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Suzuki T, Conant A, Jung Y, Bax R, Antonissen A, Chen W, Yu G, Ioffe YJ, Wang C, Unternaehrer JJ. A Stem-like Patient-Derived Ovarian Cancer Model of Platinum Resistance Reveals Dissociation of Stemness and Resistance. Int J Mol Sci 2024; 25:3843. [PMID: 38612653 PMCID: PMC11011340 DOI: 10.3390/ijms25073843] [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: 02/26/2024] [Revised: 03/22/2024] [Accepted: 03/25/2024] [Indexed: 04/14/2024] Open
Abstract
To understand chemoresistance in the context of cancer stem cells (CSC), a cisplatin resistance model was developed using a high-grade serous ovarian cancer patient-derived, cisplatin-sensitive sample, PDX4. As a molecular subtype-specific stem-like cell line, PDX4 was selected for its representative features, including its histopathological and BRCA2 mutation status, and exposed to cisplatin in vitro. In the cisplatin-resistant cells, transcriptomics were carried out, and cell morphology, protein expression, and functional status were characterized. Additionally, potential signaling pathways involved in cisplatin resistance were explored. Our findings reveal the presence of distinct molecular signatures and phenotypic changes in cisplatin-resistant PDX4 compared to their sensitive counterparts. Surprisingly, we observed that chemoresistance was not inherently linked with increased stemness. In fact, although resistant cells expressed a combination of EMT and stemness markers, functional assays revealed that they were less proliferative, migratory, and clonogenic-features indicative of an underlying complex mechanism for cell survival. Furthermore, DNA damage tolerance and cellular stress management pathways were enriched. This novel, syngeneic model provides a valuable platform for investigating the underlying mechanisms of cisplatin resistance in a clinically relevant context, contributing to the development of targeted therapies tailored to combat resistance in stem-like ovarian cancer.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tise Suzuki
- Division of Biochemistry, Department of Basic Sciences, Loma Linda University, Loma Linda, CA 92354, USA
| | - Ashlyn Conant
- Division of Biochemistry, Department of Basic Sciences, Loma Linda University, Loma Linda, CA 92354, USA
| | - Yeonkyu Jung
- Division of Biochemistry, Department of Basic Sciences, Loma Linda University, Loma Linda, CA 92354, USA
- Department of Biology, California State University San Bernardino, San Bernardino, CA 92407, USA
| | - Ryan Bax
- Division of Biochemistry, Department of Basic Sciences, Loma Linda University, Loma Linda, CA 92354, USA
| | - Ashley Antonissen
- Division of Biochemistry, Department of Basic Sciences, Loma Linda University, Loma Linda, CA 92354, USA
- Department of Biology, California State University San Bernardino, San Bernardino, CA 92407, USA
| | - Wanqiu Chen
- Division of Biochemistry, Department of Basic Sciences, Loma Linda University, Loma Linda, CA 92354, USA
- Center for Genomics, Loma Linda University, Loma Linda, CA 92354, USA
| | - Gary Yu
- Department of Population and Family Health, Mailman School of Public Health, Columbia University, New York, NY 10032, USA
| | - Yevgeniya J Ioffe
- Division of Gynecologic Oncology, Department of Gynecology and Obstetrics, Loma Linda University Medical Center, Loma Linda, CA 92354, USA
| | - Charles Wang
- Division of Biochemistry, Department of Basic Sciences, Loma Linda University, Loma Linda, CA 92354, USA
- Center for Genomics, Loma Linda University, Loma Linda, CA 92354, USA
| | - Juli J Unternaehrer
- Division of Biochemistry, Department of Basic Sciences, Loma Linda University, Loma Linda, CA 92354, USA
- Division of Gynecologic Oncology, Department of Gynecology and Obstetrics, Loma Linda University Medical Center, Loma Linda, CA 92354, USA
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Mercado KE, Badiner NM, Wang C, Denham L, Unternaehrer JJ, Hong LJ, Ioffe YJ. Racial and Ethnic Disparities in Gynecologic Carcinosarcoma: A Single-Institution Experience. Cancers (Basel) 2023; 15:4690. [PMID: 37835384 PMCID: PMC10571738 DOI: 10.3390/cancers15194690] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/31/2023] [Revised: 09/13/2023] [Accepted: 09/20/2023] [Indexed: 10/15/2023] Open
Abstract
We aimed to determine the incidence, treatment regimen, and treatment outcomes (including progression-free survival and overall survival) of gynecologic carcinosarcoma, a rare, aggressive, and understudied gynecologic malignancy. This retrospective review included all patients with gynecologic cancers diagnosed and treated at a single tertiary care comprehensive cancer center between January 2012 and May 2021. A total of 2116 patients were eligible for review, of which 84 cases were identified as carcinosarcoma: 66 were uterine (5.2% of uterine cancers), 17 were ovarian (3.6% of ovarian cancers), 1 was cervical (0.28% of cervical cancers), and 1 was untyped. Of the patients, 76.2% presented advanced-stage disease (stage III/IV) at the time of diagnosis. Minority patients were more likely to present with stage III/IV (p < 0.0001). The majority of patients underwent surgical resection followed by systemic chemotherapy with carboplatin and paclitaxel. The median PFS was 7.5 months. Of the patients, 55% were alive 1 year after diagnosis, and 45% were alive at 5 years. In the studied population, minorities were more likely to present with more advanced disease. The rate of gynecologic carcinosarcomas was consistent with historical reports.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kristina E. Mercado
- Department of Gynecology and Obstetrics, Loma Linda University Medical Center, Loma Linda, CA 92354, USA
| | - Nora M. Badiner
- Division of Gynecologic Oncology, Department of Gynecology and Obstetrics, Loma Linda University Medical Center, Loma Linda, CA 92354, USA
| | - Canty Wang
- Department of Gynecology and Obstetrics, Loma Linda University Medical Center, Loma Linda, CA 92354, USA
| | - Laura Denham
- Department of Pathology, Loma Linda University Medical Center, Loma Linda, CA 92354, USA
| | - Juli J. Unternaehrer
- Division of Gynecologic Oncology, Department of Gynecology and Obstetrics, Loma Linda University Medical Center, Loma Linda, CA 92354, USA
- Division of Biochemistry, Department of Basic Sciences, Loma Linda University, Loma Linda, CA 92354, USA
| | - Linda J. Hong
- Division of Gynecologic Oncology, Department of Gynecology and Obstetrics, Loma Linda University Medical Center, Loma Linda, CA 92354, USA
| | - Yevgeniya J. Ioffe
- Division of Gynecologic Oncology, Department of Gynecology and Obstetrics, Loma Linda University Medical Center, Loma Linda, CA 92354, USA
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Sanchez-Hernandez ES, Ochoa PT, Suzuki T, Ortiz-Hernandez GL, Unternaehrer JJ, Alkashgari HR, Diaz Osterman CJ, Martinez SR, Chen Z, Kremsky I, Wang C, Casiano CA. Glucocorticoid Receptor Regulates and Interacts with LEDGF/p75 to Promote Docetaxel Resistance in Prostate Cancer Cells. Cells 2023; 12:2046. [PMID: 37626856 PMCID: PMC10453226 DOI: 10.3390/cells12162046] [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: 06/23/2023] [Revised: 07/31/2023] [Accepted: 08/05/2023] [Indexed: 08/27/2023] Open
Abstract
Patients with advanced prostate cancer (PCa) invariably develop resistance to anti-androgen therapy and taxane-based chemotherapy. Glucocorticoid receptor (GR) has been implicated in PCa therapy resistance; however, the mechanisms underlying GR-mediated chemoresistance remain unclear. Lens epithelium-derived growth factor p75 (LEDGF/p75, also known as PSIP1 and DFS70) is a glucocorticoid-induced transcription co-activator implicated in cancer chemoresistance. We investigated the contribution of the GR-LEDGF/p75 axis to docetaxel (DTX)-resistance in PCa cells. GR silencing in DTX-sensitive and -resistant PCa cells decreased LEDGF/p75 expression, and GR upregulation in enzalutamide-resistant cells correlated with increased LEDGF/p75 expression. ChIP-sequencing revealed GR binding sites in the LEDGF/p75 promoter. STRING protein-protein interaction analysis indicated that GR and LEDGF/p75 belong to the same transcriptional network, and immunochemical studies demonstrated their co-immunoprecipitation and co-localization in DTX-resistant cells. The GR modulators exicorilant and relacorilant increased the sensitivity of chemoresistant PCa cells to DTX-induced cell death, and this effect was more pronounced upon LEDGF/p75 silencing. RNA-sequencing of DTX-resistant cells with GR or LEDGF/p75 knockdown revealed a transcriptomic overlap targeting signaling pathways associated with cell survival and proliferation, cancer, and therapy resistance. These studies implicate the GR-LEDGF/p75 axis in PCa therapy resistance and provide a pre-clinical rationale for developing novel therapeutic strategies for advanced PCa.
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Affiliation(s)
- Evelyn S. Sanchez-Hernandez
- Center for Health Disparities and Molecular Medicine, Loma Linda University School of Medicine, Loma Linda, CA 92350, USA; (E.S.S.-H.); (T.S.); (G.L.O.-H.); (J.J.U.); (H.R.A.)
- Department of Basic Sciences, Loma Linda University School of Medicine, Loma Linda, CA 92350, USA; (Z.C.); (I.K.); (C.W.)
| | - Pedro T. Ochoa
- Center for Health Disparities and Molecular Medicine, Loma Linda University School of Medicine, Loma Linda, CA 92350, USA; (E.S.S.-H.); (T.S.); (G.L.O.-H.); (J.J.U.); (H.R.A.)
- Department of Basic Sciences, Loma Linda University School of Medicine, Loma Linda, CA 92350, USA; (Z.C.); (I.K.); (C.W.)
| | - Tise Suzuki
- Center for Health Disparities and Molecular Medicine, Loma Linda University School of Medicine, Loma Linda, CA 92350, USA; (E.S.S.-H.); (T.S.); (G.L.O.-H.); (J.J.U.); (H.R.A.)
- Department of Basic Sciences, Loma Linda University School of Medicine, Loma Linda, CA 92350, USA; (Z.C.); (I.K.); (C.W.)
| | - Greisha L. Ortiz-Hernandez
- Center for Health Disparities and Molecular Medicine, Loma Linda University School of Medicine, Loma Linda, CA 92350, USA; (E.S.S.-H.); (T.S.); (G.L.O.-H.); (J.J.U.); (H.R.A.)
| | - Juli J. Unternaehrer
- Center for Health Disparities and Molecular Medicine, Loma Linda University School of Medicine, Loma Linda, CA 92350, USA; (E.S.S.-H.); (T.S.); (G.L.O.-H.); (J.J.U.); (H.R.A.)
- Department of Basic Sciences, Loma Linda University School of Medicine, Loma Linda, CA 92350, USA; (Z.C.); (I.K.); (C.W.)
| | - Hossam R. Alkashgari
- Center for Health Disparities and Molecular Medicine, Loma Linda University School of Medicine, Loma Linda, CA 92350, USA; (E.S.S.-H.); (T.S.); (G.L.O.-H.); (J.J.U.); (H.R.A.)
- Department of Basic Sciences, Loma Linda University School of Medicine, Loma Linda, CA 92350, USA; (Z.C.); (I.K.); (C.W.)
- Department of Physiology, College of Medicine, University of Jeddah, Jeddah 23890, Saudi Arabia
| | - Carlos J. Diaz Osterman
- Department of Basic Sciences, Ponce Health Sciences University, Ponce, PR 00716, USA; (C.J.D.O.); (S.R.M.)
| | - Shannalee R. Martinez
- Department of Basic Sciences, Ponce Health Sciences University, Ponce, PR 00716, USA; (C.J.D.O.); (S.R.M.)
| | - Zhong Chen
- Department of Basic Sciences, Loma Linda University School of Medicine, Loma Linda, CA 92350, USA; (Z.C.); (I.K.); (C.W.)
- Center for Genomics, Loma Linda University School of Medicine, Loma Linda, CA 92350, USA
| | - Isaac Kremsky
- Department of Basic Sciences, Loma Linda University School of Medicine, Loma Linda, CA 92350, USA; (Z.C.); (I.K.); (C.W.)
- Center for Genomics, Loma Linda University School of Medicine, Loma Linda, CA 92350, USA
| | - Charles Wang
- Department of Basic Sciences, Loma Linda University School of Medicine, Loma Linda, CA 92350, USA; (Z.C.); (I.K.); (C.W.)
- Center for Genomics, Loma Linda University School of Medicine, Loma Linda, CA 92350, USA
| | - Carlos A. Casiano
- Center for Health Disparities and Molecular Medicine, Loma Linda University School of Medicine, Loma Linda, CA 92350, USA; (E.S.S.-H.); (T.S.); (G.L.O.-H.); (J.J.U.); (H.R.A.)
- Department of Basic Sciences, Loma Linda University School of Medicine, Loma Linda, CA 92350, USA; (Z.C.); (I.K.); (C.W.)
- Rheumatology Division, Department of Medicine, Loma Linda University School of Medicine, Loma Linda, CA 92350, USA
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Suzuki T, Conant A, Curow C, Alexander A, Ioffe Y, Unternaehrer JJ. Role of epithelial-mesenchymal transition factor SNAI1 and its targets in ovarian cancer aggressiveness. J Cancer Metastasis Treat 2023; 9:25. [PMID: 38009093 PMCID: PMC10673625 DOI: 10.20517/2394-4722.2023.34] [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] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/28/2023]
Abstract
Ovarian cancer remains the most lethal gynecologic malignancy in the USA. For over twenty years, epithelial-mesenchymal transition (EMT) has been characterized extensively in development and disease. The dysregulation of this process in cancer has been identified as a mechanism by which epithelial tumors become more aggressive, allowing them to survive and invade distant tissues. This occurs in part due to the increased expression of the EMT transcription factor, SNAI1 (Snail). In the case of epithelial ovarian cancer, Snail has been shown to contribute to cancer invasion, stemness, chemoresistance, and metabolic changes. Thus, in this review, we focus on summarizing current findings on the role of EMT (specifically, factors downstream of Snail) in determining ovarian cancer aggressiveness.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tise Suzuki
- Division of Biochemistry, Department of Basic Sciences, Loma Linda University, Loma Linda, CA 92354, USA
| | - Ashlyn Conant
- Division of Biochemistry, Department of Basic Sciences, Loma Linda University, Loma Linda, CA 92354, USA
| | - Casey Curow
- Division of Biochemistry, Department of Basic Sciences, Loma Linda University, Loma Linda, CA 92354, USA
- University of Redlands, Department of Biology, Redlands, CA 92373, USA
| | - Audrey Alexander
- Division of Biochemistry, Department of Basic Sciences, Loma Linda University, Loma Linda, CA 92354, USA
- Division of Natural and Mathematical Sciences, Department of Biological Sciences, California Baptist University, Riverside, CA 92504, USA
| | - Yevgeniya Ioffe
- Department of Gynecology and Obstetrics, Division of Gynecologic Oncology, Loma Linda University Medical Center, Loma Linda, CA 92354, USA
| | - Juli J Unternaehrer
- Division of Biochemistry, Department of Basic Sciences, Loma Linda University, Loma Linda, CA 92354, USA
- Department of Gynecology and Obstetrics, Loma Linda University, Loma Linda, CA 92354, USA
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Chitsike L, Bertucci A, Vazquez M, Lee S, Unternaehrer JJ, Duerksen-Hughes PJ. GA-OH enhances the cytotoxicity of photon and proton radiation in HPV + HNSCC cells. Front Oncol 2023; 13:1070485. [PMID: 36845698 PMCID: PMC9950506 DOI: 10.3389/fonc.2023.1070485] [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] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/14/2022] [Accepted: 01/23/2023] [Indexed: 02/12/2023] Open
Abstract
Introduction Treatment-related toxicity following either chemo- or radiotherapy can create significant clinical challenges for HNSCC cancer patients, particularly those with HPV-associated oropharyngeal squamous cell carcinoma. Identifying and characterizing targeted therapy agents that enhance the efficacy of radiation is a reasonable approach for developing de-escalated radiation regimens that result in less radiation-induced sequelae. We evaluated the ability of our recently discovered, novel HPV E6 inhibitor (GA-OH) to radio-sensitize HPV+ and HPV- HNSCC cell lines to photon and proton radiation. Methods Radiosensitivity to either photon or proton beams was assessed using various assays such as colony formation assay, DNA damage markers, cell cycle and apoptosis, western blotting, and primary cells. Calculations for radiosensitivity indices and relative biological effectiveness (RBE) were based on the linear quadratic model. Results Our results showed that radiation derived from both X-ray photons and protons is effective in inhibiting colony formation in HNSCC cells, and that GA-OH potentiated radiosensitivity of the cells. This effect was stronger in HPV+ cells as compared to their HPV- counterparts. We also found that GA-OH was more effective than cetuximab but less effective than cisplatin (CDDP) in enhancing radiosensitivity of HSNCC cells. Further tests indicated that the effects of GA-OH on the response to radiation may be mediated through cell cycle arrest, particularly in HPV+ cell lines. Importantly, the results also showed that GA-OH increases the apoptotic induction of radiation as measured by several apoptotic markers, even though radiation alone had little effect on apoptosis. Conclusion The enhanced combinatorial cytotoxicity found in this study indicates the strong potential of E6 inhibition as a strategy to sensitize cells to radiation. Future research is warranted to further characterize the interaction of GA-OH derivatives and other E6-specific inhibitors with radiation, as well as its potential to improve the safety and effectiveness of radiation treatment for patients with oropharyngeal cancer.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lennox Chitsike
- Department of Basic Sciences, Loma Linda University School of Medicine, Loma Linda, CA, United States
| | - Antonella Bertucci
- Department of Radiation Medicine, Loma Linda University School of Medicine, Loma Linda, CA, United States
| | - Marcelo Vazquez
- Department of Basic Sciences, Loma Linda University School of Medicine, Loma Linda, CA, United States,Department of Radiation Medicine, Loma Linda University School of Medicine, Loma Linda, CA, United States
| | - Steve Lee
- Department of Otolaryngology & Head/Neck Surgery, Loma Linda University School of Medicine, Loma Linda, CA, United States
| | - Juli J. Unternaehrer
- Division of Biochemistry, Department of Basic Sciences, Loma Linda University, Loma Linda, CA, United States
| | - Penelope J. Duerksen-Hughes
- Department of Basic Sciences, Loma Linda University School of Medicine, Loma Linda, CA, United States,*Correspondence: Penelope J. Duerksen-Hughes,
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Ioffe YJ, Hong L, Joachim-Célestin M, Soret C, Montgomery S, Unternaehrer JJ. Genetic Testing in the Latinx community: Impact of acculturation and provider relationships. Gynecol Oncol 2023; 169:125-130. [PMID: 36577267 DOI: 10.1016/j.ygyno.2022.12.001] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/15/2022] [Revised: 11/30/2022] [Accepted: 12/01/2022] [Indexed: 12/27/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVES The current study aimed to explore attitudes toward genetic germline testing and intentions to test in Latinas from Southern California. We hypothesized that patients' acculturation and education levels, as well as comfort with health care providers, are positively associated with attitudes and intentions toward genetic testing. METHODS A survey was offered concurrently to Latinx female patients at a gynecologic oncology practice and to unaffiliated Latinx community members. The survey assessed demographics, structural, psychosocial, and acculturation factors and genetic testing attitudes and intentions via validated scales. RESULTS Of 148 surveys collected, 66% of responders had low levels of acculturation. 50% of women had government-subsidized insurance; 22% had no schooling in the US. 67% of participants did not carry a diagnosis of cancer. Women with higher acculturation levels were more likely to consider genetic testing (rs = 0.54, p = .001). Higher acculturated women and less acculturated women under 50 were more likely to consider testing if it had been recommended by a female, trusted, or Hispanic/Latinx provider (rs = 0.22, p = .01, rs = 0.27, p = .003 and rs = 0.19, p = .003, respectively) or if there was a recent cancer diagnosis (self or family, rs = 0.19, p = .03). Overall, education correlated with intention to test. The more education outside of the US, the less negative was the attitude toward being tested (rs = -0.41, p = .002). CONCLUSIONS Direct experiences with cancer, more schooling and higher acculturation coupled with provider characteristics determined if Latinas were more open to testing. Provider characteristics mattered: having a female, Latinx, Spanish speaking provider was important for genetic testing decision-making. These findings are particularly pertinent in areas with high Latinx populations.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yevgeniya J Ioffe
- Department of Gynecology and Obstetrics, Division of Gynecologic Oncology, Loma Linda University School of Medicine, Loma Linda, CA, United States of America.
| | - Linda Hong
- Department of Gynecology and Obstetrics, Division of Gynecologic Oncology, Loma Linda University School of Medicine, Loma Linda, CA, United States of America
| | | | - Carmen Soret
- School of Behavioral Health, Loma Linda University, United States of America
| | - Susanne Montgomery
- School of Behavioral Health, Loma Linda University, United States of America
| | - Juli J Unternaehrer
- Department of Basic Sciences, Division of Biochemistry, Loma Linda University School of Medicine, United States of America
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Chirshev E, Suzuki T, Wang H, Nguyen A, Hojo N, Sanderman L, Mirshahidi S, Ioffe YJ, Unternaehrer JJ. Let-7i Reduces Aggressive Phenotype and Induces BRCAness in Ovarian Cancer Cells. Cancers (Basel) 2021; 13:cancers13184617. [PMID: 34572843 PMCID: PMC8468164 DOI: 10.3390/cancers13184617] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [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: 07/02/2021] [Revised: 09/05/2021] [Accepted: 09/09/2021] [Indexed: 12/24/2022] Open
Abstract
High-grade serous carcinoma of the ovary is a deadly gynecological cancer with poor long-term survival. Dysregulation of microRNAs has been shown to contribute to the formation of cancer stem cells (CSCs), an important part of oncogenesis and tumor progression. The let-7 family of microRNAs has previously been shown to regulate stemness and has tumor suppressive actions in a variety of cancers, including ovarian. Here, we demonstrate tumor suppressor actions of let-7i: repression of cancer cell stemness, inhibition of migration and invasion, and promotion of apoptosis, features important for cancer progression, relapse, and metastasis. Let-7i over-expression results in increased sensitivity to the PARP inhibitor olaparib in samples without BRCA mutations, consistent with induction of BRCAness phenotype. We also show that let-7i inhibits the expression of several factors involved in the homologous recombination repair (HRR) pathway, providing potential mechanisms by which the BRCAness phenotype could be induced. These actions of let-7i add to the rationale for use of this miRNA as a treatment for ovarian cancer patients, including those without mutations in the HRR pathway.
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Affiliation(s)
- Evgeny Chirshev
- Department of Basic Sciences, Division of Biochemistry, Loma Linda University, Loma Linda, CA 92354, USA; (E.C.); (T.S.); (H.W.); (A.N.); (N.H.); (L.S.)
- Department of Pathology and Human Anatomy, Loma Linda University School of Medicine, Loma Linda, CA 92354, USA
| | - Tise Suzuki
- Department of Basic Sciences, Division of Biochemistry, Loma Linda University, Loma Linda, CA 92354, USA; (E.C.); (T.S.); (H.W.); (A.N.); (N.H.); (L.S.)
| | - Hanmin Wang
- Department of Basic Sciences, Division of Biochemistry, Loma Linda University, Loma Linda, CA 92354, USA; (E.C.); (T.S.); (H.W.); (A.N.); (N.H.); (L.S.)
| | - Anthony Nguyen
- Department of Basic Sciences, Division of Biochemistry, Loma Linda University, Loma Linda, CA 92354, USA; (E.C.); (T.S.); (H.W.); (A.N.); (N.H.); (L.S.)
| | - Nozomi Hojo
- Department of Basic Sciences, Division of Biochemistry, Loma Linda University, Loma Linda, CA 92354, USA; (E.C.); (T.S.); (H.W.); (A.N.); (N.H.); (L.S.)
| | - Linda Sanderman
- Department of Basic Sciences, Division of Biochemistry, Loma Linda University, Loma Linda, CA 92354, USA; (E.C.); (T.S.); (H.W.); (A.N.); (N.H.); (L.S.)
- Biology Department, California State University San Bernardino, San Bernardino, CA 92407, USA
| | - Saied Mirshahidi
- Biospecimen Laboratory, Loma Linda University Cancer Center, Department of Basic Sciences, Division of Microbiology & Molecular Genetics, Loma Linda University, Loma Linda, CA 92354, USA;
| | - Yevgeniya J. Ioffe
- Department of Gynecology and Obstetrics, Division of Gynecologic Oncology, Loma Linda University Medical Center, Loma Linda, CA 92354, USA;
| | - Juli J. Unternaehrer
- Department of Basic Sciences, Division of Biochemistry, Loma Linda University, Loma Linda, CA 92354, USA; (E.C.); (T.S.); (H.W.); (A.N.); (N.H.); (L.S.)
- Department of Gynecology and Obstetrics, Loma Linda University, Loma Linda, CA 92354, USA
- Center for Health Disparities and Molecular Medicine, Loma Linda University, Loma Linda, CA 92354, USA
- Correspondence:
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Wang H, Chirshev E, Hojo N, Suzuki T, Bertucci A, Pierce M, Perry C, Wang R, Zink J, Glackin CA, Ioffe YJ, Unternaehrer JJ. The Epithelial-Mesenchymal Transcription Factor SNAI1 Represses Transcription of the Tumor Suppressor miRNA let-7 in Cancer. Cancers (Basel) 2021; 13:cancers13061469. [PMID: 33806868 PMCID: PMC8004805 DOI: 10.3390/cancers13061469] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/25/2021] [Revised: 03/15/2021] [Accepted: 03/17/2021] [Indexed: 01/06/2023] Open
Abstract
Simple Summary When cells undergo epithelial–mesenchymal transition (EMT) they gain characteristics of stem cells. We investigated the mechanism by which the EMT transcription factor SNAI1 induces stem cell features. In these studies, we observed that SNAI1 represses a microRNA that maintains differentiation, let-7. This microRNA is lost in cancer, and its loss correlates with poor prognosis. In breast, pancreatic, and ovarian cancer cell lines the cell stemness in increased by SNAI1 overexpression and reduced by SNAI1 knockdown. We extended the ovarian cancer results to patient-derived cells, and to a mouse xenograft model. In mice, we used nanoparticles to deliver small RNAs (RNAi) targeting SNAI1, resulting in restoration of let-7 levels, inhibition of stemness, and reduced tumor burden. Our studies validate nanoparticle-delivered RNAi targeting SNAI1 as a clinically relevant approach. Abstract We aimed to determine the mechanism of epithelial–mesenchymal transition (EMT)-induced stemness in cancer cells. Cancer relapse and metastasis are caused by rare stem-like cells within tumors. Studies of stem cell reprogramming have linked let-7 repression and acquisition of stemness with the EMT factor, SNAI1. The mechanisms for the loss of let-7 in cancer cells are incompletely understood. In four carcinoma cell lines from breast cancer, pancreatic cancer, and ovarian cancer and in ovarian cancer patient-derived cells, we analyzed stem cell phenotype and tumor growth via mRNA, miRNA, and protein expression, spheroid formation, and growth in patient-derived xenografts. We show that treatment with EMT-promoting growth factors or SNAI1 overexpression increased stemness and reduced let-7 expression, while SNAI1 knockdown reduced stemness and restored let-7 expression. Rescue experiments demonstrate that the pro-stemness effects of SNAI1 are mediated via let-7. In vivo, nanoparticle-delivered siRNA successfully knocked down SNAI1 in orthotopic patient-derived xenografts, accompanied by reduced stemness and increased let-7 expression, and reduced tumor burden. Chromatin immunoprecipitation demonstrated that SNAI1 binds the promoters of various let-7 family members, and luciferase assays revealed that SNAI1 represses let-7 transcription. In conclusion, the SNAI1/let-7 axis is an important component of stemness pathways in cancer cells, and this study provides a rationale for future work examining this axis as a potential target for cancer stem cell-specific therapies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hanmin Wang
- Division of Biochemistry, Department of Basic Sciences, Loma Linda University, Loma Linda, CA 92354, USA; (H.W.); (E.C.); (N.H.); (T.S.); (A.B.); (C.P.)
| | - Evgeny Chirshev
- Division of Biochemistry, Department of Basic Sciences, Loma Linda University, Loma Linda, CA 92354, USA; (H.W.); (E.C.); (N.H.); (T.S.); (A.B.); (C.P.)
| | - Nozomi Hojo
- Division of Biochemistry, Department of Basic Sciences, Loma Linda University, Loma Linda, CA 92354, USA; (H.W.); (E.C.); (N.H.); (T.S.); (A.B.); (C.P.)
| | - Tise Suzuki
- Division of Biochemistry, Department of Basic Sciences, Loma Linda University, Loma Linda, CA 92354, USA; (H.W.); (E.C.); (N.H.); (T.S.); (A.B.); (C.P.)
| | - Antonella Bertucci
- Division of Biochemistry, Department of Basic Sciences, Loma Linda University, Loma Linda, CA 92354, USA; (H.W.); (E.C.); (N.H.); (T.S.); (A.B.); (C.P.)
| | - Michael Pierce
- Department of Biology, California State University San Bernardino, San Bernardino, CA 92407, USA;
| | - Christopher Perry
- Division of Biochemistry, Department of Basic Sciences, Loma Linda University, Loma Linda, CA 92354, USA; (H.W.); (E.C.); (N.H.); (T.S.); (A.B.); (C.P.)
| | - Ruining Wang
- Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry, University of California, Los Angeles, CA 90095, USA; (R.W.); (J.Z.)
| | - Jeffrey Zink
- Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry, University of California, Los Angeles, CA 90095, USA; (R.W.); (J.Z.)
| | | | - Yevgeniya J. Ioffe
- Division of Gynecologic Oncology, Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Loma Linda University Medical Center, Loma Linda, CA 92354, USA;
| | - Juli J. Unternaehrer
- Division of Biochemistry, Department of Basic Sciences, Loma Linda University, Loma Linda, CA 92354, USA; (H.W.); (E.C.); (N.H.); (T.S.); (A.B.); (C.P.)
- Center for Health Disparities and Molecular Medicine, Loma Linda University, Loma Linda, CA 92354, USA
- Correspondence: ; Tel.: +1-909-558-7691; Fax: +1-909-558-4887
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9
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Chirshev E, Hojo N, Bertucci A, Sanderman L, Nguyen A, Wang H, Suzuki T, Brito E, Martinez SR, Castañón C, Mirshahidi S, Vazquez ME, Wat P, Oberg KC, Ioffe YJ, Unternaehrer JJ. Epithelial/mesenchymal heterogeneity of high-grade serous ovarian carcinoma samples correlates with miRNA let-7 levels and predicts tumor growth and metastasis. Mol Oncol 2020; 14:2796-2813. [PMID: 32652647 PMCID: PMC7607177 DOI: 10.1002/1878-0261.12762] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/07/2020] [Revised: 06/16/2020] [Accepted: 07/07/2020] [Indexed: 12/18/2022] Open
Abstract
Patient‐derived samples present an advantage over current cell line models of high‐grade serous ovarian cancer (HGSOC) that are not always reliable and phenotypically faithful models of in vivo HGSOC. To improve upon cell line models of HGSOC, we set out to characterize a panel of patient‐derived cells and determine their epithelial and mesenchymal characteristics. We analyzed RNA and protein expression levels in patient‐derived xenograft (PDX) models of HGSOC, and functionally characterized these models using flow cytometry, wound healing assays, invasion assays, and spheroid cultures. Besides in vitro work, we also evaluated the growth characteristics of PDX in vivo (orthotopic PDX). We found that all samples had hybrid characteristics, covering a spectrum from an epithelial‐to‐mesenchymal state. Samples with a stronger epithelial phenotype were more active in self‐renewal assays and more tumorigenic in orthotopic xenograft models as compared to samples with a stronger mesenchymal phenotype, which were more migratory and invasive. Additionally, we observed an inverse association between microRNA let‐7 (lethal‐7) expression and stemness, consistent with the loss of let‐7 being an important component of the cancer stem cell phenotype. We observed that lower let‐7 levels were associated with the epithelial state and a lower epithelial mesenchymal transition (EMT) score, more efficient spheroid and tumor formation, and increased sensitivity to platinum‐based chemotherapy. Surprisingly, in these HGSOC cells, stemness could be dissociated from invasiveness: Cells with lower let‐7 levels were more tumorigenic, but less migratory, and with a lower EMT score, than those with higher let‐7 levels. We conclude that let‐7 expression and epithelial/mesenchymal state are valuable predictors of HGSOC proliferation, in vitro self‐renewal, and tumor burden in vivo.
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Affiliation(s)
- Evgeny Chirshev
- Division of Biochemistry, Department of Basic Sciences, Loma Linda University, Loma Linda, CA, USA.,Department of Pathology and Human Anatomy, Loma Linda University School of Medicine, Loma Linda, CA, USA
| | - Nozomi Hojo
- Division of Biochemistry, Department of Basic Sciences, Loma Linda University, Loma Linda, CA, USA
| | - Antonella Bertucci
- Division of Biochemistry, Department of Basic Sciences, Loma Linda University, Loma Linda, CA, USA
| | - Linda Sanderman
- Division of Biochemistry, Department of Basic Sciences, Loma Linda University, Loma Linda, CA, USA.,Biology Department, California State University San Bernardino, San Bernardino, CA, USA
| | - Anthony Nguyen
- Division of Biochemistry, Department of Basic Sciences, Loma Linda University, Loma Linda, CA, USA
| | - Hanmin Wang
- Division of Biochemistry, Department of Basic Sciences, Loma Linda University, Loma Linda, CA, USA
| | - Tise Suzuki
- Division of Biochemistry, Department of Basic Sciences, Loma Linda University, Loma Linda, CA, USA
| | - Emmanuel Brito
- Division of Biochemistry, Department of Basic Sciences, Loma Linda University, Loma Linda, CA, USA.,Biology Department, California State University San Bernardino, San Bernardino, CA, USA
| | - Shannalee R Martinez
- Center for Health Disparities and Molecular Medicine, Loma Linda University, Loma Linda, CA, USA
| | - Christine Castañón
- Division of Biochemistry, Department of Basic Sciences, Loma Linda University, Loma Linda, CA, USA.,Center for Health Disparities and Molecular Medicine, Loma Linda University, Loma Linda, CA, USA
| | - Saied Mirshahidi
- Biospecimen Laboratory, Division of Microbiology & Molecular Genetics, Department of Basic Sciences, Loma Linda University Cancer Center, Loma Linda University, Loma Linda, CA, USA
| | - Marcelo E Vazquez
- Department of Radiation Medicine, Loma Linda University, Loma Linda, CA, USA
| | - Pamela Wat
- Department of Pathology and Human Anatomy, Loma Linda University School of Medicine, Loma Linda, CA, USA
| | - Kerby C Oberg
- Department of Pathology and Human Anatomy, Loma Linda University School of Medicine, Loma Linda, CA, USA
| | - Yevgeniya J Ioffe
- Division of Gynecologic Oncology, Department of Gynecology and Obstetrics, Loma Linda University Medical Center, Loma Linda, CA, USA
| | - Juli J Unternaehrer
- Division of Biochemistry, Department of Basic Sciences, Loma Linda University, Loma Linda, CA, USA.,Center for Health Disparities and Molecular Medicine, Loma Linda University, Loma Linda, CA, USA.,Department of Gynecology and Obstetrics, Loma Linda University, Loma Linda, CA, USA
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10
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Chirshev E, Oberg KC, Ioffe YJ, Unternaehrer JJ. Let-7 as biomarker, prognostic indicator, and therapy for precision medicine in cancer. Clin Transl Med 2019; 8:24. [PMID: 31468250 PMCID: PMC6715759 DOI: 10.1186/s40169-019-0240-y] [Citation(s) in RCA: 146] [Impact Index Per Article: 29.2] [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: 03/04/2019] [Accepted: 08/16/2019] [Indexed: 12/23/2022] Open
Abstract
Abnormal regulation and expression of microRNAs (miRNAs) has been documented in various diseases including cancer. The miRNA let-7 (MIRLET7) family controls developmental timing and differentiation. Let-7 loss contributes to carcinogenesis via an increase in its target oncogenes and stemness factors. Let-7 targets include genes regulating the cell cycle, cell signaling, and maintenance of differentiation. It is categorized as a tumor suppressor because it reduces cancer aggressiveness, chemoresistance, and radioresistance. However, in rare situations let-7 acts as an oncogene, increasing cancer migration, invasion, chemoresistance, and expression of genes associated with progression and metastasis. Here, we review let-7 function as tumor suppressor and oncogene, considering let-7 as a potential diagnostic and prognostic marker, and a therapeutic target for cancer treatment. We explain the complex regulation and function of different let-7 family members, pointing to abnormal processes involved in carcinogenesis. Let-7 is a promising option to complement conventional cancer therapy, but requires a tumor specific delivery method to avoid toxicity. While let-7 therapy is not yet established, we make the case that assessing its tumor presence is crucial when choosing therapy. Clinical data demonstrate that let-7 can be used as a biomarker for rational precision medicine decisions, resulting in improved patient survival.
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Affiliation(s)
- Evgeny Chirshev
- Division of Anatomy, Department of Basic Sciences, Loma Linda University, Loma Linda, CA, USA
| | - Kerby C Oberg
- Division of Anatomy and Pediatric Pathology, Loma Linda University, Loma Linda, CA, USA
| | - Yevgeniya J Ioffe
- Gynecology and Obstetrics, School of Medicine, Loma Linda University, Loma Linda, CA, USA
| | - Juli J Unternaehrer
- Division of Biochemistry, Department of Basic Sciences, Loma Linda University, 11085 Campus Street, Mortensen Hall 219, Loma Linda, CA, 92354, USA.
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11
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Wang H, Unternaehrer JJ. Epithelial-mesenchymal Transition and Cancer Stem Cells: At the Crossroads of Differentiation and Dedifferentiation. Dev Dyn 2018; 248:10-20. [DOI: 10.1002/dvdy.24678] [Citation(s) in RCA: 63] [Impact Index Per Article: 10.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/29/2018] [Revised: 05/29/2018] [Accepted: 09/27/2018] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Affiliation(s)
- Hanmin Wang
- Division of Biochemistry, Department of Basic Sciences; Loma Linda University; Loma Linda California
| | - Juli J. Unternaehrer
- Division of Biochemistry, Department of Basic Sciences; Loma Linda University; Loma Linda California
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12
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Hojo N, Huisken AL, Wang H, Chirshev E, Kim NS, Nguyen SM, Campos H, Glackin CA, Ioffe YJ, Unternaehrer JJ. Snail knockdown reverses stemness and inhibits tumour growth in ovarian cancer. Sci Rep 2018; 8:8704. [PMID: 29880891 PMCID: PMC5992154 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-018-27021-z] [Citation(s) in RCA: 53] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.8] [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: 12/29/2017] [Accepted: 05/23/2018] [Indexed: 12/29/2022] Open
Abstract
To develop effective therapies for advanced high grade serous ovarian cancer (HGSOC), understanding mechanisms of recurrence and metastasis is necessary. In this study, we define the epithelial/mesenchymal status of cell lines that accurately model HGSOC, and evaluate the therapeutic potential of targeting Snai1 (Snail), a master regulator of the epithelial/mesenchymal transition (EMT) in vitro and in vivo. The ratio of Snail to E-cadherin (S/E index) at RNA and protein levels was correlated with mesenchymal morphology in four cell lines. The cell lines with high S/E index (OVCAR8 and COV318) showed more CSC-like, motile, and chemoresistant phenotypes than those with low S/E index (OVSAHO and Kuramochi). We tested the role of Snail in regulation of malignant phenotypes including stemness, cell motility, and chemotherapy resistance: shRNA-mediated knockdown of Snail reversed these malignant phenotypes. Interestingly, the expression of let-7 tumour suppressor miRNA was upregulated in Snail knockdown cells. Furthermore, knockdown of Snail decreased tumour burden in an orthotopic xenograft mouse model. We conclude that Snail is important in controlling HGSOC malignant phenotypes and suggest that the Snail/Let-7 axis may be an attractive target for HGSOC treatment.
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Affiliation(s)
- N Hojo
- Division of Biochemistry, Department of Basic Sciences, Loma Linda University, Loma Linda, CA, USA
| | - A L Huisken
- Division of Biochemistry, Department of Basic Sciences, Loma Linda University, Loma Linda, CA, USA
| | - H Wang
- Division of Biochemistry, Department of Basic Sciences, Loma Linda University, Loma Linda, CA, USA
| | - E Chirshev
- Division of Biochemistry, Department of Basic Sciences, Loma Linda University, Loma Linda, CA, USA
| | - N S Kim
- Department of Molecular Biology, Chonbuk National University, Dukjindong 664-14, Jeonju, Jeollabuk-do, 561-756, Republic of Korea
| | - S M Nguyen
- University of California, Riverside - School of Medicine, Riverside, CA, USA
| | - H Campos
- Division of Biochemistry, Department of Basic Sciences, Loma Linda University, Loma Linda, CA, USA.,Center for Health Disparities and Molecular Medicine, Loma Linda University, Loma Linda, CA, USA
| | - C A Glackin
- Beckman Research Institute, City of Hope, Duarte, CA, USA
| | - Y J Ioffe
- Division of Gynecologic Oncology, Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Loma Linda University Medical Center, Loma Linda, CA, USA
| | - J J Unternaehrer
- Division of Biochemistry, Department of Basic Sciences, Loma Linda University, Loma Linda, CA, USA.
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13
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Gallardo M, Huisken-Hill A, Wang H, Castanon C, Unternaehrer JJ. Abstract TMEM-024: CHARACTERIZATION OF STEM CELLS IN HIGH GRADE SEROUS OVARIAN CARCINOMA CELLS. Clin Cancer Res 2017. [DOI: 10.1158/1557-3265.ovcasymp16-tmem-024] [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] [Indexed: 11/16/2022]
Abstract
Abstract
PURPOSE: The objectives of this study are to understand how transcription factors and miRNAs impact stemness in epithelial ovarian cancer (EOC). Our goal is to target EOC cancer stem cells (CSC) in order to arrest disease progression.
Ovarian Cancer is the most fatal gynecological diagnosis for women. It is typically treated with surgery and chemotherapy, which is initially successful in that tumors shrink; however, most patients experience relapse. Cancer Stem Cells (CSCs) express a similar set of stem cell markers as pluripotent cells, and are thought to contribute to chemoresistance and relapse. Chemotherapy is effective on differentiated cells of the tumor, however cancer stem cells survive, and have the ability to repair and renew the tumor. Cancer cells can be re-sensitized to chemotherapy if stem cells are targeted. Several stem cell markers are expressed in advanced ovarian malignancies. We study the effect of the epithelial to mesenchymal transition (EMT) on stemness. During EMT, cells acquire mesenchymal characteristics and lose epithelial ones. EMT is caused by SNAI1 and other transcription factors that repress epithelial and adhesion molecules such as E-cadherin. EMT results in a stem cell-like phenotype in breast cancer. There is evidence that the EMT factor SNAI1 represses the miRNA let-7, which we hypothesize results in a higher proportion of CSC in EOC cells. Let-7's major function is to promote terminal differentiation and tumor suppression by targeting oncogenes and pluripotency factors.
EXPERIMENTAL PROCEDURES: We performed flow cytometry for CD133, CD44, CD117, and aldehyde dehydrogenase to determine proportion of positive cells using published markers. q-RT-PCR was used to determine expression of pluripotency markers Oct4, Lin28 and Nanog. We used immunofluorescence microscopy to identify CSCs. Using a panel of biomarkers specific to CSCs we labeled for SNAI1, NANOG, LIN28A, OCT4, SSEA4, ALDH, TRA1-60, CD133, E-CAD, and N-CAD followed by fluorescent secondary antibodies and nuclear labeling with DAPI. We characterized three epithelial ovarian cell (EOC) lines (OVCAR8, OVSAHO, and COV 318) and patient-derived cells, with and without Snai1 manipulation.
RESULTS: Cells were positive for stem cell markers to varying degrees. OVCAR-8 was positive for LIN28A, NANOG, CD44, and ALDH; OVSAHO for Lin 28a and ALDH; and COV318 for NANOG and ALDH. OVSAHO displayed most epithelial (E) characteristics, COV318 and patient samples were most mesenchymal (M), and OVCAR8 appeared to be a M/E hybrid. There was imperfect correlation between mRNA and protein expression of pluripotency markers.
CONCLUSIONS: Higher expression of Snai1 correlates with a stem cell phenotype on a population level. On a single cell level, most Nanog-positive cells are Snail positive. However, no ovarian cancer cell perfectly mirrors the pluripotent marker expression seen in NCCIT, our positive control. SNAI1 is a potential target for therapy targeting ovarian cancer stem cells.
Citation Format: Maricela Gallardo, Alyse Huisken-Hill, Hanmin Wang, Christine Castanon, Juli J. Unternaehrer. CHARACTERIZATION OF STEM CELLS IN HIGH GRADE SEROUS OVARIAN CARCINOMA CELLS [abstract]. In: Proceedings of the 11th Biennial Ovarian Cancer Research Symposium; Sep 12-13, 2016; Seattle, WA. Philadelphia (PA): AACR; Clin Cancer Res 2017;23(11 Suppl):Abstract nr TMEM-024.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | - Hanmin Wang
- Loma Linda University & California State University, San Bernardino
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14
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Kim NS, Mbongue JC, Nicholas DA, Esebanmen GE, Unternaehrer JJ, Firek AF, Langridge WHR. Chimeric Vaccine Stimulation of Human Dendritic Cell Indoleamine 2, 3-Dioxygenase Occurs via the Non-Canonical NF-κB Pathway. PLoS One 2016; 11:e0147509. [PMID: 26881431 PMCID: PMC4755608 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0147509] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/01/2015] [Accepted: 01/05/2016] [Indexed: 11/19/2022] Open
Abstract
A chimeric protein vaccine composed of the cholera toxin B subunit fused to proinsulin (CTB-INS) was shown to suppress type 1 diabetes onset in NOD mice and upregulate biosynthesis of the tryptophan catabolic enzyme indoleamine 2, 3-dioxygenase (IDO1) in human dendritic cells (DCs). Here we demonstrate siRNA inhibition of the NF-κB-inducing kinase (NIK) suppresses vaccine-induced IDO1 biosynthesis as well as IKKα phosphorylation. Chromatin immunoprecipitation (ChIP) analysis of CTB-INS inoculated DCs showed that RelB bound to NF-κB consensus sequences in the IDO1 promoter, suggesting vaccine stimulation of the non-canonical NF-κB pathway activates IDO1 expression in vivo. The addition of Tumor Necrosis Factor Associated Factors (TRAF) TRAF 2, 3 and TRAF6 blocking peptides to vaccine inoculated DCs was shown to inhibit IDO1 biosynthesis. This experimental outcome suggests vaccine activation of the TNFR super-family receptor pathway leads to upregulation of IDO1 biosynthesis in CTB-INS inoculated dendritic cells. Together, our experimental data suggest the CTB-INS vaccine uses a TNFR-dependent signaling pathway of the non-canonical NF-κB signaling pathway resulting in suppression of dendritic cell mediated type 1 diabetes autoimmunity.
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MESH Headings
- Amino Acid Sequence
- Animals
- Autoimmunity/drug effects
- Base Sequence
- Cholera Toxin/biosynthesis
- Cholera Toxin/genetics
- Cholera Toxin/immunology
- Dendritic Cells/drug effects
- Dendritic Cells/immunology
- Dendritic Cells/pathology
- Diabetes Mellitus, Type 1/genetics
- Diabetes Mellitus, Type 1/immunology
- Diabetes Mellitus, Type 1/pathology
- Diabetes Mellitus, Type 1/therapy
- Gene Expression Regulation
- Humans
- I-kappa B Kinase/genetics
- I-kappa B Kinase/immunology
- I-kappa B Kinase/metabolism
- Indoleamine-Pyrrole 2,3,-Dioxygenase/genetics
- Indoleamine-Pyrrole 2,3,-Dioxygenase/immunology
- Indoleamine-Pyrrole 2,3,-Dioxygenase/metabolism
- Mice
- Mice, Inbred NOD
- Molecular Sequence Data
- NF-kappa B/genetics
- NF-kappa B/immunology
- NF-kappa B/metabolism
- Proinsulin/biosynthesis
- Proinsulin/genetics
- Proinsulin/immunology
- Protein Serine-Threonine Kinases/genetics
- Protein Serine-Threonine Kinases/immunology
- Protein Serine-Threonine Kinases/metabolism
- RNA, Small Interfering/genetics
- RNA, Small Interfering/metabolism
- Recombinant Fusion Proteins/biosynthesis
- Recombinant Fusion Proteins/genetics
- Recombinant Fusion Proteins/immunology
- Signal Transduction
- TNF Receptor-Associated Factor 2/pharmacology
- TNF Receptor-Associated Factor 3/pharmacology
- TNF Receptor-Associated Factor 6/pharmacology
- Vaccines/administration & dosage
- NF-kappaB-Inducing Kinase
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Affiliation(s)
- Nan-Sun Kim
- Center for Health Disparities and Molecular Medicine, Department of Basic Sciences, Loma Linda University School of Medicine, Loma Linda, California, United States of America
- Department of Molecular Biology, Chonbuk National University, Jeon-Ju, Republic of Korea
| | - Jacques C. Mbongue
- Center for Health Disparities and Molecular Medicine, Department of Basic Sciences, Loma Linda University School of Medicine, Loma Linda, California, United States of America
- Loma Linda University School of Medicine, Department of Basic Sciences, Division of Physiology, Loma Linda, California, United States of America
| | - Dequina A. Nicholas
- Center for Health Disparities and Molecular Medicine, Department of Basic Sciences, Loma Linda University School of Medicine, Loma Linda, California, United States of America
- Loma Linda University School of Medicine, Department of Basic Sciences, Division of Biochemistry, Loma Linda, California, United States of America
| | - Grace E. Esebanmen
- Center for Health Disparities and Molecular Medicine, Department of Basic Sciences, Loma Linda University School of Medicine, Loma Linda, California, United States of America
- Loma Linda University School of Medicine, Department of Earth and Biological Sciences, Loma Linda, California, United States of America
| | - Juli J. Unternaehrer
- Loma Linda University School of Medicine, Department of Basic Sciences, Division of Biochemistry, Loma Linda, California, United States of America
| | - Anthony F. Firek
- Endocrinology Section, JL Pettis Memorial VA Medical Center, Loma Linda, California, United States of America
| | - William H. R. Langridge
- Center for Health Disparities and Molecular Medicine, Department of Basic Sciences, Loma Linda University School of Medicine, Loma Linda, California, United States of America
- Loma Linda University School of Medicine, Department of Basic Sciences, Division of Biochemistry, Loma Linda, California, United States of America
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15
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Unternaehrer JJ, Zhao R, Kim K, Cesana M, Powers JT, Ratanasirintrawoot S, Onder T, Shibue T, Weinberg RA, Daley GQ. The epithelial-mesenchymal transition factor SNAIL paradoxically enhances reprogramming. Stem Cell Reports 2014; 3:691-8. [PMID: 25316190 PMCID: PMC4235745 DOI: 10.1016/j.stemcr.2014.09.008] [Citation(s) in RCA: 65] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/27/2013] [Revised: 09/09/2014] [Accepted: 09/09/2014] [Indexed: 12/21/2022] Open
Abstract
Reprogramming of fibroblasts to induced pluripotent stem cells (iPSCs) entails a mesenchymal to epithelial transition (MET). While attempting to dissect the mechanism of MET during reprogramming, we observed that knockdown (KD) of the epithelial-to-mesenchymal transition (EMT) factor SNAI1 (SNAIL) paradoxically reduced, while overexpression enhanced, reprogramming efficiency in human cells and in mouse cells, depending on strain. We observed nuclear localization of SNAI1 at an early stage of fibroblast reprogramming and using mouse fibroblasts expressing a knockin SNAI1-YFP reporter found cells expressing SNAI1 reprogrammed at higher efficiency. We further demonstrated that SNAI1 binds the let-7 promoter, which may play a role in reduced expression of let-7 microRNAs, enforced expression of which, early in the reprogramming process, compromises efficiency. Our data reveal an unexpected role for the EMT factor SNAI1 in reprogramming somatic cells to pluripotency. Knockdown of SNAIL reduces and overexpression enhances reprogramming SNAIL-YFP-positive fractions reprogram at higher efficiency Let-7 decreases early in reprogramming, and expression of SNAIL reduces let-7 SNAIL binds to the promoters of let-7 family members during reprogramming
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Affiliation(s)
- Juli J Unternaehrer
- Division of Pediatric Hematology/Oncology, Stem Cell Transplantation Program, Manton Center for Orphan Disease Research, Howard Hughes Medical Institute, Children's Hospital Boston and Dana Farber Cancer Institute, Harvard University, Cambridge, MA 02138, USA; Department of Biological Chemistry and Molecular Pharmacology, Harvard Medical School, Harvard University, Cambridge, MA 02138, USA; Harvard Stem Cell Institute, Harvard University, Cambridge, MA 02138, USA.
| | - Rui Zhao
- Division of Pediatric Hematology/Oncology, Stem Cell Transplantation Program, Manton Center for Orphan Disease Research, Howard Hughes Medical Institute, Children's Hospital Boston and Dana Farber Cancer Institute, Harvard University, Cambridge, MA 02138, USA; Department of Biological Chemistry and Molecular Pharmacology, Harvard Medical School, Harvard University, Cambridge, MA 02138, USA; Harvard Stem Cell Institute, Harvard University, Cambridge, MA 02138, USA
| | - Kitai Kim
- Division of Pediatric Hematology/Oncology, Stem Cell Transplantation Program, Manton Center for Orphan Disease Research, Howard Hughes Medical Institute, Children's Hospital Boston and Dana Farber Cancer Institute, Harvard University, Cambridge, MA 02138, USA; Department of Biological Chemistry and Molecular Pharmacology, Harvard Medical School, Harvard University, Cambridge, MA 02138, USA; Harvard Stem Cell Institute, Harvard University, Cambridge, MA 02138, USA
| | - Marcella Cesana
- Division of Pediatric Hematology/Oncology, Stem Cell Transplantation Program, Manton Center for Orphan Disease Research, Howard Hughes Medical Institute, Children's Hospital Boston and Dana Farber Cancer Institute, Harvard University, Cambridge, MA 02138, USA; Department of Biological Chemistry and Molecular Pharmacology, Harvard Medical School, Harvard University, Cambridge, MA 02138, USA; Harvard Stem Cell Institute, Harvard University, Cambridge, MA 02138, USA
| | - John T Powers
- Division of Pediatric Hematology/Oncology, Stem Cell Transplantation Program, Manton Center for Orphan Disease Research, Howard Hughes Medical Institute, Children's Hospital Boston and Dana Farber Cancer Institute, Harvard University, Cambridge, MA 02138, USA; Department of Biological Chemistry and Molecular Pharmacology, Harvard Medical School, Harvard University, Cambridge, MA 02138, USA; Harvard Stem Cell Institute, Harvard University, Cambridge, MA 02138, USA
| | - Sutheera Ratanasirintrawoot
- Division of Pediatric Hematology/Oncology, Stem Cell Transplantation Program, Manton Center for Orphan Disease Research, Howard Hughes Medical Institute, Children's Hospital Boston and Dana Farber Cancer Institute, Harvard University, Cambridge, MA 02138, USA; Department of Biological Chemistry and Molecular Pharmacology, Harvard Medical School, Harvard University, Cambridge, MA 02138, USA; Harvard Stem Cell Institute, Harvard University, Cambridge, MA 02138, USA
| | - Tamer Onder
- Division of Pediatric Hematology/Oncology, Stem Cell Transplantation Program, Manton Center for Orphan Disease Research, Howard Hughes Medical Institute, Children's Hospital Boston and Dana Farber Cancer Institute, Harvard University, Cambridge, MA 02138, USA; Department of Biological Chemistry and Molecular Pharmacology, Harvard Medical School, Harvard University, Cambridge, MA 02138, USA; Harvard Stem Cell Institute, Harvard University, Cambridge, MA 02138, USA
| | - Tsukasa Shibue
- Whitehead Institute for Biomedical Research, 9 Cambridge Center, Cambridge, MA 02142, USA; Ludwig Center for Molecular Oncology, Massachusetts Institute of Technology, 77 Massachusetts Avenue, Cambridge, MA 02139, USA
| | - Robert A Weinberg
- Whitehead Institute for Biomedical Research, 9 Cambridge Center, Cambridge, MA 02142, USA; Ludwig Center for Molecular Oncology, Massachusetts Institute of Technology, 77 Massachusetts Avenue, Cambridge, MA 02139, USA; Department of Biology, Massachusetts Institute of Technology, 77 Massachusetts Avenue, Cambridge, MA 02139, USA
| | - George Q Daley
- Division of Pediatric Hematology/Oncology, Stem Cell Transplantation Program, Manton Center for Orphan Disease Research, Howard Hughes Medical Institute, Children's Hospital Boston and Dana Farber Cancer Institute, Harvard University, Cambridge, MA 02138, USA; Department of Biological Chemistry and Molecular Pharmacology, Harvard Medical School, Harvard University, Cambridge, MA 02138, USA; Harvard Stem Cell Institute, Harvard University, Cambridge, MA 02138, USA
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16
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Shyh-Chang N, Locasale JW, Lyssiotis CA, Zheng Y, Teo RY, Ratanasirintrawoot S, Zhang J, Onder T, Unternaehrer JJ, Zhu H, Asara JM, Daley GQ, Cantley LC. Influence of threonine metabolism on S-adenosylmethionine and histone methylation. Science 2012; 339:222-6. [PMID: 23118012 DOI: 10.1126/science.1226603] [Citation(s) in RCA: 470] [Impact Index Per Article: 39.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/07/2023]
Abstract
Threonine is the only amino acid critically required for the pluripotency of mouse embryonic stem cells (mESCs), but the detailed mechanism remains unclear. We found that threonine and S-adenosylmethionine (SAM) metabolism are coupled in pluripotent stem cells, resulting in regulation of histone methylation. Isotope labeling of mESCs revealed that threonine provides a substantial fraction of both the cellular glycine and the acetyl-coenzyme A (CoA) needed for SAM synthesis. Depletion of threonine from the culture medium or threonine dehydrogenase (Tdh) from mESCs decreased accumulation of SAM and decreased trimethylation of histone H3 lysine 4 (H3K4me3), leading to slowed growth and increased differentiation. Thus, abundance of SAM appears to influence H3K4me3, providing a possible mechanism by which modulation of a metabolic pathway might influence stem cell fate.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ng Shyh-Chang
- Stem Cell Transplantation Program, Division of Pediatric Hematology and Oncology, Manton Center for Orphan Disease Research, Boston Children's Hospital and Dana-Farber Cancer Institute, Boston, MA 02115, USA
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Abstract
Research into the pathophysiological mechanisms of human disease and the development of targeted therapies have been hindered by a lack of predictive disease models that can be experimentally manipulated in vitro. This review describes the current state of modelling human diseases with the use of human induced pluripotent stem (iPS) cell lines. To date, a variety of neurodegenerative diseases, haematopoietic disorders, metabolic conditions and cardiovascular pathologies have been captured in a Petri dish through reprogramming of patient cells into iPS cells followed by directed differentiation of disease-relevant cells and tissues. However, realizing the true promise of iPS cells for advancing our basic understanding of disease and ultimately providing novel cell-based therapies will require more refined protocols for generating the highly specialized cells affected by disease, coupled with strategies for drug discovery and cell transplantation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Juli J Unternaehrer
- Stem Cell Transplantation Program, Division of Pediatric Hematology/Oncology, Children's Hospital Boston, Boston, MA 02115, USA
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