EMT Transition States during Tumor Progression and Metastasis

Genome-wide CRISPR screening identifies PHF8 as an effective therapeutic target for KRAS- or BRAF-mutant colorectal cancers

BACKGROUND

Mutations in KRAS and BRAF genes are prevalent in colorectal cancer (CRC), which strikingly promote tumorigenesis and lead to poor response to a variety of treatments including immunotherapy by activating the MAPK/ERK pathway. Thus, there is an urgent need to discover effective therapeutic targets and strategies.

METHODS

CRISPR-Cas9 lentiviral knockout library was used to screen the suppressors of anti-PD1 immunotherapy. Bioinformatic analysis was used to analyze the correlation between PHF8 expression and immune indicators in CRC. In vitro and in vivo experiments were utilized to determine the effects of PHF8 on the immune indexes and malignant phenotypes of CRC cells. qRT-PCR, western blotting, immunohistochemical (IHC) staining, and chromatin immunoprecipitation (ChIP)-qPCR assays were used to determine the regulatory effects of PHF8 on PD-L1, KRAS, BRAF, and c-Myc and the regulatory effect c-Myc/miR-22-3p signaling axis on PHF8 expression in CRC cells.

RESULTS

This study identified histone lysine demethylase PHF8 as a negative regulator for the efficacy of anti-PD1 therapy and found that it was highly expressed in CRCs and strongly associated with poor patient survival. Functional studies showed that PHF8 played an oncogenic role in KRAS- or BRAF-mutant CRC cells, but not in wild-type ones. Mechanistically, PHF8 up-regulated the expression of PD-L1, KRAS, BRAF, and c-Myc by increasing the levels of transcriptional activation marks H3K4me3 and H3K27ac and decreasing the levels of transcriptional repression mark H3K9me2 within their promoter regions, promoting immune escape and tumor progression. Besides, our data also demonstrated that PHF8 was up-regulated by the c-Myc/miR-22-3p signaling axis to form a positive feedback loop. Targeting PHF8 substantially improved the efficacy of anti-PD1 therapy and inhibited the malignant phenotypes of KRAS- or BRAF-mutant CRC cells.

CONCLUSION

Our data demonstrate that PHF8 may be an effective therapeutic target for KRAS- or BRAF-mutant CRCs.

Do progesterone receptor membrane components (PGRMC)s play a role in the chorions refractoriness to epithelial-to-mesenchymal transition (EMT)?

Fetal membrane inflammation is one of the drivers of adverse pregnancy outcomes. One of the reported pathways of inflammation is epithelial-mesenchymal transition (EMT) of amniotic epithelial cells. EMT is resisted during gestation via signaling initiated by the binding of progesterone (P4) to progesterone receptor membrane components (PGRMC1/PGRMC2). The vulnerability of chorionic trophoblast cells (CTCs) to transition has not been studied. Here, we examined CTCs EMT in response to the stressors and the role of PGRMC1/PGRMC2. CTCs were treated with the autophagy inhibitor bafilomycin (Baf), transforming growth factor beta (TGF-β, EMT-inducer), and lipopolysaccharide (LPS) to simulate cellular stressors associated with an adverse pregnancy environment. The primary endpoints included morphological evidence of EMT, N-cadherin-to-E-cadherin ratio, vimentin/cytokeratin staining, pro-inflammatory cytokine and P4 production. PGRMC1/PGRMC2 knock-out (KO) CTCs were prepared using CRISPR/Cas9, and experiments were repeated to test the influence of the P4-PGRMC axis. Wild-type CTCs were resistant to cellular transitions, changes in P4 production, and shifts in the inflammatory status under normal, LPS, or TGF-β conditions. Autophagy inhibition tended to cause CTCs to transition (morphological changes; high N-cadherin-to-E-cadherin ratio [p < 0.05], no change in vimentin/cytokeratin), though a complete transition was not evident. Further, neither PGRMC1/PGRMC2 played a role in CTC cellular transitions, as their KO did not cause any major changes. Chorion cells resist EMT to minimize inflammation and to maintain their barrier functions regardless of the presence of PGRMC1/ PGRMC2. Cellular stressors or infectious antigens are likely to impact the amnion, where membrane weakening can be initiated.

Reversal of chemotherapy resistance in gastric cancer with traditional Chinese medicine as sensitizer: potential mechanism of action

Gastric cancer (GC) remains one of the most common types of cancer, ranking fifth among cancer-related deaths worldwide. Chemotherapy is an effective treatment for advanced GC. However, the development of chemotherapy resistance, which involves the malfunction of several signaling pathways and is the consequence of numerous variables interacting, seriously affects patient treatment and leads to poor clinical outcomes. Therefore, in order to treat GC, it is imperative to find novel medications that will increase chemotherapy sensitivity and reverse chemotherapy resistance. Traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) has been extensively researched as an adjuvant medication in recent years. It has been shown to have anticancer benefits and to be crucial in enhancing chemotherapy sensitivity and reducing chemotherapy resistance. Given this, the mechanism of treatment resistance in GC is summed up in this work. The theoretical foundation for TCM as a sensitizer in adjuvant treatment of GC is established by introducing the primary signal pathways and possible targets implicated in improving chemotherapy sensitivity and reversing chemotherapy resistance of GC by TCM and active ingredients.

Decoding the heterogeneous subpopulations of glioblastoma for prognostic stratification and uncovering the promalignant role of PSMC2

Glioblastoma (GBM), a highly heterogeneous and aggressive brain tumor, presents significant clinical challenges due to its frequent recurrence and poor prognosis. In this study, we employed high-dimensional weighted gene co-expression network analysis (hd-WGCNA) and single-cell transcriptomic analysis to investigate the molecular heterogeneity of GBM. We identified functional gene modules associated with tumor cell subpopulations exhibiting highly malignant traits, particularly linked to proteasome dysregulation. Intercellular communication analysis revealed extensive interactions between malignant tumor subpopulations and tumor microenvironment (TME), highlighting critical crosstalk with tumor-associated macrophages (TAMs) and T cells. Using machine learning, we developed risk scores based on these malignant gene modules, which effectively stratify GBM patients by prognosis and treatment response, particularly in relation to immunotherapy. Furthermore, we systematically evaluated pathway enrichment, genomic variations, and drug response differences across risk groups. Finally, we validated the oncogenic role of PSMC2, a key gene in the proteasome complex, demonstrating its role in promoting GBM progression through cell proliferation, invasion, and epithelial-mesenchymal transition (EMT). Our findings provide novel insights into GBM heterogeneity, prognosis, and therapeutic strategies, suggesting PSMC2 as a potential therapeutic target.

Long non-coding RNAs: Emerging regulators of invasion and metastasis in pancreatic cancer

BACKGROUND

The invasion and metastasis of pancreatic cancer (PC) are key factors contributing to disease progression and poor prognosis. This process is primarily driven by EMT, which has been the focus of recent studies highlighting the role of long non-coding RNAs (lncRNAs) as crucial regulators of EMT. However, the mechanisms by which lncRNAs influence invasive metastasis are multifaceted, extending beyond EMT regulation alone.

AIM OF REVIEW

This review primarily aims to characterize lncRNAs affecting invasion and metastasis in pancreatic cancer. We summarize the regulatory roles of lncRNAs across multiple molecular pathways and highlight their translational potential, considering the implications for clinical applications in diagnostics and therapeutics.

KEY SCIENTIFIC CONCEPTS OF REVIEW

The review focuses on three principal scientific themes. First, we primarily summarize lncRNAs orchestrate various signaling pathways, such as TGF-β/Smad, Wnt/β-catenin, and Notch, to regulate molecular changes associated with EMT, thereby enhancing cellular motility and invasivenes. Second, we summarize the effects of lncRNAs on autophagy and ferroptosis and discuss the role of exosomal lncRNAs in the tumor microenvironment to regulate the behavior of neighboring cells and promote cancer cell invasion. Third, we emphasize the effects of RNA modifications (such as m6A and m5C methylation) on stabilizing lncRNAs and enhancing their capacity to mediate invasive metastasis in PC. Lastly, we discuss the translational potential of these findings, emphasizing the inherent challenges in using lncRNAs as clinical biomarkers and therapeutic targets, while proposing prospective research strategies.

PERK-Olating Through Cancer: A Brew of Cellular Decisions

The type I protein kinase PERK is an endoplasmic reticulum (ER) transmembrane protein that plays a multifaceted role in cancer development and progression, influencing tumor growth, metastasis, and cellular stress responses. The activation of PERK represents one of the three signaling pathways induced during the unfolded protein response (UPR), which is triggered, in particular, in tumor cells that constitutively experience various intracellular and extracellular stresses that impair protein folding within the ER. PERK activation can lead to both pro-survival and proapoptotic outcomes, depending on the cellular context and the extent of ER stress. It helps the reprogramming of the gene expression in cancer cells, thereby ensuring survival in the face of oncogenic stress, such as replicative stress and DNA damage, and also microenvironmental challenges, including hypoxia, angiogenesis, and metastasis. Consequently, PERK contributes to tumor initiation, transformation, adaptation to the microenvironment, and chemoresistance. However, sustained PERK activation in cells can also impair cell proliferation and promote apoptotic death by various interconnected processes, including mitochondrial dysfunction, translational inhibition, the accumulation of various cellular stresses, and the specific induction of multifunctional proapoptotic factors, such as CHOP. The dual role of PERK in promoting both tumor progression and suppression makes it a complex target for therapeutic interventions. A comprehensive understanding of the intricacies of PERK pathway activation and their impact is essential for the development of effective therapeutic strategies, particularly in diseases like cancer, where the ER stress response is deregulated in most, if not all, of the solid and liquid tumors. This article provides an overview of the knowledge acquired from the study of animal models of cancer and tumor cell lines cultured in vitro on PERK's intracellular functions and their impact on cancer cells and their microenvironment, thus highlighting potential new therapeutic avenues that could target this protein.

Transcription factor A, mitochondrial promotes lymph node metastasis and lymphangiogenesis in epithelial ovarian carcinoma

Background

Mitochondria play a central, multifunctional role in cancer progression. However, the mechanism of mitochondrial genes in epithelial ovarian cancer (EOC) remains unclear. This study aimed to screen candidate mitochondrial genes in EOC and then to investigate their biological functions and potential mechanisms.

Methods

We downloaded Gene Expression Omnibus RNA-seq profiles and identified mitochondrial differentially expressed genes in EOC by bioinformatics analysis. Transcription factor A, mitochondrial (TFAM) expression in EOC tissues was determined by immunohistochemistry. In vitro assays were applied to clarify TFAM function in EOC.

Results

The bioinformatics analysis results showed that the mitochondrial genes TFAM, HSPE1, and CYC1 were significantly upregulated (P < 0.05) in EOC, and their upregulation was associated with a poor prognosis. TFAM was highly expressed in EOC tissues and significantly associated with clinical stage (P = 0.004), lymph node metastasis (P = 0.043), and overall survival (P < 0.05). Silencing TFAM in EOC cells significantly inhibited cell proliferation and migration and induced cell apoptosis (P < 0.05).

Conclusion

TFAM promotes EOC cell secretion of VEGF-A, VEGF-C, VEGF-D, lymphangiogenesis, and EOC lymph node metastasis. Our results may provide new insights into the biological functions and potential mechanisms of TFAM in EOC, which might provide new targets for EOC diagnosis and treatment.

Response to neoadjuvant chemotherapy in early breast cancers is associated with epithelial-mesenchymal transition and tumor-infiltrating lymphocytes

Epithelial-mesenchymal transition (EMT) and tumor-infiltrating lymphocytes (TILs) play a central role in early-stage breast cancer (BC) and are associated with chemoresistance, stemness, and invasion. The objective of this study was two fold: (a) by investigating the predictive value of EMT and TILs, we aimed to estimate the chance of achieving a response after neoadjuvant chemotherapy (NAC) and (b) to evaluate the potential changes of EMT and TILs in BC upon NAC. Using bulk RNA sequencing and immunofluorescence (IF) for EMT (E-cadherin and vimentin) and lymphocyte markers (CD3, CD8, FOXP3), we analyzed pre- and post-NAC tumor samples from 100 early-BC patients treated with NAC. For each BC molecular subtype, we compared the expression of EMT and TILs, at the RNA and protein level, between responding and non-responding tumors. Paired analysis of pre- and post-NAC samples was performed for patients with residual disease after NAC. RNA sequencing of pre- and post-NAC samples identified significant differences in EMT-related and inflammation-related gene expression between non-responding (RCB-II/III) and responding (RCB-0/I) tumors. Increased EMT-related marker expression was observed after NAC in cases with residual disease, in particular in the luminal subtype. Characterization of TILs in pre-NAC samples showed substantially more CD3 + CD8-FOXP3-lymphocytes in responding HER2+ tumors compared with non-responding. Paired analyses of pre- and post-NAC samples demonstrated higher levels of CD3 + CD8 + FOXP3-lymphocytes in residual luminal and triple-negative BC and higher levels of CD3 + CD8-FOXP3-lymphocytes in residual triple-negative BC compared with other subtypes of lymphocytes. We found that there is an unmet clinical need for reliable biomarkers to predict response to NAC in BC. Our results suggest that an upregulation of the EMT gene signature in diagnostic biopsies is associated with poor response to NAC in early BC, across all subtypes. Additionally, changes in EMT and in the TIL population occur in residual tumors after NAC. These findings could help to personalize future NAC and adjuvant treatment regimens.

Virulence factor discovery identifies associations between the Fic gene family and Fap2+ fusobacteria in colorectal cancer microbiomes

Fusobacterium is a bacterium associated with colorectal cancer (CRC) tumorigenesis, progression, and metastasis. Fap2 is a fusobacteria-specific outer membrane galactose-binding lectin that mediates Fusobacterium adherence to and invasion of CRC tumors. Advances in omics analyses provide an opportunity to profile and identify microbial genomic features that correlate with the cancer-associated bacterial virulence factor Fap2. Here, we analyze genomes of Fusobacterium colon tumor isolates and find that a family of post-translational modification enzymes containing Fic domains is associated with Fap2 positivity in these strains. We demonstrate that Fic family genes expand with the presence of Fap2 in the fusobacterial pangenome. Through comparative genomic analysis, we find that Fap2+ Fusobacteriota are highly enriched with Fic gene families compared to other cancer-associated and human gut microbiome bacterial taxa. Using a global data set of CRC shotgun metagenomes, we show that fusobacterial Fic and Fap2 genes frequently co-occur in the fecal microbiomes of individuals with late-stage CRC. We further characterize specific Fic gene families harbored by Fap2+ Fusobacterium animalis genomes and detect recombination events and elements of horizontal gene transfer via synteny analysis of Fic gene loci. Exposure of a F. animalis strain to a colon adenocarcinoma cell line increases gene expression of fusobacterial Fic and virulence-associated adhesins. Finally, we demonstrate that Fic proteins are synthesized by F. animalis as Fic peptides are detectable in F. animalis monoculture supernatants. Taken together, our study uncovers Fic genes as potential virulence factors in Fap2+ fusobacterial genomes.IMPORTANCEAccumulating data support that bacterial members of the intra-tumoral microbiota critically influence colorectal cancer progression. Yet, relatively little is known about non-adhesin fusobacterial virulence factors that may influence carcinogenesis. Our genomic analysis and expression assays in fusobacteria identify Fic domain-containing genes, well-studied virulence factors in pathogenic bacteria, as potential fusobacterial virulence features. The Fic family proteins that we find are encoded by fusobacteria and expressed by Fusobacterium animalis merit future investigation to assess their roles in colorectal cancer development and progression.

Cell fusion as a driver of metastasis: re-evaluating an old hypothesis in the age of cancer heterogeneity

Numerous studies have investigated the molecular mechanisms and signalling pathways underlying cancer metastasis, as there is still no effective treatment for this terminal stage of the disease. However, the exact processes that enable primary cancer cells to acquire a metastatic phenotype remain unclear. Increasing attention has been focused on the fusion of cancer cells with myeloid cells, a phenomenon that may result in hybrid cells, so-called Tumour Hybrid Cells (THCs), with enhanced migratory, angiogenic, immune evasion, colonisation, and metastatic properties. This process has been shown to potentially drive tumour progression, drug resistance, and cancer recurrence. In this review, we explore the potential mechanisms that govern cancer cell fusion, the molecular mediators involved, the metastatic characteristics acquired by fusion-derived hybrids, and their clinical significance in human cancer. Additionally, we discuss emerging pharmacological strategies aimed at targeting fusogenic molecules as a means to prevent metastatic dissemination.

Elevated POSTN expression predicts poor prognosis and is associated with radioresistance in cervical cancer patients treated with radical radiotherapy

Cervical cancer (CC) is a significant global health issue and remains one of the leading causes of cancer-related mortality in women. Radiotherapy is a crucial treatment modality for CC; however, tumor heterogeneity and resistance to radiotherapy often result in suboptimal outcomes for some patients, including recurrence and metastasis. Periostin (POSTN), a matricellular protein within the tumor microenvironment, has been implicated in the promotion of tumor progression and treatment resistance, particularly through mechanisms such as epithelial-mesenchymal transition (EMT). Despite this, the role of POSTN in radiotherapy resistance in CC patients remains underexplored. Therefore, in this study, we investigated the prognostic significance of POSTN expression in CC patients undergoing radical radiotherapy and explored potential mechanisms underlying radiotherapy resistance. We analyzed data from 92 CC patients in The Cancer Genome Atlas (TCGA) and 153 patients from our institution, assessing POSTN expression levels through mRNA analysis and immunohistochemistry (IHC). Our findings revealed that high POSTN expression was significantly associated with advanced tumor stages, poorer radiotherapy outcomes, and worse overall survival (OS). Additionally, multivariate Cox regression analysis identified POSTN as an independent prognostic factor for CC patients undergoing radical radiotherapy. A prognostic nomogram integrating POSTN expression and clinicopathological features demonstrated superior predictive accuracy for OS. Drug sensitivity analysis suggested that high POSTN expression may be linked to resistance to multiple chemotherapeutic agents. Furthermore, weighted correlation network analysis (WGCNA) and gene set enrichment analysis (GSEA) identified EMT as a top enriched pathway in patients with high POSTN expression, suggesting it may play a critical role in radiotherapy resistance. Subsequently, in vitro experiments confirmed that POSTN knockdown significantly inhibited HeLa cell proliferation, invasion, and enhanced radiosensitivity, while promoting apoptosis. These findings indicate that high POSTN expression is a risk factor for poor prognosis in CC patients undergoing radical radiotherapy, and targeting POSTN may improve radiotherapy efficacy by reducing tumor proliferation and resistance.

MSC-exosomes pretreated by Danshensu extracts pretreating to target the hsa-miR-27a-5p and STAT3-SHANK2 to enhanced antifibrotic therapy

BACKGROUND

Peritoneal fibrosis (PF) is a serious complication commonly associated with prolonged peritoneal dialysis. Mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) and their exosomes (Exo) have shown significant therapeutic promise in treating fibrotic conditions. Danshensu (DSS), a bioactive compound from the traditional Chinese herb Danshen reverses fibrosis. This study aims to investigate a novel strategy to enhance the therapeutic efficacy against PF by DSS preconditioning MSCs-derived exosomes (DSS-Exo).

METHODS

The in vitro studies included the effects of DSS duration on MSCs, and the characterization of DSS-Exo and Exo, followed by the assessment of RNA and protein expression levels of peritoneal fibrosis markers and inflammatory cytokines levels after treating human peritoneal mesothelial (HMrSV5) cells. In vivo experiments were conducted on a PF mouse model to observe cell morphology, collagen deposition, fibrosis localization, and to evaluate peritoneal functions such as filtration rate, urea nitrogen clearance, peritoneal thickness, and protein leakage. Mechanistic insights were gained through the analysis of the STAT3/HIF-1α/VEGF signaling pathway, tissue dual-fluorescence localization,chromatin immunoprecipitation sequencing (ChIP-seq), and dual-luciferase reporter (DLR) assays. Additionally, the differential expression of miRNAs between DSS-Exo and Exo was explored and validation of key miRNA.

RESULTS

DSS-Exo significantly upregulated E-cadherin, downregulated VEGFA, α-SMA, CTGF and Fibronectin expression in HMrSV5 cells compared to untreated Exo. In vivo studies revealed that DSS-Exo enhanced the ability of Exo to improve peritoneal function,such as the peritoneal filtration rate and urea nitrogen, glucose clearance, while reducing peritoneal thickness and protein leakage, and cell morphology, reduce collagen deposition, and decrease the degree of fibrosis. Mechanistically, these exosomes inhibited the STAT3/HIF-1α/VEGF signaling pathway within peritoneal mesothelial tissues. Furthermore, ChIP-seq and DLR demonstrated that DSS-Exo affected STAT3 directly binds to SHANK2 promoter regions, forming hydrogen bonds between 5 key amino acids such as GLN-344, HIS-332 and 6 key bases such as DG-258, DG-261. miRNA profiling identified DSS-Exo increased hsa-miR-27a-5p_R-1 to regulated STAT3-SHANK2 and modulating the EMT.

CONCLUSION

This study highlighted the innovative use of Danshensu in enhancing MSC-derived exosome therapy for PF. The identification of the hsa-miR-27a-5p_R-1-STAT3-SHANK2 axis may reveal new molecular mechanisms underlying fibrosis, further research is needed to fully elucidate its impact on PF. The integration of Danshensu from traditional Chinese medicine into modern MSC exosome therapy represents a promising frontier in the development of novel treatments for fibrotic diseases.

Selective inhibition of TGF-β-induced epithelial-mesenchymal transition overcomes chemotherapy resistance in high-risk lung squamous cell carcinoma

Lung squamous cell carcinoma (LUSC) represents a major subtype of lung cancer, and it demonstrates limited treatment options and worse survival. Identifications of a prognostic model and chemoresistance mechanism can be helpful for improving stratification and guiding therapy decisions. The integrative development of machine learning-based models reveals a random survival forest (RSF) prognostic model for LUSC. The 12-gene RSF model exhibits high prognostic power in more than 1,000 LUSC patients. High-risk LUSC patients are associated with worse survival and the activation of the epithelial-mesenchymal transition pathway. Additionally, high-risk LUSC patients are resistant to docetaxel or vinorelbine treatment. In vitro and in vivo drug sensitivity experiments indicates that high-risk HCC15/H226 tumour cells and cell line-derived xenograft models are more resistant to vinorelbine treatment. Furthermore, the combination of chemotherapy with transforming growth factor-β inhibition augments antitumour responses in LUSC tumours. Our study provides valuable insights into prognosis stratification and the development of therapeutic strategies for LUSC.

Composition analysis and mechanism of Guizhi Fuling capsule in anti-cisplatin-resistant ovarian cancer

OBJECTIVE

Cisplatin is the main chemotherapy drug for advanced ovarian cancer, but drug resistance often occurs. The aim of this study is to explore the molecular mechanism by which Guizhi Fuling capsule inhibits cisplatin resistance in ovarian cancer.

METHODS

First, differences in cisplatin resistance, PA2G4 gene expression, migration, and invasion in A2780 cells and A2780/DDP cells were analyzed by qRT-PCR, scratch assay, transwell, immunofluorescence, and western blotting. Then, LC-MS/MS analysis of GFC chemical composition. qRT-PCR, scratch tests, transwell, pseudopodium formation, immunofluorescence, and western blotting were used to explore the mechanism by which GFC inhibited A2780/DDP cell migration and invasion. Finally, the anti-tumor efficacy of GFC was verified by in vivo experiments.

RESULTS

A2780/DDP cells had a greater ability to migrate and invade compared to their parents. Cell viability experiments showed that the migration and invasion ability of A278/DDP cells were significantly inhibited with the increase of GFC concentration. qRT-PCR results showed that compared with the blank control group, cisplatin group and GFC group, the transcription level of PA2G4 gene in the combination treatment group was significantly reduced. We also found that GFC combined with cisplatin inhibited the PI3K/AKT/GSK-3β signaling pathway by targeting PA2G4 gene expression, inhibited the epithelial-mesenchymal transition signaling pathway, decreased cell adhesion and inhibited the formation of cell pseudopodias.

CONCLUSION

GFC combined with cisplatin can target PA2G4 gene to regulate PI3K/AKT/GSK-3β Signaling pathway, inhibiting the invasion and migration of cisplatin resistant A2780/DDP cells in ovarian cancer.

METTL5 Promotes Tumor Progression in Oral Squamous Cell Carcinoma by Activating the Myc Pathway

BACKGROUND

It has been observed that methyltransferases-like 5 (METTL5) is a key mediator underlying tumorigenesis in humans. This study aimed to investigate the biological function, expression pattern, and clinical significance of METTL5 in oral squamous cell carcinoma (OSCC).

METHODS

Bioinformatics interrogations and immunohistochemical staining were utilized for determining the expression and localization of METTL5 in OSCC, and revealing the relationship between the expression of METTL5 and prognosis. Cell phenotype experiments and xenograft models were used to detect the impact of METTL5 silencing on OSCC. Gene Set Enrichment Analysis, Spearman correlation, and c-Myc overexpression plasmid was utilized for exploring the regulatory effects of METTL5 on the Myc pathway.

RESULTS

METTL5 was overexpressed in OSCC and correlated with reduced survival. Cell proliferation, migration, and invasion were significantly inhibited by METTL5 knockdown in vitro, and tumor growth was impaired in vivo. Moreover, METTL5 was capable of activating the Myc pathway. The influences of knockdown of METTL5 on Cal27 cell biological behaviors were reversed by overexpression of c-Myc.

CONCLUSIONS

Our data suggested that METTL5 may act as a putative oncogene and prognostic biomarker in OSCC. The Myc pathway appears to be involved in cell proliferation, migration, invasion, and apoptosis in OSCC mediated by METTL5.

Linker Histone H1.4 Inhibits the Growth, Migration and EMT Process of Non-Small Cell Lung Cancer by Regulating ERK1/2 Expression

H1.4 is one of the 11 variants of linker histone H1, and is associated with tumorigenesis and development of various cancers. However, it is unclear for the role of histone H1.4 in non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC). In this study, we found that overexpression of H1.4 significantly inhibited the cell viability, migration, invasion and epithelial-mesenchymal transition (EMT) processes, whereas silencing H1.4 by shRNA knockdown promoted these processes in NSCLC cell lines A549 and H1299. We further showed that H1.4 overexpression reduced ERK1/2 expression or its phosphorylation levels, while H1.4 knockdown increased ERK1/2 expression or phosphorylation levels in NSCLC. Furthermore, we demonstrated that H1.4 bound to the promoter of ERK1/2, and acted as a transcriptional suppressor to inhibit ERK1/2 expression in A549 or H1299 cells. Importantly, we found that ERK ecto-expression can largely recovered the inhibitory effects of H1.4 on cell viability, migration, invasion and EMT processes. In summary, our study reveals that the H1.4-ERK pathway is crucial for cell viability, migration, invasion and EMT of NSCLC and could be a therapeutic target for NSCLC.

Ginsenoside Rb prevents the metastasis of hepatocarcinoma by blocking the platelet-tumor cell interaction

BACKGROUND

The interaction between platelets and tumor cells is a crucial step in the progression of tumor metastasis. Blocking platelet-tumor cell interaction is a potential target against metastasis. Ginsenoside Rb (G-Rb) exhibits potential anti-tumor pharmacological properties and may offer a therapeutic option for cancer.

PURPOSE

This study aimed to investigate anti-metastatic effects of G-Rb through regulating the crosstalk of platelets with tumor cells.

METHODS

In order to explore anti-metastatic effects of G-Rb in vitro, HepG2 cell and platelets were co-cultured to mimic the interaction of platelets with tumor cells. Wound healing and Transwell assays were used to assess the effect of G-Rb on cell migration and invasion. The expression of epithelial-mesenchymal transition (EMT)-related markers was determined by RT-qPCR and western blot assays. The aggregation and activation of platelets were detected by flow cytometry. Moreover, a lung metastasis model of mice was established to evaluate inhibitory effects of G-Rb in vivo. Metastatic nodules on the lung surface were counted and sections of lung tissues were stained by H&E.

RESULTS

G-Rb effectively suppressed tumor metastasis in the co-culture of platelets with HepG2 cell. First, G-Rb treatment significantly inhibited the migration and invasion of HepG2 cells induced by platelets. Second, the expressions of EMT-related markers, including N-cadherin, Snail, and MMP9, were decreased by the treatment of G-Rb in the presence of platelets. Meanwhile, G-Rb also suppressed platelet hyperactivity by regulating the adhesion to tumor cells, activation, TCIPA, and TGF-β1 secretion of platelets in vitro. In addition, the results of in vivo experiments proved G-Rb administration not only significantly decreased lung metastasis but also attenuated platelets aberrant aggregation and activation in vivo.

CONCLUSION

Our findings showed that G-Rb inhibited tumor metastasis and platelet activation through mediating platelet-tumor cell interaction, indicating the potential values of G-Rb in tumor metastasis therapy.

E-cadherin staining in the diagnosis of lobular versus ductal neoplasms of the breast: the emperor has no clothes

Categorizing breast neoplasia as ductal or lobular is a daily exercise that relies on a combination of histologic and immunohistochemical tools. The historically robust link between loss of the E-cadherin molecule and lobular neoplasia has rendered staining for E-cadherin by immunohistochemistry a staple of this diagnostic process. Unfortunately, discordances between E-cadherin expression and histomorphology, and variations in E-cadherin staining patterns and intensities abound in clinical practice, but are often neglected in favour of a binary interpretation of the E-cadherin result. In this article, we highlight the complexities of E-cadherin expression through a review of the E-cadherin protein and its associated gene (CDH1), the mechanisms leading to aberrant/absent E-cadherin expression, and the implications of these factors on the reliability of the E-cadherin immunohistochemical stain in the classification of ductal versus lobular mammary neoplasia.

Nerve Growth Factor Signaling Promotes Nuclear Translocation of TRAF4 to Enhance Tumor Stemness and Metastatic Dormancy Via C-Jun-mediated IL-8 Autocrine

Tumor necrosis factor receptor-associated factor 4 (TRAF4), an E3 ubiquitin ligase, is frequently overexpressed in tumors. Although its cytoplasmic role in tumor progression is well-documented, the precise mechanisms underlying its nuclear localization and functional contributions in tumor cells remain elusive. This study demonstrated a positive correlation between the expression of nuclear TRAF4 and both tumor grades and stemness signatures in human cancer tissues. Notably, reduced nuclear TRAF4 led to decreased stemness properties and metastatic dormancy of tumor cells. Conversely, restoring nuclear TRAF4 in TRAF4-knockout (TRAF4-KO) cells augmented these cellular capabilities. Within the nucleus, the TRAF domain of TRAF4 interacted with c-Jun, thereby stimulating its transcriptional activity. This interaction subsequently led to an enhancement of the promoter activity of interleukin-8 (IL-8), which is identified as a mediator of nuclear TRAF4-induced tumor dormancy. Additionally, activation of AKT signaling by nerve growth factor facilitated TRAF4 phosphorylation at Ser242, enhancing its interaction with 14-3-3θ and promoting its nuclear translocation. Importantly, pharmacological modulation of TRAF4 nuclear translocation is found to suppress tumor tumorigenicity and metastasis in tumor models. This study highlights the critical role of nuclear TRAF4 in regulating tumor stemness and dormancy, positioning it as a potential therapeutic target for metastatic and refractory cancers.

Mutant PP2A Induces IGFBP2 Secretion to Promote Development of High-Grade Uterine Cancer

Uterine serous carcinoma (USC) and uterine carcinosarcoma (UCS) tumors are uniquely aggressive, suggesting that the primary tumor is intrinsically equipped to disseminate and metastasize. Previous work identified mutational hotspots within PPP2R1A, which encodes the Aα scaffolding subunit of protein phosphatase 2A (PP2A), a heterotrimeric serine/threonine phosphatase. Two recurrent heterozygous PPP2R1A mutations, P179R and S256F, occur exclusively within high-grade subtypes of uterine cancer and can drive tumorigenesis and metastasis. Elucidation of the mechanisms by which PP2A Aα mutants promote tumor development and progression could help identify therapeutic opportunities. Here, we showed that expression of these mutants in USC/UCS cell lines enhanced tumor-initiating capacity, drove a hybrid epithelial-to-mesenchymal plasticity phenotype, and elevated secretion of the tumorigenic cytokine insulin growth factor (IGF) binding protein 2 (IGFBP2). Therapeutic targeting of the IGFBP2/IGF receptor 1 signaling axis using small molecules and genetic approaches resulted in marked tumor growth inhibition. Mechanistically, PP2A regulated IGFBP2 expression through the transcription factor, NF-κB, which harbors a B56 recognition motif. Collectively, these results identify a role for PP2A in regulating paracrine cancer cell signaling that can be targeted to block the initiation and metastasis of high-grade uterine cancer. Significance: Elevated IGFBP2 secretion by uterine cancer cells with heterozygous PPP2R1A mutations supports tumor progression and confers a vulnerability to IGFBP2/IGF1R inhibition as a therapeutic approach for this highly aggressive cancer subtype.

Design of an In Vitro Model for Epithelial-to-Mesenchymal Transition in Gastric Cancer

Epithelial-to-mesenchymal transition (EMT) is a developmental program that plays a vital role in gastric cancer, including aspects of tumor progression, the metastatic process, and resistance to treatment. Here, we have designed an in vitro model that mimics the features of EMT as observed in gastric cancer. The results showed that both migration and invasion were enhanced in gastric cancer cells with Brachyury overexpression. Additionally, the expression of IL-8 increased, while IL-8RA and IL-8RB levels significantly decreased in the in vitro model. Overall, the in vitro model offers an opportunity to study these phenomena relevant to EMT as they may occur in vivo in gastric cancer, as well as potential drug interactions that could interfere with these processes.

SHCBP1 is a novel regulator of PLK1 phosphorylation and promotes prostate cancer bone metastasis

Prostate cancer is a common male genitourinary malignancy with bone metastasis posing challenges for prognosis and treatment. This study aimed to investigate the role of SHC protein SH2 structural domain binding protein 1 (SHCBP1) in prostate cancer bone metastasis. Whole transcriptome sequencing of prostate cancer samples was conducted to identify oncogene expression, specifically focusing on SHCBP1. In vivo and in vitro models were used to study SHCBP1's impact on bone metastasis. Through co-immunoprecipitation, mass spectrometry, and Western blot assays, the interaction between SHCBP1 and cell cycle-related proteins was elucidated, along with analysis of downstream protein partners. SHCBP1 was found to enhance prostate cancer cell development, metastasis, and mitosis, with the SHCBP1-polo-like kinase 1 (PLK1)-CDC25C axis playing a key role in promoting tumorigenesis. Therapeutic inhibition of SHCBP1 increased docetaxel sensitivity. Clinical data showed elevated SHCBP1 expression in advanced prostate cancer stages. These findings offer insights into potential therapeutic strategies for prostate cancer bone metastasis and highlight the significance of the SHCBP1-PLK1-CDC25C axis in docetaxel sensitivity.

Cuproptosis-Related Gene FDX1 Suppresses the Growth and Progression of Colorectal Cancer by Retarding EMT Progress

Colorectal cancer (CRC) is a usual cancer and a kind of lethiferous cancer. Cuproptosis-related gene ferredoxin 1 (FDX1) has been discovered to act as a suppressor, thereby suppressing some cancers' progression. But, the regulatory functions of FDX1 in CRC progression keep vague. In this work, at first, through TCGA database, it was revealed that FDX1 exhibited lower expression in COAD (colon adenocarcinoma) tissues, and CRC patients with lower FDX1 expression had worse prognosis. Furthermore, FDX1 expression was verified to be down-regulated in CRC tissues (n = 30) and cells. It was further uncovered that FDX1 expression was positively correlated with CDH1 and TJP1 (epithelial marker), and negatively correlated with CDH2, TWIST1, and FN1 (stromal marker), suggesting that FDX1 was closely associated with the epithelial-mesenchymal transition (EMT) progress. Next, it was demonstrated that overexpression of FDX1 suppressed cell viability, invasion, and migration in CRC. Furthermore, it was verified that FDX1 retarded the EMT progress in CRC. Lastly, through rescue assays, the inhibited CRC progression mediated by FDX1 overexpression was rescued by EGF (EMT inducer) treatment. At last, it was uncovered that the tumor growth and metastasis were relieved after FDX1 overexpression, but these changes were reversed after EGF treatment. In conclusion, FDX1 inhibited the growth and progression of CRC by inhibiting EMT progress. This discovery hinted that FDX1 may act as an effective candidate for CRC treatment.

The Pro-Migratory and Pro-Invasive Roles of Cancer-Associated Fibroblasts Secreted IL-17A in Prostate Cancer

Cancer-associated fibroblasts (CAFs) are key stroma cells that play dominant roles in the migration and invasion of several types of cancer through the secretion of inflammatory cytokine IL-17A. This study aims to identify the potential role and regulatory mechanism of CAFs-secreted IL-17A in the migration and invasion of prostate cancer (PC). CAFs and normal fibroblasts (NFs) were obtained from fresh PC and its adjacent normal tissues, respectively. PC cells LNCaP and DU145 were co-cultured with the conditioned medium from the CAFs and NFs. IL-17A level was determined by ELISA in the cell supernatant. CCK-8, wound healing, Transwell assay, western blot analysis, staining, and primary PC lung metastasis assays were employed in vivo or in vitro to explore the effect of CAFs and IL-17A secreted by them on proliferation, migration, invasion, epithelial-mesenchymal transition (EMT) and metastasis of PC. CAFs stimulated the migration and invasion of PC cells. Importantly, CAFs exerted their roles by directly secreting IL-17A, leading to a significant increase in migration and invasion in PC cells. Mechanically, IL-17A promoted Smad3/p38 MAPK pathway-mediated EMT process, contributing to cell migration and invasion. Furthermore, CAFs secreting IL-17A activated the Smad3/p38 MAPK pathway and thus facilitated tumor growth and metastasis in nude mice. This study identifies a novel signaling pathway by which CAFs mediate migration and invasion of PC via upregulation of Smad3/p38 MAPK-mediated EMT in an IL-17A-dependent manner.

The emerging role of long non-coding RNA SOX2-OT in cancers and non-malignant diseases

SOX2 overlapping transcript (SOX2-OT) is a long non-coding RNA located at chromosome 3q26.33 in humans. Convincing data confirm that SOX2-OT is evolutionarily conserved and plays a significant role in various malignant and non-malignant diseases. In most cancers, the upregulation of SOX2-OT acts as an oncogenic factor, strongly correlating with tumor risk, adverse clinicopathological features, and poor prognosis. Mechanistically, SOX2-OT is regulated by seven transcription factors and influences cellular behavior by modulating SOX2 expression, competitively binding 20 types of miRNAs, stabilizing protein expression, or promoting protein ubiquitination. It also participates in epigenetic modifications and activates multiple signaling pathways to regulate cancer cell proliferation, apoptosis, migration, invasion, autophagy, immune evasion, and resistance to chemotherapy/targeted therapies. Additionally, SOX2-OT triggers apoptosis, oxidative stress, and inflammatory responses, contributing to neurodevelopmental disorders, cardiovascular diseases, and diabetes-related conditions. Genetic polymorphisms of SOX2-OT have also been linked to breast cancer, gastric cancer, recurrent miscarriage, sepsis, and eating disorders in patients with bipolar disorder. This review provides an overview of recent research progress on SOX2-OT in human diseases, highlights its substantial potential as a prognostic and diagnostic biomarker, and explores its future clinical applications.

Inhibition of CDH11 Activates cGAS-STING by Stimulating Branched Chain Amino Acid Catabolism and Mitigates Lung Metastasis of Adenoid Cystic Carcinoma

Salivary adenoid cystic carcinoma (SACC) is an intractable malignant tumor originates in the secretory glands and frequently metastasizes to the lungs. Hybrid epithelial-mesenchymal transition (EMT) cells within the tumors are correlated with augmented proliferative capacity and facilitation of lung metastasis. Single-cell RNA sequencing and spatial transcriptomic sequencing are employed to reveal the hybrid EMT subsets within the vascular fibroblast microenvironment. These hybrid EMT cells exhibit a pro-tumorigenic impact in vitro. Notably, cadherin 11 (CDH11), a specific marker for hybrid EMT cells, may exert its regulatory role in cellular function by interfering with branched-chain amino acids (BCAA) metabolism by inhibiting branched-chain ketoacid dehydrogenase to activate the mammalian target of the rapamycin pathway, thus making it a potential therapeutic target for SACC. Furthermore, celecoxib and its derivatives are specific CDH11 inhibitors that regulate BCAA metabolism, increase reactive oxygen species production, and subsequently activate the cyclic GMP-AMP synthase-stimulator of the interferongene pathway (cGAS-STING). They also inhibit lung metastasis in NOD-SCID mice in vivo. Overall, these findings suggest a promising treatment strategy that targets hybrid EMT cells to mitigate lung metastasis in SACC. Celecoxib may serve as a promising clinical intervention for the treatment of lung metastases in patients with SACC.

Regulation of pancreatic cancer cells by suppressing KIN17 through the PI3K/AKT/mTOR signaling pathway

Pancreatic cancer is an aggressive tumor, which is often associated with a poor clinical prognosis and resistance to conventional chemotherapy. Therefore, there is a need to identify new therapeutic markers for pancreatic cancer. Although KIN17 is a highly expressed DNA‑ and RNA‑binding protein in a number of types of human cancer, its role in pancreatic cancer development, especially in relation to progression, is currently unknown. The present study verified the upregulation of KIN17 in pancreatic cancer using The Cancer Genome Atlas and Gene Expression Omnibus databases (GSE15471, GSE71989 and GSE62165), and identified an association between the PI3K/Akt/mTOR pathway and patient prognosis using publicly available datasets (Gene Expression Profiling Interactive Analysis). Immunohistochemistry was performed to determine the association between KIN17 and the pathological features of clinical pancreatic cancer samples. Furthermore, knockdown of KIN17 was shown to inhibit the migration and invasion of pancreatic cancer cells, and to reverse epithelial‑mesenchymal transition in pancreatic cancer cells through downregulation of Vimentin and N‑cadherin, and upregulation of E‑cadherin. Through various cellular experiments, the role of KIIN17 was explored in PI3K/AKT/mTOR activity. KIN17 inhibition was shown to suppress the migration and invasion of pancreatic cancer cells through PI3K/AKT/mTOR‑mediated autophagy. Furthermore, combined with mTOR inhibition, dual inhibition could enhance autophagy, leading to anti‑migratory and anti‑invasion effects in pancreatic cancer. In conclusion, the present study indicated that KIN17 may have a role in carcinogenesis and could serve as a prognostic biomarker of pancreatic cancer, owing to its high expression. In addition, KIN17 may be considered a potential therapeutic target with its knockdown having an inhibitory effect on pancreatic cancer.

Bisphenol A exacerbates colorectal cancer progression through enhancing ceramide synthesis

Bisphenol A (BPA) is a typical environmental endocrine disruptor which have been broadly confirmed to be associated with malignant tumors, including colorectal cancer (CRC). Lipid metabolism reprogramming performed important biological effects in cancer progression. While the role of lipid metabolism in CRC progression upon BPA exposure remain elusive. Here, we found that BPA exposure enhanced de novo ceramide synthesis in vitro, along with upregulated ceramide synthase in high-BPA tumor tissue of CRC patients. Simultaneously, we demonstrated that BPA exposure exacerbated tumor biological behavior and epithelial mesenchymal transition (EMT), concurrent with elevated EMT expression of CRC tissue in high BPA group. Subsequently, the inhibition of ceramide synthase and pharmacological stimulation experiments revealed that ceramide accumulation activated EMT and exacerbated CRC progression, including Cer (d18:1/16:0) and Cer (d18:1/24:1). Collectively our findings elucidated the pathogenesis of ceramide accumulation escalating tumor progression under environmental BPA exposure, providing a strong basis for further investigation of dysregulated ceramide metabolism to boost tumor development and avoid metastatic relapse.

The regulatory role of KIAA1429 in epithelial-mesenchymal transition in cervical cancer via mediating m6A modification of BTG2

Cervical cancer (CC) represents one of the important cancers affecting global female population worldwide. We sought to elucidate the roles and mechanisms of KIAA1429 in the malignant properties of CC cells and the epithelial-mesenchymal transition (EMT) process. KIAA1429 was predicted to be abnormally expressed in CC and correlate with shortened survival of CC patients by GEPIA2 and GSCA databases. High expression of KIAA1429 in human CC cell lines (SiHa, HT-3) was validated by RT-qPCR and Western blot assays. A series of small interfering (si)RNAs including si-KIAA1429-1, si-KIAA1429-2, si-YTHDF2, si-BTG2, and si-negative control (NC) were utilized to interfere the expression levels of KIAA1429, YTHDF2, and BTG2, respectively. Consequently, KIAA1429 silencing attenuated the proliferation, migratory, and invasive functions of CC cells and repressed EMT while promoting CC cell apoptosis. Mechanistically, KIAA1429 could affect N6-methyladenosine (m6A) modification to attenuate the stability of BTG2 mRNA and down-regulate its expression. Additionally, loss of BTG2 partly counteracted the effects of si-KIAA1429 on repressing the malignant activities of CC cells. The aforementioned results collectively demonstrated that KIAA1429-mediated m6A modification of BTG2 and contributed to malignant progression of CC in vitro.

Supplementary Information

The online version contains supplementary material available at 10.1007/s10616-024-00694-3.

Inhibition of id-1 reduces osteosarcoma growth and metastasis through mediation of snail

OBJECTIVE

Osteosarcoma (OS) is a highly invasive bone tumor that frequently metastasizes to the lungs. This study aims to investigate the role of the Id-1 gene in OS invasion and metastasis, and its relationship with the Snail gene.

METHODS

This study included tissue samples from 12 non-metastatic osteosarcomas and 9 metastatic osteosarcoma patients to examine the expression of Id-1 and Snail using RT-qPCR and analyze their correlation. In cell-based experiments, four osteosarcoma cell lines (Saos-2, U2OS, MG-63, and 143B) and the human osteoblast cell line hFOB 1.19 were cultured. The expression of Id-1 and Snail was evaluated by RT-qPCR and Western blotting.Cells were randomly divided into the Control group, sh-NC group, and sh-Id-1 group using lentiviral infection. Transwell invasion and scratch assays were used to assess cell migration and invasion. WB was employed to detect the expression of Id-1, Snail, and epithelial-mesenchymal transition (EMT)-related proteins (E-cadherin, vimentin, and N-cadherin) in the OS cells of each group. In animal experiments, Tumor formation in each group was evaluated by injecting cells subcutaneously into mice. An osteosarcoma lung metastasis model was established by injecting infected cells into the tibia of mice. Tumor growth and lung metastasis were observed using HE staining. The expression of Id-1, Snail, and EMT-related proteins in osteosarcoma and lung tissues from each group of mice was assessed using Western blot and immunohistochemistry.

RESULTS

The expression of Id-1 and Snail was significantly higher in osteosarcoma tissues than in normal bone tissues, and the expression of Id-1 was positively correlated with that of Snail. In cell experiments, downregulation of Id-1 reduced Snail expression and significantly inhibited EMT, as well as the migration and invasion of OS cells (P < 0.05). In animal experiments, compared to the Control group, the sh-Id-1 group mice was no significant change in body weight, but the tumor volume was significantly reduced, and fewer lung metastatic nodules (P < 0.05). HE staining indicated decreased nuclear atypia, reduced invasion and destruction, fewer new blood vessels, and less calcification in the sh-Id-1 group tumors. Immunohistochemistry and WB results showed upregulation of E-cadherin and downregulation of vimentin, N-cadherin, Id-1, and Snail in the sh-Id-1 group (P < 0.05).

CONCLUSION

Downregulation of Id-1 inhibits the EMT process by reducing Snail expression, effectively suppressing the growth, invasion, and lung metastasis of OS.

Significance of Malic Enzyme 1 in Cancer: A Review

Malic enzyme 1 (ME1) plays a key role in promoting malignant phenotypes in various types of cancer. ME1 promotes epithelial-mesenchymal transition (EMT) and enhances stemness via glutaminolysis, energy metabolism reprogramming from oxidative phosphorylation to glycolysis. As a result, ME1 promotes the malignant phenotypes of cancer cells and poor patient prognosis. In particular, ME1 expression is promoted in hypoxic environments associated with hypoxia-inducible factor (HIF1) α. ME1 is overexpressed in budding cells at the cancer invasive front, promoting cancer invasion and metastasis. ME1 also generates nicotinamide adenine dinucleotide (NADPH), which, together with glucose-6-phosphate dehydrogenase (G6PD) and isocitrate dehydrogenase (IDH1), expands the NADPH pool, maintaining the redox balance in cancer cells, suppressing cell death by neutralizing mitochondrial reactive oxygen species (ROS), and promoting stemness. This review summarizes the latest research insights into the mechanisms by which ME1 contributes to cancer progression. Because ME1 is involved in various aspects of cancer and promotes many of its malignant phenotypes, it is expected that ME1 will become a novel drug target in the near future.

Extracellular vesicles and microRNAs in cancer progression

Extracellular vesicles (EVs) have emerged as critical mediators of intercellular communication in cancer. These membranous structures, secreted by normal and cancerous cells, carry a cargo of bioactive molecules including microRNAs (miRNAs) that modulate various cellular processes. miRNAs are small non-coding RNAs that play pivotal roles in post-transcriptional gene regulation and have been implicated in cancer initiation, progression, and metastasis. In cancer, tumor-derived EVs transport specific miRNAs to recipient cells, modulating tumorigenesis, growth, angiogenesis, and metastasis. Dysregulation of miRNA expression profiles within EVs contributes to the acquisition of cancer hallmarks that include increased proliferation, survival, and migration. EV miRNAs influence the tumor microenvironment, promoting immune evasion, remodeling the extracellular matrix, and establishing pre-metastatic niches. Understanding the complex interplay between EVs, miRNAs, and cancer holds significant promise for developing novel diagnostic and therapeutic strategies. This chapter provides insights into the role of EV-mediated miRNA signaling in cancer pathogenesis, highlighting its potential as a biomarker for cancer detection, prognosis, and treatment response assessment.

KAT2B inhibits proliferation and invasion via inactivating TGF-β/Smad3 pathway-medicated autophagy and EMT in epithelial ovarian cancer

Lysine acetyltransferase 2B (KAT2B) plays a crucial role in epigenetic regulation and tumor pathogenesis. Our study investigates KAT2B's function in epithelial ovarian cancer (EOC) using in vivo and in vitro methods. Immunohistochemistry showed the KAT2B expression in EOC tissues. RNA sequencing (RNA-seq) further identified altered gene expression profiles following KAT2B silencing in EOC cells. Western blot and qRT-PCR were employed to assess the protein and mRNA expression, respectively. KAT2B downregulated in EOC tissues and correlated with both FIGO stage and grade. KAT2B silencing induced autophagy, enhancing cell proliferation and invasion, while overexpression had opposite effects. In vivo, KAT2B silencing increased tumor volume and weight, mitigated by autophagy inhibitor chloroquine. Bioinformatics and co-immunoprecipitation assays identified a KAT2B-SMAD7 interaction. Mechanistic investigations suggested that KAT2B knockdown enhanced autophagy via activation of the TGF-β/Smad3/7 signaling pathway, thereby driving epithelial-mesenchymal transition (EMT), proliferation, and invasion in EOC. Additionally, our data hint at a potential role for the AKT/mTOR pathway. KAT2B acts as a putative tumor suppressor in EOC, where its reduced expression correlates with advanced disease stages. It is implicated in the regulation of autophagy, proliferation, and invasion via the TGF-β/Smad3/7 pathway, positioning KAT2B as a candidate therapeutic target for EOC interventions.

Gut Microbiota-Tumor Microenvironment Interactions: Mechanisms and Clinical Implications for Immune Checkpoint Inhibitor Efficacy in Cancer

Cancer immunotherapy has transformed cancer treatment in recent years, with immune checkpoint inhibitors (ICIs) emerging as a key therapeutic approach. ICIs work by inhibiting the mechanisms that allow tumors to evade immune detection. Although ICIs have shown promising results, especially in solid tumors, patient responses vary widely due to multiple intrinsic and extrinsic factors within the tumor microenvironment. Emerging evidence suggests that the gut microbiota plays a pivotal role in modulating immune responses at the tumor site and may even influence treatment outcomes in cancer patients receiving ICIs. This review explores the complex interactions between the gut microbiota and the tumor microenvironment, examining how these interactions could impact the effectiveness of ICI therapy. Furthermore, we discuss how dysbiosis, an imbalance in gut microbiota composition, may contribute to resistance to ICIs, and highlight microbiota-targeted strategies to potentially overcome this challenge. Additionally, we review recent studies investigating the diagnostic potential of microbiota profiles in cancer patients, considering how microbial markers might aid in early detection and stratification of patient responses to ICIs. By integrating insights from recent preclinical and clinical studies, we aim to shed light on the potential of microbiome modulation as an adjunct to cancer immunotherapy and as a diagnostic tool, paving the way for personalized therapeutic approaches that optimize patient outcomes.

Identification of a metabolic-immune signature associated with prognosis in colon cancer and exploration of potential predictive efficacy of immunotherapy response

The role of metabolic reprogramming of the tumor immune microenvironment in cancer development and immune escape has increasingly attracted attention. However, the predictive value of differences in metabolism-immune microenvironment on the prognosis of colon cancer (CC) and the response to immunotherapy have not been elucidated. The aim of this study was to investigate changes in metabolism and immune profile of CC and to identify a reliable signature for predicting prognosis and therapeutic response. The metabolism and immune-related differential genes in CC were screened out by differential gene expression analysis. A metabolism and immune related prognostic signature was established by the least absolute shrinkage and selection operator (LASSO) Cox algorithm. The training cohort with 417 patients from The Cancer Genome Atlas (TCGA) database and the validation cohort of 232 patients from GSE17538 were used to confirm the robustness of the prognostic signature. Immunohistochemical staining scores were used to assess gene expression levels in our clinical samples. Gene ontology (GO) analysis, gene set enrichment analysis (GSEA), single nucleotide variation (SNV) analysis, immune infiltration and immune factors analysis were used to explore the characteristics of patients with different subtypes. Multiple cancer immunotherapy datasets were used to assess the response of patients with different subtypes to immune checkpoint inhibitors. We established the Metabolism and Immune-Related Prognostic Score (MIRPS) based on six genes (CD36, PCOLCE2, SCG2, CALB2, STC2, CLDN23) to predict the prognosis of CC patients. We found a correlation between MIRPS and the malignant phenotype, microsatellite subtype, mutation load, and immune escape in CC. Tumors with high MIRPS presented a higher tumor mutation load and a more prominent immunosuppressive microenvironment. This subset of patients may potentially respond well to immune checkpoint inhibitor therapy. MIRPS may be used as a novel prognostic tool for CC and have potential value for immunotherapy response prediction.

Chronic NaAsO2 exposure promotes migration and invasion of prostate cancer cells by Akt/GSK-3β/β-catenin/TCF4 axis-mediated epithelial-mesenchymal transition

Inorganic arsenic is a Class I human Carcinogen. However, the role of chronic inorganic arsenic exposure on prostate cancer metastasis still unclear. This study aimed to investigate the effects and mechanism of chronic NaAsO2 exposure on migration and invasion of prostate cancer cells. DU145 and PC-3 cells were exposed to NaAsO2 (2 μM) for 25 generations. Wound healing and Transwell assays showed that chronic NaAsO2 exposure promoted migration and invasion of DU145 and PC-3 cells. In addition, chronic NaAsO2 exposure induced epithelial-mesenchymal transition (EMT) of DU145 cells by promoting β-catenin/TCF4 transcriptional activity. Mechanically, NaAsO2 promoted GSK-3β inactivation in the "disruption complex" through Akt- mediated phosphorylation at serine 9, and then inhibited the phosphorylation and ubiquitination degradation of β-catenin, which led to its nuclear translocation. Ly294002, a selective phosphatidylinositol 3-kinase (PI3K)/Akt inhibitor, suppressed the β-catenin/TCF4 complex activation and EMT through blocking Akt-mediated GSK-3β inactivation in the "disruption complex" in chronic NaAsO2 exposed DU145 and PC-3 cells. Moreover, Ly294002 alleviated chronic NaAsO2-induced migration and invasion in DU145 and PC-3 cells. These findings provide evidence that chronic arsenic exposure promotes migration and invasion of prostate cancer cells via an EMT mechanism driven by the AKT/GSK-3β/β-catenin/TCF4 signaling axis. Akt is expected to be a potential therapeutic target for chronic arsenic exposure-mediated prostate cancer metastasis.

The mechanism underlying metastasis in triple-negative breast cancer: focusing on the interplay between ferroptosis, epithelial-mesenchymal transition, and non-coding RNAs

Triple-negative breast cancer (TNBC) is a type of breast cancer with lack the expression of estrogen receptor (ER), progesterone receptor (PR), and human epidermal growth factor receptor 2 (HER2). It is the most aggressive breast cancer and the most difficult to treat due to its poor response to treatments and extremely invasive characteristics. The typical treatment for TNBC frequently results in relapse because of the lack of particular treatment choices. It is urgent to focus on identifying a workable and effective target for the treatment of TNBC. Cancer metastasis is significantly influenced by epithelial-mesenchymal transition (EMT). Ferroptosis is an iron-dependent cell death form, and changes its key factor to affect the proliferation and metastasis of TNBC. Several reports have established associations between EMT and ferroptosis in TNBC metastasis. Furthermore, non-coding RNA (ncRNA), which has been previously described, can also control cancer cell death and metastasis. Thus, in this review, we summarize the correlation and pathways among the ferroptosis, EMT, and ncRNAs in TNBC metastasis. Also, aim to find out a novel strategy for TNBC treatment through the ncRNA-ferroptosis-EMT axis.

Blue light promotes conjunctival epithelial-mesenchymal transition and collagen deposition through ITGB4

The increasing prevalence of LED technology heightened blue light (BL) exposure, raising concerns about its long-term effects on ocular health. This study investigated the transcriptomic response of conjunctiva to BL exposure, highlighting potential biomarkers for conjunctival injury. We exposed human conjunctival epithelial cells and C57BL/6 mice to BL to establish in vitro and in vivo models and identified the responsive genes in mice's conjunctiva to BL exposure by RNA sequencing transcriptome analysis. Western blotting, wound healing assays, transwell assay, and phalloidin staining assessed phenotypes of epithelial-mesenchymal transition (EMT). BL disrupted cell conjunction and regulated EMT-related proteins. RNA sequencing analysis revealed upregulation of ITGB4 and enrichment of cell migration and adhesion pathways. Reactive oxygen species-mediated damage caused by BL upregulated ITGB4 expression, promoting cell migration and EMT through the extracellular signal-regulated kinase /Snail pathway.

Targeting Fibroblast-Derived Interleukin 6: A Strategy to Overcome Epithelial-Mesenchymal Transition and Radioresistance in Head and Neck Cancer

BACKGROUND

Cancer-associated fibroblasts have been reported to play a central role in driving cancer progression, promoting metastasis, and conferring resistance to therapy in HNSCC.

METHODS

Indirect and direct co-culture models of HPV-positive and HPV-negative HNSCC cells with fibroblasts were developed to study the effect of fibroblasts on cancer cells. ELISA was used to measure IL-6 secretion in these models. To dissect the underlying signalling mechanisms, the effects of IL-6, an IL-6 receptor (IL-6R) inhibitor, a MAPK/ERK inhibitor, and a JAK/STAT inhibitor were evaluated. Epithelial-to-mesenchymal transition (EMT) was assessed by measuring EMT markers and conducting scratch assays and spheroid assays. Radioresistance was evaluated using clonogenic assays. Additionally, radioresistant (RR) cell lines were established from parental cells to examine the correlation between radioresistance and EMT.

RESULTS

Fibroblasts were found to drive EMT-like changes and heightened radioresistance in HNSCC cells through IL-6 secretion. Remarkably, these Fb-driven effects were robustly reversed using IL-6R and MAPK/ERK inhibitors in both HPV-positive and HPV-negative cell lines, whereas JAK/STAT inhibitors proved effective only in HPV-negative cells. RR cell lines exhibit a more aggressive phenotype than their parental counterparts, marked by pronounced EMT features and heightened resistance to radiotherapy. Importantly, these aggressive characteristics were substantially attenuated by targeting IL-6R or MAPK/ERK pathways.

CONCLUSIONS

This study highlights the critical role of fibroblast-secreted IL-6 in driving and maintaining EMT and radioresistance in HNSCC, resulting in a more aggressive tumour phenotype. Targeting the IL-6/IL-6R/ERK pathway emerges as a promising therapeutic approach for combating CAF-driven tumour progression and improving clinical outcomes in patients with aggressive, therapy-resistant HNSCC.

EMT-Induced Morphological Variations on Living Cell Membrane Surface

Epithelial-mesenchymal transition (EMT) is a drastic and important cellular process by which epithelial cells acquire a mesenchymal phenotype. Herein, we evaluated EMT-induced membrane variations using scanning ion conductance microscopy (SICM), which allows noninvasive nanoscale visualization. The results showed that the number and size of ruffles on the living cell surface decreased as the EMT progressed. It was also shown that the overall cell shape change occurred first rather than the nanoscale morphological variations. Time-lapse imaging using SICM showed that the small ruffles still moved actively after EMT induction. This study indicates that surface shape measurements using SICM may be useful indicators for assessing EMT progression.

Harnessing the tumor microenvironment: targeted cancer therapies through modulation of epithelial-mesenchymal transition

The tumor microenvironment (TME) is integral to cancer progression, impacting metastasis and treatment response. It consists of diverse cell types, extracellular matrix components, and signaling molecules that interact to promote tumor growth and therapeutic resistance. Elucidating the intricate interactions between cancer cells and the TME is crucial in understanding cancer progression and therapeutic challenges. A critical process induced by TME signaling is the epithelial-mesenchymal transition (EMT), wherein epithelial cells acquire mesenchymal traits, which enhance their motility and invasiveness and promote metastasis and cancer progression. By targeting various components of the TME, novel investigational strategies aim to disrupt the TME's contribution to the EMT, thereby improving treatment efficacy, addressing therapeutic resistance, and offering a nuanced approach to cancer therapy. This review scrutinizes the key players in the TME and the TME's contribution to the EMT, emphasizing avenues to therapeutically disrupt the interactions between the various TME components. Moreover, the article discusses the TME's implications for resistance mechanisms and highlights the current therapeutic strategies toward TME modulation along with potential caveats.

Biomechanics in the tumor microenvironment: from biological functions to potential clinical applications

Immune checkpoint therapies have spearheaded drug innovation over the last decade, propelling cancer treatments toward a new era of precision therapies. Nonetheless, the challenges of low response rates and prevalent drug resistance underscore the imperative for a deeper understanding of the tumor microenvironment (TME) and the pursuit of novel targets. Recent findings have revealed the profound impacts of biomechanical forces within the tumor microenvironment on immune surveillance and tumor progression in both murine models and clinical settings. Furthermore, the pharmacological or genetic manipulation of mechanical checkpoints, such as PIEZO1, DDR1, YAP/TAZ, and TRPV4, has shown remarkable potential in immune activation and eradication of tumors. In this review, we delved into the underlying biomechanical mechanisms and the resulting intricate biological meaning in the TME, focusing mainly on the extracellular matrix, the stiffness of cancer cells, and immune synapses. We also summarized the methodologies employed for biomechanical research and the potential clinical translation derived from current evidence. This comprehensive review of biomechanics will enhance the understanding of the functional role of biomechanical forces and provide basic knowledge for the discovery of novel therapeutic targets.

CBLN2 overexpression inhibits colorectal cancer progression and improves immunotherapy responses

Cerebellin 2 (CBLN2) has critical roles in regulating neuronal function, however, its functions in cancer are poorly studied. In our project, we found that CBLN2 expression is significantly downregulated in colorectal carcinoma (CRC), which is related to poor outcomes of CRC patients. In addition, we found that CBLN2 is closely associated with immune infiltrates in CRC samples, especially CD8 + T cells. Mechanistically, we discovered that CBLN2 could inhibit STAT3-induced PD-L1 and beta-catenin activation in CRC. Further experiments revealed that CBLN2 overexpression could inhibit oncogenic properties of CRC cells in vitro and CRC tumor growth in vivo. What's more, we also confirmed that the activation of CBLN2 could improve the efficiency of immune checkpoint blockade (ICB) treatment in the MC38 CRC model. In conclusion, the CBLN2-STAT3 axis may act as a novel potential target for CRC treatment.

Twist-Induced Epithelial-to-Mesenchymal Transition Confers Specific Metabolic and Mitochondrial Alterations

Cells undergo significant epigenetic and phenotypic change during the epithelial-to-mesenchymal transition (EMT), a process observed in development, wound healing, and cancer metastasis. EMT confers several advantageous characteristics, including enhanced migration and invasion, resistance to cell death, and altered metabolism. In disease, these adaptations could be leveraged as therapeutic targets. Here, we analyze Twist-induced EMT in non-transformed HMLE cells as well as a breast cancer cell line with (MDA-MB-231) and without (MCF7) EMT features to compare differences in metabolic pathways and mitochondrial morphology. Analysis of oxidative and glycolytic metabolism reveals a general EMT-associated glycolytic metabolic phenotype accompanied by increased ATP production. Furthermore, a decrease in mitochondrial size was also associated with EMT-positive cells. However, mitochondrial elongation and spatial dynamics were not consistently altered, as HMLE Twist cells exhibit more rounded and dispersed mitochondria compared to control, while MDA-MB-231 cells exhibit more elongated and clustered mitochondria compared to MCF7 cells. These results provide further insight as to the contextual nature of EMT conferred properties.

Clinical implications of epithelial-to-mesenchymal transition in cancers which potentially spread to peritoneum

Epithelial-to-mesenchymal transition (EMT) is a biological process by which epithelial cells increase their motility and acquire invasive capacity. It represents a crucial driver of cancer metastasis and peritoneal dissemination. EMT plasticity, with cells exhibiting hybrid epithelial/mesenchymal states, and its reverse process, mesenchymal-to-epithelial transition (MET), allows them to adapt to different microenvironments and evade therapeutic intervention. Resistance to conventional treatments, including chemotherapy, is a major problem. Therapies targeting EMT may inhibit tumour cell migration and invasion, while affecting normal cells and repair mechanisms, resulting in potential side effects. This paper addresses the question of the impact of EMT status on cancers with potential spread to the peritoneum, which has remained unclear in literature. Relevant studies were selected from 2000 to 2024. Three macrosections were analysed: (i) pathological characteristics, (ii) surgical implications and (iii) oncological therapies. The focus was on survival and peritoneal recurrence time in patients who underwent surgical treatment.

Sesquiterpene Lactones as Promising Anti-Glioblastoma Drug Candidates Exerting Complex Effects on Glioblastoma Cell Viability and Proneural-Mesenchymal Transition

Glioblastoma is one of the most aggressive brain cancers, characterized by active infiltrative growth and high resistance to radiotherapy and chemotherapy. Sesquiterpene triterpenoids (STLs) and their semi-synthetic analogs are considered as a promising source of novel anti-tumor agents due to their low systemic toxicity and multi-target pharmacological effects on key processes associated with tumor progression. The current review aims to systematize the knowledge on the anti-glioblastoma potential of STLs accumulated over the last decade and to identify key processes in glioblastoma cells that are most susceptible to the action of STLs. An analysis of published data clearly demonstrated that STLs, which can successfully cross the blood-brain barrier, exert a complex inhibitory effect on glioblastoma cells through the induction of the "mitochondrial dysfunction-oxidative stress-apoptosis" axis, the inhibition of glucose metabolism and cell cycle phase transition, and the suppression of glioblastoma cell motility and invasion through the blockade of proneural-mesenchymal transition. Taken together, this review highlights the promising anti-glioblastoma potential of STLs, which are not only able to induce glioblastoma cell death, but also effectively affect their diffusive spread, and suggests the possible directions for further investigation of STLs in the context of glioblastoma to better understand their mechanism of action.

Tumor Microenvironment Responsive Key Nanomicelles for Effective Against Invasion and Metastasis in Ovarian Cancer Using Mice Model

Background

Ovarian cancer is difficult to detect in its early stages, and it has a high potential for invasion and metastasis, along with a high rate of recurrence. These factors contribute to the poor prognosis and reduced survival times for patients with this disease. The effectiveness of conventional chemoradiotherapy remains limited. Nano-particles, as a novel drug delivery system, have significant potential for improving therapeutic efficacy and overcoming these challenges.

Methods

According to the high expression level of matrix metalloproteinase-2 (MMP-2) in the tumor microenvironment, MMP-2 responsive nano-particles (PVGLIG-MTX-D/T-NMs) containing docetaxel and triptolide were prepared by the thin-film dispersion method. The synergistic effect between docetaxel and triptolide was systematically investigated, the ratio of the two drugs was optimized, and the physicochemical properties of the nano-particles and their ability to inhibit ovarian cancer cell growth and metastasis were evaluated in vitro and in vivo.

Results

PVGLIG-MTX-D/T-NMs enhanced the targeting, stability, and bioavailability of the drug, while reducing the dose and toxicity. In addition, by regulating the expression levels of E-Cadherin, N-Cadherin, matrix metalloproteinases (MMPs), hypoxia-inducible factor 1-alpha (HIF-1α), and vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF), it exhibited an inhibitory effect on epithelial-mesenchymal transformation (EMT) and tumor cell angiogenesis, and effectively inhibited the invasion and metastasis of ovarian cancer cells.

Conclusion

PVGLIG-MTX-D/T-NMs achieved passive targeting of tumor sites by enhancing permeability and retention (EPR) effects. Subsequently, the uptake of the drug by tumor cells was enhanced by MMP-2 responsiveness and the modification of methotrexate targeting ligands. By regulating the expression levels of invasion- and metastasis-related proteins in tumor tissues, the nano-particles affected the EMT process, inhibited tumor angiogenesis, and suppressed the malignant potential of invasion and metastasis in ovarian cancer. These findings provided a new direction for further exploration of tumor-targeted therapy.

Polarity and migration of cranial and cardiac neural crest cells: underlying molecular mechanisms and disease implications

The Neural Crest cells are multipotent progenitor cells formed at the neural plate border that differentiate and give rise to a wide range of cell types and organs. Directional migration of NC cells and their correct positioning at target sites are essential during embryonic development, and defects in these processes results in congenital diseases. The NC migration begins with the epithelial-mesenchymal transition and extracellular matrix remodeling. The main cellular mechanisms that sustain this migration include contact inhibition of locomotion, co-attraction, chemotaxis and mechanical cues from the surrounding environment, all regulated by proteins that orchestrate cell polarity and motility. In this review we highlight the molecular mechanisms involved in neural crest cell migration and polarity, focusing on the role of small GTPases, Heterotrimeric G proteins and planar cell polarity complex. Here, we also discuss different congenital diseases caused by altered NC cell migration.

In Vitro models of leukemia development: the role of very small leukemic stem-like cells in the cellular transformation cascade

Recent experimental findings indicate that cancer stem cells originate from transformed very small embryonic-like stem cells. This finding represents an essential advancement in uncovering the processes that drive the onset and progression of cancer. In continuously growing cell lines, for the first time, our team's follow-up research on leukemia, lung cancer, and healthy embryonic kidney cells revealed stages that resembles very small precursor stem cells. This review explores the origin of leukemic stem-like cells from very small leukemic stem-like cells establish from transformed very small embryonic-like stem cells. We explore theoretical model of acute myeloid leukemia initiation and progresses through various stages, as well basing the HL60 cell line, present its hierarchical stage development in vitro, highlighting the role of these very small precursor primitive stages. We also discuss the potential implications of further research into these unique cellular stages for advancing leukemia and cancer treatment and prevention.

TCTN1 Induces Fatty Acid Oxidation to Promote Melanoma Metastasis

Metabolic reprogramming promotes and sustains multiple steps of melanoma metastasis. Identification of key regulators of metabolic reprogramming could lead to the development of treatments for preventing and treating metastatic melanoma. In this study, we identified that tectonic family member 1 (TCTN1) promotes melanoma metastasis by increasing fatty acid oxidation (FAO). In clinical melanoma samples, high expression of TCTN1 correlated with increased metastasis and shorter patient survival. Functionally, TCTN1 promoted melanoma invasion and migration in vitro and distant metastasis in vivo and induced a mesenchymal-like phenotype switch. Mechanistically, TCTN1 acted as a protein scaffold to promote the binding of HADHA and HADHB, subunits of the mitochondrial trifunctional protein complex, thus leading to FAO activation. TCTN1-mediated FAO activated the p38/MAPK signaling pathway in melanoma cells, promoting tumor epithelial-mesenchymal transition and stemness. Molecular docking indicated that the prostaglandin F receptor agonist fluprostenol can block HADHA/HADHB binding, which was confirmed experimentally. Treatment with fluprostenol was able to inhibit TCTN1-induced melanoma invasion and metastasis. Taken together, these findings elucidate the mechanism of TCTN1-mediated promotion of melanoma metastasis and support the potential application of fluprostenol for targeted therapy of metastatic melanoma. Significance: TCTN1 activates fatty acid oxidation to induce melanoma mesenchymal phenotype switching and invasion by promoting the binding of the subunits of MTP, which can be targeted with fluprostenol to inhibit melanoma metastasis.