Apoptosis is normally considered a barrier for carcinogenesis because of its roles in getting rid of unwanted or damaged cells. However recent discoveries in our laboratory suggest that we need to re-examine the roles of apoptosis, especially those of apoptotic caspases, in carcinogenesis. In this project, we will examine the hypothesis that non-lethal caspase 3 or 7 activation induces genomic instability to facilitate radiation and other stress-induced carcinogenesis. Our hypothesis is a bold one that goes against the current paradigm. It will have wide-ranging implications since many endogenous and external stimuli could activate apoptotic caspases. Examples of such stimuli include exposure to ionizing radiation, UV, chemicals, and oncogene expression (e.g., myc). A facilitative role for caspases in carcinogenesis would provide exciting new insights into how those diverse environmental insults cause cancer. We will use a variety of in vitro and in vivo models, in combination with state-of-the-art molecular technologies, to examine the roles of caspases 3&7 in radiation- and other stress-induced genetic instability and carcinogenesis. We expect our studies to provide a comprehensive evaluation of the roles of caspases 3&7 in promoting carcinogenesis through inducing genetic instability. Upon completion of the project, we hope we can gain significant insights into the roles of apoptotic caspases in carcinogenesis. Such insights may provide novel targets for future cancer prevention strategies.

Public Health Relevance

In this project, we propose to examine a novel hypothesis that caspases 3&7 promote genetic instability to facilitate radiation-, chemical-, and oncogene-induced carcinogenesis. Understanding such a mechanism will lead to better prevention strategies for cancer. Therefore, our study is highly relevant to public health.

Agency
National Institute of Health (NIH)
Institute
National Institute of Environmental Health Sciences (NIEHS)
Type
Research Project (R01)
Project #
5R01ES024015-04
Application #
9230369
Study Section
Cancer Etiology Study Section (CE)
Program Officer
Tyson, Frederick L
Project Start
2014-05-08
Project End
2019-02-28
Budget Start
2017-03-01
Budget End
2018-02-28
Support Year
4
Fiscal Year
2017
Total Cost
$357,750
Indirect Cost
$132,750
Name
Duke University
Department
Dermatology
Type
Schools of Medicine
DUNS #
044387793
City
Durham
State
NC
Country
United States
Zip Code
27705
Zhou, Min; Liu, Xinjian; Li, Zonghai et al. (2018) Caspase-3 regulates the migration, invasion and metastasis of colon cancer cells. Int J Cancer 143:921-930
Zhao, Ruya; Kaakati, Rayan; Lee, Andrew K et al. (2018) Novel roles of apoptotic caspases in tumor repopulation, epigenetic reprogramming, carcinogenesis, and beyond. Cancer Metastasis Rev 37:227-236
He, Sijia; Cheng, Jin; Sun, Lianhui et al. (2018) HMGB1 released by irradiated tumor cells promotes living tumor cell proliferation via paracrine effect. Cell Death Dis 9:648
Cartwright, Ian M; Liu, Xinjian; Zhou, Min et al. (2017) Essential roles of Caspase-3 in facilitating Myc-induced genetic instability and carcinogenesis. Elife 6:
Liu, Xinjian; Li, Fang; Huang, Qian et al. (2017) Self-inflicted DNA double-strand breaks sustain tumorigenicity and stemness of cancer cells. Cell Res 27:764-783
Feng, Xiao; Yu, Yang; He, Sijia et al. (2017) Dying glioma cells establish a proangiogenic microenvironment through a caspase 3 dependent mechanism. Cancer Lett 385:12-20
Liu, Haolin; Wang, Chao; Lee, Schuyler et al. (2017) Clipping of arginine-methylated histone tails by JMJD5 and JMJD7. Proc Natl Acad Sci U S A 114:E7717-E7726
Li, Fang; Liu, Xinjian; Sampson, John H et al. (2016) Rapid Reprogramming of Primary Human Astrocytes into Potent Tumor-Initiating Cells with Defined Genetic Factors. Cancer Res 76:5143-50
Liu, Xinjian; He, Yujun; Li, Fang et al. (2016) Redefining the roles of apoptotic factors in carcinogenesis. Mol Cell Oncol 3:e1054550
Liu, Xinjian; Zhou, Min; Mei, Ling et al. (2016) Key roles of necroptotic factors in promoting tumor growth. Oncotarget 7:22219-33

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