Gemcitabine and APG-1252, a novel small molecule inhibitor of BCL-2/BCL-XL, display a synergistic antitumor effect in nasopharyngeal carcinoma through the JAK-2/STAT3/MCL-1 signaling pathway

AbstractAdvanced nasopharyngeal carcinoma (NPC) has a poor prognosis, with an unfavorable response to palliative chemotherapy. Unfortunately, there are few effective therapeutic regimens. Therefore, we require novel treatment strategies with enhanced efficacy. The present study aimed to investigate the antitumor efficacy of APG-1252-M1, a dual inhibitor of BCL-2/BCL-XL, as a single agent and combined with gemcitabine. We applied various apoptotic assays and used subcutaneous transplanted NPC model to assess the in vitro and in vivo antitumor activity. Moreover, phospho-tyrosine kinase array was used to investigate the combined therapy’s potential synergistic mechanism. In addition, further validation was performed using immunohistochemistry and western blotting. In vitro, we observed that APG-1252-M1 had moderate antitumor activity toward NPC cells; however, it markedly improved gemcitabine’s ability to promote NPC cell apoptosis and suppress invasion, migration, and proliferation. Specifically, APG-1252 plus gemcitabine exhibited even remarkable antitumor activity in vivo. Mechanistically, the drug combination synergistically suppressed NPC by activating caspase-dependent pathways, blocking the phospho (p)-JAK-2/STAT3/MCL-1 signaling pathway, and inhibiting epithelial-mesenchymal transition. In conclusion, the results indicated that the combination of APG-1252 and gemcitabine has synergistic anticancer activities against NPC, providing a promising treatment modality for patients with NPC.

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YPEL3 suppresses epithelial–mesenchymal transition and metastasis of nasopharyngeal carcinoma cells through the Wnt/β-catenin signaling pathway

Journal of Experimental & Clinical Cancer Research ◽

10.1186/s13046-016-0384-1 ◽

2016 ◽

Vol 35 (1) ◽

Cited By ~ 23

Author(s):

Jian Zhang ◽

Xin Wen ◽

Xian-Yue Ren ◽

Ying-Qin Li ◽

Xin-Ran Tang ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Cell Migration ◽

Nasopharyngeal Carcinoma ◽

Signaling Pathway ◽

Cell Lines ◽

Western Blotting ◽

Epithelial Mesenchymal Transition ◽

Migration And Invasion ◽

Mesenchymal Transition

Abstract Background Metastasis remains the major cause of death in nasopharyngeal carcinoma (NPC). Yippee-like 3 (YPEL3) plays an important role in tumorigenesis. However, its function and mechanism in NPC has not been systematically explored. Methods We evaluated YPEL3 expression in NPC cell lines and tissues using real-time PCR and western blotting. Then, we established NPC cell lines that stably overexpressed YPEL3 and knocked down YPEL3 expression to explore its function in NPC in vitro and in vivo. Additionally, we investigated the potential mechanism of YPEL3 action by identifying the Wnt/β-catenin signaling pathway downstream genes using western blotting. Results YPEL3 was downregulated in NPC cell lines and tissue samples. Ectopic expression of YPEL3 inhibited NPC cell migration and invasion in vitro; while silencing of YPEL3 promoted NPC cell migration and invasion. Further study indicated that overexpression of YPEL3 inhibited NPC cell epithelial–mesenchymal transition (EMT) and that silencing it enhanced EMT. Overexpression of YPEL3 suppressed NPC cell lung metastasis in vivo. The mechanism study determined that YPEL3 suppressed the expression levels of Wnt/β-catenin signaling pathway downstream genes and the nuclear translocation of β-catenin. Conclusions YPEL3 suppresses NPC EMT and metastasis by suppressing the Wnt/β-catenin signaling pathway, which would help better understanding the molecular mechanisms of NPC metastasis and provide novel therapeutic targets for NPC treatment.

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Nano-Coated si-SNHG14 Regulated PD-L1 Expression and Decreased Epithelial-Mesenchymal Transition in Nasopharyngeal Carcinoma Cells

Journal of Biomedical Nanotechnology ◽

10.1166/jbn.2021.3162 ◽

2021 ◽

Vol 17 (10) ◽

pp. 1993-2002

Author(s):

Haoran Yu ◽

Chen Zhang ◽

Wanpeng Li ◽

Xicai Sun ◽

Quan Liu ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Nasopharyngeal Carcinoma ◽

Epithelial Mesenchymal Transition ◽

Animal Experiments ◽

Loss Of Function ◽

Mesenchymal Transition ◽

Non Coding Rna ◽

Long Non Coding Rna ◽

Tumor Agent

To investigate the expression characteristics of long non-coding RNA SNHG14 in nasopharyngeal carcinoma (NPC) and its effects on epithelial-mesenchymal transition and development of nano-coated si-SNHG14 as an anti-tumor agent. The SNHG14 expression in cancerous and adjacent non-cancerous tissues was monitored using reverse transcriptionpolymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR). Gain- and loss-of-function experiments tested the regulation of SNHG14, miR- 5590-3p, and ZEB1 on PD-L1. The binding association between the above three factors was verified using bioinformatics analysis. EMT-related E-cadherin, N-cadherin, and Vimentin were tested using Western blot. Animal experiments in nude mice verified the function of SNHG14 in the EMT of NPC in vivo. The nano-coated si-SNHG14 was developed as an anti-tumor agent and was verified NPC cell in vitro. SNHG14 was upregulated in NPC tissues. Knocking down SNHG14 markedly inhibited the EMT of NPC. Additionally, the expression of ZEB1 was positively related to that of the SNHG14, while it was inversely correlated with that of miR-5590-3p. Moreover, ZEB1 transcription upregulated PD-L1 and promoted the EMT, while SNHG14 could accelerate the EMT of NPC in vivo by regulating the PD-1 and PD-L1. SNHG14-miR-5590- 3p-ZEB1 positively regulated PD-L1 and facilitate the EMT of NPC. Nano-coated si-SNHG14 significantly downregulated PD-L1 expression and decreased EMT.

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Modulation of Calretinin Expression in Human Mesothelioma Cells Reveals the Implication of the FAK and Wnt Signaling Pathways in Conferring Chemoresistance towards Cisplatin

International Journal of Molecular Sciences ◽

10.3390/ijms20215391 ◽

2019 ◽

Vol 20 (21) ◽

pp. 5391 ◽

Cited By ~ 5

Author(s):

Wörthmüller ◽

Salicio ◽

Oberson ◽

Blum ◽

Schwaller

Keyword(s):

Wnt Signaling ◽

Signaling Pathways ◽

Signaling Pathway ◽

Expression System ◽

Single Agent ◽

Wnt Signaling Pathway ◽

Tumor Formation ◽

Mesenchymal Transition

Malignant mesothelioma (MM) is an aggressive asbestos-linked neoplasm, characterized by dysregulation of signaling pathways. Due to intrinsic or acquired chemoresistance, MM treatment options remain limited. Calretinin is a Ca2+-binding protein expressed during MM tumorigenesis that activates the FAK signaling pathway, promoting invasion and epithelial-to-mesenchymal transition. Constitutive calretinin downregulation decreases MM cells’ growth and survival, and impairs tumor formation in vivo. In order to evaluate early molecular events occurring during calretinin downregulation, we generated a tightly controlled IPTG-inducible expression system to modulate calretinin levels in vitro. Calretinin downregulation significantly reduced viability and proliferation of MM cells, attenuated FAK signaling and reduced the invasive phenotype of surviving cells. Importantly, surviving cells showed a higher resistance to cisplatin due to increased Wnt signaling. This resistance was abrogated by the Wnt signaling pathway inhibitor 3289-8625. In various MM cell lines and regardless of calretinin expression levels, blocking of FAK signaling activated the Wnt signaling pathway and vice versa. Thus, blocking both pathways had the strongest impact on MM cell proliferation and survival. Chemoresistance mechanisms in MM cells have resulted in a failure of single-agent therapies. Targeting of multiple components of key signaling pathways, including Wnt signaling, might be the future method-of-choice to treat MM.

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MiR-130a-3p inhibits the viability, proliferation, invasion, and cell cycle, and promotes apoptosis of nasopharyngeal carcinoma cells by suppressing BACH2 expression

Bioscience Reports ◽

10.1042/bsr20160576 ◽

2017 ◽

Vol 37 (3) ◽

Cited By ~ 14

Author(s):

Xin Chen ◽

Bo Yue ◽

Changming Zhang ◽

Meihao Qi ◽

Jianhua Qiu ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Nasopharyngeal Carcinoma ◽

Cell Lines ◽

Cell Apoptosis ◽

Epithelial Mesenchymal Transition ◽

Migration And Invasion ◽

Down Regulation ◽

Tissue Samples ◽

Mesenchymal Transition

The aim of the present study was to explore the mechanism through which miR-130a-3p affects the viability, proliferation, migration, and invasion of nasopharyngeal carcinoma (NPC). Tissue samples were collected from the hospital department. NPC cell lines were purchased to conduct the in vitro and in vivo assays. A series of biological assays including MTT, Transwell, and wound healing assays were conducted to investigate the effects of miR-130a-3p and BACH2 on NPC cells. MiR-130a-3p was down-regulated in both NPC tissues and cell lines, whereas BACH2 was up-regulated in both tissues and cell lines. MiR-130a-3p overexpression inhibited NPC cell viability, proliferation, migration, and invasion but promoted cell apoptosis. The converse was true of BACH2, the down-regulation of which could inhibit the corresponding cell abilities and promote apoptosis of NPC cells. The target relationship between miR-130a-3p and BACH2 was confirmed. The epithelial–mesenchymal transition (EMT) pathway was also influenced by miR-130a-3p down-regulation. In conclusion, miR-130a-3p could bind to BACH2, inhibit NPC cell abilities, and promote cell apoptosis.

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Bone morphogenetic protein-7 prevented epithelial-mesenchymal transition in RLE-6TN cells

Toxicology Research ◽

10.1039/c5tx00471c ◽

2016 ◽

Vol 5 (3) ◽

pp. 931-937 ◽

Cited By ~ 2

Author(s):

Yan Wang ◽

Di Liang ◽

Zhonghui Zhu ◽

Xiaoli Li ◽

Guoliang An ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Transcription Factor ◽

Bone Morphogenetic Protein ◽

Signaling Pathway ◽

P38 Mapk ◽

Epithelial Mesenchymal Transition ◽

Bone Morphogenetic Protein 7 ◽

Mesenchymal Transition ◽

Morphogenetic Protein

Silica induced EMT and decreased the expression of BMP-7 in vivo and in vitro, while exogenous BMP-7 promoted MET and inhibited silica-induced EMT associated with inhibition of the p38 MAPK/transcription factor (TF) signaling pathway in RLE-6TN cells.

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SMARCC1 Suppresses Tumor Progression by Inhibiting the PI3K/AKT Signaling Pathway in Prostate Cancer

Frontiers in Cell and Developmental Biology ◽

10.3389/fcell.2021.678967 ◽

2021 ◽

Vol 9 ◽

Author(s):

Zhao-Ming Xiao ◽

Dao-Jun Lv ◽

Yu-zhong Yu ◽

Chong Wang ◽

Tao Xie ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Prostate Cancer ◽

Cell Proliferation ◽

Signaling Pathway ◽

Cell Cycle Progression ◽

Epithelial Mesenchymal Transition ◽

Mesenchymal Transition ◽

Proliferation And Metastasis ◽

Cell Proliferation And Metastasis

BackgroundSWI/SNF-related, matrix-associated, actin-dependent regulator of chromatin subfamily C member 1 (SMARCC1) protein is a potential tumor suppressor in various cancers. However, its role in prostate cancer (PCa) remains controversial. The aim of this study was to determine the biological function of SMARCC1 in PCa and explore the underlying regulatory mechanisms.MethodsThe expression of SMARCC1 was validated in PCa tissues by immunohistochemistry. Meanwhile, function experiments were used to evaluate the regulatory role on cell proliferation and metastasis in PCa cells with SMARCC1 depletion both in vitro and in vivo. The expression levels of relevant proteins were detected by Western blotting.ResultsOur finding showed that SMARCC1 was significantly downregulated in prostate adenocarcinoma, with a higher Gleason score (GS) than that in low GS. The decreased expression of SMARCC1 was significantly correlated with a higher GS and poor prognosis. Additionally, we found that silencing of SMARCC1 dramatically accelerated cell proliferation by promoting cell cycle progression and enhancing cell migration by inducing epithelial mesenchymal transition (EMT). Furthermore, depletion of SMARCC1 facilitated PCa xenograft growth and lung metastasis in murine models. Mechanistically, the loss of SMARCC1 activated the PI3K/AKT pathway in PCa cells.ConclusionSMARCC1 suppresses PCa cell proliferation and metastasis via the PI3K/AKT signaling pathway and is a novel therapeutic target.

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Downregulation of SLC27A6 by DNA Hypermethylation Promotes Proliferation but Suppresses Metastasis of Nasopharyngeal Carcinoma Through Modulating Lipid Metabolism

Frontiers in Oncology ◽

10.3389/fonc.2021.780410 ◽

2022 ◽

Vol 11 ◽

Author(s):

Xuemin Zhong ◽

Yanping Yang ◽

Bo Li ◽

Pan Liang ◽

Yiying Huang ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Lipid Metabolism ◽

Nasopharyngeal Carcinoma ◽

Epithelial Mesenchymal Transition ◽

Mrna Level ◽

Promoter Hypermethylation ◽

Migration And Invasion ◽

Dna Hypermethylation ◽

Mesenchymal Transition

Lipid is the building block and an important source of energy, contributing to the malignant behavior of tumor cells. Recent studies suggested that lipid droplets (LDs) accumulations were associated with nasopharyngeal carcinoma (NPC) progression. Solute carrier family 27 member 6 (SLC27A6) mediates the cellular uptake of long-chain fatty acid (LCFA), a necessary lipid component. However, the functions of SLC27A6 in NPC remain unknown. Here, we found a significant reduction of SLC27A6 mRNA in NPC tissues compared with normal nasopharyngeal epithelia (NNE). The promoter methylation ratio of SLC27A6 was greater in NPC than in non-cancerous tissues. The demethylation reagent 5-aza-2’-deoxycytidine (5-aza-dC) remarkably restored the mRNA expression of SLC27A6, suggesting that this gene was downregulated in NPC owing to DNA promoter hypermethylation. Furthermore, SLC27A6 overexpression level in NPC cell lines led to significant suppression of cell proliferation, clonogenicity in vitro, and tumorigenesis in vivo. Higher SLC27A6 expression, on the other hand, promoted NPC cell migration and invasion. In particular, re-expression of SLC27A6 faciliated epithelial-mesenchymal transition (EMT) signals in xenograft tumors. Furthermore, we observed that SLC27A6 enhanced the intracellular amount of triglyceride (TG) and total cholesterol (T-CHO) in NPC cells, contributing to lipid biosynthesis and increasing metastatic potential. Notably, the mRNA level of SLC27A6 was positively correlated with cancer stem cell (CSC) markers, CD24 and CD44. In summary, DNA promoter hypermethylation downregulated the expression of SLC27A6. Furthermore, re-expression of SLC27A6 inhibited the growth capacity of NPC cells but strengthened the CSC markers. Our findings revealed the dual role of SLC27A6 in NPC and shed novel light on the link between lipid metabolism and CSC maintenance.

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Arctigenin Suppressed Epithelial-Mesenchymal Transition Through Wnt3a/β-Catenin Pathway in PQ-Induced Pulmonary Fibrosis

Frontiers in Pharmacology ◽

10.3389/fphar.2020.584098 ◽

2020 ◽

Vol 11 ◽

Author(s):

Fei Gao ◽

Yun Zhang ◽

Zhizhou Yang ◽

Mengmeng Wang ◽

Zhiyi Zhou ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Pulmonary Fibrosis ◽

Signaling Pathway ◽

Lung Fibrosis ◽

Epithelial Mesenchymal Transition ◽

A549 Cells ◽

Underlying Mechanism ◽

Alveolar Type ◽

Mesenchymal Transition

Arctigenin (ATG), a major bioactive substance of Fructus Arctii, counters renal fibrosis; however, whether it protects against paraquat (PQ)-induced lung fibrosis remains unknown. The present study was to determine the effect of ATG on PQ-induced lung fibrosis in a mouse model and the underlying mechanism. Firstly, we found that ATG suppressed PQ-induced pulmonary fibrosis by blocking the epithelial-mesenchymal transition (EMT). ATG reduced the expressions of Vimentin and α-SMA (lung fibrosis markers) induced by PQ and restored the expressions of E-cadherin and Occludin (two epithelial markers) in vivo and in vitro. Besides, the Wnt3a/β-catenin signaling pathway was significantly activated in PQ induced pulmonary fibrosis. Further analysis showed that pretreatment of ATG profoundly abrogated PQ-induced EMT-like phenotypes and behaviors in A549 cells. The Wnt3a/β-catenin signaling pathway was repressed by ATG treatment. The overexpression of Wnt3a could weaken the therapeutic effect of ATG in A549 cells. These findings suggested that ATG could serve as a new therapeutic candidate to inhibit or even reverse EMT-like changes in alveolar type II cells during PQ-induced lung fibrosis, and unraveled that the Wnt3a/β-catenin pathway might be a mechanistic tool for ATG to control pulmonary fibrosis.

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Latent Membrane Protein 1 Antibody Inhibits Cell Migration, Invasion and Epithelial-Mesenchymal Transition of Nasopharyngeal Carcinoma Stem Cell via Regulating Wnt/β-Catenin Signaling Pathway

Journal of Biomaterials and Tissue Engineering ◽

10.1166/jbt.2020.2361 ◽

2020 ◽

Vol 10 (7) ◽

pp. 930-938

Author(s):

Dawei Zhang ◽

Lin Xiong ◽

Liang Li ◽

Yuan Chen ◽

Xiaojun Tang ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Nasopharyngeal Carcinoma ◽

Epithelial Mesenchymal Transition ◽

Animal Experiments ◽

Migration And Invasion ◽

Western Blot Assay ◽

Mesenchymal Transition ◽

Potential Strategy ◽

And Migration

Objective: In order to investigate the effects of LMP1-Fab antibody on Nasopharyngeal carcinoma (NPC) cancer stem cells (CSCs). Methods/ Results: Methods were performed to study the effects of LMP1-Fab antibody on NPC CSCs in vivo and in vitro, for example, transwell chamber assay, wound healing assay, western blot assay, quantitative real-time PCR assay animal experiments, animal fluorescence imaging, H&E staining, immunohistochemistry. We identified that LMP1 activated the migration and invasion of NPC. Whereas the LMP1-Fab antibody inhibited cell invasion, epithelial-mesenchymal transition (EMT) and migration of NPC CSCs in LMP1+ HNE2 cells. Furthermore, LMP1-Fab antibody significantly increased the expression of E-cadherin, and reduced the expressions of vimentin,N -cadherin and Slug in LMP1+ HNE2 CSCs cells. Mechanistically, LMP1-Fab antibody inhibited lung and liver metastasis by regulating the wnt/ -catenin pathway in the nude mice. Conclusion: These results suggested that the novel antibody-targeting LMP1 is likely to be a potential strategy for the treatment of NPC.

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