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Guo H, Hu Z, Yang X, Yuan Z, Wang M, Chen C, Xie L, Gao Y, Li W, Bai Y, Lin C. Smad4 regulates TGF-β1-mediated hedgehog activation to promote epithelial-to-mesenchymal transition in pancreatic cancer cells by suppressing Gli1 activity. Comput Struct Biotechnol J 2024; 23:1189-1200. [PMID: 38525105 PMCID: PMC10957521 DOI: 10.1016/j.csbj.2024.03.010] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/11/2023] [Revised: 03/10/2024] [Accepted: 03/10/2024] [Indexed: 03/26/2024] Open
Abstract
Pancreatic cancer (PC) is an aggressive and metastatic gastrointestinal tumor with a poor prognosis. Persistent activation of the TGF-β/Smad signaling induces PC cell (PCC) invasion and infiltration via epithelial-to-mesenchymal transition (EMT). Hedgehog signaling is a crucial pathway for the development of PC via the transcription factors Gli1/2/3. This study aimed to investigate the underlying molecular mechanisms of action of hedgehog activation in TGF-β1-triggered EMT in PCCs (PANC-1 and BxPc-3). In addition, overexpression and shRNA techniques were used to evaluate the role of Smad4 in TGF-β1-treated PCCs. Our data showed that TGF-β1 promoted PCC invasion and infiltration via Smad2/3-dependent EMT. Hedgehog-Gli signaling axis in PCCs was activated upon TGF-β1 stimulation. Inhibition of hedgehog with cyclopamine effectively antagonized TGF-β1-induced EMT, thereby suggesting that the hedgehog signaling may act as a downstream cascade signaling of TGF-β1. As a key protein that assists the nuclear translocation of Smad2/3, Smad4 was highly expressed in PANC-1 cells, but not in BxPc-3 cells. Conversely, Gli1 expression was low in PANC-1 cells, but high in BxPc-3 cells. Furthermore, knockdown of Smad4 in PANC-1 cells by shRNA inhibited TGF-β1-mediated EMT and collagen deposition. Overexpression of Smad4 did not affect TGF-β1-mediated EMT due to the lack of significant increase in nuclear expression of Smad4. Importantly, Gli1 activity was upregulated by Smad4 knockdown in PANC-1 cells and downregulated by Smad4 overexpression in BxPc-3 cells, indicating that Gli1 may be a negative target protein downstream of Smad4. Thus, Smad4 regulates TGF-β1-mediated hedgehog activation to promote EMT in PCCs by suppressing Gli1 activity.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hangcheng Guo
- Zhejiang Key Laboratory of Intelligent Cancer Biomarker Discovery and Translation, First Affiliated Hospital of Wenzhou Medical University, Wenzhou 325035, China
- Sichuan Mianyang 404 Hospital, Mianyang 621000, China
| | - Zujian Hu
- Zhejiang Key Laboratory of Intelligent Cancer Biomarker Discovery and Translation, First Affiliated Hospital of Wenzhou Medical University, Wenzhou 325035, China
| | - Xuejia Yang
- Zhejiang Key Laboratory of Intelligent Cancer Biomarker Discovery and Translation, First Affiliated Hospital of Wenzhou Medical University, Wenzhou 325035, China
| | - Ziwei Yuan
- Zhejiang Key Laboratory of Intelligent Cancer Biomarker Discovery and Translation, First Affiliated Hospital of Wenzhou Medical University, Wenzhou 325035, China
| | - Mengsi Wang
- Zhejiang Key Laboratory of Intelligent Cancer Biomarker Discovery and Translation, First Affiliated Hospital of Wenzhou Medical University, Wenzhou 325035, China
| | - Chaoyue Chen
- Zhejiang Key Laboratory of Intelligent Cancer Biomarker Discovery and Translation, First Affiliated Hospital of Wenzhou Medical University, Wenzhou 325035, China
| | - Lili Xie
- Zhejiang Key Laboratory of Intelligent Cancer Biomarker Discovery and Translation, First Affiliated Hospital of Wenzhou Medical University, Wenzhou 325035, China
| | - Yuanyuan Gao
- Zhejiang Key Laboratory of Intelligent Cancer Biomarker Discovery and Translation, First Affiliated Hospital of Wenzhou Medical University, Wenzhou 325035, China
| | - Wangjian Li
- Department of Urology, The Central Hospital Affiliated to Shaoxing University, Shaoxing 312030, China
| | - Yongheng Bai
- Zhejiang Key Laboratory of Intelligent Cancer Biomarker Discovery and Translation, First Affiliated Hospital of Wenzhou Medical University, Wenzhou 325035, China
- National Key Clinical Specialty (General Surgery), The First Affiliated Hospital of Wenzhou Medical University, Wenzhou 325000, China
| | - Chunjing Lin
- Department of Gastroenterology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Wenzhou Medical University, Wenzhou 325000, China
- Medicine and Health Care Center, The First Affiliated Hospital of Wenzhou Medical University, Wenzhou 325000, China
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Hu R, Wang Y, Li W, Liu H, Wu R, Xu X, Jiang X, Xing Q, Wang J, Wei Z. Transplantation of human umbilical cord blood mononuclear cells promotes functional endometrium reconstruction via downregulating EMT in damaged endometrium. Regen Ther 2024; 27:279-289. [PMID: 38617444 PMCID: PMC11010781 DOI: 10.1016/j.reth.2024.03.030] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/27/2023] [Revised: 03/06/2024] [Accepted: 03/28/2024] [Indexed: 04/16/2024] Open
Abstract
Introduction Cell transplantation is an emerging and effective therapeutic approach for enhancing uterine adhesions caused by endometrial damage. Currently, human umbilical cord blood mononuclear cells (HUCBMCs) have been extensively for tissue and organ regeneration. However, their application in endometrial repair remains unexplored. Our investigation focuses on the utilization of HUCBMCs for treating endometrial injury. Methods The HUCBMCs were isolated from health umbilical cord blood, and co-cultured with the injured endometrial stromal cells and injured endometrial organoids. The cell proliferation and apoptosis were measured by cck8 assays and flow cytometry. Western blotting was used to detect the expression of PTEN, AKT and p-AKT. Immunofluorescence assay revealed expression levels of epithelial-mesenchymal transition (EMT) -related markers such as E-cadherin, N-cadherin, and TGF-β1. The endometrial thickness, fibrosis level, and glandular number were examined after the intravenous injection of HUCBMCs in mouse endometrial models. Immunohistochemistry was employed to assess changes in growth factors vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) and insulin-like growth factor 1 (IGF-1) as well as fibrosis markers α-SMA and COL1A1. Additionally, expressions of EMT-related proteins E-cadherin and N-cadherin were evaluated. Results HUCBMCs significantly improved the proliferation and reduced the apoptosis of damaged endometrial stromal cells (ESCs), accompanied by up-regulation of phospho-AKT expression. HUCBMCs increased endometrial thickness and glandular count while decreasing fibrosis and EMT-related markers in mouse endometrial models. Furthermore, EMT-related markers of ESCs and endometrial organoids were significantly decreased. Conclusions Our findings suggest that HUCBMCs plays a pivotal role in mitigating endometrial injury through the attenuation of fibrosis. HUCBMCs may exert a reverse effect on the EMT process during the endometrium reconstruction.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ruomeng Hu
- Reproductive Medicine Center, Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Anhui Medical University, No 218 Jixi Road, Hefei 230022, Anhui, China
- Anhui Province Key Laboratory of Reproductive Health and Genetics, Anhui Medical University, No 81 Meishan Road, Hefei 230032, Anhui, China
- NHC Key Laboratory of Study on Abnormal Gametes and Reproductive Tract (Anhui Medical University), No 81 Meishan Road, Hefei 230032, Anhui, China
| | - Ying Wang
- Reproductive Medicine Center, Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Anhui Medical University, No 218 Jixi Road, Hefei 230022, Anhui, China
- Anhui Province Key Laboratory of Reproductive Health and Genetics, Anhui Medical University, No 81 Meishan Road, Hefei 230032, Anhui, China
- NHC Key Laboratory of Study on Abnormal Gametes and Reproductive Tract (Anhui Medical University), No 81 Meishan Road, Hefei 230032, Anhui, China
| | - Wenwen Li
- Reproductive Medicine Center, Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Anhui Medical University, No 218 Jixi Road, Hefei 230022, Anhui, China
- Anhui Province Key Laboratory of Reproductive Health and Genetics, Anhui Medical University, No 81 Meishan Road, Hefei 230032, Anhui, China
- NHC Key Laboratory of Study on Abnormal Gametes and Reproductive Tract (Anhui Medical University), No 81 Meishan Road, Hefei 230032, Anhui, China
| | - Hongjiang Liu
- Reproductive Medicine Center, Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Anhui Medical University, No 218 Jixi Road, Hefei 230022, Anhui, China
- Anhui Province Key Laboratory of Reproductive Health and Genetics, Anhui Medical University, No 81 Meishan Road, Hefei 230032, Anhui, China
- NHC Key Laboratory of Study on Abnormal Gametes and Reproductive Tract (Anhui Medical University), No 81 Meishan Road, Hefei 230032, Anhui, China
| | - Rong Wu
- Reproductive Medicine Center, Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Anhui Medical University, No 218 Jixi Road, Hefei 230022, Anhui, China
- Anhui Province Key Laboratory of Reproductive Health and Genetics, Anhui Medical University, No 81 Meishan Road, Hefei 230032, Anhui, China
- NHC Key Laboratory of Study on Abnormal Gametes and Reproductive Tract (Anhui Medical University), No 81 Meishan Road, Hefei 230032, Anhui, China
| | - Xuan Xu
- Reproductive Medicine Center, Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Anhui Medical University, No 218 Jixi Road, Hefei 230022, Anhui, China
- Anhui Province Key Laboratory of Reproductive Health and Genetics, Anhui Medical University, No 81 Meishan Road, Hefei 230032, Anhui, China
- NHC Key Laboratory of Study on Abnormal Gametes and Reproductive Tract (Anhui Medical University), No 81 Meishan Road, Hefei 230032, Anhui, China
| | - Xiaohua Jiang
- Reproductive Medicine Center, Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Anhui Medical University, No 218 Jixi Road, Hefei 230022, Anhui, China
- Anhui Province Key Laboratory of Reproductive Health and Genetics, Anhui Medical University, No 81 Meishan Road, Hefei 230032, Anhui, China
- NHC Key Laboratory of Study on Abnormal Gametes and Reproductive Tract (Anhui Medical University), No 81 Meishan Road, Hefei 230032, Anhui, China
| | - Qiong Xing
- Reproductive Medicine Center, Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Anhui Medical University, No 218 Jixi Road, Hefei 230022, Anhui, China
- Anhui Province Key Laboratory of Reproductive Health and Genetics, Anhui Medical University, No 81 Meishan Road, Hefei 230032, Anhui, China
- NHC Key Laboratory of Study on Abnormal Gametes and Reproductive Tract (Anhui Medical University), No 81 Meishan Road, Hefei 230032, Anhui, China
| | - Jianye Wang
- Reproductive Medicine Center, Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Anhui Medical University, No 218 Jixi Road, Hefei 230022, Anhui, China
- Anhui Province Key Laboratory of Reproductive Health and Genetics, Anhui Medical University, No 81 Meishan Road, Hefei 230032, Anhui, China
- NHC Key Laboratory of Study on Abnormal Gametes and Reproductive Tract (Anhui Medical University), No 81 Meishan Road, Hefei 230032, Anhui, China
| | - Zhaolian Wei
- Reproductive Medicine Center, Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Anhui Medical University, No 218 Jixi Road, Hefei 230022, Anhui, China
- Anhui Province Key Laboratory of Reproductive Health and Genetics, Anhui Medical University, No 81 Meishan Road, Hefei 230032, Anhui, China
- NHC Key Laboratory of Study on Abnormal Gametes and Reproductive Tract (Anhui Medical University), No 81 Meishan Road, Hefei 230032, Anhui, China
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Shah NN, Dave BP, Shah KC, Shah DD, Maheshwari KG, Chorawala MR. Disable 2, A Versatile Tissue Matrix Multifunctional Scaffold Protein with Multifaceted Signaling: Unveiling Role in Breast Cancer for Therapeutic Revolution. Cell Biochem Biophys 2024:10.1007/s12013-024-01261-5. [PMID: 38594547 DOI: 10.1007/s12013-024-01261-5] [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] [Accepted: 03/22/2024] [Indexed: 04/11/2024]
Abstract
The Disabled-2 (DAB2) protein, found in 80-90% of various tumors, including breast cancer, has been identified as a potential tumor suppressor protein. On the contrary, some hypothesis suggests that DAB2 is associated with the modulation of the Ras/MAPK pathway by endocytosing the Grb/Sos1 signaling complex, which produces oncogenes and chemoresistance to anticancer drugs, leading to increased tumor growth and metastasis. DAB2 has multiple functions in several disorders and is typically under-regulated in several cancers, making it a potential target for treatment of cancer therapy. The primary function of DAB2 is the modulation of transforming growth factor- β (TGF-β) mediated endocytosis, which is involved in several mechanisms of cancer development, including tumor suppression through promoting apoptosis and suppressing cell proliferation. In this review, we will discuss in detail the mechanisms through which DAB2 leads to breast cancer and various advancements in employing DAB2 in the treatment of breast cancer. Additionally, we outlined its role in other diseases. We propose that upregulating DAB2 could be a novel approach to the therapeutics of breast cancer.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nidhi N Shah
- Department of Pharmacology and Pharmacy Practice, L. M. College of Pharmacy, Opp. Gujarat University, Navrangpura, Ahmedabad, 380009, Gujarat, India
| | - Bhavarth P Dave
- Department of Pharmacology and Pharmacy Practice, L. M. College of Pharmacy, Opp. Gujarat University, Navrangpura, Ahmedabad, 380009, Gujarat, India
| | - Kashvi C Shah
- Department of Pharmacology and Pharmacy Practice, L. M. College of Pharmacy, Opp. Gujarat University, Navrangpura, Ahmedabad, 380009, Gujarat, India
| | - Disha D Shah
- Department of Pharmacology and Pharmacy Practice, L. M. College of Pharmacy, Opp. Gujarat University, Navrangpura, Ahmedabad, 380009, Gujarat, India
| | - Kunal G Maheshwari
- Department of Pharmacology and Pharmacy Practice, L. M. College of Pharmacy, Opp. Gujarat University, Navrangpura, Ahmedabad, 380009, Gujarat, India
| | - Mehul R Chorawala
- Department of Pharmacology and Pharmacy Practice, L. M. College of Pharmacy, Opp. Gujarat University, Navrangpura, Ahmedabad, 380009, Gujarat, India.
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Min J, Mashimo C, Nambu T, Maruyama H, Takigawa H, Okinaga T. Resveratrol is an inhibitory polyphenol of epithelial-mesenchymal transition induced by Fusobacterium nucleatum. Arch Oral Biol 2024; 160:105897. [PMID: 38290225 DOI: 10.1016/j.archoralbio.2024.105897] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/12/2023] [Revised: 01/15/2024] [Accepted: 01/18/2024] [Indexed: 02/01/2024]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE Resveratrol is a natural phytoalexin that has anti-inflammatory properties, reverses doxorubicin resistance, and inhibits epithelial-mesenchymal transition (EMT) in many types of cancer cells. Fusobacterium nucleatum is reportedly enriched in oral squamous cell carcinoma (OSCC) tissues compared to adjacent normal tissues, sparking interest in the relationship between F. nucleatum and OSCC. Recently, F. nucleatum was shown to be associated with EMT in OSCC. In the present study, we aimed to investigate the effects of the natural plant compound resveratrol on F. nucleatum-induced EMT in OSCC. DESIGN F. nucleatum was co-cultured with OSCC cells, with a multiplicity of infection (MOI) of 300:1. Resveratrol was used at a concentration of 10 μM. Cell Counting Kit-8 and wound healing assays were performed to examine the viability and migratory ability of OSCC cells. Subsequently, real-time RT-PCR was performed to investigate the gene expression of EMT-related markers. Western blotting and immunofluorescence analyses were used to further analyze the expression of the epithelial marker E-cadherin and the EMT transcription factor SNAI1. RESULTS Co-cultivation with F. nucleatum did not significantly enhance cell viability. The co-cultured cells displayed similarities to the positive control of EMT, exhibiting enhanced migration and expression changes in EMT-related markers. SNAI1 was significantly upregulated, whereas E-cadherin, was significantly downregulated. Notably, resveratrol inhibited F. nucleatum-induced cell migration, decreasing the expression of SNAI1. CONCLUSIONS Resveratrol inhibited F. nucleatum-induced EMT by downregulating SNAI1, which may provide a target for OSCC treatment.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jie Min
- Department of Bacteriology, Osaka Dental University, 8-1, Kuzuha-Hanazono, Hirakata, Osaka 573-1121, Japan
| | - Chiho Mashimo
- Department of Bacteriology, Osaka Dental University, 8-1, Kuzuha-Hanazono, Hirakata, Osaka 573-1121, Japan
| | - Takayuki Nambu
- Department of Bacteriology, Osaka Dental University, 8-1, Kuzuha-Hanazono, Hirakata, Osaka 573-1121, Japan
| | - Hugo Maruyama
- Department of Bacteriology, Osaka Dental University, 8-1, Kuzuha-Hanazono, Hirakata, Osaka 573-1121, Japan
| | - Hiroki Takigawa
- Department of Bacteriology, Osaka Dental University, 8-1, Kuzuha-Hanazono, Hirakata, Osaka 573-1121, Japan
| | - Toshinori Okinaga
- Department of Bacteriology, Osaka Dental University, 8-1, Kuzuha-Hanazono, Hirakata, Osaka 573-1121, Japan.
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Hei B, Liu RE, Li M. Ursolic acid inhibits glioblastoma through suppressing TGFβ-mediated epithelial-mesenchymal transition (EMT) and angiogenesis. Heliyon 2024; 10:e27722. [PMID: 38501006 PMCID: PMC10945258 DOI: 10.1016/j.heliyon.2024.e27722] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/06/2023] [Revised: 03/02/2024] [Accepted: 03/06/2024] [Indexed: 03/20/2024] Open
Abstract
Found in many fruits and plants, Ursolic acid (UA), a pentacyclic triterpene that occurs naturally, is recognized for its anti-cancer effects, especially in combating glioblastoma. However, the intricate molecular mechanisms underpinning its anti-tumor actions are still not fully understood, despite the recognition of these effects. By examining the functions of epithelial-mesenchymal transition (EMT) and angiogenesis, crucial for glioblastoma progression, and their regulation through Transforming Growth Factor Beta (TGFβ) - a key marker for glioblastoma, our research aims to fill this knowledge gap. This study explores how ursolic acid can block the progression of glioblastoma by precisely targeting TGFβ-triggered EMT and angiogenesis. The findings show that UA successfully blocks the spread, movement, and invasion of glioblastoma cells. Accompanying this, there is a significant reduction in the expression of TGFβ and crucial EMT indicators like snail and vimentin. Furthermore, UA shows a reduction in angiogenesis that depends on the dosage, highlighted by decreased vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) in human umbilical vein endothelial cells (HUVECs). Interestingly, increased TGFβ expression in U87 and U251 glioblastoma cell lines was found to weaken UA's anti-tumor properties, shedding more light on TGFβ's critical function in glioblastoma's pathology. Supporting these laboratory results, UA also showed considerable inhibition of tumor growth in a glioblastoma xenograft mouse model. Overall, our research emphasizes Ursolic acid's promise as a new treatment for glioblastoma and clarifies its action mechanism, mainly by inhibiting TGFβ signaling and thereby EMT and angiogenesis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Bo Hei
- Department of Neurosurgery, The First Affiliated Hospital of Nanchang University, Jiangxi, China
- Department of Neurosurgery, Peking University People's Hospital, Peking University, Beijing, China
- Department of Neurosurgery, Army General Hospital, Beijing, China
| | - Ru-en Liu
- Department of Neurosurgery, Peking University People's Hospital, Peking University, Beijing, China
| | - Meihua Li
- Department of Neurosurgery, The First Affiliated Hospital of Nanchang University, Jiangxi, China
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Shah NN, Dave BP, Shah KC, Shah DD, Maheshwari KG, Chorawala MR, Parekh PS, Jani M. Disabled-2, a versatile tissue matrix multifunctional scaffold protein with multifaceted signaling: Unveiling its potential in the cancer battle. Naunyn Schmiedebergs Arch Pharmacol 2024:10.1007/s00210-024-03037-3. [PMID: 38502243 DOI: 10.1007/s00210-024-03037-3] [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] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/30/2023] [Accepted: 03/01/2024] [Indexed: 03/21/2024]
Abstract
A multifunctional scaffold protein termed Disabled-2 (Dab2) has recently gained attention in the scientific community and has emerged as a promising candidate in the realm of cancer research. Dab2 protein is involved in a variety of signaling pathways, due to which its significance in the pathogenesis of several carcinomas has drawn considerable attention. Dab2 is essential for controlling the advancement of cancer because it engages in essential signaling pathways such as the Wnt/β-catenin, epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR), and transforming growth factor-beta (TGF-β) pathways. Dab2 can also repress epithelial-mesenchymal transition (EMT) which is involved in tumor progression with metastatic expansion and adds another layer of significance to its possible impact on cancer spread. Furthermore, the role of Dab2 in processes such as cell growth, differentiation, apoptosis, invasion, and metastasis has been explored in certain investigative studies suggesting its significance. The present review examines the role of Dab2 in the pathogenesis of various cancer subtypes including breast cancer, ovarian cancer, gastric cancer, prostate cancer, and bladder urothelial carcinoma and also sheds some light on its potential to act as a therapeutic target and a prognostic marker in the treatment of various carcinomas. By deciphering this protein's diverse signaling, we hope to provide useful insights that may pave the way for novel therapeutic techniques and tailored treatment approaches in cancer management. Preclinical and clinical trial data on the impact of Dab2 regulation in cancer have also been included, allowing us to delineate role of Dab2 in tumor suppressor function, as well as its correlation with disease stage classification and potential therapy options. However, we observed that there is very scarce data in the form of studies on the evaluation of Dab2 role and treatment function in carcinomas, and further research into this matter could prove beneficial in the generation of novel therapeutic agents for patient-centric and tailored therapy, as well as early prognosis of carcinomas.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nidhi N Shah
- Department of Pharmacology and Pharmacy Practice, L. M. College of Pharmacy, Opp. Gujarat University, Navrangpura, Ahmedabad, 380009, Gujarat, India
| | - Bhavarth P Dave
- Department of Pharmacology and Pharmacy Practice, L. M. College of Pharmacy, Opp. Gujarat University, Navrangpura, Ahmedabad, 380009, Gujarat, India
| | - Kashvi C Shah
- Department of Pharmacology and Pharmacy Practice, L. M. College of Pharmacy, Opp. Gujarat University, Navrangpura, Ahmedabad, 380009, Gujarat, India
| | - Disha D Shah
- Department of Pharmacology and Pharmacy Practice, L. M. College of Pharmacy, Opp. Gujarat University, Navrangpura, Ahmedabad, 380009, Gujarat, India
| | - Kunal G Maheshwari
- Department of Pharmacology and Pharmacy Practice, L. M. College of Pharmacy, Opp. Gujarat University, Navrangpura, Ahmedabad, 380009, Gujarat, India
| | - Mehul R Chorawala
- Department of Pharmacology and Pharmacy Practice, L. M. College of Pharmacy, Opp. Gujarat University, Navrangpura, Ahmedabad, 380009, Gujarat, India.
| | - Priyajeet S Parekh
- AV Pharma LLC, 1545 University Blvd N Ste A, Jacksonville, FL, 32211, USA
| | - Maharsh Jani
- Anand Niketan Shilaj, Ahmedabad, 380059, Gujarat, India
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Hassan AF, Hussein O, Al-Barazenji T, Allouch A, Kamareddine L, Malki A, Moustafa AA, Khalil A. The effect of novel nitrogen-based chalcone analogs on colorectal cancer cells: Insight into the molecular pathways. Heliyon 2024; 10:e27002. [PMID: 38463818 PMCID: PMC10923686 DOI: 10.1016/j.heliyon.2024.e27002] [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: 07/03/2023] [Revised: 02/12/2024] [Accepted: 02/22/2024] [Indexed: 03/12/2024] Open
Abstract
In colorectal cancer (CRC), aberrations in KRAS are associated with aggressive tumorigenesis and an overall low survival rate because of chemoresistance and adverse effects. Ergo, complementary, and integrative medicines are being considered for CRC treatment. Among which is the use of natural chalcones that are known to exhibit anti-tumor activities in KRAS mutant CRC subtypes treatment regimens. Consequently, we examine the effect of two novel compounds (DK13 and DK14) having chalcones with nitrogen mustard moiety on CRC cell lines (HCT-116 and LoVo) with KRAS mutation. These compounds were synthesized in our lab and previously reported to exhibit potent activity against breast cancer cells. Our data revealed that DK13 and DK14 treatment suppress cell growth, disturb the progression of cell cycle, and trigger apoptosis in CRC cell lines. Besides, treatment with both compounds impedes cell invasion and colony formation in both cell lines as compared to 5-FU; this is accompanied by up and down regulations of E-cadherin and Vimentin, respectively. At the molecular level, both compounds deregulate the expression and phosphorylation of β-catenin, Akt and mTOR, which are the main likely molecular mechanisms underlying these biological occurrences. Our findings present DK13 and DK14 as novel chemotherapies against CRC, through β-catenin/Akt/mTOR signaling pathways.
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Affiliation(s)
- Arij Fouzat Hassan
- Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, College of Pharmacy, QU Health, Qatar University, Doha, Qatar
| | - Ola Hussein
- Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, College of Pharmacy, QU Health, Qatar University, Doha, Qatar
| | - Tara Al-Barazenji
- Department of Biomedical Science, College of Health Sciences, QU Health, Qatar University, Doha, Qatar
| | - Asma Allouch
- Department of Biomedical Science, College of Health Sciences, QU Health, Qatar University, Doha, Qatar
| | - Layla Kamareddine
- Department of Biomedical Science, College of Health Sciences, QU Health, Qatar University, Doha, Qatar
- Biomedical Research Centre, Qatar University, Doha, Qatar
| | - Ahmed Malki
- Department of Biomedical Science, College of Health Sciences, QU Health, Qatar University, Doha, Qatar
| | - Ala‐Eddin Al Moustafa
- Biomedical Research Centre, Qatar University, Doha, Qatar
- College of Medicine, QU Health, Qatar University, Doha, Qatar
- Oncology Department, McGill University, Montreal, QC, Canada
| | - Ashraf Khalil
- Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, College of Pharmacy, QU Health, Qatar University, Doha, Qatar
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Xu P, Liu K, Huang S, Lv J, Yan Z, Ge H, Cheng Q, Chen Z, Ji P, Qian Y, Li B, Xu H, Yang L, Xu Z, Zhang D. N 6-methyladenosine-modified MIB1 promotes stemness properties and peritoneal metastasis of gastric cancer cells by ubiquitinating DDX3X. Gastric Cancer 2024; 27:275-291. [PMID: 38252226 DOI: 10.1007/s10120-023-01463-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/15/2023] [Accepted: 12/19/2023] [Indexed: 01/23/2024]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Peritoneal metastasis (PM), one of the most typical forms of metastasis in advanced gastric cancer (GC), indicates a poor prognosis. Exploring the potential molecular mechanism of PM is urgently necessary, as it has not been well studied. E3 ubiquitin ligase has been widely established to exert a biological function in various cancers, but its mechanism of action in GC with PM remains unknown. METHODS The effect of MIB1 on PM of GC was confirmed in vitro and in vivo. Co-immunoprecipitation (Co-IP) and mass spectrometry demonstrated the association between MIB1 and DDX3X. Western blot, flow cytometry and immunofluorescence determined that DDX3X was ubiquitylated by MIB1 and promoted stemness. We further confirmed that METTL3 promoted the up-regulation of MIB1 by RNA immunoprecipitation (RIP), luciferase reporter assay and other experiments. RESULTS We observed that the E3 ubiquitin ligase Mind bomb 1 (MIB1) was highly expressed in PMs, and patients with PM with high MIB1 expression showed a worse prognosis than those with low MIB1 expression. Mechanistically, our study demonstrated that the E3 ubiquitin ligase MIB1 promoted epithelial-mesenchymal transition (EMT) progression and stemness in GC cells by degrading DDX3X. In addition, METTL3 mediated m6A modification to stabilize MIB1, which required the m6A reader IGF2BP2. CONCLUSIONS Our study elucidated the specific molecular mechanism by which MIB1 promotes PM of GC, and suggested that targeting the METTL3-MIB1-DDX3X axis may be a promising therapeutic strategy for GC with PM.
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Affiliation(s)
- Peng Xu
- Department of General Surgery, the First Affiliated Hospital of Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing, Jiangsu Province, China
| | - Kanghui Liu
- Department of General Surgery, the First Affiliated Hospital of Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing, Jiangsu Province, China
| | - Shansong Huang
- Department of General Surgery, the First Affiliated Hospital of Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing, Jiangsu Province, China
| | - Jialun Lv
- Department of General Surgery, the First Affiliated Hospital of Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing, Jiangsu Province, China
| | - Zhengyuan Yan
- Department of General Surgery, the First Affiliated Hospital of Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing, Jiangsu Province, China
- Department of Surgery, Nanjing Lishui People's Hospital, Nanjing, 211200, China
| | - Han Ge
- Department of General Surgery, the First Affiliated Hospital of Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing, Jiangsu Province, China
| | - Quan Cheng
- Department of General Surgery, the First Affiliated Hospital of Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing, Jiangsu Province, China
| | - Zetian Chen
- Department of General Surgery, the First Affiliated Hospital of Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing, Jiangsu Province, China
| | - Peicheng Ji
- Department of General Surgery, the First Affiliated Hospital of Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing, Jiangsu Province, China
| | - Yawei Qian
- Department of General Surgery, the First Affiliated Hospital of Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing, Jiangsu Province, China
| | - Bowen Li
- Department of General Surgery, the First Affiliated Hospital of Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing, Jiangsu Province, China
| | - Hao Xu
- Department of General Surgery, the First Affiliated Hospital of Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing, Jiangsu Province, China
| | - Li Yang
- Department of General Surgery, the First Affiliated Hospital of Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing, Jiangsu Province, China
| | - Zekuan Xu
- Department of General Surgery, the First Affiliated Hospital of Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing, Jiangsu Province, China
| | - Diancai Zhang
- Department of General Surgery, the First Affiliated Hospital of Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing, Jiangsu Province, China.
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Yin YT, Shi L, Wu C, Zhang MY, Li JX, Zhou YF, Wang SC, Wang HY, Mai SJ. TRIM29 modulates proteins involved in PTEN/AKT/mTOR and JAK2/STAT3 signaling pathway and suppresses the progression of hepatocellular carcinoma. Med Oncol 2024; 41:79. [PMID: 38393440 DOI: 10.1007/s12032-024-02307-7] [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: 11/06/2023] [Accepted: 01/17/2024] [Indexed: 02/25/2024]
Abstract
Tripartite motif-containing 29 (TRIM29), also known as the ataxia telangiectasia group D-complementing (ATDC) gene, has been reported to play an oncogenic or tumor suppressive role in developing different tumors. So far, its expression and biological functions in hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) remain unclear. We investigated TRIM29 expression pattern in human HCC samples using quantitative RT-PCR and immunohistochemistry. Relationships between TRIM29 expression level, clinical prognostic indicators, overall survival (OS), and disease-free survival (DFS) were evaluated by Kaplan-Meier analysis and Cox proportional hazards model. A series of in vitro experiments and a xenograft tumor model were conducted to detect the functions of TRIM29 in HCC cells. RNA sequencing, western blotting, and immunochemical staining were performed to assess the molecular regulation of TRIM29 in HCC. We found that the mRNA and protein levels of TRIM29 were significantly reduced in HCC samples, compared with adjacent noncancerous tissues, and were negatively correlated with poor differentiation of HCC tissues. Survival analysis confirmed that lower TRIM29 expression significantly correlated with shorter OS and DFS of HCC patients. TRIM29 overexpression remarkably inhibited cell proliferation, migration, and EMT in HCC cells, whereas knockdown of TRIM29 reversed these effects. Moreover, deactivation of the PTEN/AKT/mTOR and JAK2/STAT3 pathways might be involved in the tumor suppressive role of TRIM29 in HCC. Our findings indicate that TRIM29 in HCC exerts its tumor suppressive effects through inhibition of the PTEN/AKT/mTOR and JAK2/STAT3 signaling pathways and may be used as a potential biomarker for survival in patients with HCC.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yu-Ting Yin
- State Key Laboratory of Oncology in South China, Guangdong Provincial Clinical Research Center for Cancer, Sun Yat-Sen University Cancer Center, Guangzhou, 510060, People's Republic of China
| | - Lu Shi
- State Key Laboratory of Oncology in South China, Guangdong Provincial Clinical Research Center for Cancer, Sun Yat-Sen University Cancer Center, Guangzhou, 510060, People's Republic of China
| | - Chun Wu
- State Key Laboratory of Oncology in South China, Guangdong Provincial Clinical Research Center for Cancer, Sun Yat-Sen University Cancer Center, Guangzhou, 510060, People's Republic of China
| | - Mei-Yin Zhang
- State Key Laboratory of Oncology in South China, Guangdong Provincial Clinical Research Center for Cancer, Sun Yat-Sen University Cancer Center, Guangzhou, 510060, People's Republic of China
| | - Jia-Xin Li
- State Key Laboratory of Oncology in South China, Guangdong Provincial Clinical Research Center for Cancer, Sun Yat-Sen University Cancer Center, Guangzhou, 510060, People's Republic of China
| | - Yu-Feng Zhou
- State Key Laboratory of Oncology in South China, Guangdong Provincial Clinical Research Center for Cancer, Sun Yat-Sen University Cancer Center, Guangzhou, 510060, People's Republic of China
| | - Shuo-Cheng Wang
- State Key Laboratory of Oncology in South China, Guangdong Provincial Clinical Research Center for Cancer, Sun Yat-Sen University Cancer Center, Guangzhou, 510060, People's Republic of China
| | - Hui-Yun Wang
- State Key Laboratory of Oncology in South China, Guangdong Provincial Clinical Research Center for Cancer, Sun Yat-Sen University Cancer Center, Guangzhou, 510060, People's Republic of China.
| | - Shi-Juan Mai
- State Key Laboratory of Oncology in South China, Guangdong Provincial Clinical Research Center for Cancer, Sun Yat-Sen University Cancer Center, Guangzhou, 510060, People's Republic of China.
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10
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Zhang Y, Liu YJ, Mei J, Yang ZX, Qian XP, Huang W. An Analysis Regarding the Association Between DAZ Interacting Zinc Finger Protein 1 (DZIP1) and Colorectal Cancer (CRC). Mol Biotechnol 2024:10.1007/s12033-024-01065-1. [PMID: 38334905 DOI: 10.1007/s12033-024-01065-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/09/2023] [Accepted: 12/21/2023] [Indexed: 02/10/2024]
Abstract
Colorectal cancer (CRC) is the third most common malignant disease worldwide, and its incidence is increasing, but the molecular mechanisms of this disease are highly heterogeneous and still far from being fully understood. Increasing evidence suggests that fibrosis mediated by abnormal activation of fibroblasts based in the microenvironment is associated with a poor prognosis. However, the function and pathogenic mechanisms of fibroblasts in CRC remain unclear. Here, combining scrna-seq and clinical specimen data, DAZ Interacting Protein 1 (DZIP1) was found to be expressed on fibroblasts and cancer cells and positively correlated with stromal deposition. Importantly, pseudotime-series analysis showed that DZIP1 levels were up-regulated in malignant transformation of fibroblasts and experimentally confirmed that DZIP1 modulates activation of fibroblasts and promotes epithelial-mesenchymal transition (EMT) in tumor cells. Further studies showed that DZIP1 expressed by tumor cells also has a driving effect on EMT and contributes to the recruitment of more fibroblasts. A similar phenomenon was observed in xenografted nude mice. And it was confirmed in xenograft mice that downregulation of DZIP1 expression significantly delayed tumor formation and reduced tumor size in CRC cells. Taken together, our findings suggested that DZIP1 was a regulator of the CRC mesenchymal phenotype. The revelation of targeting DZIP1 provides a new avenue for CRC therapy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yu Zhang
- Comprehensive Cancer Center, Nanjing Drum Tower Hospital Clinical College of Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing, 210008, Jiangsu, China
- Department of Medical Oncology, Affiliated Jinling Hospital, Medical School Nanjing University, Nanjing, 210029, Jiangsu, China
- Department of Oncology, Nanjing Tianyinshan Hospital, Nanjing, 211199, Jiangsu, China
| | - Yuan-Jie Liu
- Nanjing University of Chinese Medicine, Nanjing, 210029, Jiangsu, China
| | - Jia Mei
- Department of Pathology, Affiliated Jinling Hospital, Medical School Nanjing University, Nanjing, 210029, Jiangsu, China
| | - Zhao-Xu Yang
- Department of Medical Oncology, Affiliated Jinling Hospital, Medical School Nanjing University, Nanjing, 210029, Jiangsu, China
| | - Xiao-Ping Qian
- Comprehensive Cancer Center, Nanjing Drum Tower Hospital Clinical College of Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing, 210008, Jiangsu, China.
- Comprehensive Cancer Center, Nanjing Drum Tower Hospital, The Affiliated Hospital of Nanjing University Medical School, Clinical Cancer Institute of Nanjing University, Nanjing, 210008, Jiangsu, China.
| | - Wei Huang
- Department of Oncology, Jiangsu Province Hospital of Chinese Medicine, Affiliated Hospital of Nanjing University of Chinese Medicine, Hanzhong Road No.155, Nanjing, 210029, Jiangsu, China.
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11
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Zhu X, Ji J, Han X. Osteopontin: an essential regulatory protein in idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis. J Mol Histol 2024; 55:1-13. [PMID: 37878112 DOI: 10.1007/s10735-023-10169-y] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/23/2023] [Accepted: 10/12/2023] [Indexed: 10/26/2023]
Abstract
Idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis (IPF) is a progressive, chronic lung disease characterized by abnormal proliferation and activation of fibroblasts, excessive accumulation of extracellular matrix (ECM), inflammatory damage, and disrupted alveolar structure. Despite its increasing morbidity and mortality rates, effective clinical treatments for IPF remain elusive. Osteopontin (OPN), a multifunctional ECM protein found in various tissues, has been implicated in numerous biological processes such as bone remodeling, innate immunity, acute and chronic inflammation, and cancer. Recent studies have highlighted the pivotal role of OPN in the pathogenesis of IPF. This review aims to delve into the involvement of OPN in the inflammatory response, ECM deposition, and epithelial-mesenchymal transition (EMT) during IPF, and intends to lay a solid theoretical groundwork for the development of therapeutic strategies for IPF.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xiaoyu Zhu
- Immunology and Reproduction Biology Laboratory & State Key Laboratory of Analytical Chemistry for Life Science, Medical School, Nanjing University, Hankou Road 22, Nanjing, 210093, China
- Jiangsu Key Laboratory of Molecular Medicine, Nanjing University, Nanjing, 210093, China
| | - Jie Ji
- Immunology and Reproduction Biology Laboratory & State Key Laboratory of Analytical Chemistry for Life Science, Medical School, Nanjing University, Hankou Road 22, Nanjing, 210093, China
- Jiangsu Key Laboratory of Molecular Medicine, Nanjing University, Nanjing, 210093, China
| | - Xiaodong Han
- Immunology and Reproduction Biology Laboratory & State Key Laboratory of Analytical Chemistry for Life Science, Medical School, Nanjing University, Hankou Road 22, Nanjing, 210093, China.
- Jiangsu Key Laboratory of Molecular Medicine, Nanjing University, Nanjing, 210093, China.
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12
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Yüregir Y, Kaçaroğlu D, Yaylacı S. Regulation of Hepatocellular Carcinoma Epithelial-Mesenchymal Transition Mechanism and Targeted Therapeutic Approaches. Adv Exp Med Biol 2024; 1450:93-102. [PMID: 37452258 DOI: 10.1007/5584_2023_781] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 07/18/2023]
Abstract
Hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) is a primary liver malignancy that accounts for the majority of liver cancer cases, with multiple risk factors including chronic hepatitis B and C infections, alcohol abuse, and non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD). Despite advancements in diagnosis and treatment, the survival rate of patients with advanced HCC remains low, creating an urgent need for new therapeutic targets and strategies.One biological process crucial to HCC progression is the epithelial-mesenchymal transition (EMT). EMT is a process that enables epithelial cells to acquire mesenchymal properties, including motility and invasiveness, by losing their cell-cell adhesion. Various signaling pathways, including TGF-β, Wnt/β-catenin, and Notch, have been implicated in regulating EMT in HCC.To inhibit EMT, targeted therapeutic approaches have been developed, and preclinical studies suggest that the inhibition of the TGF-β, Wnt/β-catenin, and Notch signaling pathways is promising. TGF-β receptor inhibitors, Wnt/β-catenin pathway inhibitors, and gamma-secretase inhibitors have shown efficacy in preclinical studies by inhibiting EMT and reducing tumor growth in HCC models. However, further clinical studies are necessary to determine their effectiveness in human patients.In addition to these approaches, further research is needed to identify other novel therapeutic targets and develop new treatment strategies for HCC. This review emphasizes the critical role of EMT in HCC progression and highlights the potential of targeting the TGF-β, Wnt/β-catenin, and Notch signaling pathways to inhibit EMT and reduce tumor growth in HCC. Future studies and clinical trials are necessary to validate these therapeutic strategies and develop effective treatments for HCC.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yelda Yüregir
- Molecular Biology and Genetics Department, İhsan Doğramacı Bilkent University, Ankara, Turkey
| | - Demet Kaçaroğlu
- Faculty of Medicine, Medical Biology Department, Lokman Hekim University, Ankara, Turkey
| | - Seher Yaylacı
- Faculty of Medicine, Medical Biology Department, Lokman Hekim University, Ankara, Turkey.
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13
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Nulali J, Zhang K, Long M, Wan Y, Liu Y, Zhang Q, Yang L, Hao J, Yang L, Song H. ALYREF-mediated RNA 5-Methylcytosine modification Promotes Hepatocellular Carcinoma Progression Via Stabilizing EGFR mRNA and pSTAT3 activation. Int J Biol Sci 2024; 20:331-346. [PMID: 38164181 PMCID: PMC10750289 DOI: 10.7150/ijbs.82316] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/02/2023] [Accepted: 09/23/2023] [Indexed: 01/03/2024] Open
Abstract
5-Methylcytosine (m5C) is one of the most ubiquitous modifications of mRNA and contributes to cancer pathogenesis. Aly/REF export factor (ALYREF), an m5C reader, is associated with the prognosis of liver hepatocellular carcinoma (LIHC). However, the effects of ALYREF on the progression of LIHC and the underlying molecular mechanisms remains elusive. Through an analysis of an online database and 3 independent LIHC cohorts, we found that ALYREF was markedly elevated in human liver cancer tissues and was significantly correlated with LIHC clinicopathological parameters, including Ki67+ cell rate, high-grade TNM stage, and poor prognosis. Several experiments were conducted to investigate the molecular basis and functional role of ALYREF-related progression in this study. ALYREF could enhance LIHC cell proliferation, migration, invasion, and epithelial-mesenchymal transition (EMT) in vitro and tumor formation in vivo. Mechanistically, ALYREF promoted the progression of human LIHC through EGFR pathways. Furthermore, ALYREF could directly bind to the m5C modification site of EGFR 3' untranslated region (3' UTR) to stabilize EGFR mRNA. Collectively, ALYREF played a crucial oncogenic role in LIHC via the stabilization of EGFR mRNA and subsequent activation of the STAT3 signaling pathway. Our results may help to elucidate the potential mechanisms of ALYREF-induced m5C modification in the progression of human LIHC.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jiayida Nulali
- The Core Laboratory in Medical Center of Clinical Research, Department of Molecular Diagnostics and Endocrinology, Shanghai Ninth People's Hospital, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai, 200011, China
| | - Kaiwen Zhang
- The Core Laboratory in Medical Center of Clinical Research, Department of Molecular Diagnostics and Endocrinology, Shanghai Ninth People's Hospital, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai, 200011, China
| | - Manmei Long
- Department of Pathology, Shanghai Ninth People's Hospital, School of Medicine, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, Shanghai 200127, China
| | - Yueyue Wan
- The Core Laboratory in Medical Center of Clinical Research, Department of Molecular Diagnostics and Endocrinology, Shanghai Ninth People's Hospital, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai, 200011, China
| | - Yu Liu
- Department of Respiration, Yangpu Hospital, Tongji University School of Medicine, Shanghai, China
| | - Qianyue Zhang
- The Core Laboratory in Medical Center of Clinical Research, Department of Molecular Diagnostics and Endocrinology, Shanghai Ninth People's Hospital, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai, 200011, China
| | - Liu Yang
- The Core Laboratory in Medical Center of Clinical Research, Department of Molecular Diagnostics and Endocrinology, Shanghai Ninth People's Hospital, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai, 200011, China
| | - Jun Hao
- Department of Liver Surgery, Renji Hospital, School of Medicine, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, Shanghai 200127, China
| | - Linhua Yang
- Department of Biliary-Pancreatic Surgery, Renji Hospital, School of Medicine, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, Shanghai 200127, China
| | - Huaidong Song
- The Core Laboratory in Medical Center of Clinical Research, Department of Molecular Diagnostics and Endocrinology, Shanghai Ninth People's Hospital, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai, 200011, China
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14
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Zhu Q, Wang Y, Liu Y, Yang X, Shuai Z. Prostate transmembrane androgen inducible protein 1 (PMEPA1): regulation and clinical implications. Front Oncol 2023; 13:1298660. [PMID: 38173834 PMCID: PMC10761476 DOI: 10.3389/fonc.2023.1298660] [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: 09/22/2023] [Accepted: 12/06/2023] [Indexed: 01/05/2024] Open
Abstract
Prostate transmembrane androgen inducible protein 1 (PMEPA1) can promote or inhibit prostate cancer cell growth based on the cancer cell response to the androgen receptor (AR). Further, it can be upregulated by transforming growth factor (TGF), which downregulates transforming growth factor-β (TGF-β) signaling by interfering with R-Smad phosphorylation to facilitate TGF-β receptor degradation. Studies have indicated the increased expression of PMEPA1 in some solid tumors and its functioning as a regulator of multiple signaling pathways. This review highlights the multiple potential signaling pathways associated with PMEPA1 and the role of the PMEPA1 gene in regulating prognosis, including transcriptional regulation and epithelial mesenchymal transition (EMT). Moreover, the relevant implications in and outside tumors, for example, as a biomarker and its potential functions in lysosomes have also been discussed.
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Affiliation(s)
- Qicui Zhu
- Department of Rheumatology and Immunology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Anhui Medical University, Hefei, China
| | - Yue Wang
- Department of Rheumatology and Immunology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Anhui Medical University, Hefei, China
| | - Yaqian Liu
- Department of Rheumatology and Immunology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Anhui Medical University, Hefei, China
| | - Xiaoke Yang
- Department of Rheumatology and Immunology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Anhui Medical University, Hefei, China
| | - Zongwen Shuai
- Department of Rheumatology and Immunology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Anhui Medical University, Hefei, China
- Inflammation and Immune Mediated Diseases Laboratory of Anhui, Hefei, China
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15
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Zhang L, Zhang X, Deng X, Wang P, Mo Y, Zhang Y, Tong X. Cytokines as drivers: Unraveling the mechanisms of epithelial-mesenchymal transition in COVID-19 lung fibrosis. Biochem Biophys Res Commun 2023; 686:149118. [PMID: 37931361 DOI: 10.1016/j.bbrc.2023.10.050] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/11/2023] [Revised: 10/05/2023] [Accepted: 10/12/2023] [Indexed: 11/08/2023]
Abstract
Severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2), like other viruses, can induce proliferation of myofibroblasts and even lead to fibrosis in the lung. Epithelial-mesenchymal transition (EMT) is thought to play an essential role in the pathogenesis of Coronavirus disease 19 (COVID-19). EMT is originally a critical process that regulates the development of different tissues in the embryo, but in inflammatory situations, EMT tries to be activated again to control inflammation or even heal inflammatory damage. However, in pathological situations, such as chronic viral infections (e.g., COVID-19) or pulmonary fibrosis initiation, this benign healing transforms into sinister nature, pushing the lung into the fibrotic process. Notably, the cytokines released by inflammatory cells and the chronic inflammatory microenvironment shared by fibrotic cells promote each other as critical factors in the induction of pathological EMT. In the induction of SARS-CoV-2 virus, cytokines are an essential mediator of EMT transformation, and a summary of whether COVID-19 patients, during the infection phase, have many persistent inflammatory mediators (cytokines) that are a causative factor of EMT has not yet appeared. The following common signaling drivers, including Transforming growth factor beta (TGF-β), cytokines, Notch signaling pathway, Wnt and hypoxia signaling pathways, drive the regulation of EMT. In this review, we will focus on 3 key EMT signaling pathways: TGF-β, Leucine zipper transcription factor like 1 (LZTFL1) and the common interleukin family expressed in the lung. TGF-β-induced SNAIL and LZTFL1 were identified as regulatory EMT in COVID-19. For cytokines, the interleukin family is a common inducer of EMT and plays an essential role in the formation of the microenvironment of fibrosis. We sought to demonstrate that cytokines act as "communicators" and build the "microenvironment" of fibrosis together with EMT as a "bridge" to induce EMT in fibrosis. The mechanisms utilized by these two pathways could serve as templates for other mesenchymal transformations and provide new potential therapeutic targets.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lanlan Zhang
- Department of Respiratory and Critical Care Medicine, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu, China; State Key Laboratory of Respiratory Health and Multimorbidity, Chengdu, China.
| | - Xin Zhang
- Department of Gastroenterology, West China (Airport) Hospital of Sichuan University, Chengdu, China; Department of Gastroenterology, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu, China.
| | - Xiaoqian Deng
- Department of Anesthesiology, West China Hospital, Sichuan university, Chengdu, China
| | - Pengbo Wang
- School of Professional Studies, Columbia University, USA
| | - Yan Mo
- Department of Neurology Medicine, The Aviation Industry Corporation of China (AVIC) 363 Hospital, Chengdu, China
| | - Yuansheng Zhang
- Department of Respiratory and Critical Care Medicine, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu, China
| | - Xia Tong
- Department of Gastroenterology, West China (Airport) Hospital of Sichuan University, Chengdu, China; Department of Gastroenterology, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu, China
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16
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Zhou L, He L, Liu CH, Qiu H, Zheng L, Sample KM, Wu Q, Li J, Xie K, Ampuero J, Li Z, Lv D, Liu M, Romero-Gómez M, Hu Y, Tang H. Liver cancer stem cell dissemination and metastasis: uncovering the role of NRCAM in hepatocellular carcinoma. J Exp Clin Cancer Res 2023; 42:311. [PMID: 37993901 PMCID: PMC10664624 DOI: 10.1186/s13046-023-02893-w] [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: 08/10/2023] [Accepted: 11/10/2023] [Indexed: 11/24/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Liver cancer stem cells (LCSCs) play an important role in hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC), but the mechanisms that link LCSCs to HCC metastasis remain largely unknown. This study aims to reveal the contributions of NRCAM to LCSC function and HCC metastasis, and further explore its mechanism in detail. METHODS 117 HCC and 29 non-HCC patients with focal liver lesions were collected and analyzed to assess the association between NRCAM and HCC metastasis. Single-cell RNA sequencing (scRNA-seq) was used to explore the biological characteristics of cells with high NRCAM expression in metastatic HCC. The role and mechanism of NRCAM in LCSC dissemination and metastasis was explored in vitro and in vivo using MYC-driven LCSC organoids from murine liver cells. RESULTS Serum NRCAM is associated with HCC metastasis and poor prognosis. A scRNA-seq analysis identified that NRCAM was highly expressed in LCSCs with MYC activation in metastatic HCC. Moreover, NRCAM facilitated LCSC migration and invasion, which was confirmed in MYC-driven LCSC organoids. The in vivo tumor allografts demonstrated that NRCAM mediated intra-hepatic/lung HCC metastasis by enhancing the ability of LCSCs to escape from tumors into the bloodstream. Nrcam expression inhibition in LCSCs blocked HCC metastasis. Mechanistically, NRCAM activated epithelial-mesenchymal transition (EMT) and metastasis-related matrix metalloproteinases (MMPs) through the MACF1 mediated β-catenin signaling pathway in LCSCs. CONCLUSIONS LCSCs typified by high NRCAM expression have a strong ability to invade and migrate, which is an important factor leading to HCC metastasis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lingyun Zhou
- Center of Infectious Diseases, West China Hospital of Sichuan University, 37 GuoXue Lane, Chengdu, 610041, Sichuan Province, China.
- Division of Infectious Diseases, State Key Laboratory of Biotherapy, West China Hospital of Sichuan University, Chengdu, China.
| | - Linye He
- Thyroid and Parathyroid Surgery Center, West China Hospital of Sichuan University, Chengdu, China
| | - Chang-Hai Liu
- Center of Infectious Diseases, West China Hospital of Sichuan University, 37 GuoXue Lane, Chengdu, 610041, Sichuan Province, China
- Division of Infectious Diseases, State Key Laboratory of Biotherapy, West China Hospital of Sichuan University, Chengdu, China
| | - Huandi Qiu
- State Key Laboratory of Biotherapy and Cancer Center, West China Hospital of Sichuan University, 37 GuoXue Lane, Chengdu, 610041, Sichuan Province, China
| | - Li Zheng
- State Key Laboratory of Biotherapy and Cancer Center, West China Hospital of Sichuan University, 37 GuoXue Lane, Chengdu, 610041, Sichuan Province, China
| | - Klarke Michael Sample
- State Key Laboratory of Biotherapy and Cancer Center, West China Hospital of Sichuan University, 37 GuoXue Lane, Chengdu, 610041, Sichuan Province, China
| | - Qin Wu
- Center of Infectious Diseases, West China Hospital of Sichuan University, 37 GuoXue Lane, Chengdu, 610041, Sichuan Province, China
| | - Jiaxin Li
- Department of Liver Surgery and Liver Transplantation Centre, West China Hospital of Sichuan University, Chengdu, China
| | - Kunlin Xie
- Department of Liver Surgery and Liver Transplantation Centre, West China Hospital of Sichuan University, Chengdu, China
| | - Javier Ampuero
- Digestive Diseases Unit, Virgen del Rocío University Hospital, SeLiver Group at Institute of Biomedicine of Seville (IBIS: HUVRocío/CSIC/US), University of Seville, Seville, Spain
| | - Zhihui Li
- Thyroid and Parathyroid Surgery Center, West China Hospital of Sichuan University, Chengdu, China
| | - Duoduo Lv
- Center of Infectious Diseases, West China Hospital of Sichuan University, 37 GuoXue Lane, Chengdu, 610041, Sichuan Province, China
- Division of Infectious Diseases, State Key Laboratory of Biotherapy, West China Hospital of Sichuan University, Chengdu, China
| | - Miao Liu
- Center of Infectious Diseases, West China Hospital of Sichuan University, 37 GuoXue Lane, Chengdu, 610041, Sichuan Province, China
- Division of Infectious Diseases, State Key Laboratory of Biotherapy, West China Hospital of Sichuan University, Chengdu, China
| | - Manuel Romero-Gómez
- Digestive Diseases Unit, Virgen del Rocío University Hospital, SeLiver Group at Institute of Biomedicine of Seville (IBIS: HUVRocío/CSIC/US), University of Seville, Seville, Spain.
- Digestive Disease Department and CIBERehd, Virgen del Rocío University Hospital, Avenida Manuel Siurot S/N, 41013, Seville, Spain.
| | - Yiguo Hu
- Thyroid and Parathyroid Surgery Center, West China Hospital of Sichuan University, Chengdu, China.
- State Key Laboratory of Biotherapy and Cancer Center, West China Hospital of Sichuan University, 37 GuoXue Lane, Chengdu, 610041, Sichuan Province, China.
- National Clinical Research Center for Geriatrics, West China Hospital of Sichuan University, Chengdu, China.
| | - Hong Tang
- Center of Infectious Diseases, West China Hospital of Sichuan University, 37 GuoXue Lane, Chengdu, 610041, Sichuan Province, China.
- Division of Infectious Diseases, State Key Laboratory of Biotherapy, West China Hospital of Sichuan University, Chengdu, China.
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17
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Wang C, He Z. Integrating bulk and single-cell RNA sequencing data reveals epithelial-mesenchymal transition molecular subtype and signature to predict prognosis, immunotherapy efficacy, and drug candidates in low-grade gliomas. Front Pharmacol 2023; 14:1276466. [PMID: 38053842 PMCID: PMC10694300 DOI: 10.3389/fphar.2023.1276466] [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: 08/12/2023] [Accepted: 11/06/2023] [Indexed: 12/07/2023] Open
Abstract
Objective: Epithelial-mesenchymal transition (EMT) is a tightly regulated and dynamic process occurring in both embryonic development and tumor progression. Our study aimed to comprehensively explore the molecular subtypes, immune landscape, and prognostic signature based on EMT-related genes in low-grade gliomas (LGG) in order to facilitate treatment decision-making and drug discovery. Methods: We curated EMT-related genes and performed molecular subtyping with consensus clustering algorithm to determine EMT expression patterns in LGG. The infiltration level of diverse immune cell subsets was evaluated by implementing the single-sample gene set enrichment analysis (ssGSEA) and ESTIMATE algorithms. The distinctions in clinical characteristics, mutation landscape, and immune tumor microenvironment (TME) among the subtypes were subjected to further investigation. Gene Set Variation Analysis (GSVA) was performed to explore the biological pathways that were involved in subtypes. The chemo drug sensitivity and immunotherapy of subtypes were estimated through GDSC database and NTP algorithm. To detect EMT subtype-related prognostic gene modules, the analysis of weighted gene co-expression network (WGCNA) was performed. The LASSO algorithm was utilized to construct a prognostic risk model, and its efficacy was verified through an independent CGGA dataset. Finally, the expression of the hub genes from the prognostic model was evaluated through the single-cell dataset and in-vitro experiment. Results: The TCGA-LGG dataset revealed the creation of two molecular subtypes that presented different prognoses, clinical implications, TME, mutation landscapes, chemotherapy, and immunotherapy. A three-gene signature (SLC39A1, CTSA and CLIC1) based on EMT expression pattern were established through WGCNA analysis. Low-risk patients showed a positive outlook, increased immune cell presence, and higher expression of immune checkpoint proteins. In addition, several promising drugs, including birinapant, fluvastatin, clofarabine, dasatinib, tanespimycin, TAK-733, GDC-0152, AZD8330, trametinib and ingenol-mebutate had great potential to the treatment of high risk patients. Finally, CTSA and CLIC1 were highly expressed in monocyte cell through single-cell RNA sequencing analysis. Conclusion: Our research revealed non-negligible role of EMT in the TME diversity and complexity of LGG. A prognostic signature may contribute to the personalized treatment and prognostic determination.
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Affiliation(s)
- Chengcheng Wang
- Department of Pharmacy, Qilu Hospital (Qingdao), Cheeloo College of Medicine, Shandong University, Qingdao, Shandong, China
| | - Zheng He
- Department of Neurosurgery, Qilu Hospital (Qingdao), Cheeloo College of Medicine, Shandong University, Qingdao, Shandong, China
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18
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Wang M, Deng C, Yang C, Yan M, Lu H, Zhang Y, Liu H, Tong Z, Ma J, Wang J, Zhang Y, Wang J, Xuan Y, Cheng H, Zhao K, Zhang J, Chai C, Li M, Yu Z. Unraveling temporal and spatial biomarkers of epithelial-mesenchymal transition in colorectal cancer: insights into the crucial role of immunosuppressive cells. J Transl Med 2023; 21:794. [PMID: 37940972 PMCID: PMC10633927 DOI: 10.1186/s12967-023-04600-x] [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] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/04/2023] [Accepted: 10/06/2023] [Indexed: 11/10/2023] Open
Abstract
The occurrence and progression of tumors can be established through a complex interplay among tumor cells undergoing epithelial-mesenchymal transition (EMT), invasive factors and immune cells. In this study, we employed single-cell RNA sequencing (scRNA-seq) and spatially resolved transcriptomics (ST) to evaluate the pseudotime trajectory and spatial interactive relationship between EMT-invasive malignant tumors and immune cells in primary colorectal cancer (CRC) tissues at different stages (stage I/II and stage III with tumor deposit). Our research characterized the spatiotemporal relationship among different invasive tumor programs by constructing pseudotime endpoint-EMT-invasion tumor programs (EMTPs) located at the edge of ST, utilizing evolution trajectory analysis integrated with EMT-invasion genes. Strikingly, the invasive and expansive process of tumors undergoes remarkable spatial reprogramming of regulatory and immunosuppressive cells, such as myeloid-derived suppressor cells (MDSCs), tumor-associated macrophages (TAMs), regulatory T cells (Treg), and exhausted T cells (Tex). These EMTP-adjacent cell are linked to EMT-related invasion genes, especially the C-X-C motif ligand 1 (CXCL1) and CXCL8 genes that are important for CRC prognosis. Interestingly, the EMTPs in stage I mainly produce an inflammatory margin invasive niche, while the EMTPs in stage III tissues likely produce a hypoxic pre-invasive niche. Our data demonstrate the crucial role of regulatory and immunosuppressive cells in tumor formation and progression of CRC. This study provides a framework to delineate the spatiotemporal invasive niche in CRC samples.
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Affiliation(s)
- Muhong Wang
- Department of Colorectal Surgery, Harbin Medical University Cancer Hospital, Harbin, 150086, China
| | - Chunyu Deng
- School of Life Science and Technology, Harbin Institute of Technology, Harbin, 150080, China
| | - Cheng Yang
- Department of Colorectal Surgery, Harbin Medical University Cancer Hospital, Harbin, 150086, China
| | - Mingze Yan
- Department of Colorectal Surgery, Harbin Medical University Cancer Hospital, Harbin, 150086, China
| | - Haibo Lu
- Department of Colorectal Surgery, Harbin Medical University Cancer Hospital, Harbin, 150086, China
| | - Yan Zhang
- School of Life Science and Technology, Harbin Institute of Technology, Harbin, 150080, China
| | - Honghao Liu
- School of Life Science and Technology, Harbin Institute of Technology, Harbin, 150080, China
| | - Zhekuan Tong
- Department of Colorectal Surgery, Harbin Medical University Cancer Hospital, Harbin, 150086, China
| | - Jiaao Ma
- Department of Colorectal Surgery, Harbin Medical University Cancer Hospital, Harbin, 150086, China
| | - Jiaming Wang
- Department of Colorectal Surgery, Harbin Medical University Cancer Hospital, Harbin, 150086, China
| | - Yan Zhang
- Department of Colorectal Surgery, Harbin Medical University Cancer Hospital, Harbin, 150086, China
| | - Jiahao Wang
- Department of Colorectal Surgery, Harbin Medical University Cancer Hospital, Harbin, 150086, China
| | - Yuhong Xuan
- Department of Colorectal Surgery, Harbin Medical University Cancer Hospital, Harbin, 150086, China
| | - Haiyue Cheng
- Department of Colorectal Surgery, Harbin Medical University Cancer Hospital, Harbin, 150086, China
| | - Kai Zhao
- Department of Colorectal Surgery, Harbin Medical University Cancer Hospital, Harbin, 150086, China
| | - Jiaqi Zhang
- Department of Colorectal Surgery, Harbin Medical University Cancer Hospital, Harbin, 150086, China
| | - Cuicui Chai
- Digestive Disease Center, The Seventh Affiliated Hospital Sun Yat-Sen University, Shenzhen, 518107, China
| | - Mingzhe Li
- Digestive Disease Center, The Seventh Affiliated Hospital Sun Yat-Sen University, Shenzhen, 518107, China.
| | - Zhiwei Yu
- Department of Colorectal Surgery, Harbin Medical University Cancer Hospital, Harbin, 150086, China.
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19
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Bhatia S, Gunter JH, Burgess JT, Adams MN, O'Byrne K, Thompson EW, Duijf PH. Stochastic epithelial-mesenchymal transitions diversify non-cancerous lung cell behaviours. Transl Oncol 2023; 37:101760. [PMID: 37611490 PMCID: PMC10466920 DOI: 10.1016/j.tranon.2023.101760] [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: 05/15/2023] [Revised: 07/23/2023] [Accepted: 08/07/2023] [Indexed: 08/25/2023] Open
Abstract
Epithelial-mesenchymal plasticity (EMP) is a hallmark of cancer. By enabling cells to shift between different morphological and functional states, EMP promotes invasion, metastasis and therapy resistance. We report that near-diploid non-cancerous human epithelial lung cells spontaneously shift along the EMP spectrum without genetic changes. Strikingly, more than half of single cell-derived clones adopt a mesenchymal morphology. We independently characterise epithelial-like and mesenchymal-like clones. Mesenchymal clones lose epithelial markers, display larger cell aspect ratios and lower motility, with mostly unaltered proliferation rates. Stemness marker expression and metabolic rewiring diverge independently of phenotypes. In 3D culture, more epithelial clones become mesenchymal-like. Thus, non-cancerous epithelial cells may acquire cancer metastasis-associated features prior to genetic alterations and cancerous transformation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sugandha Bhatia
- Queensland University of Technology (QUT), School of Biomedical Sciences, Centre for Genomics and Personalised Health at the Translational Research Institute, Woolloongabba 4102, QLD, Australia.
| | - Jennifer H Gunter
- Queensland University of Technology (QUT), School of Biomedical Sciences, Centre for Genomics and Personalised Health at the Translational Research Institute, Woolloongabba 4102, QLD, Australia; Australian Prostate Cancer Research Centre-Queensland (APCRC-Q), Queensland University of Technology, Woolloongabba 4102, Australia
| | - Joshua T Burgess
- Queensland University of Technology (QUT), School of Biomedical Sciences, Centre for Genomics and Personalised Health at the Translational Research Institute, Woolloongabba 4102, QLD, Australia
| | - Mark N Adams
- Queensland University of Technology (QUT), School of Biomedical Sciences, Centre for Genomics and Personalised Health at the Translational Research Institute, Woolloongabba 4102, QLD, Australia
| | - Kenneth O'Byrne
- Queensland University of Technology (QUT), School of Biomedical Sciences, Centre for Genomics and Personalised Health at the Translational Research Institute, Woolloongabba 4102, QLD, Australia; Princess Alexandra Hospital, Woolloongabba 4102, QLD, Australia
| | - Erik W Thompson
- Queensland University of Technology (QUT), School of Biomedical Sciences, Centre for Genomics and Personalised Health at the Translational Research Institute, Woolloongabba 4102, QLD, Australia
| | - Pascal Hg Duijf
- Queensland University of Technology (QUT), School of Biomedical Sciences, Centre for Genomics and Personalised Health at the Translational Research Institute, Woolloongabba 4102, QLD, Australia; Centre for Cancer Biology, Clinical and Health Sciences, University of South Australia and SA Pathology, Adelaide SA, 5001, Australia; Institute of Clinical Medicine, Faculty of Medicine, University of Oslo, Oslo, Norway; Department of Medical Genetics, Oslo University Hospital, Oslo, Norway.
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20
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Kuburich NA, Sabapathy T, Demestichas BR, Maddela JJ, den Hollander P, Mani SA. Proactive and reactive roles of TGF-β in cancer. Semin Cancer Biol 2023; 95:120-139. [PMID: 37572731 PMCID: PMC10530624 DOI: 10.1016/j.semcancer.2023.08.002] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/30/2023] [Revised: 08/04/2023] [Accepted: 08/05/2023] [Indexed: 08/14/2023]
Abstract
Cancer cells adapt to varying stress conditions to survive through plasticity. Stem cells exhibit a high degree of plasticity, allowing them to generate more stem cells or differentiate them into specialized cell types to contribute to tissue development, growth, and repair. Cancer cells can also exhibit plasticity and acquire properties that enhance their survival. TGF-β is an unrivaled growth factor exploited by cancer cells to gain plasticity. TGF-β-mediated signaling enables carcinoma cells to alter their epithelial and mesenchymal properties through epithelial-mesenchymal plasticity (EMP). However, TGF-β is a multifunctional cytokine; thus, the signaling by TGF-β can be detrimental or beneficial to cancer cells depending on the cellular context. Those cells that overcome the anti-tumor effect of TGF-β can induce epithelial-mesenchymal transition (EMT) to gain EMP benefits. EMP allows cancer cells to alter their cell properties and the tumor immune microenvironment (TIME), facilitating their survival. Due to the significant roles of TGF-β and EMP in carcinoma progression, it is essential to understand how TGF-β enables EMP and how cancer cells exploit this plasticity. This understanding will guide the development of effective TGF-β-targeting therapies that eliminate cancer cell plasticity.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nick A Kuburich
- Legorreta Cancer Center, The Warren Alpert Medical School, Brown University, Providence, RI 02912, USA; Department of Pathology and Lab Medicine, The Warren Alpert Medical School, Brown University, Providence, RI 02912, USA
| | - Thiru Sabapathy
- Legorreta Cancer Center, The Warren Alpert Medical School, Brown University, Providence, RI 02912, USA; Department of Pathology and Lab Medicine, The Warren Alpert Medical School, Brown University, Providence, RI 02912, USA
| | - Breanna R Demestichas
- Legorreta Cancer Center, The Warren Alpert Medical School, Brown University, Providence, RI 02912, USA; Department of Pathology and Lab Medicine, The Warren Alpert Medical School, Brown University, Providence, RI 02912, USA
| | - Joanna Joyce Maddela
- Legorreta Cancer Center, The Warren Alpert Medical School, Brown University, Providence, RI 02912, USA; Department of Pathology and Lab Medicine, The Warren Alpert Medical School, Brown University, Providence, RI 02912, USA
| | - Petra den Hollander
- Legorreta Cancer Center, The Warren Alpert Medical School, Brown University, Providence, RI 02912, USA; Department of Pathology and Lab Medicine, The Warren Alpert Medical School, Brown University, Providence, RI 02912, USA
| | - Sendurai A Mani
- Legorreta Cancer Center, The Warren Alpert Medical School, Brown University, Providence, RI 02912, USA; Department of Pathology and Lab Medicine, The Warren Alpert Medical School, Brown University, Providence, RI 02912, USA.
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21
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Khan SU, Fatima K, Malik F, Kalkavan H, Wani A. Cancer metastasis: Molecular mechanisms and clinical perspectives. Pharmacol Ther 2023; 250:108522. [PMID: 37661054 DOI: 10.1016/j.pharmthera.2023.108522] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/03/2023] [Revised: 08/22/2023] [Accepted: 08/29/2023] [Indexed: 09/05/2023]
Abstract
Metastatic progression combined with non-responsiveness towards systemic therapy often shapes the course of disease for cancer patients and commonly determines its lethal outcome. The complex molecular events that promote metastasis are a combination of both, the acquired pro-metastatic properties of cancer cells and a metastasis-permissive or -supportive tumor micro-environment (TME). Yet, dissemination is a challenging process for cancer cells that requires a series of events to enable cancer cell survival and growth. Metastatic cancer cells have to initially detach themselves from primary tumors, overcome the challenges of their intravasal journey and colonize distant sites that are suited for their metastases. The implicated obstacles including anoikis and immune surveillance, can be overcome by intricate intra- and extracellular signaling pathways, which we will summarize and discuss in this review. Further, emerging modulators of metastasis, like the immune-microenvironment, microbiome, sublethal cell death engagement, or the nervous system will be integrated into the existing working model of metastasis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sameer Ullah Khan
- The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Division of Genitourinary Medical Oncology, Holcombe Blvd, Houston, TX 77030, USA; Division of Cancer Pharmacology, CSIR-Indian Institute of Integrative Medicine, Jammu and Kashmir, India
| | - Kaneez Fatima
- Division of Cancer Pharmacology, CSIR-Indian Institute of Integrative Medicine, Jammu and Kashmir, India; Academy of Scientific and Innovative Research (ASIR), Ghaziabad 201002, India
| | - Fayaz Malik
- Division of Cancer Pharmacology, CSIR-Indian Institute of Integrative Medicine, Jammu and Kashmir, India; Academy of Scientific and Innovative Research (ASIR), Ghaziabad 201002, India.
| | - Halime Kalkavan
- Department of Medical Oncology, West German Cancer Center, University Hospital Essen, Essen, Germany; German Cancer Consortium (DKTK), Partner Site University Hospital Essen, Essen, Germany.
| | - Abubakar Wani
- St. Jude Children's Research Hospital, 262 Danny Thomas Pl, Memphis, TN 38105, United States.
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22
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Chen YY, Chen CK, Wu TT, Ho CY, Yeh TC, Sun GC, Tseng CJ, Cheng PW. Attenuation of epithelial-mesenchymal transition via SGLT2 inhibition and diabetic cataract suppression by dapagliflozin nanoparticles treatment. Life Sci 2023; 330:122005. [PMID: 37549827 DOI: 10.1016/j.lfs.2023.122005] [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] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/04/2023] [Revised: 07/25/2023] [Accepted: 08/03/2023] [Indexed: 08/09/2023]
Abstract
AIMS Chronic hyperglycemia triggers overproduction of AKR1B1 (aldo-keto reductase family 1 member B) and receptor for advanced glycation end product (RAGE), which causes epithelial-mesenchymal transition (EMT) in the lens epithelial cells (LECs) of diabetic mellitus (DM) cataracts. However, it is unclear whether EMT in LECs is related to abnormal increase of SGLT2. Sodium glucose cotransporter 2 (SGLT2) inhibitor, also known as dapagliflozin (Dapa) can be used to treat diabetes. Here, we examined how Dapa or nano eye-drops (DapaN) reduce EMT in LECs of DM cataracts. The nano eye-drop provides an ophthalmic treatment that suppressed diabetic cataract progression and improved potency with reduced side effects. MAIN METHODS SD rats were injected with streptozocin (STZ) (65 mg/kg, ip), nano-Dapa drops (0.456 mg/10 ml/eye) or Dapa (1.2 mg/kg/day) treatment for 6-12 weeks. Immunofluorescence staining was used for protein quantification of RAGE, SGLT2, N-cadherin and E-cadherin in the LECs of rats. KEY FINDINGS In this study, Dapa applies nanotechnology-based delivery system and it contains polyvinylpyrrolidone (PVP) and HPBCD. Dapa showed therapeutic effect on DM cataracts, wherein it targeted EMT biomarker, E-cadherin. The nano-Dapa drops or oral Dapa inhibited SGLT2, suppressed AKR1B1 expression, decreased AcSOD2- and RAGE-induced EMT in diabetic cataracts. Our findings suggest that nanotechnology-based Dapa eye drops (Dapa-PVP-HPBCD) can effectively improve solubility of Dapa in aqueous solution. SIGNIFICANCE Taken together, results suggest that the SGLT2-mediated DM cataract therapy may involve the AKR1B1-RAGE-AcSOD2-EMT pathway. The nano eye drops and Dapa show potential beneficial effects for cataract prevention. This study conveys new insights into cataract treatment and supplementation of nano-Dapa drops shows promising result in preventing diabetic cataracts.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ying-Ying Chen
- Department of Ophthalmology, Kaohsiung Veterans General Hospital, Kaohsiung 81362, Taiwan; National Yang-Ming University, Taipei 11221, Taiwan
| | - Chih-Kuang Chen
- Department of Materials and Optoelectronic Science, National Sun Yat-sen University, Kaohsiung 80424, Taiwan
| | - Tsung-Tien Wu
- Department of Ophthalmology, Kaohsiung Veterans General Hospital, Kaohsiung 81362, Taiwan; National Yang-Ming University, Taipei 11221, Taiwan
| | - Chiu-Yi Ho
- Department of Medical Education and Research, Kaohsiung Veterans General Hospital, Kaohsiung 81362, Taiwan; Institute of Biomedical Sciences, National Sun Yat-Sen University, Kaohsiung 80424, Taiwan
| | - Tung-Chen Yeh
- Department of Internal Medicine, Division of Cardiology, Kaohsiung Veterans General Hospital, Kaohsiung 81362, Taiwan
| | - Gwo-Ching Sun
- Department of Anesthesiology, Kaohsiung Veterans General Hospital, Kaohsiung 81362, Taiwan
| | - Ching-Jiunn Tseng
- Department of Medical Education and Research, Kaohsiung Veterans General Hospital, Kaohsiung 81362, Taiwan; Institute of Biomedical Sciences, National Sun Yat-Sen University, Kaohsiung 80424, Taiwan
| | - Pei-Wen Cheng
- Department of Medical Education and Research, Kaohsiung Veterans General Hospital, Kaohsiung 81362, Taiwan; Institute of Biomedical Sciences, National Sun Yat-Sen University, Kaohsiung 80424, Taiwan.
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23
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Yin Y, Liu S, Liu H, Wu W. Nintedanib inhibits normal human vitreous-induced epithelial-mesenchymal transition in human retinal pigment epithelial cells. Biomed Pharmacother 2023; 166:115403. [PMID: 37659204 DOI: 10.1016/j.biopha.2023.115403] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/20/2023] [Revised: 08/18/2023] [Accepted: 08/28/2023] [Indexed: 09/04/2023] Open
Abstract
PURPOSE In this study, we aim to investigate the potential of nintedanib as a therapeutic approach to proliferative vitreoretinopathy (PVR), which is the leading cause of failure in retinal detachment repair. PVR is characterized by the epithelial-mesenchymal transition (EMT) of retinal pigment epithelial (RPE) cells, and understanding the effects of nintedanib on EMT in the normal human vitreous (HV)-induced RPE cells is crucial. METHODS Our research focuses on assessing the impact of nintedanib on HV-induced EMT in human retinal pigment epithelial (ARPE-19) cells in vitro. We employed various techniques, including quantitative real-time PCR (qPCR), western blot analysis, and immunofluorescence staining, to evaluate the mRNA and protein expression of EMT biomarkers in HV-induced ARPE-19 cells. Additionally, we measured the proliferation of RPE cells using cell counting, CCK-8, and Ki-67 assays. Migration was assessed through wound healing and transwell migration assays, while contraction was determined using a collagen gel contraction assay. Morphological changes were examined using phase-contrast microscopy. RESULTS Our results demonstrate that nintedanib selectively attenuates the upregulation of mesenchymal markers in HV-induced ARPE-19 cells, at both the mRNA and protein levels. Furthermore, nintedanib effectively suppresses the HV-induced proliferation, migration, and contraction of ARPE-19 cells, while maintaining the cells' basal activity. These findings strongly suggest that nintedanib exhibits protective effects against EMT in ARPE-19 cells and could be a promising therapeutic option for PVR. CONCLUSIONS By elucidating the anti-EMT effects of nintedanib in HV-induced RPE cells, our study highlights the potential of this oral triple tyrosine kinase inhibitor in the treatment of PVR. These findings contribute to the growing body of research aimed at developing novel strategies to prevent and manage PVR, ultimately improving the success rates of retinal detachment repair.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yiwei Yin
- Department of Ophthalmology, Hunan Key Laboratory of Ophthalmology, Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha, China; National Clinical Research Center for Geriatric Disorders, Xiangya Hospital, Changsha, China; Department of Pharmacy, Third Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha, China
| | - Shikun Liu
- Department of Pharmacy, Third Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha, China
| | - Hanhan Liu
- Department of Ophthalmology, Third Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha, China.
| | - Wenyi Wu
- Department of Ophthalmology, Hunan Key Laboratory of Ophthalmology, Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha, China; National Clinical Research Center for Geriatric Disorders, Xiangya Hospital, Changsha, China.
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Que Z, Zhou Z, Liu S, Zheng W, Lei B. Dihydroartemisinin inhibits EMT of glioma via gene BASP1 in extrachromosomal DNA. Biochem Biophys Res Commun 2023; 675:130-138. [PMID: 37473527 DOI: 10.1016/j.bbrc.2023.07.019] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/13/2023] [Revised: 07/01/2023] [Accepted: 07/11/2023] [Indexed: 07/22/2023]
Abstract
The mechanism of dihydroartemisinin (DHA) inhibiting the migration and invasion of glioma in an ROS-DSB-dependent manner has been revealed. Extrachromosomal DNAs (ecDNAs) which are generated by DNA damage have great potential in glioma treatment. However, the role of ecDNAs in DHA's pharmacological mechanisms in glioma is still unknown. In this study, DHA was found to inhibit proliferative activity, increase ROS levels and promote apoptosis in U87 and U251 cells. Migration and invasion have also been suppressed. ecDNA expression profiles were found in gliomas. EcDNA-BASP1 was found, by means of bioinformatics analysis, to be present in GBM tissues and positively correlated with patient prognosis. Proliferation, migration and invasion were upregulated after knockdown of ecDNA-BASP1. The expression of vimentin and N-cadherin also had the same tendency. Finally, we found that the ecDNA-BASP1 content in nude mouse transplant tumors was significantly increased after DHA treatment, which might exert a better suppressive effect on glioma. The upregulation of tumor suppressor ecDNA-BASP1 played an important role in the suppression of glioma progression induced by DHA. EcDNA-BASP1 may inhibit glioma migration and invasion through repressing epithelial-mesenchymal transition (EMT).
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Affiliation(s)
- Zhongyou Que
- Department of Neurosurgery, Shenzhen Samii Medical Center, Shenzhen, China
| | - Zhiwei Zhou
- Department of Neurosurgery, Sun Yat-sen Memorial Hospital, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou, China; Faculty of Health Sciences, University of Macau, Taipa, Macau, China
| | - Sheng Liu
- Department of Neurosurgery, Shenzhen Samii Medical Center, Shenzhen, China
| | - Wenhua Zheng
- Faculty of Health Sciences, University of Macau, Taipa, Macau, China.
| | - Bingxi Lei
- Department of Neurosurgery, Sun Yat-sen Memorial Hospital, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou, China.
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25
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Cerverò-Varona A, Canciello A, Peserico A, Haidar Montes AA, Citeroni MR, Mauro A, Russo V, Moffa S, Pilato S, Di Giacomo S, Dufrusine B, Dainese E, Fontana A, Barboni B. Graphene oxide accelerates TGFβ-mediated epithelial-mesenchymal transition and stimulates pro-inflammatory immune response in amniotic epithelial cells. Mater Today Bio 2023; 22:100758. [PMID: 37600353 PMCID: PMC10432246 DOI: 10.1016/j.mtbio.2023.100758] [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] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/14/2023] [Revised: 07/23/2023] [Accepted: 08/01/2023] [Indexed: 08/22/2023] Open
Abstract
The application of biomaterials on immune regenerative strategies to deal with unsolved pathologies is getting attention in the field of tissue engineering. In this context, graphene oxide (GO) has been proposed as an immune-mimetic material largely used for developing stem cell-based regenerative therapies, since it has shown to influence stem cell behavior and modulate their immune response. Similarly, amniotic epithelial stem cells (AECs) are getting an increasing clinical interest as source of stem cells due to their great plasticity and immunomodulatory paracrine activities, even though GO bio-mimetic effects still remain unknown. To this aim, GO-functionalized glass coverslips have been used for AECs culture. The results demonstrated how GO-coating is able to induce and accelerate the Epithelial-Mesenchymal Transition (EMT), in a process mediated by the intracellular activation of TGFβ1-SMAD2/3 signaling pathway. The trans-differentiation towards mesenchymal phenotype provides AECs of migratory ability and substantially changes the pattern of cytokines secretion upon inflammatory stimulus. Indeed, GO-exposed AECs enhance their pro-inflammatory interleukins production thus inducing a more efficient activation of macrophages and, at the same time, by slightly reducing their inhibitory action on peripheral blood mononuclear cells proliferation. Therefore, the adhesion of AECs on GO-functionalized surfaces might contribute to the generation of a tailored microenvironment useful to face both the phases of the inflammation, thereby fostering the regenerative process.
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Affiliation(s)
- Adrian Cerverò-Varona
- Department of Biosciences and Agro-Food and Environmental Technologies, University of Teramo,64100, Teramo, Italy
| | - Angelo Canciello
- Department of Biosciences and Agro-Food and Environmental Technologies, University of Teramo,64100, Teramo, Italy
| | - Alessia Peserico
- Department of Biosciences and Agro-Food and Environmental Technologies, University of Teramo,64100, Teramo, Italy
| | - Arlette Alina Haidar Montes
- Department of Biosciences and Agro-Food and Environmental Technologies, University of Teramo,64100, Teramo, Italy
| | - Maria Rita Citeroni
- Department of Biosciences and Agro-Food and Environmental Technologies, University of Teramo,64100, Teramo, Italy
| | - Annunziata Mauro
- Department of Biosciences and Agro-Food and Environmental Technologies, University of Teramo,64100, Teramo, Italy
| | - Valentina Russo
- Department of Biosciences and Agro-Food and Environmental Technologies, University of Teramo,64100, Teramo, Italy
| | - Samanta Moffa
- Department of Pharmacy, University “G. D’Annunzio”, Via Dei Vestini, 66100, Chieti, Italy
| | - Serena Pilato
- Department of Pharmacy, University “G. D’Annunzio”, Via Dei Vestini, 66100, Chieti, Italy
| | - Stefano Di Giacomo
- Department of Pharmacy, University “G. D’Annunzio”, Via Dei Vestini, 66100, Chieti, Italy
| | - Beatrice Dufrusine
- Department of Biosciences and Agro-Food and Environmental Technologies, University of Teramo,64100, Teramo, Italy
| | - Enrico Dainese
- Department of Biosciences and Agro-Food and Environmental Technologies, University of Teramo,64100, Teramo, Italy
| | - Antonella Fontana
- Department of Pharmacy, University “G. D’Annunzio”, Via Dei Vestini, 66100, Chieti, Italy
| | - Barbara Barboni
- Department of Biosciences and Agro-Food and Environmental Technologies, University of Teramo,64100, Teramo, Italy
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Ji J, Zheng S, Liu Y, Xie T, Zhu X, Nie Y, Shen Y, Han X. Increased expression of OPN contributes to idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis and indicates a poor prognosis. J Transl Med 2023; 21:640. [PMID: 37726818 PMCID: PMC10510122 DOI: 10.1186/s12967-023-04279-0] [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: 11/13/2022] [Accepted: 06/15/2023] [Indexed: 09/21/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis (IPF) is fibrotic lung disease with no effective treatment. It is characterized by destruction of alveolar structure and pulmonary interstitial fibrosis, leading to dyspnea and even asphyxia death of patients. Epithelial-mesenchymal transition (EMT) is considered to be a driving factor in the pathogenesis of IPF. Osteopontin (OPN) is a secreted protein widely present in the extracellular matrix and involved in the occurrence and development of a variety of diseases. METHODS The original datasets were obtained from NCBI GEO databases analyzed with the online tool GEO2R and EasyGEO. Bleomycin induced mouse pulmonary fibrosis model and OPN/OPN-biotin treated mouse model were established to investigate the role of OPN in mouse pulmonary fibrosis and the target cells of OPN. A549 cells and HBE cells were used to explore the mechanism of OPN-induced epithelial-mesenchymal transition (EMT) in epithelial cells and mass spectrometry was used to detect OPN downstream receptors. Precision-cut lung slices and lentivirus-treated mice with pulmonary fibrosis were used to examine the therapeutic effect of OPN and its downstream pathways on pulmonary fibrosis. RESULTS We demonstrate that the content of OPN in IPF bronchoalveolar lavage fluid (BALF) is high compared to the normal groups, and its expression level is correlated with prognosis. At the animal level, OPN was highly expressed at all stages of pulmonary fibrosis in mice, and the bronchoalveolar lavage fluid (BALF) could accurately reflect its expression in the lung. Next, we reveal that OPN was mainly expressed by macrophages and the main target cells of OPN were epithelial cells. Mice developed pulmonary fibrosis accompanied after treating the mice with OPN. Both in vitro and in vivo experiments confirmed that OPN could induce EMT of alveolar epithelial cells. Mechanistically, OPN binding triggered phosphorylation of FAK by CD44, thus activating snail1-mediated profibrotic protein synthesis. Inhibition of FAK phosphorylation and its downstream pathways can effectively alleviate pulmonary fibrosis in precision sections of lung tissue (PCLS) assay. OPN knockdown in bleomycin-induced lung fibrosis mice led to significantly less fibrosis. CONCLUSION Our data suggest that OPN mediates lung fibrosis through EMT, implicating its potential therapeutic target and prognostic indicator role for IPF. OPN may be a target for the diagnosis and treatment of IPF.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jie Ji
- Immunology and Reproduction Biology Laboratory and State Key Laboratory of Analytical Chemistry for Life Science, Medical School, Medical College of Nanjing University, Hankou Road 22, Nanjing, 210093, China
- Jiangsu Key Laboratory of Molecular Medicine, Nanjing University, Nanjing, 210093, China
| | - Shudan Zheng
- Immunology and Reproduction Biology Laboratory and State Key Laboratory of Analytical Chemistry for Life Science, Medical School, Medical College of Nanjing University, Hankou Road 22, Nanjing, 210093, China
- Jiangsu Key Laboratory of Molecular Medicine, Nanjing University, Nanjing, 210093, China
| | - Yuxin Liu
- Immunology and Reproduction Biology Laboratory and State Key Laboratory of Analytical Chemistry for Life Science, Medical School, Medical College of Nanjing University, Hankou Road 22, Nanjing, 210093, China
- Jiangsu Key Laboratory of Molecular Medicine, Nanjing University, Nanjing, 210093, China
| | - Tian Xie
- Department of Cardiothoracic Surgery, Jinling Hospital, Medical School of Nanjing University, Nanjing, China
| | - Xiaoyu Zhu
- Immunology and Reproduction Biology Laboratory and State Key Laboratory of Analytical Chemistry for Life Science, Medical School, Medical College of Nanjing University, Hankou Road 22, Nanjing, 210093, China
- Jiangsu Key Laboratory of Molecular Medicine, Nanjing University, Nanjing, 210093, China
| | - Yang Nie
- Immunology and Reproduction Biology Laboratory and State Key Laboratory of Analytical Chemistry for Life Science, Medical School, Medical College of Nanjing University, Hankou Road 22, Nanjing, 210093, China
- Jiangsu Key Laboratory of Molecular Medicine, Nanjing University, Nanjing, 210093, China
| | - Yi Shen
- Department of Cardiothoracic Surgery, Jinling Hospital, Medical School of Nanjing University, Nanjing, China.
| | - Xiaodong Han
- Immunology and Reproduction Biology Laboratory and State Key Laboratory of Analytical Chemistry for Life Science, Medical School, Medical College of Nanjing University, Hankou Road 22, Nanjing, 210093, China.
- Jiangsu Key Laboratory of Molecular Medicine, Nanjing University, Nanjing, 210093, China.
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Liang X, Tang S, Song Y, Li D, Zhang L, Wang S, Duan Y, Du H. Effect of 2-deoxyglucose-mediated inhibition of glycolysis on migration and invasion of HTR-8/SVneo trophoblast cells. J Reprod Immunol 2023; 159:104123. [PMID: 37487312 DOI: 10.1016/j.jri.2023.104123] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/26/2023] [Revised: 07/09/2023] [Accepted: 07/19/2023] [Indexed: 07/26/2023]
Abstract
The proper invasion of trophoblasts is crucial for embryo implantation and placental development, which is helpful to establish a correct maternal-fetal relationship. Trophoblasts can produce a large amount of lactate through aerobic glycolysis during early pregnancy. Lactate creates a low pH microenvironment around the embryo to help uterine tissue decompose and promote the invasion of trophoblasts. The purpose of this study is to reveal the the potential mechanism of aerobic glycolysis regulating the invasiveness of trophoblasts by investigating the effect of 2-Deoxy-D-glucose (2-DG), a glycolysis inhibitor, on the biological function of HTR-8/SVneo trophoblast cells, the expressions of epithelial mesenchymal transformation (EMT) markers and invasion-related factors. 2-DG could inhibit the aerobic glycolysis of trophoblasts and decrease the activity of trophoblasts in a dose-dependent manner. Moreover, 2-DG inhibited the EMT of HTR-8/SVneo cells, down-regulated the expression of invasion-related factors matrix metalloproteinase 2/9 (MMP2/9) and up-regulated the expression of tissue inhibitor of matrix metalloproteinases 1/2 (TIMP1/2), thus inhibiting cell migration and invasion. This paper provides a foundation in the significance of aerobic glycolysis of trophoblasts in the process of invasion, and also provides ideas and insights for the promotion of embryo implantation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xiao Liang
- College of Integrated Traditional Chinese and Western Medicine, Hebei University of Chinese Medicine, Shijiazhuang, China
| | - Siling Tang
- College of Integrated Traditional Chinese and Western Medicine, Hebei University of Chinese Medicine, Shijiazhuang, China
| | - Yajing Song
- College of Integrated Traditional Chinese and Western Medicine, Hebei University of Chinese Medicine, Shijiazhuang, China
| | - Dandan Li
- College of Integrated Traditional Chinese and Western Medicine, Hebei University of Chinese Medicine, Shijiazhuang, China
| | - Li Zhang
- College of Integrated Traditional Chinese and Western Medicine, Hebei University of Chinese Medicine, Shijiazhuang, China
| | - Shuhui Wang
- College of Integrated Traditional Chinese and Western Medicine, Hebei University of Chinese Medicine, Shijiazhuang, China
| | - Yancang Duan
- College of Integrated Traditional Chinese and Western Medicine, Hebei University of Chinese Medicine, Shijiazhuang, China; Collaborative Innovation Center of Integrated Chinese and Western Medicine on Reproductive Disease, Shijiazhuang, China; Hebei Key Laboratory of Integrative Medicine on Liver-kidney Patterns, Shijiazhuang, China
| | - Huilan Du
- College of Integrated Traditional Chinese and Western Medicine, Hebei University of Chinese Medicine, Shijiazhuang, China; Collaborative Innovation Center of Integrated Chinese and Western Medicine on Reproductive Disease, Shijiazhuang, China; Hebei Key Laboratory of Integrative Medicine on Liver-kidney Patterns, Shijiazhuang, China.
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Jin T, Li M, Li T, Yan S, Ran Q, Chen W. The Inactivation of Hippo Signaling Pathway Promotes the Development of Adenomyosis by Regulating EMT, Proliferation, and Apoptosis of Cells. Reprod Sci 2023; 30:2715-2727. [PMID: 36940085 PMCID: PMC10480273 DOI: 10.1007/s43032-023-01189-w] [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: 11/22/2022] [Accepted: 01/30/2023] [Indexed: 03/21/2023]
Abstract
Adenomyosis is a benign gynecological disease. The pathogenesis of adenomyosis is still unclear. The Hippo signaling pathway is highly conserved in vivo and associated with endometriosis and various cancers. Our objective was to study the expression of Hippo signaling pathway-related proteins in the uterus of mice with and without adenomyosis. We also sought to determine the relationship between the Hippo signaling pathway and cell migration, invasion, proliferation, and apoptosis in adenomyosis. The inactivation of Hippo signaling pathway and abnormal expression of EMT-related proteins were observed in mice with adenomyosis. In vitro, the YAP inhibitor verteporfin can inhibit the proliferation and migration of Ishikawa cells and promote apoptosis, while inhibiting the EMT process. In addition, intraperitoneal injection of verteporfin inhibits EMT process and proliferation and promotes apoptosis of cells in the uterus of adenomyosis mice. It suggests that the Hippo signaling pathway participates in the EMT, proliferation, and apoptosis of cells in adenomyosis. In conclusion, these results suggest that Hippo signaling pathway may be involved in the development of adenomyosis by regulating EMT, proliferation, and apoptosis of cells, which provide a potential target for the treatment of adenomyosis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tingting Jin
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, School of Medicine, Jinan University, Guangzhou, 510632, Guangdong, China
- Engineering Technology Research Center of Drug Development for Small Nucleic Acids, Guangzhou, 510632, Guangdong, China
| | - Mengqi Li
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, School of Medicine, Jinan University, Guangzhou, 510632, Guangdong, China
- Engineering Technology Research Center of Drug Development for Small Nucleic Acids, Guangzhou, 510632, Guangdong, China
| | - Ting Li
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, School of Medicine, Jinan University, Guangzhou, 510632, Guangdong, China
- Engineering Technology Research Center of Drug Development for Small Nucleic Acids, Guangzhou, 510632, Guangdong, China
| | - Simiao Yan
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, School of Medicine, Jinan University, Guangzhou, 510632, Guangdong, China
- Engineering Technology Research Center of Drug Development for Small Nucleic Acids, Guangzhou, 510632, Guangdong, China
| | - Qingzhen Ran
- Department of Gynecology, Guangdong Provincial Hospital of Chinese Medicine, Guangzhou, 510120, Guangdong, China.
| | - Wanqun Chen
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, School of Medicine, Jinan University, Guangzhou, 510632, Guangdong, China.
- Engineering Technology Research Center of Drug Development for Small Nucleic Acids, Guangzhou, 510632, Guangdong, China.
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Zhou R, Jin C, Jiao L, Zhang S, Tian M, Liu J, Yang S, Yao W, Zhou F. GGA (geranylgeranylacetone) ameliorates bleomycin-induced lung inflammation and pulmonary fibrosis by inhibiting apoptosis and oxidative stress. Mol Biol Rep 2023; 50:7215-7224. [PMID: 37418084 DOI: 10.1007/s11033-023-08590-3] [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: 03/14/2023] [Accepted: 06/13/2023] [Indexed: 07/08/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Fibrosis is a response to ongoing cellular injury, disruption, and tissue remodeling, the pathogenesis of which is unknown, and is characterized by extracellular matrix deposition. The antifibrotic effect of Geranylgeranylacetone (GGA), as an inducer of Heat shock protein 70 (HSP70), in liver, kidney and pulmonary fibrosis has been supported by multiple preclinical evidence. However, despite advances in our understanding, the precise roles of HSP70 in fibrosis require further investigation. The purpose of this study was to investigate whether GGA could participate in the progression of pulmonary fibrosis in mice through apoptosis, oxidative stress and inflammation. METHODS AND RESULTS B-cell lymphoma-2(Bcl-2) and Bcl2-Associated X (Bax) are two proteins related to apoptosis. Anti-apoptotic factor Bcl-2 and pro-apoptotic factor Bax are often involved in the apoptotic process in the form of dimer. Immunofluorescence and Western blot results showed that bleomycin (BLM) and transforming growth factor-β (TGF-β) inhibited Bcl-2 expression and promoted Bax expression in vitro and in vivo, respectively. In contrast, GGA treatment reverses this change. Reactive oxygen species (ROS), Malondialdehyde (MDA) and superoxide dismutase (SOD) are markers of oxidative stress, which often reflect oxidative injury of cells. The detection of ROS, MDA and SOD expression showed that TGF-β and BLM treatment could significantly promote oxidative stress, while GGA treatment could alleviate oxidative stress damage. In addition, BLM significantly elevated Tumor necrosis factor-α(TNF-α), Interleukin1β (IL-1β) and Interleukin 6 (IL-6), while scutellarin reversed the above alterations except for that of GGA. RESULTS Taken together, GGA suppressed apoptotic, oxidative stress and inflammation in BLM-induced pulmonary fibrosis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rong Zhou
- Department of Occupational and Environmental Health Science, College of Public Health, Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou, Henan province, 450001, China
| | - Chaomei Jin
- Department of Occupational and Environmental Health Science, College of Public Health, Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou, Henan province, 450001, China
| | - Linlin Jiao
- Department of Occupational and Environmental Health Science, College of Public Health, Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou, Henan province, 450001, China
| | - Siyu Zhang
- Department of Occupational and Environmental Health Science, College of Public Health, Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou, Henan province, 450001, China
| | - Mei Tian
- Department of Occupational and Environmental Health Science, College of Public Health, Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou, Henan province, 450001, China
| | - Jiamin Liu
- Department of Occupational and Environmental Health Science, College of Public Health, Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou, Henan province, 450001, China
| | - Songtai Yang
- Department of Occupational and Environmental Health Science, College of Public Health, Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou, Henan province, 450001, China
| | - Wu Yao
- Department of Occupational and Environmental Health Science, College of Public Health, Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou, Henan province, 450001, China.
| | - Fang Zhou
- Department of Occupational and Environmental Health Science, College of Public Health, Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou, Henan province, 450001, China.
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Zhang M, Hong X, Ma N, Wei Z, Ci X, Zhang S. The promoting effect and mechanism of Nrf2 on cell metastasis in cervical cancer. J Transl Med 2023; 21:433. [PMID: 37403143 DOI: 10.1186/s12967-023-04287-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/03/2023] [Accepted: 06/19/2023] [Indexed: 07/06/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Cervical cancer (CC) has poor prognosis and high mortality rate for its metastasis during the disease progression. Epithelial-mesenchymal transition (EMT) and anoikis are initial and pivotal steps during the metastatic process. Although higher levels of Nrf2 are associated with aggressive tumor behaviors in cervical cancer, the detailed mechanism of Nrf2 in cervical cancer metastasis, especially EMT and anoikis, remains unclear. METHODS Immunohistochemistry (IHC) was used to examine Nrf2 expression in CC. Wound healing assay and transwell analysis were used to evaluate the migration ability of CC cells. Western blot, qTR-PCR and immunofluorescent staining were used to verify the expression level of Nrf2, the EMT associated markers and anoikis associated proteins. Flow cytometry assays and cell counting were used to detect the apoptosis of cervical cancer cells. The lung and lymph node metastatic mouse model were established for studies in vivo. The interaction between Nrf2 and Snail1 was confirmed by rescue-of-function assay. RESULTS When compared with cervical cancer patients without lymph node metastasis, Nrf2 was highly expressed in patients with lymph node metastasis. And Nrf2 was proved to enhance the migration ability of HeLa and SiHa cells. In addition, Nrf2 was positively correlated with EMT processes and negatively associated with anoikis in cervical cancer. In vivo, a xenograft assay also showed that Nrf2 facilitated both pulmonary and lymphatic distant metastasis of cervical cancer. Rescue-of-function assay further revealed the mechanism that Nrf2 impacted the metastasis of CC through Snail1. CONCLUSION Our fundings established Nrf2 plays a crucial role in the metastasis of cervical cancer by enhancing EMT and resistance to anoikis by promoting the expression of Snail1, with potential value as a therapeutic candidate.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mengwen Zhang
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, The First Hospital of Jilin University, Changchun, China
| | - Xiaoling Hong
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, The First Hospital of Jilin University, Changchun, China
| | - Ning Ma
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, The First Hospital of Jilin University, Changchun, China
| | - Zhentong Wei
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, The First Hospital of Jilin University, Changchun, China
| | - Xinxin Ci
- Institute of Translational Medicine, The First Hospital of Jilin University, Changchun, China.
| | - Songling Zhang
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, The First Hospital of Jilin University, Changchun, China.
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Liu CM, Shao Z, Chen X, Chen H, Su M, Zhang Z, Wu Z, Zhang P, An L, Jiang Y, Ouyang AJ. Neferine attenuates development of testosterone-induced benign prostatic hyperplasia in mice by regulating androgen and TGF-β/Smad signaling pathways. Saudi Pharm J 2023; 31:1219-1228. [PMID: 37293563 PMCID: PMC10244910 DOI: 10.1016/j.jsps.2023.05.004] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/18/2023] [Accepted: 05/06/2023] [Indexed: 06/10/2023] Open
Abstract
Benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH) is a common urinary disease among the elderly, characterized by abnormal prostatic cell proliferation. Neferine is a dibenzyl isoquinoline alkaloid extracted from Nelumbo nucifera and has antioxidant, anti-inflammatory and anti-prostate cancer effects. The beneficial therapeutic effects and mechanism of action of neferine in BPH remain unclear. A mouse model of BPH was generated by subcutaneous injection of 7.5 mg/kg testosterone propionate (TP) and 2 or 5 mg/kg neferine was given orally for 14 or 28 days. Pathological and morphological characteristics were evaluated. Prostate weight, prostate index (prostate/body weight ratio), expression of type Ⅱ 5α-reductase, androgen receptor (AR) and prostate specific antigen were all decreased in prostate tissue of BPH mice after administration of neferine. Neferine also downregulated the expression of pro-caspase-3, uncleaved PARP, TGF-β1, TGF-β receptor Ⅱ (TGFBR2), p-Smad2/3, N-cadherin and vimentin. Expression of E-cadherin, cleaved PARP and cleaved caspase-3 was increased by neferine treatment. 1-100 μM neferine with 1 μM testosterone or 10 nM TGF-β1 were added to the culture medium of the normal human prostate stroma cell line, WPMY-1, for 24 h or 48 h. Neferine inhibited cell growth and production of reactive oxygen species (ROS) in testosterone-treated WPMY-1 cells and regulated the expression of androgen signaling pathway proteins and those related to epithelial-mesenchymal transition (EMT). Moreover, TGF-β1, TGFBR2 and p-Smad2/3, N-cadherin and vimentin expression were increased but E-cadherin was decreased after 24 h TGF-β1 treatment in WPMY-1 cells. Neferine reversed the effects of TGF-β1 treatment in WPMY-1 cells. Neferine appeared to suppress prostate growth by regulating the EMT, AR and TGF-β/Smad signaling pathways in the prostate and is suggested as a potential agent for BPH treatment.
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Affiliation(s)
- Chi-Ming Liu
- School of Medicine, Yichun University, 576 XueFu Road, Yuanzhou District, Yichun 336000, Jiangxi Province, China
| | - ZiChen Shao
- School of Medicine, Yichun University, 576 XueFu Road, Yuanzhou District, Yichun 336000, Jiangxi Province, China
- College of Chemistry and Bio-engineering, Yichun University, 576 XueFu Road, Yuanzhou District, Yichun 336000, Jiangxi Province, China
| | - XuZhou Chen
- School of Medicine, Yichun University, 576 XueFu Road, Yuanzhou District, Yichun 336000, Jiangxi Province, China
| | - HanWu Chen
- School of Medicine, Yichun University, 576 XueFu Road, Yuanzhou District, Yichun 336000, Jiangxi Province, China
| | - MengQiao Su
- School of Medicine, Yichun University, 576 XueFu Road, Yuanzhou District, Yichun 336000, Jiangxi Province, China
- College of Chemistry and Bio-engineering, Yichun University, 576 XueFu Road, Yuanzhou District, Yichun 336000, Jiangxi Province, China
| | - ZiWen Zhang
- School of Medicine, Yichun University, 576 XueFu Road, Yuanzhou District, Yichun 336000, Jiangxi Province, China
| | - ZhengPing Wu
- School of Aesthetic Medicine, Yichun University, 576 XueFu Road, Yuanzhou District, Yichun 336000, Jiangxi Province, China
| | - Peng Zhang
- School of Medicine, Yichun University, 576 XueFu Road, Yuanzhou District, Yichun 336000, Jiangxi Province, China
| | - LiJie An
- School of Medicine, Yichun University, 576 XueFu Road, Yuanzhou District, Yichun 336000, Jiangxi Province, China
- College of Chemistry and Bio-engineering, Yichun University, 576 XueFu Road, Yuanzhou District, Yichun 336000, Jiangxi Province, China
| | - YinJie Jiang
- School of Medicine, Yichun University, 576 XueFu Road, Yuanzhou District, Yichun 336000, Jiangxi Province, China
| | - Ai-Jun Ouyang
- Department of Pharmacy, The First Affiliated Hospital of Nanchang University, 17 Yongwaizheng Street, Nanchang 330006, Jiangxi Province, China
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Song W, Zhu J, Li C, Peng S, Sun M, Li Y, Sun X. Identification and validation of an epithelial-mesenchymal transition-related lncRNA pairs prognostic model for gastric cancer. Transl Cancer Res 2023; 12:1196-1209. [PMID: 37304549 PMCID: PMC10248571 DOI: 10.21037/tcr-22-2751] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/03/2022] [Accepted: 03/30/2023] [Indexed: 06/13/2023]
Abstract
Background Gastric cancer (GC) is a common malignancy. A mounting body of evidence has demonstrated the correlation between GC prognosis and epithelial-mesenchymal transition (EMT)-related biomarkers. This research constructed an available model using EMT-related long noncoding RNA (lncRNA) pairs to predict the survival for GC patients. Methods The transcriptome data along with clinical information on GC samples were derived from The Cancer Genome Atlas (TCGA). Differentially expressed EMT-related lncRNAs were acquired and paired. Univariate and least absolute shrinkage and selection operator (LASSO) Cox regression analyses were applied to filter lncRNA pairs, and the risk model was built to investigate its effect on the prognosis of GC patients. Then, the areas under the receiver operating characteristic curves (AUCs) were calculated and the cutoff point for distinguishing low- or high-risk GC patients was identified. And the predictive ability of this model was tested in the GSE62254. Furthermore, the model was evaluated from the perspectives of survival time, clinicopathological parameters, infiltration of immunocytes, and functional enrichment analysis. Results The risk model was built by using the identified twenty EMT-related lncRNA pairs, and it was not necessary to know the specific expression level of each lncRNA. Survival analysis pointed out that GC patients with high risk had poorer outcomes. Additionally, this model could be an independent prognostic variable for GC patients. The accuracy of the model was also verified in the testing set. Conclusions The new predictive model constructed here is composed of EMT-related lncRNA pairs, with reliable prognostic values, and can be utilized to predict the survival of GC.
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Affiliation(s)
- Wanting Song
- Department of Gastroenterology, First Affiliated Hospital of China Medical University, Shenyang, China
| | - Jialin Zhu
- Department of Gastroenterology, First Affiliated Hospital of China Medical University, Shenyang, China
| | - Chenyan Li
- Department of Endocrinology and Metabolism, First Affiliated Hospital of China Medical University, Shenyang, China
| | - Shiqiao Peng
- Department of Endocrinology and Metabolism, First Affiliated Hospital of China Medical University, Shenyang, China
| | - Mingjun Sun
- Department of Gastroenterology, First Affiliated Hospital of China Medical University, Shenyang, China
- Department of Gastrointestinal Endoscopy, First Affiliated Hospital of China Medical University, Shenyang, China
| | - Yiling Li
- Department of Gastroenterology, First Affiliated Hospital of China Medical University, Shenyang, China
| | - Xuren Sun
- Department of Gastroenterology, First Affiliated Hospital of China Medical University, Shenyang, China
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Junjie L, Cheng G, Kangkang L, Yu L, Zhiyao Y, Xudong W, Xianmei Z, Xiaomin L. Citrus alkaline extracts improve LPS-induced pulmonary fibrosis via epithelial mesenchymal transition signals. Chin Med 2023; 18:62. [PMID: 37248506 DOI: 10.1186/s13020-023-00766-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/14/2023] [Accepted: 05/11/2023] [Indexed: 05/31/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Acute respiratory distress syndrome (ARDS) is a serious life threatening clinical critical illness. ARDS-related pulmonary fibrosis is a common complication of ARDS. The occurrence of early pulmonary fibrosis indicates a higher incidence and mortality of multiple organ failure. LPS-induced ARDS-related pulmonary fibrosis model in mice was established in this study. And we have explored the anti-pulmonary fibrosis effects and molecular mechanisms of the Citrus Alkaline Extracts (CAE) in vivo and in vitro. METHODS Pulmonary fibrosis mouse model and lung epithelial cell injury model were established in this study. H&E, Masson and Sirius Red staining were used to estimate lung tissue damage. Immunohistochemistry and western blotting were used to analyze proteins expression. Protein-protein interaction was observed by Co-Immunoprecipitation. Systemic impact of CAE on signaling pathway was examined by RNA-seq. RESULTS Through H&E, Masson and Sirius Red staining, it was convincingly indicated that therapeutic administration of CAE alleviated lung injury and fibrosis, while pretreated administration of CAE showed weak improvement. In vitro experiments showed that CAE had dual regulation to E-cadherin and N-cadherin, the important indicators of epithelial-mesenchymal transition (EMT). And it was further demonstrated that CAE reversed TGF-β1-induced EMT mainly through Wnt/β-catenin, Stat3/6 and COX2/PGE2 signals. Through RNA-Seq, we discovered important mechanisms by which CAE exerts its therapeutic effect. And network pharmacology analysis demonstrated core potential targets of CAE in EMT. CONCLUSION Thus, this study provides new therapeutic effects of CAE in anti-fibrosis, and offers potential mechanisms for CAE in LPS-induced pulmonary fibrosis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Li Junjie
- State Key Laboratory of Pharmaceutical Biotechnology, School of Life Sciences, Nanjing University, 163 Xianlin Avenue, Nanjing, 210023, China
| | - Gu Cheng
- Jiangsu Province Hospital of Chinese Medicine, Affiliated Hospital of Nanjing University of Chinese Medicine, 155 Hanzhong Road, Nanjing, 210004, China
| | - Luo Kangkang
- State Key Laboratory of Pharmaceutical Biotechnology, School of Life Sciences, Nanjing University, 163 Xianlin Avenue, Nanjing, 210023, China
| | - Li Yu
- State Key Laboratory of Pharmaceutical Biotechnology, School of Life Sciences, Nanjing University, 163 Xianlin Avenue, Nanjing, 210023, China
| | - Yuan Zhiyao
- Nanjing Stomatological Hospital, Medical School of Nanjing University, Nanjing, 210008, China
| | - Wu Xudong
- State Key Laboratory of Pharmaceutical Biotechnology, School of Life Sciences, Nanjing University, 163 Xianlin Avenue, Nanjing, 210023, China.
| | - Zhou Xianmei
- Jiangsu Province Hospital of Chinese Medicine, Affiliated Hospital of Nanjing University of Chinese Medicine, 155 Hanzhong Road, Nanjing, 210004, China.
| | - Lu Xiaomin
- Jiangsu Province Hospital of Chinese Medicine, Affiliated Hospital of Nanjing University of Chinese Medicine, 155 Hanzhong Road, Nanjing, 210004, China.
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Long L, Xiong W, Lin F, Hou J, Chen G, Peng T, He Y, Wang R, Xu Q, Huang Y. Regulating lactate-related immunometabolism and EMT reversal for colorectal cancer liver metastases using shikonin targeted delivery. J Exp Clin Cancer Res 2023; 42:117. [PMID: 37161591 PMCID: PMC10170793 DOI: 10.1186/s13046-023-02688-z] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/20/2022] [Accepted: 04/26/2023] [Indexed: 05/11/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND There are few effective medications for treating colorectal cancer and liver metastases (CRLM). The interactions among glycolysis, epithelial-mesenchymal transition (EMT), and immune microenvironment contribute to the progression of CRLM. A main glycolytic enzyme pyruvate Kinase M2 (PKM2) is highly expressed in colorectal cancer and CRLM, and thus can be a potential therapeutic target. METHODS A therapeutic strategy was proposed and the shikonin-loaded and hyaluronic acid-modified MPDA nanoparticles (SHK@HA-MPDA) were designed for CRLM therapy via PKM2 inhibition for immunometabolic reprogramming. The treatment efficacy was evaluated in various murine models with liver metastasis of colorectal tumor. RESULTS SHK@HA-MPDA achieved tumor-targeted delivery via hyaluronic acid-mediated binding with the tumor-associated CD44, and efficiently arrested colorectal tumor growth. The inhibition of PKM2 by SHK@HA-MPDA led to the remodeling of the tumor immune microenvironment and reversing EMT by lactate abatement and the suppression of TGFβ signaling; the amount of cytotoxic effector CD8+ T cells was increased while the immunosuppressive MDSCs decreased. CONCLUSION The work provided a promising targeted delivery strategy for CRLM treatment by regulating glycolysis, EMT, and anticancer immunity. An immunometabolic strategy for treating colorectal cancer liver metastases using the shikonin-loaded, hyaluronic acid-modified mesoporous polydopamine nanoparticles (SHK@HA-MPDA) via glycolysis inhibition, anticancer immunity activation, and EMT reversal. SHK@HA-MPDA can inhibit cytoplasmic PKM2 and glycolysis of the tumor and reduce lactate flux, and then activate the DCs and remodel the tumor immune microenvironment. The reduced lactate flux can reduce MDSC migration and suppress EMT.
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Affiliation(s)
- Li Long
- Artemisinin Research Center, Guangzhou University of Chinese Medicine, Guangzhou, 510450, China
- State Key Laboratory of Drug Research, Shanghai Institute of Materia Medica, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Shanghai, 201203, China
| | - Wei Xiong
- Artemisinin Research Center, Guangzhou University of Chinese Medicine, Guangzhou, 510450, China
- State Key Laboratory of Drug Research, Shanghai Institute of Materia Medica, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Shanghai, 201203, China
- Zhongshan Institute for Drug Discovery, Shanghai Institute of Materia Medica, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Zhongshan, 528437, China
| | - Fenwang Lin
- Department of Kidney Transplantation, Beijing Tsinghua Changgung Hospital, School of Clinical Medicine, Tsinghua University, Beijing, China
| | - Jiazhen Hou
- School of Chinese Materia Medica, Nanjing University of Chinese Medicine, Nanjing, 210023, China
| | - Guihua Chen
- Artemisinin Research Center, Guangzhou University of Chinese Medicine, Guangzhou, 510450, China
- State Key Laboratory of Drug Research, Shanghai Institute of Materia Medica, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Shanghai, 201203, China
- Zhongshan Institute for Drug Discovery, Shanghai Institute of Materia Medica, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Zhongshan, 528437, China
| | - Taoxing Peng
- State Key Laboratory of Drug Research, Shanghai Institute of Materia Medica, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Shanghai, 201203, China
- Zhongshan Institute for Drug Discovery, Shanghai Institute of Materia Medica, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Zhongshan, 528437, China
| | - Yihao He
- State Key Laboratory of Drug Research, Shanghai Institute of Materia Medica, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Shanghai, 201203, China
- Zhongshan Institute for Drug Discovery, Shanghai Institute of Materia Medica, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Zhongshan, 528437, China
| | - Rui Wang
- State Key Laboratory of Drug Research, Shanghai Institute of Materia Medica, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Shanghai, 201203, China
- Zhongshan Institute for Drug Discovery, Shanghai Institute of Materia Medica, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Zhongshan, 528437, China
| | - Qin Xu
- Artemisinin Research Center, Guangzhou University of Chinese Medicine, Guangzhou, 510450, China.
| | - Yongzhuo Huang
- Artemisinin Research Center, Guangzhou University of Chinese Medicine, Guangzhou, 510450, China.
- State Key Laboratory of Drug Research, Shanghai Institute of Materia Medica, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Shanghai, 201203, China.
- Zhongshan Institute for Drug Discovery, Shanghai Institute of Materia Medica, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Zhongshan, 528437, China.
- NMPA Key Laboratory for Quality Research and Evaluation of Pharmaceutical Excipients, Shanghai, 201203, China.
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Jingyuan L, Yu L, Hong J, Tao W, Kan L, Xiaomei L, Guiqing L, Yujie L. Matrix stiffness induces an invasive-dormant subpopulation via cGAS-STING axis in oral cancer. Transl Oncol 2023; 33:101681. [PMID: 37137218 PMCID: PMC10165441 DOI: 10.1016/j.tranon.2023.101681] [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: 12/29/2022] [Revised: 03/25/2023] [Accepted: 04/22/2023] [Indexed: 05/05/2023] Open
Abstract
OBJECTIVES Dormancy is a crucial machinery for cancer cells to survive hostile microenvironment. It is considered as the major cause of post-treatment relapse and metastases. However, its regulatory mechanism in oral squamous cell carcinoma (OSCC) remains unclear. Here we sought to decipher the impacts of matrix stiffness on OSCC-cell dormancy. MATERIALS AND METHODS Clinicopathological relevance of matrix stiffness in OSCC was analyzed in a 127 patients' cohort. Impacts of stiffness-related mechanical stress (MS) on OSCC-cell behaviors were investigated in vitro and in vivo. Transcriptomic profiling of MS induced dormant cells were performed, following by mechanistic investigations on MS-induced dormancy. The functional relevance of cGAS in OSCC were analyzed through a bioinformatic approach. RESULTS Stiffened matrix correlated with poor survival and post-surgical recurrence in OSCC. Stiffness-related MS induces a dormant subpopulation in OSCC cells, which showed increased drug resistance, enhanced tumor repopulating ability, and an unexpected upregulation of epithelial-mesenchymal transition (EMT) and invasiveness. Mechanistically, MS caused DNA damage, resulted in activation of cGAS-STING signaling. Either blocking of cGAS or STING dramatically impeded the MS-induced production of this invasive-dormant subpopulation. Moreover, cGAS was found being central to the cell-cycle regulation and correlated with poor prognosis in OSCC. DISCUSSION We revealed a previously unsuspected role of cGAS-STING axis in mediating the induction of an invasive-dormant subpopulation in response to mechanical cues. Our findings indicated an adaptive machinery whereby tumor cells survive and escape from harsh microenvironment. Targeting this machinery may be a potential strategy for preventing post-therapeutic recurrence and lymphatic metastasis in OSCC.
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Affiliation(s)
- Li Jingyuan
- Hospital of Stomatology, Guanghua School of Stomatology, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou, Guangdong, People's Republic of China; Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Stomatology, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou, Guangdong, People's Republic of China
| | - Liu Yu
- Hospital of Stomatology, Guanghua School of Stomatology, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou, Guangdong, People's Republic of China; Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Stomatology, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou, Guangdong, People's Republic of China
| | - Jiang Hong
- Hospital of Stomatology, Guanghua School of Stomatology, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou, Guangdong, People's Republic of China; Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Stomatology, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou, Guangdong, People's Republic of China
| | - Wang Tao
- Hospital of Stomatology, Guanghua School of Stomatology, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou, Guangdong, People's Republic of China; Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Stomatology, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou, Guangdong, People's Republic of China
| | - Li Kan
- Hospital of Stomatology, Guanghua School of Stomatology, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou, Guangdong, People's Republic of China; Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Stomatology, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou, Guangdong, People's Republic of China
| | - Lao Xiaomei
- Hospital of Stomatology, Guanghua School of Stomatology, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou, Guangdong, People's Republic of China; Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Stomatology, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou, Guangdong, People's Republic of China
| | - Liao Guiqing
- Hospital of Stomatology, Guanghua School of Stomatology, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou, Guangdong, People's Republic of China; Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Stomatology, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou, Guangdong, People's Republic of China.
| | - Liang Yujie
- Hospital of Stomatology, Guanghua School of Stomatology, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou, Guangdong, People's Republic of China; Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Stomatology, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou, Guangdong, People's Republic of China.
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Pan C, Qin H, Yan M, Qiu X, Gong W, Luo W, Guo H, Han X. Environmental microcystin exposure triggers the poor prognosis of prostate cancer: Evidence from case-control, animal, and in vitro studies. J Environ Sci (China) 2023; 127:69-81. [PMID: 36522098 DOI: 10.1016/j.jes.2022.05.051] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/14/2022] [Revised: 05/29/2022] [Accepted: 05/30/2022] [Indexed: 06/17/2023]
Abstract
Microcystin-leucine-arginine (MC-LR) is positively linked with multiple cancers in humans. However, the association between MC-LR and the risk and prognosis of prostate cancer has not been conducted in epidemiological studies. No reported studies have linked MC-LR exposure to the poor prognosis of prostate cancer by conducting experimental studies. The content of MC-LR was detected in most of the aquatic food in wet markets and supermarkets in Nanjing and posed a health risk for consumers. MC-LR levels in both prostate cancer tissues and serum were significantly higher than controls. The adjusted odds ratio (OR) for prostate cancer risk by serum MC-LR was 1.75 (95%CI: 1.21-2.52) in the whole subjects, and a positive correlation between MC-LR and advanced tumor stage was observed. Survival curve analysis indicated patients with higher MC-LR levels in tissues exhibited poorer overall survival. Human, animal, and cell studies confirmed that MC-LR exposure increases the expression of estrogen receptor-α (ERα) and promotes epithelial-mesenchymal transition (EMT) in prostate cancer. Moreover, MC-LR-induced decreased E-cadherin levels, increased vimentin levels, and increased migratory and invasive capacities of prostate cancer cells were markedly suppressed upon ERα knockdown. MC-LR-induced xenograft tumor growth and lung metastasis in BALB/c nude mice can be effectively alleviated with ERα knockdown. Our data demonstrated that MC-LR upregulated vimentin and downregulated E-cadherin through activating ERα, promoting migration and invasion of prostate cancer cells. Our findings highlight the role of MC-LR in prostate cancer, providing new perspectives to understand MC-LR-induced prostatic toxicity.
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Affiliation(s)
- Chun Pan
- Immunology and Reproduction Biology Laboratory & State Key Laboratory of Analytical Chemistry for Life Science, Medical School, Nanjing University, Nanjing 210093, China; Jiangsu Key Laboratory of Molecular Medicine, Nanjing University, Nanjing 210093, China
| | - Haixiang Qin
- Department of Urology, Drum Tower Hospital, Medical School of Nanjing University, Institute of Urology, Nanjing University, Nanjing 210008, China
| | - Minghao Yan
- Immunology and Reproduction Biology Laboratory & State Key Laboratory of Analytical Chemistry for Life Science, Medical School, Nanjing University, Nanjing 210093, China; Jiangsu Key Laboratory of Molecular Medicine, Nanjing University, Nanjing 210093, China
| | - Xuefeng Qiu
- Department of Urology, Drum Tower Hospital, Medical School of Nanjing University, Institute of Urology, Nanjing University, Nanjing 210008, China
| | - Wenyue Gong
- Immunology and Reproduction Biology Laboratory & State Key Laboratory of Analytical Chemistry for Life Science, Medical School, Nanjing University, Nanjing 210093, China; Jiangsu Key Laboratory of Molecular Medicine, Nanjing University, Nanjing 210093, China
| | - Wenxin Luo
- Immunology and Reproduction Biology Laboratory & State Key Laboratory of Analytical Chemistry for Life Science, Medical School, Nanjing University, Nanjing 210093, China; Jiangsu Key Laboratory of Molecular Medicine, Nanjing University, Nanjing 210093, China
| | - Hongqian Guo
- Department of Urology, Drum Tower Hospital, Medical School of Nanjing University, Institute of Urology, Nanjing University, Nanjing 210008, China.
| | - Xiaodong Han
- Immunology and Reproduction Biology Laboratory & State Key Laboratory of Analytical Chemistry for Life Science, Medical School, Nanjing University, Nanjing 210093, China; Jiangsu Key Laboratory of Molecular Medicine, Nanjing University, Nanjing 210093, China.
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He S, Li X, Zhou X, Weng W, Lai J. Role of epithelial cell-mesenchymal transition regulators in molecular typing and prognosis of colon cancer. J Gastrointest Oncol 2023; 14:744-757. [PMID: 37201067 PMCID: PMC10186519 DOI: 10.21037/jgo-23-49] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/29/2022] [Accepted: 04/07/2023] [Indexed: 05/20/2023] Open
Abstract
Background Despite advances in colon cancer screening, diagnosis, chemotherapy, and targeted therapy, the prognosis remains poor once colon cancer develops distant metastasis or local recurrence. To further improve the prognosis of colon cancer patients, researchers or clinicians may need to identify new indicators for predicting the prognosis and treatment of colon cancer. Methods In order to discover the new mechanism of epithelial-mesenchymal transition (EMT) promoting tumor progression and to find new indicators of colon cancer diagnosis, targeted therapy and prognosis, this study conducted The Cancer Genome Atlas (TCGA) analysis, differential gene analysis, prognostic analysis, protein-protein interaction (PPI), enrichment analysis, molecular typing, and a machine algorithm were combined with data from TCGA and Gene Expression Omnibus (GEO) databases and EMT-related genes. Results Our study identified 22 EMT-related genes with clinical prognostic value in colon cancer. On the basis of 22 EMT-related genes, we divided colon cancer into 2 different molecular subtypes by non-negative matrix factorization (NMF) model using 14 differentially expressed genes (DEGs), and the DEGs were enriched in multiple signaling pathways related to tumor metastasis process. Further analysis of EMT DEGs revealed that the PCOLCE2 and CXCL1 genes were characteristic genes for clinical prognosis of colon cancer. Conclusions In this study, 22 prognostic genes were screened out from 200 EMT-related genes, and then the PCOLCE2 and CXCL1 molecules were finally focused on through the combination of the NMF molecular typing model and machine learning screening feature genes, suggesting that PCOLCE2 and CXCL1 may have good application potential. The findings provide a theoretical basis for the next clinical transformation in the treatment of colon cancer.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shengquan He
- Department of Gastrointestinal Surgery, Yuebei People's Hospital (Yuebei People's Hospital Affiliated to Shantou University Medical College), Shaoguan, China
| | - Xiaowen Li
- Department of Gastrointestinal Surgery, Yuebei People's Hospital (Yuebei People's Hospital Affiliated to Shantou University Medical College), Shaoguan, China
| | - Xindong Zhou
- Department of Gastrointestinal Surgery, Yuebei People's Hospital (Yuebei People's Hospital Affiliated to Shantou University Medical College), Shaoguan, China
| | - Weiming Weng
- Department of Gastrointestinal Surgery, Yuebei People's Hospital (Yuebei People's Hospital Affiliated to Shantou University Medical College), Shaoguan, China
| | - Jiajun Lai
- Department of Gastrointestinal Surgery, Yuebei People's Hospital (Yuebei People's Hospital Affiliated to Shantou University Medical College), Shaoguan, China
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Yang S, Zhong S, Deng Z, Xie T, Yin G, Wang L, Liu J, Yang J, Long Z, Jiang X, Tan J. Hyperforin regulates renal fibrosis via targeting the PI3K-AKT/ICAM1 axis. Cell Signal 2023; 108:110691. [PMID: 37116554 DOI: 10.1016/j.cellsig.2023.110691] [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: 10/20/2022] [Revised: 03/18/2023] [Accepted: 04/25/2023] [Indexed: 04/30/2023]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE To explore the role and mechanism of hyperforin (one of the active components of Sophora flavescens) in renal fibrosis. METHODS The active compounds and target proteins of Sophora flavescens were first screened through TCMSP (https://tcmsp-e.com/). The renal fibrosis-related genes were analyzed through GeneCards (https://www.genecards.org/). The differentially expressed genes (DEGs) in renal fibrosis in GEO dataset GSE156181 were obtained. Metascape was applied for target protein enrichment analysis. TGF-β1-stimulated renal tubular epithelial cells were used for renal fibrosis cell model establishment. The unilateral ureteral obstruction (UUO) mouse model was used for the renal fibrosis in vivo model. Cell viability was detected using an MTT assay. Immunofluorescence staining was employed to detect cell morphology changes and the expression of α-SMA and collagen I. Hematoxylin and eosin (H&E) and Masson staining were employed to determine the renal morphologic change. qRT-PCR or Western blotting was applied to determine the expression levels of the target proteins. RESULTS After intersecting the analysis results of TCMSP, GeneCards, and dataset GSE156181, hyperforin targeting ICAM1 was identified. Metascape pathway enrichment analysis results revealed that the effective compounds of Sophora flavescens were tightly associated with extracellular matrix (ECM) remodeling and inflammatory response. MTT assay demonstrated that hyperforin had no toxic effect on cells. Immunofluorescence staining results evidenced that hyperforin could partially restore TGF-β1-induced epithelial-mesenchymal transition (EMT), the PI3K/AKT pathway activation, and ICAM1 upregulation, and these effects of hyperforin could be reversed by ICAM1 overexpression. While the PI3K/AKT pathway activator IGF-1 effectively reversed the EMT inhibition effect of hyperforin on renal tubular epithelial cells. Moreover, the UUO mouse model further confirmed that hyperforin reduced renal fibrosis. CONCLUSION Hyperforin inhibited renal fibrosis via the PI3K/AKT/ICAM1 axis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Songbai Yang
- Department of Urology, The Third Xiangya Hospital of Central South University, Changsha 410013, China
| | - Sheng Zhong
- Department of Urology, The Third Xiangya Hospital of Central South University, Changsha 410013, China
| | - Zhijun Deng
- Department of Urology, The Third Xiangya Hospital of Central South University, Changsha 410013, China
| | - Tongjin Xie
- Department of Urology, The Third Xiangya Hospital of Central South University, Changsha 410013, China
| | - Guangmin Yin
- Department of Urology, The Third Xiangya Hospital of Central South University, Changsha 410013, China
| | - Long Wang
- Department of Urology, The Third Xiangya Hospital of Central South University, Changsha 410013, China
| | - Jianye Liu
- Department of Urology, The Third Xiangya Hospital of Central South University, Changsha 410013, China
| | - Jianfu Yang
- Department of Urology, The Third Xiangya Hospital of Central South University, Changsha 410013, China
| | - Zhi Long
- Department of Urology, The Third Xiangya Hospital of Central South University, Changsha 410013, China
| | - Xianzhen Jiang
- Department of Urology, The Third Xiangya Hospital of Central South University, Changsha 410013, China
| | - Jing Tan
- Department of Urology, The Third Xiangya Hospital of Central South University, Changsha 410013, China.
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Hatami M, Kouchak M, Kheirollah A, Khorsandi L, Rashidi M. Effective inhibition of breast cancer stem cell properties by quercetin-loaded solid lipid nanoparticles via reduction of Smad2/Smad3 phosphorylation and β-catenin signaling pathway in triple-negative breast cancer. Biochem Biophys Res Commun 2023; 664:69-76. [PMID: 37141640 DOI: 10.1016/j.bbrc.2023.03.077] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [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: 03/05/2023] [Revised: 03/25/2023] [Accepted: 03/30/2023] [Indexed: 05/06/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND The presence of cancer stem cells (CSCs) is a major cause of resistance to cancer therapy and recurrence. Triple-negative breast cancer (TNBC) is a subtype that responds poorly to therapy, making it a significant global health issue. Quercetin (QC) has been shown to affect CSC viability, but its low bioavailability limits its clinical use. This study aims to increase the effectiveness of QC in inhibiting CSC generation by using solid lipid nanoparticles (SLNs) in MDA-MB231 cells. MATERIALS AND METHODS After treating MCF-7 and MDA-MB231 cells with 18.9 μM and 13.4 μM of QC and QC-SLN for 48 h, respectively, cell viability, migration, sphere formation, protein expression of β-catenin, p-Smad 2 and 3, and gene expression of EMT and CSC markers were evaluated. RESULTS The QC-SLN with particle size of 154 nm, zeta potential of -27.7 mV, and encapsulation efficacy of 99.6% was found to be the most effective. Compared to QC, QC-SLN significantly reduced cell viability, migration, sphere formation, protein expression of β-catenin and p-Smad 2 and 3, and gene expression of CD44, zinc finger E-box binding homeobox 1 (ZEB1), vimentin, while increasing the gene expression of E-cadherin. CONCLUSIONS Our findings demonstrate that SLNs improve the cytotoxic effect of QC in MDA-MB231 cells by increasing its bioavailability and inhibiting epithelial-mesenchymal transition (EMT), thereby effectively inhibiting CSC generation. Therefore, SLNs could be a promising new treatment for TNBC, but more in vivo studies are needed to confirm their efficacy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mahdi Hatami
- Cellular and Molecular Research Center, Medical Basic Sciences Research Institution, Ahvaz Jundishapur University of Medical Sciences, Ahvaz, Iran; Department of Clinical Biochemistry, Faculty of Medicine, Ahvaz Jundishapur University of Medical Sciences, Ahvaz, Iran
| | - Maryam Kouchak
- Nanotechnology Research Center, Ahvaz Jundishapur University of Medical Sciences, Ahvaz, Iran; Department of Pharmaceutics, Faculty of Pharmacy, Ahvaz Jundishapur University of Medical Sciences, Ahvaz, Iran
| | - Alireza Kheirollah
- Department of Clinical Biochemistry, Faculty of Medicine, Ahvaz Jundishapur University of Medical Sciences, Ahvaz, Iran
| | - Layasadat Khorsandi
- Cellular and Molecular Research Center, Medical Basic Sciences Research Institution, Ahvaz Jundishapur University of Medical Sciences, Ahvaz, Iran
| | - Mojtaba Rashidi
- Cellular and Molecular Research Center, Medical Basic Sciences Research Institution, Ahvaz Jundishapur University of Medical Sciences, Ahvaz, Iran; Department of Clinical Biochemistry, Faculty of Medicine, Ahvaz Jundishapur University of Medical Sciences, Ahvaz, Iran.
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Li C, Cai J, Liu W, Gao Z, Li G. Downregulation of circ-STK39 suppresses pancreatic cancer progression by sponging mir-140-3p and regulating TRAM2-mediated epithelial-mesenchymal transition. Apoptosis 2023:10.1007/s10495-023-01813-9. [PMID: 37041422 DOI: 10.1007/s10495-023-01813-9] [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] [Accepted: 01/05/2023] [Indexed: 04/13/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Pancreatic cancer (PC) is amongst the most lethal gastrointestinal tumors, which is the seventh leading reason of cancer-related mortality worldwide. Previous studies have indicated that circular RNAs (circRNAs), which is a new type of endogenous noncoding RNA (ncRNA), can mediate tumor progression in diverse tumor types including PC. Whereas precise roles regarding circRNAs and their underlying regulatory mechanisms in PC remain unknown. METHODS In the current study, we employed next generation sequencing (NGS) to characterize abnormally expressed circRNAs among PC tissues. Next, we assessed expression levels of one identified circRNA, circ-STK39, in PC cell lines and tissues. Then, using bioinformatics analysis, luciferase reporter, Transwell migration, EdU and CCK-8 assays, we examined the regulatory mechanisms and targets of circ-STK39. Finally, our group explored the circ-STK39 role in PC tumor growth and metastasis in vivo. RESULTS Our team discovered that circ-STK39 expression increased in PC tissues and cells, suggesting that circ-STK39 may have a role in PC progression. Downregulation of circ-STK39 inhibited PC proliferation and migration. Bioinformatics and luciferase reporter outcomes demonstrated that TRAM2 and miR-140-3p were circ-STK39 downstream targets. TRAM2 overexpression reversed the miR-140-3p overexpression effects upon migration, proliferation and the epithelial-mesenchymal transition (EMT). CONCLUSION In this regard, we showed that circ-STK39 downregulation led to decreased migration, proliferation and the EMT of PC via the miR-140-3p/TRAM2 axis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Chao Li
- Department of Hepatobiliary Surgery, Second Affiliated Hospital Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Jiefang Road No. 88, Hangzhou, Zhejiang Province, 310009, China
| | - Juanjuan Cai
- Department of Pathology, Zhejiang Provincial People's Hospital, Hangzhou, Zhejiang Province, China
| | - Weifeng Liu
- Department of Hepatobiliary Surgery, Second Affiliated Hospital Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Jiefang Road No. 88, Hangzhou, Zhejiang Province, 310009, China
| | - Zhenzhen Gao
- Department of Hepatobiliary Surgery, Second Affiliated Hospital Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Jiefang Road No. 88, Hangzhou, Zhejiang Province, 310009, China
| | - Guogang Li
- Department of Hepatobiliary Surgery, Second Affiliated Hospital Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Jiefang Road No. 88, Hangzhou, Zhejiang Province, 310009, China.
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Abstract
Extracellular vesicles (EVs) are emerging as key mediators of cell-to-cell communications and signal transporters between tumor and stroma, and hypoxia is a critical characteristic of tumor microenvironment (TME) in solid cancers. Hypoxia stimulates tumor cells to generate and secrete more EVs, and the EVs shed from cancer transfer biological information to boost hypoxia and hypoxia inducible factor (HIF) functionality. Hypoxia alters EV secretome profile to carry pro-tumorigenic factors for promoting numerous tumor-related processes including increased cancer cell proliferation and survival, immune escape, aberrant angiogenesis, and invasion and metastasis. Exosomal hypoxia inducible factor (HIF)-1α is an essential driver of epithelial-mesenchymal transition (EMT) and stemness profile in cancer. Hypoxic cancer-derived EVs are also contributed to therapy resistance. In fact, EVs are messengers of hypoxic tolerance in cancer, which enable adaptation of tumor cells to changes occurring within TME for their further resistance and metastasis. Tracing EVs shed from hypoxic tumor cells into plasma provide important information about the genomic signature of cancer. In this review, we aimed to discuss about key tumorigenic events promoted by inter-connections between hypoxia and EVs, mainly exosomes, secreted into tumor area focusing on key hallmarks of cancer.
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Affiliation(s)
- Keywan Mortezaee
- Department of Anatomy, School of Medicine, Kurdistan University of Medical Sciences, Sanandaj, Iran.
| | - Jamal Majidpoor
- Department of Anatomy, School of Medicine, Infectious Diseases Research Center, Gonabad University of Medical Sciences, Gonabad, Iran
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Yin Y, Liu S, Pu L, Luo J, Liu H, Wu W. Nintedanib prevents TGF-β2-induced epithelial-mesenchymal transition in retinal pigment epithelial cells. Biomed Pharmacother 2023; 161:114543. [PMID: 36933383 DOI: 10.1016/j.biopha.2023.114543] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/29/2023] [Revised: 03/04/2023] [Accepted: 03/14/2023] [Indexed: 03/18/2023] Open
Abstract
Epithelial-mesenchymal transition (EMT) of retinal pigment epithelial (RPE) cells is a key fibrosis pathogenesis in proliferative vitreoretinopathy (PVR). However, few medicines can prevent proliferative membranes and cell proliferation in the clinic. Nintedanib, a tyrosine kinase inhibitor, has been shown to prevent fibrosis and be anti-inflammatory in multiple organ fibrosis. In our study, 0.1, 1, 10 μM nintedanib was added to 20 ng/mL transforming growth factor beta 2 (TGF-β2)-induced EMT in ARPE-19 cells. Western blot and immunofluorescence assay showed that 1 μM nintedanib suppressed TGF-β2-induced E-cadherin expression decreased and Fibronectin, N-cadherin, Vimentin, and α-SMA expression increased. Quantitative real-time PCR results showed that 1 μM nintedanib decreased TGF-β2-induced increase in SNAI1, Vimentin, and Fibronectin expression and increased TGF-β2-induced decrease in E-cadherin expression. In addition, the CCK-8 assay, wound healing assay, and collagen gel contraction assay also showed that 1 μM nintedanib ameliorated TGF-β2-induced cell proliferation, migration, and contraction, respectively. These results suggested that nintedanib inhibits TGF-β2-induced EMT in ARPE-19 cells, which may be a potential pharmacological treatment for PVR.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yiwei Yin
- Department of Pharmacy, Third Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha, China; Department of Ophthalmology, Hunan Key Laboratory of Ophthalmology, Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha, China; National Clinical Research Center for Geriatric Disorders, Xiangya Hospital, Changsha, China
| | - Shikun Liu
- Department of Pharmacy, Third Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha, China
| | - Li Pu
- Department of Ophthalmology, Hunan Key Laboratory of Ophthalmology, Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha, China; National Clinical Research Center for Geriatric Disorders, Xiangya Hospital, Changsha, China
| | - Jing Luo
- Department of Ophthalmology, Second Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha, China
| | - Hanhan Liu
- Department of Ophthalmology, Third Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha, China.
| | - Wenyi Wu
- Department of Ophthalmology, Hunan Key Laboratory of Ophthalmology, Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha, China; National Clinical Research Center for Geriatric Disorders, Xiangya Hospital, Changsha, China.
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Subbalakshmi AR, Sahoo S, Manjunatha P, Goyal S, Kasiviswanathan VA, Mahesh Y, Ramu S, McMullen I, Somarelli JA, Jolly MK. The ELF3 transcription factor is associated with an epithelial phenotype and represses epithelial-mesenchymal transition. J Biol Eng 2023; 17:17. [PMID: 36864480 PMCID: PMC9983220 DOI: 10.1186/s13036-023-00333-z] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.0] [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: 10/22/2022] [Accepted: 02/09/2023] [Indexed: 03/04/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Epithelial-mesenchymal plasticity (EMP) involves bidirectional transitions between epithelial, mesenchymal and multiple intermediary hybrid epithelial/mesenchymal phenotypes. While the process of epithelial-mesenchymal transition (EMT) and its associated transcription factors are well-characterised, the transcription factors that promote mesenchymal-epithelial transition (MET) and stabilise hybrid E/M phenotypes are less well understood. RESULTS Here, we analyse multiple publicly-available transcriptomic datasets at bulk and single-cell level and pinpoint ELF3 as a factor that is strongly associated with an epithelial phenotype and is inhibited during EMT. Using mechanism-based mathematical modelling, we also show that ELF3 inhibits the progression of EMT. This behaviour was also observed in the presence of an EMT inducing factor WT1. Our model predicts that the MET induction capacity of ELF3 is stronger than that of KLF4, but weaker than that of GRHL2. Finally, we show that ELF3 levels correlates with worse patient survival in a subset of solid tumour types. CONCLUSION ELF3 is shown to be inhibited during EMT progression and is also found to inhibit the progression of complete EMT suggesting that ELF3 may be able to counteract EMT induction, including in the presence of EMT-inducing factors, such as WT1. The analysis of patient survival data indicates that the prognostic capacity of ELF3 is specific to cell-of-origin or lineage.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ayalur Raghu Subbalakshmi
- grid.34980.360000 0001 0482 5067Centre for BioSystems Science and Engineering, Indian Institute of Science, 560012 Bangalore, India
| | - Sarthak Sahoo
- grid.34980.360000 0001 0482 5067Centre for BioSystems Science and Engineering, Indian Institute of Science, 560012 Bangalore, India
| | - Prakruthi Manjunatha
- grid.444321.40000 0004 0501 2828Department of Medical Electronics, M S Ramaiah Institute of Technology, 560054 Bangalore, India
| | - Shaurya Goyal
- grid.429017.90000 0001 0153 2859Department of Humanities and Social Sciences, Indian Institute of Technology, 721302 Kharagpur, India
| | - Vignesh A Kasiviswanathan
- grid.512757.30000 0004 1761 9897Department of Biotechnology, JSS Science and Technology University, 570006 Mysore, India
| | - Yeshwanth Mahesh
- grid.34980.360000 0001 0482 5067Centre for BioSystems Science and Engineering, Indian Institute of Science, 560012 Bangalore, India
| | - Soundharya Ramu
- grid.419655.a0000 0001 0008 3668Department of Biotechnology, National Institute of Technology Warangal, 506004 Warangal, India
| | - Isabelle McMullen
- grid.26009.3d0000 0004 1936 7961Department of Medicine, Duke University, NC 27708 Durham, USA
| | - Jason A. Somarelli
- grid.26009.3d0000 0004 1936 7961Department of Medicine, Duke University, NC 27708 Durham, USA ,grid.26009.3d0000 0004 1936 7961Duke Cancer Institute, Duke University, NC 27708 Durham, USA
| | - Mohit Kumar Jolly
- Centre for BioSystems Science and Engineering, Indian Institute of Science, 560012, Bangalore, India.
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Islam Khan MZ, Law HKW. Suppression of small nucleolar RNA host gene 8 (SNHG8) inhibits the progression of colorectal cancer cells. Noncoding RNA Res 2023; 8:224-232. [PMID: 36860208 PMCID: PMC9969251 DOI: 10.1016/j.ncrna.2023.02.003] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/22/2022] [Revised: 02/12/2023] [Accepted: 02/13/2023] [Indexed: 02/16/2023] Open
Abstract
Colorectal cancer (CRC) is one of the most common gastrointestinal malignancies around the world with high mortality. Accumulating evidences demonstrate that long non-coding RNAs (lncRNAs) play critical roles in CRC tumorigenesis by regulating different pathways of carcinogenesis. SNHG8 (small nucleolar RNA host gene 8), a lncRNA, is highly expressed in several cancers and acts as an oncogene that promotes cancer progression. However, the oncogenic role of SNHG8 in CRC carcinogenesis and the underlying molecular mechanisms remain unknown. In this study, we explored the role of SNHG8 in CRC cell lines by performing a series of functional experiments. Similar to the data reported in the Encyclopedia of RNA Interactome, our RT-qPCR results showed that SNHG8 expression was significantly upregulated in CRC cell lines (DLD-1, HT-29, HCT-116, and SW480) compared to the normal colon cell line (CCD-112CoN). We performed dicer-substrate siRNA transfection to knockdown the expression of SNHG8 in HCT-116 and SW480 cell lines which were expressing high levels of SNHG8. SNHG8 knockdown significantly reduced CRC cell growth and proliferation by inducing autophagy and apoptosis pathways through the AKT/AMPK/mTOR axis. We performed wound healing migration assay and demonstrated that SNHG8 knockdown significantly increased migration index in both cell lines, indicating reduced migration abilities of cells. Further investigation showed that SNHG8 knockdown suppresses epithelial to mesenchymal transition and reduces cellular migratory properties of CRC cells. Taken together, our study suggests that SNHG8 acts as an oncogene in CRC through the mTOR-dependent autophagy, apoptosis, and EMT pathways. Our study provides a better understanding the role of SNHG8 in CRC at molecular level and SNHG8 might be used as novel therapeutic target for CRC management.
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Wang Z, Liu F, Huang C, Zhang J, Wu J. Bufalin inhibits epithelial-mesenchymal transition and increases radiosensitivity of non-small cell lung cancer via inhibition of the Src signaling. J Thorac Dis 2023; 15:123-134. [PMID: 36794138 PMCID: PMC9922603 DOI: 10.21037/jtd-22-1859] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/11/2022] [Accepted: 01/10/2023] [Indexed: 01/17/2023]
Abstract
Background Epithelial-mesenchymal transition (EMT) is a biological process involved in tumor migration, invasion, and radiotherapy resistance. Bufalin can affect the proliferation, apoptosis and invasion of tumor cells by regulating multiple signaling pathways. Whether bufalin can increase radiosensitivity through EMT deserves further investigation. Methods In this study, we investigated the effect of bufalin on the EMT and radiosensitivity of non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) and the underlying molecular mechanism. NSCLC cells were treated with bufalin (at a dose of 0-100 nM) or irradiated with 6 MV X-rays (4 Gy/min). The effects of bufalin on cell survival, cell cycle, radiosensitivity, cell migration, and invasion were detected. Western blot was used to analyze the gene expression changes of Src signaling in NSCLC cell induced by Bufalin. Results Bufalin significantly inhibited cell survival, migration, and invasion and induced G2/M arrest and apoptosis. Cells co-treated with bufalin and radiation manifested a higher inhibitory effect compared to those treated with radiation or bufalin alone. Furthermore, the levels of p-Src and p-STAT3 were considerably reduced following bufalin treatment. Interestingly, elevated p-Src and p-STAT3 were observed in cells treated with radiation. Bufalin inhibited radiation-induced p-Src and p-STAT3, whereas the knockdown of Src abrogated the effects of bufalin on cell migration, invasion, EMT, and radiosensitivity. Conclusions Bufalin inhibits EMT and enhances radiosensitivity through targeting Src signaling in NSCLC.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zijian Wang
- College of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Shandong University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Jinan, China
| | - Fen Liu
- Cancer Institute, Jining First People’s Hospital, Jining Medical University, Jining, China
| | - Chen Huang
- Cancer Institute, Jining First People’s Hospital, Jining Medical University, Jining, China
| | - Jiaqi Zhang
- Cancer Institute, Jining First People’s Hospital, Jining Medical University, Jining, China
| | - Jibiao Wu
- College of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Shandong University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Jinan, China
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Ma X, Hu X, Zhu Y, Jin H, Hu G, Ding L, Ning S. Sesamol inhibits proliferation, migration and invasion of triple negative breast cancer via inactivating Wnt/β-catenin signaling. Biochem Pharmacol 2022; 206:115299. [PMID: 36244446 DOI: 10.1016/j.bcp.2022.115299] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/28/2022] [Revised: 10/06/2022] [Accepted: 10/06/2022] [Indexed: 12/13/2022]
Abstract
Triple negative breast cancer (TNBC), a particularly aggressive breast cancer subtype without estrogen receptor (ER), progesterone receptor (PR) and human epidermal growth factor 2 (HER2) expression, possesses highly invasive capacity, uncontrolled proliferative phenotype and poor clinical prognosis. Sesamol enriched in sesame seeds has been widely reported as a metabolic modulator due to its anti-aging, anti-hepatotoxic and cardio-protective properties. In this study, we found that sesamol significantly inhibited proliferation, migration and invasion of TNBC cells via attenuating PCNA, CyclinD1 expression and reversion of epithelial-mesenchymal transition (EMT) characterized by increased epithelial marker E-cadherin and decreased mesenchymal marker N-cadherin, Vimentin, Snail expression. Moreover, sesamol inactivated Wnt/β-catenin signaling and Wnt agonist 1 AMBMP application reversed the inhibition of proliferation, migration and invasion of TNBC by sesamol administration. Subsequently, our data showed that sesamol induced Wnt inhibitory factor 1 (WIF1), an endogenous inhibitor of Wnt/β-catenin pathway, expression and WIF1 artificial knockdown abrogated the inactivation of Wnt/β-catenin signaling by sesamol exposure in TNBC cells. And we found that promoter region de-methylation was responsible for WIF1 up-regulation by sesamol administration. Finally, with the xenograft assay using nude mice, we also found that sesamol inhibited proliferation and metastasis of TNBC via WIF1-induced inactivation of Wnt/β-catenin signaling in vivo. Collectively, these data added novel understandings and evidences to the anti-cancer properties of sesamol.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xiao Ma
- Preventive Care Department, Jinhua Maternity and Child Health Care Hospital, Jinhua 321000, Zhejiang Province, China
| | - Xiaoling Hu
- Department of Clinical Nutrition, Affiliated Jinhua Hospital, Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Jinhua 321000, Zhejiang Province, China
| | - Yijia Zhu
- Department of Clinical Nutrition, Affiliated Jinhua Hospital, Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Jinhua 321000, Zhejiang Province, China
| | - Huixian Jin
- Department of Clinical Nutrition, Affiliated Jinhua Hospital, Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Jinhua 321000, Zhejiang Province, China
| | - Guifen Hu
- Department of Clinical Nutrition, Affiliated Jinhua Hospital, Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Jinhua 321000, Zhejiang Province, China
| | - Linchao Ding
- Department of Scientific Research, Affiliated Jinhua Hospital, Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Jinhua 321000, Zhejiang Province, China.
| | - Shilong Ning
- Department of Clinical Nutrition, Affiliated Jinhua Hospital, Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Jinhua 321000, Zhejiang Province, China.
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Park NR, Cha JH, Sung PS, Jang JW, Choi JY, Yoon SK, Bae SH. MiR-23b-3p suppresses epithelial-mesenchymal transition, migration, and invasion of hepatocellular carcinoma cells by targeting c-MET. Heliyon 2022; 8:e11135. [PMID: 36281372 PMCID: PMC9586913 DOI: 10.1016/j.heliyon.2022.e11135] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/05/2022] [Revised: 09/28/2022] [Accepted: 10/13/2022] [Indexed: 11/06/2022] Open
Abstract
Background Aberrant expression of c-MET is known to be associated with tumor recurrence and metastasis by promoting cell proliferation, epithelial-mesenchymal transition (EMT), and migration in hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC). Recently, miR-23b-3p has been identified as a tumor suppressor, but detailed role of miR-23b-3p in HCC is still unclear. Our study aimed to investigate how miR-23b-3p is associated with the malignant potential of HCC cells. Methods HCC tissues and their adjacent non-tumor tissues were acquired from 30 patients with HCC. Expression of EMT- or stemness-related genes were examined in the two HCC cell lines. Migration of HCC cells was analyzed using transwell and wound healing assays. Results c-MET was overexpressed in HCC tissues compared to the adjacent non-tumor tissues. c-MET knockdown inhibited EMT and reduced migration and invasion of HCC cells. Furthermore, c-MET was a target of miR-23b-3p, and miR-23b-3p expression was decreased in HCC tissues compared to non-tumor tissues. Treatment of miR-23b-3p inhibitor in HCC cells promoted EMT, cell migration, and invasion. In contrast, miR-23b-3p overexpression suppressed EMT, cell migration, and invasion, concomitantly reducing c-MET expression. Transfection of miR-23b-3p inhibitor with concomitant c-MET knockdown mitigated the effects of miR-23b-3p inhibitor on EMT in HCC cells. In addition, transforming growth factor beta1 (TGF-β1) stimulation after miR-23b-3p overexpression induced neither the mesenchymal phenotype nor migratory property of HCC cells. Conclusion In this study, we confirmed that miR-23b-3p downregulation significantly increased EMT, migration, and invasion of HCC cells. In addition, c-MET was confirmed to be a target of miR-23b-3p in HCC cells and regulated the functional effects of miR-23b-3p. These results suggest that miR-23b-3p can be used as a prognostic biomarker and candidate target for HCC treatment. c-MET is a target of miR-23b-3p and overexpressed in HCC tissues. MiR-23b-3p expression was decreased in HCC tissues compared to non-tumor tissues. Inhibition of miR-23b-3p induced migration and invasion via EMT in HCC cells. MiR-23b-3p/c-MET axis may serve as a therapeutic target for HCC.
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Affiliation(s)
- Na Ri Park
- The Catholic University Liver Research Center, College of Medicine, The Catholic University of Korea, Seoul, 06591, Republic of Korea
| | - Jung Hoon Cha
- The Catholic University Liver Research Center, College of Medicine, The Catholic University of Korea, Seoul, 06591, Republic of Korea
| | - Pil Soo Sung
- The Catholic University Liver Research Center, College of Medicine, The Catholic University of Korea, Seoul, 06591, Republic of Korea,Division of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Department of Internal Medicine, College of Medicine, Seoul St. Mary's Hospital, The Catholic University of Korea, Seoul, 06591, Republic of Korea,Corresponding author.
| | - Jeong Won Jang
- The Catholic University Liver Research Center, College of Medicine, The Catholic University of Korea, Seoul, 06591, Republic of Korea,Division of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Department of Internal Medicine, College of Medicine, Seoul St. Mary's Hospital, The Catholic University of Korea, Seoul, 06591, Republic of Korea
| | - Jong Young Choi
- The Catholic University Liver Research Center, College of Medicine, The Catholic University of Korea, Seoul, 06591, Republic of Korea,Division of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Department of Internal Medicine, College of Medicine, Seoul St. Mary's Hospital, The Catholic University of Korea, Seoul, 06591, Republic of Korea
| | - Seung Kew Yoon
- The Catholic University Liver Research Center, College of Medicine, The Catholic University of Korea, Seoul, 06591, Republic of Korea,Division of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Department of Internal Medicine, College of Medicine, Seoul St. Mary's Hospital, The Catholic University of Korea, Seoul, 06591, Republic of Korea
| | - Si Hyun Bae
- The Catholic University Liver Research Center, College of Medicine, The Catholic University of Korea, Seoul, 06591, Republic of Korea,Division of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Department of Internal Medicine, College of Medicine, Eunpyeong St. Mary's Hospital, The Catholic University of Korea, Seoul, 03382, Republic of Korea,Corresponding author.
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Mortezaee K, Majidpoor J, Kharazinejad E. Epithelial-mesenchymal transition in cancer stemness and heterogeneity: updated. Med Oncol 2022; 39:193. [PMID: 36071302 DOI: 10.1007/s12032-022-01801-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/24/2022] [Accepted: 07/15/2022] [Indexed: 10/14/2022]
Abstract
Epithelial-mesenchymal transition (EMT) as a trans-differentiation program and a key process in tumor progression is linked positively with increased expansion of cancer stem cells and cells with stem-like properties. This is mediated through modulation of critical tumorigenic events and is positively correlated with hypoxic conditions in tumor microenvironment. The presence of cells eliciting diverse phenotypical states inside tumor is representative of heterogeneity and higher tumor resistance to therapy. In this review, we aimed to discuss about the current understanding toward EMT, stemness, and heterogeneity in tumors of solid organs, their contribution to the key tumorigenic events along with major signaling pathway involved, and, finally, to suggest some strategies to target these critical events.
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Xing Y, Hu Y, Zou H, Xie H, Jiang T, Liu L. A novel O 2- (2,4-dinitrophenyl) diazeniumdiolate inhibits hepatocellular carcinoma migration, invasion, and EMT through the Wnt/β-catenin pathway. Toxicol In Vitro 2022; 84:105456. [PMID: 35985571 DOI: 10.1016/j.tiv.2022.105456] [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: 04/26/2022] [Revised: 08/09/2022] [Accepted: 08/11/2022] [Indexed: 11/15/2022]
Abstract
Targeted Wnt/β-catenin pathway is considered to be a promising therapy for cancer metastasis. The novel O2 -(2,4-dinitrophenyl) diazeniumdiolate (JS-K) plays a potent inhibitory role in the proliferation of cancers. In this study, HepG2 and SMMC7721 were used to clarify the efficacy of JS-K inhibition of HCC metastasis. JS-K significantly inhibited cell motility through a wound-healing assay and restrained cell migration and invasion at noncytotoxic concentrations. However, the inhibitory effects of migration and invasion were abolished after the addition of NO scavenger, Carboxy-PTIO. In addition, JS-K inhibited the Wnt/β-catenin pathway by a decrease of p-GSK-3β at Ser9, cytosolic β-catenin, and nuclear β-catenin accumulation whereas an increase of p-β-catenin. Furthermore, the transcription regulators c-Myc, survivin, and Cyclin D1 were down-regulated after treating with JS-K. The inhibitory of the Wnt/β-catenin pathway was reversed after the addition of Carboxy-PTIO or LiCl. Meanwhile, JS-K also inhibited the epithelial-mesenchymal transition (EMT)-mediated cell migration and invasion. The characteristics of the inhibition were reflected by the upregulation of E-cadherin whereas the downregulation of Vimentin, Snail, and Slug. Taking together, these results demonstrated that JS-K inhibited HepG2 and SMMC7721 cells migration and invasion by reversing EMT via the Wnt/β-catenin pathway.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yihao Xing
- Department of Pharmacy, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Henan University of Science and Technology, Luoyang 471023, China
| | - Yile Hu
- Department of Pharmacy, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Henan University of Science and Technology, Luoyang 471023, China
| | - Hanzhi Zou
- Department of Pharmacy, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Henan University of Science and Technology, Luoyang 471023, China
| | - Huaxia Xie
- Department of Pharmacy, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Henan University of Science and Technology, Luoyang 471023, China
| | - Tianci Jiang
- Department of Pharmacy, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Henan University of Science and Technology, Luoyang 471023, China
| | - Ling Liu
- Department of Pharmacy, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Henan University of Science and Technology, Luoyang 471023, China.
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Ju S, Chen C, Zhang J, Xu L, Zhang X, Li Z, Chen Y, Zhou J, Ji F, Wang L. Detection of circulating tumor cells: opportunities and challenges. Biomark Res 2022; 10:58. [PMID: 35962400 DOI: 10.1186/s40364-022-00403-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 25] [Impact Index Per Article: 12.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/27/2022] [Accepted: 07/26/2022] [Indexed: 11/25/2022] Open
Abstract
Circulating tumor cells (CTCs) are cells that shed from a primary tumor and travel through the bloodstream. Studying the functional and molecular characteristics of CTCs may provide in-depth knowledge regarding highly lethal tumor diseases. Researchers are working to design devices and develop analytical methods that can capture and detect CTCs in whole blood from cancer patients with improved sensitivity and specificity. Techniques using whole blood samples utilize physical prosperity, immunoaffinity or a combination of the above methods and positive and negative enrichment during separation. Further analysis of CTCs is helpful in cancer monitoring, efficacy evaluation and designing of targeted cancer treatment methods. Although many advances have been achieved in the detection and molecular characterization of CTCs, several challenges still exist that limit the current use of this burgeoning diagnostic approach. In this review, a brief summary of the biological characterization of CTCs is presented. We focus on the current existing CTC detection methods and the potential clinical implications and challenges of CTCs. We also put forward our own views regarding the future development direction of CTCs.
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