scholarly journals SphK2/S1P Promotes Metastasis of Triple-Negative Breast Cancer Through the PAK1/LIMK1/Cofilin1 Signaling Pathway

2021 ◽  
Vol 8 ◽  
Author(s):  
Weiwei Shi ◽  
Ding Ma ◽  
Yin Cao ◽  
Lili Hu ◽  
Shuwen Liu ◽  
...  

BackgroundTriple-negative breast cancer (TNBC) features a poor prognosis, which is partially attributed to its high metastatic rate. However, there is no effective target for systemic TNBC therapy due to the absence of estrogen, progesterone, and human epidermal growth factor 2 receptors (ER, PR, and HER-2, respectively) in cancer. In the present study, we evaluated the role of sphingosine kinase 2 (SphK2) and its catalyst sphingosine-1-phosphate (S1P) in TNBC metastasis and the effect of the SphK2-specific inhibitor ABC294640 on TNBC metastasis.MethodsThe function of SphK2 and S1P in TNBC cell metastasis was evaluated using transwell migration and wound-healing assays. The molecular mechanism of SphK2/S1P mediating TNBC metastasis was investigated using Western blot, histological examination, and immunohistochemistry assays. The antitumor activity of ABC294640 was examined in an in vivo TNBC lung metastatic model.ResultsSphingosine kinase 2 promoted TNBC cell migration through the generation of S1P. Targeting SphK2 with ABC294640 inhibited TNBC lung metastasis in vivo. p21-activated kinase 1 (PAK1), p-Lin-11/Isl-1/Mec-3 kinase 1 (LIMK1), and Cofilin1 were the downstream signaling molecules of SphK2/S1P. Inhibition of PAK1 suppressed SphK2/S1P-induced TNBC cell migration.ConclusionSphingosine kinase 2/sphingosine-1-phosphate promotes TNBC metastasis through the activation of the PAK1/LIMK1/Cofilin1 signaling pathway. ABC294640 inhibits TNBC metastasis in vivo and could be developed as a novel agent for the clinical treatment of TNBC.

BMC Cancer ◽  
2020 ◽  
Vol 20 (1) ◽  
Author(s):  
Pradip Shahi Thakuri ◽  
Megha Gupta ◽  
Sunil Singh ◽  
Ramila Joshi ◽  
Eric Glasgow ◽  
...  

Abstract Background Cell migration and invasion are essential processes for metastatic dissemination of cancer cells. Significant progress has been made in developing new therapies against oncogenic signaling to eliminate cancer cells and shrink tumors. However, inherent heterogeneity and treatment-induced adaptation to drugs commonly enable subsets of cancer cells to survive therapy. In addition to local recurrence, these cells escape a primary tumor and migrate through the stroma to access the circulation and metastasize to different organs, leading to an incurable disease. As such, therapeutics that block migration and invasion of cancer cells may inhibit or reduce metastasis and significantly improve cancer therapy. This is particularly more important for cancers, such as triple negative breast cancer, that currently lack targeted drugs. Methods We used cell migration, 3D invasion, zebrafish metastasis model, and phosphorylation analysis of 43 protein kinases in nine triple negative breast cancer (TNBC) cell lines to study effects of fisetin and quercetin on inhibition of TNBC cell migration, invasion, and metastasis. Results Fisetin and quercetin were highly effective against migration of all nine TNBC cell lines with up to 76 and 74% inhibitory effects, respectively. In addition, treatments significantly reduced 3D invasion of highly motile TNBC cells from spheroids into a collagen matrix and their metastasis in vivo. Fisetin and quercetin commonly targeted different components and substrates of the oncogenic PI3K/AKT pathway and significantly reduced their activities. Additionally, both compounds disrupted activities of several protein kinases in MAPK and STAT pathways. We used molecular inhibitors specific to these signaling proteins to establish the migration-inhibitory role of the two phytochemicals against TNBC cells. Conclusions We established that fisetin and quercetin potently inhibit migration of metastatic TNBC cells by interfering with activities of oncogenic protein kinases in multiple pathways.


Author(s):  
Yu Wang ◽  
Shuwei Liu

ObjectiveThis study was to assess the specific impacts and mechanism of lncRNA GHET1 in the development of triple-negative breast cancer (TNBC).MethodsThe lncRNA GHET1 expression in TNBC tissues and adjacent healthy tissues was detected by qRT-PCR, and its expression was then measured at the cellular level, including TNBC cells and human normal breast epithelial cell line MCF10A. On the completion of transfection of negative shRNA or lncRNA GHET1 shRNA, the TNBC cells, HCC1937 and MDA-MB-468, were then cultured in a normoxia or hypoxia environment, respectively. 5-Ethynyl-2′-deoxyuridine (EdU) assay, colony formation assay, and transwell assay were applicable to the determination of cell proliferation, cell viability, and invasion in each group, respectively. Reagent kits were used for testing glucose consumption and lactate production levels. HCC1937 cells with knockdown or overexpression of lncRNA GHET1 were injected into the nude mice, followed by the examination of resulting tumor volume and weight. The distribution and expression of Hippo/YAP signaling pathway-related proteins were probed using western blotting.ResultsHighly expressed lncRNA GHET1 in TNBC tissues and cells and induction of lncRNA GHET1 by hypoxia were proved. Knockdown of lncRNA GHET1 significantly reduced proliferation, viability, and invasion of TNBC cells, and decreased glucose consumption and lactate production levels under the hypoxia condition. Furthermore, lncRNA GHET1 knockdown decreased HIF-1α expression in hypoxia and significantly inhibited tumor development in vivo. Knockdown of lncRNA GHET1 increased the phosphorylation levels of LATS1 and Yes-associated protein (YAP) to retain YAP within the cytoplasm, while the overexpression of lncRNA GHET1 or hypoxia promoted nuclear translocation of YAP and TNBC development.ConclusionLncRNA GHET1 expression can be induced by hypoxia, which leads to excessive activation of the Hippo/YAP signaling pathway, thus promoting TNBC progression.


2021 ◽  
Vol 39 (15_suppl) ◽  
pp. e15047-e15047
Author(s):  
Surender Kharbanda ◽  
Anees Mohammad ◽  
Sachchidanand Tiwari ◽  
Neha Mehrotra ◽  
Sireesh Appajosyula ◽  
...  

e15047 Background: Triple negative breast cancer (TNBC) accounts for about 10-15% of all breast cancers and differ from other types of invasive breast cancers in that they grow and spread faster. TNBCs have limited treatment options and a worse prognosis. Therapy with anthracyclines considered to be one of the most effective agents in the treatment. Unfortunately, resistance to anthracycline therapy is very common due to drug efflux mediated by overexpression of ABC transporter. Pirarubicin (PIRA), an analogue of doxorubicin (DOX), is approved in Japan, Korea and China and is shown to be less cardiotoxic than DOX. Recent studies suggest that cancer stem cells (CSCs) play an important role in tumorigenesis and biology of TNBC. Targeting CSCs may be a promising, novel strategy for the treatment of this aggressive disease. Recent studies have shown that salinomycin (SAL) preferentially targets the viability of CSCs. Methods: SAL and PIRA were co-encapsulated in polylactic acid (PLA)-based block copolymeric nanoparticles (NPs) to efficiently co-deliver these agents to treat TNBC cells. Results: Generated SAL-PIRA co-encapsulated dual drug-loaded NPs showed an average diameter of 110 ± 7 nm, zeta potential of -12.5 mV and PDI of less than 0.25. Both of these anti-cancer agents showed slow and sustained release profile in non-physiological buffer (PBS, pH 7.4) from these dual drug-encapsulated NPs. Additionally, multiple ratios (PIRA:SAL = 3:1, 1:1, 1:3) were encapsulated to generate diverse dual drug-loaded NPs. The results demonstrate that, in contrast to 1:1 and 3:1, treatment of TNBC cells with 1:3 ratio of PIRA:SAL dual drug-loaded NPs, was associated with significant inhibition of growth in vitro in multiple TNBC cell lines. Interestingly, PIRA:SAL (1:3) was synergistic as compared to either SAL- or PIRA single drug-loaded NPs. The IC50 of PIRA and SAL in single drug-encapsulated NPs is 150 nM and 700 nM respectively in MDA-MB-468. Importantly, the IC50 of PIRA in dual drug-encapsulated NPs dropped down to 30 nM (5-fold). Similar results were obtained in SUM-149 TNBC cell line. Studies are underway to evaluate in vivo biological activity of PIRA:SAL (1:3) on tumor growth in a TNBC xenograft mice model. Conclusions: These results demonstrate that a novel dual drug-loaded NP formulation of PIRA and SAL in a unique ratio of 1:3 represents an approach for successful targeting of CSCs and bulk tumor cells in TNBC and potentially other cancer types.


2020 ◽  
Author(s):  
Weiwei Shi ◽  
Ding Ma ◽  
Yin Cao ◽  
Lili Hu ◽  
Shuwen Liu ◽  
...  

Abstract Background: Triple negative breast cancer (TNBC) features poor prognosis which partialy attributed to the high metastasis rate. However, there is no effective target for systemic TNBC therapy due to the absence of estrogen, progesterone, and human epidermal growth factor 2 receptors (ER, PR, HER-2) up to date. In the present study, we evaluated the role of sphingosine kinase 2 (SphK2) and its catalysate sphingosine-1-phosphate (S1P) in TNBC metastasis, and the antitumor activity of SphK2 specific inhibitor ABC294640 in TNBC metastasis. Methods: The function of SphK2 and S1P in migration of TNBC cells was evaluated by Transwell migration and wound healing assays. The molecular mechanisms of SphK2/S1P mediating TNBC metastasis were investigated using cell line establishment, western blot, histological examination and immunohistochemistry assays. The antitumor activity of ABC294640 was examined in TNBC lung metastasis model in vivo. Results: SphK2 regulated TNBC cells migration through the generation of S1P. Targeting SphK2 with ABC294640 inhibited TNBC lung metastasis in vivo . p21-activated kinase 1 (PAK1), p-Lin-11/Isl-1/Mec-3 kinase 1 (LIMK1) and Cofilin1 was the downstream signaling cascade of SphK2/S1P. Inhibition of PAK1 suppressed SphK2/S1P induced TNBC cells migration. Concusion: SphK2/S1P promotes TNBC metastasis through the activation of the PAK1/LIMK1/Cofilin1 signaling pathway. ABC294640 potently inhibits TNBC metastasis in vivo which could be developed as a novel agent for the clinical treatment of TNBC.


2021 ◽  
Vol 2021 ◽  
pp. 1-10
Author(s):  
Yu-Chen Cai ◽  
Hang Yang ◽  
Hong-Bo Shan ◽  
Hui-Fang Su ◽  
Wen-Qi Jiang ◽  
...  

Background. 6-Phosphofructo-2-kinase/fructose-2,6-biphosphate-4 (PFKFB4) is a key factor that plays an important role in tumorigenesis. However, its role in triple-negative breast cancer (TNBC) progression needs to be further validated. We investigated whether PFKFB4 is directly involved in the oncogenic signaling networks of TNBC. Methods. First, we assessed the expression level of PFKFB4 in tumor tissue specimens by immunohistochemistry and evaluated its prognostic value. Next, the effect of PFKFB4 on TNBC cell growth and associated mechanisms were investigated. Finally, the results were further verified in vivo. Results. We found that PFKFB4 overexpression was associated with an unfavorable prognosis in TNBC patients. PFKFB4 was overexpressed in TNBC cell lines in hypoxic environments, and its overexpression promoted tumor progression in vitro and in vivo. Further analyses demonstrated that the possible mechanism might be that PFKFB4 overexpression facilitates TNBC progression by enhancing the G1/S phase transition by increasing the protein level of CDK6 and phosphorylation of Rb. Conclusions. These data suggest that PFKFB4 plays significant roles in the tumorigenesis and development of TNBC.


2021 ◽  
Vol 23 (1) ◽  
Author(s):  
Mengli Zhang ◽  
Mei Meng ◽  
Yuxi Liu ◽  
Jindan Qi ◽  
Zhe Zhao ◽  
...  

Abstract Background Triple-negative breast cancer (TNBC) is highly metastatic and lethal. Due to a lack of druggable targets for this disease, there are no effective therapies in the clinic. Methods We used TNBC cells and xenografted mice as models to explore triptonide-mediated inhibition of TNBC metastasis and tumor growth. Colony formation assay was used to quantify the tumorigenesis of TNBC cells. Wound-healing and cell trans-well assays were utilized to measure cell migration and invasion. Tube formation assay was applied to access tumor cell-mediated vasculogenic mimicry. Western blot, quantitative-PCR, immunofluorescence imaging, and immunohistochemical staining were used to measure the expression levels of various tumorigenic genes in TNBC cells. Results Here, we showed that triptonide, a small molecule from the traditional Chinese medicinal herb Tripterygium wilfordii Hook F, potently inhibited TNBC cell migration, invasion, and vasculogenic mimicry, and effectively suppressed TNBC tumor growth and lung metastasis in xenografted mice with no observable toxicity. Molecular mechanistic studies revealed that triptonide strongly triggered the degradation of master epithelial-mesenchymal transition (EMT)-inducing protein Twist1 through the lysosomal system and reduced Notch1 expression and NF-κB phosphorylation, which consequently diminished the expression of pro-metastatic and angiogenic genes N-cadherin, VE-cadherin, and vascular endothelial cell growth factor receptor 2 (VEGFR2). Conclusions Triptonide effectively suppressed TNBC cell tumorigenesis, vasculogenic mimicry, and strongly inhibited the metastasis of TNBC via degradation of Twist1 and Notch1 oncoproteins, downregulation of metastatic and angiogenic gene expression, and reduction of NF-κB signaling pathway. Our findings provide a new strategy for treating highly lethal TNBC and offer a potential new drug candidate for combatting this aggressive disease.


2021 ◽  
Author(s):  
Wentong Fang ◽  
Chengheng Liao ◽  
Rachel Shi ◽  
Jeremy Simon ◽  
Travis Ptacek ◽  
...  

Triple-negative breast cancer (TNBC) is an aggressive and highly lethal disease, which warrants the critical need to identify new therapeutic targets. We show that Zinc Fingers And Homeoboxes 2 (ZHX2) is amplified or overexpressed in TNBC cell lines and patients. Functionally, depletion of ZHX2 inhibited TNBC cell growth and invasion in vitro, orthotopic tumor growth and spontaneous lung metastasis in vivo. Mechanistically, ZHX2 bound with hypoxia inducible factor (HIF) family members and positively regulated HIF1α activity in TNBC. Integrated ChIP-Seq and gene expression profiling demonstrated that ZHX2 co-occupied with HIF1α on transcriptionally active promoters marked by H3K4me3 and H3K27ac, thereby promoting gene expression. Furthermore, multiple residues (R491, R581 and R674) on ZHX2 are important in regulating its phenotype, which correspond with their roles on controlling HIF1α activity in TNBC cells. These studies establish that ZHX2 activates oncogenic HIF1α signaling, therefore serving as a potential therapeutic target for TNBC.


2018 ◽  
Vol 48 (5) ◽  
pp. 1968-1982 ◽  
Author(s):  
Hongming Song ◽  
Tianqi Wu ◽  
Dan Xie ◽  
Dengfeng Li ◽  
Kaiyao Hua ◽  
...  

Background/Aims: Dysregulated expression of WW domain-binding protein 2 (WBP2) is associated with poor prognosis in ER+ breast cancer patients. However, its role in triple negative breast cancer (TNBC) has not been previously assessed. Therefore, we aimed to elucidate the functional mechanism of WBP2 in TNBC cells. Methods: qRT-PCR, western blotting, and immunohistochemical staining were used to evaluate WBP2 expression in TNBC patient tumors and cell lines. HCC1937 and MDA-MB-231 cells transiently transfected with WBP2 small interfering RNA (siRNA), miR-613 mimics, or miR-613 inhibitors were subject to assays for cell viability, apoptosis and cell cycle distribution. Co-immunoprecipitation, western blotting or qRT-PCR were employed to monitor changes in signaling pathway-related genes and proteins. Luciferase assays were performed to assess whether WBP2 is a direct target of miR-613. The effect of miR-613 on tumor growth was assessed in vivo using mouse xenograft models. Results: The expression of WBP2 was upregulated in TNBC tissues and cells. Expression of WBP2 was significantly correlated with Ki67 in TNBC patients. Knockdown of WBP2 inhibited cellular proliferation, promoted apoptosis, and induced cell cycle arrest of TNBC cells. miR-613 directly bound to the 3’-untranslated region (3’-UTR) of WBP2 and regulated the expression of WBP2. Moreover, miR-613 reduced the expression of WBP2 and suppressed tumor growth of TNBC cells in vivo. Knockdown of WBP2 inhibited YAP transcription and the EGFR/PI3K/Akt signaling pathway in TNBC cells, and these effects were reversed by inhibition of miR-613. Conclusion: WBP2 overexpression is associated with the poor prognosis of TNBC patients and the miR-613-WBP2 axis represses TNBC cell growth by inactivating YAP-mediated gene expression and the EGFR/PI3K/Akt signaling pathway.


Sign in / Sign up

Export Citation Format

Share Document