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Myo Min KK, Ffrench CB, McClure BJ, Ortiz M, Dorward EL, Samuel MS, Ebert LM, Mahoney MG, Bonder CS. Desmoglein-2 as a cancer modulator: friend or foe? Front Oncol 2023; 13:1327478. [PMID: 38188287 PMCID: PMC10766750 DOI: 10.3389/fonc.2023.1327478] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/25/2023] [Accepted: 12/04/2023] [Indexed: 01/09/2024] Open
Abstract
Desmoglein-2 (DSG2) is a calcium-binding single pass transmembrane glycoprotein and a member of the large cadherin family. Until recently, DSG2 was thought to only function as a cell adhesion protein embedded within desmosome junctions designed to enable cells to better tolerate mechanical stress. However, additional roles for DSG2 outside of desmosomes are continuing to emerge, particularly in cancer. Herein, we review the current literature on DSG2 in cancer and detail its impact on biological functions such as cell adhesion, proliferation, migration, invasion, intracellular signaling, extracellular vesicle release and vasculogenic mimicry. An increased understanding of the diverse repertoire of the biological functions of DSG2 holds promise to exploit this cell surface protein as a potential prognostic biomarker and/or target for better patient outcomes. This review explores the canonical and non-canonical functions of DSG2, as well as the context-dependent impacts of DSG2 in the realm of cancer.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kay K. Myo Min
- Centre for Cancer Biology, SA Pathology and the University of South Australia, Adelaide, SA, Australia
| | - Charlie B. Ffrench
- Centre for Cancer Biology, SA Pathology and the University of South Australia, Adelaide, SA, Australia
| | - Barbara J. McClure
- Centre for Cancer Biology, SA Pathology and the University of South Australia, Adelaide, SA, Australia
- Adelaide Medical School, University of Adelaide, Adelaide, SA, Australia
| | - Michael Ortiz
- Centre for Cancer Biology, SA Pathology and the University of South Australia, Adelaide, SA, Australia
| | - Emma L. Dorward
- Centre for Cancer Biology, SA Pathology and the University of South Australia, Adelaide, SA, Australia
| | - Michael S. Samuel
- Centre for Cancer Biology, SA Pathology and the University of South Australia, Adelaide, SA, Australia
- Adelaide Medical School, University of Adelaide, Adelaide, SA, Australia
- Basil Hetzel Institute, Queen Elizabeth Hospital, SA, Adelaide, Australia
| | - Lisa M. Ebert
- Centre for Cancer Biology, SA Pathology and the University of South Australia, Adelaide, SA, Australia
- Royal Adelaide Hospital, Adelaide, SA, Australia
| | - Mỹ G. Mahoney
- Department of Pharmacology, Physiology, and Cancer Biology, Thomas Jefferson University, Philadelphia, PA, United States
| | - Claudine S. Bonder
- Centre for Cancer Biology, SA Pathology and the University of South Australia, Adelaide, SA, Australia
- Adelaide Medical School, University of Adelaide, Adelaide, SA, Australia
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Viehweger F, Azem A, Gorbokon N, Uhlig R, Lennartz M, Rico SD, Kind S, Reiswich V, Kluth M, Hube-Magg C, Bernreuther C, Büscheck F, Clauditz TS, Fraune C, Jacobsen F, Krech T, Lebok P, Steurer S, Burandt E, Minner S, Marx AH, Simon R, Sauter G, Menz A, Hinsch A. Desmoglein 3 (Dsg3) Expression in Cancer: A Tissue Microarray Study on 15,869 Tumors. Pathol Res Pract 2022; 240:154200. [DOI: 10.1016/j.prp.2022.154200] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/16/2022] [Revised: 11/03/2022] [Accepted: 11/04/2022] [Indexed: 11/07/2022]
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Xu QR, Du XH, Huang TT, Zheng YC, Li YL, Huang DY, Dai HQ, Li EM, Fang WK. Role of Cell-Cell Junctions in Oesophageal Squamous Cell Carcinoma. Biomolecules 2022; 12:biom12101378. [PMID: 36291586 PMCID: PMC9599896 DOI: 10.3390/biom12101378] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/25/2022] [Revised: 09/20/2022] [Accepted: 09/21/2022] [Indexed: 02/05/2023] Open
Abstract
Cell-cell junctions comprise various structures, including adherens junctions, tight junctions, desmosomes, and gap junctions. They link cells to each other in tissues and regulate tissue homeostasis in critical cellular processes. Recent advances in cell-cell junction research have led to critical discoveries. Cell-cell adhesion components are important for the invasion and metastasis of tumour cells, which are not only related to cell-cell adhesion changes, but they are also involved in critical molecular signal pathways. They are of great significance, especially given that relevant molecular mechanisms are being discovered, there are an increasing number of emerging biomarkers, targeted therapies are becoming a future therapeutic concern, and there is an increased number of therapeutic agents undergoing clinical trials. Oesophageal squamous cell carcinoma (ESCC), the most common histological subtype of oesophageal cancer, is one of the most common cancers to affect epithelial tissue. ESCC progression is accompanied by the abnormal expression or localisation of components at cell-cell junctions. This review will discuss the recent scientific developments related to the molecules at cell-cell junctions and their role in ESCC to offer valuable insights for readers, provide a global view of the relationships between position, construction, and function, and give a reference for future mechanistic studies, diagnoses, and therapeutic developments.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | - En-Min Li
- Correspondence: (E.-M.L.); (W.-K.F.)
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Liu YQ, Chu LY, Yang T, Zhang B, Zheng ZT, Xie JJ, Xu YW, Fang WK. Serum DSG2 as a potential biomarker for diagnosis of esophageal squamous cell carcinoma and esophagogastric junction adenocarcinoma. Biosci Rep 2022; 42:231196. [PMID: 35521959 PMCID: PMC9093696 DOI: 10.1042/bsr20212612] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/21/2021] [Revised: 03/28/2022] [Accepted: 04/20/2022] [Indexed: 02/05/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Exploration of serum biomarkers for early detection of upper gastrointestinal cancer is required. Here, we aimed to evaluate the diagnostic potential of serum desmoglein-2 (DSG2) in patients with esophageal squamous cell carcinoma (ESCC) and esophagogastric junction adenocarcinoma (EJA). METHODS Serum DSG2 levels were measured by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) in 459 participants including 151 patients with ESCC, 96 with EJA, and 212 healthy controls. Receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curves were used to evaluate diagnostic accuracy. RESULTS Levels of serum DSG2 were significantly higher in patients with ESCC and EJA than those in healthy controls (P<0.001). Detection of serum DSG2 demonstrated an area under the ROC curve (AUC) value of 0.724, sensitivity of 38.1%, and specificity of 84.8% for the diagnosis of ESCC in the training cohort, and AUC 0.736, sensitivity 58.2%, and specificity 84.7% in the validation cohort. For diagnosis of EJA, measurement of DSG2 provided a sensitivity of 29.2%, a specificity of 90.2%, and AUC of 0.698. Similar results were observed for the diagnosis of early-stage ESCC (AUC 0.715 and 0.722, sensitivity 36.3 and 50%, and specificity 84.8 and 84.7%, for training and validation cohorts, respectively) and early-stage EJA (AUC 0.704, sensitivity 44.4%, and specificity 86.9%). Analysis of clinical data indicated that DSG2 levels were significantly associated with patient age and histological grade in ESCC (P<0.05). CONCLUSION Serum DSG2 may be a diagnostic biomarker for ESCC and EJA.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yin-Qiao Liu
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Shantou University Medical College, Shantou, China
| | - Ling-Yu Chu
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Shantou University Medical College, Shantou, China
| | - Tian Yang
- Department of Gastrointestinal Surgery, The First Affiliated Hospital of Shantou University Medical College, Shantou, China
| | - Biao Zhang
- Department of Clinical Laboratory Medicine, The Cancer Hospital of Shantou University Medical College, Shantou, China
| | - Zheng-Tan Zheng
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Shantou University Medical College, Shantou, China
| | - Jian-Jun Xie
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Shantou University Medical College, Shantou, China
| | - Yi-Wei Xu
- Department of Clinical Laboratory Medicine, The Cancer Hospital of Shantou University Medical College, Shantou, China
| | - Wang-Kai Fang
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Shantou University Medical College, Shantou, China
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Wang J, Hao S, Gu J, Rudd SG, Wang Y. The prognostic and clinicopathological significance of desmoglein 2 in human cancers: a systematic review and meta-analysis. PeerJ 2022; 10:e13141. [PMID: 35345582 PMCID: PMC8957267 DOI: 10.7717/peerj.13141] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/09/2021] [Accepted: 02/28/2022] [Indexed: 02/05/2023] Open
Abstract
Objective The survival and clinicopathological significance of desmoglein 2 (DSG2) in various cancers is controversial. Thus, we performed this systematic review and meta-analysis to explore the preliminary prognostic value of DSG2. Methods Eligible studies were identified from databases including PubMed, the Cochrane Library, Embase, Web of Science and Scopus. Hand searches were also conducted in relevant bibliographies. We then extracted and pooled hazard ratio (HR) of overall survival (OS) and odds ratio (OR) of clinicopathological features. Results A total of 11 eligible studies containing 1,488 patients were included. Our results demonstrated that in non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC), high DSG2 expression is associated with poor OS. However, in digestive system cancer and female reproductive system cancer, there were no statistically significant associations between OS and DSG2. Conclusions Based on the findings of this study, high DSG2 expression is associated with worse prognosis in patients with NSCLC, and thus DSG2 expression could be a biomarker for prognosis in NSCLC.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jiantao Wang
- State Key Laboratory of Biotherapy & Department of Lung Cancer Center and Department of Radiation Oncology, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu, China,Science for Life Laboratory, Department of Oncology-Pathology, Karolinska Institutet, Stockholm, Sweden
| | - Siyuan Hao
- State Key Laboratory of Oral Diseases, National Clinical Research Center for Oral Diseases, West China Hospital of Stomatology, Sichuan University, Chengdu, China
| | - Junjie Gu
- State Key Laboratory of Oral Diseases, National Clinical Research Center for Oral Diseases, West China Hospital of Stomatology, Sichuan University, Chengdu, China
| | - Sean G. Rudd
- Science for Life Laboratory, Department of Oncology-Pathology, Karolinska Institutet, Stockholm, Sweden
| | - Yan Wang
- State Key Laboratory of Oral Diseases, National Clinical Research Center for Oral Diseases, West China Hospital of Stomatology, Sichuan University, Chengdu, China
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Liu YQ, Zou HY, Xie JJ, Fang WK. Paradoxical Roles of Desmosomal Components in Head and Neck Cancer. Biomolecules 2021; 11:biom11060914. [PMID: 34203070 PMCID: PMC8234459 DOI: 10.3390/biom11060914] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/14/2021] [Revised: 06/14/2021] [Accepted: 06/16/2021] [Indexed: 02/05/2023] Open
Abstract
Desmosomes are intercellular adhesion complexes involved in various aspects of epithelial pathophysiology, including tissue homeostasis, morphogenesis, and disease development. Recent studies have reported that the abnormal expression of various desmosomal components correlates with tumor progression and poor survival. In addition, desmosomes have been shown to act as a signaling platform to regulate the proliferation, invasion, migration, morphogenesis, and apoptosis of cancer cells. The occurrence and progression of head and neck cancer (HNC) is accompanied by abnormal expression of desmosomal components and loss of desmosome structure. However, the role of desmosomal components in the progression of HNC remains controversial. This review aims to provide an overview of recent developments showing the paradoxical roles of desmosomal components in tumor suppression and promotion. It offers valuable insights for HNC diagnosis and therapeutics development.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yin-Qiao Liu
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Shantou University Medical College, Shantou 515041, China; (Y.-Q.L.); (H.-Y.Z.)
| | - Hai-Ying Zou
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Shantou University Medical College, Shantou 515041, China; (Y.-Q.L.); (H.-Y.Z.)
| | - Jian-Jun Xie
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Shantou University Medical College, Shantou 515041, China; (Y.-Q.L.); (H.-Y.Z.)
- Precision Medicine Research Center, Shantou University Medical College, Shantou 515041, China
- Correspondence: (J.-J.X.); (W.-K.F.)
| | - Wang-Kai Fang
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Shantou University Medical College, Shantou 515041, China; (Y.-Q.L.); (H.-Y.Z.)
- Precision Medicine Research Center, Shantou University Medical College, Shantou 515041, China
- Correspondence: (J.-J.X.); (W.-K.F.)
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Koterazawa Y, Koyanagi-Aoi M, Uehara K, Kakeji Y, Aoi T. Retinoic acid receptor γ activation promotes differentiation of human induced pluripotent stem cells into esophageal epithelium. J Gastroenterol 2020; 55:763-774. [PMID: 32556644 PMCID: PMC7376085 DOI: 10.1007/s00535-020-01695-7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/17/2019] [Accepted: 06/02/2020] [Indexed: 02/04/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND The esophagus is known to be derived from the foregut. However, the mechanisms regulating this process remain unclear. In particular, the details of the human esophagus itself have been poorly researched. In this decade, studies using human induced pluripotent stem cells (hiPSCs) have proven powerful tools for clarifying the developmental biology of various human organs. Several studies using hiPSCs have demonstrated that retinoic acid (RA) signaling promotes the differentiation of foregut into tissues such as lung and pancreas. However, the effect of RA signaling on the differentiation of foregut into esophagus remains unclear. METHODS We established a novel stepwise protocol with transwell culture and an air-liquid interface system for esophageal epithelial cell (EEC) differentiation from hiPSCs. We then evaluated the effect of all-trans retinoic acid (ATRA), which is a retinoic acid receptor (RAR)α, RARβ and RARγ agonist, on the differentiation from the hiPSC-derived foregut. Finally, to identify which RAR subtype was involved in the differentiation, we used synthetic agonists and antagonists of RARα and RARγ, which are known to be expressed in esophagus. RESULTS We successfully generated stratified layers of cells expressing EEC marker genes that were positive for lugol staining. The enhancing effect of ATRA on EEC differentiation was clearly demonstrated with quantitative reverse transcription polymerase chain reaction, immunohistology, lugol-staining and RNA sequencing analyses. RARγ agonist and antagonist enhanced and suppressed EEC differentiation, respectively. RARα agonist had no effect on the differentiation. CONCLUSION We revealed that RARγ activation promotes the differentiation of hiPSCs-derived foregut into EECs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yasufumi Koterazawa
- Division of Advanced Medical Science, Graduate School of Science, Technology and Innovation, Kobe University, 7-5-1 Kusunoki-cho, Chuo-ku, Kobe, 650-0017, Japan
- Department of iPS Cell Applications, Graduate School of Medicine, Kobe University, Kobe, Japan
- Division of Gastrointestinal Surgery, Department of Surgery, Graduate School of Medicine, Kobe University, Kobe, Japan
| | - Michiyo Koyanagi-Aoi
- Division of Advanced Medical Science, Graduate School of Science, Technology and Innovation, Kobe University, 7-5-1 Kusunoki-cho, Chuo-ku, Kobe, 650-0017, Japan
- Department of iPS Cell Applications, Graduate School of Medicine, Kobe University, Kobe, Japan
- Center for Human Resource Development for Regenerative Medicine, Kobe University Hospital, Kobe, Japan
| | - Keiichiro Uehara
- Division of Advanced Medical Science, Graduate School of Science, Technology and Innovation, Kobe University, 7-5-1 Kusunoki-cho, Chuo-ku, Kobe, 650-0017, Japan
- Department of iPS Cell Applications, Graduate School of Medicine, Kobe University, Kobe, Japan
- Division of Pathology, Graduate School of Medicine, Kobe University, Kobe, Japan
| | - Yoshihiro Kakeji
- Division of Gastrointestinal Surgery, Department of Surgery, Graduate School of Medicine, Kobe University, Kobe, Japan
| | - Takashi Aoi
- Division of Advanced Medical Science, Graduate School of Science, Technology and Innovation, Kobe University, 7-5-1 Kusunoki-cho, Chuo-ku, Kobe, 650-0017, Japan.
- Department of iPS Cell Applications, Graduate School of Medicine, Kobe University, Kobe, Japan.
- Center for Human Resource Development for Regenerative Medicine, Kobe University Hospital, Kobe, Japan.
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Hütz K, Zeiler J, Sachs L, Ormanns S, Spindler V. Loss of desmoglein 2 promotes tumorigenic behavior in pancreatic cancer cells. Mol Carcinog 2017; 56:1884-1895. [PMID: 28277619 DOI: 10.1002/mc.22644] [Citation(s) in RCA: 30] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/09/2016] [Revised: 02/17/2017] [Accepted: 03/03/2017] [Indexed: 12/31/2022]
Abstract
The ability to maintain cell-cell adhesion is crucial for tissue integrity and organization. Accordingly, loss of cohesiveness plays a critical role in cancer invasion and metastasis. Desmosomes are cell junctions providing strong intercellular adhesive strength and dysregulation of desmosomal constituents contributes to cancer progression through altered cell signaling pathways. Here, we focused on the desmosomal adhesion molecules Desmoglein 2 (Dsg2) and Desmocollin 2 (Dsc2), and their contribution to migration and invasion in pancreatic cancer cells. Silencing of Dsg2 but not Dsc2 resulted in loss of cell cohesion and enhanced migration, and invasion of pancreatic adenocarcinoma cells. To identify potential pathways regulated by Dsg2, we performed kinase arrays and detected the activity of ERK and growth factor receptors to be significantly enhanced in Dsg2-deficient cells. Consequently, inhibition of ERK phosphorylation in Dsg2 knockdown cells normalized migration. Loss of Dsg2 resulted in reduced levels of the desmosomal adapter protein and transcriptional regulator Plakoglobin (PG) in an ERK-dependent manner, whereas other desmosomal molecules were not altered. Overexpression of PG rescued enhanced migration induced by silencing of Dsg2. These results identify a novel pro-migratory pathway of pancreatic cancer cells in which loss of Dsg2 reduces the levels of PG via deregulated MAPK signaling.
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Affiliation(s)
- Katharina Hütz
- Department I, Institute of Anatomy and Cell Biology, Ludwig-Maximilians-Universität Munich, Munich, Germany
| | - Julian Zeiler
- Department I, Institute of Anatomy and Cell Biology, Ludwig-Maximilians-Universität Munich, Munich, Germany
| | - Lena Sachs
- Department I, Institute of Anatomy and Cell Biology, Ludwig-Maximilians-Universität Munich, Munich, Germany
| | - Steffen Ormanns
- Institute of Pathology, Ludwig-Maximilians-Universität Munich, Munich, Germany
| | - Volker Spindler
- Department I, Institute of Anatomy and Cell Biology, Ludwig-Maximilians-Universität Munich, Munich, Germany
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Desmoglein-2 is overexpressed in non-small cell lung cancer tissues and its knockdown suppresses NSCLC growth by regulation of p27 and CDK2. J Cancer Res Clin Oncol 2016; 143:59-69. [PMID: 27629878 DOI: 10.1007/s00432-016-2250-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 50] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/27/2016] [Accepted: 08/31/2016] [Indexed: 10/21/2022]
Abstract
PURPOSE Desmoglein-2 (Dsg2) is a cell adhesion protein of the cadherin superfamily. Altered Dsg2 expression is associated with tumorigenesis. This study determined Dsg2 expression in non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) tissue specimens for association with clinicopathological and survival data and then assessed the effect of Dsg2 knockdown on regulation of NSCLC cell malignant behaviors in vitro and in nude mouse xenografts. METHODS qRT-PCR and Western blot were used to detect Dsg2 expression in 28 paired NSCLC and normal tissue samples. Immunohistochemistry was used to detect Dsg2 expression in 70 cases of paraffin-embedded NSCLC tissues. NSCLC A549, H1703, and H1299 cells were cultured with Dsg2 knockdown performed using Dsg2 siRNA. Cell viability, cell cycle, apoptosis, and colony formation were assessed. siRNA-transfected A549 cells were also used to generate tumor xenografts in nude mice. RESULTS Both Dsg2 mRNA and protein were highly expressed in NSCLC tissues and associated with NSCLC size, but not with overall survival of patients. Moreover, knockdown of Dsg2 expression reduced NSCLC cell proliferation and arrested them at the G1 phase of the cell cycle, but did not significantly affect NSCLC cell apoptosis. Dsg2 knockdown downregulated cyclin-dependent kinase 2 expression and upregulated p27 expression. Nude mouse xenograft assays showed that Dsg2 knockdown inhibited NSCLC xenograft growth in vivo. CONCLUSION This study revealed the importance of Dsg2 in suppression of NSCLC development and progression. Further studies will explore whether restoration of Dsg2 expression is a novel strategy in control of NSCLC.
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Determining the potential of desmoglein 3 as a sensitive and specific immunohistochemical marker for the detection of micrometastasis in patients with primary oral squamous cell carcinoma. Contemp Oncol (Pozn) 2016; 20:374-380. [PMID: 28373818 PMCID: PMC5371703 DOI: 10.5114/wo.2016.64596] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/23/2016] [Accepted: 06/22/2016] [Indexed: 12/01/2022] Open
Abstract
Aim of the study Despite advances in surgical and radiotherapy techniques, the presence of lymph node metastasis drastically decreases the survival rate of patients with primary oral squamous cell carcinoma (OSCC). Thus the accurate pathological staging of the neck is critical. Desmoglein 3 (DSG3), a desmosomal cadherin protein is said to be highly expressed in head and neck squamous cell carcinoma (HNSCC) and in metastatic cervical lymph nodes, but absent in non-invaded nodes. With an aim to improve the sensitivity of tumour cell detection, we investigated the potential of DSG3 as an immunohistochemical marker for the detection of occult lymph node metastasis in patients with primary OSCC. Material and methods Forty-seven lymph node specimens from 10 patients who underwent neck dissection for primary OSCC were immunostained with DSG3. Results The DSG3 positivity was noted in the six positive lymph nodes. However, when using DSG3 as an immunohistochemical marker, no additional micrometastatic deposits were evident in the histologically negative nodes. Interestingly, tumour marker DSG3-positive macrophages could be identified within the subcapsular sinuses, medullary sinuses, and the interfollicular areas. Conclusions Our findings suggest that although DSG3 is overexpressed in HNSCC, it is not specific and may not prove to be a potent immunohistochemical marker to detect micrometastasis. The role of tumour marker-positive macrophages within the lymph nodes needs to be investigated further.
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Sharan RN, Vaiphei ST, Nongrum S, Keppen J, Ksoo M. Consensus reference gene(s) for gene expression studies in human cancers: end of the tunnel visible? Cell Oncol (Dordr) 2015; 38:419-31. [PMID: 26384826 DOI: 10.1007/s13402-015-0244-6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 09/07/2015] [Indexed: 02/08/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Gene expression studies are increasingly used to provide valuable information on the diagnosis and prognosis of human cancers. Also, for in vitro and in vivo experimental cancer models gene expression studies are widely used. The complex algorithms of differential gene expression analyses require normalization of data against a reference or normalizer gene, or a set of such genes. For this purpose, mostly invariant housekeeping genes are used. Unfortunately, however, there are no consensus (housekeeping) genes that serve as reference or normalizer for different human cancers. In fact, scientists have employed a wide range of reference genes across different types of cancer for normalization of gene expression data. As a consequence, comparisons of these data and/or data harmonizations are difficult to perform and challenging. In addition, an inadequate choice for a reference gene may obscure genuine changes and/or result in erroneous gene expression data comparisons. METHODS In our effort to highlight the importance of selecting the most appropriate reference gene(s), we have screened the literature for gene expression studies published since the turn of the century on thirteen of the most prevalent human cancers worldwide. CONCLUSIONS Based on the analysis of the data at hand, we firstly recommend that in each study the suitability of candidate reference gene(s) should carefully be evaluated in order to yield reliable differential gene expression data. Secondly, we recommend that a combination of PPIA and either GAPDH, ACTB, HPRT and TBP, or appropriate combinations of two or three of these genes, should be employed in future studies, to ensure that results from different studies on different human cancers can be harmonized. This approach will ultimately increase the depth of our understanding of gene expression signatures across human cancers.
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Affiliation(s)
- R N Sharan
- Radiation and Molecular Biology Unit, Department of Biochemistry, North-Eastern Hill University (NEHU), Shillong, 793022, India.
| | - S Thangminlal Vaiphei
- Radiation and Molecular Biology Unit, Department of Biochemistry, North-Eastern Hill University (NEHU), Shillong, 793022, India
| | - Saibadaiahun Nongrum
- Radiation and Molecular Biology Unit, Department of Biochemistry, North-Eastern Hill University (NEHU), Shillong, 793022, India
| | - Joshua Keppen
- Radiation and Molecular Biology Unit, Department of Biochemistry, North-Eastern Hill University (NEHU), Shillong, 793022, India
| | - Mandahakani Ksoo
- Radiation and Molecular Biology Unit, Department of Biochemistry, North-Eastern Hill University (NEHU), Shillong, 793022, India
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Brown L, Wan H. Desmoglein 3: a help or a hindrance in cancer progression? Cancers (Basel) 2015; 7:266-86. [PMID: 25629808 PMCID: PMC4381258 DOI: 10.3390/cancers7010266] [Citation(s) in RCA: 29] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/26/2014] [Revised: 01/09/2015] [Accepted: 01/16/2015] [Indexed: 02/07/2023] Open
Abstract
Desmoglein 3 is one of seven desmosomal cadherins that mediate cell-cell adhesion in desmosomes. Desmosomes are the intercellular junctional complexes that anchor the intermediate filaments of adjacent cells and confer strong cell adhesion thus are essential in the maintenance of tissue architecture and structural integrity. Like adherens junctions, desmosomes function as tumour suppressors and are down regulated in the process of epithelial-mesenchymal transition and in tumour cell invasion and metastasis. However, recently several studies have shown that various desmosomal components, including desmoglein 3, are up-regulated in cancer with increased levels of expression correlating with the clinical stage of malignancy, implicating their potentiality to serve as a diagnostic and prognostic marker. Furthermore, in vitro studies have demonstrated that overexpression of desmoglein 3 in cancer cell lines activates several signal pathways that have an impact on cell morphology, adhesion and locomotion. These additional signalling roles of desmoglein 3 may not be associated to its adhesive function in desmosomes but rather function outside of the junctions, acting as a key regulator in the control of actin based cellular processes. This review will discuss recent advances which support the role of desmoglein 3 in cancer progression.
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Affiliation(s)
- Louise Brown
- Queen Mary University of London, Barts and the London School of Medicine and Dentistry, Center for Clinical and Diagnostic Oral Sciences, Institute of Dentistry, Blizard Building, London E1 2AT, UK.
| | - Hong Wan
- Queen Mary University of London, Barts and the London School of Medicine and Dentistry, Center for Clinical and Diagnostic Oral Sciences, Institute of Dentistry, Blizard Building, London E1 2AT, UK.
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Microenvironment, oncoantigens, and antitumor vaccination: lessons learned from BALB-neuT mice. BIOMED RESEARCH INTERNATIONAL 2014; 2014:534969. [PMID: 25136593 PMCID: PMC4065702 DOI: 10.1155/2014/534969] [Citation(s) in RCA: 21] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/10/2014] [Accepted: 05/12/2014] [Indexed: 12/20/2022]
Abstract
The tyrosine kinase human epidermal growth factor receptor 2 (HER2) gene is amplified in approximately 20% of human breast cancers and is associated with an aggressive clinical course and the early development of metastasis. Its crucial role in tumor growth and progression makes HER2 a prototypic oncoantigen, the targeting of which may be critical for the development of effective anticancer therapies. The setup of anti-HER2 targeting strategies has revolutionized the clinical outcome of HER2+ breast cancer. However, their initial success has been overshadowed by the onset of pharmacological resistance that renders them ineffective. Since the tumor microenvironment (TME) plays a crucial role in drug resistance, the design of more effective anticancer therapies should depend on the targeting of both cancer cells and their TME as a whole. In this review, starting from the successful know-how obtained with a HER2+ mouse model of mammary carcinogenesis, the BALB-neuT mice, we discuss the role of TME in mammary tumor development. Indeed, a deeper knowledge of antigens critical for cancer outbreak and progression and of the mechanisms that regulate the interplay between cancer and stromal cell populations could advise promising ways for the development of the best anticancer strategy.
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