Humans ; Child ; Myeloid-Lymphoid Leukemia Protein/genetics* ; Precursor Cell Lymphoblastic Leukemia-Lymphoma ; Ubiquitin Thiolesterase

BACKGROUND: Hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) is one of the most common malignant tumors in the world. The ubiquitin-specific peptidase 25 (USP25) protein has been reported to participate in the development of several cancers. However, few studies have reported its association with HCC. In this study, we aimed to investigate the function and mechanism of USP25 in the progression of HCC. METHODS: We analyzed USP25 protein expression in HCC based on The Cancer Genome Atlas (TCGA) and International Cancer Genome Consortium (ICGC) database cohorts. Then, we constructed USP25-overexpressing and USP25-knockdown HepG2, MHCC97H, and L-O2 cells. We detected the biological function of USP25 by performing a series of assays, such as Cell Counting Kit-8 (CCK-8), colony formation, transwell, and wound healing assays. Western blotting and quantitative real-time polymerase chain reaction (qRT-PCR) analyses were performed to detect the interaction between USP25 and the Wnt/β-catenin signaling pathway. The relationship between USP25 and tripartite motif-containing 21 (TRIM21) was assessed through mass spectrometry and co-immunoprecipitation (Co-IP) analysis. Finally, we constructed a mouse liver cancer model with the USP25 gene deletion to verify in vivo role of USP25. RESULTS: USP25 was highly expressed in HCC tissue and HCC cell lines. Importantly, high expression of USP25 in tissues was closely related to a poor prognosis. USP25 knockdown markedly reduced the proliferation, migration, and invasion of HepG2 and MHCC97H cells, whereas USP25 overexpression led to the opposite effects. In addition, we demonstrated that USP25 interacts with TRIM21 to regulate the expression of proteins related to epithelial-mesenchymal transition (EMT; E-cadherin, N-cadherin, and Snail) and the Wnt/β-catenin pathway (β-catenin, Adenomatous polyposis coli, Axin2 and Glycogen synthase kinase 3 beta) and those of their downstream proteins (C-myc and Cyclin D1). Finally, we verified that knocking out USP25 inhibited tumor growth and distant metastasis in vivo . CONCLUSIONS In summary, our data showed that USP25 was overexpressed in HCC. USP25 promoted the proliferation, migration, invasion, and EMT of HCC cells by interacting with TRIM21 to activate the β-catenin signaling pathway.
Animals ; Mice ; beta Catenin/genetics* ; Carcinoma, Hepatocellular/pathology* ; Cell Line, Tumor ; Cell Movement/genetics* ; Cell Proliferation/genetics* ; Epithelial-Mesenchymal Transition/genetics* ; Gene Expression Regulation, Neoplastic ; Liver Neoplasms/pathology* ; Ubiquitin Thiolesterase/metabolism* ; Wnt Signaling Pathway/genetics*

Objective: To investigate the clinicopathological features, immunophenotypes and molecular genetics of fibroma of tendon sheath (FTS). Methods: One hundred and thirty-four cases of FTS or tenosynovial fibroma diagnosed in the Department of Pathology, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu, China from January 2008 to April 2019 were selected. The clinical and histologic features of these cases were retrospectively reviewed. Immunohistochemistry, fluorescence in situ hybridization (FISH) and reverse transcription-polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR) were performed on the above cases. Results: There were a total of 134 cases of FTS, including 67 males and 67 females. The patients' median age was 38 years (ranged from 2 to 85 years). The median tumor size was 1.8 cm (ranged from 0.1 to 6.8 cm). The most common site was the upper extremity (76/134, 57%). Follow-up data was available in 28 cases and there was no detectable recurrence. Classic FTS (114 cases) were well-defined and hypocellular. A few spindle-shaped fibroblasts were scattered in the dense collagenous sclerotic stroma. Characteristically elongated slit-like spaces or thin-walled vessels were observed. Most of cellular FTSs (20 cases) were well-defined and the area with increased cellularity of the spindle cells coexisted with classic FTS. There were occasional mitotic figures, but no atypical mitotic figures. Immunohistochemistry was performed in 8 cases of classic FTS and most cases were positive for SMA (5/8). Immunohistochemistry was also performed in 13 cases of cellular FTS and showed 100% positive rate for SMA. FISH was conducted on 20 cases of cellular FTS and 32 cases of classical FTS. USP6 gene rearrangement was found in 11/20 of cellular FTS. Among 12 cases of CFTS with nodular fasciitis (NF)-like morphological feature, 7 cases showed USP6 gene rearrangement. The rearrangement proportion of USP6 gene in cellular FTS without NF-like morphological features was 4/8. By contrast, 3% (1/32) of the classic FTS showed USP6 gene rearrangement. RT-PCR was performed in those cases with detected USP6 gene rearrangement and sufficient tissue samples for RT-PCR. The MYH9-USP6 fusion gene was detected in 1 case (1/8) of the cellular FTSs, while no target fusion partner was detected in the classic FTS. Conclusions: FTS is a relatively rare benign fibroblastic or myofibroblastic tumor. Our study and recent literature find that some of the classic FTS also show USP6 gene rearrangements, suggesting that classical FTS and cellular FTS are likely to be at different stages of the same disease (spectrum). FISH for USP6 gene rearrangement may be used as an important auxiliary diagnostic tool in distinguishing FTS from other tumors.
Male ; Female ; Humans ; Gene Rearrangement ; In Situ Hybridization, Fluorescence ; Retrospective Studies ; Fibroma/pathology* ; Fasciitis/genetics* ; Ubiquitin Thiolesterase ; Tendons/pathology*

Humans ; Fasciitis/pathology* ; Fibroma/pathology* ; Gene Rearrangement ; Proto-Oncogene Proteins/genetics* ; Ubiquitin Thiolesterase

OBJECTIVE: To screen for small molecular compounds with selective inhibitory activity against cutaneous melanoma cells with <i>BAP1i> deletion. METHODS: Cutaneous melanoma cells expressing wild-type <i>BAP1i> were selected to construct a BAP1 knockout cell model using CRISPR-Cas9 system, and small molecules with selective inhibitory activity against <i>BAP1i> knockout cells were screened from a compound library using MTT assay. Rescue experiment was carried out to determine whether the sensitivity of <i>BAP1i> knockout cells to the candidate compounds was directly related to <i>BAP1i> deletion. The effects of the candidate compounds on cell cycle and apoptosis were detected with flow cytometry, and the protein expressions in the cells were analyzed with Western blotting. RESULTS: The p53 activator RITA from the compound library was shown to selectively inhibit the viability of <i>BAP1i> knockout cells. Overexpression of wild-type <i>BAP1i> reversed the sensitivity of <i>BAP1i> knockout cells to RITA, while overexpression of the mutant <i>BAP1i> (C91S) with inactivated ubiquitinase did not produce any rescue effect. Compared with the control cells expressing wild-type <i>BAP1i>, BAP1 knockout cells were more sensitive to RITA-induced cell cycle arrest and apoptosis (<i>Pi> < 0.0001) and showed an increased expression of p53 protein, which was further increased by RITA treatment (<i>Pi> < 0.0001). CONCLUSION Loss of <i>BAP1i> results in the sensitivity of cutaneous melanoma cells to p53 activator RITA. In melanoma cells, the activity of ubiquitinase in <i>BAP1i> is directly related to their sensitivity to RITA. An increased expression of p53 protein induced by <i>BAP1i> knockout is probably a key reason for RITA sensitivity of melanoma cells, suggesting the potential of RITA as a targeted therapeutic agent for cutaneous melanoma carrying <i>BAP1i>-inactivating mutations.
Humans ; Melanoma ; Skin Neoplasms ; Tumor Suppressor Protein p53 ; Apoptosis ; Cell Division ; Tumor Suppressor Proteins/genetics* ; Ubiquitin Thiolesterase/genetics*

Bone Cysts, Aneurysmal/pathology* ; Fasciitis/pathology* ; Gene Rearrangement ; Humans ; Ubiquitin Thiolesterase

To investigate the effect of Gegen Qinlian Decoction(GQD) on enzyme activity, gene expression and methylation level of fatty acid synthase(FASN) in adipose tissue from rats with insulin resistance induced by high-fat diet. The 60% fat-powered high-fat diet was continuously given to male SD rats to induce the insulin resistance model. Then, they were divided into five groups randomly and administrated by gavage every day for 16 weeks with following drugs respectively: 10 mL·kg~(-1)water for control group(C) and insulin resistance model control group(IR), 1.65 g·kg~(-1)GQD per day for low-dose group(GQDL), 4.95 g·kg~(-1)GQD per day for medium-dose group(GQDM), 14.85 g·kg~(-1)GQD per day for high-dose group(GQDH), and 5 mg·kg~(-1) rosiglitazone per day for rosiglitazone group(RGN). Epididymal adipose tissue was taken to determine enzyme activity of FASN by colorimetric method, mRNA expression level of Fasn by quantitative Real-time PCR(Q-PCR) and CpGs methylation level between +313 and +582 by bisulfite sequencing PCR(BSP). These results showed that Fasn expression was significantly lowered in IR model rats compared with the control rats(P<0.01). Enzymatic activity and CpGs methylation level of Fasn in IR group showed downward trends. Low and medium-dose GQD can increase enzyme activity of FASN(P<0.05). Moreover, low-dose GQD increased the total CpGs methylation level of Fasn fragment between +313 and +582 in insulin resistance rats(P<0.05). For GQDM group, the methylation frequency of CpGs at positions +506 and +508(P<0.01) as well as the methylation frequency of CpGs on the binding sites of transcription factorzinc finger protein 161(P<0.05) were significantly increased. The methylation frequency of CpG at +442 position was positively correlated with Fasn expression(P<0.01, r=0.735), and methylation frequencies of CpGs at +345 and +366 positions were positively associated to enzyme activity of FASN respectively(P<0.05, r=0.479; P<0.01, r=0.640). In conclusion, GQD can reverse enzyme activity of FASN and methylation level of Fasn in adipose tissue of insulin resistant rats, and CpG sites at positions +506 and +508 may be the targets of GQD. The methylation level of CpGs at + 345 and + 366 sites were possibly related to FASN activity, while methylation of CpG at + 442 site may be closely correlated with mRNA level of Fasn. In addition, GQD did not significantly change mRNA expression level of Fasn, but effectively reversed enzymatic activity, suggesting that GQD may regulate the post transcriptional expression of Fasn.
Adipose Tissue ; Animals ; Drugs, Chinese Herbal ; Fatty Acid Synthases/genetics* ; Gene Expression ; Insulin Resistance/genetics* ; Male ; Methylation ; Rats ; Rats, Sprague-Dawley

Tumorigenesis involves metabolic reprogramming and abnormal lipid metabolism, which is manifested by increased endogenous fat mobilization, hypertriglyceridemia, and increased fatty acid synthesis. Fatty acid synthase (FASN) is a key enzyme for the de novo synthesis of fatty acids, and monoacylglycerol esterase (MGLL) is an important metabolic enzyme that converts triglycerides into free fatty acids. Both enzymes play an important role in lipid metabolism and are associated with tumor-related signaling pathways, the most common of which is the PI3K-AKT signaling pathway. They can also regulate the immune microenvironment, participate in epithelial-mesenchymal transition, and then regulate tumor invasion and metastasis. Current literature have shown that these two genes are abnormally expressed in many types of tumors and are highly correlated with tumor migration and invasion. This article introduces the structures and functions of FASN and MGLL, their relationship with abnormal lipid metabolism, and the mechanism of the regulation of tumor invasion and metastasis and reviews the research progress of the relationship of FASN and MGLL with tumor invasion and metastasis.
Cell Line, Tumor ; Fatty Acid Synthase, Type I/metabolism* ; Humans ; Lipid Metabolism ; Monoacylglycerol Lipases/metabolism* ; Neoplasms ; Phosphatidylinositol 3-Kinases ; Signal Transduction ; Tumor Microenvironment

To clone human mitogen-activated protein kinase kinase 6 (MKK6) gene promoter and explore its transcription activity by ubiquitin specific peptidase 22 (USP22).
 Methods: MKK6 gene promoter was amplified by PCR and two bases mutation within USP22 binding site was subsequently introduced. The wild type and mutant MKK6 promoter were inserted into the luciferase report vector pGL3-Basic, respectively. Recombinant plasmids were co-transfected with plasmid pRL-TK into HeLa cells, and the luciferase activities were measured by dual luciferase reporter system. Furthermore, the direct interaction between USP22 and MKK6 promoter was detected by chromatin immunoprecipitation (ChIP) assay. Finally, the MKK6 transcription activity was measured after knockdown of USP22.
 Results: The recombinant luciferase report vectors containing wild or mutant type of MKK6 promoter were successfully constructed. Mutation of USP22 binding site resulted in decrease of MKK6 promoter-driven luciferase activity in HeLa cells (P<0.05). USP22 could interact directly with MKK6 promoter. Down-regulation of USP22 led to the decreased MKK6 mRNA expression (P<0.05).
 Conclusion: USP22 could regulate the transcription activity of MKK6 gene in HeLa cells.
HeLa Cells ; Humans ; Luciferases ; MAP Kinase Kinase 6 ; Promoter Regions, Genetic ; Thiolester Hydrolases ; metabolism ; Transcription, Genetic

The aim of this study was to explore the effect of emodin on lipid accumulation and inflammation in hepatocytes. The cell morphology was observed by microscopy. LDH release was detected by the kit. Levels of intracellular lipid droplets were observed by oil red O staining. The contents of TC and TG in cells were detected by the kit. Western blot was used to determine protein expressions of FASN,SREBF2,APOB,IL-6 and p-NF-κB in hepatocytes. The results showed that the levels of L02 cell LDH were significantly increased after being treated with emodin,and the cells showed shrinkage,volume reduction,decrease in quantity with the increase of dose. Red lipid droplets were observed in L02 hepatocytes. Intracellular TC and TG contents of L02 cell increased in a concentrationdependent manner,with significant differences between medium and high-dose groups( P < 0. 05). Protein expressions of FASN,SREBF2,IL-6 and p-NF-κB were significantly higher than those of the control group,and the expression level of APOB was significantly lower than that of the control group( P<0. 05). In conclusion,emodin could induce lipid accumulation and inflammatory damage in hepatocytes in a dose-dependent manner,which in turn could damage liver cells. This process was related to the up-regulation of FASN,SREBF2,IL-6,p-NF-κB,as well as the down-regulation of the protein expression of APOB.
Apolipoprotein B-100 ; metabolism ; Cells, Cultured ; Emodin ; pharmacology ; Fatty Acid Synthase, Type I ; metabolism ; Hepatocytes ; drug effects ; metabolism ; Humans ; Inflammation ; Interleukin-6 ; metabolism ; Lipid Metabolism ; Lipids ; NF-kappa B ; metabolism ; Sterol Regulatory Element Binding Protein 2 ; metabolism