Neuropilin-2 promotes tumourigenicity and metastasis in oesophageal squamous cell carcinoma through ERK-MAPK-ETV4-MMP-E-cadherin deregulation

Neuropilin-2 acts a critical determinant for epithelial-to-mesenchymal transition and aggressive behaviors of human head and neck cancer

PURPOSE

Neuropilin-2 (NRP2) is a multifunctional single-pass transmembrane receptor that binds to two disparate ligands, namely, vascular endothelial growth factors (VEGFs) and semaphorins (SEMAs). It is reportedly involved in neuronal and vascular development. In this study, we uncovered the exact functional role of NRP2 and its molecular mechanism during aggressive behaviors and lymph node (LN) metastasis in human head and neck cancer (HNC) and identified algal methanol extract as a potential novel NRP2 inhibitor.

METHODS

In silico analyses and immunohistochemistry were used to investigate the relationship between NRP2 expression and the prognosis of HNC patients. The functional role of NRP2 on the proliferation, migration, invasion, and cancer stem cell (CSC) properties of HNC cells was examined by MTS, soft agar, clonogenic, transwell migration and invasion assays, and sphere formation assays. Signaling explorer antibody array, western blot, and qPCR were performed toward the investigation of a molecular mechanism that is related to NRP2.

RESULTS

NRP2 was highly expressed in HNC and positively correlated with LN metastasis and advanced tumor stage and size in patients. Using loss- or gain-of-function approaches, we found that NRP2 promoted the proliferative, migratory, and invasive capacities of human HNC cells. Furthermore, NRP2 regulated Sox2 expression to exhibit aggressiveness and CSC properties of human HNC cells. We demonstrated that p90 ribosomal S6 kinase 1 (RSK1) elevates the aggressiveness and CSC properties of human HNC cells, possibly by mediating NRP2 and Sox2. Zeb1 was necessary for executing the NRP2/RSK1/Sox2 signaling pathway during the induction of epithelial-to-mesenchymal transition (EMT) and aggressive behaviors of human HNC cells. Moreover, the methanol extract of Codium fragile (MECF) repressed NRP2 expression, inhibiting the RSK1/Sox2/Zeb1 axis, which contributed to the reduction of aggressive behaviors of human HNC cells.

CONCLUSIONS

These findings suggest that NRP2 is a critical determinant in provoking EMT and aggressive behaviors in human HNC through the RSK1/Sox2/Zeb1 axis, and MECF may have the potential to be a novel NRP2 inhibitor for treating metastasis in HNC patients.

Tretinoin (2,4-difluoro-phenyl) triazole activates proapoptotic protein expression and targets NRP2 protein to inhibit esophageal carcinoma cell growth

The present study investigated the effect of tretinoin (2,4-difluoro-phenyl) triazole (TDFPT) on the growth and proliferation of Kyse-270 and EC9706 esophageal carcinoma cells and explored the underlying mechanism. The results demonstrated that TDFPT treatment of Kyse-270 and EC9706 cells led to a dose-dependent reduction in cell proliferation. Colony formation was significantly (p < .05) reduced in Kyse-270 and EC9706 cells on treatment with various concentrations of TDFPT. In TDFPT-treated Kyse-270 and EC9706 cells, the expression of Bcl-2 protein showed a remarkable decrease, whereas the level of Bax protein was found to be higher compared with the control cells. Cell invasion showed a prominent decrease in Kyse-270 and EC9706 cells on treatment with TDFPT. Treatment with TDFPT led to a prominent suppression in the expression of MMP-9 and NRP2 in Kyse-270 and EC9706 cells. In silico studies using the AutoDock Vina and discovery studio software revealed that various confirmations of TDFPT bind to NRP2 protein with the affinity ranging from -8.6 to -6.1 kcal/mol. It was found that the TDFPT interacts with NRP2 protein by binding to alanine (ALA A:295), proline (PRO A:306), glutamine (GLN A:307), and isoleucine (ILE A:293) amino acid residues. In summary, TDFPT exposure suppresses esophageal carcinoma cell proliferation, inhibits colony formation ability, and activates apoptotic pathway. Thus, TDFPT acts as an effective antiproliferative agent for esophageal carcinoma cells and needs to be investigated further as chemotherapeutic molecule.

Novel PEGylated cholephytosomes for targeting fisetin to breast cancer: in vitro appraisal and in vivo antitumoral studies

Fisetin (FIS) is a multifunctional bioactive flavanol that has been recently exploited as anticancer drug against various cancers including breast cancer. However, its poor aqueous solubility has constrained its clinical application. In the current work, fisetin is complexed for the first time with soy phosphatidylcholine in the presence of cholesterol to form a novel biocompatible phytosomal system entitled "cholephytosomes." To improve fisetin antitumor activity against breast cancer, stearylamine bearing cationic cholephytosomes (mPHY) were prepared and furtherly modified with hyaluronic acid (HPHY) to allow their orientation to cancer cells through their surface exposed phosphatidylserine and CD-44 receptors, respectively. In vitro characterization studies revealed promising physicochemical properties of both modified vesicles (mPHY and HPHY) including excellent FIS complexation efficiency (˷100%), improved octanol/water solubility along with a sustained drug release over 24 h. In vitro cell line studies against MDA-MB-231 cell line showed about 10- and 3.5-fold inhibition in IC50 of modified vesicles compared with free drug and conventional drug-phospholipid complex, respectively. Preclinical studies revealed that both modified cholephytosomes (mPHY and HPHY) had comparable cytotoxicity that is significantly surpassing free drug cytotoxicity. TGF-β1and its non-canonical related signaling pathway; ERK1/2, NF-κB, and MMP-9 were involved in halting tumorigenesis. Thus, tailoring novel phytosomal nanosystems for FIS could open opportunity for its clinical utility against cancer.

Deficiency of inflammation-sensing protein neuropilin-2 in myeloid-derived macrophages exacerbates colitis via NF-κB activation

Neuropilin-2 (NRP2) is a multifunctional protein engaged in the regulation of angiogenesis, lymphangiogenesis, axon guidance, and tumor metastasis, but its function in colitis remains unclear. Here, we found that NRP2 was an inflammation-sensing protein rapidly and dramatically induced in myeloid cells, especially in macrophages, under inflammatory contexts. NRP2 deficiency in myeloid cells exacerbated dextran sulfate sodium salt-induced experimental colitis by promoting polarization of M1 macrophages and colon injury. Mechanistically, NRP2 could be induced via NF-κB activation by TNF-α in macrophages, but exerted an inhibitory effect on NF-κB signaling, forming a negative feedback loop with NF-κB to sense and alleviate inflammation. Deletion of NRP2 in macrophages broke this negative feedback circuit, leading to NF-κB overactivation, inflammatory exacerbation, and more severe colitis. Collectively, these findings reveal inflammation restriction as a role for NRP2 in macrophages under inflammation contexts and suggest that NRP2 in macrophages may relieve inflammation in inflammatory bowel disease. © 2023 The Pathological Society of Great Britain and Ireland.

Transcription Activation of Rab8A by PEA3 Augments Progression of Esophagus Cancer by Activating the Wnt/β-Catenin Signaling Pathway

Background

Rab8A has been reported as an oncogenic gene in breast and cervical cancer. However, the function and molecular mechanism of Rab8A in esophagus cancer has not been reported.

Methods

Rab8A expression was detected by qPCR and western blotting assays, small interference RNA (siRNA) was applied to reduce Rab8A expression, and the biological behaviors of esophagus cancer cells were estimated by cell counting kit-8, colony formation, and transwell and western blotting assays. The transcriptional factor of Rab8A was verified by dual-luciferase assay and chromatin immunoprecipitation assay. The protein expression of key genes in the Wnt/β-catenin signaling pathway was determined by western blotting assay. M435-1279 was used to suppress the Wnt/β-catenin signaling pathway.

Results

A significant increase of Rab8A expression has been found in esophagus cancer cells. Knockdown of Rab8A suppressed the viability, colony formation, migration, and invasion abilities of esophagus cancer cells and induced apoptosis. PEA3 transcriptionally regulated Rab8A expression and promoted the viability, colony formation, migration, and invasion abilities of esophagus cancer cells and blocked apoptosis, which were diminished by si-Rab8A transfection. Additionally, the expression levels of key genes related to the Wnt/β-catenin signaling pathway were strengthened by PEA3 overexpression, which were reduced by si-Rab8A transfection. M435-1279 treatment significantly reduced the viability and colony formation of esophagus cancer cells.

Conclusions

The data showed that Rab8A was transcriptionally regulated by PEA3 and promoted the malignant behaviors of esophagus cancer cells by activating the Wnt/β-catenin pathway. The above results indicated that Rab8A may be considered as a promising biomarker for diagnosis and precision treatment in esophagus cancer.

Neuropilin (NRPs) Related Pathological Conditions and Their Modulators

Neuropilin 1 (NRP1) represents one of the two homologous neuropilins (NRP, splice variants of neuropilin 2 are the other) found in all vertebrates. It forms a transmembrane glycoprotein distributed in many human body tissues as a (co)receptor for a variety of different ligands. In addition to its physiological role, it is also associated with various pathological conditions. Recently, NRP1 has been discovered as a coreceptor for the SARS-CoV-2 viral entry, along with ACE2, and has thus become one of the COVID-19 research foci. However, in addition to COVID-19, the current review also summarises its other pathological roles and its involvement in clinical diseases like cancer and neuropathic pain. We also discuss the diversity of native NRP ligands and perform a joint analysis. Last but not least, we review the therapeutic roles of NRP1 and introduce a series of NRP1 modulators, which are typical peptidomimetics or other small molecule antagonists, to provide the medicinal chemistry community with a state-of-the-art overview of neuropilin modulator design and NRP1 druggability assessment.

ETV5 overexpression promotes progression of esophageal squamous cell carcinoma by upregulating SKA1 and TRPV2

Esophageal squamous cell carcinoma (ESCC) is notorious for the rapid progression especially early tumor metastasis due to the unclear mechanism. Recently, ETV5 attracts much attention for its potential role as an oncogenic transcription factor involved in multiple cancers. However, no one reported the mechanism behind the association between ETV5 expression and esophageal squamous cell carcinoma progression. In this study, we found that ETV5 was upregulated in ESCC both from online database and our ESCC tissues and ETV5 was associated with tumor staging and prognosis. Knockdown of ETV5 or its downstream genes SKA1 and TRPV2 significantly suppress ESCC cells migration and invasion, respectively. Additionally, in vivo study showed knockdown of ETV5 inhibited tumor metastasis. Further experiments unveiled ETV5 could transcriptionally upregulate the expression of SKA1 and TRPV2 and further activate MMPs in ESCC progression. In conclusion, ETV5 was associated with ESCC tumor staging and ESCC prognosis clinically. ETV5 promoted metastasis of ESCC by activating MMPs through augmenting the transcription of SKA1 and TRPV2. ETV5 was likely to be a novel oncogene and therapeutic target in ESCC.

A novel oncogenic seRNA promotes nasopharyngeal carcinoma metastasis

Nasopharyngeal carcinoma (NPC) is a common malignant cancer in southern China that has highly invasive and metastatic features and causes high mortality, but the underlying mechanisms of this malignancy remain unclear. In this study, we utilized ChIP-Seq to identify metastasis-specific super enhancers (SEs) and found that the SE of LOC100506178 existed only in metastatic NPC cells and powerfully aggravated NPC metastasis. This metastatic SE transcribed into lncRNA LOC100506178, and it was verified as a seRNA through GRO-Seq. Furthermore, SE-derived seRNA LOC100506178 was found to be highly expressed in metastatic NPC cells and NPC lymph node metastatic tissues. Knockdown of seRNA LOC100506178 arrested the invasion and metastasis of NPC cells in vitro and in vivo, demonstrating that seRNA LOC100506178 accelerates the acquisition of NPC malignant phenotype. Mechanistic studies revealed that seRNA LOC100506178 specifically interacted with the transcription factor hnRNPK and modulated the expression of hnRNPK. Further, hnRNPK in combination with the promoter region of MICAL2 increased Mical2 transcription. Knockdown of seRNA LOC100506178 or hnRNPK markedly repressed MICAL2, Vimentin and Snail expression and upregulated E-cadherin expression. Overexpression of seRNA LOC100506178 or hnRNPK markedly increased MICAL2, Vimentin and Snail expression and decreased E-cadherin expression. Therefore, seRNA LOC100506178 may promote MICAL2 expression by upregulating hnRNPK, subsequently enhancing EMT process and accelerating the invasion and metastasis of NPC cells. seRNA LOC100506178 has the potential to serve as a novel prognostic biomarker and therapeutic target in NPC patients.

Analysis of core genes for colorectal cancer prognosis based on immune and stromal scores

Background

Colorectal cancer (CRC) is one of the most common malignancies.An early diagnosis and an accurate prognosis are major focuses of CRC research. Tumor microenvironment cells and the extent of infiltrating immune and stromal cells contribute significantly to the tumor prognosis.

Methods

Immune and stromal scores were calculated based on the ESTIMATE algorithm using the sample expression profile of the The Cancer Genome Atlas (TCGA) database. GSE102479 was used as the validation database. Differentially expressed genes whose expression was significantly associated with the prognosis of CRC patients were identified based on the immune matrix score. Survival analysis was conducted on the union of the differentially expressed genes. A protein–protein interaction (PPI) network was constructed using the STRING database to identify the closely connected modules. To conduct functional enrichment analysis of the relevant genes, GO and KEGG pathway analyses were performed with Cluster Profiler. Pivot analysis of the ncRNAs and TFs was performed by using the RAID2.0 database and TRRUST v2 database. TF-mRNA regulatory relationships were analyzed in the TRRUST V2 database. Hubgene targeting relationships were screened in the TargetScan, miRTarBase and miRDB databases. The SNV data of the hub genes were analyzed by using the R maftools package. A ROC curve was drawn based on the TCGA database. The proportion of immune cells was estimated using CIBERSORT and the LM22 feature matrix.

Results

The results showed that the matrix score was significantly correlated with colorectal cancer stage T. A total of 789 differentially expressed genes and 121 survival-related prognostic genes were identified. The PPI network showed that 22 core genes were related to the CRC prognosis. Furthermore, four ncRNAs that regulated the core prognosis genes, 11 TFs with regulatory effects on the core prognosis genes, and two drugs, quercetin and pseudoephedrine, that have regulatory effects on colorectal cancer were also identified.

Conclusions

We obtained a list of tumor microenvironment-related genes for CRC patients. These genes could be useful for determining the prognosis of CRC patients. To confirm the function of these genes, additional experiments are necessary.

E26 transformation-specific variant 4 as a tumor promotor in human cancers through specific molecular mechanisms

E26 transformation-specific (ETS) variant 4 (ETV4) is an important transcription factor that belongs to the ETS transcription factor family and is essential for much cellular physiology. Recent evidence has revealed that ETV4 is aberrantly expressed in many types of tumors, and its overexpression is related to poor prognosis of cancer patients. Additionally, increasing studies have identified that ETV4 promotes cancer growth, invasion, metastasis, and drug resistance. Mechanistically, the level of ETV4 is regulated by some post-translation modulations in a broad spectrum of cancers. However, little progress has been made to comprehensively summarize the critical roles of ETV4 in different human cancers. Hence, this review mainly focuses on the physiological functions of ETV4 in various human tumors. In addition, the molecular mechanisms of ETV4-mediated cancer progression were elucidated, including how ETV4 modulates its downstream signaling pathways and how ETV4 is regulated by some factors. On this basis, the present review may provide a valuable therapeutics strategy for future cancer treatment by targeting ETV4-related pathways.

Colorectal Carcinoma Growth Inhibition by Dietary Care Combined with Probiotic Intervention through Targeting NRP2 Expression

The present study investigated the effect of probiotics on inhibition of colorectal tumor growth in vivo and as anti-proliferative agent in vitro. Viability changes were measured by MTT assay whereas protein expression was assessed using western blotting. The study demonstrated that tumor growth was delayed significantly (P < 0.05) in probiotic administered mice from 2nd week compared to the control group. The difference in body weight of the mice in probiotic administered, 5-fluorouracil treated and untreated groups of the mice showed no significant differences during 5-weeks of the study. In probiotic administered mice the expression of miR-331-3p was significantly promoted and that of NRP2 effectively alleviated. Probiotic administration of the mice led to a significant (P < 0.05) increase in p53 and p-c-Jun expression and reduction in Bcl-2 level. Probiotic treatment of SW480 and HCT116 cells led to a significant (P < 0.05) reduction in viability after 48 h compared to the control cells. However, no changes were observed in FHC cell viability after 48 h of treatment with probiotics. The expression of miR-331-3p in SW480 and HCT116 cells was significantly promoted on treatment with probiotics after 48 h. Additionally, probiotic treatment for 48 h led to a remarkable reduction in NRP2 expression in SW480 and HCT116 cells. Thus, probiotic administration inhibited colorectal tumor growth in vivo in mice possibly by upregulation of miR-331-3p expression and down-regulation of NRP2 level. Therefore, probiotics may be used for the treatment of colorectal cancer growth.

Semaphorin 3F Serves as a Tumor Suppressor in Esophageal Squamous Cell Carcinoma and is Associated With Lymph Node Metastasis in Disease Progression

Background:

Esophageal squamous cell carcinoma is one of the leading aggressive malignancies with high mortality. Semaphorin 3F has been reported to be involved in lymphangiogenesis by interacting the vascular endothelial growth factor C/neuropilin 2 axis. This study aimed to assess the clinical and functional role of semaphorin 3F and preliminarily evaluate the relationship between semaphorin 3F and lymph node metastasis in esophageal squamous cell carcinoma.

Methods:

The messenger RNA expression of semaphorin 3F was analyzed using quantitative real-time polymerase chain reaction. The expression differences of semaphorin 3F between patients having esophageal squamous cell carcinoma with and without lymph node metastasis were assessed, and the correlation of semaphorin 3F with vascular endothelial growth factor C and neuropilin 2 was estimated. The prognostic value of semaphorin 3F was evaluated using Kaplan-Meier survival curves and Cox regression analysis. Gain- and loss-functional cell experiments were performed to explore the biological function of semaphorin 3F, vascular endothelial growth factor C, and neuropilin 2.

Results:

The messenger RNA expression of semaphorin 3F was reduced in esophageal squamous cell carcinoma tissues compared with normal tissues, and lower semaphorin 3F expression was observed in patients having esophageal squamous cell carcinoma with positive lymph node metastasis. Semaphorin 3F expression was associated with lymph node metastasis and negatively correlated with vascular endothelial growth factor C and neuropilin 2. Lower semaphorin 3F expression was related to a poor overall survival of esophageal squamous cell carcinoma and served as an independent prognostic indicator. In esophageal squamous cell carcinoma cells, semaphorin 3F messenger RNA expression was also decreased compared with normal cells, and the overexpression of semaphorin 3F could significantly inhibit cell proliferation, migration, and invasion. The downregulation of vascular endothelial growth factor C and neuropilin 2 could inhibit cell proliferation, migration, and invasion of esophageal squamous cell carcinoma cells.

Conclusion:

All data indicate that semaphorin 3F serves as a potential prognostic biomarker and tumor suppressor of esophageal squamous cell carcinoma and may be involved in the lymph node metastasis development through regulating neuropilin 2.

Neuropilin-2 promotes growth and progression of papillary thyroid cancer cells

OBJECTIVE

Neuropilin-2 (NRP2) is a coreceptor of vascular endothelial growth factor-C/D (VEGF-C/D) and plays the important role in the development of lymphatic endothelial cells, as well as neuronal development. NRP2 is known to affect aggressiveness by increasing expression in various human cancers, but the role of NRP2 in thyroid cancer is not fully understood. The purpose of this study was to investigate the NRP2 expression and its role in regulating the tumor aggressiveness in the papillary thyroid carcinoma (PTC).

METHODS

The NRP2 expression and its clinicopathologic correlation to PTC was determined using the data from the 262 PTC patients at a tertiary referral medical center and The Cancer Genome Atlas (TCGA) database. The potential role of NRP2 in modulating tumor growth, invasion, and metastasis in PTC was examined by using small interfering RNA (siRNA)-mediated knockdown of NRP2.

RESULTS

High expression of NRP2 was significantly associated with capsular invasion, lymphovascular invasion, lymph node metastasis, 5 or more metastatic lymph nodes, and recurrence in PTC patients. In TCGA data, the higher NRP2 expression group was significantly associated with extrathyroid extension, lymph node metastasis, and BRAF^V600E mutation. The siRNA mediated knockdown of NRP2 in the PTC cells reduced the cell proliferation, migration and invasion. We also have confirmed that NRP2 knockdown suppressed epithelial-mesenchymal transition (EMT) by regulating AKT and ERK phosphorylation signaling pathways.

CONCLUSION

Our results suggest that NRP2 regulates tumor progression in PTC and may act as a predictive factor for aggressiveness of PTC.

Ivermectin suppresses tumour growth and metastasis through degradation of PAK1 in oesophageal squamous cell carcinoma

Oesophageal squamous cell carcinoma (ESCC), the most common form of oesophageal malignancies in the Asia‐Pacific region, remains a major clinical challenge. In this study, we found that ivermectin, an effective antiparasitic drug that has been approved for patients to orally treat onchocerciasis for over 30 years, displayed potent antitumour activity against ESCC cells in vitro and in nude mice. We demonstrated that ivermectin significantly inhibited cell viability and colony formation, and induced apoptosis through a mitochondrial‐dependent manner in ESCC cells. Ivermectin also abrogated ESCC cell migration, invasion, as well as the protein levels of MMP‐2 and MMP‐9. Mechanistically, ivermectin strongly inhibited the expression of PAK1; by further gain‐ and loss‐of‐function experiments, we confirmed that PAK1 played a crucial role in ivermectin‐mediated inhibitory effects on ESCC cells. In addition, the data indicated that ivermectin promoted PAK1 degradation through the proteasome‐dependent pathway. Additionally, ivermectin synergized with chemotherapeutic drugs including cisplatin and 5‐fluorouracil to induce apoptosis of ESCC cells. Interestingly, the in vivo experiments also confirmed that ivermectin effectively suppressed tumour growth and lung metastasis of ESCC. Collectively, these results indicate that ivermectin exerts a potent antitumour activity against ESCC and is a promising therapeutic candidate drug for ESCC patients, even those carrying metastasis.

SEMA3F Promotes Liver Hepatocellular Carcinoma Metastasis by Activating Focal Adhesion Pathway

Previous studies have shown that semaphorin-3F (SEMA3F) functions as a tumor suppressor in several tumor types. However, the role of SEMA3F in the metastasis and prognosis of liver hepatocellular carcinoma (LIHC) remains unknown. In this study, by performing bioinformatics analysis on the transcriptome profiles from The Cancer Genome Atlas (TCGA), we demonstrated that SEMA3F was significantly upregulated in LIHC tissues, compared with normal controls. Moreover, the expression value of SEMA3F was positively correlated with patients' pathological stages and tumor metastasis, predicting a poor overall survival. Besides, SEMA3F expression level was negatively correlated with its methylation level, but positively correlated with its gene copy number. Differential expression analysis of LIHC samples with high or low SEMA3F expression values suggested that 983 genes were differentially expressed, among which 723 genes were upregulated and 260 genes were downregulated. Furthermore, enrichment analysis of differentially expressed genes revealed that SEMA3F was involved in the activation of focal adhesion pathway, which induced tumor metastasis. Taken together, our results suggested that the oncogenic function of SEMA3F promoted hepatocellular carcinoma metastasis by activating focal adhesion pathway.

Linking NRP2 With EMT and Chemoradioresistance in Bladder Cancer

Neuropilin-2 (NRP2) is a prognostic indicator for reduced survival in bladder cancer (BCa) patients. Together with its major ligand, vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF)-C, NRP2 expression is a predictive factor for treatment outcome in response to radiochemotherapy in BCa patients who underwent transurethral resection. Therefore, we investigated the benefit of combining cisplatin-based chemotherapy with irradiation treatment in the BCa cell line RT112 exhibiting or lacking endogenous NRP2 expression in order to evaluate NRP2 as potential therapeutic target. We have identified a high correlation of NRP2 and the glioma-associated oncogene family zinc finger 2 (GLI2) transcripts in the cancer genome atlas (TCGA) cohort of BCa patients and a panel of 15 human BCa cell lines. Furthermore, we used in vitro BCa models to show the transforming growth factor-beta 1 (TGFβ1)-dependent regulation of NRP2 and GLI2 expression levels. Since NRP2 was shown to bind TGFβ1, associate with TGFβ receptors, and enhance TGFβ1 signaling, we evaluated downstream signaling pathways using an epithelial-to-mesenchymal transition (EMT)-assay in combination with a PCR profiling array containing 84 genes related to EMT. Subsequent target validation in NRP2 knockout and knockdown models revealed secreted phosphoprotein 1 (SPP1/OPN/Osteopontin) as a downstream target positively regulated by NRP2.

CRLF1-MYH9 Interaction Regulates Proliferation and Metastasis of Papillary Thyroid Carcinoma Through the ERK/ETV4 Axis

In our previous study, we have shown that CRLF1 can promote proliferation and metastasis of papillary thyroid carcinoma (PTC); however, the mechanism is unclear. Herein, we investigated whether the interaction of CRLF1 and MYH9 regulates proliferation and metastasis of PTC cells via the ERK/ETV4 axis. Immunohistochemistry (IHC), qPCR, and Western blotting assays were performed on PTC cells and normal thyroid cells to profile specific target genes. In vitro assays and in vivo assays were also conducted to examine the molecular mechanism. Results showed that CRLF1 directly bound MYH9 to enhance the stability of CRLF1 protein. Inhibition of MYH9 in PTC cells overexpressing CRLF1 significantly reversed malignant phenotypes, and CRLF1 overexpression activated ERK pathway, in vitro, and in vivo. RNA-sequencing revealed that ETV4 is a downstream target gene of CRLF1, which was up-regulated following ERK activation. Moreover, it was revealed that ETV4 is highly expressed in PTC tissues and is associated with poor prognosis. Finally, the ChIP assays showed that ETV4 induces the expression of matrix metalloproteinase 1 (MMP1) by binding to its promoter on PTC cells. Altogether, our study demonstrates that CRLF1 interacts with MYH9, promoting cell proliferation and metastasis via the ERK/ETV4 axis in PTC.

miR-331-3p suppresses cell invasion and migration in colorectal carcinoma by directly targeting NRP2

Colorectal carcinoma (CRC) is a common tumor of the digestive system with poor prognosis. Studies have shown that aberrant microRNA (miRNA) expression can affect CRC progression by regulating target genes. In the present study, we investigated the functional roles and potential mechanisms of miR-331-3p in CRC. The expression of miR-331-3p and neuropilin-2 (NRP2) in CRC was detected by RT-qPCR. Then, Transwell assays were conducted to investigate the influence of miR-331-3p on CRC cell invasion and migration abilities. Luciferase reporter assays were performed to determine the target gene of miR-331-3p. It was found that miR-331-3p expression was notably declined in CRC and inversely correlated with the NRP2 expression. miR-331-3p upregulation significantly inhibited CRC cell invasion and migration. Additionally, western blot analysis demonstrated that miR-331-3p restoration evidently suppressed CRC cell EMT. Moreover, NRP2 was conformed to be a novel target of miR-331-3p and knockdown of NRP2 partially inversed the effects of the miR-331-3p inhibitor on cell invasion and migration. These results suggested that miR-331-3p exerted tumor suppressive roles in CRC by targeting NRP2 and miR-331-3p/NRP2 may serve as a potential therapy for CRC.

ETV4 overexpression promotes progression of non-small cell lung cancer by upregulating PXN and MMP1 transcriptionally

ETS variant 4 (ETV4), together with ETV1 and ETV5, constitute the PEA3 subfamily of ETS transcription factors, which are implicated in the progression of many cancers. However, the clinicopathologic significance and molecular events regulated by ETV4 in lung cancer are still poorly understood, especially in squamous cell carcinoma of the lung. Here, we aimed to identify functional targets involved in ETV4-driven lung tumorigenesis. Microarray analysis and validation data revealed that ETV4 was the most preponderant PEA3 factor, which was significantly related to the advanced stage, lymph node metastasis, and poor prognosis of non-small cell lung cancers (NSCLCs; all P < .001). Reduced ETV4 expression suppressed the growth and metastasis of NSCLC both in vivo and in vitro. Microarray, gain, or loss of function and luciferase report assays revealed the direct regulatory effect of ETV4 on the expression of focal adhesion gene PXN and matrix metalloproteinase 1 (MMP1), and PXN and/or MMP1 inhibition partially abolished cell proliferation and migration induced by ETV4. Kaplan-Meier analysis indicated that ETV4 and PXN or MMP1 co-overexpression is associated with poor prognosis in human NSCLCs. In conclusion, the ETV4-PXN and ETV4-MMP1 axes are useful biomarkers of tumor progression and worse outcomes in NSCLCs.

The E-Cadherin and N-Cadherin Switch in Epithelial-to-Mesenchymal Transition: Signaling, Therapeutic Implications, and Challenges

Epithelial-to-Mesenchymal Transition (EMT) has been shown to be crucial in tumorigenesis where the EMT program enhances metastasis, chemoresistance and tumor stemness. Due to its emerging role as a pivotal driver of tumorigenesis, targeting EMT is of great therapeutic interest in counteracting metastasis and chemoresistance in cancer patients. The hallmark of EMT is the upregulation of N-cadherin followed by the downregulation of E-cadherin, and this process is regulated by a complex network of signaling pathways and transcription factors. In this review, we summarized the recent understanding of the roles of E- and N-cadherins in cancer invasion and metastasis as well as the crosstalk with other signaling pathways involved in EMT. We also highlighted a few natural compounds with potential anti-EMT property and outlined the future directions in the development of novel intervention in human cancer treatments. We have reviewed 287 published papers related to this topic and identified some of the challenges faced in translating the discovery work from bench to bedside.

Neuropilin-2 contributes to tumor progression in preclinical models of small intestinal neuroendocrine tumors

The identification of novel regulators of tumor progression is a key challenge to gain knowledge on the biology of small intestinal neuroendocrine tumors (SI-NETs). We recently identified the loss of the axon guidance protein semaphorin 3F as a protumoral event in SI-NETs. Interestingly the expression of its receptor neuropilin-2 (NRP-2) was still maintained. This study aimed at deciphering the potential role of NRP-2 as a contributor to SI-NET progression. The role of NRP-2 in SI-NET progression was addressed using an approach integrating human tissue and serum samples, cell lines and in vivo models. Data obtained from human SI-NET tissues showed that membranous NRP-2 expression is present in a majority of tumors, and is correlated with invasion, metastatic abilities, and neovascularization. In addition, NRP-2 soluble isoform was found elevated in serum samples from metastatic patients. In preclinical mouse models of NET progression, NRP-2 silencing led to a sustained antitumor effect, partly driven by the downregulation of VEGFR2. In contrast, its ectopic expression conferred a gain of aggressiveness, driven by the activation of various oncogenic signaling pathways. Lastly, NRP-2 inhibition led to a decrease of tumor cell viability, and sensitized to therapeutic agents. Overall, our results point out NRP-2 as a potential therapeutic target for SI-NETs, and will foster the development of innovative strategies targeting this receptor. © 2019 Pathological Society of Great Britain and Ireland. Published by John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.

Wee1 Inhibitor AZD1775 Effectively Inhibits the Malignant Phenotypes of Esophageal Squamous Cell Carcinoma In Vitro and In Vivo

Esophageal squamous cell carcinoma (ESCC) is a common malignant diagnosed cancer with increasing incidence rate and few treatment options. As a specific small-molecule inhibitor of the Wee1 tyrosine kinase, AZD1775 has previously shown potent antitumor effect on multiple types of cancer in various preclinical studies and clinical trials. However, the expression of Wee1 and the role of AZD1775 in ESCC remain unclear. In the present study, we found that the expression of Wee1 was much higher in ESCC cell lines and clinical samples than that of the corresponding controls. In addition, we demonstrated that AZD1775 exhibited strong inhibitory effect against Wee1 kinase in both tested ESCC cells at nanomolar concentrations. Moreover, AZD1775 effectively suppressed ESCC cell growth and triggered apoptosis via the mitochondrial-dependent signaling pathway. AZD1775 also diminished cell migration and invasion as well as the expression of MMP-2 and MMP-9. Interestingly, knockdown of Wee1 displayed a similar inhibitory effect of AZD1775 on ESCC cells. In addition, there was a synergism between AZD1775 and 5-fluorouracil or cisplatin in inducing cell death. More importantly, the in vivo experiments also demonstrated that AZD1775 potently inhibited ESCC cell growth and metastasis. In summary, our data suggest that the Wee1 inhibitor AZD1775 may be a potential therapeutic agent and warrants a clinical trial for patients with ESCC, even those with metastasis.

Melanoma cell adhesion molecule is the driving force behind the dissemination of melanoma upon S100A8/A9 binding in the original skin lesion

Since metastasis accounts for the majority of cancer-associated deaths, studies on the mechanisms of metastasis are needed to establish innovative strategies for cancer treatment. We previously reported that melanoma cell adhesion molecule (MCAM) functions as a critical receptor for S100A8/A9, and binding of S100A8/A9 to MCAM results in the migration of melanoma cells to lung tissue. However, the critical role of MCAM in the original melanoma skin lesion is still not clear. In this study, we aimed to determine the importance of the S100A8/A9-MCAM axis in melanoma dissemination in a skin lesion as a critical early step for metastasis. Mechanistic studies revealed the downstream signaling of MCAM that signaled the induction of metastasis. S100A8/A9-MCAM binding activates mitogen-activated protein kinase kinase kinase 8 (MAP3K8), also termed TPL2, leading to strong activation of the transcription factor ETV4 and subsequent induction of matrix metalloproteinase-25 (MMP25), and finally to induction of melanoma lung tropic metastasis. Collectively, our results demonstrate a crucial role of the S100A8/A9-MCAM signaling axis in metastatic onset of melanoma cells and indicate that strategies targeting the identified pathway may be useful for the establishment of innovative anti-cancer therapies.

Critical role of the MCAM-ETV4 axis triggered by extracellular S100A8/A9 in breast cancer aggressiveness

Metastatic breast cancer is the leading cause of cancer-associated death in women. The progression of this fatal disease is associated with inflammatory responses that promote cancer cell growth and dissemination, eventually leading to a reduction of overall survival. However, the mechanism(s) of the inflammation-boosted cancer progression remains unclear. In this study, we found for the first time that an extracellular cytokine, S100A8/A9, accelerates breast cancer growth and metastasis upon binding to a cell surface receptor, melanoma cell adhesion molecule (MCAM). Our molecular analyses revealed an important role of ETS translocation variant 4 (ETV4), which is significantly activated in the region downstream of MCAM upon S100A8/A9 stimulation, in breast cancer progression in vitro as well as in vivo. The MCAM-mediated activation of ETV4 induced a mobile phenotype called epithelial-mesenchymal transition (EMT) in cells, since we found that ETV4 transcriptionally upregulates ZEB1, a strong EMT inducer, at a very high level. In contrast, downregulation of either MCAM or ETV4 repressed EMT, resulting in greatly weakened tumor growth and lung metastasis. Overall, our results revealed that ETV4 is a novel transcription factor regulated by the S100A8/A9-MCAM axis, which leads to EMT through ZEB1 and thereby to metastasis in breast cancer cells. Thus, therapeutic strategies based on our findings might improve patient outcomes.

Suppressing growth and invasion of human hepatocellular carcinoma cells by celecoxib through inhibition of cyclooxygenase-2

Purpose: Biomarkers are lacking in hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC). Cyclooxygenase-2 (COX-2) and its metabolites play crucial roles in the process of inflammation-tumor transformation. This study was aimed to detect COX-2 expression in HCC tissues and evaluate the effects of a COX-2 inhibitor, celecoxib, on biological behaviors of HCC cell lines in vitro.

Methods: COX-2 expression was detected by immunohistochemistry on a human HCC tissue microarray. The correlations of COX-2 expression with tumor clinicopathological variables and overall survival were analyzed. The proliferation, apoptosis, cell cycle distribution, invasion capacity, and related signaling molecules of HCC cells after incubated with COX-2 inhibitor celecoxib were evaluated in vitro.

Results: Expression levels of COX-2 in HCC tissues were significantly higher than those in paracancerous tissues. The TNM stage III-IV, tumor size >5 cm, lymphovascular invasion and distant metastasis was higher in high COX-2 expression group compared with that in low COX-2 expression group. Patients with low COX-2 expression achieved better 5-year overall survival than those with high COX-2 expression. Treatment with celecoxib was sufficient to inhibit cell proliferation, promote apoptosis, and induce G0/G1 cell cycle arrest in HCC cells with concentration- and time-dependent manners. Celecoxib up-regulated E-cadherin protein through inhibiting COX-2-prostaglandin E2 (PGE2)-PGE2 receptor 2 (EP2)-p-Akt/p-ERK signaling pathway to suppress HCC cells migration and invasion.

Conclusion: High COX-2 expression was associated with advanced TNM stage, larger tumor size, increased lymphovascular invasion and short survival. Targeting inhibition of COX-2 by celecoxib exhibited anti-tumor activities by suppressing proliferation, promoting apoptosis, and inhibiting the aggressive properties of HCC cells.

Neuropilins in the Context of Tumor Vasculature

Neuropilin-1 and Neuropilin-2 form a small family of plasma membrane spanning receptors originally identified by the binding of semaphorin and vascular endothelial growth factor. Having no cytosolic protein kinase domain, they function predominantly as co-receptors of other receptors for various ligands. As such, they critically modulate the signaling of various receptor tyrosine kinases, integrins, and other molecules involved in the regulation of physiological and pathological angiogenic processes. This review highlights the diverse neuropilin ligands and interacting partners on endothelial cells, which are relevant in the context of the tumor vasculature and the tumor microenvironment. In addition to tumor cells, the latter contains cancer-associated fibroblasts, immune cells, and endothelial cells. Based on the prevalent neuropilin-mediated interactions, the suitability of various neuropilin-targeted substances for influencing tumor angiogenesis as a possible building block of a tumor therapy is discussed.

Steroid receptor coactivator-1 regulates glioma angiogenesis through polyomavirus enhancer activator 3 signaling

Steroid receptor coactivator 1 (SRC-1) is a transcriptional coactivator for steroid receptors and other transcription factors. SRC-1 has been shown to play an important role in the progression of breast cancer and prostate cancer. However, its role in glioma progression remains unknown. Here, in this study, we report that SRC-1 is upregulated in the vessels of human glioma and exerts important regulatory functions. Specifically, SRC-1 expression significantly enhanced basic fibroblast growth factor (bFGF)-mediated angiogenesis in vivo. Downregulating of SRC-1 expression suppressed endothelial cell migration and tube formation in vitro and upregulated the expression of pro-angiogenic factors, including vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) and matrix metallopeptidase (MMP)-9 in glioma cells. These SRC-1-mediated effects were dependent on the activation of polyomavirus enhancer activator 3 (PEA3) transcriptional activity. VEGF and VEGF inducer GS4012 induced the direct binding of SRC-1 and PEA3 in glioma cells, and PEA3 could directly bind with VEGF and MMP-9 promoter under GS4012 treatment in glioma cell. The expression of pro-angiogenic factors induced by SRC-1 was abrogated by sh-PEA3 knockdown. Taken together, these novel outcomes indicated that SRC-1 modulated endothelial cell (EC) function and facilitated a pro-angiogenic microenvironment through PEA3 signaling. Moreover, a combination of targeting SRC-1 and PEA3 signaling in glioma could be a promising strategy for suppressing tumor angiogenesis.

Transforming growth factor-β1 promotes breast cancer metastasis by downregulating miR-196a-3p expression

Transforming growth factor-β1 is considered a key contributor to the progression of breast cancer. MicroRNAs are important factors in the development and progression of many malignancies. In the present study, upon studies of breast cancer cell lines and tissues, we showed that microRNA -196a-3p is decreased by transforming growth factor-β1 in breast cancer cells and associated with breast cancer progression. We identified neuropilin-2 as a target gene of microRNA -196a-3p and showed that it is regulated by transforming growth factor-β1. Moreover, transforming growth factor-β1-mediated inhibition of microRNA -196a-3p and activation of neuropilin-2were required for transforming growth factor-β1-induced migration and invasion of breast cancer cells. In addition, neuropilin-2 expression was suppressed in breast tumors, particularly in triple-negative breast cancers. Collectively, our findings strongly indicate that microRNA -196a-3p is a predictive biomarker of breast cancer metastasis and patient survival and a potential therapeutic target in metastatic breast cancer.

Neuropilin-2 regulates airway inflammatory responses to inhaled lipopolysaccharide

Neuropilins are multifunctional receptors that play important roles in immune regulation. Neuropilin-2 (NRP2) is expressed in the lungs, but whether it regulates airway immune responses is unknown. Here, we report that Nrp2 is weakly expressed by alveolar macrophages (AMs) in the steady state but is dramatically upregulated following in vivo lipopolysaccharide (LPS) inhalation. Ex vivo treatment of human AMs with LPS also increased NRP2 mRNA expression and cell-surface display of NRP2 protein. LPS-induced Nrp2 expression in AMs was dependent upon the myeloid differentiation primary response 88 signaling pathway and the transcription factor NF-κB. In addition to upregulating display of NRP2 on the cell membrane, inhaled LPS also triggered AMs to release soluble NRP2 into the airways. Finally, myeloid-specific ablation of NRP2 resulted in increased expression of the chemokine (C-C motif) ligand 2 ( Ccl2) in the lungs and prolonged leukocyte infiltration in the airways following LPS inhalation. These findings suggest that NRP2 expression by AMs regulates LPS-induced inflammatory cell recruitment to the airways and reveal a novel role for NRP2 during innate immune responses in the lungs.

Increased ETV4 expression correlates with estrogen-enhanced proliferation and invasiveness of cholangiocarcinoma cells

Background

Cholangiocarcinoma (CCA) is one of the worst prognosis cancer. The survival time of CCA patients is related to serum estrogen levels and estrogen has been found to enhance the proliferation and invasiveness of CCA cells in vitro. This has led to the suggestion that estrogen may play an important role in the progression of CCA. This study tests the relevance of the previous in vitro findings in vivo using a mouse xenograft model of CCA, and investigates possible signaling mechanisms involved.

Methods

KKU-213 and KKU-139 CCA cell lines were used in the experiments, xenografted to nude mice and treated with a potent estrogenic agent, 17β-estradiol (E2), and/or with tamoxifen (TAM), an estrogen antagonist.

Results

The results demonstrated that E2 could accelerate growth of the xenograft-tumor and the effect was inhibited by TAM. PCR array screening of E2 responsive genes suggested ETV4 as a promising candidate intracellular mediator. ETV4-knockdown CCA cells were generated and these showed a diminished responsiveness to E2 in both cell and spheroid proliferation assays, and in invasion tests. These results point to ETV4 as a possible mediator of E2-activated CCA progression and as a potential target of TAM-mediated inhibition.

Conclusions

Finally, TAM may be suggested as an adjunctive treatment of CCA to improve the conventional cytotoxic method with more patient toleration.

Electronic supplementary material

The online version of this article (10.1186/s12935-018-0525-z) contains supplementary material, which is available to authorized users.

NRP-2 in tumor lymphangiogenesis and lymphatic metastasis

Neuropilin-2 (NRP-2) not only functions as a receptor for semaphorins, a family of neural axon guidance factors, but also interacts with VEGFs, a family of vascular endothelial growth factors. As an independent receptor or a co-receptor, NRP-2 binds to ligands VEGF-C/D, activates the VEGF-C/D-NRP-2 signaling axis, and further regulates lymphangiogenesis-associated factors in both lymphatic endothelial cells (LECs) and some tumor cells during tumor progression. Via VEGF-C/D-NRP-2 axis, NRP-2 induces LEC proliferation, reconstruction and lymphangiogenesis and subsequently promotes tumor cell migration, invasion and lymphatic metastasis. There are similarities and differences among NRP-1, NRP-2 and VEGFR-3 in chemical structure, ligand specificity, chromosomal location, soluble protein forms, cellular functions and expression profiles. High expression of NRP-2 in LECs and tumor cells has been observed in different anatomic sites, histological patterns and progression stages of various tumors, especially during tumor lymphangiogenesis and lymphatic metastasis, and therefore the NRP-2 and VEGF-C/D-NRP-2 axis are closely related to tumor development, progression, invasion, and metastasis. In addition, it is important for prognosis of tumor. The studies on NRP-2 targeted therapy have recently achieved some successes, utilizing NRP-2 blocking antibodies, NRP-2 inhibitory peptides, soluble NRP-2 antagonists, small molecule inhibitors and various NRP-2 gene therapeutic strategies.

Quantitative assessment of neuropilin-2 as a simple and sensitive diagnostic assay for spitzoid melanocytic lesions

There is a significant need for the development of diagnostic tools that can precisely distinguish Spitz nevi and spitzoid melanomas. Here, we report the development of a PCR-based quantitative diagnostic assay for spitzoid melanocytic lesions utilizing the expression ratio of neuropilin-2 and melan-A genes in primary tumor specimens. We find that the expression ratio of neuropilin-2/melan-A is significantly increased in spitzoid melanomas compared with Spitz nevi. The diagnostic potential of this quantitative assay was validated in two independent sets of patient samples as demonstrated in a receiver operating characteristic curve analysis showing an area under the curve value of 91.8%. Furthermore, the assay was found to quantitatively distinguish the clinical nature of atypical spitzoid melanocytic lesions that were diagnostically undetermined using histopathologic criteria alone. Our data indicate that this quantitative assay may be used as a tool in determining the diagnostic classification of histologically challenging spitzoid tumors.

Metastatic pathway and the microvascular and physicochemical microenvironments of human melanoma xenografts

BACKGROUND

Malignant melanoma of the skin can metastasize through blood vessels and lymphatics. The primary tumor develops a vascular microenvironment characterized by abnormal blood vessels and lymphatics and a physicochemical microenvironment characterized by low oxygen tension, regions with hypoxic tissue, and high interstitial fluid pressure (IFP). This study aimed at identifying relationships between the metastatic route of melanomas and characteristic features of the microvascular and physicochemical microenvironments of the primary tumor.

METHODS

Two patient-derived xenograft (PDX) models (E-13, N-15) and four cell line-derived xenografts (CDX) models (C-10, D-12, R-18, T-22) of human melanoma were included in the study. Tumors were transplanted to an orthotopic site in BALB/c-nu/nu mice, and when the tumors had grown to a volume of 500-600 mm3, the IFP of the primary tumor was measured and the hypoxia marker pimonidazole was administered before the host mouse was euthanized. The primary tumor, lungs, and six pairs of lymph nodes were evaluated by examining hematoxylin/eosin-stained and immunostained histological preparations. The expression of angiogenesis-related genes was assessed by quantitative PCR.

RESULTS

C-10, D-12, and E-13 tumors disseminated primarily by the hematogenous route and developed pulmonary metastases. These tumors showed high angiogenic activity and high expression of the F3 gene as well as ANGPT2 and TIE1, genes encoding proteins of the angiopoietin-tie system. N-15, R-18, and T-22 tumors disseminated mainly by the lymphogenous route and developed metastases in draining lymph nodes. These tumors had highly elevated IFP and showed high expression of NRP2, a gene encoding neuropilin-2.

CONCLUSION

The primary metastatic route of orthotopic human melanoma xenografts and the development of lung and lymph node metastases are influenced significantly by the microvascular and physicochemical microenvironments of the primary tumor.

FSTL1 Promotes Metastasis and Chemoresistance in Esophageal Squamous Cell Carcinoma through NFκB-BMP Signaling Cross-talk

Esophageal squamous cell carcinoma (ESCC) has a generally poor prognosis, and molecular markers to improve early detection and predict outcomes are greatly needed. Here, we report that the BMP-binding follistatin-like protein FSTL1 is overexpressed in ESCCs, where it correlates with poor overall survival. Genetic amplification of FSTL1 or chromosome 3q, where it is located, occurred frequently in ESCC, where FSTL1 copy number correlated positively with higher FSTL1 protein expression. Elevating FSTL1 levels by various means was sufficient to drive ESCC cell proliferation, clonogenicity, migration, invasion, self-renewal, and cisplatin resistance in vitro and tumorigenicity and distant metastasis in vivo Conversely, FSTL1 attenuation by shRNA or neutralizing antibody elicited the opposite effects in ESCC cells. mRNA profiling analyses suggested that FSTL1 drives ESCC oncogenesis and metastasis through various pathways, with deregulation of NFκB and BMP signaling figuring prominently. Cross-talk between the NFκB and BMP pathways was evidenced by functional rescue experiments using inhibitors of NFκB and TLR4. Our results establish the significance of FSTL1 in driving oncogenesis and metastasis in ESCC by coordinating NFκB and BMP pathway control, with implications for its potential use as a diagnostic or prognostic biomarker and as a candidate therapeutic target in this disease setting. Cancer Res; 77(21); 5886-99. ©2017 AACR.

p53-R273H upregulates neuropilin-2 to promote cell mobility and tumor metastasis

Mounting evidence indicates that hotspot p53 mutant proteins often possess gain-of-function property in promoting cell mobility and tumor metastasis. However, the molecular mechanisms are not totally understood. In this study, we demonstrate that the hotspot mutation, p53-R273H, promotes cell migration, invasion in vitro and tumor metastasis in vivo. p53-R273H significantly represses expression of DLX2, a homeobox protein involved in cell proliferation and pattern formation. We show that p53-R273H-mediated DLX2 repression leads to upregulation of Neuropilin-2 (NRP2), a multifunctional co-receptor involved in tumor initiation, growth, survival and metastasis. p53-R273H-induced cell mobility is effectively suppressed by DLX2 expression. Furthermore, knockdown of NRP2 significantly inhibits p53-R273H-induced tumor metastasis in xenograft mouse model. Together, these results reveal an important role for DLX2-NRP2 in p53-R273H-induced cell mobility and tumor metastasis.

Long noncoding RNAs: emerging regulators of tumor angiogenesis

Long noncoding RNAs (lncRNAs) participate in multiple biological processes especially human diseases, of which, tumor seems to be one of the most significant. Angiogenesis has been deemed to have a pivotal role in a series of tumor biological behaviors in tumorigenesis, progression and prognosis. Emerging evidences suggested that lncRNAs are involved in tumor angiogenesis and lncRNAs have already been verified to be potential biomarkers and promising therapeutic targets. This review summarized emerging angiogenesis-related lncRNAs, discussed their mechanisms interacting with cytokines, cancer stem cells, miRNAs and tumor hypoxia microenvironment, and demonstrated if lncRNAs could be new candidate targets of antiangiogenesis therapy.

For robust big data analyses: a collection of 150 important pro-metastatic genes

Metastasis is the greatest contributor to cancer-related death. In the era of precision medicine, it is essential to predict and to prevent the spread of cancer cells to significantly improve patient survival. Thanks to the application of a variety of high-throughput technologies, accumulating big data enables researchers and clinicians to identify aggressive tumors as well as patients with a high risk of cancer metastasis. However, there have been few large-scale gene collection studies to enable metastasis-related analyses. In the last several years, emerging efforts have identified pro-metastatic genes in a variety of cancers, providing us the ability to generate a pro-metastatic gene cluster for big data analyses. We carefully selected 285 genes with in vivo evidence of promoting metastasis reported in the literature. These genes have been investigated in different tumor types. We used two datasets downloaded from The Cancer Genome Atlas database, specifically, datasets of clear cell renal cell carcinoma and hepatocellular carcinoma, for validation tests, and excluded any genes for which elevated expression level correlated with longer overall survival in any of the datasets. Ultimately, 150 pro-metastatic genes remained in our analyses. We believe this collection of pro-metastatic genes will be helpful for big data analyses, and eventually will accelerate anti-metastasis research and clinical intervention.