GRB7 is required for triple-negative breast cancer cell invasion and survival

DMOIT: denoised multi-omics integration approach based on transformer multi-head self-attention mechanism

Multi-omics data integration has become increasingly crucial for a deeper understanding of the complexity of biological systems. However, effectively integrating and analyzing multi-omics data remains challenging due to their heterogeneity and high dimensionality. Existing methods often struggle with noise, redundant features, and the complex interactions between different omics layers, leading to suboptimal performance. Additionally, they face difficulties in adequately capturing intra-omics interactions due to simplistic concatenation techiniques, and they risk losing critical inter-omics interaction information when using hierarchical attention layers. To address these challenges, we propose a novel Denoised Multi-Omics Integration approach that leverages the Transformer multi-head self-attention mechanism (DMOIT). DMOIT consists of three key modules: a generative adversarial imputation network for handling missing values, a sampling-based robust feature selection module to reduce noise and redundant features, and a multi-head self-attention (MHSA) based feature extractor with a noval architecture that enchance the intra-omics interaction capture. We validated model porformance using cancer datasets from the Cancer Genome Atlas (TCGA), conducting two tasks: survival time classification across different cancer types and estrogen receptor status classification for breast cancer. Our results show that DMOIT outperforms traditional machine learning methods and the state-of-the-art integration method MoGCN in terms of accuracy and weighted F1 score. Furthermore, we compared DMOIT with various alternative MHSA-based architectures to further validate our approach. Our results show that DMOIT consistently outperforms these models across various cancer types and different omics combinations. The strong performance and robustness of DMOIT demonstrate its potential as a valuable tool for integrating multi-omics data across various applications.

A Comprehensive Pan-Cancer Analysis Reveals GRB7 as a Potential Diagnostic and Prognostic Biomarker

BACKGROUND AND AIM

Growth factor receptor-bound protein 7 (GRB7) belongs to a group of adaptor proteins characterized by their conserved multidomain structure. These proteins are involved in cellular signaling pathways that regulate cell growth, proliferation, and differentiation. Alterations in GRB7 expression have been linked to multiple human cancers. However, its role as a diagnostic and prognostic marker remains underexplored. This study aimed to assess the diagnostic and prognostic relevance of GRB7 in a comprehensive pan-cancer analysis.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

 GRB7 expression across different cancers was evaluated using the Tumor Immune Estimation Resource (TIMER), Gene Expression Profiling Interactive Analysis (GEPIA), and the University of Alabama at Birmingham Cancer Data Analysis Portal (UALCAN). The correlation of GRB7 expression with various clinicopathological parameters was assessed by the UALCAN database. Additionally, the Human Protein Atlas (HPA) (https://www.proteinatlas.org/) was used to illustrate the histology of kidney cancer tissues. The correlation between GRB7 expression and prognosis was explored using the Kaplan-Meier plotter, GEPIA, and UALCAN databases. The TIMER database was used to explore the connection between GRB7 expression in tumor tissues and the infiltration of immune cells. Moreover, genetic alterations of the GRB7 gene were detected by the cBioPortal database. Results were validated by the GEO2R database.

RESULTS

GRB7 expression was significantly upregulated in bladder urothelial carcinoma (BLCA), cervical squamous cell carcinoma (CESC), cholangiocarcinoma (CHOL), colon adenocarcinoma (COAD), rectum adenocarcinoma (READ), thyroid carcinoma (THCA), and uterine carcinosarcoma (UCEC). Conversely, it was downregulated in kidney chromophobe (KICH) and kidney renal clear cell carcinoma (KIRC) compared to normal tissues (p<0.001). Further analysis confirmed that GRB7 expression in KICH and KIRC was significantly downregulated across various clinicopathological parameters including stage 3 and stage 4 compared to stage 1. It was also significantly downregulated in 61-80 years compared to 41-60 years patients, as confirmed by the immunohistochemistry of kidney tissues. Prognostic analysis revealed that high GRB7 expression was linked to a better prognosis in KIRC and a poorer prognosis in pancreatic adenocarcinoma (PAAD) patients. In KICH, GRB7 expression showed a significant positive correlation with immune infiltration of B cells, CD8+ T cells, and macrophages. In KIRC, GRB7 was positively correlated with immune infiltration of B cells and CD4+ cells. However, in PAAD it was negatively correlated with immune infiltration of macrophages. These findings were validated by gene expression profiling from the Gene Expression Omnibus (GEO) database, confirming a significant GRB7 downregulation in KICH and KIRC and an upregulation in PAAD compared to normal samples.  Conclusion: GRB7 shows potential as a biomarker in both diagnosing and predicting outcomes for various cancers. It may serve as a diagnostic marker for KICH, a prognostic marker for PAAD, and both a diagnostic and prognostic marker for KIRC, making GRB7 a target for future research and therapeutic approaches in oncology.

TCF12-regulated GRB7 facilitates the HER2+ breast cancer progression by activating Notch1 signaling pathway

BACKGROUND

Human epidermal growth factor receptor 2-positive (HER2+) breast cancer (BC), which accounts for approximately one-fifth of all BCs, are highly invasive with a high rate of recurrence and a poor prognosis. Several studies have shown that growth factor receptor-bound protein 7 (GRB7) might be a potential therapeutic target for tumor diagnosis and prognosis. Nevertheless, the role of GRB7 in HER2+ BC and its underlying mechanisms have not been fully elucidated. The aim of this study was to investigate the biological function and regulatory mechanism of GRB7 in HER2+ BC.

METHODS

Bioinformatics analysis was performed using the TCGA, GEO and CancerSEA databases to evaluate the clinical significance of GRB7. RT quantitative PCR, western blot and immunofluorescence were conducted to assess the expression of GRB7 in BC cell lines and tissues. MTT, EdU, colony formation, wound healing, transwell, and xenograft assays were adopted to explore the biological function of GRB7 in HER2+ BC. RNA sequencing was performed to analyze the signaling pathways associated with GRB7 in SK-BR-3 cells after the cells were transfected with GRB7 siRNA. Chromatin immunoprecipitation analysis (ChIP) and luciferase reporter assay were employed to elucidate the potential molecular regulatory mechanisms of GRB7 in HER2+ BC.

RESULTS

GRB7 was markedly upregulated and associated with poor prognosis in BC, especially in HER2+ BC. Overexpression of GRB7 increased the proliferation, migration, invasion, and colony formation of HER2+ BC cells, while depletion of GRB7 had the opposite effects in HER2+ BC cells and inhibited xenograft growth. ChIP-PCR and luciferase reporter assay revealed that TCF12 directly bound to the promoter of the GRB7 gene to promote its transcription. GRB7 facilitated HER2+ BC epithelial-mesenchymal transition (EMT) progression by interacting with Notch1 to activate Wnt/β-catenin pathways and other signaling (i.e., AKT, ERK). Moreover, forced GRB7 overexpression activated Wnt/β-catenin to promote EMT progression, and partially rescued the inhibition of HER2+ BC proliferation, migration and invasion induced by TCF12 silencing.

CONCLUSIONS

Our work elucidates the oncogenic role of GRB7 in HER2+ BC, which could serve as a prognostic indicator and promising therapeutic target.

GRB7 Plays a Vital Role in Promoting the Progression and Mediating Immune Evasion of Ovarian Cancer

BACKGROUND

Despite breakthroughs in treatment, ovarian cancer (OC) remains one of the most lethal gynecological malignancies, with an increasing age-standardized mortality rate. This underscores an urgent need for novel biomarkers and therapeutic targets. Although growth factor receptor-bound protein 7 (GRB7) is implicated in cell signaling and tumorigenesis, its expression pattern and clinical implications in OC remain poorly characterized.

METHODS

To systematically investigate GRB7's expression in OC, our study utilized extensive datasets from TCGA, GTEx, CCLE, and GEO. The prognostic significance of GRB7 was evaluated by means of Kaplan-Meier and Cox regression analyses. Using a correlation analysis and gene set enrichment analysis, relationships between GRB7's expression and gene networks, immune cell infiltration and immunotherapy response were investigated. In vitro experiments were conducted to confirm GRB7's function in the biology of OC.

RESULTS

Compared to normal tissues, OC tissues exhibited a substantial upregulation of GRB7. Reduced overall survival, disease-specific survival, and disease-free interval were all connected with high GRB7 mRNA levels. The network study demonstrated that GRB7 is involved in pathways relevant to the course of OC and has a positive connection with several key driver genes. Notably, GRB7's expression was linked to the infiltration of M2 macrophage and altered response to immunotherapy. Data from single-cell RNA sequencing data across multiple cancer types indicated GRB7's predominant expression in malignant cells. Moreover, OC cells with GRB7 deletion showed decreased proliferation and migration, as well as increased susceptibility to T cell-mediated cytotoxicity.

CONCLUSION

With respect to OC, our results validated GRB7 as a viable prognostic biomarker and a promising therapeutic target, providing information about its function in tumorigenesis and immune modulation. GRB7's preferential expression in malignant cells highlights its significance in the biology of cancer and bolsters the possibility that it could be useful in enhancing the effectiveness of immunotherapy.

Multiplexed in situ RNA imaging by combFISH

Multiplexed in situ RNA imaging offers new opportunities for gene expression profiling by providing high-throughput spatial information. In this work, we present a cyclic combinatorial fluorescent in situ hybridization (combFISH) assay to achieve multiplexed detection of RNA in cell cultures and tissues. Specifically, multiplexing is achieved through cyclic interrogation of barcode sequences on the rolling circle amplicons generated from the padlock probe assay by using sets of combinatorial detection probes. Theoretically, combFISH can detect 64 genes in three hybridization cycles by combinatorial barcoding using 12 fluorescently labeled detection probes. Our method eliminates sequencing-by-ligation (SBL) chemistry in the in situ sequencing protocol and directly uses RNA as targets for ligation, making it more straightforward. We showed that our method works in fresh-frozen and formalin-fixed paraffin-embedded tissue sections. With its straightforward protocols, we expect our method to be adopted by the scientific community and extended to clinical settings.

Unraveling Biomarker Signatures in Triple-Negative Breast Cancer: A Systematic Review for Targeted Approaches

Triple-negative breast cancer (TNBC) is one of the most aggressive subtypes of breast cancer, marked by poor outcomes and dismal prognosis. Due to the absence of targetable receptors, chemotherapy still represents the main therapeutic option. Therefore, current research is now focusing on understanding the specific molecular pathways implicated in TNBC, in order to identify novel biomarker signatures and develop targeted therapies able to improve its clinical management. With the aim of identifying novel molecular features characterizing TNBC, elucidating the mechanisms by which these molecular biomarkers are implicated in the tumor development and progression, and assessing the impact on cancerous cells following their inhibition or modulation, we conducted a literature search from the earliest works to December 2023 on PubMed, Scopus, and Web Of Science. A total of 146 studies were selected. The results obtained demonstrated that TNBC is characterized by a heterogeneous molecular profile. Several biomarkers have proven not only to be characteristic of TNBC but also to serve as potential effective therapeutic targets, holding the promise of a new era of personalized treatments able to improve its prognosis. The pre-clinical findings that have emerged from our systematic review set the stage for further investigation in forthcoming clinical trials.

Up-regulated GRB7 protein in gastric cancer cells correlates with clinical properties and increases proliferation and stem cell properties

Introduction

It has been reported that GRB7 is closely related to a variety of human solid tumors, but its role in gastric cancer has not been reported yet. The purpose of this study was to investigate the expression level and intracellular effects of GRB7 in human gastric cancer.

Methods

Real-time fluorescent quantitative PCR and Western blot were used to detect the expression of GRB7 in gastric cancer cell lines. The immunohistochemical staining and SPSS analysis verified the GRB7 protein expression. Stable gastric cancer cell lines, MTT experiments, clone formation experiments, cell cycle flow cytometry experiments, sphere formation experiments and lateral subpopulation cell sorting experiments were conducted to investigate the role of GRB7 in gastric cancer cells.

Results

We found that the expression of GRB7 in gastric cancer cell lines was higher than that of the corresponding normal gastric epithelial cells, and correspondingly higher in gastric cancer tissues than its paired adjacent tissues. GRB7 protein was expressed more highly in cancer tissues than in adjacent tissues. GRB7 protein expression levels were positively correlated with the clinical stage of gastric cancer patients, and negatively correlated with the survival prognosis of patients. GSEA analysis of GRB7 mRNA levels in gastric cancer tissues and normal gastric epithelial tissues from public databases showed that GRB7 may affect cell proliferation and related processes of intracellular stem cells. GRB7 can promote the proliferation of gastric cancer cells and is positively related to the self-renewal ability of gastric cancer stem cells.

Discussion

This study shows that GRB7 molecules highly expressed in gastric cancer tissues can promote the proliferation of gastric cancer cells and increase the proportion of gastric cancer stem cells, so it is expected to become a diagnostic molecule or potential therapeutic target for gastric cancer.

La proteína 7 unida al receptor del factor de crecimiento (GRB7) en cáncer de mama

El cáncer de mama debe considerarse como un problema de salud pública ya que es la causa principal de muerte en mujeres en el mundo. Se conoce que es multifactorial y heterogéneo de manera que cada tumor tiene características genéticas y moleculares propias, lo cual se refleja en el comportamiento clínico, respuesta al tratamiento y pronóstico. La proteína 7 unida al receptor del factor de crecimiento (GRB7) hace parte de un grupo de proteínas GRB que median la interacción entre receptores tirosina cinasa y proteínas efectoras en algunas vías de señalización involucradas en transducción de señales, migración celular y angiogénesis. Esta proteína es codificada por el gen GRB7 localizado en el cromosoma 17 en el locus 17q11–21, cerca del gen ERBB2, lo que sugiere coamplificación y coexpresión de estos dos genes en el desarrollo del cáncer. Se ha visto que la proteína GRB7 por sí sola está presente en la biología molecular implícita del cáncer de mama, interviniendo en la proliferación y migración celular facilitando así la invasión y posibles metástasis. Se considera como un factor de mal pronóstico en esta enfermedad.

Enhancing the Bioactivity of Bicyclic Peptides Targeted to Grb7-SH2 by Restoring Cell Permeability

The development of peptide inhibitors against intracellular targets depends upon the dual challenge of achieving a high affinity and specificity for the target and maintaining cellular permeability for biological activity. Previous efforts to develop bicyclic peptides targeted to the Grb7 signalling protein implicated in HER2+ve cancer progression have resulted in improved affinity. However, these same peptides demonstrated a lowered activity due to their decreased ability to penetrate cell membranes. Here, we report the testing of a new series of bicyclic G7 peptides designed to possess improved bioactivity. We discovered that the incorporation of two amino acids (Phe-Pro, Phe-Trp or Phe-Arg) within the bicyclic peptide framework maintains an enhanced binding affinity for the Grb7-SH2 domain compared to that of the first-generation monocyclic peptide G7-18NATE. Structure determination using X-ray crystallography revealed that the mode of binding by the expanded bicyclic G7 peptide is analogous to that of G7-18NATE. Interestingly, while the bicyclic peptide containing Phe-Trp did not display the highest affinity for Grb7-SH2 in the series, it was the most potent inhibitor of HER2+ve SKBR3 breast cancer cell migration when coupled to Penetratin. Together, this demonstrates that peptide flexibility as well as the amino acid tryptophan can play important roles in the uptake of peptides into the cell.

Functional cooperation between co-amplified genes promotes aggressive phenotypes of HER2-positive breast cancer

MED1 (mediator subunit 1)co-amplifies with HER2, but its role in HER2-driven mammary tumorigenesis is still unknown. Here, we generate MED1 mammary-specific overexpression mice and cross them with mouse mammary tumor virus (MMTV)-HER2 mice. We observe significantly promoted onset, growth, metastasis, and multiplicity of HER2 tumors by MED1 overexpression. Further studies reveal critical roles for MED1 in epithelial-mesenchymal transition, cancer stem cell formation, and response to anti-HER2 therapy. Mechanistically, RNA sequencing (RNA-seq) transcriptome analyses and clinical sample correlation studies identify Jab1, a component of the COP9 signalosome complex, as the key direct target gene of MED1 contributing to these processes. Further studies reveal that Jab1 can also reciprocally regulate the stability and transcriptional activity of MED1. Together, our findings support a functional cooperation between these co-amplified genes in HER2⁺ mammary tumorigenesis and their potential usage as therapeutic targets for the treatment of HER2⁺ breast cancers.

In this study, Yang et al. generate a more clinically relevant MMTV-HER2/MMTV-MED1 mammary tumor mouse model and discover the critical roles and molecular mechanisms of MED1 overexpression in mediating the aggressive phenotypes of HER2⁺ tumor progression, metastasis, cancer stem cell formation, and therapy resistance.

The landscape of long noncoding RNA-involved and tumor-specific fusions across various cancers

The majority of the human genome encodes long noncoding RNA (lncRNA) genes, critical regulators of various cellular processes, which largely outnumber protein-coding genes. However, lncRNA-involved fusions have not been surveyed and characterized yet. Here, we present a systematic study of the lncRNA fusion landscape across cancer types and identify >30 000 high-confidence tumor-specific lncRNA fusions (using 8284 tumor and 6946 normal samples). Fusions positively correlated with DNA damage and cancer stemness and were specifically low in microsatellite instable (MSI)-High or virus-infected tumors. Moreover, fusions distribute differently among cancer molecular subtypes, but with shared enrichment in tumors that are microsatellite stable (MSS), with high somatic copy number alterations (SCNA), and with poor survival. Importantly, we find a potentially new mechanism, mediated by enhancer RNAs (eRNA), which generates secondary fusions that form densely connected fusion networks with many fusion hubs targeted by FDA-approved drugs. Finally, we experimentally validate functions of two tumor-promoting chimeric proteins derived from mRNA-lncRNA fusions, KDM4B-G039927 and EPS15L1-lncOR7C2-1. The EPS15L1 fusion protein may regulate (Gasdermin E) GSDME, critical in pyroptosis and anti-tumor immunity. Our study completes the fusion landscape in cancers, sheds light on fusion mechanisms, and enriches lncRNA functions in tumorigenesis and cancer progression.

Growth factor receptor bound protein-7 regulates proliferation, cell cycle, and mitochondrial apoptosis of thyroid cancer cells via MAPK/ERK signaling

It is of great significance to explore the molecular mechanism of thyroid cancer (TC) pathogenesis for its improvement and therapy. Growth factor receptor bound protein-7 (GRB7) has been regarded as an important regulatory gene in the developments of various malignant tumors. Our study aimed to illustrate the role of GRB7 in the TC pathology mechanism. Firstly, GRB7 was found to be significantly upregulated in 49 cases of TC tissues and 5 TC cell lines by using real-time quantitative polymerase chain reaction (RT-qPCR) and western blotting. Silencing GRB7 with siRNA dramatically inhibited proliferation and induced cell cycle arrest in TC cells. Besides, GRB7 silence resulted in the decrease of adenosine triphosphate content, glucose uptake, and lactose production in TC cells and attenuated the activity and expression of mitochondrial respiratory complex. We also demonstrated that GRB7 downregulation increased the levels of Bax and caspase 3, and inhibited the expression of Bcl-2, suggesting the induced mitochondrial apoptosis. More importantly, our study proved that mitogen-activated protein kinase/extracellular-regulated protein kinases (MAPK/ERK) signaling played a crucial role in the regulation of GRB7 on TC cell functions. In general, the present research verified that GRB7 was upregulated during TC development and modulated the proliferation, cell cycle, and mitochondrial apoptosis of TC cells by activating MAPK/ERK pathway. This may provide a novel target for the therapeutic strategy of TC.

Partners of wild type Grb7 and a mutant lacking its calmodulin-binding domain

Growth factor receptor bound protein 7 (Grb7) is a mammalian adaptor protein participating in signaling pathways implicated in cell migration, metastatic invasion, cell proliferation and tumor-associated angiogenesis. We expressed tagged versions of wild type Grb7 and the mutant Grb7Δ, lacking its calmodulin-binding domain (CaM-BD), in human embryonic kidney (HEK) 293 cells and rat glioma C6 cells to identify novel binding partners using shot-gun proteomics. Among the new identified proteins, we validated the ubiquitin-ligase Nedd4 (neural precursor cell expressed developmentally down-regulated protein 4), the heat-shock protein Hsc70/HSPA8 (heat shock cognate protein 70) and the cell cycle regulatory protein caprin-1 (cytoplasmic activation/proliferation-associated protein 1) in rat glioma C6 cells. Our results suggest a role of Grb7 in pathways where these proteins are implicated. These include protein trafficking and degradation, stress-response, chaperone-mediated autophagy, apoptosis and cell proliferation.

The prognostic significance of GRB7 protein expression and localization in human breast and ovarian cancers

Objective: To study GRB7 protein expression in normal human tissues and breast and ovarian cancers, and determine its clinical significance. Results: GRB7 protein was expressed in multiple tissues, including myoepithelial cells of normal breast and fibroadenoma. Cytoplasmic GRB7 expression was seen predominantly in HER-2 positive and, to a lesser extent, triple negative breast cancer. Membrane localization of GRB7 was present in a subset of breast cancers with high cytoplasmic GRB7 expression. Univariate and multivariate analysis found that cytoplasmic GRB7 expression was associated with a negative progesterone receptor status, while membrane GRB7 expression was associated with a negative axillary nodal status. Membrane associated GRB7 expression was present in a subset of ovarian cancers with high cytoplasmic GRB7 expression. Membrane GRB7 expression displayed a trend towards improved recurrence free survival (RFS). Landmark analysis suggested an RFS advantage for ovarian cancers that had GRB7 membrane expression and survived beyond 27 months; GRB7 membrane expression in two or more cores (out of three) predicted an improved RFS. Membrane expression of GRB7 protein was observed in breast cancer cell lines with high GRB7 protein expression in vitro. Conclusion: GRB7 protein membrane expression may be associated with a better prognosis in breast and ovarian cancers. The favorable prognostic value of GRB7 protein membrane expression and its underlying mechanism is worthy of further investigation. Methods: Immunohistochemistry of normal human tissues, breast tissues of various pathologies, and clinically annotated ovarian cancers was performed to correlate the patterns of GRB7 expression with biomarkers or clinical outcome.

Grb7-derived calmodulin-binding peptides inhibit proliferation, migration and invasiveness of tumor cells while they enhance attachment to the substrate

The growth factor receptor bound protein 7 (Grb7) is a Ca²⁺-dependent calmodulin (CaM)-binding adaptor protein implicated, among other functions, in cell proliferation, migration and tumor-associated angiogenesis. The goal of this study was to determine whether a peptide based on the CaM binding site of Grb7 disrupts cellular processes, relevant for the malignancy of tumor cells, in which this adaptor protein is implicated. We designed synthetic myristoylated and non-myristoylated peptides corresponding to the CaM-binding domain of human Grb7 with the sequence ²⁴³RKLWKRFFCFLRRS²⁵⁶ and a variant peptide with the mutated sequence RKLERFFCFLRRE (W246E-ΔK247-S256E). The two non-myristoylated peptides bind dansyl-CaM with higher efficiency in the presence than in the absence of Ca²⁺ and they enter into the cell, as tested with 5(6)-carboxytetramethylrhodamine (TAMRA)-labeled peptides. The myristoylated and non-myristoylated peptides inhibit the proliferation, migration and invasiveness of A431 tumor cells while they enhance their adhesion to the substrate. The myristoylated peptides have stronger inhibitory effect than the non-myristoylated counterparts, in agreement with their expected higher cell-permeant capacity. The myristoylated and non-myristoylated W246E-ΔK247-S256E mutant peptide has a lesser inhibitory effect on cell proliferation as compared to the wild-type peptide. We also demonstrated that the myristoylated peptides were more efficient than the CaM antagonist N-(6-aminohexyl)-5-chloro-1-naphthalenesulfonamide (W-7) inhibiting cell migration and equally efficient inhibiting cell proliferation.

Evaluation of Cyclic Peptide Inhibitors of the Grb7 Breast Cancer Target: Small Change in Cargo Results in Large Change in Cellular Activity

Grb7 is an adapter protein, overexpressed in HER2+ve breast and other cancers, and identified as a therapeutic target. Grb7 promotes both proliferative and migratory cellular pathways through interaction of its SH2 domain with upstream binding partners including HER2, SHC, and FAK. Here we present the evaluation of a series of monocyclic and bicyclic peptide inhibitors that have been developed to specifically and potently target the Grb7 SH2-domain. All peptides tested were found to inhibit signaling in both ERK and AKT pathways in SKBR-3 and MDA-MB-231 cell lines. Proliferation, migration, and invasion assays revealed, however, that the second-generation bicyclic peptides were not more bioactive than the first generation G7-18NATE peptide, despite their higher in vitro affinity for the target. This was found not to be due to steric hindrance by the cell-permeability tag, as ascertained by ITC, but to differences in the ability of the bicyclic peptides to interact with and penetrate cellular membranes, as determined using SPR and mass spectrometry. These studies reveal that just small differences to amino acid composition can greatly impact the effectiveness of peptide inhibitors to their intracellular target and demonstrate that G7-18NATE remains the most effective peptide inhibitor of Grb7 developed to date.

Grb7, a Critical Mediator of EGFR/ErbB Signaling, in Cancer Development and as a Potential Therapeutic Target

The partner of activated epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR), growth factor receptor bound protein-7 (Grb7), a functionally multidomain adaptor protein, has been demonstrated to be a pivotal regulator for varied physiological and pathological processes by interacting with phospho-tyrosine-related signaling molecules to affect the transmission through a number of signaling pathways. In particular, critical roles of Grb7 in erythroblastic leukemia viral oncogene homolog (ERBB) family-mediated cancer development and malignancy have been intensively evaluated. The overexpression of Grb7 or the coamplification/cooverexpression of Grb7 and members of the ERBB family play essential roles in advanced human cancers and are associated with decreased survival and recurrence of cancers, emphasizing Grb7's value as a prognostic marker and a therapeutic target. Peptide inhibitors of Grb7 are being tested in preclinical trials for their possible therapeutic effects. Here, we review the molecular, functional, and clinical aspects of Grb7 in ERBB family-mediated cancer development and malignancy with the aim to reveal alternative and effective therapeutic strategies.

Hormone therapy use and breast tissue DNA methylation: analysis of epigenome wide data from the normal breast study

Hormone therapy (HT) is associated with increased risk of breast cancer, strongly dependent on type, duration, and recency of use. HT use could affect cancer risk by changing breast tissue transcriptional programs. We hypothesize that these changes are preceded by changes in DNA methylation. To explore this hypothesis we used histologically normal-appearing breast tissue from the Normal Breast Study (NBS). DNA methylation β-values were obtained using the Illumina HumanMethylation 450 BeadChips for 90 samples including all NBS-participants who used HT within 5 y before surgery. Data were analyzed using the reference-free cell mixture method. Cancer Genome Atlas (TCGA) mRNA-Seq data were used to assess correlation between DNA methylation and gene expression. We identified 527 CpG sites in 403 genes that were associated with ever using HT at genome wide significance (FDR q < 0.05), of these, 68 sites were also significantly associated with duration of use or recency of use. Twelve sites reached significance in all analyses one of which was cg01382688 in ARHGEF4 (p < 1.2x10⁻⁷). Mutations in ARHGEF4 have been reported in breast tumors, but this is the first report of possible breast cancer-related DNA methylation changes. In addition, 22 genes included more than one significant CpG site and a majority of these sites were significantly correlated with gene expression. Although based on small numbers, these findings support the hypothesis that HT is associated with epigenetic alterations in breast tissue, and identifies genes with altered DNA methylation states which could be linked to breast cancer development.

GRB7 dependent proliferation of basal-like, HER-2 positive human breast cancer cell lines is mediated in part by HER-1 signaling

GRB7 gene encodes a multi-domain signal transduction molecule and is part of the core of the HER-2 amplicon. GRB7 is commonly co-amplified and overexpressed with HER-2 in human breast cancer. This study addresses the role of GRB7 in HER-2 positive human breast cancers resistant to HER-2 targeted therapy. HCC1954, 21MT1, and JIMT1 are basal like HER-2 positive breast cancer cell lines based on expression profiling. These three cell lines are resistant to trastuzumab and lapatinib treatment. Knockdown of GRB7 protein expression with siRNA transfection as well as lentiviral vector mediated shRNA over-expression decreased the growth of HCC1954, 21MT1, and JIMT1 cells in vitro and the growth of tumor xenografts these cells formed in animal models. When assayed by ki-67 staining and TUNEL assay, the mechanism of reduced tumor xenograft growth appeared to be distinct. Reduced proliferation and increased apoptosis were seen in 21MT1 cells, while reduced proliferation was seen in HCC1954 cells and increased apoptosis in JIMT1 cells. Phospho-proteome profiling found HER-1 tyrosine phosphorylation was reduced with GRB7 knock down in JIMT1 cells. Immuno-blotting and immuno-precipitation experiments found HER-1 phosphorylation was reduced with GRB7 knock down in all three cell lines. HER-1 knock down via siRNA transient transfection as well as blocking HER-1 function with panitumumab decreased proliferation of all three cell lines in vitro. Our study finds that GRB7 has an essential growth promoting function which is mediated in part by HER-1 activation. The potential of HER-1 targeting in therapy resistant HER-2 positive breast cancer merits further study.

The RUNX1/IL-34/CSF-1R axis is an autocrinally regulated modulator of resistance to BRAF-V600E inhibition in melanoma

Resistance to current therapies still impacts a significant number of melanoma patients and can be regulated by epigenetic alterations. Analysis of global cytosine methylation in a cohort of primary melanomas revealed a pattern of early demethylation associated with overexpression of oncogenic transcripts. Loss of methylation and associated overexpression of the CSF 1 receptor (CSF1R) was seen in a majority of tumors and was driven by an alternative, endogenous viral promoter in a subset of samples. CSF1R was particularly elevated in melanomas with BRAF and other MAPK activating mutations. Furthermore, rebound ERK activation after BRAF inhibition was associated with RUNX1-mediated further upregulation of CSF-1R and its ligand IL-34. Importantly, increased CSF-1R and IL-34 overexpression were detected in an independent cohort of resistant melanomas. Inhibition of CSF-1R kinase or decreased CSF-1R expression by RNAi reduced 3-D growth and invasiveness of melanoma cells. Coinhibition of CSF-1R and BRAF resulted in synergistic efficacy in vivo. To our knowledge, our data unveil a previously unknown role for the autocrine-regulated CSF-1R in BRAF V600E resistance and provide a preclinical rationale for targeting this pathway in melanoma.

Clinical and molecular aspects of breast cancer: Targets and therapies

Breast Cancer is a complex disease characterized by the occurrence of multiple molecular alterations. Currently, some molecular markers are in use for breast cancer diagnostic, prognostic, and predictive purposes. Thus, genetic signatures are available for improving the decision-making. The biomarkers are also essential as therapeutic approaches, but many questions remain due to the lack of efficacy on breast cancer treatment, mainly for triple-negative breast cancer subtype. Since the genetic profile of breast cancer can also be related to different ethnic groups and geographic areas, the reference populations of the genetic assays and clinical trials need to include a broader population beyond the European and North American patients. In this review, we analyzed the current and potential molecular markers that could help to improve the strategies for breast cancer therapy.

Identification of differentially expressed genes regulated by molecular signature in breast cancer-associated fibroblasts by bioinformatics analysis

OBJECTIVE

Breast cancer is a severe risk to public health and has adequately convoluted pathogenesis. Therefore, the description of key molecular markers and pathways is of much importance for clarifying the molecular mechanism of breast cancer-associated fibroblasts initiation and progression. Breast cancer-associated fibroblasts gene expression dataset was downloaded from Gene Expression Omnibus database.

METHODS

A total of nine samples, including three normal fibroblasts, three granulin-stimulated fibroblasts and three cancer-associated fibroblasts samples, were used to identify differentially expressed genes (DEGs) between normal fibroblasts, granulin-stimulated fibroblasts and cancer-associated fibroblasts samples. The gene ontology (GO) and pathway enrichment analysis was performed, and protein-protein interaction (PPI) network of the DEGs was constructed by NetworkAnalyst software.

RESULTS

Totally, 190 DEGs were identified, including 66 up-regulated and 124 down-regulated genes. GO analysis results showed that up-regulated DEGs were significantly enriched in biological processes (BP), including cell-cell signalling and negative regulation of cell proliferation; molecular function (MF), including insulin-like growth factor II binding and insulin-like growth factor I binding; cellular component (CC), including insulin-like growth factor binding protein complex and integral component of plasma membrane; the down-regulated DEGs were significantly enriched in BP, including cell adhesion and extracellular matrix organization; MF, including N-acetylgalactosamine 4-sulfate 6-O-sulfotransferase activity and calcium ion binding; CC, including extracellular space and extracellular matrix. WIKIPATHWAYS analysis showed the up-regulated DEGs were enriched in myometrial relaxation and contraction pathways. WIKIPATHWAYS, REACTOME, PID_NCI and KEGG pathway analysis showed the down-regulated DEGs were enriched endochondral ossification, TGF beta signalling pathway, integrin cell surface interactions, beta1 integrin cell surface interactions, malaria and glycosaminoglycan biosynthesis-chondroitin sulfate/dermatan sulphate. The top 5 up-regulated hub genes, CDKN2A, MME, PBX1, IGFBP3, and TFAP2C and top 5 down-regulated hub genes VCAM1, KRT18, TGM2, ACTA2, and STAMBP were identified from the PPI network, and subnetworks revealed these genes were involved in significant pathways, including myometrial relaxation and contraction pathways, integrin cell surface interactions, beta1 integrin cell surface interaction. Besides, the target hsa-mirs for DEGs were identified. hsa-mir-759, hsa-mir-4446-5p, hsa-mir-219a-1-3p and hsa-mir-26a-5p were important miRNAs in this study.

CONCLUSIONS

We pinpoint important key genes and pathways closely related with breast cancer-associated fibroblasts initiation and progression by a series of bioinformatics analysis on DEGs. These screened genes and pathways provided for a more detailed molecular mechanism underlying breast cancer-associated fibroblasts occurrence and progression, holding promise for acting as molecular markers and probable therapeutic targets.

Insight into the Selectivity of the G7-18NATE Inhibitor Peptide for the Grb7-SH2 Domain Target

Growth factor receptor bound protein 7 (Grb7) is an adaptor protein with established roles in the progression of both breast and pancreatic cancers. Through its C-terminal SH2 domain, Grb7 binds to phosphorylated tyrosine kinases to promote proliferative and migratory signaling. Here, we investigated the molecular basis for the specificity of a Grb7 SH2-domain targeted peptide inhibitor. We identified that arginine 462 in the BC loop is unique to Grb7 compared to Grb2, another SH2 domain bearing protein that shares the same consensus binding motif as Grb7. Using surface plasmon resonance we demonstrated that Grb7-SH2 binding to G7-18NATE is reduced 3.3-fold when the arginine is mutated to the corresponding Grb2 amino acid. The reverse mutation in Grb2-SH2 (serine to arginine), however, was insufficient to restore binding of G7-18NATE to Grb2-SH2. Further, using a microarray, we confirmed that G7-18NATE is specific for Grb7 over a panel of 79 SH2 domains, and identified that leucine at the βD6 position may also be a requirement for Grb7-SH2 binding. This study provides insight into the specificity defining features of Grb7 for the inhibitor molecule G7-18NATE, that will assist in the development of improved Grb7 targeted inhibitors.

Genes co-amplified with ERBB2 or MET as novel potential cancer-promoting genes in gastric cancer

Gastric cancer (GC), one of the most common cancers worldwide, has a high mortality rate due to limited treatment options. Identifying novel and promising molecular targets is a major challenge that must be overcome if treatment of advanced GC is to be successful. Here, we used comparative genomic hybridization and gene expression microarrays to examine genome-wide DNA copy number alterations (CNAs) and global gene expression in 38 GC samples from old and young patients. We identified frequent CNAs, which included copy number gains on chromosomes 3q, 7p, 8q, 20p, and 20q and copy number losses on chromosomes 19p and 21p. The most frequently gained region was 7p21.1 (55%), whereas the most frequently deleted region was 21p11.1 (50%). Recurrent highly amplified regions 17q12 and 7q31.1-7q31.31 harbored two well-known oncogenes: ERBB2 and MET. Correlation analysis of CNAs and gene expression levels identified CAPZA2 (co-amplified with MET) and genes GRB7, MIEN1, PGAP3, and STARD3 (co-amplified with ERBB2) as potential candidate cancer-promoting genes (CPGs). Public dataset analysis confirmed co-amplification of these genes with MET or ERBB2 in GC tissue samples, and revealed that high expression (except for PGAP3) was significantly associated with shorter overall survival. Knockdown of these genes using small interfering RNA led to significant suppression of GC cell proliferation and migration. Reduced GC cell proliferation mediated by CAPZA2 knockdown was attributable to attenuated cell cycle progression and increased apoptosis. This study identified novel candidate CPGs co-amplified with MET or ERBB2, and suggests that they play a functional role in GC.

Shortened Penetratin Cell-Penetrating Peptide Is Insufficient for Cytosolic Delivery of a Grb7 Targeting Peptide

Delivery across the cell membrane is of critical importance for the development of therapeutics targeting intracellular proteins. The use of cell-penetrating peptides (CPPs), such as Penetratin (P16), has facilitated the delivery of otherwise cell-impermeable molecules allowing them to carry out their biological function. A truncated form of Penetratin (RRMKWKK) has been previously described as the minimal Penetratin sequence that is required for translocation across the cell membrane. Here, we performed a detailed comparison of cellular uptake by Penetratin (P16) and the truncated Penetratin peptide (P7), including their ability to deliver G7-18NATE, a cyclic peptide targeting the cytosolic cancer target Grb7-adapter protein into cells. We identified that both P16 and P7 were internalized by cells to comparable levels; however, only P16 was effective in delivering G7-18NATE to produce a biological response. Live-cell imaging of fluorescein isothiocyanate-labeled peptides suggested that while P7 may be taken up into cells, it does not gain access to the cytosolic compartment. Thus, this study has identified that the P7 peptide is a poor CPP for the delivery of G7-18NATE and may also be insufficient for the intracellular delivery of other bioactive molecules.

Design and testing of bicyclic inhibitors of Grb7--are two cycles better than one?

Grb7 is an adapter protein involved in the propagation of signals in cancer cell migration and proliferation, and is thus a target for the development of novel anti-cancer agents. An 11-residue thioether-cyclized peptide known as G7-18NATE has previously been developed, that inhibits Grb7 via specific interactions with its SH2 domain with micromolar affinity. Here we explore whether the peptide binding is enhanced by the addition of a second linkage designed to restrain the peptide in its bound conformation and thus reduce the entropic loss upon binding. The use of an O-ally ser covalent linkage between residue positions 1 and 8 successfully enhanced the affinity, and ITC showed that the entropic loss was reduced. A peptide with thioether-cyclization exchanged for an amide linkage showed reduce affinity, though the formation of a disulfide bond between positions 1 and 8 in this peptide enhanced its binding. This study paves the way for improving the G7-18NATE scaffold for second generation inhibitors of Grb7.

Grb7 and Hax1 may colocalize partially to mitochondria in EGF-treated SKBR3 cells and their interaction can affect Caspase3 cleavage of Hax1

Growth factor receptor bound protein 7 (Grb7) is a signal-transducing adaptor protein that mediates specific protein-protein interactions in multiple signaling pathways. Grb7, with Grb10 and Grb14, is members of the Grb7 protein family. The topology of the Grb7 family members contains several protein-binding domains that facilitate the formation of protein complexes, and high signal transduction efficiency. Grb7 has been found overexpressed in several types of cancers and cancer cell lines and is presumed involved in cancer progression through promotion of cell proliferation and migration via interactions with the erythroblastosis oncogene B 2 (human epidermal growth factor receptor 2) receptor, focal adhesion kinase, Ras-GTPases, and other signaling partners. We previously reported Grb7 binds to Hax1 (HS1 associated protein X1) isoform 1, an anti-apoptotic protein also involved in cell proliferation and calcium homeostasis. In this study, we confirm that the in vitro Grb7/Hax1 interaction is exclusive to these two proteins and their interaction does not depend on Grb7 dimerization state. In addition, we report Grb7 and Hax1 isoform 1 may colocalize partially to mitochondria in epidermal growth factor-treated SKBR3 cells and growth conditions can affect this colocalization. Moreover, Grb7 can affect Caspase3 cleavage of Hax1 isoform 1 in vitro, and Grb7 expression may slow Caspase3 cleavage of Hax1 isoform 1 in apoptotic HeLa cells. Finally, Grb7 is shown to increase cell viability in apoptotic HeLa cells in a time-dependent manner. Taken together, these discoveries provide clues for the role of a Grb7/Hax1 protein interaction in apoptosis pathways involving Hax1. Copyright © 2016 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.

Targeting SH2 domains in breast cancer

Breast cancer is among the most commonly diagnosed cancer types in women worldwide and is the second leading cause of cancer-related disease in the USA. SH2 domains recruit signaling proteins to phosphotyrosine residues on aberrantly activated growth factor and cytokine receptors and contribute to cancer cell cycling, metastasis, angiogenesis and so on. Herein we review phosphopeptide mimetic and small-molecule approaches targeting the SH2 domains of Grb2, Grb7 and STAT3 that inhibit their targets and reduce proliferation in in vitro breast cancer models. Only STAT3 inhibitors have been evaluated in in vivo models and have led to tumor reduction. Taken together, these studies suggest that targeting SH2 domains is an important approach to the treatment of breast cancer.

The fate of chemoresistance in triple negative breast cancer (TNBC)

BACKGROUND

Treatment options for women presenting with triple negative breast cancer (TNBC) are limited due to the lack of a therapeutic target and as a result, are managed with standard chemotherapy such as paclitaxel (Taxol®). Following chemotherapy, the ideal tumour response is apoptotic cell death. Post-chemotherapy, cells can maintain viability by undergoing viable cellular responses such as cellular senescence, generating secretomes which can directly enhance the malignant phenotype.

SCOPE OF REVIEW

How tumour cells retain viability in response to chemotherapeutic engagement is discussed. In addition we discuss the implications of this retained tumour cell viability in the context of the development of recurrent and metastatic TNBC disease. Current adjuvant and neo-adjuvant treatments available and the novel potential therapies that are being researched are also reviewed.

MAJOR CONCLUSIONS

Cellular senescence and cytoprotective autophagy are potential mechanisms of chemoresistance in TNBC. These two non-apoptotic outcomes in response to chemotherapy are inextricably linked and are neglected outcomes of investigation in the chemotherapeutic arena. Cellular fate assessments may therefore have the potential to predict TNBC patient outcome.

GENERAL SIGNIFICANCE

Focusing on the fact that cancer cells can bypass the desired cellular apoptotic response to chemotherapy through cellular senescence and cytoprotective autophagy will highlight the importance of targeting non-apoptotic survival pathways to enhance chemotherapeutic efficacy.

Validation of analytical breast cancer microarray analysis in medical laboratory

A previously reported microarray data analysis by RISS algorithm on breast cancer showed over-expression of the growth factor receptor (Grb7) and it also highlighted Tweety (TTYH1) gene to be under expressed in breast cancer for the first time. Our aim was to validate the results obtained from the microarray analysis with respect to these genes. Also, the relationship between their expression and the different prognostic indicators was addressed. RNA was extracted from the breast tissue of 30 patients with primary malignant breast cancer. Control samples from the same patients were harvested at a distance of ≥5 cm from the tumour. Semi-quantitative RT-PCR analysis was done on all samples. There was a significant difference between the malignant and control tissues as regards Grb7 expression. It was significantly related to the presence of lymph node metastasis, stage and histological grade of the malignant tumours. There was a significant inverse relation between expression of Grb7 and expression of both oestrogen and progesterone receptors. Grb7 was found to be significantly related to the biological classification of breast cancer. TTYH1 was not expressed in either the malignant or the control samples. The RISS by our group algorithm developed was laboratory validated for Grb7, but not for TTYH1. The newly developed software tool needs to be improved.

Preparation of crystals for characterizing the Grb7 SH2 domain before and after complex formation with a bicyclic peptide antagonist

Human growth factor receptor-bound protein 7 (Grb7) is an adapter protein involved in cell growth, migration and proliferation. It is now recognized that Grb7 is an emerging therapeutic target in specific cancer subtypes. Recently, the discovery of a bicyclic peptide inhibitor that targets the Grb7 SH2 domain, named G7-B1, was reported. In an attempt to probe the foundation of its interaction with Grb7, the crystallization and preliminary data collection of both the apo and G7-B1-bound forms of the Grb7 SH2 domain are reported here. Diffraction-quality crystals were obtained using the hanging-drop vapour-diffusion method. After several rounds of microseeding, crystals of the apo Grb7 SH2 domain were obtained that diffracted to 1.8 Å resolution, while those of the G7-B1-Grb7 SH2 domain complex diffracted to 2.2 Å resolution. The apo Grb7 SH2 domain crystallized in the trigonal space group P63, whereas the G7-B1-Grb7 SH2 domain complex crystallized in the monoclinic space group P21. The experimental aspects of crystallization, crystal optimization and data collection and the preliminary data are reported.

Another review on triple negative breast cancer. Are we on the right way towards the exit from the labyrinth?

Triple negative breast cancer is a heterogeneous group of tumors, lacking the expression of estrogen, progesterone and HER-2 receptors. As frequency, it accounts about 15-20% of all breast cancers. Although in the last years there was a "boom" in publishing over this issue, multiple molecular classifications being elaborated, "the triple negative breast cancer odyssey " is still far away from ending, as the complicated molecular pathways of pathogenesis and drug resistance mechanisms remain yet insufficiently explored. The aim of this review is presentation of molecular signatures that could predict outcome and drug resistance in triple negative breast cancer.

HER-2 gene amplification in human breast cancer without concurrent HER-2 over-expression

BACKGROUND

Testing for human epidermal growth factor receptor-2 (HER-2) in breast cancer is performed by either immunohistochemistry (IHC) or in situ hybridization (ISH). The growth factor receptor-bound protein-7 (GRB7) gene is in close proximity to HER-2 on chromosome 17q11-12 and codes a signal transduction molecule shown to be an independent adverse marker in breast cancer.

METHODS

HER-2 and GRB7 protein expression from 613 frozen breast tumors was determined by Western analysis. HER-2 protein results were confirmed with IHC. Commercial HER-2 FISH was performed on a subset of tumors with multi-probe FISH used to assess the extent of HER-2 gene amplification. mRNA expression was determined by Multi-plex RT-PCR.

RESULTS

Seven tumors with GRB7 protein over-expression scored HER-2 FISH amplified but had no HER-2 protein over-expression. Four of the 7 tumors showed elevated GRB7 but not HER-2 mRNA over-expression. The breast cancer cell line HCC3153 did not over-express HER-2 protein but showed HER-2 FISH amplification of a limited segment around the HER-2 gene. Ten breast cancer tumors from the TCGA database had gene copy number increases around HER-2 without HER-2 mRNA or protein over-expression.

CONCLUSIONS

A subset of human breast cancers that test positive with FISH for HER-2 gene amplification do not over-express HER-2 protein. One mechanism for this discordance is the incomplete amplification of the smallest HER-2 region of chromosome 17q11-12, which includes GRB7. HER-2 gene amplification without protein over-expression is clinically significant because patients with such tumors are unlikely to benefit from HER-2 targeted therapy.

Exploring novel targets of basal-like breast carcinoma by comparative gene profiling and mechanism analysis

The heterogeneity of breast cancer makes its diagnosis and treatment far from being optimal. Analysis of traditional pathological and prognostic markers based on immunohistochemistry (IHC) is inadequate in elucidating the inherent heterogeneity of breast cancer, especially basal-like breast carcinoma (BLBC) which displays complex and unique epidemiological, phenotypic, and molecular features with distinctive relapse patterns and poor clinical outcomes. Gene expression profiling opened an avenue in research as independent predictors by classifying breast cancers into discrete groups with prognostic references, but it is not cost-effective in clinical application. It is necessary to develop an effective predictive gene list from gene profiling to optimize the treatment with traditional markers. In this report, we analyzed the correlation between IHC and gene profiling of breast cancer with an emphasis on the BLBC, highlighting the potential discovery of diagnostic markers and cellular mechanisms that may guide the development of BLBC-targeted therapy. Random forest-based classification and PAM50 gene-sets were used in the comparison analysis of traditional prognostic markers including estrogen receptor (ER), progesterone receptor (PR), human epidermal growth factor receptor 2 (HER2), and microarray profiles. An intrinsic 40-gene set was developed to classify breast cancer subtypes, and genes expression differentiations were used to explore the different mechanisms between the BLBC and non-BLBC subtypes based on the comparison of clinicopathological markers and microarray profiling. Pathways and DNA repairs were analyzed to evaluate the biological mechanisms in BLBC and other breast cancer subtypes. It is reasonable to define BLBC as those tumors that are negative for ER, PR, and HER2 by IHC for their accordance with gene expression profiles. Focal adhesion kinase, ERBB, and their signaling pathways may play crucial role in BLBC. The intrinsic 40-gene set can be used to classify breast cancer and help to optimize therapeutic management of BLBC.

BTG2 inhibits the proliferation, invasion, and apoptosis of MDA-MB-231 triple-negative breast cancer cells

The purposes of this study were to investigate the effects of B cell translocation gene 2 (BTG2) on the proliferation, apoptosis, and invasion of triple-negative breast cancer and to provide an experimental basis for the future treatment of human triple-negative breast cancer. A pcDNA3.1-BTG2 eukaryotic expression vector was constructed and transfected into the MDA-MB-231 human triple-negative breast cancer cell line using lipofection. Then, relevant changes in the biological characteristics of the BTG2-expressing cell line were analyzed using MTT (tetrazolium blue), flow cytometry, and Transwell invasion chamber assays. Additionally, the effects of BTG2 expression on cyclin D1, caspase 3, and matrix metalloproteinases 1/2 (MMP-1/-2) expression were analyzed. Cell proliferation was significantly lower in the pcDNA3.1-BTG2-transfected group compared to the empty vector and blank control groups (p<0.05). There was no significant difference between the empty vector and blank control groups. FCM results demonstrated that there were significantly more cells in the G1 phase of the cell cycle and fewer S phase cells in the pcDNA3.1-BTG2 group than in the empty vector and blank control groups (p<0.05). Additionally, the proportion of cells that migrated across the membrane was significantly lower in the pcDNA3.1-BTG2 group than in the empty vector and blank control groups (p<0.05). Cyclin D1 and MMP-1/-2 expression were significantly lower in MDA-MB-231 cells transfected with pcDNA3.1-BTG2 as compared to the empty vector and blank control groups (p<0.05). Caspase 3 expression was significantly higher in MDA-MB-231 cells from the pcDNA3.1-BTG2 group compared to the empty vector and blank control groups (p<0.05). In conclusion, BTG2 may inhibit MDA-MB-231 proliferation and promote apoptosis. Additionally, BTG2 may also inhibit the invasion of MDA-MB-231 human triple-negative breast cancer cells.

Targeting GRB7/ERK/FOXM1 signaling pathway impairs aggressiveness of ovarian cancer cells

Ovarian cancer is a highly lethal disease with poor prognosis and especially in high-grade tumor. Emerging evidence has reported that aberrant upregulation and activation of GRB7, ERK as well as FOXM1 are closely associated with aggresivenesss of human cancers. However, the interplay between these factors in the pathogenesis of human cancers still remains unclear. In this study, we found that GRB7 (P<0.0001), ERK phosphorylation (P<0.0001) and FOXM1 (P = 0.001) were frequently increased and associated with high-grade tumors, as well as a high tendency in association with advanced stage ovarian cancer by immunohistochemical analysis. Intriguingly, the expressions of GRB7 (P<0.0001), ERK phosphorylation (P<0.001) and FOXM1 (P<0.001) showed a significant stepwise increase pattern along Grade 1 to Grade 3 ovarian cancers. Biochemical studies using western blot analysis demonstrated that enforced expression or knockdown of GRB7 showed GRB7 could elevate the levels of ERK phosphorylation and FOXM1, whereas enforced expression of FOXM1 could not alter levels of GRB7 and ERK phosphorylation. But inhibition of ERK signaling by U0126 or PD98059 could reduce the level of FOXM1 in GRB7-overexpressing ovarian cancer cells, suggesting that GRB7, ERK and FOXM1 are regulated orderly. Moreover, inhibition of ERK activity by U0126 or PD98059, or decreased FOXM1 expression by Thiostrepton significantly inhibited cell migration/invasion, tumor growth in vitro and in vivo. Collectively, our findings confer that targeting GRB7/ERK/FOXM1 signaling cascade may be a promising molecular therapeutic choice in combating ovarian cancer.

Molecular profiles of pre- and postoperative breast cancer tumours reveal differentially expressed genes

Gene expression studies on breast cancer have generally been performed on tissue obtained at the time of surgery. In this study, we have compared the gene expression profiles in preoperative tissue (core needle biopsies) while tumor is still in its normal milieu to postoperative tissue from the same tumor obtained during surgery. Thirteen patients were included of which eleven had undergone sentinel node diagnosis procedure before operation. Microarray gene expression analysis was performed using total RNA from all the samples. Paired significance analysis of microarrays revealed 228 differently expressed genes, including several early response stress-related genes such as members of the fos and jun families as well as genes of which the expression has previously been associated with cancer. The expression profiles found in the analyses of breast cancer tissue must be evaluated with caution. Different profiles may simply be the result of differences in the surgical trauma and timing of when samples are taken and not necessarily associated with tumor biology.

FAM83A confers EGFR-TKI resistance in breast cancer cells and in mice

Breast cancers commonly become resistant to EGFR-tyrosine kinase inhibitors (EGFR-TKIs); however, the mechanisms of this resistance remain largely unknown. We hypothesized that resistance may originate, at least in part, from molecular alterations that activate signaling downstream of EGFR. Using a screen to measure reversion of malignant cells into phenotypically nonmalignant cells in 3D gels, we identified FAM83A as a candidate cancer-associated gene capable of conferring resistance to EGFR-TKIs. FAM83A overexpression in cancer cells increased proliferation and invasion and imparted EGFR-TKI resistance both in cultured cells and in animals. Tumor cells that survived EGFR-TKI treatment in vivo had upregulated FAM83A levels. Additionally, FAM83A overexpression dramatically increased the number and size of transformed foci in cultured cells and anchorage-independent growth in soft agar. Conversely, FAM83A depletion in cancer cells caused reversion of the malignant phenotype, delayed tumor growth in mice, and rendered cells more sensitive to EGFR-TKI. Analyses of published clinical data revealed a correlation between high FAM83A expression and breast cancer patients' poor prognosis. We found that FAM83A interacted with and caused phosphorylation of c-RAF and PI3K p85, upstream of MAPK and downstream of EGFR. These data provide an additional mechanism by which tumor cells can become EGFR-TKI resistant.

BreastDefend™ prevents breast-to-lung cancer metastases in an orthotopic animal model of triple-negative human breast cancer

We have recently demonstrated that a natural dietary supplement BreastDefend (BD), which contains extracts from medicinal mushrooms (Coriolus versicolor, Ganoderma lucidum, Phellinus linteus), medicinal herbs (Scutellaria barbata, Astragalus membranaceus, Curcuma longa), and purified biologically active nutritional compounds (diindolylmethane and quercetin), inhibits proliferation and metastatic behavior of MDA-MB-231 invasive human breast cancer cells in vitro. In the present study, we evaluated whether BD suppresses growth and breast-to lung cancer metastasis in an orthotopic model of human breast cancer cells implanted in mice. Oral application of BD (100 mg/kg of body weight for 4 weeks) by intragastric gavage did not affect body weight or activity of liver enzymes and did not show any sign of toxicity in liver, spleen, kidney, lung and heart tissues in mice. Moreover, BD significantly decreased the change in tumor volume over time compared to the control group (p=0.002). BD treatment also markedly decreased the incidence of breast-to-lung cancer metastasis from 67% (control) to 20% (BD) (p<0.05) and the number of metastases from 2.8 (0.0, 48.0) in the control group to 0.0 (0.0, 14.2) in the BD treatment group (p<0.05). Finally, anti-metastatic activity of BD in vivo was further confirmed by the downregulation of expression of PLAU (urokinase plasminogen activator, uPA) and CXCR4 (C-X-C chemokine receptor-4) genes in breast tumors. In conclusion, BD may be considered as a biological therapeutic agent against invasive breast cancers.

The effects of RKIP gene expression on the biological characteristics of human triple-negative breast cancer cells in vitro

The purpose of this study was to investigate the effect of Raf kinase inhibitor protein (RKIP) on the growth, proliferation, invasion and metastasis of triple-negative breast cancer (TNBC) cells to provide experimental evidence for developing future therapies against human TNBC. The pcDNA3.1-RKIP eukaryotic expression vector was constructed and transfected into the TNBC cell line MDA-MB-231. The alterations of the biological characteristics of RKIP-transfected MDA-MB-231 cells were analyzed using the following approaches: a growth curve, a 3-(4,5-dimethylthiazol-2-Yl)-2,5-diphenyltetrazolium bromide (MTT) assay, bromodeoxyuridine (BrdU) staining and a cell migration assay. The effects of the RKIP gene on MMP-1 and MMP-2 expression were also examined. The pcDNA3.1 empty vector-transfected and mock-transfected MDA-MB-231 cells were used as control groups. Compared with the empty vector-transfected and mock-transfected cells, the cell growth of RKIP-transfected MDA-MB-231 cells was significantly reduced. The empty vector-transfected group was not significantly different compared with the mock-transfected MDA-MB-231 cells. The results of the MTT and BrdU assays demonstrated that the proliferation of pcDNA3.1-RKIP-transfected cells was significantly reduced compared to the control cells (P < 0.05). The result of the cell migration assay suggested that the cross-membrane migration rate of the pcDNA3.1-RKIP-transfected cells was significantly lower than that of the control MDA-MB-231 cells (P < 0.05). We also demonstrated that RKIP may inhibit MMP-1 and MMP-2 expression in MDA-MB-231 cells. The RKIP gene may play a role in inhibiting cellular proliferation. The RKIP gene may also have some inhibitory effects on the invasiveness and metastatic capability of human TNBC cells.

Relationship between quantitative GRB7 RNA expression and recurrence after adjuvant anthracycline chemotherapy in triple-negative breast cancer

PURPOSE

To conduct an exploratory analysis of the relationship between gene expression and recurrence in patients with operable triple-negative breast cancer (TNBC) treated with adjuvant doxorubicin-containing chemotherapy.

EXPERIMENTAL DESIGN

RNA was extracted from archived tumor samples derived from 246 patients with stage I-III TNBC treated with adjuvant doxorubicin-containing chemotherapy, and was analyzed by quantitative reverse transcriptase PCR for a panel of 374 genes. The relationship between gene expression and recurrence was evaluated using weighted Cox proportional hazards model score tests.

RESULTS

Growth factor receptor bound protein 7 (GRB7) was the only gene for which higher expression was significantly associated with increased recurrence in TNBC (Korn's adjusted P value = 0.04). In a Cox proportional hazards model adjusted for clinicopathologic features, higher GRB7 expression was associated with an increased recurrence risk (HR = 2.31; P = 0.04 using the median as the split). The 5-year recurrence rates were 10.5% [95% confidence intervals (CI), 7.8-14.1] in the low and 20.4% (95% CI, 16.5-25.0) in the high GRB7 groups. External validation in other datasets indicated that GRB7 expression was not prognostic in two adjuvant trials including variable systemic therapy, but in two other trials showed that high GBR7 expression was associated with resistance to neoadjuvant doxorubicin and taxane therapy.

CONCLUSIONS

GRB7 was associated with an increased risk of recurrence in TNBC, suggesting that GRB7 or GRB7-dependent pathways may serve as potential biomarkers for therapeutic targets. Therapeutic targeting of one or more factors identified which function as interaction nodes or effectors should also be considered.