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Zhao J, Wu K, Yang Y, Liu D, Zhang C, Li X. Novel Pt(IV) complexes containing salvigenin ligand reverse cisplatin-induced resistance by inhibiting Rap1b-mediated cancer cell stemness in esophageal squamous cell carcinoma treatments. Bioorg Chem 2024; 147:107384. [PMID: 38643568 DOI: 10.1016/j.bioorg.2024.107384] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/26/2024] [Revised: 04/09/2024] [Accepted: 04/16/2024] [Indexed: 04/23/2024]
Abstract
Esophageal squamous cell carcinoma (ESCC) is a malignant tumor that is highly susceptible to metastasis, recurrence and resistance, and few therapeutic targets have been identified and proven effective. Herein, we demonstrated for the first time that Rap1b can positively regulate ESCC cell stemness, as well as designed and synthesized a novel class of Pt(IV) complexes that can effectively inhibit Raplb. In vitro biological studies showed that complex-1 exhibited stronger cytotoxicity than cisplatin and oxaliplatin against a variety of ESCC cells, and effectively reversed cisplatin-induced resistance of TE6 cells by increasing cellular accumulation of platinum and inhibiting cancer cell stemness. Significantly, complex-1 also exhibited strong ability to reversal cisplatin-induced cancer cell resistance and inhibit tumor growth in TE6/cDDP xenograft mice models, with a tumor growth inhibition rate of 73.3 % at 13 mg/kg and did not show significant systemic toxicity. Overall, Rap1b is a promising target to be developed as an effective treatment for ESCC. Complex-1, as the first Pt(IV) complex that can strongly inhibit Rap1b, is also worthy of further in-depth study.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jia Zhao
- Department of Thoracic Surgery, the First Affiliated Hospital of Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou 450000, PR China
| | - Kai Wu
- Department of Thoracic Surgery, the First Affiliated Hospital of Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou 450000, PR China
| | - Yang Yang
- Department of Thoracic Surgery, the First Affiliated Hospital of Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou 450000, PR China
| | - Donglei Liu
- Department of Thoracic Surgery, the First Affiliated Hospital of Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou 450000, PR China
| | - Chunyang Zhang
- Department of Thoracic Surgery, the First Affiliated Hospital of Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou 450000, PR China
| | - Xiangnan Li
- Department of Thoracic Surgery, the First Affiliated Hospital of Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou 450000, PR China.
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2
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Huang H, Jiang Y, Liu J, Luo D, Yuan J, Mu R, Yu X, Sun D, Lin J, Chen Q, Li X, Jiang M, Xu J, Chu B, Yin C, Zhang L, Ye Y, Cao B, Wang Q, Zhang Y. Jag1/2 maintain esophageal homeostasis and suppress foregut tumorigenesis by restricting the basal progenitor cell pool. Nat Commun 2024; 15:4124. [PMID: 38750026 PMCID: PMC11096375 DOI: 10.1038/s41467-024-48347-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/09/2023] [Accepted: 04/28/2024] [Indexed: 05/18/2024] Open
Abstract
Basal progenitor cells are crucial for maintaining foregut (the esophagus and forestomach) homeostasis. When their function is dysregulated, it can promote inflammation and tumorigenesis. However, the mechanisms underlying these processes remain largely unclear. Here, we employ genetic mouse models to reveal that Jag1/2 regulate esophageal homeostasis and foregut tumorigenesis by modulating the function of basal progenitor cells. Deletion of Jag1/2 in mice disrupts esophageal and forestomach epithelial homeostasis. Mechanistically, Jag1/2 deficiency impairs activation of Notch signaling, leading to reduced squamous epithelial differentiation and expansion of basal progenitor cells. Moreover, Jag1/2 deficiency exacerbates the deoxycholic acid (DCA)-induced squamous epithelial injury and accelerates the initiation of squamous cell carcinoma (SCC) in the forestomach. Importantly, expression levels of JAG1/2 are lower in the early stages of human esophageal squamous cell carcinoma (ESCC) carcinogenesis. Collectively, our study demonstrates that Jag1/2 are important for maintaining esophageal and forestomach homeostasis and the onset of foregut SCC.
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Affiliation(s)
- Haidi Huang
- State Key Laboratory of Microbial Metabolism, Joint International Research Laboratory of Metabolic and Developmental Sciences, School of Life Sciences and Biotechnology, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, Shanghai, 200240, PR China
| | - Yu Jiang
- State Key Laboratory of Microbial Metabolism, Joint International Research Laboratory of Metabolic and Developmental Sciences, School of Life Sciences and Biotechnology, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, Shanghai, 200240, PR China
| | - Jiangying Liu
- State Key Laboratory of Microbial Metabolism, Joint International Research Laboratory of Metabolic and Developmental Sciences, School of Life Sciences and Biotechnology, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, Shanghai, 200240, PR China
| | - Dan Luo
- State Key Laboratory of Microbial Metabolism, Joint International Research Laboratory of Metabolic and Developmental Sciences, School of Life Sciences and Biotechnology, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, Shanghai, 200240, PR China
| | - Jianghong Yuan
- State Key Laboratory of Microbial Metabolism, Joint International Research Laboratory of Metabolic and Developmental Sciences, School of Life Sciences and Biotechnology, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, Shanghai, 200240, PR China
| | - Rongzi Mu
- State Key Laboratory of Microbial Metabolism, Joint International Research Laboratory of Metabolic and Developmental Sciences, School of Life Sciences and Biotechnology, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, Shanghai, 200240, PR China
| | - Xiang Yu
- State Key Laboratory of Microbial Metabolism, Joint International Research Laboratory of Metabolic and Developmental Sciences, School of Life Sciences and Biotechnology, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, Shanghai, 200240, PR China
| | - Donglei Sun
- State Key Laboratory of Microbial Metabolism, Joint International Research Laboratory of Metabolic and Developmental Sciences, School of Life Sciences and Biotechnology, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, Shanghai, 200240, PR China
| | - Jihong Lin
- Department of Thoracic Surgery, Fujian Medical University Union Hospital, Fuzhou, 350001, PR China
| | - Qiyue Chen
- Department of Gastric Surgery, Fujian Medical University Union Hospital, Fuzhou, 350001, PR China
- Department of General Surgery, Fujian Medical University Union Hospital, Fuzhou, 350001, PR China
| | - Xinjing Li
- State Key Laboratory of Microbial Metabolism, Joint International Research Laboratory of Metabolic and Developmental Sciences, School of Life Sciences and Biotechnology, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, Shanghai, 200240, PR China
| | - Ming Jiang
- Center for Genetic Medicine, the Fourth Affiliated Hospital, Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Hangzhou, 310030, Zhejiang, PR China
| | - Jianming Xu
- Department of Molecular and Cellular Biology, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, TX, 77030, USA
| | - Bo Chu
- Department of Cell Biology, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Cheeloo College of Medicine, Shandong University, Jinan, 250012, Shandong, PR China
| | - Chengqian Yin
- Institute of Cancer Research, Shenzhen Bay Laboratory, Shenzhen, 518107, Guangdong, PR China
| | - Lei Zhang
- Institute of Cancer Research, Shenzhen Bay Laboratory, Shenzhen, 518107, Guangdong, PR China
- State Key Laboratory of Chemical Oncogenomics, School of Chemical Biology and Biotechnology, Peking University Shenzhen Graduate School, Shenzhen, 518055, Guangdong, PR China
| | - Youqiong Ye
- Department of Immunology and Microbiology, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai, 200025, PR China
| | - Bo Cao
- State Key Laboratory of Microbial Metabolism, Joint International Research Laboratory of Metabolic and Developmental Sciences, School of Life Sciences and Biotechnology, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, Shanghai, 200240, PR China
| | - Qiong Wang
- Department of Histoembryology, Genetics and Developmental Biology, Shanghai Key Laboratory of Reproductive Medicine, Key Laboratory of Cell Differentiation and Apoptosis of Chinese Ministry of Education, Shanghai Frontiers Science Center of Cellular Homeostasis and Human Diseases, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai, 200025, PR China.
| | - Yongchun Zhang
- State Key Laboratory of Microbial Metabolism, Joint International Research Laboratory of Metabolic and Developmental Sciences, School of Life Sciences and Biotechnology, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, Shanghai, 200240, PR China.
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Xiong G, Chen Z, Liu Q, Peng F, Zhang C, Cheng M, Ling R, Chen S, Liang Y, Chen D, Zhou Q. CD276 regulates the immune escape of esophageal squamous cell carcinoma through CXCL1-CXCR2 induced NETs. J Immunother Cancer 2024; 12:e008662. [PMID: 38724465 PMCID: PMC11086492 DOI: 10.1136/jitc-2023-008662] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 04/29/2024] [Indexed: 05/12/2024] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND CD276 (B7-H3), a pivotal immune checkpoint, facilitates tumorigenicity, invasiveness, and metastasis by escaping immune surveillance in a variety of tumors; however, the underlying mechanisms facilitating immune escape in esophageal squamous cell carcinoma (ESCC) remain enigmatic. METHODS We investigated the expression of CD276 in ESCC tissues from patients by using immunohistochemistry (IHC) assays. In vivo, we established a 4-nitroquinoline 1-oxide (4NQO)-induced CD276 knockout (CD276wKO) and K14cre; CD276 conditional knockout (CD276cKO) mouse model of ESCC to study the functional role of CD276 in ESCC. Furthermore, we used the 4NQO-induced mouse model to evaluate the effects of anti-CXCL1 antibodies, anti-Ly6G antibodies, anti-NK1.1 antibodies, and GSK484 inhibitors on tumor growth. Moreover, IHC, flow cytometry, and immunofluorescence techniques were employed to measure immune cell proportions in ESCC. In addition, we conducted single-cell RNA sequencing analysis to examine the alterations in tumor microenvironment following CD276 depletion. RESULTS In this study, we elucidate that CD276 is markedly upregulated in ESCC, correlating with poor prognosis. In vivo, our results indicate that depletion of CD276 inhibits tumorigenesis and progression of ESCC. Furthermore, conditional knockout of CD276 in epithelial cells engenders a significant downregulation of CXCL1, consequently reducing the formation of neutrophil extracellular trap networks (NETs) via the CXCL1-CXCR2 signaling axis, while simultaneously augmenting natural killer (NK) cells. In addition, overexpression of CD276 promotes tumorigenesis via increasing NETs' formation and reducing NK cells in vivo. CONCLUSIONS This study successfully elucidates the functional role of CD276 in ESCC. Our comprehensive analysis uncovers the significant role of CD276 in modulating immune surveillance mechanisms in ESCC, thereby suggesting that targeting CD276 might serve as a potential therapeutic approach for ESCC treatment.
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Affiliation(s)
- Gan Xiong
- Center for Translational Medicine, Sun Yat-sen University First Affiliated Hospital, Guangzhou, Guangdong, China
| | - Zhi Chen
- Center for Translational Medicine, Sun Yat-sen University First Affiliated Hospital, Guangzhou, Guangdong, China
| | - Qianwen Liu
- Department of Thoracic Oncology, Sun Yat-sen University Cancer Center, Guangzhou, Guangdong, China
| | - Fang Peng
- Department of Radiation Oncology, Sun Yat-sen University First Affiliated Hospital, Guangzhou, Guangdong, China
| | - Caihua Zhang
- Center for Translational Medicine, Sun Yat-sen University First Affiliated Hospital, Guangzhou, Guangdong, China
| | - Maosheng Cheng
- Center for Translational Medicine, Sun Yat-sen University First Affiliated Hospital, Guangzhou, Guangdong, China
| | - Rongsong Ling
- Institute for Advanced Study, Shenzhen University, Shenzhen, Guangdong, China
| | - Shuang Chen
- Center for Translational Medicine, Sun Yat-sen University First Affiliated Hospital, Guangzhou, Guangdong, China
| | - Yu Liang
- Center for Translational Medicine, Sun Yat-sen University First Affiliated Hospital, Guangzhou, Guangdong, China
| | - Demeng Chen
- Center for Translational Medicine, Sun Yat-sen University First Affiliated Hospital, Guangzhou, Guangdong, China
| | - Qimin Zhou
- Department of Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery, Shanghai Ninth People's Hospital, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai, China
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Guo H, Shu J, Hu G, Liu B, Li J, Sun J, Wang X, Liu H, Xiong S, Tang Y, Yin Y, Wang X. Downregulation of RCN1 inhibits esophageal squamous cell carcinoma progression and M2 macrophage polarization. PLoS One 2024; 19:e0302780. [PMID: 38713738 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0302780] [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] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/31/2024] [Accepted: 04/11/2024] [Indexed: 05/09/2024] Open
Abstract
Reticulocalbin 1 (RCN1) is a calcium-binding protein involved in the regulation of calcium homeostasis in the endoplasmic reticulum. The aim of this study was to explore the clinical value and biological role of RCN1 in esophageal squamous cell carcinoma (ESCC). In addition, we investigated the effect of RCN1 on the polarization of tumor-associated macrophages (TAMs). The GSE53625 dataset from the Gene Expression Omnibus database was used to analyze the expression of RCN1 mRNA and its relationship with clinical value and immune cell infiltration. Immunohistochemistry was used to validate the expression of RCN1 and its correlation with clinicopathological characteristics. Subsequently, transwell and cell scratch assays were conducted to evaluate the migration and invasion abilities of ESCC cells. The expression levels of epithelial-mesenchymal transition (EMT)-related proteins were evaluated by western blot, while apoptosis was detected by flow cytometry and western blot. Additionally, qRT‒PCR was utilized to evaluate the role of RCN1 in macrophage polarization. RCN1 was significantly upregulated in ESCC tissues and was closely associated with lymphatic metastasis and a poor prognosis, and was an independent prognostic factor for ESCC in patients. Knockdown of RCN1 significantly inhibited the migration, invasion, and EMT of ESCC cells, and promoted cell apoptosis. In addition, RCN1 downregulation inhibited M2 polarization. RCN1 is upregulated in ESCC patients and is negatively correlated with patient prognosis. Knocking down RCN1 inhibits ESCC progression and M2 polarization. RCN1 can serve as a potential diagnostic and prognostic indicator for ESCC, and targeting RCN1 is a very promising therapeutic strategy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Haiyang Guo
- Department of Gastroenterology, Affiliated Hospital of North Sichuan Medical College, Nanchong, Sichuan, China
| | - Jinghao Shu
- Department of Gastroenterology, Affiliated Hospital of North Sichuan Medical College, Nanchong, Sichuan, China
| | - Guangbing Hu
- Department of Gastroenterology, Affiliated Hospital of North Sichuan Medical College, Nanchong, Sichuan, China
| | - Bingyang Liu
- Department of Gastroenterology, Affiliated Hospital of North Sichuan Medical College, Nanchong, Sichuan, China
| | - Jie Li
- Department of Gastroenterology, Affiliated Hospital of North Sichuan Medical College, Nanchong, Sichuan, China
| | - Jinhong Sun
- Department of Gastroenterology, Affiliated Hospital of North Sichuan Medical College, Nanchong, Sichuan, China
| | - Xiaobo Wang
- Department of Gastroenterology, Affiliated Hospital of North Sichuan Medical College, Nanchong, Sichuan, China
| | - Han Liu
- Department of Gastroenterology, Affiliated Hospital of North Sichuan Medical College, Nanchong, Sichuan, China
| | - Shiyu Xiong
- Department of Gastroenterology, Affiliated Hospital of North Sichuan Medical College, Nanchong, Sichuan, China
| | - Yong Tang
- Department of Gastroenterology, Affiliated Hospital of North Sichuan Medical College, Nanchong, Sichuan, China
| | - Yaolin Yin
- Department of Gastroenterology, Affiliated Hospital of North Sichuan Medical College, Nanchong, Sichuan, China
| | - Xianfei Wang
- Department of Gastroenterology, Affiliated Hospital of North Sichuan Medical College, Nanchong, Sichuan, China
- Digestive Endoscopy Center, Affiliated Hospital of North Sichuan Medical College, Nanchong, Sichuan, China
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5
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Huang S, Zhang J, He P, Cui X, Hou Y, Su W, Li F. Radiation-induced upregulation of FGL1 promotes esophageal squamous cell carcinoma metastasis via IMPDH1. BMC Cancer 2024; 24:557. [PMID: 38702629 PMCID: PMC11067193 DOI: 10.1186/s12885-024-12313-7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/23/2024] [Accepted: 04/26/2024] [Indexed: 05/06/2024] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND While radiation therapy remains pivotal in esophageal squamous cell carcinoma (ESCC) treatment, the perplexing phenomenon of post-radiation metastasis presents a formidable clinical challenge. This study investigates the role of fibrinogen-like protein 1 (FGL1) in driving ESCC metastasis following radiation exposure. METHODS FGL1 expression in post-radiation ESCC cells was meticulously examined using qRT-PCR, western blotting, and immunofluorescence. The impact of FGL1 on ESCC cell invasion and migration was assessed through Transwell and wound healing assays. In vivo, the metastatic potential of ESCC in response to FGL1 was scrutinized using nude mice models. Comprehensive RNA sequencing and functional experiments elucidated the intricate mechanism associated with FGL1. RESULTS Radiation induced upregulation of FGL1 in ESCC cells through FOXO4, intensifying ESCC cell invasion and migration. Targeted knockdown of FGL1 effectively alleviated these characteristics both in vitro and in vivo. FGL1 depletion concurrently suppressed IMPDH1 expression. Rescue experiments underscored that IMPDH1 knockdown robustly reversed the pro-invasive effects induced by FGL1 in ESCC cells. ESCC tissues exhibited heightened IMPDH1 mRNA levels, demonstrating a correlation with patient survival. CONCLUSIONS Radiation-induced upregulation of FGL1 propels ESCC metastasis through IMPDH1, proposing a potential therapeutic target to mitigate post-radiotherapy metastasis in ESCC patients.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shan Huang
- Department of Radiation Oncology, Second Affiliated Hospital, Xi'an Jiaotong University, No.157, Xi Wu Road, Xi'an, 710004, ShaanXi, China.
| | - Jiayi Zhang
- Department of Radiation Oncology, Second Affiliated Hospital, Xi'an Jiaotong University, No.157, Xi Wu Road, Xi'an, 710004, ShaanXi, China
| | - Pu He
- Department of Radiation Oncology, Second Affiliated Hospital, Xi'an Jiaotong University, No.157, Xi Wu Road, Xi'an, 710004, ShaanXi, China
| | - Xinyue Cui
- Department of Radiation Oncology, Second Affiliated Hospital, Xi'an Jiaotong University, No.157, Xi Wu Road, Xi'an, 710004, ShaanXi, China
| | - Yuzhu Hou
- Department of Pathogenic Microbiology and Immunology, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Xi'an Jiaotong University, Xi'an, ShaanXi, China
| | - Wanghui Su
- Department of Radiation Oncology, Second Affiliated Hospital, Xi'an Jiaotong University, No.157, Xi Wu Road, Xi'an, 710004, ShaanXi, China
| | - Fang Li
- Department of Radiation Oncology, Second Affiliated Hospital, Xi'an Jiaotong University, No.157, Xi Wu Road, Xi'an, 710004, ShaanXi, China
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6
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Xue Z, Nuerrula Y, Sitiwaerdi Y, Eli M. Nuclear factor erythroid 2-related factor 2 promotes radioresistance by regulating glutamate-cysteine ligase modifier subunit and its unique immunoinvasive pattern. Biomol Biomed 2024; 24:545-559. [PMID: 38340316 PMCID: PMC11088896 DOI: 10.17305/bb.2024.10184] [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] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/17/2023] [Accepted: 02/04/2024] [Indexed: 02/12/2024]
Abstract
The enzyme glutamate-cysteine ligase modifier subunit (GCLM) serves as the initial rate-limiting factor in glutathione (GSH) synthesis. GSH is the preferred substrate for glutathione peroxidase 4 (GPX4), directly impacting its activity and stability. This study aims to elucidate the expression of GCLM and its correlation with the nuclear factor erythroid 2-related factor 2 (NFE2L2), commonly referred to as NRF2, in esophageal squamous cell carcinoma (ESCC) and further investigate the potential signaling axis of radiotherapy resistance caused by NRF2-mediated regulation of ferroptosis in ESCC. The expression of NRF2, GCLM, and GPX4 in ESCC was analyzed by bioinformatics, and their relationship with ferroptosis was verified through cell function experiments. Their role in radioresistance was then investigated through multiple validation steps. Bioinformatics analysis was employed to determine the immune infiltration pattern of NRF2 in ESCC. Furthermore, the effect of NRF2-mediated massive macrophage M2 infiltration on radiotherapy and ferroptosis was validated through in vivo experiments. In vitro assays demonstrated that overactivated NRF2 promotes radioresistance by directly binding to the promoter region of GCLM. The Tumor Immune Estimation Resource (TIMER) and quanTIseq analyses revealed NRF2 enrichment in M2 macrophages with a positive correlation. Co-culturing KYSE450 cells with M2 macrophages demonstrated that a significant infiltration of macrophages M2 can render ESCC cells resistant to radiotherapy but restore their sensitivity to ferroptosis in the process. Our study elucidates a link between the NRF2-GCLM-GSH-GPX4 signaling axis in ESCC, highlighting its potential as a therapeutic target for antagonistic biomarkers of resistance in the future. Additionally, it provides a novel treatment avenue for ESCC metastasis and radioresistance.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zhaoyuan Xue
- Department of Oncology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Xinjiang Medical University, Urumqi, China
| | - Yiliyaer Nuerrula
- Department of Oncology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Xinjiang Medical University, Urumqi, China
| | - Yilidana Sitiwaerdi
- Department of Oncology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Xinjiang Medical University, Urumqi, China
| | - Mayinur Eli
- Department of Oncology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Xinjiang Medical University, Urumqi, China
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Gao M, Wu J, Zhou S, Chen Y, Wang M, He W, Jiang L, Shu Y, Wang X. Combining fecal microbiome and metabolomics reveals diagnostic biomarkers for esophageal squamous cell carcinoma. Microbiol Spectr 2024; 12:e0401223. [PMID: 38497715 PMCID: PMC11064534 DOI: 10.1128/spectrum.04012-23] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/22/2023] [Accepted: 02/28/2024] [Indexed: 03/19/2024] Open
Abstract
Esophageal squamous cell carcinoma (ESCC) is one of the most predominant subtypes of esophageal cancer. The characteristics of the gut microbiome and its metabolites from patients with ESCC have not been adequately studied and discussed. In this study, 40 fecal samples (20 from ESCC patients and 20 from healthy controls) were analyzed by 16S rRNA gene sequencing and untargeted metabolomics. The data sets were analyzed individually and synthesized using various bioinformatics methods. Alpha and beta diversity indicated significant differences in microbial diversity and abundance between ESCC and healthy control feces. At the genus level, the abundance of Phascolarctobacterium, Sutterella, and Streptococcus was significantly increased in ESCC. At the genus level, linear discriminant analysis effect size identified two biomarkers: Bacteroides_stercoris and Prevotella_copri. Untargeted metabolomics analysis revealed 307 differential metabolites between ESCC and healthy control feces, with indoles and derivatives, tropane alkaloids, lipids, and lipid-like molecules in higher relative abundance in ESCC feces than in healthy control feces. Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genomes enrichment analysis revealed that unsaturated fatty acids (FAs), ascorbate and aldarate metabolism, and hypoxia-inducible factor 1 signaling pathway were significantly associated with differential metabolite. Phenylethanolamine and despropionyl p-fluoro fentanyl could be used as reliable biomarkers to differentiate ESCC from healthy control. The correlation analysis showed that Prevotella may be involved in the synthesis of fatty acyl, carboxylic acids and derivatives, benzenes and substituted derivatives, organic oxygenates, and indoles and derivatives as metabolites. Fusicatenibacter and Lachnospira may be involved in the degradation of indoles and derivatives. Alistipes, Agathobacter, and Parabacteroides may be involved in the synthesis of indoles and derivatives with strong contributions. There is an intricate relationship between the gut microbiome and the levels of several metabolites (e.g., fatty acyls, carboxylic acids and derivatives, indoles, and derivatives). Microbial-associated metabolites can be used as diagnostic biomarkers in therapeutic exploration. Further analysis revealed that Prevotella, Alistipes, Agathobacter, and Parabacteroides might promote ESCC by regulating the synthesis of indoles and their derivatives. The results of this study provide favorable evidence for the early diagnosis of ESCC and subsequent individualized treatment and targeted interventions.IMPORTANCEWe describe for the first time the differences in fecal microbiome composition and metabolites between patients with esophageal squamous cell carcinoma (ESCC) and healthy controls by 16S rRNA gene sequencing and untargeted metabolomics. The results of this study provide a favorable basis for the early diagnosis of ESCC and subsequent targeted interventional therapy.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Jun Wu
- Clinical Medical College of Yangzhou University, Yangzhou, China
| | - Siding Zhou
- Clinical Medical College of Yangzhou University, Yangzhou, China
| | - Yong Chen
- Dalian Medical University, Dalian, China
| | | | - Wenbo He
- Clinical Medical College of Yangzhou University, Yangzhou, China
| | - Lei Jiang
- Department of Thoracic Surgery, Northern Jiangsu People’s Hospital, Yangzhou, China
| | - Yusheng Shu
- Department of Thoracic Surgery, Northern Jiangsu People’s Hospital, Yangzhou, China
| | - Xiaolin Wang
- Department of Thoracic Surgery, Northern Jiangsu People’s Hospital, Yangzhou, China
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8
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Ichikawa H, Ishikawa T, Sugai M, Muneoka Y, Kano Y, Ueki H, Abe S, Moro K, Hirose Y, Miura K, Shimada Y, Sakata J, Wakai T. Prognostic Significance of NQO1 Expression in Non-neoplastic Esophageal Squamous Epithelium for Patients With Esophageal Cancer. Anticancer Res 2024; 44:1915-1924. [PMID: 38677747 DOI: 10.21873/anticanres.16993] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/13/2024] [Revised: 03/26/2024] [Accepted: 03/27/2024] [Indexed: 04/29/2024]
Abstract
BACKGROUND/AIM NAD(P)H dehydrogenase [quinone] 1 (NQO1), an antioxidant enzyme, confers resistance to anticancer agents. NQO1 C609T is a single-nucleotide polymorphism associated with reduced protein expression in the non-neoplastic esophageal squamous epithelium (ESE). This study aimed to investigate immunohistochemical NQO1 expression in non-neoplastic ESE and to elucidate its prognostic significance in patients with esophageal squamous cell carcinoma (ESCC) undergoing neoadjuvant therapy followed by esophagectomy. MATERIALS AND METHODS NQO1 expression in non-neoplastic ESE was determined in surgical specimens from 83 patients with ESCC using immunohistochemistry. The association between NQO1 expression and clinicopathological factors, and the prognostic significance of NQO1 expression for relapse-free survival (RFS) were statistically evaluated. RESULTS Patients with complete loss or weak NQO1 expression and patients with moderate or strong NQO1 expression were classified into the NQO1-negative (n=29) and NQO1-positive (n=54) groups, respectively. The downstaging of T classification status after neoadjuvant therapy was significantly more frequent in the NQO1-negative group than in the NQO1-positive group (59% vs. 33%; p=0.036). The NQO1-negative group had significantly more favorable RFS than the NQO1-positive group (p=0.035). Multivariate survival analysis demonstrated that NQO1 negative expression had a favorable prognostic impact on RFS (HR=0.332; 95%CI=0.136-0.812; p=0.016). CONCLUSION Immunohistochemical evaluation of NQO1 expression in non-neoplastic ESE has clinical utility for predicting patient prognosis after neoadjuvant therapy followed by esophagectomy and might be helpful for selecting candidates for adjuvant therapy to treat ESCC.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hiroshi Ichikawa
- Division of Digestive and General Surgery, Niigata University Graduate School of Medical and Dental Sciences, Niigata, Japan;
| | - Takashi Ishikawa
- Division of Digestive and General Surgery, Niigata University Graduate School of Medical and Dental Sciences, Niigata, Japan
| | - Mika Sugai
- Division of Medical Technology, Niigata University Graduate School of Health Sciences, Niigata, Japan
| | - Yusuke Muneoka
- Division of Digestive and General Surgery, Niigata University Graduate School of Medical and Dental Sciences, Niigata, Japan
| | - Yosuke Kano
- Division of Digestive and General Surgery, Niigata University Graduate School of Medical and Dental Sciences, Niigata, Japan
| | - Hiroto Ueki
- Division of Digestive and General Surgery, Niigata University Graduate School of Medical and Dental Sciences, Niigata, Japan
| | - Shun Abe
- Division of Digestive and General Surgery, Niigata University Graduate School of Medical and Dental Sciences, Niigata, Japan
| | - Kazuki Moro
- Division of Digestive and General Surgery, Niigata University Graduate School of Medical and Dental Sciences, Niigata, Japan
| | - Yuki Hirose
- Division of Digestive and General Surgery, Niigata University Graduate School of Medical and Dental Sciences, Niigata, Japan
| | - Kohei Miura
- Division of Digestive and General Surgery, Niigata University Graduate School of Medical and Dental Sciences, Niigata, Japan
| | - Yoshifumi Shimada
- Division of Digestive and General Surgery, Niigata University Graduate School of Medical and Dental Sciences, Niigata, Japan
| | - Jun Sakata
- Division of Digestive and General Surgery, Niigata University Graduate School of Medical and Dental Sciences, Niigata, Japan
| | - Toshifumi Wakai
- Division of Digestive and General Surgery, Niigata University Graduate School of Medical and Dental Sciences, Niigata, Japan
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9
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Zhu G, Guan F, Li S, Zhang Q, Zhang X, Qin Y, Sun Z, Peng S, Cheng J, Li Y, Ren R, Fan T, Liu H. Glutaminase potentiates the glycolysis in esophageal squamous cell carcinoma by interacting with PDK1. Mol Carcinog 2024; 63:897-911. [PMID: 38353358 DOI: 10.1002/mc.23696] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/08/2023] [Revised: 12/14/2023] [Accepted: 01/24/2024] [Indexed: 04/13/2024]
Abstract
Increasing evidence has demonstrated that glutaminase (GLS) as a key mitochondrial enzyme plays a pivotal role in glutaminolysis, which widely participates in glutamine metabolism serving as main energy sources and building blocks for tumor growth. However, the roles and molecular mechanisms of GLS in esophageal squamous cell carcinoma (ESCC) remains unknown. Here, we found that GLS was highly expressed in ESCC tissues and cells. GLS inhibitor CB-839 significantly suppressed cell proliferation, colony formation, migration and invasion of ESCC cells, whereas GLS overexpression displayed the opposite effects. In addition, CB-839 markedly suppressed glucose consumption and lactate production, coupled with the downregulation of glycolysis-related proteins HK2, PFKM, PKM2 and LDHA, whereas GLS overexpression exhibited the adverse results. In vivo animal experiment revealed that CB-839 dramatically suppressed tumor growth, whereas GLS overexpression promoted tumor growth in ESCC cells xenografted nude mice. Mechanistically, GLS was localized in mitochondria of ESCC cells, which interacted with PDK1 protein. CB-839 attenuated the interaction of GLS and PDK1 in ESCC cells by suppressing PDK1 expression, which further evoked the downregulation of p-PDHA1 (s293), however, GLS overexpression markedly enhanced the level of p-PDHA1 (s293). These findings suggest that interaction of GLS with PDK1 accelerates the glycolysis of ESCC cells by inactivating PDH enzyme, and thus targeting GLS may be a novel therapeutic approach for ESCC patients.
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Affiliation(s)
- Guangzhao Zhu
- School of Life Sciences, Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou, Henan, China
| | - Fangxia Guan
- School of Life Sciences, Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou, Henan, China
| | - Shenglei Li
- Department of Pathology, the First Affiliated Hospital of Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou, Henan, China
| | - Qing Zhang
- The Fifth Clinical Medical College of Henan University of Chinese Medicine (Zhengzhou People's Hospital), Translational Medicine Research Center Zhengzhou, Henan, China
| | - Xueying Zhang
- School of Life Sciences, Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou, Henan, China
| | - Yue Qin
- School of Life Sciences, Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou, Henan, China
| | - Zhangzhan Sun
- School of Life Sciences, Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou, Henan, China
| | - Shaohua Peng
- School of Life Sciences, Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou, Henan, China
| | - Jiexing Cheng
- School of Life Sciences, Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou, Henan, China
| | - Yiyang Li
- School of Life Sciences, Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou, Henan, China
| | - Ruili Ren
- School of Life Sciences, Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou, Henan, China
| | - Tianli Fan
- Department of Pharmacology, School of Basic Medicine, Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou, Henan, China
| | - Hongtao Liu
- School of Life Sciences, Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou, Henan, China
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10
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Jin X, Liu L, Liu D, Wu J, Wang C, Wang S, Wang F, Yu G, Jin X, Xue YW, Jiang D, Ni Y, Yang X, Wang MS, Wang ZW, Orlov YL, Jia W, Melino G, Liu JB, Chen WL. Unveiling the methionine cycle: a key metabolic signature and NR4A2 as a methionine-responsive oncogene in esophageal squamous cell carcinoma. Cell Death Differ 2024; 31:558-573. [PMID: 38570607 PMCID: PMC11094133 DOI: 10.1038/s41418-024-01285-7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/10/2023] [Revised: 03/13/2024] [Accepted: 03/18/2024] [Indexed: 04/05/2024] Open
Abstract
Esophageal squamous cell carcinoma (ESCC) is a deadly malignancy with notable metabolic reprogramming, yet the pivotal metabolic feature driving ESCC progression remains elusive. Here, we show that methionine cycle exhibits robust activation in ESCC and is reversely associated with patient survival. ESCC cells readily harness exogenous methionine to generate S-adenosyl-methionine (SAM), thus promoting cell proliferation. Mechanistically, methionine augments METTL3-mediated RNA m6A methylation through SAM and revises gene expression. Integrative omics analysis highlights the potent influence of methionine/SAM on NR4A2 expression in a tumor-specific manner, mediated by the IGF2BP2-dependent stabilization of methylated NR4A2 mRNA. We demonstrate that NR4A2 facilitates ESCC growth and negatively impacts patient survival. We further identify celecoxib as an effective inhibitor of NR4A2, offering promise as a new anti-ESCC agent. In summary, our findings underscore the active methionine cycle as a critical metabolic characteristic in ESCC, and pinpoint NR4A2 as a novel methionine-responsive oncogene, thereby presenting a compelling target potentially superior to methionine restriction.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xing Jin
- Cancer Institute, Longhua Hospital, Shanghai University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Shanghai, 200032, China
- Shanghai Frontiers Science Center of Disease and Syndrome Biology of Inflammatory Cancer Transformation, Shanghai, 200032, China
| | - Lei Liu
- Department of Thoracic Surgery, The Affiliated Tumor Hospital of Nantong University, Nantong, 226300, China
- School of Medicine, Southeast University, Nanjing, 210009, China
| | - Dan Liu
- Cancer Institute, Longhua Hospital, Shanghai University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Shanghai, 200032, China
- Shanghai Frontiers Science Center of Disease and Syndrome Biology of Inflammatory Cancer Transformation, Shanghai, 200032, China
| | - Jia Wu
- Cancer Institute, Longhua Hospital, Shanghai University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Shanghai, 200032, China
- Shanghai Frontiers Science Center of Disease and Syndrome Biology of Inflammatory Cancer Transformation, Shanghai, 200032, China
| | - Congcong Wang
- Cancer Institute, Longhua Hospital, Shanghai University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Shanghai, 200032, China
- Shanghai Frontiers Science Center of Disease and Syndrome Biology of Inflammatory Cancer Transformation, Shanghai, 200032, China
| | - Siliang Wang
- Cancer Institute, Longhua Hospital, Shanghai University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Shanghai, 200032, China
- Shanghai Frontiers Science Center of Disease and Syndrome Biology of Inflammatory Cancer Transformation, Shanghai, 200032, China
| | - Fengying Wang
- Cancer Institute, Longhua Hospital, Shanghai University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Shanghai, 200032, China
- Shanghai Frontiers Science Center of Disease and Syndrome Biology of Inflammatory Cancer Transformation, Shanghai, 200032, China
| | - Guanzhen Yu
- Department of Oncology, Longhua Hospital, Shanghai University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Shanghai, 200032, China
- Laboratory of Digital Health and Artificial Intelligence, Zhejiang Digital Content Research Institute, Shaoxing, 312000, China
| | - Xiaoxia Jin
- Department of Pathology, The Affiliated Tumor Hospital of Nantong University, Nantong, 226300, China
| | - Yu-Wen Xue
- Pathology department, Longhua Hospital, Shanghai University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Shanghai, 200032, China
| | - Dan Jiang
- Pathology department, Longhua Hospital, Shanghai University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Shanghai, 200032, China
| | - Yan Ni
- The Children's Hospital, Zhejiang University School of Medicine, National Clinical Research Center for Child Health, Hangzhou, 310029, China
| | - Xi Yang
- Department of Oncology, Shanxi Provincial Hospital of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Shanxi, 030001, China
| | - Ming-Song Wang
- Department of Thoracic Surgery, Shanghai Ninth People's Hospital, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai, 200011, China
| | - Zhi-Wei Wang
- Department of Breast, The International Peace Maternity and Child Health Hospital, School of Medicine, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, Shanghai, 200030, China
| | - Yuriy L Orlov
- The Digital Health Institute, I.M. Sechenov First Moscow State Medical University of the Ministry of Health of the Russian Federation (Sechenov University), Moscow, 119991, Russia
- Institute of Cytology and Genetics, Siberian Branch of the Russian Academy of Sciences, 630090, Novosibirsk, Russia
- Life Sciences Department, Novosibirsk State University, Novosibirsk, 630090, Russia
- Institute of Life Sciences and Biomedicine, Far Eastern Federal University, Vladivostok, 690922, Russia
- Agrarian and Technological Institute, Peoples' Friendship University of Russia, Moscow, 117198, Russia
| | - Wei Jia
- Department of Pharmacology and Pharmacy, Faculty of Medicine, University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong, China
| | - Gerry Melino
- Department of Experimental Medicine, University of Rome "Tor Vergata", 00133, Rome, Italy
| | - Ji-Bin Liu
- Cancer Institute, The Affiliated Tumor Hospital of Nantong University, Nantong, 226361, China
| | - Wen-Lian Chen
- Cancer Institute, Longhua Hospital, Shanghai University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Shanghai, 200032, China.
- Shanghai Frontiers Science Center of Disease and Syndrome Biology of Inflammatory Cancer Transformation, Shanghai, 200032, China.
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11
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Song M, Qu Y, Jia H, Zhang Y, Liu S, Laster KV, Choi BY, Tian J, Gu T, Chen H, Liu K, Lee MH, Dong Z. Targeting TAOK1 with resveratrol inhibits esophageal squamous cell carcinoma growth in vitro and in vivo. Mol Carcinog 2024; 63:991-1008. [PMID: 38376345 DOI: 10.1002/mc.23703] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/09/2023] [Revised: 01/23/2024] [Accepted: 02/05/2024] [Indexed: 02/21/2024]
Abstract
The worldwide incidence and mortality rates of esophageal squamous cell carcinoma (ESCC) have increased over the last decade. Moreover, molecular targets that may benefit the therapeutics of patients with ESCC have not been fully characterized. Our study discovered that thousand and one amino-acid protein kinase 1 (TAOK1) is highly expressed in ESCC tumor tissues and cell lines. Knock-down of TAOK1 suppresses ESCC cell proliferation in vitro and patient-derived xenograft or cell-derived xenograft tumors growth in vivo. Moreover, TAOK1 overexpression promotes ESCC growth in vitro and in vivo. Additionally, we identified that the natural small molecular compound resveratrol binds to TAOK1 directly and diminishes the kinase activity of TAOK1. Targeting TAOK1 directly with resveratrol significantly inhibits cell proliferation, induces cell cycle arrest and apoptosis, and suppresses tumor growth in ESCC. Furthermore, the silencing of TAOK1 or the application of resveratrol attenuated the activation of TAOK1 downstream signaling effectors. Interestingly, combining resveratrol with paclitaxel, cisplatin, or 5-fluorouracil synergistically enhanced their therapeutic effects against ESCC. In conclusion, this work illustrates the underlying oncogenic function of TAOK1 and provides a theoretical basis for the application of targeting TAOK1 therapy to the clinical treatment of ESCC.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mengqiu Song
- Department of Pathophysiology, School of Basic Medical Sciences, College of Medicine, Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou, Henan, China
- China-US (Henan) Hormel Cancer Institute, Zhengzhou, Henan, China
- State Key Laboratory of Esophageal Cancer Prevention and Treatment, Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou, Henan, China
| | - Yingzi Qu
- China-US (Henan) Hormel Cancer Institute, Zhengzhou, Henan, China
- The Academy of Medical Science, College of Medicine, Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou, Henan, China
| | - Huajie Jia
- China-US (Henan) Hormel Cancer Institute, Zhengzhou, Henan, China
- The Academy of Medical Science, College of Medicine, Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou, Henan, China
| | - Yunqing Zhang
- China-US (Henan) Hormel Cancer Institute, Zhengzhou, Henan, China
- The Academy of Medical Science, College of Medicine, Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou, Henan, China
| | - Shihui Liu
- China-US (Henan) Hormel Cancer Institute, Zhengzhou, Henan, China
- The Academy of Medical Science, College of Medicine, Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou, Henan, China
| | | | - Bu Young Choi
- Department of Pharmaceutical Science & Engineering, Seowon University, Cheongju, South Korea
| | - Jie Tian
- China-US (Henan) Hormel Cancer Institute, Zhengzhou, Henan, China
- The Academy of Medical Science, College of Medicine, Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou, Henan, China
| | - Tingxuan Gu
- China-US (Henan) Hormel Cancer Institute, Zhengzhou, Henan, China
- The Academy of Medical Science, College of Medicine, Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou, Henan, China
| | - Hanyong Chen
- The Hormel Institute, University of Minnesota, Austin, Minnesota, USA
| | - Kangdong Liu
- Department of Pathophysiology, School of Basic Medical Sciences, College of Medicine, Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou, Henan, China
- China-US (Henan) Hormel Cancer Institute, Zhengzhou, Henan, China
- State Key Laboratory of Esophageal Cancer Prevention and Treatment, Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou, Henan, China
- The Academy of Medical Science, College of Medicine, Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou, Henan, China
- Provincial Cooperative Innovation Center for Cancer Chemoprevention, Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou, China
- Cancer Chemoprevention International Collaboration Laboratory, Zhengzhou, China
| | - Mee-Hyun Lee
- China-US (Henan) Hormel Cancer Institute, Zhengzhou, Henan, China
- College of Korean Medicine, Dongshin University, Naju, Republic of Korea
| | - Zigang Dong
- Department of Pathophysiology, School of Basic Medical Sciences, College of Medicine, Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou, Henan, China
- China-US (Henan) Hormel Cancer Institute, Zhengzhou, Henan, China
- State Key Laboratory of Esophageal Cancer Prevention and Treatment, Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou, Henan, China
- The Academy of Medical Science, College of Medicine, Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou, Henan, China
- Cancer Chemoprevention International Collaboration Laboratory, Zhengzhou, China
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12
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Xia WF, Zheng XL, Liu WY, Huang YT, Wen CJ, Zhou HH, Wu QC, Wu LX. Romidepsin exhibits anti-esophageal squamous cell carcinoma activity through the DDIT4-mTORC1 pathway. Cancer Gene Ther 2024; 31:778-789. [PMID: 38480975 DOI: 10.1038/s41417-024-00760-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/07/2023] [Revised: 03/06/2024] [Accepted: 03/06/2024] [Indexed: 05/19/2024]
Abstract
Esophageal squamous cell carcinoma (ESCC) is one of the most common human malignancies worldwide and is associated with high morbidity and mortality. Current treatment options are limited, highlighting the need for development of novel effective agents. Here, a high-throughput drug screening (HTS) was performed using ESCC cell lines in both two- and three-dimensional culture systems to screen compounds that have anti-ESCC activity. Our screen identified romidepsin, a histone deactylase inhibitor, as a potential anti-ESCC agent. Romidepsin treatment decreased cell viability, induced apoptosis and cell cycle arrest in ESCC cell lines, and these findings were confirmed in ESCC cell line-derived xenografted (CDX) mouse models. Mechanically, romidepsin induced transcriptional upregulation of DNA damage-inducible transcript 4 (DDIT4) gene by histone hyperacetylation at its promoter region, leading to the inhibition of mammalian target of rapamycin complex 1 (mTORC1) pathway. Furthermore, romidepsin exhibited better efficacy and safety compared to the conventional therapeutic drugs in ESCC patient-derived xenografted (PDX) mouse models. These data indicate that romidepsin may be a novel option for anti-ESCC therapy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Wei-Feng Xia
- Department of Cardiothoracic Surgery, The First Affiliated Hospital of Chongqing Medical University, Chongqing, 400016, China
| | - Xiao-Li Zheng
- Institute of Life Sciences, Chongqing Medical University, Chongqing, 400016, China
| | - Wen-Yi Liu
- Institute of Life Sciences, Chongqing Medical University, Chongqing, 400016, China
| | - Yu-Tang Huang
- Institute of Life Sciences, Chongqing Medical University, Chongqing, 400016, China
| | - Chun-Jie Wen
- Institute of Life Sciences, Chongqing Medical University, Chongqing, 400016, China
| | - Hong-Hao Zhou
- Pharmacogenetics Research Institute, Institute of Clinical Pharmacology, Central South University, Changsha, 410078, China
| | - Qing-Chen Wu
- Department of Cardiothoracic Surgery, The First Affiliated Hospital of Chongqing Medical University, Chongqing, 400016, China.
| | - Lan-Xiang Wu
- Institute of Life Sciences, Chongqing Medical University, Chongqing, 400016, China.
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13
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Miyako S, Koma YI, Nakanishi T, Tsukamoto S, Yamanaka K, Ishihara N, Azumi Y, Urakami S, Shimizu M, Kodama T, Nishio M, Shigeoka M, Kakeji Y, Yokozaki H. Periostin in Cancer-Associated Fibroblasts Promotes Esophageal Squamous Cell Carcinoma Progression by Enhancing Cancer and Stromal Cell Migration. Am J Pathol 2024; 194:828-848. [PMID: 38320632 DOI: 10.1016/j.ajpath.2023.12.010] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/03/2023] [Revised: 12/15/2023] [Accepted: 12/27/2023] [Indexed: 02/08/2024]
Abstract
Cancer-associated fibroblasts (CAFs) in the tumor microenvironment are involved in the progression of various cancers, including esophageal squamous cell carcinoma (ESCC). CAF-like cells were generated through direct co-culture of human bone marrow-derived mesenchymal stem cells, one of CAF origins, with ESCC cells. Periostin (POSTN) was found to be highly expressed in CAF-like cells. After direct co-culture, ESCC cells showed increased malignant phenotypes, such as survival, growth, and migration, as well as increased phosphorylation of Akt and extracellular signal-regulated kinase (Erk). Recombinant human POSTN activated Akt and Erk signaling pathways in ESCC cells, enhancing survival and migration. The suppression of POSTN in CAF-like cells by siRNA during direct co-culture also suppressed enhanced survival and migration in ESCC cells. In ESCC cells, knockdown of POSTN receptor integrin β4 inhibited Akt and Erk phosphorylation, and survival and migration increased by POSTN. POSTN also enhanced mesenchymal stem cell and macrophage migration and endowed macrophages with tumor-associated macrophage-like properties. Immunohistochemistry showed that high POSTN expression in the cancer stroma was significantly associated with tumor invasion depth, lymphatic and blood vessel invasion, higher pathologic stage, CAF marker expression, and infiltrating tumor-associated macrophage numbers. Moreover, patients with ESCC with high POSTN expression exhibited poor postoperative outcomes. Thus, CAF-secreted POSTN contributed to tumor microenvironment development. These results indicate that POSTN may be a novel therapeutic target for ESCC.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shoji Miyako
- Division of Pathology, Department of Pathology, Kobe University Graduate School of Medicine, Kobe, Japan; Division of Gastro-intestinal Surgery, Department of Surgery, Kobe University Graduate School of Medicine, Kobe, Japan
| | - Yu-Ichiro Koma
- Division of Pathology, Department of Pathology, Kobe University Graduate School of Medicine, Kobe, Japan.
| | - Takashi Nakanishi
- Division of Pathology, Department of Pathology, Kobe University Graduate School of Medicine, Kobe, Japan; Division of Gastro-intestinal Surgery, Department of Surgery, Kobe University Graduate School of Medicine, Kobe, Japan
| | - Shuichi Tsukamoto
- Division of Pathology, Department of Pathology, Kobe University Graduate School of Medicine, Kobe, Japan
| | - Keitaro Yamanaka
- Division of Pathology, Department of Pathology, Kobe University Graduate School of Medicine, Kobe, Japan; Division of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Department of Surgery Related, Kobe University Graduate School of Medicine, Kobe, Japan
| | - Nobuaki Ishihara
- Division of Pathology, Department of Pathology, Kobe University Graduate School of Medicine, Kobe, Japan; Division of Hepato-Biliary-Pancreatic Surgery, Department of Surgery, Kobe University Graduate School of Medicine, Kobe, Japan
| | - Yuki Azumi
- Division of Pathology, Department of Pathology, Kobe University Graduate School of Medicine, Kobe, Japan; Division of Gastro-intestinal Surgery, Department of Surgery, Kobe University Graduate School of Medicine, Kobe, Japan
| | - Satoshi Urakami
- Division of Pathology, Department of Pathology, Kobe University Graduate School of Medicine, Kobe, Japan; Division of Gastroenterology, Department of Internal Medicine, Kobe University Graduate School of Medicine, Kobe, Japan
| | - Masaki Shimizu
- Division of Gastro-intestinal Surgery, Department of Surgery, Kobe University Graduate School of Medicine, Kobe, Japan
| | - Takayuki Kodama
- Division of Pathology, Department of Pathology, Kobe University Graduate School of Medicine, Kobe, Japan
| | - Mari Nishio
- Division of Pathology, Department of Pathology, Kobe University Graduate School of Medicine, Kobe, Japan
| | - Manabu Shigeoka
- Division of Pathology, Department of Pathology, Kobe University Graduate School of Medicine, Kobe, Japan
| | - Yoshihiro Kakeji
- Division of Gastro-intestinal Surgery, Department of Surgery, Kobe University Graduate School of Medicine, Kobe, Japan
| | - Hiroshi Yokozaki
- Division of Pathology, Department of Pathology, Kobe University Graduate School of Medicine, Kobe, Japan
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14
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Liu YQ, Xu YW, Zheng ZT, Li D, Hong CQ, Dai HQ, Wang JH, Chu LY, Liao LD, Zou HY, Li EM, Xie JJ, Fang WK. Serine/threonine-protein kinase D2-mediated phosphorylation of DSG2 threonine 730 promotes esophageal squamous cell carcinoma progression. J Pathol 2024; 263:99-112. [PMID: 38411280 DOI: 10.1002/path.6264] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/30/2023] [Revised: 12/23/2023] [Accepted: 01/16/2024] [Indexed: 02/28/2024]
Abstract
Desmoglein-2 (DSG2) is a transmembrane glycoprotein belonging to the desmosomal cadherin family, which mediates cell-cell junctions; regulates cell proliferation, migration, and invasion; and promotes tumor development and metastasis. We previously showed serum DSG2 to be a potential biomarker for the diagnosis of esophageal squamous cell carcinoma (ESCC), although the significance and underlying molecular mechanisms were not identified. Here, we found that DSG2 was increased in ESCC tissues compared with adjacent tissues. In addition, we demonstrated that DSG2 promoted ESCC cell migration and invasion. Furthermore, using interactome analysis, we identified serine/threonine-protein kinase D2 (PRKD2) as a novel DSG2 kinase that mediates the phosphorylation of DSG2 at threonine 730 (T730). Functionally, DSG2 promoted ESCC cell migration and invasion dependent on DSG2-T730 phosphorylation. Mechanistically, DSG2 T730 phosphorylation activated EGFR, Src, AKT, and ERK signaling pathways. In addition, DSG2 and PRKD2 were positively correlated with each other, and the overall survival time of ESCC patients with high DSG2 and PRKD2 was shorter than that of patients with low DSG2 and PRKD2 levels. In summary, PRKD2 is a novel DSG2 kinase, and PRKD2-mediated DSG2 T730 phosphorylation promotes ESCC progression. These findings may facilitate the development of future therapeutic agents that target DSG2 and DSG2 phosphorylation. © 2024 The Pathological Society of Great Britain and Ireland.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yin-Qiao Liu
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Shantou University Medical College, Shantou, PR China
- Department of Clinical Laboratory Medicine, The Cancer Hospital of Shantou University Medical College, Shantou, PR China
| | - Yi-Wei Xu
- Department of Clinical Laboratory Medicine, The Cancer Hospital of Shantou University Medical College, Shantou, PR China
| | - Zheng-Tan Zheng
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Shantou University Medical College, Shantou, PR China
| | - Die Li
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Shantou University Medical College, Shantou, PR China
| | - Chao-Qun Hong
- Department of Oncological Laboratory Research, The Cancer Hospital of Shantou University Medical College, Shantou, PR China
| | - Hao-Qiang Dai
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Shantou University Medical College, Shantou, PR China
| | - Jun-Hao Wang
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Shantou University Medical College, Shantou, PR China
| | - Ling-Yu Chu
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Shantou University Medical College, Shantou, PR China
- Department of Clinical Laboratory Medicine, The Cancer Hospital of Shantou University Medical College, Shantou, PR China
| | - Lian-Di Liao
- Institute of Oncologic Pathology, Shantou University Medical College, Shantou, PR China
| | - Hai-Ying Zou
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Shantou University Medical College, Shantou, PR China
| | - En-Min Li
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Shantou University Medical College, Shantou, PR China
- Shantou Academy Medical Sciences, Shantou, PR China
| | - Jian-Jun Xie
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Shantou University Medical College, Shantou, PR China
| | - Wang-Kai Fang
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Shantou University Medical College, Shantou, PR China
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15
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Zhang Y, Liu Y, Wu L, Chen T, Jiao H, Ruan Y, Zhou P, Zhang Y. Expression of SOX4 Significantly Predicts the Risk of Lymph Node Metastasis for Patients With Early-Stage Esophageal Squamous Cell Carcinoma. J Transl Med 2024; 104:102042. [PMID: 38431117 DOI: 10.1016/j.labinv.2024.102042] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/27/2023] [Revised: 02/12/2024] [Accepted: 02/26/2024] [Indexed: 03/05/2024] Open
Abstract
Esophageal squamous cell carcinoma stands as a notably aggressive malignancy within the digestive system. In cases of early esophageal cancer without lymph node metastasis, endoscopic surgical resection offers a viable alternative, often resulting in improved patient quality of life. However, the paucity of methods to preoperatively ascertain lymph node involvement complicates surgical planning. SOX4 gene was previously found to be highly associated with invasive metastasis in our work through single-cell RNA sequencing on 5 paired tumor/peritumor tissues. This research included the collection of 124 tissue samples from 106 patients (106 tumor and 18 lymph node specimens). Samples were methodically arranged into a tissue microarray and treated with immunohistochemical staining. Statistical analysis was conducted to assess the relationship between them. In the univariate analysis, 3 factors were identified as statistically significant in relation to lymph node metastasis: T category (P = .014), vascular invasion (P < .001), and SOX4 intensity (P = .001). Additionally, when evaluating SOX4 intensity alongside other clinical indicators, SOX4 was shown to independently influence lymph node metastasis. Further, the multivariate analysis revealed that vascular invasion (P < .001) and SOX4 intensity (P = .003) were significantly associated with lymph node metastasis, exhibiting hazard ratios of 10.174 and 7.142, respectively. The results of our study indicate that both SOX4 expression and vascular invasion serve as predictors of lymph node metastasis in patients diagnosed with category T1 esophageal squamous cell carcinoma, underscoring the potential utility of SOX4 in prognostic evaluations.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yifei Zhang
- Endoscopy Center and Endoscopy Research Institute, Zhongshan Hospital, Fudan University, Shanghai, China; Shanghai Collaborative Innovation Center of Endoscopy, Shanghai, China
| | - Yanbo Liu
- Endoscopy Center and Endoscopy Research Institute, Zhongshan Hospital, Fudan University, Shanghai, China; Shanghai Collaborative Innovation Center of Endoscopy, Shanghai, China
| | - Linfeng Wu
- Endoscopy Center and Endoscopy Research Institute, Zhongshan Hospital, Fudan University, Shanghai, China; Shanghai Collaborative Innovation Center of Endoscopy, Shanghai, China
| | - Tianyin Chen
- Endoscopy Center and Endoscopy Research Institute, Zhongshan Hospital, Fudan University, Shanghai, China; Shanghai Collaborative Innovation Center of Endoscopy, Shanghai, China
| | - Heng Jiao
- Department of Thoracic Surgery, Cancer Center, Zhongshan Hospital, Fudan University, Shanghai, China
| | - Yuanyuan Ruan
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Fudan University, Shanghai, China; Department of General Surgery, Zhongshan Hospital, Fudan University, Shanghai, China
| | - Pinghong Zhou
- Endoscopy Center and Endoscopy Research Institute, Zhongshan Hospital, Fudan University, Shanghai, China; Shanghai Collaborative Innovation Center of Endoscopy, Shanghai, China.
| | - Yiqun Zhang
- Endoscopy Center and Endoscopy Research Institute, Zhongshan Hospital, Fudan University, Shanghai, China; Shanghai Collaborative Innovation Center of Endoscopy, Shanghai, China.
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16
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Xia Y, Tang Y, Huang Z, Ke N, Zheng Y, Zhuang W, Zhang Y, Yin X, Tu M, Chen J, Wang Y, Huang Y. Artesunate-loaded solid lipid nanoparticles resist esophageal squamous cell carcinoma by inducing Ferroptosis through inhibiting the AKT/mTOR signaling. Cell Signal 2024; 117:111108. [PMID: 38369266 DOI: 10.1016/j.cellsig.2024.111108] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/29/2023] [Revised: 02/02/2024] [Accepted: 02/15/2024] [Indexed: 02/20/2024]
Abstract
Esophageal squamous cell carcinoma (ESCC) is a severe malignancy with high incidence and mortality rate in China, while the application of standard chemotherapeutic drugs for ESCC meets the barriers of high toxicity and multiple drug resistance (MDR). In recent years, the anticancer effects of artesunate (ART), a Chinese medicine monomer have gained extensive attentions due to its characteristics of low toxicity, high potency, and reversal of MDR. In this study, we develop the artesunate-loaded solid lipid nanoparticles (SLNART) to overcome the poor water solubility and bioavailability of ART, further improving the efficiency of ART on ESCC treatment. Especially mentioned, SLNART is shown to present marked inhibitory effects on ESCC development based on the induction of ferroptosis by two pathways included upregulating TFR to increase Fe2+ ions and inhibiting the AKT/mTOR signaling to downregulate GPX4. Collectively, this study is the first to pave a promising approach for ESCC therapy based on a strategy of developing SLNART to induce ferroptosis by mediating Fe2+ ions and AKT/mTOR signaling.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yu Xia
- College of Integrative Medicine, Fujian University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Fuzhou 350000, China; Department of Clinical Laboratory, Fujian Provincial Hospital, Fuzhou 350001, China
| | - Yixin Tang
- College of Chemical Engineering, Fuzhou University, Fuzhou 350108, China; Engineering Research Center of Advanced Manufacturing Technology for Fine Chemicals, College of Chemical Engineering, Fuzhou University, Fuzhou 350108, China
| | - Zhixin Huang
- College of Integrative Medicine, Fujian University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Fuzhou 350000, China; Department of Clinical Laboratory, Fujian Provincial Hospital, Fuzhou 350001, China
| | - Nantian Ke
- Shengli Clinical Medical College, Fujian Medical University, Fuzhou 350001, China; Department of Clinical Laboratory, Second Affiliated Hospital of Fujian University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Fuzhou 350001, China
| | - Yue Zheng
- Department of Clinical Laboratory, Fujian Provincial Hospital, Fuzhou 350001, China; Shengli Clinical Medical College, Fujian Medical University, Fuzhou 350001, China
| | - Wanzhen Zhuang
- Department of Clinical Laboratory, Fujian Provincial Hospital, Fuzhou 350001, China; Shengli Clinical Medical College, Fujian Medical University, Fuzhou 350001, China
| | - Yi Zhang
- Department of Clinical Laboratory, Fujian Provincial Hospital, Fuzhou 350001, China; Shengli Clinical Medical College, Fujian Medical University, Fuzhou 350001, China
| | - Xiaoqing Yin
- College of Integrative Medicine, Fujian University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Fuzhou 350000, China; Department of Clinical Laboratory, Fujian Provincial Hospital, Fuzhou 350001, China
| | - Mingshu Tu
- Department of Clinical Laboratory, Fujian Provincial Hospital, Fuzhou 350001, China; Shengli Clinical Medical College, Fujian Medical University, Fuzhou 350001, China
| | - Jianlin Chen
- Department of Clinical Laboratory, Fujian Provincial Hospital, Fuzhou 350001, China; Shengli Clinical Medical College, Fujian Medical University, Fuzhou 350001, China
| | - Yingshu Wang
- College of Chemical Engineering, Fuzhou University, Fuzhou 350108, China; Engineering Research Center of Advanced Manufacturing Technology for Fine Chemicals, College of Chemical Engineering, Fuzhou University, Fuzhou 350108, China
| | - Yi Huang
- College of Integrative Medicine, Fujian University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Fuzhou 350000, China; Department of Clinical Laboratory, Fujian Provincial Hospital, Fuzhou 350001, China; Shengli Clinical Medical College, Fujian Medical University, Fuzhou 350001, China; Central Laboratory, Center for Experimental Research in Clinical Medicine, Fujian Provincial Hospital, Fuzhou 350001, China; Fujian Provincial Key Laboratory of Critical Care Medicine, Fujian Provincial Key Laboratory of Cardiovascular Disease, Fuzhou 350001, China.
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17
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Ren S, Chen Y, Wang Q, Song L, Xin Z, Shi M, Liu X. NUPR1 induces autophagy and promotes the progression of Esophageal squamous cell carcinoma via the MAPK-mTOR pathway. Pathol Res Pract 2024; 257:155323. [PMID: 38653091 DOI: 10.1016/j.prp.2024.155323] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/13/2023] [Revised: 04/06/2024] [Accepted: 04/18/2024] [Indexed: 04/25/2024]
Abstract
PURPOSE Esophageal squamous cell carcinoma (ESCC) is a dominant pathological type in China. NUPR1 is a complex molecule implicated in various physiological and biological functions whose expression is upregulated in response to stress. Furthermore, autophagy is a vital physiological mechanism in the onset and metastasis of malignancies. This study aims to uncover the influence of NUPR1 on ESCC occurrence and development by regulating autophagy while also exploring its association with the MAPK signaling pathway. METHODS First, the differences in NUPR1 between ESCC and normal tissues were analyzed through online databases. Subsequently, the pathological tissues of clinical samples were stained and scored using immunohistochemistry. And NUPR1 expression in ESCC cells was investigated, as was the function of NUPR1 in the modulation of ESCC's malignant behavior. Furthermore, a nude mouse ESCC xenograft model was developed. Finally, RNA sequencing was performed on NUPR1-downregulated ESCC cells, which was verified using WB. RESULTS Our findings initially uncovered differences in the expression of NUPR1 in ESCC and normal tissues. In vitro experiments demonstrated that NUPR1 downregulation significantly inhibited ESCC cell proliferation, invasion, and migration, as well as promoted their apoptosis. Our xenograft model exhibited significant inhibition of ESCC tumors upon NUPR1 downregulation. Subsequently, RNA sequencing uncovered that NUPR1 regulates its malignant biological behavior through MAPK-mTOR signaling pathway. Finally, we found that NUPR1 downregulation can inhibit autophagic flux in ESCC. CONCLUSION Collectively, our findings show that NUPR1 enhances the progression of ESCC by triggering autophagy and is associated with the MAPK-mTOR signaling pathway.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shiheng Ren
- Department of Thoracic Surgery, Shandong Provincial Hospital, Cheeloo College of Medicine, Shandong University, Jinan, China
| | - Yuxin Chen
- Department of Thoracic Surgery, Shandong Provincial Hospital, Cheeloo College of Medicine, Shandong University, Jinan, China
| | - Qiang Wang
- Department of Thoracic Surgery, Shandong Provincial Hospital, Cheeloo College of Medicine, Shandong University, Jinan, China
| | - Liang Song
- Department of Thoracic Surgery, Shandong Provincial Hospital Affiliated to Shandong First Medical University, Jinan, China
| | - Zhongwei Xin
- Department of Thoracic Surgery, Shandong Provincial Hospital Affiliated to Shandong First Medical University, Jinan, China
| | - Mo Shi
- Department of Thoracic Surgery, Shandong Provincial Hospital Affiliated to Shandong First Medical University, Jinan, China.
| | - Xiangyan Liu
- Department of Thoracic Surgery, Shandong Provincial Hospital, Cheeloo College of Medicine, Shandong University, Jinan, China; Department of Thoracic Surgery, Shandong Provincial Hospital Affiliated to Shandong First Medical University, Jinan, China.
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18
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Jiang B, Chen X, Wang S, Wang S, Ma S, Lu Y, Ma L, Liang Q, Xiao H, Zhang L, Yan X, Fan K. Structure-Guided Design of Ferritin-Platinum Prodrugs for Targeted Therapy of Esophageal Squamous Cell Carcinoma. ACS Nano 2024; 18:11217-11233. [PMID: 38627234 DOI: 10.1021/acsnano.4c00212] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 05/01/2024]
Abstract
Due to its intrinsic tumor-targeting attribute, limited immunogenicity, and cage architecture, ferritin emerges as a highly promising nanocarrier for targeted drug delivery. In the effort to develop ferritin cage-encapsulated cisplatin (CDDP) as a therapeutic agent, we found unexpectedly that the encapsulation led to inactivation of the drug. Guided by the structural information, we deciphered the interactions between ferritin cages and CDDP, and we proposed a potential mechanism responsible for attenuating the antitumor efficacy of CDDP encapsulated within the cage. Six platinum prodrugs were then designed to avoid the inactivation. The antitumor activities of these ferritin-platinum prodrug complexes were then evaluated in cells of esophageal squamous cell carcinoma (ESCC). Compared with free CDDP, the complexes were more effective in delivering and retaining platinum in the cells, leading to increased DNA damage and enhanced cytotoxic action. They also exhibited improved pharmacokinetics and stronger antitumor activities in mice bearing ESCC cell-derived xenografts as well as patient-derived xenografts. The successful encapsulation also illustrates the critical significance of comprehending the interactions between small molecular drugs and ferritin cages for the development of precision-engineered nanocarriers.
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Affiliation(s)
- Bing Jiang
- Nanozyme Medical Center, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou 450001, China
- Nanozyme Laboratory in Zhongyuan, Henan Academy of Innovations in Medical Science, Zhengzhou, Henan 451163, China
- Department of Pharmacology, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou 450001, China
| | - Xuehui Chen
- CAS Engineering Laboratory for Nanozyme, Key Laboratory of Biomacromolecules (CAS), CAS Center for Excellence in Biomacromolecules, Institute of Biophysics, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100101, China
| | - Shenghui Wang
- Nanozyme Medical Center, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou 450001, China
| | - Shuyu Wang
- Nanozyme Medical Center, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou 450001, China
| | - Saiyu Ma
- Nanozyme Medical Center, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou 450001, China
| | - Yu Lu
- Nanozyme Medical Center, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou 450001, China
| | - Long Ma
- CAS Engineering Laboratory for Nanozyme, Key Laboratory of Biomacromolecules (CAS), CAS Center for Excellence in Biomacromolecules, Institute of Biophysics, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100101, China
| | - Qian Liang
- CAS Engineering Laboratory for Nanozyme, Key Laboratory of Biomacromolecules (CAS), CAS Center for Excellence in Biomacromolecules, Institute of Biophysics, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100101, China
| | - Haihua Xiao
- Beijing National Laboratory for Molecular Sciences, State Key Laboratory of Polymer Physics and Polymer Chemistry, Institute of Chemistry, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100190, China
| | - Lirong Zhang
- Department of Pharmacology, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou 450001, China
- State Key Laboratory of Esophageal Cancer Prevention & Treatment, Zhengzhou, Henan 450001, China
| | - Xiyun Yan
- Nanozyme Medical Center, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou 450001, China
- Nanozyme Laboratory in Zhongyuan, Henan Academy of Innovations in Medical Science, Zhengzhou, Henan 451163, China
- CAS Engineering Laboratory for Nanozyme, Key Laboratory of Biomacromolecules (CAS), CAS Center for Excellence in Biomacromolecules, Institute of Biophysics, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100101, China
| | - Kelong Fan
- Nanozyme Medical Center, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou 450001, China
- Nanozyme Laboratory in Zhongyuan, Henan Academy of Innovations in Medical Science, Zhengzhou, Henan 451163, China
- CAS Engineering Laboratory for Nanozyme, Key Laboratory of Biomacromolecules (CAS), CAS Center for Excellence in Biomacromolecules, Institute of Biophysics, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100101, China
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19
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Zheng W, Yuan H, Fu Y, Deng G, Zheng X, Xu L, Fan H, Jiang W, Yu X. An effective two-stage NMBzA-induced rat esophageal tumor model revealing that the FAT-Hippo-YAP1 axis drives the progression of ESCC. Cancer Lett 2024; 588:216813. [PMID: 38499266 DOI: 10.1016/j.canlet.2024.216813] [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] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/19/2023] [Revised: 02/25/2024] [Accepted: 03/09/2024] [Indexed: 03/20/2024]
Abstract
Rat model of N-nitrosomethylbenzylamine (NMBzA)-induced esophageal squamous cell carcinoma (ESCC) is routinely used to study ESCC initiation, progression and new therapeutic strategies. However, the model is time-consuming and malignant tumor incidences are low. Here, we report the usage of multi-kinase inhibitor sorafenib as a tumor promoter to establish an efficient two-stage NMBzA-induced rat ESCC carcinogenesis model, resulting in increments of tumor incidences and shortened tumor formation times. By establishing the model and applying whole-genome sequencing, we discover that benign papillomas and malignant ESCCs harbor most of the "driver" events found in rat ESCCs (e.g. recurrent mutations in Ras family, the Hippo and Notch pathways and histone modifier genes) and the mutational landscapes of rat and human ESCCs overlap extensively. We generate tumor cell lines derived from NMBzA-induced papillomas and ESCCs, showing that papilloma cells retain more characteristics of normal epithelial cells than carcinoma cells, especially their exhibitions of normal rat cell karyotypes and inabilities of forming tumors in immunodeficient mice. Three-dimensional (3-D) organoid cultures and single cell RNA sequencing (scRNA-seq) indicate that, when compared to control- and papilloma-organoids, ESCC-organoids display salient abnormalities at tissue and single-cell levels. Multi-omic analyses indicate that NMBzA-induced rat ESCCs are accompanied by progressive hyperactivations of the FAT-Hippo-YAP1 axis and siRNA or inhibitors of YAP1 block the growth of rat ESCCs. Taken together, these studies provide a framework of using an effective rat ESCC model to investigate multilevel functional genomics of ESCC carcinogenesis, which justify targeting YAP1 as a therapeutic strategy for ESCC.
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Affiliation(s)
- Wei Zheng
- Department of Etiology and Carcinogenesis, National Cancer Center/National Clinical Research Center for Cancer/Cancer Hospital, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences and Peking Union Medical College, Beijing, 100021, China; State Key Laboratory of Molecular Oncology, National Cancer Center/National Clinical Research Center for Cancer/Cancer Hospital, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences and Peking Union Medical College, Beijing, 100021, China
| | - Hui Yuan
- Department of Etiology and Carcinogenesis, National Cancer Center/National Clinical Research Center for Cancer/Cancer Hospital, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences and Peking Union Medical College, Beijing, 100021, China; State Key Laboratory of Molecular Oncology, National Cancer Center/National Clinical Research Center for Cancer/Cancer Hospital, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences and Peking Union Medical College, Beijing, 100021, China
| | - Yuxia Fu
- Department of Etiology and Carcinogenesis, National Cancer Center/National Clinical Research Center for Cancer/Cancer Hospital, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences and Peking Union Medical College, Beijing, 100021, China; State Key Laboratory of Molecular Oncology, National Cancer Center/National Clinical Research Center for Cancer/Cancer Hospital, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences and Peking Union Medical College, Beijing, 100021, China
| | - Guodong Deng
- Department of Etiology and Carcinogenesis, National Cancer Center/National Clinical Research Center for Cancer/Cancer Hospital, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences and Peking Union Medical College, Beijing, 100021, China; State Key Laboratory of Molecular Oncology, National Cancer Center/National Clinical Research Center for Cancer/Cancer Hospital, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences and Peking Union Medical College, Beijing, 100021, China
| | - Xuejing Zheng
- Department of Etiology and Carcinogenesis, National Cancer Center/National Clinical Research Center for Cancer/Cancer Hospital, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences and Peking Union Medical College, Beijing, 100021, China; State Key Laboratory of Molecular Oncology, National Cancer Center/National Clinical Research Center for Cancer/Cancer Hospital, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences and Peking Union Medical College, Beijing, 100021, China
| | - Lei Xu
- Department of Etiology and Carcinogenesis, National Cancer Center/National Clinical Research Center for Cancer/Cancer Hospital, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences and Peking Union Medical College, Beijing, 100021, China; State Key Laboratory of Molecular Oncology, National Cancer Center/National Clinical Research Center for Cancer/Cancer Hospital, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences and Peking Union Medical College, Beijing, 100021, China
| | - Hongjun Fan
- Department of Etiology and Carcinogenesis, National Cancer Center/National Clinical Research Center for Cancer/Cancer Hospital, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences and Peking Union Medical College, Beijing, 100021, China; State Key Laboratory of Molecular Oncology, National Cancer Center/National Clinical Research Center for Cancer/Cancer Hospital, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences and Peking Union Medical College, Beijing, 100021, China
| | - Wei Jiang
- Department of Etiology and Carcinogenesis, National Cancer Center/National Clinical Research Center for Cancer/Cancer Hospital, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences and Peking Union Medical College, Beijing, 100021, China; State Key Laboratory of Molecular Oncology, National Cancer Center/National Clinical Research Center for Cancer/Cancer Hospital, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences and Peking Union Medical College, Beijing, 100021, China; Beijing Key Laboratory for Carcinogenesis and Cancer Prevention, National Cancer Center/National Clinical Research Center for Cancer/Cancer Hospital, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences and Peking Union Medical College, Beijing, 100021, China.
| | - Xiying Yu
- Department of Etiology and Carcinogenesis, National Cancer Center/National Clinical Research Center for Cancer/Cancer Hospital, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences and Peking Union Medical College, Beijing, 100021, China; State Key Laboratory of Molecular Oncology, National Cancer Center/National Clinical Research Center for Cancer/Cancer Hospital, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences and Peking Union Medical College, Beijing, 100021, China; Beijing Key Laboratory for Carcinogenesis and Cancer Prevention, National Cancer Center/National Clinical Research Center for Cancer/Cancer Hospital, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences and Peking Union Medical College, Beijing, 100021, China.
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20
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Lei K, Liang R, Liang J, Lu N, Huang J, Xu K, Tan B, Wang K, Liang Y, Wang W, Lin H, Wang M. CircPDE5A-encoded novel regulator of the PI3K/AKT pathway inhibits esophageal squamous cell carcinoma progression by promoting USP14-mediated de-ubiquitination of PIK3IP1. J Exp Clin Cancer Res 2024; 43:124. [PMID: 38658954 PMCID: PMC11040784 DOI: 10.1186/s13046-024-03054-3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/23/2024] [Accepted: 04/19/2024] [Indexed: 04/26/2024] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Esophageal squamous cell carcinoma (ESCC) is a common gastrointestinal tumor and has become an important global health problem. The PI3K/AKT signaling pathway plays a key role in the development of ESCC. CircRNAs have been reported to be involved in the regulation of the PI3K/AKT pathway, but the underlying mechanisms are unclear. Therefore, this study aimed to identify protein-coding circRNAs and investigate their functions in ESCC. METHODS Differential expression of circRNAs between ESCC tissues and adjacent normal tissues was identified using circRNA microarray analysis. Thereafter, LC-MS/MS was used to identify circPDE5A-encoded novel protein PDE5A-500aa. Molecular biological methods were used to explore the biological functions and regulatory mechanisms of circPDE5A and PDE5A-500aa in ESCC. Lastly, circRNA-loaded nanoplatforms were constructed to investigate the therapeutic translation value of circPDE5A. RESULTS We found that circPDE5A expression was down-regulated in ESCC cells and tissues and that it was negatively associated with advanced clinicopathological stages and poorer prognosis in ESCC. Functionally, circPDE5A inhibited ESCC proliferation and metastasis in vitro and in vivo by encoding PDE5A-500aa, a key regulator of the PI3K/AKT signaling pathway in ESCC. Mechanistically, PDE5A-500aa interacted with PIK3IP1 and promoted USP14-mediated de-ubiquitination of the k48-linked polyubiquitin chain at its K198 residue, thereby attenuating the PI3K/AKT pathway in ESCC. In addition, Meo-PEG-S-S-PLGA-based reduction-responsive nanoplatforms loaded with circPDE5A and PDE5A-500aa plasmids were found to successfully inhibit the growth and metastasis of ESCC in vitro and in vivo. CONCLUSION The novel protein PDE5A-500aa encoded by circPDE5A can act as an inhibitor of the PI3K/AKT signaling pathway to inhibit the progression of ESCC by promoting USP14-mediated de-ubiquitination of PIK3IP1 and may serve as a potential target for the development of therapeutic agents.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kai Lei
- Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Malignant Tumor Epigenetics and Gene Regulation, Sun Yat-Sen Memorial Hospital, Sun Yat-Sen University, Guangzhou, 510120, China
- Department of Thoracic Surgery, Sun Yat-Sen Memorial Hospital, Sun Yat-Sen University, Guangzhou, 510120, China
| | - Ruihao Liang
- Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Malignant Tumor Epigenetics and Gene Regulation, Sun Yat-Sen Memorial Hospital, Sun Yat-Sen University, Guangzhou, 510120, China
- Department of Thoracic Surgery, Sun Yat-Sen Memorial Hospital, Sun Yat-Sen University, Guangzhou, 510120, China
| | - Jialu Liang
- Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Malignant Tumor Epigenetics and Gene Regulation, Sun Yat-Sen Memorial Hospital, Sun Yat-Sen University, Guangzhou, 510120, China
- Department of Thoracic Surgery, Sun Yat-Sen Memorial Hospital, Sun Yat-Sen University, Guangzhou, 510120, China
| | - Nan Lu
- Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Malignant Tumor Epigenetics and Gene Regulation, Sun Yat-Sen Memorial Hospital, Sun Yat-Sen University, Guangzhou, 510120, China
- Nanhai Translational Innovation Center of Precision Immunology, Sun Yat-Sen Memorial Hospital, Foshan, 528200, China
| | - Jing Huang
- Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Malignant Tumor Epigenetics and Gene Regulation, Sun Yat-Sen Memorial Hospital, Sun Yat-Sen University, Guangzhou, 510120, China
- Department of Thoracic Surgery, Sun Yat-Sen Memorial Hospital, Sun Yat-Sen University, Guangzhou, 510120, China
| | - Ke Xu
- Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Malignant Tumor Epigenetics and Gene Regulation, Sun Yat-Sen Memorial Hospital, Sun Yat-Sen University, Guangzhou, 510120, China
- Department of Thoracic Surgery, Sun Yat-Sen Memorial Hospital, Sun Yat-Sen University, Guangzhou, 510120, China
| | - Binghua Tan
- Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Malignant Tumor Epigenetics and Gene Regulation, Sun Yat-Sen Memorial Hospital, Sun Yat-Sen University, Guangzhou, 510120, China
- Department of Thoracic Surgery, Sun Yat-Sen Memorial Hospital, Sun Yat-Sen University, Guangzhou, 510120, China
| | - Kexi Wang
- Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Malignant Tumor Epigenetics and Gene Regulation, Sun Yat-Sen Memorial Hospital, Sun Yat-Sen University, Guangzhou, 510120, China
- Department of Thoracic Surgery, Sun Yat-Sen Memorial Hospital, Sun Yat-Sen University, Guangzhou, 510120, China
| | - Yicheng Liang
- Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Malignant Tumor Epigenetics and Gene Regulation, Sun Yat-Sen Memorial Hospital, Sun Yat-Sen University, Guangzhou, 510120, China
- Department of Thoracic Surgery, Sun Yat-Sen Memorial Hospital, Sun Yat-Sen University, Guangzhou, 510120, China
| | - Wenjian Wang
- Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Malignant Tumor Epigenetics and Gene Regulation, Sun Yat-Sen Memorial Hospital, Sun Yat-Sen University, Guangzhou, 510120, China
- Department of Thoracic Surgery, Sun Yat-Sen Memorial Hospital, Sun Yat-Sen University, Guangzhou, 510120, China
| | - Huayue Lin
- Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Malignant Tumor Epigenetics and Gene Regulation, Sun Yat-Sen Memorial Hospital, Sun Yat-Sen University, Guangzhou, 510120, China.
- Breast Tumor Center, Sun Yat-Sen Memorial Hospital, Sun Yat-Sen University, Guangzhou, 510120, China.
| | - Minghui Wang
- Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Malignant Tumor Epigenetics and Gene Regulation, Sun Yat-Sen Memorial Hospital, Sun Yat-Sen University, Guangzhou, 510120, China.
- Department of Thoracic Surgery, Sun Yat-Sen Memorial Hospital, Sun Yat-Sen University, Guangzhou, 510120, China.
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21
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Liu R, Lu Y, Li J, Yao W, Wu J, Chen X, Huang L, Nan D, Zhang Y, Chen W, Wang Y, Jia Y, Tang J, Liang X, Zhang H. Annexin A2 combined with TTK accelerates esophageal cancer progression via the Akt/mTOR signaling pathway. Cell Death Dis 2024; 15:291. [PMID: 38658569 PMCID: PMC11043348 DOI: 10.1038/s41419-024-06683-w] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/15/2023] [Revised: 04/14/2024] [Accepted: 04/15/2024] [Indexed: 04/26/2024]
Abstract
Annexin A2 (ANXA2) is a widely reported oncogene. However, the mechanism of ANXA2 in esophageal cancer is not fully understood. In this study, we provided evidence that ANXA2 promotes the progression of esophageal squamous cell carcinoma (ESCC) through the downstream target threonine tyrosine kinase (TTK). These results are consistent with the up-regulation of ANXA2 and TTK in ESCC. In vitro experiments by knockdown and overexpression of ANXA2 revealed that ANXA2 promotes the progression of ESCC by enhancing cancer cell proliferation, migration, and invasion. Subsequently, animal models also confirmed the role of ANXA2 in promoting the proliferation and metastasis of ESCC. Mechanistically, the ANXA2/TTK complex activates the Akt/mTOR signaling pathway and accelerates epithelial-mesenchymal transition (EMT), thereby promoting the invasion and metastasis of ESCC. Furthermore, we identified that TTK overexpression can reverse the inhibition of ESCC invasion after ANXA2 knockdown. Overall, these data indicate that the combination of ANXA2 and TTK regulates the activation of the Akt/mTOR pathway and accelerates the progression of ESCC. Therefore, the ANXA2/TTK/Akt/mTOR axis is a potential therapeutic target for ESCC.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ruiqi Liu
- Cancer Center, Department of Radiation Oncology, Zhejiang Provincial People's Hospital (Affiliated People's Hospital), Hangzhou Medical College, Hangzhou, Zhejiang, China
- Graduate Department, Bengbu Medical College, Bengbu, Anhui, China
| | - Yanwei Lu
- Cancer Center, Department of Radiation Oncology, Zhejiang Provincial People's Hospital (Affiliated People's Hospital), Hangzhou Medical College, Hangzhou, Zhejiang, China
| | - Jing Li
- The First School of Clinical Medicine, Lanzhou University, Lanzhou, Gansu, China
| | - Weiping Yao
- Cancer Center, Department of Radiation Oncology, Zhejiang Provincial People's Hospital (Affiliated People's Hospital), Hangzhou Medical College, Hangzhou, Zhejiang, China
- Graduate Department, Bengbu Medical College, Bengbu, Anhui, China
| | - Jiajun Wu
- Graduate Department, Bengbu Medical College, Bengbu, Anhui, China
| | - Xiaoyan Chen
- Cancer Center, Department of Radiation Oncology, Zhejiang Provincial People's Hospital (Affiliated People's Hospital), Hangzhou Medical College, Hangzhou, Zhejiang, China
| | - Luanluan Huang
- Cancer Center, Department of Radiation Oncology, Zhejiang Provincial People's Hospital (Affiliated People's Hospital), Hangzhou Medical College, Hangzhou, Zhejiang, China
| | - Ding Nan
- Graduate Department, Hangzhou Normal University, Hangzhou, Zhejiang, China
| | - Yitian Zhang
- Department of Oncology, Jinxiang People's Hospital, Jining, Shandong, China
| | - Weijun Chen
- Cancer Center, Department of Radiation Oncology, Zhejiang Provincial People's Hospital (Affiliated People's Hospital), Hangzhou Medical College, Hangzhou, Zhejiang, China
| | - Ying Wang
- Cancer Center, Department of Radiation Oncology, Zhejiang Provincial People's Hospital (Affiliated People's Hospital), Hangzhou Medical College, Hangzhou, Zhejiang, China
| | - Yongshi Jia
- Cancer Center, Department of Radiation Oncology, Zhejiang Provincial People's Hospital (Affiliated People's Hospital), Hangzhou Medical College, Hangzhou, Zhejiang, China
| | - Jianming Tang
- Department of Radiation Oncology, The First Hospital of Lanzhou University, Lanzhou University, Lanzhou, Gansu, China.
| | - Xiaodong Liang
- Cancer Center, Department of Radiation Oncology, Zhejiang Provincial People's Hospital (Affiliated People's Hospital), Hangzhou Medical College, Hangzhou, Zhejiang, China.
- Graduate Department, Bengbu Medical College, Bengbu, Anhui, China.
| | - Haibo Zhang
- Cancer Center, Department of Radiation Oncology, Zhejiang Provincial People's Hospital (Affiliated People's Hospital), Hangzhou Medical College, Hangzhou, Zhejiang, China.
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22
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Takahashi J, Suzuki T, Sato M, Nitta S, Yaguchi N, Muta T, Tsuchida K, Suda H, Morita M, Hamada S, Masamune A, Takahashi S, Kamei T, Yamamoto M. Differential squamous cell fates elicited by NRF2 gain of function versus KEAP1 loss of function. Cell Rep 2024; 43:114104. [PMID: 38602872 DOI: 10.1016/j.celrep.2024.114104] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/16/2023] [Revised: 02/19/2024] [Accepted: 03/27/2024] [Indexed: 04/13/2024] Open
Abstract
Clinical evidence has revealed that high-level activation of NRF2 caused by somatic mutations in NRF2 (NFE2L2) is frequently detected in esophageal squamous cell carcinoma (ESCC), whereas that caused by somatic mutations in KEAP1, a negative regulator of NRF2, is not. Here, we aspire to generate a mouse model of NRF2-activated ESCC using the cancer-derived NRF2L30F mutation and cancer driver mutant TRP53R172H. Concomitant expression of NRF2L30F and TRP53R172H results in formation of NRF2-activated ESCC-like lesions. In contrast, while squamous-cell-specific deletion of KEAP1 induces similar NRF2 hyperactivation, the loss of KEAP1 combined with expression of TRP53R172H does not elicit the formation of ESCC-like lesions. Instead, KEAP1-deleted cells disappear from the esophageal epithelium over time. These findings demonstrate that, while cellular NRF2 levels are similarly induced, NRF2 gain of function and KEAP1 loss of function elicits distinct fates of squamous cells. The NRF2L30F mutant mouse model developed here will be instrumental in elucidating the mechanistic basis leading to NRF2-activated ESCC.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jun Takahashi
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Tohoku Medical Megabank Organization, Tohoku University, 2-1 Seiryo-machi, Aoba-ku, Sendai, Japan; Department of Surgery, Tohoku University Graduate School of Medicine, Sendai, Japan
| | - Takafumi Suzuki
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Tohoku Medical Megabank Organization, Tohoku University, 2-1 Seiryo-machi, Aoba-ku, Sendai, Japan.
| | - Miu Sato
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Tohoku Medical Megabank Organization, Tohoku University, 2-1 Seiryo-machi, Aoba-ku, Sendai, Japan
| | - Shuji Nitta
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Tohoku Medical Megabank Organization, Tohoku University, 2-1 Seiryo-machi, Aoba-ku, Sendai, Japan
| | - Nahoko Yaguchi
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Tohoku Medical Megabank Organization, Tohoku University, 2-1 Seiryo-machi, Aoba-ku, Sendai, Japan
| | - Tatsuki Muta
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Tohoku Medical Megabank Organization, Tohoku University, 2-1 Seiryo-machi, Aoba-ku, Sendai, Japan
| | - Kouhei Tsuchida
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Tohoku Medical Megabank Organization, Tohoku University, 2-1 Seiryo-machi, Aoba-ku, Sendai, Japan
| | - Hiromi Suda
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Tohoku Medical Megabank Organization, Tohoku University, 2-1 Seiryo-machi, Aoba-ku, Sendai, Japan
| | - Masanobu Morita
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Tohoku Medical Megabank Organization, Tohoku University, 2-1 Seiryo-machi, Aoba-ku, Sendai, Japan
| | - Shin Hamada
- Division of Gastroenterology, Tohoku University Graduate School of Medicine, Sendai, Japan
| | - Atsushi Masamune
- Division of Gastroenterology, Tohoku University Graduate School of Medicine, Sendai, Japan
| | - Satoru Takahashi
- Laboratory Animal Resource Center in Transborder Medical Research Center, University of Tsukuba, Tsukuba, Japan
| | - Takashi Kamei
- Department of Surgery, Tohoku University Graduate School of Medicine, Sendai, Japan
| | - Masayuki Yamamoto
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Tohoku Medical Megabank Organization, Tohoku University, 2-1 Seiryo-machi, Aoba-ku, Sendai, Japan.
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Du R, Xiao N, Han L, Guo K, Li K, Chen Z, Zhang H, Zhou Z, Huang Y, Zhao X, Bian H. Dexrazoxane inhibits the growth of esophageal squamous cell carcinoma by attenuating SDCBP/MDA-9/syntenin-mediated EGFR-PI3K-Akt pathway activation. Sci Rep 2024; 14:9167. [PMID: 38649770 PMCID: PMC11035576 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-024-59665-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/06/2023] [Accepted: 04/12/2024] [Indexed: 04/25/2024] Open
Abstract
Syndecan-binding protein (SDCBP) was reported to stimulate the advancement of esophageal squamous cell carcinoma (ESCC) and could potentially be a target for ESCC treatment. There is a growing corpus of research on the anti-tumor effects of iron chelators; however, very few studies have addressed the involvement of dexrazoxane in cancer. In this study, structure-based virtual screening was employed to select drugs targeting SDCBP from the Food and Drug Administration (FDA)-approved drug databases. The sepharose 4B beads pull-down assay revealed that dexrazoxane targeted SDCBP by interacting with its PDZ1 domain. Additionally, dexrazoxane inhibited ESCC cell proliferation and anchorage-independent colony formation via SDCBP. ESCC cell apoptosis and G2 phase arrest were induced as measured by the flow cytometry assay. Subsequent research revealed that dexrazoxane attenuated the binding ability between SDCBP and EGFR in an immunoprecipitation assay. Furthermore, dexrazoxane impaired EGFR membrane localization and inactivated the EGFR/PI3K/Akt pathway. In vivo, xenograft mouse experiments indicated that dexrazoxane suppressed ESCC tumor growth. These data indicate that dexrazoxane might be established as a potential anti-cancer agent in ESCC by targeting SDCBP.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ruijuan Du
- Zhang Zhongjing School of Chinese Medicine, Nanyang Institute of Technology, Nanyang, 473004, Henan, People's Republic of China.
- Henan Key Laboratory of Zhang Zhongjing Formulae and Herbs for Immunoregulation, Nanyang Institute of Technology, No. 80, Changjiang Road, Nanyang, 473004, Henan, People's Republic of China.
| | - Nan Xiao
- Department of Pathophysiology, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou, 450001, Henan, People's Republic of China
| | - Li Han
- Zhang Zhongjing School of Chinese Medicine, Nanyang Institute of Technology, Nanyang, 473004, Henan, People's Republic of China
- Henan Key Laboratory of Zhang Zhongjing Formulae and Herbs for Immunoregulation, Nanyang Institute of Technology, No. 80, Changjiang Road, Nanyang, 473004, Henan, People's Republic of China
| | - KeLei Guo
- Zhang Zhongjing School of Chinese Medicine, Nanyang Institute of Technology, Nanyang, 473004, Henan, People's Republic of China
- Henan Key Laboratory of Zhang Zhongjing Formulae and Herbs for Immunoregulation, Nanyang Institute of Technology, No. 80, Changjiang Road, Nanyang, 473004, Henan, People's Republic of China
| | - Kai Li
- Zhang Zhongjing School of Chinese Medicine, Nanyang Institute of Technology, Nanyang, 473004, Henan, People's Republic of China
- Henan Key Laboratory of Zhang Zhongjing Formulae and Herbs for Immunoregulation, Nanyang Institute of Technology, No. 80, Changjiang Road, Nanyang, 473004, Henan, People's Republic of China
| | - Zhiguo Chen
- Zhang Zhongjing School of Chinese Medicine, Nanyang Institute of Technology, Nanyang, 473004, Henan, People's Republic of China
| | - Hui Zhang
- Zhang Zhongjing School of Chinese Medicine, Nanyang Institute of Technology, Nanyang, 473004, Henan, People's Republic of China
- Henan Key Laboratory of Zhang Zhongjing Formulae and Herbs for Immunoregulation, Nanyang Institute of Technology, No. 80, Changjiang Road, Nanyang, 473004, Henan, People's Republic of China
| | - Zijun Zhou
- Zhang Zhongjing School of Chinese Medicine, Nanyang Institute of Technology, Nanyang, 473004, Henan, People's Republic of China
| | - Yunlong Huang
- Zhang Zhongjing School of Chinese Medicine, Nanyang Institute of Technology, Nanyang, 473004, Henan, People's Republic of China
| | - Xulin Zhao
- Oncology Department, Nanyang First People's Hospital, Nan Yang, 473004, Henan, People's Republic of China
| | - Hua Bian
- Zhang Zhongjing School of Chinese Medicine, Nanyang Institute of Technology, Nanyang, 473004, Henan, People's Republic of China.
- Henan Key Laboratory of Zhang Zhongjing Formulae and Herbs for Immunoregulation, Nanyang Institute of Technology, No. 80, Changjiang Road, Nanyang, 473004, Henan, People's Republic of China.
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24
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Guo JR, He KY, Yuan JL, An W, Yin WT, Li QT, Lu LY, Yang JY, Liu MJ, Li YJ, Zhao Y, Yang Q, Lei XY, Gao F, Zhang L, Wu DH, Li JQ, Zhao ZL, Liu H, Zhu LJ, Xiang XY, Sun QH, Jian YP, Xu ZX. HMGA1 sensitizes esophageal squamous cell carcinoma to mTOR inhibitors through the ETS1-FKBP12 axis. Int J Biol Sci 2024; 20:2640-2657. [PMID: 38725843 PMCID: PMC11077367 DOI: 10.7150/ijbs.95595] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/22/2024] [Accepted: 04/17/2024] [Indexed: 05/12/2024] Open
Abstract
Esophageal carcinoma is amongst the prevalent malignancies worldwide, characterized by unclear molecular classifications and varying clinical outcomes. The PI3K/AKT/mTOR signaling, one of the frequently perturbed dysregulated pathways in human malignancies, has instigated the development of various inhibitory agents targeting this pathway, but many ESCC patients exhibit intrinsic or adaptive resistance to these inhibitors. Here, we aim to explore the reasons for the insensitivity of ESCC patients to mTOR inhibitors. We assessed the sensitivity to rapamycin in various ESCC cell lines by determining their respective IC50 values and found that cells with a low level of HMGA1 were more tolerant to rapamycin. Subsequent experiments have supported this finding. Through a transcriptome sequencing, we identified a crucial downstream effector of HMGA1, FKBP12, and found that FKBP12 was necessary for HMGA1-induced cell sensitivity to rapamycin. HMGA1 interacted with ETS1, and facilitated the transcription of FKBP12. Finally, we validated this regulatory axis in in vivo experiments, where HMGA1 deficiency in transplanted tumors rendered them resistance to rapamycin. Therefore, we speculate that mTOR inhibitor therapy for individuals exhibiting a reduced level of HMGA1 or FKBP12 may not work. Conversely, individuals exhibiting an elevated level of HMGA1 or FKBP12 are more suitable candidates for mTOR inhibitor treatment.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | - Yong-Ping Jian
- School of Life Sciences, Henan University, Kaifeng, Henan Province, China
| | - Zhi-Xiang Xu
- School of Life Sciences, Henan University, Kaifeng, Henan Province, China
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25
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Tang M, Zhao S, Ren L, Li Q, Li L, Wang C, Meng C, Chen Y, Hu W. Tumor Cell-Derived Complement Component C1r Acts as a Prognostic Biomarker and Promotes Esophageal Squamous Cell Carcinoma Progression. FRONT BIOSCI-LANDMRK 2024; 29:138. [PMID: 38682192 DOI: 10.31083/j.fbl2904138] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/30/2023] [Revised: 02/15/2024] [Accepted: 02/21/2024] [Indexed: 05/01/2024]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Mounting evidence indicates that complement components play a crucial role in cancer progression. Recent findings indicate that certain complement components display a significant rise in expression within esophageal squamous cell carcinoma (ESCC). However, the specific tumorigenic functions of these components remain unclear. This study focuses on investigating the expression pattern of C1r, elucidating a role for C1r in ESCC, as well as exploring underlying mechanisms controlled by C1r. METHODS The expression of C1r in ESCC tissues, malignant epithelial cells, and its relationship with survival were analyzed using the Gene Expression Omnibus (GEO) database and tissue microarrays. Single-cell RNA sequencing (scRNA-seq) was used to study the expression of C1r in malignant epithelial cells. C1r knockdown or C1r overexpression in cultured ESCC cells were used to assess the effects of C1r on proliferation, migration, invasion, cell-matrix adhesion, apoptosis, and growth of xenografted tumors in immunocompromised (nude) mice. Western blotting was used to detect the expression of MMP-1 and MMP-10 in C1r knockdown or C1r overexpressing ESCC cells. RESULTS C1r was highly expressed in ESCC tissues, malignant epithelial cells, and cultured ESCC cell lines. High C1r expression indicated a poor prognosis. Knockdown of C1r significantly suppressed the proliferation, migration, invasion, cell-matrix adhesion, and promoted apoptosis in cultured ESCC cells. Additionally, knockdown of C1r markedly inhibited tumor growth in nude mice. Overexpression of C1r had the opposite effects. C1r induced the expression of MMP-1 and MMP-10. CONCLUSIONS C1r is highly expressed in ESCC and promotes the progression of this tumor type. Our findings suggest that C1r may serve as a novel prognostic biomarker and therapeutic target in ESCC.
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Affiliation(s)
- Maolin Tang
- Department of Immunology, North Sichuan Medical College, 637100 Nanchong, Sichuan, China
- Institute of Basic Medicine and Forensic Medicine, North Sichuan Medical College, 637100 Nanchong, Sichuan, China
| | - Shisheng Zhao
- Department of Immunology, North Sichuan Medical College, 637100 Nanchong, Sichuan, China
- Institute of Basic Medicine and Forensic Medicine, North Sichuan Medical College, 637100 Nanchong, Sichuan, China
| | - Ling Ren
- Department of Immunology, North Sichuan Medical College, 637100 Nanchong, Sichuan, China
| | - Qianqian Li
- Department of Immunology, North Sichuan Medical College, 637100 Nanchong, Sichuan, China
| | - Li Li
- Department of Pathology, North Sichuan Medical College, 637100 Nanchong, Sichuan, China
| | - Chaoli Wang
- Institute of Basic Medicine and Forensic Medicine, North Sichuan Medical College, 637100 Nanchong, Sichuan, China
| | - Chunmei Meng
- Department of Immunology, North Sichuan Medical College, 637100 Nanchong, Sichuan, China
| | - Yuling Chen
- Department of Immunology, North Sichuan Medical College, 637100 Nanchong, Sichuan, China
| | - Weimin Hu
- Department of Immunology, North Sichuan Medical College, 637100 Nanchong, Sichuan, China
- Institute of Basic Medicine and Forensic Medicine, North Sichuan Medical College, 637100 Nanchong, Sichuan, China
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26
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Yang X, Jiao Y, Zhang Y, Sun M, Gao Y, Zhou Y, Xiao H, Ren J, Zhou Z, Zhai Y, Song B, Zhang L, Kong P. Oseltamivir enhances 5-FU sensitivity in esophageal squamous carcinoma with high SPNS1. Biomed Pharmacother 2024; 173:116367. [PMID: 38460365 DOI: 10.1016/j.biopha.2024.116367] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/15/2023] [Revised: 02/19/2024] [Accepted: 02/28/2024] [Indexed: 03/11/2024] Open
Abstract
Sphingolipid transporter 1 (SPNS1) is a significant differentially expressed gene (DEGs) in esophageal squamous cell carcinoma (ESCC). According to 3 pairs clinic cohorts, transcriptomic (155 pairs of ESCC samples and GSE53624, and proteomic data from PXD021701 including 124 ESCC samples) we found that SPNS1 was significantly higher in ESCC tissues compared to adjacent normal esophagus tissues. ESCC patients with high SPNS1 had a significantly poorer clinical prognosis than those with low SPNS1. Knockdown of SPNS1 significantly inhibited the proliferation, migration, and invasion abilities of ESCC cells, while promoting apoptosis. And overexpression of SPNS1 exhibited opposite functions. Furthermore, ESCC cells became more sensitive to 5-fluorouracil (5-FU) when SPNS1 was knocked down. Transcriptome sequencing revealed that NEU1 was one significant DEG affected by SPNS1 and positively correlated with SPNS1 expression. Oseltamivir phosphate (OP), one NEU1 inhibitor, markedly reversed 5-FU resistance, migration, and proliferation induced by high expression of SPNS1 both in vivo and in vitro. Our findings indicated that SPNS1 might promote the progression of ESCC by upregulating NEU1 expression and influencing chemotherapy sensitivity. These results provide new perceptions into potential therapeutic targets for ESCC treatment. The present study aimed to investigate the role and underlying mechanism of SPNS1 in ESCC.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xin Yang
- Translational Medicine Research Center, Department of Pathology & Shanxi Key Laboratory of Carcinogenesis and Translational Research of Esophageal Cancer, Shanxi Medical University, Taiyuan, Shanxi 030001, China; Key Laboratory of Cellular Physiology, Shanxi Medical University, Ministry of Education, China; Department of Pathology, Shanxi Medical University, Taiyuan, Shanxi, China
| | - Ye Jiao
- Translational Medicine Research Center, Department of Pathology & Shanxi Key Laboratory of Carcinogenesis and Translational Research of Esophageal Cancer, Shanxi Medical University, Taiyuan, Shanxi 030001, China; Key Laboratory of Cellular Physiology, Shanxi Medical University, Ministry of Education, China; Department of Pathology, Shanxi Medical University, Taiyuan, Shanxi, China
| | - Yingying Zhang
- Translational Medicine Research Center, Department of Pathology & Shanxi Key Laboratory of Carcinogenesis and Translational Research of Esophageal Cancer, Shanxi Medical University, Taiyuan, Shanxi 030001, China; Key Laboratory of Cellular Physiology, Shanxi Medical University, Ministry of Education, China; Department of Pathology, Shanxi Medical University, Taiyuan, Shanxi, China
| | - Meng Sun
- Translational Medicine Research Center, Department of Pathology & Shanxi Key Laboratory of Carcinogenesis and Translational Research of Esophageal Cancer, Shanxi Medical University, Taiyuan, Shanxi 030001, China; Key Laboratory of Cellular Physiology, Shanxi Medical University, Ministry of Education, China; Department of Pathology, Shanxi Medical University, Taiyuan, Shanxi, China
| | - Yingzhen Gao
- Translational Medicine Research Center, Department of Pathology & Shanxi Key Laboratory of Carcinogenesis and Translational Research of Esophageal Cancer, Shanxi Medical University, Taiyuan, Shanxi 030001, China; Key Laboratory of Cellular Physiology, Shanxi Medical University, Ministry of Education, China; Department of Pathology, Shanxi Medical University, Taiyuan, Shanxi, China
| | - Yan Zhou
- Translational Medicine Research Center, Department of Pathology & Shanxi Key Laboratory of Carcinogenesis and Translational Research of Esophageal Cancer, Shanxi Medical University, Taiyuan, Shanxi 030001, China; Key Laboratory of Cellular Physiology, Shanxi Medical University, Ministry of Education, China; Department of Pathology, Shanxi Medical University, Taiyuan, Shanxi, China
| | - Heng Xiao
- Translational Medicine Research Center, Department of Pathology & Shanxi Key Laboratory of Carcinogenesis and Translational Research of Esophageal Cancer, Shanxi Medical University, Taiyuan, Shanxi 030001, China; Key Laboratory of Cellular Physiology, Shanxi Medical University, Ministry of Education, China; Department of Pathology, Shanxi Medical University, Taiyuan, Shanxi, China
| | - Jing Ren
- Translational Medicine Research Center, Department of Pathology & Shanxi Key Laboratory of Carcinogenesis and Translational Research of Esophageal Cancer, Shanxi Medical University, Taiyuan, Shanxi 030001, China; Key Laboratory of Cellular Physiology, Shanxi Medical University, Ministry of Education, China; Department of Microbiology and Immunology, Shanxi Medical University, Taiyuan, Shanxi 030001, China
| | - Zhinan Zhou
- Translational Medicine Research Center, Department of Pathology & Shanxi Key Laboratory of Carcinogenesis and Translational Research of Esophageal Cancer, Shanxi Medical University, Taiyuan, Shanxi 030001, China; Key Laboratory of Cellular Physiology, Shanxi Medical University, Ministry of Education, China; Department of Pathology, Shanxi Medical University, Taiyuan, Shanxi, China
| | - Yuanfang Zhai
- Translational Medicine Research Center, Department of Pathology & Shanxi Key Laboratory of Carcinogenesis and Translational Research of Esophageal Cancer, Shanxi Medical University, Taiyuan, Shanxi 030001, China; Key Laboratory of Cellular Physiology, Shanxi Medical University, Ministry of Education, China; Department of Human Anatomy, Shanxi Medical University, Taiyuan, Shanxi 030001, China
| | - Bin Song
- Cancer Center, Shanxi Bethune Hospital, Shanxi Academy of Medical Sciences, Tongji Shanxi Hospital, Third Hospital of Shanxi Medical University, Shanxi, China
| | - Ling Zhang
- Translational Medicine Research Center, Department of Pathology & Shanxi Key Laboratory of Carcinogenesis and Translational Research of Esophageal Cancer, Shanxi Medical University, Taiyuan, Shanxi 030001, China; Key Laboratory of Cellular Physiology, Shanxi Medical University, Ministry of Education, China; Department of Pathology, Shanxi Medical University, Taiyuan, Shanxi, China.
| | - Pengzhou Kong
- Translational Medicine Research Center, Department of Pathology & Shanxi Key Laboratory of Carcinogenesis and Translational Research of Esophageal Cancer, Shanxi Medical University, Taiyuan, Shanxi 030001, China; Key Laboratory of Cellular Physiology, Shanxi Medical University, Ministry of Education, China; Department of Pathology, Shanxi Medical University, Taiyuan, Shanxi, China; State Key Laboratory for Pneumoconiosis of National Health Commission, Key Laboratory of Prevention, Treatment and Fundamental Studies for Respiratory Diseases of Shanxi, Department of Respiratory and Critical Care Medicine, First Hospital of Shanxi Medical University, Taiyuan, Shanxi 030001, China.
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27
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Guo B, He M, Ma M, Tian Z, Jin J, Tian G. Long Non-coding RNA X-Inactive Specific Transcript Promotes Esophageal Squamous Cell Carcinoma Progression via the MicroRNA 34a/Zinc Finger E-box-Binding Homeobox 1 Pathway. Dig Dis Sci 2024; 69:1169-1181. [PMID: 38366093 PMCID: PMC11026218 DOI: 10.1007/s10620-024-08269-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/03/2023] [Accepted: 01/02/2024] [Indexed: 02/18/2024]
Abstract
BACKGROUND The long non-coding RNA X-inactive specific transcript (XIST) plays a crucial role in transcriptional silencing of the X chromosome. Zinc finger E-box-binding homeobox 1 (ZEB1) is a transcription factor involved in epithelial-mesenchymal transition (EMT) regulation. AIMS This study aimed to investigate the impact of XIST on esophageal squamous cell carcinoma (ESCC) progression and its underlying mechanism involving the miR-34a/ZEB1/E-cadherin/EMT pathway. METHODS XIST and ZEB1 expression were analyzed using quantitative PCR and immunohistochemistry. XIST knockdown was achieved in KYSE150 ESCC cells using siRNA or shRNA lentivirus transfection. Proliferation, migration, and invasion abilities were assessed, and luciferase reporter assays were performed to confirm XIST-miR-34a-ZEB1 interactions. In vivo ESCC growth was evaluated using a xenograft mouse model. RESULTS XIST and ZEB1 were upregulated in tumor tissues, correlating with metastasis and reduced survival. XIST knockdown inhibited proliferation, migration, and invasion of KYSE150 cells. It decreased ZEB1 expression, increased E-cadherin and miR-34a levels. Luciferase reporter assays confirmed miR-34a binding to XIST and ZEB1. XIST knockdown suppressed xenograft tumor growth. CONCLUSION XIST promotes ESCC progression via the miR-34a/ZEB1/E-cadherin/EMT pathway. Targeting the XIST/miR-34a/ZEB1 axis holds therapeutic potential and serves as a prognostic biomarker in ESCC.
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Affiliation(s)
- Bin Guo
- Department of Thoracic Surgery, Fourth Hospital of Hebei Medical University, 12 Jiankang Road, Chang'an District, Shijiazhuang, 050011, Hebei, China
| | - Ming He
- Department of Thoracic Surgery, Fourth Hospital of Hebei Medical University, 12 Jiankang Road, Chang'an District, Shijiazhuang, 050011, Hebei, China
| | - Minting Ma
- Department of Medical Oncology, Fourth Hospital of Hebei Medical University, 12 Jiankang Road, Chang'an District, Shijiazhuang, 050011, Hebei, China
| | - Ziqiang Tian
- Department of Thoracic Surgery, Fourth Hospital of Hebei Medical University, 12 Jiankang Road, Chang'an District, Shijiazhuang, 050011, Hebei, China.
| | - Jing Jin
- Department of Institute of Cancer, Fourth Hospital of Hebei Medical University, 12 Jiankang Road, Chang'an District, Shijiazhuang, 050011, Hebei, China
| | - Guo Tian
- Department of Record Room, Fourth Hospital of Hebei Medical University, 12 Jiankang Road, Chang'an District, Shijiazhuang, 050011, Hebei, China
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28
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Ye G, Pan G, Zhu X, Li N, Liu H, Geng G, Jiang J. An integrated analysis of the anticarcinogenic role of forkhead box protein 1 in oesophageal squamous cell carcinoma. J Cell Mol Med 2024; 28:e18294. [PMID: 38652109 PMCID: PMC11037412 DOI: 10.1111/jcmm.18294] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/12/2023] [Revised: 03/11/2024] [Accepted: 03/25/2024] [Indexed: 04/25/2024] Open
Abstract
Forkhead box protein 1 (FOXP1) serves as a tumour promoter or suppressor depending on different cancers, but its effect in oesophageal squamous cell carcinoma has not been fully elucidated. This study investigated the role of FOXP1 in oesophageal squamous cell carcinoma through bioinformatics analysis and experimental verification. We determined through public databases that FOXP1 expresses low in oesophageal squamous cell carcinoma compared with normal tissues, while high expression of FOXP1 indicates a better prognosis. We identified potential target genes regulated by FOXP1, and explored the potential biological processes and signalling pathways involved in FOXP1 in oesophageal squamous cell carcinoma through GO and KEGG enrichment, gene co-expression analysis, and protein interaction network construction. We also analysed the correlation between FOXP1 and tumour immune infiltration levels. We further validated the inhibitory effect of FOXP1 on the proliferation of oesophageal squamous cell carcinoma cells through CCK-8, colony formation and subcutaneous tumour formation assays. This study revealed the anticarcinogenic effect of FOXP1 in oesophageal squamous cell carcinoma, which may serve as a novel biological target for the treatment of tumour.
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Affiliation(s)
- Guanzhi Ye
- Department of Thoracic SurgeryThe First Affiliated Hospital of Xiamen UniversityXiamenFujianChina
| | - Gaojian Pan
- Department of Thoracic SurgeryThe First Affiliated Hospital of Xiamen UniversityXiamenFujianChina
| | - Xiaolei Zhu
- Department of Thoracic SurgeryThe First Affiliated Hospital of Xiamen UniversityXiamenFujianChina
| | - Ning Li
- Department of Thoracic SurgeryThe First Affiliated Hospital of Xiamen UniversityXiamenFujianChina
| | - Hongming Liu
- Department of Thoracic SurgeryThe First Affiliated Hospital of Xiamen UniversityXiamenFujianChina
| | - Guojun Geng
- Department of Thoracic SurgeryThe First Affiliated Hospital of Xiamen UniversityXiamenFujianChina
| | - Jie Jiang
- Department of Thoracic SurgeryThe First Affiliated Hospital of Xiamen UniversityXiamenFujianChina
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29
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Chang Z, Jia Y, Gao M, Song L, Zhang W, Zhao R, Yu D, Liu X, Li J, Qin Y. PHF5A promotes esophageal squamous cell carcinoma progression via stabilizing VEGFA. Biol Direct 2024; 19:19. [PMID: 38429756 PMCID: PMC10905922 DOI: 10.1186/s13062-023-00440-3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/08/2023] [Accepted: 11/23/2023] [Indexed: 03/03/2024] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Esophageal squamous cell carcinoma (ESCC) is the main subtype of esophageal cancer. Current therapeutic effect is far from satisfaction. Hence, identifying susceptible genes and potential targets is necessary for therapy of ESCC patients. METHODS Plant homeodomain (PHD)-finger domain protein 5 A (PHF5A) expression in ESCC tissues was examined by immunohistochemistry. RNA interference was used for in vitro loss-of-function experiments. In vivo assay was performed using xenograft mice model by subcutaneous injection. Besides, microarray assay and co-immunoprecipitation experiments were used to study the potential downstream molecules of PHF5A in ESCC. The molecular mechanism between PHF5A and vascular endothelial growth factor A (VEGFA) was explored by a series of ubiquitination related assays. RESULTS We found that PHF5A was highly expressed in ESCC tissues compared to normal tissues and that was correlated with poor prognosis of ESCC. Loss-of-function experiments revealed that PHF5A silence remarkably inhibited cell proliferation, migration, and induced apoptosis as well as cell cycle arrest. Consistently, in vivo assay demonstrated that PHF5A deficiency was able to attenuate tumor growth. Furthermore, molecular studies showed that PHF5A silencing promoted VEGFA ubiquitination by interacting with MDM2, thereby regulating VEGFA protein expression. Subsequently, in rescue experiments, our data suggested that ESCC cell viability and migration promoted by PHF5A were dependent on intact VEGFA. Finally, PI3K/AKT signaling rescue was able to alleviate shPHF5A-mediated cell apoptosis and cell cycle arrest. CONCLUSION PHF5A is a tumor promoter in ESCC, which is dependent on VEGFA and PI3K/AKT signaling. PHF5A might serve as a potential therapeutic target for ESCC treatment.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zhiwei Chang
- Department of Oncology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou, Henan, 450052, P.R. China
- State Key Laboratory of Esophageal Cancer Prevention & Treatment, Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou, Henan, 450052, P.R. China
| | - Yongxu Jia
- Department of Oncology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou, Henan, 450052, P.R. China
- State Key Laboratory of Esophageal Cancer Prevention & Treatment, Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou, Henan, 450052, P.R. China
| | - Ming Gao
- Department of Oncology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou, Henan, 450052, P.R. China
- State Key Laboratory of Esophageal Cancer Prevention & Treatment, Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou, Henan, 450052, P.R. China
| | - Lijie Song
- Department of Oncology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou, Henan, 450052, P.R. China
- State Key Laboratory of Esophageal Cancer Prevention & Treatment, Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou, Henan, 450052, P.R. China
| | - Weijie Zhang
- Department of Oncology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou, Henan, 450052, P.R. China
- State Key Laboratory of Esophageal Cancer Prevention & Treatment, Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou, Henan, 450052, P.R. China
| | - Ruihua Zhao
- Department of Oncology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou, Henan, 450052, P.R. China
- State Key Laboratory of Esophageal Cancer Prevention & Treatment, Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou, Henan, 450052, P.R. China
| | - Dandan Yu
- Department of Oncology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou, Henan, 450052, P.R. China
- State Key Laboratory of Esophageal Cancer Prevention & Treatment, Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou, Henan, 450052, P.R. China
| | - Xiaolei Liu
- Department of Oncology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou, Henan, 450052, P.R. China
- State Key Laboratory of Esophageal Cancer Prevention & Treatment, Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou, Henan, 450052, P.R. China
| | - Jing Li
- Department of Oncology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou, Henan, 450052, P.R. China
- State Key Laboratory of Esophageal Cancer Prevention & Treatment, Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou, Henan, 450052, P.R. China
| | - Yanru Qin
- Department of Oncology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou, Henan, 450052, P.R. China.
- State Key Laboratory of Esophageal Cancer Prevention & Treatment, Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou, Henan, 450052, P.R. China.
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He S, Lu M, Zhang L, Wang Z. RSK4 promotes the macrophage recruitment and M2 polarization in esophageal squamous cell carcinoma. Biochim Biophys Acta Mol Basis Dis 2024; 1870:166996. [PMID: 38142759 DOI: 10.1016/j.bbadis.2023.166996] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/12/2023] [Revised: 12/01/2023] [Accepted: 12/18/2023] [Indexed: 12/26/2023]
Abstract
High infiltration of tumor-associated macrophages (TAMs) participates in host immunity and tumor progression in patients with esophageal squamous cell carcinoma (ESCC). Ribosomal s6 kinase 4 (RSK4) has been shown to be aberrantly overexpressed in ESCC. The role of RSK4 in cytokine secretion and its impact on macrophage recruitment and M2 polarization remains unclear. Therefore, a thorough understanding of RSK4 is needed to expand our knowledge of its therapeutic potential. Herein, RSK4 expression in human ESCC tissues and a xenograft mouse model was positively correlated with high infiltration of M0 and M2 macrophages which is positively associated with unfavorable overall survival outcomes and treatment resistance in patients with ESCC. In vitro experiments revealed that RSK4 derived from ESCC cells promoted macrophage recruitment and M2 polarization by enhancingsoluble intercellular adhesion molecule-1 (sICAM-1) secretion via direct and indirect STAT3 phosphorylation. Furthermore, RSK4-induced macrophages enhanced tumor proliferation, migration, and invasion by secreting C-C motif chemokine ligand 22 (CCL22). We further showed that patients with elevated CD68 and CD206 expression had unfavorable overall survival. Collectively, these results demonstrate that RSK4 promotes the macrophage recruitment and M2 polarization by regulating the STAT3/ICAM-1 axis in ESCC, influencing tumor progression primarily in a CCL22-dependent manner. These data also offer valuable insights for developing novel agents for the treatment of ESCC.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shuai He
- State Key Laboratory of Holistic Integrative Management of Gastrointestinal Cancers, Department of Pathology, Xijing Hospital and School of Basic Medicine, Fourth Military Medical University, Xi'an, China; Department of Pathology, Baotou Medical college, Baotou, Inner Mongolia Autonomous Region, China
| | - Ming Lu
- Department of Hematology, Xijing Hospital, Fourth Military Medical University, Xi'an, China
| | - Liang Zhang
- Department of Pathology, The First Affiliated Hospital of University of USTC, Division of Life Sciences and Medicine, University of Science and Technology of China, Hefei, China
| | - Zhe Wang
- State Key Laboratory of Holistic Integrative Management of Gastrointestinal Cancers, Department of Pathology, Xijing Hospital and School of Basic Medicine, Fourth Military Medical University, Xi'an, China.
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Zhou X, Xia Q, Chen M, Zhang X, Huang M, Zheng X, Wang S, Wu B, Du Z. THBS1 promotes angiogenesis and accelerates ESCC malignant progression by the HIF-1/VEGF signaling pathway. Cell Biol Int 2024; 48:311-324. [PMID: 38233982 DOI: 10.1002/cbin.12126] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/24/2023] [Revised: 11/09/2023] [Accepted: 11/21/2023] [Indexed: 01/19/2024]
Abstract
Previously, we demonstrated that the expression of THBS1 is increased in esophageal squamous cell carcinoma (ESCC) tissues and is correlated with lymph node metastasis and poor prognosis, indicating that THBS1 might be a candidate oncogene in ESCC. In this study, we future studied the specific role of THBS1 in ESCC and its molecular mechanism. Silencing THBS1 expression resulted in inhibition of cell migration and cell invasion of ESCC cells, the decrease of colony formation and proliferation. Tube formation of human umbilical vein endothelial cells (HUVECs) in vitro was decreased when cultured with conditioned medium from THBS1-silenced cells. The expression of CD31, a marker for blood vessel endothelial cells, was decreased in tumor tissues derived from THBS1-silenced tumors in vivo. Silencing THBS1 leaded the decreased of hypoxia-inducible factor-1α (HIF-1α), HIF-1β, and VEGFA protein. The expression of p-ERK and p-AKT were declined in HUVECs following incubation with conditioned medium from THBS1-silenced ESCC cells compared conditioned medium from control cells. Furthermore, the treatment with bevacizumab boosted the decrease of the p-ERK and p-AKT levels in HUVECs incubated with the conditioned medium from THBS1-silenced ESCC cells. THBS1 silencing combined with bevacizumab blocked VEGF, inhibited to the tube formation, colony formation and migration of HUVECs, which were superior to that of bevacizumab alone. We presumed that THBS1 can enhance HIF-1/VEGF signaling and subsequently induce angiogenesis by activating the AKT and ERK pathways in HUVECs, resulting in bevacizumab resistance. THBS1 would be a potential target in tumor antiangiogenesis therapies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xiao Zhou
- Department of Central Laboratory, Shantou Central Hospital, Shantou, Guangdong, China
| | - Qiaoxi Xia
- Department of Central Laboratory, Shantou Central Hospital, Shantou, Guangdong, China
| | - Mantong Chen
- Department of Pathology, Shantou Central Hospital, Shantou, Guangdong, China
| | - Xiaona Zhang
- Department of Central Laboratory, Shantou Central Hospital, Shantou, Guangdong, China
| | - Meihui Huang
- Department of Central Laboratory, Shantou Central Hospital, Shantou, Guangdong, China
| | - Xiaoqi Zheng
- Department of Central Laboratory, Shantou Central Hospital, Shantou, Guangdong, China
| | - Shaohong Wang
- Department of Pathology, Shantou Central Hospital, Shantou, Guangdong, China
| | - Bingli Wu
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Shantou University Medical College, Shantou, Guangdong, China
| | - Zepeng Du
- Department of Central Laboratory, Shantou Central Hospital, Shantou, Guangdong, China
- Department of Pathology, Shantou Central Hospital, Shantou, Guangdong, China
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Liang H, Che W, Peng F, Chen H, Xie X, Wu B. Triptolide inhibits esophageal squamous cell carcinoma progression by regulating the circNOX4/miR-153-3p/SATB1 signaling pathway. Thorac Cancer 2024; 15:538-549. [PMID: 38268309 PMCID: PMC10912528 DOI: 10.1111/1759-7714.15215] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/21/2023] [Revised: 12/20/2023] [Accepted: 12/22/2023] [Indexed: 01/26/2024] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND To explore the role and mechanism of triptolide in regulating esophageal squamous cell carcinoma (ESCC) progression by mediating the circular RNA (circRNA)-related pathway. METHODS The expression levels of circNOX4, miR-153-3p and special AT-rich sequence binding protein-1 (SATB1) were measured by qRT-PCR. Cell proliferation was confirmed by cell counting kit-8 assay and colony formation assay. Flow cytometry was employed to measure cell apoptosis and cell cycle process. Moreover, cell migration and invasion were detected using transwell assay. The protein levels of epithelial-mesenchymal transformation markers and SATB1 were determined by western blot analysis. Furthermore, dual-luciferase reporter assay and RIP assay were performed to confirm the interaction between miR-153-3p and circNOX4 or SATB1. Xenograft tumor models were built to verify the effects of triptolide and circNOX4 on ESCC tumor growth. RESULTS CircNOX4 was highly expressed in ESCC tissues and cells, and its expression could be reduced by triptolide. Triptolide could inhibit ESCC proliferation, cell cycle process, migration, invasion, EMT process, and promote apoptosis, while these effects were reversed by circNOX4 overexpression. MiR-153-3p could be sponged by circNOX4, and the promotion effect of circNOX4 on the progression of triptolide-treated ESCC cells was abolished by miR-153-3p overexpression. SATB1 was a target of miR-153-3p. Also, SATB1 knockdown reversed the enhancing effect of miR-153-3p inhibitor on the progression of triptolide-treated ESCC cells. Triptolide reduced ESCC tumor growth by regulating the circNOX4/miR-153-3p/SATB1 axis. CONCLUSION Triptolide could hinder ESCC progression, which was mainly achieved by regulating the circNOX4/miR-153-3p/SATB1 axis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hanping Liang
- Department of thoracic surgeryGaozhou people's HospitalGaozhouChina
| | - Weibi Che
- Department of thoracic surgeryGaozhou people's HospitalGaozhouChina
| | - Fengyuan Peng
- Department of thoracic surgeryGaozhou people's HospitalGaozhouChina
| | - Huilong Chen
- Department of thoracic surgeryGaozhou people's HospitalGaozhouChina
| | - Xihao Xie
- Department of thoracic surgeryGaozhou people's HospitalGaozhouChina
| | - Bomeng Wu
- Department of thoracic surgeryGaozhou people's HospitalGaozhouChina
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Zhang L, Chen X, Wang J, Chen M, Chen J, Zhuang W, Xia Y, Huang Z, Zheng Y, Huang Y. Cysteine protease inhibitor 1 promotes metastasis by mediating an oxidative phosphorylation/MEK/ERK axis in esophageal squamous carcinoma cancer. Sci Rep 2024; 14:4985. [PMID: 38424293 PMCID: PMC10904862 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-024-55544-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/18/2023] [Accepted: 02/24/2024] [Indexed: 03/02/2024] Open
Abstract
Cysteine protease inhibitor 1 (CST1) is a cystatin superfamily protein that inhibits cysteine protease activity and is reported to be involved in the development of many malignancies. Mitochondrial oxidative phosphorylation (OXPHOS) also plays an important role in cancer cell growth regulation. However, the relationship and roles of CST1 and OXPHOS in esophageal squamous cell carcinoma (ESCC) remains unclear. In our pilot study, CST1 was shown the potential of promoting ESCC migration and invasion by the activation of MEK/ERK pathway. Transcriptome sequencing analysis revealed that CST1 is closely associated with OXPHOS. Based on a real-time ATP rate assay, mitochondrial complex I enzyme activity assay, immunofluorescence, co-immunoprecipitation, and addition of the OXPHOS inhibitor Rotenone and MEK/ERK inhibitor PD98059, we determined that CST1 affects mitochondrial complex I enzyme activity by interacting with the GRIM19 protein to elevate OXPHOS levels, and a reciprocal regulatory relationship exists between OXPHOS and the MEK/ERK pathway in ESCC cells. Finally, an in vivo study demonstrated the potential of CST1 in ESCC metastasis through regulation of the OXPHOS and MEK/ERK pathways. This study is the first to reveal the oncogenic role of CST1 in ESCC development by enhancing mitochondrial respiratory chain complex I activity to activate the OXPHOS/MEK/ERK axis, and then promote ESCC metastasis, suggesting that CST1/OXPHOS is a promising target for ESCC treatment.
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Affiliation(s)
- Liangming Zhang
- Shengli Clinical Medical College, Fujian Medical University, No.134 East Street, Fuzhou, 350001, Fujian Province, China
- Department of Clinical Laboratory, Fujian Provincial Hospital South Branch, Fuzhou, 350008, Fujian, China
| | - Xiongfeng Chen
- Shengli Clinical Medical College, Fujian Medical University, No.134 East Street, Fuzhou, 350001, Fujian Province, China
- Department of Scientific Research, Fujian Provincial Hospital, Fuzhou, 350001, Fujian, China
| | - Jianwei Wang
- Shengli Clinical Medical College, Fujian Medical University, No.134 East Street, Fuzhou, 350001, Fujian Province, China
- Department of Clinical Laboratory, Fujian Provincial Hospital South Branch, Fuzhou, 350008, Fujian, China
| | - Meihong Chen
- Shengli Clinical Medical College, Fujian Medical University, No.134 East Street, Fuzhou, 350001, Fujian Province, China
- Department of Clinical Laboratory, Fujian Provincial Hospital South Branch, Fuzhou, 350008, Fujian, China
| | - Juan Chen
- Shengli Clinical Medical College, Fujian Medical University, No.134 East Street, Fuzhou, 350001, Fujian Province, China
- Clinical Laboratory Department of Fuding Hospital, Fujian University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Fuding, 355200, Fujian, China
| | - Wanzhen Zhuang
- Shengli Clinical Medical College, Fujian Medical University, No.134 East Street, Fuzhou, 350001, Fujian Province, China
- Department of Clinical Laboratory, Fujian Provincial Hospital, Fuzhou, 350001, Fujian, China
| | - Yu Xia
- Department of Clinical Laboratory, Fujian Provincial Hospital, Fuzhou, 350001, Fujian, China
- Integrated Chinese and Western Medicine College, Fujian University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Fuzhou, 350000, Fujian, China
| | - Zhixin Huang
- Department of Clinical Laboratory, Fujian Provincial Hospital, Fuzhou, 350001, Fujian, China
- Integrated Chinese and Western Medicine College, Fujian University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Fuzhou, 350000, Fujian, China
| | - Yue Zheng
- Shengli Clinical Medical College, Fujian Medical University, No.134 East Street, Fuzhou, 350001, Fujian Province, China
- Department of Clinical Laboratory, Fujian Provincial Hospital, Fuzhou, 350001, Fujian, China
| | - Yi Huang
- Shengli Clinical Medical College, Fujian Medical University, No.134 East Street, Fuzhou, 350001, Fujian Province, China.
- Department of Clinical Laboratory, Fujian Provincial Hospital, Fuzhou, 350001, Fujian, China.
- Central Laboratory, Center for Experimental Research in Clinical Medicine, Fujian Provincial Hospital, Fuzhou, 350001, Fujian, China.
- Fujian Provincial Key Laboratory of Critical Care Medicine, Fujian Provincial Key Laboratory of Cardiovascular Disease, Fuzhou, 350001, Fujian, China.
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Wang P, Yang L, Guo Y, Qi S, Liang J, Tian G, Tian Z. SENP3 mediates the activation of the Wnt/β-catenin signaling pathway to accelerate the growth and metastasis of oesophagal squamous cell carcinoma in mice. Funct Integr Genomics 2024; 24:40. [PMID: 38383667 DOI: 10.1007/s10142-024-01321-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/01/2023] [Revised: 02/05/2024] [Accepted: 02/13/2024] [Indexed: 02/23/2024]
Abstract
As a common malignant tumor, esophageal squamous cell carcinoma (ESCC) is occasionally seen in clinical practice. This type of disease has low incidence rate and mortality. The post-translational modification of small ubiquitin like modifiers (SUMO) can play a crucial role in regulating protein function, and can significantly impact the occurrence and development of diseases. SUMO-specific peptidase (SENP) affects cell activity by regulating the biological function of SUMO. SENP3 belongs to the SENP family, and available data indicate that many malignancies are associated with SENPs, it is currently unclear its role in ESCC. This study indicates that there is a high level of SENP3 expression in ESCC tumor cells. If the expression level of this gene is high, it can have a significant impact on ESCC cell lines and affect physiological activities such as invasion of KYSE170 cells. If the gene is knocked out, this situation will not occur. There is also research data indicating that this gene can effectively activate related signaling pathways, thereby promoting the physiological activities of malignant tumor cells. In a nude mouse xenograft tumor model, KYSE170 cells with SENP3 expression knockdown induced a smaller volume and weight of tumor tissue. Therefore, it can be clearly stated that SENP3 can enable Wnt/ β- The catenin signaling pathway is stimulated, which in turn affects the physiological activities of ESCC cells, including the invasion process. The results of this article lay the foundation for clinical staff to carry out clinical management.
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Affiliation(s)
- Pengzeng Wang
- Department of Thoracic Surgery, the Fourth Hospital of Hebei Medical University, No.12 Jian-Kang Road, Chang-An District, Shijiazhuang, 050011, People's Republic of China
| | - Linan Yang
- Department of Respiratory Medicine, the Second Hospital of Hebei Medical University, Shijiazhuang, 050011, People's Republic of China
| | - Yin Guo
- Department of Radiotherapy, the Fourth Hospital of Hebei Medical University, Shijiazhuang, 050011, People's Republic of China
| | - Shuliang Qi
- Department of Thoracic Surgery, Gucheng County Hospital in Hebei Province, Hengshui, 253800, People's Republic of China
| | - Jia Liang
- Department of Cancer, the Fourth Hospital of Hebei Medical University, Shijiazhuang, 050011, People's Republic of China
| | - Guo Tian
- Medical Record Room, the Fourth Hospital of Hebei Medical University, Shijiazhuang, 050011, People's Republic of China
| | - Ziqiang Tian
- Department of Thoracic Surgery, the Fourth Hospital of Hebei Medical University, No.12 Jian-Kang Road, Chang-An District, Shijiazhuang, 050011, People's Republic of China.
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Shi Q, Xu G, Jiang Y, Yang J, Han X, Wang Q, Li Y, Zhang Z, Wang K, Peng H, Chen F, Ma Y, Zhao L, Chen Y, Liu Z, Yang L, Jia X, Wen T, Tong Z, Cui X, Li F. Phospholipase PLCE1 Promotes Transcription and Phosphorylation of MCM7 to Drive Tumor Progression in Esophageal Cancer. Cancer Res 2024; 84:560-576. [PMID: 38117512 DOI: 10.1158/0008-5472.can-23-1633] [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] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/02/2023] [Revised: 10/03/2023] [Accepted: 12/14/2023] [Indexed: 12/21/2023]
Abstract
Phospholipase C epsilon 1 (PLCE1) is a well-established susceptibility gene for esophageal squamous cell carcinoma (ESCC). Identification of the underlying mechanism(s) regulated by PLCE1 could lead to a better understanding of ESCC tumorigenesis. In this study, we found that PLCE1 enhances tumor progression by regulating the replicative helicase MCM7 via two pathways. PLCE1 activated PKCα-mediated phosphorylation of E2F1, which led to the transcriptional activation of MCM7 and miR-106b-5p. The increased expression of miR-106b-5p, located in intron 13 of MCM7, suppressed autophagy and apoptosis by targeting Beclin-1 and RBL2, respectively. Moreover, MCM7 cooperated with the miR-106b-25 cluster to promote PLCE1-dependent cell-cycle progression both in vivo and in vitro. In addition, PLCE1 potentiated the phosphorylation of MCM7 at six threonine residues by the atypical kinase RIOK2, which promoted MCM complex assembly, chromatin loading, and cell-cycle progression. Inhibition of PLCE1 or RIOK2 hampered MCM7-mediated DNA replication, resulting in G1-S arrest. Furthermore, MCM7 overexpression in ESCC correlated with poor patient survival. Overall, these findings provide insights into the role of PLCE1 as an oncogenic regulator, a promising prognostic biomarker, and a potential therapeutic target in ESCC. SIGNIFICANCE PLCE1 promotes tumor progression in ESCC by activating PKCα-mediated phosphorylation of E2F1 to upregulate MCM7 and miR-106b-5p expression and by potentiating MCM7 phosphorylation by RIOK2.
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Affiliation(s)
- Qi Shi
- Medical Research Center and Department of Pathology, Beijing Institute of Respiratory Medicine and Beijing Chao-Yang Hospital, Capital Medical University, Beijing, P.R. China
- Department of Pathology and Key Laboratory for Xinjiang Endemic and Ethnic Diseases, The First Affiliated Hospital, Shihezi University School of Medicine, Shihezi, P.R. China
| | - Guixuan Xu
- Medical Research Center and Department of Pathology, Beijing Institute of Respiratory Medicine and Beijing Chao-Yang Hospital, Capital Medical University, Beijing, P.R. China
- Department of Pathology and Key Laboratory for Xinjiang Endemic and Ethnic Diseases, The First Affiliated Hospital, Shihezi University School of Medicine, Shihezi, P.R. China
| | - Yuliang Jiang
- Department of Oncology, Beijing Institute of Respiratory Medicine and Beijing Chao-Yang Hospital, Capital Medical University, Beijing, P.R. China
| | - Ju Yang
- The Comprehensive Cancer Centre of Drum Tower Hospital, Medical School of Nanjing University and Clinical Cancer Institute of Nanjing University, Nanjing, P.R. China
| | - Xueping Han
- Department of Pathology and Key Laboratory for Xinjiang Endemic and Ethnic Diseases, The First Affiliated Hospital, Shihezi University School of Medicine, Shihezi, P.R. China
| | - Qian Wang
- Department of Pathology and Key Laboratory for Xinjiang Endemic and Ethnic Diseases, The First Affiliated Hospital, Shihezi University School of Medicine, Shihezi, P.R. China
| | - Ya Li
- Medical Research Center and Department of Pathology, Beijing Institute of Respiratory Medicine and Beijing Chao-Yang Hospital, Capital Medical University, Beijing, P.R. China
- Department of Pathology and Key Laboratory for Xinjiang Endemic and Ethnic Diseases, The First Affiliated Hospital, Shihezi University School of Medicine, Shihezi, P.R. China
| | - Zhiyu Zhang
- Medical Research Center and Department of Pathology, Beijing Institute of Respiratory Medicine and Beijing Chao-Yang Hospital, Capital Medical University, Beijing, P.R. China
| | - Kaige Wang
- Medical Research Center and Department of Pathology, Beijing Institute of Respiratory Medicine and Beijing Chao-Yang Hospital, Capital Medical University, Beijing, P.R. China
| | - Hao Peng
- Department of Pathology and Key Laboratory for Xinjiang Endemic and Ethnic Diseases, The First Affiliated Hospital, Shihezi University School of Medicine, Shihezi, P.R. China
| | - Fangfang Chen
- Department of Pathology and Key Laboratory for Xinjiang Endemic and Ethnic Diseases, The First Affiliated Hospital, Shihezi University School of Medicine, Shihezi, P.R. China
| | - Yandi Ma
- Department of Pathology and Key Laboratory for Xinjiang Endemic and Ethnic Diseases, The First Affiliated Hospital, Shihezi University School of Medicine, Shihezi, P.R. China
| | - Linyue Zhao
- Department of Pathology, Nanjing Drum Tower Hospital, Affiliated Hospital of Medical School, Nanjing University, Nanjing, P.R. China
| | - Yunzhao Chen
- Department of Pathology, The people's Hospital of Suzhou National Hi-Tech District, Suzhou, P.R. China
| | - Zheng Liu
- Medical Research Center and Department of Pathology, Beijing Institute of Respiratory Medicine and Beijing Chao-Yang Hospital, Capital Medical University, Beijing, P.R. China
| | - Lan Yang
- Department of Pathology and Key Laboratory for Xinjiang Endemic and Ethnic Diseases, The First Affiliated Hospital, Shihezi University School of Medicine, Shihezi, P.R. China
| | - Xingyuan Jia
- Medical Research Center and Department of Pathology, Beijing Institute of Respiratory Medicine and Beijing Chao-Yang Hospital, Capital Medical University, Beijing, P.R. China
| | - Tao Wen
- Medical Research Center and Department of Pathology, Beijing Institute of Respiratory Medicine and Beijing Chao-Yang Hospital, Capital Medical University, Beijing, P.R. China
| | - Zhaohui Tong
- Department of Respiratory and Critical Care Medicine, Beijing Institute of Respiratory Medicine and Beijing Chao-Yang Hospital, Capital Medical University, Beijing, P.R. China
| | - Xiaobin Cui
- Department of Pathology and Key Laboratory for Xinjiang Endemic and Ethnic Diseases, The First Affiliated Hospital, Shihezi University School of Medicine, Shihezi, P.R. China
- Department of Pathology, Nanjing Drum Tower Hospital, Affiliated Hospital of Medical School, Nanjing University, Nanjing, P.R. China
| | - Feng Li
- Medical Research Center and Department of Pathology, Beijing Institute of Respiratory Medicine and Beijing Chao-Yang Hospital, Capital Medical University, Beijing, P.R. China
- Department of Pathology and Key Laboratory for Xinjiang Endemic and Ethnic Diseases, The First Affiliated Hospital, Shihezi University School of Medicine, Shihezi, P.R. China
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Chen L, Lu J, Li X, Wang X, Qiao R, Guo W, Ren Q. LncRNA KTN1-AS1 facilitates esophageal squamous cell carcinoma progression via miR-885-5p/STRN3 axis. Genes Genomics 2024; 46:241-252. [PMID: 37747640 DOI: 10.1007/s13258-023-01451-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/06/2023] [Accepted: 08/27/2023] [Indexed: 09/26/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Esophageal squamous cell carcinoma (ESCC) is one of the most common malignancies and frequent cause of cancer-related death worldwide. Long non-coding RNAs (lncRNAs) play regulatory roles and serve as biomarkers of multiple cancers, including ESCC. Our previous studies have confirmed that lncRNA Kinectin 1 antisense RNA 1 (KTN1-AS1) is highly expressed in ESCC and exerts oncogene function through RBBP4/HDAC1 complex. OBJECTIVE Our present study focused on exploring a novel molecular mechanism of KTN1-AS1 in ESCC. METHODS In this study, qRT-PCR assay, Western blot assay, Luciferase reporter assay, and RNA immunoprecipitation assay were conducted. RESULTS We found that KTN1-AS1 could bind to miR-885-5p in ESCC cells, and miR-885-5p was low expressed in ESCC. Overexpression of miR-885-5p inhibited esophageal cancer cells proliferation and invasion in vitro. Mechanistic analysis demonstrated that miR-885-5p specifically targeted striatin 3 (STRN3), and KTN1-AS1/miR-885-5p promoted the EMT process by Hippo pathway in STRN3/YAP1 dependent manner. CONCLUSION To sum up, KTN1-AS1 facilitates ESCC progression by acting as a ceRNA for miR-885-5p to regulate STRN3 expression and the Hippo pathway, and KTN1-AS1 maybe used as a promising therapeutic target for ESCC.
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Affiliation(s)
- Liying Chen
- Department of Physiology, Hebei University of Chinese Medicine, Shijiazhuang, Hebei, China
| | - Juntao Lu
- Laboratory of Pathology, Hebei Cancer Institute, The Fourth Hospital of Hebei Medical University, Jiankang Road 12, Shijiazhuang, Hebei, 050011, China
| | - Xiaoxu Li
- Laboratory of Pathology, Hebei Cancer Institute, The Fourth Hospital of Hebei Medical University, Jiankang Road 12, Shijiazhuang, Hebei, 050011, China
| | - Xinhao Wang
- Laboratory of Pathology, Hebei Cancer Institute, The Fourth Hospital of Hebei Medical University, Jiankang Road 12, Shijiazhuang, Hebei, 050011, China
| | - Ruoyang Qiao
- Hebei Medical University, Shijiazhuang, Hebei, China
| | - Wei Guo
- Laboratory of Pathology, Hebei Cancer Institute, The Fourth Hospital of Hebei Medical University, Jiankang Road 12, Shijiazhuang, Hebei, 050011, China.
| | - Qian Ren
- Department of Human Anatomy, Hebei Medical University, Zhongshan East Road 361, Shijiazhuang, Hebei, 050017, China.
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Chen J, Zhang L, Zhu Y, Zhao D, Zhang J, Zhu Y, Pang J, Xiao Y, Wu Q, Wang Y, Zhan Q. AKT2 S128/CCTα S315/319/323-positive cancer-associated fibroblasts (CAFs) mediate focal adhesion kinase (FAK) inhibitors resistance via secreting phosphatidylcholines (PCs). Signal Transduct Target Ther 2024; 9:21. [PMID: 38280862 PMCID: PMC10821909 DOI: 10.1038/s41392-023-01728-6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/07/2023] [Revised: 10/26/2023] [Accepted: 12/10/2023] [Indexed: 01/29/2024] Open
Abstract
Abnormal metabolism is regarded as an oncogenic hallmark related to tumor progression and therapeutic resistance. Present study employed multi-omics, including phosphoproteomics, untargeted metabolomics and lipidomics, to demonstrate that the pAKT2 Ser128 and pCCTα Ser315/319/323-positive cancer-associated fibroblasts (CAFs) substantially release phosphatidylcholines (PCs), contributing to the resistance of focal adhesion kinase (FAK) inhibitors in esophageal squamous cell carcinoma (ESCC) treatment. Additionally, we observed extremely low levels of FAK Tyr397 expression in CAFs, potentially offering no available target for FAK inhibitors playing their anti-growth role in CAFs. Consequently, FAK inhibitor increased the intracellular concentration of Ca2+ in CAFs, promoting the formation of AKT2/CCTα complex, leading to phosphorylation of CCTα Ser315/319/323 sites and eventually enhancing stromal PC production. This activation could stimulate the intratumoral Janus kinase 2 (JAK2)/Signal transducer and activator of transcription 3 (STAT3) pathway, triggering resistance to FAK inhibition. Analysis of clinical samples demonstrated that stromal pAKT2 Ser128 and pCCTα Ser315/319/323 are related to the tumor malignancy and reduced patient survival. Pseudo-targeted lipidomics and further validation cohort quantitatively showed that plasma PCs enable to distinguish the malignant extent of ESCC patients. In conclusion, inhibition of stroma-derived PCs and related pathway could be possible therapeutic strategies for tumor therapy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jie Chen
- Key Laboratory of Carcinogenesis and Translational Research (Ministry of Education/Beijing), Laboratory of Molecular Oncology, Peking University Cancer Hospital & Institute, 100142, Beijing, China.
- Peking University International Cancer Institute, Peking University, 100191, Beijing, China.
- Research Unit of Molecular Cancer Research, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences, Beijing, China.
- Soochow University Cancer Institute, Suzhou, 215000, China.
| | - Lingyuan Zhang
- Key Laboratory of Carcinogenesis and Translational Research (Ministry of Education/Beijing), Laboratory of Molecular Oncology, Peking University Cancer Hospital & Institute, 100142, Beijing, China
- Peking University International Cancer Institute, Peking University, 100191, Beijing, China
- Research Unit of Molecular Cancer Research, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences, Beijing, China
| | - Yuheng Zhu
- Key Laboratory of Carcinogenesis and Translational Research (Ministry of Education/Beijing), Laboratory of Molecular Oncology, Peking University Cancer Hospital & Institute, 100142, Beijing, China
| | - Di Zhao
- Key Laboratory of Carcinogenesis and Translational Research (Ministry of Education/Beijing), Laboratory of Molecular Oncology, Peking University Cancer Hospital & Institute, 100142, Beijing, China
- Peking University International Cancer Institute, Peking University, 100191, Beijing, China
- Research Unit of Molecular Cancer Research, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences, Beijing, China
| | - Jing Zhang
- Key Laboratory of Carcinogenesis and Translational Research (Ministry of Education/Beijing), Laboratory of Molecular Oncology, Peking University Cancer Hospital & Institute, 100142, Beijing, China
- Peking University International Cancer Institute, Peking University, 100191, Beijing, China
- Research Unit of Molecular Cancer Research, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences, Beijing, China
| | - Yanmeng Zhu
- Key Laboratory of Carcinogenesis and Translational Research (Ministry of Education/Beijing), Laboratory of Molecular Oncology, Peking University Cancer Hospital & Institute, 100142, Beijing, China
- Peking University International Cancer Institute, Peking University, 100191, Beijing, China
- Research Unit of Molecular Cancer Research, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences, Beijing, China
| | - Jingyuan Pang
- Key Laboratory of Carcinogenesis and Translational Research (Ministry of Education/Beijing), Laboratory of Molecular Oncology, Peking University Cancer Hospital & Institute, 100142, Beijing, China
| | - Yuanfan Xiao
- Key Laboratory of Carcinogenesis and Translational Research (Ministry of Education/Beijing), Laboratory of Molecular Oncology, Peking University Cancer Hospital & Institute, 100142, Beijing, China
- Peking University International Cancer Institute, Peking University, 100191, Beijing, China
- Research Unit of Molecular Cancer Research, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences, Beijing, China
| | - Qingnan Wu
- Key Laboratory of Carcinogenesis and Translational Research (Ministry of Education/Beijing), Laboratory of Molecular Oncology, Peking University Cancer Hospital & Institute, 100142, Beijing, China
- Peking University International Cancer Institute, Peking University, 100191, Beijing, China
- Research Unit of Molecular Cancer Research, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences, Beijing, China
| | - Yan Wang
- Key Laboratory of Carcinogenesis and Translational Research (Ministry of Education/Beijing), Laboratory of Molecular Oncology, Peking University Cancer Hospital & Institute, 100142, Beijing, China
- Peking University International Cancer Institute, Peking University, 100191, Beijing, China
- Research Unit of Molecular Cancer Research, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences, Beijing, China
| | - Qimin Zhan
- Key Laboratory of Carcinogenesis and Translational Research (Ministry of Education/Beijing), Laboratory of Molecular Oncology, Peking University Cancer Hospital & Institute, 100142, Beijing, China.
- Peking University International Cancer Institute, Peking University, 100191, Beijing, China.
- Research Unit of Molecular Cancer Research, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences, Beijing, China.
- Soochow University Cancer Institute, Suzhou, 215000, China.
- Institute of Cancer Research, Shenzhen Bay Laboratory, Shenzhen, 518107, China.
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Xu A, Sun M, Li Z, Chu Y, Fang K, Zhang Y, Lian J, Zhang L, Chen T, Xu M. ELF4 contributes to esophageal squamous cell carcinoma growth and metastasis by augmenting cancer stemness via FUT9. Acta Biochim Biophys Sin (Shanghai) 2024; 56:129-139. [PMID: 37674363 PMCID: PMC10875363 DOI: 10.3724/abbs.2023225] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/02/2023] [Accepted: 08/25/2023] [Indexed: 09/08/2023] Open
Abstract
Esophageal squamous cell carcinoma (ESCC) commonly has aggressive properties and a poor prognosis. Investigating the molecular mechanisms underlying the progression of ESCC is crucial for developing effective therapeutic strategies. Here, by performing transcriptome sequencing in ESCC and adjacent normal tissues, we find that E74-like transcription factor 4 (ELF4) is the main upregulated transcription factor in ESCC. The results of the immunohistochemistry show that ELF4 is overexpressed in ESCC tissues and is significantly correlated with cancer staging and prognosis. Furthermore, we demonstrate that ELF4 could promote cancer cell proliferation, migration, invasion, and stemness by in vivo assays. Through RNA-seq and ChIP assays, we find that the stemness-related gene fucosyltransferase 9 ( FUT9) is transcriptionally activated by ELF4. Meanwhile, ELF4 is verified to affect ESCC cancer stemness by regulating FUT9 expression. Overall, we first discover that the transcription factor ELF4 is overexpressed in ESCC and can promote ESCC progression by transcriptionally upregulating the stemness-related gene FUT9.
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Affiliation(s)
- Aiping Xu
- Endoscopy CenterZhongshan HospitalSchool of MedicineFudan UniversityShanghai200032China
- Endoscopy CenterDepartment of GastroenterologyShanghai East HospitalSchool of MedicineTongji UniversityShanghai200120China
- Department of Gastroenterology and HepatologyJing’an District Centre HospitalFudan UniversityShanghai20032China
| | - Mingchuang Sun
- Endoscopy CenterDepartment of GastroenterologyShanghai East HospitalSchool of MedicineTongji UniversityShanghai200120China
| | - Zhaoxing Li
- Endoscopy CenterDepartment of GastroenterologyShanghai East HospitalSchool of MedicineTongji UniversityShanghai200120China
| | - Yuan Chu
- Endoscopy CenterDepartment of GastroenterologyShanghai East HospitalSchool of MedicineTongji UniversityShanghai200120China
| | - Kang Fang
- Endoscopy CenterDepartment of GastroenterologyShanghai East HospitalSchool of MedicineTongji UniversityShanghai200120China
| | - Yunwei Zhang
- Endoscopy CenterDepartment of GastroenterologyShanghai East HospitalSchool of MedicineTongji UniversityShanghai200120China
| | - Jingjing Lian
- Endoscopy CenterDepartment of GastroenterologyShanghai East HospitalSchool of MedicineTongji UniversityShanghai200120China
| | - Li Zhang
- Department of PathologyShanghai East HospitalSchool of MedicineTongji UniversityShanghai200120China
| | - Tao Chen
- Endoscopy CenterDepartment of GastroenterologyShanghai East HospitalSchool of MedicineTongji UniversityShanghai200120China
| | - Meidong Xu
- Endoscopy CenterDepartment of GastroenterologyShanghai East HospitalSchool of MedicineTongji UniversityShanghai200120China
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Dunbar KJ, Wong KK, Rustgi AK. Cancer-Associated Fibroblasts in Esophageal Cancer. Cell Mol Gastroenterol Hepatol 2024; 17:687-695. [PMID: 38246591 PMCID: PMC10958110 DOI: 10.1016/j.jcmgh.2024.01.008] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/03/2023] [Revised: 01/09/2024] [Accepted: 01/09/2024] [Indexed: 01/23/2024]
Abstract
Cancer-associated fibroblasts (CAFs), a heterogenous population, can promote cancer cell proliferation, migration, invasion, immunosuppression, and therapeutic resistance in solid tumors. These effects are mediated through secretion of cytokines and growth factors, remodeling of the extracellular matrix, and providing metabolic support for cancer cells. The presence of CAFs in esophageal carcinoma are associated with reduced overall survival and increased resistance to chemotherapy and radiotherapy; thus, identifying therapeutic vulnerabilities of CAFs is a necessity. In esophageal cancer, the mechanisms for CAF recruitment, CAF-mediated promotion of tumorigenesis, metastatic dissemination, and therapeutic resistance have yet to be fully evaluated. Here, we provide an overview of the current understanding of CAFs in esophageal cancer, namely in esophageal squamous cell carcinoma and esophageal adenocarcinoma, as well as in the preneoplastic conditions that predispose to these cancers. Interestingly, there is a discrepancy in our knowledge of CAF biology between esophageal cancer subtypes, with very few studies in esophageal adenocarcinoma, and its precursor lesion Barrett's esophagus, compared with esophageal squamous cell carcinoma. We propose that although great strides have been made, certain questions remain to which answers hopefully will emerge to have an impact on biomarker diagnostics and translational therapeutics.
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Affiliation(s)
- Karen J Dunbar
- Division of Digestive and Liver Diseases, Department of Medicine, Herbert Irving Comprehensive Cancer Center, Vagelos College of Physicians and Surgeons, Columbia University Irving Medical Center, New York, New York
| | - Kwok K Wong
- Division of Hematology-Oncology, Perlmutter Cancer Center, New York University Langone Health, New York, New York
| | - Anil K Rustgi
- Division of Digestive and Liver Diseases, Department of Medicine, Herbert Irving Comprehensive Cancer Center, Vagelos College of Physicians and Surgeons, Columbia University Irving Medical Center, New York, New York.
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Zhidan X, Kedi X, Dan X, Xing S, Rui S. Predictive and Carcinogenic Roles of Necroptosis-Related miR-425-5p and miR-16-5p in Esophageal Squamous Cell Carcinoma. Ann Clin Lab Sci 2024; 54:76-85. [PMID: 38514064] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 03/23/2024]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE To examine the expression and function of necroptosis-associated miRNAs in esophageal squamous cell carcinoma. METHODS A total of three microarray datasets, i.e., GSE122497, GSE114110, and GSE43732, were selected from the GEO database for differential analysis of necroptosis-related miRNA expression. The differentially expressed miRNAs were screened for target miRNAs using Kaplan-Meier survival analysis in the OncomiR database. The expression of the target miRNAs in the HEEC, KYSE-450, TE-1, and KYSE-410 cell lines was measured via qPCR. The expression of the target miRNAs in esophageal cancer cells was regulated by transfection with Lipofectamine 2000, and cell proliferation, cell migration, cell apoptosis and the cell cycle were detected by CCK-8, Transwell, and flow cytometry. RESULTS The tumor tissue and peripheral blood of esophageal squamous cell cancer patients showed differential expression of 7 miRNAs related to necroptosis. Survival analysis revealed that miR-425-5p and miR-16-5p were negatively correlated with patient survival. The esophageal squamous cell carcinoma cell lines exhibited increased expression of miR-425-5p and miR-16-5p, with KYSE-410 exhibiting the most significant increase. Inhibition of miR-425-5p and miR-16-5p expression in the KYSE-410 cell line resulted in increased apoptosis, decreased proliferation, and decreased migration of esophageal cancer cells as well as a significant increase in the S phase and a decrease in the G2/M phase according to the cell cycle assay. CONCLUSION The pro-carcinogenic role of miR-425-5p and miR-16-5p has been observed in esophageal squamous cell carcinoma.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xue Zhidan
- Department of Oncology Radiotherapy, the Third Affiliated Hospital of Soochow University, Changzhou, Jiangsu, China
| | - Xi Kedi
- Department of Oncology Radiotherapy, the Third Affiliated Hospital of Soochow University, Changzhou, Jiangsu, China
| | - Xi Dan
- Department of Oncology Radiotherapy, the Third Affiliated Hospital of Soochow University, Changzhou, Jiangsu, China
| | - Song Xing
- Department of Oncology Radiotherapy, the Third Affiliated Hospital of Soochow University, Changzhou, Jiangsu, China
| | - Sun Rui
- Department of Oncology Radiotherapy, the Third Affiliated Hospital of Soochow University, Changzhou, Jiangsu, China
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Tang D, Wang G, Liu Z, Zheng YC, Sheng C, Wang B, Hou X, Zhang YC, Yao M, Zhou Z. Bioinformatics Analysis and Verification of Metabolic Abnormalities in Esophageal Squamous Carcinoma. Comb Chem High Throughput Screen 2024; 27:273-283. [PMID: 37005515 DOI: 10.2174/1386207326666230331083724] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/27/2022] [Revised: 01/31/2023] [Accepted: 02/22/2023] [Indexed: 04/04/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Although esophageal carcinoma (EC) is one of the most common cancers in the world, details of its pathogenesis remain unclear. Metabolic reprogramming is a main feature of EC. Mitochondrial dysfunction, especially the decrease in mitochondrial complex I (MTCI), plays an important role in the occurrence and development of EC. OBJECTIVE The objective of the study was to analyze and validate the metabolic abnormalities and the role of MTCI in esophageal squamous cell carcinoma. METHODS In this work, we collected transcriptomic data from 160 esophageal squamous carcinoma samples and 11 normal tissue samples from The Cancer Genome Atlas (TCGA). The OmicsBean and GEPIA2 were used to conduct an analysis of differential gene expression and survival in clinical samples. Rotenone was used to inhibit the MTCI activity. Subsequently, we detected lactate production, glucose uptake, and ATP production. RESULTS A total of 1710 genes were identified as being significantly differentially expressed. The Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genomes (KEGG) and Gene Ontology (GO) enrichment analysis suggested that these differentially expressed genes (DEGs) were significantly enriched in various pathways related to carcinoma tumorigenesis and progression. Moreover, we further identified abnormalities in metabolic pathways, in particular, the significantly low expression of multiple subunits of MTCI genes (ND1, ND2, ND3, ND4, ND4L, ND5, and ND6). Rotenone was used to inhibit the MTCI activity of EC109 cells, and it was found that the decrease in MTCI activity promoted HIF1A expression, glucose consumption, lactate production, ATP production, and cell migration. CONCLUSION Our results indicated the occurrence of abnormal metabolism involving decreased mitochondrial complex I activity and increased glycolysis in esophageal squamous cell carcinoma (ESCC), which might be related to its development and degree of malignancy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Duo Tang
- Beijing International Science and Technology Cooperation Base of Antivirus Drug, Faculty of Environment and Life, Beijing University of Technology, Beijing, China
| | - Guozhen Wang
- Beijing International Science and Technology Cooperation Base of Antivirus Drug, Faculty of Environment and Life, Beijing University of Technology, Beijing, China
- Department of Clinical Laboratory, China-Japan Friendship Hospital, Beijing, China
| | - Zijia Liu
- Beijing International Science and Technology Cooperation Base of Antivirus Drug, Faculty of Environment and Life, Beijing University of Technology, Beijing, China
| | - Yu Chen Zheng
- Beijing International Science and Technology Cooperation Base of Antivirus Drug, Faculty of Environment and Life, Beijing University of Technology, Beijing, China
| | - Chao Sheng
- Beijing International Science and Technology Cooperation Base of Antivirus Drug, Faculty of Environment and Life, Beijing University of Technology, Beijing, China
| | - Biqi Wang
- Beijing International Science and Technology Cooperation Base of Antivirus Drug, Faculty of Environment and Life, Beijing University of Technology, Beijing, China
| | - Xiaonan Hou
- Beijing International Science and Technology Cooperation Base of Antivirus Drug, Faculty of Environment and Life, Beijing University of Technology, Beijing, China
| | - Yu Chen Zhang
- Beijing International Science and Technology Cooperation Base of Antivirus Drug, Faculty of Environment and Life, Beijing University of Technology, Beijing, China
| | - Mengfei Yao
- Beijing International Science and Technology Cooperation Base of Antivirus Drug, Faculty of Environment and Life, Beijing University of Technology, Beijing, China
| | - Zhixiang Zhou
- Beijing International Science and Technology Cooperation Base of Antivirus Drug, Faculty of Environment and Life, Beijing University of Technology, Beijing, China
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Ma G, Liu X, Shi M. MUC1 promotes lymph node metastasis in esophageal squamous cell carcinoma by downregulating DNAJB6 expression. Environ Toxicol 2024; 39:9-22. [PMID: 37584547 DOI: 10.1002/tox.23938] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/31/2023] [Revised: 07/18/2023] [Accepted: 08/01/2023] [Indexed: 08/17/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Aberrant expression of MUC1 correlates with the progression of esophageal squamous cell carcinoma (ESCC), this study aimed to explore the effect of targeting MUC1 by Go-203 on malignant behavior of ESCC and the underlying mechanism. METHODS AND RESULTS IHC was used to examine the expression of MUC1 and DNAJB6 in ESCC samples. qRT-PCR and western blotting were used to examine the expression of MUC1 and DNAJB6 in ESCC cell lines. CCK8, wound healing, and transwell assays were used to determine the effect of regulating MUC1/DNAJB6 on the proliferation, migration, and invasion of ESCC cells. The effect of overexpressing/targeting MUC1 on the activation of the AKT/HSF-1 pathway was determined by western blotting. A negative correlation was confirmed between the expression of DNAJB6 and MUC1 in ESCC tissue samples by IHC, and high expression of MUC1 and low expression of DNAJB6 correlated with lymph node metastasis in ESCC patients. Overexpressing MUC1 downregulated the expression of DNAJB6, promoted ESCC proliferation, invasion, migration and activated the AKT pathway, while targeting MUC1 suppressed proliferation, invasion, migration, and the AKT pathway and up-regulated DNAJB6 expression in vitro. Moreover, MUC1 increased the phosphorylation of HSF-1 via the AKT pathway, and inhibiting AKT-HSF-1 increased the expression of DNAJB6 in vitro. CONCLUSIONS This study indicated that MUC1 could promote tumorigenesis and metastasis in ESCC by downregulating DNAJB6 expression through AKT-HSF-1 pathway.
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Affiliation(s)
- Guanqiang Ma
- Department of Thoracic Surgery, Shandong Provincial Hospital, Cheeloo College of Medicine, Shandong University, Jinan, China
| | - Xiangyan Liu
- Department of Thoracic Surgery, Shandong Provincial Hospital Affiliated to Shandong First Medical University, Jinan, China
| | - Mo Shi
- Department of Thoracic Surgery, Shandong Provincial Hospital Affiliated to Shandong First Medical University, Jinan, China
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Feng Z, Zhang T, Cheng S, Yin X, Zhou Y. CircGFPT1 regulates the growth and apoptosis of esophageal squamous cell carcinoma through miR-142-5p/HAX1 axis. Gen Thorac Cardiovasc Surg 2024; 72:41-54. [PMID: 37455293 DOI: 10.1007/s11748-023-01955-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/22/2022] [Accepted: 06/20/2023] [Indexed: 07/18/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Currently, multiple circular RNAs (circRNAs) have been verified to act as essential regulators in the progression of esophageal squamous cell carcinoma (ESCC). However, there is no study regarding the role of circGFPT1 in the progression of cancers including ESCC. We aimed to investigate the role of circGFPT1 in ESCC progression. METHODS Quantitative real-time polymerase chain reaction (qRT-PCR) was utilized to measure the expression of circGFPT1, miR-142-5p and HS1-associated protein X-1 (HAX1). 3-(4,5-Dimethyl-2-thiazolyl)-2,5-diphenyl-2-H-tetrazolium bromide (MTT) and 5-ethynyl-2'-deoxyuridine (EdU) assays were employed to evaluate cell proliferation. Cell migration and invasion were detected by wound-healing and transwell assays. Flow cytometry analysis was conducted to assess cell apoptosis. The protein expression of E-cadherin, N-cadherin, Vimentin, C-caspase3, HAX1 and nuclear proliferation marker (Ki67) was analyzed by western blot or immunohistochemistry assay. RESULTS CircGFPT1 was up-regulated in ESCC tissues and cells. Silencing of circGFPT1 repressed cell proliferation and induced cell apoptosis in ESCC cells. CircGFPT1 acted as a sponge of miR-142-5p. The effects of circGFPT1 knockdown on ESCC cell proliferation and apoptosis were reversed by miR-142-5p inhibition. HAX1 was confirmed to be a target gene of miR-142-5p. CircGFPT1 knockdown inhibited HAX1 expression by targeting miR-142-5p. Additionally, circGFPT1 knockdown hampered tumorigenesis in vivo. CONCLUSION CircGFPT1 promoted ESCC cell growth and repressed apoptosis by up-regulating HAX1 through sponging miR-142-5p.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zheng Feng
- Department of Thoracic Surgery, Tangdu Hospital of Air Force Military Medical University, No. 1, Xinsi Road, Baqiao District, Xi'an City, 710000, Shaanxi, China
| | - Tianyi Zhang
- Department of Thoracic Surgery, Tangdu Hospital of Air Force Military Medical University, No. 1, Xinsi Road, Baqiao District, Xi'an City, 710000, Shaanxi, China
| | - Shaoyi Cheng
- Department of Thoracic Surgery, Tangdu Hospital of Air Force Military Medical University, No. 1, Xinsi Road, Baqiao District, Xi'an City, 710000, Shaanxi, China
| | - Xunliang Yin
- Department of Thoracic Surgery, Tangdu Hospital of Air Force Military Medical University, No. 1, Xinsi Road, Baqiao District, Xi'an City, 710000, Shaanxi, China
| | - Yongan Zhou
- Department of Thoracic Surgery, Tangdu Hospital of Air Force Military Medical University, No. 1, Xinsi Road, Baqiao District, Xi'an City, 710000, Shaanxi, China.
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Xu T, Hu Y, Zhao Y, Qi Y, Zhang S, Li P. Hsa_circ_0046534 accelerates esophageal squamous cell carcinoma proliferation and metastasis via regulating MMP2 expression by sponging miR-339-5p. Cell Signal 2023; 112:110906. [PMID: 37748540 DOI: 10.1016/j.cellsig.2023.110906] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/24/2023] [Revised: 09/20/2023] [Accepted: 09/22/2023] [Indexed: 09/27/2023]
Abstract
Esophageal cancer is one of the most malignant gastrointestinal malignancies. Esophageal squamous cell carcinoma (ESCC) is the most common type of esophageal cancer in China. In recent years, with developments in basic medicine, it has been demonstrated that the abnormal expression of circular RNA (circRNA) plays an important role in the progression and prognosis of ESCC. This study explored the role and downstream molecular mechanisms of circ_0046534 in ESCC. We identified circ_0046534, which was found to be highly expressed in ESCC tissues and cells. Moreover, the downregulation of circ_0046534 inhibited the proliferation, migration and invasion of ESCC cells and the growth and metastasis of ESCC tumours in vivo. Dual-luciferase reporter assays showed that circ_0046534 sponged miR-339-5p and inhibited the expression of miR-339-5p. Furthermore, MMP2 was identified to be a direct target of miR-339-5p through bioinformatics analysis. In addition, the knockdown of circ_0046534 inhibited the expression of the downstream target gene matrix metalloproteinase 2 (MMP2) by releasing the adsorption of miR-339-5p. Taken together, this study demonstrated that silencing circ_0046534 inhibited the growth and metastasis of ESCC through the miR-339-5p/MMP2 pathway. Circ_0046534 is expected to serve as a new biomarker and target for ESCC and provide a new direction for its diagnosis and treatment.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tingting Xu
- Department of Pathophysiology, College of Basic Medical Sciences, Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou 450001, China; Department of Pathology, Henan Provincial People's Hospital, Zhengzhou 450001, China
| | - Yanglin Hu
- Department of Pathophysiology, College of Basic Medical Sciences, Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou 450001, China
| | - Yanyan Zhao
- Department of Pathophysiology, College of Basic Medical Sciences, Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou 450001, China
| | - Yanan Qi
- Department of Pathophysiology, College of Basic Medical Sciences, Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou 450001, China
| | - Shanfeng Zhang
- Department of Basic Medical Experimental Center, College of Basic Medical Sciences, Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou 450001, China.
| | - Pei Li
- Department of Pathophysiology, College of Basic Medical Sciences, Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou 450001, China; Department of Basic Medical Experimental Center, College of Basic Medical Sciences, Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou 450001, China.
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Li X, Dong H, Zheng Y, Ding S, Li Y, Li H, Huang H, Zhong C, Xie T, Xu Y. AKAP12 inhibits esophageal squamous carcinoma cell proliferation, migration, and cell cycle via the PI3K/AKT signaling pathway. Mol Cell Probes 2023; 72:101939. [PMID: 37879503 DOI: 10.1016/j.mcp.2023.101939] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/02/2023] [Revised: 10/12/2023] [Accepted: 10/17/2023] [Indexed: 10/27/2023]
Abstract
Esophageal squamous cell carcinoma (ESCC) consistently ranks as one of the most challenging variants of squamous cell carcinomas, primarily due to the lack of effective early detection strategies. We herein aimed to elucidate the underlying mechanisms and biological role associated with A-kinase anchoring protein 12 (AKAP12) in the context of ESCC. Bioinformatic analysis had revealed significantly lower expression level of AKAP12 in ESCC tissue samples than in their non-cancerous counterparts. To gain deeper insights into the potential role of AKAP12 in the progression of ESCC, we conducted a single-gene set enrichment analysis of AKAP12 on ESCC datasets. Our findings suggested that AKAP12 exhibits functions inhibiting cell cycle progression, tumor proliferation, and epithelial-mesenchymal transition. To further validate our findings, we subjected ESCC cell lines to AKAP12 overexpression using CRISPR/Cas9-SAM. In vitro analyses demonstrated that increased expression of AKAP12 significantly reduced cell proliferation, migration, and cell cycle progression. Simultaneously, genes associated with this biological role undergo corresponding regulatory shifts. These observations provided valuable insights into the biological role played by AKAP12 in ESCC progression. In summary, AKAP12 shows promise as a new potential biomarker for early ESCC diagnosis, offering potential advantages for subsequent therapeutic intervention and disease management.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xingyi Li
- Department of Thoracic and Cardiovascular Surgery, The Second Affiliated Hospital of Nantong University, The First People's Hospital of Nantong, 226001, Nantong, China; Department of Thoracic and Cardiovascular Surgery, First Affiliated Hospital of Huzhou Teachers College, The First Hospital of Huzhou, 313000, Huzhou, China
| | - Hao Dong
- Department of Thoracic and Cardiovascular Surgery, The Second Affiliated Hospital of Nantong University, The First People's Hospital of Nantong, 226001, Nantong, China
| | - Yifan Zheng
- Department of Thoracic and Cardiovascular Surgery, The Second Affiliated Hospital of Nantong University, The First People's Hospital of Nantong, 226001, Nantong, China
| | - Shengguang Ding
- Department of Thoracic and Cardiovascular Surgery, The Second Affiliated Hospital of Nantong University, The First People's Hospital of Nantong, 226001, Nantong, China
| | - Yan Li
- Department of Thoracic and Cardiovascular Surgery, The Second Affiliated Hospital of Nantong University, The First People's Hospital of Nantong, 226001, Nantong, China
| | - Hefei Li
- Department of Thoracic and Cardiovascular Surgery, The Third Affiliated Hospital of Nantong University, The Third People's Hospital of Nantong, 226001, Nantong, China
| | - HaiTao Huang
- Department of Thoracic and Cardiovascular Surgery, The Second Affiliated Hospital of Nantong University, The First People's Hospital of Nantong, 226001, Nantong, China
| | - Congjun Zhong
- Department of Thoracic and Cardiovascular Surgery, The Second Affiliated Hospital of Nantong University, The First People's Hospital of Nantong, 226001, Nantong, China
| | - Tian Xie
- Department of Cardiothoracic Surgery, Affiliated Jinling Hospital, Medical School of Nanjing University, Nanjing, Jiangsu 210002, China.
| | - Yiming Xu
- Department of Thoracic and Cardiovascular Surgery, The Second Affiliated Hospital of Nantong University, The First People's Hospital of Nantong, 226001, Nantong, China.
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Luo Q, Li J, Miao H, Su S, Chen Y, Xu C, Zhao C, Huang J, Ling K, Lin C, Yan H, Zhang S. circSSPO boosts growth of esophageal squamous cell carcinoma through upregulation of micrRNA-6820-5p-mediated KLK8 and PKD1 expression. Cell Biol Toxicol 2023; 39:3219-3234. [PMID: 37812360 DOI: 10.1007/s10565-023-09828-3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/31/2023] [Accepted: 08/13/2023] [Indexed: 10/10/2023]
Abstract
Investigation on a competitive endogenous RNA (ceRNA) network attracted lots of attention due its function in cancer regulation. Here, we probed into the possible molecular mechanism of circSSPO/microRNA-6820-5p (miR-6820-5p)/kallikrein-related peptidase 8 (KLK8)/PKD1 network in the esophageal squamous cell carcinoma (ESCC). Following whole-transcriptome sequencing and differential analysis in collected ESCC tissue samples, circRNA-miRNA-mRNA regulatory network affecting ESCC was investigated. After interaction measurement among circSSPO/miR-6820-5p/KLK8/PKD1, their regulatory roles in ESCC cell functions in vitro and xenograft tumor growth and lung metastasis in vivo were analyzed. The bioinformatics prediction and sequencing results screened that circSSPO, miR-6820-5p, KLK8, and PKD1 were associated with ESCC development. In ESCC, miR-6820-5p was expressed at very low levels, while circSSPO, KLK8, and PKD1 were highly expressed. In vitro cell experiments further proved that circSSPO competitively inhibited miR-6820-5p to induce ESCC cell malignant properties. Moreover, knockdown of KLK8 or PKD1 inhibited ESCC cell malignant properties. circSSPO also promoted the tumorigenic and metastasis of ESCC through the upregulation of KLK8 and PKD1 expression in vivo. We found that circSSPO was an oncogenic circRNA that was significantly abundant in ESCC tissues and circSSPO exhibited an oncogenic activity in ESCC by elevating expression of KLK8 and PKD1 through suppressing miR-6820-5p expression.
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Affiliation(s)
- Qianhua Luo
- Clinical Pharmacy Research Center, Shantou University Medical College, Shantou, 515041, People's Republic of China
- Department of Pharmacy, Guangzhou Red Cross Hospital (Guangzhou Red Cross Hospital of Jinan University), No. 396, Tongfuzhong Road, Haizhu District, Guangzhou, 510220, People's Republic of China
| | - Junzheng Li
- Department of Otolaryngology-Head and Neck Surgery, Zhujiang Hospital of Southern Medical University, Guangzhou, 510280, China
| | - Haixiong Miao
- Department of Orthopaedics, Guangzhou Red Cross Hospital (Guangzhou Red Cross Hospital of Jinan University), Guangzhou, 510220, People's Republic of China
| | - Siman Su
- Clinical Pharmacy Research Center, Shantou University Medical College, Shantou, 515041, People's Republic of China
| | - Yun Chen
- Department of Pharmacy, Guangzhou Red Cross Hospital (Guangzhou Red Cross Hospital of Jinan University), No. 396, Tongfuzhong Road, Haizhu District, Guangzhou, 510220, People's Republic of China
| | - Chengcheng Xu
- Department of Pharmacy, Guangzhou Red Cross Hospital (Guangzhou Red Cross Hospital of Jinan University), No. 396, Tongfuzhong Road, Haizhu District, Guangzhou, 510220, People's Republic of China
| | - Chengkuan Zhao
- Department of Pharmacy, Guangzhou Red Cross Hospital (Guangzhou Red Cross Hospital of Jinan University), No. 396, Tongfuzhong Road, Haizhu District, Guangzhou, 510220, People's Republic of China
| | - Jianxiang Huang
- Department of Pharmacy, Guangzhou Red Cross Hospital (Guangzhou Red Cross Hospital of Jinan University), No. 396, Tongfuzhong Road, Haizhu District, Guangzhou, 510220, People's Republic of China
| | - Kai Ling
- Clinical Pharmacy Research Center, Shantou University Medical College, Shantou, 515041, People's Republic of China
| | - Chaoxian Lin
- Clinical Pharmacy Research Center, Shantou University Medical College, Shantou, 515041, People's Republic of China.
- Shantou Chaonan Minsheng Hospital, Shantou, 515144, People's Republic of China.
| | - Hongfei Yan
- Department of Pathology, Cancer Hospital of Shantou University Medical College, Shantou, 515031, People's Republic of China.
| | - Shuyao Zhang
- Clinical Pharmacy Research Center, Shantou University Medical College, Shantou, 515041, People's Republic of China.
- Department of Pharmacy, Guangzhou Red Cross Hospital (Guangzhou Red Cross Hospital of Jinan University), No. 396, Tongfuzhong Road, Haizhu District, Guangzhou, 510220, People's Republic of China.
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Wang J, Zhu L, Zhang Q, Xia T, Yao W, Wei L. LincRNA-P21 knockdown facilitates esophageal squamous cell carcinoma cell progression by upregulating cadherin 5 via YTH domain containing 1. Acta Biochim Biophys Sin (Shanghai) 2023; 55:1797-1805. [PMID: 37766459 PMCID: PMC10686791 DOI: 10.3724/abbs.2023154] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/27/2022] [Accepted: 05/19/2023] [Indexed: 09/29/2023] Open
Abstract
LincRNA-P21 is a tumor suppressor in esophageal squamous cell carcinoma (ESCC). Cell adhesion modules play vital roles in cell-cell and cell-extracellular matrix (ECM) interactions and malignant cancer progression. In this study, we investigate whether lincRNA-P21 exerts its functions by regulating the cell adhesion molecule cadherin 5 (CDH5) in ESCC. Moreover, the RNA binding protein (RBP) mediators of lincRNA-P21 and CDH5 are further examined. Cell viability, growth and migratory ability are assessed by calcein-AM/PI double staining, CCK-8, EdU, Transwell, and wound healing assays. The expression of collagen I and fibronectin is examined by immunofluorescence (IF). LincRNA-P21 and CDH5 are quantified by RT-qPCR and western blot analysis. Potential lincRNA-P21 targets are identified by RNA sequencing. RBPs that can interact with lincRNA-P21 and CDH5 are identified by RNA immunoprecipitation (RIP) assay. LincRNA-P21 knockdown increases cell viability, growth, cell migration, and collagen I and fibronectin expression in ESCC cells. LincRNA-P21 depletion induces the dysregulation of 316 genes, including CDH5, in TE-1 cells. CDH5 is identified as a downstream molecule of lincRNA-P21 given its close correlation with cell adhesion, ECM reconstruction, and cancer progression. LincRNA-P21 exerts its functions by negatively regulating CDH5 expression. YTH domain containing 1 (YTHDC1) mediates the regulatory effect of lincRNA-P21 on CDH5. LincRNA-P21 knockdown elevates cell viability and growth, promotes cell migration, and induces ECM reorganization by upregulating CDH5 via RBP YTHDC1 in ESCC.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jianjun Wang
- Department of Thoracic SurgeryHenan Provincial People’s HospitalPeople’s Hospital of Zhengzhou UniversitySchool of Clinical MedicineHenan UniversityZhengzhou450003China
| | - Li Zhu
- Department of Thoracic SurgeryZhengzhou University People’s HospitalHenan Provincial People’s HospitalZhengzhou450003China
| | - Quan Zhang
- Department of Thoracic SurgeryHenan Provincial People’s HospitalPeople’s Hospital of Zhengzhou UniversitySchool of Clinical MedicineHenan UniversityZhengzhou450003China
| | - Tian Xia
- Department of Thoracic SurgeryHenan Provincial People’s HospitalPeople’s Hospital of Zhengzhou UniversitySchool of Clinical MedicineHenan UniversityZhengzhou450003China
| | - Wenjian Yao
- Department of Thoracic SurgeryHenan Provincial People’s HospitalPeople’s Hospital of Zhengzhou UniversitySchool of Clinical MedicineHenan UniversityZhengzhou450003China
| | - Li Wei
- Department of Thoracic SurgeryHenan Provincial People’s HospitalPeople’s Hospital of Zhengzhou UniversitySchool of Clinical MedicineHenan UniversityZhengzhou450003China
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高 曼, 赵 宝, 杨 文, 唐 家, 刘 玉. [Chidamide inhibits proliferation and promotes apoptosis of esophageal squamous cell carcinoma cells by inhibiting the PI3K/Akt and ERK1/2 pathways and increasing DNA damage]. Nan Fang Yi Ke Da Xue Xue Bao 2023; 43:1926-1934. [PMID: 38081611 PMCID: PMC10713458 DOI: 10.12122/j.issn.1673-4254.2023.11.13] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/09/2023] [Indexed: 12/18/2023]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE To investigate the mechanism mediating the inhibitory effect of chidamide on esophageal squamous cell carcinoma (ESCC) cells. METHODS ESCC cell lines KYSE-150, KYSE-450 and KYSE-510 were treated with 5, 10, 20, or 40 μmol/L of chidamide, and the changes in cell proliferation, colony-forming capacity, cell apoptosis and cell cycle were assessed using MTT aasay, colony formation experiment and flow cytometry. Western blotting was performed to detect the expression levels of cleaved caspase-3, cleaved PARP, p21, cyclin D1, p-Akt, p-ERK1/2, γH2AX, H3K9ac, and Ki-67. In a nude mouse model bearing subcutaneous ESCC xenografts, the effects of intraperitoneal injection of 20 mg/kg chidamide for 3 days on tumor size and body weight were observed every 3 days, and Ki-67 and CD31 expressions in the tumor tissues were detected using immunohistochemistry. Tubular formation experiment was used to examine the effect of chidamide on tubular formation of human umbilical vein endothelial cells (HUVECs) in vitro. RESULTS In cultured ESCC cell lines, chidamide significantly inhibited cell proliferation and colony formation (P < 0.05), promoted cell apoptosis, and increased the percentage of G0/G1 phase cells (all P < 0.01). Chidamide obviously up-regulated cleaved caspase-3, cleaved PARP, p21, γH2AX, and H3K9ac and down-regulated cyclin D1, p-Akt and p-ERK1/2, and Ki-67 in the cells (P < 0.01). In the tumor-bearing mouse models, treatment with chidamide significantly reduced the tumor volume (P < 0.05), tumor to body weight ratio (P < 0.01), and the expression levels of Ki-67 and CD31 in the tumors (P < 0.01). Chidamide also significantly inhibited tubule formation in cultured HUVECs (P < 0.05). CONCLUSION Chidamide inhibits proliferation, induces apoptosis and blocks cell cycle of ESCC cells possibly by inhibiting the PI3K/Akt and ERK1/2 pathways and increasing DNA damage. Chidamide also inhibits subcutaneous tumorigenesis of ESCC cells in mice by inhibiting tumor cell proliferation and angiogenesis.
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Affiliation(s)
- 曼棋 高
- 新乡医学院第一附属医院胸外科,河南 卫辉 453100Department of Thoracic Surgery, First Affiliated Hospital of Xinxiang Medical University, Weihui 453100, China
- 河南省食管癌转移及转化医学重点实验室,河南 卫辉 453100Henan Provincial Key Laboratory of Esophageal Cancer Metastasis and Translational Medicine, Weihui 453100, China
- 新乡医学院食管癌研究所,河南 卫辉 453100Esophageal Cancer Institute, Xinxiang Medical University, Weihui 453100, China
| | - 宝生 赵
- 新乡医学院第一附属医院胸外科,河南 卫辉 453100Department of Thoracic Surgery, First Affiliated Hospital of Xinxiang Medical University, Weihui 453100, China
- 河南省食管癌转移及转化医学重点实验室,河南 卫辉 453100Henan Provincial Key Laboratory of Esophageal Cancer Metastasis and Translational Medicine, Weihui 453100, China
- 新乡医学院食管癌研究所,河南 卫辉 453100Esophageal Cancer Institute, Xinxiang Medical University, Weihui 453100, China
| | - 文倩 杨
- 新乡医学院第一附属医院胸外科,河南 卫辉 453100Department of Thoracic Surgery, First Affiliated Hospital of Xinxiang Medical University, Weihui 453100, China
- 河南省食管癌转移及转化医学重点实验室,河南 卫辉 453100Henan Provincial Key Laboratory of Esophageal Cancer Metastasis and Translational Medicine, Weihui 453100, China
- 新乡医学院食管癌研究所,河南 卫辉 453100Esophageal Cancer Institute, Xinxiang Medical University, Weihui 453100, China
- 新乡医学院第一附属医院生命科学研究中心,河南 卫辉 453100Life Science Research Center, First Affiliated Hospital of Xinxiang Medical University, Weihui 453100, China
| | - 家萍 唐
- 新乡医学院第一附属医院胸外科,河南 卫辉 453100Department of Thoracic Surgery, First Affiliated Hospital of Xinxiang Medical University, Weihui 453100, China
- 河南省食管癌转移及转化医学重点实验室,河南 卫辉 453100Henan Provincial Key Laboratory of Esophageal Cancer Metastasis and Translational Medicine, Weihui 453100, China
- 新乡医学院食管癌研究所,河南 卫辉 453100Esophageal Cancer Institute, Xinxiang Medical University, Weihui 453100, China
- 新乡医学院第一附属医院生命科学研究中心,河南 卫辉 453100Life Science Research Center, First Affiliated Hospital of Xinxiang Medical University, Weihui 453100, China
| | - 玉珍 刘
- 新乡医学院第一附属医院胸外科,河南 卫辉 453100Department of Thoracic Surgery, First Affiliated Hospital of Xinxiang Medical University, Weihui 453100, China
- 河南省食管癌转移及转化医学重点实验室,河南 卫辉 453100Henan Provincial Key Laboratory of Esophageal Cancer Metastasis and Translational Medicine, Weihui 453100, China
- 新乡医学院食管癌研究所,河南 卫辉 453100Esophageal Cancer Institute, Xinxiang Medical University, Weihui 453100, China
- 新乡医学院第一附属医院生命科学研究中心,河南 卫辉 453100Life Science Research Center, First Affiliated Hospital of Xinxiang Medical University, Weihui 453100, China
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Li C, Shi J, Wei S, Jia H. Potential 'anti-cancer' effects of esketamine on proliferation, apoptosis, migration and invasion in esophageal squamous carcinoma cells. Eur J Med Res 2023; 28:517. [PMID: 37968758 PMCID: PMC10647146 DOI: 10.1186/s40001-023-01511-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/28/2023] [Accepted: 11/06/2023] [Indexed: 11/17/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Esketamine, an N-methyl-D-aspartate receptor antagonist, is commonly used for anesthesia and analgesia clinically. It was reported to negatively regulate cell proliferation, metastasis and apoptosis in cancer cells, including lung cancer and pancreatic cancer. However, its impact on esophageal squamous cell carcinoma (ESCC) malignance and underlying mechanism remain elusive. This study was aimed to investigate the antitumor effects of esketamine on ESCC in vitro. METHODS ESCC cell lines (KYSE-30 and KYSE-150) were cultured and treated with different concentrations (0.1, 0.2, 0.4, 0.8, 1, 2 mM) of esketamine. Their proliferation, apoptosis, migration and invasion were assessed with various assays. Furthermore, mass spectrometry-based proteomic analysis and GO/KEGG enrichment analysis were applied to characterize the differentially expressed proteins (DEPs) with or without esketamine treatment. Some key proteins identified from proteomic analysis were further validated with Western blotting and bioinformatics analysis. RESULTS Esketamine significantly inhibited the proliferation, migration, invasion and promoted apoptosis of the both types of cell lines in a dose- and time-dependent manner. A total of 321 common DEPs, including 97 upregulated and 224 downregulated proteins, were found with HPLC-MS analyses. GO/KEGG enrichment analysis suggested that esketamine affected cell population proliferation, GTPase activity and Apelin signaling pathway. The ERCC6L, AHR and KIF2C protein expression was significantly downregulated in these ESCC cells treated with esketamine compared to the controls and their changes were associated with the suppressive effects of esketamine on ESCC through bioinformatics analysis. CONCLUSIONS Our work demonstrated that esketamine has potential anti-ESCC properties in vitro but subjected to further in vivo and clinical study.
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Affiliation(s)
- Chao Li
- Department of Anesthesiology, The Fourth Hospital of Hebei Medical University, 12th Health Road, Shijiazhuang, Hebei, 050011, People's Republic of China
| | - Jingpu Shi
- Department of Anesthesiology, The Fourth Hospital of Hebei Medical University, 12th Health Road, Shijiazhuang, Hebei, 050011, People's Republic of China
| | - Sisi Wei
- Scientific Research Center, The Fourth Hospital of Hebei Medical University, 12th Health Road, Shijiazhuang, Hebei, 050011, People's Republic of China
| | - Huiqun Jia
- Department of Anesthesiology, The Fourth Hospital of Hebei Medical University, 12th Health Road, Shijiazhuang, Hebei, 050011, People's Republic of China.
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Xu N, Lai C, He QM, Cai Y, Yu H, Zhong W, Chen S, Wu FC, Chen H. Integrated proteomics and phosphoproteomics analyses of esophageal cancer cells with different invasive abilities. Life Sci 2023; 332:122078. [PMID: 37734435 DOI: 10.1016/j.lfs.2023.122078] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/17/2023] [Revised: 08/23/2023] [Accepted: 09/06/2023] [Indexed: 09/23/2023]
Abstract
AIMS Esophageal squamous cell carcinoma (ESCC) is one of the aggressive and lethal malignancies with an extremely poor prognosis. It is necessary to explore the molecular mechanisms of ESCC invasion. MAIN METHODS We utilized high-throughput mass spectrometry to analyze the proteomes and phosphorylation profiles of two ESCC cell lines with differing invasion capacities (HK vs TE10). Differentially expressed proteins and phosphorites were identified, followed by comprehensive bioinformatics analyses encompassing function and pathway enrichment, protein-protein interaction (PPI) network analysis, hub gene identification, co-expression analysis, kinase-substrate prediction, and drug-target network analysis. CCK-8 assay, transwell examination, wound-healing assay, and western blot was used to validate the effects of fostamatinib on ESCC cells proliferation, invasion, migration, and LYN expression. KEY FINDINGS The Q4 cluster of differentially phosphorylated proteins was primarily associated with functions and pathways relevant to tumor metastasis. Phosphorylated hub proteins including ARHGAP35, CTNNA1, and SHC1 were identified through the analysis of PPI network, and their respective regulated kinases were predicted. Among the predicted kinases, LYN was validated to be associated with lymph node metastasis (N0 vs. N1-3) and prognosis in ESCC patients at mRNA levels using TGGA data and protein levels in ESCC tissues (p < 0.05). Validation experiments confirmed the inhibitory effects of fostamatinib on ESCC cells proliferation, migration, invasion, and LYN expression. SIGNIFICANCE Our multi-omics analysis offers deeper perspectives on ESCC invasiveness and unveils new phosphorylated hub proteins with their regulatory kinase. This study also suggests that fostamatinib may be a potential agent for treating ESCC.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nansong Xu
- Department of Clinical Laboratory, State Key Laboratory of Oncology in South China, Collaborative Innovation Center for Cancer Medicine, Guangdong Key Laboratory of Nasopharyngeal Carcinoma Diagnosis and Therapy, Sun Yat-sen University Cancer Center, Guangzhou 510060, China
| | - Changchun Lai
- Department of Clinical Laboratory, Maoming People's Hospital, Maoming 525000, Guangdong, China
| | - Qing-Mei He
- Department of Experimental Research, State Key Laboratory of Oncology in South China, Collaborative Innovation Center for Cancer Medicine, Guangdong Key Laboratory of Nasopharyngeal Carcinoma Diagnosis and Therapy, Sun Yat-sen University Cancer Center, Guangzhou 510060, China
| | - Yubo Cai
- Department of Pathology, Jiangmen Central Hospital, Jiangmen, China
| | - Hui Yu
- Department of Laboratory Medicine, Peking University Shenzhen Hospital, Shenzhen, China
| | - Wenhao Zhong
- Department of Hematology, Nanfang Hospital, Southern Medical University, Guangzhou 510515, China
| | - Shulin Chen
- Department of Clinical Laboratory, State Key Laboratory of Oncology in South China, Collaborative Innovation Center for Cancer Medicine, Guangdong Key Laboratory of Nasopharyngeal Carcinoma Diagnosis and Therapy, Sun Yat-sen University Cancer Center, Guangzhou 510060, China.
| | - Fang-Cai Wu
- Department of Radiation Oncology, The Cancer Hospital of Shantou University Medical College, Shantou, China.
| | - Hao Chen
- Department of Clinical Laboratory, State Key Laboratory of Oncology in South China, Collaborative Innovation Center for Cancer Medicine, Guangdong Key Laboratory of Nasopharyngeal Carcinoma Diagnosis and Therapy, Sun Yat-sen University Cancer Center, Guangzhou 510060, China.
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