MicroRNAs and lymph node metastatic disease in lung cancer

CEACAM1 increased the lymphangiogenesis through miR-423-5p and NF- kB in Non-Small Cell Lung Cancer

Background

Lung cancer causes significant mortality, with invasion and metastasis being the main features that cause most cancer deaths. Lymph node metastasis is the primary metastatic route in non-small cell carcinoma (NSCLC) and influences the staging and prognosis of NSCLC. Cumulative studies have reported that Carcinoembryonic antigen-related cell adhesion molecule 1 (CEACAM1) is involved in the progression of various cancers. However, few studies have discussed the function of CEACAM1 in lymphangiogenesis in NSCLC. Here, we examined how CEACAM1 influences lymphangiogenesis in NSCLC.

Methods

A total of 30 primary squamous cell carcinoma (LUSC) patients diagnosed with LN metastasis were prospectively selected. LUSC tumor tissues, para-cancerous tissues, and positive lymph node tissues were harvested. The expression and subcellular location of CEACAM1, CD31, and LVYE1 in clinical samples were detected by immunohistochemistry. Next, the CEACAM1 and hsa-miR-423-5p expressions were detected by qPCR. The protein expression of lymphangiogenesis-associated proteins and critical cytokines of the NF-κB pathway in HDLECs was detected by Western blot. A tube formation assay was performed to detect the lymphangiogenesis in different groups. The interaction between CEACAM1 and hsa-miR-423-5p was verified using a dual luciferase assay.

Results

CEACAM1 was found to be a potential gene associated with lung cancer prognosis. It was positively correlated with angiogenesis and lymphangiogenesis. Then, we detected the function of CEACAM1 in lymphangiogenesis and found that CEACAM1 promoted lymphangiogenesis. hsa-miR-423-5p overexpression inhibited lymphangiogenesis via targeting CEACAM1. Finally, we observed that CEACAM1 can activate the NF-κB pathway and, therefore, promote lymphangiogenesis.

Conclusion

We found that CEACAM1 enhanced lymphangiogenesis in NSCLC via NF-kB activation and was repressed by miR-423-5p. This suggests the value of CEACAM1 as a new therapeutic marker in NSCLC.

Genes whose expressions in the primary lung squamous cell carcinoma are able to accurately predict the progression of metastasis through lymphatic system, inferred from a bioinformatics analyses

Lymph node metastasis is the most important prognostic factor in patients with lung squamous cell carcinoma. The current findings show that lymph node metastatic tumor cells can arise by programming metastasis in primary tumor cells. Thereby, the genetic alterations responsible for the metastasis could be detected in the primary tumors. This bioinformatic study aimed to determine novel potential prognostic biomarkers shared between primary lung squamous cell tumors (without lymph node metastasis) and lymphatic metastasis, using the Cancer Genome Atlas database. Differentially expressed genes were screened by limma statistical package in R environment. Gene ontology and biological pathways analyses were performed using Enrichr for up-regulated and down-regulated genes. Also, we selected lymph node metastasis related genes among DEGs using correlation analysis between DEGs and suitable references genes for metastasis. Receiver operating characteristic curves was applied using pROC and R package ggplot2 to evaluate diagnostic value of differentially expressed genes. In addition, survival and drug resistance analyses were performed for differentially expressed genes. The miRNA-mRNA interaction networks were predicted by miRwalk and TargetScan databases and expression levels analysis of the miRNAs which were mainly targeting mRNAs was performed using UALCAN database. Protein-protein interaction network analysis and hub genes identification were performed using FunRich and Cytoscape plugin cytoHubba. In this study, a total of 397 genes were differentially expressed not only with a significant difference between N + vs. normal and N0 vs. normal but also with significant difference between N + vs. N0. Identified GO terms and biological pathways were consistent with DEGs role in the lung squamous cell carcinoma and lymph node metastasis. A significant correlation between 56 genes out of 397 differentially expressed genes with reference genes prompted them being considered for identifying lymph node metastasis of lung squamous cell carcinoma. In addition, SLC46A2, ZNF367, AC107214.1 and NCBP1 genes were identified as survival-related genes of patients with lung squamous cell carcinoma. Moreover, NEDD9, MRPL21, SNRPF, and SCLT1 genes were identified to be involved in lung squamous cell carcinoma drug sensitivity/resistance. We have identified several numbers of miRNAs and their related target genes which could emerge as potential diagnostic biomarkers. Finally, CDK1, PLK1, PCNA, ZWINT and NDC80 identified as hub genes for underlying molecular mechanisms of lung squamous cell carcinoma and lymphatic metastasis. Our study highlights new target genes according to their relation to lymph node metastasis, whose expressions in the primary lung squamous cell carcinoma are able to accurately assess the presence of lymphatic metastasis.

MiR-224 promotes lymphatic metastasis by targeting ANGPTL1 in non-small-cell lung carcinoma

BACKGROUND

MicroRNAs can regulate tumor metastasis either as oncomiRs or suppressor miRNAs. Here, we investigated the role of microRNA 224 (miR-224) in lymphatic metastasis of non-small-cell lung cancer (NSCLC).

METHODS

The expression of miR-224 was demonstrated by a validation cohort of 156 lung cancer patients (77 cases with lymphatic metastasis) by quantitative polymerase chain reaction (qPCR). In vitro and in vivo experiments were performed to study the malignant phenotype after upregulation and inhibition of miR-224 expression. Furthermore, the direct target genes of miR-224 were determined by a luciferase reporter assay.

RESULTS

First, miR-224 was identified as a highly expressed miRNA in tumor tissues with lymphatic metastasis, with an area under the curve (AUC) of 0.57 as determined by qPCR analysis of a validation cohort of 156 lung cancer patients. Then, in vitro and in vivo experiments indicated that forced expression of miR-224 in H1299 cells promoted not only cell viability, plate colony formation, migration and invasion in vitro but also tumor growth and lung metastasis in vivo. Consistently, inhibition of miR-224 suppressed malignant characteristics both in vitro and in vivo. Moreover, molecular mechanistic research suggested that miR-224 enhanced NSCLC by directly targeting the tumor suppressor angiopoietin-like protein (ANGPTL).

CONCLUSIONS

Overall, the collective findings demonstrate that miR-224 is a potential biomarker for the prediction of lymphatic metastasis of NSCLC.

Development and Validation of a Nomogram for Preoperative Prediction of Lymph Node Metastasis in Lung Adenocarcinoma Based on Radiomics Signature and Deep Learning Signature

BACKGROUND AND PURPOSE

The preoperative LN (lymph node) status of patients with LUAD (lung adenocarcinoma) is a key factor for determining if systemic nodal dissection is required, which is usually confirmed after surgery. This study aimed to develop and validate a nomogram for preoperative prediction of LN metastasis in LUAD based on a radiomics signature and deep learning signature.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

This retrospective study included a training cohort of 200 patients, an internal validation cohort of 40 patients, and an external validation cohort of 60 patients. Radiomics features were extracted from conventional CT (computed tomography) images. T-test and Extra-trees were performed for feature selection, and the selected features were combined using logistic regression to build the radiomics signature. The features and weights of the last fully connected layer of a CNN (convolutional neural network) were combined to obtain a deep learning signature. By incorporating clinical risk factors, the prediction model was developed using a multivariable logistic regression analysis, based on which the nomogram was developed. The calibration, discrimination and clinical values of the nomogram were evaluated.

RESULTS

Multivariate logistic regression analysis showed that the radiomics signature, deep learning signature, and CT-reported LN status were independent predictors. The prediction model developed by all the independent predictors showed good discrimination (C-index, 0.820; 95% CI, 0.762 to 0.879) and calibration (Hosmer-Lemeshow test, P=0.193) capabilities for the training cohort. Additionally, the model achieved satisfactory discrimination (C-index, 0.861; 95% CI, 0.769 to 0.954) and calibration (Hosmer-Lemeshow test, P=0.775) when applied to the external validation cohort. An analysis of the decision curve showed that the nomogram had potential for clinical application.

CONCLUSIONS

This study presents a prediction model based on radiomics signature, deep learning signature, and CT-reported LN status that can be used to predict preoperative LN metastasis in patients with LUAD.

Emerging role of secreted miR-210-3p as potential biomarker for clear cell Renal Cell Carcinoma metastasis

BACKGROUND

MicroRNAs (miRNAs) are emerging as promising molecules in the diagnosis, prognosis and treatment of urological tumours. Recently, our group performed two independent studies highlighting that miR-210-3p may be a useful biomarker not only for diagnosis but also for post-surgery clear cell Renal Cell Carcinoma (ccRCC) management.

OBJECTIVE

The aim of this study is to further explore the effectiveness of miRNA as non-invasive biomarker for clinical outcomes and ccRCC response to the treatment.

METHODS

We analyzed miR-210-3p levels in neoplastic and healthy tissue and in urine specimens collected at surgery and during follow-up of 21 ccRCC patients by RTqPCR.

RESULTS

Firstly, we confirmed that the expression of miR-210-3p was upregulated in tumor tissues and in urine samples of analyzed cohort. Of note is that miR-210-3p expression was significantly reduced in urine samples from disease-free patients during follow-up (from 3 to 12 months) compared to the baseline levels observed at the time of surgery. In a small subgroup of patients presenting metastatic progression (such as bone, intestinal or lung metastasis), the urine levels of miR-210-3p correlated with responsiveness to the therapy.

CONCLUSIONS

This pilot study highlights the relevance of secreted miR-210-3p as powerful non-invasive prognostic and predictive biomarker for the evaluation of clinical outcomes and treatment response during ccRCC follow up.

Non-coding RNAs as Regulators of Lymphangiogenesis in Lymphatic Development, Inflammation, and Cancer Metastasis

Non-coding RNAs (ncRNAs), which do not encode proteins, have pivotal roles in manipulating gene expression in development, physiology, and pathology. Emerging data have shown that ncRNAs can regulate lymphangiogenesis, which refers to lymphatics deriving from preexisting vessels, becomes established during embryogenesis, and has a close relationship with pathological conditions such as lymphatic developmental diseases, inflammation, and cancer. This review summarizes the molecular mechanisms of lymphangiogenesis in lymphatic development, inflammation and cancer metastasis, and discusses ncRNAs' regulatory effects on them. Therapeutic targets with regard to lymphangiogenesis are also discussed.

Loss of β-arrestin-2 and Activation of CXCR2 Correlate with Lymph Node Metastasis in Non-small Cell Lung Cancer

Background: Although β-arrestin-2 (β-arr2) and CXCR2 have been shown to affect various malignant tumors, their exact roles in lung cancer remain unclear. We investigated expression of β-arr2 and CXCR2 in patients with non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) and their correlation with lymph node metastasis and prognosis.

Methods: We reviewed medical records of 136 patients with NSCLC who underwent surgical resection, and assessed their specimens immunohistochemically for expression of β-arr2 and CXCR2 in primary tumors and metastatic lymph nodes (MLNs), respectively.

Results: High β-arr2 expression was seen in 63 specimens (46.3%), and was significantly associated with male patients (P=0.011), squamous cell carcinoma (P=0.003), and lymph node metastasis (P<0.001). High CXCR2 expression was seen in 62 specimens (45.6%), and was significantly correlated only with lymph node metastasis (P<0.001). Expression of β-arr2 was significantly lower at MLNs than at primary lesions (Z=-2.315; P=0.021; Wilcoxon signed-rank), whereas CXCR2 expression was significantly higher in MLNs than in primary lesions (Z=-3.712; P<0.001; Wilcoxon signed-rank). No relationship was seen between β-arr2 and CXCR2 expression in primary lesions (r=-0.065, P=0.548; Spearman rank coefficient), but they were inversely related in MLNs (r=-0.263, P=0.012). Kaplan-Meier survival curve was shown that low β-arr2 and high CXCR2 expressions was associated with poor survival (log-rank: χ²=5.926, P=0.015).

Conclusions: β-arr2 may promote lymph node metastasis in NSCLC by modulating CXCR2 activation.

Circulating miR-21-5p and miR-148a-3p as emerging non-invasive biomarkers in thymic epithelial tumors

Thymic epithelial cells give rise to both thymoma and thymic carcinoma. A crucial advance in thymic epithelial tumors (TET) management may derive from the identification of novel molecular biomarkers able to improve diagnosis, prognosis and treatment planning.In a previous study, we identified microRNAs that were differentially expressed in tumor vs normal thymic tissues. Among the microRNAs resulted up-regulated in TET tissues, we evaluated miR-21-5p, miR-148a-3p, miR-141-3p, miR-34b-5p, miR-34c-5p, miR-455-5p as blood plasma circulating non-invasive biomarkers for TET management.We firstly report that the expression levels of specific onco-miRNAs, that we found upregulated in the blood plasma collected from TET patients at surgery, resulted significantly reduced in follow-up samples.This pilot study suggests that circulating miR-21-5p and miR-148a-3p could represent novel non-invasive biomarkers to evaluate the efficacy of therapy and the prognosis of TET.

Expression levels of microRNA-145 and microRNA-10b are associated with metastasis in non-small cell lung cancer

Although metastasis remains the overwhelming cause of death for patients with non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC), the underlying mechanisms of metastasis remain unknown. Accumulating evidence suggests that microRNAs (miRNAs) are key players in the regulation of tumor cell invasion and metastasis. Expression of miR-9, miR-10b, miR-145, and miR-155, 4 miRNAs previously shown to play roles in metastasis in other tumor types, was compared in lymph node (LN)-positive NSCLC versus LN-negative NSCLC. Expression of miR-145 was significantly lower in LN-positive NSCLC (P < 0.05), while expression of miR-10b was significantly higher (P < 0.05). Expression of both miR-145 and miR-10b was correlated with lymph node metastasis in NSCLC (both Ps < 0.001). In addition, miR-10b facilitated the migration and invasion of lung cancer cell line A549, while miR-145 suppressed the migration and invasion capacity of A549 in vitro. These results suggest that miR-10b and miR-145 may act as an oncogene or tumor suppressor gene, respectively, in NSCLC metastasis.

[Expression and significance of MAGE genes in human lung cancer]

肺癌是常见的恶性肿瘤之一，因目前诊断易忽略微转移灶，造成肺癌预后极差，黑色素瘤相关抗原（melanoma associated antigens, MAGE）基因作为一种特异性肿瘤抗原基因，在肺癌的发生、发展和治疗中起着重要作用，其研究为肺癌的诊断和治疗提供了新的方向。