scholarly journals TTPAL promotes gastric tumorigenesis by directly targeting NNMT to activate PI3K/AKT signaling

Oncogene ◽  
2021 ◽  
Author(s):  
Wenxiu Liu ◽  
Hongyan Gou ◽  
Xiaohong Wang ◽  
Xiaoming Li ◽  
Xiaoxu Hu ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Ectopic Expression ◽  
Akt Signaling ◽  
Migration And Invasion ◽  
Copy Number Alterations ◽  
Liquid Chromatograph ◽  
Methyl Transferase ◽  
Transfer Protein ◽  
Xenograft Tumor Growth

AbstractCopy number alterations are crucial for gastric cancer (GC) development. In this study, Tocopherol alpha transfer protein-like (TTPAL) was identified to be highly amplified in our primary GC cohort (30/86). Multivariate analysis showed that high TTPAL expression was correlated with the poor prognosis of GC patients. Ectopic expression of TTPAL promoted GC cell proliferation, migration, and invasion in vitro and promoted murine xenograft tumor growth and lung metastasis in vivo. Conversely, silencing of TTPAL exerted significantly opposite effects in vitro. Moreover, RNA-sequencing and co-immunoprecipitation (Co-IP) followed by liquid chromatograph-mass spectrometry (LC-MS) identified that TTPAL exerted oncogenic functions via the interaction of Nicotinamide-N-methyl transferase (NNMT) and activated PI3K/AKT signaling pathway. Collectively, TTPAL plays a pivotal oncogenic role in gastric carcinogenesis through promoting PI3K/AKT pathway via cooperating with NNMT. TTPAL may serve as a prognostic biomarker of patients with GC.

scholarly journals LncRNA DANCR promotes the proliferation, migration, and invasion of tongue squamous cell carcinoma cells through miR-135a-5p/KLF8 axis

2019 ◽  
Vol 19 (1) ◽  
Author(s):  
Ying Zheng ◽  
Bowen Zheng ◽  
Xue Meng ◽  
Yuwen Yan ◽  
Jia He ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Squamous Cell Carcinoma ◽  
Tumor Growth ◽  
Cell Carcinoma ◽  
Squamous Cell ◽  
Ectopic Expression ◽  
Underlying Mechanism ◽  
Tongue Squamous Cell Carcinoma ◽  
Migration And Invasion

Abstract Background Tongue squamous cell carcinoma (TSCC) is a most invasive cancer with high mortality and poor prognosis. It is reported that lncRNA DANCR has implications in multiple types of cancers. However, its biological role and underlying mechanism in TSCC progress are not well elucidated. Methods Our present study first investigated the function of DANCR on the proliferation, migration and invasion of TSCC cells by silencing or overexpressing DANCR. Further, the miR-135a-5p-Kruppel-like Factor 8 (KLF8) axis was focused on to explore the regulatory mechanism of DANCR on TSCC cell malignant phenotypes. Xenografted tumor growth using nude mice was performed to examine the role of DANCR in vivo. Results DANCR knockdown reduced the viability and inhibited the migration and invasion of TSCC cells in vitro, while ectopic expression of DANCR induced opposite effects. In vivo, the tumor growth and the expression of matrix metalloproteinase (MMP)-2/9 and KLF8 were also blocked by DANCR inhibition. In addition, we found that miR-135-5p directly targeted DANCR, which was negatively correlated with DANCR on TSCC progression. Its inhibition reversed the beneficial effects of DANCR silence on TSCC malignancies. Furthermore, the expression of KLF8 evidently altered by both DANCR and miR-135a-5p. Silencing KLF8 using its specific siRNA showed that KLF8 was responsible for the induction of miR-135a-5p inhibitor on TSCC cell malignancies and MMP-2/9 expression. Conclusions These findings, for the first time, suggest that DANCR plays an oncogenic role in TSCC progression via targeting miR-135a-5p/KLF8 axis, which provides a promising biomarker and treatment approach for preventing TSCC.

scholarly journals ZMYND10, an epigenetically regulated tumor suppressor, exerts tumor-suppressive functions via miR145-5p/NEDD9 axis in breast cancer

2019 ◽  
Vol 11 (1) ◽  
Author(s):  
Yan Wang ◽  
Liangying Dan ◽  
Qianqian Li ◽  
Lili Li ◽  
Lan Zhong ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Breast Cancer ◽  
Tumor Suppressor ◽  
Signaling Pathway ◽  
Cancer Metastasis ◽  
Ectopic Expression ◽  
Migration And Invasion ◽  
Breast Cancer Cell Lines ◽  
Multiple Tumor

Abstract Background Recent studies suggested that ZMYND10 is a potential tumor suppressor gene in multiple tumor types. However, the mechanism by which ZMYND10 inhibits breast cancer remains unclear. Here, we investigated the role and mechanism of ZMYND10 in breast cancer inhibition. Results ZMYND10 was dramatically reduced in multiple breast cancer cell lines and tissues, which was associated with promoter hypermethylation. Ectopic expression of ZMYND10 in silenced breast cancer cells induced cell apoptosis while suppressed cell growth, cell migration and invasion in vitro, and xenograft tumor growth in vivo. Furthermore, molecular mechanism studies indicated that ZMYND10 enhances expression of miR145-5p, which suppresses the expression of NEDD9 protein through directly targeting the 3'-untranslated region of NEDD9 mRNA. Conclusions Results from this study show that ZMYND10 suppresses breast cancer tumorigenicity by inhibiting the miR145-5p/NEDD9 signaling pathway. This novel discovered signaling pathway may be a valid target for small molecules that might help to develop new therapies to better inhibit the breast cancer metastasis.

scholarly journals The Novel Tumor Suppressor Gene ZNF24 Induces THCA Cells Senescence by Regulating Wnt Signaling Pathway, Resulting in Inhibition of THCA Tumorigenesis and Invasion

2021 ◽  
Vol 11 ◽  
Author(s):  
Juan Xiong ◽  
Panpan Jiang ◽  
Li Zhong ◽  
Youling Wang
Keyword(s):  
Tumor Suppressor ◽  
Wnt Signaling ◽  
Signaling Pathway ◽  
Nude Mice ◽  
Treatment Options ◽  
Ectopic Expression ◽  
Wnt Signaling Pathway ◽  
Migration And Invasion

ObjectClinically, the effective treatment options available to thyroid cancer (THCA) patients are very limited. Elucidating the features of tumor suppressor genes (TSGs) and the corresponding signal transduction cascade may provide clues for the development of new strategies for targeted therapy of THCA. Therefore, this paper aims to explore the mechanism of ZNF24 underlying promoting THCA cell senescence at molecular level.MethodsWe performed RT-PCR and Western Blotting for evaluating associated RNA and protein expression. CCK8, colony forming, wound healing and Transwell chamber assays were conducted to examine THCA cell proliferation, invasion and migration. β-galactosidase staining assay was performed to detect THCA cells senescence. The size and volume of xenotransplanted tumors in nude mice are calculated to asses ZNF24 effect in vivo.ResultsEctopic expression of ZNF24 significantly inhibited the cell viability, colony forming, migration and invasion abilities of THCA cell lines (K1/GLAG-66i and BCPAPi) (P < 0.05). ZNF24 induced BCPAPi cells senescence through regulating Wnt signaling pathway. ZNF24 inhibited Wnt signaling pathway activition by competitively binding β-catenin from LEF1/TCF1-β-catenin complex. In nude mice, both Ectopic expression of ZNF24 and 2,4-Da (the strong β-catenin/Tcf-4 inhibitor) treatment significantly decreased both the size and weight of xenotransplanted tumors when compared with control mice (P < 0.05).ConclusionResults obtained in vivo and in vitro reveal the role of ZNF24 in significantly suppressing THCA tumorigenesis and invasion by regulating Wnt signaling pathway.

scholarly journals CORO1C is Associated With Poor Prognosis and Promotes Metastasis Through PI3K/AKT Pathway in Colorectal Cancer

2021 ◽  
Vol 8 ◽  
Author(s):  
Zongxia Wang ◽  
Lizhou Jia ◽  
Yushu sun ◽  
Chunli Li ◽  
Lingli Zhang ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Colorectal Cancer ◽  
Signaling Pathway ◽  
Poor Prognosis ◽  
Akt Signaling ◽  
Actin Binding ◽  
Migration And Invasion ◽  
Akt Signaling Pathway ◽  
Related Proteins

Trophoblast cell surface protein 2 (Trop2) is one of the cancer-related proteins that plays a vital role in biological aggressiveness and poor prognosis of colorectal cancer (CRC). The study of the Trop2 related network is helpful for us to understand the mechanism of tumorigenesis. However, the effects of the related proteins interacting with Trop2 in CRC remain unclear. Here, we found that coronin-like actin-binding protein 1C (CORO1C) could interact with Trop2 and the expression of CORO1C in CRC tissues was higher than that in paracarcinoma tissues. The expression of CORO1C was associated with histological type, lymph node metastasis, distant metastasis, AJCC stage, venous invasion, and perineural invasion. The correlation between CORO1C expression and clinical characteristics was analyzed demonstrating that high CORO1C expression in CRC patients were associated with poor prognosis. Furthermore, CORO1C knockdown could decrease the cell proliferation, colony formation, migration and invasion in vitro and tumor growth in vivo. The underlying mechanisms were predicted by bioinformatics analysis and verified by Western blotting. We found that PI3K/AKT signaling pathway was significantly inhibited by CORO1C knockdown and the tuomr-promoting role of CORO1C was leastwise partly mediated by PI3K/AKT signaling pathway. Thus, CORO1C may be a valuable prognostic biomarker and drug target in CRC patients.

scholarly journals Functional Link between miR-200a and ELK3 Regulates the Metastatic Nature of Breast Cancer

Cancers ◽  
2020 ◽  
Vol 12 (5) ◽  
pp. 1225
Author(s):  
Hyung-Keun Kim ◽  
Joo Dong Park ◽  
Seung Hee Choi ◽  
Dong Jun Shin ◽  
Sohyun Hwang ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Breast Cancer ◽  
Treatment Options ◽  
Ectopic Expression ◽  
In Vivo Studies ◽  
Migration And Invasion ◽  
Breast Cancers ◽  
Functional Link ◽  
Her2 Protein

Triple-negative breast cancer (TNBC) refers to breast cancer that does not have receptors for estrogen, progesterone, and HER2 protein. TNBC accounts for 10–20% of all cases of breast cancers and is characterized by its metastatic aggressiveness, poor prognosis, and limited treatment options. Here, we show that the metastatic nature of TNBC is critically regulated by a functional link between miR-200a and the transcription factor ELK3. We found that the expression levels of miR-200a and the ELK3 mRNA were negatively correlated in the luminal and TNBC subtypes of breast cancer cells. In vitro experiments revealed that miR-200a directly targets the 3’ untranslated region (UTR) of the ELK3 mRNA to destabilize the transcripts. Furthermore, ectopic expression of miR-200a impaired the migration and invasion of TNBC cells by reducing the expression level of the ELK3 mRNA. In in vivo studies, transfection of MDA-MB 231 cells (a claudin-low TNBC cell type) with exogenous miR-200a reduced their extravasation into the lung during 48 h after tail vein injection, and co-transfection of the cells with an expression plasmid harboring ELK3 that lacked an intact 3’UTR recovered their extravasation ability. Overall, our findings provide evidences that miR-200a and ELK3 is functionally linked to regulate invasive characteristics of breast cancers.

scholarly journals PRL1 promotes glioblastoma invasion and tumorigenesis via activating USP36-mediated Snail2 deubiquitination

2021 ◽  
Author(s):  
Wenjin Qiu ◽  
Xiaomin Cai ◽  
Kaya Xu ◽  
Shibin Song ◽  
Zumu Xiao ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Cell Lines ◽  
Glioma Cell ◽  
Ectopic Expression ◽  
Tumor Grade ◽  
Migration And Invasion ◽  
Expression Levels ◽  
Protein Levels ◽  
Glioma Cell Lines

Abstract Background Regenerating liver phosphatase 1 (PRL1) is an established oncogene in various cancers, although its biological functions and the underlying mechanisms in glioblastoma multiforme (GBM) remain unclear. Methods PRL1 expression levels were analyzed in glioma tissues and cell lines. Multiple glioma cell lines were transfected with PRL1-overexpressing and shRNA constructs. In vitro proliferation, migration and invasion assays were conducted. Western blot and ubiquitylation assays were performed for molecular and mechanistic analyses. PRL1 expression levels were correlated with downstream ubiquitin pathway and clinical parameters using archival GBM samples. Results PRL1 was significantly upregulated in glioma tissues and cell lines, and positively correlated with the tumor grade. Ectopic expression of PRL1 in glioma cell lines significantly enhanced their tumorgenicity and invasion both in vitro and in vivo by promoting EMT. Conversely, knocking down PRL1 blocked EMT in the GBM cells, and inhibited their invasion, migration and tumorigenic growth. PRL1 also stabilized Snail2 through deubiquitination by activating USP36. Snail2 was identified as a crucial mediator of the oncogenic effects of PRL1 in GBM. Finally, PRL1 protein levels were positively correlated with that of Snail2 and predicted poor outcome of GBMs. Conclusions PRL1 promotes GBM progression by activating USP36-mediated Snail2 deubiquitination. This novel PRL1/USP36/Snail2 axis may be a promising therapeutic target for glioblastoma.

scholarly journals The RNA-Binding Protein DDX18 Promotes Gastric Cancer by Affecting the Maturation of MicroRNA-21

2021 ◽  
Vol 10 ◽  
Author(s):  
Yeqian Zhang ◽  
Fengrong Yu ◽  
Bo Ni ◽  
Qing Li ◽  
Seong-Woo Bae ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Gastric Cancer ◽  
Rna Binding ◽  
Akt Signaling ◽  
Migration And Invasion ◽  
Akt Signaling Pathway ◽  
Gastric Cancer Cells ◽  
Pdx Model ◽  
Cancer Tissues

ObjectivesThe noncoding RNAs (ncRNAs) play important roles in gastric cancer. Most studies have focused on the functions and influence of ncRNAs, but seldom on their maturation. DEAD box genes are a family of RNA-binding proteins that may influence the development of ncRNAs, which attracted our attention. By combining a small sample for high-throughput gene microarray screening with large samples of The Cancer Genome Atlas (TCGA) data and our cohort, we aimed to find some gastric cancer-related genes. We evaluated the clinical significance and prognostic value of candidate gene DDX18, which is overexpressed in gastric cancer tissues. To provide a theoretical basis for the development of new therapeutic targets for the treatment of gastric cancer, we investigated its effect on the malignant biological behavior of gastric cancer in vitro and in vivo, and also discuss its mechanism of action.Methods(i) The differential profiling of mRNA expression in five pairs of gastric cancer and adjacent normal tissues was studied by Arraystar Human mRNA Microarray. By combining this with TCGA data and our cohort, we finally filtered out DDX18, which was upregulated in gastric cancer tissues, for further investigation. (ii) The protein expression of DDX18 was detected by immunohistochemistry staining. Then the relationship between the DDX18 expression level and the clinicopathological data and prognosis was analyzed. (iii) A CCK-8 assay and colony formation assay were used to evaluate the effect of DDX18 on cell growth and proliferation in vitro. A transwell assay was also performed to examine the migration and invasion of gastric cancer cells. Cell apoptosis was analyzed by using a fluorescein isothiocyanate–annexin V/propidium iodide double-staining assay. To identify the role of DDX18 in the tumorigenic ability of gastric cancer cells in vivo, we also established a subcutaneous gastric cancer xenograft model. Coimmunoprecipitation, small RNAseq, and western blotting were performed to explore the mechanism of action of DDX18 in gastric cancer. A patient-derived xenograft (PDX) model was used to confirm the effect of DDX18 in gastric cancer tissues.Result(i) DDX18 was upregulated in gastric cancer tumor tissues from a TCGA database and our cohort. The expression of DDX18 was also closely related to tumor volume, Borrmann classification, degree of tumor differentiation, cancer embolus, lymph node metastasis, and TNM stage. (ii) DDX18 could promote cell proliferation, migration, and invasion and inhibit cell apoptosis in vivo and in vitro. (iii) DDX18 could promote the maturation of microRNA-21 through direct interaction with Drosha, decreasing PTEN, which could upregulate the AKT signaling pathway. (iv) The PDX model showed that DDX18 could promote the proliferation of gastric cancer tissues by means of the PTEN–AKT signaling pathway.Conclusions(i) DDX18 can be treated as a molecular marker to assess the prognosis of patients with gastric cancer. (ii) DDX18 could be a potential therapeutic target in gastric cancer.

scholarly journals Ephrin-A2 promotes prostate cancer metastasis by enhancing angiogenesis and promoting EMT

2020 ◽  
Author(s):  
Yao Zhao ◽  
Chenchen Cai ◽  
Lubing Shi ◽  
Jiwei Wang ◽  
Miaomiao Zhang ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Prostate Cancer ◽  
Cancer Cells ◽  
Cancer Metastasis ◽  
Ectopic Expression ◽  
Migration And Invasion ◽  
Prostate Cancer Cells ◽  
Eph Receptor ◽  
Prostate Cancer Metastasis

Abstract Background Ephrin-A2, a member of the Eph receptor subgroup, is used in diagnosing and determining the prognosis of prostate cancer. However, the role of ephrin-A2 in prostate cancer is still unclear. Methods We established stable clones overexpressing or silencing ephrin-A2 from prostate cancer cells. Then, CCK-8 was used in analyzing the proliferation ability of cells. CD31 staining was used in evaluating angiogenesis. Migration and invasion assay were conducted in vivo and in vitro. The expression of EMT-related markers was evaluated in prostate cancer cells through Western blotting. Results We revealed that the ectopic expression of ephrin-A2 in prostate cancer cells facilitated cell migration and invasion in vitro and promoted tumor metastasis and angiogenesis in vivo and that the silencing of ephrin-A2 completely reversed this effect. Although ephrin-A2 did not affect tumor cell proliferation in vitro, ephrin-A2 significantly promoted primary tumor growth in vivo. Furthermore, to determine the biological function of ephrin-A2, we assayed the expression of EMT-related markers in stable established cell lines. Results showed that the overexpression of ephrin-A2 in prostate cancer cells down-regulated the expression of epithelial markers (ZO-1, E-cadherin, and claudin-1) and up-regulated the expression of mesenchymal markers (N-cadherin, β-catenin, vimentin, Slug, and Snail), but the knocking out of ephrin-A2 opposed the effects on the expression of EMT markers. Conclusions These findings indicate that ephrin-A2 promotes prostate cancer metastasis by enhancing angiogenesis and promoting EMT and may be a potentially therapeutic target in metastatic prostate cancer.

scholarly journals Long non-coding RNA MAPKAPK5-AS1/PLAGL2/HIF-1α signaling loop promotes hepatocellular carcinoma progression

2021 ◽  
Vol 40 (1) ◽  
Author(s):  
Liang Wang ◽  
Liankang Sun ◽  
Runkun Liu ◽  
Huanye Mo ◽  
Yongshen Niu ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Hepatocellular Carcinoma ◽  
Epithelial Mesenchymal Transition ◽  
Hypoxia Inducible Factor ◽  
Ectopic Expression ◽  
Akt Signaling ◽  
Luciferase Reporter ◽  
Mesenchymal Transition ◽  
Hcc Cells

Abstract Background Long non-coding RNAs (lncRNAs) are widely involved in human cancers’ progression by regulating tumor cells’ various malignant behaviors. MAPKAPK5-AS1 has been recognized as an oncogene in colorectal cancer. However, the biological role of MAPKAPK5-AS1 in hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) has not been explored. Methods Quantitative real-time PCR was performed to detect the level of MAPKAPK5-AS1 in HCC tissues and cell lines. The effects of MAPKAPK5-AS1 on tumor growth and metastasis were assessed via in vitro experiments, including MTT, colony formation, EdU, flow cytometry, transwell assays, and nude mice models. The western blotting analysis was carried out to determine epithelial-mesenchymal transition (EMT) markers and AKT signaling. The interaction between MAPKAPK5-AS1, miR-154-5p, and PLAGL2 were explored by luciferase reporter assay and RNA immunoprecipitation. The regulatory effect of HIF-1α on MAPKAPK5-AS1 was evaluated by chromatin immunoprecipitation. Results MAPKAPK5-AS1 expression was significantly elevated in HCC, and its overexpression associated with malignant clinical features and reduced survival. Functionally, MAPKAPK5-AS1 knockdown repressed the proliferation, mobility, and EMT of HCC cells and induced apoptosis. Ectopic expression of MAPKAPK5-AS1 contributed to HCC cell proliferation and invasion in vitro. Furthermore, MAPKAPK5-AS1 silencing suppressed, while MAPKAPK5-AS1 overexpression enhanced HCC growth and lung metastasis in vivo. Mechanistically, MAPKAPK5-AS1 upregulated PLAG1 like zinc finger 2 (PLAGL2) expression by acting as an endogenous competing RNA (ceRNA) to sponge miR-154-5p, thereby activating EGFR/AKT signaling. Importantly, rescue experiments demonstrated that the miR-154-5p/PLAGL2 axis mediated the function of MAPKAPK5-AS1 in HCC cells. Interestingly, we found that hypoxia-inducible factor 1α (HIF-1α), a transcript factor, could directly bind to the promoter to activate MAPKAPK5-AS1 transcription. MAPKAPK5-AS1 regulated HIF-1α expression through PLAGL2 to form a hypoxia-mediated MAPKAPK5-AS1/PLAGL2/HIF-1α signaling loop in HCC. Conclusions Our results reveal a MAPKAPK5-AS1/PLAGL2/HIF-1α signaling loop in HCC progression and suggest that MAPKAPK5-AS1 could be a potential novel therapeutic target of HCC.

scholarly journals Targeting tumor microenvironment: Metformin suppresses IL-22 induced hepatocellular carcinoma by upregulating Hippo signaling pathway

2020 ◽  
Author(s):  
Dong Zhao ◽  
Tao Zhou ◽  
Yi Luo ◽  
Chenchen Wang ◽  
Dongwei Xu ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Hepatocellular Carcinoma ◽  
Signaling Pathway ◽  
Hippo Pathway ◽  
Ectopic Expression ◽  
Tumor Development ◽  
Migration And Invasion ◽  
Hippo Signaling ◽  
Hippo Signaling Pathway

Abstract BackgroundEpidemiological studies have shown direct associations between type 2 diabetes and the risk of cancers. Accumulating evidence indicates that metformin is profoundly implicated in preventing tumor development. However, the exact mechanism underlying the anti-tumor effects of metformin in hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) is still not clear. MethodsIn this study, we investigated the effects of metformin on a mouse hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) model and interleukin-22 (IL-22)-associated carcinogenesis in vitro.ResultsWe found that metformin significantly suppressed the incidence and tumor burden of HCC in the diethyl-nitrosamine (DEN)-induced HCC mouse model. As expected, expression of IL-22, an important factor involved in HCC progression, was markedly reduced by metformin. Treatment of HCC cells with metformin inhibited IL-22 induced cell proliferation, migration and invasion, and promoted cell apoptosis. Furthermore, ectopic expression of IL-22 makes HCC more aggressive whereas metformin largely compromised it in vitro and in vivo. Mechanistically, the whole transcriptome analysis and functional analysis revealed that Hippo signaling pathway was involved in the anti-tumor ability of metformin. Consistent with this, metformin directly activated Mst1/2, phosphorylated YAP1 in vitro. After blocking Hippo pathway by XMU-MP-1, the inhibitor of MST1/2, the inhibitory effects by metformin were dramatically attenuated as shown by in vitro study.ConclusionsCollectively, our findings illuminate a new regulatory mechanism, metformin activates Hippo signaling pathway to regulate IL-22 mediated HCC progression and provide new insights into its tumor-suppressive roles.

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