| 1. |
- Dadras, Mahsa Shahidi, et al.
(författare)
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The polarity protein Par3 coordinates positively self-renewal and negatively invasiveness in glioblastoma
- 2021
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Ingår i: Cell Death and Disease. - : Springer Nature. - 2041-4889. ; 12:10
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Tidskriftsartikel (refereegranskat)abstract
- Glioblastoma (GBM) is a brain malignancy characterized by invasiveness to the surrounding brain tissue and by stem-like cells, which propagate the tumor and may also regulate invasiveness. During brain development, polarity proteins, such as Par3, regulate asymmetric cell division of neuro-glial progenitors and neurite motility. We, therefore, studied the role of the Par3 protein (encoded by PARD3) in GBM. GBM patient transcriptomic data and patient-derived culture analysis indicated diverse levels of expression of PARD3 across and independent from subtypes. Multiplex immunolocalization in GBM tumors identified Par3 protein enrichment in SOX2-, CD133-, and NESTIN-positive (stem-like) cells. Analysis of GBM cultures of the three subtypes (proneural, classical, mesenchymal), revealed decreased gliomasphere forming capacity and enhanced invasiveness upon silencing Par3. GBM cultures with suppressed Par3 showed low expression of stemness (SOX2 and NESTIN) but higher expression of differentiation (GFAP) genes. Moreover, Par3 silencing reduced the expression of a set of genes encoding mitochondrial enzymes that generate ATP. Accordingly, silencing Par3 reduced ATP production and concomitantly increased reactive oxygen species. The latter was required for the enhanced migration observed upon silencing of Par3 as anti-oxidants blocked the enhanced migration. These findings support the notion that Par3 exerts homeostatic redox control, which could limit the tumor cell-derived pool of oxygen radicals, and thereby the tumorigenicity of GBM.
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| 2. |
- Heldin, Paraskevi, et al.
(författare)
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Involvement of hyaluronan and CD44 in cancer and viral infections
- 2020
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Ingår i: Cellular Signalling. - : ELSEVIER SCIENCE INC. - 0898-6568 .- 1873-3913. ; 65
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Tidskriftsartikel (refereegranskat)abstract
- Hyaluronan and its major receptor CD44 are ubiquitously distributed. They have important structural as well as signaling roles, regulating tissue homeostasis, and their expression levels are tightly regulated. In addition to signaling initiated by the interaction of the intracellular domain of CD44 with cytoplasmic signaling molecules, CD44 has important roles as a co-receptor for different types of receptors of growth factors and cytokines. Dysregulation of hyaluronan-CD44 interactions is seen in diseases, such as inflammation and cancer. In the present communication, we discuss the mechanism of hyaluronan-induced signaling via CD44, as well as the involvement of hyaluronan-engaged CD44 in malignancies and in viral infections.
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| 3. |
- Karalis, Theodoros, et al.
(författare)
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Identification of a Small Molecule Inhibitor of Hyaluronan Synthesis, DDIT, Targeting Breast Cancer Cells
- 2022
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Ingår i: Cancers. - : MDPI. - 2072-6694. ; 14:23
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Tidskriftsartikel (refereegranskat)abstract
- Simple Summary The most aggressive subtype of breast cancer, triple-negative breast cancer, is characterized by an excessive accumulation of hyaluronan in the cancer and its peritumoral stroma, which has been linked to poor prognosis of the patients. Inhibitors of hyaluronan synthesis would thus have a potential clinical value. We have identified the thymidine analog 5 '-Deoxy-5 '-(1,3-Diphenyl-2-Imidazolidinyl)-Thymidine (DDIT) as a new non-toxic inhibitor of hyaluronan synthesis. DDIT is more potent than the available inhibitor 4-Methylumbelliferone (4-MU), and significantly suppressed the aggressiveness of triple-negative breast cancer cells grown in tissue culture. Breast cancer is a common cancer in women. Breast cancer cells synthesize large amounts of hyaluronan to assist their proliferation, survival, migration and invasion. Accumulation of hyaluronan and overexpression of its receptor CD44 and hyaluronidase TMEM2 in breast tumors correlate with tumor progression and reduced overall survival of patients. Currently, the only known small molecule inhibitor of hyaluronan synthesis is 4-methyl-umbelliferone (4-MU). Due to the importance of hyaluronan for breast cancer progression, our aim was to identify new, potent and chemically distinct inhibitors of its synthesis. Here, we report a new small molecule inhibitor of hyaluronan synthesis, the thymidine analog 5 '-Deoxy-5 '-(1,3-Diphenyl-2-Imidazolidinyl)-Thymidine (DDIT). This compound is more potent than 4-MU and displays significant anti-tumorigenic properties. Specifically, DDIT inhibits breast cancer cell proliferation, migration, invasion and cancer stem cell self-renewal by suppressing HAS-synthesized hyaluronan. DDIT appears as a promising lead compound for the development of inhibitors of hyaluronan synthesis with potential usefulness in breast cancer treatment.
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| 4. |
- Kolliopoulos, Constantinos, et al.
(författare)
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CD44 Depletion in Glioblastoma Cells Suppresses Growth and Stemness and Induces Senescence
- 2022
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Ingår i: Cancers. - : MDPI AG. - 2072-6694. ; 14:15
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Tidskriftsartikel (refereegranskat)abstract
- Simple Summary The hyaluronan receptor CD44 has an important role in glioblastoma multiforme (GBM) progression, but the precise mechanisms have not been elucidated. We have analyzed U251MG glioma cells, expressing CD44 or not, and grown in stem cell-like enriched spheres. Our results revealed that CD44 is important for cell growth and stemness, and for the prevention of senescence. Analysis by RNA sequencing revealed that CD44 is important for the interaction with the hyaluronan-enriched microenvironment. In addition, CD44 depletion impairs certain gene signatures, such as those for platelet-derived growth factor (PDGF) isoforms and PDGF receptors, as well as signatures related to hypoxia, glycolysis, and anti-tumor immune responses. Glioblastoma multiforme (GBM) is a lethal brain tumor, characterized by enhanced proliferation and invasion, as well as increased vascularization and chemoresistance. The expression of the hyaluronan receptor CD44 has been shown to correlate with GBM progression and poor prognosis. Here, we sought to elucidate the molecular mechanisms by which CD44 promotes GBM progression by knocking out (KO) CD44, employing CRISPR/Cas9 gene editing in U251MG cells. CD44-depleted cells exhibited an impaired proliferation rate, as shown by the decreased cell numbers, decreased Ki67-positive cell nuclei, diminished phosphorylation of CREB, and increased levels of the cell cycle inhibitor p16 compared to control cells. Furthermore, the CD44 KO cells showed decreased stemness and increased senescence, which was manifested upon serum deprivation. In stem cell-like enriched spheres, RNA-sequencing analysis of U251MG cells revealed a CD44 dependence for gene signatures related to hypoxia, the glycolytic pathway, and G2 to M phase transition. Partially similar results were obtained when cells were treated with the gamma-secretase inhibitor DAPT, which inhibits CD44 cleavage and therefore inhibits the release of the intracellular domain (ICD) of CD44, suggesting that certain transcriptional responses are dependent on CD44-ICD. Interestingly, the expression of molecules involved in hyaluronan synthesis, degradation, and interacting matrix proteins, as well as of platelet-derived growth factor (PDGF) isoforms and PDGF receptors, were also deregulated in CD44 KO cells. These results were confirmed by the knockdown of CD44 in another GBM cell line, U2990. Notably, downregulation of hyaluronan synthase 2 (HAS2) impaired the hypoxia-related genes and decreased the CD44 protein levels, suggesting a CD44/hyaluronan feedback circuit contributing to GBM progression.
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| 5. |
- Kolliopoulos, Constantinos, et al.
(författare)
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Has2 natural antisense RNA and Hmga2 promote Has2 expression during TGFβ-induced EMT in breast cancer
- 2019
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Ingår i: Matrix Biology. - : Elsevier BV. - 0945-053X .- 1569-1802. ; 80, s. 29-45
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Tidskriftsartikel (refereegranskat)abstract
- The glycosaminoglycan hyaluronan has a crucial role in tissue organization and cell signaling. Hyaluronan accumulates in conjunction with rapid tissue remodeling during embryogenesis, as well as in inflammatory conditions and cancer. We report a negative correlation between the expression of genes encoding hyaluronan synthase HAS2, its natural antisense transcript HAS2-AS, the chromatin modulating factor HMGA2 and transforming growth factor-β (TGFβ), and survival of patients with invasive breast carcinomas. In mouse mammary epithelial cells, TGFβ activates Smad and non-Smad signaling pathways, resulting in the transcriptional induction of Has2, Has2as (the mouse ortholog of HAS2-AS) and Hmga2, as well as epithelial-mesenchymal transition (EMT)-promoting transcription factors, such as Snail. Importantly, Has2as abrogation suppressed the TGFβ induction of EMT markers, including Snai1, Hmga2, Fn1, and suppressed the mesenchymal phenotype. TGFβ induction of Hmga2, Has2as and Has2, and synthesis of hyaluronan were accompanied with activation of Akt and Erk1/2 MAP-kinase signaling and were required for breast cancer cell motility. Importantly, the hyaluronan receptor Cd44, but not Hmmr, was required for TGFβ-mediated EMT phenotype. Interestingly, Has2as was found to contribute to the maintenance of stem cell factors and breast cancer stemness. Our findings show that Has2as has a key role in TGFβ- and HAS2-induced breast cancer EMT, migration and acquisition of stemness.
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| 6. |
- Kolliopoulos, Constantinos, et al.
(författare)
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TRAF4/6 Is Needed for CD44 Cleavage and Migration via RAC1 Activation
- 2021
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Ingår i: Cancers. - : MDPI. - 2072-6694. ; 13:5
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Tidskriftsartikel (refereegranskat)abstract
- Simple Summary Tumor cells receive signals from the surrounding extracellular matrix that affect their growth and survival. An important component of the extracellular matrix is the large polysaccharide hyaluronan, which binds and activates certain receptors at the cell surface, including CD44. Activation of CD44 initiates several signaling pathways; one of them involves the cleavage of CD44 by proteases, leading to the release of the intracellular domain of CD44, which after translocation to the nucleus affects the transcription of certain genes. In the present report, we elucidate the mechanism by which CD44 is cleaved, and show that this occurs at an increased rate in stem-like tumor cells grown in spheres. We also show that CD44 cleavage promotes the migration of tumor cells. Since the mechanism we have elucidated promotes tumorigenesis, it is possible that inhibition of this pathway may be beneficial in the treatment of tumor patients. The hyaluronan receptor CD44 can undergo proteolytic cleavage in two steps, leading to the release of its intracellular domain; this domain is translocated to the nucleus, where it affects the transcription of target genes. We report that CD44 cleavage in A549 lung cancer cells and other cells is promoted by transforming growth factor-beta (TGF beta) in a manner that is dependent on ubiquitin ligase tumor necrosis factor receptor-associated factor 4 or 6 (TRAF4 or TRAF6, respectively). Stem-like A549 cells grown in spheres displayed increased TRAF4-dependent expression of CD44 variant isoforms, CD44 cleavage, and hyaluronan synthesis. Mechanistically, TRAF4 activated the small GTPase RAC1. CD44-dependent migration of A549 cells was inhibited by siRNA-mediated knockdown of TRAF4, which was rescued by the transfection of a constitutively active RAC1 mutant. Our findings support the notion that TRAF4/6 mediates pro-tumorigenic effects of CD44, and suggests that inhibitors of CD44 signaling via TRAF4/6 and RAC1 may be beneficial in the treatment of tumor patients.
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| 7. |
- Kolliopoulos, Constantinos, et al.
(författare)
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Transforming growth factor β (TGFβ) induces NUAK kinase expression to fine-tune its signaling output
- 2019
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Ingår i: Journal of Biological Chemistry. - 0021-9258 .- 1083-351X. ; 294:11, s. 4119-4136
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Tidskriftsartikel (refereegranskat)abstract
- TGFβ signaling via SMAD proteins and protein kinase pathways up- or down-regulates the expression of many genes and thus affects physiological processes, such as differentiation, migration, cell cycle arrest, and apoptosis during developmental or adult tissue homeostasis. We here report that NUAK family kinase 1 (NUAK1) and NUAK2 are two TGFβ target genes. NUAK1/2 belong to the AMP-activated protein kinase (AMPK) family, whose members control central and protein metabolism, polarity and overall cellular homeostasis. We found that TGFβ-mediated transcriptional induction of NUAK1 and NUAK2 requires SMAD family members 2, 3 and 4 (SMAD2/3/4) and mitogen activated protein kinase (MAPK) activities, which provided immediate and early signals for the transient expression of these two kinases. Genomic mapping identified an enhancer element within the first intron of the NUAK2 gene that can recruit SMAD proteins, which, when cloned, could confer induction by TGFβ. Furthermore, NUAK2 formed protein complexes with SMAD3 and the TGFβ type I receptor. Functionally, NUAK1 suppressed and NUAK2 induced TGFβ signaling. This was evident during TGFβ-induced epithelial cytostasis, mesenchymal differentiation and myofibroblast contractility, in which NUAK1 or NUAK2 silencing enhanced or inhibited these responses, respectively. In conclusion, we have identified a bifurcating loop during TGFβ signaling, whereby transcriptional induction of NUAK1 serves as a negative checkpoint and NUAK2 induction positively contributes to signaling and terminal differentiation responses to TGFβ activity.
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| 8. |
- Lin, Chun-Yu, et al.
(författare)
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High levels of serum hyaluronan is an early predictor of dengue warning signs and perturbs vascular integrity
- 2019
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Ingår i: EBioMedicine. - : ELSEVIER. - 2352-3964. ; 48, s. 425-441
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Tidskriftsartikel (refereegranskat)abstract
- Background: A main pathological feature of severe dengue virus infection is endothelial hyper-permeability. The dengue virus nonstructural protein 1 (NS1) has been implicated in the vascular leakage that characterizes severe dengue virus infection, however, the molecular mechanisms involved are not known.Methods: A cohort of 250 dengue patients has been followed from the onset of symptoms to the recovery phase. Set urn hyaluronan levels and several other clinical parameters were recorded. The effect of NS1 treatment of cultured fibroblasts and endothelial cells on the expressions of hyaluronan synthetic and catabolic enzymes and the hyaluronan receptor CD44, were determined, as have the effects on the formation of hyaluronan-rich matrices and endothelial permeability.Findings: Elevated serum hyaluronan levels (70 ng/ml) during early infection was found to be an independent predictor for occurrence of warning signs, and thus severe dengue fever. High circulating levels of the viral protein NS1, indicative of disease severity, correlated with high concentrations of serum hyaluronan. NS1 exposure decreased the expression of CD44 in differentiating endothelial cells impairing the integrity of vessel-like structures, and promoted the synthesis of hyaluronan in dermal fibroblasts and endothelial cells in synergy with dengue-induced pro-inflammatory mediators. Deposited hyaluronan-rich matrices around cells cultured in vitro recruited CD44-expressing macrophage-like cells, suggesting a mechanism for enhancement of inflammation. In cultured endothelial cells, perturbed hyaluronan-CD44 interactions enhanced endothelial permeability through modulation of VE-cadherin and cytoskeleton re-organization, and exacerbated the NS1-induced disruption of endothelial integrity.Interpretation: Pharmacological targeting of hyaluronan biosynthesis and/or its CD44-mediated signaling may limit the life-threatening vascular leakiness during moderate-to-severe dengue virus infection.
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| 9. |
- Lin, Chun-Yu, et al.
(författare)
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Hyaluronan-Induced CD44-iASPP Interaction Affects Fibroblast Migration and Survival
- 2023
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Ingår i: Cancers. - : MDPI. - 2072-6694. ; 15:4
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Tidskriftsartikel (refereegranskat)abstract
- In the present study, we show that the inhibitor of the apoptosis-stimulating protein of p53 (iASPP) physically interacts with the hyaluronan receptor CD44 in normal and transformed cells. We noticed that the CD44 standard isoform (CD44s), but not the variant isoform (CD44v), bound to iASPP via the ankyrin-binding domain in CD44s. The formation of iASPP-CD44s complexes was promoted by hyaluronan stimulation in fibroblasts but not in epithelial cells. The cellular level of p53 affected the amount of the iASPP-CD44 complex. iASPP was required for hyaluronan-induced CD44-dependent migration and adhesion of fibroblasts. Of note, CD44 altered the sub-cellular localization of the iASPP-p53 complex; thus, ablation of CD44 promoted translocation of iASPP from the nucleus to the cytoplasm, resulting in increased formation of a cytoplasmic iASPP-p53 complex in fibroblasts. Overexpression of iASPP decreased, but CD44 increased the level of intracellular reactive oxygen species (ROS). Knock-down of CD44s, in the presence of p53, led to increased cell growth and cell density of fibroblasts by suppression of p27 and p53. Our observations suggest that the balance of iASPP-CD44 and iASPP-p53 complexes affect the survival and migration of fibroblasts.
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| 10. |
- Mehic, Merima, Sr., et al.
(författare)
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The role of deubiquitinating enzyme USP17, hyaluronan synthase 2, and hyaluronan in non-small-cell lung cancer oncogenic transformation
- 2018
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Ingår i: Clinical Cancer Research. - 1078-0432 .- 1557-3265. ; 24:1, s. 96-96
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Tidskriftsartikel (övrigt vetenskapligt/konstnärligt)abstract
- Introduction: Lung cancer is the result of a multistep accumulation of genetic and/or epigenetic alterations; therefore, a better understanding of the molecular mechanism by which these alterations affect lung cancer pathogenesis would provide new diagnostic procedures and prognostic factors for early detection of recurrence. The remarkable qualitative and quantitative modifications of extracellular matrix components as the deubiquitinating enzyme (USP17), hyaluronan (HA), and hyaluronan synthases 2 (HAS 2) may favor invasion, cellular motility, and proliferation in several cancers including lung.Results: The silencing of USP17 led to decreased hyaluronan production, whereas the suppression of USP4 increased hyaluronan synthesis. Importantly, high levels of USP17 and HAS2 were detected in a panel of cancer cell lines compared to normal cells, and immunohistochemical stainings revealed higher expression of USP17 and HAS2 in tissues of lung cancer patients compared to normal tissue. Numerous epithelial cells expressed USP17 and HAS2 in dysplasia compared to squamous cell carcinoma (SqCC) (p=0.001). USP17 and HAS2 were prominently expressed in adenocarcinoma (ADC) (p≤0.005). HA immunostaining indexes were increased in ADC and SqCC compared to normal and dysplasia cells (p=0.05). Consistent with the immunohistochemical analyses, low amounts of hyaluronan and USP17 were observed in SqCC by confocal analysis, coincident with less colocalization as determined by confocal microscopy. In contrast, a high expression of hyaluronan (48% of positive index) and high USP17 expression (78% of positive index) in ADC was consistent with a higher degree of colocalization.Conclusions: HAS2, hyaluronan and USP17 were expressed at higher levels in particular in preneoplastic lesions and ADC, suggesting a role in NSCLC oncogenic transformation, possibly by promoting cellular division by USP17-mediated. Elucidation of the mechanism of how USP17 and HAS2 cooperate in the regulation of the cell cycle might be of therapeutic importance.
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