPCR of laser microdissected (LCM) tissues. Expression of miR196a and HOXB9 was reduced using anti-miR-196a and siRNA, respectively. Expression microarray profiles of anti-miR196a and pre-miR196a transfected cells were compared to parental cells in order to identify novel targets of miR-196a. Putative miR196a targets were validated by qPCR and were confirmed as binding to the 3’UTR of miR196a by a dual luciferase reporter assay combined with mutational analysis of the miR-196a binding site. Results miR-196a and HOXB9 are highly expressed in HNSCC compared to NOKs, a pattern also seen in HNSCC tissues by HOXB9 IHC and qPCR of miR-196a in LCM tissue. Knock-down of miR-196a expression decreased HNSCC cell migration, invasion and adhesion to fibronectin, but had no effect on proliferation. Furthermore, knock-down of HOXB9 expression decreased migration, invasion and proliferation but did not alter adhesion. We identified a novel primary mRNA transcript containing HOXB9 and miR196a-1 as predicted from in-silico analysis. Expression array analysis identified a number of miR196a targets, including MAMDC2 and HOXC8. We confirmed that MAMDC2 is a novel miR-196a target using a dual luciferase reporter assay with the effect abolished on mutation of the binding site. Conclusions These results show that miR-196a and HOXB9 are overexpressed, perhaps co-ordinately, as HNSCC develops and exert a pro-tumourigenic phenotype in HNSCC and OPM cells.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lav Darda
- Unit of Oral and Maxillofacial Pathology, School of Clinical Dentistry, University of Sheffield, Sheffield, United Kingdom
| | - Fahad Hakami
- Unit of Oral and Maxillofacial Pathology, School of Clinical Dentistry, University of Sheffield, Sheffield, United Kingdom
| | - Richard Morgan
- Institute of Cancer Therapeutics, University of Bradford, Bradford, United Kingdom
| | - Craig Murdoch
- Unit of Oral and Maxillofacial Medicine & Surgery, School of Clinical Dentistry, University of Sheffield, Sheffield, United Kingdom
| | - Daniel W. Lambert
- Unit of Oral and Maxillofacial Pathology, School of Clinical Dentistry, University of Sheffield, Sheffield, United Kingdom
| | - Keith D. Hunter
- Unit of Oral and Maxillofacial Pathology, School of Clinical Dentistry, University of Sheffield, Sheffield, United Kingdom
- Department of Oral Pathology and Biology, University of Pretoria, Pretoria, South Africa
- * E-mail:
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21
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Libório-Kimura TN, Jung HM, Chan EKL. miR-494 represses HOXA10 expression and inhibits cell proliferation in oral cancer. Oral Oncol 2014; 51:151-7. [PMID: 25500095 DOI: 10.1016/j.oraloncology.2014.11.019] [Citation(s) in RCA: 53] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/21/2014] [Revised: 10/09/2014] [Accepted: 11/26/2014] [Indexed: 12/18/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVES miR-494 was identified as a candidate of the most significantly underexpressed microRNAs (miRNAs) in our oral cancer screen. The aim of this study was to validate whether miR-494 has a functional role in oral cancer. METHODS Quantitative miRNA analyses were performed on oral tumor RNA and oral cancer cell lines. HOXA10 was selected for further analysis based on bioinformatics analysis of miR-494 targets and a previous report of overexpression of HOXA10 in oral cancer. Transient transfection of miRNA-mimic and inhibitor were performed in SCC-25 (tongue), CAL 27 (tongue), and FaDu (pharynx) cancer cells and regulation of HOXA10 by miR-494 was investigated. Dual luciferase assay was used to verify the interaction between miR-494 and HOXA10 in reporter cells. The effect of miR-494 on cell proliferation was examined. RESULTS Our data showed that miR-494 was underexpressed whereas HOXA10 was overexpressed in oral cancer compared to normal tissues. An inverse correlation between miR-494 and HOXA10 was observed in the human tissues (p<0.05). Transient transfection of miR-494 in all cancer cell lines significantly reduced the expression of HOXA10 mRNA. The luciferase reporter that contains the 3'UTR of HOXA10 showed a significantly reduced luciferase activity by miR-494 indicating a direct interaction between HOXA10 and miR-494. Significant reduction in cell proliferation was demonstrated in tongue cancer cells transfected with miR-494. CONCLUSION miR-494 repressed the expression of HOXA10 and also reduced the proliferation of oral cancer cells. These data give more evidence of the role of miR-494 as a tumor suppressor miRNA in oral cancer.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tatiana N Libório-Kimura
- Department of Oral Biology, University of Florida, P.O. Box 100424, Gainesville, FL 32610-0424, USA; Department of Pathology and Legal Medicine, Federal University of Amazonas, Av. Valdemar Pedrosa, 1097, CEP 69020-160 AM, Brazil.
| | - Hyun Min Jung
- Department of Oral Biology, University of Florida, P.O. Box 100424, Gainesville, FL 32610-0424, USA.
| | - Edward K L Chan
- Department of Oral Biology, University of Florida, P.O. Box 100424, Gainesville, FL 32610-0424, USA.
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Rodrigues MFSD, de Oliveira Rodini C, de Aquino Xavier FC, Paiva KB, Severino P, Moyses RA, López RM, DeCicco R, Rocha LA, Carvalho MB, Tajara EH, Nunes FD. PROX1 gene is differentially expressed in oral cancer and reduces cellular proliferation. Medicine (Baltimore) 2014; 93:e192. [PMID: 25526434 PMCID: PMC4603077 DOI: 10.1097/md.0000000000000192] [Citation(s) in RCA: 20] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/07/2023] Open
Abstract
Homeobox genes are a family of transcription factors that play a pivotal role in embryogenesis. Prospero homeobox 1 (PROX1) has been shown to function as a tumor suppressor gene or oncogene in various types of cancer, including oral squamous cell carcinoma (OSCC). We have previously identified PROX1 as a downregulated gene in OSCC. The aim of this study is to clarify the underlying mechanism by which PROX1 regulates tumorigenicity of OSCC cells. PROX1 mRNA and protein expression levels were first investigated in 40 samples of OSCC and in nontumor margins. Methylation and amplification analysis was also performed to assess the epigenetic and genetic mechanisms involved in controlling PROX1 expression. OSCC cell line SCC9 was also transfected to stably express the PROX1 gene. Next, SCC9-PROX1-overexpressing cells and controls were subjected to proliferation, differentiation, apoptosis, migration, and invasion assays in vitro. OSCC samples showed reduced PROX1 expression levels compared with nontumor margins. PROX1 amplification was associated with better overall survival. PROX1 overexpression reduces cell proliferation and downregulates cyclin D1. PROX1-overexpressing cells also exhibited reduced CK18 and CK19 expression and transcriptionally altered the expression of WISP3, GATA3, NOTCH1, and E2F1. Our results suggest that PROX1 functions as a tumor suppressor gene in oral carcinogenesis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Maria F S D Rodrigues
- From the Department of Estomatology (MFSDR, LAR, FDN), School of Dentistry; Department of Biochemistry (KBP), Chemistry Institute; Department of Head and Neck Surgery (RAM), School of Medicine; Department of Epidemiology (RML), Public Health; Department of Genetics and Evolutionary Biology (EHT), Institute of Biosciences, University of São Paulo; Albert Einstein Research and Education Institute (PS), Albert Einstein Israelita Hospital, Center for Experimental Research; Department of Head and Neck Surgery (RDC), Arnaldo Vieira de Carvalho Cancer Institute; Department of Head and Neck Surgery (MBC), Heliopolis Hospital Complex, São Paulo; Department of Estomatology (FCdAX), School of Dentistry, Federal University of Bahia, Salvador; Department of Histology (CdOR), School of Dentistry, University of São Paulo, Bauru; and Department of Molecular Biology (EHT), School of Medicine, São José do Rio Preto, Brazil
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23
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Xavier FCA, Destro MFDSS, Duarte CME, Nunes FD. Epigenetic repression of HOXB cluster in oral cancer cell lines. Arch Oral Biol 2014; 59:783-9. [DOI: 10.1016/j.archoralbio.2014.05.001] [Citation(s) in RCA: 26] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/25/2013] [Revised: 03/25/2014] [Accepted: 05/02/2014] [Indexed: 12/12/2022]
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24
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Okada S, Irié T, Tanaka J, Yasuhara R, Yamamoto G, Isobe T, Hokazono C, Tachikawa T, Kohno Y, Mishima K. Potential role of hematopoietic pre-B-cell leukemia transcription factor-interacting protein in oral carcinogenesis. J Oral Pathol Med 2014; 44:115-25. [DOI: 10.1111/jop.12210] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 04/27/2014] [Indexed: 01/05/2023]
Affiliation(s)
- Seiji Okada
- Division of Pathology; Department of Oral Diagnostic Sciences; School of Dentistry; Showa University; Shinagawa-ku Tokyo Japan
| | - Tarou Irié
- Division of Pathology; Department of Oral Diagnostic Sciences; School of Dentistry; Showa University; Shinagawa-ku Tokyo Japan
| | - Junichi Tanaka
- Division of Pathology; Department of Oral Diagnostic Sciences; School of Dentistry; Showa University; Shinagawa-ku Tokyo Japan
| | - Rika Yasuhara
- Division of Pathology; Department of Oral Diagnostic Sciences; School of Dentistry; Showa University; Shinagawa-ku Tokyo Japan
| | - Gou Yamamoto
- Division of Pathology; Department of Oral Diagnostic Sciences; School of Dentistry; Showa University; Shinagawa-ku Tokyo Japan
| | - Tomohide Isobe
- Division of Pathology; Department of Oral Diagnostic Sciences; School of Dentistry; Showa University; Shinagawa-ku Tokyo Japan
| | - Chie Hokazono
- Division of Pathology; Department of Oral Diagnostic Sciences; School of Dentistry; Showa University; Shinagawa-ku Tokyo Japan
| | - Tetsuhiko Tachikawa
- Division of Pathology; Department of Oral Diagnostic Sciences; School of Dentistry; Showa University; Shinagawa-ku Tokyo Japan
| | - Yohko Kohno
- Division of Pathology; Department of Oral Diagnostic Sciences; School of Dentistry; Showa University; Shinagawa-ku Tokyo Japan
| | - Kenji Mishima
- Division of Pathology; Department of Oral Diagnostic Sciences; School of Dentistry; Showa University; Shinagawa-ku Tokyo Japan
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25
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Kim KY, Zhang X, Cha IH. Identification of human papillomavirus status specific biomarker in head and neck cancer. Head Neck 2014; 37:1310-8. [PMID: 24817691 DOI: 10.1002/hed.23751] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/11/2013] [Revised: 04/30/2014] [Accepted: 05/07/2014] [Indexed: 02/03/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND In an attempt to improve the prognosis of patients with head and neck cancer, it could be necessary to identify biomarkers in homogeneous subgroups of patients with head and neck cancer. METHODS We explored the necessity of human papillomavirus (HPV) status-specific biomarkers in patients with head and neck cancer and identified an HPV status-specific gene set. The identified gene set was validated with the external microarray datasets. For this purpose, we used 4 microarray datasets obtained from a public database. One dataset was used for identifying the HPV status specific gene set, and the other datasets were used for validation. RESULTS The identified gene set for distinguishing head and neck cancer from head and neck normal, did not accurately discriminate the HPV specific patients with head and neck cancer from the head and neck normal group. Also, it was demonstrated that some HPV-positive (HPV+) head and neck cancer-specific genes may not be significant in HPV-negative (HPV-) head and neck cancer patients. The identified HPV specific gene sets showed good performance in validation datasets. The HPV+ head and neck cancer-specific gene set included various metabolism-related pathways, and the HPV- head and neck cancer-specific gene set included several pathways; fibroblast, collagen degradation, actin-binding, and actin cytoskeleton. CONCLUSION The identification of HPV status-specific significant gene set was necessary. It is expected that HPV status-specific biomarkers can be helpful in deciding therapeutic methods for patients with head and neck cancer, after biological validation and large prospective trials.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ki-Yeol Kim
- Oral Cancer Research Institute, College of Dentistry, Yonsei University, Seoul
| | - Xianglan Zhang
- Department of Pathology, Yanbian University Medical College, Yanji City, Jilin Province, China
| | - In-Ho Cha
- Oral Cancer Research Institute, College of Dentistry, Yonsei University, Seoul.,Department of Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery, College of Dentistry, Yonsei University, Seoul
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26
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Transcriptional suppression of miR-181c by hepatitis C virus enhances homeobox A1 expression. J Virol 2014; 88:7929-40. [PMID: 24789793 DOI: 10.1128/jvi.00787-14] [Citation(s) in RCA: 48] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
Hepatitis C virus (HCV)-induced chronic liver disease is one of the leading causes of hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC). The molecular events leading to HCC following chronic HCV infection remain poorly defined. MicroRNAs (miRNAs) have been implicated in the control of many biological processes, and their deregulation is associated with different viral infections. In this study, we observed that HCV infection of hepatocytes transcriptionally downregulates miR-181c expression by modulating CCAAT/enhancer binding protein β (C/EBP-β). Reduced expression of the pri-miR-181c transcript was noted following HCV infection. In silico prediction suggests that homeobox A1 (HOXA1) is a direct target of miR-181c. HOXA1 is a member of the homeodomain-containing transcription factor family and possesses pivotal roles in normal growth, development, and differentiation of mammalian tissues. Our results demonstrated that HOXA1 expression is enhanced in HCV-infected hepatocytes. Exogenous expression of the miR-181c mimic inhibits HOXA1 and its downstream molecules STAT3 and STAT5, which are involved in cell growth regulation. Interestingly, overexpression of miR-181c inhibited HCV replication by direct binding with E1 and NS5A sequences. Furthermore, accumulation of HCV genotype 2a RNA with miR-181c was observed in an RNA-induced silencing complex in Huh7.5 cells. Our results provide new mechanistic insights into the role of miR-181c in HCV-hepatocyte interactions, and miR-181c may act as a target for therapeutic intervention. Importance: Chronic HCV infection is one of the major causes of end-stage liver disease, including hepatocellular carcinoma. An understanding of the molecular mechanisms of HCV-mediated hepatocyte growth promotion is necessary for therapeutic intervention against HCC. In this study, we have provided evidence of HCV-mediated transcriptional downregulation of miR-181c. HCV-infected liver biopsy specimens also displayed lower expression levels of miR-181c. We have further demonstrated that inhibition of miR-181c upregulates homeobox A1 (HOXA1), which is important for hepatocyte growth promotion. Exogenous expression of miR-181c inhibited HCV replication by directly binding with HCV E1 and NS5A sequences. Taken together, our results provided new mechanistic insights for an understanding of the role of miR-181c in HCV-hepatocyte interactions and revealed miR-181c as a potential target for therapeutic intervention.
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27
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Chen D, Chen Z, Jin Y, Dragas D, Zhang L, Adjei BS, Wang A, Dai Y, Zhou X. MicroRNA-99 family members suppress Homeobox A1 expression in epithelial cells. PLoS One 2013; 8:e80625. [PMID: 24312487 PMCID: PMC3849180 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0080625] [Citation(s) in RCA: 32] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/19/2013] [Accepted: 10/04/2013] [Indexed: 12/23/2022] Open
Abstract
The miR-99 family is one of the evolutionarily most ancient microRNA families, and it plays a critical role in developmental timing and the maintenance of tissue identity. Recent studies, including reports from our group, suggested that the miR-99 family regulates various physiological processes in adult tissues, such as dermal wound healing, and a number of disease processes, including cancer. By combining 5 independent genome-wide expression profiling experiments, we identified a panel of 266 unique transcripts that were down-regulated in epithelial cells transfected with miR-99 family members. A comprehensive bioinformatics analysis using 12 different sequence-based microRNA target prediction algorithms revealed that 81 out of these 266 down-regulated transcripts are potential direct targets for the miR-99 family. Confirmation experiments and functional analyses were performed to further assess 6 selected miR-99 target genes, including mammalian Target of rapamycin (mTOR), Homeobox A1 (HOXA1), CTD small phosphatase-like (CTDSPL), N-myristoyltransferase 1 (NMT1), Transmembrane protein 30A (TMEM30A), and SWI/SNF-related matrix-associated actin-dependent regulator of chromatin subfamily A member 5 (SMARCA5). HOXA1 is a known proto-oncogene, and it also plays an important role in embryonic development. The direct targeting of the miR-99 family to two candidate binding sequences located in the HOXA1 mRNA was confirmed using a luciferase reporter gene assay and a ribonucleoprotein-immunoprecipitation (RIP-IP) assay. Ectopic transfection of miR-99 family reduced the expression of HOXA1, which, in consequence, down-regulated the expression of its downstream gene (i.e., Bcl-2) and led to reduced proliferation and cell migration, as well as enhanced apoptosis. In summary, we identified a number of high-confidence miR-99 family target genes, including proto-oncogene HOXA1, which may play an important role in regulating epithelial cell proliferation and migration during physiological disease processes, such as dermal wound healing and tumorigenesis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Dan Chen
- Center for Molecular Biology of Oral Diseases, College of Dentistry, University of Illinois at Chicago, Chicago, Illinois, United States of America
- Department of Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery, the First Affiliated Hospital, Sun Yat-Sen University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Zujian Chen
- Center for Molecular Biology of Oral Diseases, College of Dentistry, University of Illinois at Chicago, Chicago, Illinois, United States of America
- Department of Anatomy and Cell Biology, Rush University Medical Center, Chicago, Illinois, United States of America
| | - Yi Jin
- Center for Molecular Biology of Oral Diseases, College of Dentistry, University of Illinois at Chicago, Chicago, Illinois, United States of America
| | - Dragan Dragas
- Center for Molecular Biology of Oral Diseases, College of Dentistry, University of Illinois at Chicago, Chicago, Illinois, United States of America
| | - Leitao Zhang
- Center for Molecular Biology of Oral Diseases, College of Dentistry, University of Illinois at Chicago, Chicago, Illinois, United States of America
- Department of Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery, Nan Fang Hospital, Southern Medical University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Barima S. Adjei
- Center for Molecular Biology of Oral Diseases, College of Dentistry, University of Illinois at Chicago, Chicago, Illinois, United States of America
| | - Anxun Wang
- Center for Molecular Biology of Oral Diseases, College of Dentistry, University of Illinois at Chicago, Chicago, Illinois, United States of America
- Department of Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery, the First Affiliated Hospital, Sun Yat-Sen University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Yang Dai
- Department of Bioengineering, College of Engineering, University of Illinois at Chicago, Chicago, Illinois, United States of America
| | - Xiaofeng Zhou
- Center for Molecular Biology of Oral Diseases, College of Dentistry, University of Illinois at Chicago, Chicago, Illinois, United States of America
- UIC Cancer Center, University of Illinois at Chicago, Chicago, Illinois, United States of America
- Department of Periodontics, College of Dentistry, University of Illinois at Chicago, Chicago, Illinois, United States of America
- * E-mail:
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28
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Libório TN, Ferreira EN, Aquino Xavier FC, Carraro DM, Kowalski LP, Soares FA, Nunes FD. TGIF1 splicing variant 8 is overexpressed in oral squamous cell carcinoma and is related to pathologic and clinical behavior. Oral Surg Oral Med Oral Pathol Oral Radiol 2013; 116:614-25. [DOI: 10.1016/j.oooo.2013.07.014] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/19/2013] [Revised: 07/14/2013] [Accepted: 07/21/2013] [Indexed: 01/25/2023]
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29
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Mulero MC, Ferres-Marco D, Islam A, Margalef P, Pecoraro M, Toll A, Drechsel N, Charneco C, Davis S, Bellora N, Gallardo F, López-Arribillaga E, Asensio-Juan E, Rodilla V, González J, Iglesias M, Shih V, Albà MM, Di Croce L, Hoffmann A, Miyamoto S, Villà-Freixa J, López-Bigas N, Keyes WM, Domínguez M, Bigas A, Espinosa L. Chromatin-bound IκBα regulates a subset of polycomb target genes in differentiation and cancer. Cancer Cell 2013; 24:151-66. [PMID: 23850221 PMCID: PMC3962677 DOI: 10.1016/j.ccr.2013.06.003] [Citation(s) in RCA: 36] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/10/2012] [Revised: 02/28/2013] [Accepted: 06/05/2013] [Indexed: 01/25/2023]
Abstract
IκB proteins are the primary inhibitors of NF-κB. Here, we demonstrate that sumoylated and phosphorylated IκBα accumulates in the nucleus of keratinocytes and interacts with histones H2A and H4 at the regulatory region of HOX and IRX genes. Chromatin-bound IκBα modulates Polycomb recruitment and imparts their competence to be activated by TNFα. Mutations in the Drosophila IκBα gene cactus enhance the homeotic phenotype of Polycomb mutants, which is not counteracted by mutations in dorsal/NF-κB. Oncogenic transformation of keratinocytes results in cytoplasmic IκBα translocation associated with a massive activation of Hox. Accumulation of cytoplasmic IκBα was found in squamous cell carcinoma (SCC) associated with IKK activation and HOX upregulation.
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Affiliation(s)
- María Carmen Mulero
- Program in Cancer Research, Institut Hospital del Mar d'Investigacions Mèdiques (IMIM), Barcelona 08003, Spain
| | - Dolors Ferres-Marco
- Developmental Neurobiology, Instituto de Neurociencias de Alicante, CSIC-UMH, Alicante 03550, Spain
| | - Abul Islam
- Research Program on Biomedical Informatics, Universitat Pompeu Fabra, IMIM-Hospital del Mar, Barcelona 08003, Spain
- Department of Genetic Engineering and Biotechnology, University of Dhaka, Dhaka 1000, Bangladesh
| | - Pol Margalef
- Program in Cancer Research, Institut Hospital del Mar d'Investigacions Mèdiques (IMIM), Barcelona 08003, Spain
| | - Matteo Pecoraro
- Gene Regulation, Stem Cells and Cancer, Centre de Regulació Genòmica (CRG), Barcelona 08003, Spain
| | - Agustí Toll
- Dermatology Department, Hospital del Mar, Barcelona 08003, Spain
| | - Nils Drechsel
- Computational Biochemistry and Biophysics Laboratory, IMIM-Hospital del Mar and Universitat Pompeu Fabra, Barcelona 08003, Spain
| | - Cristina Charneco
- Computational Biochemistry and Biophysics Laboratory, IMIM-Hospital del Mar and Universitat Pompeu Fabra, Barcelona 08003, Spain
| | - Shelly Davis
- McArdle Laboratory for Cancer Research, University of Wisconsin Carbone Cancer Center, University of Wisconsin-Madison, 6159 Wisconsin Institute for Medical Research, 1111 Highland Avenue, Madison, WI 53705, USA
| | - Nicolás Bellora
- Research Program on Biomedical Informatics, Universitat Pompeu Fabra, IMIM-Hospital del Mar, Barcelona 08003, Spain
| | | | - Erika López-Arribillaga
- Program in Cancer Research, Institut Hospital del Mar d'Investigacions Mèdiques (IMIM), Barcelona 08003, Spain
| | - Elena Asensio-Juan
- Program in Cancer Research, Institut Hospital del Mar d'Investigacions Mèdiques (IMIM), Barcelona 08003, Spain
| | - Verónica Rodilla
- Program in Cancer Research, Institut Hospital del Mar d'Investigacions Mèdiques (IMIM), Barcelona 08003, Spain
| | - Jessica González
- Program in Cancer Research, Institut Hospital del Mar d'Investigacions Mèdiques (IMIM), Barcelona 08003, Spain
| | - Mar Iglesias
- Pathology Department, Hospital del Mar, Barcelona 08003, Spain
| | - Vincent Shih
- Signaling Systems Laboratory, UCSD, La Jolla, CA 92093-0375, USA
| | - M. Mar Albà
- Research Program on Biomedical Informatics, Universitat Pompeu Fabra, IMIM-Hospital del Mar, Barcelona 08003, Spain
- Institució Catalana de Recerca i Estudis Avançats (ICREA), Barcelona 08003, Spain
| | - Luciano Di Croce
- Gene Regulation, Stem Cells and Cancer, Centre de Regulació Genòmica (CRG), Barcelona 08003, Spain
- Institució Catalana de Recerca i Estudis Avançats (ICREA), Barcelona 08003, Spain
| | | | - Shigeki Miyamoto
- McArdle Laboratory for Cancer Research, University of Wisconsin Carbone Cancer Center, University of Wisconsin-Madison, 6159 Wisconsin Institute for Medical Research, 1111 Highland Avenue, Madison, WI 53705, USA
| | - Jordi Villà-Freixa
- Computational Biochemistry and Biophysics Laboratory, IMIM-Hospital del Mar and Universitat Pompeu Fabra, Barcelona 08003, Spain
- Escola Politècnica Superior (EPS), Universitat de Vic, Barcelona 08500, Spain
| | - Nuria López-Bigas
- Research Program on Biomedical Informatics, Universitat Pompeu Fabra, IMIM-Hospital del Mar, Barcelona 08003, Spain
- Institució Catalana de Recerca i Estudis Avançats (ICREA), Barcelona 08003, Spain
| | - William M. Keyes
- Gene Regulation, Stem Cells and Cancer, Centre de Regulació Genòmica (CRG), Barcelona 08003, Spain
| | - María Domínguez
- Developmental Neurobiology, Instituto de Neurociencias de Alicante, CSIC-UMH, Alicante 03550, Spain
| | - Anna Bigas
- Program in Cancer Research, Institut Hospital del Mar d'Investigacions Mèdiques (IMIM), Barcelona 08003, Spain
| | - Lluís Espinosa
- Program in Cancer Research, Institut Hospital del Mar d'Investigacions Mèdiques (IMIM), Barcelona 08003, Spain
- Correspondence:
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Chen J, Zhu S, Jiang N, Shang Z, Quan C, Niu Y. HoxB3 promotes prostate cancer cell progression by transactivating CDCA3. Cancer Lett 2012; 330:217-24. [PMID: 23219899 DOI: 10.1016/j.canlet.2012.11.051] [Citation(s) in RCA: 56] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/29/2012] [Revised: 10/30/2012] [Accepted: 11/28/2012] [Indexed: 11/29/2022]
Abstract
Homeobox (Hox) genes encode homeodomain-containing transcription factors critical to development, differentiation, and homeostasis. Their dysregulation has been implicated in various cancers. In the present study, we show that HoxB3 mRNA and protein are overexpressed in primary prostate cancer tissues compared to the adjacent normal prostate tissues. Moreover, HoxB3 overexpression is associated with higher Gleason grade (⩾7) (P=0.002), clinical stage (P<0.001) and PSA level (⩾10) (P=0.013). The Kaplan and Meier analysis showed that HoxB3 overexpression predicts poor survival outcome. Overexpression of HoxB3 promotes LNCaP cells proliferation and migration in vitro. Furthermore, depletion of HoxB3 in PC-3 cells decreased the capacity of proliferation in a cell division cycle associated 3 (CDCA3)-dependent manner both in vitro and in vivo. The ChIP analysis indicates that HoxB3 can bind to the CDCA3 promoter region and transactivate the CDCA3 expression. These data suggested that HoxB3 promote prostate cancer progression by upregulating CDCA3 expression and may serve as a potential therapeutic target for human prostate cancer.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jing Chen
- Department of Urology, The Secondary Hospital of Tianjin Medical University, Tianjin Institute of Urology, He Xi District, Tianjin, China
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31
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Moon SM, Kim SA, Yoon JH, Ahn SG. HOXC6 is deregulated in human head and neck squamous cell carcinoma and modulates Bcl-2 expression. J Biol Chem 2012; 287:35678-35688. [PMID: 22896703 DOI: 10.1074/jbc.m112.361675] [Citation(s) in RCA: 35] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/31/2022] Open
Abstract
Homeobox C6 (HOXC6) genes belong to the homeoprotein family of transcription factors, which play an important role in morphogenesis and cellular differentiation during embryonic development. The aim of this study was to explore the role of HOXC6 in the regulation of Bcl-2 in human head and neck squamous cell carcinoma (HNSCC). The HOXC6 and Bcl-2 gene were identified as being overexpressed in HNSCC tissue and cell lines. Transfection assays demonstrated that HOXC6 increased the levels of Bcl-2 mRNA and protein. A luciferase reporter assay suggested that HOXC6 induced activity of the Bcl-2 promoter. A series of Bcl-2 promoter deletion mutants were examined and the minimal HOXC6-responsive region was identified to be in the TAAT motif (-420 bp) of the Bcl-2 promoter. Interestingly, the inhibition of HOXC6 using siRNA led to the repression of Bcl-2 expression and induced caspase-3-dependent apoptosis; overexpression of HOXC6 in HNSCC cells increased the resistance to paclitaxel-induced apoptosis. Together, our findings suggest that HOXC6 is an important mechanism of the anti-apoptotic pathway via regulation of Bcl-2 expression.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sung-Min Moon
- Department of Pathology, College of Dentistry, Chosun University, Gwangju, 501-759
| | - Soo-A Kim
- Department of Biochemistry, Oriental Medicine, Dongguk University, Gyeongju, 780-714, Republic of Korea
| | - Jung-Hoon Yoon
- Department of Oral Pathology, Daejeon Dental Hospital, Wonkwang University, Daejeon, Republic of Korea, 302-120
| | - Sang-Gun Ahn
- Department of Pathology, College of Dentistry, Chosun University, Gwangju, 501-759.
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32
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Zha TZ, Hu BS, Yu HF, Tan YF, Zhang Y, Zhang K. Overexpression of HOXA1 correlates with poor prognosis in patients with hepatocellular carcinoma. Tumour Biol 2012; 33:2125-34. [PMID: 22864671 DOI: 10.1007/s13277-012-0472-6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 32] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/15/2012] [Accepted: 07/23/2012] [Indexed: 01/06/2023] Open
Abstract
HOXA1 overexpression is sufficient for malignant transformation of nontumorigenic epithelial cells. It is known that HOXA1, which was upregulated in squamous cell carcinomas, affects both cell growth and death. The forced expression of HOXA1 in human breast cancer cells results in increased cell growth activity. However, it has not been reported in hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC). In this study, we used immunohistochemistry to compare HOXA1 protein expression in HCC and normal liver tissues and further analyzed HOXA1 protein expression in 156 clinicopathologically characterized HCC cases. We stably knocked down the endogenous expression level of HOXA1 in HepG2 cells with specific shRNA-expressing lentiviral vector. Following the successful establishment of stable cells, we examined in vitro cell growth by the MTT assay, anchorage-independent growth through a soft agar colony formation assay and cell migration/invasion by transwell and Boyden chamber assay. In addition, we also investigated in vivo tumor growth by xenograft transplantation of HepG2 cells into nude mice. Our results showed that the protein expression level of HOXA1 was markedly higher in HCC tissues than that in normal liver tissue (P = 0.019). In addition, a high expression level of HOXA1 protein was positively correlated with the T classification (P < 0.001), the N classification (P < 0.001), distant metastasis (P = 0.004), and the clinical stage (P < 0.001) of HCC patients. Patients with higher HOXA1 expression showed a significantly shorter overall survival time compared with patients with low HOXA1 expression. Multivariate analysis suggested that HOXA1 expression might be an independent prognostic indicator (P < 0.001) for the survival of patients with HCC. HOXA1-specific shRNA (shHOXA1) successfully knocked down HOXA1 endogenous expression in HepG2 cells. Compared to the parental and control shRNA-transfected (shCtrl) HepG2 cells, the shHOXA1 cells exhibited significantly reduced in vitro cell growth, anchorage-independent growth, and cell migration and invasion (P < 0.05). In vivo, the xenograft transplants from shHOXA1 cells gave rise to much smaller tumors compared with those from shCtrl cells. Collectively, high HOXA1 expression is associated with poor overall survival in patients with HCC. The downregulation of HOXA1 inhibits growth, anchorage-independent growth, and migration and invasion of HepG2 cells.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tian-Zhou Zha
- Department of General Surgery, Yixing People's Hospital, No 75, Tongzhen Guan Rd, Yixing 214200, China
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Kugimoto T, Morita KI, Omura K. Development of oral cancer screening test by detection of squamous cell carcinoma among exfoliated oral mucosal cells. Oral Oncol 2012; 48:794-8. [PMID: 22525605 DOI: 10.1016/j.oraloncology.2012.03.021] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/05/2012] [Revised: 03/05/2012] [Accepted: 03/22/2012] [Indexed: 11/15/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVES The early detection of oral cancer improves patient outcomes. However, despite our growing knowledge of oral cancers, patients often present with advanced disease. The development of simple screening methods is desirable to provide an alternative to screening examinations by specialists. Thus, we developed a method of oral cancer detection among exfoliated oral mucosal cells, and we evaluated the feasibility of implementing an oral cancer screening test that is examiner independent. MATERIAL AND METHODS The study population consisted of 185 subjects: 89 with oral cancer, 18 with oral leukoplakia, and 78 controls. We used real-time polymerase chain reaction (PCR) to detect the biomarkers serpin peptidase inhibitor B3 (SCCA1), interleukin 15 (IL-15), and thrombomodulin (THBD). RESULTS The sensitivities for the detection of oral cancer and oral leukoplakia were 72.0% (77/107) with SCCA1, 75.7% (81/107) with IL-15, and 56.1% (60/107) with THBD, and the specificities were 73.1% (57/78) with SCCA1, 64.1% (50/78) with IL-15, and 78.2% (61/78) with THBD. Analysis of the sensitivity according to tumor size revealed that sensitivity was lower for large tumors. When analyzing the sensitivity according to the clinical growth pattern, the sensitivity was observed to be low for endophytic tumors. CONCLUSION We developed an oral cancer screening test based on real-time PCR analysis of SCCA1 that is examiner independent, and the sensitivity and specificity were approximately 70%; therefore, we concluded that the performance of this method using a single biomarker was suboptimal.
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Affiliation(s)
- Takuma Kugimoto
- Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery, Department of Oral Restitution, Division of Oral Health Sciences, Graduate School of Medical and Dental Sciences, Tokyo Medical and Dental University, Tokyo, Japan
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Bitu CC, Destro MFDSS, Carrera M, da Silva SD, Graner E, Kowalski LP, Soares FA, Coletta RD. HOXA1 is overexpressed in oral squamous cell carcinomas and its expression is correlated with poor prognosis. BMC Cancer 2012; 12:146. [PMID: 22498108 PMCID: PMC3351375 DOI: 10.1186/1471-2407-12-146] [Citation(s) in RCA: 68] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/05/2011] [Accepted: 04/12/2012] [Indexed: 11/12/2022] Open
Abstract
Background HOX genes encode homeodomain-containing transcription factors involved in the regulation of cellular proliferation and differentiation during embryogenesis. However, members of this family demonstrated oncogenic properties in some malignancies. The present study investigated whether genes of the HOXA cluster play a role in oral cancer. Methods In order to identify differentially expressed HOXA genes, duplex RT-PCR in oral samples from healthy mucosa and squamous cell carcinoma was used. The effects of HOXA1 on proliferation, apoptosis, adhesion, invasion, epithelial-mesenchymal transition (EMT) and anchorage-independent growth were assessed in cells with up- and down-regulation of HOXA1. Immunohistochemical analysis using a tissue microarray (TMA) containing 127 oral squamous cell carcinomas (OSCC) was performed to determine the prognostic role of HOXA1 expression. Results We showed that transcripts of HOXA genes are more abundant in OSCC than in healthy oral mucosa. In particular, HOXA1, which has been described as one of the HOX members that plays an important role in tumorigenesis, was significantly more expressed in OSCCs compared to healthy oral mucosas. Further analysis demonstrated that overexpression of HOXA1 in HaCAT human epithelial cells promotes proliferation, whereas downregulation of HOXA1 in human OSCC cells (SCC9 cells) decreases it. Enforced HOXA1 expression in HaCAT cells was not capable of modulating other events related to tumorigenesis, including apoptosis, adhesion, invasion, EMT and anchorage-independent growth. A high number of HOXA1-positive cells was significantly associated with T stage, N stage, tumor differentiation and proliferative potential of the tumors, and was predictive of poor survival. In multivariate analysis, HOXA1 was an independent prognostic factor for OSCC patients (HR: 2.68; 95% CI: 1.59-2.97; p = 0.026). Conclusion Our findings indicate that HOXA1 may contribute to oral carcinogenesis by increasing tumor cell proliferation, and suggest that HOXA1 expression might be helpful as a prognostic marker for patients with OSCC.
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Affiliation(s)
- Carolina Cavalcante Bitu
- Department of Oral Diagnosis, School of Dentistry, State University of Campinas, CP 52, CEP 13414-018 Piracicaba, São Paulo, Brazil.
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Moon SM, Ahn MY, Kwon SM, Kim SA, Ahn SG, Yoon JH. Homeobox C5 expression is associated with the progression of 4-nitroquinoline 1-oxide-induced rat tongue carcinogenesis. J Oral Pathol Med 2012; 41:470-6. [DOI: 10.1111/j.1600-0714.2012.01133.x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/21/2022]
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Rodini CO, Xavier FCA, Paiva KBS, De Souza Setúbal Destro MF, Moyses RA, Michaluarte P, Carvalho MB, Fukuyama EE, Tajara EH, Okamoto OK, Nunes FD. Homeobox gene expression profile indicates HOXA5 as a candidate prognostic marker in oral squamous cell carcinoma. Int J Oncol 2011; 40:1180-8. [PMID: 22227861 PMCID: PMC3584618 DOI: 10.3892/ijo.2011.1321] [Citation(s) in RCA: 24] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/19/2011] [Accepted: 11/11/2011] [Indexed: 12/18/2022] Open
Abstract
The search for molecular markers to improve diagnosis, individualize treatment and predict behavior of tumors has been the focus of several studies. This study aimed to analyze homeobox gene expression profile in oral squamous cell carcinoma (OSCC) as well as to investigate whether some of these genes are relevant molecular markers of prognosis and/or tumor aggressiveness. Homeobox gene expression levels were assessed by microarrays and qRT-PCR in OSCC tissues and adjacent non-cancerous matched tissues (margin), as well as in OSCC cell lines. Analysis of microarray data revealed the expression of 147 homeobox genes, including one set of six at least 2-fold up-regulated, and another set of 34 at least 2-fold down-regulated homeobox genes in OSCC. After qRT-PCR assays, the three most up-regulated homeobox genes (HOXA5, HOXD10 and HOXD11) revealed higher and statistically significant expression levels in OSCC samples when compared to margins. Patients presenting lower expression of HOXA5 had poorer prognosis compared to those with higher expression (P=0.03). Additionally, the status of HOXA5, HOXD10 and HOXD11 expression levels in OSCC cell lines also showed a significant up-regulation when compared to normal oral keratinocytes. Results confirm the presence of three significantly upregulated (>4-fold) homeobox genes (HOXA5, HOXD10 and HOXD11) in OSCC that may play a significant role in the pathogenesis of these tumors. Moreover, since lower levels of HOXA5 predict poor prognosis, this gene may be a novel candidate for development of therapeutic strategies in OSCC.
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Affiliation(s)
- Camila Oliveira Rodini
- Laboratory of Molecular Pathology, Department of Oral Pathology, School of Dentistry, University of São Paulo, Cidade Universitária, 05508-000 São Paulo, Brazil
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Tucci R, Campos MS, Matizonkas-Antonio LF, Durazzo M, Pinto Junior DDS, Nunes FD. HOXB5 expression in oral squamous cell carcinoma. J Appl Oral Sci 2011; 19:125-9. [PMID: 21552713 PMCID: PMC4243750 DOI: 10.1590/s1678-77572011000200008] [Citation(s) in RCA: 21] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/09/2009] [Accepted: 05/25/2010] [Indexed: 12/24/2022] Open
Abstract
Human HOX genes encode transcription factors that act as master regulators of
embryonic development. They are important in several processes such as cellular
morphogenesis and differentiation. The HOXB5 gene in particular has been reported in
some types of neoplasm, but not in oral cancer.
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Affiliation(s)
- Renata Tucci
- Institute of Health Research, São Paulo, SP, Brazil.
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Oz Puyan F, Can N, Ozyilmaz F, Usta U, Sut N, Tastekin E, Altaner S. The relationship among PDX1, CDX2, and mucin profiles in gastric carcinomas; correlations with clinicopathologic parameters. J Cancer Res Clin Oncol 2011; 137:1749-62. [PMID: 21909647 DOI: 10.1007/s00432-011-1044-7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/25/2011] [Accepted: 08/15/2011] [Indexed: 12/24/2022]
Abstract
PURPOSE Several studies performed on pancreatic-duodenal homeobox 1 (PDX1) have demonstrated a loss of expression and negative tumor modulator effect in gastric carcinoma. Relations between PDX1 and gastric metaplasia, differentiated type of gastric carcinoma, and the early stage of the disease have been exhibited in previous reports. The aim of this study was to examine expressions of PDX1, caudal type homeobox 2 (CDX2) and mucin (MUC) profiles to address the role of PDX1 in gastric carcinogenesis and its relationship with CDX2. METHODS Seventy gastrectomy specimens were analyzed immunohistochemically for PDX1, CDX2, MUC2, MUC5AC, and MUC6 expressions. The sum of cytoplasmic and nuclear PDX1 immunostaining and PDX1 positivity were assessed. All of the antibodies were examined for a correlation with tumor type, clinicopathologic parameters, and metaplasias. The relation of Ki-67 proliferation index with the expression profiles was also investigated. RESULTS Neither PDX1 (66/70) nor CDX2 (37/70) and the mucin profiles (MUC2:11/70, MUC5AC:48/70, MUC6:41/70) showed a significant difference between differentiated and undifferentiated types of gastric carcinoma and clinicopathologic parameters. The PDX1 expression frequency was 94.3%, with an average PDX1 score of 8.8 ± 4.2. PDX1 and CDX2 expression showed a significant difference (P = 0.026 and P = 0.002, respectively) among the phenotypic classification of gastric carcinomas. All of the gastric and intestinal mixed-phenotype gastric carcinomas (GI-type) showed both PDX1 and CDX2 immunopositivity. Except for the relation of PDX1 score with MUC6 expression, no significant difference was detected between PDX1 and CDX2, MUC2, and MUC5AC expressions. A relationship between CDX2 and MUC2 and also between MUC5AC and MUC6 was found statistically. The Ki-67 proliferation index revealed a significant positive correlation with PDX1, CDX2, and MUC2 positivity. CONCLUSIONS PDX1 expression revealed a higher positivity in gastric carcinomas than the previous studies and showed no relation with tumor type, clinicopathologic parameters, CDX2 expression, or mucin profiles. However, a significant relation of PDX1 and CDX2 expressions among phenotypic classification of gastric carcinomas reveals an idea about similar functions for PDX1 and CDX2 in the evolution of gastric carcinoma.
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Affiliation(s)
- Fulya Oz Puyan
- Department of Pathology, Trakya University Medical Faculty, Edirne, Turkey.
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Matizonkas-Antonio LF, Libório TN, Aquino Xavier FC, Silva-Valenzuela MDG, Michaluarte-Júnior P, Nunes FD. Detection of TGIF1 homeobox gene in oral squamous cell carcinoma according to histologic grading. ACTA ACUST UNITED AC 2011; 111:218-24. [PMID: 21237437 DOI: 10.1016/j.tripleo.2010.10.003] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/06/2010] [Revised: 09/23/2010] [Accepted: 10/01/2010] [Indexed: 01/31/2023]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE TGIF1 homeobox gene involvement in oral cancer has not yet been investigated. This study analyzed the expression of TGIF1 transcripts and protein in oral squamous cell carcinoma (OSCC). STUDY DESIGN Snap-frozen samples from 16 patients were taken from both OSCC and nontumoral adjacent epithelium (NT) for in situ hybridization (ISH). Forty-six paraffin-embedded samples of OSCC were submitted to immunohistochemistry (IHC). A descriptive analysis of the transcript signal detection was accomplished, and TGIF1 immunoexpression was carried out considering protein levels, localization, and cellular differentiation. RESULTS ISH reactions showed TGIF1 transcripts with a signal that was frequently intense in NT, and generally weak in OSCC, and that had stronger transcript signal in well-differentiated areas of OSCC when compared with poorly differentiated ones. IHC reactions had poorly differentiated cases associated with TGIF1 protein expression in both the nucleus and cytoplasm (P = .05, Fisher test). CONCLUSIONS TGIF1 gain or loss of function might possibly play a role in oral cancer cell differentiation.
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Nicolás Hopp R, Jorge J. Right hand digit ratio (2D:4D) is associated with oral cancer. Am J Hum Biol 2011; 23:423-5. [PMID: 21445935 DOI: 10.1002/ajhb.21144] [Citation(s) in RCA: 20] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/13/2010] [Revised: 11/30/2010] [Accepted: 12/01/2010] [Indexed: 12/28/2022] Open
Abstract
UNLABELLED Finger length ratio has been proposed as a putative marker for prenatal hormone exposure, as well as the action of HOX, AR, and a variant of the LIN28b genes. These genes have been recently connected to carcinogenesis and digit ratio could help to identify patients with this predisposition. OBJECTIVES The purpose of this study was to investigate the possible correlations between digit ratio, oral squamous cell carcinoma (OSCC)-the most common oral cancer-and oral premalignant lesions (OPLs) in tobacco-consuming males, the main risk group for this disease. METHODS Digital images of the right hands of patients diagnosed with OSCC (n = 25), OPLs (n = 25), and age-matched controls (n = 25) were obtained. Fingers were measured using Adobe Photoshop and the mean ratios between the 2nd and 4th digits were compared. Data were analyzed by ANOVA (α = 0.05). RESULTS Risk factors (alcohol and tobacco consumption, familial history) were similar between the three study groups. Males in the OSCC group presented significantly higher digit ratio (P = 0.03) in comparison with males with OPLs and individuals without oral lesions. CONCLUSIONS According to the results, males with the higher digit ratio seem to be more prone to undergo malignization of lesions in the oral cavity. Similar deleterious habits for the three groups allows us to infer that digit ratio could add to the research of etiological factors and be a putative marker for the screening of patients' susceptibility to develop oral squamous cell carcinoma.
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Affiliation(s)
- Renato Nicolás Hopp
- Piracicaba Dental School, Department of Oral Diagnosis, Piracicaba, São Paulo, Brazil 13414-903.
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Acquafreda T, Nunes FD, Soprano DR, Soprano KJ. Expression of homeobox genes in oral squamous cell carcinoma cell lines treated with all-trans retinoic acid. J Cell Biochem 2011; 111:1437-44. [PMID: 20830740 DOI: 10.1002/jcb.22871] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/05/2022]
Abstract
Oral squamous cell carcinoma (OSCC) may arise from potentially malignant oral lesions. All-trans retinoic acid (atRA), which plays a role in cell growth and differentiation, has been studied as a possible chemotherapeutic agent in the prevention of this progression. While the mechanism by which atRA suppresses cell growth has not been completely elucidated, it is known that homeobox genes are atRA targets. To determine if these genes are involved in the atRA-mediated OSCC growth inhibition, PCR array was performed to evaluate the expression of 84 homeobox genes in atRA-sensitive SCC-25 cells compared to atRA-resistant SCC-9 cells following 7 days with atRA treatment. Results showed that the expression of 8 homeobox genes was downregulated and expression of 4 was upregulated in SCC-25 cells but not in SCC-9 cells. Gene expression levels were confirmed for seven of these genes by RT-qPCR. Expression of three genes that showed threefold downregulation was evaluated in SCC-25 cells treated with atRA for 3, 5, and 7 days. Three different patterns of atRA-dependent gene expression were observed. ALX1 showed downregulation only on day 7. DLX3 showed reduced expression on day 3 and further reduced on day 7. TLX1 showed downregulation only on days 5 and 7. Clearly the expression of homeobox genes is modulated by atRA in OSCC cell lines. However, the time course of this modulation suggests that these genes are not direct targets of atRA mediating OSCC growth suppression. Instead they appear to act as downstream effectors of atRA signaling.
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Affiliation(s)
- Thais Acquafreda
- Department of Oral Pathology, School of Dentistry, University of São Paulo, São Paulo, Brazil
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Libório TN, Acquafreda T, Matizonkas-Antonio LF, Silva-Valenzuela MG, Ferraz AR, Nunes FD. In situ hybridization detection of homeobox genes reveals distinct expression patterns in oral squamous cell carcinomas. Histopathology 2011; 58:225-33. [DOI: 10.1111/j.1365-2559.2011.03751.x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/05/2023]
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Fernandez CC, Gudas LJ. The truncated Hoxa1 protein interacts with Hoxa1 and Pbx1 in stem cells. J Cell Biochem 2009; 106:427-43. [PMID: 19115252 DOI: 10.1002/jcb.22023] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/17/2022]
Abstract
Hox genes contain a homeobox encoding a 60-amino acid DNA binding sequence. The Hoxa1 gene (Hox1.6, ERA1) encodes two alternatively spliced mRNAs that encode distinct proteins, one with the homeodomain (Hoxa1-993), and another protein lacking this domain (Hoxa1-399). The functions of Hoxa1-399 are unknown. We detected Hoxa1-993 and Hoxa1-399 by immunoprecipitation using Hoxa1 antibodies. To assess whether Hoxa1-399 functions in cellular differentiation, we analyzed Hoxb1, a Hoxa1 target gene. Hoxa1-993 and its cofactor, Pbx1, bind to the Hoxb1 SOct-R3 promoter to transcriptionally activate a luciferase reporter. Results from F9 stem cells that stably express ectopic Hoxa1-399 (the F9-399 line) show that Hoxa1-399 reduces this transcriptional activation. Gel shift assays demonstrate that Hoxa1-399 reduces Hoxa1-993/Pbx1 binding to the Hoxb1 SOct-R3 region. GST pull-down experiments suggest that Hoxa1-399, Hoxa1-993, and Pbx1 form a trimer. However, the F9-399 line exhibits no differences in RA-induced proliferation arrest or endogenous Hoxb1, Pbx1, Hoxa5, Cyp26a1, GATA4, or Meis mRNA levels when compared to F9 wild-type.
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Affiliation(s)
- Cristina C Fernandez
- Department of Pharmacology, Weill Cornell Medical College, 1300 York Avenue, New York, New York 10065, USA
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Ma J, Chen M, Wang J, Xia HHX, Zhu S, Liang Y, Gu Q, Qiao L, Dai Y, Zou B, Li Z, Zhang Y, Lan H, Wong BCY. Pancreatic duodenal homeobox-1 (PDX1) functions as a tumor suppressor in gastric cancer. Carcinogenesis 2008; 29:1327-33. [PMID: 18477649 DOI: 10.1093/carcin/bgn112] [Citation(s) in RCA: 26] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/07/2023] Open
Abstract
AIM Pancreatic duodenal homeobox-1 (PDX1) is a transcription factor of homeobox genes family important in differentiation and development of the pancreas, duodenum and antrum. This study aims to clarify the putative role of PDX1 in gastric carcinogenesis. METHODS PDX1 expression was detected in gastric tissues with chronic gastritis and cancer as well as gastric cancer cell lines by immunohistochemistry, western blot, reverse transcription-polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR) or quantitative real-time RT-PCR assays. The effects of PDX1 on cell proliferation, apoptosis, clone formation and migration were evaluated using cancer cell lines after transient or stable transfection with PDX1-expressing vector. The ability of PDX1 stable transfectant in tumor formation in xenograft mice was assessed. RESULTS PDX1 was strongly expressed in normal gastric glands, but was absent in 29 of 39 of human gastric cancer and most gastric cancer cell lines. Negative correlation between PDX1 and Ki-67 expression was found in both gastric tissues and cell lines. Ectopic overexpression of PDX1 significantly inhibited cell proliferation and induced apoptosis, accompanied by the activation of caspases 3, 8, 9 and 10. Overexpression of PDX1 also impaired the ability of cancer cells in clonal formation and migration in vitro. Furthermore, stable transfection with PDX1 reduced the ability of cancer cells in tumor formation in nude mice. CONCLUSIONS PDX1 expression is lost in gastric cancers. Its effect on cell proliferation/apoptosis, migration and tumor formation in vitro and in vivo suggested that this protein functions as a putative tumor suppressor in gastric cancer.
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Affiliation(s)
- Juan Ma
- Division of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou 510080, China
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Atkinson SP, Koch CM, Clelland GK, Willcox S, Fowler JC, Stewart R, Lako M, Dunham I, Armstrong L. Epigenetic marking prepares the human HOXA cluster for activation during differentiation of pluripotent cells. Stem Cells 2008; 26:1174-85. [PMID: 18292213 DOI: 10.1634/stemcells.2007-0497] [Citation(s) in RCA: 28] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/12/2022]
Abstract
Activation of Hox gene clusters is an early event in embryonic development since individual members play important roles in patterning of the body axis. Their functions require precise control of spatiotemporal expression to provide positional information for the cells of the developing embryo, and the manner by which this control is achieved has generated considerable interest. The situation is different in pluripotent cells, where HOX genes are not expressed but are held in potentio as bivalent chromatin domains, which are resolved upon differentiation to permit HOX cluster activation. In this study we have used differentiation of the pluripotent embryonal carcinoma cell line NTera2SP12 and the human embryonic stem cell line H9 to examine epigenetic changes that accompany activation of the HOXA cluster and show that specific genomic loci are marked by lysine methylation of histone H3 (H3K4 tri- and dimethyl, H3K9 trimethyl) and acetylation of histone H4 even in the undifferentiated cells. The precise locations of such modified histones may be involved in controlling the colinear expression of genes from the cluster.
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Affiliation(s)
- Stuart P Atkinson
- North East Institute for Stem Cell Research, University of Newcastle upon Tyne, International Centre for Life, Newcastle upon Tyne, United Kingdom
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