Increased expression of neurotensin in high grade serous ovarian carcinoma with evidence of serous tubal intraepithelial carcinoma

Decreased neurotensin induces ovulatory dysfunction via the NTSR1/ERK/EGR1 axis in polycystic ovary syndrome

Polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) is the predominant cause of subfertility in reproductive-aged women; however, its pathophysiology remains unknown. Neurotensin (NTS) is a member of the gut-brain peptide family and is involved in ovulation; its relationship with PCOS is unclear. Here, we found that NTS expression in ovarian granulosa cells and follicular fluids was markedly decreased in patients with PCOS. In the in vitro culture of cumulus-oocyte complexes, the neurotensin receptor 1 (NTSR1) antagonist SR48692 blocked cumulus expansion and oocyte meiotic maturation by inhibiting metabolic cooperation and damaging the mitochondrial structure in oocytes and surrounding cumulus cells. Furthermore, the ERK1/2-early growth response 1 pathway was found to be a key downstream mediator of NTS/NTSR1 in the ovulatory process. Animal studies showed that in vivo injection of SR48692 in mice reduced ovulation efficiency and contributed to irregular estrus cycles and polycystic ovary morphology. By contrast, NTS partially ameliorated the ovarian abnormalities in mice with dehydroepiandrosterone-induced PCOS. Our findings highlighted the critical role of NTS reduction and consequent abnormal NTSR1 signaling in the ovulatory dysfunction of PCOS, suggesting a potential strategy for PCOS treatment.

Neurotensin and Its Involvement in Female Hormone-Sensitive Cancers

Neurotensin (NT) is a peptide involved in digestion, neuromodulation, and cancer progression. NT and its receptors (NTR1 and SORT1 mainly) have been widely studied in oncology. Data show that NT expression is under the control of sex steroid hormones, in particular estradiol. We focused on its involvement in three main female hormone-sensitive cancers, breast, ovarian, and endometrial cancer, in a narrative review. NT, NTR1, and SORT1 are mostly expressed in these three cancers, and their involvement in oncologic processes such as proliferation and invasion seems to match, as does their impact on prognosis for most. The development of NT receptor-targeted therapies, including theranostics and radioligand treatments, presents a promising avenue for personalized cancer treatment.

Identification of Novel Genes and Pathways of Ovarian Cancer Using a Comprehensive Bioinformatic Framework

Ovarian cancer (OC) is a significant contributor to gynecological cancer-related deaths worldwide, with a high mortality rate. Despite several advances in understanding the pathogenesis of OC, the molecular mechanisms underlying its development and prognosis remain poorly understood. Therefore, the current research study aimed to identify hub genes involved in the pathogenesis of OC that could serve as selective diagnostic and therapeutic targets. To achieve this, the dataset GEO2R was used to retrieve differentially expressed genes. The study identified a total of five genes (CDKN1A, DKK1, CYP1B1, NTS, and GDF15) that were differentially expressed in OC. Subsequently, a network analysis was performed using the STRING database, followed by the construction of a network using Cytoscape. The network analyzer tool in Cytoscape predicted 276 upregulated and 269 downregulated genes. Furthermore, KEGG analysis was conducted to identify different pathways related to OC. Subsequently, survival analysis was performed to validate gene expression alterations and predict hub genes, using a p-value of 0.05 as a threshold. Four genes (CDKN1A, DKK1, CYP1B1, and NTS) were predicted as significant hub genes, while one gene (GDF15) was predicted as non-significant. The adjusted P values of said predicted genes are 2.85E - 07, 5.49E - 06, 4.28E - 07, 1.43E - 07, and 3.70E - 07 for CDKN1A, DKK1, NTS, GDF15, and CYP1B1 respectively; additionally 6.08, 5.76, 5.74, 5.01, and 4.9 LogFc values of the said genes were predicted in GEO data set. In a boxplot analysis, the expression of these genes was analyzed in normal and tumor cells. The study found that three genes were highly expressed in tumor cells, while two genes (CDKN1A and DKK1) were more elevated in normal cells. According to the boxplot analysis for CDKN1A, 50% of tumor cells ranged between approx 3.8 and 5, while 50% of normal cells ranged between approx 6.9 and 7.9, which is greater than tumor cells. This shows that in normal cells, the CYP1B1 has a high expression level according to the GEPIA boxplot; addtionally the boxplot for DKK1 indicated that 50% of tumor cells ranged between approx 0 and 0.5, which was less than that of normal cells which ranged between approx 0.3 and 0.9. It shows that DKK1 is highly expressed in normal genes. Overall, the current study provides novel insights into the molecular mechanisms underlying OC. The identified hub genes and drug candidate targets could potentially serve as alternative diagnostic and therapeutic options for OC patients. Further research is needed to investigate the clinical significance of these findings and develop effective interventions that can improve the prognosis of patients with OC.

Boosting edgeR (Robust) by dealing with missing observations and gene-specific outliers in RNA-Seq profiles and its application to explore biomarker genes for diagnosis and therapies of ovarian cancer

The edgeR (Robust) is a popular approach for identifying differentially expressed genes (DEGs) from RNA-Seq profiles. However, it shows weak performance against gene-specific outliers and is unable to handle missing observations. To address these issues, we proposed a pre-processing approach of RNA-Seq count data by combining the iLOO-based outlier detection and random forest-based missing imputation approach for boosting the performance of edgeR (Robust). Both simulation and real RNA-Seq count data analysis results showed that the proposed edgeR (Robust) outperformed than the conventional edgeR (Robust). To investigate the effectiveness of identified DEGs for diagnosis, and therapies of ovarian cancer (OC), we selected top-ranked 12 DEGs (IL6, XCL1, CXCL8, C1QC, C1QB, SNAI2, TYROBP, COL1A2, SNAP25, NTS, CXCL2, and AGT) and suggested hub-DEGs guided top-ranked 10 candidate drug-molecules for the treatment against OC. Hence, our proposed procedure might be an effective computational tool for exploring potential DEGs from RNA-Seq profiles for diagnosis and therapies of any disease.

Neurotensin induces sustainable activation of the ErbB-ERK1/2 pathway, which is required for developmental competence of oocytes in mice

Purpose

LH induces the expression of EGF-like factors and their shedding enzyme (ADAM17) in granulosa cells (GCs), which is essential for ovulation via activation of the ErbB-ERK1/2 pathway in cumulus cells (CCs). Neurotensin (NTS) is reported as a novel regulator of ovulation, whereas the NTS-induced maturation mechanism in oocytes remains unclear. In this study, we focused on the role of NTS in the expression of EGF-like factors and ErbBs, and ADAM17 activity, during oocyte maturation and ovulation in mice.

Methods

The expression and localization in GC and CC were examined. Next, hCG and NTS receptor 1 antagonist (SR) were injected into eCG-primed mice, and the effects of SR on ERK1/2 phosphorylation were investigated. Finally, we explored the effects of SR on the expression of EGF-like factors and ErbBs, and ADAM17 activity in GC and CC.

Results

NTS was significantly upregulated in GC and CC following hCG injection. SR injection suppressed oocyte maturation and ERK1/2 phosphorylation. SR also downregulated part of the expression of EGF-like factors and their receptors, and ADAM17 activity.

Conclusions

NTS induces oocyte maturation through the sustainable activation of the ERK1/2 signaling pathway by upregulating part of the EGF-like factor-induced pathway during oocyte maturation in mice.

Neurotensin expression, regulation, and function during the ovulatory period in the mouse ovary†

The luteinizing hormone (LH) surge induces paracrine mediators within the ovarian follicle that promote ovulation. The present study explores neurotensin (NTS), a neuropeptide, as a potential ovulatory mediator in the mouse ovary. Ovaries and granulosa cells (GCs) were collected from immature 23-day-old pregnant mare serum gonadotropin primed mice before (0 h) and after administration of human chorionic gonadotropin (hCG; an LH analog) across the periovulatory period (4, 8, 12, and 24 h). In response to hCG, Nts expression rapidly increased 250-fold at 4 h, remained elevated until 8 h, and decreased until 24 h. Expression of Nts receptors for Ntsr1 remained unchanged across the periovulatory period, Ntsr2 was undetectable, whereas Sort1 expression (also called Ntsr3) gradually decreased in both the ovary and GCs after hCG administration. To better understand Nts regulation, inhibitors of the LH/CG signaling pathways were utilized. Our data revealed that hCG regulated Nts expression through the protein kinase A (PKA) and p38 mitogen-activated protein kinase (p38MAPK) signaling pathways. Additionally, epidermal-like-growth factor (EGF) receptor signaling also mediated Nts induction in GCs. To elucidate the role of NTS in the ovulatory process, we used a Nts silencing approach (si-Nts) followed by RNA-sequencing (RNA-seq). RNA-seq analysis of GCs collected after hCG with or without si-Nts identified and qPCR confirmed Ell2, Rsad2, Vps37a, and Smtnl2 as genes downstream of Nts. In summary, these findings demonstrate that hCG induces Nts and that Nts expression is mediated by PKA, p38MAPK, and EGF receptor signaling pathways. Additionally, NTS regulates several novel genes that could potentially impact the ovulatory process.

Neurotensin: a neuropeptide induced by hCG in the human and rat ovary during the periovulatory period†

Neurotensin (NTS) is a tridecapeptide that was first characterized as a neurotransmitter in neuronal cells. The present study examined ovarian NTS expression across the periovulatory period in the human and the rat. Women were recruited into this study and monitored by transvaginal ultrasound. The dominant follicle was surgically excised prior to the luteinizing hormone (LH) surge (preovulatory phase) or women were given 250 μg human chorionic gonadotropin (hCG) and dominant follicles collected 12-18 h after hCG (early ovulatory), 18-34 h (late ovulatory), and 44-70 h (postovulatory). NTS mRNA was massively induced during the early and late ovulatory stage in granulosa cells (GCs) (15 000 fold) and theca cells (700 fold). In the rat, hCG also induced Nts mRNA expression in intact ovaries and isolated GCs. In cultured granulosa-luteal cells (GLCs) from IVF patients, NTS expression was induced 6 h after hCG treatment, whereas in cultured rat GCs, NTS increased 4 h after hCG treatment. Cells treated with hCG signaling pathway inhibitors revealed that NTS expression is partially regulated in the human and rat GC by the epidermal-like growth factor pathway. Human GLC, and rat GCs also showed that Nts was regulated by the protein kinase A (PKA) pathway along with input from the phosphotidylinositol 3- kinase (PI3K) and mitogen-activated protein kinase (MAPK) pathways. The predominat NTS receptor present in human and rat GCs was SORT1, whereas NTSR1 and NTSR2 expression was very low. Based on NTS actions in other systems, we speculate that NTS may regulate crucial aspects of ovulation such as vascular permeability, inflammation, and cell migration.

The multifaceted role of sortilin/neurotensin receptor 3 in human cancer development

Sortilin (also known as neurotensin receptor 3) is a multitasking protein implicated in numerous pathophysiological processes, including cancer development, cardiovascular impairment, Alzheimer-type dementia, and depression. Although the definitive role of sortilin in human solid and hematological malignancies has been evidenced, few articles reviewed the task. The aim of the current review is to unravel the mechanisms by which sortilin controls oncogenicity and cancer progression; and also to summarize and discuss the original data obtained from international research laboratories on this topic. Questions on how sortilin is involving in the impairment of cell junctions, in exosomes composition and release, as well as in the regulation of epidermal growth factor receptor trafficking are also responded. In addition, we provide a special focus on the regulatory role of sortilin in signal transduction by either neurotrophins or neurotensin in normal and malignant cells. The relevance of sortilin with normal and cancer stem cells is also discussed. The last section provides a general overview of sortilin applications as a diagnostic and prognostic biomarker in the context of cancer detection. Finally, we comment on the future research aspects in which the field of cancer diagnosis, prognosis, and therapy might be developed.

Mechanistic Biomarkers Informative of Both Cancer and Cardiovascular Disease: JACC State-of-the-Art Review

Cardiovascular disease (CVD) and cancer are leading causes of morbidity and mortality worldwide. Although conventionally managed as separate disease processes, recent research has lent insight into compelling commonalities between CVD and cancer, including shared mechanisms for disease development and progression. In this review, the authors discuss several pathophysiological processes common to both CVD and cancer, such as inflammation, resistance to cell death, cellular proliferation, neurohormonal stress, angiogenesis, and genomic instability, in an effort to understand common mechanisms of both disease states. In particular, the authors highlight key circulating and genomic biomarkers associated with each of these processes, as well as their associations with risk and prognosis in both cancer and CVD. The purpose of this state-of-the-art review is to further our understanding of the potential mechanisms underlying cancer and CVD by contextualizing pathways and biomarkers common to both diseases.

Neurotensin receptor 1 signaling promotes pancreatic cancer progression

Pancreatic cancer is one of the cancers with the poorest prognosis, with a 5-year survival rate of approximately 5-10%. Thus, it is urgent to identify molecular targets for the treatment of pancreatic cancer. Using serial transplantations in a mouse pancreatic orthotopic inoculation model, we previously produced highly malignant pancreatic cancer sublines with increased tumor-forming abilities in vivo. Here, we used these sublines to screen molecular targets for the treatment of pancreatic cancer. Among the genes with increased expression levels in the sublines, we focused on those encoding cell surface receptors that may be involved in the interactions between cancer cells and the tumor microenvironment. Based on our previous RNA-sequence analysis, we found increased expression levels of neurotensin (NTS) receptor 1 (NTSR1) in highly malignant pancreatic cancer sublines. Furthermore, re-analysis of clinical databases revealed that the expression level of NTSR1 was increased in advanced pancreatic cancer and that high NTSR1 levels were correlated with a poor prognosis. Overexpression of NTSR1 in human pancreatic cancer cells Panc-1 and SUIT-2 accelerated their tumorigenic and metastatic abilities in vivo. In addition, RNA-sequence analysis showed that MAPK and NF-κB signaling pathways were activated upon NTS stimulation in highly malignant cancer sublines and also revealed many new target genes for NTS in pancreatic cancer cells. NTS stimulation increased the expression of MMP-9 and other pro-inflammatory cytokines and chemokines in pancreatic cancer cells. Moreover, the treatment with SR48692, a selective NTSR1 antagonist, suppressed the activation of the MAPK and NF-κB signaling pathways and induction of target genes in pancreatic cancer cells in vitro, while the administration of SR48692 attenuated the tumorigenicity of pancreatic cancer cells in vivo. These findings suggest that NTSR1 may be a prognostic marker and a molecular target for pancreatic cancer treatment.

Identification of key factors associated with early- and late-onset ovarian serous cystadenocarcinoma

Aim: To uncover the molecular mechanisms of early-onset ovarian serous cystadenocarcinoma (EOOSC; patients <50 years old) and late-onset ovarian serous cystadenocarcinoma (LOOSC; patients ≥50 years old). Materials & methods: Bioinformatics was utilized to identify the key factors. Results: 478 EOOSC and 899 LOOSC individual differentially expressed genes were identified and enriched in different pathways. The expression of key genes LAG3, LRRC63 and MT1B significantly influenced the overall survival of EOOSC patients. The expression of key genes RDH12, NTSR1, ZSCAN16, CT45A3 and EPPIN_WFDC6 significantly affected the overall survival of LOOSC patients. Conclusions: The molecular mechanisms of EOOSC and LOOSC appear to be different, so that patients might be treated individually in respect of age.

Characterisation of the Expression of Neurotensin and Its Receptors in Human Colorectal Cancer and Its Clinical Implications

Introduction: Colorectal Cancer (CRC) accounts for 9% of cancer deaths globally. Hormonal pathways play important roles in some cancers. This study investigated the association of CRC expression of neurotensin (NTS), NTS receptors 1 and 3 (NTSR1 and NTSR3) and clinical outcomes. Methods: A prospective cohort study which quantifies the protein expression of NTS, NTSR1 and NTSR3 in human CRCs using immunohistochemistry. Expression levels were then compared with clinico-pathological outcome including histological grade, overall survival (OS) and disease-free survival (DFS). Results: Sixty-four patients were enrolled with median follow-up of 44.0 months. There was significantly higher expression of NTS in cancer tissue in CRC with higher T stages (p < 0.01), N stages (p = 0.03), and AJCC clinical stages (p = 0.04). There was significantly higher expression of NTS, NTSR1 and NTSR3 in cancer tissue compared to surrounding normal epithelium (median H-score 163.5 vs 97.3, p < 0.01). There was significantly shorter DFS in individuals with CRC with high levels of NTS compared to lower levels of NTS (35.8 months 95% CI 28.7–42.8 months vs 46.4 months 95% CI 42.2–50.5 months, respectively, p = 0.02). Above median NTS expression in cancer tissue was a significant risk factor for disease recurrence (HR 4.10, 95% CI 1.14–14.7, p = 0.03). Discussion: The expression of NTS and its receptors has the potential to be utilised as a predictive and prognostic marker in colorectal cancer for postoperative selection for adjuvant therapy and identify individuals for novel therapies targeting the neurotensinergic pathways. Conclusions: High NTS expression appears to be associated with more advanced CRC and worse DFS.