Wnt signaling in osteosarcoma

Wnt/β-catenin signaling pathway: an attractive potential therapeutic target in osteosarcoma

Osteosarcoma (OS) is the most common bone malignancy in children and adolescents, and although current neoadjuvant chemotherapy has shown efficacy against OS, the long-term survival rate for patients with OS remains low, highlighting the need to find more effective treatments. In cancer cells, abnormal activation of signaling pathways can widely affect cell activity from growth and proliferation to apoptosis, invasion and metastasis. Wnt/β-catenin is a complex and unique signaling pathway that is considered to be one of the most important carcinogenic pathways in human cancer. Research have confirmed that the Wnt/β-catenin signaling pathway is an important driving factor for the occurrence and development of osteosarcoma, and abnormal activation of this pathway can promote the pathological processes of cell proliferation, invasion, migration, tumor angiogenesis and chemical resistance of osteosarcoma. However, inhibition of Wnt/β-catenin signaling pathway can effectively inhibit or reverse the above pathological processes. Therefore, manipulating the expression or function of the Wnt/β-catenin pathway may be a potential targeted pathway for the treatment of OS. In this review, we describe the characteristics of the Wnt/β-catenin signaling pathway and summarize the role and mechanism of this pathway in OS. This paper discusses the therapeutic significance of inhibiting or targeting Wnt/β-catenin pathway in OS and the shortcomings of current studies on this pathway in OS and the problems to be solved. This review helps us to understand the role of Wnt/β-catenin on OS, and provides a theoretical basis and new ideas for targeting Wnt/β-catenin pathway as a therapeutic target for OS.

Long non-coding RNAs as the pivotal regulators of epithelial mesenchymal transition through WNT/β-catenin signaling pathway in tumor cells

Tumor cell invasion is considered as one of the main therapeutic challenges in cancer patients, which leads to distant metastasis and reduced prognosis. Therefore, investigation of the factors involved in tumor cell invasion improves the therapeutic methods to reduce tumor metastasis. Epithelial-mesenchymal transition (EMT) process has a pivotal role in tumor cell invasion and metastasis, during which tumor cells gain the invasive ability by losing epithelial characteristics and acquiring mesenchymal characteristics. WNT/β-catenin signaling pathway has a key role in tumor cell invasion by regulation of EMT process. Long non-coding RNAs (lncRNAs) have also an important role in EMT process through the regulation of WNT/β-catenin pathway. Deregulation of lncRNAs is associated with tumor metastasis in different tumor types. Therefore, in the present review, we investigated the role of lncRNAs in EMT process and tumor cell invasion through the regulation of WNT/β-catenin pathway. It has been reported that lncRNAs mainly induced the EMT process and tumor cell invasion through the activation of WNT/β-catenin pathway. LncRNAs that regulate the WNT/β-catenin mediated EMT process can be introduced as the prognostic markers as well as suitable therapeutic targets to reduce the tumor metastasis in cancer patients.

Identification of XD23 as a potent inhibitor of osteosarcoma via downregulation of DKK1 and activation of the WNT/β-catenin pathway

Osteosarcoma, the most prevalent malignant bone tumor, is notorious for its aggressive growth and invasiveness. The highly mutable genome of osteosarcoma has made identifying a key oncogene challenging, hindering the development of targeted treatments. Our study validates the effectiveness of XD23, an anti-cancer agent we previously identified, in curbing osteosarcoma proliferation, metastasis, EMT differentiation, and bone destruction and promoting osteosarcoma apoptosis. It further elucidated that XD23 thwarts osteosarcoma by suppressing DKK1 expression, which in turn activates the WNT-β/Catenin pathway. This research presents the concrete evidence of DKK1's involvement in osteosarcoma development, offering a foundation for the development of DKK1 inhibitors as novel treatments for this disease.

Wnt signaling and tumors (Review)

Wnt signaling is a highly conserved evolutionary pathway that plays a key role in regulation of embryonic development, as well as tissue homeostasis and regeneration. Abnormalities in Wnt signaling are associated with tumorigenesis and development, leading to poor prognosis in patients with cancer. However, the pharmacological effects and mechanisms underlying Wnt signaling and its inhibition in cancer treatment remain unclear. In addition, potential side effects of inhibiting this process are not well understood. Therefore, the present review outlines the role of Wnt signaling in tumorigenesis, development, metastasis, cancer stem cells, radiotherapy resistance and tumor immunity. The present review further identifies inhibitors that target Wnt signaling to provide a potential novel direction for cancer treatment. This may facilitate early application of safe and effective drugs targeting Wnt signaling in clinical settings. An in-depth understanding of the mechanisms underlying inhibition of Wnt signaling may improve the prognosis of patients with cancer.

Pterostilbene-Isothiocyanate Inhibits Proliferation of Human MG-63 Osteosarcoma Cells via Abrogating β-Catenin/TCF-4 Interaction-A Mechanistic Insight

Osteosarcoma, a highly metastasizing bone neoplasm, is a leading cause of death and disability in children and adolescents worldwide. Osteosarcoma is only suboptimally responsive to surgery and radio- and chemotherapy, that too with adverse side effects. Hence, there is a necessary need for safer alternative therapeutic approaches. This study evaluated the anticancer effects of the semi-synthetic compound, pterostilbene-isothiocyanate (PTER-ITC), on human osteosarcoma MG-63 cells through cytotoxicity, wound-healing, and transwell-migration assays. Results showed that PTER-ITC specifically inhibited the survival, proliferation, and migration of osteosarcoma cells. PTER-ITC induced apoptosis in MG-63 cells by disrupting mitochondrial membrane potential, as evident from the outcomes of different cytological staining. The antimetastatic potential of PTER-ITC was evaluated through immunostaining, RT-qPCR, and immunoblotting. In silico (molecular docking and dynamic simulation) and, subsequently, biochemical [co-immunoprecipitation (Co-IP) and luciferase reporter] assays deciphered the underlying mode-of-action of this compound. PTER-ITC increased E-cadherin and reduced N-cadherin levels, thereby facilitating the reversal of epithelial-mesenchymal transition (EMT). It also modulated the expressions of proliferative cell nuclear antigen (PCNA), caspase-3, poly [ADP-ribose] polymerase (PARP-1) and matrix metalloproteinase-2/9 (MMPs-2/9) at transcriptional and translational levels. PTER-ITC interfered with the β-catenin/transcription factor-4 (TCF-4) interaction in silico by occupying the β-catenin binding site on TCF-4, confirmed by their reduced physical interactions (Co-IP assay). This inhibited transcriptional activation of TCF-4 by β-catenin (as shown by luciferase reporter assay). In conclusion, PTER-ITC exhibited potent anticancer effects in vitro against human osteosarcoma cells by abrogating the β-catenin/TCF-4 interaction. Altogether, this study suggests that PTER-ITC may be regarded as a new approach for osteosarcoma treatment.

Cracking the code: Deciphering the role of the tumor microenvironment in osteosarcoma metastasis

Osteosarcoma (OS) is the most common malignant bone tumor in children and adolescents. It is characterized by a rapid progression, poor prognosis, and early pulmonary metastasis. Over the past 30 years, approximately 85% of patients with osteosarcoma have experienced metastasis. The five-year survival of patients with lung metastasis during the early stages of treatment is less than 20%. The tumor microenvironment (TME) not only provides conditions for tumor cell growth but also releases a variety of substances that can promote the metastasis of tumor cells to other tissues and organs. Currently, there is limited research on the role of the TME in osteosarcoma metastasis. Therefore, to explore methods for regulating osteosarcoma metastasis, further investigations must be conducted from the perspective of the TME. This will help to identify new potential biomarkers for predicting osteosarcoma metastasis and assist in the discovery of new drugs that target regulatory mechanisms for clinical diagnosis and treatment. This paper reviews the research progress on the mechanism of osteosarcoma metastasis based on TME theory, which will provide guidance for the clinical treatment of osteosarcoma.

Influence of Long Non-Coding RNA in the Regulation of Cancer Stem Cell Signaling Pathways

Over the past two decades, cancer stem cells (CSCs) have emerged as an immensely studied and experimental topic, however a wide range of questions concerning the topic still remain unanswered; in particular, the mechanisms underlying the regulation of tumor stem cells and their characteristics. Understanding the cancer stem-cell signaling pathways may pave the way towards a better comprehension of these mechanisms. Signaling pathways such as WNT, STAT, Hedgehog, NOTCH, PI3K/AKT/mTOR, TGF-β, and NF-κB are responsible not only for modulating various features of CSCs but also their microenvironments. Recently, the prominent roles of various non-coding RNAs such as small non-coding RNAs (sncRNAs) and long non-coding RNAs (lncRNAs) in developing and enhancing the tumor phenotypes have been unfolded. This review attempts to shed light on understanding the influence of long non- coding RNAs in the modulation of various CSC-signaling pathways and its impact on the CSCs and tumor properties; highlighting the protagonistic and antagonistic roles of lncRNAs.

Hsa_circ_0087302, a circular RNA, affects the progression of osteosarcoma via the Wnt/β-catenin signaling pathway

Osteosarcoma is the most common malignant tumor in adolescent bone malignancies. It has the characteristics of a high metastasis rate, high mortality and poor prognosis. As a subclass of endogenous noncoding RNAs, circRNAs have been identified to be related to the occurrence, development and prognosis of different kinds of cancers, but the mechanism of their effect on osteosarcoma is not clear. In the present study, we identified a novel circRNA, hsa_circ_0087302, by RNA-seq, and we found that it was expressed at low levels in osteosarcoma. Using RT-PCR, we confirmed that the expression of hsa_circ_0087302 in osteosarcoma cells was lower than that in osteoblasts. Functional validation experiments revealed that hsa_circ_0087302 overexpression inhibited proliferation, cell cycle, migration, and invasion in osteosarcoma cells. Furthermore, Western blotting experiments demonstrated that hsa_circ_0087302 affected the expression of cell cycle- and Wnt/β-catenin signaling pathway-related proteins. For the first time, we identified that hsa_circ_0087302 may affect the malignant biological behavior of osteosarcoma cells through the Wnt/β-catenin signaling pathway. In summary, hsa_circ_0087302 may provide a new direction for the diagnosis and treatment of osteosarcoma.

Single-cell RNA-seq identification of four differentially expressed survival-related genes by a TARGET: Osteosarcoma database analysis

Osteosarcoma (OS) differentially expressed genes (DEGs) have been predicted using the data portal of the Therapeutically Applicable Research to Generate Effective Treatments (TARGET). In this study, we sought to identify cell types that specially express key DEGs (MUC1, COL13A1, JAG2, and KAZALD1) in each of the nine identified cell populations derived from tissues of OS tumors with single-cell RNA-sequencing data. Gene expression levels were pairwise compared between cell clusters and a p value < 0.05 was considered differentially expressed. It was revealed that MUC1 is expressed at high levels in osteoblastic OS cells followed by carcinoma-associated fibroblasts (CAFs) and plasmocytes, respectively. COL13A1 is highly expressed in osteoblastic OS cells, CAFs, and endothelial cells (ECs), respectively. The KAZALD1 gene is expressed in CAFs and osteoblastic OS cells at high levels, but at very low levels in plasmocytes, osteoclasts, NK/T, myeloid cells 1, myeloid cells 2, ECs, and B cells. JAG2 is expressed at significantly high levels in ECs and osteoblastic OS cells, and at relatively lower levels in all other cell types. Interestingly, LSAMP, as an established gene in the development of OS shows high expression in osteoblastic OS cells and CAFs but low in other cells such as osteoclasts. Our findings here highlight the heterogeneity of OS cells and cell-type-dependent DEGs which have potential as therapeutic targets in OS.

miRNA‑218 targets multiple oncogenes and is a therapeutic target for osteosarcoma

Survivin is overexpressed in various cancers and is correlated with treatment resistance and prognosis. MicroRNAs (miRNAs) directly regulate several target genes and are potential therapeutic agents for various cancers. The present study evaluated multiple gene targets of miR-218, including survivin, in osteosarcoma and compared the anti-tumor effects of miR-218 with those of YM155, an anti-survivin agent. It assessed the expression levels of miR-218 and survivin in osteosarcoma and osteoblast cell lines, as well as the proliferative, migratory and invasive capacities of cells following treatment with miR-218 or YM155. The form of cell death was assessed using fluorescence-activated cell sorting analysis to examine the expression of invasion ability-related genes. Osteosarcoma cell lines were subcutaneously injected into immunodeficient mice; the mice were then treated with miR-218 or YM155 to assess the anti-tumor effects of these agents. The results showed that miR-218 was downregulated, whereas survivin was overexpressed in the osteosarcoma cell line compared with normal osteoblast cells. The expression of survivin was suppressed upon overexpression of miR-218 (miR-218 group) or administration of YM155 (YM155 group), leading to apoptosis and inhibition of osteosarcoma cell proliferation. Invasion and migration abilities were inhibited in the miR-218 group, but not in the YM155 group. In the animal model, both the miR-218 and YM155 groups showed a reduced tumor volume and decreased survivin expression. In osteosarcoma, miR-218 showed a wider range of therapeutic efficacy compared with YM155, suggesting that miR-218 should be evaluated as a treatment target.

BAIAP2L2 promotes the proliferation, migration and invasion of osteosarcoma associated with the Wnt/β-catenin pathway

BACKGROUND

Osteosarcoma is the most common bone cancer that significantly affects the quality of life of patients. Studies have shown that overexpression of BAIAP2L2 elevates the proliferation and growth of some types of cancer cells. However, the role of BAIAP2L2 in osteosarcoma is unclear. This study aimed to investigate the functions of BAIAP2L2 in the development of osteosarcoma.

METHODS

We used immunohistochemical and Western blot analysis to determine the expression levels of endogenic BAIAP2L2 in osteosarcoma cells. Cell counting kit-8 assay and colony formation assay were performed to investigate cell proliferation of tumor cells. Transwell assay was performed to detect cell migration. Flow cytometry assay was used to analyze cell apoptosis. The role of BAIAP2L2 in tumor growth was further explored in vivo.

RESULTS

We found that BAIAP2L2 was significantly upregulated in human osteosarcoma, and inhibition of BAIAP2L2 suppressed the proliferation of osteosarcoma cells. In addition, down-regulation of BAIAP2L2 could lead to osteosarcoma cancer cell apoptosis, inhibit cell migration and invasion, and induce the inactivation of the Wnt/β-catenin pathway. In addition, down-regulation of BAIAP2L2 inhibited tumor growth in vivo.

CONCLUSION

In conclusion, down-regulation of BAIAP2L2 inhibited the proliferation, migration, and invasion of osteosarcoma associated with the Wnt/β-catenin pathway.

Functional interplay between long non-coding RNAs and the Wnt signaling cascade in osteosarcoma

Osteosarcoma is a common and highly malignant bone tumor among children, adolescents and young adults. However, the underlying molecular mechanisms remain largely unexplored. LncRNAs are transcripts with no or limited protein-coding capacity in human genomes, and have been demonstrated to play crucial functions in initiation, progression, therapeutic resistance, recurrence and metastasis of tumor. Considerable studies revealed a dysregulated lncRNA expression pattern in osteosarcoma, which may act as oncogenes or suppressors to regulate osteosarcoma progression. Wnt signaling pathway is an important cascade in tumorigenesis by modulation of pleiotropic biological functions including cell proliferation, apoptosis, differentiation, stemness, genetic stability and chemoresistance. Hyperactivation or deficiency of key effectors in Wnt cascade is a common event in many osteosarcoma patients. Recently, increasing evidences have suggested that lncRNAs could interplay with component of Wnt pathway, and thereby contribute to osteosarcoma onset, progression and dissemination. In this review, we briefly summarize Wnt signaling-related lncRNAs in osteosarcoma progression, aiming to gain insights into their underlying crosstalk as well as clinical application in osteosarcoma therapeutic modalities.

Predictive Study of the Active Ingredients and Potential Targets of Codonopsis pilosula for the Treatment of Osteosarcoma via Network Pharmacology

Osteosarcoma (OS) is the most common type of primary bone tumor in children and adults. Dangshen (Codonopsis pilosula) is a traditional Chinese medicine commonly used in the treatment of OS worldwide. However, the molecular mechanisms of Dangshen in OS remain unclear. Hence, in this study, we aimed to systematically explore the underlying mechanisms of Dangshen in the treatment of OS. Our study adopted a network pharmacology approach, focusing on the identification of active ingredients, drug target prediction, gene collection, gene ontology (GO) enrichment, Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genomes (KEGG) enrichment, and other network tools. The network analysis identified 15 active compounds in Dangshen that were linked to 48 possible therapeutic targets related to OS. The results of the gene enrichment analysis show that Dangshen produces a therapeutic effect in OS likely by regulating multiple pathways associated with DNA damage, cell proliferation, apoptosis, invasion, and migration. Based on the network pharmacology approach, we successfully predicted the active compounds and their respective targets. In addition, we illustrated the molecular mechanisms that mediate the therapeutic effect of Dangshen in OS. These findings may aid in the development of novel targeted therapies for OS in the future.

Investigation of anticancer activities of STA-9090 (ganetespib) as a second generation HSP90 inhibitor in Saos-2 osteosarcoma cells

Osteosarcoma is common childhood tumour type of the bone. Chemotherapy is the most important step in treatment of osteosarcoma. Despite advanced diagnosis methods and target specific cancer therapeutics, osteosarcoma has still a high mortality rate and a tendency to metastasize. Therefore, new therapeutic strategies are evaluated in osteosarcoma treatment in pre-clinical and clinical studies. In the last ten years, heat shock protein 90 (HSP90) has been important biological target to design target specific cancer drugs. HSP90 play vital roles in proper folding, stabilization and maintenance of oncogenic client proteins in tumorigenesis. Therefore, inhibition of HSP90 has been significant therapeutic aspects in cancer drug design. STA-9090 (ganetespib) is a second generation small molecule HSP90 inhibitor which blocks tumurogenesis in cancer cells. STA-9090 inhibited ATP hydrolysis and protein folding process of HSP90. In this study, STA-9090 decreased Saos-2 cell proliferation and IC₅₀ dose of STA-9090 was found out as 18.71 µM and 10.25 µM at 24 h and 48 h, respectively. STA-9090 inhibited HSP90 ATPase function and disrupted oncogenic client protein folding activity. Also, STA-9090 decreased protein level of the HSP90 in osteosarcoma cells. Expression analysis of osteosarcoma and bone metabolism related genes was performed by RT² Profiler PCR Array. This study has found the down-regulation of the expression levels of oncogenic genes: DKK1, TWIST1, WNT10B, WNT3A, RANK, RANKL, PTH, FGFR1, FGFR2, LTBP2, IL6, TGFβ1, MMP2 and SPARC genes, in STA-9090 treated Saso-2 cells. Furthermore, expression levels of osteosarcoma related genes, OPG, ERα, ERβ, IL15, BMP2 and BMP7, were found to have increased significantly. Biological activities of STA-9090 on Saos-2 cell line show its potential as a target specific drug to inhibit osteosarcoma and its metastasis.

Exosome-mediated Hic-5 regulates proliferation and apoptosis of osteosarcoma via Wnt/β-catenin signal pathway

The expression of Hic-5 was detected in osteosarcoma patients and osteosarcoma cell lines by RT-PCR. Then RFP-sh-Hic-5 was transfected into osteosarcoma cell lines. The effect of Hic-5 on cell viability, proliferation and apoptosis were assessed by MTT, EdU kit and Flow cytometry. The exosomes were isolated from MG-63 cell supernatant by an Exosome Isolation Kit. The exosome-Hic-5 was confirmed by transmission electron microscope, particle size detection and RT-PCR. Next, exosome-Hic-5 treated cells were explored the cell viability, proliferation and apoptosis. Further, Co-IP assay was employed for identifying the relationship between Hic-5 and smad4. TCF/LEF and the protein level of components of wnt/β-catenin signals were detected by TOP luciferase assay and western blot. Hic-5 was upregulated in osteosarcoma tissues and cell. Forced decreased expression Hic-5 inhibited the proliferation of osteosarcoma cell lines, and induced apoptosis of MG-63 and HOS. In vivo, silencing Hic-5 remitted the tumor progression. Further, we isolated the exosomes from MG-63 supernatant, exosomes concluding Hic-5 would regulated the proliferation and apoptosis level of MG-63 and HOS cells. Further, Hic-5 interacted with smad4 and regulated Wnt/β-catenin signal by decreasing TCF/LEF activity. Silencing Hic-5 inhibited the proliferation and induced apoptosis of osteosarcoma cell via inactivating Wnt/β-catenin signal by exosome pathway.

Differences and similarities between cancer and somatic stem cells: therapeutic implications

Over the last decades, the cancer survival rate has increased due to personalized therapies, the discovery of targeted therapeutics and novel biological agents, and the application of palliative treatments. Despite these advances, tumor resistance to chemotherapy and radiation and rapid progression to metastatic disease are still seen in many patients. Evidence has shown that cancer stem cells (CSCs), a sub-population of cells that share many common characteristics with somatic stem cells (SSCs), contribute to this therapeutic failure. The most critical properties of CSCs are their self-renewal ability and their capacity for differentiation into heterogeneous populations of cancer cells. Although CSCs only constitute a low percentage of the total tumor mass, these cells can regrow the tumor mass on their own. Initially identified in leukemia, CSCs have subsequently been found in cancers of the breast, the colon, the pancreas, and the brain. Common genetic and phenotypic features found in both SSCs and CSCs, including upregulated signaling pathways such as Notch, Wnt, Hedgehog, and TGF-β. These pathways play fundamental roles in the development as well as in the control of cell survival and cell fate and are relevant to therapeutic targeting of CSCs. The differences in the expression of membrane proteins and exosome-delivered microRNAs between SSCs and CSCs are also important to specifically target the stem cells of the cancer. Further research efforts should be directed toward elucidation of the fundamental differences between SSCs and CSCs to improve existing therapies and generate new clinically relevant cancer treatments.

Cinnamaldehyde Inhibits the Function of Osteosarcoma by Suppressing the Wnt/β-Catenin and PI3K/Akt Signaling Pathways

BACKGROUND

Osteosarcoma (OS) is a primary bone tumor associated with locally aggressive growth and early metastatic potential that typically occurs in children and adolescents. Chinese traditional medicine Cinnamomum cassia Presl has been shown to have significant tumor-killing effect, in which cinnamaldehyde (CA) is the main active ingredient.

PURPOSE

To explore the anticancer effect of CA on the osteosarcoma cells and the possible molecular mechanism.

METHODS

Crystal violet assay, MTT assay and colony-forming assay were used to confirm the inhibitory role of CA in the proliferation of 143B and MG63 osteosarcoma cells. Hoechst 33258 staining and flow cytometry were used to observe apoptosis. The migration and invasion role of OS cells were evaluated using transwell assays and wound healing assays. Western blotting was used to analyse the protein expression levels. Nude mice were inoculated with 143B cells to establish an orthotopic OS tumor animal model and to investigate the effects of CA on OS tumors.

RESULTS

According to crystal violet assay, MTT assay and colony-forming assay, CA significantly inhibited cell proliferation. Hoechst 33258 staining and flow cytometry analysis showed that CA-induced apoptosis in a concentration-dependent manner. In addition, transwell assays and wound healing assays showed that CA inhibited the migration and invasion of osteosarcoma cells. In vivo mouse models, CA inhibited the growth of osteosarcoma. The potential mechanisms could be that CA inhibited the transcriptional activity of Wnt/β-catenin and PI3K/Akt of the osteosarcoma.

CONCLUSION

CA may inhibit the proliferation, migration, invasion and promote apoptosis of OS cells by inhibiting Wnt/β-catenin and PI3K/Akt signaling pathways. CA may be a potentially effective anti-tumor drug.

PLOD1 Is a Prognostic Biomarker and Mediator of Proliferation and Invasion in Osteosarcoma

Objective

Osteosarcoma is the most common primary bone tumor and most frequently develops during adolescence. PLOD family was mainly involved in lysyl hydroxylation and rarely investigated in cancers, especially in osteosarcoma. The aim of this study was to investigate the expression pattern and oncogenic role of PLODs in osteosarcoma.

Methods

GEO datasets (GSE16088, GSE33382, and GSE16091) and validation cohort were used to analyze the expression pattern of PLODs in osteosarcoma. Kaplan-Meier survival analysis was used to explore the prognostic role of PLODs in patients with osteosarcoma. RNA interference of KRT19 was performed using small interfering RNA (siRNA) in MG-63 and U-2OS cells. The proliferation was detected using CCK8, clone formation assay, and EdU staining. Migration and invasion were determined using the transwell assay. Western blots and luciferase assays for β-catenin-T-cell factor protein/β-catenin-lymphoid enhancer factor- (β-catenin-TCF/LEF-) driven transcriptional activity.

Results

PLOD1 was upregulated in osteosarcoma tissues compared with control tissues both in public datasets and in in-house cohort. The expression of PLOD1 in osteosarcoma tissues was significantly associated with the status of distance metastasis and Enneking stage, while PLOD2 and PLOD3 expressed no difference between osteosarcoma and benign tissues and showed no correlation with tumor malignancy. Furthermore, Kaplan-Meier survival analysis revealed that patients with a higher level of PLOD1 had worse prognosis than those with a lower level of PLOD1. Downregulation of PLOD1 dramatically inhibited proliferation, migration, and invasion of MG-63 cells and U-2OS cells in vitro. Mechanistically, PLOD1 regulated β-catenin signaling pathway in osteosarcoma.

Conclusion

Our results indicated that PLOD1 promoted proliferation, migration, and invasion of osteosarcoma cells. PLOD1 was a novel prognostic marker, as well as a therapeutic target in osteosarcoma.

Berberine reverses epithelial-mesenchymal transition and modulates histone methylation in osteosarcoma cells

Osteosarcoma is the most frequently occurring cancer in children as well as young adolescents and the metastatic forms worsen this condition to a further great extent. The metastatic dissemination of cancer cells is often acquired through a process of epithelial-mesenchymal transition (EMT). Since, phytochemicals have attracted intense interest in recent years due to their diverse pharmacological effects, in the present study, we investigated if berberine, a naturally occurring isoquinoline quaternary alkaloid, could modulate the EMT in osteosarcoma cells. Our experimental studies showed that berberine reduced cell viability, colony formation, wound healing ability and migration of osteosarcoma cells. Also, berberine significantly reduced the expression of matrix metalloproteinase (MMP)-2, suggesting its inhibitory action on the matrix metalloproteinases that are required for cancer cell invasion. The significant reduction in the expression of vimentin, N-cadherin, fibronectin and increased expression of E-cadherin further suggested its role in the inhibition of EMT in osteosarcoma cells. The downregulation of H3K27me3, as well as the decreased expression of the histone methyl transferase enzyme EZH2, further substantiated the fact that the plant alkaloid can be used as an epigenetic modulator in the treatment of osteosarcoma. In conclusion, our findings suggest that berberine inhibits proliferation and migration of osteosarcoma cells and most importantly reverses EMT along with modulation of key epigenetic regulators.

LncRNA CRNDE is activated by SP1 and promotes osteosarcoma proliferation, invasion, and epithelial-mesenchymal transition via Wnt/β-catenin signaling pathway

Long noncoding RNAs (lncRNAs) were identified as a vital part in the development and progression of cancer in recent years. Colorectal neoplasia differentially expressed (CRNDE), a lncRNA, functions as an oncogene in some malignant neoplasias, but its role in the progression of osteosarcoma (OS) is still poorly understood. To dissect the difference in the expression of CRNDE, quantitative real-time polymerase chain reaction was utilized to evaluate it in OS tissues and cell lines (U2OS, MG63, and MNNG/HOS) compared with that in the adjacent normal tissues/osteoblast cells (hFOB1.19). The role of CRNDE in OS lines was assessed using Cell Counting Kit-8, colony formation, 5-ethynyl-2'-deoxyuridine staining, terminal deoxynucleotidyl transferase-mediated deoxyuridine triphosphate nick-end labeling staining, flow cytometry, Transwell assays, and Western blot, respectively. The results demonstrated that the expression of CRNDE was high in OS tissues and cell lines, and partly induced by SP1. CRNDE knockdown attenuated OS cell proliferation and invasion and induced apoptosis and G0/G1 arrest. Moreover, the expression of mesenchymal markers N-cadherin, Vimentin and Snail were downregulated, while the expression of epithelial markers E-cadherin and ZO-1 were conversely upregulated due to CRNDE knockdown. The mechanistic investigations showed that CRNDE promoted glycogen synthase kinase-3β phosphorylation to activate the Wnt/β-catenin pathway. The results suggested that lncRNA CRNDE indeed contributed to OS proliferation, invasion, and epithelial-mesenchymal transition, working as an oncogene, demonstrating that lncRNA CRNDE may be a valid therapeutic target for the OS.

Evodiamine Exerts Anticancer Effects Against 143B and MG63 Cells Through the Wnt/β-Catenin Signaling Pathway

Background

Osteosarcoma is the most common primary malignant bone neoplasm and is associated with abysmal prognosis. There are limitations of current treatment methods. Therefore, developing new agents to treat osteosarcoma is exceptionally urgent.

Aim

This study aimed to evaluate the anticancer effects of evodiamine (EVO) on osteosarcoma cells and, meanwhile, to investigate the underlying mechanisms involved.

Materials and Methods

The effect of EVO on the proliferation of osteosarcoma was detected by MTT assay, crystal violet assay and colony formation assay. The effects of EVO on the migration and invasion of osteosarcoma were detected by wound-healing assay and transwell assay. The effect of EVO on apoptosis of osteosarcoma was measured by Hoechst 33258 staining and cell cycle assay. The protein expression levels were detected by Western blotting assay. The activity of Wnt/β-Catenin signaling pathway was detected by luciferase reporter assay and Western blotting assay.

Results

According to MTT, crystal violet and colony formation assay results, EVO significantly inhibited the cell proliferation in a dose-dependent manner. Hoechst 33258 staining assay revealed that EVO induced cell apoptosis in a concentration-dependent manner. Moreover, EVO inhibited the migration and invasion of the osteosarcoma cells. Mechanistic studies revealed that EVO suppresses metastatic through suppressing epithelial–mesenchymal transition (EMT) as indicated by elevating the expression of epithelial marker E‐cadherin and reducing the expression of mesenchymal markers N‐cadherin and vimentin, as well as EMT transcription factors Snail and MMPs. Subsequently, EVO induced cell cycle arrest at the G2/M phase that correlated with reduced levels of cyclin D1 protein, while the apoptotic effects of EVO were associated with the upregulation of Bax and Bad and a decrease in Bcl-2 protein levels. Furthermore, EVO exerted the anticancer effects by suppressing Wnt/β-catenin signal pathway in osteosarcoma cells.

Conclusion

In summary, EVO exhibited potent anticancer effects against human osteosarcoma cells and promoted apoptosis through suppressing Wnt/β-catenin signaling pathway. These results indicated that EVO may be regarded as a new approach for osteosarcoma treatment.

Prognostic Significance of β-Catenin Expression in Osteosarcoma: A Meta-Analysis

Background: β-catenin plays a crucial role in the progression of osteosarcoma. However, the clinical significance of β-catenin over-expression in osteosarcoma still remains unclear. Thus, we performed a meta-analysis of studies that evaluated the impact of β-catenin on metastasis and overall survival (OS) in osteosarcoma.

Methods: We searched PubMed, The Cochrane Library, Embase, Springer, Science Direct, OVID, Weipu, Wanfang and China National Knowledge Internet (CNKI) databases from their start year up to Aug.2019. Individual hazard ratios (HRs) and 95% confidence intervals (CIs) were extracted and pooled HRs with 95% CIs or odd ratio (OR) were used to evaluate the relationships between β-catenin over-expression and metastasis and overall survival in osteosarcoma.

Results: Eight related studies involving 521 patients were qualified for this meta-analysis. Results showed that over-expression of β-catenin was significantly correlated with metastasis (OR = 3.31, 95% CI = 2.08–5.24, P < 0.001) and overall survival (HR = 2.32, 95% CI = 1.48–363, P = 0.02).

Conclusion: The meta-analysis revealed that over-expression of β-catenin might be associated with distant metastasis and overall survival in osteosarcoma, which reminds that β-catenin acts as a prognostic biomarker and it can guide the clinical therapy in osteosarcoma patients.

FAM64A Promotes Osteosarcoma Cell Growth and Metastasis and Is Mediated by miR-493

Aberrant expression of FAM64A was correlated with cell proliferation in various cancer types. We examined the expression of FAM64A and the upstream gene miR-493 in OS. The functions of miR-493 were revealed through extensive experiments. We found an increase of FAM64A gene and protein in OS tissues. Overexpression of FAM64A resulted in promoting tumor proliferation, migration, and invasion. The miR-493 targeted and negatively regulated FAM64A. Our data showed that upregulation of FAM64A in OS correlated with poor prognosis.

Astragalus polysaccharide inhibits breast cancer cell migration and invasion by regulating epithelial‑mesenchymal transition via the Wnt/β‑catenin signaling pathway

Epithelial-mesenchymal transition (EMT) serves an important role in tumor migration and invasion. Astragalus polysaccharide (APS), which is the main component of the traditional Chinese medicine Astragalus membranaceus, has been identified to display an antitumor effect. However, the effects and mechanisms of APS during breast cancer migration and invasion are not completely understood. The present study investigated whether APS inhibited breast cancer migration and invasion by modulating the EMT pathway. An MTT assay and a Ki67 immunofluorescence staining assay demonstrated that APS inhibited the proliferation of breast cancer cells. The results of the wound healing and Transwell Matrigel invasion assays suggested that APS decreased the migration and invasion of breast cancer cells. The western blotting and immunofluorescence analyses further demonstrated that APS had a regulatory effect on EMT-related molecules. APS decreased the expression levels of Snail and vimentin, but increased E-cadherin expression. APS also downregulated Wnt1, β-catenin and downstream target expression. Additionally, the present results suggested that APS decreased the proliferation, and EMT-mediated migration and invasion of cells by inhibiting the Wnt/β-catenin signaling pathway. The present study suggested that APS may serve as a promising therapeutic agent for breast cancer.

miR-342-5p inhibits osteosarcoma cell growth, migration, invasion, and sensitivity to Doxorubicin through targeting Wnt7b

Osteosarcoma (OS) accounts for 9 percent of cancer-related deaths in young people. The PI3K/Akt signaling, a well-known carcinogenic signaling pathway in human cancer, cooperates with other signaling pathways such as Wnt signaling to promote cancer progression. Wnt7b, as a transforming member of the Wnt family, could activate mTORC1 through PI3K-AKT signaling and is upregulated in OS. In the present study, we found that miR-342-5p inhibits Wnt7b expression via direct binding to Wnt7b 3'-UTR. miR-342-5p overexpression remarkably suppressed the viability and invasion while enhanced the apoptosis of OS cells; meanwhile, Wnt7b, β-catenin, c-myc, and cyclin D1 proteins were reduced while E-cadherin protein showed to be increased. Consistent with its expression pattern, Wnt7b exerted oncogenic effects on OS cells. Wnt7b could significantly attenuate the impacts of miR-342-5p. In conclusion, we demonstrated a miR-342-5p/Wnt7b axis that regulates the capacity of OS cells to proliferate and to invade through Wnt/β-catenin signaling. The miR-342-5p/Wnt7b axis might be novel targets for OS targeted therapy, which needs further in vivo and clinical investigations.

Down-regulation of RAC2 by small interfering RNA restrains the progression of osteosarcoma by suppressing the Wnt signaling pathway

Osteosarcoma (OS) is the most common primary malignancy of bone and is characterized by a high malignant and metastatic potential. Microarray-based differentially expressed gene screening determined RAC2 as the candidate gene related to OS. Highly expressed RAC2 and activated Wnt signaling pathway were determined in OS tissues using reverse transcription quantitative polymerase chain reaction (RT-qPCR) and Western blot analysis. The OS cells were transfected with siRNA-RAC2 or treated with BIO (activator of Wnt pathway), whereby the effects of siRNA-RAC2 on cell proliferation, invasion, cycle and apoptosis were analyzed by CCK-8, Transwell assay and flow cytometry. The mRNA and protein levels of RAC2 and the Wnt signaling pathway-, proliferation- and apoptosis-related genes in OS cells were determined by RT-qPCR and Western blot assay. Importantly, siRNA-mediated RAC2 silencing inhibited the activation of the Wnt signaling pathway in OS. siRNA-RAC2 inhibited the proliferation and invasion, while impeded OS cell cycle progression and facilitated cell apoptosis. However, activation of Wnt signaling pathway reversed the effects of siRNA-RAC2. Finally, orthotopic xenograft OS mouse model confirmed the in vivo anti-tumor effects by silencing RAC2. Taken together, RAC2 gene silencing could suppress OS progression. The mechanism was obtained by inhibiting the activation of the Wnt signaling pathway.

New Insights about the Wnt/β-Catenin Signaling Pathway in Primary Bone Tumors and Their Microenvironment: A Promising Target to Develop Therapeutic Strategies?

Osteosarcoma and Ewing sarcoma are the most common malignant primary bone tumors mainly occurring in children, adolescents and young adults. Current standard therapy includes multidrug chemotherapy and/or radiation specifically for Ewing sarcoma, associated with tumor resection. However, patient survival has not evolved for the past decade and remains closely related to the response of tumor cells to chemotherapy, reaching around 75% at 5 years for patients with localized forms of osteosarcoma or Ewing sarcoma but less than 30% in metastatic diseases and patients resistant to initial chemotherapy. Despite Ewing sarcoma being characterized by specific EWSR1-ETS gene fusions resulting in oncogenic transcription factors, currently, no targeted therapy could be implemented. It seems even more difficult to develop a targeted therapeutic strategy in osteosarcoma which is characterized by high complexity and heterogeneity in genomic alterations. Nevertheless, the common point between these different bone tumors is their ability to deregulate bone homeostasis and remodeling and divert them to their benefit. Therefore, targeting different actors of the bone tumor microenvironment has been hypothesized to develop new therapeutic strategies. In this context, it is well known that the Wnt/β-catenin signaling pathway plays a key role in cancer development, including osteosarcoma and Ewing sarcoma as well as in bone remodeling. Moreover, recent studies highlight the implication of the Wnt/β-catenin pathway in angiogenesis and immuno-surveillance, two key mechanisms involved in metastatic dissemination. This review focuses on the role played by this signaling pathway in the development of primary bone tumors and the modulation of their specific microenvironment.

Dihydrotanshinone I inhibits the growth of osteosarcoma through the Wnt/β-catenin signaling pathway

Background: Osteosarcoma is a common malignant tumor, with relatively lower survival rates in adolescents. Dihydrotanshinone I (DHI) was extracted from the traditional Chinese medicine Salvia miltiorrhiza and was shown to inhibit several types of cancer. Purpose: To explore the effect of DHI on the proliferation, migration, invasion, and apoptosis of osteosarcoma cells, as well as the possible molecular mechanism. Methods: The effect of DHI on the proliferation of osteosarcoma was detected by crystal violet assay, MTT assay, colony formation assay. The effects of DHI on the migration and invasion of osteosarcoma were detected by wound healing assays, cell migration and invasion assays. The effect of DHI on apoptosis of osteosarcoma was detected by cell apoptosis assay and Hoechst apoptosis staining. The protein expression levels were detected by Western blotting assay. The activity of Wnt/β-Catenin signaling pathway was detected by luciferase reporter assay and Western blot. The inhibitory effect of DHI on osteosarcoma in vivo was analyzed by an orthotopic OS tumor animal model and immunohistochemistry. Result: DHI may inhibit the proliferation, decrease the migration, reduce the invasion, and promote the apoptosis of osteosarcoma cells. In vivo mouse model, DHI can inhibit the formation of osteosarcoma. In terms of mechanism, DHI may inhibit both the transcriptional activity and the total protein level of β-catenin. Conclusion: DHI may inhibit the proliferation, migration, and invasion as well as induce the apoptosis of osteosarcoma cells, possibly through suppressing the Wnt/β-catenin signaling pathway.

Osteoanabolic and dual action drugs

Teriparatide (TPTD) and abaloparatide (ABL) are the only osteoanabolic drugs available, at this time, for treatment of osteoporosis. TPTD is a 34-amino acid fragment that is identical in its primary sequence to the 34 amino acids of full-length human parathyroid hormone [hPTH(1-84)]. ABL is identical to parathyroid hormone-related peptide (PTHrP) through the first 22 residues with significantly different amino acids inserted thereafter, between residues 22 and 34. The osteoanabolic actions of PTH are due directly to its effects on cells of the osteoblast lineage and indirectly by stimulating IGF-I synthesis and suppressing sclerostin and associated enhancement of Wnt signalling. Both TPTD and ABL are ligands that bind to and activate the PTH receptor type 1 (PTHR1) receptor but they appear to do so differently: ABL favours the transient, more anabolic configuration of the receptor. Both TPTD and ABL reduce the risk of vertebral fractures and non-vertebral fractures. Both drugs are administered for a maximum of 24 months, and should be followed by an antiresorptive agent to maintain gains in bone mineral density (BMD). Romosozumab, a monoclonal antibody that binds to and inhibits sclerostin, appears to have dual actions by stimulating bone formation and reducing bone resorption. In the pivotal clinical trial, romosozumab, administered as a 210 mg monthly subcutaneous dose, significantly reduced new vertebral fractures and in a subsequent study reduced both vertebral and non-vertebral fractures.

Identification of biomarkers associated with the recurrence of osteosarcoma using ceRNA regulatory network analysis

The aim of the present study was to identify the important mRNAs, micro (mi)RNAs and long non‑coding (lnc)RNAs that are associated with osteosarcoma recurrence. The GSE3905 dataset, which contains two sub‑datasets (GSE39040 and GSE39055), was downloaded from the Gene Expression Omnibus (GEO). Prognosis‑associated RNAs were identified by performing Cox regression univariate analysis and were subsequently used to construct a competing endogenous (ce)RNA regulatory network for Gene Set Enrichment Analysis (GSEA). Kaplan‑Meier survival analysis was used to determine the associations between expression levels and survival prognosis. In addition, another independent miRNA profile, GSE79181, was downloaded from GEO for validation. Among the differentially expressed RNAs, 417 RNAs (5 lncRNAs, 19 miRNAs, and 393 mRNAs) were observed to be associated with prognosis. The GSEA for the ceRNA regulatory network revealed that 'Mitogen‑activated protein kinase (MAPK) signaling pathway', 'Chemokine signaling pathway' and 'Spliceosome' were markedly associated with osteosarcoma. In addition, three lncRNAs [long intergenic non‑protein coding RNA 28 (LINC00028), LINC00323, and small nucleolar RNA host gene 1 (SNHG1)] and two miRNAs (hsa‑miR‑124 and hsa‑miR‑7) regulating three mRNAs [Ras‑related protein Rap‑1b (RAP1B), activating transcription factor 2 (ATF2) and protein phosphatase Mg2+/Mn2+ dependent 1B (PPM1B)] participated in the MAPK signaling pathway. The Kaplan‑Meier survival analysis also demonstrated that samples with lower expression levels of LINC00323 and SNHG1 had better prognosis, and samples with increased expression levels of LINC00028, hsa‑miR‑124 and hsa‑miR‑7 had better prognosis. Overexpression of RAP1B, ATF2 and PPM1B was positively associated with osteosarcoma recurrence. The roles of hsa‑miR‑124 and hsa‑miR‑7 in osteosarcoma recurrence were also validated using GSE79181. Thus, in conclusions, the three lncRNAs (LINC00028, LINC00323 and SNHG1), two miRNAs (hsa‑miR‑124 and hsa‑miR‑7) and three mRNAs (RAP1B, ATF2, and PPM1B) were associated with osteosarcoma recurrence.

Ganoderma lucidum Exerts an Anticancer Effect on Human Osteosarcoma Cells via Suppressing the Wnt/β-Catenin Signaling Pathway

Background: Current treatment of osteosarcoma is limited in part by side effects and low tolerability, problems generally avoided with traditional Chinese medicine. Ganoderma lucidum, a traditional Chinese medicine with antitumor effects, offers a potential alternative, but little is known about its molecular mechanisms in osteosarcoma cells. Objective: To investigate the effect of G lucidum on osteosarcoma cells and its mechanism. Methods: Osteosarcoma MG63 and U2-OS cells were treated with G lucidum, followed by assays for cell proliferation (Cell Counting Kit-8), colony formation, and apoptosis (Alexa Fluor 647-Annexin V/propidium iodide, flow cytometry). Migration and invasion of cells were assessed by wound healing and Transwell invasion assays, and the effect of G lucidum on Wnt/β-catenin signal transduction was studied by real-time quantitative polymerase chain reaction, western blot, and dual-luciferase assay. Results:G lucidum inhibited the proliferation, migration, and invasion, and induced apoptosis of human osteosarcoma MG63 and U2-OS cells. Dual-luciferase assay showed that G lucidum suppressed the transcriptional activity of T-cell factor/lymphocyte enhancer factor in the Wnt/β-catenin signaling pathway. Moreover, G lucidum blocked Wnt/β-catenin signaling by inhibiting the Wnt co-receptor LRP5 and Wnt-related target genes, such as β-catenin, cyclin D1, C-Myc, MMP-2, and MMP-9. At the same time, when Wnt/β-catenin was inhibited, the expression of E-cadherin was upregulated. Conclusions: Our results suggest that G lucidum broadly suppresses osteosarcoma cell growth by inhibiting Wnt/β-catenin signaling.

Targeting the Wnt/β-catenin pathway in human osteosarcoma cells

Aberrant activation of Wnt signaling has been implicated in human osteosarcoma, which may provide a genetic vulnerability that can be targeted in osteosarcoma treatment. To test whether Wnt activation is necessary for osteosarcoma growth, colony formation, invasion, and metastasis, we treated human osteosarcoma cells with a small molecule inhibitor of Wnt/β-catenin, PRI-724, which suppresses Wnt/β-catenin-mediated transcription. We found increased protein levels of endogenous active-β-catenin in five human osteosarcoma cell lines. Treatment with PRI-724 was sufficient to inhibit human osteosarcoma 143B and SJSA-1 cell proliferation. Suppressed Wnt signaling was confirmed by decreased protein levels of the Wnt target Cyclin D1. Furthermore, we revealed significant inhibitory effects on cell migration, invasion, and colony formation in the human osteosarcoma cells. Using deposited data from next generation sequencing studies, we analyzed somatic mutations and gene expression of components in the Wnt/β-catenin pathway. We found somatic mutations and upregulated gene expression of many components in the Wnt/ β-catenin pathway, indicating activated Wnt signaling. Taken together, our results illustrate the critical role of Wnt/β-catenin signaling in human osteosarcoma pathogenesis and growth, as well as the therapeutic potential of Wnt inhibitors in the treatment of human osteosarcoma.

Retracted Article: Long non-coding RNA KCNQ1OT1 promotes osteosarcoma progression by increasing β-catenin activity

Objective: Long non-coding RNA KCNQ1OT1 has been associated with the development of different types of cancers. The present research investigated the role of KCNQ1OT1 in osteosarcoma. Methods: Expression level of KCNQ1OT1 in osteosarcoma and paired non-cancerous tissue specimens from 56 osteosarcoma patients and its association with patients' clinicopathological features was investigated. KCNQ1OT1 overexpression and knockdown in primary-cultured osteosarcoma cells was constructed by lentiviral transduction. Influence of KCNQ1OT1 overexpression or knockdown on osteosarcoma cell growth, apoptosis, migration, invasion, epithelial-to-mesenchymal transition and beta-catenin activation was investigated. Results: Expression of KCNQ1OT1 in osteosarcoma tissue specimens was significantly increased in comparison to that in adjacent counterparts. High expression of KCNQ1OT1 significantly associated with osteosarcoma progression and patients' decreased survival. Overexpression of KCNQ1OT1 significantly increased osteosarcoma cell growth, proliferation, migration, invasion, epithelial-to-mesenchymal transition and beta-catenin activation while reducing cell apoptosis in vitro, and KCNQ1OT1 knockdown showed opposite effects. Inhibition of beta-catenin/TCF activity by ICG-001 treatment significantly attenuated the promoting effect of KCNQ1OT1 overexpression on osteosarcoma cell malignancy described above. Conclusion: KCNQ1OT1 might be a potential prognostic factor in osteosarcoma. High expression of KCNQ1OT1 might promote osteosarcoma development by increasing the activation of WNT/beta-catenin signaling pathway.

Novel molecular insights and new therapeutic strategies in osteosarcoma

Osteosarcoma (OS) is one of the most prevalent malignant cancers with lower survival and poor overall prognosis mainly in children and adolescents. Identifying the molecular mechanisms and OS stem cells (OSCs) as new concepts involved in disease pathogenesis and progression may potentially lead to new therapeutic targets. Therefore, therapeutic targeting of OSCs can be one of the most important and effective strategies for the treatment of OS. This review describes the new molecular targets of OS as well as novel therapeutic approaches in the design of future investigations and treatment.

Prognostic impact of the expression of Wnt-signaling proteins in cervical carcinoma FIGO stage I-IV treated with radiotherapy or chemoradiotherapy

Wnt signaling proteins were assessed in patients with primary cervical carcinomas who received chemoradiation. The associations between three Wnt signaling proteins and prognosis were assessed. Specimens from 122 patients with cervical carcinomas (FIGO stage I-IV) were immunohistochemically (IHC) analyzed for β-catenin, APC and axin protein expression. Associations between these Wnt-protein expressions, clinicopathological factors, and clinical outcome data were examined.

Positive IHC staining for the β-catenin protein (cell-membranes, cytoplasm and nuclei) was recorded in 88%, 58% and 5%, respectively. There was a strong association between β-catenin staining of the cell-membranes and prediction of recurrences and prognosis (p = 0. 002). Tumors with > 5% of nuclear β-catenin staining were associated with inferior cancer-specific survival (p = 0.048) compared with no staining. The overall recurrence rate was significantly higher in the group with increased nuclear staining (67%) compared with the group with no staining (33%). Nuclear APC staining of high intensity was associated with a significantly worse cancer-specific survival and increased overall recurrence rate compared to tumors with weak staining. Distant recurrences were recorded in 29% of cases with intense staining and in 14% of cases with low staining.

The Wnt signaling pathway seems to be of importance in the process of cervical oncogenesis. A predictive and prognostic value was found for β-catenin, where strong cell-membrane staining was favorable, and > 5% positive nuclear staining was associated with poorer cancer-specific survival and overall recurrence rate. Nuclear APC staining intensity was also associated with a less favorable prognosis.

Targeting WNT signaling in the treatment of osteoporosis

Osteoporosis is a widespread chronic disease characterized by low bone density, altered microstructure and bone fragility, leading to low impact fractures in affected individuals. The discovery of a few mutations that cause extremely rare human diseases has identified the WNT signaling pathway as a candidate for therapeutic intervention aimed at increasing bone mass and strength. In particular, inhibition of sclerostin, a WNT antagonist secreted by osteocytes, has proven in clinical trials to be a very efficient osteo-anabolic approach. One year of monthly administration of antibodies to sclerostin rapidly decreases bone resorption and increases bone formation and bone density at all sites, decreasing markedly fracture risk in treated patients. Their effect is however limited in time and cardiovascular adverse events have been reported in one clinical trial.

Gene expression profiles and pathway enrichment analysis of human osteosarcoma cells exposed to sorafenib

Sorafenib is an inhibitor of a variety of tyrosine kinase receptors used to treat various cancers including hepatocellular, renal cell and thyroid carcinoma. It has been shown to change various targets associated with osteosarcoma, but the detailed mechanism remains unclear. In order to identify key genes, enriched pathways and important modules during the exposure of human osteosarcoma cells to sorafenib, data for gene expression profiles (http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/geo/query/acc.cgi?acc=GSE53155) were downloaded from the GEO database. In total, 61 differentially expressed genes (DEGs) were identified by the R bioconductor packages. Functional and enrichment analyses of DEGs were performed using the DAVID database. These revealed that DEGs were enriched in biological processes, molecular function and KEGG pathway of inflammatory immune response and angiogenesis. A protein-protein interaction network was constructed by string and visualized in cytoscape, and eight genes were selected as hubs: IL8,CXCL2,PTGS2,FOS,CXCL1, C3,EHMT2 and PGF. Subsequently, only one cluster was identified by mcode, which consisted of six nodes (CXCL1,CXCL2,PTGS2,FOS, C3 and PGF) and nine edges. PGF was the seed gene in this cluster. In conclusion, the results of this data mining and integration should help in revealing new mechanisms and targets of sorafenib in inhibiting osteosarcoma.

Knockdown of Sox2 Inhibits OS Cells Invasion and Migration via Modulating Wnt/β-Catenin Signaling Pathway

Osteosarcoma (OS) was a prevalent malignant bone tumor which threatens people's health worldwide. Wnt/β catenin signaling pathway had been proved significant in various cancers, indicating its possible function in OS as well. Sox2, a crucial member among SOX family could regulate cells biologically. How Sox2 modulated Wnt/β catenin signaling pathway in OS remained to be discussed. The study aimed to investigate the effects of Sox2 on the invasion and migration of OS cells and the related molecular mechanisms. Twenty-four human OS and adjacent tissue samples were involved in this study. Human OS cell lines MG63 and HOS were selected for further investigation. The liposome carrier si-Sox2 which could interfere with the expression of Sox2 gene was built to transfect MG63 and HOS cells). QRT-PCR assay and western blot were utilized to analyze the expression of mRNA and proteins of Sox2. Transwell assay and wound healing assay were conducted to test the invasion and migration level of cells. The expression of GSK3, β-catenin, cyclin D1 and c-myc proteins were detected by western blot assay after transfection with si-Sox2. Compared with normal tissues and cells, the expression of Sox2 in OS tissues and cells was significantly higher. The mRNA and protein levels of Sox2 significantly decreased after transfection with si-Sox2. The invasion and migration of OS cells were down-regulated significantly through the inhibition of Sox2 by inactivating Wnt/β-catenin signaling pathway related proteins. Knockdown of Sox2 could inhibit invasion and migration of OS cells via modulating Wnt/β-catenin signaling pathway.

Wnt signaling in cervical cancer?

Cervical cancer (CC) is the second most common malignant cancer in women. CC is difficult to diagnose, has a high recurrence rate, and is resistant to systemic therapies; as a result, CC patients have a relatively poor prognosis. One potential link to CC is the Wnt signaling pathway and its downstream effectors, which regulate cell differentiation, proliferation, migration, and fate. The aberrant activation of Wnt signaling is associated with various cancers, including CC. Recent studies have shown that activating or inhibiting the intracellular signal transduction in this pathway can regulate cancer cell growth and viability. This review will summarize the experimental evidence supporting the significance of the Wnt signaling pathway in CC, and will also discuss the current clinical role of Wnt signaling in CC diagnosis, therapy, and prognosis.

Logistic regression analysis for the identification of the metastasis-associated signaling pathways of osteosarcoma

Osteosarcoma (OS) is the most common histological type of primary bone cancer. The present study was designed to identify the key genes and signaling pathways involved in the metastasis of OS. Microarray data of GSE39055 were downloaded from the Gene Expression Omnibus database, which included 19 OS biopsy specimens before metastasis (control group) and 18 OS biopsy specimens after metastasis (case group). After the differentially expressed genes (DEGs) were identified using the Linear Models for Microarray Analysis package, hierarchical clustering analysis and unsupervised clustering analysis were performed separately, using orange software and the self-organization map method. Based upon the Database for Annotation, Visualization and Integrated Discovery tool and Cytoscape software, enrichment analysis and protein-protein interaction (PPI) network analysis were conducted, respectively. After function deviation scores were calculated for the significantly enriched terms, hierarchical clustering analysis was performed using Cluster 3.0 software. Furthermore, logistic regression analysis was used to identify the terms that were significantly different. Those terms that were significantly different were validated using other independent datasets. There were 840 DEGs in the case group. There were various interactions in the PPI network [including intercellular adhesion molecule-1 (ICAM1), transforming growth factor β1 (TGFB1), TGFB1-platelet-derived growth factor subunit B (PDGFB) and PDGFB-platelet-derived growth factor receptor-β (PDGFRB)]. Regulation of cell migration, nucleotide excision repair, the Wnt signaling pathway and cell migration were identified as the terms that were significantly different. ICAM1, PDGFB, PDGFRB and TGFB1 were identified to be enriched in cell migration and regulation of cell migration. Nucleotide excision repair and the Wnt signaling pathway were the metastasis-associated pathways of OS. In addition, ICAM1, PDGFB, PDGFRB and TGFB1, which were involved in cell migration and regulation of cell migration may affect the metastasis of OS.

Retracted Article: Overexpression of PCDH8 inhibits proliferation and invasion, and induces apoptosis in papillary thyroid cancer cells

Protocadherin8 (PCDH8), a member of the protocadherin (PCDH) family, is involved in the progression of several types of cancers. However, the expression and biological roles of PCDH8 in papillary thyroid carcinoma (PTC) remain largely unknown. Therefore, in the present study, we detected the expression of PCDH8 in human PTC tissues and cell lines, and evaluated its role in PTC cells. Our results demonstrated that PCDH8 was lowly expressed in human PTC tissues and cell lines. In addition, ectopic expression of PCDH8 efficiently inhibited the proliferation, migration and invasion of PTC cells, as well as prevented the epithelial-mesenchymal transition (EMT) phenotype in PTC cells. Furthermore, PCDH8 efficiently induced apoptosis and autophagy in PTC cells. Mechanistically, overexpression of PCDH8 significantly prevented the activation of the Wnt/β-catenin pathway in PTC cells. Taken together, these findings showed that overexpression of PCDH8 inhibits proliferation and migration/invasion, and induces apoptosis of PTC cells through the Wnt/β-catenin signaling pathway.

Protocadherin8 (PCDH8), a member of the protocadherin (PCDH) family, is involved in the progression of several types of cancers.

XAV939 Inhibits Intima Formation by Decreasing Vascular Smooth Muscle Cell Proliferation and Migration Through Blocking Wnt Signaling

BACKGROUND

Excessive proliferation, migration, and oxidative stress of vascular smooth muscle cells (VSMCs) are key mechanisms involved in intima formation, which is the basic pathological process of in stent restenosis. This study aims at exploring the role of XAV939 in proliferation, migration, and reactive oxygen species (ROS) generation of VSMCs, and hence evaluating its effects on intima formation.

METHODS

Carotid artery ligation models for C57BL/6 mice were established and gave them different intervention: saline, XAV939, Axin2 overexpression adenovirus, and negative control adenovirus. The intima formation was assayed by intima area and intima/media ratio. To investigate the underlying mechanisms, primary rat VSMCs were cultured and treated with XAV939 and platelet-derived growth factor-BB. EdU, direct cell counting, cell wound-healing assay, and flow cytometry were used to measure proliferation, migration, cell cycle, apoptosis, and ROS generation of VSMCs, respectively. By Western blot, we examined proliferating cell nuclear antigen, Cyclin D1, Cyclin E, p21, β-actin, JNK, phosphorylated JNK, Axin2 and β-catenin expression. Immunofluorescence staining and confocal microscopy were conducted to detect translocation of β-catenin.

RESULTS

XAV939 inhibited intima formation, which was exhibited by the loss of intima area and I/M ratio and attenuated proliferation, migration, and ROS generation, as well as promoted cell cycle arrest of VSMCs. Specifically, XAV939 inhibited Wnt pathway.

CONCLUSIONS

XAV939 attenuates intima formation because of its inhibition of proliferation, migration, and apoptosis of VSMCs through suppression of Wnt signaling pathway.

Baicalein inhibits progression of osteosarcoma cells through inactivation of the Wnt/β-catenin signaling pathway

Osteosarcoma is a very common type of malignant bone tumor in children and young adults and aberrant activation of Wnt/β-catenin signaling pathway has been discovered in osteosarcoma. The traditional Chinese medicine baicalein was proved to have anti-proliferative and anti-metastatic properties in osteosarcoma, but the mechanism remained poorly understood. In the present study, we assessed the effects of baicalein on osteosarcoma and detected the potential molecular mechanism. We found that baicalein significantly suppressed the proliferation of osteosarcoma cells in a concentration- and time-dependent manner. In additional, baicalein could induce apoptosis and cell cycle arrest and reduce cell motility. Moreover, the level of β-catenin and its target genes, including c-myc, cyclinD1, and survivin significantly decreased in baicalein-treated osteosarcoma cells, whereas exogenous expression of β-catenin could reverse the anti-proliferative and anti-metastatic effects of baicalein. Subsequently, we established a 143B xenograft tumor model and found that baicalein treatment significantly inhibited tumor growth accompanied with inhibiting Wnt/β-catenin pathway. Thus, these findings suggest that baicalein may be a potentially effective Chinese herbal medicine for therapeutics of osteosarcoma and Wnt/β-catenin signaling pathway may serve as an efficient molecular marker or predictive target for osteosarcoma.

Immuno-Oncology Integrative Networks: Elucidating the Influences of Osteosarcoma Phenotypes

In vivo and in vitro functional phenotyping characterization was recently obtained with reference to an experimental pan-cancer study of 22 osteosarcoma (OS) cell lines. Here, differentially expressed gene (DEG) profiles were recomputed from the publicly available data to conduct network inference on the immune system regulatory activity across the characterized OS phenotypes. Based on such DEG profiles, and for each phenotype that was analyzed, we obtained coexpression networks and bio-annotations for them. Then, we described the immune-modulated influences in phenotype-specific networks' integrating pathway, transcription factor, and microRNA regulations. Overall, this approach seems suitable for representing heterogeneity in OS tumorigenesis.

2-Methoxyestradiol-Mediated Induction of Frzb Contributes to Cell Death and Autophagy in MG63 Osteosarcoma Cells

Osteosarcoma is a bone tumor that mainly affects children and adolescents. Although its pathogenesis is still not fully understood, activation of Wnt signaling has been implicated in the development and metastasis of osteosarcoma. In this report, we have investigated the effect of the anti-tumor compound, 2-methoxyestradiol (2-ME) on Wnt antagonist frizzled-related protein b (Frzb), also known as secreted frizzled-related protein (sFRP)3 in human osteosarcoma (MG63) cells. Our results show that 2-ME treatment induces Frzb gene promoter activity, and increases Frzb mRNA and protein levels in osteosarcoma cells. In addition, 2-ME treatment regulates downstream Wnt signaling, increasing the cytoplasmic levels of β-catenin, and blocking β-catenin-mediated Wnt activation in osteosarcoma cells. 2-ME-mediated induction of Frzb protein expression is specific to osteosarcoma cells, as it does not affect Frzb expression in normal primary human osteoblasts. Furthermore, 2-ME-induced apoptosis and autophagy are blocked in osteosarcoma cells transfected with Frzb siRNAs. Taken together, these studies demonstrate that Frzb protein plays an important role in 2-ME-mediated anti-tumor mechanisms in osteosarcoma cells. J. Cell. Biochem. 118: 1497-1504, 2017. © 2016 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.

Silencing Transmembrane Protein 45B (TNEM45B) Inhibits Proliferation, Invasion, and Tumorigenesis in Osteosarcoma Cells

Transmembrane protein 45B (TMEM45B) is a member of the TMEM family of proteins and has been reported to be expressed abnormally in different kinds of human tumors. However, the biological function of TMEM45B in osteosarcoma remains unclear. The objective of this study was to investigate the role of TMEM45B in regulating the biological behavior of osteosarcoma cells. Our results demonstrated that the expression of TMEM45B at both the protein and mRNA levels was dramatically upregulated in human osteosarcoma cell lines. Knockdown of TMEM45B significantly suppressed the proliferation, migration, and invasion of U2OS cells in vitro. Mechanistically, knockdown of TMEM45B sharply downregulated the expression level of β-catenin, cyclin D1, and c-Myc in U2OS cells. Finally, knockdown of TMEM45B attenuated tumor growth in transplanted U2OS-derived tumors in nude mice. Taken together, our results demonstrated that TMEM45B plays an important role in regulating the proliferation, migration, and invasion of osteosarcoma cells and that its effects on proliferation and invasion were mediated partially through the Wnt/β-catenin signaling pathway. These observations support our belief that TMEM45B may serve as an oncogene in the development and progression of osteosarcoma.

High Expression of XRCC6 Promotes Human Osteosarcoma Cell Proliferation through the β-Catenin/Wnt Signaling Pathway and Is Associated with Poor Prognosis

Increasing evidences show that XRCC6 (X-ray repair complementing defective repair in Chinese hamster cells 6) was upregulated and involved in tumor growth in several tumor types. However, the correlation of XRCC6 and human osteosarcoma (OS) is still unknown. This study was conducted with the aim to reveal the expression and biological function of XRCC6 in OS and elucidate the potential mechanism. The mRNA expression level of XRCC6 was measured in osteosarcoma cells and OS samples by quantitative transcription-PCR (qRT-PCR). The expression of XRCC6 protein was measured using Western blot and immunohistochemical staining in osteosarcoma cell lines and patient samples. Cell Counting Kit 8 (CCK8), colony-forming and cell cycle assays were used to test cell survival capacity. We found that XRCC6 was overexpressed in OS cells and OS samples compared with the adjacent non-tumorous samples. High expression of XRCC6 was correlated with clinical stage and tumor size in OS. Reduced expression of XRCC6 inhibits OS cell proliferation through G2/M phase arrest. Most importantly, further experiments demonstrated that XRCC6 might regulate OS growth through the β-catenin/Wnt signaling pathway. In conclusion, these findings indicate that XRCC6 exerts tumor-promoting effects for OS through β-catenin/Wnt signaling pathway. XRCC6 may serve as a novel therapeutic target for OS patients.