Cadherins in collective cell migration of mesenchymal cells

Prevented Cell Clusters' Migration Via Microdot Biomaterials for Inhibiting Scar Adhesion

Cluster-like collective cell migration of fibroblasts is one of the main factors of adhesion in injured tissues. In this research, a microdot biomaterial system is constructed using α-helical polypeptide nanoparticles and anti-inflammatory micelles, which are prepared by ring-opening polymerization of α-amino acids-N-carboxylic anhydrides (NCAs) and lactide, respectively. The microdot biomaterial system slowly releases functionalized polypeptides targeting mitochondria and promoting the influx of extracellular calcium ions under the inflammatory environment, thus inhibiting the expression of N-cadherin mediating cell-cell interaction, and promoting apoptosis of cluster fibroblasts, synergistically inhibiting the migration of fibroblast clusters at the site of tendon injury. Meanwhile, the anti-inflammatory micelles are celecoxib (Cex) solubilized by PEG/polyester, which can improve the inflammatory microenvironment at the injury site for a long time. In vitro, the microdot biomaterial system can effectively inhibit the migration of the cluster fibroblasts by inhibiting the expression of N-cadherin between cell-cell and promoting apoptosis. In vivo, the microdot biomaterial system can promote apoptosis while achieving long-acting anti-inflammation effects, and reduce the expression of vimentin and α-smooth muscle actin (α-SMA) in fibroblasts. Thus, this microdot biomaterial system provides new ideas for the prevention and treatment of tendon adhesion by inhibiting the cluster migration of fibroblasts.

Unraveling Endothelial Cell Migration: Insights into Fundamental Forces, Inflammation, Biomaterial Applications, and Tissue Regeneration Strategies

Cell migration is vital for many fundamental biological processes and human pathologies throughout our life. Dynamic molecular changes in the tissue microenvironment determine modifications of cell movement, which can be reflected either individually or collectively. Endothelial cell (EC) migratory adaptation occurs during several events and phenomena, such as endothelial injury, vasculogenesis, and angiogenesis, under both normal and highly inflammatory conditions. Several advantageous processes can be supported by biomaterials. Endothelial cells are used in combination with various types of biomaterials to design scaffolds promoting the formation of mature blood vessels within tissue engineered structures. Appropriate selection, in terms of scaffolding properties, can promote desirable cell behavior to varying degrees. An increasing amount of research could lead to the creation of the perfect biomaterial for regenerative medicine applications. In this review, we summarize the state of knowledge regarding the possible systems by which inflammation may influence endothelial cell migration. We also describe the fundamental forces governing cell motility with a specific focus on ECs. Additionally, we discuss the biomaterials used for EC culture, which serve to enhance the proliferative, proangiogenic, and promigratory potential of cells. Moreover, we introduce the mechanisms of cell movement and highlight the significance of understanding these mechanisms in the context of designing scaffolds that promote tissue regeneration.

IL-35 ameliorates lipopolysaccharide-induced endothelial dysfunction by inhibiting endothelial-to-mesenchymal transition

Sepsis is a systemic inflammatory response syndrome (SIRS) caused mainly by bacterial infection. The morbidity and mortality rates of sepsis are extremely high. About 18 million people worldwide suffer from severe sepsis each year, and about 14,000 people die from it every day. Previous studies have revealed that endothelial dysfunction plays a vital role in the pathological change of sepsis. Furthermore, endothelial-mesenchymal transition (EndMT, EndoMT) is capable of triggering endothelial dysfunction. And yet, it remains obscure whether interleukin-35 (IL-35) can alleviate endothelial dysfunction by attenuating LPS-induced EndMT. Here, through in vivo and in vitro experiments, we revealed that IL-35 has a previously unknown function to attenuate LPS-induced endothelial dysfunction by inhibiting LPS-induced EndMT. Mechanistically, IL-35 acts by regulating the NFκB signaling pathway.

"Beyond transcription: How post-transcriptional mechanisms drive neural crest EMT"

The neural crest is a stem cell population that originates from the ectoderm during the initial steps of nervous system development. Neural crest cells delaminate from the neuroepithelium by undergoing a spatiotemporally regulated epithelial-mesenchymal transition (EMT) that proceeds in a coordinated wave head-to-tail to exit from the neural tube. While much is known about the transcriptional programs and membrane changes that promote EMT, there are additional levels of gene expression control that neural crest cells exert at the level of RNA to control EMT and migration. Yet, the role of post-transcriptional regulation, and how it drives and contributes to neural crest EMT, is not well understood. In this mini-review, we explore recent advances in our understanding of the role of post-transcriptional regulation during neural crest EMT.

ZO-1 regulates the migration of mesenchymal stem cells in cooperation with α-catenin in response to breast tumor cells

Mesenchymal stem cells are recruited from the bone marrow into breast tumors, contributing to the creation of a tumor microenvironment that fosters tropism for breast tumors. However, the intrinsic mechanisms underlying the recruitment of bone marrow-derived mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) into the breast tumor microenvironment are still under investigation. Our discoveries identified zonula occludens-1 (ZO-1) as a specific intrinsic molecule that plays a vital role in mediating the collective migration of MSCs towards breast tumor cells and transforming growth factor beta (TGF-β), which is a crucial factor secreted by breast tumor cells. Upon migration in response to MDA-MB-231 cells and TGF-β, MSCs showed increased formation of adherens junction-like structures (AJs) expressing N-cadherin and α-catenin at their cell-cell contacts. ZO-1 was found to be recruited into the AJs at the cell-cell contacts between MSCs. Additionally, ZO-1 collaborated with α-catenin to regulate AJ formation, dependently on the SH3 and GUK domains of the ZO-1 protein. ZO-1 knockdown led to the impaired migration of MSCs in response to the stimuli and subsequent downregulation of AJs formation at the cell-cell contacts during MSCs migration. Overall, our study highlights the novel role of ZO-1 in guiding MSC migration towards breast tumor cells, suggesting its potential as a new strategy for controlling and re-engineering the breast tumor microenvironment.

System Biology Approach in Investigating Epithelial-Mesenchymal Transition (EMT)

Epithelial-mesenchymal transition (EMT) is a trans-differentiating and reversible process that leads to dramatic cell phenotypic changes, enabling epithelial cells in acquiring mesenchymal phenotypes and behaviors. EMT plays a crucial role during embryogenesis, and occurs in several para-physiologic and pathological conditions, as during fibrosis or cancer development. EMT displays some hallmarks of critical transitions, as a sudden change in the overall configuration of a system in correspondence of specific tipping point around which a "catastrophic bifurcation" happens. The transition occurs when external conditions breach specific thresholds. This definition helps in highlighting two main aspects: (1) the change involves the overall system, rather than single, discrete components; (2) cues from the microenvironment play an irreplaceable role in triggering the transition. This evidence implies that critical transition should be ascertained focusing the investigation at the system level (rather than investigating only molecular parameters) in a well-defined context, as the transition is strictly dependent on the microenvironment in which it occurs. Therefore, we need a systems biology approach to investigate EMT across the Waddington-like epigenetic landscape wherein the participation of both internal and external cues can be studied to follow the extent and the main characteristics of the phenotypic transition. Herein, we suggest a set of systems parameters (motility, invasiveness) altogether with specific molecular/histological markers to identify those critical observables, which can be integrated into a comprehensive mechanistic model.

Reprograming cancer cells by a BODIPY G-quadruplex stabiliser

A cationic BODIPY-based G-quadruplex-selective stabiliser is developed and shown to decrease cancer cell migration-invasion up to 90%. The expression of critical genes (HIF1α, VIM, CDH1) related to metastasis is modulated. The stabiliser reprograms hypoxia-adaptive metabolism and an 1.82-fold increase in O2 consumption, enabling back-to-normal switching of energy metabolism, is observed. Stabilisers with a strong G-quadruplex affinity (0.38 μM Kd) significantly contribute to small molecule anti-cancer approaches.

IDO blockade negatively regulates the CTLA-4 signaling in breast cancer cells

Cancer is classified into metabolic and/or genetic disorders; notably, the tryptophan catabolism pathway is vital in different cancer types. Here, we focused on the interaction and molecular connection between the cytotoxic T lymphocyte-associated antigen-4 (CTLA-4) receptor and indoleamine-2,3-dioxygenase (IDO) enzyme. To test the impact of the selected immunotherapies on breast cancer cell migration and cell survival, we used in vitro assays. Also, we test the impact of anti-CTLA-4 antibody on the IDO-positive cells. The results of cell migration and clonogenic assays showed that anti-CTLA-4 antibody reduces cancer cell migration and clonogenic abilities of murine breast cancer cells. In addition, the result of flow cytometry showed that the anti-CTLA-4 antibody did not change the percentage of IDO-positive cancer cells. Notably, administrating an IDO blocker, 1-Methyl-DL-tryptophan (1MT), reduces the efficiency of the antiCTLA-4 antibody. The enzymatic blocking of the IDO reduces the efficiency of the anti-CTLA-4 antibody on cell migration and clonogenic abilities suggesting that there is an inhibitory interaction at the molecular level between functions of CTLA-4 and IDO. It is unclear via which mechanism(s) IDO interacts with CTLA-4 signaling and also why blocking IDO makes disruption in CTLA-4 signaling in cancer cells. Indeed, evaluating the role of IDO in CTLA-4 signaling in cancer cells may assist in clarifying a poor response to CTLA-4 immunotherapies by some patients. Hence, further investigation of the molecular interaction between CTLA-4 and IDO might help to improve the efficiency of CTLA-4 immunotherapy.

Coordinated linear and rotational movements of endothelial cells compartmentalized by VE-cadherin drive angiogenic sprouting

Angiogenesis is a sequential process to extend new blood vessels from preexisting ones by sprouting and branching. During angiogenesis, endothelial cells (ECs) exhibit inhomogeneous multicellular behaviors referred to as "cell mixing," in which ECs repetitively exchange their relative positions, but the underlying mechanism remains elusive. Here we identified the coordinated linear and rotational movements potentiated by cell-cell contact as drivers of sprouting angiogenesis using in vitro and in silico approaches. VE-cadherin confers the coordinated linear motility that facilitated forward sprout elongation, although it is dispensable for rotational movement, which was synchronous without VE-cadherin. Mathematical modeling recapitulated the EC motility in the two-cell state and angiogenic morphogenesis with the effects of VE-cadherin-knockout. Finally, we found that VE-cadherin-dependent EC compartmentalization potentiated branch elongations, and confirmed this by mathematical simulation. Collectively, we propose a way to understand angiogenesis, based on unique EC behavioral properties that are partially dependent on VE-cadherin function.

CYP4F12 is a potential biomarker and inhibits cell migration of head and neck squamous cell carcinoma via EMT pathway

Head and neck squamous cell carcinoma (HNSC) is the most common malignant tumor of head and neck. Due to the insidious nature of HNSC and the lack of effective early diagnostic indicators, the development of novel biomarkers to improve patient prognosis is particularly urgent. In this study, we explored and validated the correlation between cytochrome P450 family 4 subfamily F member 12 (CYP4F12) expression levels and HNSC progression using data from The Cancer Genome Atlas (TCGA), Gene Expression Omnibus (GEO) datasets and collected patient samples. We analyzed the association of CYP4F12 expression with clinicopathological features, immune correlation and prognosis. Finally, we analyzed the correlation between CYP4F12 and pathways, and verified by experiments. The results showed that CYP4F12 was low expressed in tumor tissues, participated in a variety of phenotypic changes of HNSC and affected immune cell infiltration. Pathway analysis indicated that CYP4F12 may play a key role in tumor cell migration and apoptosis. Experimental results showed that over-expression of CYP4F12 inhibited cell migration and enhanced the adhesion between cells and matrix by inhibiting epithelial-mesenchymal transition (EMT) pathway in HNSC cells. In conclusion, our study provided insights into the role of CYP4F12 in HNSC and revealed that CYP4F12 may be a potential therapeutic target for HNSC.

The promoting effect and mechanism of Nrf2 on cell metastasis in cervical cancer

BACKGROUND

Cervical cancer (CC) has poor prognosis and high mortality rate for its metastasis during the disease progression. Epithelial-mesenchymal transition (EMT) and anoikis are initial and pivotal steps during the metastatic process. Although higher levels of Nrf2 are associated with aggressive tumor behaviors in cervical cancer, the detailed mechanism of Nrf2 in cervical cancer metastasis, especially EMT and anoikis, remains unclear.

METHODS

Immunohistochemistry (IHC) was used to examine Nrf2 expression in CC. Wound healing assay and transwell analysis were used to evaluate the migration ability of CC cells. Western blot, qTR-PCR and immunofluorescent staining were used to verify the expression level of Nrf2, the EMT associated markers and anoikis associated proteins. Flow cytometry assays and cell counting were used to detect the apoptosis of cervical cancer cells. The lung and lymph node metastatic mouse model were established for studies in vivo. The interaction between Nrf2 and Snail1 was confirmed by rescue-of-function assay.

RESULTS

When compared with cervical cancer patients without lymph node metastasis, Nrf2 was highly expressed in patients with lymph node metastasis. And Nrf2 was proved to enhance the migration ability of HeLa and SiHa cells. In addition, Nrf2 was positively correlated with EMT processes and negatively associated with anoikis in cervical cancer. In vivo, a xenograft assay also showed that Nrf2 facilitated both pulmonary and lymphatic distant metastasis of cervical cancer. Rescue-of-function assay further revealed the mechanism that Nrf2 impacted the metastasis of CC through Snail1.

CONCLUSION

Our fundings established Nrf2 plays a crucial role in the metastasis of cervical cancer by enhancing EMT and resistance to anoikis by promoting the expression of Snail1, with potential value as a therapeutic candidate.

Suppression of TGFβR-Smad3 pathway alleviates the syrinx induced by syringomyelia

BACKGROUND

Syringomyelia is a cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) disorder resulted in separation of pain and temperature, dilation of central canal and formation of syrinx in central canal. It is unclear about mechanisms of the dilation and syrinx formation. We aimed to investigate roles of ependymal cells lining central canal on the dilation, trying to reduce syrinx formation in central canal.

METHODS

We employed 78 Sprague-Dawley (SD) rats totally with syringomyelia to detect the contribution of ependymal cells to the dilation of central canal. Immunofluorescence was used to examine the activation of ependymal cells in 54 syringomyelia rat models. BrdU was used to indicate the proliferation of ependymal cells through intraperitoneal administration in 6 syringomyelia rat models. 18 rats with syringomyelia were injected with SIS3, an inhibitor of TGFβR-Smad3, and rats injected with DMSO  were used as control. Among the 18 rats, 12 rats were used for observation of syrinx following SIS3 or DMSO administration by using magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) on day 14 and day 30 under syringomyelia without decompression. All the data were expressed as mean ± standard deviation (mean ± SD). Differences between groups were compared using the two-tailed Student's t-test or ANOVA. Differences were considered significant when *p < 0.05.

RESULTS

Our study showed the dilation and protrusions of central canal on day 5 and enlargement from day 14 after syringomyelia induction in rats with activation of ependymal cells lining central canal. Moreover, the ependymal cells contributed to protrusion formation possibly through migration along with central canal. Furthermore, suppression of TGFβR-Smad3 which was crucial for migration reversed the size of syrnix in central canal without treatment of decompression, suggesting TGFβR-Smad3 signal might be key for dilation of central canal and formation of syrinx.

CONCLUSIONS

The size of syrinx was decreased after SIS3 administration without decompression. Our study depicted the mechanisms of syrinx formation and suggested TGFβR-Smad3 signal might be key for dilation of central canal and formation of syrinx.

Plasma cell-free DNA methylome profiling in pre- and post-surgery oral cavity squamous cell carcinoma

Head and neck squamous cell carcinoma (HNSCC), a highly heterogeneous disease that involves multiple anatomic sites, is a leading cause of cancer-related mortality worldwide. Although the utility of noninvasive biomarkers based on circulating cell-free DNA (cfDNA) methylation profiling has been widely recognized, limited studies have been reported so far regarding the dynamics of cfDNA methylome in oral cavity squamous cell carcinoma (OCSCC). It is hypothesized in this study that comparison of methylation profiles in pre- and postsurgery plasma samples will reveal OCSCC-specific prognostic and diagnostic biomarkers. As a strategy to further prioritize tumor-specific targets, top differential methylated regions (DMRs) were called by reanalyzing methylation data from paired tumor and normal tissue collected in the the cancer genome atlas head-neck squamous cell carcinoma (TCGA) head and neck cancer cohort. Matched plasma samples from eight patients with OCSCC were collected at Moffitt Cancer Center before and after surgical resection. Plasma-derived cfDNA was analyzed by cfMBD-seq, which is a high-sensitive methylation profiling assay. Differential methylation analysis was then performed based on the matched samples profiled. In the top 200 HNSCC-specific DMRs detected based on the TCGA data set, a total of 23 regions reached significance in the plasma-based DMR test. The top five validated DMR regions (ranked by the significance in the plasma study) are located in the promoter regions of genes PENK, NXPH1, ZIK1, TBXT, and CDO1, respectively. The genome-wide cfDNA DMR analysis further highlighted candidate biomarkers located in genes SFRP4, SOX1, IRF4, and PCDH17. The prognostic relevance of candidate genes was confirmed by survival analysis using the TCGA data. This study supports the utility of cfDNA-based methylome profiling as a promising noninvasive biomarker source for OCSCC and HNSCC.

Lung fibrosis: Post-COVID-19 complications and evidences

BACKGROUND

COVID 19, a lethal viral outbreak that devastated lives and the economy across the globe witnessed non-compensable respiratory illnesses in patients. As been evaluated in reports, patients receiving long-term treatment are more prone to acquire Pulmonary Fibrosis (PF). Repetitive damage and repair of alveolar tissues increase oxidative stress, inflammation and elevated production of fibrotic proteins ultimately disrupting normal lung physiology skewing the balance towards the fibrotic milieu.

AIM

In the present work, we have discussed several important pathways which are involved in post-COVID PF. Further, we have also highlighted the rationale for the use of antifibrotic agents for post-COVID PF to decrease the burden and improve pulmonary functions in COVID-19 patients.

CONCLUSION

Based on the available literature and recent incidences, it is crucial to monitor COVID-19 patients over a period of time to rule out the possibility of residual effects. There is a need for concrete evidence to deeply understand the mechanisms responsible for PF in COVID-19 patients.

PKCδ promotes the invasion and migration of colorectal cancer through c-myc/NDRG1 pathway

Objective

Colorectal cancer (CRC) is the third cause of expected cancer deaths both in men and women in the U.S. and the third most commonly diagnosed cancer in China Targeted therapy has been proven to improve overall survival for unresectable metastatic CRC. But the location of the primary tumor or the presence of various core driver gene mutations that confer resistance may limit the utility of targeted therapy. Therefore, it is of great significance to further elucidate novel mechanisms of invasion and metastasis of CRC and find potential novel therapeutic targets. Protein Kinase C Delta (PKCδ) plays an important role in various diseases, including tumors. In CRC, the function of PKCδ on proliferation and differentiation is mostly studied but various research results were reported. Therefore, the role of PKCδ in CRC needs to be further studied, especially in tumor invasion and metastasis in CRC which few studies have looked into.

Methods

The expression of PRKCD was analyzed by the Genotype-Tissue Expression (GTEx) and The Cancer Genome Atlas (TCGA) databases and Immunohistochemical (IHC). Gene Ontology (GO), Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genomes (KEGG), and Gene Set Enrichment Analysis (GSEA) enrichment analysis were used to explore the biological functions and pathways related to PRKCD. Lentivirus transfection was used to construct CRC cell lines with overexpression and knock-down of PKCδ or N-myc Downstream Regulated Gene 1 (NDRG1). Cell invasion and migration assay, wound healing assay were used to detect the function of PKCδ and NDRG1 in the invasion and migration of cells. Flow cytometry analysis was used to detect the influence of PKCδ on the CRC cell cycles .Immunofluorescence histochemistry ,Immunoprecipitation Assay and qPCR were used to detect the relationship of PKCδ and NDRG1. Xenograft model was used to verify the role of PKCδ in vivo.

Results

PKCδ is overexpressed in CRC and could promote Epithelial-Mesenchymal Transition (EMT) and the invasion and migration of CRC in vitro. We confirmed that PKCδ and the tumor suppressor factor NDRG1 had a co-localization relationship in CRC. PKCδ inhibited NDRG1 transcription and protein expression. Overexpressing NDRG1 could inhibit the function of PKCδ in promoting tumor invasion and migration. PKCδ could regulate c-Myc, one transcription factor of NDRG1, to down-regulate NDRG1. In vivo, overexpressing PKCδ could promote xenograft growth and volume. Thus, our results showed that PKCδ reduced the expression of NDRG1 through c-Myc, promoting the invasion and migration of CRC through promoting EMT.

Conclusion

The increased expression of PKCδ in CRC tumor tissue could promote the invasion and migration of tumor cells, and one of the mechanisms may be regulating c-Myc to inhibit the expression of NDRG1 and promote EMT.

PLAC8 contributes to the malignant behaviors of cervical cancer cells by activating the SOX4-mediated AKT pathway

Cervical cancer (CC) is the primary cancer-related cause of morbidity and mortality in women. Previous studies have shown that placenta-specific 8 (PLAC8) has different functions in multiple malignancies. This study aimed to explore the function and regulatory mechanism of PLAC8 in CC. Bioinformatics and immunohistochemical analyses demonstrated that PLAC8 was significantly upregulated in CC tissues compared with normal tissues. Gain/loss-of-function experiments showed that siRNA-mediated knockdown of PLAC8 suppressed cell migration and invasion, while PLAC8 overexpression promoted cell motility. Moreover, PLAC8 was revealed to affect the epithelial-mesenchymal transition (EMT) process by upregulating epithelial (E)-cadherin and decreasing the expression of mesenchymal markers of EMT, including vimentin, zinc finger E-box binding homeobox 1 (ZEB1), neural (N)-cadherin, matrix metalloproteinase-9 (MMP-9), and MMP-2 in PLAC8-silenced cells. PLAC8 activated the AKT pathway, as proven by the downregulation of p-AKT_Ser473 and p-AKT_Thr308 expression after PLAC8 knockdown. Furthermore, PLAC8 overexpression upregulated the expression of sex-determining region Y-related high-mobility group box transcription factor 4 (SOX4), which is reported to mediate the activation of the AKT pathway, and SOX4 deficiency reversed the cellular functions caused by PLAC8 overexpression. Overall, the present study indicates that PLAC8 may facilitate CC development by activating the SOX4-mediated AKT pathway, suggesting that PLAC8 may serve as a potential biomarker for CC treatment.

Platinum-resistance in epithelial ovarian cancer: an interplay of epithelial-mesenchymal transition interlinked with reprogrammed metabolism

BACKGROUND

Epithelial ovarian cancer is the most lethal gynaecological cancer worldwide. Chemotherapy resistance represents a significant clinical challenge and is the main reason for poor ovarian cancer prognosis. We identified novel expression of markers related to epithelial mesenchymal transitions (EMT) in a carboplatin resistant ovarian cancer cell line by proteomics. This was validated in the platinum resistant versus sensitive parental cell lines, as well as platinum resistant versus sensitive human ovarian cancer patient samples. The prognostic significance of the different proteomics-identified marker proteins in prognosis prediction on survival as well as their correlative association and influence on immune cell infiltration was determined by public domain data bases.

METHODS

We explored the proteomic differences between carboplatin-sensitive OVCAR5 cells (parental) and their carboplatin-resistant counterpart, OVCAR5 CBPR cells. qPCR and western blots were performed to validate differentially expressed proteins at the mRNA and protein levels, respectively. Association of the identified proteins with epithelial-mesenchymal transition (EMT) prompted the investigation of cell motility. Cellular bioenergetics and proliferation were studied to delineate any biological adaptations that facilitate cancer progression. Expression of differentially expressed proteins was assessed in ovarian tumors obtained from platinum-sensitive (n = 15) versus platinum-resistant patients (n = 10), as well as matching tumors from patients at initial diagnosis and following relapse (n = 4). Kaplan-Meier plotter and Tumor Immune Estimation Resource (TIMER) databases were used to determine the prognostic significance and influence of the different proteomics-identified proteins on immune cell infiltration in the tumor microenvironment (TME).

RESULTS

Our proteomics study identified 2422 proteins in both cell lines. Of these, 18 proteins were upregulated and 14 were downregulated by ≥ twofold (p < 0.05) in OVCAR5 CBPR cells. Gene ontology enrichment analysis amongst upregulated proteins revealed an overrepresentation of biological processes consistent with EMT in the resistant cell line. Enhanced mRNA and/or protein expression of the identified EMT modulators including ITGA2, TGFBI, AKR1B1, ITGAV, ITGA1, GFPT2, FLNA and G6PD were confirmed in OVCAR5 CBPR cells compared to parental OVCAR5 cell line. Consistent with the altered EMT profile, the OVCAR5 CBPR cells demonstrated enhanced migration and reduced proliferation, glycolysis, and oxidative phosphorylation. The upregulation of G6PD, AKR1B1, ITGAV, and TGFβ1 in OVCAR5 CBPR cells was also identified in the tumors of platinum-resistant compared to platinum-sensitive high grade serous ovarian cancer (HGSOC) patients. Matching tumors of relapsed versus newly diagnosed HGSOC patients also showed enhanced expression of AKR1B1, ITGAV, TGFβ1 and G6PD protein in relapsed tumors. Among the identified proteins, significant enhanced expression of GFPT2, FLNA, TGFBI (CDGG1), ITGA2 predicted unfavorable prognosis in ovarian cancer patients. Further analysis suggested that the expression of TGFBI to correlate positively with the expression of identified and validated proteins such as GFPT2, FLNA, G6PD, ITGAV, ITGA1 and ITGA2; and with the infiltration of CD8⁺ T cells, macrophages, neutrophils, and dendritic cells in the TME.

CONCLUSIONS

Our research demonstrates proteomic-based discovery of novel EMT-related markers with an altered metabolic profile in platinum-resistant versus sensitive ovarian cancer cell lines. The study also confirms the expression of selected identified markers in the tumors of platinum-resistant versus sensitive, and in matching relapsed versus newly diagnosed HGSOC patients. The study provides insights into the metabolic adaptation of EMT-induced carboplatin resistant cells that confers on them reduced proliferation to provide effective migratory advantage; and the role of some of these identified proteins in ovarian cancer prognosis. These observations warrant further investigation of these novel target proteins in platinum-resistant patients.

Follistatin Is a Novel Chemoattractant for Migration and Invasion of Placental Trophoblasts of Mice

Follistatin (FST) as a gonadal protein is central to the establishment and maintenance of pregnancy. Trophoblasts' migration and invasion into the endometrium are critical events in placental development. This study aimed to elucidate the role of FST in the migration and invasion of placental trophoblasts of mice. We found that FST increased the vitality and proliferation of primary cultured trophoblasts of embryonic day 8.5 (E8.5) mice and promoted wound healing of trophoblasts. Moreover, FST significantly induced migration of trophoblasts in a microfluidic device and increased the number of invasive trophoblasts by Matrigel-coated transwell invasion assay. Being treated with FST, the adhesion of trophoblasts was inhibited, but intracellular calcium flux of trophoblasts was increased. Western blotting results showed that FST had no significant effects on the level of p-Smad3 or the ratio of p-Smad3/Smad3 in trophoblasts. Interestingly, FST elevated the level of p-JNK; the ratio of p-JNK/JNK; and expression of migration-related proteins N-cadherin, vimentin, ezrin and MMP2 in trophoblasts. Additionally, the migration of trophoblasts and expression of N-cadherin, vimentin, and MMP2 in trophoblasts induced by FST were attenuated by JNK inhibitor AS601245. These findings suggest that the elevated FST in pregnancy may act as a chemokine to induce trophoblast migration and invasion through the enhanced JNK signaling to maintain trophoblast function and promote placental development.

Ionizing Radiation Promotes Epithelial-Mesenchymal Transition Phenotype and Stem Cell Marker in The Lung adenocarcinoma: In Vitro and Bioinformatic Studiesc

OBJECTIVE

Ionizing radiation (IR) is one of the major therapeutic approaches in the non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC); however, it can paradoxically result in cancer progression likely through promoting epithelial-mesenchymal transition (EMT) and the cancer stem cell phenotype. Therefore, we aimed to determine whether IR promote EMT/CSC and to investigate the clinical relevance of EMT/CSC hallmark genes.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

In this experimental and bioinformatic study, A549 cell line was irradiated with a high dosage (6 Gy) or a fractionated regimen (2 Gy/day for 15 fractions). The EMT-related features, including cellular morphology, migratory and invasive capacities were evaluated using scratch assay and transwell migration/invasion assays. The mRNA levels of EMT-related genes (CDH1, CDH2, SNAI1 and TWIST1), stemness-related markers (CD44, PROM1, and ALDH1A1) and the CDH2/CDH1 ratio were evaluated via real-time polymerase chain reaction (PCR). The clinical significance of these genes was assessed in the lung adenocarcinoma (LUAD) samples using online databases.

RESULTS

Irradiation resulted in a dramatic elongation of cell shape and enhanced invasion and migration capabilities. These EMT-like alterations were accompanied with enhanced levels of SNAI1, CDH2, TWIST1, CD44, PROM1, and ALDH1A1 as well as an enhanced CDH2/CDH1 ratio. TCGA analysis revealed that, TWIST1, CDH1, PROM1 and CDH2 were upregulated; whereas, CD44, SNAI1 and ALDH1A1 were downregulated. Additionally, correlations between SNAI1-TWIST1, CDH2- TWIST1, CDH2-SNAI1, and ALDH1A1-PROM1 was positive. Kaplan-Meier survival analysis identified lower expression of CDH1, PROM1 and ALDH1A1 and increased expression of CDH2, SNAI1, and TWIST1 as well as CDH2/CDH1 ratio predict overall survival. Additionally, downregulation of ALDH1A1 and upregulation of CDH2, SNAI1 and CTWIST1 could predict a shorter first progression.

CONCLUSION

Altogether, these findings demonstrated that IR promotes EMT phenotype and stem cell markers in A549 cell line and these genes could function as diagnostic or prognostic indicators in LUAD samples.

Ginsenoside Rh4 Suppresses Metastasis of Esophageal Cancer and Expression of c-Myc via Targeting the Wnt/β-Catenin Signaling Pathway

The metastasis of esophageal squamous cell carcinoma (ESCC) is a leading cause of death worldwide, however, it has a poor prognosis. Ginsenoside Rh4 is a rare saponin that has been shown to have potential antitumor effectiveness in ESCC. However, the utility of Rh4 in ESCC metastasis and its undiscovered mode of action has not yet been explored. In this study, we found that Rh4 could inhibit ESCC metastasis by regulating the Wnt/β-catenin signaling pathway and the level of c-Myc, which is an important transcription factor in cancer. In in vitro experiments, Rh4 could inhibit the migration and invasion of ESCC cells without affecting cell viability. In in vivo experiments, Rh4 restrained ESCC metastasis to the lymph nodes and lungs via the suppression of epithelial-mesenchymal transition (EMT). The Wnt agonist HLY78 promoted EMT and migration of ESCC cells, whereas treatment of Rh4 can attenuate the promotion effect of HLY78. The siRNA knocking out c-Myc can also significantly reduce the expression of EMT-related marker proteins. This study illustrates a new concept for further research on the mechanism of Rh4 in ESCC.

Ubiquitination and deubiquitination in the regulation of epithelial-mesenchymal transition in cancer: Shifting gears at the molecular level

The process of conversion of non-motile epithelial cells to their motile mesenchymal counterparts is known as epithelial-mesenchymal transition (EMT), which is a fundamental event during embryonic development, tissue repair, and for the maintenance of stemness. However, this crucial process is hijacked in cancer and becomes the means by which cancer cells acquire further malignant properties such as increased invasiveness, acquisition of stem cell-like properties, increased chemoresistance, and immune evasion ability. The switch from epithelial to mesenchymal phenotype is mediated by a wide variety of effector molecules such as transcription factors, epigenetic modifiers, post-transcriptional and post-translational modifiers. Ubiquitination and de-ubiquitination are two post-translational processes that are fundamental to the ubiquitin-proteasome system (UPS) of the cell, and the shift in equilibrium between these two processes during cancer dictates the suppression or activation of different intracellular processes, including EMT. Here, we discuss the complex and dynamic relationship between components of the UPS and EMT in cancer.

BMP-gated cell-cycle progression drives anoikis during mesenchymal collective migration

Tissue homeostasis involves the elimination of abnormal cells to avoid compromised patterning and function. Although quality control through cell competition is well studied in epithelial tissues, it is unknown if and how homeostasis is regulated in mesenchymal collectives. Here, we demonstrate that collectively migrating Drosophila muscle precursors utilize both fibroblast growth factor (FGF) and bone morphogenetic protein (BMP) signaling to promote homeostasis via anoikis, a form of cell death in response to substrate de-adhesion. Cell-cycle-regulated expression of the cell death gene head involution defective is responsible for caudal visceral mesoderm (CVM) anoikis. The secreted BMP ligand drives cell-cycle progression via a visceral mesoderm-specific cdc25/string enhancer to synchronize collective proliferation, as well as apoptosis of cells that have lost access to substrate-derived FGF. Perturbation of BMP-dependent cell-cycle progression is sufficient to confer anoikis resistance to mismigrating cells and thus facilitate invasion of other tissues. This BMP-gated cell-cycle checkpoint defines a quality control mechanism during mesenchymal collective migration.

Interfering with the Expression of Ubiquitin-Like with PHD and Ring Finger Domains 1 Can Inhibit the Invasion of Human Renal Cell Carcinoma

Objective

The ubiquitin-like with PHD and ring finger domains 1 (UHRF1) is a protein coding gene which is associated with colorectal cancer and other diseases. Therefore, the present study was aimed at investigating the effect and mechanism of UHRF1 protein on invasion and metastasis in human renal carcinoma cells.

Methods

After UHRF1 was interfered with or overexpressed in renal carcinoma cell lines A498 and 769-P, the relative mRNA and protein level of UHRF1 was detected by RT-qPCR and immunofluorescence. The colony formation assay and MTT were performed to observe the proliferation and cell viability in each group. In addition, the invasion and metastasis of the cells in each group were detected by Transwell and wound healing assay. Finally, Western blot was utilized to measure protein expression of MMP-2 and MMP-9 and the level of protein in the Wnt/β-catenin signaling pathway.

Results

The cell ability, proliferation, invasion, and metastasis in A498 and 769-P cells were inhibited after interfering with UHRF1. In addition, the expression of MMP-2, MMP-9, c-myc, and β-catenin was significantly decreased, while the expression of GSK-3β was significantly increased. However, contrasting results were demonstrated when UHRF1 was overexpressed.

Conclusions

Interference with the expression of UHRF1 was able to inhibit the invasion and metastasis of human renal carcinoma cell lines A498 and 769-P, which may be related to mediating the Wnt/β-catenin signaling pathway and regulating the expression of MMP-2 and MMP-9.

FAM96A suppresses epithelial-mesenchymal transition and tumor metastasis by inhibiting TGFβ1 signals

Metastasis is the main cause of death in 90% of patients with tumors, and epithelial-mesenchymal transition (EMT) plays a key role in this process. Family with sequence similarity 96 member A (FAM96A) is an evolutionarily conserved protein related to cytosolic iron assembly. However, no research has been conducted on its role in tumor metastasis. Bioinformatics analysis with Kaplan-Meier analysis showed that patients with lower FAM96A expression in different tumors had shorter survival times and poorer prognoses. Here, we identified FAM96A as a crucial regulator of the TGFβ signaling pathway because it inhibits TGFβ-mediated tumor metastasis and EMT. FAM96A did not affect the proliferation or apoptosis of tumor cells but significantly reduced their migration and invasion abilities in vitro. The colonization and metastatic abilities of FAM96A-knockout tumor cells were significantly enhanced in vivo. Furthermore, the overexpression of exogenous FAM96A inhibited TGFβ-induced EMT through the SMAD-mediated pathway and downregulated the expression of endogenous transforming growth factor-β1 (TGFβ1). These findings demonstrated a correlation between EMT and FAM96A gene expression for the first time, which is highly important for revealing the mechanism underlying tumor metastasis.

ARVCF catenin controls force production during vertebrate convergent extension

The design of an animal's body plan is encoded in the genome, and the execution of this program is a mechanical progression involving coordinated movement of proteins, cells, and whole tissues. Thus, a challenge to understanding morphogenesis is connecting events that occur across various length scales. Here, we describe how a poorly characterized adhesion effector, Arvcf catenin, controls Xenopus head-to-tail axis extension. We find that Arvcf is required for axis extension within the intact organism but not within isolated tissues. We show that the organism-scale phenotype results from a defect in tissue-scale force production. Finally, we determine that the force defect results from the dampening of the pulsatile recruitment of cell adhesion and cytoskeletal proteins to membranes. These results provide a comprehensive understanding of Arvcf function during axis extension and produce an insight into how a cellular-scale defect in adhesion results in an organism-scale failure of development.

Viscoelasticity, Like Forces, Plays a Role in Mechanotransduction

Viscoelasticity and its alteration in time and space has turned out to act as a key element in fundamental biological processes in living systems, such as morphogenesis and motility. Based on experimental and theoretical findings it can be proposed that viscoelasticity of cells, spheroids and tissues seems to be a collective characteristic that demands macromolecular, intracellular component and intercellular interactions. A major challenge is to couple the alterations in the macroscopic structural or material characteristics of cells, spheroids and tissues, such as cell and tissue phase transitions, to the microscopic interferences of their elements. Therefore, the biophysical technologies need to be improved, advanced and connected to classical biological assays. In this review, the viscoelastic nature of cytoskeletal, extracellular and cellular networks is presented and discussed. Viscoelasticity is conceptualized as a major contributor to cell migration and invasion and it is discussed whether it can serve as a biomarker for the cells’ migratory capacity in several biological contexts. It can be hypothesized that the statistical mechanics of intra- and extracellular networks may be applied in the future as a powerful tool to explore quantitatively the biomechanical foundation of viscoelasticity over a broad range of time and length scales. Finally, the importance of the cellular viscoelasticity is illustrated in identifying and characterizing multiple disorders, such as cancer, tissue injuries, acute or chronic inflammations or fibrotic diseases.

Evaluation of e-cadherin and vimentin expression for different grades of oral epithelial dysplasia and oral squamous cell carcinoma - An immunohistochemical study

Background

Oral cancer is the 11^thcommon cancer in the world and ranks 6^thglobally in deaths. The incidence of oral cancer in India accounts for approximately 30%-40% of all cancers.

Aims and Objective

The present study was undertaken to evaluate the expression of Vimentin and E-cadherin in different grades of oral epithelial dysplasias (OEDs) and oral squamous cell carcinoma (OSCC).

Materials and Methods

Biopsies/blocks of oral cavity lesions were retrieved from the archives of the department. Normal oral mucosa (5 cases), oral epithelial dysplastic (60 cases) and different grades of OSCC (60 cases) evaluated by hematoxylin and eosin sections. Immunohistochemical analysis was done on the blocks and expression of E-cadherin and Vimentin was recorded.

Results

Our study included various grades of OED, OSCC and normal mucosa as control cases. The mean age of OED and OSCC was 49 and 56 years, respectively, with male predominance. Tobacco habit was present in approximately 90% cases, and buccal mucosa was the most commonly involved site in oral cavity with whitish patch and ulceroproliferative lesions being the common clinical presentations respectively. In OED, downregulation and altered localization of e-cadherin (81.6%) and increased expression of vimentin (52.3%) along with their concurrent increase in the stroma represent epithelial mesenchymal transition. In OSCC, reduction in expression (<50%) for e-cadherin (56.6%) with altered localization for e-cadherin was seen in 88.3% of OSCC along with neoexpression of vimentin in the epithelial cells was seen in 68.3% suggestive of mesenchymal phenotypic modification (P = 0.05).

Conclusion

It is very crucial to evaluate the invasiveness of dysplasia and tumor with specific molecular biomarker that may help in early prediction of malignancy and also guide in deciding best treatment strategy for established cases of malignancy.

Bone Marrow-Derived Mesenchymal Stem Cells Migrate toward Hormone-Insensitive Prostate Tumor Cells Expressing TGF-β via N-Cadherin

The prostate tumor microenvironment plays important roles in the metastasis and hormone-insensitive re-growth of tumor cells. Bone marrow-derived mesenchymal stem cells (BM-MSCs) are recruited into prostate tumors to facilitate tumor microenvironment formation. However, the specific intrinsic molecules mediating BM-MSCs’ migration to prostate tumors are unknown. BM-MSCs’ migration toward a conditioned medium (CM) of hormone-insensitive (PC3 and DU145) or hormone-sensitive (LNCaP) prostate tumor cells was investigated using a three-dimensional cell migration assay and a transwell migration assay. PC3 and DU145 expressed transforming growth factor-β (TGF-β), but LNCaP did not. Regardless of TGF-β expression, BM-MSCs migrated toward the CM of PC3, DU145, or LNCaP. The CM of PC3 or DU145 expressing TGF-β increased the phosphorylation of Smad2/3 in BM-MSCs. Inactivation of TGF-β signaling in BM-MSCs using TGF-β type 1 receptor (TGFBR1) inhibitors, SB505124, or SB431542 did not allow BM-MSCs to migrate toward the CM. The CM of PC3 or DU145 enhanced N-cadherin expression on BM-MSCs, but the LNCaP CM did not. SB505124, SB431542, and TGFBR1 knockdown prevented an increase in N-cadherin expression. N-cadherin knockdown inhibited the collective migration of BM-MSCs toward the PC3 CM. We identified N-cadherin as a mediator of BM-MSCs’ migration toward hormone-insensitive prostate tumor cells expressing TGF-β and introduced a novel strategy for controlling and re-engineering the prostate tumor microenvironment.

Functional Implications of the Dynamic Regulation of EpCAM during Epithelial-to-Mesenchymal Transition

Epithelial cell adhesion molecule (EpCAM) is a transmembrane glycoprotein expressed in epithelial tissues. EpCAM forms intercellular, homophilic adhesions, modulates epithelial junctional protein complex formation, and promotes epithelial tissue homeostasis. EpCAM is a target of molecular therapies and plays a prominent role in tumor biology. In this review, we focus on the dynamic regulation of EpCAM expression during epithelial-to-mesenchymal transition (EMT) and the functional implications of EpCAM expression on the regulation of EMT. EpCAM is frequently and highly expressed in epithelial cancers, while silenced in mesenchymal cancers. During EMT, EpCAM expression is downregulated by extracellular signal-regulated kinases (ERK) and EMT transcription factors, as well as by regulated intramembrane proteolysis (RIP). The functional impact of EpCAM expression on tumor biology is frequently dependent on the cancer type and predominant oncogenic signaling pathways, suggesting that the role of EpCAM in tumor biology and EMT is multifunctional. Membrane EpCAM is cleaved in cancers and its intracellular domain (EpICD) is transported into the nucleus and binds β-catenin, FHL2, and LEF1. This stimulates gene transcription that promotes growth, cancer stem cell properties, and EMT. EpCAM is also regulated by epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR) signaling and the EpCAM ectoderm (EpEX) is an EGFR ligand that affects EMT. EpCAM is expressed on circulating tumor and cancer stem cells undergoing EMT and modulates metastases and cancer treatment responses. Future research exploring EpCAM’s role in EMT may reveal additional therapeutic opportunities.

Bioengineering strategies to control epithelial-to-mesenchymal transition for studies of cardiac development and disease

Epithelial-to-mesenchymal transition (EMT) is a process that occurs in a wide range of tissues and environments, in response to numerous factors and conditions, and plays a critical role in development, disease, and regeneration. The process involves epithelia transitioning into a mobile state and becoming mesenchymal cells. The investigation of EMT processes has been important for understanding developmental biology and disease progression, enabling the advancement of treatment approaches for a variety of disorders such as cancer and myocardial infarction. More recently, tissue engineering efforts have also recognized the importance of controlling the EMT process. In this review, we provide an overview of the EMT process and the signaling pathways and factors that control it, followed by a discussion of bioengineering strategies to control EMT. Important biological, biomaterial, biochemical, and physical factors and properties that have been utilized to control EMT are described, as well as the studies that have investigated the modulation of EMT in tissue engineering and regenerative approaches in vivo, with a specific focus on the heart. Novel tools that can be used to characterize and assess EMT are discussed and finally, we close with a perspective on new bioengineering methods that have the potential to transform our ability to control EMT, ultimately leading to new therapies.

Pathogenic variants in CDH11 impair cell adhesion and cause Teebi hypertelorism syndrome

Teebi hypertelorism syndrome (THS; OMIM 145420) is a rare craniofacial disorder characterized by hypertelorism, prominent forehead, short nose with broad or depressed nasal root. Some cases of THS have been attributed to SPECC1L variants. Homozygous variants in CDH11 truncating the transmembrane and intracellular domains have been implicated in Elsahy-Waters syndrome (EWS; OMIM 211380) with hypertelorism. We report THS due to CDH11 heterozygous missense variants on 19 subjects from 9 families. All affected residues in the extracellular region of Cadherin-11 (CHD11) are highly conserved across vertebrate species and classical cadherins. Six of the variants that cluster around the EC2-EC3 and EC3-EC4 linker regions are predicted to affect Ca²⁺ binding that is required for cadherin stability. Two of the additional variants [c.164G > C, p.(Trp55Ser) and c.418G > A, p.(Glu140Lys)] are also notable as they are predicted to directly affect trans-homodimer formation. Immunohistochemical study demonstrates that CDH11 is strongly expressed in human facial mesenchyme. Using multiple functional assays, we show that five variants from the EC1, EC2-EC3 linker, and EC3 regions significantly reduced the cell-substrate trans adhesion activity and one variant from EC3-EC4 linker results in changes in cell morphology, focal adhesion, and migration, suggesting dominant negative effect. Characteristic features in this cohort included depressed nasal root, cardiac and umbilical defects. These features distinguished this phenotype from that seen in SPECC1L-related hypertelorism syndrome and CDH11-related EWS. Our results demonstrate heterozygous variants in CDH11, which decrease cell-cell adhesion and increase cell migratory behavior, cause a form of THS, as termed CDH11-related THS.

Transforming Growth Factor-β1 Enhances Mesenchymal Characteristics of Buffalo (Bubalus bubalis) Bone Marrow-Derived Mesenchymal Stem Cells

Bone marrow-derived mesenchymal stem cells (BMSCs) from livestock are valuable resources for animal reproduction and veterinary therapeutics. Previous studies have shown that BMSCs were prone to malignant transformation of mesenchymal-to-epithelial transition in vitro, which can cause many barriers to further application of BMSCs. The transforming growth factor β (TGF-β) signaling pathway has been widely studied as the most important signaling pathway involved in regulating mesenchymal features of BMSCs. However, the effects of the TGF-β signaling pathway on mesenchymal characteristics of buffalo BMSCs (bBMSCs) remain unclear. In the present study, the impacts of the growth factor, TGF-β1, on cell proliferation, apoptosis, migration, and karyotype of bBMSCs were tested. Besides, the effects of TGF-β1 on pluripotency, mesenchymal markers, and epithelial-to-mesenchymal transition (EMT)-related gene expression of bBMSCs were also examined. Results showed that the suitable concentration and time of TGF-β1 treatment (2 ng/mL and 24 hours) promoted cell proliferation and significantly reduced cell apoptosis (p < 0.05) in bBMSCs. The cell migration capacity and normal karyotype rate of bBMSCs were significantly (p < 0.05) improved under TGF-β1 treatment. The expression levels of pluripotency-related genes (Sox2 and Nanog) and mesenchymal markers (N-cadherin and Fn1) were significantly (p < 0.05) up-regulated under TGF-β1 treatment. Furthermore, TGF-β1 activated the EMT process, thereby contributing to significantly enhancing the expression levels of EMT-related genes (Snail and Slug) (p < 0.05), which in turn improved maintenance of the mesenchymal nature in bBMSCs. Finally, bBMSCs underwent self-transformation more easily and efficiently and exhibited more characteristics of mesenchymal stem cells under TGF-β1 treatment. This study provides theoretical guidance for elucidating the detailed mechanism of the TGF-β signaling pathway in mesenchymal feature maintenance of bBMSCs and is of significance to establish a stable culture system of bBMSCs.

GPR12 inhibits migration and promotes apoptosis in esophageal cancer and hypopharyngeal cancer cells

Background

G protein‐coupled receptor 12 (GPR12) is an orphan receptor with no confirmed endogenous ligands. It plays important roles in both physiological and pathological conditions such as neurogenesis and neural inflammation. However, it remains unclear whether GPR12 regulates carcinogenesis and progression in head and neck squamous cell carcinoma (HNSCC), such as esophageal cancer (EC) and hypopharyngeal cancer (HC).

Methods

The Cancer Genome Atlas (TCGA) database was applied to explore the expression of GPR12. Quantitative real‐time polymerase chain reaction (qRT‐PCR) was used to detect the expression of GPR12 in cancer tissues. Wound healing and transwell assays were carried out to verify the effect of GPR12 on cell migration. Flow cytometric analysis and caspase‐Glo 3/7 assay were carried out to verify the influence of GPR12 on cell apoptosis. Western blotting was used to measure the expression of proteins related to migration and apoptosis.

Result

The qRT‐PCR analyses showed that the expression of GPR12 decreased in EC and HC than that in their paired adjacent normal tissues. Wound healing assay and transwell assay demonstrated that GPR12 inhibited tumor cell migration. Flow cytometry analysis and Caspase‐Glo 3/7 Assay suggested that GPR12 promoted apoptosis. The mechanism of GPR12 may function via modulating caspase‐7, E‐cadherin, and α‐catenin in EC and HC cells.

Conclusion

In conclusion, GPR12 induced apoptosis by activating caspase‐7 and inhibited migration through epithelial‐to‐mesenchymal transition (EMT) in EC and HC. Our findings demonstrated that GPR12 as a potential tumor suppressor mediated cell migration and apoptosis in EC and HC.

A requirement for p120-catenin in the metastasis of invasive ductal breast cancer

We report here the effects of targeted p120-catenin (encoded by CTNND1; hereafter denoted p120) knockout (KO) in a PyMT mouse model of invasive ductal (mammary) cancer (IDC). Mosaic p120 ablation had little effect on primary tumor growth but caused significant pro-metastatic alterations in the tumor microenvironment, ultimately leading to a marked increase in the number and size of pulmonary metastases. Surprisingly, although early effects of p120-ablation included decreased cell-cell adhesion and increased invasiveness, cells lacking p120 were almost entirely unable to colonized distant metastatic sites in vivo The relevance of this observation to human IDC was established by analysis of a large clinical dataset of 1126 IDCs. As reported by others, p120 downregulation in primary IDC predicted worse overall survival. However, as in the mice, distant metastases were almost invariably p120 positive, even in matched cases where the primary tumors were p120 negative. Collectively, our results demonstrate a strong positive role for p120 (and presumably E-cadherin) during metastatic colonization of distant sites. On the other hand, downregulation of p120 in the primary tumor enhanced metastatic dissemination indirectly via pro-metastatic conditioning of the tumor microenvironment.

Biophysical phenotyping of mesenchymal stem cells along the osteogenic differentiation pathway

Mesenchymal stem cells represent an important resource, for bone regenerative medicine and therapeutic applications. This review focuses on new advancements and biophysical tools which exploit different physical and chemical markers of mesenchymal stem cell populations, to finely characterize phenotype changes along their osteogenic differentiation process. Special attention is paid to recently developed label-free methods, which allow monitoring cell populations with minimal invasiveness. Among them, quantitative phase imaging, suitable for single-cell morphometric analysis, and nanoindentation, functional to cellular biomechanics investigation. Moreover, the pool of ion channels expressed in cells during differentiation is discussed, with particular interest for calcium homoeostasis.Altogether, a biophysical perspective of osteogenesis is proposed, offering a valuable tool for the assessment of the cell stage, but also suggesting potential physiological links between apparently independent phenomena.

Regulators at Every Step-How microRNAs Drive Tumor Cell Invasiveness and Metastasis

Simple Summary

Tumor cell invasiveness and metastasis are key processes in cancer progression and are composed of many steps. All of them are regulated by multiple microRNAs that either promote or suppress tumor progression. Multiple studies demonstrated that microRNAs target the mRNAs of multiple genes involved in the regulation of cell motility, local invasion, and metastatic niche formation. Thus, microRNAs are promising biomarkers and therapeutic targets in oncology.

Abstract

Tumor cell invasiveness and metastasis are the main causes of mortality in cancer. Tumor progression is composed of many steps, including primary tumor growth, local invasion, intravasation, survival in the circulation, pre-metastatic niche formation, and metastasis. All these steps are strictly controlled by microRNAs (miRNAs), small non-coding RNA that regulate gene expression at the post-transcriptional level. miRNAs can act as oncomiRs that promote tumor cell invasion and metastasis or as tumor suppressor miRNAs that inhibit tumor progression. These miRNAs regulate the actin cytoskeleton, the expression of extracellular matrix (ECM) receptors including integrins and ECM-remodeling enzymes comprising matrix metalloproteinases (MMPs), and regulate epithelial–mesenchymal transition (EMT), hence modulating cell migration and invasiveness. Moreover, miRNAs regulate angiogenesis, the formation of a pre-metastatic niche, and metastasis. Thus, miRNAs are biomarkers of metastases as well as promising targets of therapy. In this review, we comprehensively describe the role of various miRNAs in tumor cell migration, invasion, and metastasis.

Expression of apolipoprotein C1 in clear cell renal cell carcinoma: An oncogenic gene and a prognostic marker

This study aimed to explore whether APOC1 expression has a function in the biological behavior of clear cell renal cell carcinoma (ccRCC) cells and its possible mechanism. Bioinformatics analysis of data TCGA and OnComine was conducted to explore the expression pattern and prognostic value of APOC1, as well as the relationship between APOC1 expression and clinical indicators. Loss- and gain- of APOC1 function assays were carried out to assess the biological functions of APOC1. Western blotting was applied to detect protein expression. We revealed that APOC1 was upregulated in ccRCC tissues. APOC1 expression was related to gender, grade, pathologic-T, pathologic-stage, and pathologic-M in patients with ccRCC. Meanwhile, Kaplan-Meier analysis evidenced that the high APOC1 expression indicated unfavorable outcomes of ccRCC. Functional experiments in vitro revealed that upregulation of APOC1 in UT33A cells promoted cell proliferation, invasion, and migration, while downregulation of APOC1 in 786-O cells had the opposite effect. Furthermore, epithelial mesenchymal transition (EMT) was activated in cells with upregulated APOC1 but inhibited in cells with down-regulated APOC1. Collectively, our data suggested that APOC1 was overexpressed in ccRCC cells and promoted the malignant biological behaviors and EMT of ccRCC cells.

Regulators at Every Step—How microRNAs Drive Tumor Cell Invasiveness and Metastasis

Tumor cell invasiveness and metastasis are the main causes of mortality in cancer. Tumor progression is composed of many steps, including primary tumor growth, local invasion, intravasation, survival in the circulation, pre-metastatic niche formation, and metastasis. All these steps are strictly controlled by microRNAs (miRNAs), small non-coding RNA that regulate gene expression at the post-transcriptional level. miRNAs can act as oncomiRs that promote tumor cell invasion and metastasis or as tumor suppressor miRNAs that inhibit tumor progression. These miRNAs regulate the actin cytoskeleton, the expression of extracellular matrix (ECM) receptors including integrins and ECM-remodeling enzymes comprising matrix metalloproteinases (MMPs), and regulate epithelial–mesenchymal transition (EMT), hence modulating cell migration and invasiveness. Moreover, miRNAs regulate angiogenesis, the formation of a pre-metastatic niche, and metastasis. Thus, miRNAs are biomarkers of metastases as well as promising targets of therapy. In this review, we comprehensively describe the role of various miRNAs in tumor cell migration, invasion, and metastasis.

Collective invasion induced by an autocrine purinergic loop through connexin-43 hemichannels

Progression of epithelial cancers predominantly proceeds by collective invasion of cell groups with coordinated cell-cell junctions and multicellular cytoskeletal activity. Collectively invading breast cancer cells express the gap junction protein connexin-43 (Cx43), yet whether Cx43 regulates collective invasion remains unclear. We here show that Cx43 mediates gap-junctional coupling between collectively invading breast cancer cells and, via hemichannels, adenosine nucleotide/nucleoside release into the extracellular space. Using molecular interference and rescue strategies, we identify that Cx43 hemichannel function, but not intercellular communication, induces leader cell activity and collective migration through the engagement of the adenosine receptor 1 (ADORA1) and AKT signaling. Accordingly, pharmacological inhibition of ADORA1 or AKT signaling caused leader cell collapse and halted collective invasion. ADORA1 inhibition further reduced local invasion of orthotopic mammary tumors in vivo, and joint up-regulation of Cx43 and ADORA1 in breast cancer patients correlated with decreased relapse-free survival. This identifies autocrine purinergic signaling, through Cx43 hemichannels, as a critical pathway in leader cell function and collective invasion.

Knock-out of MicroRNA 145 impairs cardiac fibroblast function and wound healing post-myocardial infarction

Prevention of infarct scar thinning and dilatation and stimulation of scar contracture can prevent progressive heart failure. Since microRNA 145 (miR-145) plays an important role in cardiac fibroblast response to wound healing and cardiac repair after an myocardial infarction (MI), using a miR-145 knock-out (KO) mouse model, we evaluated contribution of down-regulation of miR-145 to cardiac fibroblast and myofibroblast function during adverse cardiac remodelling. Cardiac function decreased more and the infarct size was larger in miR-145 KO than that in WT mice after MI and this phenomenon was accompanied by a decrease in cardiac fibroblast-to-myofibroblast differentiation. Quantification of collagen I and α-SMA protein levels as well as wound contraction revealed that transdifferentiation of cardiac fibroblasts into myofibroblasts was lower in KO than WT mice. In vitro restoration of miR-145 induced more differentiation of fibroblasts to myofibroblasts and this effect involved the target genes Klf4 and myocardin. MiR-145 contributes to infarct scar contraction in the heart and the absence of miR-145 contributes to dysfunction of cardiac fibroblast, resulting in greater infarct thinning and dilatation. Augmentation of miR-145 could be an attractive target to prevent adverse cardiac remodelling after MI by enhancing the phenotypic switch of cardiac fibroblasts to myofibroblasts.

Pcdh18a regulates endocytosis of E-cadherin during axial mesoderm development in zebrafish

The notochord defines the axial structure of all vertebrates during development. Notogenesis is a result of major cell reorganization in the mesoderm, the convergence and the extension of the axial cells. However, it is currently not fully understood how these processes act together in a coordinated way during notochord formation. The prechordal plate is an actively migrating cell population in the central mesoderm anterior to the trailing notochordal plate cells. We show that prechordal plate cells express Protocadherin 18a (Pcdh18a), a member of the cadherin superfamily. We find that Pcdh18a-mediated recycling of E-cadherin adhesion complexes transforms prechordal plate cells into a cohesive and fast migrating cell group. In turn, the prechordal plate cells subsequently instruct the trailing mesoderm. We simulated cell migration during early mesoderm formation using a lattice-based mathematical framework and predicted that the requirement for an anterior, local motile cell cluster could guide the intercalation and extension of the posterior, axial cells. Indeed, a grafting experiment validated the prediction and local Pcdh18a expression induced an ectopic prechordal plate-like cell group migrating towards the animal pole. Our findings indicate that the Pcdh18a is important for prechordal plate formation, which influences the trailing mesodermal cell sheet by orchestrating the morphogenesis of the notochord.

SMAD7 and SERPINE1 as novel dynamic network biomarkers detect and regulate the tipping point of TGF-beta induced EMT

Epithelial-mesenchymal transition (EMT) is a complex nonlinear biological process that plays essential roles in fundamental biological processes such as embryogenesis, wounding healing, tissue regeneration, and cancer metastasis. A hallmark of EMT is the switch-like behavior during state transition, which is characteristic of phase transitions. Hence, detecting the tipping point just before mesenchymal state transition is critical for understanding molecular mechanism of EMT. Through dynamic network biomarkers (DNB) model, a DNB group with 37 genes was identified which can provide the early-warning signals of EMT. Particularly, we found that two DNB genes, i.e., SMAD7 and SERPINE1 promoted EMT by switching their regulatory network which was further validated by biological experiments. Survival analyses revealed that SMAD7 and SERPINE1 as DNB genes further acted as prognostic biomarkers for lung adenocarcinoma.

Epithelial Migration and Non-adhesive Periderm Are Required for Digit Separation during Mammalian Development

The fusion of digits or toes, syndactyly, can be part of complex syndromes, including van der Woude syndrome. A subset of van der Woude cases is caused by dominant-negative mutations in the epithelial transcription factor Grainyhead like-3 (GRHL3), and Grhl3^-/-mice have soft-tissue syndactyly. Although impaired interdigital cell death of mesenchymal cells causes syndactyly in multiple genetic mutants, Grhl3^-/- embryos had normal interdigital cell death, suggesting alternative mechanisms for syndactyly. We found that in digit separation, the overlying epidermis forms a migrating interdigital epithelial tongue (IET) when the epithelium invaginates to separate the digits. Normally, the non-adhesive surface periderm allows the IET to bifurcate as the digits separate. In contrast, in Grhl3^-/- embryos, the IET moves normally between the digits but fails to bifurcate because of abnormal adhesion of the periderm. Our study identifies epidermal developmental processes required for digit separation.

Expression of E- Cadherin and Levels of Dysplasia in Oral Leukoplakia - A Prospective Cohort Study

Aim:

Enormous attempts have been made to develop and establish markers that determines the susceptibility of potentially malignant tissues to transform to oral cancer. E - cadherin encoded by CDH1 gene is a protein which plays an important role in cellular adhesion. This study aimed to assess the relationship between the expression of E- cadherin and different grades of epithelial dysplasia in oral leukoplakia.

Materials and Methods:

Tumour biopsies from fifty leukoplakia patients was collected. Half of the tissue was sent for histopathological examination and other half was subjected to see E - cadherin expression by real time PCR.

Results:

On assessing, the expression of E - cadherin was found to be high in samples with mild dysplasia followed by samples with moderate dysplasia. Samples with severe dysplastic feature showed least expression of E - cadherin. All statistical analyses were performed using Statistical Package for Social science (SPSS) and was proven that there is significant decrease in the expression of E - cadherin as the degree of dysplasia increases with a p value 0.001 and confidence interval 95%.

Conclusion:

We conclude that loss of E - cadherin can be used as a tumour marker that could determine the susceptibility of normal and potentially malignant tissues to transform into oral cancers. To generalise our results, further prospective studies with a large sample size using quantitative real time PCR to read the gene expression should be carried out at multi centre levels.

p120-catenin-dependent collective brain infiltration by glioma cell networks

Diffuse brain infiltration by glioma cells causes detrimental disease progression, but its multicellular coordination is poorly understood. We show here that glioma cells infiltrate the brain collectively as multicellular networks. Contacts between moving glioma cells are adaptive epithelial-like or filamentous junctions stabilized by N-cadherin, β-catenin and p120-catenin, which undergo kinetic turnover, transmit intercellular calcium transients and mediate directional persistence. Downregulation of p120-catenin compromises cell-cell interaction and communication, disrupts collective networks, and both the cadherin and RhoA binding domains of p120-catenin are required for network formation and migration. Deregulating p120-catenin further prevents diffuse glioma cell infiltration of the mouse brain with marginalized microlesions as the outcome. Transcriptomics analysis has identified p120-catenin as an upstream regulator of neurogenesis and cell cycle pathways and a predictor of poor clinical outcome in glioma patients. Collective glioma networks infiltrating the brain thus depend on adherens junctions dynamics, the targeting of which may offer an unanticipated strategy to halt glioma progression.

SERPIND1 Affects the Malignant Biological Behavior of Epithelial Ovarian Cancer via the PI3K/AKT Pathway: A Mechanistic Study

Serpin family D member 1 (SERPIND1) belongs to the serine protease inhibitor family. Its role in cancers has gradually attracted interest from researchers in recent years. However, the role of SERPIND1 in the development of epithelial ovarian cancer remains poorly understood. This studied aimed to investigate the expression and clinical significance of SERPIND1 in epithelial ovarian cancer, as well as its effect on the malignant biological behavior of ovarian cancer cells and the related regulatory mechanisms. We found that SERPIND1 expression was significantly elevated in epithelial ovarian cancer. Patients with higher expression of SERPIND1 in ovarian cancer tissues had poor prognoses. SERPIND1 promoted the proliferation, migration, invasion, G1-to-S phase transition, and epithelial–mesenchymal transition of ovarian cancer cells and inhibited their apoptosis by promoting phosphorylation in the phosphoinositide 3-kinase/protein kinase B (PI3K/AKT) pathway. Meanwhile, the inhibition of SERPIND1 expression in ovarian cancer cells resulted in opposite effects. The addition of the PI3K/AKT pathway inhibitor LY294002 to SERPIND1-overexpressing cells could reverse the promoting effect of SERPIND1 on the malignant biological behavior of ovarian cancer cells. Further, nuclear factor kappa B subunit 1, a transcription factor could bind to the promoter region of SERPIND1 and regulate SERPIND1 expression. In conclusion, our results indicated that SERPIND1 could be an effective marker for assessing the prognosis of ovarian cancer. By elucidating its mechanism underlying the promotion of malignant biological behavior of ovarian cancer by SERPIND1, we demonstrated that SERPIND1 could potentially serve as a novel drug target.

Dynasore suppresses cell proliferation, migration, and invasion and enhances the antitumor capacity of cisplatin via STAT3 pathway in osteosarcoma

Osteosarcoma (OS) is the most common malignant bone tumor. The prognosis of metastatic and recurrent OS patients still remains unsatisfactory. Cisplatin reveals undeniable anti-tumor effect while induces severe side effects that threatening patients’ health. Dynasore, a cell-permeable small molecule that inhibits dynamin activity, has been widely studied in endocytosis and phagocytosis. However, the anti-tumor effect of dynasore on OS has not yet been ascertained. In the present study, we suggested that dynasore inhibited cell proliferation, migration, invasion, and induced G0/G1 arrest of OS cells. Besides, dynasore repressed tumorigenesis of OS in xenograft mouse model. In addition, we demonstrated that dynasore improved the anti-tumor effect of cisplatin in vitro and in vivo without inducing nephrotoxicity and hepatotoxicity. Mechanistically, dynasore repressed the expression of CCND1, CDK4, p-Rb, and MMP-2. Furthermore, we found that dynasore exerts anti-tumor effects in OS partially via inhibiting STAT3 signaling pathway but not ERK-MAPK, PI3K-Akt or SAPK/JNK pathways. P38 MAPK pathway served as a negative regulatory mechanism in dynasore induced anti-OS effects. Taken together, our study indicated that dynasore does suppress cell proliferation, migration, and invasion via STAT3 signaling pathway, and enhances the antitumor capacity of cisplatin in OS. Our results suggest that dynasore is a novel candidate drug to inhibit the tumor growth of OS and enhance the anti-tumor effects of cisplatin.

Recent trends in predictive biomarkers for determining malignant potential of oral potentially malignant disorders

Despite of the tremendous advancements in the field of cancer prevention, detection and treatment, the overall prognosis of oral squamous cell carcinoma (OSCC) still remains poor. This can be partly imparted to the lack of early detection of oral potentially malignant disorders (OPMDs), especially those at a higher risk of progression into OSCC. Over years, various specific and non-specific markers have been introduced that could predict the malignant transformation of OPMDs; however detail information on these OPMD markers in a concise manner is lacking. Moreover, their use on daily clinical basis still remains questionable. With continuous research in the field of cytology and genomics, several contemporary biomarkers have been discovered that are not yet foregrounded and proved to be more promising than those used conventionally. Here, in the present paper, we overview several recently concluded predictive biomarkers with special emphasis on their role in molecular pathogenesis of OSCC transformation. These markers can be used for risk assessment of malignant transformation in patients with OPMDs as well as for prophylactic conciliation and fair management of the high-risk OPMD patient group.