Ethanol promotes differentiation of embryonic stem cells through retinoic acid receptor-γ.

Ethanol (EtOH) is a teratogen, but its teratogenic mechanisms are not fully understood. The alcohol form of vitamin A (retinol/ROL) can be oxidized to all-trans-retinoic acid (RA), which plays a critical role in stem cell differentiation and development. Using an embryonic stem cell (ESC) model to analyze EtOH's effects on differentiation, we show here that EtOH and acetaldehyde, but not acetate, increase differentiation-associated mRNA levels, and that EtOH decreases pluripotency-related mRNAs. Using reporter assays, ChIP assays, and retinoic acid receptor-γ (RARγ) knockout ESC lines generated by CRISPR/Cas9 and homologous recombination, we demonstrate that EtOH signals via RARγ binding to RA response elements (RAREs) in differentiation-associated gene promoters or enhancers. We also report that EtOH-mediated increases in homeobox A1 (Hoxa1) and cytochrome P450 family 26 subfamily A member 1 (Cyp26a1) transcripts, direct RA target genes, require the expression of the RA-synthesizing enzyme, aldehyde dehydrogenase 1 family member A2 (Aldh1a2), suggesting that EtOH-mediated induction of Hoxa1 and Cyp26a1 requires ROL from the serum. As shown with CRISPR/Cas9 knockout lines, the retinol dehydrogenase gene Rdh10 and a functional RARE in the ROL transporter stimulated by retinoic acid 6 (Stra6) gene are required for EtOH induction of Hoxa1 and Cyp26a1 We conclude that EtOH stimulates stem cell differentiation by increasing the influx and metabolism of ROL for downstream RARγ-dependent transcription. In stem cells, EtOH may shift cell fate decisions to alter developmental outcomes by increasing endogenous ROL/RA signaling via increased Stra6 expression and ROL oxidation.

Stemness marker ALDH1A1 promotes tumor angiogenesis via retinoic acid/HIF-1α/VEGF signalling in MCF-7 breast cancer cells.

BACKGROUND: Aldehyde dehydrogenase 1A1 (ALDH1A1), a member of aldehyde dehydrogenase family, is a marker of stemness in breast cancer. During tumor progression cancer stem cells (CSCs) have been reported to secrete angiogenic factors to orchestrate the formation of pathological angiogenesis. This vasculature can represent the source of self-renewal of CSCs and the route for further tumor spreading. The aim of the present study has been to assess whether ALDH1A1 controls the output of angiogenic factors in breast cancer cells and regulates tumor angiogenesis in a panel of in vitro and in vivo models. METHODS: Stemness status of breast cancer cells was evaluated by the ability to form turmorspheres in vitro. A transwell system was used to assess the angiogenic features of human umbilical vein endothelial cells (HUVEC) when co-cultured with breast cancer cells MCF-7 harboring different levels of ALDH1A1. Under these conditions, we survey endothelial proliferation, migration, tube formation and permeability. Moreover, in vivo, MCF-7 xenografts in immunodeficient mice allow to evaluate blood flow, expression of angiogenic factors and microvascular density (MVD). RESULTS: In MCF-7 we observed that ALDH1A1 activity conferred stemness property and its expression correlated with an activation of angiogenic factors. In particular we observed a significant upregulation of hypoxia inducible factor-1α (HIF-1α) and proangiogenic factors, such as vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF). High levels of ALDH1A1, through the retinoic acid pathway, were significantly associated with VEGF-mediated angiogenesis in vitro. Co-culture of HUVEC with ALDH1A1 expressing tumor cells promoted endothelial proliferation, migration, tube formation and permeability. Conversely, downregulation of ALDH1A1 in MCF-7 resulted in reduction of proangiogenic factor release/expression and impaired HUVEC angiogenic functions. In vivo, when subcutaneously implanted in immunodeficient mice, ALDH1A1 overexpressing breast tumor cells displayed a higher expression of VEGF and MVD. CONCLUSION: In breast tumors, ALDH1A1 expression primes a permissive microenvironment by promoting tumor angiogenesis via retinoic acid dependent mechanism. In conclusion, ALDH1A1 might be associated to progression and diffusion of breast cancer.

Low P16INK4A Expression Associated with High Expression of Cancer Stem Cell Markers Predicts Poor Prognosis in Cervical Cancer after Radiotherapy.

Previous studies have suggested that cancer stem cells (CSCs) resisted radiotherapy and chemotherapy. P16INK4A is a biomarker for cervical carcinogenesis and reduces proliferation of stem cells. We aimed to investigate the expression and clinical significance of cyclin-dependent kinase inhibitor 2A (P16INK4A), sex determining region Y-box 2 (SOX2), and Aldehyde dehydrogenase 1 family, member A1 (ALDH1A1) in cervical cancer treated with radiotherapy and cervical cell line models. The expressions of P16INK4A, SOX2, and ALDH1A1 were performed by immunohistochemical staining of tumor samples from 139 cervical cancer patients with International Federation of Gynecology and Obstetrics stages Ib to IV. The staining showed high expression in 100, 107, and 13 patients with P16INK4A (>80%), SOX2 (≥10%), and ALDH1A1 (50%), respectively. The high-P16INK4A group had a higher five-year overall survival (OS) rate and disease-free survival (DFS) than the low-P16INK4A group (OS: 62.0% and 35.2%, p = 0.016; DFS: 60.0% and 31.2%, p = 0.002). The low-P16INK4A/high-SOX2 and low-P16INK4A/high-ALDH1A1 groups had a worse five-year OS and DFS rate than the high-P16INK4A/low-SOX2 and high-P16INK4A/low-ALDH1A1 groups, respectively. Depletion of P16INK4A promoted chemoresistance and radioresistance of cervical cancer cells increased the expression of SOX2 and ALDH1A1 and exhibited higher self-renewal ability. These results suggest that lower P16INK4A expression associated with higher CSC markers predicts poor prognostic outcomes and is a promising target in patients with cervical cancer.

Alcohol Metabolism in the Progression of Human Nonalcoholic Steatohepatitis.

Alcohol metabolism is a well-characterized biological process that is dominated by the alcohol dehydrogenase (ADH) and aldehyde dehydrogenase (ALDH) families. Nonalcoholic steatohepatitis (NASH) is the advanced inflammatory stage of nonalcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) and is known to alter the metabolism and disposition of numerous drugs. The purpose of this study was to investigate the alterations in alcohol metabolism processes in response to human NASH progression. Expression and function of ADHs, ALDHs, and catalase were examined in normal, steatosis, NASH (fatty) and NASH (not fatty) human liver samples. ALDH4A1 mRNA was significantly decreased in both NASH groups, while no significant changes were observed in the mRNA levels of other alcohol-related enzymes. The protein levels of ADH1A, ADH1B, and ADH4 were each decreased in the NASH groups, which was consistent with a decreased overall ADH activity. The protein level of ALDH2 was significantly increased in both NASH groups, while ALDH1A1 and ALDH1B1 were only decreased in NASH (fatty) samples. ALDH activity represented by oxidation of acetaldehyde was decreased in the NASH (fatty) group. The protein level of catalase was decreased in both NASH groups, though activity was unchanged. Furthermore, the significant accumulation of 4-hydroxynonenal protein adduct in NASH indicated significant oxidative stress and a potential reduction in ALDH activity. Collectively, ADH and ALDH expression and function are profoundly altered in the progression of NASH, which may have a notable impact on ADH- and ALDH-associated cellular metabolism processes and lead to significant alterations in drug metabolism mediated by these enzymes.

Combined Gemcitabine and Metronidazole Is a Promising Therapeutic Strategy for Cancer Stem-like Cholangiocarcinoma.

BACKGROUND/AIM: Metronidazole (MNZ) is a common antibiotic that exerts disulfiram-like effects when taken together with alcohol. However, the relationship between MNZ and aldehyde dehydrogenase (ALDH) activity remains unclear. This study investigated whether MNZ reduces cancer stemness by suppressing ALDH activity and accordingly reducing the malignancy of cholangiocarcinoma (CCA). MATERIALS AND METHODS: We developed gemcitabine (GEM)-resistant TFK-1 cells and originally established CCA cell line from a patient with GEM-resistant CCA. Using these cell lines, we analyzed the impacts of MNZ for cancer stem cell markers, invasiveness, and chemosensitivity. RESULTS: MNZ reduced ALDH activity in GEM-resistant CCA cells, leading to decreased invasiveness and enhanced chemosensitivity. MNZ diminished the invasiveness by inducing mesenchymal-epithelial transition and enhancing chemosensitivity by increasing ENT1 (equilibrative nucleoside transporter 1) and reducing RRM1 (ribonucleotide reductase M1). CONCLUSION: MNZ reduced cancer stemness in GEM-resistant CCA cells. Combined GEM and MNZ would be a promising therapeutic strategy for cancer stem-like CAA.

DDB2 represses ovarian cancer cell dedifferentiation by suppressing ALDH1A1.

Cancer stem cells (CSCs), representing the root of many solid tumors including ovarian cancer, have been implicated in disease recurrence, metastasis, and therapeutic resistance. Our previous study has demonstrated that the CSC subpopulation in ovarian cancer can be limited by DNA damage-binding protein 2 (DDB2). Here, we demonstrated that the ovarian CSC subpopulation can be maintained via cancer cell dedifferentiation, and DDB2 is able to suppress this non-CSC-to-CSC conversion by repression of ALDH1A1 transcription. Mechanistically, DDB2 binds to the ALDH1A1 gene promoter, facilitating the enrichment of histone H3K27me3, and competing with the transcription factor C/EBPß for binding to this region, eventually inhibiting the promoter activity of the ALDH1A1 gene. The de-repression of ALDH1A1 expression contributes to DDB2 silencing-augmented non-CSC-to-CSC conversion and expansion of the CSC subpopulation. We further showed that treatment with a selective ALDH1A1 inhibitor blocked DDB2 silencing-induced expansion of CSCs, and halted orthotopic xenograft tumor growth. Together, our data demonstrate that DDB2, functioning as a transcription repressor, can abrogate ovarian CSC properties by downregulating ALDH1A1 expression.

De novo synthesis of the sedative valerenic acid in Saccharomyces cerevisiae.

Valeriana officinalis (Valerian) root extracts have been used by European and Asian cultures for millennia for their anxiolytic and sedative properties. However, the efficacy of these extracts suffers from variable yields and composition, making these extracts a prime candidate for microbial production. Recently, valerenic acid, a C15 sesquiterpenoid, was identified as the active compound that modulates the GABAA channel. Although the first committed step, valerena-4,7(11)-diene synthase, has been identified and described, the complete valerenic acid biosynthetic pathway remains to be elucidated. Sequence homology and tissue-specific expression profiles of V. officinalis putative P450s led to the discovery of a V. officinalis valerena-4,7(11)-diene oxidase, VoCYP71DJ1, which required coexpression with a V. officinalis alcohol dehydrogenase and aldehyde dehydrogenase to complete valerenic acid biosynthesis in yeast. Further, we demonstrated the stable integration of all pathway enzymes in yeast, resulting in the production of 140 mg/L of valerena-4,7(11)-diene and 4 mg/L of valerenic acid in milliliter plates. These findings showcase Saccharomyces cerevisiae's potential as an expression platform for facilitating multiply-oxidized medicinal terpenoid pathway discovery, possibly paving the way for scale up and FDA approval of valerenic acid and other active compounds from plant-derived herbal medicines.

Quercetin Inhibits Breast Cancer Stem Cells via Downregulation of Aldehyde Dehydrogenase 1A1 (ALDH1A1), Chemokine Receptor Type 4 (CXCR4), Mucin 1 (MUC1), and Epithelial Cell Adhesion Molecule (EpCAM).

BACKGROUND Quercetin, nature's most common flavonoid, possesses anticarcinogenic properties against various forms of cancer. The aim of this study was to investigate the effect of quercetin on breast cancer stem cells in the MDA-MB-231 cell line, and to elucidate the possible mechanisms for those effects. MATERIAL AND METHODS We evaluated breast cancer stem cell proliferation, clone generation, and mammosphere formation to determine the effect of quercetin treatment on breast cancer stem cells. RESULTS In our study, quercetin suppressed breast cancer stem cell proliferation, self-renewal, and invasiveness. It also lowered the expression levels of proteins related to tumorigenesis and cancer progression, such as aldehyde dehydrogenase 1A1, C-X-C chemokine receptor type 4, mucin 1, and epithelial cell adhesion molecules. CONCLUSIONS These results indicate that quercetin targets and destroys breast cancer stem cells, making it a potential novel drug in the fight against cancer.

Development of cyclic AMP receptor protein-based artificial transcription factor for intensifying gene expression.

Vector-dependent gene overexpression typically relies on an efficient operon and sufficient RNA polymerases (RNAPs). The lac (lactose) operon is a paradigm of transcription control, and cyclic AMP receptor protein (CRP) is a global regulator capable of recruiting RNAPs. However, the gap between lac operon and CRP has not been well bridged. In this work, CRP was fused to lac repressor protein (lacI) to form an artificial transcription factor (ATF) with the expectation that when LacI acted on the lacO-positioned upstream of gene of interest, the LacI-tethered CRP would trap RNAPs and thus improve the expression of PuuC, an aldehyde dehydrogenase catalyzing 3-hydroxypropionaldehyde (3-HPA) to 3-hydroxypropionic acid (3-HP) in Klebsiella pneumoniae. As expected, SDS-PAGE and HPLC showed enhanced PuuC expression and 3-HP production, respectively, compared to the control strain without expressing chimeric protein LacI-CRP. Moreover, quantitative real-time PCR demonstrated increased transcription levels of both PuuC and RNAP coding genes. In shake-flask cultivation, the recombinant K. pneumoniae strain coexpressing LacI-CRP and PuuC produced 1.67-fold of 3-HP relative to the stain only overexpressing PuuC. In bioreactor cultivation, the strain coexpressing LacI-CRP and PuuC produced 35.1 g/L 3-HP, whereas the strain without expressing LacI-CRP generated only 9.8 g/L 3-HP. Overall, these results indicated that as an ATF, LacI-CRP significantly boosted PuuC expression and 3-HP production. We envision that LacI-CRP as a plug-and-play part can be used for regulating gene expression.

Association of Impaired Reactive Aldehyde Metabolism with Delayed Graft Function in Human Kidney Transplantation.

Delayed graft function is an early complication following kidney transplantation with an unclear molecular mechanism. Here we determined whether impaired reactive aldehyde metabolism is associated with delayed graft function. Human kidney biopsies from grafts with delayed graft function were compared with grafts that did not develop delayed graft function by Ingenuity gene pathway analysis. A second series of grafts with delayed graft function (n = 10) were compared to grafts that did not develop delayed graft function (n = 10) by measuring reactive aldehyde metabolism, reactive aldehyde-induced protein adduct formation, and aldehyde dehydrogenase (ALDH) gene and protein expression. In the first series of kidney biopsies, several gene families known for metabolizing reactive aldehydes, such as aldehyde dehydrogenase (ALDH), aldo-keto reductase (AKR), and glutathione-S transferase (GSTA), were upregulated in kidneys that did not develop delayed graft function versus those that did. In the second series of kidney grafts, we focused on measuring aldehyde-induced protein adducts and ALDH enzymatic activity. The reactive aldehyde metabolism by ALDH enzymes was reduced in kidneys with delayed graft function compared to those that did not (37 ± 12∗ vs. 79 ± 5 µg/min/mg tissue, ∗ P < 0.005, respectively). ALDH enzymatic activity was also negatively correlated with length of hospital stay after a kidney transplant. Together, our study identifies a reduced ALDH enzymatic activity with kidneys developing delayed graft function compared to those that did not. Measuring ALDH enzymatic activity and reactive aldehyde-induced protein adducts can potentially be further developed as a biomarker to assess for delayed graft function and recovery from a kidney transplant.

Heterologous Expression of Aldehyde Dehydrogenase in Lactococcus lactis for Acetaldehyde Detoxification at Low pH.

Aldehyde dehydrogenase (E.C. 1.2.1.x) can catalyze detoxification of acetaldehydes. A novel acetaldehyde dehydrogenase (istALDH) from the non-Saccharomyces yeast Issatchenkia terricola strain XJ-2 has been previously characterized. In this work, Lactococcus lactis with the NIsin Controlled Expression (NICE) System was applied to express the aldehyde dehydrogenase gene (istALDH) in order to catalyze oxidation of acetaldehyde at low pH. A recombinant L. lactis NZ3900 was obtained and applied for the detoxification of acetaldehyde as whole-cell biocatalysts. The activity of IstALDH in L. lactis NZ3900 (pNZ8148-istALDH) reached 36.4 U mL-1 when the recombinant cells were induced with 50 ng mL-1 nisin at 20 °C for 2 h. The IstALDH activity of recombinant L. lactis cells showed higher stability at 37 °C and pH 4.0 compared with the crude enzyme. L. lactis NZ3900 (pNZ8148-istALDH) could convert acetaldehyde at pH 2.0 while the crude enzyme could not. Moreover, the resting cells of L. lactis NZ3900 (pNZ8148-istALDH) showed a 2.5-fold higher activity and better stability in catalyzing oxidation of acetaldehyde at pH 2.0 compared with that of Escherichia coli expressing the IstALDH. Taken together, the L. lactis cells expressing recombinant IstALDH are potential whole-cell biocatalysts that can be applied in the detoxification of aldehydes.

Aldehyde dehydrogenase 1A1 (ALDH1A1) expression by immunohistochemistry is associated with chemo-refractoriness in patients with high-grade ovarian serous carcinoma.

Aldehyde dehydrogenase-1A1 (ALDH1A1), CD133, CD44, and CD24 have been reported as cancer stem cell markers in ovarian cancers. The goal of our study was to assess the prognostic significance of these markers in patients with advanced serous ovarian cancer. Formalin-fixed, paraffin-embedded tissues from 347 ovarian cancers were used to construct a microarray. Immunohistochemical studies for ALDH1A1, CD133, CD44, and CD24 were performed and scored semiquantitatively by 2 pathologists based on intensity and percent of positive immunoreactive cells. Immunohistochemistry was compared to clinical parameters and survival. Of the 347 cases, early stage disease, nonserous tumors, cases with incomplete therapy, and cores with no tumor were excluded. Immunohistochemistry was interpretable in 124 of the 136 stage III and IV ovarian serous carcinoma. ALDH1A1, CD24, and CD44 were variably detected in both tumor and stromal cells, and immunoreactivity in tumor was stronger than in stromal cells. CD133 immunoreactivity was not quantified due to nonspecific staining in tumor and stroma. Statistical analyses using χ2 and Student t test revealed that ALDH1A1-positive (n=53) carcinoma were 3 times more likely to demonstrate platinum refractoriness than ALDH1A1-negative (n=71) tumors (17% vs. 6%, respectively; p=.04); however, neither progression free nor overall survival was influenced by ALDH1A1 status in this cohort. The expression of CD44 and CD24 had no clinicopathological associations in the present study. Our study supports that ALDH1A1 expression is associated with poor response to platinum-based therapy in patients with high-grade ovarian serous carcinoma. Further study of this relationship is needed to understand how this could impact clinical care.

Aldehyde dehydrogenase 1B1: a novel immunohistological marker for colorectal cancer.

BACKGROUND: Aldehyde dehydrogenase (ALDH) 1A1 is an immunohistological biomarker of various solid tumours, but has not been successfully proved as a colorectal cancer (CRC) marker. We recently reported that ALDH1B1, which has functional roles in tumourigenesis, may be a better CRC marker than ALDH1A1. METHODS: Human CRC explants and cell lines were analysed to identify candidate CRC markers from eight ALDH isozymes including ALDH1A1 and ALDH1B1. A tissue microarray, including paired specimens of normal and tumour tissues, was subsequently analysed to determine if candidate ALDHs could distinguish CRC from normal tissue. RESULTS: Based on mRNA analysis, ALDH1B1 and ALDH2 were selected as suitable candidates. These were strongly and regularly expressed in tumour tissue and cell lines, including highly tumourigenic cell populations (ALDH+CD44+ cells), while other ALDHs, including ALDH1A1, showed differential or low expression. No genetic alteration of ALDH1B1 in CRC was suggested by the relationships between mRNA and protein levels/enzymatic activities, and cDNA sequences of CRC cell lines. Tissue microarray findings showed that ALDH1B1, but not ALDH2, could distinguish CRC from normal tissue. Furthermore, ratios of ALDH1B1 to ALDH1A1 or ALDH2 were found to be powerful CRC indicators. CONCLUSIONS: These results suggest that ALDH1B1 is a novel human CRC biomarker.

3,4-Dihydroxyphenylacetic acid is a potential aldehyde dehydrogenase inducer in murine hepatoma Hepa1c1c7 cells.

3,4-Dihydroxyphenylacetic acid (DOPAC) is one of the major colonic microflora-produced catabolites of quercetin glycosides, such as quercetin 4'-glucoside derived from onion. Here, we investigated whether DOPAC modulates the aldehyde dehydrogenase (ALDH) activity and protects the cells from the acetaldehyde-induced cytotoxicity in vitro. DOPAC was shown to enhance not only the total ALDH activity, but also the gene expression of ALDH1A1, ALDH2 and ALDH3A1 in a concentration-dependent manner. DOPAC simultaneously stimulated the nuclear translocation of NFE2-related factor 2 and aryl hydrocarbon receptor. The pretreatment of DOPAC completely protected the cells from the acetaldehyde-induced cytotoxicity. The present study suggested that DOPAC acts as a potential ALDH inducer to prevent the alcohol-induced abnormal reaction.

Regulation of retinoic acid synthetic enzymes by WT1 and HDAC inhibitors in 293 cells.

All-trans retinoic acid (atRA), which is mainly generated endogenously via two steps of oxidation from vitamin A (retinol), plays an indispensible role in the development of the kidney and many other organs. Enzymes that catalyze the oxidation of retinol to generate atRA, including aldehyde dehydrogenase 1 family (ALDH1)A1, ALDH1A2 and ALDH1A3, exhibit complex expression patterns at different stages of renal development. However, molecular triggers that control these differential expression levels are poorly understood. In this study, we provide in vitro evidence to demonstrate that Wilms' tumor 1 (WT1) negatively regulates the expression of the atRA synthetic enzymes, ALDH1A1, ALDH1A2 and ALDH1A3, in the 293 cell line, leading to significant blockage of atRA production. Furthermore, we demonstrate that the suppression of ALDH1A1 by WT1 can be markedly attenuated by histone deacetylase inhibitors (HDACis). Taken together, we provide evidence to indicate that WT1 and HDACs are strong regulators of endogenous retinoic acid synthetic enzymes in 293 cells, indicating that they may be involved in the regulation of atRA synthesis.

Editor's Highlight: Collaborative Cross Mouse Population Enables Refinements to Characterization of the Variability in Toxicokinetics of Trichloroethylene and Provides Genetic Evidence for the Role of PPAR Pathway in Its Oxidative Metabolism.

Background: Trichloroethylene (TCE) is a known carcinogen in humans and rodents. Previous studies of inter-strain variability in TCE metabolism were conducted in multi-strain panels of classical inbred mice with limited genetic diversity to identify gene-environment interactions associated with chemical exposure. Objectives: To evaluate inter-strain variability in TCE metabolism and identify genetic determinants that are associated with TCE metabolism and effects using Collaborative Cross (CC), a large panel of genetically diverse strains of mice. Methods: We administered a single oral dose of 0, 24, 80, 240, or 800 mg/kg of TCE to mice from 50 CC strains, and collected organs 24 h post-dosing. Levels of trichloroacetic acid (TCA), a major oxidative metabolite of TCE were measured in multiple tissues. Protein expression and activity levels of TCE-metabolizing enzymes were evaluated in the liver. Liver transcript levels of known genes perturbed by TCE exposure were also quantified. Genetic association mapping was performed on the acquired phenotypes. Results: TCA levels varied in a dose- and strain-dependent manner in liver, kidney, and serum. The variability in TCA levels among strains did not correlate with expression or activity of a number of enzymes known to be involved in TCE oxidation. Peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor alpha (PPARα)-responsive genes were found to be associated with strain-specific differences in TCE metabolism. Conclusions: This study shows that CC mouse population is a valuable tool to quantitatively evaluate inter-individual variability in chemical metabolism and to identify genes and pathways that may underpin population differences.

TAZ induces lung cancer stem cell properties and tumorigenesis by up-regulating ALDH1A1.

Recent studies suggest that lung cancer stem cells (CSCs) may play major roles in lung cancer. Therefore, identification of lung CSC drivers may provide promising targets for lung cancer. TAZ is a transcriptional co-activator and key downstream effector of the Hippo pathway, which plays critical roles in various biological processes. TAZ has been shown to be overexpressed in lung cancer and involved in tumorigenicity of lung epithelial cells. However, whether TAZ is a driver for lung CSCs and tumor formation in vivo is unknown. In addition, the molecular mechanism underlying TAZ-induced lung tumorigenesis remains to be determined. In this study, we provided evidence that constitutively active TAZ (TAZ-S89A) is a driver for lung tumorigenesis in vivo in mice and formation of lung CSC. Further RNA-seq and qRT-PCR analysis identified Aldh1a1, a well-established CSC marker, as critical TAZ downstream target and showed that TAZ induces Aldh1a1 transcription by activating its promoter activity through interaction with the transcription factor TEAD. Most significantly, inhibition of ALDH1A1 with its inhibitor A37 or CRISPR gene knockout in lung cancer cells suppressed lung tumorigenic and CSC phenotypes in vitro, and tumor formation in mice in vivo. In conclusion, this study identified TAZ as a novel inducer of lung CSCs and the first transcriptional activator of the stem cell marker ALDH1A1. Most significantly, we identified ALDH1A1 as a critical meditator of TAZ-induced tumorigenic and CSC phenotypes in lung cancer. Our studies provided preclinical data for targeting of TAZ-TEAD-ALDH1A1 signaling to inhibit CSC-induced lung tumorigenesis in the future.

A High-Content Assay Enables the Automated Screening and Identification of Small Molecules with Specific ALDH1A1-Inhibitory Activity.

Aldehyde dehydrogenase enzymes (ALDHs) have a broad spectrum of biological activities through the oxidation of both endogenous and exogenous aldehydes. Increased expression of ALDH1A1 has been identified in a wide-range of human cancer stem cells and is associated with cancer relapse and poor prognosis, raising the potential of ALDH1A1 as a therapeutic target. To facilitate quantitative high-throughput screening (qHTS) campaigns for the discovery, characterization and structure-activity-relationship (SAR) studies of small molecule ALDH1A1 inhibitors with cellular activity, we show herein the miniaturization to 1536-well format and automation of a high-content cell-based ALDEFLUOR assay. We demonstrate the utility of this assay by generating dose-response curves on a comprehensive set of prior art inhibitors as well as hundreds of ALDH1A1 inhibitors synthesized in house. Finally, we established a screening paradigm using a pair of cell lines with low and high ALDH1A1 expression, respectively, to uncover novel cell-active ALDH1A1-specific inhibitors from a collection of over 1,000 small molecules.

Aldehyde dehydrogenase 3A1 is robustly upregulated in gastric cancer stem-like cells and associated with tumorigenesis.

Enhanced aldehyde dehydrogenase (ALDH) activity has been shown to serve as a hallmark for cancer stem cells (CSCs). Recent evidence suggests that its role as a stem cell-related marker has come down to the specific isoform. However, little is known about the specific ALDH isoform contributing to aldefluor activity in gastric cancer. In this study, we isolated ALDHbright cells from 2 human gastric cancer cell lines MKN-45 and SGC­7901 by using an Aldefluor assay and found elevated self-renewal, differentiation and tumorigenicity, as demonstration of stemness characteristics. We also found that ALDHbright cells expressed decreased levels of E-cadherin but increased levels of Snail and Vimentin, indication of an epithelial-mesenchymal transition (EMT) phenotype which may be responsible for the enhanced metastatic potential. Since further research and prognostic application based on ALDH prevalence require the quantification of the specific ALDH isoform, we characterized the expression of all 19 ALDH isoforms in the sorted gastric cancer cell lines by quantitative real-time polymerase chain reaction (qRT-PCR). Compared with the non-stem counterparts, robust upregulation of ALDH-3A1 was observed in these gastric cancer stem-like cells. Furthermore, we performed immunohistological analysis on 93 fixed patient gastric tumor samples and found that ALDH-3A1 expression correlated well with gastric cancer dysplasia and grades, differentiation, lymph node metastasis and cancer stage. Our data, therefore, provide strong evidence that ALDH-3A1 is a novel gastric cancer stem cell related marker with potential prognostic values and demonstrate a clear association between ALDH-3A1 prevalence and gastric cancer progression.

[Abnormal expression of genes that regulate retinoid metabolism and signaling in non-small-cell lung cancer].

Retinoids are signaling molecules that control a wide variety of cellular processes and possess antitumor activity. This work presents a comprehensive description of changes in the expression of 23 genes that regulate retinoid metabolism and signaling in non-small-cell lung cancer tumors compared to adjacent normal tissues obtained using RT-PCR. Even at early stages of malignant transformation, a significant decrease in ADH1B, ADH3, RDHL, and RALDH1 mRNA levels was observed in 82, 79, 73, and 64% of tumor specimens, respectively, and a considerable increase in AKR1B10 mRNA content was observed in 80% of tumors. Dramatic changes in the levels of these mRNAs can impair the synthesis of all-trans retinoic acid, a key natural regulatory retinoid. Apart from that, it was found that mRNA levels of nuclear retinoid receptor genes RXRγ, RARα, RXRα, and gene RDH11 were significantly decreased in 80, 67, 57, and 66% of tumor specimens, respectively. Thus, neoplastic transformation of lung tissue cells is accompanied with deregulated expression of key genes of retinoid metabolism and function.