scholarly journals ADAM 17 and Epithelial-to-Mesenchymal Transition: The Evolving Story and Its Link to Fibrosis and Cancer

2021 ◽  
Vol 10 (15) ◽  
pp. 3373
Author(s):  
Margherita Sisto ◽  
Domenico Ribatti ◽  
Sabrina Lisi

For decades, metalloproteinase 17 (ADAM17) has been the goal of wide investigation. Since its discovery as the tumour necrosis factor-α convertase, it has been studied as the main drug target, especially in the context of inflammatory conditions and tumour. In fact, evidence is mounting to support a key role of ADAM17 in the induction of the proliferation, migration and progression of tumour cells and the trigger of the pro-fibrotic process during chronic inflammatory conditions; this occurs, probably, through the activation of epithelial-to-mesenchymal transition (EMT). EMT is a central morphologic conversion that occurs in adults during wound healing, tumour progression and organ fibrosis. EMT is characterised by the disassembly of cell–cell contacts, remodelling of the actin cytoskeleton and separation of cells, and generates fibroblast-like cells that express mesenchymal markers and have migratory properties. This transition is characterised by loss of epithelial proteins such as E-cadherin and the acquisition of new mesenchymal markers, including vimentin and a-smooth muscle actin. The present review discusses the current understanding of molecular mechanisms involved in ADAM17-dependent EMT in order to individuate innovative therapeutic strategies using ADAM17-related pathways.

2018 ◽  
Vol 13 (5) ◽  
pp. 659-668 ◽  
Author(s):  
Sara Lovisa ◽  
Giannicola Genovese ◽  
Silvio Danese

Abstract Intestinal fibrosis is an inevitable complication in patients with inflammatory bowel disease [IBD], occurring in its two major clinical manifestations: ulcerative colitis and Crohn’s disease. Fibrosis represents the final outcome of the host reaction to persistent inflammation, which triggers a prolonged wound healing response resulting in the excessive deposition of extracellular matrix, eventually leading to intestinal dysfunction. The process of epithelial-to-mesenchymal transition [EMT] represents an embryonic program relaunched during wound healing, fibrosis and cancer. Here we discuss the initial observations and the most recent findings highlighting the role of EMT in IBD-associated intestinal fibrosis and fistulae formation. In addition, we briefly review knowledge on the cognate process of endothelial-to-mesenchymal transition [EndMT]. Understanding EMT functionality and the molecular mechanisms underlying the activation of this mesenchymal programme will permit designing new therapeutic strategies to halt the fibrogenic response in the intestine.


Nutrients ◽  
2019 ◽  
Vol 11 (3) ◽  
pp. 704 ◽  
Author(s):  
Constanze Buhrmann ◽  
Mina Yazdi ◽  
Bastian Popper ◽  
Ajaikumar Kunnumakkara ◽  
Bharat Aggarwal ◽  
...  

Objective: Tumor necrosis factor-beta (TNF-β), as an inflammatory mediator that has been shown to promote tumorigenesis, induces NF-κB. Natural multi-targeted agent resveratrol in turn shows anti-inflammatory and anti-cancer properties. Epithelial-to-mesenchymal transition (EMT) allows cancer cells to turn into a motile state with invasive capacities and is associated with metastasis and development of cancer stem cells (CSC). However, TNF-β-induced EMT and the anti-invasion mechanism of resveratrol on CRC are not yet completely understood. Methods: We investigated the underlying molecular mechanisms of resveratrol on TNF-β/TNF-βR-induced EMT and migration of CRC cells (HCT116, RKO, SW480) in monolayer or 3D alginate cultures. Results: TNF-β, similar to TNF-α, induced significant cell proliferation, morphological change, from an epithelial to a spindle-like mesenchymal shape with the formation of filopodia and lamellipodia associated with the expression of EMT parameters (elevated vimentin and slug, reduced E-cadherin), increased migration/invasion, and formation of CSC in all CRC cells. Interestingly, these effects were dramatically decreased in the presence of resveratrol or anti-TNF-βR with TNF-β co-treatment, inducing biochemical changes to the mesenchymal-epithelial transition (MET), with a planar cell surface and suppressed formation of CSC cells. This was associated with a significant increase in apoptosis. Furthermore, we found that resveratrol suppressed TNF-β-induced NF-κB and NF-κB-regulated gene biomarkers associated with growth, proliferation, and invasion. Finally, TNF-βR interacts directly with focal adhesion kinase (FAK) and NF-κB. Conclusion: These results suggest that resveratrol down-regulates TNF-β/TNF-βR-induced EMT, at least in part via specific suppression of NF-κΒ and FAK in CRC cells.


2019 ◽  
Vol 20 (14) ◽  
pp. 3567 ◽  
Author(s):  
Teresa Seccia ◽  
Brasilina Caroccia ◽  
Maria Piazza ◽  
Gian Paolo Rossi

Accumulating evidence indicates that epithelial-to-mesenchymal transition (EMT), originally described as a key process for organ development and metastasis budding in cancer, plays a key role in the development of renal fibrosis in several diseases, including hypertensive nephroangiosclerosis. We herein reviewed the concept of EMT and its role in renal diseases, with particular focus on hypertensive kidney disease, the second leading cause of end-stage renal disease after diabetes mellitus. After discussing the pathophysiology of hypertensive nephropathy, the ‘classic’ view of hypertensive nephrosclerosis entailing hyalinization, and sclerosis of interlobular and afferent arterioles, we examined the changes occurring in the glomerulus and tubulo-interstitium and the studies that investigated the role of EMT and its molecular mechanisms in hypertensive kidney disease. Finally, we examined the reasons why some studies failed to provide solid evidence for renal EMT in hypertension.


2016 ◽  
Vol 13 (118) ◽  
pp. 20151106 ◽  
Author(s):  
Marcelo Boareto ◽  
Mohit Kumar Jolly ◽  
Aaron Goldman ◽  
Mika Pietilä ◽  
Sendurai A. Mani ◽  
...  

Metastasis can involve repeated cycles of epithelial-to-mesenchymal transition (EMT) and its reverse mesenchymal-to-epithelial transition. Cells can also undergo partial transitions to attain a hybrid epithelial/mesenchymal (E/M) phenotype that allows the migration of adhering cells to form a cluster of circulating tumour cells. These clusters can be apoptosis-resistant and possess an increased metastatic propensity as compared to the cells that undergo a complete EMT (mesenchymal cells). Hence, identifying the key players that can regulate the formation and maintenance of such clusters may inform anti-metastasis strategies. Here, we devise a mechanism-based theoretical model that links cell–cell communication via Notch-Delta-Jagged signalling with the regulation of EMT. We demonstrate that while both Notch-Delta and Notch-Jagged signalling can induce EMT in a population of cells, only Jagged-dominated Notch signalling, but not Delta-dominated signalling, can lead to the formation of clusters containing hybrid E/M cells. Our results offer possible mechanistic insights into the role of Jagged in tumour progression, and offer a framework to investigate the effects of other microenvironmental signals during metastasis.


2021 ◽  
Author(s):  
Mahan Si ◽  
Yujia Song ◽  
Xiaohui Wang ◽  
Dong Wang ◽  
Xiaohui Liu ◽  
...  

Abstract Background: CXCR7 is an atypical chemokine receptor that transmits biased signal independent of G-protein activation. However, whether CXCL12/CXCR7 biased signal activation plays an essential role in colorectal cancer (CRC) progression and metastasis remains obscure. Methods: The functional role of CXCL12/CXCR7 biased signal in CRC was investigated by RNA-sequencing, Transwell assay and in vivo tumor xenografts. YAP1 nuclear translocation and molecular mechanisms were determined by cell transfection, luciferase activity assay, immunofluorescence, coimmunoprecipitation and immunohistochemistry and RT-qPCR analysis.Results: In this study, CXCR7 CXCL12/overexpression promotes Epithelial-to-mesenchymal transition (EMT) and upregulates the expression of stem marker doublecortin-like kinase 1 (DCLK1) in CRC cells with concurrent repression of miR-124-3p and miR-188-5p. Further luciferase assay prove that these miRNAs could regulate EMT by direct targeting vimentin and DCLK1. More importantly, CXCL12/CXCR7/β-arrestin1-mediated biased signal induces YAP1 nuclear translocation, which functions as a transcriptional repressor by interacting with Yin Yang 1 (YY1) and recruiting YY1 to the promoter of miR-124-3p and miR-188-5p. Pharmacological inhibitor of YAP1 recapitulates the anti-tumorigenesis and anti-metastasis effects of YAP1 depletion upon CXCR7 activation in tumor xenografts. Clinically, the expression of CXCR7 was positively correlated with nuclear YAP1 levels and EMT markers. Conclusions: Our findings revealed the novel role of YAP1 nuclear translocation in promoting EMT of CRC by repressing miR-124-3p and miR-188-5p through CXCL12/CXCR7/β-arrestin1 biased signal activation. These findings highlight the potential of targeting YAP1 nuclear translocation in hampering CXCL12/CXCR7 biased signal-induced metastasis of CRC.


2015 ◽  
Vol 309 (10) ◽  
pp. C680-C692 ◽  
Author(s):  
Sanjukta Chakraborty ◽  
David C. Zawieja ◽  
Michael J. Davis ◽  
Mariappan Muthuchamy

The lymphatics have emerged as critical players in the progression and resolution of inflammation. The goal of this study was to identify specific microRNAs (miRNAs) that regulate lymphatic inflammatory processes. Rat mesenteric lymphatic endothelial cells (LECs) were exposed to the proinflammatory cytokine tumor necrosis factor-α for 2, 24, and 96 h, and miRNA profiling was carried out by real-time PCR arrays. Our data demonstrate a specific set of miRNAs that are differentially expressed (>1.8-fold and/or P < 0.05) in LECs in response to tumor necrosis factor-α and are involved in inflammation, angiogenesis, endothelial-mesenchymal transition, and cell proliferation and senescence. We further characterized the expression of miRNA 9 (miR-9) that was induced in LECs and in inflamed rat mesenteric lymphatics. Our results showed that miR-9 overexpression significantly repressed NF-κB expression and, thereby, suppressed inflammation but promoted LEC tube formation, as well as expression of the prolymphangiogenic molecules endothelial nitric oxide synthase and VEGF receptor type 3. LEC viability and proliferation and endothelial-mesenchymal transition were also significantly induced by miR-9. This study provides the first evidence of a distinct profile of miRNAs associated with LECs during inflammation. It also identifies the critical dual role of miR-9 in fine-tuning the balance between lymphatic inflammatory and lymphangiogenic pathways.


2021 ◽  
Vol 12 (1) ◽  
pp. 320-329
Author(s):  
Yue Wang ◽  
Bingbing Wu ◽  
Shengrong Long ◽  
QiangLiu ◽  
Guangyu Li

Abstract Background The primary features of malignant glioma include high rates of mortality and recurrence, uncontrollable invasiveness, strong angiogenesis, and widespread hypoxia. The hypoxic microenvironment is an important factor affecting the malignant progression of glioma. However, the molecular mechanisms underlying glioma adaption in hypoxic microenvironments are poorly understood. Objective The work presented in this paper focuses on the role of WNK3 gene in glioma invasion under hypoxic conditions. Furthermore, we aim to explore its role in epithelial-to-mesenchymal transition (EMT). Methods ShRNA targeting WNK3 transfection was used to knockdown the WNK3 expression in U87 cells. We used western blot analysis to detect the relative expression of proteins in U87 cells. The effect of WNK3 on cell migration was explored using a transwell assay in the U87 cell line. We also evaluated WNK3 expression levels in glioma samples by immunohistochemistry analysis. Results WNK3 expression was significantly higher in high-grade (III and IV) gliomas than in low-grade (I and II) gliomas. WNK3 expression was up-regulated in U87 cells when cultured in a hypoxic environment in addition; WNK3 knockdown inhibited the invasion of U87 glioma cells by regulating the EMT, especially under hypoxic conditions. Conclusion These findings suggested that WNK3 plays an important role in the hypoxic microenvironment of glioma and might also be a candidate for therapeutic application in the treatment of glioma.


Cancers ◽  
2021 ◽  
Vol 13 (21) ◽  
pp. 5393
Author(s):  
Sophie Guelfi ◽  
Béatrice Orsetti ◽  
Virginie Deleuze ◽  
Valérie Rigau ◽  
Luc Bauchet ◽  
...  

Glioblastomas (GBM) are high-grade brain tumors, containing cells with distinct phenotypes and tumorigenic potentials, notably aggressive and treatment-resistant multipotent glioblastoma stem cells (GSC). The molecular mechanisms controlling GSC plasticity and growth have only partly been elucidated. Contact with endothelial cells and the Notch1 pathway control GSC proliferation and fate. We used three GSC cultures and glioma resections to examine the expression, regulation, and role of two transcription factors, SLUG (SNAI2) and TAL1 (SCL), involved in epithelial to mesenchymal transition (EMT), hematopoiesis, vascular identity, and treatment resistance in various cancers. In vitro, SLUG and a truncated isoform of TAL1 (TAL1-PP22) were strongly upregulated upon Notch1 activation in GSC, together with LMO2, a known cofactor of TAL1, which formed a complex with truncated TAL1. SLUG was also upregulated by TGF-β1 treatment and by co-culture with endothelial cells. In patient samples, the full-length isoform TAL1-PP42 was expressed in all glioma grades. In contrast, SLUG and truncated TAL1 were preferentially overexpressed in GBMs. SLUG and TAL1 are expressed in the tumor microenvironment by perivascular and endothelial cells, respectively, and to a minor extent, by a fraction of epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR) -amplified GBM cells. Mechanistically, both SLUG and truncated TAL1 reduced GSC growth after their respective overexpression. Collectively, this study provides new evidence for the role of SLUG and TAL1 in regulating GSC plasticity and growth.


Author(s):  
Jacopo Di Gregorio ◽  
Iole Robuffo ◽  
Sonia Spalletta ◽  
Giulia Giambuzzi ◽  
Vincenzo De Iuliis ◽  
...  

Fibrosis is a chronic and progressive disorder characterized by excessive deposition of extracellular matrix, which leads to scarring and loss of function of the affected organ or tissue. Indeed, the fibrotic process affects a variety of organs and tissues, with specific molecular background. However, two common hallmarks are shared: the crucial role of the transforming growth factor-beta (TGF-β) and the involvement of the inflammation process, that is essential for initiating the fibrotic degeneration. TGF-β in particular but also other cytokines regulate the most common molecular mechanism at the basis of fibrosis, the Epithelial-to-Mesenchymal Transition (EMT). EMT has been extensively studied, but not yet fully explored as a possible therapeutic target for fibrosis. A deeper understanding of the crosstalk between fibrosis and EMT may represent an opportunity for the development of a broadly effective anti-fibrotic therapy. Here we report the evidences of the relationship between EMT and multi-organ fibrosis, and the possible therapeutic approaches that may be developed by exploiting this relationship.


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