1
|
Garcia E, Ladak Z, Landry T, Wollin M, Persad ARL, Sergi CM, Huynh HQ, Persad R, Persad S. Epithelial-mesenchymal transition, regulated by β-catenin and Twist, leads to esophageal wall remodeling in pediatric eosinophilic esophagitis. PLoS One 2022; 17:e0264622. [PMID: 35239721 PMCID: PMC8893662 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0264622] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/08/2021] [Accepted: 02/14/2022] [Indexed: 01/07/2023] Open
Abstract
Eosinophilic Esophagitis (EoE) is an antigen-triggered inflammatory condition of the esophageal lining characterized by eosinophilic infiltration. EoE is associated with significant remodeling, and although this remodeling is reversed by current treatment regimens, symptoms of EoE and associated remodeling reappear upon cessation of therapies. We hypothesized that structural remodeling of cell-cell adhesion is a key factor in the pathogenesis of EoE and that epithelial to mesenchymal transition (EMT) was a viable molecular process to lead to this remodeling. Endoscopically obtained biopsy samples from 18 EoE and 18 control pediatric patients were evaluated by transmission electron microscopy to measure intercellular spaces (IS) between cells. Biopsy samples from all groups were analyzed for cellular levels of cell-cell adhesion proteins: E-cadherin, zonula occludens associated protein-1 (ZO-1), and N-cadherin. We also analyzed for cellular levels and localization two of transcription factors, Twist1 and β-catenin, that are associated with promoting EMT. The IS was significantly increased in the EoE group compared to the control. We observed a significant decrease in E-cadherin and ZO-1 levels and a concomitant increase in N-cadherin levels in EoE samples compared to control. Further, while there was no significant change in cellular levels of β-catenin, we observed an altered localization of the protein from the cell membrane in control tissue to a nuclear/perinuclear localization in EoE. We observed higher levels of the transcription factor Twist1 in the EoE group compared to normal which was localized mainly at the nucleus. Our results suggest that the integrity of normally sealed esophageal epithelia is compromised in the EoE patients compared to control subjects, and this is due to alterations in the expression of cell adhesion molecules at the esophageal epithelium. Our data also suggest that EMT, potentially regulated by transcription factors β-catenin and Twist1, may be responsible for the molecular alteration which leads to the remodeling of esophageal epithelia in EoE.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Elizabeth Garcia
- Department of Pediatrics, University of Alberta, Edmonton, Alberta, Canada
| | - Zeenat Ladak
- Department of Pediatrics, University of Alberta, Edmonton, Alberta, Canada
| | - Takaaki Landry
- Department of Pediatrics, University of Alberta, Edmonton, Alberta, Canada
| | - Michael Wollin
- Department of Pediatrics, University of Alberta, Edmonton, Alberta, Canada
| | - Amit R. L. Persad
- Department of Pediatrics, University of Alberta, Edmonton, Alberta, Canada
| | - Consolato M. Sergi
- Department of Pediatrics, University of Alberta, Edmonton, Alberta, Canada
| | - Hien Q. Huynh
- Department of Pediatrics, University of Alberta, Edmonton, Alberta, Canada
| | | | - Sujata Persad
- Department of Pediatrics, University of Alberta, Edmonton, Alberta, Canada
- * E-mail:
| |
Collapse
|
2
|
Wang LT, Wang SN, Chiou SS, Liu KY, Chai CY, Chiang CM, Huang SK, Yokoyama KK, Hsu SH. TIP60-dependent acetylation of the SPZ1-TWIST complex promotes epithelial-mesenchymal transition and metastasis in liver cancer. Oncogene 2019; 38:518-532. [PMID: 30154425 PMCID: PMC6345675 DOI: 10.1038/s41388-018-0457-z] [Citation(s) in RCA: 19] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.8] [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: 01/17/2018] [Revised: 05/28/2018] [Accepted: 06/03/2018] [Indexed: 02/08/2023]
Abstract
Metastasis is the main cause of cancer mortality. However, the triggering mechanisms and regulation of epithelial-mesenchymal transition (EMT) factors in the commitment of metastasis have not been well characterized. Spermatogenic Zip 1 (SPZ1) acts as a proto-oncogene and an upstream regulator of EMT during tumorigenesis. Here we report that the HIV-1 Tat-interacting protein 60 kDa (Tip60) acetyltransferase mediates acetylation at lysine residues of SPZ1 at positions 369 and 374, and of TWIST1 at positions 73 and 76, which are required for SPZ1-TWIST1 complex formation and cancer cell migration in vitro and in vivo. Ectopic SPZ1 and TWIST1 expression, but not that of TWIST1 alone, enhanced vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) expression via the recruitment of bromodomain-containing protein 4 (BRD4), thus enhancing RNA-Pol II-dependent transcription and inducing metastasis. Neutralization of VEGF using humanized monoclonal antibodies such as Avastin, effectively abrogated the EMT and oncogenesis induced by the acetylated SPZ1-TWIST1 complex. Our findings highlight the importance of acetylation signaling in the SPZ1-TWIST1-BRD4 axis in the mediation of EMT and its regulation during tumor initiation and metastasis.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Li-Ting Wang
- Graduate Institute of Medicine, Kaohsiung Medical University, Kaohsiung 807, Taiwan
| | - Shen-Nien Wang
- Department of Surgery, Kaohsiung Medical University Hospital, Kaohsiung 807, Taiwan
- Pingtung Hospital, Ministry of Health and Welfare, Pingtung 900, Taiwan
| | - Shyh-Shin Chiou
- Department of Pediatrics, Kaohsiung Medical University Hospital, Kaohsiung 807, Taiwan
- Division of Hematology-Oncology, Kaohsiung Medical University Hospital, Kaohsiung 807, Taiwan
| | - Kwei-Yan Liu
- Graduate Institute of Medicine, Kaohsiung Medical University, Kaohsiung 807, Taiwan
| | - Chee-Yin Chai
- Department of Pathology, Kaohsiung Medical University Hospital, Kaohsiung 807, Taiwan
| | - Cheng-Ming Chiang
- Simmons Comprehensive Cancer Center, Departments of Pharmacology and Biochemistry, University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center, Dallas, TX, 75390-8807, USA
| | - Shau-Ku Huang
- Division of Environmental Health and Occupational Medicine, National Health Research Institutes, 115, Zhunan, Taiwan
| | - Kazunari K Yokoyama
- Graduate Institute of Medicine, Kaohsiung Medical University, Kaohsiung 807, Taiwan.
- Center of Infectious Disease and Cancer Research, Kaohsiung Medical University, Kaohsiung 807, Taiwan.
- Center for Stem Cell Research, Kaohsiung Medical University, Kaohsiung 807, Taiwan.
- Department of Molecular Preventive Medicine, Graduate School of Medicine, the University of Tokyo, Tokyo, 113-0033, Japan.
| | - Shih-Hsien Hsu
- Graduate Institute of Medicine, Kaohsiung Medical University, Kaohsiung 807, Taiwan.
- Department of Medical Research, Kaohsiung Medical University Hospital, Kaohsiung Medical University, Kaohsiung 807, Taiwan.
| |
Collapse
|
3
|
Hirsch N, Eshel R, Bar Yaacov R, Shahar T, Shmulevich F, Dahan I, Levaot N, Kaplan T, Lupiáñez DG, Birnbaum RY. Unraveling the transcriptional regulation of TWIST1 in limb development. PLoS Genet 2018; 14:e1007738. [PMID: 30372441 PMCID: PMC6233932 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pgen.1007738] [Citation(s) in RCA: 22] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/06/2018] [Revised: 11/13/2018] [Accepted: 10/03/2018] [Indexed: 12/13/2022] Open
Abstract
The transcription factor TWIST1 plays a vital role in mesoderm development, particularly in limb and craniofacial formation. Accordingly, haploinsufficiency of TWIST1 can cause limb and craniofacial malformations as part of Saethre-Chotzen syndrome. However, the molecular basis of TWIST1 transcriptional regulation during development has yet to be elucidated. Here, we characterized active enhancers in the TWIST1-HDAC9 locus that drive transcription in the developing limb and branchial arches. Using available p300 and H3K27ac ChIP-seq data, we identified 12 enhancer candidates, located both within and outside the coding sequences of the neighboring gene, Histone deacetyase 9 (HDAC9). Using zebrafish and mouse enhancer assays, we showed that eight of these candidates have limb/fin and branchial arch enhancer activity that resemble Twist1 expression. Using 4C-seq, we showed that the Twist1 promoter region interacts with three enhancers (eTw-5, 6, 7) in the limb bud and branchial arch of mouse embryos at day 11.5. Furthermore, we found that two transcription factors, LMX1B and TFAP2, bind these enhancers and modulate their enhancer activity. Finally, using CRISPR/Cas9 genome editing, we showed that homozygous deletion of eTw5-7 enhancers reduced Twist1 expression in the limb bud and caused pre-axial polydactyly, a phenotype observed in Twist1+/- mice. Taken together, our findings reveal that each enhancer has a discrete activity pattern, and together comprise a spatiotemporal regulatory network of Twist1 transcription in the developing limbs/fins and branchial arches. Our study suggests that mutations in TWIST1 enhancers could lead to reduced TWIST1 expression, resulting in phenotypic outcome as seen with TWIST1 coding mutations.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Naama Hirsch
- Department of Life Sciences, Ben-Gurion University of the Negev, Beer-Sheva, Israel
- Center for Evolutionary Genomics and Medicine, Ben-Gurion University of the Negev, Beer-Sheva, Israel
| | - Reut Eshel
- Department of Life Sciences, Ben-Gurion University of the Negev, Beer-Sheva, Israel
- Center for Evolutionary Genomics and Medicine, Ben-Gurion University of the Negev, Beer-Sheva, Israel
| | - Reut Bar Yaacov
- Department of Life Sciences, Ben-Gurion University of the Negev, Beer-Sheva, Israel
- Center for Evolutionary Genomics and Medicine, Ben-Gurion University of the Negev, Beer-Sheva, Israel
| | - Tal Shahar
- Department of Life Sciences, Ben-Gurion University of the Negev, Beer-Sheva, Israel
- Center for Evolutionary Genomics and Medicine, Ben-Gurion University of the Negev, Beer-Sheva, Israel
| | - Fania Shmulevich
- Department of Life Sciences, Ben-Gurion University of the Negev, Beer-Sheva, Israel
- Center for Evolutionary Genomics and Medicine, Ben-Gurion University of the Negev, Beer-Sheva, Israel
| | - Idit Dahan
- Department of Life Sciences, Ben-Gurion University of the Negev, Beer-Sheva, Israel
- Center for Evolutionary Genomics and Medicine, Ben-Gurion University of the Negev, Beer-Sheva, Israel
| | - Noam Levaot
- Department of Physiology and Cell Biology, Faculty of Health Sciences, Ben-Gurion University of the Negev, Beer-Sheva, Israel
| | - Tommy Kaplan
- School of Computer Science and Engineering, The Hebrew University of Jerusalem, Jerusalem, Israel
| | - Darío G. Lupiáñez
- Max Planck Institute for Molecular Genetics, Berlin, Germany
- Institute for Medical and Human Genetics, Charité-Universitätsmedizin Berlin, Berlin, Germany
- Berlin-Brandenburg Center for Regenerative Therapies, Charité-Universitätsmedizin Berlin, Berlin, Germany
| | - Ramon Y. Birnbaum
- Department of Life Sciences, Ben-Gurion University of the Negev, Beer-Sheva, Israel
- Center for Evolutionary Genomics and Medicine, Ben-Gurion University of the Negev, Beer-Sheva, Israel
- * E-mail:
| |
Collapse
|
4
|
Chien MH, Ho YC, Yang SF, Yang YC, Lai SY, Chen WS, Chen MJ, Yeh CB. Niclosamide, an oral antihelmintic drug, exhibits antimetastatic activity in hepatocellular carcinoma cells through downregulating twist-mediated CD10 expression. Environ Toxicol 2018; 33:659-669. [PMID: 29480568 DOI: 10.1002/tox.22551] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [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] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/10/2017] [Revised: 02/07/2018] [Accepted: 02/11/2018] [Indexed: 06/08/2023]
Abstract
Hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) is one of the most common malignancies in the world, especially, in eastern Asia, and its prognosis is poor once metastasis occurs. Niclosamide, a US Food and Drug Administration-approved antihelmintic drug, was shown to inhibit the growth of various cancers including HCC, but the effect of niclosamide on cell motility and the underlying mechanism have not yet been completely defined. The present study demonstrated that niclosamide, at 0-40 nM, concentration-dependently inhibited wound closure and the migratory/invasive capacities of human Huh7 and SK-Hep-1 HCC cells without exhibiting cytotoxicity. A protease array analysis showed that CD10 was dramatically downregulated in Huh7 cells after niclosamide treatment. Western blot and flow cytometric assays further demonstrated that CD10 expression was concentration-dependently downregulated in Huh7 and SK-Hep-1 cells after niclosamide treatment. Mechanistic investigations found that niclosamide suppressed Twist-mediated CD10 transactivation. Moreover, knockdown of CD10 expression by CD10 small interfering RNA in HCC cells suppressed cell migratory/invasive abilities and overexpression of CD10 relieved the migration inhibition induced by niclosamide. Taken together, our results indicated that niclosamide could be a potential agent for inhibiting metastasis of HCC, and CD10 is an important target of niclosamide for suppressing the motility of HCC cells.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Ming-Hsien Chien
- Graduate Institute of Clinical Medicine, College of Medicine, Taipei Medical University, Taipei, Taiwan
- Department of Medical Education and Research, Wan Fang Hospital, Taipei Medical University, Taipei, Taiwan
| | - Yung-Chuan Ho
- School of Medical Applied Chemistry, Chung Shan Medical University, Taichung, Taiwan
| | - Shun-Fa Yang
- Institute of Medicine, Chung Shan Medical University, Taichung, Taiwan
- Department of Medical Research, Chung Shan Medical University Hospital, Taichung, Taiwan
| | - Yi-Chieh Yang
- Graduate Institute of Clinical Medicine, College of Medicine, Taipei Medical University, Taipei, Taiwan
- The Genomics Research Center, Academia Sinica, Taipei, Taiwan
| | - Szu-Yu Lai
- Institute of Medicine, Chung Shan Medical University, Taichung, Taiwan
| | - Wan-Shen Chen
- Graduate Institute of Clinical Medicine, College of Medicine, Taipei Medical University, Taipei, Taiwan
| | - Ming-Jenn Chen
- Department of Surgery, Chi Mei Medical Center, Tainan, Taiwan
| | - Chao-Bin Yeh
- Department of Emergency Medicine, School of Medicine, Chung Shan Medical University, Taichung, Taiwan
- Department of Emergency Medicine, Chung Shan Medical University Hospital, Taichung, Taiwan
| |
Collapse
|
5
|
Gardner EE, Lok BH, Schneeberger VE, Desmeules P, Miles LA, Arnold PK, Ni A, Khodos I, de Stanchina E, Nguyen T, Sage J, Campbell JE, Ribich S, Rekhtman N, Dowlati A, Massion PP, Rudin CM, Poirier JT. Chemosensitive Relapse in Small Cell Lung Cancer Proceeds through an EZH2-SLFN11 Axis. Cancer Cell 2017; 31:286-299. [PMID: 28196596 PMCID: PMC5313262 DOI: 10.1016/j.ccell.2017.01.006] [Citation(s) in RCA: 319] [Impact Index Per Article: 45.6] [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: 08/30/2016] [Revised: 11/22/2016] [Accepted: 01/17/2017] [Indexed: 12/20/2022]
Abstract
Small cell lung cancer is initially highly responsive to cisplatin and etoposide but in almost every case becomes rapidly chemoresistant, leading to death within 1 year. We modeled acquired chemoresistance in vivo using a series of patient-derived xenografts to generate paired chemosensitive and chemoresistant cancers. Multiple chemoresistant models demonstrated suppression of SLFN11, a factor implicated in DNA-damage repair deficiency. In vivo silencing of SLFN11 was associated with marked deposition of H3K27me3, a histone modification placed by EZH2, within the gene body of SLFN11, inducing local chromatin condensation and gene silencing. Inclusion of an EZH2 inhibitor with standard cytotoxic therapies prevented emergence of acquired resistance and augmented chemotherapeutic efficacy in both chemosensitive and chemoresistant models of small cell lung cancer.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Eric E Gardner
- Pharmacology Graduate Training Program, Department of Pharmacology and Molecular Sciences, Johns Hopkins University, Baltimore, MD, USA; Molecular Pharmacology Program, Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center, New York, NY, USA
| | - Benjamin H Lok
- Molecular Pharmacology Program, Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center, New York, NY, USA; Department of Radiation Oncology, Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center, New York, NY, USA
| | | | - Patrice Desmeules
- Department of Pathology, Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center, New York, NY, USA
| | - Linde A Miles
- Molecular Pharmacology Program, Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center, New York, NY, USA
| | - Paige K Arnold
- Louis V. Gerstner, Jr., Graduate School of Biomedical Sciences, Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center, New York, NY, USA
| | - Andy Ni
- Department of Epidemiology and Biostatistics, Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center, New York, NY, USA
| | - Inna Khodos
- Anti-Tumor Assessment Core Facility, Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center, New York, NY, USA
| | - Elisa de Stanchina
- Molecular Pharmacology Program, Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center, New York, NY, USA; Anti-Tumor Assessment Core Facility, Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center, New York, NY, USA
| | - Thuyen Nguyen
- Departments of Pediatrics and Genetics, Stanford University, Stanford, CA, USA
| | - Julien Sage
- Departments of Pediatrics and Genetics, Stanford University, Stanford, CA, USA
| | | | - Scott Ribich
- Epizyme, Inc., 400 Technology Square, Cambridge, MA, USA
| | - Natasha Rekhtman
- Department of Pathology, Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center, New York, NY, USA
| | - Afshin Dowlati
- Case Western Reserve University and University Hospitals Case Medical Center, Cleveland, OH, USA
| | - Pierre P Massion
- Vanderbilt Ingram Cancer Center, Vanderbilt University Medical Center, Nashville, TN, USA
| | - Charles M Rudin
- Molecular Pharmacology Program, Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center, New York, NY, USA; Weill Cornell Medical College, New York, NY, USA; Department of Medicine, Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center, New York, NY, USA.
| | - John T Poirier
- Molecular Pharmacology Program, Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center, New York, NY, USA; Department of Medicine, Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center, New York, NY, USA.
| |
Collapse
|
6
|
Abstract
The molecular mechanisms that maintain the equilibrium of odontoblast progenitor cells in dental pulp are unknown. Here we tested whether homeostasis in dental pulp is modulated by Twist-1, a nuclear protein that partners with Runx2 during osteoblast differentiation. Our analysis of Twist-1(+/−) mice revealed phenotypic changes that involved an earlier onset of dentin matrix formation, increased alkaline phosphatase activity, and pulp stones within the pulp. RT-PCR analyses revealed Twist-1 expression in several adult organs, including pulp. Decreased levels of Twist-1 led to higher levels of type I collagen and Dspp gene expression in perivascular cells associated with the pulp stones. In mice heterozygous for both Twist-1 and Runx2 inactivation, the phenotype of pulp stones appeared completely rescued. These findings suggest that Twist-1 plays a key role in restraining odontoblast differentiation, thus maintaining homeostasis in dental pulp. Furthermore, Twist-1 functions in dental pulp are dependent on its interaction with Runx2.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- K M Galler
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, Texas A&M University Health Science Center, Baylor College of Dentistry, 3302 Gaston Avenue, Dallas, TX 75246, USA
| | | | | | | | | | | |
Collapse
|
7
|
Yeh TC, Huang TT, Yeh TS, Chen YR, Hsu KW, Yin PH, Lee HC, Tseng LM. miR-151-3p Targets TWIST1 to Repress Migration of Human Breast Cancer Cells. PLoS One 2016; 11:e0168171. [PMID: 27930738 PMCID: PMC5145242 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0168171] [Citation(s) in RCA: 32] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/07/2016] [Accepted: 11/24/2016] [Indexed: 01/21/2023] Open
Abstract
TWIST1 is a highly conserved basic helix-loop-helix transcription factor that contributes to cancer metastasis by promoting an epithelial-mesenchymal transition and repressing E-cadherin gene expression in breast cancer. In this study, we explored the potential role of miR-151 in TWIST1 expression and cancer properties in human breast cancer cells. We found that the human TWIST1 3’UTR contains a potential binging site for miR-151-3p at the putative target sequence 5’-CAGUCUAG-3’. Using a TWIST1-3’UTR luciferase reporter assay, we demonstrated that the target sequence within the TWIST1 3’UTR is required for miR-151-3p regulation of TWIST1 expression. Moreover, we found that ectopic expression of miR-151-3p by infection with adenoviruses expressing miR-151 significantly decreased TWIST1 expression, migration and invasion, but did not affect cell growth and tumorsphere formation of human breast cancer cells. In addition, overexpression of the protein coding region without the 3’UTR of TWIST1 reversed the repression of cell migration by miR-151-3p. Furthermore, knockdown of miR-151-3p increased TWIST1 expression, reduced E-cadherin expression, and enhanced cell migration. In conclusion, these results suggest that miR-151-3p directly regulates TWIST1 expression by targeting the TWIST1 3’UTR and thus repressing the migration and invasion of human breast cancer cells by enhancing E-cadherin expression. Our findings add to accumulating evidence that microRNAs are involved in breast cancer progression by modulating TWIST1 expression.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Ting-Chih Yeh
- Institute of Anatomy and Cell Biology, School of Medicine, National Yang-Ming University, Taipei, Taiwan
- Department and Institute of Pharmacology, School of Medicine, National Yang-Ming University, Taipei, Taiwan
| | - Tzu-Ting Huang
- Institute of Anatomy and Cell Biology, School of Medicine, National Yang-Ming University, Taipei, Taiwan
- Department and Institute of Pharmacology, School of Medicine, National Yang-Ming University, Taipei, Taiwan
| | - Tien-Shun Yeh
- Institute of Anatomy and Cell Biology, School of Medicine, National Yang-Ming University, Taipei, Taiwan
| | - Yu-Ren Chen
- Department and Institute of Pharmacology, School of Medicine, National Yang-Ming University, Taipei, Taiwan
| | - Kai-Wen Hsu
- Institute of Anatomy and Cell Biology, School of Medicine, National Yang-Ming University, Taipei, Taiwan
| | - Pen-Hui Yin
- Department of Medical Research, Taipei Veterans General Hospital, Taipei, Taiwan
| | - Hsin-Chen Lee
- Department and Institute of Pharmacology, School of Medicine, National Yang-Ming University, Taipei, Taiwan
- * E-mail: (HCL); (LMT)
| | - Ling-Ming Tseng
- Department of Surgery, Taipei Veterans General Hospital, and National Yang-Ming University, Taipei, Taiwan
- Taipei-Veterans General Hospital Comprehensive Breast Health Center, Taipei, Taiwan
- * E-mail: (HCL); (LMT)
| |
Collapse
|
8
|
Li X, Yang J, Wang X, Li X, Liang J, Xing H. Role of TWIST2, E-cadherin and Vimentin in epithelial ovarian carcinogenesis and prognosis and their interaction in cancer progression. EUR J GYNAECOL ONCOL 2016. [PMID: 27048119 DOI: 10.12892/ejgo2691.2016] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/06/2023]
Abstract
UNLABELLED Globally, most patients are at late-stage when they have been diagnosed with ovarian cancer. Investigating the potential mechanisms involved in tumor progression and prognosis is essential for improving treatment options, outcomes, and survival. OBJECTIVE This study elucidated the clinico-pathological significance of TWIST2 and the relationship of TWIST2, E-cadherin, and Vimentin expression in the progression and prognosis of epithelial ovarian cancer (EOC). MATERIALS AND METHODS Immunohistochemical staining was used to quantify the expression and relevance of TWIST2, E-cadherin, and Vimentin in 103 ovarian specimens, including 30 cases of benign ovarian tumors, 30 cases of borderline ovarian tumors, and 43 cases of EOC. RESULTS The expression of TWIST2 in the cytoplasm may help to maintain characteristics of epithelial cancer cells with E-cadherin normal membranous expression, while nuclear TWIST2 induces tumor translation front with membranous expression of Vimentin, which eventually promotes cancer metastasis. Moreover, the upregulation of TWIST2 was also related to the aberrant expression of E-cadherin and the increased expression of Vimentin, which were reported as important indicators of epithelial-mesenchymal transition (EMT). DISCUSSION The data suggested that co-expression of TWIST2/Vimentin was an independent prognostic indicator for both overall survival and disease-free survival by multivariate Cox proportional hazards model. TWIST2 regulates EMT by depriving the epithelial cell phenotype of E-cadherin and endowing the mesenchymal cell phenotype with Vimentin, which may be involved in the progression and prognosis of ovarian cancer, and TWIST2/Vimentin co-expression might be a novel indicator with prognostic potential in EOC patients.
Collapse
|
9
|
Shiota M, Itsumi M, Takeuchi A, Imada K, Yokomizo A, Kuruma H, Inokuchi J, Tatsugami K, Uchiumi T, Oda Y, Naito S. Crosstalk between epithelial-mesenchymal transition and castration resistance mediated by Twist1/AR signaling in prostate cancer. Endocr Relat Cancer 2015; 22:889-900. [PMID: 26311513 DOI: 10.1530/erc-15-0225] [Citation(s) in RCA: 35] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/24/2015] [Accepted: 08/26/2015] [Indexed: 02/04/2023]
Abstract
Although invasive and metastatic progression via the epithelial-mesenchymal transition (EMT) and acquisition of resistance to castration are both critical steps in prostate cancer, the molecular mechanism of this interaction remains unclear. In this study, we aimed to elucidate the interaction of signaling between castration resistance and EMT, and to apply this information to the development of a novel therapeutic concept using transforming growth factor-β (TGF-β) inhibitor SB525334 combined with androgen-deprivation therapy against prostate cancer using an in vivo model. This study revealed that an EMT inducer (TGF-β) induced full-length androgen receptor (AR) and AR variant expression. In addition, a highly invasive clone showed augmented full-length AR and AR variant expression as well as acquisition of castration resistance. Conversely, full-length AR and AR as well as Twist1 and mesenchymal molecules variant expression were up-regulated in castration-resistant LNCaP xenograft. Finally, TGF-β inhibitor suppressed Twist1 and AR expression as well as prostate cancer growth combined with castration. Taken together, these results demonstrate that Twist1/AR signaling was augmented in castration resistant as well as mesenchymal-phenotype prostate cancer, indicating the molecular mechanism of mutual and functional crosstalk between EMT and castration resistance, which may play a crucial role in prostate carcinogenesis and progression.
Collapse
MESH Headings
- Adenocarcinoma/drug therapy
- Adenocarcinoma/genetics
- Adenocarcinoma/pathology
- Adenocarcinoma/physiopathology
- Adenocarcinoma/surgery
- Androgens
- Animals
- Cell Line, Tumor
- Cell Transformation, Neoplastic
- Combined Modality Therapy
- Epithelial-Mesenchymal Transition/physiology
- Gene Expression Profiling
- Gene Expression Regulation, Neoplastic
- Humans
- Imidazoles/pharmacology
- Imidazoles/therapeutic use
- Male
- Mice
- Mice, Nude
- Neoplasm Invasiveness
- Neoplasm Proteins/physiology
- Neoplasms, Hormone-Dependent/drug therapy
- Neoplasms, Hormone-Dependent/genetics
- Neoplasms, Hormone-Dependent/pathology
- Neoplasms, Hormone-Dependent/physiopathology
- Neoplasms, Hormone-Dependent/surgery
- Nuclear Proteins/physiology
- Orchiectomy
- Prostatic Neoplasms/drug therapy
- Prostatic Neoplasms/genetics
- Prostatic Neoplasms/pathology
- Prostatic Neoplasms/physiopathology
- Prostatic Neoplasms/surgery
- Quinoxalines/pharmacology
- Quinoxalines/therapeutic use
- RNA Interference
- RNA, Small Interfering/genetics
- Random Allocation
- Receptors, Androgen/biosynthesis
- Receptors, Androgen/chemistry
- Receptors, Androgen/genetics
- Receptors, Androgen/physiology
- Signal Transduction
- Transforming Growth Factor beta/antagonists & inhibitors
- Twist-Related Protein 1/physiology
- Xenograft Model Antitumor Assays
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Masaki Shiota
- Departments of UrologyAnatomic PathologyGraduate School of Medical Sciences, Kyushu University, 3-1-1 Maidashi, Higashi-ku, Fukuoka 812-8582, JapanDepartment of UrologySchool of Medicine, Jikei University, Tokyo 105-0003, JapanDepartment of Clinical Chemistry and Laboratory MedicineGraduate School of Medical Sciences, Kyushu University, 3-1-1 Maidashi, Higashi-ku, Fukuoka 812-8582, Japan
| | - Momoe Itsumi
- Departments of UrologyAnatomic PathologyGraduate School of Medical Sciences, Kyushu University, 3-1-1 Maidashi, Higashi-ku, Fukuoka 812-8582, JapanDepartment of UrologySchool of Medicine, Jikei University, Tokyo 105-0003, JapanDepartment of Clinical Chemistry and Laboratory MedicineGraduate School of Medical Sciences, Kyushu University, 3-1-1 Maidashi, Higashi-ku, Fukuoka 812-8582, Japan
| | - Ario Takeuchi
- Departments of UrologyAnatomic PathologyGraduate School of Medical Sciences, Kyushu University, 3-1-1 Maidashi, Higashi-ku, Fukuoka 812-8582, JapanDepartment of UrologySchool of Medicine, Jikei University, Tokyo 105-0003, JapanDepartment of Clinical Chemistry and Laboratory MedicineGraduate School of Medical Sciences, Kyushu University, 3-1-1 Maidashi, Higashi-ku, Fukuoka 812-8582, Japan
| | - Kenjiro Imada
- Departments of UrologyAnatomic PathologyGraduate School of Medical Sciences, Kyushu University, 3-1-1 Maidashi, Higashi-ku, Fukuoka 812-8582, JapanDepartment of UrologySchool of Medicine, Jikei University, Tokyo 105-0003, JapanDepartment of Clinical Chemistry and Laboratory MedicineGraduate School of Medical Sciences, Kyushu University, 3-1-1 Maidashi, Higashi-ku, Fukuoka 812-8582, Japan Departments of UrologyAnatomic PathologyGraduate School of Medical Sciences, Kyushu University, 3-1-1 Maidashi, Higashi-ku, Fukuoka 812-8582, JapanDepartment of UrologySchool of Medicine, Jikei University, Tokyo 105-0003, JapanDepartment of Clinical Chemistry and Laboratory MedicineGraduate School of Medical Sciences, Kyushu University, 3-1-1 Maidashi, Higashi-ku, Fukuoka 812-8582, Japan
| | - Akira Yokomizo
- Departments of UrologyAnatomic PathologyGraduate School of Medical Sciences, Kyushu University, 3-1-1 Maidashi, Higashi-ku, Fukuoka 812-8582, JapanDepartment of UrologySchool of Medicine, Jikei University, Tokyo 105-0003, JapanDepartment of Clinical Chemistry and Laboratory MedicineGraduate School of Medical Sciences, Kyushu University, 3-1-1 Maidashi, Higashi-ku, Fukuoka 812-8582, Japan
| | - Hidetoshi Kuruma
- Departments of UrologyAnatomic PathologyGraduate School of Medical Sciences, Kyushu University, 3-1-1 Maidashi, Higashi-ku, Fukuoka 812-8582, JapanDepartment of UrologySchool of Medicine, Jikei University, Tokyo 105-0003, JapanDepartment of Clinical Chemistry and Laboratory MedicineGraduate School of Medical Sciences, Kyushu University, 3-1-1 Maidashi, Higashi-ku, Fukuoka 812-8582, Japan
| | - Junichi Inokuchi
- Departments of UrologyAnatomic PathologyGraduate School of Medical Sciences, Kyushu University, 3-1-1 Maidashi, Higashi-ku, Fukuoka 812-8582, JapanDepartment of UrologySchool of Medicine, Jikei University, Tokyo 105-0003, JapanDepartment of Clinical Chemistry and Laboratory MedicineGraduate School of Medical Sciences, Kyushu University, 3-1-1 Maidashi, Higashi-ku, Fukuoka 812-8582, Japan
| | - Katsunori Tatsugami
- Departments of UrologyAnatomic PathologyGraduate School of Medical Sciences, Kyushu University, 3-1-1 Maidashi, Higashi-ku, Fukuoka 812-8582, JapanDepartment of UrologySchool of Medicine, Jikei University, Tokyo 105-0003, JapanDepartment of Clinical Chemistry and Laboratory MedicineGraduate School of Medical Sciences, Kyushu University, 3-1-1 Maidashi, Higashi-ku, Fukuoka 812-8582, Japan
| | - Takeshi Uchiumi
- Departments of UrologyAnatomic PathologyGraduate School of Medical Sciences, Kyushu University, 3-1-1 Maidashi, Higashi-ku, Fukuoka 812-8582, JapanDepartment of UrologySchool of Medicine, Jikei University, Tokyo 105-0003, JapanDepartment of Clinical Chemistry and Laboratory MedicineGraduate School of Medical Sciences, Kyushu University, 3-1-1 Maidashi, Higashi-ku, Fukuoka 812-8582, Japan
| | - Yoshinao Oda
- Departments of UrologyAnatomic PathologyGraduate School of Medical Sciences, Kyushu University, 3-1-1 Maidashi, Higashi-ku, Fukuoka 812-8582, JapanDepartment of UrologySchool of Medicine, Jikei University, Tokyo 105-0003, JapanDepartment of Clinical Chemistry and Laboratory MedicineGraduate School of Medical Sciences, Kyushu University, 3-1-1 Maidashi, Higashi-ku, Fukuoka 812-8582, Japan
| | - Seiji Naito
- Departments of UrologyAnatomic PathologyGraduate School of Medical Sciences, Kyushu University, 3-1-1 Maidashi, Higashi-ku, Fukuoka 812-8582, JapanDepartment of UrologySchool of Medicine, Jikei University, Tokyo 105-0003, JapanDepartment of Clinical Chemistry and Laboratory MedicineGraduate School of Medical Sciences, Kyushu University, 3-1-1 Maidashi, Higashi-ku, Fukuoka 812-8582, Japan
| |
Collapse
|
10
|
Abstract
The epithelial-mesenchymal transition (EMT) process plays pivotal roles in regulatory mechanisms of embryogenesis and wound healing physiologically, and organ fibrosis, cancer progression, and metastasis pathologically. EMT is classified as primary, secondary, and tertiary during embryonic development. EMT contributes to repair of tissue injury and fibrogenesis by re-epithelialization and regeneration of fibroblasts, respectively. The hallmarks of EMT include loss of contact inhibition, remodeling of extracellular matrix, and reorganization of cytoskeleton, along with expression of mesenchymal markers and reduction of epithelial markers. Cancer cells acquire stemness, migration and invasive capability, evade apoptosis, and initiate metastasis to distant organs. Several EMT regulators including Snail, Zeb1, Zeb2, and Twist in solid tumor and Sox4, distal-less homeobox gene 4 (DLX4), Prdm14, Bmi1, and the forkhead box family in hematological malignancy are reviewed with regard to their signaling pathways, regulatory mechanisms, and clinical interactions.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Yi-Sheng Chou
- Institute of Clinical Medicine, National Yang-Ming University School of Medicine, Taipei, Taiwan, ROC; Division of Hematology and Oncology, Department of Medicine, Taipei Veterans General Hospital, Taipei, Taiwan, ROC; Division of Hematology and Oncology, Department of Medicine, Lo-Hsu Foundation, Lotung Poh-Ai Hospital, Luodong, Yilan, Taiwan, ROC
| | - Muh-Hwa Yang
- Institute of Clinical Medicine, National Yang-Ming University School of Medicine, Taipei, Taiwan, ROC; Division of Hematology and Oncology, Department of Medicine, Taipei Veterans General Hospital, Taipei, Taiwan, ROC.
| |
Collapse
|
11
|
Abstract
TWIST proteins are important for development of embryonic skeletal muscle and play a role in the metabolism of tumor and white adipose tissue. The impact of TWIST on metabolism in skeletal muscle is incompletely studied. Our aim was to assess the impact of TWIST1 and TWIST2 overexpression on glucose and lipid metabolism. In intact mouse muscle, overexpression of Twist reduced total glycogen content without altering glucose uptake. Expression of TWIST1 or TWIST2 reduced Pdk4 mRNA, while increasing mRNA levels of Il6, Tnfα, and Il1β. Phosphorylation of AKT was increased and protein abundance of acetyl CoA carboxylase (ACC) was decreased in skeletal muscle overexpressing TWIST1 or TWIST2. Glycogen synthesis and fatty acid oxidation remained stable in C2C12 cells overexpressing TWIST1 or TWIST2. Finally, skeletal muscle mRNA levels remain unaltered in ob/ob mice, type 2 diabetic patients, or in healthy subjects before and after 3 months of exercise training. Collectively, our results indicate that TWIST1 and TWIST2 are expressed in skeletal muscle. Overexpression of these proteins impacts proteins in metabolic pathways and mRNA level of cytokines. However, skeletal muscle levels of TWIST transcripts are unaltered in metabolic diseases.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Jonathan M Mudry
- Section for Integrative PhysiologyDepartment of Molecular Medicine and SurgerySection for Integrative PhysiologyDepartment of Physiology and Pharmacology, Karolinska Institutet, SE-171 77 Stockholm, Sweden
| | - Julie Massart
- Section for Integrative PhysiologyDepartment of Molecular Medicine and SurgerySection for Integrative PhysiologyDepartment of Physiology and Pharmacology, Karolinska Institutet, SE-171 77 Stockholm, Sweden
| | - Ferenc L M Szekeres
- Section for Integrative PhysiologyDepartment of Molecular Medicine and SurgerySection for Integrative PhysiologyDepartment of Physiology and Pharmacology, Karolinska Institutet, SE-171 77 Stockholm, Sweden
| | - Anna Krook
- Section for Integrative PhysiologyDepartment of Molecular Medicine and SurgerySection for Integrative PhysiologyDepartment of Physiology and Pharmacology, Karolinska Institutet, SE-171 77 Stockholm, Sweden Section for Integrative PhysiologyDepartment of Molecular Medicine and SurgerySection for Integrative PhysiologyDepartment of Physiology and Pharmacology, Karolinska Institutet, SE-171 77 Stockholm, Sweden
| |
Collapse
|
12
|
Shamir ER, Pappalardo E, Jorgens DM, Coutinho K, Tsai WT, Aziz K, Auer M, Tran PT, Bader JS, Ewald AJ. Twist1-induced dissemination preserves epithelial identity and requires E-cadherin. J Cell Biol 2014; 204:839-56. [PMID: 24590176 PMCID: PMC3941052 DOI: 10.1083/jcb.201306088] [Citation(s) in RCA: 147] [Impact Index Per Article: 14.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/17/2013] [Accepted: 01/27/2014] [Indexed: 01/06/2023] Open
Abstract
Dissemination of epithelial cells is a critical step in metastatic spread. Molecular models of dissemination focus on loss of E-cadherin or repression of cell adhesion through an epithelial to mesenchymal transition (EMT). We sought to define the minimum molecular events necessary to induce dissemination of cells out of primary murine mammary epithelium. Deletion of E-cadherin disrupted epithelial architecture and morphogenesis but only rarely resulted in dissemination. In contrast, expression of the EMT transcription factor Twist1 induced rapid dissemination of cytokeratin-positive epithelial cells. Twist1 induced dramatic transcriptional changes in extracellular compartment and cell-matrix adhesion genes but not in cell-cell adhesion genes. Surprisingly, we observed disseminating cells with membrane-localized E-cadherin and β-catenin, and E-cadherin knockdown strongly inhibited Twist1-induced single cell dissemination. Dissemination can therefore occur with retention of epithelial cell identity. The spread of cancer cells during metastasis could similarly involve activation of an epithelial motility program without requiring a transition from epithelial to mesenchymal character.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Eliah R. Shamir
- Department of Cell Biology and Department of Oncology, Center for Cell Dynamics, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD 21205
| | - Elisa Pappalardo
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, High-Throughput Biology Center, Johns Hopkins University, Baltimore, MD 21218
| | - Danielle M. Jorgens
- Life Sciences Division, Lawrence Berkeley National Laboratory, Berkeley, CA 94720
| | - Kester Coutinho
- Life Sciences Division, Lawrence Berkeley National Laboratory, Berkeley, CA 94720
| | - Wen-Ting Tsai
- Life Sciences Division, Lawrence Berkeley National Laboratory, Berkeley, CA 94720
| | - Khaled Aziz
- Department of Radiation Oncology and Department of Molecular Radiation Sciences, Oncology, and Urology, Sidney Kimmel Comprehensive Cancer Center, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD 21231
| | - Manfred Auer
- Life Sciences Division, Lawrence Berkeley National Laboratory, Berkeley, CA 94720
| | - Phuoc T. Tran
- Department of Radiation Oncology and Department of Molecular Radiation Sciences, Oncology, and Urology, Sidney Kimmel Comprehensive Cancer Center, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD 21231
| | - Joel S. Bader
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, High-Throughput Biology Center, Johns Hopkins University, Baltimore, MD 21218
| | - Andrew J. Ewald
- Department of Cell Biology and Department of Oncology, Center for Cell Dynamics, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD 21205
| |
Collapse
|
13
|
Singh S, Singh M, Mak IWY, Turcotte R, Ghert M. Investigation of FGFR2-IIIC signaling via FGF-2 ligand for advancing GCT stromal cell differentiation. PLoS One 2012; 7:e46769. [PMID: 23071632 PMCID: PMC3469652 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0046769] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/06/2012] [Accepted: 09/07/2012] [Indexed: 02/06/2023] Open
Abstract
Giant cell tumor of bone (GCT) is an aggressive bone tumor consisting of multinucleated osteoclast-like giant cells and proliferating osteoblast-like stromal cells. The signaling mechanism involved in GCT stromal cell osteoblastic differentiation is not fully understood. Previous work in our lab reported that GCT stromal cells express high levels of TWIST1, a master transcription factor in skeletal development, which in turn down-regulates Runx2 expression and prevents terminal osteoblastic differentiation in these cells. The purpose of this study was to determine the upstream regulation of TWIST1 in GCT cells. Using GCT stromal cells obtained from patient specimens, we demonstrated that fibroblast growth factor receptor (FGFR)-2 signaling plays an essential role in bone development and promotes differentiation of immature osteoblastic cells. Fibroblast growth factor (FGF)-2 stimulates FGFR-2 expression, resulting in decreased TWIST1 expression and increased Runx2, alkaline phosphastase (ALP) and osteopontin (OPN) expression. Inhibition of FGFR-2 through siRNA decreased the expression of ALP, Runx2 and OPN in GCT stromal cells. Our study also confirmed that FGF-2 ligand activates downstream ERK1/2 signaling and pharmacological inhibition of the ERK1/2 signaling pathway suppresses FGF-2 stimulated osteogenic differentiation in these cells. Our results indicate a significant role of FGFR-2 signaling in osteoblastic differentiation in GCT stromal cells.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Shalini Singh
- Department of Surgery, McMaster University, Hamilton, Ontario, Canada
| | - Mohini Singh
- Department of Surgery, McMaster University, Hamilton, Ontario, Canada
| | | | - Robert Turcotte
- Department of Orthopaedic Surgery, McGill University Health Centre, Montreal General Hospital, Quebec, Canada
| | - Michelle Ghert
- Department of Surgery, McMaster University, Hamilton, Ontario, Canada
- * E-mail:
| |
Collapse
|
14
|
|
15
|
Wu KJ. Direct activation of Bmi1 by Twist1: implications in cancer stemness, epithelial-mesenchymal transition, and clinical significance. Chang Gung Med J 2011; 34:229-238. [PMID: 21733352] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 05/31/2023]
Abstract
Cancer stemness is a concept used to describe a minor population of cells (cancer stem cells-CSCs) residing in a tumor, which possess self-renewal properties and are resistant to chemo/radiation therapy. Epithelial-mesenchymal transition (EMT), a major mechanism of cancer metastasis, is a process which generates cells with stem-like properties. The relationship between cancer stemness and EMT is well documented but without detailed mechanistic explanation. Bmi1 belongs to the polycomb repressive complex 1 (PRC1) which maintains self-renewal and stemness. Recent results showed that Twist1, an EMT regulator, directly activates Bmi1 and these two molecules function together to mediate cancer stemness and EMT. These results provide a molecular explanation of the relationship between cancer stemness and EMT. Bmi1 is frequently overexpressed in various types of human cancers and can confer drug resistance. Twist1 is also overexpressed in various human cancers with prognostic significance. The functional interdependence between Twist1 and Bmi1 provides a fresh insight into the molecular mechanism of EMT-induced cancer stemness. Further investigation of the mechanisms mediating EMT and cancer stemness will be helpful in the management and treatment of metastatic cancers.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Kou-Juey Wu
- Institute of Biochemistry & Molecular Biology, National Yang-Ming University, Taipei, Taiwan.
| |
Collapse
|
16
|
Lu S, Nie J, Luan Q, Feng Q, Xiao Q, Chang Z, Shan C, Hess D, Hemmings BA, Yang Z. Phosphorylation of the Twist1-family basic helix-loop-helix transcription factors is involved in pathological cardiac remodeling. PLoS One 2011; 6:e19251. [PMID: 21559426 PMCID: PMC3084786 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0019251] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/08/2010] [Accepted: 03/24/2011] [Indexed: 01/12/2023] Open
Abstract
Background The Twist1-family basic helix-loop-helix (bHLH) transcription factors including Twist1, Hand1 and Hand2, play an essential role in heart development and are implicated in pathological heart remodeling. Previously, it was reported that these bHLH transcription factors can be regulated by phosphorylation within the basic-helix I domain, which is involved in developmental processes such as limb formation and trophoblast differentiation. However, how phosphorylation of Twist1 family functions in post-natal heart is elusive. Principal Findings Here, we generated transgenic mice with over-expression of Hand1 and Twist1 mutants (to mimic or to abolish phosphorylation) in cardiomyocytes and found pathological cardiac remodeling leading to heart failure and sudden death. Gene expression profile analysis revealed up-regulation of growth-promoting genes and down-regulation of metabolic genes. It is well known that aberrant activation of Akt signaling causes pathological cardiac remodeling and results in heart failure. The basic-helix I domain of Twist1 family members contain Akt substrate consensus motif and may be downstream targets of Akt signaling. Using biochemical analysis, we demonstrated that Hand1 and Twist1 were phosphorylated by Akt in the basic-helix I domain. Phosphorylation of Hand1 regulated its transcriptional activation of luciferase reporter genes and DNA binding ability. Conclusions This study provides novel insights into the regulation of Twist1 family in cardiac remodeling and suggests that the Twist1 family can be regulated by Akt signaling.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Shuangshuang Lu
- The Ministry of Education Key Laboratory of Model Animal for Disease Study, Model Animal Research Center, Nanjing University, Nanjing, China
| | - Junwei Nie
- The Ministry of Education Key Laboratory of Model Animal for Disease Study, Model Animal Research Center, Nanjing University, Nanjing, China
| | - Qing Luan
- The Ministry of Education Key Laboratory of Model Animal for Disease Study, Model Animal Research Center, Nanjing University, Nanjing, China
| | - Qiuting Feng
- The Ministry of Education Key Laboratory of Model Animal for Disease Study, Model Animal Research Center, Nanjing University, Nanjing, China
| | - Qi Xiao
- The Ministry of Education Key Laboratory of Model Animal for Disease Study, Model Animal Research Center, Nanjing University, Nanjing, China
| | - Zai Chang
- The Ministry of Education Key Laboratory of Model Animal for Disease Study, Model Animal Research Center, Nanjing University, Nanjing, China
| | - Congjia Shan
- The Ministry of Education Key Laboratory of Model Animal for Disease Study, Model Animal Research Center, Nanjing University, Nanjing, China
| | - Daniel Hess
- The Friedrich Miescher Institute for Biomedical Research, Basel, Switzerland
| | - Brian A. Hemmings
- The Friedrich Miescher Institute for Biomedical Research, Basel, Switzerland
| | - Zhongzhou Yang
- The Ministry of Education Key Laboratory of Model Animal for Disease Study, Model Animal Research Center, Nanjing University, Nanjing, China
- * E-mail:
| |
Collapse
|
17
|
Eckert MA, Lwin TM, Chang AT, Kim J, Danis E, Ohno-Machado L, Yang J. Twist1-induced invadopodia formation promotes tumor metastasis. Cancer Cell 2011; 19:372-86. [PMID: 21397860 PMCID: PMC3072410 DOI: 10.1016/j.ccr.2011.01.036] [Citation(s) in RCA: 383] [Impact Index Per Article: 29.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/26/2010] [Revised: 11/09/2010] [Accepted: 01/13/2011] [Indexed: 12/20/2022]
Abstract
The Twist1 transcription factor is known to promote tumor metastasis and induce Epithelial-Mesenchymal Transition (EMT). Here, we report that Twist1 is capable of promoting the formation of invadopodia, specialized membrane protrusions for extracellular matrix degradation. Twist1 induces PDGFRα expression, which in turn activates Src, to promote invadopodia formation. We show that Twist1 and PDGFRα are central mediators of invadopodia formation in response to various EMT-inducing signals. Induction of PDGFRα and invadopodia is essential for Twist1 to promote tumor metastasis. Consistent with PDGFRα being a direct transcriptional target of Twist1, coexpression of Twist1 and PDGFRα predicts poor survival in breast tumor patients. Therefore, invadopodia-mediated matrix degradation is a key function of Twist1 in promoting tumor metastasis.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Mark A. Eckert
- Department of Pharmacology, University of California, San Diego, School of Medicine, 9500 Gilman Drive, La Jolla, CA 92093-0636, USA
- The Molecular Pathology Graduate Program, University of California, San Diego, School of Medicine, 9500 Gilman Drive, La Jolla, CA 92093-0636, USA
| | - Thinzar M. Lwin
- Department of Pharmacology, University of California, San Diego, School of Medicine, 9500 Gilman Drive, La Jolla, CA 92093-0636, USA
| | - Andrew T. Chang
- Department of Pharmacology, University of California, San Diego, School of Medicine, 9500 Gilman Drive, La Jolla, CA 92093-0636, USA
- The Biomedical Science Graduate Program, University of California, San Diego, School of Medicine, 9500 Gilman Drive, La Jolla, CA 92093-0636, USA
| | - Jihoon Kim
- Division of Biomedical Informatics, University of California, San Diego, School of Medicine, 9500 Gilman Drive, La Jolla, CA 92093-0636, USA
| | - Etienne Danis
- Department of Pharmacology, University of California, San Diego, School of Medicine, 9500 Gilman Drive, La Jolla, CA 92093-0636, USA
| | - Lucila Ohno-Machado
- Division of Biomedical Informatics, University of California, San Diego, School of Medicine, 9500 Gilman Drive, La Jolla, CA 92093-0636, USA
| | - Jing Yang
- Department of Pharmacology, University of California, San Diego, School of Medicine, 9500 Gilman Drive, La Jolla, CA 92093-0636, USA
- Department of Pediatrics, University of California, San Diego, School of Medicine, 9500 Gilman Drive, La Jolla, CA 92093-0636, USA
- Contact: , 858-534-1994 (Phone), 858-534-7390 (Fax)
| |
Collapse
|
18
|
Abstract
In recent years, much progress has been made in understanding the factors that regulate the gene expression program that underlies the induction, proliferation, differentiation, and maturation of osteoblasts. A large and growing number of transcription factors make important contributions to the precise control of osteoblast formation and function. It has become increasingly clear that these diverse transcription factors and the signals that regulate their activity cannot be viewed as discrete, separate signaling pathways. Rather, they form a highly interconnected, cooperative network that permits gene expression to be closely regulated. There has also been a substantial increase in our understanding of the mechanistic control of gene expression by cofactors such as acetyltransferases and histone deacetylases. The purpose of this review is to highlight recent progress in understanding the major transcription factors and epigenetic coregulators, including histone deacetylases and microRNAs, involved in osteoblastogenesis and the mechanisms that determine their functions as regulators of gene expression.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Eric D Jensen
- Department of Diagnostic and Biological Sciences, School of Dentistry, University of Minnesota, Minneapolis, MN 55455
| | - Rajaram Gopalakrishnan
- Department of Diagnostic and Biological Sciences, School of Dentistry, University of Minnesota, Minneapolis, MN 55455
| | | |
Collapse
|
19
|
Feng MY, Wang K, Song HT, Yu HW, Qin Y, Shi QT, Geng JS. Metastasis-induction and apoptosis-protection by TWIST in gastric cancer cells. Clin Exp Metastasis 2009; 26:1013-23. [PMID: 19806464 DOI: 10.1007/s10585-009-9291-6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 31] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/22/2009] [Accepted: 09/17/2009] [Indexed: 12/15/2022]
Abstract
TWIST, a basic helix-loop-helix transcription factor, has been recently reported to play an important role in tumorigenesis of human cancer through converting the early stage tumors into invasive malignancies. Upregulation of TWIST is often found in cancer patients, especially those with shorter survival period and poor response to chemotherapy. Here we studied the functions of TWIST on regulating migration rate, apoptosis, and gene expression in gastric cancer cells. TWIST expression is elevated in MGC-803 and HGC-27 cells that exhibit high invasive potential; whereas it is reduced in BGC-823 and SGC-7901 cells that possess relatively low invasive content. To evaluate functional consequences of TWIST induction, we examined the effect of TWIST on cell migration and apoptosis. Overexpression of TWIST in BGC-823 cells resulted in increased migration content and decreased sensitivity to the arsenic oxide-induced cell death. Moreover, small interference RNA-mediated TWIST ablation in MGC-803 and HGC-27 cells showed suppressed migration ability, increased induction of apoptosis in response to arsenic oxide, and elevated cell cycle arrest. Furthermore, we found a negative correlation between the TWIST level and p53 level, probably due to transcriptional regulation. Our results have identified TWIST as a critical regulator of gastric cancer cell proliferation and migration, suggesting a potential therapeutic approach to inhibit the growth and metastasis of gastric cancer through inactivation of TWIST.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Mei-yan Feng
- The Pathology Department, Affiliated Tumor Hospital of Harbin Medical University, Harbin, China
| | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Collapse
|
20
|
Bildsoe H, Loebel DAF, Jones VJ, Chen YT, Behringer RR, Tam PPL. Requirement for Twist1 in frontonasal and skull vault development in the mouse embryo. Dev Biol 2009; 331:176-88. [PMID: 19414008 DOI: 10.1016/j.ydbio.2009.04.034] [Citation(s) in RCA: 72] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/26/2008] [Revised: 04/27/2009] [Accepted: 04/27/2009] [Indexed: 01/10/2023]
Abstract
Using a Cre-mediated conditional deletion approach, we have dissected the function of Twist1 in the morphogenesis of the craniofacial skeleton. Loss of Twist1 in neural crest cells and their derivatives impairs skeletogenic differentiation and leads to the loss of bones of the snout, upper face and skull vault. While no anatomically recognizable maxilla is formed, a malformed mandible is present. Since Twist1 is expressed in the tissues of the maxillary eminence and the mandibular arch, this finding suggests that the requirement for Twist1 is not the same in all neural crest derivatives. The effect of the loss of Twist1 function is not restricted to neural crest-derived bones, since the predominantly mesoderm-derived parietal and interparietal bones are also affected, presumably as a consequence of lost interactions with neural crest-derived tissues. In contrast, the formation of other mesodermal skeletal derivatives such as the occipital bones and most of the chondrocranium are not affected by the loss of Twist1 in the neural crest cells.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Heidi Bildsoe
- Children's Medical Research Institute, The University of Sydney, Wentworthville, NSW, Australia
| | | | | | | | | | | |
Collapse
|
21
|
Abstract
Members of the Twist-family of bHLH proteins play a pivotal role in a number of essential developmental programs. Twist-family bHLH proteins function by dimerizing with other bHLH members and binding to cis- regulatory elements, called E-boxes. While Twist-family members may simply exhibit a preference in terms of high-affinity binding partners, a complex, multilevel cascade of regulation creates a dynamic role for these bHLH proteins. We summarize in this review information on each Twist-family member concerning expression pattern, function, regulation, downstream targets, and interactions with other bHLH proteins. Additionally, we focus on the phospho-regulatory mechanisms that tightly control posttranslational modification of Twist-family member bHLH proteins.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- RALSTON M. BARNES
- Riley Heart Research Center, Wells Center for Pediatric Research, Division of Pediatric Cardiology, Departments of Anatomy and Medical and Molecular Genetics, Indiana Medical School, Indianapolis, IN, USA
| | - ANTHONY B. FIRULLI
- Riley Heart Research Center, Wells Center for Pediatric Research, Division of Pediatric Cardiology, Departments of Anatomy and Medical and Molecular Genetics, Indiana Medical School, Indianapolis, IN, USA
| |
Collapse
|
22
|
Skogseth H, Bertilsson H, Halgunset J. [Epithelial-to-mesenchymal transition and prostate cancer]. Tidsskr Nor Laegeforen 2008; 128:1279-1280. [PMID: 18511970] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 05/26/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Prostate cancer is highly prevalent and is a frequent cause of death in men. As for most other cancers the prognosis is largely determined by the occurrence of metastases. Future treatment of prostate cancer should focus on inhibition of the cancer cells' ability to invade surrounding tissues--and to metastasise. In order to develop such therapies, it is important to unveil the mechanisms that lead to an invasive phenotype. Development of invasive tumours resemble processes involved in embryonic development, e.g. during formation of the mesoderm. The latter is characterised by a sequence of events whereby epithelial ectodermic cells acquire a migratory phenotype, which directly parallels the formation of invasive behaviour in carcinomas. MATERIAL AND METHODS The present review is based on articles published in well-recognized journals of high international ranking. Some of the considerations also draw on the authors' personal experience in clinical work and basic research. RESULTS Gastrulation is the process in which the three types of tissue stem cells move to different areas in the embryo (morphogenetic movement) and form the basis for various tissues and organs. This overview calls attention to the fact that events during carcinoma development, are strikingly similar to cellular changes during gastrulation. INTERPRETATION A thorough understanding of gastrulation may provide a fruitful framework for new insight into cancer cell invasion and metastasis. This knowledge may in turn be exploited to develop drugs with anti-invasive properties which could revolutionise the treatment of carcinoma of the prostate and other sites.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Haakon Skogseth
- Institutt for laboratoriemedisin, barne- og kvinnesykdommer, Det medisinske fakultet, Norges teknisk-naturvitenskapelige universitet, 7491 Trondheim.
| | | | | |
Collapse
|
23
|
Entz-Werle N, Lavaux T, Metzger N, Stoetzel C, Lasthaus C, Marec P, Kalifa C, Brugieres L, Pacquement H, Schmitt C, Tabone MD, Gentet JC, Lutz P, Babin A, Oudet P, Gaub MP, Perrin-Schmitt F. Involvement of MET/TWIST/APC combination or the potential role of ossification factors in pediatric high-grade osteosarcoma oncogenesis. Neoplasia 2007; 9:678-88. [PMID: 17786187 PMCID: PMC1950438 DOI: 10.1593/neo.07367] [Citation(s) in RCA: 40] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.4] [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: 04/30/2007] [Revised: 06/29/2007] [Accepted: 07/03/2007] [Indexed: 11/18/2022] Open
Abstract
Dysregulated cell growth or differentiation due to misexpression of developmental critical factors seems to be a decisive event in oncogenesis. As osteosarcomas are histologically defined by malignant osteoblasts producing an osteoid component, we prospected in pediatric osteosarcomas treated with OS94 protocol the genomic status of several genes implied in ossification processes. In 91 osteosarcoma cases, we focused on the analysis of the fibroblast growth factor receptors (FGFRs) TWIST, APC, and MET by allelotyping, real-time quantitative polymerase chain reaction, gene sequencing, and protein polymorphism study. Our study supports the frequent role of TWIST, APC, and MET as osteosarcoma markers (50%, 62%, and 50%, respectively). TWIST and MET were mainly found to be deleted, and no additional APC mutation was identified. Surprisingly, FGFRs are abnormal in only < 30%. Most of these factors and their abnormalities seem to be linked more or less to one clinical subgroup, but the most significant correlation is the link of MET, TWIST, and APC abnormalities to a worse outcome and their combination within abnormal tumors. A wider cohort is mandatory to define more robust molecular conclusions, but these results are to be considered as the beginning of a more accurate basis for diagnosis, in search of targeted therapies, and to further characterize prognostic markers.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Natacha Entz-Werle
- Institut National de la Santé et de la Recherche Médicale U682, Strasbourg, France.
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Collapse
|
24
|
Hotz B, Arndt M, Dullat S, Bhargava S, Buhr HJ, Hotz HG. Epithelial to mesenchymal transition: expression of the regulators snail, slug, and twist in pancreatic cancer. Clin Cancer Res 2007; 13:4769-76. [PMID: 17699854 DOI: 10.1158/1078-0432.ccr-06-2926] [Citation(s) in RCA: 327] [Impact Index Per Article: 19.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/13/2022]
Abstract
PURPOSE Epithelial to mesenchymal transitions are vital for tumor growth and metastasis. Several inducers of epithelial to mesenchymal transition are transcription factors that repress E-cadherin expression, such as Snail, Slug, and Twist. In this study, we aimed to examine the expression of these transcription factors in pancreatic cancer. EXPERIMENTAL DESIGN The expression of Snail, Slug, and Twist was detected by immunohistochemistry in tissue samples from patients with pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma. Five human pancreatic cancer cell lines (AsPC-1, Capan-1, HPAF-2, MiaPaCa-2, and Panc-1) were analyzed by reverse transcription-PCR, real-time PCR, and Western blotting. An orthotopic nude mouse model of pancreatic cancer was applied for in vivo experiments. RESULTS Seventy-eight percent of human pancreatic cancer tissues showed an expression of Snail, and 50% of the patients displayed positive expression of Slug. Twist showed no or only weak expression. Snail expression was higher in undifferentiated cancer cell lines (MiaPaCa-2 and Panc-1) than in more differentiated cell lines (Capan-1, HPAF-2, AsPC-1). Expression of Slug was detected in all cell lines with different intensities. Twist was not expressed. After exposure to hypoxia, the Twist gene was activated in all five pancreatic cancer cell lines. CONCLUSIONS The transcription factors Snail and Slug are expressed in pancreatic cancer but not in normal tissue, suggesting a role in the progression of human pancreatic tumors. Twist, activated by hypoxia, may play an important role in the invasive behavior of pancreatic tumors.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Birgit Hotz
- Department of Surgery I, Charité-Medical School, Campus Benjamin Franklin, Berlin, Germany
| | | | | | | | | | | |
Collapse
|
25
|
Abstract
Mammalian Twist1, a master regulator in development and a key factor in tumorigenesis, is known to repress transcription by several mechanisms and is therefore considered to mediate its function mainly through inhibition. A role of Twist1 as transactivator has also been reported but, so far, without providing a mechanism for such an activity. Here we show that heterodimeric complexes of Twist1 and E12 mediate E-box-dependent transcriptional activation. We identify a novel Twist1 transactivation domain that coactivates together with the less potent E12 transactivation domain. We found three specific residues in the highly conserved WR domain to be essential for the transactivating function of murine Twist1 and suggest an alpha-helical structure of the transactivation domain.
Collapse
|
26
|
Abstract
Twist genes code for regulatory bHLH proteins essential for embryonic development and conserved across the metazoa. There are four genes that constitute the zebrafish twist family: twist1a, twist1b, twist2--orthologs of the mammalian twist1 and twist2 genes; and twist3--a gene from a new clade that does not exist in mammals. Presented here are their embryonic mRNA expression profiles. The study extends the known conservation of twist developmental patterns in tetrapods to the fish, e.g., expression in cephalic neural crest, sclerotome and lateral plate mesoderm. Some other expression domains are unique, like hypochord and dorsal aorta; some, like the notochord, may be ancestral patterns retained from protochordates; and the expression in invaginating/migrating cells may have been retained from the jellyfish. Perhaps this is one of the more ancient functions of twist--conserved from diploblasts to humans--to facilitate cell movement.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Igal Germanguz
- Department of Virology and Developmental Genetics, Faculty of Health Sciences, Ben Gurion University of the Negev, Beer Sheva, Israel
| | | | | | | | | |
Collapse
|
27
|
Abstract
Recently, TWIST, a basic helix-loop-helix transcription factor, is suggested to be an oncogene because of its over-expression in many types of human cancer and its positive role in promoting cell survival. The aim of this study was to investigate the role of TWIST on the growth of human epithelial cells. Using two immortalized human prostate epithelial cell lines, we demonstrated that inactivation of TWIST by small RNA technology led to the promotion of cellular senescence and growth arrest, suggesting that TWIST plays a key role in the continuous proliferation of immortalized cells. Over-expression of TWIST, in contrast, resulted in suppression of cellular senescence in response to genotoxic damage and promotion of cell proliferation with DNA damage accumulation, indicating that TWIST promotes genomic instability. In addition, we also found that the TWIST-mediated cellular senescence was regulated through its negative effect on p14(ARF) and subsequent suppression of MDM2/p53 and Chk1/2 DNA damage response pathways. Our results suggest that over-expression of TWIST results in down-regulation of p14(ARF), which leads to the impairment of DNA damage checkpoint in response to genotoxic stress. This negative effect of TWIST on DNA damage response facilitates uncontrolled cell proliferation with genomic instability and tumorigenesis in non-malignant cells.
Collapse
|
28
|
Firulli BA, Redick BA, Conway SJ, Firulli AB. Mutations within helix I of Twist1 result in distinct limb defects and variation of DNA binding affinities. J Biol Chem 2007; 282:27536-27546. [PMID: 17652084 PMCID: PMC2556885 DOI: 10.1074/jbc.m702613200] [Citation(s) in RCA: 69] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/06/2023] Open
Abstract
Twist1 is a basic helix-loop-helix (bHLH) factor that plays an important role in limb development. Haploinsufficiency of Twist1 results in polydactyly via the inability of Twist1 to antagonistically regulate the related factor Hand2. The mechanism modulating Twist1-Hand2 antagonism is via phosphoregulation of conserved threonine and serine residues in helix I of the bHLH domain. Phosphoregulation alters the dimerization affinities for both proteins. Here we show that the expression of Twist1 and Twist1 phosphoregulation mutants results in distinct limb phenotypes in mice. In addition to dimer regulation, Twist1 phosphoregulation affects the DNA binding affinities of Twist1 in a partner-dependent and cis-element-dependent manner. In order to gain a better understanding of the specific Twist1 transcriptional complexes that function during limb morphogensis, we employ a series of Twist1-tethered dimers that include the known Twist1 partners, E12 and Hand2, as well as a tethered Twist1 homodimer. We show that these dimers behave in a manner similar to monomerically expressed bHLH factors and result in distinct limb phenotypes that correlate well with those observed from the limb expression of Twist1 and Twist1 phosphoregulation mutants. Taken together, this study shows that the Twist1 dimer affinity for a given partner can modulate the DNA binding affinity and that Twist1 dimer choice determines phenotypic outcome during limb development.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Beth A Firulli
- Herman B. Wells Center for Pediatric Research, James Whitcomb Riley Hospital for Children, Department of Pediatrics, Division of Cardiology, Indiana Medical School, Indianapolis, Indiana 46202-5225
| | - Bradley A Redick
- Herman B. Wells Center for Pediatric Research, James Whitcomb Riley Hospital for Children, Department of Pediatrics, Division of Cardiology, Indiana Medical School, Indianapolis, Indiana 46202-5225
| | - Simon J Conway
- Herman B. Wells Center for Pediatric Research, James Whitcomb Riley Hospital for Children, Department of Pediatrics, Division of Cardiology, Indiana Medical School, Indianapolis, Indiana 46202-5225
| | - Anthony B Firulli
- Herman B. Wells Center for Pediatric Research, James Whitcomb Riley Hospital for Children, Department of Pediatrics, Division of Cardiology, Indiana Medical School, Indianapolis, Indiana 46202-5225.
| |
Collapse
|
29
|
Yang Z, Zhang X, Gang H, Li X, Li Z, Wang T, Han J, Luo T, Wen F, Wu X. Up-regulation of gastric cancer cell invasion by Twist is accompanied by N-cadherin and fibronectin expression. Biochem Biophys Res Commun 2007; 358:925-30. [PMID: 17512904 DOI: 10.1016/j.bbrc.2007.05.023] [Citation(s) in RCA: 112] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/03/2007] [Accepted: 05/04/2007] [Indexed: 02/05/2023]
Abstract
Twist, a newly found EMT-inducer, has been reported to be up-regulated in those of diffuse-type gastric carcinomas with high N-cadherin level. We show here MKN45, a cell line derived from undifferentiated carcinomas cells, expresses high levels of Twist. Down-regulation of Twist, using an antisense Twist vector in MKN45 cells, inhibits cell migration and invasion, companied with a morphologic changes associated with MET. Suppression of Twist also decreases the expressions of N-cadherin and fibronectin, but not of E-cadherin in MKN45. In contrast, overexpression of Twist in MKN28, a cell line derived from moderate differentiated carcinomas, results in up-regulation of N-cadherin and fibronectin, companied with down-regulation of E-cadherin. Taken together, our results suggest that Twist regulates cell motility and invasion in gastric cancer cell lines, probably through the N-cadherin and fibronectin production.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Zhou Yang
- Department of General Surgery, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu, Sichuan, PR China
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Collapse
|
30
|
Terauchi M, Kajiyama H, Yamashita M, Kato M, Tsukamoto H, Umezu T, Hosono S, Yamamoto E, Shibata K, Ino K, Nawa A, Nagasaka T, Kikkawa F. Possible involvement of TWIST in enhanced peritoneal metastasis of epithelial ovarian carcinoma. Clin Exp Metastasis 2007; 24:329-39. [PMID: 17487558 DOI: 10.1007/s10585-007-9070-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 48] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/31/2006] [Accepted: 03/24/2007] [Indexed: 01/03/2023]
Abstract
Loss of E-cadherin triggers peritoneal dissemination, leading to an adverse prognosis for most patients with epithelial ovarian carcinoma (EOC). Because TWIST mainly regulates the epithelial-to-mesenchymal transition and is one of the E-cadherin repressors, we investigated the possibility that TWIST expression affects peritoneal metastasis of EOC using siRNA technique. In the present study, we showed a correlation between TWIST expression and EOC cellular morphology. Furthermore, we demonstrated that the suppression of TWIST expression in EOC cells (HEY) alters the cellular morphology from a fibroblastic and motile phenotype to an epithelial phenotype, and inhibits the adhesion of these cells to mesothelial monolayers. To investigate the mechanism by which down-regulation of TWIST leads to inhibition of adhesion to mesothelial cells (MCs), expression of adhesion molecules (CD29, CD44 and CD54) were observed. Moreover, matrix metalloproteinase 2 and membrane type 1 matrix metalloproteinase, important markers associated with invasive and metastatic potential, were remarkably reduced. This findings suggests that reduced expression of TWIST suppresses the multistep process of peritoneal dissemination (detachment from the primary lesion, adhesion to MCs and invasion of MCs) and may be a potential therapeutic target for the treatment of this carcinoma.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Mikio Terauchi
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Nagoya University Graduate School of Medicine, Tsurumai-cho 65, Showa-ku, Nagoya, 466-8550, Japan
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Collapse
|
31
|
Zhang X, Wang Q, Ling MT, Wong YC, Leung SCL, Wang X. Anti-apoptotic role of TWIST and its association with Akt pathway in mediating taxol resistance in nasopharyngeal carcinoma cells. Int J Cancer 2007; 120:1891-8. [PMID: 17230521 DOI: 10.1002/ijc.22489] [Citation(s) in RCA: 53] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/06/2022]
Abstract
TWIST, a basic helix-loop-helix transcription factor, has been reported to be associated with development and progression of human cancer. Recently, over expression of TWIST is found in cancer patients with shorter survival and poor response to chemotherapy. Previously, we found that upregulation of TWIST was responsible for the development of acquired resistance to taxol in a nasopharyngeal carcinoma (NPC) cell line, HNE1-T3 (Wang et al., Oncogene, 2004;24:274). In this study, we investigated the underlying molecular mechanisms responsible for the TWIST-mediated taxol resistance. By comparison of the parental HNE1 and its derivative HNE1-T3 cell lines, we found that the resistance to taxol in HNE1-T3 cells was associated with suppression of taxol-induced apoptosis evidenced by decreased expression of Bak and Bax and increased Bcl-2, as well as inhibition of PARP and caspase cleavage and DNA ladder formation. However, there was no correlation between taxol sensitivity and alterations on G2/M cell cycle distribution, suggesting that the TWIST-induced taxol resistance is mediated through protection against apoptosis but not mitotic arrest. Analysis of additional 8 NPC cell lines showed that upregulation of TWIST was associated with resistance to microtubule disrupting agents, especially taxol, and inactivation of TWIST through small RNA interference led to increased sensitivity to taxol-induced cell death. Subsequent studies also demonstrated that the TWIST-mediated taxol resistance may be regulated through its positive involvement with the Akt pathway. Our findings suggest an underlying molecular mechanism responsible for the TWIST-mediated chemodrug resistance and suggest a target for overcoming taxol resistance in cancer cells.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Xiaomeng Zhang
- Cancer Biology Group, Department of Anatomy, Faculty of Medicine, The University of Hong Kong, Pokfulam, Hong Kong SAR, China
| | | | | | | | | | | |
Collapse
|
32
|
Cheng GZ, Chan J, Wang Q, Zhang W, Sun CD, Wang LH. Twist transcriptionally up-regulates AKT2 in breast cancer cells leading to increased migration, invasion, and resistance to paclitaxel. Cancer Res 2007; 67:1979-87. [PMID: 17332325 DOI: 10.1158/0008-5472.can-06-1479] [Citation(s) in RCA: 431] [Impact Index Per Article: 25.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/14/2022]
Abstract
Metastasis, the cardinal feature of malignant tumors, is an important clinical variable in patient prognosis. To understand the basis for metastasis, we systematically selected for highly invasive cells from breast cancer cell lines, MCF7 and MDA-MB-453, with moderate to low invasive ability using Boyden chamber invasion assay. The four-cycle selected invasive lines, named MCF7-I4 and MDA-MB-453-I4, respectively, displayed epithelial-mesenchymal transition (EMT) and dramatically enhanced invasive ability. EMT changes were corroborated with decreased level of E-cadherin and increased vimentin, fibronectin, and beta(1) integrin. Twist, a basic helix-loop-helix transcription factor, and AKT2, a known proto-oncogene, were found to be elevated in the invasive cells compared with the parental. Ectopic expression and knockdown of Twist by short interference RNA resulted in significant increase and reduction, respectively, of AKT2 protein and mRNA expression. Twist bound to E-box elements on AKT2 promoter and enhanced its transcriptional activity. Moreover, silencing AKT2 decreased Twist-promoted migration, invasion, and paclitaxel resistance. Reintroducing AKT2 largely rescued the phenotype resulted from knockdown of Twist in I4 cells, suggesting that AKT2 is a downstream target and functional mediator of Twist. Finally, we observed a 68.8% correlation of elevated Twist and AKT2 expression in late-stage breast cancers as oppose to 13% in early-stage breast cancers. Our study identifies Twist as a positive transcriptional regulator of AKT2 expression, and Twist-AKT2 signaling is involved in promoting invasive ability and survival of breast cancer cells.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- George Z Cheng
- Department of Microbiology, Mount Sinai School of Medicine, One Gustave L. Levy Place, New York, NY 10029, USA
| | | | | | | | | | | |
Collapse
|
33
|
Hayashi M, Nimura K, Kashiwagi K, Harada T, Takaoka K, Kato H, Tamai K, Kaneda Y. Comparative roles of Twist-1 and Id1 in transcriptional regulation by BMP signaling. J Cell Sci 2007; 120:1350-7. [PMID: 17374642 DOI: 10.1242/jcs.000067] [Citation(s) in RCA: 84] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/20/2022] Open
Abstract
Basic helix-loop-helix (bHLH) transcription factors are known as key regulators for mesenchymal differentiation. The present study showed that overexpression of Twist-1, a bHLH transcription factor, suppresses bone morphogenetic protein (BMP)-induced osteoblast differentiation, and downregulation of endogenous Twist-1 enhances BMP signaling. Maximal inhibition of BMP signaling was observed when Twist-1 was bound to E47, which markedly enhanced the stability of Twist-1. Co-immunoprecipitation assays revealed that Twist-1 formed a complex with Smad4 and histone deacetylase (HDAC) 1 in MC3T3-E1 cells stably expressing Twist-1. With trichostatin, an HDAC inhibitor, osteogenic factors such as alkaline phosphatase, Runx2 and osteopontin increased. Those results suggested that Twist-1 inhibited BMP signaling by recruiting HDAC1 to Smad4. Furthermore, the inhibitory effects of Twist-1 on BMP signaling were overcome by Id1 through induction of Twist-1 degradation. These findings suggest that Twist-1 can act as an inhibitor of BMP signaling, and Id1 can regulate BMP signaling through a positive feedback loop repressing Twist-1 function. These two molecules may therefore regulate differentiation of mesenchymal cells into progeny such as osteoblasts by controlling BMP signaling.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Masanori Hayashi
- Division of Gene Therapy Science, Graduate School of Medicine, Osaka University 2-2 Yamada-oka, Suita, Osaka 565-0871, Japan
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Collapse
|
34
|
Kida Y, Asahina K, Teraoka H, Gitelman I, Sato T. Twist relates to tubular epithelial-mesenchymal transition and interstitial fibrogenesis in the obstructed kidney. J Histochem Cytochem 2007; 55:661-73. [PMID: 17341474 DOI: 10.1369/jhc.6a7157.2007] [Citation(s) in RCA: 53] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/22/2022] Open
Abstract
Epithelial-mesenchymal transition (EMT) is a critical step in renal fibrosis. It has been recently reported that a transcription factor, Twist, plays a pivotal role in metastasis of breast tumors by inducing EMT. In this study, we examined whether Twist relates to renal fibrogenesis including EMT of tubular epithelia, evaluating Twist expression level in the unilateral ureteral obstruction (UUO) model. Kidneys of mice subjected to UUO were harvested 1, 3, 7, and 10 days after obstruction. Compared with control kidneys, Twist mRNA-level significantly increased 3 days after UUO (UUO day 3 kidney) and further augmented until 10 days after UUO. Twist expression increased in tubular epithelia of the dilated tubules and the expanded interstitial areas of UUO kidneys, where cell-proliferating appearances were frequently found in a time-dependent manner. Although a part of tubular cells in whole nephron segment were immunopositive for Twist in UUO day 7 kidneys, tubular epithelia downstream of nephron more frequently expressed Twist than upstream of nephron. In UUO day 7 kidneys, some tubular epithelia were confirmed to coexpress Twist and fibroblast-specific protein-1, a marker for EMT, indicating that Twist is involved in tubular EMT under pathological state. Twist was expressed also in a number of alpha-smooth muscle actin-positive myofibroblasts located in the expanded interstitial area of UUO kidneys. From these findings, the present investigation suggests that Twist is associated with tubular EMT, proliferation of myofibroblasts, and subsequent renal fibrosis in obstructed kidneys.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Yujiro Kida
- Department of Anatomy II, School of Dental Medicine, Tsurumi University, Yokohama, 230-8501, Japan
| | | | | | | | | |
Collapse
|
35
|
Horikawa T, Yang J, Kondo S, Yoshizaki T, Joab I, Furukawa M, Pagano JS. Twist and Epithelial-Mesenchymal Transition Are Induced by the EBV Oncoprotein Latent Membrane Protein 1 and Are Associated with Metastatic Nasopharyngeal Carcinoma. Cancer Res 2007; 67:1970-8. [PMID: 17332324 DOI: 10.1158/0008-5472.can-06-3933] [Citation(s) in RCA: 166] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/16/2022]
Abstract
Nasopharyngeal carcinoma (NPC), an EBV-associated malignancy, is highly metastatic compared with other head and neck tumors, perhaps because of its viral link. Here, we show that the principal EBV oncoprotein, latent membrane protein 1 (LMP1), induces epithelial-mesenchymal transition (EMT) via Twist, a master transcriptional regulator in embryogenesis and newly implicated in metastasis, which, in turn, are likely to contribute to the highly metastatic character of NPC. LMP1 could induce EMT and its associated cell motility and invasiveness in a cell culture model, whereas expression of Twist small interfering RNA reversed LMP1-induced EMT. In diverse EBV-infected cell lines, expression of Twist correlates with expression of LMP1. Dominant-negative LMP1 could suppress Twist expression in EBV-positive cells, whereas LMP1 could induce Twist in EBV-negative nasopharyngeal cells. LMP1 signals through the nuclear factor-kappaB pathway, and an IkappaB superrepressor inhibited induction of Twist by LMP1. Finally, in human NPC tissues, expression of Twist and LMP1 is directly correlated and expression of Twist is associated with metastasis clinically. These results suggest that induction of Twist by a human viral oncoprotein LMP1 directly contributes to the metastatic nature of NPC.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Toshiyuki Horikawa
- Lineberger Comprehensive Cancer Center, University of North Carolina, Chapel Hill, NC 27599, USA
| | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Collapse
|
36
|
Alikunju S, Pillarisetti S. Selected players in the inflammation cascade and drugs that target these inflammation genes against metastasis. Anticancer Agents Med Chem 2006; 6:461-8. [PMID: 17017855 DOI: 10.2174/187152006778226477] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/22/2022]
Abstract
Despite many recent advances the prognosis of cancer patients with metastasis still remains poor. In metastatic invasion, tumor cells interact with endothelial cells through several distinct adhesion molecules. Adherent tumor cells extravasate into tissues by degrading basement membranes with matrix degrading enzymes such as heparanases and matrix metalloproteinases. Endothelial expression of matrix degrading enzymes and adhesion molecules are under the control of inflammatory cytokines. These inflammatory proteins and the signaling pathways involved in the expression of these genes are under intense investigation as therapeutic targets to prevent tumor growth and metastasis. The current review focuses on selected players of the inflammation cascade and drugs that target these inflammatory genes.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Shanavas Alikunju
- Discovery Research, Dr. Reddy's Laboratories, Miyapus, Hyderabad, India
| | | |
Collapse
|
37
|
Abstract
Unraveling the genetic programs that drive -metastasis may offer insights into how to limit or prevent this deadly aspect of cancer progression. Our recent studies indicate that tumor cell metastasis involves the activity of the transcription factor, Twist, which regulates epithelial-mesenchymal transition and early embryonic morphogenesis. Here, we review the Twist signaling pathway during normal development and discuss how the transcription factor Twist and the epithelial-mesenchymal transition program impinge their biological functions during tumor metastasis.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Jing Yang
- Whitehead Institute for Biomedical Research, Cambridge Center, Cambridge, Massachusetts 02142, USA
| | | | | |
Collapse
|
38
|
Sandmann T, Jensen LJ, Jakobsen JS, Karzynski MM, Eichenlaub MP, Bork P, Furlong EEM. A Temporal Map of Transcription Factor Activity: Mef2 Directly Regulates Target Genes at All Stages of Muscle Development. Dev Cell 2006; 10:797-807. [PMID: 16740481 DOI: 10.1016/j.devcel.2006.04.009] [Citation(s) in RCA: 186] [Impact Index Per Article: 10.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/10/2006] [Revised: 03/27/2006] [Accepted: 04/05/2006] [Indexed: 01/10/2023]
Abstract
Dissecting components of key transcriptional networks is essential for understanding complex developmental processes and phenotypes. Genetic studies have highlighted the role of members of the Mef2 family of transcription factors as essential regulators in myogenesis from flies to man. To understand how these transcription factors control diverse processes in muscle development, we have combined chromatin immunoprecipitation analysis with gene expression profiling to obtain a temporal map of Mef2 activity during Drosophila embryonic development. This global approach revealed three temporal patterns of Mef2 enhancer binding, providing a glimpse of dynamic enhancer use within the context of a developing embryo. Our results provide mechanistic insight into the regulation of Mef2's activity at the level of DNA binding and suggest cooperativity with the bHLH protein Twist. The number and diversity of new direct target genes indicates a much broader role for Mef2, at all stages of myogenesis, than previously anticipated.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Thomas Sandmann
- European Molecular Biology Laboratory, D-69117 Heidelberg, Germany
| | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Collapse
|
39
|
Puisieux A, Valsesia-Wittmann S. [Cancer cells escape from failsafe programs in a simple Twist]. Bull Cancer 2006; 93:251-6. [PMID: 16567311] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/04/2006] [Accepted: 02/13/2006] [Indexed: 05/08/2023]
Abstract
A major obstacle to the expansion of abnormal cells with significant proliferative potential is the induction of either cellular senescence or programmed cell death. Consequently, oncogene-driven hyperproliferation must be associated with apoptosis inhibition to allow malignant outgrowth. The oncogenic cooperation of N-Myc and Twist 1 in the development of neuroblastoma, the most common and deadly solid tumour of childhood, perfectly illustrates such a process. N-Myc promotes cell proliferation whereas Twist 1 counteracts its pro-apoptotic properties by knocking-down the ARF/p53 pathway. This observation provides a mechanistic explanation for the rarity of p53 mutations in neuroblastomas. It also highlights the involvement of two crucial regulators of embryogenesis in human cancer development. In this review, we discuss the possible role of Twist 1 in tumour progression, based on the numerous recent studies reporting its overexpression in a variety of human cancers.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Alain Puisieux
- Unité Inserm 590, Centre Léon Bérard, 28, rue Laennec, 69008 Lyon.
| | | |
Collapse
|
40
|
Song LB, Liao WT, Mai HQ, Zhang HZ, Zhang L, Li MZ, Hou JH, Fu LW, Huang WL, Zeng YX, Zeng MS. The clinical significance of twist expression in nasopharyngeal carcinoma. Cancer Lett 2006; 242:258-65. [PMID: 16412561 DOI: 10.1016/j.canlet.2005.11.013] [Citation(s) in RCA: 76] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/27/2005] [Revised: 11/04/2005] [Accepted: 11/08/2005] [Indexed: 01/28/2023]
Abstract
The present study was aimed to determine twist expression in nasopharyngeal carcinoma (NPC) and to investigate the clinicopathological significance in the progress of NPC. Semiquantitative RT-PCR and Western blotting were carried out to investigate the expression of Twist in NPC cell lines and normal nasopharyngeal epithelial cell line, which showed that both Twist mRNA and protein were up-regulated in the tumor cells in comparison with the normal cells. We then examined Twist mRNA expression in non-cancerous nasopharyngeal mucosa (10 cases) and NPC (95 cases) using in situ hybridization. The results showed that Twist was overexpressed in 59 of 95 (62.1%) NPC samples. In contrast, there was no obvious expression of Twist mRNA in non-cancerous tissues. In addition, another 75 NPC samples were analyzed by immunohistochemistry, and 33 of the 75 samples were shown to be positive for Twist protein. Both Twist mRNA expression and Twist protein expression were positively associated with lymph-node metastasis and distant metastasis. Furthermore, expression of Twist protein was correlated with the NPC prognosis. Patients with NPC who were Twist protein-positive had a worse 5-year survival rate. These findings demonstrate that the Twist may play an important role in the invasion and metastasis of NPC. Twist protein is valuable marker for assessing the prognosis of NPC.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Li-Bing Song
- State Key Laboratory of Oncology in Southern China, Sun Yat-sen University Cancer Center, Guangzhou, China
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Collapse
|
41
|
Abstract
Major advances have been made in recent years toward the identification of transcription factors that control cell-type-specific gene expression in the skeletal and adaptive immune systems. However, the identification of factors necessary and sufficient to drive production of effector cell proteins such as matrix components and cytokines represents the first step toward understanding how cells in bone and the adaptive system achieve their highly specialized functions. Here, we provide selected examples of counter-regulatory mechanisms that serve to turn down cells involved in extracellular matrix biosynthesis and adaptive immunity at the level of the transcription factors Runx2 and nuclear factor for the activation of T cells.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Marc N Wein
- Department of Immunology and Infectious Diseases, Harvard School of Public Health, Boston, MA 02115, USA
| | | | | |
Collapse
|
42
|
Biemar F, Zinzen R, Ronshaugen M, Sementchenko V, Manak JR, Levine MS. Spatial regulation of microRNA gene expression in the Drosophila embryo. Proc Natl Acad Sci U S A 2005; 102:15907-11. [PMID: 16249329 PMCID: PMC1276093 DOI: 10.1073/pnas.0507817102] [Citation(s) in RCA: 77] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/18/2022] Open
Abstract
MicroRNAs (miRNAs) regulate posttranscriptional gene activity by binding to specific sequences in the 3' UTRs of target mRNAs. A number of metazoan miRNAs have been shown to exhibit tissue-specific patterns of expression. Here, we investigate the possibility that localized expression is mediated by tissue-specific enhancers, comparable to those seen for protein-coding genes. Two miRNA loci in Drosophila melanogaster are investigated, the mir-309-6 polycistron (8-miR) and the mir-1 gene. The 8-miR locus contains a cluster of eight distinct miRNAs that are transcribed in a common precursor RNA. The 8-miR primary transcript displays a dynamic pattern of expression in early embryos, including repression at the anterior and posterior poles. An 800-bp 5' enhancer was identified that recapitulates this complex pattern when attached to a RNA polymerase II core promoter fused to a lacZ-reporter gene. The miR-1 locus is specifically expressed in the mesoderm of gastrulating embryos. Bioinformatics methods were used to identify a mesoderm-specific enhancer located approximately 5 kb 5' of the miR-1 transcription unit. Evidence is presented that the 8-miR enhancer is regulated by the localized Huckebein repressor, whereas miR-1 is activated by Dorsal and Twist. These results provide evidence that restricted activities of the 8-miR and miR-1 miRNAs are mediated by classical tissue-specific enhancers.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Frédéric Biemar
- Division of Genetics and Development, Department of Molecular Cell Biology, Center for Integrative Genomics, University of California, Berkeley, CA 94720, USA
| | | | | | | | | | | |
Collapse
|