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Sun J, Zhu W, Luan M, Xing Y, Feng Z, Zhu J, Ma X, Wang Y, Jia Y. Positive GLI1/INHBA feedback loop drives tumor progression in gastric cancer. Cancer Sci 2024. [PMID: 38676428 DOI: 10.1111/cas.16193] [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] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/08/2024] [Revised: 04/02/2024] [Accepted: 04/09/2024] [Indexed: 04/28/2024] Open
Abstract
GLI1, a key transcription factor of the Hedgehog (Hh) signaling pathway, plays an important role in the development of cancer. However, the function and mechanisms by which GLI1 regulates gene transcription are not fully understood in gastric cancer (GC). Here, we found that GLI1 induced the proliferation and metastasis of GC cells, accompanied by transcriptional upregulation of INHBA. This increased INHBA expression exerted a promoting activity on Smads signaling and then transcriptionally activated GLI1 expression. Notably, our results demonstrate that disrupting the interaction between GLI1 and INHBA could inhibit GC tumorigenesis in vivo. More intriguingly, we confirmed the N6-methyladenosine (m6A) activation mechanism of the Helicobacter pylori/FTO/YTHDF2/GLI1 pathway in GC cells. In conclusion, our study confirmed that the GLI1/INHBA positive feedback loop influences GC progression and revealed the mechanism by which H. pylori upregulates GLI1 expression through m6A modification. This positive GLI1/INHBA feedback loop suggests a novel noncanonical mechanism of GLI1 activity in GC and provides potential therapeutic targets for GC treatment.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jingguo Sun
- Research Center of Basic Medicine, Jinan Central Hospital, Shandong University, Jinan, China
- Research Center of Basic Medicine, Central Hospital Affiliated to Shandong First Medical University, Jinan, China
| | - Wenshuai Zhu
- Research Center of Basic Medicine, Central Hospital Affiliated to Shandong First Medical University, Jinan, China
| | - Muhua Luan
- Research Center of Basic Medicine, Jinan Central Hospital, Shandong University, Jinan, China
| | - Yuanxin Xing
- Research Center of Basic Medicine, Jinan Central Hospital, Shandong University, Jinan, China
- Research Center of Basic Medicine, Central Hospital Affiliated to Shandong First Medical University, Jinan, China
| | - Zhaotian Feng
- Research Center of Basic Medicine, Central Hospital Affiliated to Shandong First Medical University, Jinan, China
| | - Jingyu Zhu
- Department of Gastroenterology, Central Hospital Affiliated to Shandong First Medical University, Jinan, China
| | - Xiaoli Ma
- Research Center of Basic Medicine, Jinan Central Hospital, Shandong University, Jinan, China
- Research Center of Basic Medicine, Central Hospital Affiliated to Shandong First Medical University, Jinan, China
| | - Yunshan Wang
- Research Center of Basic Medicine, Jinan Central Hospital, Shandong University, Jinan, China
- Research Center of Basic Medicine, Central Hospital Affiliated to Shandong First Medical University, Jinan, China
| | - Yanfei Jia
- Research Center of Basic Medicine, Jinan Central Hospital, Shandong University, Jinan, China
- Research Center of Basic Medicine, Central Hospital Affiliated to Shandong First Medical University, Jinan, China
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2
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Alhammadi MA, Bajbouj K, Talaat IM, Hamoudi R. The role of RNA-modifying proteins in renal cell carcinoma. Cell Death Dis 2024; 15:227. [PMID: 38503745 PMCID: PMC10951318 DOI: 10.1038/s41419-024-06479-y] [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: 07/06/2023] [Revised: 01/09/2024] [Accepted: 01/17/2024] [Indexed: 03/21/2024]
Abstract
Gene expression is one of the most critical cellular processes. It is controlled by complex mechanisms at the genomic, epigenomic, transcriptomic, and proteomic levels. Any aberration in these mechanisms can lead to dysregulated gene expression. One recently discovered process that controls gene expression includes chemical modifications of RNA molecules by RNA-modifying proteins, a field known as epitranscriptomics. Epitranscriptomics can regulate mRNA splicing, nuclear export, stabilization, translation, or induce degradation of target RNA molecules. Dysregulation in RNA-modifying proteins has been found to contribute to many pathological conditions, such as cancer, diabetes, obesity, cardiovascular diseases, and neurological diseases, among others. This article reviews the role of epitranscriptomics in the pathogenesis and progression of renal cell carcinoma. It summarizes the molecular function of RNA-modifying proteins in the pathogenesis of renal cell carcinoma.
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Affiliation(s)
- Muna A Alhammadi
- Research Institute of Medical and Health Sciences, University of Sharjah, Sharjah, P.O. Box 27272, United Arab Emirates.
- Department of Clinical Sciences, College of Medicine, University of Sharjah, Sharjah, P.O. Box 27272, United Arab Emirates.
| | - Khuloud Bajbouj
- Research Institute of Medical and Health Sciences, University of Sharjah, Sharjah, P.O. Box 27272, United Arab Emirates.
- Department of Basic Sciences, College of Medicine, University of Sharjah, Sharjah, P.O. Box 27272, United Arab Emirates.
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, United States of America.
| | - Iman M Talaat
- Research Institute of Medical and Health Sciences, University of Sharjah, Sharjah, P.O. Box 27272, United Arab Emirates.
- Department of Clinical Sciences, College of Medicine, University of Sharjah, Sharjah, P.O. Box 27272, United Arab Emirates.
- Pathology Department, Faculty of Medicine, Alexandria University, 21131, Alexandria, Egypt.
| | - Rifat Hamoudi
- Research Institute of Medical and Health Sciences, University of Sharjah, Sharjah, P.O. Box 27272, United Arab Emirates.
- Department of Clinical Sciences, College of Medicine, University of Sharjah, Sharjah, P.O. Box 27272, United Arab Emirates.
- Division of Surgery and Interventional Science, University College London, London, NW3 2PS, United Kingdom.
- ASPIRE Precision Medicine Research Institute Abu Dhabi, University of Sharjah, Sharjah, United Arab Emirates.
- BIMAI-Lab, Biomedically Informed Artificial Intelligence Laboratory, University of Sharjah, Sharjah, United Arab Emirates.
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3
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Xu X, Zhuang X, Yu H, Li P, Li X, Lin H, Teoh JP, Chen Y, Yang Y, Cheng Y, Chen W, Fu X. FSH induces EMT in ovarian cancer via ALKBH5-regulated Snail m6A demethylation. Theranostics 2024; 14:2151-2166. [PMID: 38505602 PMCID: PMC10945345 DOI: 10.7150/thno.94161] [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] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/11/2024] [Accepted: 02/26/2024] [Indexed: 03/21/2024] Open
Abstract
Background: The therapeutic benefits of targeting follicle-stimulating hormone (FSH) receptor in treatment of ovarian cancer are significant, whereas the role of FSH in ovarian cancer progresses and the underlying mechanism remains to be developed. Methods: Tissue microarray of human ovarian cancer, tumor xenograft mouse model, and in vitro cell culture were used to investigate the role of FSH in ovarian carcinogenesis. siRNA, lentivirus and inhibitors were used to trigger the inactivation of genes, and plasmids were used to increase transcription of genes. Specifically, pathological characteristic was assessed by histology and immunohistochemistry (IHC), while signaling pathway was studied using western blot, quantitative RT-PCR, and immunofluorescence. Results: Histology and IHC of human normal ovarian and tumor tissue confirmed the association between FSH and Snail in ovarian cancer metastasis. Moreover, in epithelial ovarian cancer cells and xenograft mice, FSH was showed to promote epithelial mesenchymal transition (EMT) progress and metastasis of ovarian cancer via prolonging the half-life of Snail mRNA in a N6-methyladenine methylation (m6A) dependent manner, which was mechanistically through the CREB/ALKBH5 signaling pathway. Conclusions: These findings indicated that FSH induces EMT progression and ovarian cancer metastasis via CREB/ALKBH5/Snail pathway. Thus, this study provided new insight into the therapeutic strategy of ovarian cancer patients with high level of FSH.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xingyan Xu
- Guangzhou Institute of Cardiovascular Disease, the Second Affiliated Hospital, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Guangzhou Medical University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Xuefen Zhuang
- Guangzhou Institute of Cardiovascular Disease, the Second Affiliated Hospital, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Guangzhou Medical University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Haowei Yu
- Guangzhou Institute of Cardiovascular Disease, the Second Affiliated Hospital, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Guangzhou Medical University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Ping Li
- Guangzhou Institute of Cardiovascular Disease, the Second Affiliated Hospital, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Guangzhou Medical University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Xiaosa Li
- Guangzhou Institute of Cardiovascular Disease, the Second Affiliated Hospital, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Guangzhou Medical University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Huiping Lin
- Guangzhou Institute of Cardiovascular Disease, the Second Affiliated Hospital, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Guangzhou Medical University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Jian-peng Teoh
- Guangzhou Institute of Cardiovascular Disease, the Second Affiliated Hospital, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Guangzhou Medical University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Yiwen Chen
- Guangzhou Institute of Cardiovascular Disease, the Second Affiliated Hospital, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Guangzhou Medical University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Yuanlan Yang
- Guangzhou Institute of Cardiovascular Disease, the Second Affiliated Hospital, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Guangzhou Medical University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Yang Cheng
- Department of Gynecology and Obstetrics, Guangzhou First People's Hospital, Guangzhou, China
| | - Weiyu Chen
- Guangzhou Institute of Cardiovascular Disease, the Second Affiliated Hospital, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Guangzhou Medical University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Xiaodong Fu
- Guangzhou Institute of Cardiovascular Disease, the Second Affiliated Hospital, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Guangzhou Medical University, Guangzhou, China
- Department of Gynecology and Obstetrics, The Sixth Affiliated Hospital, Guangzhou Medical University, Guangzhou, China
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4
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Zhao Y, Hu X, Yu H, Sun H, Zhang L, Shao C. The FTO Mediated N6-Methyladenosine Modification of DDIT4 Regulation with Tumorigenesis and Metastasis in Prostate Cancer. Research (Wash D C) 2024; 7:0313. [PMID: 38384328 PMCID: PMC10879844 DOI: 10.34133/research.0313] [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] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/26/2023] [Accepted: 01/17/2024] [Indexed: 02/23/2024]
Abstract
The progression of numerous malignancies has been linked to N6-methyladenosine (m6A) alteration. However, the opposite trend of m6A levels in the development and metastasis of cancer has not been reported. This study aimed to evaluate the biological function and mechanism of fat mass and obesity-associated protein (FTO) in regulating m6A modification in prostate cancer development and epithelial-mesenchymal transition (EMT). An EMT model of LNCaP and PC-3 cells was established with transforming growth factor-β treatment, and FTO knockout cell line was established in prostate cancer cells using the CRISPR/Cas9 gene editing technology. The level of m6A modification in tumor tissues was higher than that in normal prostate tissues; m6A levels were decreased after EMT. FTO deletion increased m6A expression and enhanced PC-3 cell motility, invasion, and EMT both in vitro and in vivo. RNA sequencing and functional investigations suggested that DDIT4, a novel EMT target gene, plays a role in m6A-regulated EMT, which was recognized and stabilized by the m6A effector IGF2BP2/3. Decreased FTO expression was an independent indicator of worse survival, and the level of DDIT4 was considerably elevated in patients with bone metastasis. Thus, this study revealed that the m6A demethylase FTO can play different roles in prostate cancer as a regulator of EMT and an inhibitor of m6A modification. Moreover, DDIT4 can be suggested as a possible biomarker for prostate cancer metastasis prediction.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yue Zhao
- Department of Urology, Xiang’an Hospital of Xiamen University,
Xiamen University, Xiamen, China
- Department of Pathology, School of Basic Medicine,
Binzhou Medical University, Yantai, China
| | - Xin Hu
- State Key Laboratory of Urban Water Resource and Environment,
Harbin Institute of Technology, Harbin, China
| | - Haoran Yu
- State Key Laboratory of Urban Water Resource and Environment,
Harbin Institute of Technology, Harbin, China
| | - Huimin Sun
- Department of Urology, Xiang’an Hospital of Xiamen University,
Xiamen University, Xiamen, China
| | - Lei Zhang
- Department of Public healthy,
Xiamen University, Xiamen, China
| | - Chen Shao
- Department of Urology, Xiang’an Hospital of Xiamen University,
Xiamen University, Xiamen, China
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5
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Ramasamy D, Thippannah M, Maharajan HRP, Balaiah M, Seshadri RA, Kodous AS, Herceg Z, Mehta A, Rao AKDM, Mani S. Transcriptome-wide profiling identifies colon cancer-associated m6A transcripts and potential RNA methyl modifiers. Mol Biol Rep 2024; 51:299. [PMID: 38345740 DOI: 10.1007/s11033-024-09217-x] [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: 10/27/2023] [Accepted: 01/05/2024] [Indexed: 02/15/2024]
Abstract
BACKGROUND N6-methyladenosine (m6A) is a prevalent and crucial RNA methylation modification that plays a significant role in various biological and pathological processes. The dysregulation of m6A has been linked to the initiation, progression, and metastasis of several cancer types, including colon cancer. The transcriptome of colon cancer indeed provides insight into dysregulated coding and non-coding RNAs, but it does not reveal the mechanisms, such as m6A modifications, that determine post-transcriptional and pre-translational regulations. This study using MeRIP sequencing aims to explain the distribution of m6A modification across altered gene expression and its association with colon cancer. METHODS AND RESULTS The levels of m6A in different colon cancer cell lines were quantified and correlated with the expression of m6A modifiers such as writers, readers, and erasers. Our results showed that global m6A levels in colon cancer were associated with METTL14, YTHDF2, and YTHDC1. We performed Epi-transcriptome profiling of m6A in colon cancer cell lines using Methylated RNA Immunoprecipitation (MeRIP) sequencing. The differential methylation analysis revealed 7312 m6A regions among the colon cancer cell lines. Our findings indicated that the m6A RNA methylation modifications were mainly distributed in the last exonic and 3' untranslated regions. We also discovered that non-coding RNAs such as miRNA, lncRNA, and circRNA carry m6A marks. Gene set enrichment and motif analysis suggested a strong association of m6A with post-transcriptional events, particularly splicing control. Overall, our study sheds light on the potential role of m6A in colon cancer and highlights the importance of further investigation in this area. CONCLUSION This study reports m6A enrichment in the last exonic regions and 3' UTRs of mRNA transcripts in colon cancer. METTL14, YTHDF2, and YTHDC1 were the most significant modifiers in colon cancer cells. The functions of m6A-modified genes were found to be RNA methylation and RNA capping. Overall, the study illustrates the transcriptome-wide distribution of m6A and its eminent role in mRNA splicing and translation control of colon cancer.
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Affiliation(s)
- Deepa Ramasamy
- Department of Molecular Oncology, Cancer Institute (W.I.A), Chennai, Tamil Nadu, 600036, India
| | - Megha Thippannah
- Department of Molecular Oncology, Cancer Institute (W.I.A), Chennai, Tamil Nadu, 600036, India
| | | | - Meenakumari Balaiah
- Department of Molecular Oncology, Cancer Institute (W.I.A), Chennai, Tamil Nadu, 600036, India
| | | | - Ahmad S Kodous
- Department of Molecular Oncology, Cancer Institute (W.I.A), Chennai, Tamil Nadu, 600036, India
- Radiation Biology Department, National Centre for Radiation Research & Technology, Egyptian Atomic-Energy Authority, P.O. Box 8029, Cairo, Egypt
| | - Zdenko Herceg
- Epigenomics Group, International Agency for Research on Cancer, World Health Organization, Lyon, France
| | - Anurag Mehta
- Department of Research, Rajiv Gandhi Cancer Institute and Research Centre, Sector 5, Rohini, Delhi, 110085, India
| | | | - Samson Mani
- Department of Molecular Oncology, Cancer Institute (W.I.A), Chennai, Tamil Nadu, 600036, India.
- Department of Research, Rajiv Gandhi Cancer Institute and Research Centre, Sector 5, Rohini, Delhi, 110085, India.
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6
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Nan Y, Liu S, Luo Q, Wu X, Zhao P, Chang W, Zhang R, Li Y, Liu Z. m 6A demethylase FTO stabilizes LINK-A to exert oncogenic roles via MCM3-mediated cell-cycle progression and HIF-1α activation. Cell Rep 2023; 42:113273. [PMID: 37858471 DOI: 10.1016/j.celrep.2023.113273] [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: 04/28/2023] [Revised: 08/28/2023] [Accepted: 09/29/2023] [Indexed: 10/21/2023] Open
Abstract
RNA N6-methyladenosine (m6A) modification is implicated in cancer progression, yet its role in regulating long noncoding RNAs during cancer progression remains unclear. Here, we report that the m6A demethylase fat mass and obesity-associated protein (FTO) stabilizes long intergenic noncoding RNA for kinase activation (LINK-A) to promote cell proliferation and chemoresistance in esophageal squamous cell carcinoma (ESCC). Mechanistically, LINK-A promotes the interaction between minichromosome maintenance complex component 3 (MCM3) and cyclin-dependent kinase 1 (CDK1), increasing MCM3 phosphorylation. This phosphorylation facilitates the loading of the MCM complex onto chromatin, which promotes cell-cycle progression and subsequent cell proliferation. Moreover, LINK-A disrupts the interaction between MCM3 and hypoxia-inducible factor 1α (HIF-1α), abrogating MCM3-mediated HIF-1α transcriptional repression and promoting glycolysis and chemoresistance. These results elucidate the mechanism by which FTO-stabilized LINK-A plays oncogenic roles and identify the FTO/LINK-A/MCM3/HIF-1α axis as a promising therapeutic target for ESCC.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yabing Nan
- State Key Laboratory of Molecular Oncology, National Cancer Center/National Clinical Research Center for Cancer/Cancer Hospital, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences and Peking Union Medical College, Beijing 100021, China
| | - Shi Liu
- State Key Laboratory of Molecular Oncology, National Cancer Center/National Clinical Research Center for Cancer/Cancer Hospital, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences and Peking Union Medical College, Beijing 100021, China
| | - Qingyu Luo
- Department of Medical Oncology, Dana-Farber Cancer Institute, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA 02215, USA
| | - Xiaowei Wu
- Department of Cancer Biology, Dana-Farber Cancer Institute, Department of Genetics, Blavatnik Institute, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA 02215, USA
| | - Pengfei Zhao
- State Key Laboratory of Molecular Oncology, National Cancer Center/National Clinical Research Center for Cancer/Cancer Hospital, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences and Peking Union Medical College, Beijing 100021, China
| | - Wan Chang
- State Key Laboratory of Molecular Oncology, National Cancer Center/National Clinical Research Center for Cancer/Cancer Hospital, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences and Peking Union Medical College, Beijing 100021, China
| | - Ruixiang Zhang
- Department of Thoracic Surgery, National Cancer Center/National Clinical Research Center for Cancer/Cancer Hospital, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences and Peking Union Medical College, Beijing 100021, China
| | - Yin Li
- Department of Thoracic Surgery, National Cancer Center/National Clinical Research Center for Cancer/Cancer Hospital, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences and Peking Union Medical College, Beijing 100021, China.
| | - Zhihua Liu
- State Key Laboratory of Molecular Oncology, National Cancer Center/National Clinical Research Center for Cancer/Cancer Hospital, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences and Peking Union Medical College, Beijing 100021, China.
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7
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Chen X, Zhang L, He Y, Huang S, Chen S, Zhao W, Yu D. Regulation of m 6A modification on ferroptosis and its potential significance in radiosensitization. Cell Death Discov 2023; 9:343. [PMID: 37714846 PMCID: PMC10504338 DOI: 10.1038/s41420-023-01645-1] [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] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/23/2023] [Revised: 08/28/2023] [Accepted: 09/08/2023] [Indexed: 09/17/2023] Open
Abstract
Radiotherapy is often used to treat various types of cancers, but radioresistance greatly limits the clinical efficiency. Recent studies have shown that radiotherapy can lead to ferroptotic cancer cell deaths. Ferroptosis is a new type of programmed cell death caused by excessive lipid peroxidation. The induction of ferroptosis provides a potential therapeutic strategy for radioresistance. As the most common post-transcriptional modification of mRNA, m6A methylation is widely involved in the regulation of various physiopathological processes by regulating RNA function. Dynamic m6A modification controlled by m6A regulatory factors also affects the susceptibility of cells to ferroptosis, thereby determining the radiosensitivity of tumor cells to radiotherapy. In this review, we summarize the mechanism and significance of radiotherapy induced ferroptosis, analyze the regulatory characteristics of m6A modification on ferroptosis, and discuss the possibility of radiosensitization by enhancing m6A-mediated ferroptosis. Clarifying the regulation of m6A modification on ferroptosis and its significance in the response of tumor cells to radiotherapy will help us identify novel targets to improve the efficacy of radiotherapy and reduce or overcome radioresistance.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xun Chen
- Hospital of Stomatology, Guanghua School of Stomatology, Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Stomatology, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou, 510055, People's Republic of China
| | - Lejia Zhang
- Hospital of Stomatology, Guanghua School of Stomatology, Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Stomatology, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou, 510055, People's Republic of China
| | - Yi He
- Hospital of Stomatology, Guanghua School of Stomatology, Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Stomatology, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou, 510055, People's Republic of China
| | - Siyuan Huang
- Hospital of Stomatology, Guanghua School of Stomatology, Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Stomatology, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou, 510055, People's Republic of China
| | - Shangwu Chen
- Guangdong Key Laboratory of Pharmaceutical Functional Genes, State Key Laboratory for Biocontrol, Department of Biochemistry, School of Life Sciences, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou, 510275, People's Republic of China
| | - Wei Zhao
- Hospital of Stomatology, Guanghua School of Stomatology, Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Stomatology, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou, 510055, People's Republic of China.
| | - Dongsheng Yu
- Hospital of Stomatology, Guanghua School of Stomatology, Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Stomatology, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou, 510055, People's Republic of China.
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8
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Collignon E, Cho B, Furlan G, Fothergill-Robinson J, Martin SB, McClymont SA, Ross RL, Limbach PA, Ramalho-Santos M. m 6A RNA methylation orchestrates transcriptional dormancy during paused pluripotency. Nat Cell Biol 2023; 25:1279-1289. [PMID: 37696947 DOI: 10.1038/s41556-023-01212-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [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: 07/07/2022] [Accepted: 07/21/2023] [Indexed: 09/13/2023]
Abstract
Embryos across metazoan lineages can enter reversible states of developmental pausing, or diapause, in response to adverse environmental conditions. The molecular mechanisms that underlie this remarkable dormant state remain largely unknown. Here we show that N6-methyladenosine (m6A) RNA methylation by Mettl3 is required for developmental pausing in mouse blastocysts and embryonic stem (ES) cells. Mettl3 enforces transcriptional dormancy through two interconnected mechanisms: (1) it promotes global mRNA destabilization and (2) it suppresses global nascent transcription by destabilizing the mRNA of the transcriptional amplifier and oncogene N-Myc, which we identify as a crucial anti-pausing factor. Knockdown of N-Myc rescues pausing in Mettl3-/- ES cells, and forced demethylation and stabilization of Mycn mRNA in paused wild-type ES cells largely recapitulates the transcriptional defects of Mettl3-/- ES cells. These findings uncover Mettl3 as a key orchestrator of the crosstalk between transcriptomic and epitranscriptomic regulation during developmental pausing, with implications for dormancy in adult stem cells and cancer.
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Affiliation(s)
- Evelyne Collignon
- Lunenfeld-Tanenbaum Research Institute and Department of Molecular Genetics, University of Toronto, Toronto, Ontario, Canada.
- Laboratory of Cancer Epigenetics, Faculty of Medicine, ULB-Cancer Research Centre (U-CRC) and Institut Jules Bordet, Université Libre de Bruxelles, Brussels, Belgium.
| | - Brandon Cho
- Lunenfeld-Tanenbaum Research Institute and Department of Molecular Genetics, University of Toronto, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
| | - Giacomo Furlan
- Lunenfeld-Tanenbaum Research Institute and Department of Molecular Genetics, University of Toronto, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
| | - Julie Fothergill-Robinson
- Lunenfeld-Tanenbaum Research Institute and Department of Molecular Genetics, University of Toronto, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
| | - Sylvia-Bryn Martin
- Lunenfeld-Tanenbaum Research Institute and Department of Molecular Genetics, University of Toronto, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
| | - Sarah A McClymont
- Lunenfeld-Tanenbaum Research Institute and Department of Molecular Genetics, University of Toronto, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
| | | | - Patrick A Limbach
- Rieveschl Laboratories for Mass Spectrometry, Department of Chemistry, University of Cincinnati, Cincinnati, OH, USA
| | - Miguel Ramalho-Santos
- Lunenfeld-Tanenbaum Research Institute and Department of Molecular Genetics, University of Toronto, Toronto, Ontario, Canada.
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9
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Liu R, Zhao E, Yu H, Yuan C, Abbas MN, Cui H. Methylation across the central dogma in health and diseases: new therapeutic strategies. Signal Transduct Target Ther 2023; 8:310. [PMID: 37620312 PMCID: PMC10449936 DOI: 10.1038/s41392-023-01528-y] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.0] [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: 03/23/2023] [Revised: 05/23/2023] [Accepted: 05/25/2023] [Indexed: 08/26/2023] Open
Abstract
The proper transfer of genetic information from DNA to RNA to protein is essential for cell-fate control, development, and health. Methylation of DNA, RNAs, histones, and non-histone proteins is a reversible post-synthesis modification that finetunes gene expression and function in diverse physiological processes. Aberrant methylation caused by genetic mutations or environmental stimuli promotes various diseases and accelerates aging, necessitating the development of therapies to correct the disease-driver methylation imbalance. In this Review, we summarize the operating system of methylation across the central dogma, which includes writers, erasers, readers, and reader-independent outputs. We then discuss how dysregulation of the system contributes to neurological disorders, cancer, and aging. Current small-molecule compounds that target the modifiers show modest success in certain cancers. The methylome-wide action and lack of specificity lead to undesirable biological effects and cytotoxicity, limiting their therapeutic application, especially for diseases with a monogenic cause or different directions of methylation changes. Emerging tools capable of site-specific methylation manipulation hold great promise to solve this dilemma. With the refinement of delivery vehicles, these new tools are well positioned to advance the basic research and clinical translation of the methylation field.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ruochen Liu
- State Key Laboratory of Resource Insects, Medical Research Institute, Southwest University, Chongqing, 400715, China
- Jinfeng Laboratory, Chongqing, 401329, China
- Chongqing Engineering and Technology Research Center for Silk Biomaterials and Regenerative Medicine, Chongqing, 400716, China
- Engineering Research Center for Cancer Biomedical and Translational Medicine, Southwest University, Chongqing, 400715, China
| | - Erhu Zhao
- State Key Laboratory of Resource Insects, Medical Research Institute, Southwest University, Chongqing, 400715, China
- Jinfeng Laboratory, Chongqing, 401329, China
- Chongqing Engineering and Technology Research Center for Silk Biomaterials and Regenerative Medicine, Chongqing, 400716, China
- Engineering Research Center for Cancer Biomedical and Translational Medicine, Southwest University, Chongqing, 400715, China
| | - Huijuan Yu
- State Key Laboratory of Resource Insects, Medical Research Institute, Southwest University, Chongqing, 400715, China
| | - Chaoyu Yuan
- State Key Laboratory of Resource Insects, Medical Research Institute, Southwest University, Chongqing, 400715, China
| | - Muhammad Nadeem Abbas
- State Key Laboratory of Resource Insects, Medical Research Institute, Southwest University, Chongqing, 400715, China
- Jinfeng Laboratory, Chongqing, 401329, China
- Chongqing Engineering and Technology Research Center for Silk Biomaterials and Regenerative Medicine, Chongqing, 400716, China
- Engineering Research Center for Cancer Biomedical and Translational Medicine, Southwest University, Chongqing, 400715, China
| | - Hongjuan Cui
- State Key Laboratory of Resource Insects, Medical Research Institute, Southwest University, Chongqing, 400715, China.
- Jinfeng Laboratory, Chongqing, 401329, China.
- Chongqing Engineering and Technology Research Center for Silk Biomaterials and Regenerative Medicine, Chongqing, 400716, China.
- Engineering Research Center for Cancer Biomedical and Translational Medicine, Southwest University, Chongqing, 400715, China.
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10
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Huang J, Yang J, Zhang Y, Lu D, Dai Y. FTO promotes cervical cancer cell proliferation, colony formation, migration and invasion via the regulation of the BMP4/Hippo/YAP1/TAZ pathway. Exp Cell Res 2023; 427:113585. [PMID: 37030332 DOI: 10.1016/j.yexcr.2023.113585] [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: 10/15/2022] [Revised: 03/30/2023] [Accepted: 04/01/2023] [Indexed: 04/08/2023]
Abstract
Cervical cancer is the fourth most common malignancy tumor worldwide with high incidence and mortality. Accumulating evidence indicated that through an m6A-dependent or m6A-independent mechanism, fat mass and obesity associated gene (FTO) exhibits the tumor-promoting and suppressive roles of FTO involved in various cancers, including cervical cancer. This study aims to verify the biological function and potential mechanisms of FTO in cervical cancer cell proliferation, colony formation, migration, and invasion in vitro as well as tumor growth in vivo. Herein, we confirmed that knockdown of FTO inhibits cell proliferation, colony formation, migration, and invasion of cervical cancer cells in vitro via cell counting kit-8 (CCK8) assay, colony formation assay, and transwell migration and invasion assay. The demethylase activity of FTO is required for cell proliferation, colony formation, migration, and invasion of cervical cancer cells in vitro. RNA sequencing, online database analysis, and western blotting revealed that FTO regulated the BMP4/Hippo/YAP1/TAZ pathway. In addition, FTO upregulates the expression of BMP4 in an m6A-dependent manner and binds to the N-terminal of BMP4 to form a dimer at the C-terminal in cervical cancer cells through protein-protein interaction. We further discovered that BMP4 treatment promoted cell proliferation, colony formation, migration, and invasion of cervical cancer cells, and rescue experiments validated that BMP4 treatment reversed the inhibition of FTO knockdown on the Hippo/YAP1/TAZ pathway and the progression of cervical cancer cells in vitro. Notably, the knockdown of FTO significantly suppressed xenograft tumor growth and the protein level of BMP4 in vivo. Collectively, our results demonstrate that the FTO promotes cervical cancer progression in vitro and in vivo via the regulation of the BMP4/Hippo/YAP1/TAZ pathway, suggesting that FTO acts as an oncogenic molecule and the FTO/BMP4 Hippo/YAP1/TAZ axis may serve as valuable targets for cervical cancer treatment.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jinyuan Huang
- Department of Gynecology, Beijing Obstetrics and Gynecology Hospital, Capital Medical University/Beijing Maternal and Child Health Care Hospital, Beijing, China
| | - Jing Yang
- Department of Gynecology, Beijing Obstetrics and Gynecology Hospital, Capital Medical University/Beijing Maternal and Child Health Care Hospital, Beijing, China
| | - Yudi Zhang
- Department of Gynecology, Beijing Obstetrics and Gynecology Hospital, Capital Medical University/Beijing Maternal and Child Health Care Hospital, Beijing, China
| | - Dan Lu
- Department of Gynecology, Beijing Obstetrics and Gynecology Hospital, Capital Medical University/Beijing Maternal and Child Health Care Hospital, Beijing, China
| | - Yinmei Dai
- Department of Gynecology, Beijing Obstetrics and Gynecology Hospital, Capital Medical University/Beijing Maternal and Child Health Care Hospital, Beijing, China.
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11
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Lee Q, Song R, Phan DAV, Pinello N, Tieng J, Su A, Halstead JM, Wong ACH, van Geldermalsen M, Lee BSL, Rong B, Cook KM, Larance M, Liu R, Lan F, Tiffen JC, Wong JJL. Overexpression of VIRMA confers vulnerability to breast cancers via the m 6A-dependent regulation of unfolded protein response. Cell Mol Life Sci 2023; 80:157. [PMID: 37208522 DOI: 10.1007/s00018-023-04799-4] [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] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/06/2023] [Revised: 05/04/2023] [Accepted: 05/04/2023] [Indexed: 05/21/2023]
Abstract
Virilizer-like m6A methyltransferase-associated protein (VIRMA) maintains the stability of the m6A writer complex. Although VIRMA is critical for RNA m6A deposition, the impact of aberrant VIRMA expression in human diseases remains unclear. We show that VIRMA is amplified and overexpressed in 15-20% of breast cancers. Of the two known VIRMA isoforms, the nuclear-enriched full-length but not the cytoplasmic-localised N-terminal VIRMA promotes m6A-dependent breast tumourigenesis in vitro and in vivo. Mechanistically, we reveal that VIRMA overexpression upregulates the m6A-modified long non-coding RNA, NEAT1, which contributes to breast cancer cell growth. We also show that VIRMA overexpression enriches m6A on transcripts that regulate the unfolded protein response (UPR) pathway but does not promote their translation to activate the UPR under optimal growth conditions. Under stressful conditions that are often present in tumour microenvironments, VIRMA-overexpressing cells display enhanced UPR and increased susceptibility to death. Our study identifies oncogenic VIRMA overexpression as a vulnerability that may be exploited for cancer therapy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Quintin Lee
- Epigenetics and RNA Biology Program Centenary Institute, The University of Sydney, Camperdown, NSW, 2006, Australia
- Faculty of Medicine and Health, The University of Sydney, Camperdown, NSW, 2006, Australia
| | - Renhua Song
- Epigenetics and RNA Biology Program Centenary Institute, The University of Sydney, Camperdown, NSW, 2006, Australia
- Faculty of Medicine and Health, The University of Sydney, Camperdown, NSW, 2006, Australia
| | - Dang Anh Vu Phan
- Epigenetics and RNA Biology Program Centenary Institute, The University of Sydney, Camperdown, NSW, 2006, Australia
- Faculty of Medicine and Health, The University of Sydney, Camperdown, NSW, 2006, Australia
| | - Natalia Pinello
- Epigenetics and RNA Biology Program Centenary Institute, The University of Sydney, Camperdown, NSW, 2006, Australia
- Faculty of Medicine and Health, The University of Sydney, Camperdown, NSW, 2006, Australia
| | - Jessica Tieng
- Epigenetics and RNA Biology Program Centenary Institute, The University of Sydney, Camperdown, NSW, 2006, Australia
- Faculty of Medicine and Health, The University of Sydney, Camperdown, NSW, 2006, Australia
| | - Anni Su
- Epigenetics and RNA Biology Program Centenary Institute, The University of Sydney, Camperdown, NSW, 2006, Australia
- Faculty of Medicine and Health, The University of Sydney, Camperdown, NSW, 2006, Australia
| | - James M Halstead
- Epigenetics and RNA Biology Program Centenary Institute, The University of Sydney, Camperdown, NSW, 2006, Australia
- Faculty of Medicine and Health, The University of Sydney, Camperdown, NSW, 2006, Australia
| | - Alex C H Wong
- Epigenetics and RNA Biology Program Centenary Institute, The University of Sydney, Camperdown, NSW, 2006, Australia
- Faculty of Medicine and Health, The University of Sydney, Camperdown, NSW, 2006, Australia
- Gene and Stem Cell Therapy Program Centenary Institute, The University of Sydney, Camperdown, NSW, 2006, Australia
| | - Michelle van Geldermalsen
- Epigenetics and RNA Biology Program Centenary Institute, The University of Sydney, Camperdown, NSW, 2006, Australia
- Faculty of Medicine and Health, The University of Sydney, Camperdown, NSW, 2006, Australia
| | - Bob S-L Lee
- Victor Chang Cardiac Research Institute, Sydney, NSW, 2010, Australia
| | - Bowen Rong
- Shanghai Key Laboratory of Medical Epigenetics, International Laboratory of Medical Epigenetics and Metabolism, Ministry of Science and Technology, Institutes of Biomedical Sciences, Fudan University, Shanghai, China
- Key Laboratory of Carcinogenesis and Cancer Invasion, Ministry of Education, Liver Cancer Institute, Zhongshan Hospital, Fudan University, Shanghai, 200032, China
| | - Kristina M Cook
- Faculty of Medicine and Health, The University of Sydney, Camperdown, NSW, 2006, Australia
- Charles Perkins Centre, University of Sydney, Camperdown, NSW, 2006, Australia
| | - Mark Larance
- Faculty of Medicine and Health, The University of Sydney, Camperdown, NSW, 2006, Australia
- Charles Perkins Centre, University of Sydney, Camperdown, NSW, 2006, Australia
| | - Renjing Liu
- Victor Chang Cardiac Research Institute, Sydney, NSW, 2010, Australia
- School of Clinical Medicine, Faculty of Medicine and Health, UNSW Sydney, Kensington, NSW, 2052, Australia
| | - Fei Lan
- Shanghai Key Laboratory of Medical Epigenetics, International Laboratory of Medical Epigenetics and Metabolism, Ministry of Science and Technology, Institutes of Biomedical Sciences, Fudan University, Shanghai, China
- Key Laboratory of Carcinogenesis and Cancer Invasion, Ministry of Education, Liver Cancer Institute, Zhongshan Hospital, Fudan University, Shanghai, 200032, China
| | - Jessamy C Tiffen
- Faculty of Medicine and Health, The University of Sydney, Camperdown, NSW, 2006, Australia
- Melanoma Epigenetics Laboratory Centenary Institute, The University of Sydney, Camperdown, NSW, 2006, Australia
| | - Justin J-L Wong
- Epigenetics and RNA Biology Program Centenary Institute, The University of Sydney, Camperdown, NSW, 2006, Australia.
- Faculty of Medicine and Health, The University of Sydney, Camperdown, NSW, 2006, Australia.
- Key Laboratory of Carcinogenesis and Cancer Invasion, Ministry of Education, Liver Cancer Institute, Zhongshan Hospital, Fudan University, Shanghai, 200032, China.
- , Locked Bag 6, Newtown, NSW, 2042, Australia.
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12
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Yang X, Bai Q, Chen W, Liang J, Wang F, Gu W, Liu L, Li Q, Chen Z, Zhou A, Long J, Tian H, Wu J, Ding X, Zhou N, Li M, Yang Y, Cai J. m 6 A-Dependent Modulation via IGF2BP3/MCM5/Notch Axis Promotes Partial EMT and LUAD Metastasis. Adv Sci (Weinh) 2023:e2206744. [PMID: 37171793 PMCID: PMC10369244 DOI: 10.1002/advs.202206744] [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] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/17/2022] [Revised: 04/21/2023] [Indexed: 05/13/2023]
Abstract
The importance of mRNA N6-methyladenosine (m6 A) modification during tumor metastasis is controversial as it plays distinct roles in different biological contexts. Moreover, how cancer cell plasticity is shaped by m6 A modification is interesting but remains uncharacterized. Here, this work shows that m6 A reader insulin like growth factor 2 mRNA binding protein 3 (IGF2BP3) is remarkably upregulated in metastatic lung adenocarcinoma (LUAD) and indicates worse prognosis of patients. Interestingly, IGF2BP3 induces partial epithelial-mesenchymal-transition (EMT) and confers LUAD cells plasticity to metastasize through m6 A-dependent overactivation of Notch signaling. Mechanistically, IGF2BP3 recognized m6 A-modified minichromosome maintenance complex component (MCM5) mRNAs to prolong stability of them, subsequently upregulating MCM5 protein, which competitively inhibits SIRT1-mediated deacetylation of Notch1 intracellular domain (NICD1), stabilizes NICD1 protein and contributes to m6 A-dependent IGF2BP3-mediated cellular plasticity. Notably, a tight correlation of the IGF2BP3/MCM5/Notch axis is evidenced in clinical LUAD specimens. Therefore, this study elucidates a critical role of m6 A modification on LUAD cell plasticity in fostering tumor metastasis via the above axis, providing potential targets for metastatic LUAD.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xia Yang
- Advanced Medical Technology Center, The First Affiliated Hospital, Zhongshan School of Medicine, Sun Yat-Sen University, Guangzhou, 510080, China
| | - Qiaorui Bai
- Advanced Medical Technology Center, The First Affiliated Hospital, Zhongshan School of Medicine, Sun Yat-Sen University, Guangzhou, 510080, China
| | - Weizhong Chen
- Department of Pharmacology, Zhongshan School of Medicine, Sun Yat-Sen University, Guangzhou, 510080, China
| | - Jiaer Liang
- Advanced Medical Technology Center, The First Affiliated Hospital, Zhongshan School of Medicine, Sun Yat-Sen University, Guangzhou, 510080, China
| | - Fang Wang
- Advanced Medical Technology Center, The First Affiliated Hospital, Zhongshan School of Medicine, Sun Yat-Sen University, Guangzhou, 510080, China
| | - Weiqi Gu
- Advanced Medical Technology Center, The First Affiliated Hospital, Zhongshan School of Medicine, Sun Yat-Sen University, Guangzhou, 510080, China
| | - Lei Liu
- Chongqing Key Laboratory of Molecular Oncology and Epigenetics, The First Affiliated Hospital of Chongqing Medical University, Chongqing, 400016, China
| | - Quanfeng Li
- Department of Orthopedics, The Eighth Affiliated Hospital, Sun Yat-Sen University, Guangzhou, 518033, China
| | - Zishuo Chen
- Cancer Institute, Southern Medical University, Shenzhen, 510515, China
| | - Anni Zhou
- Department of Pharmacology, Zhongshan School of Medicine, Sun Yat-Sen University, Guangzhou, 510080, China
| | - Jianting Long
- Department of Oncology, The First Affiliated Hospital, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou, 510080, China
| | - Han Tian
- Advanced Medical Technology Center, The First Affiliated Hospital, Zhongshan School of Medicine, Sun Yat-Sen University, Guangzhou, 510080, China
| | - Jueheng Wu
- Advanced Medical Technology Center, The First Affiliated Hospital, Zhongshan School of Medicine, Sun Yat-Sen University, Guangzhou, 510080, China
| | - Xiaofan Ding
- Faculty of Health Sciences Building University of Macau, Macau, 999078, China
| | - Ningning Zhou
- Department of Medical Oncology, Sun Yat-Sen University Cancer Center, Guangzhou, 510060, China
| | - Mengfeng Li
- Advanced Medical Technology Center, The First Affiliated Hospital, Zhongshan School of Medicine, Sun Yat-Sen University, Guangzhou, 510080, China
- Cancer Institute, Southern Medical University, Shenzhen, 510515, China
| | - Yi Yang
- Department of Pharmacology, Zhongshan School of Medicine, Sun Yat-Sen University, Guangzhou, 510080, China
| | - Junchao Cai
- Advanced Medical Technology Center, The First Affiliated Hospital, Zhongshan School of Medicine, Sun Yat-Sen University, Guangzhou, 510080, China
- Key Laboratory of Tropical Disease Control (Sun Yat-sen University), Ministry of Education, Guangzhou, 510080, China
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13
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Pan Y, Gu Y, Liu T, Zhang Q, Yang F, Duan L, Cheng S, Zhu X, Xi Y, Chang X, Ye Q, Gao S. Epitranscriptic regulation of HRAS by N6-methyladenosine drives tumor progression. Proc Natl Acad Sci U S A 2023; 120:e2302291120. [PMID: 36996116 PMCID: PMC10083612 DOI: 10.1073/pnas.2302291120] [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: 02/09/2023] [Accepted: 02/25/2023] [Indexed: 03/31/2023] Open
Abstract
Overexpression of Ras, in addition to the oncogenic mutations, occurs in various human cancers. However, the mechanisms for epitranscriptic regulation of RAS in tumorigenesis remain unclear. Here, we report that the widespread N6-methyladenosine (m6A) modification of HRAS, but not KRAS and NRAS, is higher in cancer tissues compared with the adjacent tissues, which results in the increased expression of H-Ras protein, thus promoting cancer cell proliferation and metastasis. Mechanistically, three m6A modification sites of HRAS 3' UTR, which is regulated by FTO and bound by YTHDF1, but not YTHDF2 nor YTHDF3, promote its protein expression by the enhanced translational elongation. In addition, targeting HRAS m6A modification decreases cancer proliferation and metastasis. Clinically, up-regulated H-Ras expression correlates with down-regulated FTO and up-regulated YTHDF1 expression in various cancers. Collectively, our study reveals a linking between specific m6A modification sites of HRAS and tumor progression, which provides a new strategy to target oncogenic Ras signaling.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yongbo Pan
- Shanxi Academy of Advanced Research and Innovation, Shanxi Provincial Key Laboratory of Protein Structure Determination, Taiyuan030032, China
- Zhongda Hospital, School of Life Sciences and Technology, Advanced Institute for Life and Health, Southeast University, Nanjing210096, China
| | - Yinmin Gu
- Zhongda Hospital, Medical School, Advanced Institute for Life and Health, Southeast University, Nanjing210096, China
| | - Tihui Liu
- Zhongda Hospital, School of Life Sciences and Technology, Advanced Institute for Life and Health, Southeast University, Nanjing210096, China
| | - Qingqing Zhang
- Zhongda Hospital, School of Life Sciences and Technology, Advanced Institute for Life and Health, Southeast University, Nanjing210096, China
| | - Facai Yang
- Zhongda Hospital, Medical School, Advanced Institute for Life and Health, Southeast University, Nanjing210096, China
| | - Liqiang Duan
- Shanxi Academy of Advanced Research and Innovation, Shanxi Provincial Key Laboratory of Protein Structure Determination, Taiyuan030032, China
| | - Shuwen Cheng
- Division of Immunology, Medical School, Nanjing University, Nanjing210093, China
| | - Xiaofeng Zhu
- Shanxi Academy of Advanced Research and Innovation, Shanxi Provincial Key Laboratory of Protein Structure Determination, Taiyuan030032, China
| | - Yibo Xi
- Shanxi Academy of Advanced Research and Innovation, Shanxi Provincial Key Laboratory of Protein Structure Determination, Taiyuan030032, China
| | - Xiaoli Chang
- College of Veterinary Medicine, Shanxi Agricultural University, Taiyuan030801, China
| | - Qinong Ye
- Department of Medical Molecular Biology, Beijing Institute of Biotechnology, Collaborative Innovation Center for Cancer Medicine, Beijing100850, China
| | - Shan Gao
- Zhongda Hospital, School of Life Sciences and Technology, Advanced Institute for Life and Health, Southeast University, Nanjing210096, China
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14
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Li Q, Zhu Q. The role of demethylase AlkB homologs in cancer. Front Oncol 2023; 13:1153463. [PMID: 37007161 PMCID: PMC10060643 DOI: 10.3389/fonc.2023.1153463] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/02/2023] [Accepted: 03/03/2023] [Indexed: 03/18/2023] Open
Abstract
The AlkB family (ALKBH1-8 and FTO), a member of the Fe (II)- and α-ketoglutarate-dependent dioxygenase superfamily, has shown the ability to catalyze the demethylation of a variety of substrates, including DNA, RNA, and histones. Methylation is one of the natural organisms’ most prevalent forms of epigenetic modifications. Methylation and demethylation processes on genetic material regulate gene transcription and expression. A wide variety of enzymes are involved in these processes. The methylation levels of DNA, RNA, and histones are highly conserved. Stable methylation levels at different stages can coordinate the regulation of gene expression, DNA repair, and DNA replication. Dynamic methylation changes are essential for the abilities of cell growth, differentiation, and division. In some malignancies, the methylation of DNA, RNA, and histones is frequently altered. To date, nine AlkB homologs as demethylases have been identified in numerous cancers’ biological processes. In this review, we summarize the latest advances in the research of the structures, enzymatic activities, and substrates of the AlkB homologs and the role of these nine homologs as demethylases in cancer genesis, progression, metastasis, and invasion. We provide some new directions for the AlkB homologs in cancer research. In addition, the AlkB family is expected to be a new target for tumor diagnosis and treatment.
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Affiliation(s)
- Qiao Li
- Department of Orthopedic Surgery, China-Japan Union Hospital of Jilin University, Changchun, Jilin, China
- Department of Spine Surgery, The First Hospital of Jilin University, Changchun, Jilin, China
| | - Qingsan Zhu
- Department of Orthopedic Surgery, China-Japan Union Hospital of Jilin University, Changchun, Jilin, China
- *Correspondence: Qingsan Zhu,
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15
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Collignon E, Cho B, Fothergill-Robinson J, Furlan G, Ross RL, Limbach PA, Ramalho-Santos M. m 6 A RNA methylation orchestrates transcriptional dormancy during developmental pausing. bioRxiv 2023:2023.01.30.526234. [PMID: 36778216 PMCID: PMC9915470 DOI: 10.1101/2023.01.30.526234] [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] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/18/2023]
Abstract
Embryos across metazoan lineages can enter reversible states of developmental pausing, or diapause, in response to adverse environmental conditions. The molecular mechanisms that underlie this remarkable dormant state remain largely unknown. Here we show that m 6 A RNA methylation by Mettl3 is required for developmental pausing in mice by maintaining dormancy of paused embryonic stem cells and blastocysts. Mettl3 enforces transcriptional dormancy via two interconnected mechanisms: i) it promotes global mRNA destabilization and ii) suppresses global nascent transcription by specifically destabilizing the mRNA of the transcriptional amplifier and oncogene N-Myc, which we identify as a critical anti-pausing factor. Our findings reveal Mettl3 as a key orchestrator of the crosstalk between transcriptomic and epitranscriptomic regulation during pausing, with implications for dormancy in stem cells and cancer.
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Affiliation(s)
- Evelyne Collignon
- Lunenfeld-Tanenbaum Research Institute and Department of Molecular Genetics, University of Toronto; Toronto, ON M5T 3H7, Canada
| | - Brandon Cho
- Lunenfeld-Tanenbaum Research Institute and Department of Molecular Genetics, University of Toronto; Toronto, ON M5T 3H7, Canada
| | - Julie Fothergill-Robinson
- Lunenfeld-Tanenbaum Research Institute and Department of Molecular Genetics, University of Toronto; Toronto, ON M5T 3H7, Canada
| | - Giacomo Furlan
- Lunenfeld-Tanenbaum Research Institute and Department of Molecular Genetics, University of Toronto; Toronto, ON M5T 3H7, Canada
| | | | - Patrick A. Limbach
- Rieveschl Laboratories for Mass Spectrometry, Department of Chemistry, University of Cincinnati; Cincinnati, OH 45221, USA
| | - Miguel Ramalho-Santos
- Lunenfeld-Tanenbaum Research Institute and Department of Molecular Genetics, University of Toronto; Toronto, ON M5T 3H7, Canada
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16
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Keelan S, Ola M, Charmsaz S, Cocchiglia S, Ottaviani D, Hickey S, Purcell S, Bane F, Hegarty A, Doherty B, Sheehan K, Hudson L, Cosgrove N, Roux B, Laine M, Greene G, Varešlija D, Hill AK, Young L. Dynamic epi-transcriptomic landscape mapping with disease progression in estrogen receptor-positive breast cancer. Cancer Commun (Lond) 2023; 43:615-619. [PMID: 36670046 PMCID: PMC10174082 DOI: 10.1002/cac2.12407] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/03/2022] [Revised: 11/21/2022] [Accepted: 01/03/2023] [Indexed: 01/22/2023] Open
Affiliation(s)
- Stephen Keelan
- Endocrine Oncology Research Group, Department of Surgery, Royal College of Surgeons in Ireland, University of Medicine and Health Sciences, Dublin, Ireland.,Department of Surgery, Beaumont Hospital, Dublin, Ireland
| | - Mihaela Ola
- Endocrine Oncology Research Group, Department of Surgery, Royal College of Surgeons in Ireland, University of Medicine and Health Sciences, Dublin, Ireland
| | - Sara Charmsaz
- Endocrine Oncology Research Group, Department of Surgery, Royal College of Surgeons in Ireland, University of Medicine and Health Sciences, Dublin, Ireland
| | - Sinéad Cocchiglia
- Endocrine Oncology Research Group, Department of Surgery, Royal College of Surgeons in Ireland, University of Medicine and Health Sciences, Dublin, Ireland.,Department of Surgery, Beaumont Hospital, Dublin, Ireland
| | - Daniela Ottaviani
- Endocrine Oncology Research Group, Department of Surgery, Royal College of Surgeons in Ireland, University of Medicine and Health Sciences, Dublin, Ireland
| | - Seán Hickey
- Endocrine Oncology Research Group, Department of Surgery, Royal College of Surgeons in Ireland, University of Medicine and Health Sciences, Dublin, Ireland
| | - Siobhan Purcell
- Endocrine Oncology Research Group, Department of Surgery, Royal College of Surgeons in Ireland, University of Medicine and Health Sciences, Dublin, Ireland
| | - Fiona Bane
- Endocrine Oncology Research Group, Department of Surgery, Royal College of Surgeons in Ireland, University of Medicine and Health Sciences, Dublin, Ireland.,Department of Surgery, Beaumont Hospital, Dublin, Ireland
| | - Aisling Hegarty
- Endocrine Oncology Research Group, Department of Surgery, Royal College of Surgeons in Ireland, University of Medicine and Health Sciences, Dublin, Ireland.,Department of Surgery, Beaumont Hospital, Dublin, Ireland
| | - Ben Doherty
- Endocrine Oncology Research Group, Department of Surgery, Royal College of Surgeons in Ireland, University of Medicine and Health Sciences, Dublin, Ireland
| | - Katherine Sheehan
- Endocrine Oncology Research Group, Department of Surgery, Royal College of Surgeons in Ireland, University of Medicine and Health Sciences, Dublin, Ireland.,Department of Pathology, Beaumont Hospital, Dublin, Ireland
| | - Lance Hudson
- Endocrine Oncology Research Group, Department of Surgery, Royal College of Surgeons in Ireland, University of Medicine and Health Sciences, Dublin, Ireland.,Department of Surgery, Beaumont Hospital, Dublin, Ireland
| | - Nicola Cosgrove
- Endocrine Oncology Research Group, Department of Surgery, Royal College of Surgeons in Ireland, University of Medicine and Health Sciences, Dublin, Ireland
| | - Benjamin Roux
- Endocrine Oncology Research Group, Department of Surgery, Royal College of Surgeons in Ireland, University of Medicine and Health Sciences, Dublin, Ireland
| | - Muriel Laine
- Ben May Department for Cancer Research, Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, The University of Chicago, Chicago, IL, USA
| | - Geoffrey Greene
- Ben May Department for Cancer Research, Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, The University of Chicago, Chicago, IL, USA
| | - Damir Varešlija
- Endocrine Oncology Research Group, Department of Surgery, Royal College of Surgeons in Ireland, University of Medicine and Health Sciences, Dublin, Ireland.,The School of Pharmacy and Biomolecular Sciences, The Royal College of Surgeons University of Medicine and Health Sciences, Dublin, Ireland
| | - Arnold Konrad Hill
- Endocrine Oncology Research Group, Department of Surgery, Royal College of Surgeons in Ireland, University of Medicine and Health Sciences, Dublin, Ireland.,Department of Surgery, Beaumont Hospital, Dublin, Ireland
| | - Leonie Young
- Endocrine Oncology Research Group, Department of Surgery, Royal College of Surgeons in Ireland, University of Medicine and Health Sciences, Dublin, Ireland.,Department of Surgery, Beaumont Hospital, Dublin, Ireland.,Beaumont Royal College of Surgeons in Ireland Cancer Centre, Beaumont Hospital, Dublin, Ireland
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17
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Tabnak P, Ghasemi Y, Natami M, Khorram R, Ebrahimnezhad M. Role of m 6A modification in dysregulation of Wnt/β-catenin pathway in cancer. Biomed Pharmacother 2023; 157:114023. [PMID: 36403567 DOI: 10.1016/j.biopha.2022.114023] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [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: 10/04/2022] [Revised: 11/12/2022] [Accepted: 11/14/2022] [Indexed: 11/19/2022] Open
Abstract
N6-methyladenosine (m6A) modification is the most abundant post-transcriptional regulation of RNAs in eukaryotes. Dysregulation of m6A readers, writers, and erasers can significantly promote tumorigenesis by altering the expression of various genes. Wnt/β-catenin is an evolutionarily conserved signaling pathway that has recently been linked to the pathogenesis of many cancers. Given the significance of this pathway in regulating normal tissue homeostasis and stem cell differentiation, a subtle understanding of the molecular mechanism underlying its dysregulation is required for effective targeting. There is mounting evidence that m6A regulators are highly implicated in the dysregulation of the Wnt/β-catenin signaling pathway. Since m6A regulators can affect Wnt pathway components and dysregulation of either leads to carcinogenesis, this study aims to clarify the relationship between m6A regulators and the Wnt/β-catenin signaling pathway to investigate their combined impact on tumorigenesis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Peyman Tabnak
- Faculty of Medicine, Tabriz University of Medical Sciences, Tabriz 5165665931, Iran.
| | - Yaser Ghasemi
- Faculty of Pharmacy, Ramsar Campus, Mazandaran University of Medical Sciences, Ramsar, Iran.
| | - Mohammad Natami
- Department of Urology, Shahid Mohammadi Hospital, Hormozgan University of Medical Sciences, Bandar Abbas, Iran.
| | - Roya Khorram
- Bone and Joint Diseases Research Center, Department of Orthopedic Surgery, Shiraz University of Medical Sciences, Shiraz, Iran.
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18
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Luse MA, Krüger N, Good ME, Biwer LA, Serbulea V, Salamon A, Deaton RA, Leitinger N, Gödecke A, Isakson BE. Smooth muscle cell FTO regulates contractile function. Am J Physiol Heart Circ Physiol 2022; 323:H1212-H1220. [PMID: 36306211 PMCID: PMC9678421 DOI: 10.1152/ajpheart.00427.2022] [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] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/16/2022] [Revised: 10/24/2022] [Accepted: 10/24/2022] [Indexed: 12/14/2022]
Abstract
The fat mass and obesity gene (FTO) is a N6-methyladenosine RNA demethylase that was initially linked by Genome-wide association studies to increased rates of obesity. Subsequent studies have revealed multiple mass-independent effects of the gene, including cardiac myocyte contractility. We created a mouse with a conditional and inducible smooth muscle cell deletion of Fto (Myh11 Cre+ Ftofl/fl) and did not observe any changes in mouse body mass or mitochondrial metabolism. However, the mice had significantly decreased blood pressure (hypotensive), despite increased heart rate and sodium, and significantly increased plasma renin. Remarkably, the third-order mesenteric arteries from these mice had almost no myogenic tone or capacity to constrict to smooth muscle depolarization or phenylephrine. Microarray analysis from Fto-/--isolated smooth muscle cells demonstrated a significant decrease in serum response factor (Srf) and the downstream effectors Acta2, Myocd, and Tagln; this was confirmed in cultured human coronary arteries with FTO siRNA. We conclude Fto is an important component to the contractility of smooth muscle cells.NEW & NOTEWORTHY We show a key role for the fat mass obesity (FTO) gene in regulating smooth muscle contractility, possibly by methylation of serum response factor (Srf).
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Affiliation(s)
- Melissa A Luse
- Robert M. Berne Cardiovascular Research Center, University of Virginia School of Medicine, Charlottesville, Virginia
- Department of Molecular Physiology and Biophysics, University of Virginia School of Medicine, Charlottesville, Virginia
| | - Nenja Krüger
- Robert M. Berne Cardiovascular Research Center, University of Virginia School of Medicine, Charlottesville, Virginia
- Institute of Animal Developmental and Molecular Biology, Heinrich Heine University Düsseldorf, Düsseldorf, Germany
| | - Miranda E Good
- Molecular Cardiology Research Institute, Tufts Medical Center, Boston, Massachusetts
| | - Lauren A Biwer
- Molecular Cardiology Research Institute, Tufts Medical Center, Boston, Massachusetts
| | - Vlad Serbulea
- Robert M. Berne Cardiovascular Research Center, University of Virginia School of Medicine, Charlottesville, Virginia
| | - Anita Salamon
- Robert M. Berne Cardiovascular Research Center, University of Virginia School of Medicine, Charlottesville, Virginia
| | - Rebecca A Deaton
- Robert M. Berne Cardiovascular Research Center, University of Virginia School of Medicine, Charlottesville, Virginia
| | - Norbert Leitinger
- Robert M. Berne Cardiovascular Research Center, University of Virginia School of Medicine, Charlottesville, Virginia
- Department of Pharmacology, University of Virginia School of Medicine, Charlottesville, Virginia
| | - Axel Gödecke
- Institute of Animal Developmental and Molecular Biology, Heinrich Heine University Düsseldorf, Düsseldorf, Germany
| | - Brant E Isakson
- Robert M. Berne Cardiovascular Research Center, University of Virginia School of Medicine, Charlottesville, Virginia
- Department of Molecular Physiology and Biophysics, University of Virginia School of Medicine, Charlottesville, Virginia
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Farheen J, Hosmane NS, Zhao R, Zhao Q, Iqbal MZ, Kong X. Nanomaterial-assisted CRISPR gene-engineering - A hallmark for triple-negative breast cancer therapeutics advancement. Mater Today Bio 2022; 16:100450. [PMID: 36267139 PMCID: PMC9576993 DOI: 10.1016/j.mtbio.2022.100450] [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: 07/16/2022] [Revised: 09/16/2022] [Accepted: 10/02/2022] [Indexed: 11/05/2022] Open
Abstract
Triple-negative breast cancer (TNBC) is the most violent class of tumor and accounts for 20–24% of total breast carcinoma, in which frequently rare mutation occurs in high frequency. The poor prognosis, recurrence, and metastasis in the brain, heart, liver and lungs decline the lifespan of patients by about 21 months, emphasizing the need for advanced treatment. Recently, the adaptive immunity mechanism of archaea and bacteria, called clustered regularly interspaced short palindromic repeats (CRISPR) combined with nanotechnology, has been utilized as a potent gene manipulating tool with an extensive clinical application in cancer genomics due to its easeful usage and cost-effectiveness. However, CRISPR/Cas are arguably the efficient technology that can be made efficient via organic material-assisted approaches. Despite the efficacy of the CRISPR/Cas@nano complex, problems regarding successful delivery, biodegradability, and toxicity remain to render its medical implications. Therefore, this review is different in focus from past reviews by (i) detailing all possible genetic mechanisms of TNBC occurrence; (ii) available treatments and gene therapies for TNBC; (iii) overview of the delivery system and utilization of CRISPR-nano complex in TNBC, and (iv) recent advances and related toxicity of CRISPR-nano complex towards clinical trials for TNBC.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jabeen Farheen
- Institute of Smart Biomedical Materials, School of Materials Science and Engineering, Zhejiang Sci-Tech University, Hangzhou, 310018, PR China,Zhejiang-Mauritius Joint Research Centre for Biomaterials and Tissue Engineering, Zhejiang Sci-Tech University, Hangzhou, 310018, PR China
| | - Narayan S. Hosmane
- Department of Chemistry & Biochemistry, Northern Illinois University, DeKalb, IL, 60115, USA
| | - Ruibo Zhao
- Institute of Smart Biomedical Materials, School of Materials Science and Engineering, Zhejiang Sci-Tech University, Hangzhou, 310018, PR China,Zhejiang-Mauritius Joint Research Centre for Biomaterials and Tissue Engineering, Zhejiang Sci-Tech University, Hangzhou, 310018, PR China,Department of Materials, Imperial College London, London, SW7 2AZ, UK
| | - Qingwei Zhao
- Research Center for Clinical Pharmacy & Key Laboratory for Drug Evaluation and Clinical Research of Zhejiang Province, The First Affiliated Hospital, Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Hangzhou, 310003, PR China
| | - M. Zubair Iqbal
- Institute of Smart Biomedical Materials, School of Materials Science and Engineering, Zhejiang Sci-Tech University, Hangzhou, 310018, PR China,Zhejiang-Mauritius Joint Research Centre for Biomaterials and Tissue Engineering, Zhejiang Sci-Tech University, Hangzhou, 310018, PR China,Corresponding author. Institute of Smart Biomedical Materials, School of Materials Science and Engineering, Zhejiang Sci-Tech University, Hangzhou, 310018, PR China.
| | - Xiangdong Kong
- Institute of Smart Biomedical Materials, School of Materials Science and Engineering, Zhejiang Sci-Tech University, Hangzhou, 310018, PR China,Zhejiang-Mauritius Joint Research Centre for Biomaterials and Tissue Engineering, Zhejiang Sci-Tech University, Hangzhou, 310018, PR China,Corresponding author. Institute of Smart Biomedical Materials, School of Materials Science and Engineering, Zhejiang Sci-Tech University, Hangzhou, 310018, PR China
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20
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Chen X, Chen L, Tang Y, He Y, Pan K, Yuan L, Xie W, Chen S, Zhao W, Yu D. Transcriptome-wide m6A methylome analysis uncovered the changes of m6A modification in oral pre-malignant cells compared with normal oral epithelial cells. Front Oncol 2022; 12:939449. [PMID: 36249071 PMCID: PMC9554554 DOI: 10.3389/fonc.2022.939449] [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: 05/09/2022] [Accepted: 08/29/2022] [Indexed: 11/30/2022] Open
Abstract
As the most common post-transcriptional RNA modification, m6A methylation extensively regulates the structure and function of RNA. The dynamic and reversible modification of m6A is coordinated by m6A writers and erasers. m6A reader proteins recognize m6A modification on RNA, mediating different downstream biological functions. mRNA m6A modification and its corresponding regulators play an important role in cancers, but its characteristics in the precancerous stage are still unclear. In this study, we used oral precancerous DOK cells as a model to explore the characteristics of transcriptome-wide m6A modification and major m6A regulator expression in the precancerous stage compared with normal oral epithelial cell HOEC and oral cancer cell SCC-9 through MeRIP-seq and RT-PCR. Compared with HOEC cells, we found 1180 hyper-methylated and 1606 hypo-methylated m6A peaks and 354 differentially expressed mRNAs with differential m6A peaks in DOK cells. Although the change of m6A modification in DOK cells was less than that in SCC-9 cells, mRNAs with differential m6A in both cell lines were enriched into many identical GO terms and KEGG pathways. Among the 20 known m6A regulatory genes, FTO, ALKBH5, METTL3 and VIRMA were upregulated or downregulated in DOK cells, and the expression levels of 10 genes such as METTL14/16, FTO and IGF2BP2/3 were significantly changed in SCC-9 cells. Our data suggest that precancerous cells showed, to some extent, changes of m6A modification. Identifying some key m6A targets and corresponding regulators in precancerous stage may provide potential intervention targets for the prevention of cancer development through epigenetic modification in the future.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xun Chen
- Hospital of Stomatology, Guanghua School of Stomatology, Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Stomatology, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Liutao Chen
- Guangdong Key Laboratory of Pharmaceutical Functional Genes, Department of Biochemistry, School of Life Sciences, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou, China
- State Key Laboratory for Biocontrol, Department of Biochemistry, School of Life Sciences, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Yuquan Tang
- Hospital of Stomatology, Guanghua School of Stomatology, Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Stomatology, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Yi He
- Hospital of Stomatology, Guanghua School of Stomatology, Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Stomatology, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Kuangwu Pan
- Hospital of Stomatology, Guanghua School of Stomatology, Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Stomatology, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Linyu Yuan
- Hospital of Stomatology, Guanghua School of Stomatology, Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Stomatology, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Weihong Xie
- Hospital of Stomatology, Guanghua School of Stomatology, Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Stomatology, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Shangwu Chen
- Guangdong Key Laboratory of Pharmaceutical Functional Genes, Department of Biochemistry, School of Life Sciences, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou, China
- State Key Laboratory for Biocontrol, Department of Biochemistry, School of Life Sciences, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Wei Zhao
- Hospital of Stomatology, Guanghua School of Stomatology, Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Stomatology, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou, China
- *Correspondence: Wei Zhao, ; Dongsheng Yu,
| | - Dongsheng Yu
- Hospital of Stomatology, Guanghua School of Stomatology, Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Stomatology, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou, China
- *Correspondence: Wei Zhao, ; Dongsheng Yu,
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21
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Jiang A, Zhang S, Wang X, Li D. RBM15 condensates modulate m 6A modification of STYK1 to promote tumorigenesis. Comput Struct Biotechnol J 2022; 20:4825-4836. [PMID: 36147665 PMCID: PMC9464649 DOI: 10.1016/j.csbj.2022.08.068] [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: 05/31/2022] [Revised: 08/29/2022] [Accepted: 08/30/2022] [Indexed: 12/04/2022] Open
Abstract
RBM15 expression is recurrently upregulated in several types of malignant tissues, and its high expression level is typically associated with poor prognosis. However, whether and how RBM15 is involved in the tumor progression remains unclear. In this study, we found that overexpressing RBM15 in NIH3T3 cells was able to enhance proliferation rate in vitro and induced subcutaneous tumor formation in vivo. Moreover, we imaged the subcellular localization of RBM15 with our home-built structured illumination super-resolution microscopy, and revealed that RBM15 formed substantial condensates dispersed in the nucleus, undergoing dynamic fusion and fission activities. These condensates were partially colocalized with m6A-modified transcripts in the nucleus. In addition, we confirmed that RBM15 formed “liquid-like” droplets in a protein/salt concentration-dependent manner in vitro, and the addition of RNA further enhanced its phase-separation propensity. To identify downstream targets of RBM15, we performed meRIP-seq and RNA-seq, revealing that RBM15 preferentially bound to and promoted the m6A modification on the mRNA of Serine/threonine/tyrosine kinase 1 (STYK1), thereby enhancing its stability. The upregulated STYK1 expression caused MAPK hyperactivation, thereby leading to oncogenic transformation of NIH3T3 cells.
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Affiliation(s)
- Amin Jiang
- School of Life Sciences and Medicine, University of Science and Technology of China, Hefei 230026, China
- National Laboratory of Biomacromolecules, CAS Center for Excellence in Biomacromolecules, Institute of Biophysics, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100101, China
| | - Siwei Zhang
- National Laboratory of Biomacromolecules, CAS Center for Excellence in Biomacromolecules, Institute of Biophysics, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100101, China
| | - Xinyu Wang
- National Laboratory of Biomacromolecules, CAS Center for Excellence in Biomacromolecules, Institute of Biophysics, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100101, China
- Corresponding authors at: National Laboratory of Biomacromolecules, CAS Center for Excellence in Biomacromolecules, Institute of Biophysics, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100101, China (X. Wang and D. Li).
| | - Dong Li
- National Laboratory of Biomacromolecules, CAS Center for Excellence in Biomacromolecules, Institute of Biophysics, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100101, China
- College of Life Sciences, University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100049, China
- Corresponding authors at: National Laboratory of Biomacromolecules, CAS Center for Excellence in Biomacromolecules, Institute of Biophysics, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100101, China (X. Wang and D. Li).
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22
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Primac I, Penning A, Fuks F. Cancer epitranscriptomics in a nutshell. Curr Opin Genet Dev 2022; 75:101924. [PMID: 35679814 DOI: 10.1016/j.gde.2022.101924] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/01/2022] [Revised: 04/29/2022] [Accepted: 05/03/2022] [Indexed: 11/22/2022]
Abstract
Remarkable technological progress has led to breakthrough discoveries in epitranscriptomics, reshaping our understanding of modifications decorating RNA. The past decade has seen a tremendous endeavor to describe the nature, functions, and biological roles of messenger RNA (mRNA) modifications, positioning epitranscriptomics as a crucial pillar in tumor biology. Like DNA and histone modifications, mRNA marks have been increasingly linked to cancer pathogenesis. Here, we summarize the latest research in cancer epitranscriptomics with emphasis on N6-methyladenosine, untangling its contribution to five prime oncogenic features: tumor growth, activating invasion and metastasis, stemness, metabolic reprogramming, and tumor microenvironment. We discuss mRNA-modifying enzymes, their impact on biological processes, and contribution to cancer hallmarks. We spotlight epitranscriptomics as a promising bonanza for forthcoming targeting approaches in cancer therapy.
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23
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Liu Y, Zhu T, Jiang Y, Bu J, Zhu X, Gu X. The Key Role of RNA Modification in Breast Cancer. Front Cell Dev Biol 2022; 10:885133. [PMID: 35721510 PMCID: PMC9198488 DOI: 10.3389/fcell.2022.885133] [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: 02/27/2022] [Accepted: 04/25/2022] [Indexed: 12/09/2022] Open
Abstract
The modulation of the function and expression of epigenetic regulators of RNA modification has gradually become the hotspot of cancer research. Studies have shown that alteration of epigenetic modifications can promote the development and metastasis of breast cancer. This review highlights the progress in characterization of the link between RNA modification and the prognosis, carcinogenesis and treatment of breast cancer, which may provide a new theoretical basis for development of effective strategies for monitoring of breast cancer based on epigenetics.
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24
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Li Y, Su R, Deng X, Chen Y, Chen J. FTO in cancer: functions, molecular mechanisms, and therapeutic implications. Trends Cancer 2022:S2405-8033(22)00054-1. [PMID: 35346615 DOI: 10.1016/j.trecan.2022.02.010] [Citation(s) in RCA: 46] [Impact Index Per Article: 23.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/06/2021] [Revised: 02/06/2022] [Accepted: 02/28/2022] [Indexed: 12/18/2022]
Abstract
N6-methyladenosine (m6A) is the most abundant internal modification in mRNA that affects RNA processing, stability, and translation. Discovered as the first RNA m6A demethylase, the fat mass and obesity-associated protein (FTO) is frequently dysregulated and plays important roles in various types of cancers. Targeting FTO holds promising therapeutic significance via suppressing tumor growth, potentiating immunotherapy, and attenuating drug resistance. Here, we review recent advances in our understanding of the functions and underlying molecular mechanisms of FTO in tumor development, cancer stem cell (CSC) self-renewal, microenvironment regulation, immunity, and metabolism and discuss the therapeutic potential of targeting FTO for cancer treatment.
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25
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Zuidhof HR, Calkhoven CF. Oncogenic and tumor-suppressive functions of the RNA demethylase FTO. Cancer Res 2022; 82:2201-2212. [PMID: 35303057 DOI: 10.1158/0008-5472.can-21-3710] [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] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/12/2021] [Revised: 02/04/2022] [Accepted: 03/16/2022] [Indexed: 11/16/2022]
Abstract
The epitranscriptome represents the more than 140 types of chemically varying and reversable RNA modifications affecting RNA fate. Among these, the most relevant for this review are the mRNA-modifications N6-methyladenosine (m6A) and N6,2'-O-dimethyladenosine (m6Am). Epitranscriptomic mRNA biology involves RNA methyltransferases (so called "writers"), RNA demethylases ("erasers"), and RNA-binding proteins ("readers") that interact with methylation sites to determine the functional outcome of the modification. In this review, we discuss the role of a specific RNA demethylase encoded by the fat mass and obesity associated gene (FTO) in cancer. FTO initially became known as the strongest genetic link for human obesity. Only in 2010, 16 years after its discovery, was its enzymatic function as a demethylase clarified, and only recently has its role in the development of cancer been revealed. FTO functions are challenging to study and interpret because of its genome-wide effects on transcript turnover and translation. We review the discovery of FTO and its enzymatic function, the tumor-promoting and suppressive roles of FTO in selected cancer types, and its potential as a therapeutic target.
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26
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Kim H, Jang S, Lee YS. The m6A(m)-independent role of FTO in regulating WNT signaling pathways. Life Sci Alliance 2022; 5:5/5/e202101250. [PMID: 35169043 PMCID: PMC8860091 DOI: 10.26508/lsa.202101250] [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] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/03/2021] [Revised: 01/31/2022] [Accepted: 02/01/2022] [Indexed: 01/02/2023] Open
Abstract
FTO and ALKBH5 are the two enzymes responsible for mRNA demethylation. Hence, the functional study of FTO has been focused on its mechanistic role in dynamic mRNA modification, and how this post-transcriptional regulation modulates signaling pathways. Here, we report that the functional landscape of FTO is largely associated with WNT signaling pathways but in a manner that is independent of its enzymatic activity. Re-analyses of public datasets identified the bifurcation of canonical and noncanonical WNT pathways as the major role of FTO. In FTO-depleted cells, we find that the canonical WNT/β-Catenin signaling is attenuated in a non-cell autonomous manner via the up-regulation of DKK1. Simultaneously, this up-regulation of DKK1 promotes cell migration via activating the noncanonical WNT/PCP pathway. Unexpectedly, this regulation of DKK1 is independent of its RNA methylation status but operates at the transcriptional level, revealing a noncanonical function of FTO in gene regulation. In conclusion, this study places the functional context of FTO at the branch point of multiple WNT signaling pathways and extends its mechanistic role in gene regulation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hyunjoon Kim
- Center for RNA Research, Institute for Basic Science, Seoul, Korea .,School of Biological Sciences, Seoul National University, Seoul, Korea
| | - Soohyun Jang
- Center for RNA Research, Institute for Basic Science, Seoul, Korea.,School of Biological Sciences, Seoul National University, Seoul, Korea
| | - Young-Suk Lee
- Department of Bio and Brain Engineering, Korea Advanced Institute of Science and Technology (KAIST), Daejeon, Korea
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27
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Loh D, Reiter RJ. Melatonin: Regulation of Biomolecular Condensates in Neurodegenerative Disorders. Antioxidants (Basel) 2021; 10:1483. [PMID: 34573116 PMCID: PMC8465482 DOI: 10.3390/antiox10091483] [Citation(s) in RCA: 19] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.3] [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: 08/06/2021] [Revised: 09/10/2021] [Accepted: 09/13/2021] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
Biomolecular condensates are membraneless organelles (MLOs) that form dynamic, chemically distinct subcellular compartments organizing macromolecules such as proteins, RNA, and DNA in unicellular prokaryotic bacteria and complex eukaryotic cells. Separated from surrounding environments, MLOs in the nucleoplasm, cytoplasm, and mitochondria assemble by liquid-liquid phase separation (LLPS) into transient, non-static, liquid-like droplets that regulate essential molecular functions. LLPS is primarily controlled by post-translational modifications (PTMs) that fine-tune the balance between attractive and repulsive charge states and/or binding motifs of proteins. Aberrant phase separation due to dysregulated membrane lipid rafts and/or PTMs, as well as the absence of adequate hydrotropic small molecules such as ATP, or the presence of specific RNA proteins can cause pathological protein aggregation in neurodegenerative disorders. Melatonin may exert a dominant influence over phase separation in biomolecular condensates by optimizing membrane and MLO interdependent reactions through stabilizing lipid raft domains, reducing line tension, and maintaining negative membrane curvature and fluidity. As a potent antioxidant, melatonin protects cardiolipin and other membrane lipids from peroxidation cascades, supporting protein trafficking, signaling, ion channel activities, and ATPase functionality during condensate coacervation or dissolution. Melatonin may even control condensate LLPS through PTM and balance mRNA- and RNA-binding protein composition by regulating N6-methyladenosine (m6A) modifications. There is currently a lack of pharmaceuticals targeting neurodegenerative disorders via the regulation of phase separation. The potential of melatonin in the modulation of biomolecular condensate in the attenuation of aberrant condensate aggregation in neurodegenerative disorders is discussed in this review.
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Affiliation(s)
- Doris Loh
- Independent Researcher, Marble Falls, TX 78654, USA
| | - Russel J. Reiter
- Department of Cellular and Structural Biology, UT Health Science Center, San Antonio, TX 78229, USA
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28
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Navickas A, Goodarzi H. A Wnt twist in FTO's role in cancer progression. Nat Cancer 2021; 2:579-580. [PMID: 35121942 DOI: 10.1038/s43018-021-00224-6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/14/2023]
Affiliation(s)
- Albertas Navickas
- Department of Biochemistry and Biophysics, University of California San Francisco, San Francisco, CA, USA
- Department of Urology, University of California San Francisco, San Francisco, CA, USA
- Helen Diller Family Comprehensive Cancer Center, University of California San Francisco, San Francisco, CA, USA
- Bakar Computational Health Sciences Institute, University of California San Francisco, San Francisco, CA, USA
| | - Hani Goodarzi
- Department of Biochemistry and Biophysics, University of California San Francisco, San Francisco, CA, USA.
- Department of Urology, University of California San Francisco, San Francisco, CA, USA.
- Helen Diller Family Comprehensive Cancer Center, University of California San Francisco, San Francisco, CA, USA.
- Bakar Computational Health Sciences Institute, University of California San Francisco, San Francisco, CA, USA.
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