scholarly journals Biological Functions of Gasdermins in Cancer: From Molecular Mechanisms to Therapeutic Potential

2021 ◽  
Vol 9 ◽  
Author(s):  
Man Wang ◽  
Xinzhe Chen ◽  
Yuan Zhang
Keyword(s):  
Cell Death ◽  
Cancer Cell ◽  
Cancer Progression ◽  
Cancer Biology ◽  
Molecular Mechanisms ◽  
Therapeutic Potential ◽  
Effector Proteins ◽  
Biological Functions ◽  
Cancer Cell Growth ◽  
Cancer Pathogenesis

Pyroptosis is a type of lytic programmed cell death triggered by various inflammasomes that sense danger signals. Pyroptosis has recently attracted great attention owing to its contributory role in cancer. Pyroptosis plays an important role in cancer progression by inducing cancer cell death or eliciting anticancer immunity. The participation of gasdermins (GSDMs) in pyroptosis is a noteworthy recent discovery. GSDMs have emerged as a group of pore-forming proteins that serve important roles in innate immunity and are composed of GSDMA-E and Pejvakin (PJVK) in human. The N-terminal domains of GSDMs, expect PJVK, can form pores on the cell membrane and function as effector proteins of pyroptosis. Remarkably, it has been found that GSDMs are abnormally expressed in several forms of cancers. Moreover, GSDMs are involved in cancer cell growth, invasion, metastasis and chemoresistance. Additionally, increasing evidence has indicated an association between GSDMs and clinicopathological features in cancer patients. These findings suggest the feasibility of using GSDMs as prospective biomarkers for cancer diagnosis, therapeutic intervention and prognosis. Here, we review the progress in unveiling the characteristics and biological functions of GSDMs. We also focus on the implication and molecular mechanisms of GSDMs in cancer pathogenesis. Investigating the relationship between GSDMs and cancer biology could assist us to explore new therapeutic avenues for cancer prevention and treatment.

scholarly journals Multifaced roles of PLAC8 in cancer

2021 ◽  
Vol 9 (1) ◽  
Author(s):  
Misha Mao ◽  
Yifan Cheng ◽  
Jingjing Yang ◽  
Yongxia Chen ◽  
Ling Xu ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Cell Growth ◽  
Tumor Cells ◽  
Cancer Cell ◽  
Cancer Progression ◽  
Molecular Mechanisms ◽  
Molecular Function ◽  
Cancer Cell Growth ◽  
The Impact ◽  
Functional Output

AbstractThe role of PLAC8 in tumorigenesis has been gradually elucidated with the development of research. Although there are common molecular mechanisms that enforce cell growth, the impact of PLAC8 is varied and can, in some instances, have opposite effects on tumorigenesis. To systematically understand the role of PLAC8 in tumors, the molecular functions of PLAC8 in cancer will be discussed by focusing on how PLAC8 impacts tumorigenesis when it arises within tumor cells and how these roles can change in different stages of cancer progression with the ultimate goal of suppressing PLAC8-relevant cancer behavior and related pathologies. In addition, we highlight the diversity of PLAC8 in different tumors and its functional output beyond cancer cell growth. The comprehension of PLAC8’s molecular function might provide new target and lead to the development of novel anticancer therapies.

scholarly journals Knockdown of Mgat5 inhibits CD133+ human pulmonary adenocarcinoma cell growth in vitro and in vivo

2011 ◽  
Vol 34 (3) ◽  
pp. 155 ◽  
Author(s):  
Xuefeng Zhou ◽  
Haidan Chen ◽  
Qilong Wang ◽  
Li Zhang ◽  
Jinping Zhao
Keyword(s):  
Cell Growth ◽  
Western Blot ◽  
Cancer Cell ◽  
Cancer Progression ◽  
Molecular Mechanisms ◽  
Pulmonary Adenocarcinoma ◽  
Cancer Cell Growth ◽  
Adenocarcinoma Cells

Purpose: In spite of many therapeutic advances, the prognosis of lung cancer remains poor. Therefore, understanding the molecular mechanisms underlying cancer progression, invasion and metastasis is needed. Accumulating evidence indicate that N-acetylglucosaminyltransferase V (Mgat5 or GnT-V) is involved in cancer develpement. The purpose of this study was to characterize the expression and function of Mgat5 in CD133+ pulmonary adenocarcinoma cells. Methods: CD133+ pulmonary adenocarcinoma cells were separated by magnetic activated cell sorting (MACS) from excised pulmonary adenocarcinoma specimens from 10 patients. Expression of Mgat5 in CD133+ cells was detected by fluorescent quantitative RT-PCR (FQRT-PCR) and Western blot. Subsequently, CD133+ cells were transfected with specific siRNA of Mgat5 to evaluate the effects of Mgat5 inhibition on cancer cell growth in vivo and in vitro. Results: Expression of Mgat5 was 1.2-fold and 1.4-fold higher in CD133+cells than in CD133– cells detected by FQRT-PCR and Western Blot, respectively (p < 0.05). The L-PHA binding assay also showed higher reactivity in CD133+ cells than in CD133- cells. In addition, Mgat5-specific siRNA efficiently knocked down the expression of Mgat5 in CD133+ cells. Interestingly, downregulation of Mgat5 resulted in significant inhibition of cancer cell growth in vitro and in vivo. Conclusion: Mgat5 is expressed at a relatively high level in CD133+ lung adenocarcinoma cells, and knockdown of Mgat5 in CD133+ cells inhibits cancer cell growth both in vitro and in vivo. These findings suggest Mgat5 may play an important role during oncogenesis, identifying a potential therapeutic target for pulmonary adenocarcinoma.

scholarly journals Interleukin-33-Enhanced CXCR4 Signaling Circuit Mediated by Carcinoma-Associated Fibroblasts Promotes Invasiveness of Head and Neck Cancer

Cancers ◽  
2021 ◽  
Vol 13 (14) ◽  
pp. 3442
Author(s):  
Yu-Chun Lin ◽  
Wen-Yen Huang ◽  
Tsai-Yu Lee ◽  
Yi-Ming Chang ◽  
Su-Feng Chen ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Head And Neck ◽  
Cancer Cell ◽  
Cancer Progression ◽  
Molecular Mechanisms ◽  
Disease Free Survival ◽  
Interleukin 33 ◽  
Cxcr4 Signaling ◽  
Regulatory Circuit ◽  
Carcinoma Associated Fibroblasts ◽  
Self Production

Despite recent advances, treatment for head and neck squamous cell carcinoma (HNSCC) has limited efficacy in preventing tumor progression. We confirmed previously that carcinoma-associated fibroblasts (CAF)-induced interleukin-33 (IL-33) contributed to cancer progression. However, the molecular mechanisms underlying the complex communication network of the tumor microenvironment merited further evaluation. To simulate the IL-33-induced autocrine signaling, stable clones of IL-33-overexpressing HNSCC cells were established. Besides well-established IL-33/ST2 and SDF1/CXCR4 (stromal-derived factor 1/C-X-C motif chemokine receptor 4) signaling, the CAF-induced IL-33 upregulated CXCR4 via cancer cell induction of IL-33 self-production. The IL-33-enhanced-CXCR4 regulatory circuit involves SDF1/CXCR4 signaling activation and modulates tumor behavior. An in vivo study confirmed the functional role of IL-33/CXCR4 in tumor initiation and metastasis. The CXCR4 and/or IL-33 blockade reduced HNSCC cell aggressiveness, with attenuated invasions and metastases. Immunohistochemistry confirmed that IL-33 and CXCR4 expression correlated significantly with disease-free survival and IL-33-CXCR4 co-expression predicted a poor outcome. Besides paracrine signaling, the CAF-induced IL-33 reciprocally enhanced the autocrine cancer-cell self-production of IL-33 and the corresponding CXCR4 upregulation, leading to the activation of SDF1/CXCR4 signaling subsequent to cancer progression. Thus, targeting the IL-33-enhanced-CXCR4 regulatory circuit attenuates tumor aggressiveness and provides a potential therapeutic option for improving the prognosis in HNSCC patients.

scholarly journals LONP1 and ClpP cooperatively regulate mitochondrial proteostasis for cancer cell survival

Oncogenesis ◽  
2021 ◽  
Vol 10 (2) ◽  
Author(s):  
Yu Geon Lee ◽  
Hui Won Kim ◽  
Yeji Nam ◽  
Kyeong Jin Shin ◽  
Yu Jin Lee ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Cell Death ◽  
Cell Growth ◽  
Cell Survival ◽  
Cancer Cell ◽  
Stress Responses ◽  
Molecular Mechanisms ◽  
Tca Cycle ◽  
Mitochondrial Matrix ◽  
Mitochondrial Functions ◽  
Cancer Cell Survival

AbstractMitochondrial proteases are key components in mitochondrial stress responses that maintain proteostasis and mitochondrial integrity in harsh environmental conditions, which leads to the acquisition of aggressive phenotypes, including chemoresistance and metastasis. However, the molecular mechanisms and exact role of mitochondrial proteases in cancer remain largely unexplored. Here, we identified functional crosstalk between LONP1 and ClpP, which are two mitochondrial matrix proteases that cooperate to attenuate proteotoxic stress and protect mitochondrial functions for cancer cell survival. LONP1 and ClpP genes closely localized on chromosome 19 and were co-expressed at high levels in most human cancers. Depletion of both genes synergistically attenuated cancer cell growth and induced cell death due to impaired mitochondrial functions and increased oxidative stress. Using mitochondrial matrix proteomic analysis with an engineered peroxidase (APEX)-mediated proximity biotinylation method, we identified the specific target substrates of these proteases, which were crucial components of mitochondrial functions, including oxidative phosphorylation, the TCA cycle, and amino acid and lipid metabolism. Furthermore, we found that LONP1 and ClpP shared many substrates, including serine hydroxymethyltransferase 2 (SHMT2). Inhibition of both LONP1 and ClpP additively increased the amount of unfolded SHMT2 protein and enhanced sensitivity to SHMT2 inhibitor, resulting in significantly reduced cell growth and increased cell death under metabolic stress. Additionally, prostate cancer patients with higher LONP1 and ClpP expression exhibited poorer survival. These results suggest that interventions targeting the mitochondrial proteostasis network via LONP1 and ClpP could be potential therapeutic strategies for cancer.

scholarly journals The role of m6A modification in the biological functions and diseases

2021 ◽  
Vol 6 (1) ◽  
Author(s):  
Xiulin Jiang ◽  
Baiyang Liu ◽  
Zhi Nie ◽  
Lincan Duan ◽  
Qiuxia Xiong ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Cancer Progression ◽  
Molecular Mechanisms ◽  
Target Genes ◽  
Rna Modification ◽  
Biological Functions ◽  
Rna Methylation ◽  
Downstream Target ◽  
Different Types ◽  
M6a Rna Methylation

AbstractN6-methyladenosine (m6A) is the most prevalent, abundant and conserved internal cotranscriptional modification in eukaryotic RNAs, especially within higher eukaryotic cells. m6A modification is modified by the m6A methyltransferases, or writers, such as METTL3/14/16, RBM15/15B, ZC3H3, VIRMA, CBLL1, WTAP, and KIAA1429, and, removed by the demethylases, or erasers, including FTO and ALKBH5. It is recognized by m6A-binding proteins YTHDF1/2/3, YTHDC1/2 IGF2BP1/2/3 and HNRNPA2B1, also known as “readers”. Recent studies have shown that m6A RNA modification plays essential role in both physiological and pathological conditions, especially in the initiation and progression of different types of human cancers. In this review, we discuss how m6A RNA methylation influences both the physiological and pathological progressions of hematopoietic, central nervous and reproductive systems. We will mainly focus on recent progress in identifying the biological functions and the underlying molecular mechanisms of m6A RNA methylation, its regulators and downstream target genes, during cancer progression in above systems. We propose that m6A RNA methylation process offer potential targets for cancer therapy in the future.

scholarly journals Development of A Continuous Fluorescence-Based Assay for N-Terminal Acetyltransferase D

2021 ◽  
Vol 22 (2) ◽  
pp. 594
Author(s):  
Yi-Hsun Ho ◽  
Lan Chen ◽  
Rong Huang
Keyword(s):  
Lung Cancer ◽  
Cancer Progression ◽  
High Throughput Screening ◽  
Coenzyme A ◽  
Therapeutic Potential ◽  
Biological Functions ◽  
Histone H4 ◽  
Fluorescent Signal ◽  
Pharmacologically Active ◽  
Pharmacologically Active Compounds

N-terminal acetylation catalyzed by N-terminal acetyltransferases (NATs) has various biological functions in protein regulation. N-terminal acetyltransferase D (NatD) is one of the most specific NAT with only histone H4 and H2A proteins as the known substrates. Dysregulation of NatD has been implicated in colorectal and lung cancer progression, implying its therapeutic potential in cancers. However, there is no reported inhibitor for NatD yet. To facilitate the discovery of small-molecule NatD inhibitors, we report the development of a fluorescence-based acetyltransferase assay in 384-well high-throughput screening (HTS) format through monitoring the formation of coenzyme A. The fluorescent signal is generated from the adduct in the reaction between coenzyme A and fluorescent probe ThioGlo4. The assay exhibited a Z′-factor of 0.77 and a coefficient of variation of 6%, indicating it is a robust assay for HTS. A pilot screen of 1280 pharmacologically active compounds and subsequent validation identified two hits, confirming the application of this fluorescence assay in HTS.

scholarly journals The regio-selective synthesis of 10-hydroxy camptothecin norcantharidin conjugates and their biological activity evaluation in vitro

2018 ◽  
Vol 5 (6) ◽  
pp. 172317 ◽  
Author(s):  
Chang K. Zhao ◽  
Chan Li ◽  
Xian H. Wang ◽  
Yu J. Bao ◽  
Fu H. Yang ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Biological Activity ◽  
Cell Growth ◽  
Cancer Treatment ◽  
Cancer Cell ◽  
Therapeutic Potential ◽  
Selective Synthesis ◽  
Cancer Cell Growth ◽  
Activity Evaluation ◽  
Moderate Yield

A series of conjugates of 10-hydroxy camptothecin (HCPT) with functionalized norcantharidin derivatives were regio-selectively synthesized in the condition of (3-dimethylaminopropyl) ethyl-carbodiimide monohydrochloride in a moderate yield. The synthesized conjugate HCPT pro-drugs can also suppress cancer cell growth in vitro . These conjugated pro-drug constructs possess therapeutic potential as novel bi-functional conjugate platforms for cancer treatment.

DLX6-AS1: a putative lncRNA candidate in multiple human cancers

2021 ◽  
Vol 23 ◽  
Author(s):  
Mohsen Sheykhhasan ◽  
Yaghoub Ahmadyousefi ◽  
Reihaneh Seyedebrahimi ◽  
Hamid Tanzadehpanah ◽  
Hamed Manoochehri ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Cancer Progression ◽  
Critical Analysis ◽  
Molecular Mechanisms ◽  
Signalling Pathways ◽  
Biological Functions ◽  
Initial Development ◽  
Human Cancers ◽  
Expression Of Genes ◽  
Non Coding Rnas ◽  
Research Studies

Abstract Long non-coding RNAs (lncRNAs) have important roles in regulating the expression of genes and act as biomarkers in the initial development of different cancers. Increasing research studies have verified that dysregulation of lncRNAs occurs in various pathological processes including tumorigenesis and cancer progression. Among the different lncRNAs, DLX6-AS1 has been reported to act as an oncogene in the development and prognoses of different cancers, by affecting many different signalling pathways. This review summarises and analyses the recent research studies describing the biological functions of DLX6-AS1, its overall effect on signalling pathways and the molecular mechanisms underlying its action on the expression of genes in multiple human cancers. Our critical analysis suggests that different signalling pathways associated to this lncRNA may be used as a biomarker for diagnosis, or targets of treatment in cancers.

scholarly journals NAD+Metabolism in Aging and Cancer

2019 ◽  
Vol 3 (1) ◽  
pp. 105-130 ◽  
Author(s):  
Tyler G. Demarest ◽  
Mansi Babbar ◽  
Mustafa N. Okur ◽  
Xiuli Dan ◽  
Deborah L. Croteau ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Molecular Mechanisms ◽  
Therapeutic Potential ◽  
Redox Homeostasis ◽  
Accelerated Aging ◽  
Cancer Therapies ◽  
Nad Metabolism ◽  
Cellular Processes ◽  
Cancer Pathogenesis ◽  
Nicotinamide Mononucleotide ◽  
Age Related

Aging is a major risk factor for many types of cancer, and the molecular mechanisms implicated in aging, progeria syndromes, and cancer pathogenesis display considerable similarities. Maintaining redox homeostasis, efficient signal transduction, and mitochondrial metabolism is essential for genome integrity and for preventing progression to cellular senescence or tumorigenesis. NAD+is a central signaling molecule involved in these and other cellular processes implicated in age-related diseases and cancer. Growing evidence implicates NAD+decline as a major feature of accelerated aging progeria syndromes and normal aging. Administration of NAD+precursors such as nicotinamide riboside (NR) and nicotinamide mononucleotide (NMN) offer promising therapeutic strategies to improve health, progeria comorbidities, and cancer therapies. This review summarizes insights from the study of aging and progeria syndromes and discusses the implications and therapeutic potential of the underlying molecular mechanisms involved in aging and how they may contribute to tumorigenesis.

7-hydroxyfrullanolide, isolated from Sphaeranthus indicus, inhibits colorectal cancer cell growth by p53-dependent and -independent mechanism

2018 ◽  
Vol 40 (6) ◽  
pp. 791-804
Author(s):  
Praveen Pandey ◽  
Deepika Singh ◽  
Mohammad Hasanain ◽  
Raghib Ashraf ◽  
Mayank Maheshwari ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Cell Growth ◽  
Anticancer Activity ◽  
Cancer Cell ◽  
Molecular Mechanisms ◽  
Target Genes ◽  
Cancer Cell Growth ◽  
Apoptotic Pathway ◽  
Syngeneic Mouse Model ◽  
Sphaeranthus Indicus

Abstract Sphaeranthus indicus Linn. is commonly used in Indian traditional medicine for management of multiple pathological conditions. However, there are limited studies on anticancer activity of this plant and its underlying molecular mechanisms. Here, we isolated an active constituent, 7-hydroxyfrullanolide (7-HF), from the flowers of this plant, which showed promising chemotherapeutic potential. The compound was more effective in inhibiting in vitro proliferation of colon cancers cells through G2/M phase arrest than other cancer cell lines that were used in this study. Consistent with in vitro data, 7-HF caused substantial regression of tumour volume in a syngeneic mouse model of colon cancer. The molecule triggered extrinsic apoptotic pathway, which was evident as upregulation of DR4 and DR5 expression as well as induction of their downstream effector molecules (FADD, Caspase-8). Concurrent activation of intrinsic pathway was demonstrated with loss of ΔΨm to release pro-apoptotic cytochrome c from mitochondria and activation of downstream caspase cascades (Caspase -9, -3). Loss of p53 resulted in decreased sensitivity of cells towards pro-apoptotic effect of 7-HF with increased number of viable cells indicating p53-dependent arrest of cancer cell growth. This notion was further supported with 7-HF-mediated elevation of endogenous p53 level, decreased expression of MDM2 and transcriptional upregulation of p53 target genes in apoptotic pathway. However, 7-HF was equally effective in preventing progression of HCT116 p53+/+ and p53−/− cell derived xenografts in nude mice, which suggests that differences in p53 status may not influence its in vivo efficacy. Taken together, our results support 7-HF as a potential chemotherapeutic agent and provided a new mechanistic insight into its anticancer activity.

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