The Role of Kallikrein 7 in Tumorigenesis

2021 ◽  
Vol 28 ◽  
Author(s):  
Fengyi Xiang ◽  
Yueqing Wang ◽  
Chunyu Cao ◽  
Qingyun Li ◽  
Hao Deng ◽  
...  

: Kallikrein 7 (KLK7) is a secreted serine protease with chymotrypsic protease activity. Abnormally high expression of KLK7 is closely related to the occurrence and development of various types of cancer. Therefore, KLK7 has been identified as a potential target for cancer drug development design in recent years. KLK7 mediates various biological and pathological processes in tumorigenesis, including cell proliferation, migration, invasion, angiogenesis, and cell metabolism, by hydrolyzing a series of substrates such as membrane proteins, extracellular matrix proteins, and cytokines. This review mainly introduces the downstream cell signaling pathways involved in the activation of KLK7 and its substrate-related proteins. This review will not only help us to better understand the mechanisms of KLK7 in regulating biological and pathological processes of cancer cells, but also lay a solid foundation for the design of inhibitors targeting KLK7.

2007 ◽  
Vol 2 ◽  
pp. BMI.S294 ◽  
Author(s):  
Andrea Brunner ◽  
Alexandar Tzankov

The extracellular matrix (ECM) plays a key role in the modulation of cancer cell invasion. In urothelial carcinoma of the bladder (UC) the role of ECM proteins has been widely studied. The mechanisms, which are involved in the development of invasion, progression and generalization, are complex, depending on the interaction of ECM proteins with each other as well as with cancer cells. The following review will focus on the pathogenetic role and prognostic value of structural proteins, such as laminins, collagens, fibronectin (FN), tenascin (Tn-C) and thrombospondin 1 (TSP1) in UC. In addition the role of integrins mediating the interaction of ECM molecules and cancer cells will be addressed, since integrin-mediated FN, Tn-C and TSP1 interactions seem to play an important role during tumor cell invasion and angiogenesis.


2021 ◽  
Vol 13 (1) ◽  
pp. 17-29
Author(s):  
Emann M Rabie ◽  
Sherry X Zhang ◽  
Andreas P Kourouklis ◽  
A Nihan Kilinc ◽  
Allison K Simi ◽  
...  

Abstract Metastasis, the leading cause of mortality in cancer patients, depends upon the ability of cancer cells to invade into the extracellular matrix that surrounds the primary tumor and to escape into the vasculature. To investigate the features of the microenvironment that regulate invasion and escape, we generated solid microtumors of MDA-MB-231 human breast carcinoma cells within gels of type I collagen. The microtumors were formed at defined distances adjacent to an empty cavity, which served as an artificial vessel into which the constituent tumor cells could escape. To define the relative contributions of matrix degradation and cell proliferation on invasion and escape, we used pharmacological approaches to block the activity of matrix metalloproteinases (MMPs) or to arrest the cell cycle. We found that blocking MMP activity prevents both invasion and escape of the breast cancer cells. Surprisingly, blocking proliferation increases the rate of invasion but has no effect on that of escape. We found that arresting the cell cycle increases the expression of MMPs, consistent with the increased rate of invasion. To gain additional insight into the role of cell proliferation in the invasion process, we generated microtumors from cells that express the fluorescent ubiquitination-based cell cycle indicator. We found that the cells that initiate invasions are preferentially quiescent, whereas cell proliferation is associated with the extension of invasions. These data suggest that matrix degradation and cell proliferation are coupled during the invasion and escape of human breast cancer cells and highlight the critical role of matrix proteolysis in governing tumor phenotype.


2021 ◽  
Vol 11 (1) ◽  
Author(s):  
Tiantian Tang ◽  
Guiying Wang ◽  
Sihua Liu ◽  
Zhaoxue Zhang ◽  
Chen Liu ◽  
...  

AbstractThe role of organic anion transporting polypeptide 1B3 (SLCO1B3) in breast cancer is still controversial. The clinical immunohistochemical results showed that a greater proportion of patients with negative lymph nodes, AJCC stage I, and histological grade 1 (P < 0.05) was positively correlated with stronger expression of SLCO1B3, and DFS and OS were also increased significantly in these patients (P = 0.041, P = 0.001). Further subgroup analysis showed that DFS and OS were significantly enhanced with the increased expression of SLCO1B3 in the ER positive subgroup. The cellular function assay showed that the ability of cell proliferation, migration and invasion was significantly enhanced after knockdown of SLCO1B3 expression in breast cancer cell lines. In contrast, the ability of cell proliferation, migration and invasion was significantly reduced after overexpress the SLCO1B3 in breast cancer cell lines (P < 0.05). Overexpression or knockdown of SLCO1B3 had no effect on the apoptotic ability of breast cancer cells. High level of SLCO1B3 expression can inhibit the proliferation, invasion and migration of breast cancer cells, leading to better prognosis of patients. The role of SLCO1B3 in breast cancer may be related to estrogen. SLCO1B3 will become a potential biomarker for breast cancer diagnosis and prognosis assessment.


Cells ◽  
2021 ◽  
Vol 10 (5) ◽  
pp. 1046
Author(s):  
Jorge Martinez ◽  
Patricio C. Smith

Desmoplastic tumors correspond to a unique tissue structure characterized by the abnormal deposition of extracellular matrix. Breast tumors are a typical example of this type of lesion, a property that allows its palpation and early detection. Fibrillar type I collagen is a major component of tumor desmoplasia and its accumulation is causally linked to tumor cell survival and metastasis. For many years, the desmoplastic phenomenon was considered to be a reaction and response of the host tissue against tumor cells and, accordingly, designated as “desmoplastic reaction”. This notion has been challenged in the last decades when desmoplastic tissue was detected in breast tissue in the absence of tumor. This finding suggests that desmoplasia is a preexisting condition that stimulates the development of a malignant phenotype. With this perspective, in the present review, we analyze the role of extracellular matrix remodeling in the development of the desmoplastic response. Importantly, during the discussion, we also analyze the impact of obesity and cell metabolism as critical drivers of tissue remodeling during the development of desmoplasia. New knowledge derived from the dynamic remodeling of the extracellular matrix may lead to novel targets of interest for early diagnosis or therapy in the context of breast tumors.


2021 ◽  
Vol 21 (1) ◽  
Author(s):  
Huilin Zhang ◽  
Ping He ◽  
Qing Zhou ◽  
Yan Lu ◽  
Bingjian Lu

Abstract Background CSN5, a member of Cop9 signalosome, is essential for protein neddylation. It has been supposed to serve as an oncogene in some cancers. However, the role of CSN5 has not been investigated in cervical cancer yet. Methods Data from TCGA cohorts and GEO dataset was analyzed to examine the expression profile of CSN5 and clinical relevance in cervical cancers. The role of CSN5 on cervical cancer cell proliferation was investigated in cervical cancer cell lines, Siha and Hela, through CSN5 knockdown via CRISPR–CAS9. Western blot was used to detect the effect of CSN5 knockdown and overexpression. The biological behaviors were analyzed by CCK8, clone formation assay, 3-D spheroid generation assay and cell cycle assay. Besides, the role CSN5 knockdown in vivo was evaluated by xenograft tumor model. MLN4924 was given in Siha and Hela with CSN5 overexpression. Results We found that downregulation of CSN5 in Siha and Hela cells inhibited cell proliferation in vitro and in vivo, and the inhibitory effects were largely rescued by CSN5 overexpression. Moreover, deletion of CSN5 caused cell cycle arrest rather than inducing apoptosis. Importantly, CSN5 overexpression confers resistance to the anti-cancer effects of MLN4924 (pevonedistat) in cervical cancer cells. Conclusions Our findings demonstrated that CSN5 functions as an oncogene in cervical cancers and may serve as a potential indicator for predicting the effects of MLN4924 treatment in the future.


Cells ◽  
2021 ◽  
Vol 10 (1) ◽  
pp. 181
Author(s):  
Francesca Zonta ◽  
Christian Borgo ◽  
Camila Paz Quezada Meza ◽  
Ionica Masgras ◽  
Andrea Rasola ◽  
...  

CK2 is a Ser/Thr protein kinase overexpressed in many cancers. It is usually present in cells as a tetrameric enzyme, composed of two catalytic (α or α’) and two regulatory (β) subunits, but it is active also in its monomeric form, and the specific role of the different isoforms is largely unknown. CK2 phosphorylates several substrates related to the uncontrolled proliferation, motility, and survival of cancer cells. As a consequence, tumor cells are addicted to CK2, relying on its activity more than healthy cells for their life, and exploiting it for developing multiple oncological hallmarks. However, little is known about CK2 contribution to the metabolic rewiring of cancer cells. With this study we aimed at shedding some light on it, especially focusing on the CK2 role in the glycolytic onco-phenotype. By analyzing neuroblastoma and osteosarcoma cell lines depleted of either one (α) or the other (α’) CK2 catalytic subunit, we also aimed at disclosing possible pro-tumor functions which are specific of a CK2 isoform. Our results suggest that both CK2 α and α’ contribute to cell proliferation, survival and tumorigenicity. The analyzed metabolic features disclosed a role of CK2 in tumor metabolism, and suggest prominent functions for CK2 α isoform. Results were also confirmed by CK2 pharmacological inhibition. Overall, our study provides new information on the mechanism of cancer cells addiction to CK2 and on its isoform-specific functions, with fundamental implications for improving future therapeutic strategies based on CK2 targeting.


2021 ◽  
Vol 49 (2) ◽  
pp. 815-827
Author(s):  
Giancarlo Solaini ◽  
Gianluca Sgarbi ◽  
Alessandra Baracca

In the last two decades, IF1, the endogenous inhibitor of the mitochondrial F1Fo-ATPase (ATP synthase) has assumed greater and ever greater interest since it has been found to be overexpressed in many cancers. At present, several findings indicate that IF1 is capable of playing a central role in cancer cells by promoting metabolic reprogramming, proliferation and resistance to cell death. However, the mechanism(s) at the basis of this pro-oncogenic action of IF1 remains elusive. Here, we recall the main features of the mechanism of the action of IF1 when the ATP synthase works in reverse, and discuss the experimental evidence that support its relevance in cancer cells. In particular, a clear pro-oncogenic action of IF1 is to avoid wasting of ATP when cancer cells are exposed to anoxia or near anoxia conditions, therefore favoring cell survival and tumor growth. However, more recently, various papers have described IF1 as an inhibitor of the ATP synthase when it is working physiologically (i.e. synthethizing ATP), and therefore reprogramming cell metabolism to aerobic glycolysis. In contrast, other studies excluded IF1 as an inhibitor of ATP synthase under normoxia, providing the basis for a hot debate. This review focuses on the role of IF1 as a modulator of the ATP synthase in normoxic cancer cells with the awareness that the knowledge of the molecular action of IF1 on the ATP synthase is crucial in unravelling the molecular mechanism(s) responsible for the pro-oncogenic role of IF1 in cancer and in developing related anticancer strategies.


2021 ◽  
Author(s):  
Huilin Zhang ◽  
Ping He ◽  
Qing Zhou ◽  
Yan Lu ◽  
Bingjian Lu

Abstract BackgroundsCSN5, a member of Cop9 signalosome, is essential for protein neddylation. It has been supposed to serve as an oncogene in some cancers. However, the role of CSN5 has not been investigated in cervical cancer yet.MethodsData from TCGA cohorts and GEO dataset was analyzed to examine the expression profile of CSN5 in cervical cancers. The role of CSN5 on cervical cancer cell proliferation was investigated in cervical cancer cell lines, Siha and Hela, through CSN5 knockdown via CRISPR-CAS9. Western blot was used to detect the effect of CSN5 knockdown and overexpression. CCK8, clone formation assay and cell cycle assay were also employed. Besides, the role CSN5 knockdown in vivo was evaluated by xenograft tumor model. Moreover, MLN4924 was applied in Siha and Hela with CSN5 overexpression.ResultsWe found that downregulation of CSN5 in Siha and Hela cells inhibited cell proliferation in vitro and in vivo, and the inhibitory effects were largely rescued by CSN5 overexpression. Moreover, deletion of CSN5 caused cell cycle arrest rather than inducing apoptosis. Importantly, CSN5 overexpression confers resistance to the anti-cancer effects of MLN4924 (pevonedistat) in cervical cancer cells.ConclusionsOur findings demonstrated that CSN5 functions as an oncogene in cervical cancers and may serve as a potential indicator for predicting the effects of MLN4924 treatment in the future.


2020 ◽  
Vol 12 (8) ◽  
pp. 1015-1021
Author(s):  
Ximiao Ma ◽  
Fangyong Fu

Lung cancer is a malignant tumor with an extremely high incidence and mortality rate in clinical practice and its pathogenesis remains unclear at present. Currently, the methods for treating this disease have relatively high limitations. However, with the gradual maturity and application of nanotechnology, a number of studies have pointed out that polymethyl methacrylate nanoparticles (PMMA-NPs) encapsulated with curcumin (Cur) possibly becomes a new and effective scheme for treating lung cancer. First of all, Cur-PMMA-NPs were prepared. Their sizes were determined by characterization techniques, and their effects on lung cancer cells A549 were detected by Cell proliferation experiment and flow cytometry. The expression of apoptosis-related proteins in the cells was detected by Western blotting. The results showed that polyacrylic acid (PAA)-Cur-PMMA-NPs had a particle size of (215.00±6.00) nm. The drug loading rate and the encapsulation rate of nanospheres were remarkably higher than those of free Cur (P < 0.05). After the intervention of PAA-Cur-PMMA-NPs in the cells, the cell proliferation and the Bcl-2 expression reduced, while the apoptotic rate and the expression of Bax, Caspase-3, and Caspase-9 increased (P < 0.05). Accordingly, Cur-PMMA-NPs can inhibit lung cancer cells from growth and induce their apoptosis, so they are expected to become an effective intervention measure to improve the therapeutic effect on lung cancer in the future.


mBio ◽  
2017 ◽  
Vol 8 (4) ◽  
Author(s):  
Ying Zhu ◽  
Tingting Li ◽  
Suzane Ramos da Silva ◽  
Jae-Jin Lee ◽  
Chun Lu ◽  
...  

ABSTRACT While glutamine is a nonessential amino acid that can be synthesized from glucose, some cancer cells primarily depend on glutamine for their growth, proliferation, and survival. Numerous types of cancer also depend on asparagine for cell proliferation. The underlying mechanisms of the glutamine and asparagine requirement in cancer cells in different contexts remain unclear. In this study, we show that the oncogenic virus Kaposi’s sarcoma-associated herpesvirus (KSHV) accelerates the glutamine metabolism of glucose-independent proliferation of cancer cells by upregulating the expression of numerous critical enzymes, including glutaminase 2 (GLS2), glutamate dehydrogenase 1 (GLUD1), and glutamic-oxaloacetic transaminase 2 (GOT2), to support cell proliferation. Surprisingly, cell crisis is rescued only completely by supplementation with asparagine but minimally by supplementation with α-ketoglutarate, aspartate, or glutamate upon glutamine deprivation, implying an essential role of γ-nitrogen in glutamine and asparagine for cell proliferation. Specifically, glutamine and asparagine provide the critical γ-nitrogen for purine and pyrimidine biosynthesis, as knockdown of four rate-limiting enzymes in the pathways, including carbamoylphosphate synthetase 2 (CAD), phosphoribosyl pyrophosphate amidotransferase (PPAT), and phosphoribosyl pyrophosphate synthetases 1 and 2 (PRPS1 and PRPS2, respectively), suppresses cell proliferation. These findings indicate that glutamine and asparagine are shunted to the biosynthesis of nucleotides and nonessential amino acids from the tricarboxylic acid (TCA) cycle to support the anabolic proliferation of KSHV-transformed cells. Our results illustrate a novel mechanism by which an oncogenic virus hijacks a metabolic pathway for cell proliferation and imply potential therapeutic applications in specific types of cancer that depend on this pathway. IMPORTANCE We have previously found that Kaposi’s sarcoma-associated herpesvirus (KSHV) can efficiently infect and transform primary mesenchymal stem cells; however, the metabolic pathways supporting the anabolic proliferation of KSHV-transformed cells remain unknown. Glutamine and asparagine are essential for supporting the growth, proliferation, and survival of some cancer cells. In this study, we have found that KSHV accelerates glutamine metabolism by upregulating numerous critical metabolic enzymes. Unlike most cancer cells that primarily utilize glutamine and asparagine to replenish the TCA cycle, KSHV-transformed cells depend on glutamine and asparagine for providing γ-nitrogen for purine and pyrimidine biosynthesis. We identified four rate-limiting enzymes in this pathway that are essential for the proliferation of KSHV-transformed cells. Our results demonstrate a novel mechanism by which an oncogenic virus hijacks a metabolic pathway for cell proliferation and imply potential therapeutic applications in specific types of cancer that depend on this pathway.


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