Sp2 promotes invasion and metastasis of hepatocellular carcinoma by targeting TRIB3 protein

Identifying Specificity Protein 2 as a key marker for diabetic encephalopathy in the context of predictive, preventive, and personalized medicine

Background

Transcription factor specificity protein (SP2) regulates various cellular functions, including cell division, proliferation, invasion, metastasis, differentiation, and death; however, its role has not been studied in prominent medical conditions including diabetic encephalopathy (DE). Therefore, this study addressed its physiological function in the context of DE to also better characterize its possible use in the context of predictive, preventive, and personalized medicine (PPPM).

Methods

The anti-inflammatory and anti-DE actions of SP2 were investigated using three animal models (SP2-/- mice, streptozocin-treated mice, and db/db mice) and two cell lines (primary cultured hippocampal neurons and N2A cells). The db/db mice were a leptin deficiency model often used to study type 2 diabetes. An equal number of males and females (8-12 weeks of age) was selected. Behavioral changes in mice were determined using both morris water maze (MWM) test and Y-maze (YM) test. The alterations in oxidative stress and inflammation were examined via immunofluorescence assay, flow cytometry, co-immunoprecipitation, and immunoblotting.

Results

Mechanistically, SP2-knockout (SP2-/-) mice showed dysregulation of insulin/glucose homeostasis, neuroinflammation, and cognitive loss. Otherwise, in db/db DE mice and STZ-induced DE mice, neuroinflammation, neuroapoptosis, and cognitive decline were significantly attenuated when SP2 was overexpressed in the brain. On the other hand, SP2 overexpression activates the insulin signaling pathway and improves insulin resistance via targeting X-box binding protein 1 (XBP1) in neurons. Moreover, SP2 overexpression significantly reduces oxidative stress by interacting with XBP1 and nuclear factor erythroid 2-related factor 2 (NRF2) in neurons. Furthermore, SP2 enhances the suppression of inflammatory response triggered by nuclear factor kappa B (NFκB) through the recruitment of XBP1 and NRF2 and by the in vitro inactivation of IκB kinase (IKK) complex.

Conclusions

These findings highlight SP2 as key biological targets for DE and reveal the infammation-related potential molecular mechanism of DE, which is helpful for early risk prediction and targeted prevention of DE. In conclusion, our study provides a new perspective for developing a PPPM method for managing DE patients.

Supplementary Information

The online version contains supplementary material available at 10.1007/s13167-024-00394-0.

Identification of the entosis-related prognostic signature and tumour microenvironment in hepatocellular carcinoma on the basis of bioinformatics analysis and experimental validation

Liver cancer ranks among the deadliest cancers worldwide. Entosis, a recently uncovered method of cell death, has not yet been fully explored for its relevance to HCC. A bioinformatics analysis was performed to determine the expression and mutational landscapes of Entosis-related genes (ERGs). A subset of differentially expressed Entosis-related genes (DEERGs) was generated. A risk model for entosis was subsequently constructed employing LASSO and Cox regression methodologies. The correlations among ERGs, genes associated with risk, the developed risk model, and the immune context of the tumour were explored. Furthermore, the study investigated the varying drug sensitivities between high-risk and slight-risk patient groups. The expression patterns of four pivotal risk genes were delineated via qRT‒PCR and WB. A prognostic model comprising four DEERGs (KIF18A, SPP1, LCAT and TRIB3) was developed. The ability of this model to predict the survival outcomes of patients with HCC was confirmed through receiver operating characteristic curve analysis. Patients were grouped according to their risk assessments, revealing that the low-risk population demonstrated a more favourable survival outcome than did the high-risk population. The high-risk population presented reduced tumour stroma, immune and ESTIMATE scores, along with an increased proportion of cancer stem cells and tumour mutation burden. Additionally, a connection between the risk model and the responsiveness of various chemotherapy drugs as well as the efficacy of immunotherapies in patients was noted. These findings provide significant guidance for the development of targeted clinical treatment strategies. qRT‒PCR and WB analysis revealed that the gene expression of KIF18A and SPP1 were elevated in HCCLM3 cells compared with that in THLE2 cells; whereas, the expression level of LCAT and TIRB3 was decreased. The four genes KIF18A, SPP1, LCAT and TRIB3 could effectively predict the survival prognosis of patients with liver cancer. KIF18A and SPP1 were elevated in HCC tissues compared with that in THLE2 cells.

Inhibition of CISD2 enhances sensitivity to doxorubicin in diffuse large B-cell lymphoma by regulating ferroptosis and ferritinophagy

Background

CDGSH iron-sulfur domain 2 (CISD2), an iron-sulfur protein with a [2Fe-2S] cluster, plays a pivotal role in the progression of various cancers, including Diffuse Large B-cell Lymphoma (DLBCL). However, the mechanisms by which CISD2 regulates the occurrence and development of DLBCL remain to be fully elucidated.

Methods

The potential role of CISD2 as a predictive marker in DLBCL patients treated with the R-CHOP regimen was investigated through bioinformatics analysis and clinical cohort studies. DLBCL cell lines (SUDHL-4 and HBL-1) were employed in this research. Adenoviral (AV) plasmids were used to either silence or overexpress CISD2 in these DLBCL cell lines. Additionally, the induction of ferroptosis in DLBCL cell lines was assessed. Various parameters, including cell proliferation, intracellular free iron levels, lipid peroxides, reactive oxygen species (ROS), and mitochondrial membrane potential (MMP), were measured. Furthermore, the expression of proteins associated with ferroptosis and ferritinophagy was analyzed. Drug-resistant DLBCL cell lines were developed by gradually increasing doxorubicin (DOX) concentration over 6 months. The biological role of CISD2 in these drug-resistant DLBCL cell lines was subsequently assessed.

Results

Elevated CISD2 levels were found to be associated with decreased sensitivity of DLBCL patients to the R-CHOP regimen, as indicated by bioinformatics and clinical cohort analysis. Silencing CISD2 significantly reduced cell proliferation, increased iron accumulation, depleted glutathione (GSH), and elevated malondialdehyde (MDA) levels, alongside the accumulation of ROS and increased MMP. Additionally, BECN1 and NCOA4 expressions were upregulated, while p62, FTH1, and GPX4 expressions were downregulated. Conversely, overexpression of CISD2 reversed these effects. Treatment of DLBCL cell lines with Erastin led to decreased CISD2 levels. Notably, in drug-resistant DLBCL cell lines, CISD2 knockdown promoted ferroptosis and ferritinophagy, restoring sensitivity to DOX and enhancing the efficacy of Erastin treatment.

Conclusion

Our findings suggest that CISD2 may play a role in the drug resistance observed in DLBCL patients. Inhibition of CISD2 could enhance ferroptosis and ferritinophagy, potentially improving the sensitivity of DLBCL cells to DOX treatment.

Diverse functions of Tribbles homolog 3 in cancers and its potential as a therapeutic target

Currently, cancer is the second leading cause of death worldwide, and potential targeted drugs and molecular pathways for cancer development and progression have been a hot research topic worldwide. In recent years, the importance of the kinase superfamily in diseases has been well demonstrated by studies on various molecular mechanisms of kinases and the successful application of their inhibitors in diseases. Pseudokinases are members of the kinase superfamily, which have been increasingly documented to play a crucial role in cancers year after year. As a member of pseudokinases, tribbles homolog 3 (TRIB3) also exerts diverse functions in different cancers through different interacting proteins and molecular pathways, especially in tumor immunity, stemness, drug resistance, metabolism, and autophagy. In addition, peptide drugs targeting TRIB3 have high specificity in preclinical studies, which shows great promise for TRIB3 application in diseases including cancers. In this review, we dissect diverse functions played by TRIB3 in different cancers, describing the underlying mechanisms in detail. Notably, inhibitors and agonists currently available for TRIB3 are discussed, indicating the potential for TRIB3 as a therapeutic target.

CD93 regulates breast cancer growth and vasculogenic mimicry through the PI3K/AKT/SP2 signaling pathway activated by integrin β1

In women, breast cancer (BC) accounts for 7%-10% of all cancer cases and is one of the most common cancers. To identify a new method for treating BC, the role of CD93 and its underlying mechanism were explored. MDA-MB-231 cells were used in this study and transfected with si-CD93, si-MMRN2, oe-CD93, si-integrin β1, or oe-SP2 lentivirus. After MDA-MB-231 cells were transfected with si-NC or si-CD93, they were injected into nude mice by subcutaneous injection at a dose of 5 × 106/mouse to construct a BC animal model. The expression of genes and proteins and cell migration, invasion and vasculogenic mimicry were detected by RT‒qPCR, western blot, immunohistochemistry, immunofluorescence, Transwell, and angiogenesis assays. In pathological samples and BC cell lines, CD93 was highly expressed. Functionally, CD93 promoted the proliferation, migration, and vasculogenic mimicry of MDA-MB-231 cells. Moreover, CD93 interacts with MMRN2 and integrin β1. Knockdown of CD93 and MMRN2 can inhibit the activation of integrin β1, thereby inhibiting the PI3K/AKT/SP2 signaling pathway and inhibiting BC growth and vasculogenic mimicry. In conclusion, the binding of CD93 to MMRN2 can activate integrin β1, thereby activating the PI3K/AKT/SP2 signaling pathway and subsequently promoting BC growth and vasculogenic mimicry.

Analysis of endoplasmic reticulum stress-related gene signature for the prognosis and pattern in diffuse large B cell lymphoma

Diffuse large B-cell lymphoma (DLBCL) is the most common lymphoma in adults. This study aimed to determine the prognostic significance of endoplasmic reticulum (ER) stress-related genes in DLBCL. ER stress-related genes were obtained from the molecular signatures database. Gene expression data and clinical outcomes from the gene expression omnibus and TCGA datasets were collected, and differentially expressed genes (DEGs) were screened out. Gene ontology enrichment analysis, the kyoto encyclopaedia of genes and genomes pathway analysis, and geneset enrichment analysis were used to analyse the possible biological function of ER stress-related DEGs in DLBCL. Protein-protein interaction network construction using the STRING online and hub genes were identified by cytoHubba on Cytoscape software. The significant prognosis-related genes were screened, and the differential expression was validated. The immune microenvironment assessment of significant genes were evaluated. Next, the nomogram was built using univariate and multivariate Cox regression analysis. 26 ER stress-related DEGs were screened. Functional enrichment analysis showed them to be involved in the regulation of the endoplasmic reticulum mainly. NUPR1 and TRIB3 were identified as the most significant prognostic-related genes by comparison with the GSE10846, GSE11318, and TCGA datasets. NUPR1 was correlated with a good prognosis and immune infiltration in DLBCL; on the other hand, high expression of TRIB3 significantly correlated with a poor prognosis, which was an independent prognostic factor for DLBCL. In summary, we identified NUPR1 and TRIB3 as critical ER stress-related genes in DLBCL. NUPR1 might be involved in immune infiltration in DLBCL, and TRIB3 might serve as a potential therapeutic target and prognostic factor in DLBCL.

The function of long non-coding RNA SNHG11 and its working mechanism in triple-negative breast cancer

Triple-negative breast cancer (TNBC) seriously affects woman's health. The present work is to study the working mechanism of lncRNA SNHG11 in TNBC. The expressions of SNHG11, microRNA (miR)- 7-5p, specificity protein 2 (SP2) and mucin 1 (MUC-1) in TNBC tissues and cells were detected. SNHG11, miR-7-5p and SP2 expressions were then evaluated for TNBC cell malignant behaviors. The relationships among SNHG11, miR-7-5p and SP2 were predicted and verified. Finally, the binding of the transcription factor SP2 to MUC-1 promoter was detected. Abnormally elevated SNHG11, SP2 and MUC-1 expressions were observed in cultured TNBC cells and tumor tissues. SNHG11 knockdown in TNBC cells. Silencing SP2 weakened the promoting effect of SNHG11 on TNBC progression. SNHG11 negatively regulated miR-7-5p expression and positively regulated SP2 expression. SP2 bound to the P2 site of MUC-1 promoter, and SP2 knockdown suppressed MUC-1 expression. It was demonstrated that lncRNA SNHG11 promoted TNBC cell malignant behaviors to facilitate TNBC progression. The study is first of its kinds to unravel the potential of lncRNA SNHG11 in relation to TNBC.

Specificity Proteins (Sp) and Cancer

The specificity protein (Sp) transcription factors (TFs) Sp1, Sp2, Sp3 and Sp4 exhibit structural and functional similarities in cancer cells and extensive studies of Sp1 show that it is a negative prognostic factor for patients with multiple tumor types. In this review, the role of Sp1, Sp3 and Sp4 in the development of cancer and their regulation of pro-oncogenic factors and pathways is reviewed. In addition, interactions with non-coding RNAs and the development of agents that target Sp transcription factors are also discussed. Studies on normal cell transformation into cancer cell lines show that this transformation process is accompanied by increased levels of Sp1 in most cell models, and in the transformation of muscle cells into rhabdomyosarcoma, both Sp1 and Sp3, but not Sp4, are increased. The pro-oncogenic functions of Sp1, Sp3 and Sp4 in cancer cell lines were studied in knockdown studies where silencing of each individual Sp TF decreased cancer growth, invasion and induced apoptosis. Silencing of an individual Sp TF was not compensated for by the other two and it was concluded that Sp1, Sp3 and Sp4 are examples of non-oncogene addicted genes. This conclusion was strengthened by the results of Sp TF interactions with non-coding microRNAs and long non-coding RNAs where Sp1 contributed to pro-oncogenic functions of Sp/non-coding RNAs. There are now many examples of anticancer agents and pharmaceuticals that induce downregulation/degradation of Sp1, Sp3 and Sp4, yet clinical applications of drugs specifically targeting Sp TFs are not being used. The application of agents targeting Sp TFs in combination therapies should be considered for their potential to enhance treatment efficacy and decrease toxic side effects.

Identification of oncogenes and tumor-suppressor genes with hepatocellular carcinoma: A comprehensive analysis based on TCGA and GEO datasets

Aim: Existing targeted therapies for hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) are resistant and have limitations. It is crucial to find new HCC-related target genes. Methods: RNA-sequencing data of HCC were gathered from The Cancer Genome Atlas and Gene Expression Omnibus datasets. Initially, differentially expressed genes between normal and tumor tissues were identified from four Gene Expression Omnibus datasets, GSE36376, GSE102079, GSE54236, and GSE45267. GO terms and KEGG pathway enrichment analyses were performed to explore the potential biological functions of differentially expressed genes. A PPI network was constructed by using the STRING database, and up-regulated and down-regulated hub genes were defined through 12 topological approaches. Subsequently, the correlation bounded by up-regulated genes and down-regulated genes in the diagnosis, prognosis, and clinicopathological features of HCC was analyzed. Beyond a shadow of doubt, the key oncogene PBK and tumor suppressor gene F9 were screened out, and the specific mechanism was investigated through GSEA enrichment analysis and immune correlation analysis. The role of PBK in HCC was further verified by western blot, CCK8, transwell, and tube formation experiments. Results: CDCA5, CDC20, PBK, PRC1, TOP2A, and NCAPG are good indicators of HCC diagnosis and prognosis. The low expressions of F9, AFM, and C8B indicate malignant progression and poor prognosis of HCC. PBK was found to be closely related to VEGF, VEGFR, and PDGFR pathways. Experiments showed that PBK promotes HCC cell proliferation, migration, invasion, and tube formation in HUVEC cells. F9 was negatively correlated with the degree of immune infiltration, and low expression of F9 suggested a poor response to immunotherapy. Conclusion: The role of HCC-related oncogenes and tumor-suppressor genes in diagnosis and prognosis was identified. In addition, we have found that PBK may promote tumor proliferation through angiogenesis and F9 may be a predictor of tumor immunotherapy response.

The functions and molecular mechanisms of Tribbles homolog 3 (TRIB3) implicated in the pathophysiology of cancer

Currently, cancer ranks as the second leading cause of death worldwide, and at the same time, the burden of cancer continues to increase. The underlying molecular pathways involved in the initiation and development of cancer are the subject of considerable research worldwide. Further understanding of these pathways may lead to new cancer treatments. Growing data suggest that Tribble's homolog 3 (TRIB3) is essential in oncogenesis in many types of cancer. The mammalian tribbles family's proteins regulate various cellular and physiological functions, such as the cell cycle, stress response, signal transduction, propagation, development, differentiation, immunity, inflammatory processes, and metabolism. To exert their activities, Tribbles proteins must alter key signaling pathways, including the mitogen-activated protein kinase (MAPK) and phosphatidylinositol 3 kinase (PI3K)/AKT pathways. Recent evidence supports that TRIB3 dysregulation has been linked to various diseases, including tumor development and chemoresistance. It has been speculated that TRIB3 may either promote or inhibit the onset and development of cancer. However, it is still unclear how TRIB3 performs this dual function in cancer. In this review, we present and discuss the most recent data on the role of TRIB3 in cancer pathophysiology and chemoresistance. Furthermore, we describe in detail the molecular mechanism TRIB3 regulates in cancer.

Limited clinical utility for GWAS or polygenic risk score for postoperative acute kidney injury in non-cardiac surgery in European-ancestry patients

BACKGROUND

Prior studies support a genetic basis for postoperative acute kidney injury (AKI). We conducted a genome-wide association study (GWAS), assessed the clinical utility of a polygenic risk score (PRS), and estimated the heritable component of AKI in patients who underwent noncardiac surgery.

METHODS

We performed a retrospective large-scale genome-wide association study followed by a meta-analysis of patients who underwent noncardiac surgery at the Vanderbilt University Medical Center ("Vanderbilt" cohort) or Michigan Medicine, the academic medical center of the University of Michigan ("Michigan" cohort). In the Vanderbilt cohort, the relationship between polygenic risk score for estimated glomerular filtration rate and postoperative AKI was also tested to explore the predictive power of aggregating multiple common genetic variants associated with AKI risk. Similarly, in the Vanderbilt cohort genome-wide complex trait analysis was used to estimate the heritable component of AKI due to common genetic variants.

RESULTS

The study population included 8248 adults in the Vanderbilt cohort (mean [SD] 58.05 [15.23] years, 50.2% men) and 5998 adults in Michigan cohort (56.24 [14.76] years, 49% men). Incident postoperative AKI events occurred in 959 patients (11.6%) and in 277 patients (4.6%), respectively. No loci met genome-wide significance in the GWAS and meta-analysis. PRS for estimated glomerular filtration rate explained a very small percentage of variance in rates of postoperative AKI and was not significantly associated with AKI (odds ratio 1.050 per 1 SD increase in polygenic risk score [95% CI, 0.971-1.134]). The estimated heritability among common variants for AKI was 4.5% (SE = 4.5%) suggesting low heritability.

CONCLUSION

The findings of this study indicate that common genetic variation minimally contributes to postoperative AKI after noncardiac surgery, and likely has little clinical utility for identifying high-risk patients.

Genetic variation as a long-distance modulator of RAD21 expression in humans

Somatic mutations and changes in expression of RAD21 are common in many types of cancer. Moreover, sub-optimal levels of RAD21 expression in early development can result in cohesinopathies. Altered RAD21 levels can result directly from mutations in the RAD21 gene. However, whether DNA variants outside of the RAD21 gene could control its expression and thereby contribute to cancer and developmental disease is unknown. In this study, we searched for genomic variants that modify RAD21expression to determine their potential to contribute to development or cancer by RAD21 dysregulation. We searched 42,953,834 genomic variants for a spatial-eQTL association with the transcription of RAD21. We identified 123 significant associations (FDR < 0.05), which are local (cis) or long-distance (trans) regulators of RAD21 expression. The 123 variants co-regulate a further seven genes (AARD, AKAP11, GRID1, KCNIP4, RCN1, TRIOBP, and USP32), enriched for having Sp2 transcription factor binding sites in their promoter regions. The Sp2 transcription factor and six of the seven genes had previously been associated with cancer onset, progression, and metastasis. Our results suggest that genome-wide variation in non-coding regions impacts on RAD21 transcript levels in addition to other genes, which then could impact on oncogenesis and the process of ubiquitination. This identification of distant co-regulation of oncogenes represents a strategy for discovery of novel genetic regions influencing cancer onset and a potential for diagnostics.

ARHGEF2/EDN1 pathway participates in ER stress-related drug resistance of hepatocellular carcinoma by promoting angiogenesis and malignant proliferation

Endoplasmic reticulum (ER) stress is widely involved in the drug resistance of hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC), but the mechanism of ER stress-induced drug resistance involves multiple signaling pathways that cannot be fully explained. Exploring genes associated with ER stress could yield a novel therapeutic target for ER stress-induced drug resistance. By analyzing RNA-sequencing, ATAC-sequencing, and Chip-sequencing data of Tunicamycin (TM)-treated or untreated HCC cells, we found that Rho guanine nucleotide exchange factor 2 (ARHGEF2) is upregulated in HCC cells with ER stress. ARHGEF2 plays an active role in tumor malignant progression. Notwithstanding, no research has been done on the link between ER stress and ARHGEF2. The function of ARHGEF2 as a novel downstream effector of ER stress in the angiogenesis and treatment resistance of HCC was revealed in this work. ARHGEF2 overexpression was linked to malignant development and a poor prognosis in HCC. ER stress stimulates the expression of ARHGEF2 through upregulation of ZNF263. Elevated ARHGEF2 accelerates HCC angiogenesis via the EDN1 pathway, enhances HCC cell proliferation and tumor growth both in vitro and in vivo, and contributes to ER stress-related treatment resistance. HCC cell growth was more inhibited when ARHGEF2 knockdown was paired with targeted medicines. Collectively, we uncovered a previously hidden mechanism where ARHGEF2/EDN1 pathway promotes angiogenesis and participates in ER stress-related drug resistance in HCC.

Increased expression of tribbles homolog 3 predicts poor prognosis and correlates with tumor immunity in clear cell renal cell carcinoma: a bioinformatics study

Tribbles homolog 3 (TRIB3), a pseudokinase that regulates multiple intracellular signaling pathways, has been reported to promote the growth of multiple tumors. However, its role in clear cell renal cell carcinoma (ccRCC) remains unelucidated. We evaluated the role of TRIB3 in ccRCC using publicly available data from The Cancer Genome Atlas and analyzed its relationship with the tumor microenvironment; moreover, we used gene knockout and overexpression techniques to detect the effects of TRIB3 on the biological behavior of ccRCC cells. RT-qPCR and western blotting were used to detect transfection efficiency, and the invasiveness of ccRCC cells was determined by Transwell migration assays. We found that TRIB3 overexpression was significantly associated with increased grade, stage, and distant metastasis, positively correlated with ccRCC invasiveness, and also an independent risk factor for overall survival (OS). In addition, 361 differentially expressed genes (DEGs) related to TRIB3 were identified. Functional enrichment analysis showed that DEGs were mainly enriched in humoral immune responses, collagen-containing extracellular matrix, and serine hydrolase activity. Immune landscape characterization revealed that TRIB3 expression was significantly and negatively associated with CD8⁺ T and hematopoietic stem cells, whereas it was positively associated with NK T and macrophage M1 cells. Single-cell sequencing showed that localization and binding targets of TRIB3 mainly involved monocytes/macrophages and CD4⁺ and CD8⁺ T cells. Overall, our study revealed that elevated TRIB3 expression represents a promising prognostic marker for ccRCC patients and may play a key role in tumor microenvironment modulation.

LncRNA MIR4435-2HG functions as a ceRNA against miR-125a-5p and promotes neuroglioma development by upregulating TAZ

BACKGROUND

Expression of the TAZ gene is closely related to the prognosis of glioma patients. We hoped to find long noncoding RNAs (lncRNAs) related to TAZ and a new target for glioma treatment.

METHODS

TAZ-related genes were found by dual-luciferase reporter gene assay, and the correlation of each gene was analyzed by the Pearson method. Human glioma cell lines U87 MG and U251 and glioma rats were used for cytology assays, and the related genes were transfected. We conducted immunohistochemistry, RT-qPCR, Western blotting, CCK8 test, flow cytometry, transwell assays, clone formation analysis, and tumor weight measurements to verify the above relationship.

RESULTS

We found that miR-125a-5p was closely related to the TAZ gene, and the lncRNA MIR4435-2HG was closely related to miR-125a-5p. Both MIR4435-2HG-OE and TAZ increased the expression of the TAZ gene, activated the Wnt signaling pathway, inhibited apoptosis, and promoted migration and proliferation in glioma cells. Besides, it also increased the tumor volume of gliomas in a rat model subcutaneously inoculated with glioma cells. We also found miR-125a-5p could block the effect of MIR4435-2HG-OE and TAZ.

CONCLUSIONS

LncRNA MIR4435-2HG obstructs the functions of miR-125a-5p and promotes neuroglioma development by upregulating the TAZ gene.

Src-1 and SP2 promote the proliferation and epithelial-mesenchymal transition of nasopharyngeal carcinoma

Nasopharyngeal carcinoma (NPC) is characterized by high morbidity and morality, especially in Southern China. Transcription factors intensively participate in the initiation and development of NPC. This study aimed to investigate the roles of Src-1 in NPC. mRNA level was determined by qRT-PCR. Western blot was carried out for the protein level. CCK-8 assay was performed to determine cell viability, colony formation for NPC cell proliferation, and transwell for cell migration and invasion ability. The results showed Steroid receptor coactivator 1 (Src-1) was overexpressed in SNE-2 and 6-10B. The expression of Src-1 and SP2 was in positive correlation. Overexpression of Src-1 promoted the cell viability, colony formation, and epithelial-mesenchymal transition (EMT), manifested by the increase of migration and invasion ability, while knockdown of Src-1 exerted opposite effects. Additionally, knockdown or overexpression of SP2 reversed the effects of overexpressed or downregulated Src-1, which was reversed by the depletion of SP2. Moreover, Src-1 interacted with SP2 to regulate EMT-related genes such as E-cad, N-cad, Vimentin, and ZEB1, and proliferation- and apoptosis-related genes, such as bax, cytochrome c, and cleaved caspase3 and bcl-2. Thus, blocking the interaction between Src-1 and SP2 may be a therapeutic target for inhibiting the metastasis of NPC.

TRIB3 Promotes the Malignant Progression of Bladder Cancer: An Integrated Analysis of Bioinformatics and in vitro Experiments

Background

Bladder cancer is a common malignant tumor characterized by high mortality and high management costs; however, it lacks useful molecular prognostic markers. Tribbles pseudokinase 3 (TRIB3) is a pseudokinase that participates in cell tumor progression and metabolism and whose function in bladder cancer is not precisely known.

Main Methods

We downloaded transcriptome data and clinical data of bladder cancer from associated databases and extracted the expression matrix of TRIB3 for multiple bioinformatics analysis. RT-PCR detected the expression of TRIB3 in bladder cancer cells. After knockdown of TRIB3 with siRNA, we investigated TRIB3 function using CCK8, Cell Cycle and Transwell assays.

Key Findings

Kaplan–Meier analysis of TRIB3 in the four cohorts showed that high expression of TRIB3 correlated with poor outcome. Expression of TRIB3 positively correlated with stage and grade and down-regulation of TRIB3 expression significantly inhibited proliferation, migration and cell cycle of bladder cancer cells.

Significance

TRIB3 is a potential prognostic marker and therapeutic target. It can be used to individualize the treatment of bladder cancer.

ANLN, Regulated by SP2, Promotes Colorectal Carcinoma Cell Proliferation via PI3K/AKT and MAPK Signaling Pathway

BACKGROUND

Aberrant expression of Anillin (ANLN) has been shown to function in the development of multiple cancers. However, its effects on colorectal carcinoma (CRC) remain unclear. We aimed to explore the role of ANLN in CRC development.

METHODS

By real-time quantitative polymerase chain reaction (RT-qPCR), Western blot, and immunohistochemistry (IHC), we assessed the expression level of ANLN in CRC tissues and cell lines. The role of ANLN in CRC cell proliferation was evaluated by CCK-8 assays, colony formation assays, EdU assays and cell cycle assays. A mouse tumorigenic model was established to evaluate the in vivo function of ANLN.

RESULTS

We found that ANLN was overexpressed in CRC tissues and cell lines. Highly expressed ANLN correlated with tumor size, tumor number, and stage in patients with CRC. Silencing ANLN in CRC cell lines suppressed proliferation both in vitro and in vivo and induced G0/G1 cell cycle arrest. Downregulation of ANLN led to reduced phosphorylated levels of AKT and ERK. However, total AKT protein showed no change. SP2, a critical transcription factor, was implicated in the upregulation of ANLN.

CONCLUSIONS

Our study demonstrated that ANLN regulates CRC cell proliferation via the PI3K/AKT and MAPK pathways, indicating that ANLN may represent a novel and effective target for CRC treatment.

Dysregulation of miR-638 in the progression of cancers

MicroRNA (miRNA) is a form of short, single-stranded and non-coding RNA that is important in regulating the post-transcriptional modification of multiple downstream targets. Many miRNAs have been reported to involve in controlling the progression of human diseases, and one of them is miR-638, which play essential roles in regulating the development of human cancer. By targeting the 3'-ends of its targets, miR-638 can regulate cellular processes including proliferation, invasion, metastases, angiogenesis, apoptosis and inflammation. This review was aimed to summarize current findings on the roles of miR-638 in different human cancers based on the results from various in vitro, in vivo and clinical studies. The biogenesis process and tissue expression, followed by the roles of miR-638 in regulating the development of various human cancers by targeting different downstream targets were covered in this review. The potential applications and challenges of employing miR-638 as cancer biomarker and therapeutic agent were also discussed.

Sp2 promotes invasion and metastasis of hepatocellular carcinoma by targeting TRIB3 protein

Objective

To explore the biological function and molecular mechanism of Sp2 in hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC).

Methods

Tissue microarray immunohistochemistry and western blot were used to study the expression of Sp2 in hepatocellular tissue and adjacent non‐neoplastic tissues (ANT). In HCC cell lines, the role of Sp2 was determined by in vitro experiments such as CCK8, clone formation test, Transwell assay, wound‐healing assay, and flow cytometry apoptotic analysis, and its possible mechanism was analyzed.

Results

Compared with ANT, Sp2 expression in HCC tissues was significantly up‐regulated, which was strongly associated with stage of tumor and poor prognosis of patients. TCGA database were further confirmed these results. Besides, functional studies had shown that Sp2 knockdown not only leads to a decrease in cell proliferation and an increase in cell apoptosis but also inhibits the cells' abilities of migration and invasion. Sp2 silencing could inhibit the expression of TRIB3 protein and down‐regulate the endoplasmic reticulum stress (ERS) level of HCC.

Conclusion

Sp2 may play a part in promoting cancer by regulating TRIB3 protein, which may be a factor of prognostic and a potential new therapeutic target for HCC.