Upregulation of AKR1C1 and AKR1C3 expression in OPSCC with integrated HPV16 and HPV-negative tumors is an indicator of poor prognosis

Elucidating the clonal relationship of esophageal second primary tumors in patients with laryngeal squamous cell carcinoma

Laryngeal cancer ranks as the second most prevalent upper airway malignancy, following Lung cancer. Although some progress has been made in managing laryngeal cancer, the 5-year survival rate is disappointing. The gradual increase in the incidence of second primary tumors (SPTs) plays a crucial role in determining survival outcomes during long-term follow-up, and the esophagus was the most common site with a worse prognosis. In clinical practice, the treatment of esophageal second primary tumors (ESPT) in patients with laryngeal squamous cell carcinoma (LSCC) has always been challenging. For patients with synchronous tumors, several treatment modalities, such as radiotherapy, chemotherapy and potentially curative surgery are necessary but are typically poorly tolerated. Secondary cancer therapy options for metachronous patients are always constrained by index cancer treatment indications. Therefore, understanding the clonal origin of the second primary tumor may be an important issue in the treatment of patients. LSCC cells demonstrate genetic instability because of two distinct aetiologies (human papillomavirus (HPV)-negative and HPV-positive) disease. Various etiologies exhibit distinct oncogenic mechanisms, which subsequently impact the tissue microenvironment. The condition of the tissue microenvironment plays a crucial role in determining the destiny and clonal makeup of mutant cells during the initial stages of tumorigenesis. This review focuses on the genetic advances of LSCC, the current research status of SPT, and the influence of key carcinogenesis of HPV-positive and HPV-negative LSCC on clonal evolution of ESPT cells. The objective is to gain a comprehensive understanding of the molecular basis underlying the clonal origins of SPT, thereby offering novel perspectives for future investigations in this field.

Identifying Ferroptosis-Related Genes Associated with Weight Loss Outcomes and Regulation of Adipocyte Microenvironment

SCOPE

The study is about the influence of ferroptosis-related genes combined with the immune microenvironment exerted on weight control outcomes and systematic analysis.

METHODS AND RESULTS

Subcutaneous adipose tissue (sWAT) samples from 11 subjects with good outcome and 10 subjects with poor outcome in weight management are obtained from the Gene Expression Omnibus database. The results are validated in vivo in animal models with different weight loss outcomes. The CIBERSORT algorithm is used to evaluate the differences in immune cell infiltration in each sample. Patients with poor outcome have higher levels of ferroptosis in the adipose tissue. Remarkable differences in cytokine production, nuclear factor kappa-B(NF-κB) transcription factor activity, leukocyte migration involved in the inflammatory response, and other biological processes are also observed compared to that in the well-controlled group. Aldo-keto reductase family 1-member C1(AKR1C1), nuclear receptor coactivator 4(NCOA4), and glutamate-cysteine ligase catalytic subunit(GCLC) are identified as core predictive markers and their expression patterns are confirmed in animal models.

CONCLUSIONS

Ferroptosis and its mediated inflammation play an important role in long-term weight control, and analyses of the role of ferroptosis-related genes(FRGs) in weight control may provide new potential therapeutic targets for long-term weight control. Anti-inflammatory diets that mitigate inflammatory responses and affect ferroptosis may be considered in the future to improve weight control.

Differential Activation of NRF2 Signaling Pathway in Renal-Cell Carcinoma Caki Cell Lines

Renal-cell carcinoma (RCC) is a heterogeneous disease consisting of several subtypes based on specific genomic profiles and histological and clinical characteristics. The subtype with the highest prevalence is clear-cell RCC (ccRCC), next is papillary RCC (pRCC), and then chromophobe RCC (chRCC). The ccRCC cell lines are further subdivided into prognostic expression-based subtypes ccA or ccB. This heterogeneity necessitates the development, availability, and utilization of cell line models with the correct disease phenotypic characteristics for RCC research. In this study, we focused on characterizing proteomic differences between the Caki-1 and Caki-2 cell lines that are commonly used in ccRCC research. Both cells are primarily defined as human ccRCC cell lines. Caki-1 cell lines are metastatic, harboring wild-type VHL, whereas Caki-2 are considered as the primary ccRCC cell lines expressing wild-type von Hippel–Lindau protein (pVHL). Here, we performed a comprehensive comparative proteomic analysis of Caki-1 and Caki-2 cells using tandem mass-tag reagents together with liquid chromatography mass spectrometry (LC/MS) for the identification and quantitation of proteins in the two cell lines. Differential regulation of a subset of the proteins identified was validated using orthogonal methods including western blot, q-PCR, and immunofluorescence assays. Integrative bioinformatic analysis identifies the activation/inhibition of specific molecular pathways, upstream regulators, and causal networks that are uniquely regulated and associated with the two cell lines and RCC subtypes, and potentially the disease stage. Altogether, we have identified multiple molecular pathways, including NRF2 signaling, which is the most significantly activated pathway in Caki-2 versus Caki-1 cells. Some of the differentially regulated molecules and signaling pathways could serve as potential diagnostic and prognostic biomarkers and therapeutic targets amongst ccRCC subtypes.

AKR1C3 suppresses ferroptosis in hepatocellular carcinoma through regulation of YAP/SLC7A11 signaling pathway

AKR1C3 is frequently overexpressed and it is a validated therapeutic target in various tumors including hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC). Our previous study showed that AKR1C3 facilitated HCC proliferation and metastasis by forming a positive feedback loop of AKR1C3-NF-κB-STAT3. Ferroptosis is a form of iron-dependent cell death driven by iron-dependent accumulation of lipid reactive oxygen species and plays an important role in tumor suppression. However, little is known about the role of AKR1C3 in ferroptosis susceptibility. In this study, we found that knockdown of AKR1C3 potently enhanced the sensitivity of HCC cells to ferroptosis inducers both in vitro and in vivo. Overexpression of AKR1C3 protected against ferroptosis in HCC cells. Mechanistically, AKR1C3 regulated ferroptosis through YAP/SLC7A11 signaling in HCC. AKR1C3 knockdown led to a decrease in YAP nuclear translocation, resulted in the inhibition of cystine transporter SLC7A11, and a subsequent increase in the intracellular levels of ferrous iron and ultimately ferroptosis. Moreover, we found that the combination of AKR1C3 and SLC7A11 was a strong predictor of poor prognosis in HCC. Collectively, these findings identify a novel role of AKR1C3 in ferroptosis, and highlighting a candidate therapeutic target to potentially improve the effect of ferroptosis-based antitumor therapy.

Construction of a lipid metabolism-related risk model for hepatocellular carcinoma by single cell and machine learning analysis

One of the most common cancers is hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC). Numerous studies have shown the relationship between abnormal lipid metabolism-related genes (LMRGs) and malignancies. In most studies, the single LMRG was studied and has limited clinical application value. This study aims to develop a novel LMRG prognostic model for HCC patients and to study its utility for predictive, preventive, and personalized medicine. We used the single-cell RNA sequencing (scRNA-seq) dataset and TCGA dataset of HCC samples and discovered differentially expressed LMRGs between primary and metastatic HCC patients. By using the least absolute selection and shrinkage operator (LASSO) regression machine learning algorithm, we constructed a risk prognosis model with six LMRGs (AKR1C1, CYP27A1, CYP2C9, GLB1, HMGCS2, and PLPP1). The risk prognosis model was further validated in an external cohort of ICGC. We also constructed a nomogram that could accurately predict overall survival in HCC patients based on cancer status and LMRGs. Further investigation of the association between the LMRG model and somatic tumor mutational burden (TMB), tumor immune infiltration, and biological function was performed. We found that the most frequent somatic mutations in the LMRG high-risk group were CTNNB1, TTN, TP53, ALB, MUC16, and PCLO. Moreover, naïve CD8+ T cells, common myeloid progenitors, endothelial cells, granulocyte-monocyte progenitors, hematopoietic stem cells, M2 macrophages, and plasmacytoid dendritic cells were significantly correlated with the LMRG high-risk group. Finally, gene set enrichment analysis showed that RNA degradation, spliceosome, and lysosome pathways were associated with the LMRG high-risk group. For the first time, we used scRNA-seq and bulk RNA-seq to construct an LMRG-related risk score model, which may provide insights into more effective treatment strategies for predictive, preventive, and personalized medicine of HCC patients.

RNA m6A methyltransferase METTL14 promotes the procession of non-small cell lung cancer by targeted CSF1R

BACKGROUND

Non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) is one of the most malignant cancer types, characterized by a poor prognosis. N6-methyladenosine (m6A) is a prevalent internal modification of mRNA. METTL14, an RNA methyltransferase that mediates m6A modification, is implicated in mRNA biogenesis. However, the biomechanism of METTL14 in NSCLC is not very clear.

METHODS

Here, immunohistochemical (IHC) assay was employed to detect METTL14 in NSCLC tissues. The biological functions of METTL14 were demonstrated using cell transfection, cell proliferation assay, cell clone formation assay, cell cycle analysis, cell death analysis, transwell and wound healing assays. Transcriptome and methylated RNA immunoprecipitation (MERIP)-sequencing were used to explore the pathways and potential mechanism of METTL14 in NSCLC. RNA sequencing, METTL14 rip-sequencing, and METTL14 merip-sequencing were conducted to identify the potential targets of METTL14.

RESULTS

METTL14 was significantly correlated with clinical pathological parameters of differentiation and M stage. Additionally, METTL14 promotes cell proliferation, induces cell death, and enhances cell migration and invasion in vitro. Transcriptome and MeRIP-sequencing reveal oncogenic mechanism of METTL14. RIP-sequencing highlights CSF1R and AKR1C1 as targets of METTL14. After validation with TCGA dataset, colony stimulating factor 1 receptor (CSF1R) showed significant positive coefficient with METTL14, and was presumed to be one target of METTl14 in lung cancer and verified by the cellular experiments.

CONCLUSION

In conclusion, our results revealed the clinical significance of m6A RNA modification atlas, the function, and molecular targets CSF1R of METTL14 in NSCLC cell lines. The RNA m6A methyltransferase METTL14 promotes the progression of NSCLC by targeted CSF1R.

A Novel and Robust Prognostic Model for Hepatocellular Carcinoma Based on Enhancer RNAs-Regulated Genes

Evidence has demonstrated that enhancer RNAs (eRNAs) play a vital role in the progression and prognosis of cancers, but few studies have focused on the prognostic ability of eRNA-regulated genes (eRGs) for hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC). Using gene expression profiles of HCC patients from the TCGA-LIHC and eRNA expression profiles from the enhancer RNA in cancers (eRic) data portal, we developed a novel and robust prognostic signature composed of 10 eRGs based on Lasso-penalized Cox regression analysis. According to the signature, HCC patients were stratified into high- and low-risk groups, which have been shown to have significant differences in tumor immune microenvironment, immune checkpoints, HLA-related genes, DNA damage repair-related genes, Gene-set variation analysis (GSVA), and the lower half-maximal inhibitory concentration (IC50) of Sorafenib. The prognostic nomogram combining the signature, age, and TNM stage had good predictive ability in the training set (TCGA-LIHC) with the concordance index (C-index) of 0.73 and the AUCs for 1-, 3-, and 5-year OS of 0.82, 0.77, 0.74, respectively. In external validation set (GSE14520), the nomogram also performed well with the C-index of 0.71 and the AUCs for 1-, 3-, and 5-year OS of 0.74, 0.77, 0.74, respectively. In addition, an important eRG (AKR1C3) was validated using two HCC cell lines (Huh7 and MHCC-LM3) in vitro, and the results demonstrated the overexpression of AKR1C3 is related to cell proliferation, migration, and invasion in HCC. Altogether, our eRGs signature and nomogram can predict prognosis accurately and conveniently, facilitate individualized treatment, and improve prognosis for HCC patients.

Transcriptomic Profiling Reveals AKR1C1 and AKR1C3 Mediate Cisplatin Resistance in Signet Ring Cell Gastric Carcinoma via Autophagic Cell Death

Signet ring cell gastric carcinoma (SRCGC) is a lethal malignancy that has developed drug resistance to cisplatin therapies. The aim of this study was to characterize the acquisition of the cisplatin-resistance SRCGC cell line (KATO/DDP cells) and to understand the molecular mechanisms underlying cisplatin resistance. Transcriptomic and bioinformatic analyses were used to identify the candidate gene. This was confirmed by qPCR and Western blot. Aldoketoreductase1C1 and 1C3 (AKR1C1 and AKR1C3) were the most promising molecules in KATO/DDP cells. A specific inhibitor of AKR1C1 (5PBSA) and AKR1C3 (ASP9521) was used to enhance cisplatin-induced KATO/DPP cell death. Although cisplatin alone induced KATO/DDP apoptosis, a combination treatment of cisplatin and the AKR1C inhibitors had no influence on percent cell apoptosis. In conjunction with the autophagy inhibitor, 3MA, attenuated the effects of 5PBSA or ASP9521 to enhance cisplatin-induced cell death. These results indicated that AKR1C1 and 1C3 regulated cisplatin-induced KATO/DDP cell death via autophagy. Moreover, cisplatin in combination with AKR1C inhibitors and N-acetyl cysteine increased KATO/DDP cells' viability when compared with a combination treatment of cisplatin and the inhibitors. Taken together, our results suggested that AKR1C1 and 1C3 play a crucial role in cisplatin resistance of SRCGC by regulating redox-dependent autophagy.

Overview of human 20 alpha-hydroxysteroid dehydrogenase (AKR1C1): Functions, regulation, and structural insights of inhibitors

Human aldo-keto reductase family 1C1 (AKR1C1) is an important enzyme involved in human hormone metabolism, which is mainly responsible for the metabolism of progesterone in the human body. AKR1C1 is highly expressed and has an important relationship with the occurrence and development of various diseases, especially some cancers related to hormone metabolism. Nowadays, many inhibitors against AKR1C1 have been discovered, including some synthetic compounds and natural products, which have certain inhibitory activity against AKR1C1 at the target level. Here we briefly reviewed the physiological and pathological functions of AKR1C1 and the relationship with the disease, and then summarized the development of AKR1C1 inhibitors, elucidated the interaction between inhibitors and AKR1C1 through molecular docking results and existing co-crystal structures. Finally, we discussed the design ideals of selective AKR1C1 inhibitors from the perspective of AKR1C1 structure, discussed the prospects of AKR1C1 in the treatment of human diseases in terms of biomarkers, pre-receptor regulation and single nucleotide polymorphisms, aiming to provide new ideas for drug research targeting AKR1C1.

Comprehensive Analysis of VEGFR2 Expression in HPV-Positive and -Negative OPSCC Reveals Differing VEGFR2 Expression Patterns

VEGF signaling regulated by the vascular endothelial growth factor receptor 2 (VEGFR2) plays a decisive role in tumor angiogenesis, initiation and progression in several tumors including HNSCC. However, the impact of HPV-status on the expression of VEGFR2 in OPSCC has not yet been investigated, although HPV oncoproteins E6 and E7 induce VEGF-expression. In a series of 56 OPSCC with known HPV-status, VEGFR2 expression patterns were analyzed both in blood vessels from tumor-free and tumor-containing regions and within tumor cells by immunohistochemistry using densitometry. Differences in subcellular colocalization of VEGFR2 with endothelial, tumor and stem cell markers were determined by double-immunofluorescence imaging. Immunohistochemical results were correlated with clinicopathological data. HPV-infection induces significant downregulation of VEGFR2 in cancer cells compared to HPV-negative tumor cells (p = 0.012). However, with respect to blood vessel supply, the intensity of VEGFR2 staining differed only in HPV-positive OPSCC and was upregulated in the blood vessels of tumor-containing regions (p < 0.0001). These results may suggest different routes of VEGFR2 signaling depending on the HPV-status of the OPSCC. While in HPV-positive OPSCC, VEGFR2 might be associated with increased angiogenesis, in HPV-negative tumors, an autocrine loop might regulate tumor cell survival and invasion.

Causes and Consequences of HPV Integration in Head and Neck Squamous Cell Carcinomas: State of the Art

A constantly increasing incidence in high-risk Human Papillomaviruses (HPV)s driven head and neck squamous cell carcinomas (HNSCC)s, especially of oropharyngeal origin, is being observed. During persistent infections, viral DNA integration into the host genome may occur. Studies are examining if the physical status of the virus (episomal vs. integration) affects carcinogenesis and eventually has further-reaching consequences on disease progression and outcome. Here, we review the literature of the most recent five years focusing on the impact of HPV integration in HNSCCs, covering aspects of detection techniques used (from PCR up to NGS approaches), integration loci identified, and associations with genomic and clinical data. The consequences of HPV integration in the human genome, including the methylation status and deregulation of genes involved in cell signaling pathways, immune evasion, and response to therapy, are also summarized.

Aldo-keto reductase family 1 member C1 regulates the osteogenic differentiation of human ASCs by targeting the progesterone receptor

BACKGROUND

As a promising way to repair bone defect, bone tissue engineering has attracted a lot of attentions from researchers in recent years. Searching for new molecular target to modify the seed cells and enhance their osteogenesis capacity is one of the hot topics in this field. As a member of aldo-keto reductase family, aldo-keto reductase family 1 member C1 (AKR1C1) is reported to associate with various tumors. However, whether AKR1C1 takes part in regulating differentiation of adipose-derived mesenchymal stromal/stem cells (ASCs) and its relationship with progesterone receptor (PGR) remain unclear.

METHODS

Lost-and-gain-of-function experiments were performed using knockdown and overexpression of AKR1C1 to identify its role in regulating osteogenic and adipogenic differentiation of hASCs in vitro. Heterotypic bone and adipose tissue formation assay in nude mice were used to conduct the in vivo experiment. Plasmid and siRNA of PGR, as well as western blot, were used to clarify the mechanism AKR1C1 regulating osteogenesis.

RESULTS

Our results demonstrated that AKR1C1 acted as a negative regulator of osteogenesis and a positive regulator of adipogenesis of hASCs via its enzyme activity both in vitro and in vivo. Mechanistically, PGR mediated the regulation of AKR1C1 on osteogenesis.

CONCLUSIONS

Collectively, our study suggested that AKR1C1 could serve as a regulator of osteogenic differentiation via targeting PGR and be used as a new molecular target for ASCs modification in bone tissue engineering.

Current Status of Human Papillomavirus-Related Head and Neck Cancer: From Viral Genome to Patient Care

Human papillomavirus (HPV) infection identified as a definitive human carcinogen is increasingly being recognized for its role in carcinogenesis of human cancers. Up to 38%–80% of head and neck squamous cell carcinoma (HNSCC) in oropharyngeal location (OPSCC) and nearly all cervical cancers contain the HPV genome which is implicated in causing cancer through its oncoproteins E6 and E7. Given by the biologically distinct HPV-related OPSCC and a more favorable prognosis compared to HPV-negative tumors, clinical trials on de-escalation treatment strategies for these patients have been studied. It is therefore raised the questions for the patient stratification if treatment de-escalation is feasible. Moreover, understanding the crosstalk of HPV-mediated malignancy and immunity with clinical insights from the proportional response rate to immune checkpoint blockade treatments in patients with HNSCC is of importance to substantially improve the treatment efficacy. This review discusses the biology of HPV-related HNSCC as well as successful clinically findings with promising candidates in the pipeline for future directions. With the advent of various sequencing technologies, further biomolecules associated with HPV-related HNSCC progression are currently being identified to be used as potential biomarkers or targets for clinical decisions throughout the continuum of cancer care.

Aldo-Keto Reductase 1C3 Mediates Chemotherapy Resistance in Esophageal Adenocarcinoma via ROS Detoxification

Simple Summary

The multidrug resistance of EAC is one of the major obstacles to chemotherapeutic efficiency. Our study aims to explore the molecular mechanism of AKR1C3 as a novel therapeutic target to overcome chemotherapy resistance for EAC patients. We demonstrate that AKR1C3 renders chemotherapy resistance through controlling cellular ROS levels via AKT signaling in EAC cells. Modulation of intracellular GSH levels by AKR1C3 could scavenge the intracellular ROS, thus regulating apoptosis. Targeting AKR1C3 may represent a novel strategy to sensitize EAC cells to conventional chemotherapy treatment and benefit the overall survival of patients diagnosed with EAC.

Abstract

Esophageal adenocarcinoma (EAC) is one of the most lethal malignancies, and limits promising treatments. AKR1C3 represents a therapeutic target to combat the resistance in many cancers. However, the molecular mechanism of AKR1C3 in the chemotherapy resistance of EAC is still unclear. We found that the mRNA level of AKR1C3 was higher in EAC tumor tissues, and that high AKR1C3 expression might be associated with poor overall survival of EAC patients. AKR1C3 overexpression decreased cell death induced by chemotherapeutics, while knockdown of AKR1C3 attenuated the effect. Furthermore, we found AKR1C3 was inversely correlated with ROS production. Antioxidant NAC rescued chemotherapy-induced apoptosis in AKR1C3 knockdown cells, while the GSH biosynthesis inhibitor BSO reversed a protective effect of AKR1C3 against chemotherapy. AKT phosphorylation was regulated by AKR1C3 and might be responsible for eliminating over-produced ROS in EAC cells. Intracellular GSH levels were modulated by AKR1C3 and the inhibition of AKT could reduce GSH level in EAC cells. Here, we reported for the first time that AKR1C3 renders chemotherapy resistance through controlling ROS levels via AKT signaling in EAC cells. Targeting AKR1C3 may represent a novel strategy to sensitize EAC cells to conventional chemotherapy.

Dioscorea Zingiberensis New Saponin Inhibits the Growth of Hepatocellular Carcinoma by Suppressing the Expression of Long Non-coding RNA TCONS-00026762

Background: The etiology and carcinogenesis of hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) are associated with various risk factors. Saponins extracted from Dioscorea zingiberensis C. H. Wright exhibit antitumor activity against HCC. This study aimed to investigate the effect and the underlying mechanism of Dioscorea Zingiberensis new saponin (ZnS) on HCC. Methods: Human HCC cell lines, Huh7 and SMMC-7721, were treated with different concentrations of ZnS. Cell apoptosis was determined via flow cytometry assay. Differentially expressed lncRNAs (DElncRNAs) in ZnS-treated SMMC-7721 cells were determined through RNA-sequence. The role of lncRNA TCONS-00026762 in HCC was investigated gain of function analysis, along with cell proliferation, apoptosis, and invasion in HCC cells. A subcutaneous xenograft of SMMC-7721 cell lines was established to study the effects of TCONS-00026762 in vivo. The expression of apoptosis-related proteins was detected in vivo and in vitro via western blotting. Results: ZnS inhibited the proliferation of HCC cell in a dose-dependent manner. ZnS could induce apoptosis in HCC cells. Illumina sequencing results showed that 493 DElncRNAs were identified in ZnS-treated SMMC-7721 cells. TCONS-00026762 expression was down-regulated in the ZnS-treated SMMC-7721 cells. TCONS-00026762 inhibited the effect of ZnS on the proliferation, apoptosis, and invasion of HCC cells. ZnS inhibited the tumor growth, while, TCONS-00026762 promoted tumor growth in vivo. Furthermore, ZnS and TCONS-00026762 regulated cell apoptotic pathways. Conclusion: ZnS significantly inhibits the viability, apoptosis, invasion, and tumorigenicity of HCC cells by regulating the expression of TCONS-00026,762. Our findings provide novel insights into the potential role of lncRNA in HCC therapy.

A Positive Feedback Loop of AKR1C3-Mediated Activation of NF-κB and STAT3 Facilitates Proliferation and Metastasis in Hepatocellular Carcinoma

AKR1C3 is an enzyme belonging to the aldo-ketoreductase family, the members of which catalyze redox transformations involved in biosynthesis, intermediary metabolism, and detoxification. AKR1C3 plays an important role in tumor progression and metastasis, however, little is known about the function and the molecular mechanism underlying the role of AKR1C3 in hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC). In this study, we report that AKR1C3 is significantly upregulated in HCC and that increased AKR1C3 is associated with poor survival. AKR1C3 positively regulated HCC cell proliferation and metastasis in vitro and in vivo. AKR1C3 promoted tumor proliferation and metastasis by activating NF-κB signaling. Furthermore, AKR1C3 regulated NF-κB activity by modulating TRAF6 and inducing its autoubiquitination in HCC cells. Activation of NF-κB released proinflammatory factors that facilitated the phosphorylation of STAT3 and increased tumor cell proliferation and invasion. Gain- and loss-of-function experiments showed that AKR1C3 promoted tumor proliferation and invasion via the IL6/STAT3 pathway. STAT3 also directly bound the AKR1C3 promoter and increased transcription of AKR1C3, thereby establishing a positive regulatory feedback loop. Treatment with the AKR1C3 inhibitors indocin and medroxyprogesterone acetate inhibited tumor growth and invasion and promoted apoptosis in HCC cells. Collectively, these results indicate that a AKR1C3/NF-κB/STAT3 signaling loop results in HCC cell proliferation and metastasis and could be a promising therapeutic target in HCC. SIGNIFICANCE: These findings elucidate a novel AKR1C3-driven signaling loop that regulates proliferation and metastasis in HCC, providing potential prognostic and therapeutic targets in this disease.

AKR1C3 is a biomarker and druggable target for oropharyngeal tumors

PURPOSE

Oropharynx squamous cell carcinoma (OPSCC) is a subtype of head and neck squamous cell carcinoma (HNSCC) arising from the base of the tongue, lingual tonsils, tonsils, oropharynx or pharynx. The majority of HPV-positive OPSCCs has a good prognosis, but a fraction of them has a poor prognosis, similar to HPV-negative OPSCCs. An in-depth understanding of the molecular mechanisms underlying OPSCC is mandatory for the identification of novel prognostic biomarkers and/or novel therapeutic targets.

METHODS

14 HPV-positive and 15 HPV-negative OPSCCs with 5-year follow-up information were subjected to gene expression profiling and, subsequently, compared to three extensive published OPSCC cohorts to define robust biomarkers for HPV-negative lesions. Validation of Aldo-keto-reductases 1C3 (AKR1C3) by qRT-PCR was carried out on an independent cohort (n = 111) of OPSCC cases. In addition, OPSCC cell lines Fadu and Cal-27 were treated with Cisplatin and/or specific AKR1C3 inhibitors to assess their (combined) therapeutic effects.

RESULTS

Gene set enrichment analysis (GSEA) on the four datasets revealed that the genes down-regulated in HPV-negative samples were mainly involved in immune system, whereas those up-regulated mainly in glutathione derivative biosynthetic and xenobiotic metabolic processes. A panel of 30 robust HPV-associated transcripts was identified, with AKR1C3 as top-overexpressed transcript in HPV-negative samples. AKR1C3 expression in 111 independent OPSCC cases positively correlated with a worse survival, both in the entire cohort and in HPV-positive samples. Pretreatment with a selective AKR1C3 inhibitor potentiated the effect of Cisplatin in OPSCC cells exhibiting higher basal AKR1C3 expression levels.

CONCLUSIONS

We identified AKR1C3 as a potential prognostic biomarker in OPSCC and as a potential drug target whose inhibition can potentiate the effect of Cisplatin.

AKR1C1 Contributes to Cervical Cancer Progression via Regulating TWIST1 Expression

Cervical cancer (CC) is a common gynecological malignancy, accounting for 10% of all gynecological cancers. Recently, targeted therapy for CC has shown unprecedented advantages. To improve CC patients' prognosis, there are still urgent needs to develop more promising therapeutic targets. Aldo-keto reductase 1 family member C1 (AKR1C1) is a type of aldosterone reductase and plays a regulatory role in a variety of key metabolic pathways. Several studies indicated that AKR1C1 was highly expressed in a series of tumors, and participated in the progression of these tumors. However, the possible effects of AKR1C1 on CC progression remain unclear. Herein, we revealed AKR1C1 was highly expressed in human CC tissues and correlated with the clinical characteristics of patients with CC. AKR1C1 could regulate the proliferation and invasion of cervical cancer cells in vitro. Further experiments showed that AKR1C1 could regulate TWIST1 expression and AKT pathway. In summary, we confirmed the involvement of AKR1C1 in CC progression, and therefore AKR1C1 may have the potential to be a molecular target for CC treatment.

Viral Integration Analysis Reveals Likely Common Clonal Origin of Bilateral HPV16-Positive, p16-Positive Tonsil Tumors

Infections with high-risk human papilloma viruses (HPV) are responsible for a significant number of oropharyngeal squamous cell carcinoma (OPSCC), with infection rates currently rising at epidemic rates in the western world. Synchronous bilateral HPV+ tumors of both tonsils are a very rare event whose understanding, however, could provide important insights into virus-driven tumor development and progression and whether such integration events are of clonal origin. In this study we analyzed a single case of a bilateral tonsillar p16+ HPV+OPSCC. The viral integration status of the various tumor samples was determined by integration-specific PCR methods and sequencing, which identified viral insertion sites and affected host genes. Integration events were further confirmed by transcript analysis. Analysis of the tumors revealed common viral integration events involving the CD36 gene, as well as a unique event in the LAMA3 gene which resulted in loss of LAMA3 exon one in both tissues that had lost the complex viral LAMA3 integration event. In addition, there were several integration events into intergenic regions. This suggests a common origin but individual evolution of the tumors, supporting the single-clone hypothesis of bilateral tumor development. This hypothesis is further supported by the fact that the two cellular genes LAMA3 and CD36 as targets of viral integration are involved in cell migration and ECM-receptor interactions, which provides a possible mechanism for clonal migration from one tonsil to another.

Combined analysis of RNA-sequence and microarray data reveals effective metabolism-based prognostic signature for neuroblastoma

The relationship between metabolism reprogramming and neuroblastoma (NB) is largely unknown. In this study, one RNA‐sequence data set (n = 153) was used as discovery cohort and two microarray data sets (n = 498 and n = 223) were used as validation cohorts. Differentially expressed metabolic genes were identified by comparing stage 4s and stage 4 NBs. Twelve metabolic genes were selected by LASSO regression analysis and integrated into the prognostic signature. The metabolic gene signature successfully stratifies NB patients into two risk groups and performs well in predicting survival of NB patients. The prognostic value of the metabolic gene signature is also independent with other clinical risk factors. Nine metabolism‐related long non‐coding RNAs (lncRNAs) were also identified and integrated into the metabolism‐related lncRNA signature. The lncRNA signature also performs well in predicting survival of NB patients. These results suggest that the metabolic signatures have the potential to be used for risk stratification of NB. Gene set enrichment analysis (GSEA) reveals that multiple metabolic processes (including oxidative phosphorylation and tricarboxylic acid cycle, both of which are emerging targets for cancer therapy) are enriched in the high‐risk NB group, and no metabolic process is enriched in the low‐risk NB group. This result indicates that metabolism reprogramming is associated with the progression of NB and targeting certain metabolic pathways might be a promising therapy for NB.

Overview of AKR1C3: Inhibitor Achievements and Disease Insights

Human aldo-keto reductase family 1 member C3 (AKR1C3) is known as a hormone activity regulator and prostaglandin F (PGF) synthase that regulates the occupancy of hormone receptors and cell proliferation. Because of the overexpression in metabolic diseases and various hormone-dependent and -independent carcinomas, as well as the emergence of clinical drug resistance, an increasing number of studies have investigated AKR1C3 inhibitors. Here, we briefly review the physiological and pathological function of AKR1C3 and then summarize the recent development of selective AKR1C3 inhibitors. We propose our viewpoints on the current problems associated with AKR1C3 inhibitors with the aim of providing a reference for future drug discovery and potential therapeutic perspectives on novel, potent, selective AKR1C3 inhibitors.

The Interaction of lncRNA XLOC-2222497, AKR1C1, and Progesterone in Porcine Endometrium and Pregnancy

The endometrium is an important tissue for pregnancy and plays an important role in reproduction. In this study, high-throughput transcriptome sequencing was performed in endometrium samples of Meishan and Yorkshire pigs on days 18 and 32 of pregnancy. Aldo-keto reductase family 1 member C1 (AKR1C1) was found to be a differentially expressed gene, and was identified by quantitative real-time PCR (qRT-PCR) and Western blot. Immunohistochemistry results revealed the cellular localization of the AKR1C1 protein in the endometrium. Luciferase activity assay demonstrated that the AKR1C1 core promoter region was located in the region from -706 to -564, containing two nuclear factor erythroid 2-related factor 2 (NRF2) binding sites (antioxidant response elements, AREs). XLOC-2222497 was identified as a nuclear long non-coding RNA (lncRNA) highly expressed in the endometrium. XLOC-2222497 overexpression and knockdown have an effect on the expression of AKR1C1. Endocrinologic measurement showed the difference in progesterone levels between Meishan and Yorkshire pigs. Progesterone treatment upregulated AKR1C1 and XLOC-2222497 expression in porcine endometrial epithelial cells. In conclusion, transcriptome analysis revealed differentially expressed transcripts during the early pregnancy process. Further experiments demonstrated the interaction of XLOC-2222497/AKR1C1/progesterone in the endometrium and provided new potential targets for pregnancy maintenance and its control.