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Saluja S, Bansal I, Bhardwaj R, Beg MS, Palanichamy JK. Inflammation as a driver of hematological malignancies. Front Oncol 2024; 14:1347402. [PMID: 38571491 PMCID: PMC10987768 DOI: 10.3389/fonc.2024.1347402] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/01/2023] [Accepted: 03/05/2024] [Indexed: 04/05/2024] Open
Abstract
Hematopoiesis is a tightly regulated process that produces all adult blood cells and immune cells from multipotent hematopoietic stem cells (HSCs). HSCs usually remain quiescent, and in the presence of external stimuli like infection or inflammation, they undergo division and differentiation as a compensatory mechanism. Normal hematopoiesis is impacted by systemic inflammation, which causes HSCs to transition from quiescence to emergency myelopoiesis. At the molecular level, inflammatory cytokine signaling molecules such as tumor necrosis factor (TNF), interferons, interleukins, and toll-like receptors can all cause HSCs to multiply directly. These cytokines actively encourage HSC activation, proliferation, and differentiation during inflammation, which results in the generation and activation of immune cells required to combat acute injury. The bone marrow niche provides numerous soluble and stromal cell signals, which are essential for maintaining normal homeostasis and output of the bone marrow cells. Inflammatory signals also impact this bone marrow microenvironment called the HSC niche to regulate the inflammatory-induced hematopoiesis. Continuous pro-inflammatory cytokine and chemokine activation can have detrimental effects on the hematopoietic system, which can lead to cancer development, HSC depletion, and bone marrow failure. Reactive oxygen species (ROS), which damage DNA and ultimately lead to the transformation of HSCs into cancerous cells, are produced due to chronic inflammation. The biological elements of the HSC niche produce pro-inflammatory cytokines that cause clonal growth and the development of leukemic stem cells (LSCs) in hematological malignancies. The processes underlying how inflammation affects hematological malignancies are still not fully understood. In this review, we emphasize the effects of inflammation on normal hematopoiesis, the part it plays in the development and progression of hematological malignancies, and potential therapeutic applications for targeting these pathways for therapy in hematological malignancies.
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Kakuguchi W, Kitamura T, Takahashi T, Yanagawa-Matsuda A, Fang CY, Ohiro Y, Higashino F. Human antigen R knockdown attenuates the invasive activity of oral cancer cells through inactivation of matrix metalloproteinase-1 gene expression. J Dent Sci 2024; 19:154-161. [PMID: 38303892 PMCID: PMC10829560 DOI: 10.1016/j.jds.2023.05.014] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/09/2023] [Revised: 05/11/2023] [Indexed: 02/03/2024] Open
Abstract
Background/purpose The RNA-binding protein human antigen R (HuR) recognizes AU-rich elements in the 3'-untranslated regions of mRNA. The expression of cytoplasmic HuR is related to the malignancy of many carcinomas. The aim of this study is investigation of effect of HuR knockdown for invasive activity of oral carcinoma. Materials and methods Proliferation, invasion, real-time PCR, and reporter gene assays were performed to confirm that the knockdown of HuR downregulates the invasive activity of cancer cells. Immunohistochemical staining was performed for high invasive carcinoma, squamous cell carcinoma (SCC) and low invasive carcinoma, verrucous carcinoma (VC), to determine if the localization of cytoplasmic HuR is related to matrix metalloproteinase-1 (MMP-1) expression. Results Invasive activity was significantly lower in HuR knockdown cancer cells than in control cells. A luciferase assay revealed that HuR knockdown inactivated the promoter activity of the MMP-1 gene. The mRNA levels of the transcription factors required for MMP-1 expression, including c-fos and c-jun, were decreased in HuR knockdown cancer cells. Immunohistochemical analysis revealed the level of cytoplasmic HuR and MMP-1 in invasive carcinoma to be higher than in low invasive cancer. HuR induced MMP-1 expression in the invasive front of most SCC cases. Conclusion HuR knockdown attenuated the invasive activity of cancer cells by decreasing the expression of the MMP-1, at least partially. HuR localization may help determine the invasive phenotype of cancer cells and inhibit cancer cell invasion. Furthermore, in oral SCC, HuR may be related to invasive activity through the expression of MMP-1.
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Affiliation(s)
- Wataru Kakuguchi
- Department of Vascular Biology and Molecular Pathology, Division of Oral Pathobiological Science, Faculty of Dental Medicine and Graduate School of Dental Medicine, Hokkaido University, Sapporo, Japan
- Department of Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery, Division of Oral Pathobiological Science, Faculty of Dental Medicine and Graduate School of Dental Medicine, Hokkaido University, Sapporo, Japan
| | - Tetsuya Kitamura
- Department of Vascular Biology and Molecular Pathology, Division of Oral Pathobiological Science, Faculty of Dental Medicine and Graduate School of Dental Medicine, Hokkaido University, Sapporo, Japan
- Hokkaido Oral Pathology Diagnostic Clinic, Sapporo, Japan
| | - Tomomi Takahashi
- Support Section for Education and Research, Faculty of Dental Medicine and Graduate School of Dental Medicine, Hokkaido University, Sapporo, Japan
| | - Aya Yanagawa-Matsuda
- Department of Vascular Biology and Molecular Pathology, Division of Oral Pathobiological Science, Faculty of Dental Medicine and Graduate School of Dental Medicine, Hokkaido University, Sapporo, Japan
| | - Chih-Yuan Fang
- Department of Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery, Wan Fang Hospital, Taipei Medical University, Taipei, Taiwan
- School of Dentistry, College of Oral Medicine, Taipei Medical University, Taipei, Taiwan
| | - Yoichi Ohiro
- Department of Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery, Division of Oral Pathobiological Science, Faculty of Dental Medicine and Graduate School of Dental Medicine, Hokkaido University, Sapporo, Japan
| | - Fumihiro Higashino
- Department of Vascular Biology and Molecular Pathology, Division of Oral Pathobiological Science, Faculty of Dental Medicine and Graduate School of Dental Medicine, Hokkaido University, Sapporo, Japan
- Department of Molecular Oncology, Faculty of Dental Medicine and Graduate School of Biomedical Science and Engineering, Hokkaido University, Sapporo, Japan
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Zaragoza-Huesca D, Rodenas MC, Peñas-Martínez J, Pardo-Sánchez I, Peña-García J, Espín S, Ricote G, Nieto A, García-Molina F, Vicente V, Lozano ML, Carmona-Bayonas A, Mulero V, Pérez-Sánchez H, Martínez-Martínez I. Suramin, a drug for the treatment of trypanosomiasis, reduces the prothrombotic and metastatic phenotypes of colorectal cancer cells by inhibiting hepsin. Biomed Pharmacother 2023; 168:115814. [PMID: 37918256 DOI: 10.1016/j.biopha.2023.115814] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/30/2023] [Revised: 10/23/2023] [Accepted: 10/28/2023] [Indexed: 11/04/2023] Open
Abstract
Recently, our group identified serine-protease hepsin from primary tumor as a biomarker of metastasis and thrombosis in patients with localized colorectal cancer. We described hepsin promotes invasion and thrombin generation of colorectal cancer cells in vitro and in vivo and identified venetoclax as a hepsin inhibitor that suppresses these effects. Now, we aspire to identify additional hepsin inhibitors, aiming to broaden the therapeutic choices for targeted intervention in colorectal cancer. METHODS We developed a virtual screening based on molecular docking between the hepsin active site and 2000 compounds from DrugBank. The most promising drug was validated in a hepsin activity assay. Subsequently, we measured the hepsin inhibitor effect on colorectal cancer cells with basal or overexpression of hepsin via wound-healing, gelatin matrix invasion, and plasma thrombin generation assays. Finally, a zebrafish model determined whether hepsin inhibition reduced the invasion of colorectal cancer cells overexpressing hepsin. RESULTS Suramin was the most potent hepsin inhibitor (docking score: -11.9691 Kcal/mol), with an IC50 of 0.66 µM. In Caco-2 cells with basal or overexpression of hepsin, suramin decreased migration and significantly reduced invasion and thrombin generation. Suramin did not reduce the thrombotic phenotype in the hepsin-negative colorectal cancer cells HCT-116 and DLD-1. Finally, suramin significantly reduced the in vivo invasion of Caco-2 cells overexpressing hepsin. CONCLUSION Suramin is a novel hepsin inhibitor that reduces its protumorigenic and prothrombotic effects in colorectal cancer cells. This suggests the possibility of repurposing suramin and its derivatives to augment the repertoire of molecular targeted therapies against colorectal cancer.
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Affiliation(s)
- David Zaragoza-Huesca
- Department of Hematology and Medical Oncology, Hospital Universitario Morales Meseguer, Centro Regional de Hemodonación, CIBERER, Universidad de Murcia, IMIB-Pascual Parrilla, 30003 Murcia, Spain.
| | - Maria Carmen Rodenas
- Department of Hematology and Medical Oncology, Hospital Universitario Morales Meseguer, Centro Regional de Hemodonación, CIBERER, Universidad de Murcia, IMIB-Pascual Parrilla, 30003 Murcia, Spain.
| | - Julia Peñas-Martínez
- Department of Hematology and Medical Oncology, Hospital Universitario Morales Meseguer, Centro Regional de Hemodonación, CIBERER, Universidad de Murcia, IMIB-Pascual Parrilla, 30003 Murcia, Spain.
| | - Irene Pardo-Sánchez
- Department of Cell Biology, Faculty of Biology, Universidad de Murcia, CIBERER, IMIB-Pascual Parrilla, 30100 Murcia, Spain.
| | - Jorge Peña-García
- Structural Bioinformatics and High Performance Computing Research Group (BIO-HPC), Computer Engineering Department, UCAM Universidad Católica de Murcia, 30107, Murcia, Spain.
| | - Salvador Espín
- Department of Hematology and Medical Oncology, Hospital Universitario Morales Meseguer, Centro Regional de Hemodonación, CIBERER, Universidad de Murcia, IMIB-Pascual Parrilla, 30003 Murcia, Spain.
| | - Guillermo Ricote
- Department of Hematology and Medical Oncology, Hospital Universitario Morales Meseguer, Centro Regional de Hemodonación, CIBERER, Universidad de Murcia, IMIB-Pascual Parrilla, 30003 Murcia, Spain.
| | - Andrés Nieto
- Department of Pathology, Hospital Universitario Morales Meseguer, 30008 Murcia, Spain.
| | | | - Vicente Vicente
- Department of Hematology and Medical Oncology, Hospital Universitario Morales Meseguer, Centro Regional de Hemodonación, CIBERER, Universidad de Murcia, IMIB-Pascual Parrilla, 30003 Murcia, Spain.
| | - Maria Luisa Lozano
- Department of Hematology and Medical Oncology, Hospital Universitario Morales Meseguer, Centro Regional de Hemodonación, CIBERER, Universidad de Murcia, IMIB-Pascual Parrilla, 30003 Murcia, Spain.
| | - Alberto Carmona-Bayonas
- Department of Hematology and Medical Oncology, Hospital Universitario Morales Meseguer, Centro Regional de Hemodonación, CIBERER, Universidad de Murcia, IMIB-Pascual Parrilla, 30003 Murcia, Spain.
| | - Victoriano Mulero
- Department of Cell Biology, Faculty of Biology, Universidad de Murcia, CIBERER, IMIB-Pascual Parrilla, 30100 Murcia, Spain.
| | - Horacio Pérez-Sánchez
- Structural Bioinformatics and High Performance Computing Research Group (BIO-HPC), Computer Engineering Department, UCAM Universidad Católica de Murcia, 30107, Murcia, Spain.
| | - Irene Martínez-Martínez
- Department of Hematology and Medical Oncology, Hospital Universitario Morales Meseguer, Centro Regional de Hemodonación, CIBERER, Universidad de Murcia, IMIB-Pascual Parrilla, 30003 Murcia, Spain.
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Wang T, Zhang H. Exploring the roles and molecular mechanisms of RNA binding proteins in the sorting of noncoding RNAs into exosomes during tumor progression. J Adv Res 2023:S2090-1232(23)00368-5. [PMID: 38030125 DOI: 10.1016/j.jare.2023.11.029] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/19/2023] [Revised: 10/26/2023] [Accepted: 11/24/2023] [Indexed: 12/01/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND RNA binding proteins (RBPs) play a role in sorting non-coding RNAs (ncRNAs) into exosomes. These ncRNAs, carried by exosomes, are involved in regulating various aspects of tumor progression, including metastasis, angiogenesis, control of the tumor microenvironment, and drug resistance. Recent studies have emphasized the importance of the RBP-ncRNA-exosome mechanism in tumor regulation. AIM OF REVIEW This comprehensive review aims to explore the RBP-ncRNA-exosome mechanism and its influence on tumor development. By understanding this intricate mechanism provides novel insights into tumor regulation and may lead to innovative treatment strategies in the future. KEY SCIENTIFIC CONCEPTS OF REVIEW The review discusses the formation of exosomes and the complex relationships among RBPs, ncRNAs, and exosomes. The RBP-ncRNA-exosome mechanism is shown to affect various aspects of tumor biology, including metastasis, multidrug resistance, angiogenesis, the immunosuppressive microenvironment, and tumor progression. Tumor development relies on the transmission of information between cells, with RBPs selectively mediating sorting of ncRNAs into exosomes through various mechanisms, which in turn carry ncRNAs to regulate RBPs. The review also provides an overview of potential therapeutic strategies, such as targeted drug discovery and genetic engineering for modifying therapeutic exosomes, which hold great promise for improving cancer treatment.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ting Wang
- Institute of Interdisciplinary Integrative Medicine Research, Shanghai University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Shanghai 201203, China
| | - Hui Zhang
- Institute of Interdisciplinary Integrative Medicine Research, Shanghai University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Shanghai 201203, China.
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5
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Finan JM, Sutton TL, Dixon DA, Brody JR. Targeting the RNA-Binding Protein HuR in Cancer. Cancer Res 2023; 83:3507-3516. [PMID: 37683260 DOI: 10.1158/0008-5472.can-23-0972] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/29/2023] [Revised: 07/12/2023] [Accepted: 09/06/2023] [Indexed: 09/10/2023]
Abstract
The RNA-binding protein human antigen R (HuR) is a well-established regulator of gene expression at the posttranscriptional level. Its dysregulation has been implicated in various human diseases, particularly cancer. In cancer, HuR is considered "active" when it shows increased subcellular localization in the cytoplasm, in addition to its normal nuclear localization. Cytoplasmic HuR plays a crucial role in stabilizing and enhancing the translation of prosurvival mRNAs that are involved in stress responses relevant to cancer progression, such as hypoxia, radiotherapy, and chemotherapy. In general, due to HuR's abundance and function in cancer cells compared with normal cells, it is an appealing target for oncology research. Exploiting the principles underlying HuR's role in tumorigenesis and resistance to stressors, targeting HuR has the potential for synergy with existing and novel oncologic therapies. This review aims to explore HuR's role in homeostasis and cancer pathophysiology, as well as current targeting strategies, which include silencing HuR expression, preventing its translocation and dimerization from the nucleus to the cytoplasm, and inhibiting mRNA binding. Furthermore, this review will discuss recent studies investigating the potential synergy between HuR inhibition and traditional chemotherapeutics.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jennifer M Finan
- Department of Surgery, Oregon Health & Science University, Portland, Oregon
| | - Thomas L Sutton
- Department of Surgery, Oregon Health & Science University, Portland, Oregon
| | - Dan A Dixon
- Department of Molecular Biosciences, University of Kansas, Lawrence, Kansas
| | - Jonathan R Brody
- Department of Surgery, Oregon Health & Science University, Portland, Oregon
- Brenden-Colson Center for Pancreatic Care, Oregon Health & Science University, Portland, Oregon
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Joseph BP, Weber V, Knüpfer L, Giorgetti A, Alfonso-Prieto M, Krauß S, Carloni P, Rossetti G. Low Molecular Weight Inhibitors Targeting the RNA-Binding Protein HuR. Int J Mol Sci 2023; 24:13127. [PMID: 37685931 PMCID: PMC10488267 DOI: 10.3390/ijms241713127] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/31/2023] [Revised: 08/18/2023] [Accepted: 08/22/2023] [Indexed: 09/10/2023] Open
Abstract
The RNA-binding protein human antigen R (HuR) regulates stability, translation, and nucleus-to-cytoplasm shuttling of its target mRNAs. This protein has been progressively recognized as a relevant therapeutic target for several pathologies, like cancer, neurodegeneration, as well as inflammation. Inhibitors of mRNA binding to HuR might thus be beneficial against a variety of diseases. Here, we present the rational identification of structurally novel HuR inhibitors. In particular, by combining chemoinformatic approaches, high-throughput virtual screening, and RNA-protein pulldown assays, we demonstrate that the 4-(2-(2,4,6-trioxotetrahydropyrimidin-5(2H)-ylidene)hydrazineyl)benzoate ligand exhibits a dose-dependent HuR inhibition effect in binding experiments. Importantly, the chemical scaffold is new with respect to the currently known HuR inhibitors, opening up a new avenue for the design of pharmaceutical agents targeting this important protein.
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Affiliation(s)
- Benjamin Philipp Joseph
- Institute for Neuroscience and Medicine and Institute for Advanced Simulations (INM-9/IAS-5), Computational Biomedicine, Forschungszentrum Jülich, 52425 Jülich, Germany; (B.P.J.); (V.W.); (A.G.); (M.A.-P.); (G.R.)
- Faculty of Mathematics, Computer Science and Natural Sciences, RWTH Aachen University, 52062 Aachen, Germany
| | - Verena Weber
- Institute for Neuroscience and Medicine and Institute for Advanced Simulations (INM-9/IAS-5), Computational Biomedicine, Forschungszentrum Jülich, 52425 Jülich, Germany; (B.P.J.); (V.W.); (A.G.); (M.A.-P.); (G.R.)
- Faculty of Mathematics, Computer Science and Natural Sciences, RWTH Aachen University, 52062 Aachen, Germany
| | - Lisa Knüpfer
- Institute of Biology, University of Siegen, 57076 Siegen, Germany;
| | - Alejandro Giorgetti
- Institute for Neuroscience and Medicine and Institute for Advanced Simulations (INM-9/IAS-5), Computational Biomedicine, Forschungszentrum Jülich, 52425 Jülich, Germany; (B.P.J.); (V.W.); (A.G.); (M.A.-P.); (G.R.)
- Department of Biotechnology, University of Verona, 37134 Verona, Italy
| | - Mercedes Alfonso-Prieto
- Institute for Neuroscience and Medicine and Institute for Advanced Simulations (INM-9/IAS-5), Computational Biomedicine, Forschungszentrum Jülich, 52425 Jülich, Germany; (B.P.J.); (V.W.); (A.G.); (M.A.-P.); (G.R.)
| | - Sybille Krauß
- Institute of Biology, University of Siegen, 57076 Siegen, Germany;
| | - Paolo Carloni
- Institute for Neuroscience and Medicine and Institute for Advanced Simulations (INM-9/IAS-5), Computational Biomedicine, Forschungszentrum Jülich, 52425 Jülich, Germany; (B.P.J.); (V.W.); (A.G.); (M.A.-P.); (G.R.)
- Faculty of Mathematics, Computer Science and Natural Sciences, RWTH Aachen University, 52062 Aachen, Germany
| | - Giulia Rossetti
- Institute for Neuroscience and Medicine and Institute for Advanced Simulations (INM-9/IAS-5), Computational Biomedicine, Forschungszentrum Jülich, 52425 Jülich, Germany; (B.P.J.); (V.W.); (A.G.); (M.A.-P.); (G.R.)
- Jülich Supercomputing Centre (JSC), Forschungszentrum Jülich, 52425 Jülich, Germany
- Department of Neurology, RWTH Aachen University, 44517 Aachen, Germany
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Smith MM, Melrose J. Pentosan Polysulfate Affords Pleotropic Protection to Multiple Cells and Tissues. Pharmaceuticals (Basel) 2023; 16:437. [PMID: 36986536 PMCID: PMC10132487 DOI: 10.3390/ph16030437] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/24/2023] [Revised: 02/18/2023] [Accepted: 03/01/2023] [Indexed: 03/16/2023] Open
Abstract
Pentosan polysulfate (PPS), a small semi-synthetic highly sulfated heparan sulfate (HS)-like molecule, shares many of the interactive properties of HS. The aim of this review was to outline the potential of PPS as an interventional therapeutic protective agent in physiological processes affecting pathological tissues. PPS is a multifunctional molecule with diverse therapeutic actions against many disease processes. PPS has been used for decades in the treatment of interstitial cystitis and painful bowel disease, it has tissue-protective properties as a protease inhibitor in cartilage, tendon and IVD, and it has been used as a cell-directive component in bioscaffolds in tissue engineering applications. PPS regulates complement activation, coagulation, fibrinolysis and thrombocytopenia, and it promotes the synthesis of hyaluronan. Nerve growth factor production in osteocytes is inhibited by PPS, reducing bone pain in osteoarthritis and rheumatoid arthritis (OA/RA). PPS also removes fatty compounds from lipid-engorged subchondral blood vessels in OA/RA cartilage, reducing joint pain. PPS regulates cytokine and inflammatory mediator production and is also an anti-tumor agent that promotes the proliferation and differentiation of mesenchymal stem cells and the development of progenitor cell lineages that have proven to be useful in strategies designed to effect repair of the degenerate intervertebral disc (IVD) and OA cartilage. PPS stimulates proteoglycan synthesis by chondrocytes in the presence or absence of interleukin (IL)-1, and stimulates hyaluronan production by synoviocytes. PPS is thus a multifunctional tissue-protective molecule of potential therapeutic application for a diverse range of disease processes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Margaret M. Smith
- Raymond Purves Laboratory, Institute of Bone and Joint Research, Kolling Institute of Medical Research, Faculty of Health and Science, University of Sydney at Royal North Shore Hospital, St. Leonards, NSW 2065, Australia;
| | - James Melrose
- Raymond Purves Laboratory, Institute of Bone and Joint Research, Kolling Institute of Medical Research, Faculty of Health and Science, University of Sydney at Royal North Shore Hospital, St. Leonards, NSW 2065, Australia;
- Graduate Schools of Biomedical Engineering, University of NSW, Sydney, NSW 2052, Australia
- Sydney Medical School, Northern Campus, Royal North Shore Hospital, St. Leonards, NSW 2065, Australia
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Listro R, Rossino G, Piaggi F, Sonekan FF, Rossi D, Linciano P, Collina S. Urea-based anticancer agents. Exploring 100-years of research with an eye to the future. Front Chem 2022; 10:995351. [PMID: 36186578 PMCID: PMC9520293 DOI: 10.3389/fchem.2022.995351] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/15/2022] [Accepted: 08/24/2022] [Indexed: 11/24/2022] Open
Abstract
Suramin was the first urea-based drug to be approved in clinic, and in the following century a number of milestone drugs based on this scaffold were developed. Indeed, urea soon became a privileged scaffold in medicinal chemistry for its capability to establish a peculiar network of drug−target interactions, for its physicochemical properties that are useful for tuning the druggability of the new chemical entities, and for its structural and synthetic versatility that opened the door to numerous drug design possibilities. In this review, we highlight the relevance of the urea moiety in the medicinal chemistry scenario of anticancer drugs with a special focus on the kinase inhibitors for which this scaffold represented and still represents a pivotal pharmacophoric feature. A general outlook on the approved drugs, recent patents, and current research in this field is herein provided, and the role of the urea moiety in the drug discovery process is discussed form a medicinal chemistry standpoint. We believe that the present review can benefit both academia and pharmaceutical companies’ medicinal chemists to prompt research towards new urea derivatives as anticancer agents.
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Affiliation(s)
- Roberta Listro
- Department of Drug Sciences, University of Pavia, Pavia, Italy
| | - Giacomo Rossino
- Department of Drug Sciences, University of Pavia, Pavia, Italy
| | - Federica Piaggi
- Department of Drug Sciences, University of Pavia, Pavia, Italy
| | - Falilat Folasade Sonekan
- Department of Drug Sciences, University of Pavia, Pavia, Italy
- School of Pharmacy and Pharmaceutical Sciences, Panoz Institute, Trinity College Dublin, University of Dublin, Dublin, Ireland
| | - Daniela Rossi
- Department of Drug Sciences, University of Pavia, Pavia, Italy
| | | | - Simona Collina
- Department of Drug Sciences, University of Pavia, Pavia, Italy
- *Correspondence: Simona Collina,
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Majumder M, Chakraborty P, Mohan S, Mehrotra S, Palanisamy V. HuR as a molecular target for cancer therapeutics and immune-related disorders. Adv Drug Deliv Rev 2022; 188:114442. [PMID: 35817212 DOI: 10.1016/j.addr.2022.114442] [Citation(s) in RCA: 19] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/07/2021] [Revised: 04/12/2022] [Accepted: 07/05/2022] [Indexed: 11/19/2022]
Abstract
The control of eukaryotic gene expression occurs at multiple levels, from transcription to messenger RNA processing, transport, localization, turnover, and translation. RNA-binding proteins control gene expression and are involved in different stages of mRNA processing, including splicing, maturation, turnover, and translation. A ubiquitously expressed RBP Human antigen R is engaged in the RNA processes mentioned above but, most importantly, controls mRNA stability and turnover. Dysregulation of HuR is linked to many diseases, including cancer and other immune-related disorders. HuR targets mRNAs containing AU-rich elements at their 3'untranslated region, which encodes proteins involved in cell growth, proliferation, tumor formation, angiogenesis, immune evasion, inflammation, invasion, and metastasis. HuR overexpression has been reported in many tumor types, which led to a poor prognosis for patients. Hence, HuR is considered an appealing drug target for cancer treatment. Therefore, multiple attempts have been made to identify small molecule inhibitors for blocking HuR functions. This article reviews the current prospects of drugs that target HuR in numerous cancer types, their mode of action, and off-target effects. Furthermore, we will summarize drugs that interfered with HuR-RNA interactions and established themselves as novel therapeutics. We will also highlight the significance of HuR overexpression in multiple cancers and discuss its role in immune functions. This review provides evidence of a new era of HuR-targeted small molecules that can be used for cancer therapeutics either as a monotherapy or in combination with other cancer treatment modalities.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mrinmoyee Majumder
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Charleston, SC 29425, USA
| | - Paramita Chakraborty
- Department of Surgery, College of Medicine, Medical University of South Carolina, Charleston, SC 29425, USA
| | - Sarumathi Mohan
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Charleston, SC 29425, USA
| | - Shikhar Mehrotra
- Department of Surgery, College of Medicine, Medical University of South Carolina, Charleston, SC 29425, USA
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Chen Y, Qin H, Zheng L. Research progress on RNA−binding proteins in breast cancer. Front Oncol 2022; 12:974523. [PMID: 36059653 PMCID: PMC9433872 DOI: 10.3389/fonc.2022.974523] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/21/2022] [Accepted: 07/27/2022] [Indexed: 11/16/2022] Open
Abstract
Breast cancer is the most common malignancy in women and has a high incidence rate and mortality. Abnormal regulation of gene expression plays an important role in breast cancer occurrence and development. RNA-binding proteins (RBPs) are one kind of the key regulators for gene expression. By interacting with RNA, RBPs are widely involved in RNA cutting, transport, editing, intracellular localization, and translation regulation. RBPs are important during breast cancer occurrence and progression by engaging in many aspects, like proliferation, migration, invasion, and stemness. Therefore, comprehensively understanding the role of RBPs in breast cancer progression can facilitate early diagnosis, timely treatment, and long-term survival and quality of life of breast cancer patients.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ying Chen
- School of Life Science and Technology, Jiangsu Key Laboratory of Carcinogenesis and Intervention, China Pharmaceutical University, Nanjing, China
| | - Hai Qin
- Department of Clinical Laboratory, Guizhou Provincial Orthopedic Hospital, Guiyang, China
- *Correspondence: Lufeng Zheng, ; Hai Qin,
| | - Lufeng Zheng
- School of Life Science and Technology, Jiangsu Key Laboratory of Carcinogenesis and Intervention, China Pharmaceutical University, Nanjing, China
- *Correspondence: Lufeng Zheng, ; Hai Qin,
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Cai H, Zheng D, Yao Y, Yang L, Huang X, Wang L. Roles of Embryonic Lethal Abnormal Vision-Like RNA Binding Proteins in Cancer and Beyond. Front Cell Dev Biol 2022; 10:847761. [PMID: 35465324 PMCID: PMC9019298 DOI: 10.3389/fcell.2022.847761] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/03/2022] [Accepted: 03/04/2022] [Indexed: 12/31/2022] Open
Abstract
Embryonic lethal abnormal vision-like (ELAVL) proteins are RNA binding proteins that were originally discovered as indispensable regulators of the development and functioning of the nervous system. Subsequent studies have shown that ELAVL proteins not only exist in the nervous system, but also have regulatory effects in other tissues. ELAVL proteins have attracted attention as potential therapeutic targets because they stabilize multiple mRNAs by binding within the 3′-untranslated region and thus promote the development of tumors, including hepatocellular carcinoma, pancreatic cancer, ovarian cancer, breast cancer, colorectal carcinoma and lung cancer. Previous studies have focused on these important relationships with downstream mRNAs, but emerging studies suggest that ELAVL proteins also interact with non-coding RNAs. In this review, we will summarize the relationship of the ELAVL protein family with mRNA and non-coding RNA and the roles of ELAVL protein family members in a variety of physiological and pathological processes.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | | | - Lehe Yang
- *Correspondence: Lehe Yang, ; Xiaoying Huang, ; Liangxing Wang,
| | - Xiaoying Huang
- *Correspondence: Lehe Yang, ; Xiaoying Huang, ; Liangxing Wang,
| | - Liangxing Wang
- *Correspondence: Lehe Yang, ; Xiaoying Huang, ; Liangxing Wang,
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12
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Assoni G, La Pietra V, Digilio R, Ciani C, Licata NV, Micaelli M, Facen E, Tomaszewska W, Cerofolini L, Pérez-Ràfols A, Varela Rey M, Fragai M, Woodhoo A, Marinelli L, Arosio D, Bonomo I, Provenzani A, Seneci P. HuR-targeted agents: An insight into medicinal chemistry, biophysical, computational studies and pharmacological effects on cancer models. Adv Drug Deliv Rev 2022; 181:114088. [PMID: 34942276 DOI: 10.1016/j.addr.2021.114088] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/06/2021] [Revised: 10/07/2021] [Accepted: 12/16/2021] [Indexed: 12/13/2022]
Abstract
The Human antigen R (HuR) protein is an RNA-binding protein, ubiquitously expressed in human tissues, that orchestrates target RNA maturation and processing both in the nucleus and in the cytoplasm. A survey of known modulators of the RNA-HuR interactions is followed by a description of its structure and molecular mechanism of action - RRM domains, interactions with RNA, dimerization, binding modes with naturally occurring and synthetic HuR inhibitors. Then, the review focuses on HuR as a validated molecular target in oncology and briefly describes its role in inflammation. Namely, we show ample evidence for the involvement of HuR in the hallmarks and enabling characteristics of cancer, reporting findings from in vitro and in vivo studies; and we provide abundant experimental proofs of a beneficial role for the inhibition of HuR-mRNA interactions through silencing (CRISPR, siRNA) or pharmacological inhibition (small molecule HuR inhibitors).
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Affiliation(s)
- Giulia Assoni
- Chemistry Department, University of Milan, Via Golgi 19, I-20133 Milan, Italy; Department of Cellular, Computational and Integrative Biology (CIBIO), University of Trento, via Sommarive 9, 38123 Trento, Italy
| | - Valeria La Pietra
- Department of Pharmacy, University of Napoli Federico II, Via D. Montesano 49, 80131 Napoli, Italy
| | - Rosangela Digilio
- Department of Cellular, Computational and Integrative Biology (CIBIO), University of Trento, via Sommarive 9, 38123 Trento, Italy
| | - Caterina Ciani
- Department of Cellular, Computational and Integrative Biology (CIBIO), University of Trento, via Sommarive 9, 38123 Trento, Italy
| | - Nausicaa Valentina Licata
- Department of Cellular, Computational and Integrative Biology (CIBIO), University of Trento, via Sommarive 9, 38123 Trento, Italy
| | - Mariachiara Micaelli
- Department of Cellular, Computational and Integrative Biology (CIBIO), University of Trento, via Sommarive 9, 38123 Trento, Italy
| | - Elisa Facen
- Department of Cellular, Computational and Integrative Biology (CIBIO), University of Trento, via Sommarive 9, 38123 Trento, Italy
| | - Weronika Tomaszewska
- Department of Cellular, Computational and Integrative Biology (CIBIO), University of Trento, via Sommarive 9, 38123 Trento, Italy
| | - Linda Cerofolini
- Magnetic Resonance Center (CERM), University of Florence and Interuniversity Consortium for Magnetic Resonance of Metalloproteins (CIRMMP), Via L. Sacconi 6, 50019 Sesto Fiorentino (FI), Italy
| | - Anna Pérez-Ràfols
- Giotto Biotech S.R.L., Via Madonna del Piano 6, 50019 Sesto Fiorentino (FI), Italy
| | - Marta Varela Rey
- Gene Regulatory Control in Disease Group, Center for Research in Molecular Medicine and Chronic Diseases (CIMUS), Health Research Institute of Santiago de Compostela (IDIS), University of Santiago de Compostela, 15706 Santiago de Compostela, Spain
| | - Marco Fragai
- Magnetic Resonance Center (CERM), University of Florence and Interuniversity Consortium for Magnetic Resonance of Metalloproteins (CIRMMP), Via L. Sacconi 6, 50019 Sesto Fiorentino (FI), Italy
| | - Ashwin Woodhoo
- Gene Regulatory Control in Disease Group, Center for Research in Molecular Medicine and Chronic Diseases (CIMUS), Health Research Institute of Santiago de Compostela (IDIS), University of Santiago de Compostela, 15706 Santiago de Compostela, Spain; Department of Functional Biology, University of Santiago de Compostela, 15782 Santiago de Compostela, Spain; Galician Agency of Innovation (GAIN), Xunta de Galicia, Santiago de Compostela, Spain; Center for Cooperative Research in Biosciences (CIC bioGUNE, Basque Research and Technology Alliance (BRTA), Bizkaia Technology Park, Building 801A, 48160 Derio, Spain; IKERBASQUE, Basque Foundation for Science, Bilbao 48013, Spain
| | - Luciana Marinelli
- Department of Pharmacy, University of Napoli Federico II, Via D. Montesano 49, 80131 Napoli, Italy
| | - Daniela Arosio
- Istituto di Scienze e Tecnologie Chimiche "G. Natta" (SCITEC), National Research Council (CNR), Via C. Golgi 19, I-20133 Milan, Italy
| | - Isabelle Bonomo
- Department of Cellular, Computational and Integrative Biology (CIBIO), University of Trento, via Sommarive 9, 38123 Trento, Italy
| | - Alessandro Provenzani
- Department of Cellular, Computational and Integrative Biology (CIBIO), University of Trento, via Sommarive 9, 38123 Trento, Italy.
| | - Pierfausto Seneci
- Chemistry Department, University of Milan, Via Golgi 19, I-20133 Milan, Italy.
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13
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Raguraman R, Shanmugarama S, Mehta M, Elle Peterson J, Zhao YD, Munshi A, Ramesh R. Drug delivery approaches for HuR-targeted therapy for lung cancer. Adv Drug Deliv Rev 2022; 180:114068. [PMID: 34822926 PMCID: PMC8724414 DOI: 10.1016/j.addr.2021.114068] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/17/2021] [Accepted: 11/18/2021] [Indexed: 01/03/2023]
Abstract
Lung cancer (LC) is often diagnosed at an advanced stage and conventional treatments for disease management have limitations associated with them. Novel therapeutic targets are thus avidly sought for the effective management of LC. RNA binding proteins (RBPs) have been convincingly established as key players in tumorigenesis, and their dysregulation is linked to multiple cancers, including LC. In this context, we review the role of Human antigen R (HuR), an RBP that is overexpressed in LC, and further associated with various aspects of LC tumor growth and response to therapy. Herein, we describe the role of HuR in LC progression and outline the evidences supporting various pharmacologic and biologic approaches for inhibiting HuR expression and function. These approaches, including use of small molecule inhibitors, siRNAs and shRNAs, have demonstrated favorable results in reducing tumor cell growth, invasion and migration, angiogenesis and metastasis. Hence, HuR has significant potential as a key therapeutic target in LC. Use of siRNA-based approaches, however, have certain limitations that prevent their maximal exploitation as cancer therapies. To address this, in the conclusion of this review, we provide a list of nanomedicine-based HuR targeting approaches currently being employed for siRNA and shRNA delivery, and provide a rationale for the immense potential therapeutic benefits offered by nanocarrier-based HuR targeting and its promise for treating patients with LC.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rajeswari Raguraman
- Department of Pathology, The University of Oklahoma Health Sciences Center, Oklahoma City, OK, USA; Stephenson Cancer Center, University of Oklahoma Health Sciences Center, Oklahoma City, OK, USA
| | - Santny Shanmugarama
- Department of Pathology, The University of Oklahoma Health Sciences Center, Oklahoma City, OK, USA; Graduate Program in Biomedical Sciences, University of Oklahoma Health Sciences Center, Oklahoma City, OK 73104, USA
| | - Meghna Mehta
- Radiation Oncology, The University of Oklahoma Health Sciences Center, Oklahoma City, OK, USA; Stephenson Cancer Center, University of Oklahoma Health Sciences Center, Oklahoma City, OK, USA
| | - Jo Elle Peterson
- Department of Pathology, The University of Oklahoma Health Sciences Center, Oklahoma City, OK, USA
| | - Yan D Zhao
- Biostatistics and Epidemiology, The University of Oklahoma Health Sciences Center, Oklahoma City, OK, USA; Stephenson Cancer Center, University of Oklahoma Health Sciences Center, Oklahoma City, OK, USA
| | - Anupama Munshi
- Radiation Oncology, The University of Oklahoma Health Sciences Center, Oklahoma City, OK, USA; Stephenson Cancer Center, University of Oklahoma Health Sciences Center, Oklahoma City, OK, USA
| | - Rajagopal Ramesh
- Department of Pathology, The University of Oklahoma Health Sciences Center, Oklahoma City, OK, USA; Stephenson Cancer Center, University of Oklahoma Health Sciences Center, Oklahoma City, OK, USA; Graduate Program in Biomedical Sciences, University of Oklahoma Health Sciences Center, Oklahoma City, OK 73104, USA.
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14
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Abstract
Aims Interleukin (IL)-1β is one of the major pathogenic regulators during the pathological development of intervertebral disc degeneration (IDD). However, effective treatment options for IDD are limited. Suramin is used to treat African sleeping sickness. This study aimed to investigate the pharmacological effects of suramin on mitigating IDD and to characterize the underlying mechanism. Methods Porcine nucleus pulposus (NP) cells were treated with vehicle, 10 ng/ml IL-1β, 10 μM suramin, or 10 μM suramin plus IL-1β. The expression levels of catabolic and anabolic proteins, proinflammatory cytokines, mitogen-activated protein kinase (MAPK), and nuclear factor (NF)-κB-related signalling molecules were assessed by Western blotting, quantitative real-time polymerase chain reaction (qRT-PCR), and immunofluorescence analysis. Flow cytometry was applied to detect apoptotic cells. The ex vivo effects of suramin were examined using IDD organ culture and differentiation was analyzed by Safranin O-Fast green and Alcian blue staining. Results Suramin inhibited IL-1β-induced apoptosis, downregulated matrix metalloproteinase (MMP)-3, MMP-13, a disintegrin and metalloproteinase with thrombospondin motifs (ADAMTS)-4, and ADAMTS-5, and upregulated collagen 2A (Col2a1) and aggrecan in IL-1β-treated NP cells. IL-1β-induced inflammation, assessed by IL-1β, IL-8, and tumour necrosis factor α (TNF-α) upregulation, was alleviated by suramin treatment. Suramin suppressed IL-1β-mediated proteoglycan depletion and the induction of MMP-3, ADAMTS-4, and pro-inflammatory gene expression in ex vivo experiments. Conclusion Suramin administration represents a novel and effectively therapeutic approach, which could potentially alleviate IDD by reducing extracellular matrix (ECM) deposition and inhibiting apoptosis and inflammatory responses in the NP cells. Cite this article: Bone Joint Res 2021;10(8):498–513.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zi-Miao Liu
- Department of Orthopedics, Kaohsiung Medical University Hospital, Kaohsiung Medical University, Kaohsiung, Taiwan
| | - Cheng-Chang Lu
- Department of Orthopedics, Faculty of Medical School, College of Medicine, Kaohsiung Medical University, Kaohsiung, Taiwan
| | - Po-Chih Shen
- Department of Orthopedics, Kaohsiung Medical University Hospital, Kaohsiung Medical University, Kaohsiung, Taiwan
| | - Shih-Hsiang Chou
- Department of Orthopedics, Kaohsiung Medical University Hospital, Kaohsiung Medical University, Kaohsiung, Taiwan
| | - Chia-Lung Shih
- Department of Orthopedics, Kaohsiung Medical University Hospital, Kaohsiung Medical University, Kaohsiung, Taiwan
| | - Jian-Chih Chen
- Department of Orthopedics, Kaohsiung Medical University Hospital, Kaohsiung Medical University, Kaohsiung, Taiwan
| | - Yin Chun Tien
- Department of Orthopedics, Kaohsiung Medical University Hospital, Kaohsiung Medical University, Kaohsiung, Taiwan.,Department of Orthopedics, Faculty of Medical School, College of Medicine, Kaohsiung Medical University, Kaohsiung, Taiwan
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Goutas D, Pergaris A, Giaginis C, Theocharis S. HuR as Therapeutic Target in Cancer: What the Future Holds. Curr Med Chem 2021; 29:56-65. [PMID: 34182901 DOI: 10.2174/0929867328666210628143430] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/12/2021] [Revised: 04/20/2021] [Accepted: 04/25/2021] [Indexed: 11/22/2022]
Abstract
ELAV-like protein 1, or HuR (human antigen R), is an RNA-binding protein encoded by the ELAVL1 gene in humans. One of its best functions is to stabilize mRNAs in order to regulate gene expression. HuR protein overexpression has undoubtedly been linked to an increased risk of tumor growth, progression, and metastasis, rendering it a potential therapeutic target candidate in cancer. Novel agents interfering with HuR expression have been tested, both in vitro and in vivo, with promising results. The aim of this paper is to review the existing literature regarding the potential agents that could actively act on and inhibit HuR expression. HuR molecule controls the expression of various proto-oncogenes, cytokines and growth factors, representing a major player in tumor progression, invasion, and metastasis and constituting an emerging target for cancer therapy. PubMed database was thoroughly searched, and all published articles providing scientific data on molecules that can exhibit antitumorigenic effects via HuR inhibition were included. According to these data, HuR inhibition should be a promising target in cancer therapeutics.
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Affiliation(s)
- Dimitrios Goutas
- First Department of Pathology, The National and Kapodistrian University of Athens, Medical School, Athens, Greece
| | - Alexandros Pergaris
- First Department of Pathology, The National and Kapodistrian University of Athens, Medical School, Athens, Greece
| | | | - Stamatios Theocharis
- First Department of Pathology, The National and Kapodistrian University of Athens, Medical School, Athens, Greece
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16
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Wang Y, Gao R, Li J, Tang S, Li S, Tong Q, Li S. Downregulation of hsa_circ_0074854 Suppresses the Migration and Invasion in Hepatocellular Carcinoma via Interacting with HuR and via Suppressing Exosomes-Mediated Macrophage M2 Polarization. Int J Nanomedicine 2021; 16:2803-2818. [PMID: 33880025 PMCID: PMC8052130 DOI: 10.2147/ijn.s284560] [Citation(s) in RCA: 67] [Impact Index Per Article: 22.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/29/2020] [Accepted: 02/11/2021] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Circular RNAs (circRNAs) have been identified as key factors in the development of hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC). However, the role and potential molecular mechanism of circRNAs in HCC remain largely unclear. In addition, exosomes are known as important messengers of the cross-talk between tumor cells and immune cells, while the role of extracellular circRNAs in the cell-to-cell communication of tumor cells and immune cells remains not unclear. METHODS The level of hsa_circ_0074854 in HCC cell lines and HCC cell-derived exosomes was assessed using RT-qPCR assay. In addition, CCK-8 and transwell assays were used to determine the viability, migration and invasion of HCC cells. RESULTS Hsa_circ_0074854 expression was upregulated in HCC tissues and HCC cell lines. Additionally, hsa_circ_0074854 knockdown was found to inhibit HCC growth in vitro and in vivo. Mechanistically, hsa_circ_0074854 knockdown inhibited the migration and invasion of HCC cells via interacting with human antigen R (HuR) to reduce its stability. Furthermore, hsa_circ_0074854 can be transferred from HCC cells to macrophages via exosomes. Exosomes with downregulated hsa_circ_0074854 suppressed macrophage M2 polarization, which in turn suppressing migration and invasion of HCC cells both in vitro and in vivo. CONCLUSION Downregulation of hsa_circ_0074854 suppresses the migration and invasion in hepatocellular carcinoma via interacting with HuR and via suppressing exosomes-mediated macrophage M2 polarization. Collectively, these findings may help to understand the diagnosis and treatment of HCC.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yong Wang
- Department of Pediatric Surgery, Union Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, 430022, Hubei, People’s Republic of China
| | - Rongfen Gao
- Department of Rheumatology and Immunology, Tongji Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, 430030, Hubei, People’s Republic of China
| | - Jinpeng Li
- Department of Thyroid and Breast Surgery, Wuhan University Zhongnan Hospital, Wuhan, 430071, Hubei, People’s Republic of China
| | - Shaotao Tang
- Department of Pediatric Surgery, Union Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, 430022, Hubei, People’s Republic of China
| | - Shuai Li
- Department of Pediatric Surgery, Union Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, 430022, Hubei, People’s Republic of China
| | - Qiangsong Tong
- Department of Pediatric Surgery, Union Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, 430022, Hubei, People’s Republic of China
| | - Shiwang Li
- Department of Pediatric Surgery, Union Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, 430022, Hubei, People’s Republic of China
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17
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Filippova N, Yang X, Ananthan S, Calano J, Pathak V, Bratton L, Vekariya RH, Zhang S, Ofori E, Hayward EN, Namkoong D, Crossman DK, Crowley MR, King PH, Mobley J, Nabors LB. Targeting the HuR Oncogenic Role with a New Class of Cytoplasmic Dimerization Inhibitors. Cancer Res 2021; 81:2220-2233. [PMID: 33602784 DOI: 10.1158/0008-5472.can-20-2858] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/21/2020] [Revised: 12/29/2020] [Accepted: 02/10/2021] [Indexed: 11/16/2022]
Abstract
The development of novel therapeutics that exploit alterations in the activation state of key cellular signaling pathways due to mutations in upstream regulators has generated the field of personalized medicine. These first-generation efforts have focused on actionable mutations identified by deep sequencing of large numbers of tumor samples. We propose that a second-generation opportunity exists by exploiting key downstream "nodes of control" that contribute to oncogenesis and are inappropriately activated due to loss of upstream regulation and microenvironmental influences. The RNA-binding protein HuR represents such a node. Because HuR functionality in cancer cells is dependent on HuR dimerization and its nuclear/cytoplasmic shuttling, we developed a new class of molecules targeting HuR protein dimerization. A structure-activity relationship algorithm enabled development of inhibitors of HuR multimer formation that were soluble, had micromolar activity, and penetrated the blood-brain barrier. These inhibitors were evaluated for activity validation and specificity in a robust cell-based assay of HuR dimerization. SRI-42127, a molecule that met these criteria, inhibited HuR multimer formation across primary patient-derived glioblastoma xenolines (PDGx), leading to arrest of proliferation, induction of apoptosis, and inhibition of colony formation. SRI-42127 had favorable attributes with central nervous system penetration and inhibited tumor growth in mouse models. RNA and protein analysis of SRI-42127-treated PDGx xenolines across glioblastoma molecular subtypes confirmed attenuation of targets upregulated by HuR. These results highlight how focusing on key attributes of HuR that contribute to cancer progression, namely cytoplasmic localization and multimerization, has led to the development of a novel, highly effective inhibitor. SIGNIFICANCE: These findings utilize a cell-based mechanism of action assay with a structure-activity relationship compound development pathway to discover inhibitors that target HuR dimerization, a mechanism required for cancer promotion.
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Affiliation(s)
- Natalia Filippova
- Division of Neuro-oncology, Department of Neurology, University of Alabama at Birmingham, Birmingham, Alabama
| | - Xiuhua Yang
- Division of Neuro-oncology, Department of Neurology, University of Alabama at Birmingham, Birmingham, Alabama
| | - Subramaniam Ananthan
- Drug Discovery Division, Chemistry Department, Southern Research Institute, Birmingham, Alabama
| | - Jennifer Calano
- Division of Neuro-oncology, Department of Neurology, University of Alabama at Birmingham, Birmingham, Alabama
| | - Vibha Pathak
- Drug Discovery Division, Chemistry Department, Southern Research Institute, Birmingham, Alabama
| | - Larry Bratton
- Drug Discovery Division, Chemistry Department, Southern Research Institute, Birmingham, Alabama
| | - Rakesh H Vekariya
- Drug Discovery Division, Chemistry Department, Southern Research Institute, Birmingham, Alabama
| | - Sixue Zhang
- Drug Discovery Division, Chemistry Department, Southern Research Institute, Birmingham, Alabama
| | - Edward Ofori
- Drug Discovery Division, Chemistry Department, Southern Research Institute, Birmingham, Alabama
| | - Emily N Hayward
- Division of Neuro-oncology, Department of Neurology, University of Alabama at Birmingham, Birmingham, Alabama
| | - David Namkoong
- Division of Neuro-oncology, Department of Neurology, University of Alabama at Birmingham, Birmingham, Alabama
| | - David K Crossman
- Department of Genetics, UAB Genomics Core, University of Alabama at Birmingham, Birmingham, Alabama
| | - Michael R Crowley
- Department of Genetics, UAB Genomics Core, University of Alabama at Birmingham, Birmingham, Alabama
| | - Peter H King
- Department of Neurology, Birmingham Veterans Affairs Medical Center, Birmingham, Alabama
| | - James Mobley
- Division of Molecular and Translational Biomedicine, Department of Anesthesiology and Perioperative Medicine, O'Neal Comprehensive Cancer Center MS/Proteomics Shared Facility, University of Alabama at Birmingham, Birmingham, Alabama
| | - Louis B Nabors
- Division of Neuro-oncology, Department of Neurology, University of Alabama at Birmingham, Birmingham, Alabama.
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Attri A, Thakur D, Kaur T, Sensale S, Peng Z, Kumar D, Singh RP. Nanoparticles Incorporating a Fluorescence Turn-on Reporter for Real-Time Drug Release Monitoring, a Chemoenhancer and a Stealth Agent: Poseidon's Trident against Cancer? Mol Pharm 2020; 18:124-147. [PMID: 33346663 DOI: 10.1021/acs.molpharmaceut.0c00730] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/15/2022]
Abstract
The rate and extent of drug release under physiological conditions is a key factor influencing the therapeutic activity of a formulation. Real-time detection of drug release by conventional pharmacokinetics approaches is confounded by low sensitivity, particularly in the case of tissue-targeted novel drug delivery systems, where low concentrations of the drug reach systemic circulation. We present a novel fluorescence turn-on platform for real-time monitoring of drug release from nanoparticles based on reversible fluorescence quenching in fluorescein esters. Fluorescein-conjugated carbon nanotubes (CNTs) were esterified with methotrexate in solution and solid phase, followed by supramolecular functionalization with a chemoenhancer (suramin) or/and a stealth agent (dextran sulfate). Suramin was found to increase the cytotoxicity of methotrexate in A549 cells. On the other hand, dextran sulfate exhibited no effect on cytotoxicity or cellular uptake of CNTs by A549 cells, while a decrease in cellular uptake of CNTs and cytotoxicity of methotrexate was observed in macrophages (RAW 264.7 cells). Similar results were also obtained when CNTs were replaced with graphene. Docking studies revealed that the conjugates are not internalized by folate receptors/transporters. Further, docking and molecular dynamics studies revealed the conjugates do not exhibit affinity toward the methotrexate target, dihydrofolate reductase. Molecular dynamics studies also revealed that distinct features of dextran-CNT and suramin-CNT interactions, characterized by π-π interactions between CNTs and dextran/suramin. Our study provides a simple, cost-effective, and scalable method for the synthesis of nanoparticles conferred with the ability to monitor drug release in real-time. This method could also be extended to other drugs and other types of nanoparticles.
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Affiliation(s)
- Arjun Attri
- School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Shoolini University, Solan, Himachal Pradesh 173 221, India
| | - Deepak Thakur
- School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Shoolini University, Solan, Himachal Pradesh 173 221, India
| | - Taranpreet Kaur
- Department of Biotechnology, Government Mohindra College, Patiala, Punjab 147 001, India
| | - Sebastian Sensale
- Department of Aerospace and Mechanical Engineering, University of Notre Dame, Notre Dame, Indiana 46556-5637, United States
| | - Zhangli Peng
- Center for Bioinformatics and Quantitative Biology, Richard and Loan Hill Department of Bioengineering, University of Illinois, Chicago, Illinois 60612, United States
| | - Deepak Kumar
- School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Shoolini University, Solan, Himachal Pradesh 173 221, India
| | - Raman Preet Singh
- School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Shoolini University, Solan, Himachal Pradesh 173 221, India.,Department of Pharmacy, Government Polytechnic College, Bathinda, Punjab 151 001, India
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Fabbiano F, Corsi J, Gurrieri E, Trevisan C, Notarangelo M, D'Agostino VG. RNA packaging into extracellular vesicles: An orchestra of RNA-binding proteins? J Extracell Vesicles 2020; 10:e12043. [PMID: 33391635 PMCID: PMC7769857 DOI: 10.1002/jev2.12043] [Citation(s) in RCA: 116] [Impact Index Per Article: 29.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/18/2020] [Revised: 11/17/2020] [Accepted: 12/03/2020] [Indexed: 12/11/2022] Open
Abstract
Extracellular vesicles (EVs) are heterogeneous membranous particles released from the cells through different biogenetic and secretory mechanisms. We now conceive EVs as shuttles mediating cellular communication, carrying a variety of molecules resulting from intracellular homeostatic mechanisms. The RNA is a widely detected cargo and, impressively, a recognized functional intermediate that elects EVs as modulators of cancer cell phenotypes, determinants of disease spreading, cell surrogates in regenerative medicine, and a source for non-invasive molecular diagnostics. The mechanistic elucidation of the intracellular events responsible for the engagement of RNA into EVs will significantly improve the comprehension and possibly the prediction of EV "quality" in association with cell physiology. Interestingly, the application of multidisciplinary approaches, including biochemical as well as cell-based and computational strategies, is increasingly revealing an active RNA-packaging process implicating RNA-binding proteins (RBPs) in the sorting of coding and non-coding RNAs. In this review, we provide a comprehensive view of RBPs recently emerging as part of the EV biology, considering the scenarios where: (i) individual RBPs were detected in EVs along with their RNA substrates, (ii) RBPs were detected in EVs with inferred RNA targets, and (iii) EV-transcripts were found to harbour sequence motifs mirroring the activity of RBPs. Proteins so far identified are members of the hnRNP family (hnRNPA2B1, hnRNPC1, hnRNPG, hnRNPH1, hnRNPK, and hnRNPQ), as well as YBX1, HuR, AGO2, IGF2BP1, MEX3C, ANXA2, ALIX, NCL, FUS, TDP-43, MVP, LIN28, SRP9/14, QKI, and TERT. We describe the RBPs based on protein domain features, current knowledge on the association with human diseases, recognition of RNA consensus motifs, and the need to clarify the functional significance in different cellular contexts. We also summarize data on previously identified RBP inhibitor small molecules that could also be introduced in EV research as potential modulators of vesicular RNA sorting.
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Affiliation(s)
- Fabrizio Fabbiano
- Department of CellularComputational and Integrative Biology (CIBIO)University of TrentoTrentoItaly
| | - Jessica Corsi
- Department of CellularComputational and Integrative Biology (CIBIO)University of TrentoTrentoItaly
| | - Elena Gurrieri
- Department of CellularComputational and Integrative Biology (CIBIO)University of TrentoTrentoItaly
| | - Caterina Trevisan
- Department of CellularComputational and Integrative Biology (CIBIO)University of TrentoTrentoItaly
| | - Michela Notarangelo
- Department of CellularComputational and Integrative Biology (CIBIO)University of TrentoTrentoItaly
| | - Vito G. D'Agostino
- Department of CellularComputational and Integrative Biology (CIBIO)University of TrentoTrentoItaly
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Filippova N, Nabors LB. ELAVL1 Role in Cell Fusion and Tunneling Membrane Nanotube Formations with Implication to Treat Glioma Heterogeneity. Cancers (Basel) 2020; 12:E3069. [PMID: 33096700 PMCID: PMC7590168 DOI: 10.3390/cancers12103069] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/24/2020] [Revised: 10/15/2020] [Accepted: 10/18/2020] [Indexed: 12/16/2022] Open
Abstract
Homotypic and heterotypic cell fusions via permanent membrane fusions and temporal tunneling nanotube formations in the glioma microenvironment were recently documented in vitro and in vivo and mediate glioma survival, plasticity, and recurrence. Chronic inflammation, a hypoxic environment, aberrant mitochondrial function, and ER stress due to unfolded protein accumulation upregulate cell fusion events, which leads to tumor heterogeneity and represents an adaptive mechanism to promote tumor cell survival and plasticity in cytotoxic, nutrient-deprived, mechanically stressed, and inflammatory microenvironments. Cell fusion is a multistep process, which consists of the activation of the cellular stress response, autophagy formation, rearrangement of cytoskeletal architecture in the areas of cell-to-cell contacts, and the expression of proinflammatory cytokines and fusogenic proteins. The mRNA-binding protein of ELAV-family HuR is a critical node, which orchestrates the stress response, autophagy formation, cytoskeletal architecture, and the expression of proinflammatory cytokines and fusogenic proteins. HuR is overexpressed in gliomas and is associated with poor prognosis and treatment resistance. Our review provides a link between the HuR role in the regulation of cell fusion and tunneling nanotube formations in the glioma microenvironment and the potential suppression of these processes by different classes of HuR inhibitors.
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Affiliation(s)
- Natalia Filippova
- Department of Neurology, School of Medicine, University of Alabama at Birmingham, Birmingham, AL 35294, USA
| | - Louis B. Nabors
- Department of Neurology, School of Medicine, University of Alabama at Birmingham, Birmingham, AL 35294, USA
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Saddozai UAK, Wang F, Cheng Y, Lu Z, Akbar MU, Zhu W, Li Y, Ji X, Guo X. Gene expression profile identifies distinct molecular subtypes and potential therapeutic genes in Merkel cell carcinoma. Transl Oncol 2020; 13:100816. [PMID: 32771971 PMCID: PMC7412862 DOI: 10.1016/j.tranon.2020.100816] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/14/2020] [Revised: 06/01/2020] [Accepted: 06/01/2020] [Indexed: 12/17/2022] Open
Abstract
Merkel cell carcinoma (MCC) is a rare primary cutaneous neoplasm of neuroendocrine carcinoma of the skin. About 80% of the MCC occurs due to Merkel cell polyomavirus (MCPyV) and 20% of the tumors usually occur due to severe UV exposure which is a more aggressive type of MCC. It tends to have an increased incidence rate among elderly and immunosuppressed individuals. On therapeutic level, sub-classification of MCC through molecular subtyping has emerged as a promising technique for MCC prognosis. In current study, two consistent distinct molecular subtypes of MCCs were identified using gene expression profiling data. Subtypes I MCCs were associated with spliceosome, DNA replication and cellular pathways. On the other hand, genes overexpressed in subtype II were found active in TNF signalling pathway and MAPK signalling pathway. We proposed different therapeutic targets based on subtype specificity, such as PTCH1, CDKN2A, AURKA in case of subtype I and MCL1, FGFR2 for subtype II. Such findings may provide fruitful knowledge to understand the intrinsic subtypes of MCCs and the pathways involved in distinct subtype oncogenesis, and will further advance the knowledge in developing a specific therapeutic strategy for these MCC subtypes. Merkel cell carcinoma (MCC) a rare and highly aggressive neuroendocrine carcinoma of the skin Sub-classification of MCC through molecular subtyping Identification of two distinct molecular subtypes of MCCs using gene expression profiling data Classification of different therapeutic targets based on subtype specificity
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Affiliation(s)
- Umair Ali Khan Saddozai
- Department of Preventive Medicine, Institute of Biomedical Informatics, Cell Signal Transduction Laboratory, Bioinformatics Center, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Henan University, Kaifeng 475004, China
| | - Fengling Wang
- Department of Preventive Medicine, Institute of Biomedical Informatics, Cell Signal Transduction Laboratory, Bioinformatics Center, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Henan University, Kaifeng 475004, China
| | - Yu Cheng
- Pharmacy Department, Luoyang maternal and Child Health Hospital, Luoyang 471023, China
| | - Zhang Lu
- Department of Preventive Medicine, Institute of Biomedical Informatics, Cell Signal Transduction Laboratory, Bioinformatics Center, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Henan University, Kaifeng 475004, China
| | - Muhammad Usman Akbar
- Gomal Center of Biochemistry and Biotechnology, Gomal University, Dera Ismail Khan 29050, Pakistan
| | - Wan Zhu
- Department of Anesthesia, Stanford University, 300 Pasteur Drive, Stanford, CA 94305, USA
| | - Yongqiang Li
- Department of Preventive Medicine, Institute of Biomedical Informatics, Cell Signal Transduction Laboratory, Bioinformatics Center, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Henan University, Kaifeng 475004, China.
| | - Xinying Ji
- Department of Preventive Medicine, Institute of Biomedical Informatics, Cell Signal Transduction Laboratory, Bioinformatics Center, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Henan University, Kaifeng 475004, China.
| | - Xiangqian Guo
- Department of Preventive Medicine, Institute of Biomedical Informatics, Cell Signal Transduction Laboratory, Bioinformatics Center, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Henan University, Kaifeng 475004, China.
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Li H, Li Q, Sun S, Lei P, Cai X, Shen G. Integrated Bioinformatics Analysis Identifies ELAVL1 and APP as Candidate Crucial Genes for Crohn's Disease. J Immunol Res 2020; 2020:3067273. [PMID: 32724827 DOI: 10.1155/2020/3067273] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/20/2020] [Accepted: 06/12/2020] [Indexed: 12/14/2022] Open
Abstract
Immune imbalance and barrier destruction of intestinal mucosa are the central pathogenic factors of Crohn's disease (CD). In this study, three independent microarray studies of CD were integrated and 9912 differentially expressed genes (DEGs) were analysed by NetworkAnalyst to screen candidate crucial genes. NetworkAnalyst identified ELAV-like RNA binding protein 1 (ELAVL1) as the most crucial upregulated gene and amyloid-β precursor protein (APP) as the most crucial downregulated gene in peripheral blood of CD patients. By computing significance with hypergeometric test based on the KEGG pathway database, upregulated DEGs highlight the pathways of T cell receptor signaling and the differentiation of T helpers. Downregulated DEGs were found enriched in pathways in multiple cancers, MAPK signaling, Rap1 signaling, and PI3K-AKT signaling. Further taking all DEGs together, Gene Set Enrichment Analysis (GSEA) brought out the NOD-like receptor (NLR) signaling pathway which could be regulated by ELAVL1. xCell found decreased naïve and differentiated T cell proportions in the peripheral blood of CD patients suggesting T cell migration to the intestinal tissue and/or exhaustion. Further, ELAVL1 expression correlating with multiple T cell proportions suggests that ELAVL1 may regulate T cell activation. These findings illustrated that ELAVL1 and APP were candidate crucial genes in the peripheral blood of CD patients. ELAVL1 possibly acts as a key regulator of T cell activation via the NLR signaling pathway. APP might be a downstream effector of infliximab treatment connecting with MAPK signaling.
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Zhu S, Rooney S, Michlewski G. RNA-Targeted Therapies and High-Throughput Screening Methods. Int J Mol Sci 2020; 21:E2996. [PMID: 32340368 DOI: 10.3390/ijms21082996] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/31/2020] [Revised: 04/20/2020] [Accepted: 04/21/2020] [Indexed: 02/07/2023] Open
Abstract
RNA-binding proteins (RBPs) are involved in regulating all aspects of RNA metabolism, including processing, transport, translation, and degradation. Dysregulation of RNA metabolism is linked to a plethora of diseases, such as cancer, neurodegenerative diseases, and neuromuscular disorders. Recent years have seen a dramatic shift in the knowledge base, with RNA increasingly being recognised as an attractive target for precision medicine therapies. In this article, we are going to review current RNA-targeted therapies. Furthermore, we will scrutinise a range of drug discoveries targeting protein-RNA interactions. In particular, we will focus on the interplay between Lin28 and let-7, splicing regulatory proteins and survival motor neuron (SMN) pre-mRNA, as well as HuR, Musashi, proteins and their RNA targets. We will highlight the mechanisms RBPs utilise to modulate RNA metabolism and discuss current high-throughput screening strategies. This review provides evidence that we are entering a new era of RNA-targeted medicine.
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Abstract
Suramin is 100 years old and is still being used to treat the first stage of acute human sleeping sickness, caused by Trypanosoma brucei rhodesiense Suramin is a multifunctional molecule with a wide array of potential applications, from parasitic and viral diseases to cancer, snakebite, and autism. Suramin is also an enigmatic molecule: What are its targets? How does it get into cells in the first place? Here, we provide an overview of the many different candidate targets of suramin and discuss its modes of action and routes of cellular uptake. We reason that, once the polypharmacology of suramin is understood at the molecular level, new, more specific, and less toxic molecules can be identified for the numerous potential applications of suramin.
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Schultz CW, Preet R, Dhir T, Dixon DA, Brody JR. Understanding and targeting the disease-related RNA binding protein human antigen R (HuR). Wiley Interdiscip Rev RNA 2020; 11:e1581. [PMID: 31970930 DOI: 10.1002/wrna.1581] [Citation(s) in RCA: 109] [Impact Index Per Article: 27.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/16/2019] [Revised: 12/02/2019] [Accepted: 12/07/2019] [Indexed: 02/06/2023]
Abstract
Altered gene expression is a characteristic feature of many disease states such as tumorigenesis, and in most cancers, it facilitates cancer cell survival and adaptation. Alterations in global gene expression are strongly impacted by post-transcriptional gene regulation. The RNA binding protein (RBP) HuR (ELAVL1) is an established regulator of post-transcriptional gene regulation and is overexpressed in most human cancers. In many cancerous settings, HuR is not only overexpressed, but it is "overactive" as denoted by increased subcellular localization within the cytoplasm. This dysregulation of HuR expression and cytoplasmic localization allows HuR to stabilize and increase the translation of various prosurvival messenger RNA (mRNAs) involved in the pathogenesis of numerous cancers and various diseases. Based on almost 20 years of work, HuR is now recognized as a therapeutic target. Herein, we will review the role HuR plays in the pathophysiology of different diseases and ongoing therapeutic strategies to target HuR. We will focus on three ongoing-targeted strategies: (1) inhibiting HuR's translocation from the nucleus to the cytoplasm; (2) inhibiting the ability of HuR to bind target RNA; and (3) silencing HuR expression levels. In an oncologic setting, HuR has been demonstrated to be critical for a cancer cell's ability to survive a variety of cancer relevant stressors (including drugs and elements of the tumor microenvironment) and targeting this protein has been shown to sensitize cancer cells further to insult. We strongly believe that targeting HuR could be a powerful therapeutic target to treat different diseases, particularly cancer, in the near future. This article is categorized under: RNA in Disease and Development > RNA in Disease NRA Turnover and Surveillance > Regulation of RNA Stability Translation > Translation Regulation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Christopher W Schultz
- Department of Surgery, Jefferson Pancreas, Biliary and Related Cancer Center, Thomas Jefferson University, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania
| | - Ranjan Preet
- Department of Molecular Biosciences, University of Kansas, Lawrence, Kansas
| | - Teena Dhir
- Department of Surgery, Jefferson Pancreas, Biliary and Related Cancer Center, Thomas Jefferson University, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania
| | - Dan A Dixon
- Department of Molecular Biosciences, University of Kansas, Lawrence, Kansas
| | - Jonathan R Brody
- Department of Surgery, Jefferson Pancreas, Biliary and Related Cancer Center, Thomas Jefferson University, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania
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Ren L, Li Y, Zhao Q, Fan L, Tan B, Zang A, Yang H. miR-519 regulates the proliferation of breast cancer cells via targeting human antigen R. Oncol Lett 2019; 19:1567-1576. [PMID: 31966082 DOI: 10.3892/ol.2019.11230] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/23/2019] [Accepted: 11/01/2019] [Indexed: 12/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Breast cancer is one of the most prevalent types of cancer among women that leads to millions of deaths worldwide every year. The mechanisms of breast cancer pathogenesis remain unclear. It has been reported that aberrant expression of miR-519, is associated with breast cancer development; however, the effects of miR-519 on breast cancer cell proliferation remain unknown. Therefore, the present study aimed to determine whether miR-519 could regulate breast cancer cell proliferation. A total of 20 pairs of primary breast cancer and adjacent normal tissues were collected from patients with breast cancer. miR-519 expression level was determined by reverse transcription-quantitative polymerase chain reaction. Furthermore, miR-519 mimics or inhibitors were transfected into breast cancer MCF-7 cells in order to up- or downregulate miR-519 expression. Subsequently, human antigen R (HUR), BCL-2 and BAX protein levels were analyzed by western blotting. MCF-7 cell proliferation was assessed using MTT and colony formation assays. A luciferase assay was performed to verify whether miR-519 could directly bind to HUR mRNA. The results demonstrated that miR-519 expression level was lower in primary breast cancer tissues compared with adjacent normal tissues. Furthermore, miR-519 overexpression and downregulation inhibited and stimulated MCF-7 cell proliferation, respectively. In addition, the results from luciferase assay demonstrated that HUR was a target of miR-519. HUR overexpression could reverse the effect of miR-519 mimics on MCF-7 cell proliferation, whereas HUR silencing could rescue the effect of miR-519 inhibitors on MCF-7 cell proliferation. These findings suggested that miR-519 may regulate MCF-7 cell proliferation by targeting HUR.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lili Ren
- Third Department of Surgery, The Fourth Hospital of Hebei Medical University, Shijiazhuang, Hebei 050011, P.R. China
| | - Yong Li
- Third Department of Surgery, The Fourth Hospital of Hebei Medical University, Shijiazhuang, Hebei 050011, P.R. China
| | - Qun Zhao
- Third Department of Surgery, The Fourth Hospital of Hebei Medical University, Shijiazhuang, Hebei 050011, P.R. China
| | - Liqiao Fan
- Third Department of Surgery, The Fourth Hospital of Hebei Medical University, Shijiazhuang, Hebei 050011, P.R. China
| | - Bibo Tan
- Third Department of Surgery, The Fourth Hospital of Hebei Medical University, Shijiazhuang, Hebei 050011, P.R. China
| | - Aimin Zang
- Department of Medical Oncology, Affiliated Hospital of Hebei University, Baoding, Hebei 071000, P.R. China
| | - Hua Yang
- Department of Medical Oncology, Affiliated Hospital of Hebei University, Baoding, Hebei 071000, P.R. China
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Kakuguchi W, Nomura T, Kitamura T, Otsuguro S, Matsushita K, Sakaitani M, Maenaka K, Tei K. Suramin, screened from an approved drug library, inhibits HuR functions and attenuates malignant phenotype of oral cancer cells. Cancer Med 2018; 7:6269-6280. [PMID: 30449075 PMCID: PMC6308099 DOI: 10.1002/cam4.1877] [Citation(s) in RCA: 21] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/17/2018] [Revised: 07/20/2018] [Accepted: 10/24/2018] [Indexed: 01/16/2023] Open
Abstract
AU‐rich elements (ARE) exist in the 3′‐untranslated regions of the mRNA transcribed from cell growth‐related genes such as proto‐oncogenes, cyclin‐related genes, and growth factors. HuR binds and stabilizes ARE‐mRNA. HuR is expressed abundantly in cancer cells and related malignant phenotypes. HuR knockdown attenuates the malignant phenotype of oral cancer cells. In this study, we screened 1570 compounds in the approved drug library by differential scanning fluorimetry (DSF) to discover a HuR‐targeted compound. Firstly, 55 compounds were selected by DSF. Then, 8 compounds that showed a shift in the melting temperature value in a concentration‐dependent manner were selected by DSF. Of them, suramin, an anti‐trypanosomal drug, binds to HuR, exhibiting fast‐on and fast‐off kinetic behavior on surface plasmon resonance (SPR). We confirmed that suramin significantly decreased mRNA and protein expression of cyclin A2 and cyclin B1. The cyclin A2 and cyclin B1 mRNAs were destabilized by suramin. Furthermore, the motile and invasive activities of a tongue carcinoma cell line treated with suramin were markedly lower than those of control cells. The above findings suggest that suramin binds to HuR and inhibits its function. We also showed that the anticancer effects of suramin were caused by the inhibition of HuR function, indicating its potential as a novel therapeutic agent in the treatment of oral cancer. Our results suggest that suramin, via its different mechanism, may effectively suppress progressive oral cancer that cannot be controlled using other anticancer agents.
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Affiliation(s)
- Wataru Kakuguchi
- Department of Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery, Faculty of Dental Medicine and Graduate School of Dental Medicine, Hokkaido University, Sapporo, Japan
| | - Takao Nomura
- Center for Research and Education on Drug Discovery, Faculty of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Hokkaido University, Sapporo, Japan
| | - Tetsuya Kitamura
- Department of Oral Pathology and Biology, Faculty of Dental Medicine and Graduate School of Dental Medicine, Hokkaido University, Sapporo, Japan
| | - Satoko Otsuguro
- Center for Research and Education on Drug Discovery, Faculty of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Hokkaido University, Sapporo, Japan
| | - Kazuhiro Matsushita
- Department of Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery, Faculty of Dental Medicine and Graduate School of Dental Medicine, Hokkaido University, Sapporo, Japan
| | - Masahiro Sakaitani
- Center for Research and Education on Drug Discovery, Faculty of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Hokkaido University, Sapporo, Japan
| | - Katsumi Maenaka
- Center for Research and Education on Drug Discovery, Faculty of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Hokkaido University, Sapporo, Japan
| | - Kanchu Tei
- Department of Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery, Faculty of Dental Medicine and Graduate School of Dental Medicine, Hokkaido University, Sapporo, Japan
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