Background

Eukaryotic ribosomal proteins (RPs) comprises 79 different known types that are broadly divided into two groups, the small (40S) and large (60S) ribosomal subunits. Since 2014, a revised naming system for RPs was published [1] and this is used in this review. In this improved alphanumeric nomenclature system, the prefixes eS, and uS connote eukaryotic and universal ribosomal proteins of the small subunit respectively. The prefixes eL, and uL connote eukaryotic and universal ribosomal proteins of the large subunit respectively.

Interestingly, albeit within an integrated system of transcriptional and translational regulation, some extent of uniqueness occurs among RPs in the defined physiological regulation of specific genes [2]. This gave rise to the cogent suspicion that RPs have physiological significance extraneous to ribosome biogenesis and protein biosynthesis. Indeed, as early as the mid-90s, evidence emerged to explain the extra-ribosomal functions of RPs that include DNA replication, transcription, DNA repair, DNA splicing and modification, and apoptosis [3]. Since then, there has been a steady increase in reports or findings documenting these extraneous functions of RPs [4,5,6] as listed in Table 1. The tight relationship of ribosomal proteins with cell development and differentiation through their extra-ribosomal functions also means that any altercation of their structures and/or expression can result in mal-development and malignancy. The physiological connection between RPs and cancers has also been extensively reviewed and explained [5, 6], including their interaction with the p53-MDM2 complex in events of carcinogenesis [7]. The focus of this review is confined to the relationships of RPs with nasopharyngeal carcinoma (NPC). This cancer begins as a malignant tumour at the epithelial lining of the nasopharynx, more precisely at the Fossa of Rosenmuller – a depression next to and above the opening of the Eustachian tube [8, 9]. A comprehensive review on NPC-associated RPs (NRPs) and their significance in the NPC oncogenesis is timely to facilitate further endeavours on exploring NRPs as targets for diagnosis and prognostic biomarkers, and targeted drug therapy.

Table 1 Known possible extra-ribosomal functions of eukaryotic ribosomal proteins as derived from Warner and McIntosh, [4]; de las Heras-Rubio et al., [5]; Xu et al., [6]
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As such, this review covers what has been known thus far from the link between RPs and NPC, and what has been proposed regarding the molecular pathogenesis mediated by NPC-associated RPs (NRPs) in NPC situation. Literature reviewed here encompasses findings on cancer-associated RPs, current knowledge on NPC and NRPs, and information on the plausible biological roles of NRPs in the context of NPC carcinogenesis. Issues under discussion include the complex relationship between NRPs and NPC that highlights the complexities on the former’s roles and mechanisms in the neoplasm of the latter; and the applicability of NRPs as biomarkers for NPC.

Ribosomal proteins and cancers

Early evidence of the association between RPs and cancers came from the observations of haploinsufficiency of eS4 in Turner Syndrome [10] and eS19 mutation in the Diamond-Blackfan Anaemia (DBA) condition [11]. Besides eS19, mutations and deregulation of several other RP genes have been reported to be associated with cancer in DBA individuals [12]. In colorectal cancer, numerous RP genes were reportedly dysregulated [13, 14] suggesting their roles in the regulation of cell proliferation, apoptosis, tumor suppressors, and malignant transformation/progression [15]. Besides colorectal malignancy, association of RPs to cancers includes uL14 in lung adenocarcinoma [16]; eL22 in T-cell acute lymphoblastic leukemia [17]; eL8, eL37, eS19, eS21, eS24, and eS27 in prostate cancer [18,19,20]; uS8 in breast cancer [21], eS27 in gastric carcinomas [22]; eL5 and eL14 in ovarian cancer [23]; and uS8 and RACK1 in liver cancer [24, 25]. Table 2 provides an overview of RP-associated cancer-related processes based on information from Xu et al. [6]

Table 2 Plausible roles of RPs in tumorigenesis
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Nasopharyngeal carcinoma (NPC)

NPC patients present with a wide range of symptoms and are usually confirmed upon histopathological examination of tissue biopsies [26]. The World Health Organisation (WHO) classification of NPC constitutes three major types, that is the Type I, II, and III [27] with Type II being the most common [28]. NPC has moderate to high prevalence in Southern China, Southeast Asia, Arctic and North Africa [29,30,31,32,33] and particularly among the Cantonese in China [32, 33]. Early indication of genetic susceptibility to NPC came from the Human Leucocyte Antigen (HLA) factor [34]. This is followed by reports of allelic loss in chromosome 3p, 11q, and the inactivation of RASSF1A [35,36,37]. Besides this, a correlation between NPC pathogenesis and Epstein-Barr Virus (EBV) infection has been established [38] with higher EBV positivity in Type II compared to Type I NPC [39]. Environmental factors such as the over-consumption of salt-preserved food [40,41,42], cigarette smoking [40, 41, 43], and cumulative exposure to formaldehyde [44] have been reportedly linked to the increased risk of NPC. Almost all NPC scenarios begin with EBV infection, but the concerted roles of genetic factors, viral infection, and environmental triggers are necessary for the manifestation of the disease.

Diagnosis and treatment of NPC

NPC is one of the most misdiagnosed cancers whereby a majority of reported cases are from advanced stages with poor prognosis. Only 9% of cases are detected at Stage I, while 83 and 39% at Stages II/III, and IV respectively [45]. Conventional diagnosis is by nasopharyngeal endoscopy, lymph node histopathology, and immunoassay of EBV-derived antigens [46]. Biomarkers such as Galectin-1 [47], SRY-related HMG-box 4 (SOX4) [48], CXC chemokine receptor type 7 (CXCR7) [49], hypoxia up-regulated 1 (HYOU1) [50], Kelch Domain Containing 4 (KLHDC4) [51], Aldo-keto-reductase 1B10 (AKR1B10) [52], prohibitin-1 (PHB1) [53], and Cyclooxygnenase 2 (Cox-2) [54] have also been identified. A combined approach of using the C-C motif chemokine ligand 27 (CCL27) biomarker and EBV-associated antigens can increase detection sensitivity [55]. Treatment of NPC depends on the location and invasiveness of the tumor, as well as the patient’s overall health status. Early non-metastatic stages (in situ tumors) is usually treated using the intensity-modulated radiotherapy (IMRT) [56]. Advanced stages are often managed using radiotherapy and chemotherapy (docetaxel, cisplatin or 5-fluorouracil) [57]. Recently, the molecule-based targeted therapy using Cetuximab (a chimeric monoclonal antibody that targets and inhibits the epidermal growth factor receptor, EGFR) concurrently with induction cisplatin-based chemoradiotherapy has significantly increased the overall survival rate of patients [58].

Ribosomal proteins and nasopharyngeal carcinoma

Initial findings of NPC-associated RP (NRP) were revealed in the elevated expression of metallopanstimulin 1 (MPS-1) in head and neck malignancies [59] – an RP encoded by the eS27 gene [60]. The transcript levels of eS27 and eS26 have also been found to be down-regulated in NPC tissues [61]. Hence, besides establishing eS27 as the first NRP, an additional NRP (eS26) was identified. This baited the question on the full repertoire of NRPs. Indeed, a study by Fang and co-workers [62] revealed the transcripts of uS7 and uS19 to be up-regulated in NPC tissues. It seems that the aberrant expressions of selected RP genes are connected with NPC tumorigenesis. The analysis of 18 RP genes of the large ribosomal subunit component by comparing their expression pattern between NPC cell lines (derived from keratinising-differentiated and non-keratinising-poorly differentiated squamous cell carcinoma tumours of the nasopharynx) and normal control uncovered three RP genes (eL27, eL43, and eL41) to be significantly down-regulated in the NPC cell lines [63]. However, a subsequent study revealed these three RP genes to be markedly over-expressed, in terms of transcript and protein levels, in NPC cell lines compared to normal control [64]. These conflicting results raised more confusion over the nature of the expression pattern of NRP genes between different studies. Nevertheless, in a later study involving more cell lines, four more RP genes (uS8, uS4, eS31, and uL14) that are differentially expressed between cancer and normal cell lines were discovered [65]. These were down-regulated in NPC cell lines rather than up-regulated. Finally, in a most recent study, the down-regulation of eL14 and up-regulation of uS19 in NPC cell lines relative to normal control were reported [66]. This brings the repertoire of NRP genes to 12, comprising 5 and 7 members from the large and small ribosomal subunits respectively. Four and five RP genes are categorically up-regulated and down-regulated respectively, while four other RP genes are arguably inconsistent between studies. Table 3 summarises the latest list of NRP genes.

Table 3 List of differentially expressed RP genes in the context of NPC tumourigenesis
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Despite the strong association of RPs with NPC carcinogenesis, little is known about their mechanism(s) in the malignancy. A problem here is their inconsistent expression patterns between different studies (Table 3). For example, early studies on eS27 [59] revealed its up-regulation in NPC tissues relative to normal nasopharyngeal tissues. A subsequent study showed that it was down-regulated instead in NPC tissues [61]. Compounding this was a later study [67] that nullified both eS27 and eS26 to be linked to NPC tumorigenesis. Similarly, the narrative of eL27, eL41, and eL43 changes when studied at different period despite using the same cancer models [63, 64]. This phenomenon is difficult to elucidate and indicates the complex relationship between RP genes and NPC malignancy.

The disparity in expression patterns among the different NRP genes suggesting their unique behaviours in NPC. Some NRPs are up-regulated while others are down-regulated (Table 3). There is no regular or predictable pattern. Is this irregularity due to their specialised activities during organogenesis? A possible answer to this is the fact that an intricate level of specialisation exists among RPs in the precise regulation of specific genes during cellular processes [2]. Since the activities of each NRP differ from one another, their dysregulation (albeit varied in nature) could concertedly contribute to carcinogenesis.

Another concern in the expression pattern of NRPs is that many of the findings are based on transcript (mRNA) levels. There is a possibility that post-translational control involving the rapid degradation of surplus NRPs may balance the effects of differential transcript levels. However, a parallel pattern between differentially expressed mRNAs and proteins of three RP genes has been observed in the NPC cell lines [64]. In fact, in an in vivo study to compare mRNA and protein levels in an ovarian cancer model, differentially expressed mRNAs did correlate significantly with their protein products – better than in situation involving non-differentially expressed mRNAs [68]. Therefore, interpreting differentially expressed transcripts of selected RPs as NRPs is still relevant. Nevertheless, further studies to compare the mRNA and protein levels of all NRPs are needed to establish this relationship.

Putative partners of ribosomal proteins in NPC scenario

Before the discovery of NRPs, a preliminary indication of RP-linked NPC oncogenesis came from the observation of the association between eL22 and EBV. eL22 binds to one of the EBV-encoded RNAs, EBER-1 [69] and EBERs have been known to enhance the proliferative capability of NPC cells [70]. Therefore, a role for EBV in NPC oncogenesis via the agency of NRPs is logical, specifically via the eL22-EBER-1 complex. In Burkitt’s Lymphoma cell lines, elevated proliferation was attributed to the sequestration of eL22 by EBER-1 and its subsequent relocalisation from nucleoli to nucleoplasm [71]. Whether these events are similar in NPC scenario remain to be explored.

In the case of protein partners of NRPs, a prospective scenario is the RP-MDM2-p53 pathway. The tumour suppressor, p53 plays a pivotal function in cellular stability in response to nucleolar stress and is negatively regulated by a few factors, one of which is the Mouse Double Minute 2 homolog (MDM2) protein [72]. Incidentally, MDM2 interact directly with several types of RP such as uL4, uL5, uL14, uL18, uL24, eS7, and eS25 [73,74,75]. Except for uL24, these RPs bind to MDM2 to inhibit its function of ubiquitination and degradation of p53 during events of cellular stress. Conversely, uL24 is a direct translational activator of p53, and is itself negatively regulated by MDM2 [75]. p53 is the most frequently mutated gene in NPC [76] with specific mutation able to confer its oncogenic potential in NPC cells [77]. It is also linked to poor prognosis and worse survival rate of NPC patients, while MDM2 expression correlates with distant metastasis [78]. The connection between EBV infection and p53 expression in NPC oncogenesis [79, 80] may also include the hypothetical RP-MDM2-p53 pathway. In fact, there is now in silico evidence of plausible logical interactions between four EBV-related proteins with a myriad of RPs (Fig. 1) [81]. More specifically, the functional interactions between the Epstein–Barr nuclear antigen 1 (EBNA1) protein with four RPs individually via the complexes of EBNA1-eS10, EBNA1-eS25, EBNA1-uL10, and EBNA1-uL11 have been predicted. These are pertinent information not because EBNA1 is the only EBV protein found in all EBV-related malignancies [82, 83] but because it is the first time an EBV-encoded protein is suspected to be associated with RPs. Although the biological relevance of these hypothetical interactions to NPC oncogenesis requires experimental proof, the most plausible candidate is the EBNA1-eS25 complex.

Fig. 1
figure 1

Computationally predicted interactions between EBV and ribosomal proteins (taken from Sim & Talwar, [81])

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EBNA1 binds with the cellular ubiquitin-specific protease (USP7/HAUSP) [84, 85], in the same site as that recognised and bound by p53 and MDM2 [86]. In a way, EBNA1 competes with p53/MDM2 in binding with USP7. The interaction between USP7 and p53/MDM2 affects the de-ubiquitination and stabilisation of p53 [87, 88]. When EBNA-1 binds to USP7 the latter is sequestered by the former thereby creating an environment where p53 cannot be stabilised (Fig. 2). eS25 has also been shown to bind to MDM2 and subsequently inhibiting MDM2 from destabilising p53 [74]. The sequestration of MDM2 by eS25 facilitates the activation and stabilisation of p53 (Fig. 2). eS25 and USP7 have the same effect on the MDM2-p53 pathway with the outcome of a stabilised p53. In the EBNA1-USP7 scenario, a direct interaction between EBNA1 and USP7 has been experimentally proven [84]. The interaction between EBNA1 and eS25 is, however, only computationally predicted and requires experimental verification. Moreover, the direct association between EBNA1 and the MDM2-p53 complex is yet to be determined. It seems that the only way for EBNA1 to abrogate tumour suppression by p53 is via intermediary factors. Both USP7 and eS25 fit the description of such intermediary factors. A hypothetical elucidation of their roles in NPC oncogenesis is illustrated in Fig. 2.

Fig. 2
figure 2

Schematic diagram of the hypothetical elucidation on the roles of EBNA1, eS25, and USP7 in NPC oncogenesis

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Another relevant narrative based on our computational analysis is the predicted interaction between the EBV-encoded latent membrane protein 1, LMP1 and the RP, uS19 (Fig. 1). LMP1 is the principal viral oncoprotein of EBV [89] and is expressed in many human malignancies [90], including NPC [91]. The uS19 transcript is overexpressed in NPC tissues [62] and cell lines [66]. The speculated interplay between LMP1 and uS19 during NPC oncogenesis can be anecdotally construed from literature other than their overexpression in NPC tissues/cells. LMP1 has been known to affect the normal functioning of p53 via various mechanisms. These include the inhibition of p53-mediated apoptosis through induction of the TNFAIP3/A20 pathway [92], phosphorylation-associated modification of p53 activity through the activation of the MAPK/SAPK pathway [93], overriding tumour suppressor activity of p53 by synergising with Bcl-2 [94], and triggering expression of MDM2 to induce p53 degradation [95]. For uS19, its role in the activation of p53 via direct interaction with MDM2 has been reported [7]. By directly binding to MDM2, the E3 ubiquitin ligase activity of MDM2 is inhibited leading to p53 stabilisation. Combining literature knowledge of LMP1 and uS19 in this respect, we speculate that upon EBV infection of nasopharyngeal epithelial cells, LMP1 influences a series of molecular events that destabilises p53 including removing the regulatory role of uS19 in the MDM2-p53 pathway.

The latest discovery on the potential pathways mediated by NRP involves the eL27 protein. Initially, the mRNA transcript of this NRP was found to be down-regulated in NPC cell lines [61] but later discovered its transcript and protein to be elevated [64]. Most recently and importantly, from a deeper analysis that included gene knockdown, protein profiling, and bioinformatics, 15 possible interacting partners of eL27 and their plausible roles in the pathogenesis of NPC (Fig. 3) were identified [96].

Fig. 3
figure 3

A flowchart of NPC pathogenesis that is associated with the activities of the ribosomal protein, eL27 (taken from Sim & Yew [96])

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Future outlook

The connection between RPs and NPC is an established relationship not only because a sizable list of NRPs is available, but also that several putative RP-mediated pathways relevant to NPC malignancy are evident. This account is crucial in the prudent interpretation of the molecular basis of NPC. Biomedical applications will benefit immensely from this. Studies on chemical and molecular inducers/inhibitors of NRPs can be explored as one of the treatment regimes. Also, an NRP-based platform for molecular diagnosis and prognosis of NPC can be developed. Despite current advances in the understanding of NRPs, knowledge of the complex biochemical networks and molecular events mediated by them during NPC malignancy is still insufficient. It is because the expression behaviours of some NRPs are still elusive. In addition, more studies that look into their protein (rather than just transcript/mRNA) activity levels and functions will be required to firmly establish the nature of their relationship with NPC tumorigenesis. Whether NRPs can be labelled as culprits or sentinels or both in the context of NPC oncogenesis is unclear at the present moment. Deriving a definitive NRP-mediated pathway underlying the pathogenesis of NPC pathogenesis will ultimately require more extensive and in-depth studies.

Conclusions

Expression, functional, and bioinformatics studies over the years have cumulatively provided a considerable repertoire of NRPs and multiple proposed pathways. These provide essential insights into the molecular narrative of nasopharyngeal cancer that will aid future biomedical innovation in managing this disease. Nevertheless, in tandem with potential translational research, fundamental studies on the NRP-mediated molecular pathogenesis of NPC remain vital.