Molecular control of the hyaluronan biosynthesis

Clinical and Biochemical Implications of Hyaluronic Acid in Musculoskeletal Rehabilitation: A Comprehensive Review

Hyaluronic acid (HA) naturally occurs as a biopolymer in the human body, primarily in connective tissues like joints and skin. Functioning as a vital element of synovial fluid, it lubricates joints, facilitating fluid movement and diminishing bone friction to protect articular well-being. Its distinctive attributes encompass notable viscosity and water retention capacities, ensuring flexibility and absorbing shock during motion. Furthermore, HA has gained significant attention for its potential benefits in various medical applications, including rehabilitation. Ongoing research explores its properties and functions, especially its biomedical applications in several clinical trials, with a focus on its role in improving rehabilitation outcomes. But the clinical and biochemical implications of HA in musculoskeletal rehabilitation have yet to be fully explored. This review thoroughly investigates the properties and functions of HA while highlighting its biomedical applications in different clinical trials, with a special emphasis on its role in rehabilitation. The presented findings provide evidence that HA, as a natural substance, enhances the outcomes of musculoskeletal rehabilitation through its exceptional mechanical and biochemical effects.

The Superiority of Bacillus megaterium over Escherichia coli as a Recombinant Bacterial Host for Hyaluronic Acid Production

(1) Background: Hyaluronic acid (HA) is a polyanionic mucopolysaccharide extensively used in biomedical and cosmetic industries due to its unique rheological properties. Recombinant HA production using other microbial platforms has received increasing interest to avoid potential toxin contamination associated with its production by streptococcal fermentation. In this study, the Gram-negative strains Escherichia coli (pLysY/Iq), E. coli Rosetta2, E. coli Rosetta (DE3) pLysS, E. coli Rosetta2 (DE3), E. coli Rosetta gammiB(DE3)pLysS, and the Gram-positive Bacillus megaterium (MS941) were investigated as new platforms for the heterologous production of HA. (2) Results: The HA biosynthesis gene hasA, cloned from Streptococcus equi subsp. zoopedemicus, was ligated into plasmid pMM1522 (MoBiTec), resulting in pMM1522 hasA, which was introduced into E. coli Rosetta-2(DE3) and B. megaterium (MS941). The initial HA titer by the two hosts in the LB medium was 5 mg/L and 50 mg/L, respectively. Streptococcal hasABC and hasABCDE genes were ligated into plasmid pPT7 (MoBiTec) and different E. coli host strains were then transformed with the resulting plasmids pPT7hasABC and pPT7hasABCDE. For E. coli Rosetta-gamiB(DE3)pLysS transformed with pPT7hasABC, HA production was 500 ± 11.4 mg/L in terrific broth (TB) medium. Productivity was slightly higher (585 ± 2.9 mg/L) when the same host was transformed with pPT7 carrying the entire HA operon. We also transformed B. megaterium (MS941) protoplasts carrying T7-RNAP with pPT7hasABC and pPT7hasABCDE. In comparison, the former plasmid resulted in HA titers of 2116.7 ± 44 and 1988.3 ± 19.6 mg/L in LB media supplemented with 5% sucrose and A5 medium + MOPSO, respectively; the latter plasmid boosted the titer final concentration further to reach 2476.7 ± 14.5 mg/L and 2350 ± 28.8 mg/L in the two media, respectively. The molecular mass of representative HA samples ranged from 105 − 106 Daltons (Da), and the polydispersity index (PDI) was <2. Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR) spectra of the HA product were identical to those obtained for commercially available standard polymers. Finally, scanning electron microscopic examination revealed the presence of extensive HA capsules in E. coli Rosetta-gamiB(DE3)pLysS, while no HA capsules were produced by B. megaterium. (3) Conclusions: Our results suggested that Gram-positive bacteria are probably superior host strains for recombinant HA production over their Gram-negative counters. The titers and the molecular weight (MW) of HA produced by B. megaterium were significantly higher than those obtained by different E. coli host strains used in this study.

Biomimetic tissue models reveal the role of hyaluronan in melanoma proliferation and invasion

Biomimetic matrix models demonstrate the role of the size-dependent effect of hyaluronan in melanoma progression and reveal an alternative explanation forin vivofindings of hyaluronan dependent melanoma growth.

Hyaluronan as tunable drug delivery system

The hyaluronan (HA) polymer is an important macromolecule of extracellular matrix with remarkable structure and functions: it is a linear and unbranched polymer without sulphate or phosphate groups and has key role in several biological processes in mammals. It is ubiquitous in mammalian tissues with several and specific functions, influencing cell proliferation and migration as well as angiogenesis and inflammation. To exert these important functions in tissues HA modifies the concentration and size. Considering this HA content in tissues is carefully controlled by different mechanisms including covalent modification of the synthetic enzymes and epigenetic control of their gene expression. The function of HA is also critical in several pathologies including cancer, diabetes and chronic inflammation. Among these biological roles, the structural properties of HA allow to use this polymer in regenerative medicine including cosmetics and drug delivery. HA takes advantage from its capacity to form gels even at concentration of 1% producing scaffolds with very intriguing mechanical properties. These hydrogels are useful in regenerative medicine as biocompatible material for advanced therapeutic uses. In this review we highlight the biological aspects of HA addressing the mechanisms controlling the HA content in tissues and its role as drug delivery system.

Comparative Secretome Analyses of Primary Murine White and Brown Adipocytes Reveal Novel Adipokines

The adipose organ, including white and brown adipose tissues, is an important player in systemic energy homeostasis, storing excess energy in form of lipids while releasing energy upon various energy demands. Recent studies have demonstrated that white and brown adipocytes also function as endocrine cells and regulate systemic metabolism by secreting factors that act locally and systemically. However, a comparative proteomic analysis of secreted factors from white and brown adipocytes and their responsiveness to adrenergic stimulation has not been reported yet. Therefore, we studied and compared the secretome of white and brown adipocytes, with and without norepinephrine (NE) stimulation. Our results reveal that carbohydrate-metabolism-regulating proteins are preferably secreted from white adipocytes, while brown adipocytes predominantly secrete a large variety of proteins. Upon NE stimulation, an increased secretion of known adipokines is favored by white adipocytes while brown adipocytes secreted higher amounts of novel adipokines. Furthermore, the secretory response between NE-stimulated and basal state was multifaceted addressing lipid and glucose metabolism, adipogenesis, and antioxidative reactions. Intriguingly, NE stimulation drastically changed the secretome in brown adipocytes. In conclusion, our study provides a comprehensive catalogue of novel adipokine candidates secreted from white and brown adipocytes with many of them responsive to NE. Given the beneficial effects of brown adipose tissue activation on its endocrine function and systemic metabolism, this study provides an archive of novel batokine candidates and biomarkers for activated brown adipose tissue.

Hyaluronan synthase assembles hyaluronan on a [GlcNAc(β1,4)]n-GlcNAc(α1→)UDP primer and hyaluronan retains this residual chitin oligomer as a cap at the nonreducing end

Class I hyaluronan synthases (HAS) assemble [GlcNAc(β1,4)GlcUA(β1,3)]n-UDP at the reducing end and also make chitin. Streptococcus equisimilis HAS (SeHAS) also synthesizes chitin-UDP oligosaccharides, (GlcNAc-β1,4)n-GlcNAc(α1→)UDP (Weigel et al. 2015). Here we determined if HAS uses chitin-UDPs as primers to initiate HA synthesis, leaving the non-HA primer at the nonreducing (NR) end. HA made by SeHAS membranes was purified, digested with streptomyces lyase, and hydrophobic oligomers were enriched by solid phase extraction and analyzed by MALDI-TOF MS. Jack bean hexosaminidase (JBH) and MS/MS were used to analyze 19 m/z species of possible GnHn ions with clustered GlcNAc (G) residues attached to disaccharide units (H): (GlcNAcβ1,4)2-5[GlcUA(β1,3)GlcNAc]2-6. JBH digestion sequentially removed GlcNAc from the NR-end of GnHn oligomers, producing successively smaller GnH2-3 series members. Since lyase releases dehydro-oligos (dHn; M-18), only the unique NR-end oligo lacks dehydro-GlcUA. Hn oligomers were undetectable in lyase digests, whereas JBH treatment created new H2-6m/z peaks (i.e. HA tetra- through dodeca-oligomers). MS/MS of larger GnHn species produced chitin (2-5 GlcNAcs), HA oligomers and multiple smaller series members with fewer GlcNAcs. All NR-ends (97%) started with GlcNAc, as a chitin trimer (three GlcNAcs), indicating that GlcNAc(β1,4)2GlcNAc(α1→)-UDP may be optimal for initiation of HA synthesis. Also, HA made by live S. pyogenes cells had G4Hn chitin-oligo NR-ends. We conclude that chitin-UDP functions in vitro and in live cells as a primer to initiate synthesis of all HA chains and these primers remain at the NR-ends of HA chains as residual chitin caps [(GlcNAc-β1,4)3-4].

The CD44-HA axis and inflammation in atherosclerosis: A temporal perspective

Cardiovascular disease (CVD) due to atherosclerosis is a disease of chronic inflammation at both the systemic and the tissue level. CD44 has previously been implicated in atherosclerosis in both humans and mice. This multi-faceted receptor plays a critical part in the inflammatory response during the onset of CVD, though little is known of CD44's role during the latter stages of the disease. This review focuses on the role of CD44-dependent HA-dependent effects on inflammatory cells in several key processes, from disease initiation throughout the progression of atherosclerosis. Understanding how CD44 and HA regulate inflammation in atherogenesis is key in determining the utility of the CD44-HA axis as a therapeutic target to halt disease and potentially promote disease regression.

Sequential one-pot multienzyme synthesis of hyaluronan and its derivative

Hyaluronan (HA) is a linear polysaccharide composed of repeating disaccharide units. It has been well documented to play an array of biological functions in cancer events. Here, we reported a sequential one-pot multienzyme (OPME) strategy for in vitro synthesis of HA and its derivatives. The strategy, which combined in situ sugar nucleotides generation with HA chain polymerization, could convert cheap monosaccharides into HA polymers without consuming exogenous sugar nucleotide donors. HA polymers (number-average molecular weight ranged from 1.5×10⁴ to 5.5×10⁵Da) with over 70% yields were efficiently synthesized and purified from this one-pot system. More importantly, partial labeled HA derivative was further synthesized by metabolic incorporation of unnatural monosaccharide analogues into the sequential OPME system. Cross-linked HA hydrogel was achieved via copper (I)-catalyzed azide-alkyne cycloaddition and exhibited novel networks consisting of both inter- and intra-connected HA chains, which could facilitate the potential applications of this unique polysaccharide.

Microarray analysis of differentially-expressed genes and linker genes associated with the molecular mechanism of colorectal cancer

Colorectal cancer (CRC) is one of the most prevalent malignancies worldwide and remains the third leading cause of cancer-associated mortality. The present study aimed to fully elucidate the pathogenesis of CRC and identify associated genes in tumor development. Microarray GSE44076, GSE41328 and GSE44861 datasets were downloaded from the Gene Expression Omnibus database and integrated with meta-analysis. Differentially-expressed genes (DEGs) were identified from CRC samples compared with adjacent non-cancerous controls using the Limma package in R, followed by functional analysis using the Database for Annotation, Visualization, and Integrated Discovery online tool. A protein-protein interaction (PPI) network of DEGs and linker genes was constructed using NetBox software and modules were also mined. Functional annotation was performed for modules with a maximum number of nodes. Subsequent to meta-analysis to pool the data, one dataset that included 327 samples involved in 11,081 genes was obtained. A total of 697 DEGs were identified between CRC samples and adjacent non-cancerous controls. In the PPI network, modules 1 and 5 contained the maximum number of nodes. Collagen, type I, α1 (COL1A1), COL1A2 and matrix metallopeptidase 9 (MMP9) in module 1 and UDP-glucose 6-dehydrogenase (UGDH), aldehyde dehydrogenase 1 family, member A1 (ALDH1A1), fatty acid binding protein 4 (FABP4) and monoglyceride lipase (MGLL) in module 5 exhibited a high degree of connectivity. Functional analysis indicated that the genes in module 1 were involved in extracellular matrix (ECM)-associated functions and that the genes in module 5 were involved in metabolism-related functions. Overall, significant DEGs and linker genes, namely COL1A1, COL1A2, MMP9, UGDH, ALDH1A1, FABP4 and MGLL, play a crucial role in the development of CRC via regulating the ECM and cell metabolism.

Hyaluronan Synthase: The Mechanism of Initiation at the Reducing End and a Pendulum Model for Polysaccharide Translocation to the Cell Exterior

Hyaluronan (HA) biosynthesis has been studied for over six decades, but our understanding of the biochemical details of how HA synthase (HAS) assembles HA is still incomplete. Class I family members include mammalian and streptococcal HASs, the focus of this review, which add new intracellular sugar-UDPs at the reducing end of growing hyaluronyl-UDP chains. HA-producing cells typically create extracellular HA coats (capsules) and also secrete HA into the surrounding space. Since HAS contains multiple transmembrane domains and is lipid-dependent, we proposed in 1999 that it creates an intraprotein HAS-lipid pore through which a growing HA-UDP chain is translocated continuously across the cell membrane to the exterior. We review here the evidence for a synthase pore-mediated polysaccharide translocation process and describe a possible mechanism (the Pendulum Model) and potential energy sources to drive this ATP-independent process. HA synthases also synthesize chitin oligosaccharides, which are created by cleavage of novel oligo-chitosyl-UDP products. The synthesis of chitin-UDP oligomers by HAS confirms the reducing end mechanism for sugar addition during HA assembly by streptococcal and mammalian Class I enzymes. These new findings indicate the possibility that HA biosynthesis is initiated by the ability of HAS to use chitin-UDP oligomers as self-primers.

Activation of 5' adenosine monophosphate-activated protein kinase blocks cumulus cell expansion through inhibition of protein synthesis during in vitro maturation in Swine

The serine/threonine kinase 5' adenosine monophosphate-activated protein kinase (AMPK), a heterotrimeric protein known as a metabolic switch, is involved in oocyte nuclear maturation in mice, cattle, and swine. The present study analyzed AMPK activation in cumulus cell expansion during in vitro maturation (IVM) of porcine cumulus-oocyte complexes (COC). 5-Aminoimidazole-4-carboxamide-1-beta-d-ribofuranoside (AICAR) is a well-known activator of AMPK. It inhibited oocyte meiotic resumption in COC. Moreover, cumulus cell expansion did not occur in the presence of AICAR, demonstrating its marked impact on cumulus cells. Activation of AMPK was supported by AICAR-mediated phosphorylation of alpha AMPK subunits. Furthermore, the presence of AICAR increased glucose uptake, a classical response to activation of this metabolic switch in response to depleted cellular energy levels. Neither nuclear maturation nor cumulus expansion was reversed by glucosamine, an alternative substrate in hyaluronic acid synthesis, through the hexosamine biosynthetic pathway, which ruled out possible depletion of substrates. Both increased gap junction communication and phosphodiesterase activity in COC are dependent on protein synthesis during the initial hours of IVM; however, both were inhibited in the presence of AICAR, which supports the finding that activation of AMPK by AICAR mediated inhibition of protein synthesis. Moreover, this protein synthesis inhibition was equivalent to that of the well-known protein synthesis inhibitor cycloheximide, as observed on cumulus expansion and protein concentration. Finally, the phosphorylation level of selected kinases was investigated. The pattern of raptor phosphorylation is supportive of activation of AMPK-mediated inhibition of protein synthesis. In conclusion, AICAR-mediated AMPK activation in porcine COC inhibited cumulus cell expansion and protein synthesis. These results bring new considerations to the importance of this kinase in ovarian physiology and to the development of new oocyte culture medium.

Hyaluronan up-regulates growth and invasion of trophoblasts in an autocrine manner via PI3K/AKT and MAPK/ERK1/2 pathways in early human pregnancy

INTRODUCTION

As one of the key molecules in the extracellular matrix in human conceptus, hyaluronan (HA) has been receiving particular attention. Here, we have investigated the expression and regulation of different molecular weight HA on the biological behaviors of primary human trophoblasts during the first trimester of pregnancy.

METHODS

The expression of HA and HA synthetase (HAS) by human first trimester trophoblasts was analyzed in placentae from normal pregnancy or miscarriage by immunochemistry and real-time RT-PCR, respectively. ELISA was used to measure the secretion of HA by primary trophoblasts. The effects of HA on the proliferation, apoptosis and invasiveness of trophoblasts were examined. We also investigated the signaling pathways involved in HA activation in human trophoblasts.

RESULTS

The higher HAS2 expression and HA secretion were observed in normal villi than that of miscarriage, and the primary trophoblasts secreted HA continuously. High molecular weight HA (HMW-HA) and medium molecular weight HA (MMW-HA) promoted proliferation and invasiveness while inhibited apoptosis of trophoblasts. However, low molecular weight HA (LMW-HA) had no obvious effect on the growth or invasiveness of human trophoblasts. In addition, HMW-HA showed more efficiently than MMW-HA on the growth while MMW-HA displayed a more obvious effect on the invasiveness of trophoblasts than HMW-HA. HMW-HA activated PI3K/AKT and MAPK/ERK1/2 signaling pathways in trophoblasts. Blocking PI3K/AKT or MAPK/ERK1/2 signaling inhibited the HA-upregulated growth and invasiveness of human trophoblasts.

CONCLUSION

Our results suggest that higher level and greater molecular mass of HA can promote trophoblast growth and invasion in an autocrine manner, which was beneficial to placentation and maintenance of human early pregnancy.

Progesterone--promoter or inhibitor of breast cancer

Based on the results of a French cohort of postmenopausal women, it has been claimed that micronized progesterone does not enhance breast cancer risk. The impact of reproductive factors on breast cancer risk and a high prevalence of occult breast carcinomas at the time of menopause suggest an involvement of endogenous progesterone in the development of breast cancer. High mammographic density in the luteal phase and during treatment with estrogen/progestogen combinations reflect a change in the composition of mammary stroma and an increased water accumulation in the extracellular matrix which is caused by hygroscopic hyaluronan-proteoglycan aggregates. Proteoglycans are also involved in the regulation of proliferation, migration, and differentiation of epithelial cells and angiogenesis, and may influence malignant transformation of breast cells and progression of tumors. Reports on a lack of effect of estrogen/progesterone therapy on breast cancer risk may be rooted in a selective prescription to overweight women and/or to the very low progesterone serum levels after oral administration owing to a strong inactivation rate. The contradictory results concerning the proliferative effect of progesterone may be associated with a different local metabolism in normal compared to malignant breast tissue. Similar to other progestogens, hormone replacement therapy with progesterone seems to promote the development of breast cancer, provided that the progesterone serum levels have reached the threshold for endometrial protection.

Horizontal gene transfer contributed to the evolution of extracellular surface structures: the freshwater polyp Hydra is covered by a complex fibrous cuticle containing glycosaminoglycans and proteins of the PPOD and SWT (sweet tooth) families

The single-cell layered ectoderm of the fresh water polyp Hydra fulfills the function of an epidermis by protecting the animals from the surrounding medium. Its outer surface is covered by a fibrous structure termed the cuticle layer, with similarity to the extracellular surface coats of mammalian epithelia. In this paper we have identified molecular components of the cuticle. We show that its outermost layer contains glycoproteins and glycosaminoglycans and we have identified chondroitin and chondroitin-6-sulfate chains. In a search for proteins that could be involved in organising this structure we found PPOD proteins and several members of a protein family containing only SWT (sweet tooth) domains. Structural analyses indicate that PPODs consist of two tandem β-trefoil domains with similarity to carbohydrate-binding sites found in lectins. Experimental evidence confirmed that PPODs can bind sulfated glycans and are secreted into the cuticle layer from granules localized under the apical surface of the ectodermal epithelial cells. PPODs are taxon-specific proteins which appear to have entered the Hydra genome by horizontal gene transfer from bacteria. Their acquisition at the time Hydra evolved from a marine ancestor may have been critical for the transition to the freshwater environment.

Inhibition of hyaluronan synthesis reduces versican and fibronectin levels in trabecular meshwork cells

Hyaluronan (HA) is a major component of the extracellular matrix (ECM) and is synthesized by three HA synthases (HAS). Similarities between the HAS2 knockout mouse and the hdf mutant mouse, which has a mutation in the versican gene, suggest that HA and versican expression may be linked. In this study, the relationship between HA synthesis and levels of versican, fibronectin and several other ECM components in trabecular meshwork cells from the anterior segment of the eye was investigated. HA synthesis was inhibited using 4-methylumbelliferone (4MU), or reduced by RNAi silencing of each individual HAS gene. Quantitative RT-PCR and immunoblotting demonstrated a reduction in mRNA and protein levels of versican and fibronectin. Hyaluronidase treatment also reduced versican and fibronectin levels. These effects could not be reversed by addition of excess glucose or glucosamine or exogenous HA to the culture medium. CD44, tenascin C and fibrillin-1 mRNA levels were reduced by 4MU treatment, but SPARC and CSPG6 mRNA levels were unaffected. Immunostaining of trabecular meshwork tissue after exposure to 4MU showed an altered localization pattern of HA-binding protein, versican and fibronectin. Reduction of versican by RNAi silencing did not affect HA concentration as assessed by ELISA. Together, these data imply that HA concentration affects synthesis of certain ECM components. Since precise regulation of the trabecular meshwork ECM composition and organization is required to maintain the aqueous humor outflow resistance and intraocular pressure homeostasis in the eye, coordinated coupling of HA levels and several of its ECM binding partners should facilitate this process.

Therapeutic targeting of hyaluronan in the tumor stroma

The tumor stroma, consisting of non-malignant cells and the extracellular matrix, undergoes significant quantitative and qualitative changes throughout malignant transformation and tumor progression. With increasing recognition of the role of the tumor microenvironment in disease progression, stromal components of the tumor have become attractive targets for therapeutic intervention. Stromal accumulation of the glycosaminoglycan hyaluronan occurs in many tumor types and is frequently associated with a negative disease prognosis. Hyaluronan interacts with other extracellular molecules as well as cellular receptors to form a complex interaction network influencing physicochemical properties, signal transduction, and biological behavior of cancer cells. In preclinical animal models, enzymatic removal of hyaluronan is associated with remodeling of the tumor stroma, reduction of tumor interstitial fluid pressure, expansion of tumor blood vessels and facilitated delivery of chemotherapy. This leads to inhibition of tumor growth and increased survival. Current evidence shows that abnormal accumulation of hyaluronan may be an important stromal target for cancer therapy. In this review we highlight the role of hyaluronan and hyaluronan-mediated interactions in cancer, and discuss historical and recent data on hyaluronidase-based therapies and the effect of hyaluronan removal on tumor growth.

Activation of β-catenin signaling in androgen receptor-negative prostate cancer cells

PURPOSE

To study Wnt/β-catenin in castrate-resistant prostate cancer (CRPC) and understand its function independently of the β-catenin-androgen receptor (AR) interaction.

EXPERIMENTAL DESIGN

We carried out β-catenin immunocytochemical analysis, evaluated TOP-flash reporter activity (a reporter of β-catenin-mediated transcription), and sequenced the β-catenin gene in MDA prostate cancer 118a, MDA prostate cancer 118b, MDA prostate cancer 2b, and PC-3 prostate cancer cells. We knocked down β-catenin in AR-negative MDA prostate cancer 118b cells and carried out comparative gene-array analysis. We also immunohistochemically analyzed β-catenin and AR in 27 bone metastases of human CRPCs.

RESULTS

β-Catenin nuclear accumulation and TOP-flash reporter activity were high in MDA prostate cancer 118b but not in MDA prostate cancer 2b or PC-3 cells. MDA prostate cancer 118a and MDA prostate cancer 118b cells carry a mutated β-catenin at codon 32 (D32G). Ten genes were expressed differently (false discovery rate, 0.05) in MDA prostate cancer 118b cells with downregulated β-catenin. One such gene, hyaluronan synthase 2 (HAS2), synthesizes hyaluronan, a core component of the extracellular matrix. We confirmed HAS2 upregulation in PC-3 cells transfected with D32G-mutant β-catenin. Finally, we found nuclear localization of β-catenin in 10 of 27 human tissue specimens; this localization was inversely associated with AR expression (P = 0.056, Fisher's exact test), suggesting that reduced AR expression enables Wnt/β-catenin signaling.

CONCLUSION

We identified a previously unknown downstream target of β-catenin, HAS2, in prostate cancer, and found that high β-catenin nuclear localization and low or no AR expression may define a subpopulation of men with bone metastatic prostate cancer. These findings may guide physicians in managing these patients.

Combined serum and tissue proteomic study applied to a c-Myc transgenic mouse model of hepatocellular carcinoma identified novel disease regulated proteins suitable for diagnosis and therapeutic intervention strategies

Hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) is the third leading cause of cancer death in the U.S. Notably, most HCCs display c-Myc hyperactivity but this transcription factor participates in the regulation of as many as 15-20% of genes of the human genome. To better understand its oncogenic activity, a mass spectrometry-based proteomic approach was employed to search for disease-regulated proteins in liver tissue and serum of c-Myc transgenic mice that specifically developed HCC. Overall, a total of 90 differentially expressed proteins were identified with retinol binding protein 4, transthyretin, major urinary protein family, apolipoprotein E, and glutathione peroxidase being regulated in common in tissue and serum of HCC mice. Importantly, this study identified n = 22 novel tumor tissue-regulated proteins to function in cell cycle and proliferation, nucleotide and ribosomal biogenesis, oxidative stress, and GSH metabolism, while bioinformatics revealed the coding sequences of regulated proteins to enharbour c-Myc binding sites. Translation of the findings to human disease was achieved by Western immunoblotting of serum proteins and by immunohistochemistry of human HCC. Taken collectively, our study helps to define a c-Myc proteome suitable for diagnostic and possible therapeutic intervention strategies.

UDP-glucose dehydrogenase: structure and function of a potential drug target. Biochem Soc Trans. 2010;38:1378-1385. [PMID: 20863317 DOI: 10.1042/bst0381378]

Biosynthesis of the glycosaminoglycan precursor UDP-α-D-glucuronic acid occurs through a 2-fold oxidation of UDP-α-D-glucose that is catalysed by UGDH (UDP-α-D-glucose 6-dehydrogenase). Structure-function relationships for UGDH and proposals for the enzymatic reaction mechanism are reviewed in the present paper, and structure-based sequence comparison is used for subclassification of UGDH family members. The eukaryotic group of enzymes (UGDH-II) utilize an extended C-terminal domain for the formation of complex homohexameric assemblies. The comparably simpler oligomerization behaviour of the prokaryotic group of enzymes (UGDH-I), in which dimeric forms prevail, is traced back to the lack of relevant intersubunit contacts and trimmings within the C-terminal region. The active site of UGDH contains a highly conserved cysteine residue, which plays a key role in covalent catalysis. Elevated glycosaminoglycan formation is implicated in a variety of human diseases, including the progression of tumours. The inhibition of synthesis of UDP-α-D-glucuronic acid using UGDH antagonists might therefore be a useful strategy for therapy.

Down-regulation of UDP-glucose dehydrogenase affects glycosaminoglycans synthesis and motility in HCT-8 colorectal carcinoma cells

UDP-glucose dehydrogenase (UGDH) catalyzes oxidation of UDP-glucose to yield UDP-glucuronic acid, a precursor of hyaluronic acid (HA) and other glycosaminoglycans (GAGs) in extracellular matrix. Although association of extracellular matrix with cell proliferation and migration has been well documented, the importance of UGDH in these behaviors is not clear. Using UGDH-specific small interference RNA to treat HCT-8 colorectal carcinoma cells, a decrease in both mRNA and protein levels of UGDH, as well as the cellular UDP-glucuronic acid and GAG production was observed. Treatment of HCT-8 cells with either UGDH-specific siRNA or HA synthesis inhibitor 4-methylumbelliferone effectively delayed cell aggregation into multicellular spheroids and impaired cell motility in both three-dimensional collagen gel and transwell migration assays. The reduction in cell aggregation and migration rates could be restored by addition of exogenous HA. These results indicate that UGDH can regulate cell motility through the production of GAG. The enzyme may be a potential target for therapeutic intervention of colorectal cancers.