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Wang R, Su D, Liu Y, Huang H, Qiu J, Cao Z, Yang G, Chen H, Luo W, Tao J, Weng G, Zhang T. The NF-κB/NUAK2 signaling axis regulates pancreatic cancer progression by targeting SMAD2/3. iScience 2024; 27:109406. [PMID: 38510132 PMCID: PMC10951638 DOI: 10.1016/j.isci.2024.109406] [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: 08/25/2023] [Revised: 01/13/2024] [Accepted: 02/29/2024] [Indexed: 03/22/2024] Open
Abstract
Nuclear factor kappa B (NF-κB) plays a pivotal role in the development of pancreatic cancer, and its phosphorylation has previously been linked to the regulation of NUAK2. However, the regulatory connection between NF-κB and NUAK2, as well as NUAK2's role in pancreatic cancer, remains unclear. In this study, we observed that inhibiting NUAK2 impeded the proliferation, migration, and invasion of pancreatic cancer cells while triggering apoptosis. NUAK2 overexpression partially resisted apoptosis and reversed the inhibitory effects of the NF-κB inhibitor. NF-κB transcriptionally regulated NUAK2 transcription by binding to the promoter region of NUAK2. Mechanistically, NUAK2 knockdown remarkably reduced the expression levels of p-SMAD2/3 and SMAD2/3, resulting in decreased nuclear translocation of SMAD4. In SMAD4-negative cells, NUAK2 knockdown impacted FAK signaling by downregulating SMAD2/3. Moreover, NUAK2 knockdown heightened the sensitivity of pancreatic cancer cells to gemcitabine, suggesting that NUAK2 inhibitors could be a promising strategy for pancreatic cancer treatment.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ruobing Wang
- Department of General Surgery, Peking Union Medical College Hospital, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences and Peking Union Medical College, Beijing 100730, China
| | - Dan Su
- Department of General Surgery, Peking Union Medical College Hospital, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences and Peking Union Medical College, Beijing 100730, China
| | - Yueze Liu
- Department of General Surgery, Peking Union Medical College Hospital, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences and Peking Union Medical College, Beijing 100730, China
| | - Hua Huang
- Department of General Surgery, Peking Union Medical College Hospital, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences and Peking Union Medical College, Beijing 100730, China
| | - Jiangdong Qiu
- Department of General Surgery, Peking Union Medical College Hospital, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences and Peking Union Medical College, Beijing 100730, China
| | - Zhe Cao
- Department of General Surgery, Peking Union Medical College Hospital, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences and Peking Union Medical College, Beijing 100730, China
| | - Gang Yang
- Department of General Surgery, Peking Union Medical College Hospital, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences and Peking Union Medical College, Beijing 100730, China
| | - Hao Chen
- Department of General Surgery, Peking Union Medical College Hospital, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences and Peking Union Medical College, Beijing 100730, China
| | - Wenhao Luo
- Department of General Surgery, Peking Union Medical College Hospital, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences and Peking Union Medical College, Beijing 100730, China
| | - Jinxin Tao
- Department of General Surgery, Peking Union Medical College Hospital, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences and Peking Union Medical College, Beijing 100730, China
| | - Guihu Weng
- Department of General Surgery, Peking Union Medical College Hospital, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences and Peking Union Medical College, Beijing 100730, China
| | - Taiping Zhang
- Department of General Surgery, Peking Union Medical College Hospital, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences and Peking Union Medical College, Beijing 100730, China
- Clinical Immunology Center, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences and Peking Union Medical College, Beijing 100730, China
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Wang J, Zheng Q, Zhao Y, Chen S, Chen L. HMGB1 enhances the migratory and invasive abilities of A2780/DDP cells by facilitating epithelial to mesenchymal transition via GSK‑3β. Exp Ther Med 2024; 27:102. [PMID: 38356665 PMCID: PMC10865443 DOI: 10.3892/etm.2024.12390] [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: 02/21/2023] [Accepted: 10/25/2023] [Indexed: 02/16/2024] Open
Abstract
The aim of the present study was to investigate the impact and mechanism of high mobility group box 1 (HMGB1) on the regulation of cell migration and invasion in A2780/DDP cisplatin-resistant ovarian cancer cells. After transfecting small interfering (si)RNA-HMGB1 into A2780/DDP cells, Transwell migration and invasion assays were conducted to assess alterations in the cell migratory and invasive abilities. Additionally, western blotting analyses were performed to examine changes in HMGB1, phosphorylated (p)-GSK-3β, GSK-3β, E-cadherin and vimentin expression levels. The results of the present study demonstrated that the migratory and invasive abilities of A2780/DDP cells were significantly higher compared with those of A2780 cells. Additionally, the expression levels of HMGB1, p-GSK-3β and the mesenchymal phenotype marker, vimentin, in A2780/DDP cells were significantly elevated relative to the levels in A2780 cells. Conversely, the expression level of the epithelial phenotype marker, E-cadherin, was markedly decreased compared with that in A2780 cells. Following transfection of A2780/DDP cells with siRNA-HMGB1, there was a significant reduction in the rate of cell migration and invasion. Simultaneously, the expression levels of HMGB1, p-GSK-3β and vimentin were downregulated while the level of E-cadherin was upregulated. It was therefore concluded that the high expression of HMGB1 in A2780/DDP cells enhanced the cell migration and invasion abilities by facilitating epithelial to mesenchymal transition via GSK-3β.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jinhua Wang
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Fujian Key Laboratory of Precision Medicine for Cancer, The First Affiliated Hospital of Fujian Medical University, Fuzhou, Fujian 350001, P.R. China
| | - Qiaomei Zheng
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Fujian Key Laboratory of Precision Medicine for Cancer, The First Affiliated Hospital of Fujian Medical University, Fuzhou, Fujian 350001, P.R. China
| | - Yanjing Zhao
- Department of Surgery, 92403 Military Hospital, Fuzhou, Fujian 350015, P.R. China
| | - Shaozhan Chen
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Fujian Key Laboratory of Precision Medicine for Cancer, The First Affiliated Hospital of Fujian Medical University, Fuzhou, Fujian 350001, P.R. China
| | - Lihong Chen
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Fujian Key Laboratory of Precision Medicine for Cancer, The First Affiliated Hospital of Fujian Medical University, Fuzhou, Fujian 350001, P.R. China
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Zhao L, Miao H, Quan M, Wang S, Zhang Y, Zhou H, Zhang X, Lin Z, Piao J. β-Lapachone induces ferroptosis of colorectal cancer cells via NCOA4-mediated ferritinophagy by activating JNK pathway. Chem Biol Interact 2024; 389:110866. [PMID: 38218311 DOI: 10.1016/j.cbi.2024.110866] [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: 08/15/2023] [Revised: 12/26/2023] [Accepted: 01/07/2024] [Indexed: 01/15/2024]
Abstract
β-Lapachone is a natural product that can promote ROS generation and ultimately triggers tumor cells death by inducing DNA damage. Recent studies have indicated that the targeting of ferroptosis or iron metabolism is a feasible strategy for treating cancer. In this study, bulk RNA-seq analysis suggested that β-Lapachone might induce ferroptosis in CRC cells. We further tested this hypothesis using a xenograft model of human colorectal cancer as an animal model and in SW620 and DLD-1 of CRC cell lines. Western blot was used to determine the key proteins of ferroptosis (SLC7A11, GPX4), autophagy (LC3B, P62, ATG7), ferritinophagy (NCOA4, FTH1, TFRC), and JNK pathway (p-JNK, JNK, p-c-Jun, c-Jun). The levels of MDA, GSH/GSSG, lipid ROS, and intracellular ferrous iron were determined after β-Lapachone treatment, and inhibitors of various pathways, including NAC, Ferrostatin-1, DFO, 3-MA, and SP600125 were utilized to explore the molecular mechanism underlying β-Lapachone-mediated ferroptosis. As the result, we identified that β-Lapachone inhibited cell proliferation and induced apoptosis, autophagy, and ROS generation. In addition, β-Lapachone induced ferroptosis as demonstrated by intra-cellular iron overload, increased levels of lipid ROS and MDA. Mechanistically, JNK signaling pathway was involved in β-Lapachone-induced xCT/GPX4-mediated ferroptosis and NCOA4-mediated ferritinophagy in CRC cells. In vivo experiments in nude mice demonstrated that β-Lapachone significantly inhibited CRC growth and induced ferroptosis and NCOA4-mediated ferritinophagy. These findings not only identify a novel role for β-Lapachone in ferroptosis but also indicate that β-Lapachone may be a valuable candidate for the research and development of anti-cancer therapeutic agents.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lei Zhao
- Key Laboratory of Pathobiology (Yanbian University), State Ethnic Affairs Commission, Yanji, China
| | - Hui Miao
- Key Laboratory of Pathobiology (Yanbian University), State Ethnic Affairs Commission, Yanji, China
| | - Mingqi Quan
- Key Laboratory of Pathobiology (Yanbian University), State Ethnic Affairs Commission, Yanji, China
| | - Shuhao Wang
- Key Laboratory of Pathobiology (Yanbian University), State Ethnic Affairs Commission, Yanji, China
| | - Yu Zhang
- Key Laboratory of Pathobiology (Yanbian University), State Ethnic Affairs Commission, Yanji, China
| | - Houkun Zhou
- Key Laboratory of Pathobiology (Yanbian University), State Ethnic Affairs Commission, Yanji, China
| | - Xianglan Zhang
- Oral Cancer Research Institute, Yonsei University College of Dentistry, Seoul, South Korea
| | - Zhenhua Lin
- Key Laboratory of Pathobiology (Yanbian University), State Ethnic Affairs Commission, Yanji, China
| | - Junjie Piao
- Key Laboratory of Pathobiology (Yanbian University), State Ethnic Affairs Commission, Yanji, China.
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Imagawa M, Shinjo T, Sato K, Kawakami K, Zeze T, Nishimura Y, Toyoda M, Chen S, Ryo N, Ahmed AK, Iwashita M, Yamashita A, Fukuda T, Sanui T, Nishimura F. Epithelial-to-mesenchymal transition, inflammation, subsequent collagen production, and reduced proteinase expression cooperatively contribute to cyclosporin-A-induced gingival overgrowth development. Front Physiol 2023; 14:1298813. [PMID: 38156070 PMCID: PMC10753830 DOI: 10.3389/fphys.2023.1298813] [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: 09/22/2023] [Accepted: 11/28/2023] [Indexed: 12/30/2023] Open
Abstract
Drug-induced gingival overgrowth (DIGO), induced by certain immunosuppressive drugs, antihypertensive agents, and antiepileptic drugs, may contribute to the formation of deeper periodontal pockets and intractableness in periodontitis. To date, multiple factors such as enhanced matrix production, inflammation, and reduced matrix degradation might be involved in the pathogenesis of DIGO. We have previously reported that SPOCK-1, a heparan sulfate proteoglycan, could affect gingival thickening by promoting epithelial-to-mesenchymal transition (EMT) in gingival keratinocytes. However, few studies have investigated whether a combination of these factors enhances the DIGO phenotype in animal models. Therefore, we investigated whether SPOCK-1, periodontal inflammation, and cyclosporin-A (CsA) could cooperatively promote gingival overgrowth. We first confirmed that Spock-1 overexpressing (Spock1-Tg) mice showed significantly thicker gingiva and greater alveolar bone loss than WT mice in response to ligature-induced experimental periodontitis. DIGO was induced by the combination of CsA administration and experimental periodontitis was significantly enhanced in Spock1-Tg mice compared to that in WT mice. Ligature-induced alveolar bone loss in CsA-treated Spock1-Tg mice was also significantly greater than that in CsA-treated WT mice, while being accompanied by an increase in Rankl and Col1a1 levels and a reduction in matrix metalloprotease expression. Lastly, SPOCK-1 promoted RANKL-induced osteoclast differentiation in both human peripheral blood mononuclear cells and murine macrophages, while peritoneal macrophages from Spock1-Tg mice showed less TNFα and IL-1β secretion than WT mice in response to Escherichia coli lipopolysaccharide. These results suggest that EMT, periodontal inflammation, and subsequent enhanced collagen production and reduced proteinase production contribute to CsA-induced DIGO pathogenesis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mio Imagawa
- Section of Periodontology, Faculty of Dental Science, Kyushu University, Fukuoka, Japan
| | - Takanori Shinjo
- Section of Periodontology, Faculty of Dental Science, Kyushu University, Fukuoka, Japan
| | - Kohei Sato
- Section of Periodontology, Faculty of Dental Science, Kyushu University, Fukuoka, Japan
| | - Kentaro Kawakami
- Section of Periodontology, Faculty of Dental Science, Kyushu University, Fukuoka, Japan
| | - Tatsuro Zeze
- Section of Periodontology, Faculty of Dental Science, Kyushu University, Fukuoka, Japan
| | - Yuki Nishimura
- Section of Periodontology, Faculty of Dental Science, Kyushu University, Fukuoka, Japan
| | - Masaaki Toyoda
- Section of Periodontology, Faculty of Dental Science, Kyushu University, Fukuoka, Japan
| | - Shuang Chen
- Section of Periodontology, Faculty of Dental Science, Kyushu University, Fukuoka, Japan
| | - Naoaki Ryo
- Section of Periodontology, Faculty of Dental Science, Kyushu University, Fukuoka, Japan
| | - Al-kafee Ahmed
- Section of Periodontology, Faculty of Dental Science, Kyushu University, Fukuoka, Japan
| | - Misaki Iwashita
- Department of Periodontology and Endodontology, Nagasaki University Graduate School of Biomedical Sciences, Nagasaki, Japan
| | - Akiko Yamashita
- Section of Periodontology, Faculty of Dental Science, Kyushu University, Fukuoka, Japan
| | - Takao Fukuda
- Section of Periodontology, Faculty of Dental Science, Kyushu University, Fukuoka, Japan
| | - Terukazu Sanui
- Section of Periodontology, Faculty of Dental Science, Kyushu University, Fukuoka, Japan
| | - Fusanori Nishimura
- Section of Periodontology, Faculty of Dental Science, Kyushu University, Fukuoka, Japan
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He C, Huang Q, Zhong S, Chen LS, Xiao H, Li L. Screening and identifying of biomarkers in early colorectal cancer and adenoma based on genome-wide methylation profiles. World J Surg Oncol 2023; 21:312. [PMID: 37779184 PMCID: PMC10544418 DOI: 10.1186/s12957-023-03189-1] [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: 04/14/2023] [Accepted: 09/17/2023] [Indexed: 10/03/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Colorectal cancer is one of the most common malignant tumors worldwide with high morbidity and mortality. This study aimed to identify different methylation sites as new methylation markers in CRC and colorectal adenoma through tissue detection. METHODS DNA extraction and bisulfite modification as well as Infinium 450K methylation microarray detection were performed in 46 samples of sporadic colorectal cancer tissue, nine samples of colorectal adenoma, and 20 normal samples, and bioinformatic analysis was conducted involving genes enrichments of GO and KEGG. Pyrosequencing methylation detection was further performed in 68 sporadic colorectal cancer tissues, 31 samples of colorectal adenoma, and 49 normal colorectal mucosae adjacent to carcinoma to investigate the differentially methylated genes obtained from methylation microarray. RESULTS There were 65,535 differential methylation marker probes, among which 25,464 were hypermethylated markers and 40,071 were hypomethylated markers in the adenoma compared with the normal group, and 395,571 were differentially methylated markers in patients with sporadic colorectal cancer compared with the normal group, including 21,710 hypermethylated markers and 17,861 hypomethylated markers. Five hypermethylated genes including ZNF471, SND1, SPOCK1, FBLIM1, and OTX1 were detected and confirmed in 68 cases of colorectal cancer, 31 cases of adenoma, and 49 cases of normal control group. CONCLUSIONS Hypermethylated genes of ZNF471, SND1, SPOCK1, FBLIM1, and OTX1 were obtained from methylation chip detection and further confirm analysis in colorectal cancer and adenoma compared with normal tissue, which may be promising diagnostic markers of colorectal cancer and colorectal adenoma.
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Affiliation(s)
- Chungang He
- Department of Colorectal and Anal Surgery, the People's Hospital of Guangxi Zhuang Autonomous Region, Tao Yuan Road No.6, Nanning, 530021, Guangxi, China.
| | - Qinyuan Huang
- Nursing College of Guangxi Medical University, Nanning, 530021, Guangxi, China
| | - Shibiao Zhong
- Department of Gastrointestinal Surgery, Ruikang Hospital Affiliated to Guangxi University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Nanning, 530011, Guangxi, China
| | - Li Sheng Chen
- Department of Colorectal and Anal Surgery, the First Affiliated Hospital of Guangxi Medical University, Nanning, 530021, Guangxi, China
| | - Hewei Xiao
- Office of Academic Research, the People's Hospital of Guangxi Zhuang Autonomous Region, Nanning, 530021, Guangxi, China
| | - Lei Li
- Department of Gastrointestinal Surgery, the People's Hospital of Guangxi Zhuang Autonomous Region, Nanning, 530021, Guangxi, China
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Aghamaliyev U, Su K, Weniger M, Koch D, D'Haese JG, Werner J, Bazhin AV. SPOCK2 gene expression is downregulated in pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma cells and correlates with prognosis of patients with pancreatic cancer. J Cancer Res Clin Oncol 2023:10.1007/s00432-023-04845-5. [PMID: 37188984 PMCID: PMC10374688 DOI: 10.1007/s00432-023-04845-5] [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] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/22/2023] [Accepted: 05/07/2023] [Indexed: 05/17/2023]
Abstract
OBJECTIVES Pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma (PDAC) represents a widespread form of malignant pancreatic neoplasms and a leading oncologic cause of death in Europe and the USA. Despite advances in understanding its molecular biology, the 5-year survival rate remains low at 10%. The extracellular matrix in PDAC contains proteins, including SPOCK2, which are essential for tumorigenicity and drug resistance. The present study aims to explore the possible role of SPOCK2 in the pathogenesis of PDAC. MATERIALS AND METHODS Expression of SPOCK2 was evaluated in 7 PDAC cell lines and 1 normal pancreatic cell line using quantitative RT-PCR. Demethylation of the gene was carried out using 5-aza-2'-deoxycytidine (5-aza-dC) treatment with subsequent validation Western Blot analysis. In vitro downregulation of SPOCK2 gene was performed using siRNA transfection. MTT and transwell assays were employed to evaluate the impact of the SPOK2 demethylation on the proliferation and migration of PDAC cells. KM Plotter was applied to analyze a correlation between SPOCK2 mRNA expression and the survival of PDAC patients. RESULTS In contrast to the normal pancreatic cell line, SPOCK2 expression was significantly downregulated in PDAC cell lines. Treatment with 5-aza-dC, led to increase in SPOCK2 expression in the cell lines tested. Importantly, compared with control cells, transfected with SPOCK2 siRNA cells exhibited increased growth rates and more migration ability. Finally, we demonstrated that a high SPOCK2 expression level correlated with longer overall survival of patients with PDAC. CONCLUSION The expression of SPOCK2 is downregulated in PDAC as a result of hypermethylation of its corresponding gene. SPOCK2 expression as well as the demethylation of its gene could be a potential marker for PDAC.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ughur Aghamaliyev
- Department of General, Visceral, and Transplant Surgery, Hospital of the University of Munich, Ludwig-Maximilians-University Munich, Marchioninistr. 15, 81377, Munich, Germany
| | - Kaifeng Su
- Department of General, Visceral, and Transplant Surgery, Hospital of the University of Munich, Ludwig-Maximilians-University Munich, Marchioninistr. 15, 81377, Munich, Germany
| | - Maximilian Weniger
- Department of General, Visceral, and Transplant Surgery, Hospital of the University of Munich, Ludwig-Maximilians-University Munich, Marchioninistr. 15, 81377, Munich, Germany
| | - Dominik Koch
- Department of General, Visceral, and Transplant Surgery, Hospital of the University of Munich, Ludwig-Maximilians-University Munich, Marchioninistr. 15, 81377, Munich, Germany
| | - Jan G D'Haese
- Department of General, Visceral, and Transplant Surgery, Hospital of the University of Munich, Ludwig-Maximilians-University Munich, Marchioninistr. 15, 81377, Munich, Germany
| | - Jens Werner
- Department of General, Visceral, and Transplant Surgery, Hospital of the University of Munich, Ludwig-Maximilians-University Munich, Marchioninistr. 15, 81377, Munich, Germany
- German Cancer Consortium (DKTK), Partner Site Munich and German Cancer Research Center (DKFZ), Heidelberg, Germany
- Bavarian Cancer Research Center (BZKF), Erlangen, Germany
| | - Alexandr V Bazhin
- Department of General, Visceral, and Transplant Surgery, Hospital of the University of Munich, Ludwig-Maximilians-University Munich, Marchioninistr. 15, 81377, Munich, Germany.
- German Cancer Consortium (DKTK), Partner Site Munich and German Cancer Research Center (DKFZ), Heidelberg, Germany.
- Bavarian Cancer Research Center (BZKF), Erlangen, Germany.
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Jiao J, Ruan L, Cheng CS, Wang F, Yang P, Chen Z. Paired protein kinases PRKCI-RIPK2 promote pancreatic cancer growth and metastasis via enhancing NF-κB/JNK/ERK phosphorylation. Mol Med 2023; 29:47. [PMID: 37016317 PMCID: PMC10074657 DOI: 10.1186/s10020-023-00648-z] [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] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/01/2022] [Accepted: 03/27/2023] [Indexed: 04/06/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Protein kinases play a pivotal role in the malignant evolution of pancreatic cancer (PC) through mediating phosphorylation. Many kinase inhibitors have been developed and translated into clinical use, while the complex pathology of PC confounds their clinical efficacy and warrants the discovery of more effective therapeutic targets. METHODS Here, we used the Gene Expression Omnibus (GEO) database and protein kinase datasets to map the PC-related protein kinase-encoding genes. Then, applying Gene Expression and Profiling Interactive Analysis (GEPIA), GEO and Human Protein Atlas, we evaluated gene correlation, gene expression at protein and mRNA levels, as well as survival significance. In addition, we performed protein kinase RIPK2 knockout and overexpression to observe effects of its expression on PC cell proliferation, migration and invasion in vitro, as well as cell apoptosis, reactive oxygen species (ROS) production and autophagy. We established PC subcutaneous xenograft and liver metastasis models to investigate the effects of RIPK2 knockout on PC growth and metastasis. Co-immunoprecipitation and immunofluorescence were utilized to explore the interaction between protein kinases RIPK2 and PRKCI. Polymerase chain reaction and immunoblotting were used to evaluate gene expression and protein phosphorylation level. RESULTS We found fourteen kinases aberrantly expressed in human PC and nine kinases with prognosis significance. Among them, RIPK2 with both serine/threonine and tyrosine activities were validated to promote PC cells proliferation, migration and invasion. RIPK2 knockout could inhibit subcutaneous tumor growth and liver metastasis of PC. In addition, RIPK2 knockout suppressed autophagosome formation, increased ROS production and PC cell apoptosis. Importantly, another oncogenic kinase PRKCI could interact with RIPK2 to enhance the phosphorylation of downstream NF-κB, JNK and ERK. CONCLUSION Paired protein kinases PRKCI-RIPK2 with multiple phosphorylation activities represent a new pathological mechanism in PC and could provide potential targets for PC therapy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Juying Jiao
- Department of Integrative Oncology, Fudan University Shanghai Cancer Center, No. 270 Dongan Rd., Xuhui District, Shanghai, 200032, China
- Department of Oncology, Shanghai Medical College, Fudan University, Shanghai, 200032, China
| | - Linjie Ruan
- Department of Integrative Oncology, Fudan University Shanghai Cancer Center, No. 270 Dongan Rd., Xuhui District, Shanghai, 200032, China
- Department of Oncology, Shanghai Medical College, Fudan University, Shanghai, 200032, China
| | - Chien-Shan Cheng
- Department of Integrative Oncology, Fudan University Shanghai Cancer Center, No. 270 Dongan Rd., Xuhui District, Shanghai, 200032, China
- Department of Oncology, Shanghai Medical College, Fudan University, Shanghai, 200032, China
| | - Fengjiao Wang
- Department of Integrative Oncology, Fudan University Shanghai Cancer Center, No. 270 Dongan Rd., Xuhui District, Shanghai, 200032, China
- Department of Oncology, Shanghai Medical College, Fudan University, Shanghai, 200032, China
| | - Peiwen Yang
- Department of Integrative Oncology, Fudan University Shanghai Cancer Center, No. 270 Dongan Rd., Xuhui District, Shanghai, 200032, China
- Department of Oncology, Shanghai Medical College, Fudan University, Shanghai, 200032, China
| | - Zhen Chen
- Department of Integrative Oncology, Fudan University Shanghai Cancer Center, No. 270 Dongan Rd., Xuhui District, Shanghai, 200032, China.
- Department of Oncology, Shanghai Medical College, Fudan University, Shanghai, 200032, China.
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Karagiorgou Z, Fountas PN, Manou D, Knutsen E, Theocharis AD. Proteoglycans Determine the Dynamic Landscape of EMT and Cancer Cell Stemness. Cancers (Basel) 2022; 14:5328. [PMID: 36358747 PMCID: PMC9653992 DOI: 10.3390/cancers14215328] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/25/2022] [Revised: 10/23/2022] [Accepted: 10/25/2022] [Indexed: 03/15/2024] Open
Abstract
Proteoglycans (PGs) are pivotal components of extracellular matrices, involved in a variety of processes such as migration, invasion, morphogenesis, differentiation, drug resistance, and epithelial-to-mesenchymal transition (EMT). Cellular plasticity is a crucial intermediate phenotypic state acquired by cancer cells, which can modulate EMT and the generation of cancer stem cells (CSCs). PGs affect cell plasticity, stemness, and EMT, altering the cellular shape and functions. PGs control these functions, either by direct activation of signaling cascades, acting as co-receptors, or through regulation of the availability of biological compounds such as growth factors and cytokines. Differential expression of microRNAs is also associated with the expression of PGs and their interplay is implicated in the fine tuning of cancer cell phenotype and potential. This review summarizes the involvement of PGs in the regulation of EMT and stemness of cancer cells and highlights the molecular mechanisms.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zoi Karagiorgou
- Biochemistry, Biochemical Analysis & Matrix Pathobiology Research Group, Laboratory of Biochemistry, Department of Chemistry, University of Patras, 26504 Patras, Greece
| | - Panagiotis N. Fountas
- Biochemistry, Biochemical Analysis & Matrix Pathobiology Research Group, Laboratory of Biochemistry, Department of Chemistry, University of Patras, 26504 Patras, Greece
| | - Dimitra Manou
- Biochemistry, Biochemical Analysis & Matrix Pathobiology Research Group, Laboratory of Biochemistry, Department of Chemistry, University of Patras, 26504 Patras, Greece
| | - Erik Knutsen
- Department of Medical Biology, Faculty of Health Sciences, UiT the Arctic University of Norway, 9010 Tromsø, Norway
- Centre for Clinical Research and Education, University Hospital of North Norway, 9038 Tromsø, Norway
| | - Achilleas D. Theocharis
- Biochemistry, Biochemical Analysis & Matrix Pathobiology Research Group, Laboratory of Biochemistry, Department of Chemistry, University of Patras, 26504 Patras, Greece
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Zhao S, Liu H, Fan M. SPOCK2 Promotes the Malignant Behavior of Ovarian Cancer via Regulation of the Wnt/ β-Catenin Signaling Pathway. Biomed Res Int 2022; 2022:9223954. [PMID: 36193300 PMCID: PMC9525767 DOI: 10.1155/2022/9223954] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/28/2022] [Revised: 08/17/2022] [Accepted: 08/23/2022] [Indexed: 11/22/2022]
Abstract
Background Ovarian cancer (OC) is a common clinical gynecological disease, which seriously threatens women's health and life. We investigated the roles of SPOCK2 in OC and its associated molecular mechanism in the current study. Methods The expressions and prognostic value of SPOCK2 in OC were identified using the clinical data and data from the GEPIA database. Then, SPOCK2 silence was implemented to search functions of SPOCK2 in OC cells. CCK-8 was used to examine cell proliferation. Cell apoptosis was detected by flow cytometry. The OC cell invasion and migration were evaluated by transwell assays. Results Overexpressed SPOCK2 was identified in OC, which was correlated with poor prognosis and a shorter survival rate. SPOCK2 downregulation significantly suppressed OC cell proliferation, migration, and invasion, and cell apoptosis was markedly promoted by SPOCK2 silence. Meanwhile, SPOCK2 knockdown could effectively suppress Wnt/β-catenin. Conclusion SPOCK2 exerted crucial functions in OC progression and could serve as a promising candidate for OC targeted therapy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shanshan Zhao
- Obstetrical Department, Taian City Central Hospital, Taian, China
| | - Haiyan Liu
- Ultrasonic Diagnosis and Treatment Center, Taian City Central Hospital, Taian, China
| | - Mingying Fan
- Gynecology Department, The Second Affiliated Hospital of Shandong First Medical University, Taian, China
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10
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Tellez-Gabriel M, Tekpli X, Reine TM, Hegge B, Nielsen SR, Chen M, Moi L, Normann LS, Busund LTR, Calin GA, Mælandsmo GM, Perander M, Theocharis AD, Kolset SO, Knutsen E. Serglycin Is Involved in TGF-β Induced Epithelial-Mesenchymal Transition and Is Highly Expressed by Immune Cells in Breast Cancer Tissue. Front Oncol 2022; 12:868868. [PMID: 35494005 PMCID: PMC9047906 DOI: 10.3389/fonc.2022.868868] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [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: 02/03/2022] [Accepted: 03/21/2022] [Indexed: 12/03/2022] Open
Abstract
Serglycin is a proteoglycan highly expressed by immune cells, in which its functions are linked to storage, secretion, transport, and protection of chemokines, proteases, histamine, growth factors, and other bioactive molecules. In recent years, it has been demonstrated that serglycin is also expressed by several other cell types, such as endothelial cells, muscle cells, and multiple types of cancer cells. Here, we show that serglycin expression is upregulated in transforming growth factor beta (TGF-β) induced epithelial-mesenchymal transition (EMT). Functional studies provide evidence that serglycin plays an important role in the regulation of the transition between the epithelial and mesenchymal phenotypes, and it is a significant EMT marker gene. We further find that serglycin is more expressed by breast cancer cell lines with a mesenchymal phenotype as well as the basal-like subtype of breast cancers. By examining immune staining and single cell sequencing data of breast cancer tissue, we show that serglycin is highly expressed by infiltrating immune cells in breast tumor tissue.
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Affiliation(s)
- Marta Tellez-Gabriel
- Department of Medical Biology, Faculty of Health Sciences, UiT-The Arctic University of Norway, Tromsø, Norway
| | - Xavier Tekpli
- Department of Medical Genetics, Oslo University Hospital, Oslo, Norway
| | - Trine M. Reine
- Department of Interphase Genetics, Institute for Cancer Genetics and Informatics, Oslo University Hospital, Oslo, Norway
| | - Beate Hegge
- Department of Medical Biology, Faculty of Health Sciences, UiT-The Arctic University of Norway, Tromsø, Norway
| | - Stephanie R. Nielsen
- Department of Medical Biology, Faculty of Health Sciences, UiT-The Arctic University of Norway, Tromsø, Norway
| | - Meng Chen
- Department of Translational Molecular Pathology, The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, TX, United States
| | - Line Moi
- Department of Medical Biology, Faculty of Health Sciences, UiT-The Arctic University of Norway, Tromsø, Norway
- Department of Clinical Pathology, University Hospital of North Norway, Tromsø, Norway
| | - Lisa Svartdal Normann
- Department of Tumor Biology, Institute for Cancer Research, Oslo University Hospital, Oslo, Norway
- Department of Research and Innovation, Vestre Viken Hospital Trust, Drammen, Norway
| | - Lill-Tove R. Busund
- Department of Medical Biology, Faculty of Health Sciences, UiT-The Arctic University of Norway, Tromsø, Norway
- Department of Clinical Pathology, University Hospital of North Norway, Tromsø, Norway
| | - George A. Calin
- Department of Translational Molecular Pathology, The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, TX, United States
- Center for RNA Interference and Non-Coding RNAs, The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, TX, United States
| | - Gunhild M. Mælandsmo
- Department of Medical Biology, Faculty of Health Sciences, UiT-The Arctic University of Norway, Tromsø, Norway
- Department of Tumor Biology, Institute for Cancer Research, Oslo University Hospital, Oslo, Norway
| | - Maria Perander
- Department of Medical Biology, Faculty of Health Sciences, UiT-The Arctic University of Norway, Tromsø, Norway
| | - Achilleas D. Theocharis
- Biochemistry, Biochemical Analysis & Matrix Pathobiology Research Group, Laboratory of Biochemistry, Department of Chemistry, University of Patras, Patras, Greece
| | | | - Erik Knutsen
- Department of Medical Biology, Faculty of Health Sciences, UiT-The Arctic University of Norway, Tromsø, Norway
- Centre for Clinical Research and Education, University Hospital of North Norway, Tromsø, Norway
- *Correspondence: Erik Knutsen,
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11
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Luo Y, Xu WB, Ma B, Wang Y. Novel Stemness-Related Gene Signature Predicting Prognosis and Indicating a Different Immune Microenvironment in HNSCC. Front Genet 2022; 13:822115. [PMID: 35360859 PMCID: PMC8963956 DOI: 10.3389/fgene.2022.822115] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [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: 11/26/2021] [Accepted: 02/21/2022] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Background: The head and neck squamous cell carcinomas (HNSCC) is one of the most frequent cancers in the world, with an unfavorable prognosis. Cancer stem cells (CSCs) have been found to be responsible for HNSCC recurrence and therapeutic resistance.Methods: The stemness of HNSCC was measured using a stemness index based on mRNA expression (mRNAsi). Stemness-related genes were discovered using weighted gene co-expression network analysis, least absolute shrinkage and selection operator analysis, and Cox regression, and a stemness-related prognostic index (SPI) was constructed. This research was based on TCGA and GSE65858.Results: Stemness was found upregulated in HNSCC compared with normal tissues. The risk score model including five stemness-related genes exhibited a good accuracy in predicting outcomes. High SPI predicted a shorter overall survival (OS) in HNSCC patients, in the meantime, also demonstrated a lower CD8+ T cell infiltration and a higher enrichment of macrophages and fibroblasts than the low-SPI group, focusing on several up-regulated pathways such as epithelial mesenchymal transition (EMT), MYC targets v1, E2F targets, mTORC1 signaling, hypoxia, MYC targets v2, angiogenesis, G2M checkpoint, and glycolysis.Conclusion: The SPI signature, which includes five stemness-related genes, could be utilized as a prognostic biomarker for HNSCC, implying that stemness may impact HNSCC immunologic profiles and be a feasible therapeutic target.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yi Luo
- Department of Oncology, Shanghai Medical College, Fudan University, Shanghai, China
- Department of Head and Neck Surgery, Shanghai Cancer Center, Fudan University, Shanghai, China
| | - Wei-Bo Xu
- Department of Oncology, Shanghai Medical College, Fudan University, Shanghai, China
- Department of Head and Neck Surgery, Shanghai Cancer Center, Fudan University, Shanghai, China
| | - Ben Ma
- Department of Oncology, Shanghai Medical College, Fudan University, Shanghai, China
- Department of Head and Neck Surgery, Shanghai Cancer Center, Fudan University, Shanghai, China
| | - Yu Wang
- Department of Oncology, Shanghai Medical College, Fudan University, Shanghai, China
- Department of Head and Neck Surgery, Shanghai Cancer Center, Fudan University, Shanghai, China
- *Correspondence: Yu Wang,
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