1
|
Zhang J, Yang X, Zong Y, Yu T, Yang X. miR-196b-5p regulates inflammatory process and migration via targeting Nras in trabecular meshwork cells. Int Immunopharmacol 2024; 129:111646. [PMID: 38325046 DOI: 10.1016/j.intimp.2024.111646] [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: 11/23/2023] [Revised: 01/31/2024] [Accepted: 01/31/2024] [Indexed: 02/09/2024]
Abstract
Glaucoma, an insidious ophthalmic pathology, is typified by an aberrant surge in intraocular pressure (IOP) which culminates in the degeneration of retinal ganglion cells and optical neuropathy. The mitigation of IOP stands as the principal therapeutic strategy to forestall vision loss. The trabecular meshwork's (TM) integrity and functionality are pivotal in modulating aqueous humor egress. Despite their potential significance in glaucomatous pathophysiology, the implications of microRNAs (miRNAs) on TM functionality remain largely enigmatic. Transcriptomic sequencing was employed to delineate the miRNA expression paradigm within the limbal region of rodent glaucoma models, aiming to elucidate miRNA-mediated mechanisms within the glaucomatous milieu. Analytical scrutiny of the sequencing data disclosed 174 miRNAs with altered expression profiles, partitioned into 86 miRNAs with augmented expression and 88 with diminished expression. Notably, miRNAs such as hsa-miR-196b-5p were identified as having substantial expression discrepancies with concomitant statistical robustness, suggesting a potential contributory role in glaucomatous progression. Subsequent in vitro assays affirmed that miR-196b-5p augments the inflammatory cascade within immortalized human TM (iHTM) and glaucoma-induced human TM (GTM3) cells, concurrently attenuating cellular proliferation, motility, and cytoskeletal architecture. Additionally, miR-196b-5p implicates itself in the regulation of IOP and inflammatory processes in rodent models. At a mechanistic level, miR-196b-5p modulates its effects via the targeted repression of Nras (neuroblastoma RAS viral oncogene homolog). Collectively, these transcriptomic investigations furnish a comprehensive vista into the regulatory roles of miRNAs within the glaucomatous framework, and the identification of differentially expressed miRNAs alongside their targets could potentially illuminate novel molecular pathways implicated in glaucoma, thereby aiding in the development of innovative therapeutic avenues.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Jingjing Zhang
- Department of Ophthalmology, Affiliated Hospital of Qingdao University, Qingdao, People's Republic of China
| | - Xuejiao Yang
- Department of Ophthalmology, Affiliated Hospital of Qingdao University, Qingdao, People's Republic of China
| | - Yao Zong
- Department of Ophthalmology, Affiliated Hospital of Qingdao University, Qingdao, People's Republic of China
| | - Tao Yu
- Institute for Translational Medicine, The Affiliated Hospital of Qingdao University, Qingdao, People's Republic of China.
| | - Xian Yang
- Department of Ophthalmology, Affiliated Hospital of Qingdao University, Qingdao, People's Republic of China.
| |
Collapse
|
2
|
Fontana F, Esser AK, Egbulefu C, Karmakar P, Su X, Allen JS, Xu Y, Davis JL, Gabay A, Xiang J, Kwakwa KA, Manion B, Bakewell S, Li S, Park H, Lanza GM, Achilefu S, Weilbaecher KN. Transferrin receptor in primary and metastatic breast cancer: Evaluation of expression and experimental modulation to improve molecular targeting. PLoS One 2023; 18:e0293700. [PMID: 38117806 PMCID: PMC10732420 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0293700] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 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: 08/09/2023] [Accepted: 10/17/2023] [Indexed: 12/22/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Conjugation of transferrin (Tf) to imaging or nanotherapeutic agents is a promising strategy to target breast cancer. Since the efficacy of these biomaterials often depends on the overexpression of the targeted receptor, we set out to survey expression of transferrin receptor (TfR) in primary and metastatic breast cancer samples, including metastases and relapse, and investigate its modulation in experimental models. METHODS Gene expression was investigated by datamining in twelve publicly-available datasets. Dedicated Tissue microarrays (TMAs) were generated to evaluate matched primary and bone metastases as well as and pre and post chemotherapy tumors from the same patient. TMA were stained with the FDA-approved MRQ-48 antibody against TfR and graded by staining intensity (H-score). Patient-derived xenografts (PDX) and isogenic metastatic mouse models were used to study in vivo TfR expression and uptake of transferrin. RESULTS TFRC gene and protein expression were high in breast cancer of all subtypes and stages, and in 60-85% of bone metastases. TfR was detectable after neoadjuvant chemotherapy, albeit with some variability. Fluorophore-conjugated transferrin iron chelator deferoxamine (DFO) enhanced TfR uptake in human breast cancer cells in vitro and proved transferrin localization at metastatic sites and correlation of tumor burden relative to untreated tumor mice. CONCLUSIONS TfR is expressed in breast cancer, primary, metastatic, and after neoadjuvant chemotherapy. Variability in expression of TfR suggests that evaluation of the expression of TfR in individual patients could identify the best candidates for targeting. Further, systemic iron chelation with DFO may upregulate receptor expression and improve uptake of therapeutics or tracers that use transferrin as a homing ligand.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Francesca Fontana
- Department of Medicine, Washington University School of Medicine, St. Louis, MO, United States of America
| | - Alison K. Esser
- Department of Medicine, Washington University School of Medicine, St. Louis, MO, United States of America
| | - Christopher Egbulefu
- Department of Radiology, Washington University School of Medicine, St. Louis, MO, United States of America
| | - Partha Karmakar
- Department of Surgery, Washington University School of Medicine, St. Louis, MO, United States of America
| | - Xinming Su
- Department of Medicine, Washington University School of Medicine, St. Louis, MO, United States of America
| | - John S. Allen
- Department of Medicine, Washington University School of Medicine, St. Louis, MO, United States of America
| | - Yalin Xu
- Department of Medicine, Washington University School of Medicine, St. Louis, MO, United States of America
| | - Jennifer L. Davis
- Department of Medicine, Washington University School of Medicine, St. Louis, MO, United States of America
| | - Ariel Gabay
- Department of Medicine, Washington University School of Medicine, St. Louis, MO, United States of America
| | - Jingyu Xiang
- Department of Medicine, Washington University School of Medicine, St. Louis, MO, United States of America
| | - Kristin A. Kwakwa
- Department of Medicine, Washington University School of Medicine, St. Louis, MO, United States of America
| | - Brad Manion
- Department of Surgery, Washington University School of Medicine, St. Louis, MO, United States of America
| | - Suzanne Bakewell
- Department of Medicine, Washington University School of Medicine, St. Louis, MO, United States of America
| | - Shunqiang Li
- Department of Surgery, Washington University School of Medicine, St. Louis, MO, United States of America
| | - Haeseong Park
- Department of Medicine, Washington University School of Medicine, St. Louis, MO, United States of America
| | - Gregory M. Lanza
- Department of Medicine, Washington University School of Medicine, St. Louis, MO, United States of America
| | - Samuel Achilefu
- Department of Radiology, Washington University School of Medicine, St. Louis, MO, United States of America
| | - Katherine N. Weilbaecher
- Department of Medicine, Washington University School of Medicine, St. Louis, MO, United States of America
| |
Collapse
|
3
|
Zhao Y, Sheldon M, Sun Y, Ma L. New Insights into YAP/TAZ-TEAD-Mediated Gene Regulation and Biological Processes in Cancer. Cancers (Basel) 2023; 15:5497. [PMID: 38067201 PMCID: PMC10705714 DOI: 10.3390/cancers15235497] [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] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/01/2023] [Revised: 11/07/2023] [Accepted: 11/17/2023] [Indexed: 02/12/2024] Open
Abstract
The Hippo pathway is conserved across species. Key mammalian Hippo pathway kinases, including MST1/2 and LATS1/2, inhibit cellular growth by inactivating the TEAD coactivators, YAP, and TAZ. Extensive research has illuminated the roles of Hippo signaling in cancer, development, and regeneration. Notably, dysregulation of Hippo pathway components not only contributes to tumor growth and metastasis, but also renders tumors resistant to therapies. This review delves into recent research on YAP/TAZ-TEAD-mediated gene regulation and biological processes in cancer. We focus on several key areas: newly identified molecular patterns of YAP/TAZ activation, emerging mechanisms that contribute to metastasis and cancer therapy resistance, unexpected roles in tumor suppression, and advances in therapeutic strategies targeting this pathway. Moreover, we provide an updated view of YAP/TAZ's biological functions, discuss ongoing controversies, and offer perspectives on specific debated topics in this rapidly evolving field.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Yang Zhao
- Department of Experimental Radiation Oncology, The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, TX 77030, USA; (Y.Z.); (M.S.)
| | - Marisela Sheldon
- Department of Experimental Radiation Oncology, The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, TX 77030, USA; (Y.Z.); (M.S.)
| | - Yutong Sun
- Department of Molecular and Cellular Oncology, The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, TX 77030, USA;
| | - Li Ma
- Department of Experimental Radiation Oncology, The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, TX 77030, USA; (Y.Z.); (M.S.)
- The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center UTHealth Houston Graduate School of Biomedical Sciences, Houston, TX 77030, USA
| |
Collapse
|
4
|
Yang S, Yu H, Liu J, Ma L, Hou Z, Ma J, Miao MZ, Kwok RTK, Sun J, Sung HHY, Williams ID, Lam JWY, Liu X, Tang BZ. Integrating Anion-π + Interaction and Crowded Conformation to Develop Multifunctional NIR AIEgen for Effective Tumor Theranostics via Hippo-YAP Pathway. ACS Nano 2023; 17:21182-21194. [PMID: 37901961 DOI: 10.1021/acsnano.3c05080] [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] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/31/2023]
Abstract
The technology of aggregation-induced emission (AIE) presents a promising avenue for fluorescence imaging-guided photodynamic cancer therapy. However, existing near-infrared AIE photosensitizers (PSs) frequently encounter limitations, including tedious synthesis, poor tumor retention, and a limited understanding of the underlying molecular biology mechanism. Herein, an effective molecular design paradigm of anion-π+ interaction combined with the inherently crowded conformation that could enhance fluorescence efficacy and reactive oxygen species generation was proposed through a concise synthetic method. Mechanistically, upon photosensitization, the Hippo signaling pathway contributes to the death of melanoma cells and promotes the nuclear location of its downstream factor, yes-associated protein, which regulates the transcription and expression of apoptosis-related genes. The finding in this study would trigger the development of high-performance and versatile AIE PSs for precision cancer therapy based on a definite regulatory mechanism.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Shiping Yang
- Department of Chemistry, Hong Kong Branch of Chinese National Engineering Research Center for Tissue Restoration and Reconstruction, State Key Laboratory of Molecular Neuroscience, Division of Life Science, and Guangdong-Hong Kong-Macau Joint Laboratory of Optoelectronic and Magnetic Functional Materials, The Hong Kong University of Science and Technology, Kowloon, Hong Kong 999077, China
| | - Hongchi Yu
- Institute of Biomedical Engineering, West China School of Basic Medical Sciences & Forensic Medicine, Sichuan University, Chengdu 610041, China
| | - Junkai Liu
- Department of Chemistry, Hong Kong Branch of Chinese National Engineering Research Center for Tissue Restoration and Reconstruction, State Key Laboratory of Molecular Neuroscience, Division of Life Science, and Guangdong-Hong Kong-Macau Joint Laboratory of Optoelectronic and Magnetic Functional Materials, The Hong Kong University of Science and Technology, Kowloon, Hong Kong 999077, China
| | - Lunjie Ma
- Institute of Biomedical Engineering, West China School of Basic Medical Sciences & Forensic Medicine, Sichuan University, Chengdu 610041, China
| | - Zhe Hou
- Institute of Biomedical Engineering, West China School of Basic Medical Sciences & Forensic Medicine, Sichuan University, Chengdu 610041, China
| | - Jia Ma
- Institute of Biomedical Engineering, West China School of Basic Medical Sciences & Forensic Medicine, Sichuan University, Chengdu 610041, China
| | - Michael Z Miao
- Division of Oral and Craniofacial Health Sciences, Adams School of Dentistry, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Chapel Hill, North Carolina 27599, United States
| | - Ryan T K Kwok
- Department of Chemistry, Hong Kong Branch of Chinese National Engineering Research Center for Tissue Restoration and Reconstruction, State Key Laboratory of Molecular Neuroscience, Division of Life Science, and Guangdong-Hong Kong-Macau Joint Laboratory of Optoelectronic and Magnetic Functional Materials, The Hong Kong University of Science and Technology, Kowloon, Hong Kong 999077, China
| | - Jianwei Sun
- Department of Chemistry, Hong Kong Branch of Chinese National Engineering Research Center for Tissue Restoration and Reconstruction, State Key Laboratory of Molecular Neuroscience, Division of Life Science, and Guangdong-Hong Kong-Macau Joint Laboratory of Optoelectronic and Magnetic Functional Materials, The Hong Kong University of Science and Technology, Kowloon, Hong Kong 999077, China
| | - Herman H Y Sung
- Department of Chemistry, Hong Kong Branch of Chinese National Engineering Research Center for Tissue Restoration and Reconstruction, State Key Laboratory of Molecular Neuroscience, Division of Life Science, and Guangdong-Hong Kong-Macau Joint Laboratory of Optoelectronic and Magnetic Functional Materials, The Hong Kong University of Science and Technology, Kowloon, Hong Kong 999077, China
| | - Ian D Williams
- Department of Chemistry, Hong Kong Branch of Chinese National Engineering Research Center for Tissue Restoration and Reconstruction, State Key Laboratory of Molecular Neuroscience, Division of Life Science, and Guangdong-Hong Kong-Macau Joint Laboratory of Optoelectronic and Magnetic Functional Materials, The Hong Kong University of Science and Technology, Kowloon, Hong Kong 999077, China
| | - Jacky W Y Lam
- Department of Chemistry, Hong Kong Branch of Chinese National Engineering Research Center for Tissue Restoration and Reconstruction, State Key Laboratory of Molecular Neuroscience, Division of Life Science, and Guangdong-Hong Kong-Macau Joint Laboratory of Optoelectronic and Magnetic Functional Materials, The Hong Kong University of Science and Technology, Kowloon, Hong Kong 999077, China
| | - Xiaoheng Liu
- Institute of Biomedical Engineering, West China School of Basic Medical Sciences & Forensic Medicine, Sichuan University, Chengdu 610041, China
| | - Ben Zhong Tang
- Department of Chemistry, Hong Kong Branch of Chinese National Engineering Research Center for Tissue Restoration and Reconstruction, State Key Laboratory of Molecular Neuroscience, Division of Life Science, and Guangdong-Hong Kong-Macau Joint Laboratory of Optoelectronic and Magnetic Functional Materials, The Hong Kong University of Science and Technology, Kowloon, Hong Kong 999077, China
- School of Science and Engineering, Shenzhen Institute of Aggregate Science and Technology, The Chinese University of Hong Kong, Shenzhen, Guangdong 518172, China
- Center for Aggregation-Induced Emission, South China University of Technology, Guangzhou 510640, China
| |
Collapse
|