Epithelial to mesenchymal transition inducing transcription factors and metastatic cancer

Prognostic significance of cancer-associated fibroblasts and tumor-associated macrophages in the tongue squamous cell carcinoma and their correlation with tumor budding

BACKGROUND

Oral squamous cell carcinoma (OSCC) is the most prevalent malignancy of the oral cavity and is characterized by a high propensity for invasion and a poor prognosis. Recent studies have highlighted the critical roles of cancer-associated fibroblasts (CAFs) and tumor-associated macrophages (TAMs) in tumor progression, particularly within the tumor microenvironment (TME).

OBJECTIVE

This study aimed to investigate the correlation between CAFs, TAMs, and tumor budding in tongue squamous cell carcinoma (TSCC), and evaluate their impact on prognostic factors.

METHODS

A total of 88 cases of surgically resected TSCC were analyzed. Immunohistochemical staining was performed using markers of CAFs (fibroblast activation protein, FAP) and TAMs (CD163). The correlation between CAF and TAM scores, tumor budding, and various clinicopathological factors was assessed. TAM scores were evaluated for the number of TAMs in the intratumoral areas (TAM-t) and the invasive front (TAM-fr). CAF scores were evaluated for cancer cells in the intratumoral area (cCAF-t), stromal cells in the intratumoral area (sCAF-t), stromal cells in the invasive front (sCAF-fr), and the infiltration pattern of CAF (IPC).

RESULTS

The IPC score was significantly associated with the tumor budding scores (p < 0.001) and poor DFS (p < 0.01). In the multivariate analysis, cCAF-t, sCAF-t, and IPC scores emerged as independent prognostic factors (p < 0.05) for early-stage TSCC. CAFs may play a pivotal role in tumor invasion.

CONCLUSION

These findings indicate that CAFs significantly influence the invasive characteristics of TSCC and are correlated with tumor budding and a poor prognosis. These results underscore the potential of targeting CAFs as a therapeutic strategy for improving OSCC outcome.

Current understanding of PEAK family members in regulation of cellular signaling pathways and cancer therapy

Cancer evades therapy by multiple mechanisms, leading to uncontrolled cell growth and metastasis. Targeted therapies have shown promise in treating cancer by focusing on pathways within cancer cells. The PEAK family, comprising PEAK1 (SgK269), PEAK2 (SgK223/Pragmin), and the latest addition, PEAK3 (C19orf35), plays a crucial role in modulating cellular processes. Dysregulation and hyperactivity of these proteins, through overexpression or mutations, are associated with a wide range of cancers. This review delves into the different roles of the PEAK family members in regulating cell signaling pathways and highlights their potential in cancer therapy.

Basic mechanism of mobilizing cell movement during invasion of glioblastoma and target selection of targeted therapy

BACKGROUND

Glioblastoma (GBM), also known as glioblastoma multiforme, is a rapidly growing and highly invasive malignant tumor. Due to the inability to clearly distinguish between glioblastoma and normal tissue, surgery cannot achieve safe resection, often leading to poor patient prognosis and inevitable tumor recurrence. According to previous studies, GBM invasion is related to intercellular adhesion, matrix degradation, extracellular matrix and its related adhesion molecules, as well as the molecular matrix of protein hydrolases in the microenvironment of GBM cells and stromal cells.

AIM OF REVIEW

The aim is to enhance our understanding of the molecular mechanisms underlying GBM invasion and to advance research on targeted therapies for inhibiting GBM invasion.

KEY SCIENTIFIC CONCEPTS OF REVIEW

This article describes the protein hydrolases that may affect GBM cell invasion, changes in the cytoskeleton during motility, and the regulatory mechanisms of intracellular signaling pathways in GBM invasion. In addition, we also explored the possibility of targeted therapy against invasion related molecules in GBM.

Study on the regulatory mechanism of luteolin inhibiting WDR72 on the proliferation and metastasis of non small cell lung cancer

Non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) is a major cause of cancer-related mortality worldwide. Understanding molecular mechanisms and identifying potential therapeutic targets are crucial for improving treatment outcomes. This study aims to explore the effect of luteolin on NSCLC progression by regulating WDR72 and to investigate the related molecular mechanisms using cellular and animal models. The study employed a comprehensive set of experiments to evaluate the impact of luteolin and WDR72 on NSCLC cell proliferation and metastasis. Techniques included the CCK- 8 assay, colony formation assay, scratch test, and Transwell assay. Molecular docking experiments were performed to validate the binding interaction between luteolin and WDR72. Experimental groups included OE-WDR72, OE-WDR72 + Luteolin, Control, Control + Luteolin, and sh-WDR72. Western blot analysis was used to examine protein expression related to apoptosis, epithelial-mesenchymal transition (EMT), AKT signaling, and other markers. Additionally, a nude mouse subcutaneous tumor model was established to assess the in vivo tumor-forming ability of NSCLC cells under different treatments. Luteolin significantly inhibited the proliferation, invasion, and migration of NSCLC cell lines (H1299 and A549) and reduced tumor formation in nude mice. Molecular docking demonstrated strong binding affinity between luteolin and WDR72. Overexpression of WDR72 promoted NSCLC cell proliferation and migration, while WDR72 silencing showed the opposite effects. Western blot analysis revealed that WDR72 overexpression increased phosphorylated AKT and Bcl- 2 levels while decreasing caspase- 3. In contrast, silencing WDR72 reduced these protein levels. Luteolin treatment in WDR72-overexpressing cells resulted in decreased phosphorylated AKT, increased apoptosis, and suppressed EMT. Tumor transplantation experiments indicated that tumors in the OE-WDR72 group exhibited the fastest growth, while the sh-WDR72 group showed the slowest growth. Luteolin treatment significantly reduced WDR72 expression, suggesting a regulatory role in NSCLC progression. Luteolin effectively inhibits EMT, invasion, and migration of NSCLC cells by modulating WDR72. WDR72 plays a pivotal role in stimulating the proliferation and metastasis of NSCLC cells. By downregulating WDR72, luteolin suppresses NSCLC progression, potentially through modulation of the PI3 K/AKT/EMT signaling pathway. These findings highlight luteolin as a promising therapeutic agent for NSCLC treatment.

Molecular mechanisms of mTOR-mediated cisplatin response in tumor cells

Cisplatin (CDDP) is one of the main chemotherapeutic drugs that is widely used in many cancers. However, CDDP resistance is a frequent therapeutic challenge that reduces prognosis in cancer patients. Since, CDDP has noticeable side effects in normal tissues and organs, it is necessary to assess the molecular mechanisms associated with CDDP resistance to improve the therapeutic methods in cancer patients. Drug efflux, detoxifying systems, DNA repair mechanisms, and drug-induced apoptosis are involved in multidrug resistance in CDDP-resistant tumor cells. Mammalian target of rapamycin (mTOR), as a serine/threonine kinase has a pivotal role in various cellular mechanisms such as autophagy, metabolism, drug efflux, and cell proliferation. Although, mTOR is mainly activated by PI3K/AKT pathway, it can also be regulated by many other signaling pathways. PI3K/Akt/mTOR axis functions as a key modulator of drug resistance and unfavorable prognosis in different cancers. Regarding, the pivotal role of mTOR in CDDP response, in the present review we discussed the molecular mechanisms that regulate mTOR mediated CDDP response in tumor cells.

Cancer Cell-Selective Inhibition of Migration by Styrenic Catiomer Emulsions

Cancer metastasis remains the most formidable cause of mortality and morbidity in cancer patients. Developing an effective and economical method toward cancer antimetastatic strategy demands immediate attention in anticancer therapy. Herein, we followed a cost-effective greener method for preparing a small family of amphiphilic catiomers with varied styrene content (45, 63, and 83%), which revealed the unique potential of promoting normal cell migration while retarding cancer metastasis. The styrenic polymers formed micellar self-assembly in aqueous phase and exhibited a cationic charge. Polymers were quite nontoxic up to 200 μg/mL concentration toward human embryonic kidney cell HEK293 as well as human, triple negative breast cancer cell MDAMB-231, mouse melanoma cell B16F10, and human oral squamous carcinoma cell FaDu. Confocal imaging and fluorescence activated cell sorting (FACS) showed effective incorporation of polymers within cells. Interestingly, the polymer-treated HEK293 cells underwent prominent wound healing in scratch assay. However, the as-synthesized polymer-treated cancer cells resisted migration as analyzed from the scratch assay. A mechanistic study using immunoblotting assay established upregulation of migratory proteins vimentin and TGF-β and downregulation of E-cadherin in normal HEK293 cells. Remarkably, this trend was completely reversed in cancer cell MDAMB-231. This study describes the extraordinary potential of styrenic catiomers as wound healers for normal cells while inhibiting cancer metastasis.

Vitexicarpin suppresses malignant progression of colorectal cancer through affecting c-Myc ubiquitination by targeting IMPDH2

BACKGROUND

Colorectal cancer (CRC) is the second most common cause of cancer-related mortality and is characterised by extensive invasive and metastatic potential. Previous studies have shown that vitexicarpin extracted from the fruits of Vitex rotundifolia can impede tumour progression. However, the molecular mechanisms involved in CRC treatment are still not fully established.

PURPOSE

Our study aimed to investigate the anticancer activity, targets, and molecular mechanisms of vitexicarpin in CRC hoping to provide novel therapies for patients with CRC.

STUDY DESIGN/METHODS

The impact of vitexicarpin on CRC was assessed through various experiments including MTT, clone formation, EDU, cell cycle, and apoptosis assays, as well as a tumour xenograft model. CETSA, label-free quantitative proteomics, and Biacore were used to identify the vitexicarpin targets. WB, Co-IP, Ubiquitination assay, IF, molecular docking, MST, and cell transfection were used to investigate the mechanism of action of vitexicarpin in CRC cells. Furthermore, we analysed the expression patterns and correlation of target proteins in TCGA and GEPIA datasets and clinical samples. Finally, wound healing, Transwell, tail vein injection model, and tissue section staining were used to demonstrate the antimetastatic effect of vitexicarpin on CRC in vitro and in vivo.

RESULTS

Our findings demonstrated that vitexicarpin exhibits anticancer activity by directly binding to inosine monophosphate dehydrogenase 2 (IMPDH2) and that it promotes c-Myc ubiquitination by disrupting the interaction between IMPDH2 and c-Myc, leading to epithelial-mesenchymal transition (EMT) inhibition. Vitexicarpin hinders the migration and invasion of CRC cells by reversing EMT both in vitro and in vivo. Additionally, these results were validated by the overexpression and knockdown of IMPDH2 in CRC cells.

CONCLUSION

These results demonstrated that vitexicarpin regulates the interaction between IMPDH2 and c-Myc to inhibit CRC proliferation and metastasis both in vitro and in vivo. These discoveries introduce potential molecular targets for CRC treatment and shed light on new mechanisms for c-Myc regulation in tumours.

Exploring the uncharted seas: Metabolite profiling unleashes the anticancer properties of Oscillatoria salina

Marine cyanobacteria offer a rich source of varied natural products with both chemical and biological diversity. Oscillatoria salina (O. salina) is a filamentous non-heterocystous marine cyanobacterium from Oscillatoriaceae family. In this investigation, we have unveiled bioactive extracts from O. salina using two distinct solvent systems, revealing significant anticancer properties. Our assessment of the organic and aqueous extracts (MCE and AE) of O. salina demonstrated pronounced antiproliferative and antimetastatic effects. Notably, this study is the first to elucidate the anticancer and anti-metastatic potential of O. salina extracts in both 2D and 3D cell culture models. Both MCE and AE induced apoptosis, hindered cell proliferation, invasion, and migration in A549 non-small cell lung cancer cells, accompanied by alterations in cell morphology and cytoskeleton collapse. Moreover, MCE and AE induced spheroid disintegration in A549 cells. Transcriptomics analysis highlighted the significant involvement of Rap1 and p53 signaling pathways in mediating the observed antitumor effects. Mass spectroscopy characterization of these extracts identified 11 compounds, some known for their anticancer potential. HPLC analysis of AE revealed six peaks with UV absorption spectra resembling phycocyanin, a cyanobacterial pigment with well-known anticancer activity. Collectively, these findings underscore the anticancer potential of MCE and AE, containing bioactive metabolites with anticancer and antimetastatic properties.

Integrating single-cell and spatial analysis reveals MUC1-mediated cellular crosstalk in mucinous colorectal adenocarcinoma

BACKGROUND

Mucinous colorectal adenocarcinoma (MCA) is a distinct subtype of colorectal cancer (CRC) with the most aggressive pattern, but effective treatment of MCA remains a challenge due to its vague pathological characteristics. An in-depth understanding of transcriptional dynamics at the cellular level is critical for developing specialised MCA treatment strategies.

METHODS

We integrated single-cell RNA sequencing and spatial transcriptomics data to systematically profile the MCA tumor microenvironment (TME), particularly the interactome of stromal and immune cells. In addition, a three-dimensional bioprinting technique, canonical ex vivo co-culture system, and immunofluorescence staining were further applied to validate the cellular communication networks within the TME.

RESULTS

This study identified the crucial intercellular interactions that engaged in MCA pathogenesis. We found the increased infiltration of FGF7+/THBS1+ myofibroblasts in MCA tissues with decreased expression of genes associated with leukocyte-mediated immunity and T cell activation, suggesting a crucial role of these cells in regulating the immunosuppressive TME. In addition, MS4A4A+ macrophages that exhibit M2-phenotype were enriched in the tumoral niche and high expression of MS4A4A+ was associated with poor prognosis in the cohort data. The ligand-receptor-based intercellular communication analysis revealed the tight interaction of MUC1+ malignant cells and ZEB1+ endothelial cells, providing mechanistic information for MCA angiogenesis and molecular targets for subsequent translational applications.

CONCLUSIONS

Our study provides novel insights into communications among tumour cells with stromal and immune cells that are significantly enriched in the TME during MCA progression, presenting potential prognostic biomarkers and therapeutic strategies for MCA.

KEY POINTS

Tumour microenvironment profiling of MCA is developed. MUC1+ tumour cells interplay with FGF7+/THBS1+ myofibroblasts to promote MCA development. MS4A4A+ macrophages exhibit M2 phenotype in MCA. ZEB1+ endotheliocytes engage in EndMT process in MCA.

Overexpression of FERM Domain Containing Kindlin 2 (FERMT2) in Fibroblasts Correlates with EMT and Immunosuppression in Gastric Cancer

The mesenchymal feature, dominated by epithelial mesenchymal transition (EMT) and stromal cell activation, is one of the main reasons for the aggressive nature of tumors, yet it remains poorly understood. In gastric cancer (GC), the fermitin family homolog-2 (FERMT2) is involved in macrophage signaling, promoting migration and invasion. However, the function of FERMT2 in fibroblasts remains unclear. Here, we demonstrated that downregulation of FERMT2 expression can block EMT in GC cells by inhibiting fibroblast activation in vitro. Furthermore, we found that, in addition to the known pathways, fibroblast-derived FERMT2 promotes M2-like macrophage growth and that in human GC samples, there is a strong positive correlation between FERMT2 and CD163 and CD206 levels. Notably, high FERMT2 expression was significantly associated with poor clinical outcomes and was upregulated in patients with advanced disease. Taken together, our results provide evidence that the fibroblast-FERMT2-EMT-M2 macrophage axis plays a critical role in the GC mesenchymal phenotype and may be a promising target for the treatment of advanced GC.

Entero-toxigenic Bacteroides fragilis contributes to intestinal barrier injury and colorectal cancer progression by mediating the BFT/STAT3/ZEB2 pathway

Our previous findings confirmed the high enrichment of Bacteroides fragilis (BF) in fecal samples from patients with colorectal cancer (CRC). The intestinal mucosal barrier is the first defense of the organism against commensal flora and intestinal pathogens and is closely associated with the occurrence and development of CRC. Therefore, this study aimed to investigate the molecular mechanisms through which BF mediates intestinal barrier injury and CRC progression. SW480 cells and a Caco2 intestinal barrier model were treated with entero-toxigenic BF (ETBF), its enterotoxin (B. fragilis toxin, BFT), and non-toxigenic BF (NTBF). Cell counting kit-8, flow cytometry, wound healing and transwell assays were performed to analyze the proliferation, apoptosis, migration, and invasion of SW480 cells. Transmission electron microscopy, FITC-dextran, and transepithelial electrical resistance (TEER) were used to analyze damage in the Caco2 intestinal barrier model. The Azoxymethane/Dextran Sulfate Sodium (AOM/DSS) animal model was established to evaluate the effect of ETBF on intestinal barrier injury and CRC progression in vivo. ETBF and BFT enhanced the viability, wound healing ratio, invasion, and EMT of SW480 cells. In addition, ETBF and BFT disrupted the tight junctions and villus structure in the intestinal barrier model, resulting in increased permeability and reduced TEER. Similarly, the expression of intestinal barrier-related proteins (MUC2, Occludin and Zo-1) was restricted by ETBF and BFT. Interestingly, the STAT3/ZEB2 axis was activated by ETBF and BFT, and treatment with Brevilin A (a STAT3 inhibitor) or knockdown of ZEB2 limited the promotional effect of ETBF and BFT on the SW480 malignant phenotype. In vivo experiments also confirmed that ETBF colonization accelerated tumor load, carcinogenesis, and intestinal mucosal barrier damage in the colorectum of the AOM/DSS animal model, and that treatment with Brevilin A alleviated these processes. ETBF-secreted BFT accelerated intestinal barrier damage and CRC by activating the STAT3/ZEB2 axis. Our findings provide new insights and perspectives for the application of ETBF in CRC treatment.

Current landscape of miRNAs and TGF-β signaling in lung cancer progression and therapeutic targets

Lung cancer (LC) is the primary reason for cancer-associated fatalities globally. Due to both tumor-suppressing and tumor-promoting activities, the TGF-β family of growth factors is extremely essential to tumorigenesis. A non-coding single-stranded short RNA called microRNA (miRNA), which is made up of about 22 nt and is encoded by endogenous genes, can control normal and pathological pathways in various kinds of cancer, including LC. Recent research demonstrated that the TGF-β signaling directly can affect the synthesis of miRNAs through suppressor of mothers against decapentaplegic (SMAD)-dependent activity or other unidentified pathways, which could generate allostatic feedback as a result of TGF-β signaling stimulation and ultimately affect the destiny of cancer tissues. In this review, we emphasize the critical functions of miRNAs in lung cancer progression and, more critically, how they affect the TGF-β signaling pathway, and explore the role of both the TGF-β signaling pathway and miRNAs as potential therapeutic targets for improving the treatments of LC patients.

RPL34-Divergent Transcript, a Novel Long NonCoding Ribonucleic Acid, Promotes Migration by Activating Epithelial-Mesenchymal Transition in Glioma

OBJECTIVE

Glioma is one of the leading causes of death in patients with intracranial tumours. RPL34 divergent transcript (RPL34-DT) is a long non-coding ribonucleic acid that is significantly upregulated in glioma tissues. However, the role of RPL34-DT in glioma behavior remains to be elucidated. Therefore, in this study, we focused on the effect of RPL34-DT on the epithelial-mesenchymal transition in gliomas.

METHODS

Real-time quantitative reverse transcription polymerase chain reaction was used to detect the levels of RPL34-DT in glioma tissue and cell lines. We further used the LN229 and U251 glioma cell lines to assess the role of RPL34-DT. Wound healing and invasion assays were performed to determine the role of RPL34-DT in migration. Changes in protein levels were assessed by western blotting.

RESULTS

We found that RPL34-DT was upregulated in glioma tissues and glioma cell lines. Knockdown of RPL34-AS1 blocked migration of glioma cell. This effect occurred through a decrease of epithelial-mesenchymal transition and β-catenin.

CONCLUSIONS

This study suggests that RPL34-DT affects cell migration in glioma and therefore may serve as a valuable therapeutic target in patients with glioma.

PI3K/AKT signaling pathway as a critical regulator of epithelial-mesenchymal transition in colorectal tumor cells

Colorectal cancer (CRC) is one of the most frequent gastrointestinal malignancies that are considered as a global health challenge. Despite many progresses in therapeutic methods, there is still a high rate of mortality rate among CRC patients that is associated with poor prognosis and distant metastasis. Therefore, investigating the molecular mechanisms involved in CRC metastasis can improve the prognosis. Epithelial-mesenchymal transition (EMT) process is considered as one of the main molecular mechanisms involved in CRC metastasis, which can be regulated by various signaling pathways. PI3K/AKT signaling pathway has a key role in CRC cell proliferation and migration. In the present review, we discussed the role of PI3K/AKT pathway CRC metastasis through the regulation of the EMT process. It has been shown that PI3K/AKT pathway can induce the EMT process by down regulation of epithelial markers, while up regulation of mesenchymal markers and EMT-specific transcription factors that promote CRC metastasis. This review can be an effective step toward introducing the PI3K/AKT/EMT axis to predict prognosis as well as a therapeutic target among CRC patients. Video Abstract.

The ubiquitin-proteasome system in breast cancer

Ubiquitin-proteasome system (UPS) is a selective proteolytic system that is associated with the expression or function of target proteins and participates in various physiological and pathological processes of breast cancer. Inhibitors targeting the 26S proteasome in combination with other drugs have shown promising therapeutic effects in the clinical treatment of breast cancer. Moreover, several inhibitors/stimulators targeting other UPS components are also effective in preclinical studies, but have not yet been applied in the clinical treatment of breast cancer. Therefore, it is vital to comprehensively understand the functions of ubiquitination in breast cancer and to identify potential tumor promoters or tumor suppressors among UPS family members, with the aim of developing more effective and specific inhibitors/stimulators targeting specific components of this system.

A novel Chr1-miR-200 driven whole transcriptome signature shapes tumor immune microenvironment and predicts relapse in early-stage lung adenocarcinoma

BACKGROUND

In Lung adenocarcinoma (LUAD), targeted therapies and immunotherapies have moved from metastatic to early stage and stratification of the relapse risk becomes mandatory. Here we identified a miR-200 based RNA signature that delineates Epithelial-to-mesenchymal transition (EMT) heterogeneity and predicts survival beyond current classification systems.

METHODS

A miR-200 signature was identified using RNA sequencing. We scored the miR-200 signature by WISP (Weighted In Silico Pathology), used GSEA to identify pathway enrichments and MCP-counter to characterize immune cell infiltrates. We evaluate the clinical value of this signature in our series of LUAD and using TCGA and 7 published datasets.

RESULTS

We identified 3 clusters based on supervised classification: I is miR-200-sign-down and enriched in TP53 mutations IIA and IIB are miR-200-sign-up: IIA is enriched in EGFR (p < 0.001), IIB is enriched in KRAS mutation (p < 0.001). WISP stratified patients into miR-200-sign-down (n = 65) and miR-200-sign-up (n = 42). Several biological processes were enriched in MiR-200-sign-down tumors, focal adhesion, actin cytoskeleton, cytokine/receptor interaction, TP53 signaling and cell cycle pathways. Fibroblast, immune cell infiltration and PDL1 expression were also significantly higher suggesting immune exhaustion. This signature stratified patients into high-vs low-risk groups, miR-200-sign-up had higher DFS, median not reached at 60 vs 41 months and within subpopulations with stage I, IA, IB, or II. Results were validated on TCGA data on 7 public datasets.

CONCLUSION

This EMT and miR-200-related prognostic signature refines prognosis evaluation independently of tumor stage and paves the way towards assessing the predictive value of this LUAD clustering to optimize perioperative treatment.

Predicting anti-cancer drug combination responses with a temporal cell state network model

Cancer chemotherapy combines multiple drugs, but predicting the effects of drug combinations on cancer cell proliferation remains challenging, even for simple in vitro systems. We hypothesized that by combining knowledge of single drug dose responses and cell state transition network dynamics, we could predict how a population of cancer cells will respond to drug combinations. We tested this hypothesis here using three targeted inhibitors of different cell cycle states in two different cell lines in vitro. We formulated a Markov model to capture temporal cell state transitions between different cell cycle phases, with single drug data constraining how drug doses affect transition rates. This model was able to predict the landscape of all three different pairwise drug combinations across all dose ranges for both cell lines with no additional data. While further application to different cell lines, more drugs, additional cell state networks, and more complex co-culture or in vivo systems remain, this work demonstrates how currently available or attainable information could be sufficient for prediction of drug combination response for single cell lines in vitro.

Effect of the Rho-Kinase/ROCK Signaling Pathway on Cytoskeleton Components

The mechanical properties of cells are important in tissue homeostasis and enable cell growth, division, migration and the epithelial-mesenchymal transition. Mechanical properties are determined to a large extent by the cytoskeleton. The cytoskeleton is a complex and dynamic network composed of microfilaments, intermediate filaments and microtubules. These cellular structures confer both cell shape and mechanical properties. The architecture of the networks formed by the cytoskeleton is regulated by several pathways, a key one being the Rho-kinase/ROCK signaling pathway. This review describes the role of ROCK (Rho-associated coiled-coil forming kinase) and how it mediates effects on the key components of the cytoskeleton that are critical for cell behaviour.

Altered Expression of TRIM Proteins - Inimical Outcome and Inimitable Oncogenic Function in Breast Cancer with Diverse Carcinogenic Hallmarks

Deregulation of ubiquitin-mediated degradation of oncogene products or tumor suppressors appears to be implicated in the genesis of carcinomas, according to new clinical findings. Conferring to recent research, some members of the tripartite motif (TRIM) proteins (a subfamily of the RING type E3 ubiquitin ligases) act as significant carcinogenesis regulators. Intracellular signaling, development, apoptosis, protein quality control, innate immunity, autophagy, and carcinogenesis are all regulated by TRIM family proteins, the majority of which have E3 ubiquitin ligase activity. The expression of TRIMs in tumors is likely to be related to the formation and/or progression of the disease, and TRIM expression could be used to predict cancer prognosis. Breast cancer is the most common malignancy in women and also the leading cause of death. TRIM family proteins have unique, vital activities, and their dysregulation, such as TRIM 21, promotes breast cancer, according to growing evidence. Many TRIM proteins have been identified as important cancer biomarkers, with decreased or elevated levels of expression. TRIM29 functions as a hypoxia-induced tumor suppressor gene, revealing a new molecular mechanism for ATM-dependent breast cancer suppression. In breast cancer cells, the TRIM28-TWIST1-EMT axis exists, and TRIM28 enhances breast cancer metastasis by stabilizing TWIST1, and thereby increasing epithelial-tomesenchymal transition. Interestingly, many TRIM proteins are involved in the control of p53, and many TRIM proteins are likewise regulated by p53, according to current research. Furthermore, TRIMs linked to specific tumors may aid in the creation of innovative TRIM-targeted cancer treatments. This review focuses on TRIM proteins that are involved in tumor development, progression, and are of clinical significance in breast cancer.

SNCA inhibits epithelial-mesenchymal transition and correlates to favorable prognosis of breast cancer

Alpha-synuclein (SNCA) is a pathological hallmark of Parkinson's disease, known to be involved in cancer occurrence and development; however, its specific effects in breast cancer remain unknown. Data from 150 patients with breast cancer were retrieved from tissue microarray and analyzed for SNCA protein level using immunohistochemistry. Functional enrichment analysis was performed to investigate the potential role of SNCA in breast cancer. SNCA-mediated inhibition of epithelial-mesenchymal transition (EMT) was confirmed with western blotting. The effects of SNCA on invasion and migration were evaluated using transwell and wound-healing experiments. Furthermore, the potential influence of SNCA expression level on drug sensitivity and tumor infiltration by immune cells was analyzed using the public databases. SNCA is lowly expressed in breast cancer tissues. Besides, in vitro and in vivo experiments, SNCA overexpression blocked EMT and metastasis, and the knockdown of SNCA resulted in the opposite effect. A mouse model of metastasis verified the restriction of metastatic ability in vivo. Further analysis revealed that SNCA enhances sensitivity to commonly used anti-breast tumor drugs and immune cell infiltration. SNCA blocks EMT and metastasis in breast cancer and its expression levels could be useful in predicting the chemosensitivity and evaluating the immune microenvironment in breast cancer.

MST4: A Potential Oncogene and Therapeutic Target in Breast Cancer

The mammalian STE 20-like protein kinase 4 (MST4) gene is highly expressed in several cancer types, but little is known about the role of MST4 in breast cancer, and the function of MST4 during epithelial-mesenchymal transition (EMT) has not been fully elucidated. Here we report that overexpression of MST4 in breast cancer results in enhanced cell growth, migration, and invasion, whereas inhibition of MST4 expression significantly attenuates these properties. Further study shows that MST4 promotes EMT by activating Akt and its downstream signaling molecules such as E-cadherin/N-cadherin, Snail, and Slug. MST4 also activates AKT and its downstream pro-survival pathway. Furthermore, by analyzing breast cancer patient tissue microarray and silicon datasets, we found that MST4 expression is much higher in breast tumor tissue compared to normal tissue, and significantly correlates with cancer stage, lymph node metastasis and a poor overall survival rate (p < 0.05). Taken together, our findings demonstrate the oncogenic potential of MST4 in breast cancer, highlighting its role in cancer cell proliferation, migration/invasion, survival, and EMT, suggesting a possibility that MST4 may serve as a novel therapeutic target for breast cancer.

Cofilin Acts as a Booster for Progression of Malignant Tumors Represented by Glioma

Cofilin, as a depolymerization factor of actin filaments, has been widely studied. Evidences show that cofilin has a role in actin structural reorganization and dynamic regulation. In recent years, several studies have demonstrated a regulatory role for cofilin in the migration and invasion mediated by cell dynamics and epithelial to mesenchymal transition (EMT)/EMT-like process, apoptosis, radiotherapy resistance, immune escape, and transcriptional dysregulation of malignant tumor cells, particularly glioma cells. On this basis, it is practical to evaluate cofilin as a biomarker for predicting tumor metastasis and prognosis. Targeting cofilin regulating kinases, Lin11, Isl-1 and Mec-3 kinases (LIM kinases/LIMKs) and their major upstream molecules inhibits tumor cell migration and invasion and targeting cofilin-mediated mitochondrial pathway induces apoptosis of tumor cells represent effective options for the development of novel anti-malignant tumor drug, especially anti-glioma drugs. This review explores the structure, general biological function, and regulation of cofilin, with an emphasis on the critical functions and prospects for clinical therapeutic applications of cofilin in malignant tumors represented by glioma.

Interplay between Partial EMT and Cisplatin Resistance as the Drivers for Recurrence in HNSCC

This study aims to investigate the role of partial epithelial to mesenchymal transition (pEMT)-related proteins in modulating Cisplatin resistance in head and neck squamous cell carcinoma (HNSCC). SCC-25 cells were pre-treated with TGF-beta1 followed by transient Krüppel-like Factor 4 (KLF4)-overexpression and Cisplatin treatment. Cell growth, cell morphological changes and cell migration were assessed using Juli BR live cell video-microscopy. In addition, Ki-67 and Slug immunostaining and follow-up image cytometric analysis of primary and recurrent HNSCC tumors were performed to evaluate the proliferation index (PI) and the EMT-like phenotype. We observed that proliferating and Slug-positive tumor cells expand after therapy in HNSCC. Subsequently, protein analysis revealed the stabilization of Slug, upregulation of Vimentin and phospho-p38 (p-p38) in Cisplatin-resistant SCC-25 cells. Moreover, KLF4-overexpression contributed to Cisplatin sensitivity by reduction of Slug at the protein level. This work strongly suggests that an pEMT-like pathway is activated in recurrent and Cisplatin-resistant HNSCC. Finally, stable KLF4-overexpression might sensitize HNSCC tumor cells for Cisplatin treatment.

Research progress of tight junction protein claudin-3 in hepatobiliary systemic diseases

Claudin-3 is an important member of the claudin family of tight junction proteins and is the most abundant tight junction protein in the hepatobiliary system. It plays an important role in building tight junctions of hepatobiliary cells, and maintaining cellular barrier function and molecular delivery function. Dysregulation of hepatic claudin-3 expression leads to disruption of hepatobiliary system junctions, metabolic function, barrier function, proliferation capacity, and molecular delivery function, and is closely related to the development of various hepatobiliary diseases such as hepatic malignancies, cholesterol stones, and chronic liver diseases. In this paper, we review the progress in the research of claudin-3 in hepatobiliary diseases.

Powering single-cell genomics to unravel circulating tumour cell subpopulations in non-small cell lung cancer patients

BACKGROUND

Circulating tumour cells (CTCs) are attractive "liquid biopsy" candidates that could provide insights into the different phenotypes of tumours present within a patient. The epithelial-to-mesenchymal transition (EMT) of CTCs is considered a critical step in tumour metastasis; however, it may confound traditional epithelial feature-based CTC isolation and detection. We applied single-cell copy number alteration (CNA) analysis for the identification of genomic alterations to confirm the neoplastic nature of circulating cells with only mesenchymal phenotypes.

METHODS

We isolated CTCs from blood samples collected from 46 NSCLC patients using the Parsortix system. Enriched cells were subjected to immunofluorescent staining for CTC identification using a multi-marker panel comprising both epithelial and mesenchymal markers. A subset of isolated CTCs was subjected to whole genome amplification (WGA) and low-pass whole-genome sequencing (LP-WGS) for the analysis of copy number alterations (CNAs).

RESULTS

CTCs were detected in 16/46 (34.8%) patients, inclusive of CK⁺/EpCAM⁺ CTCs (3/46, 6.5%) and Vim⁺ CTCs (13/46, 28.3%). Clusters of Vim⁺ cells were detected in 8 samples, which constitutes 50% of the total number of NSCLC patients with CTCs. No patients had detectable hybrid CK⁺/EpCAM⁺/Vim⁺ cells. All of the tested CK⁺/EpCAM⁺ CTCs and 7/8 Vim⁺ CTCs or CTC clusters carried CNAs confirming their neoplastic nature. Notably, the Vim⁺ cluster with no CNAs was characterised by spindle morphology and, therefore, defined as normal mesenchymal circulating cells.

CONCLUSION

Our results revealed that CK-negative, vimentin-expressing cells represent a large proportion of CTCs detected in NSCLC patients, which are likely missed by standard epithelial-marker-dependent CTC categorisation.

Pseudogene MSTO2P Interacts with miR-128-3p to Regulate Coptisine Sensitivity of Non-Small-Cell Lung Cancer (NSCLC) through TGF-β Signaling and VEGFC

Background

Coptisine has been widely used for treating a variety of cancer types. To date, whether pseudogene is implicated in coptisine resistance of NSCLC remains unknown.

Methods

We performed MTT to assess the cell viability of A549 and Calu-1 cells. The transwell assay was used to examine the invasion of cells. TUNEL was used to determine apoptosis.

Results

Our data showed that coptisine treatment suppressed cell viability and invasion of NSCLC cells while contributing to apoptosis. MiR-128-3p negatively regulated MSTO2P. miR-128-3p reverted MSTO2P knockdown-attenuated cell viability and invasion, as well as promoted cell apoptosis of A549 cells. Moreover, we identified TGF-β signaling and VEGFC as key downstream effectors for MSTO2P and miR-128-3p in A549 cells. MiR-128-3p mimic inhibited TGF-β pathway-associated genes (TGFBR1, Smad2, Smad5, and Smad9), whereas miR-128-3p inhibitor exerted opposite effect. MSTO2P knockdown led to attenuated expression levels of TGFBR1, Smad2, Smad5 and Smad9. VEGFC overexpression greatly rescued miR-128-3p-modulated cell viability, invasion, and apoptosis of A549 cells.

Conclusion

MSTO2P plays a role in coptisine therapy of NSCLC through miR-128-3p. The findings will advance our understanding of NSCLC treatment.

Cordycepin Inhibits Triple-Negative Breast Cancer Cell Migration and Invasion by Regulating EMT-TFs SLUG, TWIST1, SNAIL1, and ZEB1

Cancer metastasis is the most important cause of cancer-related death, and epithelial-to-mesenchymal transition (EMT) plays crucial roles in cancer metastasis. Cordycepin (CD) is highly enriched in the medicinally used Cordyceps mushroom. In this study, we conducted the antimetastatic activities of CD, specifically focusing on its regulatory effects on EMT-inducing transcription factors (EMT-TFs) in triple-negative breast cancer (TNBC). Our study showed CD to inhibit the growth, migration, and invasion of BT549 and 4T1 cancer cell lines, by employing cell viability assay and real-time cell analyses. The protein levels of N-Cadherin and E-Cadherin, as well as their transcription factors TWIST1, SLUG, SNAIL1, and ZEB1 in BT549 and 4T1 cells, were estimated by Western blot assays. Results from dual-luciferase reporter assays demonstrated that CD is capable of inactivating the EMT signaling pathway by inhibiting TWIST1 and SLUG expression. Furthermore, in vivo studies with mice carrying cancer cell-derived allograft tumors showed the inhibitory effect of CD on cancer cell growth and metastasis. Furthermore, the additive/synergistic anti-metastasis effect of CD and thymoquinone (TQ), another natural product with promising anticancer roles, was demonstrated by combinational treatment. The results from this research indicate that CD would be a promising therapeutic molecule against TNBC by targeting EMT-TFs, possibly in SLUG, TWIST1, SNAIL1, and ZEB1.

A Low Dose Combination of Withaferin A and Caffeic Acid Phenethyl Ester Possesses Anti-Metastatic Potential In Vitro: Molecular Targets and Mechanisms

Simple Summary

Cancer therapy suffers from its high cost and high rate of adverse effects and relapse of the disease. Hence, the new (preferably natural), economic and safer therapeutic as well preventive measures have been on demand and have been subject of priority research. We have, earlier, demonstrated anticancer activity in the extracts of Ashwagandha leaves and propolis. A combination of Wi-A (an active anticancer ingredient in Ashwagandha extract) and CAPE (an active anticancer ingredient in propolis) was earlier shown to offer higher and cancer cell-selective cytotoxicity. In the present study, we report an anti-metastasis activity in the low dose combination of Wi-A and CAPE along with its mechanism of action and propose its use in cancer metastasis treatment.

Abstract

Withaferin A (Wi-A) and Caffeic Acid Phenethyl Ester (CAPE) are the bioactive ingredients of Ashwagandha (Withania somnifera) and propolis, respectively. Both of these natural compounds have been shown to possess anticancer activity. In the present study, we recruited a low dose of each of these compounds and developed a combination that exhibited remarkably potent anti-migratory and anti-angiogenic activities. Extensive molecular analyses including a cDNA array and expression analyses of the specific gene targets demonstrated that such activities are mediated through their effect on cell adhesion/tight junction proteins (Claudins, E-cadherin), inhibition of canonical Wnt/β-catenin signaling pathways and the consequent downregulation of EMT-signaling proteins (Vimentin, MMPs, VEGF and VEGFR) that play a critical role in cancer metastasis. The data supported that this novel combination of Wi-A and CAPE (Wi-ACAPE, containing 0.5 µM of Wi-A and 10 µM of CAPE) may be recruited for the treatment of metastatic and aggressive cancers and, hence, warrant further evaluation by recruiting a variety of experimental and clinical metastatic models.

Targeting NF-κB pathway by dietary lignans in inflammation: expanding roles of gut microbiota and metabolites

Inflammation is a major factor affecting human health. Nuclear factor-kappa B (NF-κB) plays a vital role in the development of inflammation, and the promoters of most inflammatory cytokine genes have NF-κB-binding sites. Targeting NF-κB could be an exciting route for the prevention and treatment of inflammatory diseases. As important constituents of natural plants, lignans are proved to have numerous biological functions. There are growing pieces of evidence demonstrate that lignans have the potential anti-inflammatory activities. In this work, the type, structure and source of lignans and the influence on mitigating the inflammation are systematically summarized. This review focuses on the targeting NF-κB signaling pathway in the inflammatory response by different lignans and their molecular mechanisms. Lignans also regulate gut microflora and change gut microbial metabolites, which exert novel pathway to prevent NF-κB activation. Taken together, lignans target NF-κB with various mechanisms to inhibit inflammatory cytokine expressions in the inflammatory response. It will provide a scientific theoretical basis for further research on the anti-inflammatory effects of lignans and the development of functional foods.

TET3- and OGT-Dependent Expression of Genes Involved in Epithelial-Mesenchymal Transition in Endometrial Cancer

TET3 is a member of the TET (ten-eleven translocation) proteins family that catalyzes the conversion of the 5-methylcytosine into 5-hydroxymethylcytosine. TET proteins can also affect chromatin modifications and gene expression independently of their enzymatic activity via interactions with other proteins. O-GlcNAc transferase (OGT), the enzyme responsible for modification of proteins via binding of N-acetylglucosamine residues, is one of the proteins whose action may be dependent on TET3. Here, we demonstrated that in endometrial cancer cells both TET3 and OGT affected the expression of genes involved in epithelial to mesenchymal transition (EMT), i.e., FOXC1, TWIST1, and ZEB1. OGT overexpression was caused by an increase in TWIST1 and ZEB1 levels in HEC-1A and Ishikawa cells, which was associated with increased O-GlcNAcylation of histone H2B and trimethylation of H3K4. The TET3 had the opposite effect on gene expressions and histone modifications. OGT and TET3 differently affected FOXC1 expression and the migratory potential of HEC-1A and Ishikawa cells. Analysis of gene expressions in cancer tissue samples from endometrial cancer patients confirmed the association between OGT or TET3 and EMT genes. Our results contribute to the knowledge of the role of the TET3/OGT relationship in the complex mechanism supporting endometrial cancer progression.

Understanding the Complex Milieu of Epithelial-Mesenchymal Transition in Cancer Metastasis: New Insight Into the Roles of Transcription Factors

Epithelial-mesenchymal transition (EMT) is a physiological program during which polarised, immobile epithelial cells lose connection with their neighbours and are converted to migratory mesenchymal phenotype. Mechanistically, EMT occurs via a series of genetic and cellular events leading to the repression of epithelial-associated markers and upregulation of mesenchymal-associated markers. EMT is very crucial for many biological processes such as embryogenesis and ontogenesis during human development, and again it plays a significant role in wound healing during a programmed replacement of the damaged tissues. However, this process is often hijacked in pathological conditions such as tumour metastasis, which constitutes the most significant drawback in the fight against cancer, accounting for about 90% of cancer-associated mortality globally. Worse still, metastatic tumours are not only challenging to treat with the available conventional radiotherapy and surgical interventions but also resistant to several cytotoxic agents during treatment, owing to their anatomically diffuse localisation in the body system. As the quest to find an effective method of addressing metastasis in cancer intervention heightens, understanding the molecular interplay involving the signalling pathways, downstream effectors, and their interactions with the EMT would be an important requisite while the challenges of metastasis continue to punctuate. Unfortunately, the molecular underpinnings that govern this process remain to be completely illuminated. However, it is becoming increasingly clear that EMT, which initiates every episode of metastasis, significantly requires some master regulators called EMT transcription factors (EMT-TFs). Thus, this review critically examines the roles of TFs as drivers of molecular rewiring that lead to tumour initiation, progression, EMT, metastasis, and colonisation. In addition, it discusses the interaction of various signalling molecules and effector proteins with these factors. It also provides insight into promising therapeutic targets that may inhibit the metastatic process to overcome the limitation of "undruggable" cancer targets in therapeutic design and upturn the current spate of drug resistance. More so, it extends the discussion from the basic understanding of the EMT binary switch model, and ultimately unveiling the E/M cellular plasticity along a phenotypic spectrum via multiple trans-differentiations. It wraps up on how this knowledge update shapes the diagnostic and clinical approaches that may demand a potential shift in investigative paradigm using novel technologies such as single-cell analyses to improve overall patient survival.

Clinical assessment of the miR-34, miR-200, ZEB1 and SNAIL EMT regulation hub underlines the differential prognostic value of EMT miRs to drive mesenchymal transition and prognosis in resected NSCLC

BACKGROUND

Patients with non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) receiving curative surgery have a risk of relapse, and adjuvant treatments only translate into a 5% increase in 5-year survival. We assessed the clinical significance of epithelial-mesenchymal transition (EMT) and explored its association with the [SNAIL/miR-34]:[ZEB/miR-200] regulation hub to refine prognostic information.

METHODS

We validated a 7-gene EMT score using a consecutive series of 176 resected NSCLC. We quantified EMT transcription factors, microRNAs (miRs) of the miR-200, miR-34 families and miR-200 promoter hypermethylation to identify outcome predictors.

RESULTS

Most tumours presented with an EMT-hybrid state and the EMT score was not predictive of outcome. Individually, all miR-200 were inversely associated with the EMT score, but only chromosome-1 miRs, miR-200a, b, 429, were associated with disease-free survival (p = 0.08, 0.05 and 0.025) and overall survival (p = 0.013, 0.003 and 0.006). We validated these associations on The Cancer Genome Atlas data. Tumour unsupervised clustering based on miR expression identified two good prognostic groups, unrelated to the EMT score, suggesting that miR profiling may have an important clinical value.

CONCLUSION

miR-200 family members do not have similar predictive value. Core EMT-miR, regulators and not EMT itself, identify NSCLC patients with a low risk of relapse after surgery.

Normal Skin Cells Increase Aggressiveness of Cutaneous Melanoma by Promoting Epithelial-to-Mesenchymal Transition via Nodal and Wnt Activity

Melanoma is a lethal form of skin cancer triggered by genetic and environmental factors. Excision of early-stage, poorly aggressive melanoma often leads to a successful outcome; however, left undiagnosed these lesions can progress to metastatic disease. This research investigates whether the exposure of poorly aggressive melanoma to certain normal skin cells can explain how non-metastatic melanoma becomes more aggressive while still confined to the skin. To this end, we used a serial co-culture approach to sequentially expose cells from two different, poorly aggressive human melanoma cell lines against normal cells of the skin beginning with normal melanocytes, then epidermal keratinocytes, and finally dermal fibroblasts. Protein extraction of melanoma cells occurred at each step of the co-culture sequence for western blot (WB) analysis. In addition, morphological and functional changes were assessed to detect differences between the serially co-cultured melanoma cells and non-co-cultured cells. Results show that the co-cultured melanoma cells assumed a more mesenchymal morphology and displayed a significant increase in proliferation and invasiveness compared to control or reference cells. WB analysis of protein from the co-cultured melanoma cells showed increased expression of Snail and decreased levels of E-cadherin suggesting that epithelial-to-mesenchymal transition (EMT) is occurring in these co-cultured cells. Additional WB analysis showed increased levels of Nodal protein and signaling and signs of increased Wnt activity in the co-cultured melanoma cells compared to reference cells. These data suggest that interaction between poorly aggressive melanoma cells with normal cells of the skin may regulate the transition from localized, poorly aggressive melanoma to invasive, metastatic disease via Nodal and/or Wnt induced EMT.

Targeting microRNAs with thymoquinone: a new approach for cancer therapy

Cancer is a global disease involving transformation of normal cells into tumor types via numerous mechanisms, with mortality among all generations, in spite of the breakthroughs in chemotherapy, radiotherapy and/or surgery for cancer treatment. Since one in six deaths is due to cancer, it is one of the overriding priorities of world health. Recently, bioactive natural compounds have been widely recognized due to their therapeutic effects for treatment of various chronic disorders, notably cancer. Thymoquinone (TQ), the most valuable constituent of black cumin seeds, has shown anti-cancer characteristics in a wide range of animal models. The revolutionary findings have revealed TQ's ability to regulate microRNA (miRNA) expression, offering a promising approach for cancer therapy. MiRNAs are small noncoding RNAs that modulate gene expression by means of variation in features of mRNA. MiRNAs manage several biological processes including gene expression and cellular signaling pathways. Accordingly, miRNAs can be considered as hallmarks for cancer diagnosis, prognosis and therapy. The purpose of this study was to review the various molecular mechanisms by which TQ exerts its potential as an anti-cancer agent through modulating miRNAs.

New Frontiers in Cancer Imaging and Therapy Based on Radiolabeled Fibroblast Activation Protein Inhibitors: A Rational Review and Current Progress

Over the past decade, the tumor microenvironment (TME) has become a new paradigm of cancer diagnosis and therapy due to its unique biological features, mainly the interconnection between cancer and stromal cells. Within the TME, cancer-associated fibroblasts (CAFs) demonstrate as one of the most critical stromal cells that regulate tumor cell growth, progression, immunosuppression, and metastasis. CAFs are identified by various biomarkers that are expressed on their surfaces, such as fibroblast activation protein (FAP), which could be utilized as a useful target for diagnostic imaging and treatment. One of the advantages of targeting FAP-expressing CAFs is the absence of FAP expression in quiescent fibroblasts, leading to a controlled targetability of diagnostic and therapeutic compounds to the malignant tumor stromal area using radiolabeled FAP-based ligands. FAP-based radiopharmaceuticals have been investigated strenuously for the visualization of malignancies and delivery of theranostic radiopharmaceuticals to the TME. This review provides an overview of the state of the art in TME compositions, particularly CAFs and FAP, and their roles in cancer biology. Moreover, relevant reports on radiolabeled FAP inhibitors until the year 2021 are highlighted-as well as the current limitations, challenges, and requirements for those radiolabeled FAP inhibitors in clinical translation.

LncRNA NEAT1 contributes to the acquisition of a tumor like-phenotype induced by PM 2.5 in lung bronchial epithelial cells via HIF-1α activation

The hazards of particulate matter (PM2.5) on human respiratory health have been previously reported. However, the molecular mechanisms underlying PM2.5-induced lung carcinogenesis have rarely been studied. In the present study, we explored the effects of PM2.5 on the epithelial-mesenchymal transition (EMT) and acquisition of cancer stem cell (CSC)-like properties in lung bronchial epithelial cells. We found that exposure of PM2.5 enhanced lung bronchial epithelial cell proliferation and EMT. In addition, the expression level of CSC-like biomarkers, CD133 and CD44, was significantly elevated by PM2.5 in vitro. Nuclear paraspeckle assembly transcript 1 (NEAT1) has been reported to participate in lung cancer. Loss of NEAT1 represses the malignant transformation of BEAS-2B and HBE cells induced by PM2.5. NEAT1 interacts with microRNA (miR)-582-5p, and miR-582-5p reverses the pro-tumor effects of NEAT1 overexpression. Hypoxia-inducible factor (HIF)-1α is an important transcription factor in the pathological responses to hypoxia. HIF-1α was a predicted target for miR-582-5p, and a direct correlation between them was identified. Inhibitors of miR-582-5p rescued HIF-1α expression, which was attenuated by a lack of NEAT1. In conclusion, PM2.5 increased NEAT1 expression, which, by binding with miR-582-5p, released HIF-1α and promoted EMT and the acquisition of CSC-like characteristics.

Signature of prognostic epithelial-mesenchymal transition related long noncoding RNAs (ERLs) in hepatocellular carcinoma

Reliable biomarkers are of great significance for the treatment and diagnosis of hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC). This study identified potential prognostic epithelial-mesenchymal transition related lncRNAs (ERLs) by the cancer genome atlas (TCGA) database and bioinformatics.The differential expression of long noncoding RNA (lncRNA) was obtained by analyzing the lncRNA data of 370 HCC samples in TCGA. Then, Pearson correlation analysis was carried out with EMT related genes (ERGs) from molecular signatures database. Combined with the univariate Cox expression analysis of the total survival rate of hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) patients, the prognostic ERLs were obtained. Then use "step" function to select the optimal combination of constructing multivariate Cox expression model. The expression levels of ERLs in HCC samples were verified by real-time quantitative polymerase chain reaction.Finally, we identified 5 prognostic ERLs (AC023157.3, AC099850.3, AL031985.3, AL365203.2, CYTOR). The model showed that these prognostic markers were reliable independent predictors of risk factors (P value <.0001, hazard ratio [HR] = 2.400, 95% confidence interval [CI] = 1.667-3.454 for OS). In the time-dependent receiver operating characteristic analysis, this prognostic marker is a good predictor of HCC survival (area under the curve of 1 year, 2 years, 3 years, and 5 years are 0.754, 0.720, 0.704, and 0.662 respectively). We analyzed the correlation of clinical characteristics of these prognostic markers, and the results show that this prognostic marker is an independent factor that can predict the prognosis of HCC more accurately. In addition, by matching with the Molecular Signatures Database, we obtained 18 ERLs, and then constructed the HCC prognosis model and clinical feature correlation analysis using 5 prognostic ERLs. The results show that these prognostic markers have reliable independent predictive value. Bioinformatics analysis showed that these prognostic markers were involved in the regulation of EMT and related functions of tumor occurrence and migration.Five prognostic types of ERLs identified in this study can be used as potential biomarkers to predict the prognosis of HCC.

The Role of Snail-1 in Thyroid Cancer-What We Know So Far

Thyroid carcinomas, despite the usually indolent behaviour and relatively good overall prognosis, show a high tendency to gain invasive phenotype and metastasise in some cases. However, due to a relatively slow progression, the exact mechanisms governing the metastatic process of thyroid carcinomas, including the epithelial-to-mesenchymal transition (EMT), are poorly described. One of the best-known regulators of cancer invasiveness is Snail-1-a zinc-finger transcription factor that plays a key role as an EMT inducer. More and more attention is being paid to the role of Snail with regard to thyroid cancer development. Apart from the obvious implications in the EMT process, Snail-1 plays an important role in the regulation of chemoresistance of the thyroid cells and cancer stem cell (CSC) formation, and it also interacts with miRNA specific to the thyroid gland. The aim of this review was to summarise the knowledge on Snail-1, especially in the context of thyroid oncogenesis.

Chinese Propolis Suppressed Pancreatic Cancer Panc-1 Cells Proliferation and Migration via Hippo-YAP Pathway

Pancreatic cancer is one of the most malignant cancers with high mortality. Therefore, it is of great urgency to develop new agents that could improve the prognosis of Pancreatic cancer patients. Chinese propolis (CP), a flavonoid-rich beehive product, has been reported to have an anticancer effect. In this study, we applied CP to the human Pancreatic cancer cell line Panc-1 to verify its impact on tumor development. CP induced apoptosis in Panc-1 cells from 12.5 µg/mL in a time- and dose-dependent manner with an IC₅₀ value of approximately 50 µg/mL. Apoptosis rate induced by CP was examined by Annexing FITC/PI assay. We found that 48 h treatment with 50 µg/mL CP resulted in 34.25 ± 3.81% apoptotic cells, as compared to 9.13 ± 1.76% in the control group. We further discovered that the Panc-1 cells tended to be arrested at G2/M phase after CP treatment, which is considered to contribute to the anti-proliferation effect of CP. Furthermore, our results demonstrated that CP suppressed Panc-1 cell migration by regulating epithelial-mesenchymal transition (EMT). Interestingly, the Hippo pathway was activated in Panc-1 cells after CP treatment, serving as a mechanism for the anti-pancreatic cancer effect of CP. These findings provide a possibility of beehive products as an alternative treatment for pancreatic cancer.

RNA-Sequencing Reveals Heat Shock 70-kDa Protein 6 (HSPA6) as a Novel Thymoquinone-Upregulated Gene That Inhibits Growth, Migration, and Invasion of Triple-Negative Breast Cancer Cells

Objective

Breast cancer has become the first highest incidence which surpasses lung cancer as the most commonly diagnosed cancer, and the second highest mortality among women worldwide. Thymoquinone (TQ) is a key component from black seed oil and has anti-cancer properties in a variety of tumors, including triple-negative breast cancer (TNBC).

Methods

RNA-sequencing (RNA-seq) was conducted with and without TQ treatment in TNBC cell line BT-549. Gene Ontology (GO) function classification annotation, Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genomes (KEGG) pathway analyses for these genes were conducted. Western blot and semi-quantitative RT-PCR were used to verify the regulated gene. Functional assays by overexpression or knocking down were performed for HSPA6 and its mediator TQ for inhibiting growth, migration and invasion of TNBC cells. The regulatory mechanisms and prognosis for HSPA6 for breast cancer survival were conducted through bioinformatics and online databases.

Results

As a result, a total of 141 downregulated and 28 upregulated genes were identified and 18 differentially expressed genes, which might be related to carcinomas, were obtained. Interestingly, GO and KEGG pathway showed their roles on anti-cancer and anti-virus. Further analysis found that the HSPA6 gene was the high significantly upregulated gene, and showed to inhibit TNBC cell growth, migration and invasion. High expression of HSPA6 was positively correlated with long overall survival (OS) in patients with breast cancer, indicating the tumor-suppressive roles for HSPA6. But DNA methylation of HSPA6 may not be the regulatory mechanism for HSPA6 mRNA upregulation in breast cancer tissues, although the mRNA levels of HSPA6 were increased in these cancer tissues compared with normal tissues. Moreover, TQ enhanced the inhibitory effect of migration and invasion when HSPA6 was overexpressed; while HSPA6 was knocked down, TQ attenuated the effects of HSPA6-promoted migration and invasion, demonstrating a partially dependent manner through HSPA6 by TQ treatment.

Conclusion

We have successfully identified a novel TQ-targeted gene HSPA6, which shows the inhibitory effects on growth, migration and invasion in TNBC cells. Therefore, identification of HSPA6 not only reveals a new TQ regulatory mechanism, but also provides a novel candidate gene for clinical management and treatment of breast cancer, particularly for TNBC.

SEC61G is upregulated and required for tumor progression in human kidney cancer

Kidney cancer is a malignant tumor of the urinary system. Although the 5-year survival rate of patients with kidney cancer has increased by ~30% in recent years due to the early detection of low-grade tumors using more accurate diagnostic methods, the global incidence of kidney cancer continues to increase every year. Therefore, identification of novel and efficient candidate genes for predicting the prognosis of patients with kidney cancer is important. The present study aimed to investigate the role of SEC61 translocon subunit-γ (SEC61G) in kidney cancer. The Cancer Genome Atlas database was screened to obtain the expression profile of SEC61G and identify its association with kidney cancer prognosis. Furthermore, the in vitro effect of SEC61G knockdown on kidney cancer cell proliferation, migration, invasion and apoptosis was investigated using a Cell Counting Kit-8 assay, wound healing assay, Transwell assay and flow cytometry. The results demonstrated that compared with healthy tissues, SEC61G was upregulated in human kidney tumor tissues, which was associated with poor prognosis. In addition, SEC61G knockdown significantly inhibited kidney cancer cell proliferation, migration and invasion compared with the negative control (NC) group. Furthermore, E-cadherin expression was significantly upregulated, and N-cadherin and β-catenin expression levels were significantly downregulated in SEC61G-knockdown kidney cancer cells compared with the NC group. In addition, compared with the NC group, SEC61G knockdown significantly promoted cell apoptosis in a caspase-dependent manner. The aforementioned results suggested that SEC61G might serve as a proto-oncogene to promote kidney tumor progression. Therefore, the present study provided a novel candidate gene for predicting the prognosis of patients with kidney cancer.

Nanodiamonds Inhibit Cancer Cell Migration by Strengthening Cell Adhesion: Implications for Cancer Treatment

Nanodiamonds (NDs) are a type of biocompatible nanomaterial with easily modified surfaces and are considered as promising candidates in biomedicine. In this work, the inhibition of tumor cell migration by carboxylated nanodiamonds (cNDs) was investigated. AFM-based single cell adhesion and F-actin staining experiments demonstrated that cNDs treatment could enhance cell adhesion and impair assembly of the cytoskeleton. The mechanism analysis of the regulatory protein expression level also proved that cNDs could inhibit the migration of Hela cells by preventing the epithelial-mesenchymal transition (EMT) process through the transforming growth factor β (TGF-β) signaling pathway. The in vivo pulmonary metastasis model also showed that cNDs effectively reduced the metastasis of murine B16 melanoma cells. In summary, cNDs have been demonstrated to inhibit cancer cell migration in vitro and decrease tumor metastasis in vivo. Therefore, cNDs might have potential utility for specific cancer treatment.

Role of MALAT1 in gynecological cancers: Pathologic and therapeutic aspects

Gynecological cancers, including breast, ovarian, uterine, vaginal, cervical and vulvar cancers are among the major threats to modern life, particularly to female health. Long non-coding RNAs (lncRNAs) play critical roles in normal development of organisms, as well as the tumorigenesis process, and metastasis-associated lung adenocarcinoma transcript 1 (MALAT1) is a large infrequently spliced lncRNA, which have been implicated in different gynecological cancers. MALAT1 is overexpressed in breast, ovarian, cervical and endometrial cancers, which initiates cancer progression by inducing changes in the expression of several anti-apoptotic and epithelial-to-mesenchymal transition-related genes. Targeting MALAT1 is an important strategy to combat gynecological cancers, and application of RNA-interference technology and chemotherapeutic process are crucial to target and minimize MALAT1 activity. The present review discusses the role of MALAT1 in gynecological cancers, and potential strategies to target this lncRNA to develop cancer therapeutics. However, further clinical studies are required to determine the prognostic potential of MALAT1 in gynecological cancers.

YAP promotes the proliferation and migration of colorectal cancer cells through the Glut3/AMPK signaling pathway

Yes-associated protein (YAP), as a major downstream effector in the Hippo signaling pathway, is considered as an oncogene in cancer. The present study aimed to investigate the potential role of YAP in the development and progression of colorectal cancer (CRC). The mRNA and protein expression levels of YAP in human CRC tissue samples and adjacent normal tissue were analyzed using public databases, as well as clinical samples. The potential roles of YAP and the underlying mechanism regulating the proliferation and migration of CRC cells were examined using genetic manipulation in vitro. The correlation between the expression of the YAP gene and epithelial-to-mesenchymal transition (EMT) markers was investigated in order to determine the mechanism underlying the observed effects of YAP. YAP mRNA expression levels were significantly upregulated in CRC tissue compared with in normal tissue, as determined using datasets obtained from Oncomine. Similarly, in clinical samples, the protein expression levels of YAP were significantly upregulated in CRC tissue samples compared with in normal tissue samples. YAP knockdown inhibited the proliferation and migration of CRC cells in vitro, whereas its overexpression resulted in the opposite effect. The expression levels of the YAP gene were positively correlated with those of EMT markers (such as vimentin and N-cadherin) and EMT-inducing transcription factors (such as Snail1, Slug and zinc finger E-box binding homeobox 1 and 2) in CRC samples from Gene Expression Profiling Interactive Analysis. Furthermore, YAP silencing increased the protein expression of E-cadherin and decreased that of vimentin in CRC cells. By contrast, the overexpression of YAP had the opposite effect. YAP promoted the glucose transporter 3 (Glut3)/AMP-activated protein kinase (AMPK) signaling pathway in CRC cells. In conclusion, YAP promoted the proliferation and migration of CRC cells, as well as the expression of EMT markers, possibly by regulating the Glut3/AMPK signaling pathway.

Expression of Selected Epithelial-Mesenchymal Transition Transcription Factors in Endometrial Cancer

Endometrial cancer (EC) is the most common gynecologic malignancy in developed countries. The aim of this study was to analyze the expression of SNAIL, SLUG, TWIST1, TWIST2, ZEB1, and ZEB 2 in primary tumor and the correlation with morphological and clinical characteristics of EC. The study included 158 patients with EC after surgical treatments: total hysterectomy and lymphadenectomy. The percentages of EC specimens testing positively for the EMT transcription factors were 84.5% for SNAIL, 92.2% for SLUG, 10.9% for TWIST1, 100% for TWIST2, 89% for ZEB1, and 98% for ZEB2. The expression of SLUG in patients with FIGO stage III or IV, type II EC, myometrial invasion ≥ 50% of the uterine wall thickness, and adnexal involvement and in patients with distant metastases was significantly higher. SLUG and ZEB2 expressions were identified as significant predictors of higher FIGO stages (III or IV) on univariate analysis. The overexpression of SLUG was a significant predictor of more aggressive type II EC, myometrial invasion ≥ 50% of the uterine wall thickness, and distant metastases on both univariate and multivariate analysis. Moreover, the overexpression of SLUG and ZEB2 was shown to be significant predictors of adnexal involvement on univariate analysis. ZEB 2 overexpression was identified in multivariate analysis as another independent predictor associated with a lesser likelihood of type II EC. Both univariate and multivariate analyses demonstrated that SLUG expression was the only predictor of 5-year survival in the study group. The overexpression of SLUG was associated with a significant increase in mortality hazard on univariate analysis and was shown to be a highly significant predictor of death on multivariate analysis. Conclusions. Selected proteins of the EMT pathway play a role in endometrial carcinogenesis; SLUG and ZEB2 expressions in the primary tumor might predict clinical outcomes in EC and drive therapeutic decisions regarding adjuvant treatment in patients with this malignancy.