scholarly journals Hypermethylation-mediated Transcriptional Silencing of lncRNA-SCARF1 Promotes Progression and Metastasis of Hepatocellular Carcinoma

2021 ◽  
Author(s):  
Boyi Liao ◽  
Peiran Huang ◽  
Xiangyu Zhang ◽  
Xinyu Wang ◽  
Kaiqian Zhou ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Hepatocellular Carcinoma ◽  
Dna Methylation ◽  
Target Genes ◽  
Malignant Tumors ◽  
Aberrant Methylation ◽  
Promoter Regions ◽  
Migration Ability ◽  
Downstream Target

Abstract Background: Hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) is one of the most common causes of cancer-related deaths. Recent studies have demonstrated that deregulation of long noncoding RNAs (lncRNAs), such as abnormal DNA methylation of promoter, is strongly associated with development and progression of diverse malignant tumors. This study investigated the mechanisms and changes in DNA methylation levels of promoter regions of HCC-specific lncRNAs, and alterations of downstream target genes.Methods: LncRNA expression profile data of 8 human HCC tissues and matched normal tissues were obtained. LncRNAs with aberrant methylation were identified through DNA methylation microarray. The biological functions of the lncRNAs were investigated through targeted knockdown of lncRNA-SCARF1 in vitro and in vivo. Furthermore, the downstream targets of lncRNA-SCARF1 were identified through ChIRP-MS.Results: LncRNA-SCARF1 was significantly down-regulated in HCC samples. Hypermethylation in the promoter of lnc-SCARF1 induced its down-regulation in HCC. Over-expression of lnc-SCARF1 inhibited the tumor proliferation and migration ability of HCC cells in vitro and in vivo. Furthermore, CUL9 was found to be a potential downstream target of lncRNA-SCARF1.Conclusion: LncRNA-SCARF1 regulates HCC progression by interacting with CUL9 and may serve as a prognostic biomarker or an effective therapeutic target in HCC.

scholarly journals MODL-16. ABEMACICLIB, A SELECTIVE CDK4/6 INHIBITOR, RESTRICTS GROWTH OF PEDIATRIC GLIAL-LINEAGE TUMORS IN VITRO AND IN VIVO

2020 ◽  
Vol 22 (Supplement_3) ◽  
pp. iii414-iii414
Author(s):  
Muh-Lii Liang ◽  
Tsung-Han Hsieh ◽  
Tai-Tong Wong
Keyword(s):  
Dna Repair ◽  
Therapeutic Strategy ◽  
Target Genes ◽  
Rna Seq ◽  
Downstream Target ◽  
Rb Phosphorylation ◽  
Glial Lineage

Abstract BACKGROUND Glial-lineage tumors constitute a heterogeneous group of neoplasms, comprising gliomas, oligodendrogliomas, and ependymomas, which account for 40%–50% of all pediatric central nervous system tumors. Advances in modern neuro-oncological therapeutics are aimed at improving neoadjuvant chemotherapy and deferring radiotherapy because radiation exposure may cause long-term side effects on the developing brain in young children. Despite aggressive treatment, more than half the high-grade gliomas (pHGGs) and one-third of ependymomas exhibit recurrence within 2 years of initial treatment. METHODS By using integrated bioinformatics and through experimental validation, we found that at least one gene among CCND1, CDK4, and CDK6 was overexpressed in pHGGs and ependymomas. RESULTS The use of abemaciclib, a highly selective CDK4/6 inhibitor, effectively inhibited cell proliferation and reduced the expression of cell cycle–related and DNA repair–related gene expression, which was determined through RNA-seq analysis. The efficiency of abemaciclib was validated in vitro in pHGGs and ependymoma cells and in vivo by using subcutaneously implanted ependymoma cells from patient-derived xenograft (PDX) in mouse models. Abemaciclib demonstrated the suppression of RB phosphorylation, downstream target genes of E2F, G2M checkpoint, and DNA repair, resulting in tumor suppression. CONCLUSION Abemaciclib showed encouraging results in preclinical pediatric glial-lineage tumors models and represented a potential therapeutic strategy for treating challenging tumors in children.

scholarly journals FOS, a Critical Downstream Mediator of PGR and EGF Signaling Necessary for Ovulatory Prostaglandins in the Human Ovary

2018 ◽  
Vol 103 (11) ◽  
pp. 4241-4252 ◽  
Author(s):  
Yohan Choi ◽  
Katherine L Rosewell ◽  
Mats Brännström ◽  
James W Akin ◽  
Thomas E Curry ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Target Genes ◽  
Activator Protein 1 ◽  
Egf Receptors ◽  
Human Ovary ◽  
Promoter Regions ◽  
Vitro Fertilization ◽  
Egf Signaling ◽  
Periovulatory Follicles

Abstract Context Fos null mice failed to ovulate and form a corpus luteum (CL) even when given exogenous gonadotropins, suggesting that ovarian Fos expression is critical for successful ovulation and CL formation. However, little is known about FOS in the human ovary. Objectives To determine the expression, regulation, and function of FOS in human periovulatory follicles. Design/Participants Timed periovulatory follicles were obtained from normally cycling women. Granulosa/lutein cells were collected from in vitro fertilization patients. Main Outcome Measures The in vivo expression after human chorionic gonadotropin (hCG) administration and in vitro regulation of FOS, JUN, JUNB, and JUND was evaluated at the mRNA and protein level. Binding of progesterone receptor (PGR) and FOS to their target genes was assessed by chromatin immunoprecipitation analyses. Prostaglandin E2 (PGE2) and progesterone were measured. Results The expression of FOS, JUNB, and JUND drastically increased in ovulatory follicles after hCG administration. In human granulosa/lutein cell cultures, hCG increased the expression of FOS and JUN proteins. Inhibitors of PGR and epidermal growth factor (EGF) receptors reduced hCG-induced increases in the expression and phosphorylation of FOS. PGR bound to the FOS gene. A selective FOS inhibitor blocked hCG-induced increases in PGE2 and the expression of prostaglandin (PG) synthases and transporters (PTGES, SLCO2A1, and ABCC1). FOS bound to the promoter regions of these genes. Conclusions The increase of FOS/activator protein 1 in human periovulatory follicles after hCG administration is mediated by collaborative actions of PGR and EGF signaling and critical for the upregulated expression of key ovulatory genes required for the rise in ovulatory PG in human granulosa cells.

MiR-30a-5p Downregulation Induces Neuronal Autophagy by Activating AMPK After 2856MHz Microwave Radiation

2021 ◽  
Author(s):  
Yanhui Hao ◽  
Wenchao Li ◽  
Hui Wang ◽  
Jing Zhang ◽  
Haoyu Wang ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Microwave Radiation ◽  
Hippocampal Neurons ◽  
Target Genes ◽  
Neuronal Damage ◽  
Luciferase Reporter ◽  
Potential Health ◽  
Downstream Target ◽  
Neuronal Autophagy

Abstract Background With the development of science and technology, microwaves are being widely used. More and more attention has been paid to the potential health hazards of microwave exposure. The regulation of miR-30a-5p (miR-30a) on autophagy is involved in the pathophysiological process of many diseases. Our previous study found that 30 mW/cm2 microwave radiation could reduce miR-30a expression and activate neuronal autophagy in rat hippocampus. However, the roles played by miR-30a in microwave-induced neuronal autophagy and related mechanisms remain largely unexplored. Results In the present study, we established neuronal damage models by exposing rat hippocampal neurons and rat adrenal pheochromocytoma (PC12) cell-derived neuron-like cells to 30 mW/cm2 microwave, which resulted in miR-30a downregulation and autophagy activation in vivo and in vitro. Bioinformatics analysis was conducted, and Beclin1, Prkaa2, Irs1, Pik3r2, Rras2, Ddit4, Gabarapl2 and autophagy-related gene 12 (Atg12) were identified as potential downstream target genes of miR-30a involved in regulating autophagy. Based on our previous findings that microwave radiation can cause a neuronal energy metabolism disorder, Prkaa2, encoding adenosine 5’-monophosphate-activated protein kinase α2 (AMPKα2, an important catalytic subunit of energy sensor AMPK), was selected for further analysis. Dual-luciferase reporter assay results showed that Prkaa2 is a downstream target gene of miR-30a. Microwave radiation increased the expression and phosphorylation (Thr172) of AMPKα both in vivo and in vitro. Moreover, the transduction of cells with miR-30a mimics suppressed AMPKα2 expression, inhibited AMPKα (Thr172) phosphorylation and reduced autophagy flux in neuron-like cells. Importantly, miR-30a mimics abolished microwave-activated autophagy and inhibited microwave-induced AMPKα (Thr172) phosphorylation. Conclusions AMPKα2 was a newly founded downstream gene of miR-30a involved in autophagy regulation, and miR-30a downregulation after microwave radiation could promote neuronal autophagy by increasing AMPKα2 expression and activating AMPK signaling.

Genetic evidence for the transcriptional-activating function of Homothorax during adult fly development

Development ◽  
2001 ◽  
Vol 128 (18) ◽  
pp. 3405-3413 ◽  
Author(s):  
Adi Inbal ◽  
Naomi Halachmi ◽  
Charna Dibner ◽  
Dale Frank ◽  
Adi Salzberg
Keyword(s):  
Transcriptional Activity ◽  
Target Genes ◽  
Genetic Evidence ◽  
In Vivo Studies ◽  
Loss Of Function ◽  
Native Form ◽  
Downstream Target ◽  
Activating Function

Homothorax (HTH) is a homeobox-containing protein, which plays multiple roles in the development of the embryo and the adult fly. HTH binds to the homeotic cofactor Extradenticle (EXD) and translocates it to the nucleus. Its function within the nucleus is less clear. It was shown, mainly by in vitro studies, that HTH can bind DNA as a part of ternary HTH/EXD/HOX complexes, but little is known about the transcription regulating function of HTH-containing complexes in the context of the developing fly. Here we present genetic evidence, from in vivo studies, for the transcriptional-activating function of HTH. The HTH protein was forced to act as a transcriptional repressor by fusing it to the Engrailed (EN) repression domain, or as a transcriptional activator, by fusing it to the VP16 activation domain, without perturbing its ability to translocate EXD to the nucleus. Expression of the repressing form of HTH in otherwise wild-type imaginal discs phenocopied hth loss of function. Thus, the repressing form was working as an antimorph, suggesting that normally HTH is required to activate the transcription of downstream target genes. This conclusion was further supported by the observation that the activating form of HTH caused typical hth gain-of-function phenotypes and could rescue hth loss-of-function phenotypes. Similar results were obtained with XMeis3, the Xenopus homologue of HTH, extending the known functional similarity between the two proteins. Competition experiments demonstrated that the repressing forms of HTH or XMeis3 worked as true antimorphs competing with the transcriptional activity of the native form of HTH. We also describe the phenotypic consequences of HTH antimorph activity in derivatives of the wing, labial and genital discs. Some of the described phenotypes, for example, a proboscis-to-leg transformation, were not previously associated with alterations in HTH activity. Observing the ability of HTH antimorphs to interfere with different developmental pathways may direct us to new targets of HTH. The HTH antimorph described in this work presents a new means by which the transcriptional activity of the endogenous HTH protein can be blocked in an inducible fashion in any desired cells or tissues without interfering with nuclear localization of EXD.

scholarly journals Continuous Zebularine Treatment Effectively Sustains Demethylation in Human Bladder Cancer Cells

2004 ◽  
Vol 24 (3) ◽  
pp. 1270-1278 ◽  
Author(s):  
Jonathan C. Cheng ◽  
Daniel J. Weisenberger ◽  
Felicidad A. Gonzales ◽  
Gangning Liang ◽  
Guo-Liang Xu ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Dna Methylation ◽  
Dna Methyltransferase ◽  
Promoter Regions ◽  
Bladder Cancer Cells ◽  
Continuous Application ◽  
Aberrant Dna Methylation ◽  
Human Bladder Cancer Cells ◽  
Partial Depletion

ABSTRACT During tumorigenesis, tumor suppressor and cancer-related genes are commonly silenced by aberrant DNA methylation in their promoter regions. Recently, we reported that zebularine [1-(β-d-ribofuranosyl)-1,2-dihydropyrimidin-2-one] acts as an inhibitor of DNA methylation and exhibits chemical stability and minimal cytotoxicity both in vitro and in vivo. Here we show that continuous application of zebularine to T24 cells induces and maintains p16 gene expression and sustains demethylation of the 5′ region for over 40 days, preventing remethylation. In addition, continuous zebularine treatment effectively and globally demethylated various hypermethylated regions, especially CpG-poor regions. The drug caused a complete depletion of extractable DNA methyltransferase 1 (DNMT1) and partial depletion of DNMT3a and DNMT3b3. Last, sequential treatment with 5-aza-2′-deoxycytidine followed by zebularine hindered the remethylation of the p16 5′ region and gene resilencing, suggesting the possible combination use of both drugs as a potential anticancer regimen.

scholarly journals Nujiangexanthone A Inhibits Hepatocellular Carcinoma Metastasis via Down Regulation of Cofilin 1

2021 ◽  
Vol 9 ◽  
Author(s):  
Li Zhang ◽  
Zongtao Chai ◽  
Siyuan Kong ◽  
Jiling Feng ◽  
Man Wu ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Hepatocellular Carcinoma ◽  
Malignant Tumors ◽  
Disease Free Survival ◽  
Mechanism Study ◽  
Down Regulation ◽  
Free Survival ◽  
Hcc Cells

Hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) is one of the malignant tumors with poor prognosis. High expression level of cofilin 1 (CFL1) has been found in many types of cancers. However, the role of CFL1 in HCC hasn’t been known clearly. Here, we found that CFL1 was up regulated in human HCC and significantly associated with both overall survival and disease-free survival in HCC patients. Nujiangexanthone A (NJXA), the caged xanthones, isolated from gamboge plants decreased the expression of CFL1, which also inhibited the migration, invasion and metastasis of HCC cells in vitro and in vivo. Down regulation of CFL1 inhibited aggressiveness of HCC cells, which mimicked the effect of NJXA. Mechanism study indicated that, knockdown of CFL1 or treatment with NJXA increased the level of F-actin and disturbed the balance between F-actin and G-actin. In conclusion, our findings reveal the role of CFL1 in HCC metastasis through the CFL1/F-actin axis, and suggest that CFL1 may be a potential prognostic marker and a new therapeutic target. NJXA can effectively inhibit the metastasis of HCC cells by down regulating the expression of CFL1, which indicates the potential of NJXA for preventing metastasis in HCC.

scholarly journals EZH1/2 inhibition augments the anti-tumor effects of sorafenib in hepatocellular carcinoma

2021 ◽  
Vol 11 (1) ◽  
Author(s):  
Yuko Kusakabe ◽  
Tetsuhiro Chiba ◽  
Motohiko Oshima ◽  
Shuhei Koide ◽  
Ola Rizq ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Hepatocellular Carcinoma ◽  
Cell Growth ◽  
Target Genes ◽  
Antitumor Effects ◽  
Sorafenib Treatment ◽  
Ezh2 Expression ◽  
Combined Use

AbstractBoth EZH2 and its homolog EZH1 function as histone H3 Lysine 27 (H3K27) methyltransferases and repress the transcription of target genes. Dysregulation of H3K27 trimethylation (H3K27me3) plays an important role in the development and progression of cancers such as hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC). This study investigated the relationship between the expression of EZH1/2 and the level of H3K27me3 in HCC. Additionally, the role of EZH1/2 in cell growth, tumorigenicity, and resistance to sorafenib were also analyzed. Both the lentiviral knockdown and the pharmacological inhibition of EZH1/2 (UNC1999) diminished the level of H3K27me3 and suppressed cell growth in liver cancer cells, compared with EZH1 or EZH2 single knockdown. Although a significant association was observed between EZH2 expression and H3K27me3 levels in HCC samples, overexpression of EZH1 appeared to contribute to enhanced H3K27me3 levels in some EZH2lowH3K27me3high cases. Akt suppression following sorafenib treatment resulted in an increase of the H3K27me3 levels through a decrease in EZH2 phosphorylation at serine 21. The combined use of sorafenib and UNC1999 exhibited synergistic antitumor effects in vitro and in vivo. Combination treatment canceled the sorafenib-induced enhancement in H3K27me3 levels, indicating that activation of EZH2 function is one of the mechanisms of sorafenib-resistance in HCC. In conclusion, sorafenib plus EZH1/2 inhibitors may comprise a novel therapeutic approach in HCC.

scholarly journals Metapristone (RU486-derivative) inhibits endometrial cancer cell progress through regulating miR-492/Klf5/Nrf1 axis

2020 ◽  
Author(s):  
Yue Chang ◽  
Min Hao ◽  
Ru Jia ◽  
Yihui Zhao ◽  
Yixuan Cai ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Endometrial Cancer ◽  
Cell Growth ◽  
Cancer Cell ◽  
Cell Apoptosis ◽  
Target Genes ◽  
Cancer Cell Growth ◽  
Endometrial Cancer Cell ◽  
Downstream Target

Abstract Background: Endometrial cancer is an invasive gynecological cancer prevalent in the world. The pathogenesis of endometrial cancer is related to multiple levels of regulation, referring to oestrogen, tumor-suppressor gene (e.g. PTEN ) or microRNAs (e.g. miR-23a and miR-29b). Metapristone is a hormone-related drug, which is widely used in clinical treatment of endometrial cancer. However, the underlying regulatory mechanism of metapristone on endometrial cancer is still unclear, especially the regulatory effect on microRNAs. The aim of this study is to investigate the specific molecular mechanism of metapristone regulating microRNAs in the treatment of endometrial cancer. Methods: RL95-2 cells and Ishikawa cells were used as the endometrial cancer models. MiR-492 or si-miR-492 was transfected into RL95-2 cells and Ishikawa cells to explore the role of miR-492 in endometrial cancer. The cell cancer model and mice cancer model were used to confirm the function and mechanism of metapristone affected on endometrial cancer in vitro and in vivo . Mechanically, cell proliferation was monitored using the MTT assay, cell colony formation assay and EdU assay. Luciferase reporter assay was used to identify the downstream target gene of miR492. The protein expression and RNA expression were respectively measured by western blot and qRT-PCR for cell signaling pathway research, subsequently, were verified in the mice tumor model via immunohistochemistry. Results: Metapristone as a kind of hormone-related drug significantly inhibited the endometrial cancer cell growth through regulating cell apoptosis-related gene expression. Mechanically, miR-492 and its target genes Klf5 and Nrf1 were highly expressed in the endometrial cancer cell lines, which promoted cell proliferation and inhibited cell apoptosis. Metapristone decreased the expression of miR-492 and its target genes Klf5 and Nrf1 , leading to endometrial cancer cell growth inhibition in vitro and in vivo . Conclusion: Metapristone inhibited the endometrial cancer cell growth through regulating the cell apoptosis-related signaling pathway and decreasing the expression of miR-492 and its downstream target genes ( Klf5 and Nrf1 ), which provided the theoretical basis in clinical treatment of endometrial cancer.

scholarly journals Vitamin D: Possible Therapeutic Roles in Hepatocellular Carcinoma

2021 ◽  
Vol 11 ◽  
Author(s):  
Isaacson B. Adelani ◽  
Oluwakemi A. Rotimi ◽  
Emmanuel N. Maduagwu ◽  
Solomon O. Rotimi
Keyword(s):  
Hepatocellular Carcinoma ◽  
Vitamin D ◽  
Target Genes ◽  
Metabolizing Enzymes ◽  
Unique Type ◽  
Functional Roles ◽  
Anticancer Effects ◽  
Biological Responses

Hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) is a unique type of liver cancer instigated by underlying liver diseases. Pre-clinical evidence suggests that HCC progression, like other cancers, could be aided by vitamin D deficiency. Vitamin D is a lipid-soluble hormone usually obtained through sunlight. Vitamin D elucidates its biological responses by binding the vitamin D receptor; thus, promoting skeletal mineralization, and maintain calcium homeostasis. Other reported Vitamin D functions include specific roles in proliferation, angiogenesis, apoptosis, inflammation, and cell differentiation. This review highlighted studies on vitamin D’s functional roles in HCC and discussed the specific therapeutic targets from various in vivo, in vitro and clinical studies over the years. Furthermore, it described recent advancements in vitamin D’s anticancer effects and its metabolizing enzymes’ roles in HCC development. In summary, the review elucidated specific vitamin D-associated target genes that play critical functions in the inhibition of tumorigenesis through inflammation, oxidative stress, invasion, and apoptosis in HCC progression.

264 ANALYSIS OF DNA METHYLATION PATTERN IN PRE-IMPLANTATION-STAGE EMBRYOS DERIVED FROM NUCLEAR TRANSFER USING PORCINE EMBRYONIC GERM CELLS

2007 ◽  
Vol 19 (1) ◽  
pp. 248
Author(s):  
D.-H. Choi ◽  
C.-H. Park ◽  
S.-G. Lee ◽  
H.-S. Kim ◽  
H.-Y. Son ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Dna Methylation ◽  
Nuclear Transfer ◽  
Perinatal Death ◽  
Epigenetic Modification ◽  
Methylation Pattern ◽  
Paternal Allele ◽  
High Birth Weight ◽  
Aberrant Methylation

Somatic cell nuclear transfer (SCNT) has been successfully used to produce live cloned offspring in various mammals. However, some studies had reported that cloned embryos by SCNT had many problems in reprogramming or epigenetic modification, such as DNA methylation. DNA methylation is an essential process in epigenetic modification for development, and aberrant methylation in cloned embryos gives rise to abortion, high birth weight, and perinatal death. In this study, embryonic germ (EG) cells were used as donor cells for nuclear transfer. EG cells may have less reprogramming or demethylation than SCNT because these are already in erased status. However, little is known about methylation state or developmental capacity of the EG cell as a donor. The objective of this study was to analyze the methylation pattern of pre-implantation embryos cloned from porcine EG cells. Two regions, PRE-1 and microsatellite (MS), were analyzed for methylation patterns of cloned embryos from porcine EG cells and compared with the pattern of mature oocytes and in vitro-fertilized (IVF) embryos as a control. Cumulus–oocyte complexes were collected from prepubertal gilt ovaries and matured in vitro for 44 h, followed by use for IVF and NT with porcine EG cells. The porcine EG cells were prepared from 28-day-old fetuses after mating; genital ridges were isolated from fetuses, and then transferred into a culture medium on a feeder layer. The number of embryos for analysis was 300 for matured oocytes, 50–80 for 4–8 cell embryos, 30–40 for morulae, and 20–30 for blastocysts. The genomic DNA was isolated from the embryos and treated with bisulfite solution. PCR was performed for the amplification of PRE-1 and MS regions. The PCR products were sequenced by using an automatic DNA sequencer. The methylation rates of the PRE-1 and MS regions in IVF embryos showed that the demethylation process had occurred during the pre-implantation stage, which is a typical phenomenon of in vivo counterparts (Kang et al. 2001 J. Biol. Chem. 276, 39 980). However, compared to IVF embryos, embryos derived from NT using EG cells showed differences at the morula (PRE-1) and blastocyst (MS) stage. These results indicate that porcine EG cells also have problems in reprogramming during NT. For detailed and reliable results, the methylation pattern analysis of the imprinting region, for example, H19 in maternal allele and Igf2 in paternal allele, must be examined. Table 1.Methylation of PRE-1 and MS regions in embryos derived from IVF and NT using porcine EG cells

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