1
|
Liu S, Chai T, Garcia-Marques F, Yin Q, Hsu EC, Shen M, Shaw Toland AM, Bermudez A, Hartono AB, Massey CF, Lee CS, Zheng L, Baron M, Denning CJ, Aslan M, Nguyen HM, Nolley R, Zoubeidi A, Das M, Kunder CA, Howitt BE, Soh HT, Weissman IL, Liss MA, Chin AI, Brooks JD, Corey E, Pitteri SJ, Huang J, Stoyanova T. UCHL1 is a potential molecular indicator and therapeutic target for neuroendocrine carcinomas. Cell Rep Med 2024; 5:101381. [PMID: 38244540 PMCID: PMC10897521 DOI: 10.1016/j.xcrm.2023.101381] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/23/2023] [Revised: 09/18/2023] [Accepted: 12/19/2023] [Indexed: 01/22/2024]
Abstract
Neuroendocrine carcinomas, such as neuroendocrine prostate cancer and small-cell lung cancer, commonly have a poor prognosis and limited therapeutic options. We report that ubiquitin carboxy-terminal hydrolase L1 (UCHL1), a deubiquitinating enzyme, is elevated in tissues and plasma from patients with neuroendocrine carcinomas. Loss of UCHL1 decreases tumor growth and inhibits metastasis of these malignancies. UCHL1 maintains neuroendocrine differentiation and promotes cancer progression by regulating nucleoporin, POM121, and p53. UCHL1 binds, deubiquitinates, and stabilizes POM121 to regulate POM121-associated nuclear transport of E2F1 and c-MYC. Treatment with the UCHL1 inhibitor LDN-57444 slows tumor growth and metastasis across neuroendocrine carcinomas. The combination of UCHL1 inhibitors with cisplatin, the standard of care used for neuroendocrine carcinomas, significantly delays tumor growth in pre-clinical settings. Our study reveals mechanisms of UCHL1 function in regulating the progression of neuroendocrine carcinomas and identifies UCHL1 as a therapeutic target and potential molecular indicator for diagnosing and monitoring treatment responses in these malignancies.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Shiqin Liu
- Department of Molecular and Medical Pharmacology, University of California, Los Angeles, Los Angeles, CA, USA; Department of Radiology, Stanford University, Palo Alto, CA, USA
| | - Timothy Chai
- Stanford Institute for Stem Cell Biology and Regenerative Medicine, Stanford University, Stanford, CA, USA
| | | | - Qingqing Yin
- Department of Radiology, Stanford University, Palo Alto, CA, USA
| | - En-Chi Hsu
- Department of Radiology, Stanford University, Palo Alto, CA, USA
| | - Michelle Shen
- Department of Molecular and Medical Pharmacology, University of California, Los Angeles, Los Angeles, CA, USA; Department of Radiology, Stanford University, Palo Alto, CA, USA
| | | | - Abel Bermudez
- Department of Radiology, Stanford University, Palo Alto, CA, USA
| | - Alifiani B Hartono
- Department of Molecular and Medical Pharmacology, University of California, Los Angeles, Los Angeles, CA, USA
| | - Christopher F Massey
- Department of Molecular and Medical Pharmacology, University of California, Los Angeles, Los Angeles, CA, USA
| | - Chung S Lee
- Department of Molecular and Medical Pharmacology, University of California, Los Angeles, Los Angeles, CA, USA
| | - Liwei Zheng
- Department of Radiology, Stanford University, Palo Alto, CA, USA
| | - Maya Baron
- Department of Pediatrics, Stanford University, Stanford, CA, USA; Department of Genetics, Stanford University, Stanford, CA, USA
| | - Caden J Denning
- Department of Radiology, Stanford University, Palo Alto, CA, USA
| | - Merve Aslan
- Department of Radiology, Stanford University, Palo Alto, CA, USA
| | - Holly M Nguyen
- Department of Urology, University of Washington, Seattle, WA, USA
| | - Rosalie Nolley
- Department of Urology, Stanford University, Stanford, CA, USA
| | - Amina Zoubeidi
- Department of Urologic Sciences, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, BC V6H 3Z6, Canada
| | - Millie Das
- Department of Medicine, VA Palo Alto Health Care System, Palo Alto, CA, USA; Department of Medicine, Division of Oncology, Stanford University, Stanford, CA, USA
| | | | - Brooke E Howitt
- Department of Pathology, Stanford University, Stanford, CA, USA
| | - H Tom Soh
- Department of Radiology, Stanford University, Palo Alto, CA, USA; Department of Electrical Engineering, Stanford University, Stanford, CA, USA
| | - Irving L Weissman
- Stanford Institute for Stem Cell Biology and Regenerative Medicine, Stanford University, Stanford, CA, USA; Department of Pathology, Stanford University, Stanford, CA, USA; Ludwig Center for Cancer Stem Cell Research and Medicine, Stanford University, Stanford, CA, USA
| | - Michael A Liss
- Department of Urology, UT Health San Antonio, San Antonio, TX, USA
| | - Arnold I Chin
- Department of Urology, University of California, Los Angeles, Los Angeles, CA, USA
| | - James D Brooks
- Department of Urology, Stanford University, Stanford, CA, USA
| | - Eva Corey
- Department of Urology, University of Washington, Seattle, WA, USA
| | - Sharon J Pitteri
- Department of Radiology, Stanford University, Palo Alto, CA, USA
| | - Jiaoti Huang
- Department of Pathology, Duke University, Durham, NC, USA
| | - Tanya Stoyanova
- Department of Molecular and Medical Pharmacology, University of California, Los Angeles, Los Angeles, CA, USA; Department of Radiology, Stanford University, Palo Alto, CA, USA; Department of Urology, University of California, Los Angeles, Los Angeles, CA, USA.
| |
Collapse
|
2
|
Yu Y, Farooq MS, Eberhart Meessen S, Jiang Y, Kato D, Zhan T, Weiss C, Seger R, Kang W, Zhang X, Yu J, Ebert MPA, Burgermeister E. Nuclear pore protein POM121 regulates subcellular localization and transcriptional activity of PPARγ. Cell Death Dis 2024; 15:7. [PMID: 38177114 PMCID: PMC10766976 DOI: 10.1038/s41419-023-06371-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/13/2023] [Revised: 11/30/2023] [Accepted: 12/05/2023] [Indexed: 01/06/2024]
Abstract
Manipulation of the subcellular localization of transcription factors by preventing their shuttling via the nuclear pore complex (NPC) emerges as a novel therapeutic strategy against cancer. One transmembrane component of the NPC is POM121, encoded by a tandem gene locus POM121A/C on chromosome 7. Overexpression of POM121 is associated with metabolic diseases (e.g., diabetes) and unfavorable clinical outcome in patients with colorectal cancer (CRC). Peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor-gamma (PPARγ) is a transcription factor with anti-diabetic and anti-tumoral efficacy. It is inhibited by export from the nucleus to the cytosol via the RAS-RAF-MEK1/2-ERK1/2 signaling pathway, a major oncogenic driver of CRC. We therefore hypothesized that POM121 participates in the transport of PPARγ across the NPC to regulate its transcriptional activity on genes involved in metabolic and tumor control. We found that POM121A/C mRNA was enriched and POM121 protein co-expressed with PPARγ in tissues from CRC patients conferring poor prognosis. Its interactome was predicted to include proteins responsible for tumor metabolism and immunity, and in-silico modeling provided insights into potential 3D structures of POM121. A peptide region downstream of the nuclear localization sequence (NLS) of POM121 was identified as a cytoplasmic interactor of PPARγ. POM121 positivity correlated with the cytoplasmic localization of PPARγ in patients with KRAS mutant CRC. In contrast, POM121A/C silencing by CRISPR/Cas9 sgRNA or siRNA enforced nuclear accumulation of PPARγ and activated PPARγ target genes promoting lipid metabolism and cell cycle arrest resulting in reduced proliferation of human CRC cells. Our data suggest the POM121-PPARγ axis as a potential drugable target in CRC.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Yanxiong Yu
- Department of Medicine II, University Medical Center Mannheim, Medical Faculty Mannheim, Heidelberg University, Mannheim, Germany
| | - Mohammad S Farooq
- Department of Medicine II, University Medical Center Mannheim, Medical Faculty Mannheim, Heidelberg University, Mannheim, Germany
- Department of Surgery, Hospital of the University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA, USA
| | - Sabine Eberhart Meessen
- Department of Medicine II, University Medical Center Mannheim, Medical Faculty Mannheim, Heidelberg University, Mannheim, Germany
| | - Yidan Jiang
- Department of Medicine II, University Medical Center Mannheim, Medical Faculty Mannheim, Heidelberg University, Mannheim, Germany
| | - Dominik Kato
- Department of Medicine II, University Medical Center Mannheim, Medical Faculty Mannheim, Heidelberg University, Mannheim, Germany
| | - Tianzuo Zhan
- Department of Medicine II, University Medical Center Mannheim, Medical Faculty Mannheim, Heidelberg University, Mannheim, Germany
| | - Christel Weiss
- Department of Medical Statistics and Biomathematics, Medical Faculty Mannheim, Heidelberg University, Mannheim, Germany
| | - Rony Seger
- Department of Immunology and Regenerative Biology, Weizmann Institute of Science, Rehovot, Israel
| | - Wei Kang
- Department of Anatomical and Cellular Pathology, State Key Laboratory of Digestive Disease, Li Ka Shing Institute of Health Sciences, The Chinese University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong, China
| | - Xiang Zhang
- Institute of Digestive Disease and Department of Medicine and Therapeutics, State Key Laboratory of Digestive Disease, Li Ka Shing Institute of Health Sciences, The Chinese University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong, China
| | - Jun Yu
- Institute of Digestive Disease and Department of Medicine and Therapeutics, State Key Laboratory of Digestive Disease, Li Ka Shing Institute of Health Sciences, The Chinese University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong, China
| | - Matthias P A Ebert
- Department of Medicine II, University Medical Center Mannheim, Medical Faculty Mannheim, Heidelberg University, Mannheim, Germany
- DKFZ-Hector Institute, Medical Faculty Mannheim, Heidelberg University, Mannheim, Germany
- Mannheim Institute for Innate Immunoscience (MI3), Medical Faculty Mannheim, Heidelberg University, Mannheim, Germany
- Clinical Cooperation Unit Healthy Metabolism, Center of Preventive Medicine and Digital Health, Medical Faculty Mannheim, Heidelberg University, Mannheim, Germany
- Mannheim Cancer Center (MCC), Medical Faculty Mannheim, Heidelberg University, Mannheim, Germany
| | - Elke Burgermeister
- Department of Medicine II, University Medical Center Mannheim, Medical Faculty Mannheim, Heidelberg University, Mannheim, Germany.
| |
Collapse
|
3
|
Newell S, van der Watt PJ, Leaner VD. Therapeutic targeting of nuclear export and import receptors in cancer and their potential in combination chemotherapy. IUBMB Life 2024; 76:4-25. [PMID: 37623925 PMCID: PMC10952567 DOI: 10.1002/iub.2773] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/29/2023] [Accepted: 07/03/2023] [Indexed: 08/26/2023]
Abstract
Systemic modalities are crucial in the management of disseminated malignancies and liquid tumours. However, patient responses and tolerability to treatment are generally poor and those that enter remission often return with refractory disease. Combination therapies provide a methodology to overcome chemoresistance mechanisms and address dose-limiting toxicities. A deeper understanding of tumorigenic processes at the molecular level has brought a targeted therapy approach to the forefront of cancer research, and novel cancer biomarkers are being identified at a rapid rate, with some showing potential therapeutic benefits. The Karyopherin superfamily of proteins is soluble receptors that mediate nucleocytoplasmic shuttling of proteins and RNAs, and recently, nuclear transport receptors have been recognized as novel anticancer targets. Inhibitors against nuclear export have been approved for clinical use against certain cancer types, whereas inhibitors against nuclear import are in preclinical stages of investigation. Mechanistically, targeting nucleocytoplasmic shuttling has shown to abrogate oncogenic signalling and restore tumour suppressor functions through nuclear sequestration of relevant proteins and mRNAs. Hence, nuclear transport inhibitors display broad spectrum anticancer activity and harbour potential to engage in synergistic interactions with a wide array of cytotoxic agents and other targeted agents. This review is focussed on the most researched nuclear transport receptors in the context of cancer, XPO1 and KPNB1, and highlights how inhibitors targeting these receptors can enhance the therapeutic efficacy of standard of care therapies and novel targeted agents in a combination therapy approach. Furthermore, an updated review on the therapeutic targeting of lesser characterized karyopherin proteins is provided and resistance to clinically approved nuclear export inhibitors is discussed.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Stella Newell
- Division of Medical Biochemistry and Structural Biology, Department of Integrative Biomedical Sciences, Faculty of Health SciencesUniversity of Cape TownCape TownSouth Africa
| | - Pauline J. van der Watt
- Division of Medical Biochemistry and Structural Biology, Department of Integrative Biomedical Sciences, Faculty of Health SciencesUniversity of Cape TownCape TownSouth Africa
- Institute of Infectious Diseases and Molecular Medicine, University of Cape TownCape TownSouth Africa
| | - Virna D. Leaner
- Division of Medical Biochemistry and Structural Biology, Department of Integrative Biomedical Sciences, Faculty of Health SciencesUniversity of Cape TownCape TownSouth Africa
- UCT/SAMRC Gynaecological Cancer Research CentreUniversity of Cape TownCape TownSouth Africa
| |
Collapse
|
4
|
Zhao L, Tang Y, Yang J, Lin F, Liu X, Zhang Y, Chen J. Integrative analysis of circadian clock with prognostic and immunological biomarker identification in ovarian cancer. Front Mol Biosci 2023; 10:1208132. [PMID: 37409345 PMCID: PMC10318361 DOI: 10.3389/fmolb.2023.1208132] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/18/2023] [Accepted: 06/12/2023] [Indexed: 07/07/2023] Open
Abstract
Objective: To identify circadian clock (CC)-related key genes with clinical significance, providing potential biomarkers and novel insights into the CC of ovarian cancer (OC). Methods: Based on the RNA-seq profiles of OC patients in The Cancer Genome Atlas (TCGA), we explored the dysregulation and prognostic power of 12 reported CC-related genes (CCGs), which were used to generate a circadian clock index (CCI). Weighted gene co-expression network analysis (WGCNA) and protein-protein interaction (PPI) network were used to identify potential hub genes. Downstream analyses including differential and survival validations were comprehensively investigated. Results: Most CCGs are abnormally expressed and significantly associated with the overall survival (OS) of OC. OC patients with a high CCI had lower OS rates. While CCI was positively related to core CCGs such as ARNTL, it also showed significant associations with immune biomarkers including CD8+ T cell infiltration, the expression of PDL1 and CTLA4, and the expression of interleukins (IL-16, NLRP3, IL-1β, and IL-33) and steroid hormones-related genes. WGCNA screened the green gene module to be mostly correlated with CCI and CCI group, which was utilized to construct a PPI network to pick out 15 hub genes (RNF169, EDC4, CHCHD1, MRPL51, UQCC2, USP34, POM121, RPL37, SNRPC, LAMTOR5, MRPL52, LAMTOR4, NDUFB1, NDUFC1, POLR3K) related to CC. Most of them can exert prognostic values for OS of OC, and all of them were significantly associated with immune cell infiltration. Additionally, upstream regulators including transcription factors and miRNAs of key genes were predicted. Conclusion: Collectively, 15 crucial CC genes showing indicative values for prognosis and immune microenvironment of OC were comprehensively identified. These findings provided insight into the further exploration of the molecular mechanisms of OC.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Lianfang Zhao
- Prenatal Diagnosis Center, Suining Central Hospital, Suining, Sichuan, China
| | - Yuqin Tang
- Clinical Bioinformatics Experimental Center, Henan Provincial People’s Hospital, Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou, China
| | - Jiayan Yang
- Prenatal Diagnosis Center, Suining Central Hospital, Suining, Sichuan, China
| | - Fang Lin
- Prenatal Diagnosis Center, Suining Central Hospital, Suining, Sichuan, China
| | - Xiaofang Liu
- Prenatal Diagnosis Center, Suining Central Hospital, Suining, Sichuan, China
| | - Yongqiang Zhang
- Guangzhou Women and Children’s Medical Center, Guangzhou Medical University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Jianhui Chen
- Prenatal Diagnosis Center, Suining Central Hospital, Suining, Sichuan, China
| |
Collapse
|
5
|
Saikia M, Bhattacharyya DK, Kalita JK. Identification of Potential Biomarkers Using Integrative Approach: A Case Study of ESCC. SN COMPUTER SCIENCE 2023; 4:114. [PMID: 36573207 PMCID: PMC9769493 DOI: 10.1007/s42979-022-01492-4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/31/2022] [Accepted: 11/03/2022] [Indexed: 12/24/2022]
Abstract
This paper presents a consensus-based approach that incorporates three microarray and three RNA-Seq methods for unbiased and integrative identification of differentially expressed genes (DEGs) as potential biomarkers for critical disease(s). The proposed method performs satisfactorily on two microarray datasets (GSE20347 and GSE23400) and one RNA-Seq dataset (GSE130078) for esophageal squamous cell carcinoma (ESCC). Based on the input dataset, our framework employs specific DE methods to detect DEGs independently. A consensus based function that first considers DEGs common to all three methods for further downstream analysis has been introduced. The consensus function employs other parameters to overcome information loss. Differential co-expression (DCE) and preservation analysis of DEGs facilitates the study of behavioral changes in interactions among DEGs under normal and diseased circumstances. Considering hub genes in biologically relevant modules and most GO and pathway enriched DEGs as candidates for potential biomarkers of ESCC, we perform further validation through biological analysis as well as literature evidence. We have identified 25 DEGs that have strong biological relevance to their respective datasets and have previous literature establishing them as potential biomarkers for ESCC. We have further identified 8 additional DEGs as probable potential biomarkers for ESCC, but recommend further in-depth analysis.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Manaswita Saikia
- Department of Computer Science and Engineering, Tezpur University, Napaam, Tezpur, Assam 784028 India
| | - Dhruba K Bhattacharyya
- Department of Computer Science and Engineering, Tezpur University, Napaam, Tezpur, Assam 784028 India
| | - Jugal K Kalita
- Department of Computer Science, College of Engineering and Applied Science, University of Colorado, Colorado Springs, CO 80918 USA
| |
Collapse
|
6
|
Kang C, Jia L, Hao L, Zhang N, Liu Y, Zhang L. POM121 promotes the proliferation and metastasis of gastric cancer via PI3K/AKT/MYC pathway. Am J Cancer Res 2023; 13:485-497. [PMID: 36895982 PMCID: PMC9989611] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/14/2022] [Accepted: 01/07/2023] [Indexed: 03/11/2023] Open
Abstract
Nuclear pore membrane protein 121 (POM121) is a part of the nuclear pore complex, which regulates intracellular signaling and maintains normal cellular functions. However, the role of POM121 in gastric cancer (GC) remains unclear. Quantitative real-time polymerase chain reaction was performed to detect POM121 mRNA in 36 pairs of GC and adjacent non-tumor tissues. POM121 protein expression was determined by immunohistochemistry in 648 GC tissues and 121 normal gastric tissues. Connections between POM121 levels, clinicopathological parameters, and the prognosis of GC patients were explored. The influence of POM121 on proliferation, migration, and invasion was detected in vitro and vivo. The mechanism underlying the involvement of POM121 in GC progression was demonstrated via bioinformatics analysis and Western blot. Both the mRNA and protein levels of POM121 in GC tissues were higher than those in normal gastric tissues. High POM121 expression in GC was associated with deep invasion, advanced distant metastases and TNM stage, and positive HER2 expression. A negative connection was found between POM121 expression and the overall survival (OS) of GC patients. Downregulation of POM121 inhibited the proliferation, clone formation, migration, and invasion of GC cells, and overexpression of POM121 showed the opposite trend. POM121 promoted the phosphorylation of PI3K/AKT pathway and increased the expression of MYC. In conclusion, this study suggested that POM121 has the potential to act as an independent prognostic factor for GC patients.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Changyuan Kang
- Basic Medical Sciences College, Inner Mongolia Medical University Hohhot 010000, Inner Mongolia, China
| | - Lizhou Jia
- Central Laboratory, Bayannur Hospital Bayannur 015000, Inner Mongolia, China
| | - Lei Hao
- Basic Medical Sciences College, Inner Mongolia Medical University Hohhot 010000, Inner Mongolia, China
| | - Ning Zhang
- Central Laboratory, Bayannur Hospital Bayannur 015000, Inner Mongolia, China
| | - Yang Liu
- Central Laboratory, Bayannur Hospital Bayannur 015000, Inner Mongolia, China
| | - Lingli Zhang
- Department of Ophthalmology, Inner Mongolia Autonomous Region People's Hospital Hohhot 010017, Inner Mongolia, China
| |
Collapse
|
7
|
Up-regulation of POM121 is linked to prostate cancer aggressiveness and serves as a prognostic biomarker. Urol Oncol 2022; 40:380.e11-380.e18. [DOI: 10.1016/j.urolonc.2022.05.019] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/20/2021] [Revised: 03/13/2022] [Accepted: 05/19/2022] [Indexed: 11/18/2022]
|
8
|
Bindra D, Mishra RK. In Pursuit of Distinctiveness: Transmembrane Nucleoporins and Their Disease Associations. Front Oncol 2022; 11:784319. [PMID: 34970494 PMCID: PMC8712647 DOI: 10.3389/fonc.2021.784319] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/27/2021] [Accepted: 11/25/2021] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
The bi-directional nucleocytoplasmic shuttling of macromolecules like molecular signals, transcription factors, regulatory proteins, and RNAs occurs exclusively through Nuclear Pore Complex (NPC) residing in the nuclear membrane. This magnanimous complex is essentially a congregation of ~32 conserved proteins termed Nucleoporins (Nups) present in multiple copies and mostly arranged as subcomplexes to constitute a functional NPC. Nups participate in ancillary functions such as chromatin organization, transcription regulation, DNA damage repair, genome stabilization, and cell cycle control, apart from their central role as nucleocytoplasmic conduits. Thus, Nups exert a role in the maintenance of cellular homeostasis. In mammals, precisely three nucleoporins traverse the nuclear membrane, are called transmembrane Nups (TM-Nups), and are involved in multiple cellular functions. Owing to their vital roles in cellular processes and homeostasis, dysregulation of nucleoporin function is implicated in various diseases. The deregulated functioning of TM-Nups can thus act as an opportune window for the development of diseases. Indeed, mounting evidence exhibits a strong association of TM-Nups in cancer and numerous other physiological disorders. These findings have provided much-needed insights into the novel mechanisms of disease progression. While nucleoporin’s functions have often been summarized in the disease context, a focus on TM-Nups has always lacked. This review emphasizes the elucidation of distinct canonical and non-canonical functions of mammalian TM-Nups and the underlying mechanisms of their disease association.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Divya Bindra
- Nups and SUMO Biology Group, Department of Biological Sciences, Indian Institute of Science Education and Research (IISER) Bhopal, Bhopal, India
| | - Ram Kumar Mishra
- Nups and SUMO Biology Group, Department of Biological Sciences, Indian Institute of Science Education and Research (IISER) Bhopal, Bhopal, India
| |
Collapse
|
9
|
Pereira Zambalde E, Bayraktar R, Schultz Jucoski T, Ivan C, Rodrigues AC, Mathias C, Knutsen E, Silveira de Lima R, Fiori Gradia D, de Souza Fonseca Ribeiro EM, Hannash S, Adrian Calin G, Carvalhode Oliveira J. A novel lncRNA derived from an ultraconserved region: lnc- uc.147, a potential biomarker in luminal A breast cancer. RNA Biol 2021; 18:416-429. [PMID: 34387142 DOI: 10.1080/15476286.2021.1952757] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/06/2023] Open
Abstract
The human genome contains 481 ultraconserved regions (UCRs), which are genomic stretches of over 200 base pairs conserved among human, rat, and mouse. The majority of these regions are transcriptionally active (T-UCRs), and several have been found to be differentially expressed in tumours. Some T-UCRs have been functionally characterized, but of those few have been associated to breast cancer (BC). Using TCGA data, we found 302 T-UCRs related to clinical features in BC: 43% were associated with molecular subtypes, 36% with oestrogen-receptor positivity, 17% with HER2 expression, 12% with stage, and 10% with overall survival. The expression levels of 12 T-UCRs were further analysed in a cohort of 82 Brazilian BC patients using RT-qPCR. We found that uc.147 is high expressed in luminal A and B patients. For luminal A, a subtype usually associated with better prognosis, high uc.147 expression was associated with a poor prognosis and suggested as an independent prognostic factor. The lncRNA from uc.147 (lnc-uc.147) is located in the nucleus. Northern blotting results show that uc.147 is a 2,8 kb monoexonic trancript, and its sequence was confirmed by RACE. The silencing of uc.147 increases apoptosis, arrests cell cycle, and reduces cell viability and colony formation in BC cell lines. Additionally, we identifed 19 proteins that interact with lnc-uc.147 through mass spectrometry and demonstrated a high correlation of lnc-uc.147 with the neighbour gene expression and miR-18 and miR-190b. This is the first study to analyse the expression of all T-UCRs in BC and to functionally assess the lnc-uc.147.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Erika Pereira Zambalde
- Laboratory of Human Cytogenetics and Oncogenetics, Department of Genetics, Universidade Federal Do Paraná, Curitiba, PR, Brazil.,Department of Experimental Therapeutics, MD Anderson Cancer Center, University of Texas, Houston, TX, USA
| | - Recep Bayraktar
- Department of Experimental Therapeutics, MD Anderson Cancer Center, University of Texas, Houston, TX, USA
| | - Tayana Schultz Jucoski
- Laboratory of Human Cytogenetics and Oncogenetics, Department of Genetics, Universidade Federal Do Paraná, Curitiba, PR, Brazil
| | - Cristina Ivan
- Center for RNA Interference and Non-coding RNAs, The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, TX, USA
| | - Ana Carolina Rodrigues
- Laboratory of Human Cytogenetics and Oncogenetics, Department of Genetics, Universidade Federal Do Paraná, Curitiba, PR, Brazil
| | - Carolina Mathias
- Laboratory of Human Cytogenetics and Oncogenetics, Department of Genetics, Universidade Federal Do Paraná, Curitiba, PR, Brazil
| | - Erik Knutsen
- Department of Experimental Therapeutics, MD Anderson Cancer Center, University of Texas, Houston, TX, USA.,Department of Medical Biology, Faculty of Health Sciences, UiT - the Arctic University of Norway, Tromsø, Norway
| | | | - Daniela Fiori Gradia
- Laboratory of Human Cytogenetics and Oncogenetics, Department of Genetics, Universidade Federal Do Paraná, Curitiba, PR, Brazil
| | | | - Samir Hannash
- Department of Clinical Cancer Prevention, The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, TX, USA
| | - George Adrian Calin
- Department of Experimental Therapeutics, MD Anderson Cancer Center, University of Texas, Houston, TX, USA.,Center for RNA Interference and Non-coding RNAs, The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, TX, USA
| | - Jaqueline Carvalhode Oliveira
- Laboratory of Human Cytogenetics and Oncogenetics, Department of Genetics, Universidade Federal Do Paraná, Curitiba, PR, Brazil
| |
Collapse
|
10
|
Guan L, Zhang L, Wang T, Jia L, Zhang N, Yan H, Zhao K. POM121 promotes proliferation and metastasis in non-small-cell lung cancer through TGF-β/SMAD and PI3K/AKT pathways. Cancer Biomark 2021; 32:293-302. [PMID: 34151840 DOI: 10.3233/cbm-210001] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/11/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Nuclear pore membrane protein 121 (POM121) is a novel biomarker involved in tumorigenesis and metastasis. However, little is known about the role of POM121 in non-small-cell lung cancer (NSCLC). OBJECTIVE The aim of this study was to detect the expression of POM121 in NSCLC and its relationship with clinicopathologic feature and cell biological behavior, and explore the underlying mechanisms. METHODS The expression of POM121 in NSCLC tissues and para-carcinoma tissues was compared by quantitative real-time PCR and immunohistochemistry analysis. The relationship between POM121 protein and clinicopathological characteristics in NSCLC was investigated. Roles of POM121 in NSCLC cells were investigated by CCK-8 assay, clone formation assay, transwell migration and invasion assay, and in vivo experiments. Variations of signaling pathways were determined by qRT-PCR and Western blot. RESULTS The POM121 expression in NSCLC tissues was significantly higher than that in para-carcinoma tissues, both at the mRNA and protein level. The POM121 expression was related to sex, advanced differentiation, tumor diameter, lymph node metastases, distant metastases, American Joint Committee on Cancer (AJCC) stage, venous invasion, and perineural invasion in NSCLC. Kaplan-Meier analysis indicated that NSCLC patients with high POM121 expression had poor overall survival. Downregulation of POM121 inhibited cell proliferation, clone formation, migration and invasion. TGF-β/SMAD and PI3K/AKT pathways were involved in POM121-induced functional changes in NSCLC cells. CONCLUSION POM121 plays an oncogenic role in NSCLC through TGF-β/SMAD and PI3K/AKT pathways. POM121 expression is a potential independent prognostic factor for NSCLC.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Lirong Guan
- Emergency Center, Bayannur Hospital, Bayannur, Inner Mongolia, China.,Emergency Center, Bayannur Hospital, Bayannur, Inner Mongolia, China
| | - Lingli Zhang
- Department of Ophthalmology, Inner Mongolia Autonomous Region People's Hospital, Hohhot, Inner Mongolia, China.,Emergency Center, Bayannur Hospital, Bayannur, Inner Mongolia, China
| | - Tengqi Wang
- Cancer Center, Banyannur Hospital, Bayannur, Inner Mongolia, China
| | - Lizhou Jia
- Central Laboratory, Bayannur Hospital, Bayannur, Inner Mongolia, China
| | - Ning Zhang
- Central Laboratory, Bayannur Hospital, Bayannur, Inner Mongolia, China
| | - Huishan Yan
- Baotou Medical College, Baotou, Inner Mongolia, China
| | - Kun Zhao
- Department of Oncology, Huaian Hospital of Huaian, Huaian, Jiangsu, China
| |
Collapse
|
11
|
Patni AP, Harishankar MK, Joseph JP, Sreeshma B, Jayaraj R, Devi A. Comprehending the crosstalk between Notch, Wnt and Hedgehog signaling pathways in oral squamous cell carcinoma - clinical implications. Cell Oncol (Dordr) 2021; 44:473-494. [PMID: 33704672 DOI: 10.1007/s13402-021-00591-3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/07/2020] [Revised: 01/17/2021] [Accepted: 01/19/2021] [Indexed: 12/26/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Oral squamous cell carcinoma (OSCC) is a malignant oral cavity neoplasm that affects many people, especially in developing countries. Despite several advances that have been made in diagnosis and treatment, the morbidity and mortality rates due to OSCC remain high. Accumulating evidence indicates that aberrant activation of cellular signaling pathways, such as the Notch, Wnt and Hedgehog pathways, occurs during the development and metastasis of OSCC. In this review, we have articulated the roles of the Notch, Wnt and Hedgehog signaling pathways in OSCC and their crosstalk during tumor development and progression. We have also examined possible interactions and associations between these pathways and treatment regimens that could be employed to effectively tackle OSCC and/or prevent its recurrence. CONCLUSIONS Activation of the Notch signaling pathway upregulates the expression of several genes, including c-Myc, β-catenin, NF-κB and Shh. Associations between the Notch signaling pathway and other pathways have been shown to enhance OSCC tumor aggressiveness. Crosstalk between these pathways supports the maintenance of cancer stem cells (CSCs) and regulates OSCC cell motility. Thus, application of compounds that block these pathways may be a valid strategy to treat OSCC. Such compounds have already been employed in other types of cancer and could be repurposed for OSCC.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Anjali P Patni
- Stem Cell Biology Laboratory, Department of Genetic Engineering, School of Bioengineering, Faculty of Engineering and Technology, SRM Institute of Science and Technology, Kanchipuram, Kattankulathur, Chennai, Tamil Nadu, 603203, India
| | - M K Harishankar
- Stem Cell Biology Laboratory, Department of Genetic Engineering, School of Bioengineering, Faculty of Engineering and Technology, SRM Institute of Science and Technology, Kanchipuram, Kattankulathur, Chennai, Tamil Nadu, 603203, India
| | - Joel P Joseph
- Stem Cell Biology Laboratory, Department of Genetic Engineering, School of Bioengineering, Faculty of Engineering and Technology, SRM Institute of Science and Technology, Kanchipuram, Kattankulathur, Chennai, Tamil Nadu, 603203, India
| | - Bhuvanadas Sreeshma
- Stem Cell Biology Laboratory, Department of Genetic Engineering, School of Bioengineering, Faculty of Engineering and Technology, SRM Institute of Science and Technology, Kanchipuram, Kattankulathur, Chennai, Tamil Nadu, 603203, India
| | - Rama Jayaraj
- College of Human and Human Sciences, Charles Darwin University, Ellangowan Drive, Darwin, Northern Territory, 0909, Australia
| | - Arikketh Devi
- Stem Cell Biology Laboratory, Department of Genetic Engineering, School of Bioengineering, Faculty of Engineering and Technology, SRM Institute of Science and Technology, Kanchipuram, Kattankulathur, Chennai, Tamil Nadu, 603203, India.
| |
Collapse
|
12
|
Chakafana G, Shonhai A. The Role of Non-Canonical Hsp70s (Hsp110/Grp170) in Cancer. Cells 2021; 10:254. [PMID: 33525518 PMCID: PMC7911927 DOI: 10.3390/cells10020254] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/16/2020] [Revised: 01/21/2021] [Accepted: 01/26/2021] [Indexed: 02/06/2023] Open
Abstract
Although cancers account for over 16% of all global deaths annually, at present, no reliable therapies exist for most types of the disease. As protein folding facilitators, heat shock proteins (Hsps) play an important role in cancer development. Not surprisingly, Hsps are among leading anticancer drug targets. Generally, Hsp70s are divided into two main subtypes: canonical Hsp70 (Escherichia coli Hsp70/DnaK homologues) and the non-canonical (Hsp110 and Grp170) members. These two main Hsp70 groups are delineated from each other by distinct structural and functional specifications. Non-canonical Hsp70s are considered as holdase chaperones, while canonical Hsp70s are refoldases. This unique characteristic feature is mirrored by the distinct structural features of these two groups of chaperones. Hsp110/Grp170 members are larger as they possess an extended acidic insertion in their substrate binding domains. While the role of canonical Hsp70s in cancer has received a fair share of attention, the roles of non-canonical Hsp70s in cancer development has received less attention in comparison. In the current review, we discuss the structure-function features of non-canonical Hsp70s members and how these features impact their role in cancer development. We further mapped out their interactome and discussed the prospects of targeting these proteins in cancer therapy.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
| | - Addmore Shonhai
- Department of Biochemistry, University of Venda, Private Bag X5050, 0950 Thohoyandou, South Africa
| |
Collapse
|
13
|
Zhang S, Zheng C, Li D, Bei C, Zhang H, Tian R, Song X, Zhu X, Tan S. Clinical Significance of POM121 Expression in Lung Cancer. Genet Test Mol Biomarkers 2020; 24:819-824. [PMID: 33296260 DOI: 10.1089/gtmb.2020.0053] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/12/2022] Open
Abstract
Aims: The aim of this study was to examine the RNA and protein expression levels and clinical significance of the pore membrane protein 121 kDa (POM121) in lung cancer. Materials and Methods: Paired lung cancer and adjacent nontumor tissues were obtained from lung cancer patients to measure the expression of POM121 by quantitative reverse transcription-polymerase chain reaction and immunohistochemistry. Patient clinical and pathological data were collected to analyze their relationships with POM121 protein expression levels by chi-square test and log-rank test, respectively. Results: POM121 mRNA and protein expression were both upregulated in lung cancer tissues. POM121 protein expression was observed in 48.00% (36/75) of lung cancer tissues and 25.33% (19/75) of adjacent nontumor tissues. A chi-square analysis indicated that this difference was statistically significant (p < 0.05). Furthermore, we found that POM121 protein expression was correlated with gender, tumor node metastasis stage, and lymphatic metastasis (p < 0.05). In addition, we found a significant relationship among POM121 expression, gender, and metastasis based on a multivariate logistic regression analysis. A Kaplan-Meier survival analysis indicated that lung cancer patients with POM121 expression had a poorer prognosis than those without POM121 expression (p < 0.05). Conclusion: POM121 protein expression is associated with lung cancer metastasis and is a potential prognostic biomarker for lung cancer patients.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Shidong Zhang
- Department of Epidemiology and Health Statistics, School of Public Health, Guilin Medical University, Guilin, P.R. China
| | - Chuanjun Zheng
- Department of Epidemiology and Health Statistics, School of Public Health, Guilin Medical University, Guilin, P.R. China
| | - Di Li
- Department of Epidemiology and Health Statistics, School of Public Health, Guilin Medical University, Guilin, P.R. China
| | - Chunhua Bei
- Department of Epidemiology and Health Statistics, School of Public Health, Guilin Medical University, Guilin, P.R. China
| | - Huixia Zhang
- Department of Epidemiology and Health Statistics, School of Public Health, Guilin Medical University, Guilin, P.R. China
| | - Run Tian
- Department of Epidemiology and Health Statistics, School of Public Health, Guilin Medical University, Guilin, P.R. China
| | - Xin Song
- Department of Epidemiology and Health Statistics, School of Public Health, Guilin Medical University, Guilin, P.R. China
| | - Xiaonian Zhu
- Department of Epidemiology and Health Statistics, School of Public Health, Guilin Medical University, Guilin, P.R. China
| | - Shengkui Tan
- Department of Epidemiology and Health Statistics, School of Public Health, Guilin Medical University, Guilin, P.R. China
- Department of Epidemiology and Health Statistics, School of Public Health, Central South University, Changsha, P.R. China
| |
Collapse
|
14
|
Zhao R, Tang G, Wang T, Zhang L, Wang W, Zhao Q, Zhao K. POM121 is a novel marker for predicting the prognosis of laryngeal cancer. Histol Histopathol 2020; 35:1285-1293. [PMID: 33016327 DOI: 10.14670/hh-18-267] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/22/2023]
Abstract
The nuclear pore membrane protein 121 (POM121) is an important member of the nuclear pore complex which regulates nucleocytoplasmic transport, but little is known about the role of POM121 in laryngeal cancer. In this study, quantitative real-time polymerase chain reaction and immunohistochemistry were performed to detect POM121 expression in laryngeal tissues. The associations between POM121 and clinicopathological characteristics and overall survival in laryngocarcinoma patients were also analyzed. The mechanism of POM121 was preliminarily explored through gene set enrichment analysis (GSEA). mRNA and protein expression of POM121 in laryngocarcinoma tissues were higher than those in nontumor tissues. High POM121 expression was positively correlated with poor differentiation (χ²=42.391, P<0.001), advanced distant metastases (χ²=20.346, P<0.001) and TNM stage (χ²=23.436, P<0.001). Laryngocarcinoma patients with high POM121 level tended to have poor overall survival. GSEA confirmed that the mechanism of POM121 in laryngeal cancer may relate to sphingolipid metabolism, lysosome, fatty acid metabolism, ribosome, nucleotide excision repair and the PPAR signaling pathway. Overall, POM121 expression might be a prognostic biomarker in laryngeal cancer, and POM121 has the potential to present as a therapeutic target for laryngocarcinoma patients.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Ruihua Zhao
- Emergency Center, Bayannur Hospital, Bayannur, China
| | - Genxiong Tang
- Department of Stomatology, Children's Hospital of Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing, China
| | - Tengqi Wang
- Emergency Center, Bayannur Hospital, Bayannur, China
| | - Lingli Zhang
- Department of Ophthalmology, Inner Mongolia Autonomous Region People's Hospital, Hohhot, China
| | - Wei Wang
- Department of Oncology, Huaian Hospital, Huaian, China
| | | | - Kun Zhao
- Department of Oncology, Huaian Hospital, Huaian, China.
| |
Collapse
|
15
|
Tang G, Tang Q, Jia L, Chen Y, Lin L, Kuai X, Gong A, Feng Z. TROP2 increases growth and metastasis of human oral squamous cell carcinoma through activation of the PI3K/Akt signaling pathway. Int J Mol Med 2019; 44:2161-2170. [PMID: 31638186 PMCID: PMC6844621 DOI: 10.3892/ijmm.2019.4378] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/16/2019] [Accepted: 09/20/2019] [Indexed: 12/18/2022] Open
Abstract
Most malignant neoplasms of the oral cavity are oral squamous cell carcinoma (OSCC), which is a type of highly malignant tumor with a propensity for forming distant metastases. Trophoblast cell surface antigen 2 (TROP2) is a transmembrane protein that is overexpressed in several types of tumor cells, although its role and regulatory mechanism in OSCC have not been determined. The aim of the present study was to examine the effects of TROP2 in human OSCC cell lines. The present study demonstrated that TROP2 protein expression was upregulated in OSCC cell lines. Transfection of short hairpin RNA (shRNA) targeting TROP2 (sh‑TROP2) reduced cell proliferation, migration and invasion of OSCC cell lines, whereas overexpression of TROP2 increased proliferation, migration and invasion. sh‑TROP2 transfection in OSCC cell lines inhibited tumor growth in OSCC mouse models. Furthermore, TROP2 expression activated the phosphoinositide 3‑kinase (PI3K)/Akt signaling pathway in human OSCC cells. These results suggest that TROP2 induces cell growth, migration and invasion through activation of the PI3K/Akt signaling pathway in OSCC cells.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Genxiong Tang
- Department of Stomatology, Children's Hospital of Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing, Jiangsu 210008, P.R. China
| | - Qi Tang
- National Health Commission Key Laboratory of Antibody Technique, Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing, Jiangsu 211166, P.R. China
| | - Lizhou Jia
- National Health Commission Key Laboratory of Antibody Technique, Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing, Jiangsu 211166, P.R. China
| | - Yuan Chen
- Department of Otolaryngology, Second Affiliated Hospital of Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing, Jiangsu 210011, P.R. China
| | - Liangyuan Lin
- Department of Stomatology, Children's Hospital of Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing, Jiangsu 210008, P.R. China
| | - Xingwang Kuai
- Department of Basic Medicine, Jiangsu College of Nursing, Huai'an, Jiangsu 223001, P.R. China
| | - Aixiu Gong
- Department of Stomatology, Children's Hospital of Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing, Jiangsu 210008, P.R. China
| | - Zhengqing Feng
- Department of Pathology, Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing, Jiangsu 211166, P.R. China
| |
Collapse
|