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Hashemi M, Aparviz R, Beickzade M, Paskeh MDA, Kheirabad SK, Koohpar ZK, Moravej A, Dehghani H, Saebfar H, Zandieh MA, Salimimoghadam S, Rashidi M, Taheriazam A, Entezari M, Samarghandian S. Advances in RNAi therapies for gastric cancer: Targeting drug resistance and nanoscale delivery. Biomed Pharmacother 2023; 169:115927. [PMID: 38006616 DOI: 10.1016/j.biopha.2023.115927] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/23/2022] [Revised: 11/13/2023] [Accepted: 11/20/2023] [Indexed: 11/27/2023] Open
Abstract
Gastric cancer poses a significant health challenge, and exploring innovative therapeutic strategies is imperative. RNA interference (RNAi) has employed as an important therapeutic strategy for diseases by selectively targeting key pathways involved in diseases pathogenesis. Small interfering RNA (siRNA), a potent RNAi tool, possesses the capability to silence genes and downregulate their expression. This review provides a comprehensive examination of the potential applications of small interfering RNA (siRNA) and short hairpin RNA (shRNA), supplemented by an in-depth analysis of nanoscale delivery systems, in the context of gastric cancer treatment. The potential of siRNA to markedly diminish the proliferation and invasion of gastric cancer cells through the modulation of critical molecular pathways, including PI3K, Akt, and EMT, is highlighted. Besides, siRNA demonstrates its efficacy in inducing chemosensitivity in gastric tumor cells, thus impeding tumor progression. However, the translational potential of unmodified siRNA faces challenges, particularly in vivo and during clinical trials. To address this, we underscore the pivotal role of nanostructures in facilitating the delivery of siRNA to gastric cancer cells, effectively suppressing their progression and enhancing gene silencing efficiency. These siRNA-loaded nanoparticles exhibit robust internalization into gastric cancer cells, showcasing their potential to significantly reduce tumor progression. The translation of these findings into clinical trials holds promise for advancing the treatment of gastric cancer patients.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mehrdad Hashemi
- Department of Genetics, Faculty of Advanced Science and Technology, Tehran Medical Sciences, Islamic Azad University, Tehran, Iran; Farhikhtegan Medical Convergence Sciences Research Center, Farhikhtegan Hospital Tehran Medical Sciences, Islamic Azad University, Tehran, Iran
| | - Rezvaneh Aparviz
- Farhikhtegan Medical Convergence Sciences Research Center, Farhikhtegan Hospital Tehran Medical Sciences, Islamic Azad University, Tehran, Iran
| | - Marzie Beickzade
- Farhikhtegan Medical Convergence Sciences Research Center, Farhikhtegan Hospital Tehran Medical Sciences, Islamic Azad University, Tehran, Iran
| | - Mahshid Deldar Abad Paskeh
- Department of Genetics, Faculty of Advanced Science and Technology, Tehran Medical Sciences, Islamic Azad University, Tehran, Iran; Farhikhtegan Medical Convergence Sciences Research Center, Farhikhtegan Hospital Tehran Medical Sciences, Islamic Azad University, Tehran, Iran
| | - Simin Khorsand Kheirabad
- Farhikhtegan Medical Convergence Sciences Research Center, Farhikhtegan Hospital Tehran Medical Sciences, Islamic Azad University, Tehran, Iran
| | - Zeinab Khazaei Koohpar
- Farhikhtegan Medical Convergence Sciences Research Center, Farhikhtegan Hospital Tehran Medical Sciences, Islamic Azad University, Tehran, Iran; Department of Cell and Molecular Biology, Faculty of Biological Sciences, Tonekabon Branch, Islamic Azad University, Tonekabon, Iran
| | - Amir Moravej
- Farhikhtegan Medical Convergence Sciences Research Center, Farhikhtegan Hospital Tehran Medical Sciences, Islamic Azad University, Tehran, Iran
| | - Hossein Dehghani
- Farhikhtegan Medical Convergence Sciences Research Center, Farhikhtegan Hospital Tehran Medical Sciences, Islamic Azad University, Tehran, Iran; Department of Medical Laboratory Sciences, Islamic Azad University, Tehran Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
| | - Hamidreza Saebfar
- European University Association, League of European Research Universities, University of Milan, Italy
| | - Mohammad Arad Zandieh
- Department of Food Hygiene and Quality Control, Division of Epidemiology, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, University of Tehran, Tehran, Iran
| | - Shokooh Salimimoghadam
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Shahid Chamran University of Ahvaz, Ahvaz, Iran
| | - Mohsen Rashidi
- Department Pharmacology, Faculty of Medicine, Mazandaran University of Medical Sciences, Sari, Iran; The Health of Plant and Livestock Products Research Center, Mazandaran University of Medical Sciences, Sari, Iran.
| | - Afshin Taheriazam
- Farhikhtegan Medical Convergence Sciences Research Center, Farhikhtegan Hospital Tehran Medical Sciences, Islamic Azad University, Tehran, Iran; Department of Orthopedics, Faculty of medicine, Tehran Medical Sciences, Islamic Azad University, Tehran, Iran.
| | - Maliheh Entezari
- Department of Genetics, Faculty of Advanced Science and Technology, Tehran Medical Sciences, Islamic Azad University, Tehran, Iran; Farhikhtegan Medical Convergence Sciences Research Center, Farhikhtegan Hospital Tehran Medical Sciences, Islamic Azad University, Tehran, Iran.
| | - Saeed Samarghandian
- Healthy Ageing Research Centre, Neyshabur University of Medical Sciences, Neyshabur, Iran.
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Zhang CY, Zhang R, Zhang L, Wang ZM, Sun HZ, Cui ZG, Zheng HC. Regenerating gene 4 promotes chemoresistance of colorectal cancer by affecting lipid droplet synthesis and assembly. World J Gastroenterol 2023; 29:5104-5124. [PMID: 37744296 PMCID: PMC10514755 DOI: 10.3748/wjg.v29.i35.5104] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/25/2023] [Revised: 08/10/2023] [Accepted: 08/25/2023] [Indexed: 09/14/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Regenerating gene 4 (REG4) has been proved to be carcinogenic in some cancers, but its manifestation and possible carcinogenic mechanisms in colorectal cancer (CRC) have not yet been elucidated. Our previous study found that the drug resistance of CRC cells may be closely linked to their fat metabolism. AIM To explore the role of REG4 in CRC and its association with lipid droplet formation and chemoresistance. METHODS We conducted a meta-analysis and bioinformatics and pathological analyses of REG4 expression in CRC. The effects of REG4 on the phenotypes and related protein expression were also investigated in CRC cells. We detected the impacts of REG4 on the chemoresistance and lipid droplet formation in CRC cells. Finally, we analyzed how REG4 regulated the transcription and proteasomal degradation of lipogenic enzymes in CRC cells. RESULTS Compared to normal mucosa, REG4 mRNA expression was high in CRC (P < 0.05) but protein expression was low. An inverse correlation existed between lymph node and distant metastases, tumor-node-metastasis staging or short overall survival and REG4 mRNA overexpression (P < 0.05), but vice versa for REG4 protein expression. REG4-related genes included: Chemokine activity; taste receptors; protein-DNA and DNA packing complexes; nucleosomes and chromatin; generation of second messenger molecules; programmed cell death signals; epigenetic regulation and DNA methylation; transcription repression and activation by DNA binding; insulin signaling pathway; sugar metabolism and transfer; and neurotransmitter receptors (P < 0.05). REG4 exposure or overexpression promoted proliferation, antiapoptosis, migration, and invasion of DLD-1 cells in an autocrine or paracrine manner by activating the epidermal growth factor receptor-phosphoinositide 3-kinase-Akt-nuclear factor-κB pathway. REG4 was involved in chemoresistance not through de novo lipogenesis, but lipid droplet assembly. REG4 inhibited the transcription of acetyl-CoA carboxylase 1 (ACC1) and ATP-citrate lyase (ACLY) by disassociating the complex formation of anti-acetyl (AC)-acetyl-histone 3-AC-histone 4-inhibitor of growth protein-5-si histone deacetylase;-sterol-regulatory element binding protein 1 in their promoters and induced proteasomal degradation of ACC1 or ACLY. CONCLUSION REG4 may be involved in chemoresistance through lipid droplet assembly. REG4 reduces expression of de novo lipid synthesis key enzymes by inhibiting transcription and promoting ubiquitination-mediated proteasomal degradation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Cong-Yu Zhang
- Cancer Center, The First Affiliated Hospital of Jinzhou Medical University, Jinzhou 121001, Liaoning Province, China
| | - Rui Zhang
- Department of Colorectal Surgery, Liaoning Cancer Hospital, Shenyang 110042, Liaoning Province, China
| | - Li Zhang
- Department of Oncology, The Affiliated Hospital of Chengde Medical University, Chengde 067000, Hebei Province, China
| | - Zi-Mo Wang
- Cancer Center, The First Affiliated Hospital of Jinzhou Medical University, Jinzhou 121001, Liaoning Province, China
| | - Hong-Zhi Sun
- Cancer Center, The First Affiliated Hospital of Jinzhou Medical University, Jinzhou 121001, Liaoning Province, China
| | - Zheng-Guo Cui
- Department of Environmental Health, University of Fukui School of Medical Sciences, Fukui 910-1193, Japan
| | - Hua-Chuan Zheng
- Cancer Center, The First Affiliated Hospital of Jinzhou Medical University, Jinzhou 121001, Liaoning Province, China
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Xiang LW, Xue H, Ha MW, Yu DY, Xiao LJ, Zheng HC. The effects of REG4 expression on chemoresistance of ovarian cancer. J OBSTET GYNAECOL 2022; 42:3149-3157. [PMID: 35929918 DOI: 10.1080/01443615.2022.2106834] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/11/2023]
Abstract
Although ovarian cancer usually responds well to platinum- and taxane-based first-line chemotherapy, most patients develop recurrence and chemoresistance. Regenerating gene 4 (REG4) is a secretory protein involved in cell differentiation and proliferation. We found higher REG4 expression in ovarian cancer than in normal tissues (p < .05). Regenerating gene 4 expression was negatively associated with overall, progression-free or post-progression survival rates of patients with ovarian cancer receiving platinum or paclitaxel treatment (p < .05) according to a Kaplan-Meier plotter. Regenerating gene 4 overexpression resulted in either cisplatin or paclitaxel resistance, and apoptosis resistance in CAOV3 ovarian cancer cells (p < .05). REG4-transfected ovarian cancer cells showed stronger migration and invasion treated with cisplatin or paclitaxel (p < .05). Additionally, cisplatin or paclitaxel exposure led to the overexpression of phosphorylated phosphoinositide 3-kinase (p-PI3K), p-Akt, phosphorylated mammalian target of rapamycin (p-mTOR), glutathione S-transferase-π, survivin, and B-cell lymphoma 2 in REG4 transfectants compared with control cells (p < .05). These findings suggested that REG4 expression was up-regulated in ovarian cancer, and associated with poor survival and chemotherapy resistance. REG4 promoted the occurrence, development, and chemotherapy resistance of ovarian cancer by regulating cell proliferation, apoptosis, migration, and invasion, and PI3K/Akt/m-TOR signalling pathways. IMPACT STATEMENTWhat is already known on this subject? REG4 mRNA expression is up-regulated in many digestive cancers. High REG4 expression was associated with an adverse prognosis, high tumour and nodal stages, poor differentiation, and hepatic and peritoneal metastases of digestive cancers. REG4 expression conferred cancer cells with increased resistance to chemoradiotherapy, especially 5-FU-based treatment, by activating the MAPK/Erk/Bim signalling pathway.What do the results of this study add? REG4 was highly expressed in ovarian cancer. The expression of p-PI3K, p-AKT, p-mTOR, GST-π, survivin, and Bcl-2 was increased in REG4-overexpressing cells. High REG4 expression was significantly associated with inferior OS, PFS, and PPS rates in patients with ovarian cancer receiving platinum chemotherapy. REG4 mediated cisplatin and paclitaxel resistance in CAOV3 ovarian cancer cells. The percentage of apoptotic cells was markedly lower in REG4-transfected compared to mock-transfected cells after cisplatin or paclitaxel treatment.What are the implications of these findings for clinical practice and/or further research? This study aimed to evaluate the prognostic significance of REG4 expression in ovarian cancer treated with platinum and paclitaxel, to explore REG4 chemoresistance mechanisms to platinum and paclitaxel, and to provide a scientific experimental basis for the clinical treatment and outcome evaluation of ovarian cancer. In order to provide comprehensive clinical treatment of ovarian cancer, it is helpful to improve our understanding of multi-drug resistance and identify new cancer diagnostic biomarkers.
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Affiliation(s)
- Li-Wei Xiang
- Department of Oncology and Experimental Center, The Affiliated Hospital of Chengde Medical University, Chengde, China
| | - Hang Xue
- Department of Oncology and Experimental Center, The Affiliated Hospital of Chengde Medical University, Chengde, China
| | - Min-Wen Ha
- Cancer Center, The First Affiliated Hospital of Jinzhou Medical University, Jinzhou, China
| | - Da-Yong Yu
- Department of Cell Biology, Basic Medicine College of Chengde Medical University, Chengde, China
| | - Li-Jun Xiao
- Department of Immunology, Basic Medicine College of Chengde Medical University, Chengde, China
| | - Hua-Chuan Zheng
- Department of Oncology and Experimental Center, The Affiliated Hospital of Chengde Medical University, Chengde, China
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Zheng HC, Xue H, Zhang CY. REG4 promotes the proliferation and anti-apoptosis of cancer. Front Cell Dev Biol 2022; 10:1012193. [PMID: 36172286 PMCID: PMC9511136 DOI: 10.3389/fcell.2022.1012193] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/05/2022] [Accepted: 08/26/2022] [Indexed: 11/27/2022] Open
Abstract
Regenerating islet-derived 4 (REG4) gene was discovered by high-throughput sequencing of ulcerative colitis cDNA libraries. REG4 is involved in infection and inflammation by enhancing macrophage polarization to M2, via activation of epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR)/Akt/cAMP-responsive element binding and the killing inflammatory Escherichia coli, and closely linked to tumorigenesis. Its expression was transcriptionally activated by caudal type homeobox 2, GATA binding protein 6, GLI family zinc finger 1, SRY-box transcription factor 9, CD44 intracytoplasmic domain, activating transcription factor 2, and specificity protein 1, and translationally activated by miR-24. REG4 can interact with transmembrane CD44, G protein-coupled receptor 37, mannan and heparin on cancer cells. Its overexpression was observed in gastric, colorectal, pancreatic, gallbladder, ovarian and urothelial cancers, and is closely linked to their aggressive behaviors and a poor prognosis. Additionally, REG4 expression and recombinant REG4 aggravated such cellular phenotypes as tumorigenesis, proliferation, anti-apoptosis, chemoradioresistance, migration, invasion, peritoneal dissemination, tumor growth, and cancer stemness via EGFR/Akt/activator protein-1 and Akt/glycogen synthase kinase three β/β-catenin/transcription factor 4 pathways. Sorted REG4-positive deep crypt secretory cells promote organoid formation of single Lgr5 (+) colon stem cells by Notch inhibition and Wnt activation. Histologically, REG4 protein is specifically expressed in neuroendocrine tumors and signet ring cell carcinomas of the gastrointestinal tract, pancreas, ovary, and lung. It might support the histogenesis of gastric intestinal–metaplasia–globoid dysplasia–signet ring cell carcinoma. In this review, we summarized the structure, biological functions, and effects of REG4 on inflammation and cancer. We conclude that REG4 may be employed as a biomarker of tumorigenesis, subsequent progression and poor prognosis of cancer, and may be a useful target for gene therapy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hua-Chuan Zheng
- Department of Oncology and Central Laboratory, The Affiliated Hospital of Chengde Medical University, Chengde, China
- *Correspondence: Hua-Chuan Zheng,
| | - Hang Xue
- Department of Oncology and Central Laboratory, The Affiliated Hospital of Chengde Medical University, Chengde, China
| | - Cong-Yu Zhang
- Cancer Center, The First Affiliated Hospital of Jinzhou Medical University, Jinzhou, China
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Rao X, Zhang C, Luo H, Zhang J, Zhuang Z, Liang Z, Wu X. Targeting Gastric Cancer Stem Cells to Enhance Treatment Response. Cells 2022; 11:cells11182828. [PMID: 36139403 PMCID: PMC9496718 DOI: 10.3390/cells11182828] [Citation(s) in RCA: 44] [Impact Index Per Article: 14.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/27/2022] [Revised: 09/02/2022] [Accepted: 09/05/2022] [Indexed: 11/16/2022] Open
Abstract
Gastric cancer (GC) was the fourth deadliest cancer in the world in 2020, and about 770,000 people died from GC that year. The death of patients with GC is mainly caused by the metastasis, recurrence, and chemotherapy resistance of GC cells. The cancer stem cell theory defines cancer stem cells (CSCs) as a key factor in the metastasis, recurrence, and chemotherapy resistance of cancer. It considers targeting gastric cancer stem cells (GCSCs) to be an effective method for the treatment of GC. For GCSCs, genes or noncoding RNAs are important regulatory factors. Many experimental studies have found that some drugs can target the stemness of gastric cancer by regulating these genes or noncoding RNAs, which may bring new directions for the clinical treatment of gastric cancer. Therefore, this review mainly discusses related genes or noncoding RNAs in GCSCs and drugs that target its stemness, thereby providing some information for the treatment of GC.
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Bishnupuri KS, Sainathan SK, Ciorba MA, Houchen CW, Dieckgraefe BK. Reg4 Interacts with CD44 to Regulate Proliferation and Stemness of Colorectal and Pancreatic Cancer Cells. Mol Cancer Res 2022; 20:387-399. [PMID: 34753802 DOI: 10.1158/1541-7786.mcr-21-0224] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/29/2021] [Revised: 09/08/2021] [Accepted: 11/01/2021] [Indexed: 11/16/2022]
Abstract
Regenerating Gene 4 (Reg4) is highly upregulated in gastrointestinal (GI) malignancies including colorectal and pancreatic cancers. Numerous studies demonstrated an association between higher Reg4 expression and tumor aggressiveness, intrinsic resistance to apoptotic death, and poor outcomes from GI malignancies. However, the precise receptor and underlying signaling mechanism have remained unknown. Although we previously reported a Reg4-mediated induction of EGFR activity in colorectal cancer cells, a direct interaction between Reg4 and EGFR was not observed. This study is focused on identifying the cell surface binding partner of Reg4 and dissecting its role in colorectal cancer and pancreatic cancer growth and stem cell survival. In vitro models of human colorectal cancer and pancreatic cancer were used to evaluate the results. Results of this study find: (i) Reg4 interacts with CD44, a transmembrane protein expressed by a population of colorectal cancer and pancreatic cancer cells; (ii) Reg4 activates regulated intramembrane proteolysis of CD44 resulting in γ-secretase-mediated cleavage and release of the CD44 intracytoplasmic domain (CD44ICD) that functions as a transcriptional activator of D-type cyclins involved in the regulation of cancer cell proliferation and Klf4 and Sox2 expression involved in regulating pluripotency of cancer stem cells; and (iii) Reg4 significantly increases colorectal cancer and pancreatic cancer cell proliferation and their clonogenic potential in stem cell assays. IMPLICATIONS These results suggest that pro-proliferative and pro-stemness effects of Reg4 are mediated through γ-secretase-mediated CD44/CD44ICD signaling, hence strategies to disrupt Reg4-CD44-γ-secretase-CD44ICD signaling axis may increase cancer cell susceptibility to chemo- and radiotherapeutics.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kumar S Bishnupuri
- Division of Gastroenterology, Washington University School of Medicine, St Louis, Missouri
- Veteran Affair St Louis Health Care System, St Louis, Missouri
| | - Satheesh K Sainathan
- Division of Gastroenterology, Washington University School of Medicine, St Louis, Missouri
| | - Matthew A Ciorba
- Division of Gastroenterology, Washington University School of Medicine, St Louis, Missouri
| | - Courtney W Houchen
- Section of Digestive Disease and Nutrition, University of Oklahoma Health Science Center, Oklahoma City, Oklahoma
| | - Brian K Dieckgraefe
- Division of Gastroenterology, Washington University School of Medicine, St Louis, Missouri
- Veteran Affair St Louis Health Care System, St Louis, Missouri
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Dai J, He Y, Jiang M, Niu M, Li B, Wu Z, Bao J, Wen L, Wang X, Hu G. Reg4 regulates pancreatic regeneration following pancreatitis via modulating the Notch signaling. J Cell Physiol 2021; 236:7565-7577. [PMID: 33899235 DOI: 10.1002/jcp.30397] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/31/2020] [Revised: 03/25/2021] [Accepted: 04/05/2021] [Indexed: 12/12/2022]
Abstract
Pancreatic regeneration after acute pancreatitis is critical in the normal restoration of pancreatic exocrine function, the inhibition of which can cause severe complications including pancreatic exocrine insufficiency. However, the regulators of pancreatic regeneration and the underlying mechanisms remain uncovered. Here, using the inducible Tet-on system, we found that regenerating family member 4 (Reg4) knockdown significantly impaired pancreatic regeneration after pancreatitis. Both acinar-to-ductal metaplasia and the resolution of pancreatitis during regeneration were affected by Reg4 knockdown. Further investigations confirmed that Reg4 exerted its function through regulating Notch activation both in vitro and in vivo. Our study revealed Reg4 as a new regulator and potential therapeutic target for pancreatic regeneration.
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Affiliation(s)
- Juanjuan Dai
- Department of Gastroenterology, Shanghai General Hospital, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai, China
- Shanghai Key Laboratory of Pancreatic Diseases, Shanghai General Hospital, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai, China
- Department of Intensive Care Unit, State Key Laboratory of Oncology in South China, Sun Yat-sen University Cancer Center, Collaborative Innovation Center for Cancer Medicine, Guangzhou, China
| | - Yan He
- Department of Gastroenterology, Shanghai General Hospital, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai, China
- Shanghai Key Laboratory of Pancreatic Diseases, Shanghai General Hospital, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai, China
| | - Mingjie Jiang
- Shanghai Key Laboratory of Pancreatic Diseases, Shanghai General Hospital, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai, China
- Department of Head and Neck, State Key Laboratory of Oncology in South China, Sun Yat-sen University Cancer Center, Collaborative Innovation Center for Cancer Medicine, Guangzhou, China
| | - Mengya Niu
- Department of Gastroenterology, Shanghai General Hospital, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai, China
- Shanghai Key Laboratory of Pancreatic Diseases, Shanghai General Hospital, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai, China
| | - Bin Li
- Department of Gastroenterology, Shanghai General Hospital, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai, China
- Shanghai Key Laboratory of Pancreatic Diseases, Shanghai General Hospital, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai, China
| | - Zengkai Wu
- Department of Gastroenterology, Shanghai General Hospital, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai, China
- Shanghai Key Laboratory of Pancreatic Diseases, Shanghai General Hospital, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai, China
| | - Jingpiao Bao
- Department of Gastroenterology, Shanghai General Hospital, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai, China
- Shanghai Key Laboratory of Pancreatic Diseases, Shanghai General Hospital, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai, China
| | - Li Wen
- Department of Gastroenterology, Shanghai General Hospital, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai, China
- Shanghai Key Laboratory of Pancreatic Diseases, Shanghai General Hospital, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai, China
| | - Xingpeng Wang
- Department of Gastroenterology, Shanghai General Hospital, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai, China
- Shanghai Key Laboratory of Pancreatic Diseases, Shanghai General Hospital, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai, China
| | - Guoyong Hu
- Department of Gastroenterology, Shanghai General Hospital, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai, China
- Shanghai Key Laboratory of Pancreatic Diseases, Shanghai General Hospital, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai, China
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Kang G, Oh I, Pyo J, Kang D, Son B. Clinicopathological Significance and Prognostic Implications of REG4 Immunohistochemical Expression in Colorectal Cancer. MEDICINA (KAUNAS, LITHUANIA) 2021; 57:938. [PMID: 34577861 PMCID: PMC8464993 DOI: 10.3390/medicina57090938] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/29/2021] [Revised: 08/31/2021] [Accepted: 09/01/2021] [Indexed: 12/29/2022]
Abstract
Background and objectives: The present study aimed to evaluate the clinicopathological significance and prognostic implications of REG4 immunohistochemical expression in colorectal cancer (CRC). Materials and Methods: We performed immunohistochemical analysis for REG4 cytoplasmic expression in 266 human CRC tissues. Correlations between REG4 expression, clinicopathological characteristics, and survival were investigated in CRC. Results: REG4 was expressed in 84 of 266 CRC tissues (31.6%). REG4 expression was significantly more frequent in the right colon than that in the left colon and rectum (p = 0.002). However, we observed no significant correlation between REG4 expression and other clinicopathological parameters. REG4 expression was significantly higher in CRCs with low stroma than in those with high stroma (p = 0.006). In addition, REG4 was more frequently expressed in CRCs with the mucinous component than in those without it (p < 0.001). There was no significant correlation between REG4 expression and overall recurrence-free survival (p = 0.132 and p = 0.480, respectively). Patients with REG4 expression showed worse overall and recurrence-free survival in the high-stroma subgroup (p = 0.001 and p = 0.017, respectively), but no such correlation was seen in the low stroma subgroup (p = 0.232 and p = 0.575, respectively). Conclusions: REG4 expression was significantly correlated with tumor location, amount of stroma, and mucinous component in CRCs. In patients with high stroma, REG4 expression was significantly correlated with poor overall and recurrence-free survival.
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Affiliation(s)
- Guhyun Kang
- Department of Pathology, Daehang Hospital, Seoul 06699, Korea;
| | - Ilhwan Oh
- Department of Internal Medicine, Uijeongbu Eulji Medical Center, Eulji University School of Medicine, Uijeongbu-si 11759, Korea;
| | - Jungsoo Pyo
- Department of Pathology, Uijeongbu Eulji Medical Center, Eulji University School of Medicine, Uijeongbu-si 11759, Korea;
| | - Dongwook Kang
- Department of Pathology, Chungnam National University Sejong Hospital, 20 Bodeum 7-ro, Sejong 30099, Korea;
- Department of Pathology, Chungnam National University School of Medicine, 266 Munhwa Street, Daejeon 35015, Korea
| | - Byoungkwan Son
- Department of Internal Medicine, Uijeongbu Eulji Medical Center, Eulji University School of Medicine, Uijeongbu-si 11759, Korea;
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Sninsky JA, Bishnupuri KS, González I, Trikalinos NA, Chen L, Dieckgraefe BK. Reg4 and its downstream transcriptional activator CD44ICD in stage II and III colorectal cancer. Oncotarget 2021; 12:278-291. [PMID: 33659040 PMCID: PMC7899555 DOI: 10.18632/oncotarget.27896] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/06/2020] [Accepted: 01/26/2021] [Indexed: 12/15/2022] Open
Abstract
Reg4 is highly expressed in gastrointestinal malignancies and acts as a mitogenic and pro-invasive factor. Our recent works suggest that Reg4 binds with CD44 and induces its proteolytic cleavage to release intra-cytoplasmic domain of CD44 (CD44ICD). The goal of this study is to demonstrate clinical significance of the Reg4-CD44/CD44ICD pathway in stage II/III colon cancer and its association with clinical parameters of aggression. We constructed a tissue microarray (TMA) of 93 stage II/III matched colon adenocarcinoma patients, 23 with recurrent disease. The TMA was immunohistochemically stained for Reg4, CD44, and CD44ICD proteins and analyzed to identify associations with tumor characteristics, recurrence and overall survival. The TMA data analysis showed a significant correlation between Reg4 and CD44 (r2 = 0.23, P = 0.028), CD44 and CD44ICD (r2 = 0.36, p = 0.0004), and Reg4 and CD44ICD (r2 = 0.45, p ≤ 0.0001). Reg4 expression was associated with larger tumor size (r2 = 0.23, p = 0.026). Although, no association was observed between Reg4, CD44, or CD44ICD expression and disease recurrence, Reg4-positive patients had a median survival of 4 years vs. 7 years for Reg4-negative patients (p = 0.04) in patients who recurred. Inhibition of the Reg4-CD44/CD44ICD pathway may be a future therapeutic target for colon cancer patients.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jared A Sninsky
- Division of Gastroenterology, University of North Carolina School of Medicine, Chapel Hill, NC 27599, USA
| | - Kumar S Bishnupuri
- Division of Gastroenterology, Washington University School of Medicine, Saint Louis, MO 63110, USA
| | - Iván González
- Division of Pathology and Immunology, Washington University School of Medicine, Saint Louis, MO 63110, USA
| | - Nikolaos A Trikalinos
- Division of Oncology, Washington University School of Medicine, Saint Louis, MO 63110, USA
| | - Ling Chen
- Division of Biostatistics, Washington University School of Medicine, Saint Louis, MO 63110, USA
| | - Brian K Dieckgraefe
- Division of Gastroenterology, Washington University School of Medicine, Saint Louis, MO 63110, USA
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Zhang J, Zhu Z, Miao Z, Huang X, Sun Z, Xu H, Wang Z. The Clinical Significance and Mechanisms of REG4 in Human Cancers. Front Oncol 2021; 10:559230. [PMID: 33489872 PMCID: PMC7819868 DOI: 10.3389/fonc.2020.559230] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/20/2020] [Accepted: 11/23/2020] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Regenerating islet-derived type 4 (REG4), a member of the calcium-dependent lectin gene superfamily, is abnormally expressed in various cancers, such as colorectal, gastric, gallbladder, pancreatic, ovarian, prostate, and lung cancer. REG4 is associated with a relatively unfavorable prognosis and clinicopathologic features in cancers, including advanced tumor and nodal stage, histological differentiation, and liver and peritoneal metastasis. Moreover, REG4-positive cancer cells show more frequent resistance to chemoradiotherapy, especially 5-FU-based chemotherapy. REG4 participates in many aspects of carcinogenesis, including cell proliferation, apoptosis, cell cycle, invasion, metastasis, and drug resistance. The underlying mechanisms are complex and involve a series of signaling mediators and multiple pathways. Thus, REG4 may be a potential diagnostic and prognostic biomarker as well as a candidate therapeutic target in cancer patients. In this review, we systematically summarize the advances about the clinical significance, biological functions, and mechanisms underlying REG4 in cancer to provide new directions for future cancer research.
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Affiliation(s)
- Junyan Zhang
- Department of Surgical Oncology and General Surgery, Key Laboratory of Precision Diagnosis and Treatment of Gastrointestinal Tumors, Ministry of Education, The First Affiliated Hospital of China Medical University, Shenyang, China
| | - Zhi Zhu
- Department of Surgical Oncology and General Surgery, Key Laboratory of Precision Diagnosis and Treatment of Gastrointestinal Tumors, Ministry of Education, The First Affiliated Hospital of China Medical University, Shenyang, China
| | - Zhifeng Miao
- Department of Surgical Oncology and General Surgery, Key Laboratory of Precision Diagnosis and Treatment of Gastrointestinal Tumors, Ministry of Education, The First Affiliated Hospital of China Medical University, Shenyang, China
| | - Xuanzhang Huang
- Department of Surgical Oncology and General Surgery, Key Laboratory of Precision Diagnosis and Treatment of Gastrointestinal Tumors, Ministry of Education, The First Affiliated Hospital of China Medical University, Shenyang, China
| | - Zhe Sun
- Department of Surgical Oncology and General Surgery, Key Laboratory of Precision Diagnosis and Treatment of Gastrointestinal Tumors, Ministry of Education, The First Affiliated Hospital of China Medical University, Shenyang, China
| | - Huimian Xu
- Department of Surgical Oncology and General Surgery, Key Laboratory of Precision Diagnosis and Treatment of Gastrointestinal Tumors, Ministry of Education, The First Affiliated Hospital of China Medical University, Shenyang, China
| | - Zhenning Wang
- Department of Surgical Oncology and General Surgery, Key Laboratory of Precision Diagnosis and Treatment of Gastrointestinal Tumors, Ministry of Education, The First Affiliated Hospital of China Medical University, Shenyang, China
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Ünlü B, Versteeg HH. Cancer-associated thrombosis: The search for the holy grail continues. Res Pract Thromb Haemost 2018; 2:622-629. [PMID: 30349879 PMCID: PMC6178660 DOI: 10.1002/rth2.12143] [Citation(s) in RCA: 21] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/04/2018] [Accepted: 06/24/2018] [Indexed: 02/06/2023] Open
Abstract
Cancer patients have an increased risk of developing venous thromboembolism (VTE), a condition that is associated with increased morbidity and mortality. Although risk assessment tools have been developed, it is still very challenging to predict which cancer patients will suffer from VTE. The scope of this review is to summarize and discuss studies focusing on the link between genetic alterations and risk of cancer-associated thrombosis (CAT). Thus far, classical risk factors that contribute to VTE have been tried as risk factors of CAT, with low success. In support, hypercoagulant plasma profiles in patients with CAT differ from those with only VTE, indicating other risk factors that contribute to VTE in cancer. As germline mutations do not significantly contribute to elevated risk of VTE, somatic mutations in tumors may significantly associate with and contribute to CAT. As it is very time-consuming to investigate each and every mutation, an unbiased approach is warranted. In this light we discuss our own recent unbiased proof-of-principle study using RNA sequencing in isolated colorectal cancer cells. Our work has uncovered candidate genes that associate with VTE in colorectal cancer, and these gene profiles associated with VTE more significantly than classical parameters such as platelet counts, D-dimer, and P-selectin levels. Genes associated with VTE could be linked to pathways being involved in coagulation, inflammation and methionine degradation. We conclude that tumor cell-specific gene expression profiles and/or mutational status has superior potential as predictors of VTE in cancer patients.
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Affiliation(s)
- Betül Ünlü
- Department of Internal MedicineEinthoven Laboratory for Experimental Vascular MedicineLeiden University Medical CenterLeidenThe Netherlands
| | - Henri H. Versteeg
- Department of Internal MedicineEinthoven Laboratory for Experimental Vascular MedicineLeiden University Medical CenterLeidenThe Netherlands
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REG4 is a transcriptional target of GATA6 and is essential for colorectal tumorigenesis. Sci Rep 2015; 5:14291. [PMID: 26387746 PMCID: PMC4585703 DOI: 10.1038/srep14291] [Citation(s) in RCA: 29] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/22/2015] [Accepted: 08/24/2015] [Indexed: 12/29/2022] Open
Abstract
The transcription factor GATA6 is a critical regulator of cell proliferation and development in the gastrointestinal tract. We have recently reported that GATA6 induces the expression of the intestinal stem cell marker LGR5 and enhances the clonogenicity and tumorigenicity of colon cancer cells, but not the growth of these cells cultured under adherent conditions. Here we show that REG4, a member of the regenerating islet-derived (REG) family, is also a target of GATA6. We further demonstrate that REG4 is downregulated by overexpression of miR-363, which suppresses GATA6 expression. Moreover, we show that GATA6-mediated activation of REG4 enhances the growth of colon cancer cells under adherent conditions and is required for their tumorigenicity. Taken together, our findings demonstrate that GATA6 simultaneously induces the expression of genes essential for the growth of colon cancer cells under adherent conditions (REG4) and genes required for their clonogenicity (LGR5), and that the miR-363-GATA6-REG4/LGR5 signaling cascade promotes the tumorigenicity of colon cancer cells.
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