EMT Transition States during Tumor Progression and Metastasis

CD147 promotes breast cancer migration and invasion by inducing epithelial-mesenchymal transition via the MAPK/ERK signaling pathway

BACKGROUND

CD147, a transmembrane glycoprotein, has been implicated in various cancer-related processes but its role in breast cancer remains poorly understood. Herein, we investigated the expression of CD147 in different breast cancer cell lines and explored its functional roles, including migration, invasion, drug resistance and modulation of key proteins associated with cancer progression.

METHODS

The expression of CD147 was assessed in MCF-10 A, BT549, MDA-MB-231 and MCF-7 breast cancer cell lines using qRT-PCR and Western blotting, following which lyposome transfections were performed, leading overexpression of CD147 in BT549 cells and knockdown of CD147 in MCF-7 cells. Scratch assays and Transwell invasion and were performed to evaluate the cells' migration and invasion abilities. Sensitivity to 5-FU was determined via CCK-8 assays, and the expression of Snail1, E-cadherin, Vimentin, MMP-9 and the MAPK/ERK pathway were analyzed by qRT-PCR and Western blotting.

RESULTS

Compared with normal beast epithelial cells, CD147 was highly expressed in all breast cancer cell lines, with the highest overexpression observed in MCF-7 cells and the lowest overexpression observed in BT549 cells. Overexpression of CD147 in BT549 cells increased, migration, invasion, viability and resistance to 5-FU of BT549 cells, while CD147 knockdown in MCF-7 cells reduced these properties of MCF-7 cells. Furthermore, CD147 influenced the expression of Snail1, Vimentin, E-cadherin, and MMP-9, suggesting its involvement in epithelial-mesenchymal transition (EMT) regulation. The MAPK/ERK pathway was activated by CD147 in BT549 cells, as indicated by increased p-MEK/MEK ratio and p-ERK/ERK ratio. In contrast, CD147 silencing in MCF-7 cells resulted in reduced p-MEK/MEK ratio and p-ERK/ERK ratio.

CONCLUSION

In summary, our findings suggest CD147 as a potential therapeutic target in breast cancer treatment, particularly in cases where drug resistance and metastasis are concerns, worthy of further explorations.

Single-cell Analysis Reveals Inter- and Intratumour Heterogeneity in Metastatic Breast Cancer

Metastasis is the leading cause of cancer-related deaths of breast cancer patients. Some cancer cells in a tumour go through successive steps, referred to as the metastatic cascade, and give rise to metastases at a distant site. We know that the plasticity and heterogeneity of cancer cells play critical roles in metastasis but the precise underlying molecular mechanisms remain elusive. Here we aimed to identify molecular mechanisms of metastasis during colonization, one of the most important yet poorly understood steps of the cascade. We performed single-cell RNA-Seq (scRNA-Seq) on tumours and matched lung macrometastases of patient-derived xenografts of breast cancer. After correcting for confounding factors such as the cell cycle and the percentage of detected genes (PDG), we identified cells in three states in both tumours and metastases. Gene-set enrichment analysis revealed biological processes specific to proliferation and invasion in two states. Our findings suggest that these states are a balance between epithelial-to-mesenchymal (EMT) and mesenchymal-to-epithelial transitions (MET) traits that results in so-called partial EMT phenotypes. Analysis of the top differentially expressed genes (DEGs) between these cell states revealed a common set of partial EMT transcription factors (TFs) controlling gene expression, including ZNF750, OVOL2, TP63, TFAP2C and HEY2. Our data suggest that the TFs related to EMT delineate different cell states in tumours and metastases. The results highlight the marked interpatient heterogeneity of breast cancer but identify common features of single cells from five models of metastatic breast cancer.

RCN1 deficiency inhibits oral squamous cell carcinoma progression and THP-1 macrophage M2 polarization

Reticulocalbin 1 (RCN1), a calcium-binding protein located in the endoplasmic reticulum (ER) lumen, contains six conserved regions. Its main functions include maintaining intracellular homeostasis and regulating cell proliferation and apoptosis, and it plays an important role in the development of various tumours. However, the exact function of RCN1 in oral squamous cell carcinoma (OSCC) is not fully understood. Therefore, the aim of this study was to investigate the effects of RCN1 on the biological behaviour of OSCC and the regulation of tumour-associated macrophage (TAM) polarization. The expression of RCN1 in OSCC and normal oral mucosa was evaluated through bioinformatics analysis and immunohistochemical staining. The growth, migration, and invasion of OSCC cells were observed after knockdown of RCN1 using CCK-8 and Transwell assays. Apoptosis was detected by flow cytometry. The effect of tumour cell-derived RCN1 on the polarization of THP-1 macrophages was investigated by establishing a coculture model of THP-1 macrophages and OSCC cells. Additionally, changes in the expression levels of relevant proteins were detected using Western blotting. The upregulation of RCN1 in tumour tissues compared to normal oral mucosal tissues is associated with a poor prognosis and can be utilized as a prognostic indicator for OSCC. Knockdown of RCN1 inhibited the proliferation, migration, and invasion of OSCC cells. Additionally, knockdown of RCN1 in Cal-27 and SCC-25 cells resulted in inhibition of the M2 polarization of THP-1 macrophages. RCN1 knockdown inhibits OSCC progression and M2 macrophage polarization. Targeting RCN1 may be a promising approach for OSCC treatment.

Dysregulated Repeat Element Viral-like Immune Response in Hepatocellular Carcinoma

Purpose

Dysregulation of viral-like repeat RNAs are a common feature across many malignancies that are linked with immunological response, but the characterization of these in hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) is understudied. In this study, we performed RNA in situ hybridization (RNA-ISH) of different repeat RNAs, immunohistochemistry (IHC) for immune cell subpopulations, and spatial transcriptomics to understand the relationship of HCC repeat expression, immune response, and clinical outcomes.

Experimental Design

RNA-ISH for LINE1, HERV-K, HERV-H, and HSATII repeats and IHC for T-cell, Treg, B-cell, macrophage, and immune checkpoint markers were performed on 43 resected HCC specimens. Spatial transcriptomics on tumor and vessel regions of interest was performed on 28 specimens from the same cohort.

Results

High HERV-K and high LINE1 expression were both associated with worse overall survival. There was a positive correlation between LINE1 expression and FOXP3 T-regulatory cells (r = 0.51 p < 0.001) as well as expression of the TIM3 immune checkpoint (r = 0.34, p = 0.03). Spatial transcriptomic profiling of HERV-K high and LINE-1 high tumors identified elevated expression of multiple genes previously associated with epithelial mesenchymal transition, cellular proliferation, and worse overall prognosis in HCC including SSX1, MAGEC2, and SPINK1.

Conclusion

Repeat RNAs may serve as useful prognostic biomarkers in HCC and may also serve as novel therapeutic targets. Additional study is needed to understand the mechanisms by which repeat RNAs impact HCC tumorigenesis.

Identification of a core EMT signature that separates basal-like breast cancers into partial- and post-EMT subtypes

Epithelial-mesenchymal transition (EMT) is a cellular plasticity program critical for embryonic development and tissue regeneration, and aberrant EMT is associated with disease including cancer. The high degree of plasticity in the mammary epithelium is reflected in extensive heterogeneity among breast cancers. Here, we have analyzed RNA-sequencing data from three different mammary epithelial cell line-derived EMT models and identified a robust mammary EMT gene expression signature that separates breast cancers into distinct subgroups. Most strikingly, the basal-like breast cancers form two subgroups displaying partial-EMT and post-EMT gene expression patterns. We present evidence that key EMT-associated transcription factors play distinct roles at different stages of EMT in mammary epithelial cells.

Contemporaneous Perioperative Inflammatory and Angiogenic Cytokine Profiles of Surgical Breast, Colorectal, and Prostate Cancer Patients: Clinical Implications

Surgery-induced tumor growth acceleration and synchronous metastatic growth promotion have been observed for decades. Surgery-induced wound healing, orchestrated through growth factors, chemokines, and cytokines, can negatively impact patients harboring residual or metastatic disease. We provide detailed clinical evidence of this process in surgical breast, prostate, and colorectal cancer patients. Plasma samples were analyzed from 68 cancer patients who had not received treatment before surgery or adjuvant therapy until at least four weeks post-surgery. The levels of plasma cytokines, chemokines, and growth factors were simultaneously quantified and profiled using multiplexed immunoassays for eight time points sampled per patient. The immunologic processes are induced immediately after surgery in patients, characterized by a drastic short-term shift in the expression levels of pro-inflammatory and angiogenic molecules and cytokines. A rapid and significant spike in circulating plasma levels of hepatocyte growth factor (HGF), interleukin-6 (IL-6), placental growth factor (PLGF), and matrix metalloproteinase-9 (MMP-9) after surgery was noted. The rise in these molecules was concomitant with a significant drop in transforming growth factor-β1 (TGF-β1), platelet-derived growth factor (PDGF-AB/BB), insulin-like growth factor-1 (IGF-1), and monocyte chemoattractant protein-2 (MCP-2). If not earlier, each plasma analyte was normalized to baseline levels within 1-2 weeks after surgery, suggesting that surgical intervention alone was responsible for these effects. The effects of surgical tumor removal on disrupting the pro-inflammatory and angiogenic plasma profiles of cancer patients provide evidence for potentiating malignant progression. Our findings indicate a narrow therapeutic window of opportunity after surgery to prevent disease recurrence.

Role of SYVN1 in the control of airway remodeling in asthma protection by promoting SIRT2 ubiquitination and degradation

BACKGROUND

Asthma is a heterogenous disease that characterized by airway remodeling. SYVN1 (Synoviolin 1) acts as an E3 ligase to mediate the suppression of endoplasmic reticulum (ER) stress through ubiquitination and degradation. However, the role of SYVN1 in the pathogenesis of asthma is unclear.

RESULTS

In the present study, an ovalbumin (OVA)-induced murine model was used to evaluate the effect of SYVN1 on asthma. An increase in SYVN1 expression was observed in the lungs of mice after OVA induction. Overexpression of SYVN1 attenuated airway inflammation, goblet cell hyperplasia and collagen deposition induced by OVA. The increased ER stress-related proteins and altered epithelial-mesenchymal transition (EMT) markers were also inhibited by SYVN1 in vivo. Next, TGF-β1-induced bronchial epithelial cells (BEAS-2B) were used to induce EMT process in vitro. Results showed that TGF-β1 stimulation downregulated the expression of SYVN1, and SYVN1 overexpression prevented ER stress response and EMT process in TGF-β1-induced cells. In addition, we identified that SYVN1 bound to SIRT2 and promoted its ubiquitination and degradation. SIRT2 overexpression abrogated the protection of SYVN1 on ER stress and EMT in vitro.

CONCLUSIONS

These data suggest that SYVN1 suppresses ER stress through the ubiquitination and degradation of SIRT2 to block EMT process, thereby protecting against airway remodeling in asthma.

Transcriptional regulation of EMT transcription factors in cancer

The epithelial-mesenchymal transition (EMT) is one of the processes by which epithelial cells transdifferentiate into mesenchymal cells in the developmental stage, known as "complete EMT." In epithelial cancer, EMT, also termed "partial EMT," is associated with invasion, metastasis, and resistance to therapy, and is elicited by several transcription factors, frequently referred to as EMT transcription factors. Among these transcription factors that regulate EMT, ZEB1/2 (ZEB1 and ZEB2), SNAIL, and TWIST play a prominent role in driving the EMT process (hereafter referred to as "EMT-TFs"). Among these, ZEB1/2 show positive correlation with both expression of mesenchymal marker proteins and the aggressiveness of various carcinomas. On the other hand, TWIST and SNAIL are also correlated with the aggressiveness of carcinomas, but are not highly correlated with mesenchymal marker protein expression. Interestingly, these EMT-TFs are not detected simultaneously in any studied cases of aggressive cancers, except for sarcoma. Thus, only one or some of the EMT-TFs are expressed at high levels in cells of aggressive carcinomas. Expression of EMT-TFs is regulated by transforming growth factor-β (TGF-β), a well-established inducer of EMT, in cooperation with other signaling molecules, such as active RAS signals. The focus of this review is the molecular mechanisms by which EMT-TFs are transcriptionally sustained at sufficiently high levels in cells of aggressive carcinomas and upregulated by TGF-β during cancer progression.

Exosomal non-coding RNAs: Blueprint in colorectal cancer metastasis and therapeutic targets

Colorectal cancer (CRC) is ranked as the world's third-most prevalent cancer, and metastatic CRC considerably increases cancer-related fatalities globally. A number of complex mechanisms that are strictly controlled at the molecular level are involved in metastasis, which is the primary reason for death in people with CRC. Recently, it has become clear that exosomes, which are small extracellular vesicles released by non-tumorous and tumorigenic cells, play a critical role as communication mediators among tumor microenvironment (TME). To facilitate communication between the TME and cancer cells, non-coding RNAs (ncRNAs) play a crucial role and are recognized as potent regulators of gene expression and cellular processes, such as metastasis and drug resistance. NcRNAs are now recognized as potent regulators of gene expression and many hallmarks of cancer, including metastasis. Exosomal ncRNAs, like miRNAs, circRNAs, and lncRNAs, have been demonstrated to influence a number of cellular mechanisms that contribute to CRC metastasis. However, the molecular mechanisms that link exosomal ncRNAs with CRC metastasis are not well understood. This review highlights the essential roles that exosomal ncRNAs play in the progression of CRC metastatic disease and explores the therapeutic choices that are open to patients who have CRC metastases. However, exosomal ncRNA treatment strategy development is still in its early phases; consequently, additional investigation is required to improve delivery methods and find novel therapeutic targets as well as confirm the effectiveness and safety of these therapies in preclinical and clinical contexts.

Brusatol enhances MEF2A expression to inhibit RCC progression through the Wnt signalling pathway in renal cell carcinoma

Renal cell carcinoma (RCC) is the most aggressive subtype of kidney tumour with a poor prognosis and an increasing incidence rate worldwide. Brusatol, an essential active ingredient derived from Brucea javanica, exhibits potent antitumour properties. Our study aims to explore a novel treatment strategy for RCC patients. We predicted 37 molecular targets of brusatol based on the structure of brusatol, and MEF2A (Myocyte Enhancer Factor 2A) was selected as our object through bioinformatic analyses. We employed various experimental techniques, including RT-PCR, western blot, CCK8, colony formation, immunofluorescence, wound healing, flow cytometry, Transwell assays and xenograft mouse models, to investigate the impact of MEF2A on RCC. MEF2A expression was found to be reduced in patients with RCC, indicating a close correlation with MEF2A deubiquitylation. Additionally, the protective effects of brusatol on MEF2A were observed. The overexpression of MEF2A inhibits RCC cell proliferation, invasion and migration. In xenograft mice, MEF2A overexpression in RCC cells led to reduced tumour size compared to the control group. The underlying mechanism involves the inhibition of RCC cell proliferation, invasion, migration and epithelial-mesenchymal transition (EMT) through the modulation of Wnt/β-catenin signalling. Altogether, we found that MEF2A overexpression inhibits RCC progression by Wnt/β-catenin signalling, providing novel insight into diagnosis, treatment and prognosis for RCC patients.

Emerging roles of circular RNAs in the invasion and metastasis of head and neck cancer: Possible functions and mechanisms

Head and neck cancer (HNC) is the seventh most prevalent malignancy worldwide in 2020. Cancer metastasis is the main cause of poor prognosis in HNC patients. Recently, circular RNAs (circRNAs), initially thought to have no biological function, are attracting increasing attention, and their crucial roles in mediating HNC metastasis are being extensively investigated. Existing studies have shown that circRNAs primarily function through miRNA sponges, transcriptional regulation, interacting with RNA-binding proteins (RBPs) and as translation templates. Among these functions, the function of miRNA sponge is the most prominent. In this review, we summarized the reported circRNAs involved in HNC metastasis, aiming to elucidate the regulatory relationship between circRNAs and HNC metastasis. Furthermore, we summarized the latest advances in the epidemiological information of HNC metastasis and the tumor metastasis theories, the biogenesis, characterization and functional mechanisms of circRNAs, and their potential clinical applications. Although the research on circRNAs is still in its infancy, circRNAs are expected to serve as prognostic markers and effective therapeutic targets to inhibit HNC metastasis and significantly improve the prognosis of HNC patients.

IGF2 is upregulated by its antisense RNA to potentiate pancreatic cancer progression

Pancreatic cancer is a deadly cancer. More and more long noncoding RNAs (lncRNAs) have received confirmation to be dysregulated in tumors and exert the regulatory function. Studies have suggested that lncRNA insulin-like growth factor 2 antisense RNA (IGF2-AS) participates in the development of some cancers. Thus, we attempted to clarify its function in pancreatic cancer. Reverse-transcription quantitative polymerase chain reaction was applied for testing IGF2-AS expression in pancreatic cancer cells. Colony formation and Transwell wound experiments were applied for determining cell proliferative, migratory, and invasive capabilities. The alteration of epithelial-mesenchymal transition (EMT)-related gene level was tested via western blot. The mice model was established for measuring the tumor growth and metastasis. RIP validated the interaction of RNAs. IGF2-AS displays high expression in pancreatic cancer cells. IGF2-AS depletion repressed PC cell proliferative, migratory, invasive capabilities, and EMT process. Furthermore, pancreatic cancer tumor growth and metastasis were also inhibited by IGF2-AS depletion. Additionally, IGF2-AS positively regulated IGF2 level via recruiting HNRNPC. IGF2 overexpression counteracted the functions of IGF2-AS deficiency on pancreatic cancer cell behaviors. Moreover, IGF2R deletion was found to inhibit the positive effect of IGF2 on pancreatic cancer progression. IGF2-AS potentiates pancreatic cancer cell proliferation, tumor growth, and metastasis by recruiting HNRNPC via the IGF2-IGF2R regulatory pathway. These discoveries might offer a novel insight for treatment of PC, which may facilitate targeted therapies of PC in clinical practice.

MIOX inhibits autophagy to regulate the ROS -driven inhibition of STAT3/c-Myc-mediated epithelial-mesenchymal transition in clear cell renal cell carcinoma

The specific mechanism of clear cell renal cell carcinoma (ccRCC) progression, a pathological type that accounts for the highest proportion of RCC, remains unclear. In this study, bioinformatics analysis of scRNA-seq dataset in ccRCC revealed that MIOX was a gene specifically down-regulated in tumor epithelial cells of ccRCC. Analysis of the TCGA database further validated the association between decreased MIOX mRNA levels and ccRCC malignant phenotype and poor prognosis. Immunohistochemistry indicated the down-regulation of MIOX in ccRCC tissues compared to paired adjacent renal tissues, with further down-regulation of MIOX in the primary tumors of patients with primary metastasis compared to those without metastasis. Also, patients with low expression of MIOX showed shorter metastasis-free survival (MFS) compared to those with high MIOX expression. In vitro results showed that overexpression of MIOX in ccRCC cells inhibited the proliferation, migration and invasion and promoted apoptosis. Mechanistically, up-regulation of MIOX inhibited autophagy to elevate the levels of ROS, and thus suppressed STAT3/c-Myc-mediated epithelial-mesenchymal transition in ccRCC cells. In vivo data further confirmed that increased MIOX expression suppressed the growth and proliferation of RCC cells and reduced the ability of RCC cells to form metastases in the lung. This study demonstrates that MIOX is an important regulatory molecule of ccRCC, which is conducive to understanding the potential molecular mechanism of ccRCC progression.

EMT-induced immune evasion: connecting the dots from mechanisms to therapy

Epithelial-mesenchymal transition (EMT) is a dynamic program crucial for organismal development and tissue regeneration. Unfortunately, this program is often hijacked by epithelial tumors to facilitate metastasis. Beyond its role in cancer spread, EMT increases cancer cell survival by activating stem cell programs and bypassing apoptotic programs. Importantly, the capacity of EMT to enforce tumor progression by altering the tumor cell phenotype without triggering immune responses opens the intriguing possibility of a mechanistic link between EMT-driven cancers and immune evasion. Indeed, EMT has been acknowledged as a of driver immune evasion, but the mechanisms are still evolving. Here, we review recent insights into the influence of EMT on tumor immune evasion. Specifically, we focus on the mechanistic roles of EMT in immune escape as the basis that may provide a platform for innovative therapeutic approaches in advanced tumors. We summarize promising therapeutic approaches currently in clinical trials and trending preclinical studies aimed at reinvigorating the tumor microenvironment to create immune-permissive conditions that facilitates immune-mediated tumor clearance. We anticipate that this will assist researchers and pharmaceutical companies in understanding how EMT compromises the immune response, potentially paving the way for effective cancer therapies.

Discovery of a Dual-Target Inhibitor of CDK7 and HDAC1 That Induces Apoptosis and Inhibits Migration in Colorectal Cancer

Aberrant expression or dysfunction of cyclin-dependent kinase 7(CDK7) and histone deacetylase 1 (HDAC1) are associated with the occurrence and progression of various cancers. In this study, we developed a series of dual-target inhibitors by designing and synthesizing compounds that incorporate the pharmacophores of THZ2 and SAHA. The most potent dual-target inhibitor displayed robust inhibitory activity against several types of cancer cells and demonstrated promising inhibitory effects on both CDK7 and HDAC1. After further mechanistic studies, it was discovered that this inhibitor effectively arrested HCT-116 cells at the G2 phase and induced apoptosis. Additionally, it also significantly hindered the migration of HCT-116 cells and exhibited notable anti-tumor effects. These findings offer strong support for the development of dual-target inhibitors of CDK7 and HDAC1 and provide a promising avenue for future cancer therapy.

Integration and deconvolution methodology deciphering prognosis-related signatures in lung adenocarcinoma

PURPOSE

This study aims to establish a risk prediction model based on prognosis-related genes (PRGs) and clinicopathological factors, and investigate the biological activities of PRGs in lung adenocarcinoma (LUAD).

METHODS

Risk score signatures were developed by employing multiple algorithms and their amalgamations. A predictive model for overall survival was established through the integration of risk score signatures and several clinicopathological parameters. A comprehensive single-cell atlas, gene set enrichment analysis (GSEA) and gene set variation analysis (GSVA) were used to investigate the biological activities of prognosis-related genes in LUAD.

RESULTS

A risk prediction model was established based on 16 PRGs, exhibiting robust performance in predicting overall survival. The single-cell analysis revealed that epithelial cells were primarily associated with worse survival of LUAD, and PRGs were predominantly enriched in malignant epithelial cells and influenced epithelial cell growth and progression. Furthermore, GSEA and GSVA analysis showed that PRGs were involved in tumor pathways such as epithelial-mesenchymal transition, hypoxia and KRAS_UP, and high GSVA scores are correlated with worse outcome in LUAD patients.

CONCLUSIONS

The constructed risk prediction model in this study offers clinicians a valuable tool for tailoring treatment strategies of LUAD and provides a comprehensive interpretation on the biological activities of PRGs in LUAD.

DARS2 promotes the occurrence of lung adenocarcinoma via the ERK/c-Myc signaling pathway

BACKGROUND

DARS2 expression is upregulated in lung adenocarcinoma (LUAD) which correlates with tumor patient stage and prognosis. The mechanism of DARS2 involvement in LUAD still needs to be further explored.

METHODS

In this study, we found that DARS2 expression in LUAD tissue was significantly higher than that in normal tissue. At the same time, the Kaplan-Meier curve showed that the survival prognosis of LUAD patients with high expression of DARS2 was significantly worse than low expression of DARS2. The expression of DARS2 was detected in LUAD and adjacent normal tissues by IHC staining, histochemical scoring and a survival curve was generated. In addition, we demonstrated that the knockdown and overexpression of DARS2 significantly affected the proliferation, invasion, and migration of LUAD cells in vitro and in vivo. Finally, western blot and rescue assay were performed on LUAD cells to further explore and verify the signaling pathway.

RESULTS

DARS2 expression was significantly upregulated in LUAD tissues and cell lines. What is more, the increased expression of DARS2 was closely related to proliferation, invasion and metastasis. The tumorigenic assay in nude mice further showed that the tumorigenic ability of nude mice was significantly improved with the increase in DARS2 expression. Finally, we determined that DARS2 plays its role in LUAD by targeting the ERK/c-Myc signaling pathway.

CONCLUSION

Our data revealed the oncogenic role of DARS2 in LUAD, indicating that DARS2 may be a predictive biomarker and novel therapeutic target for LUAD.

PROS1, a clinical prognostic biomarker and tumor suppressor, is associated with immune cell infiltration in breast cancer: A bioinformatics analysis combined with experimental verification

BACKGROUND

PROS1 is an encoding gene that can generate protein S. This protein is a glycoprotein found in plasma that conducts physiological functions with vitamin K. However, the impact of its expression remains absent in the progression and prognosis of breast cancer (BC).

METHODS

In this study, we comprehensively explored the expression of PROS1 in BC and its relationship with BC patient survival, prognosis, and other clinicopathological features. We investigated how PROS1 influenced the malignant biological behavior of BC cells. A series of enrichment analyses were conducted, and the immune landscape was explored in BC affected by PROS1. We also determined correlations between PROS1 and common drug sensitivities used for BC treatments.

RESULTS

PROS1 had low expression in BC, which tended to result in poor survival of BC patients. Overexpressed PROS1 inhibited the migration and invasion of BC cells as well as the epithelial-mesenchymal transition process by downregulating SNAIL. Functional enrichment analyses revealed that PROS1 was more active in extracellular matrix (ECM) organization and structural constituent, ECM-receptor interaction, and other pathways with its related genes. PROS1 was also found to affect immune activity, including various immune cells infiltrating BC. BC patients with high PROS1 expression tended to have lower IC50 values of three common medications and obtained better efficacy.

CONCLUSIONS

PROS1 can become a promising prognostic factor and a possible therapeutic target in BC patients and suppress BC cell metastatic potential. In addition, PROS1 is a crucial factor in immune infiltration in BC.

Bufalin-loaded vitamin E succinate-grafted chitosan oligosaccharide/RGD-conjugated TPGS mixed micelles inhibit intraperitoneal metastasis of ovarian cancer

Background

Intraperitoneal metastasis is one of the major causes of the high mortality rate of ovarian cancer. Bufalin (BU) is an effective component of the traditional Chinese medicine Chansu that exerts antitumor effects, including metastasis inhibition. In our previous studies, we found that BU inhibited the migration and invasion of ovarian cancer cells. However, the application of BU is limited due to its insolubility, toxicity and imprecise targeting. The aim of this study was to use vitamin E succinate (VES)-grafted chitosan oligosaccharide (CSO)/arginine-glycine-aspartic acid peptide (RGD)-conjugated d-alpha-tocopheryl polyethylene glycol 1000 succinate (TPGS) mixed micelles (VeC/T-RGD MMs) to deliver BU to ovarian cancer cells to inhibit intraperitoneal metastasis. Moreover, the toxicity of BU was reduced by coating it with the mixed micelles to increase its biocompatibility for practical applications.

Results

The BU-loaded VeC/T-RGD MMs (BU@MMs) had an average diameter of 161 ± 1.4 nm, a zeta potential of 4.49 ± 1.54 mV and a loading efficiency of 2.54%. The results showed that these micelles inhibited cell proliferation, induced apoptosis, and reduced the migration and invasion of A2780 and SKOV3 cells. Further studies indicated that BU@MMs enhanced the levels of e-cadherin and decreased the expression levels of N-cadherin, vimentin and Snail in vitro. In addition, the mixed micelles effectively enhanced the anticancer effect and inhibited intraperitoneal metastasis in intraperitoneal metastatic models. The BU@MMs exhibited fewer toxic side effects than BU, indicating better biocompatibility and biosafety for in vivo applications.

Conclusions

Our studies show that BU@MMs are a potential multifunctional nano-drug delivery system that can effectively inhibit the intraperitoneal metastasis of ovarian cancer.

Mechanisms of action of NME metastasis suppressors - a family affair

Metastatic progression is regulated by metastasis promoter and suppressor genes. NME1, the prototypic and first described metastasis suppressor gene, encodes a nucleoside diphosphate kinase (NDPK) involved in nucleotide metabolism; two related family members, NME2 and NME4, are also reported as metastasis suppressors. These proteins physically interact with members of the GTPase dynamin family, which have key functions in membrane fission and fusion reactions necessary for endocytosis and mitochondrial dynamics. Evidence supports a model in which NDPKs provide GTP to dynamins to maintain a high local GTP concentration for optimal dynamin function. NME1 and NME2 are cytosolic enzymes that provide GTP to dynamins at the plasma membrane, which drive endocytosis, suggesting that these NMEs are necessary to attenuate signaling by receptors on the cell surface. Disruption of NDPK activity in NME-deficient tumors may thus drive metastasis by prolonging signaling. NME4 is a mitochondrial enzyme that interacts with the dynamin OPA1 at the mitochondria inner membrane to drive inner membrane fusion and maintain a fused mitochondrial network. This function is consistent with the current view that mitochondrial fusion inhibits the metastatic potential of tumor cells whereas mitochondrial fission promotes metastasis progression. The roles of NME family members in dynamin-mediated endocytosis and mitochondrial dynamics and the intimate link between these processes and metastasis provide a new framework to understand the metastasis suppressor functions of NME proteins.

Circular circRANGAP1 Contributes to Non-small Cell Lung Cancer Progression by Increasing COL11A1 Expression Through Sponging miR-653-5p

Numerous studies have discovered that hsa_circ_0063526 (also known as circRANGAP1) is an oncogenic circular RNA (circRNA) in some human tumors, including non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC). However, the concrete molecular mechanism of circRANGAP1 involved in NSCLC is not completely elucidated. CircRANGAP1, microRNA-653-5p (miR-653-5p), and Type XI collagen (COL11A1) contents were determined via real-time quantitative polymerase chain reaction (RT-qPCR). Cell proliferative ability, migration, and invasion were measured using 5-ethynyl-2'-deoxyuridine (EdU), colony formation, wound healing, and transwell assays. E-cadherin, N-cadherin, Vimentin, and COL11A1 protein levels were detected via western blot assay. After Starbase software prediction, the binding between miR-653-5p and circRANGAP1 or COL11A1 was verified using a dual-luciferase reporter assay. Besides, the role of circRANGAP1 on tumor cell growth was analyzed using a xenograft tumor model in vivo. Increased circRANGAP1 and COL11A1, and reduced miR-653-5p were found in NSCLC tissues and cell lines. Furthermore, circRANGAP1 absence might hinder NSCLC cell proliferation, migration, invasion, and epithelial-mesenchymal transition (EMT) in vitro. Mechanically, circRANGAP1 functioned as a sponge of miR-653-5p to increase COL11A1 expression. In vivo experiments illustrated that circRANGAP1 knockdown repressed tumor growth. CircRANGAP1 silencing might suppress NSCLC cell malignant biological behaviors, at least in part, through the miR-653-5p/COL11A1 axis. These results provided a promising strategy for treating NSCLC malignancies.

The role of lncRNA SNHG14 in gastric cancer: enhancing tumor cell proliferation and migration, and mechanisms of CDH2 expression

LncRNAs are a class of non-coding RNAs that play an important role in regulating gene expression. However, their specific molecular mechanisms in gastric carcinogenesis and metastasis need further exploration. TCGA data showed that the expression of MFGE8, which was closely related to survival, was significantly positively correlated with lncRNA SNHG14. And moreover, the results of high-throughput sequencing and qRT-PCR showed that lncRNA SNHG14 was significantly elevated in gastric cancer. Further, in vitro functional realization showed that lncRNA SNHG14 overexpression significantly increased gastric cancer's proliferation, invasion and migration. Animal experiments also showed that lncRNA SNHG14 overexpression promoted tumorigenesis and metastasis in vivo. Mechanistically, MFGE8 activates the expression of lncRNA SNHG14, which activates the cellular EMT by stabilizing CDH2. Our study suggests that lncRNA SNHG14 could be a potential target for gastric cancer therapy.

Crosstalk between Endothelial Cells and Tumor Cells: A New Era in Prostate Cancer Progression

Prostate cancer stands as one of the most prevalent malignancies afflicting men worldwide. The tumor microenvironment plays a pivotal role in tumor progression, comprising various cell types including endothelial cells, tumor-associated fibroblasts, and macrophages. Recent accumulating evidence underscores the indispensable contribution of endothelial cells to prostate cancer development. Both endothelial cells and tumor cells release a multitude of factors that instigate angiogenesis, metastasis, and even drug resistance in prostate cancer. These factors serve as regulators within the tumor microenvironment and represent potential therapeutic targets for managing prostate cancer. In this review, we provide an overview of the crucial functions of endothelial cells in angiogenesis, metastasis, and drug resistance, and their prospective therapeutic applications in combating this disease.

Translational regulation of cell invasion through extracellular matrix-an emerging role for ribosomes

Many developmental and physiological processes require cells to invade and migrate through extracellular matrix barriers. This specialized cellular behavior is also misregulated in many diseases, such as immune disorders and cancer. Cell invasive activity is driven by pro-invasive transcriptional networks that activate the expression of genes encoding numerous different proteins that expand and regulate the cytoskeleton, endomembrane system, cell adhesion, signaling pathways, and metabolic networks. While detailed mechanistic studies have uncovered crucial insights into pro-invasive transcriptional networks and the distinct cell biological attributes of invasive cells, less is known about how invasive cells modulate mRNA translation to meet the robust, dynamic, and unique protein production needs of cell invasion. In this review we outline known modes of translation regulation promoting cell invasion and focus on recent studies revealing elegant mechanisms that expand ribosome biogenesis within invasive cells to meet the increased protein production requirements to invade and migrate through extracellular matrix barriers.

EZH2 K63-polyubiquitination affecting migration in extranodal natural killer/T-cell lymphoma

BACKGROUND

Overexpressed EZH2 is oncogenically involved in the pathogenesis of different cancerous contexts including extranodal natural killer/T cell lymphoma (ENKTL). However, the underlying mechanisms of EZH2 upregulation have not been fully clarified and it is still difficult to target EZH2 in ENKTL.

RESULTS

Current study identifies an E3 ligase TRIP12 that triggers K63-linked polyubiquitination of EZH2 in ENKTL and unexpectedly, stabilizes EZH2. As determined by gene expression profiling (GEP), TRIP12 and EZH2 levels correlate with each other in ENKTL patient samples. Aided by quantitative mass spectrometry (MS) and follow-up analysis, we identify K634 as the ubiquitination site of EZH2. Further study confirms that TRIP12-mediated EZH2 K634 ubiquitination enhances the interaction between EZH2 and SUZ12 or CDK1 and increases the level of EZH2 T487 phosphorylation. This study further demonstrates the TRIP12-EZH2 signaling might be regulated by cytoplasmic HSP60. Importantly, the TRIP12-EZH2 axis mediates ENKTL cell migration via accelerating epithelial-mesenchymal transition (EMT). Moreover, our study finds out dexamethasone treatment manipulates TRIP12-EZH2 signaling and may represent a novel therapeutic strategy against ENKTL metastasis.

CONCLUSIONS

Altogether, TRIP12 induces K63-linked site-specific polyubiquitination of EZH2 for stabilization, which promotes ENKTL cell migration and could be targeted by dexamethasone treatment.

Oxidative stress regulation and related metabolic pathways in epithelial-mesenchymal transition of breast cancer stem cells

Epithelial-mesenchymal transition (EMT) is a cell remodeling process in which epithelial cells undergo a reversible phenotype switch via the loss of adhesion capacity and acquisition of mesenchymal characteristics. In other words, EMT activation can increase invasiveness and metastatic properties, and prevent the sensitivity of tumor cells to chemotherapeutics, as mesenchymal cells have a higher resistance to chemotherapy and immunotherapy. EMT is orchestrated by a complex and multifactorial network, often linked to episodic, transient, or partial events. A variety of factors have been implicated in EMT development. Based on this concept, multiple metabolic pathways and master transcription factors, such as Snail, Twist, and ZEB, can drive the EMT. Emerging evidence suggests that oxidative stress plays a significant role in EMT induction. One emerging theory is that reducing mitochondrial-derived reactive oxygen species production may contribute to EMT development. This review describes how metabolic pathways and transcription factors are linked to EMT induction and addresses the involvement of signaling pathways.

RSK3 switches cell fate: from stress-induced senescence to malignant progression

BACKGROUND

TGFβ induces several cell phenotypes including senescence, a stable cell cycle arrest accompanied by a secretory program, and epithelial-mesenchymal transition (EMT) in normal epithelial cells. During carcinogenesis cells lose the ability to undergo senescence in response to TGFβ but they maintain an EMT, which can contribute to tumor progression. Our aim was to identify mechanisms promoting TGFβ-induced senescence escape.

METHODS

In vitro experiments were performed with primary human mammary epithelial cells (HMEC) immortalized by hTert. For kinase library screen and modulation of gene expression retroviral transduction was used. To characterize gene expression, RNA microarray with GSEA analysis and RT-qPCR were used. For protein level and localization, Western blot and immunofluorescence were performed. For senescence characterization crystal violet assay, Senescence Associated-β-Galactosidase activity, EdU staining were conducted. To determine RSK3 partners FLAG-baited immunoprecipitation and mass spectrometry-based proteomic analyses were performed. Proteosome activity and proteasome enrichment assays were performed. To validate the role of RSK3 in human breast cancer, analysis of METABRIC database was performed. Murine intraductal xenografts using MCF10DCIS.com cells were carried out, with histological and immunofluorescence analysis of mouse tissue sections.

RESULTS

A screen with active kinases in HMECs upon TGFβ treatment identified that the serine threonine kinase RSK3, or RPS6KA2, a kinase mainly known to regulate cancer cell death including in breast cancer, reverted TGFβ-induced senescence. Interestingly, RSK3 expression decreased in response to TGFβ in a SMAD3-dependent manner, and its constitutive expression rescued SMAD3-induced senescence, indicating that a decrease in RSK3 itself contributes to TGFβ-induced senescence. Using transcriptomic analyses and affinity purification coupled to mass spectrometry-based proteomics, we unveiled that RSK3 regulates senescence by inhibiting the NF-κΒ pathway through the decrease in proteasome-mediated IκBα degradation. Strikingly, senescent TGFβ-treated HMECs display features of epithelial to mesenchymal transition (EMT) and during RSK3-induced senescence escaped HMECs conserve EMT features. Importantly, RSK3 expression is correlated with EMT and invasion, and inversely correlated with senescence and NF-κΒ in human claudin-low breast tumors and its expression enhances the formation of breast invasive tumors in the mouse mammary gland.

CONCLUSIONS

We conclude that RSK3 switches cell fate from senescence to malignancy in response to TGFβ signaling.

ARAP1 negatively regulates stress fibers formation and metastasis in lung adenocarcinoma via controlling Rho signaling

Small GTPases regulate multiple important cellular behaviors and their activities are strictly controlled by a mass of regulators. The dysfunction or abnormal expression of small GTPases or their regulators was frequently observed in various cancers. Here, we analyzed the expression and prognostic correlation of several GTPases and related regulators based on the TCGA database and found that Ankyrin Repeat and PH Domain 1 (ARAP1), a GTPase activating protein (GAP), is reduced in lung adenocarcinoma tissues compared to normal tissues and displays a positive correlation with overall survival (OS) and progression-free survival (PFS) of patients with lung adenocarcinoma. qPCR and western blot verified that ARAP1 is frequently downregulated in lung adenocarcinoma tumor tissues and cancer cells, and its downregulation might be mediated by epigenetic modification. Moreover, metastatic assays showed that overexpression of ARAP1 significantly inhibits metastasis of lung adenocarcinoma in vitro and in vivo. We further demonstrated that Rho signaling inhibition, mediated by RhoGAP activity of ARAP1, majorly contributes to suppressing migration and invasion of lung adenocarcinoma cancer cells via inhibiting stress fibers formation. In summary, this study indicates that ARAP1 may serve as a potential prognostic predictor and a metastatic suppressor in lung adenocarcinoma via its RhoGAP activity.

Bibliometric analysis of the global research status and trends of mechanotransduction in cancer

BACKGROUND

The development of cancer is thought to involve the dynamic crosstalk between the tumor cells and the microenvironment they inhabit. Such crosstalk is thought to involve mechanotransduction, a process whereby the cells sense mechanical cues such as stiffness, and translate these into biochemical signals, which have an impact on the subsequent cellular activities. Bibliometric analysis is a statistical method that involves investigating different aspects (including authors' names and affiliations, article keywords, journals and citations) of large volumes of literature. Despite an increase in mechanotransduction-related research in recent years, there are currently no bibliometric studies that describe the global status and trends of mechanotransduction-related research in the cancer field.

AIM

To investigate the global research status and trends of mechanotransduction in cancer from a bibliometric viewpoint.

METHODS

Literature on mechanotransduction in cancer published from January 1, 1900 to December 31, 2022 was retrieved from the Web of Science Core Collection. Excel and GraphPad software carried out the statistical analysis of the relevant author, journal, organization, and country information. The co-authorship, keyword co-occurrence, and keyword burst analysis were visualized with VOSviewer and CiteSpace.

RESULTS

Of 597 publications from 745 institutions in 45 countries were published in 268 journals with 35510 citation times. With 270 articles, the United States is a well-established global leader in this field, and the University of California system, the most productive (n = 36) and influential institution (n = 4705 citations), is the most highly active in collaborating with other organizations. Cancers was the most frequent publisher with the highest H-index. The most productive researcher was Valerie M. Weaver, with 10 publications. The combined analysis of concurrent and burst keywords revealed that the future research hotspots of mechanotransduction in cancer were related to the plasma membrane, autophagy, piezo1/2, heterogeneity, cancer diagnosis, and post-transcriptional modifications.

CONCLUSION

Mechanotransduction-related cancer research remains a hot topic. The United States is in the leading position of global research on mechano-oncology after almost 30 years of investigations. Research group cooperations exist but remain largely domestic, lacking cross-national communications. The next big topic in this field is to explore how the plasma membrane and its localized mechanosensor can transduce mechanical force through post-transcriptional modifications and thereby participate in cellular activity regulations and cancer development.

DLX2 promotes osteosarcoma epithelial-mesenchymal transition and doxorubicin resistance by enhancing HOXC8-CDH2 axis

Metastasis and doxorubicin resistance are challenges in the clinical diagnosis and treatment of osteosarcoma, the mechanisms underlying these phenomena remain unclear. In this study, we found that DLX2 is highly expressed in metastatic osteosarcoma and is closely related to clinical prognosis. Knockdown of DLX2 inhibited tumor proliferation and migration in vitro and inhibited tumor growth in vivo. Mechanistically, we found that DLX2 enhanced the repression of CDH2 transcription by binding to HOXC8, thereby promoting the epithelial-mesenchymal transition in osteosarcoma cells. Through subsequent exploration, we found that targeting DLX2/HOXC8 signaling significantly restores the sensitivity of osteosarcoma cells to doxorubicin. In conclusion, our findings demonstrate that DLX2 may enhance the transcriptional regulation of CDH2 through interacting with HOXC8, which in turn promotes epithelial-mesenchymal transition and doxorubicin resistance in osteosarcoma. These findings hold great potential for clinical application and may guide the development of novel targeted therapies for osteosarcoma.

Aquaporin 9 causes recurrent spontaneous abortion by inhibiting trophoblast cell epithelial-mesenchymal transformation and invasion through the PI3K/AKT pathway†

BACKGROUND

Invasion of the endometrium by trophoblast cells is a key event during pregnancy, although the underlying mechanism remains unclear. Aquaporin 9 (AQP 9) is expressed in many eukaryotes and is associated with cell invasion. The objective of this study was to evaluate the significance of AQP9 in recurrent spontaneous abortion.

METHODS

We screened the GSE22490 dataset and further differentiated aquaporin 9 expression in villi. AQP9 was evaluated as one of the key factors in abortion by injecting AQP9 overexpressed plasmid into the uterus of CD1 mice. Trophoblast cells were transfected with AQP9-overexpressing plasmid or siAQP9 to measure cell proliferation, migration, invasion, and apoptosis. Western blot was used to measure changes in the expression of invasion, epithelial-mesenchymal transformation process, and PI3K/AKT pathway. Finally, the role of AQP9 in PI3K/AKT signaling pathway was determined using the PI3K/AKT inhibitor, LY294002, and activator, 740Y-P.

RESULTS

AQP9 is highly expressed in recurrent spontaneous abortion villus. Intrauterine injections of AQP9-overexpressing plasmid into CD1 mice resulted in atrophy and blackness of the gestational sac and increased the absorption rate, it is the causative factor of abortion. AQP9 upregulation inhibited the proliferation, invasion, migration, and epithelial-mesenchymal transformation process in vitro of trophoblast cells and increased cell apoptosis. The opposite result was observed after silencing AQP9. AQP9 overexpression also inhibited the PI3K/AKT pathway. LY294002 and 740Y-P partially recovered AQP9-induced trophoblast invasion and migration via the PI3K/AKT pathway.

CONCLUSIONS

AQP9 reduces the invasive ability of trophoblast cells by regulating PI3K/AKT signaling pathway, participating in recurrent spontaneous abortion.

Construction of EMT related prognostic signature for kidney renal clear cell carcinoma, through integrating bulk and single-cell gene expression profiles

Introduction: Kidney renal clear cell carcinoma (KIRC), as a main type of malignant kidney cancers, has a poor prognosis. Epithelial-mesenchymal transformation (EMT) exerts indispensable role in tumor progression and metastasis, including in KIRC. This study aimed to mine more EMT related details and build prognostic signature for KIRC. Methods: The KIRC scRNA-seq data and bulk data were downloaded from GEO and TCGA databases, respectively. The cell composition in KIRC was calculated using CIBERSORT. Univariate Cox regression analysis and LASSO Cox regression analysis were combined to determine the prognostic genes. Gene set variation analysis and cell-cell communication analysis were conducted to obtain more functional information. Additionally, functional analyses were conducted to determine the biological roles of si-LGALS1 in vitro. Results: We totally identified 2,249 significant differentially expressed genes (DEGs) in KIRC samples, meanwhile a significant distinct expression pattern was found in KIRC, involving Epithelial Mesenchymal Transition pathway. Among all cell types, significantly higher proportion of epithelial cells were observed in KIRC, and 289 DEGs were identified in epithelial cells. After cross analysis of all DEGs and 970 EMT related genes, SPARC, TMSB10, LGALS1, and VEGFA were optimal to build prognostic model. Our EMT related showed good predictive performance in KIRC. Remarkably, si-LGALS1 could inhibit migration and invasion ability of KIRC cells, which might be involved in suppressing EMT process. Conclusion: A novel powerful EMT related prognostic signature was built for KIRC patients, based on SPARC, TMSB10, LGALS1, and VEGFA. Of which, si-LGALS1 could inhibit migration and invasion ability of KIRC cells, which might be involved in suppressing EMT process.

The features of PD-L1 expression in tumor stromal cells, peritumoral microvessels and isolated clusters of tumor cells in breast cancer tissue and their correlation with clinical and morphological characteristics of breast cancer

Objective: to study the features of PD-L1 expression in tumor stromal cells, peritumoral microvessels, and isolated clusters of tumor cells in breast cancer (Bc) tissue and their correlation with the clinical and morphological characteristics of Bc.

Material and Methods. The study included 158 patients with newly diagnosed invasive BC. PD-L1 expression was studied by immunohistochemistry. statistical analysis was performed using statistica 12.0 software.

Results. PD-L1 expression in peritumoral microvessels occurred in 41.4 and 61.7 % of cases with t1–2 and T3–4 (p=0.020), and in 39.8 and 51.7 % of cases with N0–1 and N2–3 (p=0.008), respectively. In isolated clusters of tumor cells, the marker expression was observed in 28.0 and 52.5 % of cases in nodular and diffuse forms of BC (p=0.005); in 25.9, 39.3 and 66.7 % of cases at stages I–IIb, IIIa–IIIc and IV  (p=0.011); in 30.3, 26.2, 40.0 and 52.5 % of cases in T1, T2, T3 and T4 (p=0.040); and in 28.2 and 45.5 % of cases in N0–1 and N2–3 (p=0.030), respectively. Nuclear expression of PD-L1 was also detected in stromal cells, and was observed in 28.8 and 55.0 % of cases with nodular and diffuse forms of BC (p=0.003), in 17.6, 52.5 and 75.0 % of cases in early, locally advanced and metastatic BC (p<0.001), in 21.2, 28.7, 80.0 and 55.0 % of cases in T1, T2, T3 and T4 (p=0.002), in 21.7, 35.3, 51.4 and 55.0 % of cases with N0, N1, N2 and N3 (p=0.005), in 49.0 and 29.0 % of cases with negative and positive status of PR (p=0.014), in 30.3 and 52.8 % of cases with HER2-negative and HER2-positive BC status (p=0.014), respectively.

Conclusion. The data indicate the relationship between PD-L1 expression and BC progression. The determination of PD-L1 expression in peritumoral microvessels and isolated tumor cell clusters, as well as nuclear expression of the marker, can be used to clarify the prognosis of the disease.

Comparative analysis of syngeneic mouse models of high-grade serous ovarian cancer

Ovarian cancers exhibit high rates of recurrence and poor treatment response. Preclinical models that recapitulate human disease are critical to develop new therapeutic approaches. Syngeneic mouse models allow for the generation of tumours comprising the full repertoire of non-malignant cell types but have expanded in number, varying in the cell type of origin, method for transformation, and ultimately, the properties of the tumours they produce. Here we have performed a comparative analysis of high-grade serous ovarian cancer models based on transcriptomic profiling of 22 cell line models, and intrabursal and intraperitoneal tumours from 12. Among cell lines, we identify distinct signalling activity, such as elevated inflammatory signalling in STOSE and OVE16 models, and MAPK/ERK signalling in ID8 and OVE4 models; metabolic differences, such as reduced glycolysis-associated expression in several engineered ID8 subclones; and relevant functional properties, including differences in EMT activation, PD-L1 and MHC class I expression, and predicted chemosensitivity. Among tumour samples, we observe increased variability and stromal content among intrabursal tumours. Finally, we predict differences in the microenvironment of ID8 models engineered with clinically relevant mutations. We anticipate that this work will serve as a valuable resource, providing new insight to help select models for specific experimental objectives.

Lnc AC016727.1/BACH1/HIF-1 α signal loop promotes the progression of non-small cell lung cancer

BACKGROUND

Long noncoding RNAs (lncRNAs) have been reported to play vital roles in the development and progression of cancer. However, their biological significance and functional mechanisms in non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) are mostly unclear.

METHODS

We performed RNA-sequencing to predict the differential expression of lncRNAs in clinical NSCLC and paired paracancerous lung tissues. To identify lncRNA expression, quantitative polymerase chain reaction (qPCR) was used. Using both cell and mouse models, We studied lncRNA AC016727.1's function in NSCLC growth and metastasis. Western blot assays, dual luciferase reporter assays, and chromatin immunoprecipitation were used to analyze the functional mechanism of lncRNA AC016727.1.

RESULTS

Our larger NSCLC cohorts validated that the lncRNA AC016727.1 was upregulated in 94 paired NSCLC tissues and correlated with poor survival. Functionally, lncRNA AC016727.1 downregulation inhibited NSCLC cell proliferation, aerobic glycolysis, EMT, and migration, inducing apoptosis. Conversely, upregulated lncRNA AC016727.1 expression exhibited the opposite effect, promoting NSCLC cell survival. Importantly, lncRNA AC016727.1 knockdown inhibited lung cancer growth and slowed the progression of lung metastasis in nude mouse models. Mechanistically, lncRNA AC016727.1 upregulated BACH1 target gene expression by acting as a sponge for miR-98-5p, thereby functioning as a competing endogenous RNA. The function of lncRNA AC016727.1 is mediated by the miR-98-5p/BACH1 axis in NSCLC cells. Meanwhile, the transcription factor HIF-1α can bind to the promoter and activate lncRNA AC016727.1 transcription. lncRNA AC016727.1 regulates HIF-1α expression via BACH1 in NSCLC and forms the lncRNA AC016727.1/BACH1/HIF-1α signaling loop under hypoxic conditions.

CONCLUSION

Our study reveals a novel lncRNA AC016727.1/BACH1/HIF-1α signaling loop in the progression of NSCLC under hypoxic conditions, suggesting that lncRNA AC016727.1 could act as a useful biomarker for NSCLC and a new therapeutic target.

Role of Akt/Protein Kinase B in Cancer Metastasis

Metastasis is a critical step in the process of carcinogenesis and a vast majority of cancer-related mortalities result from metastatic disease that is resistant to current therapies. Cell migration and invasion are the first steps of the metastasis process, which mainly occurs by two important biological mechanisms, i.e., cytoskeletal remodelling and epithelial to mesenchymal transition (EMT). Akt (also known as protein kinase B) is a central signalling molecule of the PI3K-Akt signalling pathway. Aberrant activation of this pathway has been identified in a wide range of cancers. Several studies have revealed that Akt actively engages with the migratory process in motile cells, including metastatic cancer cells. The downstream signalling mechanism of Akt in cell migration depends upon the tumour type, sites, and intracellular localisation of activated Akt. In this review, we focus on the role of Akt in the regulation of two events that control cell migration and invasion in various cancers including head and neck squamous cell carcinoma (HNSCC) and the status of PI3K-Akt pathway inhibitors in clinical trials in metastatic cancers.

Multigene Profiling of Circulating Tumor Cells in Esophageal Squamous Cell Carcinoma Identifies Prognostic Cancer Driver Genes Associated with Epithelial-Mesenchymal-Transition Progression and Chemoresistance

We investigated the clinical significance of CTCs in cancer progression by detecting multiple cancer driver genes associated with epithelial-to-mesenchymal transition (EMT) at the transcript level. The 10-gene panel, comprising CCND1, ECT2, EpCAM, FSCN1, KRT5, KRT18, MET, TFRC, TWIST1, and VEGFC, was established for characterizing CTCs from mouse ESCC xenograft models and clinical ESCC peripheral blood (PB) samples. Correlations between gene expression in CTCs from PB samples (n = 77) and clinicopathological features in ESCC patients (n = 55) were examined. The presence of CTCs at baseline was significantly correlated with tumor size (p = 0.031). The CTC-high patients were significantly correlated with advanced cancer stages (p = 0.013) and distant metastasis (p = 0.029). High mRNA levels of TWIST1 (Hazard Ratio (HR) = 5.44, p = 0.007), VEGFC (HR = 6.67, p < 0.001), TFRC (HR = 2.63, p = 0.034), and EpCAM (HR = 2.53, p = 0.041) at baseline were significantly associated with a shorter overall survival (OS) in ESCC patients. This study also revealed that TWIST1 facilitates EMT and enhances malignant potential by promoting tumor migration, invasion, and cisplatin chemoresistance through the TWIST1-TGFBI-ZEB1 axis in ESCC, highlighting the prognostic and therapeutic potential of TWIST1 in clinical ESCC treatment.

Advances in the relationship between ferroptosis and epithelial-mesenchymal transition in cancer

Epithelial-mesenchymal transition (EMT) is a cellular reprogramming process that converts epithelial cells into mesenchymal-like cells with migratory and invasive capabilities. The initiation and regulation of EMT is closely linked to a range of transcription factors, cell adhesion molecules and signaling pathways, which play a key role in cancer metastasis and drug resistance. The regulation of ferroptosis is intricately linked to various cell death pathways, intracellular iron homeostasis, and the protein network governing iron supply and storage. The ability of ferroptosis to disrupt cancer cells and overcome drug resistance lies in its control of intracellular iron ion levels. EMT process can promote the accumulation of iron ions, providing conditions for ferroptosis. Conversely, ferroptosis may impact the regulatory network of EMT by modulating transcription factors, signaling pathways, and cell adhesion molecules. Thus, ferroptosis related genes and signaling pathways and oxidative homeostasis play important roles in the regulation of EMT. In this paper, we review the role of ferroptosis related genes and their signaling pathways in regulating cancer EMT to better understand the crosstalk mechanism between ferroptosis and EMT, aiming to provide better therapeutic strategies for eradicating cancer cells and overcoming drug resistance.

Nidogen-1/NID1 Function and Regulation during Progression and Metastasis of Colorectal Cancer

We have previously shown that the extracellular matrix and basement membrane protein Nidogen1 (NID1) is secreted by more malignant, mesenchymal-like CRC cells and induces the epithelial-mesenchymal transition (EMT) and promotes the migration and invasion of less malignant, epithelial-like CRC cells. Here, we performed a comprehensive bioinformatics analysis of multiple datasets derived from CRC patients and showed that elevated expression of NID1 and the genes ITGA3, ITGB1, and ITGAV, which encode NID1 receptors, is associated with poor prognosis and advanced tumor stage. Accordingly, the expression of NID1, ITGA3, ITGB1, and ITGAV was associated with an EMT signature, which included SNAIL/SNAI1, an EMT-inducing transcription factor. In CRC cells, ectopic SNAIL expression induced NID1 and SNAIL occupancy was detected at an E-box upstream of the NID1 transcription start site. Therefore, NID1 represents a direct target of SNAIL. Ectopic expression of NID1 or treatment with NID1-containing medium endowed non-metastatic CRC cells with the capacity to form lung metastases after xenotransplantation into mice. Suppression of the NID1 receptor ITGAV decreased cell viability, particularly in CMS/consensus molecular subtype 4 CRC cells. Taken together, our results show that NID1 is a direct target of EMT-TF SNAIL and is associated with and promotes CRC progression and metastasis. Furthermore, the NID1 receptor ITGAV represents a candidate therapeutic target in CMS4 colorectal tumors.

Can proline dehydrogenase-a key enzyme involved in proline metabolism-be a novel target for cancer therapy?

Emerging evidence suggests that proline metabolism is important for regulating the survival and death of different types of cancer cells. Proline dehydrogenase (PRODH), an enzyme catalyzing proline catabolism, and the degradation products of proline by PRODH, such as ATP and ROS, are known to play critical roles in cancer progression. Notably, the role of PRODH in cancer is still complicated and unclear, and primarily depends on the cancer type and tumor microenvironment. For instance, PRODH induces apoptosis and senescence through ROS signaling in different types of cancers, while as a protumor factor, PRODH promotes malignant phenotypes of certain tumors under stresses such as hypoxia. In order to assess whether PRODH can serve as a novel target for cancer therapy, we will provide an overview of the biological functions of PRODH and its double-edged role in cancer in this article.

Platycodin D inhibits glioblastoma cell proliferation, migration, and invasion by regulating DEPDC1B-mediated epithelial-to-mesenchymal transition

BACKGROUND

Platycodin D (PD) is a potent bioactive constituent in the medicinal herb Platycodon grandiflorum. It has shown anticancer properties, particularly against glioblastoma (GB) and other human malignancies. DEPDC1B (DEP domain-containing protein 1B) is an oncogene associated with epithelial-mesenchymal transition (EMT). It is highly expressed in GB and correlated with tumor grade and patient prognosis. In this study, we investigated whether the antiglioma effect of PD was associated with downregulation of DEPDC1B.

METHODS

Gene expression and clinical data were obtained from the China Glioma Genome Atlas and The Cancer Genome Atlas databases for glioma samples. In vitro experiments were conducted using Cell Counting Kit-8 and Transwell assays to assess the impact of PD on the proliferation, migration, and invasion of GB cells. mRNA and protein expression was evaluated using real-time polymerase chain reaction and western blotting, respectively.

RESULTS

PD exerted inhibitory effects on the proliferation and motility of GB cells. PD downregulated DEPDC1B protein as well as several markers associated with EMT, namely N-cadherin, vimentin, and Snail. The suppressive effects of PD were enhanced when DEPDC1B was knocked down in GB cells, while overexpression of DEPDC1B in cells reversed the inhibitory effects of PD.

CONCLUSION

PD exerts an antiglioma effect by regulating DEPDC1B-mediated EMT.

FAM171B stabilizes vimentin and enhances CCL2-mediated TAM infiltration to promote bladder cancer progression

BACKGROUND

Invasion and metastasis are the main causes of unfavourable prognosis in patients diagnosed with bladder cancer. The efficacy of immunotherapy in bladder cancer remains suboptimal due to the presence of an immunosuppressive microenvironment. The novel protein family with sequence similarity 171B (FAM171B) has been identified, but its precise role and mechanism in bladder cancer remain unclear.

METHODS

In this study, we conducted an analysis to investigate the associations between FAM171B expression and the prognosis and clinicopathological stage of bladder cancer. To this end, we utilized RNA sequencing data from the TCGA and GEO databases, as well as tumor tissue specimens obtained from our clinical centre. RNA sequencing analysis allowed us to examine the biological function of FAM171B at the transcriptional level in bladder cancer cells. Additionally, we used immunoprecipitation and mass spectrometry to identify the protein that interacts with FAM171B in bladder cancer cells. The effects of FAM171B on modulating tumor-associated macrophages (TAMs) and vimentin-mediated tumor progression, as well as the underlying mechanisms, were clarified by phalloidin staining, immunofluorescence staining, ELISA, RNA immunoprecipitation, flow cytometry and a bladder cancer graft model.

RESULTS

FAM171B expression exhibits strong positive correlation with poor survival outcomes and advanced clinicopathological stages in patients with bladder cancer. FAM171B significantly promoted bladder cancer growth and metastasis, accompanied by TAM accumulation in the microenvironment, in vivo and in vitro. Through studies of the molecular mechanism, we found that FAM171B contributes to tumor progression by stabilizing vimentin in the cytoplasm. Additionally, our research revealed that FAM171B enhances the splicing of CCL2 mRNA by interacting with heterogeneous nuclear ribonucleoprotein U (HNRNPU), ultimately leading to increased recruitment and M2 polarization of TAMs.

CONCLUSIONS

In this study, we identified FAM171B as a potent factor that promotes the progression of bladder cancer. These findings establish a solid theoretical foundation for considering FAM171B as a potential diagnostic and therapeutic biomarker for bladder cancer.

Transcriptomic analysis reveals the promotion of lymph node metastasis by Helicobacter pylori infection via upregulating chemokine (C-X-C motif) receptor 2 expression in gastric carcinoma

Gastric carcinoma (GC) progression is mainly caused by local aggression and lymph node metastasis. However, some patients with early T-stage disease have lymph node metastasis, whereas some patients with late T-stage disease do not have lymph node metastasis, which indicates that invasion and metastasis are not always sequential in some GC patients. In the present study, the data of 101 GC cases were acquired from TCGA and divided into T-late-N-negative and T-early-N-positive groups according to pathological stages. A total of 338 genes were identified as differential genes between the T-late-N-negative and T-early-N-positive groups. GSEA showed that epithelial cell signaling in the Helicobacter pylori (HP) infection pathway was enriched in the T-early-N-positive group. MB staining indicated that the HP infection rate was 63% (39/62) in N-positive patients compared to 42% (16/38) in N-negative patients. To investigate the potential mechanism, we focused on the gene chemokine (C-X-C motif) receptor 2 (CXCR2), which was not only clustered in the gene set of epithelial cells signaling in the HP infection pathway but also significantly upregulated in T-early-N-positive GC by the analysis of the different genes based on the TCGA dataset. A meta-analysis showed that CXCR2 expression was positively correlated with N-stage but not with T-stage in GC. This study indicated that invasion and metastasis could be independent processes driven by different molecular mechanisms in some GC patients. HP infection was a potential factor that promoted lymph node metastasis by upregulating CXCR2 expression.

OTUD4 regulates metastasis and chemoresistance in melanoma by stabilizing Snail1

Melanoma is the most aggressive form of skin cancer with rapidly increased incidence worldwide especially in the Caucasian population. Surgical excision represents the curative treatment choice in patients with early-stage disease. However, the therapeutic outcomes in patients with metastatic melanoma remains unsatisfactory. Thus, understanding molecular mechanisms contributing to metastasis and chemoresistance is critical for new improved therapies of melanoma. Snail1, an important epithelial-mesenchymal transition transcription factors (EMT-TFs), is critical to induce the EMT process, thereby contributing to cancer metastasis. However, the involvement of Snail1 in melanoma metastasis remains elusive and the underlying mechanism to regulate Snail1 in melanoma needs to be further investigated. Here, we identified OTUD4 as a novel deubiquitinase of Snail1 in melanoma. Moreover, the depletion of OTUD4 in melanoma cells markedly inhibited Snail1 stability and Snail1-driven malignant phenotypes both in vitro and in vivo. Overall, our study establishes OTUD4 as a novel therapeutic target in metastasis and chemoresistance of melanoma by stabilizing Snail1 and provides a rationale for potential therapeutic strategies of melanoma.

Establishment and characterization of a novel cell line (SCCOHT-CH-1) and PDX models derived from Chinese patients of small cell ovarian carcinoma of the hypercalcemic type

Small cell carcinoma of the ovary hypercalcemic type (SCCOHT) is a rare and aggressive malignancy that poses a significant clinical challenge due to its grim prognosis. Unfortunately, only three SCCOHT cell lines are currently available for scientific research. In this study, we have successfully established a novel SCCOHT cell line from a recurrent lesion of a SCCOHT patient, named SCCOHT-CH-1. We comprehensively characterized the novel cell line by employing techniques such as morphological observation, CCK-8 assay, Transwell assay, clone formation assay, short tandem repeat sequence (STR) analysis, karyotype analysis, immunohistochemical staining, western blot assay, and xenograft tumor formation assay. SCCOHT-CH-1 cells were small circular and had a unique STR profile. The population-doubling time of SCCOHT-CH-1 was 33.02 h. The cell line showed potential migratory and invasive ability. Compared with another SCCOHT cell line COV434, SCCOHT-CH-1 exhibited higher expression of AKT, VIM, and CCND1. At the same time, SCCOHT-CH-1 has the ability of tumorigenesis in vivo. We also successfully constructed three patient-derived xenograft (PDX) models of SCCOHT, which were pathologically diagnosed to be consistent with the primary tumor, accompanied by loss of SAMRCA4 protein expression. The establishment of SCCOHT-CH-1 cell line and PDX models from Chinese people represent a pivotal step toward unraveling the molecular mechanism of SCCOHT and fostering the development of targeted interventions to tackle this challenging malignancy.

Ulinastatin inhibits the metastasis of nasopharyngeal carcinoma by involving uPA/uPAR signaling

Distant metastasis is the primary reason for treatment failure in patients with nasopharyngeal carcinoma (NPC). In this study, we investigated the effect of ulinastatin (UTI) on NPC metastasis and its underlying mechanism. Highly-metastatic NPC cell lines S18 and 58F were treated with UTI and the effect on cell proliferation, migration, and invasion were determined by MTS and Transwell assays. S18 cells with luciferase-expressing (S18-1C3) were injected into the left hind footpad of nude mice to establish a model of spontaneous metastasis from the footpad to popliteal lymph node (LN). The luciferase messenger RNA (mRNA) was measured by quantitative polymerase chain reaction (qPCR), and the metastasis inhibition rate was calculated. Key molecular members of the UTI-related uPA, uPAR, and JAT/STAT3 signaling pathways were detected by qPCR and immunoblotting. UTI suppressed the migration and infiltration of S18 and 5-8F cells and suppressed the metastasis of S18 cells in vivo without affecting cell proliferation. uPAR expression decreased from 24 to 48 h after UTI treatment. The antimetastatic effect of UTI is partly due to the suppression of uPA and uPAR. UTI partially suppresses NPC metastasis by downregulating the expression of uPA and uPAR.

Arenobufagin increases the sensitivity of gastric cancer to cisplatin via alkaliptosis

Background

Gastric cancer is the third leading cause of cancer-related death worldwide, for which several novel therapeutic strategies have been developed. Cisplatin (CDDP) mainly exerts its anti-gastric cancer effects; however, drug resistance limits its use. Thus, the development of drugs that can augment their antitumor effects is necessary. Arenobufagin (ArBu) is a novel anticancer drug, and the effects of ArBu in combination with CDDP on gastric cancer have not yet been studied.

Aims

To identify a possible synergistic effect between ArBu and CDDP in gastric cancer and investigate the underlying mechanism.

Methods

Cell viability, colony formation, migration, apoptosis, cell cycle, western blotting, immunofluorescence, and reverse-transcription polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR) were analyzed in vitro. Western blotting, RT-PCR, hematoxylin and eosin (H&E) staining and blood biochemistry were carried out to examine in vivo.

Results

We found that ArBu, in combination with CDDP, effectively inhibited the proliferation and migration of gastric cancer cells, promoted apoptosis, and downregulated the expression of carbonic anhydrase 9 (CA9), matrix metalloproteinase-2 (MMP-2), and matrix metalloproteinase-9 (MMP-9). In addition, treatment with ArBu in combination with CDDP increased the level of inhibitor of nuclear factor kappa B kinase subunit beta (IKBKB), E-cadherin, and nuclear factor kappa-B/p65 (NF-κB/p65). Furthermore, the combination of ArBu and CDDP inhibited tumor growth in xenograft nude mice with no obvious side effects.

Conclusions

ArBu synergizes with CDDP to inhibit tumor growth both in vivo and in vitro by inducing alkaliptosis. This indicated that ArBu combined with CDDP may serve as a potential agent for the treatment of gastric cancer.

Comprehensive analysis of P2Y family genes expression, immune characteristics, and prognosis in pan-cancer

BACKGROUND

P2Y receptors are a family of G protein-coupled receptor genes that have an important function in cancer development and metastasis. However, systematic studies have not been conducted on human tumors. This study attempted to explore the role of P2Y family genes (P2Ys) in pan-cancer.

METHODS

Gene expression and clinical data were downloaded from The Cancer Genome Alas dataset. Gene differential expression, mutation, prognosis, tumor microenvironment (TME) (containing immune cells infiltration, Estimate/immune/stromal scores, immune checkpoints, immune and molecular subtypes, DNA repair genes and methyltransferase), clinical correlation, protein-protein interaction network and functional enrichment analysis were performed. In addition, experiments such as western blots were performed for validation.

RESULTS

Eight P2Ys were differentially expressed in most tumor and normal tissues, and their abnormal expression in a variety of cancers could significantly reduce the survival rate of patients. Expression levels of P2Ys, especially P2Y6, P2Y12, P2Y13, P2Y14, were correlated significantly with immune cells, immune checkpoint genes, immune and molecular subtypes and Estimate/immune/stromal scores in a variety of cancers such as uveal melanoma, liver hepatocellular carcinoma, stomach adenocarcinoma, colorectal cancer (CRC), prostate adenocarcinoma, breast invasive carcinoma and uterine corpus endometrial carcinoma (all p < 0.05). P2Ys play an important role in TME and are involved in immune regulation. In addition, enrichment analysis and western blots showed that the levels of P2Y2 and P2Y6 expression regulate the Akt/GSK-3β/β-catenin pathway in CRC, thereby affecting epithelial-to-mesenchymal transition.

CONCLUSION

P2Ys may be used as potential pan-cancer biomarkers in prognosis and immunology. They may also be new targets for tumor immunotherapy, which has wide clinical implications.

Feasibility of mass cytometry proteomic characterisation of circulating tumour cells in head and neck squamous cell carcinoma for deep phenotyping

BACKGROUND

Circulating tumour cells (CTCs) are a potential cancer biomarker, but current methods of CTC analysis at single-cell resolution are limited. Here, we describe high-dimensional single-cell mass cytometry proteomic analysis of CTCs in HNSCC.

METHODS

Parsortix microfluidic-enriched CTCs from 14 treatment-naïve HNSCC patients were analysed by mass cytometry analysis using 41 antibodies. Immune cell lineage, epithelial-mesenchymal transition (EMT), stemness, proliferation and immune checkpoint expression was assessed alongside phosphorylation status of multiple signalling proteins. Patient-matched tumour gene expression and CTC EMT profiles were compared. Standard bulk CTC RNAseq was performed as a baseline comparator to assess mass cytometry data.

RESULTS

CTCs were detected in 13/14 patients with CTC counts of 2-24 CTCs/ml blood. Unsupervised clustering separated CTCs into epithelial, early EMT and advanced EMT groups that differed in signalling pathway activation state. Patient-specific CTC cluster patterns separated into immune checkpoint low and high groups. Patient tumour and CTC EMT profiles differed. Mass cytometry outperformed bulk RNAseq to detect CTCs and characterise cell phenotype.

DISCUSSION

We demonstrate mass cytometry allows high-plex proteomic characterisation of CTCs at single-cell resolution and identify common CTC sub-groups with potential for novel biomarker development and immune checkpoint inhibitor treatment stratification.

Multidimensional outlook on the pathophysiology of cervical cancer invasion and metastasis

Cervical cancer being one of the primary causes of high mortality rates among women is an area of concern, especially with ineffective treatment strategies. Extensive studies are carried out to understand various aspects of cervical cancer initiation, development and progression; however, invasive cervical squamous cell carcinoma has poor outcomes. Moreover, the advanced stages of cervical cancer may involve lymphatic circulation with a high risk of tumor recurrence at distant metastatic sites. Dysregulation of the cervical microbiome by human papillomavirus (HPV) together with immune response modulation and the occurrence of novel mutations that trigger genomic instability causes malignant transformation at the cervix. In this review, we focus on the major risk factors as well as the functionally altered signaling pathways promoting the transformation of cervical intraepithelial neoplasia into invasive squamous cell carcinoma. We further elucidate genetic and epigenetic variations to highlight the complexity of causal factors of cervical cancer as well as the metastatic potential due to the changes in immune response, epigenetic regulation, DNA repair capacity, and cell cycle progression. Our bioinformatics analysis on metastatic and non-metastatic cervical cancer datasets identified various significantly and differentially expressed genes as well as the downregulation of potential tumor suppressor microRNA miR-28-5p. Thus, a comprehensive understanding of the genomic landscape in invasive and metastatic cervical cancer will help in stratifying the patient groups and designing potential therapeutic strategies.