1
|
Hu S, Wang M, Ji A, Yang J, Gao R, Li X, Sun L, Wang J, Zhang Y, Liu H. Mutant p53 and ELK1 co-drive FRA-1 expression to induce metastasis in breast cancer. FEBS Lett 2023; 597:3087-3101. [PMID: 37971884 DOI: 10.1002/1873-3468.14774] [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: 05/31/2023] [Revised: 08/17/2023] [Accepted: 10/02/2023] [Indexed: 11/19/2023]
Abstract
Tumor-associated p53 mutations induce activities different from wild-type p53, thus causing loss of the protein's tumor inhibition function. The cells carrying p53 mutations have more aggressive characteristics related to invasion, metastasis, proliferation, and cell survival. By comparing the gene expression profiles of mutant p53 (mutp53) and mutp53 silenced cohorts, we found that FOS-related antigen-1 (FRA-1), which is encoded by FOSL1, is a potential effector of mutp53-mediated metastasis. We demonstrate that the expression of FRA-1, a gatekeeper of mesenchymal-epithelial transition, is elevated in the presence of p53 mutations. Mechanistically, mutant p53 cooperates with the transcription factor ELK1 in binding and activating the promoter of FOSL1, thus fostering lung metastasis. This study reveals new insights into how mutant p53 contributes to metastasis in breast cancer.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Sike Hu
- Tianjin Institute of Medical and Pharmaceutical Sciences, China
| | - Manxue Wang
- Tianjin Institute of Medical and Pharmaceutical Sciences, China
| | - Ailing Ji
- Tianjin Institute of Medical and Pharmaceutical Sciences, China
| | - Jie Yang
- Tianjin Institute of Medical and Pharmaceutical Sciences, China
| | - Ruifang Gao
- Tianjin Institute of Medical and Pharmaceutical Sciences, China
| | - Xia Li
- Tianjin Institute of Medical and Pharmaceutical Sciences, China
| | - Lili Sun
- Tianjin Medicine and Health Research Center, China
| | - Jing Wang
- Tianjin Institute of Medical and Pharmaceutical Sciences, China
| | - Ying Zhang
- Tianjin Medicine and Health Research Center, China
| | - Hongbin Liu
- Tianjin Medicine and Health Research Center, China
| |
Collapse
|
2
|
Al-khayyat W, Pirkkanen J, Dougherty J, Laframboise T, Dickinson N, Khaper N, Lees SJ, Mendonca MS, Boreham DR, Tai TC, Thome C, Tharmalingam S. Overexpression of FRA1 ( FOSL1) Leads to Global Transcriptional Perturbations, Reduced Cellular Adhesion and Altered Cell Cycle Progression. Cells 2023; 12:2344. [PMID: 37830558 PMCID: PMC10571788 DOI: 10.3390/cells12192344] [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: 08/19/2023] [Revised: 09/18/2023] [Accepted: 09/21/2023] [Indexed: 10/14/2023] Open
Abstract
FRA1 (FOSL1) is a transcription factor and a member of the activator protein-1 superfamily. FRA1 is expressed in most tissues at low levels, and its expression is robustly induced in response to extracellular signals, leading to downstream cellular processes. However, abnormal FRA1 overexpression has been reported in various pathological states, including tumor progression and inflammation. To date, the molecular effects of FRA1 overexpression are still not understood. Therefore, the aim of this study was to investigate the transcriptional and functional effects of FRA1 overexpression using the CGL1 human hybrid cell line. FRA1-overexpressing CGL1 cells were generated using stably integrated CRISPR-mediated transcriptional activation, resulting in a 2-3 fold increase in FRA1 mRNA and protein levels. RNA-sequencing identified 298 differentially expressed genes with FRA1 overexpression. Gene ontology analysis showed numerous molecular networks enriched with FRA1 overexpression, including transcription-factor binding, regulation of the extracellular matrix and adhesion, and a variety of signaling processes, including protein kinase activity and chemokine signaling. In addition, cell functional assays demonstrated reduced cell adherence to fibronectin and collagen with FRA1 overexpression and altered cell cycle progression. Taken together, this study unravels the transcriptional response mediated by FRA1 overexpression and establishes the role of FRA1 in adhesion and cell cycle progression.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Wuroud Al-khayyat
- School of Natural Sciences, Laurentian University, Sudbury, ON P3E 2C6, Canada; (W.A.-k.); (N.D.); (D.R.B.); (T.C.T.); (C.T.)
- Medical Sciences Division, NOSM University, 935 Ramsey Lake Rd., Sudbury, ON P3E 2C6, Canada; (J.P.); (J.D.); (T.L.)
| | - Jake Pirkkanen
- Medical Sciences Division, NOSM University, 935 Ramsey Lake Rd., Sudbury, ON P3E 2C6, Canada; (J.P.); (J.D.); (T.L.)
| | - Jessica Dougherty
- Medical Sciences Division, NOSM University, 935 Ramsey Lake Rd., Sudbury, ON P3E 2C6, Canada; (J.P.); (J.D.); (T.L.)
| | - Taylor Laframboise
- Medical Sciences Division, NOSM University, 935 Ramsey Lake Rd., Sudbury, ON P3E 2C6, Canada; (J.P.); (J.D.); (T.L.)
| | - Noah Dickinson
- School of Natural Sciences, Laurentian University, Sudbury, ON P3E 2C6, Canada; (W.A.-k.); (N.D.); (D.R.B.); (T.C.T.); (C.T.)
| | - Neelam Khaper
- Medical Sciences Division, NOSM University, 955 Oliver Rd., Thunder Bay, ON P7B 5E1, Canada; (N.K.); (S.J.L.)
- Department of Biology, Lakehead University, Thunder Bay, ON P7B 5E1, Canada
| | - Simon J. Lees
- Medical Sciences Division, NOSM University, 955 Oliver Rd., Thunder Bay, ON P7B 5E1, Canada; (N.K.); (S.J.L.)
- Department of Biology, Lakehead University, Thunder Bay, ON P7B 5E1, Canada
| | - Marc S. Mendonca
- Department of Radiation Oncology, Radiation and Cancer Biology Laboratories, Indiana University School of Medicine, Indianapolis, IN 46202, USA;
- Department of Medical & Molecular Genetics, Indiana University School of Medicine, Indianapolis, IN 46202, USA
| | - Douglas R. Boreham
- School of Natural Sciences, Laurentian University, Sudbury, ON P3E 2C6, Canada; (W.A.-k.); (N.D.); (D.R.B.); (T.C.T.); (C.T.)
- Medical Sciences Division, NOSM University, 935 Ramsey Lake Rd., Sudbury, ON P3E 2C6, Canada; (J.P.); (J.D.); (T.L.)
| | - Tze Chun Tai
- School of Natural Sciences, Laurentian University, Sudbury, ON P3E 2C6, Canada; (W.A.-k.); (N.D.); (D.R.B.); (T.C.T.); (C.T.)
- Medical Sciences Division, NOSM University, 935 Ramsey Lake Rd., Sudbury, ON P3E 2C6, Canada; (J.P.); (J.D.); (T.L.)
- Health Sciences North Research Institute, Sudbury, ON P3E 2H2, Canada
| | - Christopher Thome
- School of Natural Sciences, Laurentian University, Sudbury, ON P3E 2C6, Canada; (W.A.-k.); (N.D.); (D.R.B.); (T.C.T.); (C.T.)
- Medical Sciences Division, NOSM University, 935 Ramsey Lake Rd., Sudbury, ON P3E 2C6, Canada; (J.P.); (J.D.); (T.L.)
- Health Sciences North Research Institute, Sudbury, ON P3E 2H2, Canada
| | - Sujeenthar Tharmalingam
- School of Natural Sciences, Laurentian University, Sudbury, ON P3E 2C6, Canada; (W.A.-k.); (N.D.); (D.R.B.); (T.C.T.); (C.T.)
- Medical Sciences Division, NOSM University, 935 Ramsey Lake Rd., Sudbury, ON P3E 2C6, Canada; (J.P.); (J.D.); (T.L.)
- Health Sciences North Research Institute, Sudbury, ON P3E 2H2, Canada
| |
Collapse
|
3
|
Casalino L, Talotta F, Matino I, Verde P. FRA-1 as a Regulator of EMT and Metastasis in Breast Cancer. Int J Mol Sci 2023; 24:ijms24098307. [PMID: 37176013 PMCID: PMC10179602 DOI: 10.3390/ijms24098307] [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: 02/21/2023] [Revised: 04/21/2023] [Accepted: 05/01/2023] [Indexed: 05/15/2023] Open
Abstract
Among FOS-related components of the dimeric AP-1 transcription factor, the oncoprotein FRA-1 (encoded by FOSL1) is a key regulator of invasion and metastasis. The well-established FRA-1 pro-invasive activity in breast cancer, in which FOSL1 is overexpressed in the TNBC (Triple Negative Breast Cancer)/basal subtypes, correlates with the FRA-1-dependent transcriptional regulation of EMT (Epithelial-to-Mesenchymal Transition). After summarizing the major findings on FRA-1 in breast cancer invasiveness, we discuss the FRA-1 mechanistic links with EMT and cancer cell stemness, mediated by transcriptional and posttranscriptional interactions between FOSL1/FRA-1 and EMT-regulating transcription factors, miRNAs, RNA binding proteins and cytokines, along with other target genes involved in EMT. In addition to the FRA-1/AP-1 effects on the architecture of target promoters, we discuss the diagnostic and prognostic significance of the EMT-related FRA-1 transcriptome, along with therapeutic implications. Finally, we consider several novel perspectives regarding the less explored roles of FRA-1 in the tumor microenvironment and in control of the recently characterized hybrid EMT correlated with cancer cell plasticity, stemness, and metastatic potential. We will also examine the application of emerging technologies, such as single-cell analyses, along with animal models of TNBC and tumor-derived CTCs and PDXs (Circulating Tumor Cells and Patient-Derived Xenografts) for studying the FRA-1-mediated mechanisms in in vivo systems of EMT and metastasis.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Laura Casalino
- Institute of Genetics and Biophysics "A. Buzzati Traverso", Consiglio Nazionale delle Ricerche (CNR), Via Pietro Castellino, 111, 80131 Naples, Italy
| | - Francesco Talotta
- Institute of Genetics and Biophysics "A. Buzzati Traverso", Consiglio Nazionale delle Ricerche (CNR), Via Pietro Castellino, 111, 80131 Naples, Italy
| | - Ilenia Matino
- Institute of Genetics and Biophysics "A. Buzzati Traverso", Consiglio Nazionale delle Ricerche (CNR), Via Pietro Castellino, 111, 80131 Naples, Italy
| | - Pasquale Verde
- Institute of Genetics and Biophysics "A. Buzzati Traverso", Consiglio Nazionale delle Ricerche (CNR), Via Pietro Castellino, 111, 80131 Naples, Italy
| |
Collapse
|
4
|
Cui HY, Wei W, Qian MR, Tian RF, Fu X, Li HW, Nan G, Yang T, Lin P, Chen X, Zhu YM, Wang B, Sun XX, Dou JH, Jiang JL, Li L, Wang SJ, Chen ZN. PDGFA-associated protein 1 is a novel target of c-Myc and contributes to colorectal cancer initiation and progression. Cancer Commun (Lond) 2022; 42:750-767. [PMID: 35716012 PMCID: PMC9395323 DOI: 10.1002/cac2.12322] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/21/2022] [Revised: 04/26/2022] [Accepted: 06/06/2022] [Indexed: 12/18/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND The mechanism underlying colorectal cancer (CRC) initiation and progression remains elusive, and overall survival is far from satisfactory. Previous studies have shown that PDGFA-associated protein 1 (PDAP1) is upregulated in several cancers including CRC. Here, we aimed to identify the cause and consequence of PDAP1 dysregulation in CRC and evaluate its role as a potential therapeutic target. METHODS Multi-omics data analysis was performed to identify potential key players in CRC initiation and progression. Immunohistochemistry (IHC) staining was applied to determine the expression pattern of PDAP1 in CRC tissues. Pdap1 conditional knockout mice were used to establish colitis and CRC mouse models. RNA sequencing, a phosphoprotein antibody array, western blotting, histological analysis, 5-bromo-2'-deoxyuridine (BrdU) incorporation assay, and interactome analysis were applied to identify the underlying mechanisms of PDAP1. A human patient-derived xenograft (PDX) model was used to assess the potential of PDAP1 as a therapeutic target. RESULTS PDAP1 was identified as a potential key player in CRC development using multi-omics data analysis. PDAP1 was overexpressed in CRC cells and correlated with reduced overall survival. Further investigation showed that PDAP1 was critical for the regulation of cell proliferation, migration, invasion, and metastasis. Significantly, depletion of Pdap1 in intestinal epithelial cells impaired mucosal restitution in dextran sulfate sodium salt-induced colitis and inhibited tumor initiation and growth in colitis-associated cancers. Mechanistic studies showed that c-Myc directly transactivated PDAP1, which contributed to the high PDAP1 expression in CRC cells. PDAP1 interacted with the juxtamembrane domain of epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR) and facilitated EGFR-mitogen-activated protein kinase (MAPK) signaling activation, which resulted in FOS-related antigen 1 (FRA-1) expression, thereby facilitating CRC progression. Notably, silencing of PDAP1 could hinder the growth of patient-derived xenografts that sustain high PDAP1 levels. CONCLUSIONS PDAP1 facilitates mucosal restitution and carcinogenesis in colitis-associated cancer. c-Myc-driven upregulation of PDAP1 promotes proliferation, migration, invasion, and metastasis of CRC cells via the EGFR-MAPK-FRA-1 signaling axis. These findings indicated that PDAP1 inhibition is warranted for CRC patients with PDAP1 overexpression.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Hong-Yong Cui
- National Translational Science Center for Molecular Medicine & Department of Cell Biology, Fourth Military Medical University, Xi'an, Shaanxi, 710032, P. R. China
| | - Wei Wei
- National Translational Science Center for Molecular Medicine & Department of Cell Biology, Fourth Military Medical University, Xi'an, Shaanxi, 710032, P. R. China
| | - Mei-Rui Qian
- National Translational Science Center for Molecular Medicine & Department of Cell Biology, Fourth Military Medical University, Xi'an, Shaanxi, 710032, P. R. China
| | - Ruo-Fei Tian
- National Translational Science Center for Molecular Medicine & Department of Cell Biology, Fourth Military Medical University, Xi'an, Shaanxi, 710032, P. R. China
| | - Xin Fu
- National Translational Science Center for Molecular Medicine & Department of Cell Biology, Fourth Military Medical University, Xi'an, Shaanxi, 710032, P. R. China
| | - Hong-Wei Li
- State Key Laboratory of Cancer Biology and National Clinical Research Center for Digestive Diseases, Xijing Hospital of Digestive Diseases, Fourth Military Medical University, Xi'an, Shaanxi, 710032, P. R. China
| | - Gang Nan
- National Translational Science Center for Molecular Medicine & Department of Cell Biology, Fourth Military Medical University, Xi'an, Shaanxi, 710032, P. R. China
| | - Ting Yang
- National Translational Science Center for Molecular Medicine & Department of Cell Biology, Fourth Military Medical University, Xi'an, Shaanxi, 710032, P. R. China.,Department of Clinical Medicine, Medical College of Yan'an University, Yan'an, Shaanxi, 716000, P. R. China
| | - Peng Lin
- National Translational Science Center for Molecular Medicine & Department of Cell Biology, Fourth Military Medical University, Xi'an, Shaanxi, 710032, P. R. China
| | - Xi Chen
- Key Laboratory of Synthetic and Natural Functional Molecule of the Ministry of Education, College of Chemistry and Materials Science, Northwest University, Xi'an, Shaanxi, 710127, P. R. China
| | - Yu-Meng Zhu
- National Translational Science Center for Molecular Medicine & Department of Cell Biology, Fourth Military Medical University, Xi'an, Shaanxi, 710032, P. R. China
| | - Bin Wang
- National Translational Science Center for Molecular Medicine & Department of Cell Biology, Fourth Military Medical University, Xi'an, Shaanxi, 710032, P. R. China
| | - Xiu-Xuan Sun
- National Translational Science Center for Molecular Medicine & Department of Cell Biology, Fourth Military Medical University, Xi'an, Shaanxi, 710032, P. R. China
| | - Jian-Hua Dou
- State Key Laboratory of Cancer Biology and National Clinical Research Center for Digestive Diseases, Xijing Hospital of Digestive Diseases, Fourth Military Medical University, Xi'an, Shaanxi, 710032, P. R. China
| | - Jian-Li Jiang
- National Translational Science Center for Molecular Medicine & Department of Cell Biology, Fourth Military Medical University, Xi'an, Shaanxi, 710032, P. R. China
| | - Ling Li
- National Translational Science Center for Molecular Medicine & Department of Cell Biology, Fourth Military Medical University, Xi'an, Shaanxi, 710032, P. R. China
| | - Shi-Jie Wang
- National Translational Science Center for Molecular Medicine & Department of Cell Biology, Fourth Military Medical University, Xi'an, Shaanxi, 710032, P. R. China
| | - Zhi-Nan Chen
- National Translational Science Center for Molecular Medicine & Department of Cell Biology, Fourth Military Medical University, Xi'an, Shaanxi, 710032, P. R. China
| |
Collapse
|
5
|
Zeng F, He J, Jin X, Liao Q, Chen Z, Peng H, Zhou Y. FRA-1: A key factor regulating signal transduction of tumor cells and a potential target molecule for tumor therapy. Biomed Pharmacother 2022; 150:113037. [PMID: 35658206 DOI: 10.1016/j.biopha.2022.113037] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [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: 02/21/2022] [Revised: 04/22/2022] [Accepted: 04/25/2022] [Indexed: 11/19/2022] Open
Abstract
Fos-related antigen-1 (FRA-1) is a member of activator protein-1 (AP-1) transcription factor superfamily, and FRA-1 is highly expressed in colon cancer, breast cancer, gastric cancer, lung cancer, bladder cancer, and other tumors. The expression level of FRA-1 is closely related to the processes of tumor cell proliferation, apoptosis, transformation, migration, and invasion, which is a potential therapeutic target and prognostic factor for many tumors. Clarifying the detailed mechanism of action of FRA-1 could provide the theoretical basis for tumor diagnosis, treatment, and prognosis, and is of great significance for the study of tumor etiology and pathogenesis. In this paper, the expression levels and influencing factors of FRA-1 in various tumor tissues and cells are summarized, as well as the effect of FRA-1 expression level on the biological behavior of tumor cells and the signal transduction mechanism. At the same time, the signal transduction mechanism of FRA-1 in inflammation was expounded. In addition, the related metabolites, drugs and non-coding RNA that affect the expression and function of FRA-1 were summarized. Finally, it illustrates that FRA-1 may be taken as a key factor for tumor prognosis and a potential therapeutic target. This review provides a theoretical basis for the systematic understanding of the relationship between FRA-1 and tumors, its function, and possible mechanism.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Feng Zeng
- NHC Key Laboratory of Carcinogenesis and Hunan Key Laboratory of Cancer Metabolism, Hunan Cancer Hospital and The Affiliated Cancer Hospital of Xiangya School of Medicine, Central South University, Changsha, Hunan 410013, China; Cancer Research Institute, Basic School of Medicine, Central South University, Changsha, Hunan 410078, China
| | - Junyu He
- NHC Key Laboratory of Carcinogenesis and Hunan Key Laboratory of Cancer Metabolism, Hunan Cancer Hospital and The Affiliated Cancer Hospital of Xiangya School of Medicine, Central South University, Changsha, Hunan 410013, China; Cancer Research Institute, Basic School of Medicine, Central South University, Changsha, Hunan 410078, China
| | - Xi Jin
- NHC Key Laboratory of Carcinogenesis and Hunan Key Laboratory of Cancer Metabolism, Hunan Cancer Hospital and The Affiliated Cancer Hospital of Xiangya School of Medicine, Central South University, Changsha, Hunan 410013, China; Cancer Research Institute, Basic School of Medicine, Central South University, Changsha, Hunan 410078, China
| | - Qianjin Liao
- NHC Key Laboratory of Carcinogenesis and Hunan Key Laboratory of Cancer Metabolism, Hunan Cancer Hospital and The Affiliated Cancer Hospital of Xiangya School of Medicine, Central South University, Changsha, Hunan 410013, China
| | - Zhifang Chen
- Department of Gynecology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Xinjiang Medical University, Urumqi 830054, China
| | - Honghua Peng
- Department of The Oncology, Third Xianya Hospital, Xiangya School of Medicine, Central South University, 138 Tongzipo Road, Changsha, Hunan 410013, China.
| | - Yanhong Zhou
- NHC Key Laboratory of Carcinogenesis and Hunan Key Laboratory of Cancer Metabolism, Hunan Cancer Hospital and The Affiliated Cancer Hospital of Xiangya School of Medicine, Central South University, Changsha, Hunan 410013, China; Cancer Research Institute, Basic School of Medicine, Central South University, Changsha, Hunan 410078, China.
| |
Collapse
|
6
|
Mathes S, Fahrner A, Ghoshdastider U, Rüdiger HA, Leunig M, Wolfrum C, Krützfeldt J. FGF-2-dependent signaling activated in aged human skeletal muscle promotes intramuscular adipogenesis. Proc Natl Acad Sci U S A 2021; 118:e2021013118. [PMID: 34493647 DOI: 10.1073/pnas.2021013118] [Citation(s) in RCA: 28] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.3] [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: 08/11/2021] [Accepted: 06/23/2021] [Indexed: 01/07/2023] Open
Abstract
Aged skeletal muscle is markedly affected by fatty muscle infiltration, and strategies to reduce the occurrence of intramuscular adipocytes are urgently needed. Here, we show that fibroblast growth factor-2 (FGF-2) not only stimulates muscle growth but also promotes intramuscular adipogenesis. Using multiple screening assays upstream and downstream of microRNA (miR)-29a signaling, we located the secreted protein and adipogenic inhibitor SPARC to an FGF-2 signaling pathway that is conserved between skeletal muscle cells from mice and humans and that is activated in skeletal muscle of aged mice and humans. FGF-2 induces the miR-29a/SPARC axis through transcriptional activation of FRA-1, which binds and activates an evolutionary conserved AP-1 site element proximal in the miR-29a promoter. Genetic deletions in muscle cells and adeno-associated virus-mediated overexpression of FGF-2 or SPARC in mouse skeletal muscle revealed that this axis regulates differentiation of fibro/adipogenic progenitors in vitro and intramuscular adipose tissue (IMAT) formation in vivo. Skeletal muscle from human donors aged >75 y versus <55 y showed activation of FGF-2-dependent signaling and increased IMAT. Thus, our data highlights a disparate role of FGF-2 in adult skeletal muscle and reveals a pathway to combat fat accumulation in aged human skeletal muscle.
Collapse
|
7
|
Marques C, Unterkircher T, Kroon P, Oldrini B, Izzo A, Dramaretska Y, Ferrarese R, Kling E, Schnell O, Nelander S, Wagner EF, Bakiri L, Gargiulo G, Carro MS, Squatrito M. NF1 regulates mesenchymal glioblastoma plasticity and aggressiveness through the AP-1 transcription factor FOSL1. eLife 2021; 10:e64846. [PMID: 34399888 PMCID: PMC8370767 DOI: 10.7554/elife.64846] [Citation(s) in RCA: 30] [Impact Index Per Article: 10.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/12/2020] [Accepted: 07/18/2021] [Indexed: 12/22/2022] Open
Abstract
The molecular basis underlying glioblastoma (GBM) heterogeneity and plasticity is not fully understood. Using transcriptomic data of human patient-derived brain tumor stem cell lines (BTSCs), classified based on GBM-intrinsic signatures, we identify the AP-1 transcription factor FOSL1 as a key regulator of the mesenchymal (MES) subtype. We provide a mechanistic basis to the role of the neurofibromatosis type 1 gene (NF1), a negative regulator of the RAS/MAPK pathway, in GBM mesenchymal transformation through the modulation of FOSL1 expression. Depletion of FOSL1 in NF1-mutant human BTSCs and Kras-mutant mouse neural stem cells results in loss of the mesenchymal gene signature and reduction in stem cell properties and in vivo tumorigenic potential. Our data demonstrate that FOSL1 controls GBM plasticity and aggressiveness in response to NF1 alterations.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Carolina Marques
- Seve Ballesteros Foundation Brain Tumor Group, Spanish National Cancer Research CentreMadridSpain
| | | | - Paula Kroon
- Seve Ballesteros Foundation Brain Tumor Group, Spanish National Cancer Research CentreMadridSpain
| | - Barbara Oldrini
- Seve Ballesteros Foundation Brain Tumor Group, Spanish National Cancer Research CentreMadridSpain
| | - Annalisa Izzo
- Department of Neurosurgery, Faculty of Medicine FreiburgFreiburgGermany
| | - Yuliia Dramaretska
- Max-Delbrück-Center for Molecular Medicine in the Helmholtz Association (MDC)BerlinGermany
| | - Roberto Ferrarese
- Department of Neurosurgery, Faculty of Medicine FreiburgFreiburgGermany
| | - Eva Kling
- Department of Neurosurgery, Faculty of Medicine FreiburgFreiburgGermany
| | - Oliver Schnell
- Department of Neurosurgery, Faculty of Medicine FreiburgFreiburgGermany
| | - Sven Nelander
- Dept of Immunology, Genetics and Pathology and Science for Life Laboratory, Uppsala University, RudbecklaboratorietUppsalaSweden
- Science for Life Laboratory, Uppsala University, RudbecklaboratorietUppsalaSweden
| | - Erwin F Wagner
- Genes, Development, and Disease Group, Spanish National Cancer Research CentreMadridSpain
- Laboratory Medicine Department, Medical University of ViennaViennaAustria
- Dermatology Department, Medical University of ViennaViennaAustria
| | - Latifa Bakiri
- Genes, Development, and Disease Group, Spanish National Cancer Research CentreMadridSpain
- Laboratory Medicine Department, Medical University of ViennaViennaAustria
| | - Gaetano Gargiulo
- Max-Delbrück-Center for Molecular Medicine in the Helmholtz Association (MDC)BerlinGermany
| | | | - Massimo Squatrito
- Seve Ballesteros Foundation Brain Tumor Group, Spanish National Cancer Research CentreMadridSpain
| |
Collapse
|
8
|
Kalya M, Kel A, Wlochowitz D, Wingender E, Beißbarth T. IGFBP2 Is a Potential Master Regulator Driving the Dysregulated Gene Network Responsible for Short Survival in Glioblastoma Multiforme. Front Genet 2021; 12:670240. [PMID: 34211498 PMCID: PMC8239365 DOI: 10.3389/fgene.2021.670240] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/20/2021] [Accepted: 04/06/2021] [Indexed: 01/01/2023] Open
Abstract
Only 2% of glioblastoma multiforme (GBM) patients respond to standard therapy and survive beyond 36 months (long-term survivors, LTS), while the majority survive less than 12 months (short-term survivors, STS). To understand the mechanism leading to poor survival, we analyzed publicly available datasets of 113 STS and 58 LTS. This analysis revealed 198 differentially expressed genes (DEGs) that characterize aggressive tumor growth and may be responsible for the poor prognosis. These genes belong largely to the Gene Ontology (GO) categories “epithelial-to-mesenchymal transition” and “response to hypoxia.” In this article, we applied an upstream analysis approach that involves state-of-the-art promoter analysis and network analysis of the dysregulated genes potentially responsible for short survival in GBM. Binding sites for transcription factors (TFs) associated with GBM pathology like NANOG, NF-κB, REST, FRA-1, PPARG, and seven others were found enriched in the promoters of the dysregulated genes. We reconstructed the gene regulatory network with several positive feedback loops controlled by five master regulators [insulin-like growth factor binding protein 2 (IGFBP2), vascular endothelial growth factor A (VEGFA), VEGF165, platelet-derived growth factor A (PDGFA), adipocyte enhancer-binding protein (AEBP1), and oncostatin M (OSMR)], which can be proposed as biomarkers and as therapeutic targets for enhancing GBM prognosis. A critical analysis of this gene regulatory network gives insights into the mechanism of gene regulation by IGFBP2 via several TFs including the key molecule of GBM tumor invasiveness and progression, FRA-1. All the observations were validated in independent cohorts, and their impact on overall survival has been investigated.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Manasa Kalya
- Department of Medical Bioinformatics, University Medical Center Göttingen, Göttingen, Germany.,geneXplain GmbH, Wolfenbüttel, Germany
| | - Alexander Kel
- geneXplain GmbH, Wolfenbüttel, Germany.,Institute of Chemical Biology and Fundamental Medicine SB RAS, Novosibirsk, Russia
| | - Darius Wlochowitz
- Department of Medical Bioinformatics, University Medical Center Göttingen, Göttingen, Germany
| | | | - Tim Beißbarth
- Department of Medical Bioinformatics, University Medical Center Göttingen, Göttingen, Germany
| |
Collapse
|
9
|
Yang Y, You B, Dong S, Zhou C. FRA-1 suppresses apoptosis of Helicobacter pylori infected MGC-803 cells. Mol Biol Rep 2021; 48:611-21. [PMID: 33389529 DOI: 10.1007/s11033-020-06105-y] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/24/2020] [Accepted: 12/18/2020] [Indexed: 12/24/2022]
Abstract
Previous research has demonstrated a correlation between elevated expression of Fos-related antigen 1 (FRA-1) and malignancies. Nevertheless, the role of FRA-1 in Helicobacter pylori infected gastric cancer cells remains vague. Our study aims to investigate whether FRA-1 plays a role in the apoptosis of MGC-803 induced by H. pylori and possible mechanisms. MGC-803 cells were used in vitro to establish a cell model of H. pylori infection. After stimulation with H. pylori, the expression of FRA-1 was increased in MGC-803 cells. H. pylori infection promoted the apoptosis of MGC-803 cells, and led to cell cycle arrest and increased oxidative stress levels. Furthermore, the knockdown of FRA-1 reinforced these changes. H. pylori decreased the expression of Bcl2, Caspase3 and Caspase9, while increased the level of BAX, Cleaved-Caspase3 and Cleaved-Caspase9; in addition, it led to the decrease of major proteins in Ras/Erk and PI3K/AKT signaling pathway. As expected, these changes were augmented by FRA-1 knockdown. Our results demonstrated that high expression of FRA-1 induced by H. pylori suppresses apoptosis in MGC-803 cells which may be regulated by oxidative stress and cycle arrest through caspase family, Ras/Erk and PI3K/AKT signaling pathway.
Collapse
|
10
|
Yang Y, Dong K, Shao S. The effect of Helicobacter pylori on the expression of FRA-1 in gastric epithelial cells and its mechanism. Microb Pathog 2019; 129:257-265. [PMID: 30807813 DOI: 10.1016/j.micpath.2019.02.022] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.6] [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: 11/19/2018] [Revised: 12/21/2018] [Accepted: 02/18/2019] [Indexed: 02/08/2023]
Abstract
Gastric cancer is a major global health threat and is often related with Helicobacter pylori (H. pylori) infection. FRA-1 is a subunit of the activator protein-1 transcription factor complex, which played a central role in cell proliferation and migration. It has also been implicated in stomach inflammation and malignancy. The present study aimed to clarify the relationship between H. pylori infection and production of FRA-1 in controlling cell proliferation and migration and its molecular mechanisms. Cell proliferation was measured by colony formation assay. Cell migration was monitored by transwell migration assay. Gastric mucosal epithelial cells were treated with FRA-1-specific siRNA with or without H. pylori infection in vitro, and RNA and proteins were extracted. The expression of FRA-1 and indicators in cells was determined by RT-PCR and western blot analysis. β-Catenin and TGF-β activities were then assessed by western blotting and immunofluorescence. The expression of FRA-1 increased after H. pylori infection. Additional analysis identified that knockdown of FRA-1 attenuated the H. pylori-induced proliferative activity and migration of gastric cancer cells. Furthermore, upregulation of FRA-1 by H. pylori led to increase in Wnt/β-Catenin levels and TGF-β dependent signaling events. These results demonstrate that the upregulation of FRA-1 in H. pylori-infected gastric epithelial cells plays a key role in the carcinogenic process.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Yang Yang
- School of Medicine, Jiangsu University, Zhenjiang, Jiangsu, PR China.
| | - Ke Dong
- College of Natural Sciences, Kyonggi University, South Korea.
| | - Shihe Shao
- School of Medicine, Jiangsu University, Zhenjiang, Jiangsu, PR China.
| |
Collapse
|
11
|
Annis MG, Ouellet V, Rennhack JP, L'Esperance S, Rancourt C, Mes-Masson AM, Andrechek ER, Siegel PM. Integrin-uPAR signaling leads to FRA-1 phosphorylation and enhanced breast cancer invasion. Breast Cancer Res 2018; 20:9. [PMID: 29382358 PMCID: PMC5791353 DOI: 10.1186/s13058-018-0936-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.8] [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: 08/03/2017] [Accepted: 01/15/2018] [Indexed: 12/15/2022] Open
Abstract
Background The Fos-related antigen 1 (FRA-1) transcription factor promotes tumor cell growth, invasion and metastasis. Phosphorylation of FRA-1 increases protein stability and function. We identify a novel signaling axis that leads to increased phosphorylation of FRA-1, increased extracellular matrix (ECM)-induced breast cancer cell invasion and is prognostic of poor outcome in patients with breast cancer. Methods While characterizing five breast cancer cell lines derived from primary human breast tumors, we identified BRC-31 as a novel basal-like cell model that expresses elevated FRA-1 levels. We interrogated the functional contribution of FRA-1 and an upstream signaling axis in breast cancer cell invasion. We extended this analysis to determine the prognostic significance of this signaling axis in samples derived from patients with breast cancer. Results BRC-31 cells display elevated focal adhesion kinase (FAK), SRC and extracellular signal-regulated (ERK2) phosphorylation relative to luminal breast cancer models. Inhibition of this signaling axis, with pharmacological inhibitors, reduces the phosphorylation and stabilization of FRA-1. Elevated integrin αVβ3 and uPAR expression in these cells suggested that integrin receptors might activate this FAK-SRC-ERK2 signaling. Transient knockdown of urokinase/plasminogen activator urokinase receptor (uPAR) in basal-like breast cancer cells grown on vitronectin reduces FRA-1 phosphorylation and stabilization; and uPAR and FRA-1 are required for vitronectin-induced cell invasion. In clinical samples, a molecular component signature consisting of vitronectin-uPAR-uPA-FRA-1 predicts poor overall survival in patients with breast cancer and correlates with an FRA-1 transcriptional signature. Conclusions We have identified a novel signaling axis that leads to phosphorylation and enhanced activity of FRA-1, a transcription factor that is emerging as an important modulator of breast cancer progression and metastasis. Electronic supplementary material The online version of this article (10.1186/s13058-018-0936-8) contains supplementary material, which is available to authorized users.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Matthew G Annis
- Goodman Cancer Research Centre, McGill University, Montréal, Québec, Canada.,Departments of Medicine, McGill University, Montréal, Québec, Canada
| | - Veronique Ouellet
- Centre de Recherche du Centre Hospitalier de l'Université de Montréal (CRCHUM) and Institut du cancer de Montréal, Montreal, Canada
| | - Jonathan P Rennhack
- Department of Physiology, Michigan State University, East Lansing, Michigan, USA
| | - Sylvain L'Esperance
- Département de Microbiologie et Infectiologie, Faculté de Médecine et des Sciences de la Santé, Université de Sherbrooke, Sherbrooke, Canada
| | - Claudine Rancourt
- Département de Microbiologie et Infectiologie, Faculté de Médecine et des Sciences de la Santé, Université de Sherbrooke, Sherbrooke, Canada
| | - Anne-Marie Mes-Masson
- Centre de Recherche du Centre Hospitalier de l'Université de Montréal (CRCHUM) and Institut du cancer de Montréal, Montreal, Canada
| | - Eran R Andrechek
- Department of Physiology, Michigan State University, East Lansing, Michigan, USA
| | - Peter M Siegel
- Goodman Cancer Research Centre, McGill University, Montréal, Québec, Canada. .,Departments of Biochemistry, McGill University, Montréal, Québec, Canada. .,Departments of Medicine, McGill University, Montréal, Québec, Canada. .,Departments of Anatomy and Cell Biology, McGill University, Montréal, Québec, Canada.
| |
Collapse
|
12
|
Hanson RL, Brown RB, Steele MM, Grandgenett PM, Grunkemeyer JA, Hollingsworth MA. Identification of FRA-1 as a novel player in pancreatic cancer in cooperation with a MUC1: ERK signaling axis. Oncotarget 2018; 7:39996-40011. [PMID: 27220889 PMCID: PMC5129987 DOI: 10.18632/oncotarget.9557] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/04/2016] [Accepted: 05/10/2016] [Indexed: 11/25/2022] Open
Abstract
The MUC1 glycoprotein is overexpressed and aberrantly glycosylated in >90% of pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma cases and impacts tumor progression by initiating downstream signaling through phosphorylation of its cytoplasmic tail. Previous studies have demonstrated that MUC1 alters expression of known targets of activator protein 1 (AP-1); however, no studies have evaluated the precise impact of MUC1 signaling on the activity and formation of AP-1. Given the known role of these proteins in modulating migration, invasion, and tumor progression, we explored the effects of MUC1 on AP-1 dimer formation and function. We determined that MUC1 increased the protein levels of c-Jun, the major component of AP-1, and promoted dimerization of c-Jun with the Fos-protein FRA-1. We demonstrate that FRA-1 acts as a potent mediator of migration and invasion in a manner that is modulated by signals through MUC1, which acts as a dominant regulator of specific AP-1 and FRA-1 target genes. Our results provide the first in vivo evidence of a FRA-1 mediated expression profile that impacts pancreatic tumor growth properties. In summary, we show that MUC1 enhancement of ERK activation influences FRA-1 activity to modulate tumor migration, invasion and metastasis in a subset of pancreatic cancer cases.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Ryan L Hanson
- Eppley Institute for Research in Cancer and Allied Diseases, University of Nebraska Medical Center, Omaha, NE 68198, USA
| | - Roger B Brown
- University of New Mexico, Albuquerque, NM 87131, USA
| | - Maria M Steele
- Eppley Institute for Research in Cancer and Allied Diseases, University of Nebraska Medical Center, Omaha, NE 68198, USA
| | - Paul M Grandgenett
- Eppley Institute for Research in Cancer and Allied Diseases, University of Nebraska Medical Center, Omaha, NE 68198, USA
| | - James A Grunkemeyer
- Eppley Institute for Research in Cancer and Allied Diseases, University of Nebraska Medical Center, Omaha, NE 68198, USA
| | - Michael A Hollingsworth
- Eppley Institute for Research in Cancer and Allied Diseases, University of Nebraska Medical Center, Omaha, NE 68198, USA
| |
Collapse
|
13
|
Wang C, Li Z, Shao F, Yang X, Feng X, Shi S, Gao Y, He J. High expression of Collagen Triple Helix Repeat Containing 1 (CTHRC1) facilitates progression of oesophageal squamous cell carcinoma through MAPK/MEK/ERK/ FRA-1 activation. J Exp Clin Cancer Res 2017. [PMID: 28645305 PMCID: PMC5481965 DOI: 10.1186/s13046-017-0555-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 45] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/30/2023]
Abstract
Background Oesophageal cancer is one of the most common malignancies worldwide,and oesophageal squamous cell carcinoma (ESCC) is the predominant histological type both globally and in China. Collagen triple helix repeat containing 1 (CTHRC1) has been found to be upregulated in ESCC. However, its role in tumourigenesis and progression of ESCC remains unclear. Methods Using our previous ESCC mRNA profiling data, we screened upregulated genes to identify those required for proliferation. Immunohistochemistry was performed to determine the level of CTHRC1 protein expression in 204 ESCC patients. Correlations between CTHRC1 expression and clinicopathological characteristics were assessed. In addition, pyrosequencing and 5-aza-dC treatment were performed to evaluate methylation status of CTHRC1 promoter. In vitro and in vivo analyses were also conducted to determine the role of CTHRC1 in ESCC cell proliferation, migration and invasion, and RNA sequencing and molecular experiments were performed to study the underlying mechanisms. Results Based on mRNA profiling data, CTHRC1 was identified as one of the most significantly upregulated genes in ESCC tissues (n = 119, fold change = 20.5, P = 2.12E-66). RNA interference screening also showed that CTHRC1 was required for cell proliferation. Immunohistochemistry confirmed markedly high CTHRC1 protein expression in tumour tissues, and high CTHRC1 expression was positively correlated with advanced T stage (P = 0.043), lymph node metastasis (P = 0.023), TNM stage (P = 0.024) and poor overall survival (P = 0.020). Promoter hypomethylation at cg07757887 may contribute to increased CTHRC1 expression in ESCC cells and tumours. Forced overexpression of CTHRC1 significantly enhanced cell proliferation, migration and invasion, whereas depletion of CTHRC1 suppressed these cellular functions in three ESCC cell lines and xenografts. CTHRC1 was found to activate FRA-1 (Fos-related antigen 1, also known as FOSL1) through the MAPK/MEK/ERK cascade, which led to upregulation of cyclin D1 and thus promoted cell proliferation. FRA-1 also induced snail1-mediated MMP14 (matrix metallopeptidase 14, also known as MT1-MMP) expression to facilitate ESCC cell invasion, migration, and metastasis. Conclusions Our data suggest that CTHRC1 may act as an oncogenic driver in progression and metastasis of ESCC, and may serve as a potential biomarker for prognosis and personalized therapy. Electronic supplementary material The online version of this article (doi:10.1186/s13046-017-0555-8) contains supplementary material, which is available to authorized users.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Chunni Wang
- Department of Thoracic Surgery, National Cancer Center/Cancer Hospital, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences and Peking Union Medical College, Beijing, 100021, China
| | - Zitong Li
- Department of Thoracic Surgery, National Cancer Center/Cancer Hospital, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences and Peking Union Medical College, Beijing, 100021, China
| | - Fei Shao
- Department of Thoracic Surgery, National Cancer Center/Cancer Hospital, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences and Peking Union Medical College, Beijing, 100021, China
| | - Xueying Yang
- Department of Thoracic Surgery, National Cancer Center/Cancer Hospital, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences and Peking Union Medical College, Beijing, 100021, China
| | - Xiaoli Feng
- Department of Pathology, National Cancer Center/Cancer Hospital, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences and Peking Union Medical College, Beijing, 100021, China
| | - Susheng Shi
- Department of Pathology, National Cancer Center/Cancer Hospital, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences and Peking Union Medical College, Beijing, 100021, China
| | - Yibo Gao
- Department of Thoracic Surgery, National Cancer Center/Cancer Hospital, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences and Peking Union Medical College, Beijing, 100021, China.
| | - Jie He
- Department of Thoracic Surgery, National Cancer Center/Cancer Hospital, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences and Peking Union Medical College, Beijing, 100021, China.
| |
Collapse
|