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Zhang X, Ma Y, Wang Y, Liang Z, Zhang X, Chen Y, Wang Q, Qin H, Wang J. Precision Phenotypic Profiling and Capture of Circulating Tumor Cells via a Vertical Laminar Flow-Stacked Microfluidic Chip. MICROMACHINES 2024; 15:542. [PMID: 38675353 PMCID: PMC11051858 DOI: 10.3390/mi15040542] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/13/2024] [Revised: 04/03/2024] [Accepted: 04/05/2024] [Indexed: 04/28/2024]
Abstract
The heterogeneity of circulating tumor cells has a significant impact on the diagnosis, treatment, and monitoring of cancer. Research on the subtypes of circulating tumor cells can bring better treatment outcomes for cancer patients. Here, we proposed a microfluidic chip for the magnetic capture of subtypes of circulating tumor cells from the whole blood and phenotypic profiling by stacking laminar flow vertically. Circulating tumor cells were sorted and captured by the three-dimensional regulation of both magnetic fields in the vertical direction and flow fields in the lateral direction. Using EpCAM-magnetic beads, we achieved sorting and sectional capture of target cells in whole blood and analyzed the surface expression levels of the captured cells, confirming the functionality of the microfluidic chip in sorting and capturing subtypes of circulating tumor cells. This microfluidic chip can also aid in the subsequent subtype analysis of other rare cells.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xinping Zhang
- School of Mechanical-Electronic and Vehicle Engineering, Beijing University of Civil Engineering and Architecture, Beijing 102616, China
| | - Yuan Ma
- Department of Mechanical Engineering, Tsinghua University, Beijing 100084, China
| | - Yujiao Wang
- Department of Mechanical Engineering, Tsinghua University, Beijing 100084, China
| | - Zhenwei Liang
- Department of Mechanical Engineering, Tsinghua University, Beijing 100084, China
| | - Xuanhe Zhang
- Department of Mechanical Engineering, Tsinghua University, Beijing 100084, China
| | - Yiqing Chen
- Department of Mechanical Engineering, Tsinghua University, Beijing 100084, China
| | - Qingyi Wang
- School of Mechanical-Electronic and Vehicle Engineering, Beijing University of Civil Engineering and Architecture, Beijing 102616, China
| | - Hua Qin
- School of Mechanical-Electronic and Vehicle Engineering, Beijing University of Civil Engineering and Architecture, Beijing 102616, China
| | - Jiadao Wang
- Department of Mechanical Engineering, Tsinghua University, Beijing 100084, China
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Chen M, Gao Y, Cao H, Wang Z, Zhang S. Comprehensive analysis reveals dual biological function roles of EpCAM in kidney renal clear cell carcinoma. Heliyon 2024; 10:e23505. [PMID: 38187284 PMCID: PMC10767389 DOI: 10.1016/j.heliyon.2023.e23505] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/17/2023] [Revised: 10/27/2023] [Accepted: 12/05/2023] [Indexed: 01/09/2024] Open
Abstract
Background Epithelial cell adhesion molecule (EpCAM), a well-established marker for circulating tumor cells, plays a crucial role in the complex process of cancer metastasis. The primary objective of this investigation is to study EpCAM expression in pan-cancer and elucidate its significance in the context of kidney renal clear cell carcinoma (KIRC). Methods Data obtained from the public database was harnessed for the comprehensive assessment of the EpCAM expression levels and prognostic and clinicopathological correlations in thirty-three types of cancer. EpCAM was validated in our own KIRC sequencing and immunohistochemical cohorts. Subsequently, an in-depth exploration was conducted to scrutinize the interrelationship between EpCAM and various facets, including immune cells, immune checkpoints, and chemotherapy drugs. We employed Cox regression analysis to identify prognostic immunomodulators associated with EpCAM, which were subsequently utilized in the development of a prognostic model. The model was validated in our own clinical cohort and public datasets, and compared with 137 published models. The role of EpCAM in KIRC was explored by biological function experiments in vitro. Results While EpCAM exhibited pronounced overexpression across a wide spectrum of cancer types, a notable reduction was observed in KIRC tissues. As grade increased, EpCAM expression decreased. EpCAM expression decreased in patients without metastasis. EpCAM mRNA and protein levels were used as independent, favorable prognostic factors in patients with KIRC in our own cohort. The expression of EpCAM exhibited strong associations with immune-related pathways, demonstrating an inverse correlation with the majority of immune cell types. Immune checkpoint inhibitors exert better therapeutic effects on patients with low EpCAM expression. In addition, EpCAM can be used as a drug resistance indicator and guide the clinical medication of patients with KIRC. A robust model, which had good predictive accuracy and applicability, showed significant superiority over other models. Importantly, EpCAM played the dual roles of promoting proliferation and resisting metastasis in KIRC. Conclusion In the context of KIRC, EpCAM assumes a surprising dual role, where it not only facilitates cell proliferation but also exerts resistance against the metastatic process. EpCAM serves as a standalone prognostic marker for patients with KIRC, and related models can also effectively predict prognosis. These discoveries offer novel perspectives on the functional significance of EpCAM in the context of KIRC.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mei Chen
- Central Laboratory, Haikou Affiliated Hospital of Central South University Xiangya School of Medicine, Haikou, 570208, China
| | - Yuanhui Gao
- Central Laboratory, Haikou Affiliated Hospital of Central South University Xiangya School of Medicine, Haikou, 570208, China
| | - Hui Cao
- Central Laboratory, Haikou Affiliated Hospital of Central South University Xiangya School of Medicine, Haikou, 570208, China
| | - Zhenting Wang
- Urology, Haikou Affiliated Hospital of Central South University Xiangya School of Medicine, Haikou, 570208, China
| | - Shufang Zhang
- Central Laboratory, Haikou Affiliated Hospital of Central South University Xiangya School of Medicine, Haikou, 570208, China
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3
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Ge Y, Ma S, Zhang J, Xiong Z, Li B, Ma S, Liu B, Yao X, Wang Z. Integrating bioinformatic analysis and detailed experiments reveal an EMT-related biomarker for clear cell renal cell carcinoma. Cancer Med 2023; 12:19320-19336. [PMID: 37676078 PMCID: PMC10557903 DOI: 10.1002/cam4.6504] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/23/2023] [Revised: 08/21/2023] [Accepted: 08/25/2023] [Indexed: 09/08/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Epithelial-mesenchymal transition (EMT) is associated with early recurrence and a poor prognosis in clear cell renal cell carcinoma (ccRCC). Studies have shown that EMT-related genes play an important regulatory role in tumor invasion, metastasis, and drug resistance, but the biological functions of EMT-related genes in ccRCC have not been specifically described. METHODS The mRNA and clinicopathological data of 532 ccRCC and 72 normal samples were downloaded from The Cancer Genome Atlas as a training set. The gene expression matrix and survival data of 91 and 101 ccRCC samples were obtained from the International Cancer Genome Consortium and the ArrayExpress databases as validation sets, respectively. Univariate Cox analysis was used to identify and cluster prognostic genes, and multivariate Cox was performed to construct a prognostic signature. Moreover, CIBERSORT and CellMiner were used to assess immune cell infiltration and prognostic gene-drug sensitivity of the signature, respectively. Most importantly, we performed detailed experiments to verify the oncogenic function of a significant gene, OLFML2B, in vitro and in vivo. RESULTS We constructed a prognostic signature including seven genes and divided patients into high-risk and low-risk groups. The prognosis of the high-risk group was significantly worse than that of the low-risk group through Kaplan-Meier survival analysis. Interestingly, significant differences were observed in clinical characteristics and immune cell infiltration between the two groups. In addition, a significant correlation was found between the expression of prognostic genes and the sensitivity of tumor cells to chemotherapeutics. Most importantly, OLFML2B was proved to contribute to the proliferation and metastasis of ccRCC through detailed functional experiments in vitro and in vivo, and its prognostic efficacy for ccRCC patients was affirmed. CONCLUSION We identified the prognostic signature of seven genes based on EMT-related genes as prognostic biomarkers for ccRCC. Besides, OLFML2B was validated as a potential diagnostic and therapeutic target for ccRCC by our detailed experiments.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yue Ge
- Department of Urology, Tongji Hospital, Tongji Medical CollegeHuazhong University of Science and TechnologyWuhanChina
| | - Sheng Ma
- Department of Urology, Tongji Hospital, Tongji Medical CollegeHuazhong University of Science and TechnologyWuhanChina
| | - Junbiao Zhang
- Department of Urology, Tongji Hospital, Tongji Medical CollegeHuazhong University of Science and TechnologyWuhanChina
| | - Zezhong Xiong
- Department of Urology, Tongji Hospital, Tongji Medical CollegeHuazhong University of Science and TechnologyWuhanChina
| | - Beining Li
- Department of Urology, Tongji Hospital, Tongji Medical CollegeHuazhong University of Science and TechnologyWuhanChina
| | - Siquan Ma
- Department of Urology, Tongji Hospital, Tongji Medical CollegeHuazhong University of Science and TechnologyWuhanChina
| | - Bo Liu
- Department of Oncology, Tongji Hospital, Tongji Medical CollegeHuazhong University of Science and TechnologyWuhanChina
| | - Xiangyang Yao
- Department of UrologyZhongnan Hospital of Wuhan UniversityWuhanChina
| | - Zhihua Wang
- Department of Urology, Tongji Hospital, Tongji Medical CollegeHuazhong University of Science and TechnologyWuhanChina
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Yang ST, Lin SC, Wang PH. Switch from morphology-based pathology to molecular-based pathology: Time is up. Taiwan J Obstet Gynecol 2023; 62:4-6. [PMID: 36720547 DOI: 10.1016/j.tjog.2022.10.001] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 10/06/2022] [Indexed: 01/30/2023] Open
Affiliation(s)
- Szu-Ting Yang
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Taipei Veterans General Hospital, Taipei, Taiwan; Institute of Clinical Medicine, National Yang Ming Chiao Tung University, Taipei, Taiwan
| | - Shih-Chieh Lin
- Department of Pathology and Laboratory Medicine, Taipei Veterans General Hospital, Taipei, Taiwan
| | - Peng-Hui Wang
- Institute of Clinical Medicine, National Yang Ming Chiao Tung University, Taipei, Taiwan; Department of Pathology and Laboratory Medicine, Taipei Veterans General Hospital, Taipei, Taiwan; Female Cancer Foundation, Taipei, Taiwan; Department of Medical Research, China Medical University Hospital, Taichung, Taiwan.
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5
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Understanding the versatile roles and applications of EpCAM in cancers: from bench to bedside. Exp Hematol Oncol 2022; 11:97. [PMID: 36369033 PMCID: PMC9650829 DOI: 10.1186/s40164-022-00352-4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/22/2022] [Accepted: 10/26/2022] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Epithelial cell adhesion molecule (EpCAM) functions not only in physiological processes but also participates in the development and progression of cancer. In recent decades, extensive efforts have been made to decipher the role of EpCAM in cancers. Great advances have been achieved in elucidating its structure, molecular functions, pathophysiological mechanisms, and clinical applications. Beyond its well-recognized role as a biomarker of cancer stem cells (CSCs) or circulating tumor cells (CTCs), EpCAM exhibits novel and promising value in targeted therapy. At the same time, the roles of EpCAM in cancer progression are found to be highly context-dependent and even contradictory in some cases. The versatile functional modules of EpCAM and its communication with other signaling pathways complicate the study of this molecule. In this review, we start from the structure of EpCAM and focus on communication with other signaling pathways. The impacts on the biology of cancers and the up-to-date clinical applications of EpCAM are also introduced and summarized, aiming to shed light on the translational prospects of EpCAM.
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Wang PH, Yang ST, Liu CH, Chang WH, Lee FK, Lee WL. Endometrial cancer: Part I. Basic concept. Taiwan J Obstet Gynecol 2022; 61:951-959. [DOI: 10.1016/j.tjog.2022.09.001] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 09/13/2022] [Indexed: 11/24/2022] Open
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7
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Li YT, Yang ST, Wang PH. Molecular pathology and prognosis of endometrial cancer. Taiwan J Obstet Gynecol 2022; 61:921-922. [DOI: 10.1016/j.tjog.2022.06.011] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 06/30/2022] [Indexed: 11/24/2022] Open
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8
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Investigation of the Antitumor Effects of Tamoxifen and Its Ferrocene-Linked Derivatives on Pancreatic and Breast Cancer Cell Lines. Pharmaceuticals (Basel) 2022; 15:ph15030314. [PMID: 35337112 PMCID: PMC8950591 DOI: 10.3390/ph15030314] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/28/2022] [Revised: 02/26/2022] [Accepted: 03/02/2022] [Indexed: 12/17/2022] Open
Abstract
Tamoxifen is a long-known anti-tumor drug, which is the gold standard therapy in estrogen receptor (ER) positive breast cancer patients. According to previous studies, the conjugation of the original tamoxifen molecule with different functional groups can significantly improve its antitumor effect. The purpose of this research was to uncover the molecular mechanisms behind the cytotoxicity of different ferrocene-linked tamoxifen derivates. Tamoxifen and its ferrocene-linked derivatives, T5 and T15 were tested in PANC1, MCF7, and MDA-MB-231 cells, where the incorporation of the ferrocene group improved the cytotoxicity on all cell lines. PANC1, MCF7, and MDA-MB-231 express ERα and GPER1 (G-protein coupled ER 1). However, ERβ is only expressed by MCF7 and MDA-MB-231 cells. Tamoxifen is a known agonist of GPER1, a receptor that can promote tumor progression. Analysis of the protein expression profile showed that while being cytotoxic, tamoxifen elevated the levels of different tumor growth-promoting factors (e.g., Bcl-XL, Survivin, EGFR, Cathepsins, chemokines). On the other hand, the ferrocene-linked derivates were able to lower these proteins. Further analysis showed that the ferrocene-linked derivatives significantly elevated the cellular oxidative stress compared to tamoxifen treatment. In conclusion, we were able to find two molecules possessing better cytotoxicity compared to their unmodified parent molecule while also being able to counter the negative effects of the presence of the GPER1 through the ER-independent mechanism of oxidative stress induction.
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Deglycosylated EpCAM regulates proliferation by enhancing autophagy of breast cancer cells via PI3K/Akt/mTOR pathway. Aging (Albany NY) 2022; 14:316-329. [PMID: 34983878 PMCID: PMC8791205 DOI: 10.18632/aging.203795] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/01/2021] [Accepted: 12/07/2021] [Indexed: 11/25/2022]
Abstract
Autophagy is an important regulator of cellular homeostasis and its dysregulation often results in cancer. Aberrant glycosylation induced by oncogenic transformation contributes to tumor invasion and metastasis. In a previous study, we have demonstrated that EpCAM, a glycosylation protein, is associated with cell growth and metastasis in breast cancer. But the effect of EpCAM glycosylation on autophagy is not clear. the precise mechanism of regulation remains largely unknown. In this study, breast cancer cells were transfected with N-glycosylation mutation EpCAM plasmid to express deglycosylated EpCAM. The result showed that deglycosylated EpCAM promoted autophagy in breast cancer cells. We further confirmed this conclusion with the activator (Rapamycin, RAP) and inhibitor (Wortmannin) of autophagy. We also found that deglycosylated EpCAM promoted apoptosis and inhibited proliferation through activating autophagy by suppressing Akt/mTOR signaling pathway in breast cancer cells. These findings represent a novel mechanism by which deglycosylated EpCAM inhibits proliferation by enhancing autophagy of breast cancer cells via PI3K/Akt/mTOR pathway. In conclusion, the combination of autophagy modulation and EpCAM targeted therapy is a promising therapeutic strategy in the treatment of breast cancer.
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10
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Sun M, Zhang H, Jiang M, Chai Y, Qi J, Gao GF, Tan S. Structural insights into the cis and trans assembly of human trophoblast cell surface antigen 2. iScience 2021; 24:103190. [PMID: 34693228 PMCID: PMC8517388 DOI: 10.1016/j.isci.2021.103190] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/04/2021] [Revised: 07/06/2021] [Accepted: 09/27/2021] [Indexed: 11/21/2022] Open
Abstract
Human trophoblast cell surface antigen 2 (TROP-2) is an important target of tumor therapy, and antibody-drug conjugates with sacituzumab targeting TROP-2 have been approved for the treatment of triple-negative breast cancer. Here, we report the crystal structures of TROP-2-ECD, which can be either cis- or trans-dimers depending on which distinct but overlapping interfaces is used to engage with monomers. The cis- or trans-tetrameric forms of TROP-2 can also be assembled with a non-overlapping interface with either cis- or trans-dimerization, suggesting that cis- and trans-dimers cluster on the cell surface. The binding site of sacituzumab on TROP-2 is mapped to be located on a stretched polypeptide in CPD (Q237-Q252), which is not involved in either cis- or trans-interactions. The present findings will improve understanding of the molecular assembly of TROP-2 on tumor cells and shed light on future design of biologics for tumor therapy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Meng Sun
- Research Network of Immunity and Health (RNIH), Beijing Institutes of Life Science, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100101, China
- University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100049, China
| | - Helin Zhang
- Research Network of Immunity and Health (RNIH), Beijing Institutes of Life Science, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100101, China
- University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100049, China
| | - Min Jiang
- University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100049, China
- CAS Key Laboratory of Pathogenic Microbiology and Immunology, Institute of Microbiology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100101, China
- Savaid Medical School, University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100049, China
| | - Yan Chai
- CAS Key Laboratory of Pathogenic Microbiology and Immunology, Institute of Microbiology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100101, China
| | - Jianxun Qi
- University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100049, China
- CAS Key Laboratory of Pathogenic Microbiology and Immunology, Institute of Microbiology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100101, China
| | - George F. Gao
- Research Network of Immunity and Health (RNIH), Beijing Institutes of Life Science, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100101, China
- University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100049, China
- CAS Key Laboratory of Pathogenic Microbiology and Immunology, Institute of Microbiology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100101, China
- Savaid Medical School, University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100049, China
| | - Shuguang Tan
- University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100049, China
- CAS Key Laboratory of Pathogenic Microbiology and Immunology, Institute of Microbiology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100101, China
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Estrogen inhibits the growth of colon cancer in mice through reversing extracellular vesicle-mediated immunosuppressive tumor microenvironment. Cancer Lett 2021; 520:332-343. [PMID: 34391809 DOI: 10.1016/j.canlet.2021.08.011] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/08/2021] [Revised: 08/10/2021] [Accepted: 08/11/2021] [Indexed: 12/29/2022]
Abstract
Postmenopausal women taking estrogen supplements are at a lower risk of advanced colorectal cancer, but the underlying mechanism remains unclear. Thus, this study examined the role of estrogen in colorectal cancer. Estrogen receptor expression levels in in situ colorectal cancer tissue from female patients increased significantly, indicating their estrogen sensitivity. Compared with the sham-operated group, the growth of MC38 tumors was enhanced in ovariectomized mice, which was reversed in ovariectomized mice with E2 supplementation. The PD-L1+ M2-like macrophage, regulatory T (Treg) cell, and myeloid-derived suppressor cell (MDSC) populations significantly increased, and the population of cytotoxic CD8+ T cells declined in MC38 tumors in ovariectomized mice, which were all reversed in ovariectomized mice with E2 supplementation. MC38 cell-derived extracellular vesicles (MC38-EVs), but not EVs derived from MC38 cells treated with E2 (E2-MC38-EVs), were involved in the establishment of immunosuppressive tumor microenvironment. E2-MC38-EVs contained lower TGF-β1 levels and were less capable of inducing Treg cells than MC38-EVs in vitro. Overall, these results show that estrogen treatment prevents MC38 tumor growth via regulating the tumor immune microenvironment through MC38-EVs.
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12
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GAS2L1 Is a Potential Biomarker of Circulating Tumor Cells in Pancreatic Cancer. Cancers (Basel) 2020; 12:cancers12123774. [PMID: 33333841 PMCID: PMC7765300 DOI: 10.3390/cancers12123774] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/17/2020] [Revised: 12/10/2020] [Accepted: 12/13/2020] [Indexed: 12/25/2022] Open
Abstract
Pancreatic cancer is a malignant disease with high mortality and a dismal prognosis. Circulating tumor cell (CTC) detection and characterization have emerged as essential techniques for early detection, prognostication, and liquid biopsy in many solid malignancies. Unfortunately, due to the low EPCAM expression in pancreatic cancer CTCs, no specific marker is available to identify and isolate this rare cell population. This study analyzed single-cell RNA sequencing profiles of pancreatic CTCs from a genetically engineered mouse model (GEMM) and pancreatic cancer patients. Through dimensionality reduction analysis, murine pancreatic CTCs were grouped into three clusters with different biological functions. CLIC4 and GAS2L1 were shown to be overexpressed in pancreatic CTCs in comparison with peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMCs). Further analyses of PBMCs and RNA-sequencing datasets of enriched pancreatic CTCs were used to validate the overexpression of GAS2L1 in pancreatic CTCs. A combinatorial approach using both GAS2L1 and EPCAM expression leads to an increased detection rate of CTCs in PDAC in both GEMM and patient samples. GAS2L1 is thus proposed as a novel biomarker of pancreatic cancer CTCs.
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13
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Acland M, Arentz G, Mussared M, Whitehead F, Hoffmann P, Klingler-Hoffmann M, Oehler MK. Proteomic Analysis of Pre-Invasive Serous Lesions of the Endometrium and Fallopian Tube Reveals Their Metastatic Potential. Front Oncol 2020; 10:523989. [PMID: 33384952 PMCID: PMC7771701 DOI: 10.3389/fonc.2020.523989] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/17/2020] [Accepted: 10/28/2020] [Indexed: 12/03/2022] Open
Abstract
Serous endometrial cancer (SEC) and high grade serous ovarian cancer (HGSOC) are aggressive gynecological malignancies with high rates of metastasis and poor prognosis. Endometrial intraepithelial carcinoma (EIC), the precursor for SEC, and serous tubal intraepithelial carcinoma (STIC), believed to be the precursor lesion for HGSOC, can also be associated with intraabdominal spread. To provide insight into the etiology of these precancerous lesions and to explore the potential molecular mechanisms underlying their metastatic behavior, we performed a proteomic mass spectrometry analysis in a patient with synchronous EIC and STIC. Through histological and molecular identification of precancerous lesions followed by laser capture microdissection, we were able to identify over 450 proteins within the precancerous lesions and adjacent healthy tissue. The proteomic analysis of STIC and EIC showed remarkable overlap in the proteomic patterns, reflecting early neoplastic changes in proliferation, loss of polarity and attachment. Our proteomic analysis showed that both EIC and STIC, despite being regarded as premalignant lesions, have metastatic potential, which correlates with the common presentation of invasive serous gynecological malignancies at advanced stage.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mitchell Acland
- Adelaide Proteomics Centre, School of Biological Sciences, The University of Adelaide, Adelaide, SA, Australia
| | - Georgia Arentz
- Adelaide Proteomics Centre, School of Biological Sciences, The University of Adelaide, Adelaide, SA, Australia
| | - Max Mussared
- School of Mathematical Sciences, The University of Adelaide, Adelaide, SA, Australia
| | - Fergus Whitehead
- Cytopathology Department, Clinpath Pathology, Adelaide, SA, Australia
| | - Peter Hoffmann
- Future Industries Institute, Mawson Lakes Campus, University of South Australia, Adelaide, SA, Australia
| | - Manuela Klingler-Hoffmann
- Future Industries Institute, Mawson Lakes Campus, University of South Australia, Adelaide, SA, Australia
| | - Martin K Oehler
- Future Industries Institute, Mawson Lakes Campus, University of South Australia, Adelaide, SA, Australia.,Department of Gynaecological Oncology, Royal Adelaide Hospital, North Terrace, Adelaide, SA, Australia.,Robinson Research Institute, Discipline of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, Adelaide Medical School, The University of Adelaide, SA, Australia
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Lan T, Mu C, Wang Z, Wang Y, Li Y, Mai Y, Li S, Xu H, Gu B, Luo L, Ma P. Diagnostic and Prognostic Values of Serum EpCAM, TGM2, and HE4 Levels in Endometrial Cancer. Front Oncol 2020; 10:1697. [PMID: 33014844 PMCID: PMC7498689 DOI: 10.3389/fonc.2020.01697] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/06/2020] [Accepted: 07/30/2020] [Indexed: 12/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Objectives: This study aims to investigate the diagnostic and prognostic values of EpCAM, TGM2, and HE4 in endometrial cancer (EC). Methods: In this study, 42 patients diagnosed with EC (EC group), 41 patients diagnosed with myoma (benign group), and 43 healthy women (healthy group), who applied to Affiliated Hospital of Xuzhou Medical University between March 2018 - September 2019 were recruited. Serum EpCAM, TGM2, and IL-33 levels were measured by ELISA, while serum HE4 and CA-125 levels were measured by ECLIA. The serum markers listed above were also measured in 12 paired pre- and post-operative EC patients. The diagnostic and prognostic values of serum markers were analyzed. Results: The serum EpCAM, TGM2, HE4, CA-125, and IL-33 levels were significantly higher in the EC group. The sensitivity and specificity of combined detection of EpCAM and HE4 was 92.86 and 69.05%, which were significantly higher than using a single marker or other combinations. Among these markers, serum HE4 levels were significantly higher in patients with myometrial invasion, metastasis, and lymphovascular invasion (p = 0.006, p = 0.0004, p = 0.0004, respectively). And serum TGM2 levels were significantly decreased in post-operative than that of pre-operative EC patients (p < 0.001). Conclusions: The combination of EpCAM and HE4 showed the highest specificity and sensitivity in the diagnosis of EC. HE4 was successful in the detection of high-risk individuals preoperatively. Additionally, TGM2 might be a prognostic factor for EC.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ting Lan
- Xuzhou Key Laboratory of Laboratory Diagnostics, Xuzhou Medical University, Xuzhou, China.,School of Medical Technology, Xuzhou Medical University, Xuzhou, China
| | - Chunyan Mu
- Xuzhou Key Laboratory of Laboratory Diagnostics, Xuzhou Medical University, Xuzhou, China.,School of Medical Technology, Xuzhou Medical University, Xuzhou, China
| | - Zhongcheng Wang
- School of Medical Technology, Xuzhou Medical University, Xuzhou, China
| | - Yue Wang
- Xuzhou Key Laboratory of Laboratory Diagnostics, Xuzhou Medical University, Xuzhou, China.,School of Medical Technology, Xuzhou Medical University, Xuzhou, China
| | - Ying Li
- Xuzhou Key Laboratory of Laboratory Diagnostics, Xuzhou Medical University, Xuzhou, China.,School of Medical Technology, Xuzhou Medical University, Xuzhou, China.,Department of Laboratory Medicine, Affiliated Hospital of Xuzhou Medical University, Xuzhou, China
| | - Yueqin Mai
- Air Force Jinan Base Security Department Outpatient Department, Jinan, China
| | - Shibao Li
- Xuzhou Key Laboratory of Laboratory Diagnostics, Xuzhou Medical University, Xuzhou, China.,School of Medical Technology, Xuzhou Medical University, Xuzhou, China.,Department of Laboratory Medicine, Affiliated Hospital of Xuzhou Medical University, Xuzhou, China
| | - Hao Xu
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Affiliated Hospital of Xuzhou Medical University, Xuzhou, China
| | - Bing Gu
- Xuzhou Key Laboratory of Laboratory Diagnostics, Xuzhou Medical University, Xuzhou, China.,School of Medical Technology, Xuzhou Medical University, Xuzhou, China.,Department of Laboratory Medicine, Affiliated Hospital of Xuzhou Medical University, Xuzhou, China
| | - Lan Luo
- Xuzhou Key Laboratory of Laboratory Diagnostics, Xuzhou Medical University, Xuzhou, China.,School of Medical Technology, Xuzhou Medical University, Xuzhou, China
| | - Ping Ma
- Xuzhou Key Laboratory of Laboratory Diagnostics, Xuzhou Medical University, Xuzhou, China.,School of Medical Technology, Xuzhou Medical University, Xuzhou, China.,Department of Laboratory Medicine, Affiliated Hospital of Xuzhou Medical University, Xuzhou, China
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Gires O, Pan M, Schinke H, Canis M, Baeuerle PA. Expression and function of epithelial cell adhesion molecule EpCAM: where are we after 40 years? Cancer Metastasis Rev 2020; 39:969-987. [PMID: 32507912 PMCID: PMC7497325 DOI: 10.1007/s10555-020-09898-3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 141] [Impact Index Per Article: 35.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/17/2022]
Abstract
EpCAM (epithelial cell adhesion molecule) was discovered four decades ago as a tumor antigen on colorectal carcinomas. Owing to its frequent and high expression on carcinomas and their metastases, EpCAM serves as a prognostic marker, a therapeutic target, and an anchor molecule on circulating and disseminated tumor cells (CTCs/DTCs), which are considered the major source for metastatic cancer cells. Today, EpCAM is reckoned as a multi-functional transmembrane protein involved in the regulation of cell adhesion, proliferation, migration, stemness, and epithelial-to-mesenchymal transition (EMT) of carcinoma cells. To fulfill these functions, EpCAM is instrumental in intra- and intercellular signaling as a full-length molecule and following regulated intramembrane proteolysis, generating functionally active extra- and intracellular fragments. Intact EpCAM and its proteolytic fragments interact with claudins, CD44, E-cadherin, epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR), and intracellular signaling components of the WNT and Ras/Raf pathways, respectively. This plethora of functions contributes to shaping intratumor heterogeneity and partial EMT, which are major determinants of the clinical outcome of carcinoma patients. EpCAM represents a marker for the epithelial status of primary and systemic tumor cells and emerges as a measure for the metastatic capacity of CTCs. Consequentially, EpCAM has reclaimed potential as a prognostic marker and target on primary and systemic tumor cells.
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Affiliation(s)
- Olivier Gires
- Department of Otorhinolaryngology, University Hospital, LMU Munich, Marchioninistr. 15, 81377, Munich, Germany.
- Clinical Cooperation Group "Personalized Radiotherapy in Head and Neck Cancer", Helmholtz Zentrum, Neuherberg, Germany.
| | - Min Pan
- Department of Otorhinolaryngology, University Hospital, LMU Munich, Marchioninistr. 15, 81377, Munich, Germany
- Department of Otorhinolaryngology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Chongqing Medical University, No. 1 Youyi Road, Yuzhong District, Chongqing, 400016, China
| | - Henrik Schinke
- Department of Otorhinolaryngology, University Hospital, LMU Munich, Marchioninistr. 15, 81377, Munich, Germany
| | - Martin Canis
- Department of Otorhinolaryngology, University Hospital, LMU Munich, Marchioninistr. 15, 81377, Munich, Germany
| | - Patrick A Baeuerle
- Institute for Immunology, LMU Munich, Grosshadernerstr. 9, 82152 Planegg, Martinsried, Germany
- MPM Capital, Cambridge MA, 450 Kendall Street, Cambridge, MA, 02142, USA
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16
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Liang Y, Lin B, Ye Z, Chen S, Yu H, Chen C, Zhang X, Zhou K, Zeng J. Triple-high expression of phosphatase and tensin homolog (PTEN), estrogen receptor (ER) and progesterone receptor (PR) may predict favorable prognosis for patients with Type I endometrial carcinoma. J Cancer 2020; 11:1436-1445. [PMID: 32047550 PMCID: PMC6995374 DOI: 10.7150/jca.33720] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/31/2019] [Accepted: 11/19/2019] [Indexed: 01/30/2023] Open
Abstract
Endometrial carcinoma (EC) is the most common malignant tumors in female derived from the endometrial epithelium. Several previous studies have described estrogen receptors (ER), progesterone Receptor (PR) and phosphatase and tensin homolog (PTEN) are associated with clinicopathological factors and prognosis in EC patients. However, during EC patients follow-up, we found that some EC patients with down-regulation of PTEN, but up-regulation of ER or PR , and some EC patients with down-regulation of ER or PR, but up-regulation of PTEN also had a poor prognosis. Therefore, to reveal the prognosis of EC patients with different phenotypes based on PTEN, ER and PR expression, 120 cases formalin-fixed paraffin-embedded EC tissues and 543 cases uterine corpus endometrial carcinoma (UCEC) patients from the cancer genome atlas (TCGA) UCEC datasets were analyzed. Results showed that EC tissues can be classified to PTENLERLPRL, PTENHERLPRL, PTENHERHPRH, PTENLERHPRH, PTENHERHPRL, PTENHERLPRH, and PTENLERHPRL phenotypes basing on IHC analysis. Additionally, EC patients with PTENLERLPRL showed high malignancy, while patients with PTENHERHPRH showed low malignancy. Therefore, combined detection of PTEN, ER, PR may help identify a small subset of EC with more aggressive behavior and may aid in risk stratification.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yanfang Liang
- Department of Pathology, Dongguan Hospital Affiliated to Medical College of Jinan University, The Fifth People's Hospital of Dongguan, Dongguan 523905, China
| | - Bihua Lin
- Dongguan Key Laboratory of Medical Bioactive Molecular Developmental and Translational Research, Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Medical Molecular Diagnostics, Guangdong Medical University, Dongguan, Guangdong 523808, China
| | - Ziyu Ye
- Dongguan Key Laboratory of Medical Bioactive Molecular Developmental and Translational Research, Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Medical Molecular Diagnostics, Guangdong Medical University, Dongguan, Guangdong 523808, China
| | - Shasha Chen
- Dongguan Key Laboratory of Medical Bioactive Molecular Developmental and Translational Research, Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Medical Molecular Diagnostics, Guangdong Medical University, Dongguan, Guangdong 523808, China
| | - Haibo Yu
- Dongguan Key Laboratory of Medical Bioactive Molecular Developmental and Translational Research, Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Medical Molecular Diagnostics, Guangdong Medical University, Dongguan, Guangdong 523808, China
| | - Can Chen
- Department of Pathology, Dongguan Hospital Affiliated to Medical College of Jinan University, The Fifth People's Hospital of Dongguan, Dongguan 523905, China
| | - Xin Zhang
- Clinical Experimental Center, Jiangmen Central Hospital, Affiliated Jiangmen Hospital of Sun Yat-sen University, Jiangmen 529030, China
| | - Keyuan Zhou
- Dongguan Key Laboratory of Medical Bioactive Molecular Developmental and Translational Research, Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Medical Molecular Diagnostics, Guangdong Medical University, Dongguan, Guangdong 523808, China
| | - Jincheng Zeng
- Dongguan Key Laboratory of Medical Bioactive Molecular Developmental and Translational Research, Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Medical Molecular Diagnostics, Guangdong Medical University, Dongguan, Guangdong 523808, China
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17
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Williams ED, Gao D, Redfern A, Thompson EW. Controversies around epithelial-mesenchymal plasticity in cancer metastasis. Nat Rev Cancer 2019; 19:716-732. [PMID: 31666716 PMCID: PMC7055151 DOI: 10.1038/s41568-019-0213-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 243] [Impact Index Per Article: 48.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 09/18/2019] [Indexed: 02/07/2023]
Abstract
Experimental evidence accumulated over decades has implicated epithelial-mesenchymal plasticity (EMP), which collectively encompasses epithelial-mesenchymal transition and the reverse process of mesenchymal-epithelial transition, in tumour metastasis, cancer stem cell generation and maintenance, and therapeutic resistance. However, the dynamic nature of EMP processes, the apparent need to reverse mesenchymal changes for the development of macrometastases and the likelihood that only minor cancer cell subpopulations exhibit EMP at any one time have made such evidence difficult to accrue in the clinical setting. In this Perspectives article, we outline the existing preclinical and clinical evidence for EMP and reflect on recent controversies, including the failure of initial lineage-tracing experiments to confirm a major role for EMP in dissemination, and discuss accumulating data suggesting that epithelial features and/or a hybrid epithelial-mesenchymal phenotype are important in metastasis. We also highlight strategies to address the complexities of therapeutically targeting the EMP process that give consideration to its spatially and temporally divergent roles in metastasis, with the view that this will yield a potent and broad class of therapeutic agents.
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Affiliation(s)
- Elizabeth D Williams
- Institute of Health and Biomedical Innovation and School of Biomedical Sciences, Queensland University of Technology (QUT), Brisbane, Queensland, Australia
- Translational Research Institute (TRI), Brisbane, Queensland, Australia
- Australian Prostate Cancer Research Centre - Queensland (APCRC-Q) and Queensland Bladder Cancer Initiative (QBCI), Brisbane, Queensland, Australia
| | - Dingcheng Gao
- Department of Cardiothoracic Surgery, Department of Cell and Developmental Biology and Neuberger Berman Lung Cancer Center, Weill Cornell Medicine, New York, NY, USA
| | - Andrew Redfern
- Department of Medicine, School of Medicine, University of Western Australia, Fiona Stanley Hospital Campus, Perth, Western Australia, Australia
| | - Erik W Thompson
- Institute of Health and Biomedical Innovation and School of Biomedical Sciences, Queensland University of Technology (QUT), Brisbane, Queensland, Australia.
- Translational Research Institute (TRI), Brisbane, Queensland, Australia.
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18
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Si M, Zhang J, Cao J, Xie Z, Shu S, Zhu Y, Lang J. Integrated Analysis To Identify Molecular Biomarkers Of High-Grade Serous Ovarian Cancer. Onco Targets Ther 2019; 12:10057-10075. [PMID: 31819501 PMCID: PMC6877452 DOI: 10.2147/ott.s228678] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/26/2019] [Accepted: 10/30/2019] [Indexed: 12/11/2022] Open
Abstract
Purpose Ovarian cancer is the leading cause of gynecologic cancer-related death worldwide. Early diagnosis of ovarian cancer can significantly improve patient prognosis. Hence, there is an urgent need to identify key diagnostic and prognostic biomarkers specific for ovarian cancer. Because high-grade serous ovarian cancer (HGSOC) is the most common type of ovarian cancer and accounts for the majority of deaths, we identified potential biomarkers for the early diagnosis and prognosis of HGSOC. Methods Six datasets (GSE14001, GSE18520, GSE26712, GSE27651, GSE40595, and GSE54388) were downloaded from the Gene Expression Omnibus database for analysis. Differentially expressed genes (DEGs) between HGSOC and normal ovarian surface epithelium samples were screened via integrated analysis. Hub genes were identified by analyzing protein-protein interaction (PPI) network data. The online Kaplan-Meier plotter was utilized to evaluate the prognostic roles of these hub genes. The expression of these hub genes was confirmed with Oncomine datasets and validated by quantitative real-time PCR and Western blotting. Results A total of 103 DEGs in patients with HGSOC-28 upregulated genes and 75 downregulated genes-were successfully screened. Enrichment analyses revealed that the upregulated genes were enriched in cell division and cell proliferation and that the downregulated genes mainly participated in the Wnt signaling pathway and various metabolic processes. Ten hub genes were associated with HGSOC pathogenesis. Seven overexpressed hub genes were partitioned into module 1 of the PPI network, which was enriched in the cell cycle and DNA replication pathways. Survival analysis revealed that MELK, CEP55 and KDR expression levels were significantly correlated with the overall survival of HGSOC patients (P < 0.05). The RNA and protein expression levels of these hub genes were validated experimentally. Conclusion Based on an integrated analysis, we propose the further investigation of MELK, CEP55 and KDR as promising diagnostic and prognostic biomarkers of HGSOC.
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Affiliation(s)
- Manfei Si
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Peking Union Medical College Hospital, Peking Union Medical College, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences, Beijing, People's Republic of China
| | - Junji Zhang
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Peking Union Medical College Hospital, Peking Union Medical College, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences, Beijing, People's Republic of China
| | - Jianzhong Cao
- Department of General Surgery, Peking Union Medical College Hospital, Peking Union Medical College, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences, Beijing, People's Republic of China
| | - Zhibo Xie
- Department of Vascular Surgery, Peking Union Medical College Hospital, Peking Union Medical College, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences, Beijing, People's Republic of China
| | - Shan Shu
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Peking Union Medical College Hospital, Peking Union Medical College, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences, Beijing, People's Republic of China
| | - Yapei Zhu
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Peking Union Medical College Hospital, Peking Union Medical College, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences, Beijing, People's Republic of China
| | - Jinghe Lang
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Peking Union Medical College Hospital, Peking Union Medical College, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences, Beijing, People's Republic of China
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19
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Kakar‐Bhanot R, Brahmbhatt K, Kumar V, Suryawanshi AR, Srivastava S, Chaudhari U, Sachdeva G. Plasma membrane proteome of adhesion‐competent endometrial epithelial cells and its modulation by Rab11a. Mol Reprod Dev 2019; 87:17-29. [DOI: 10.1002/mrd.23292] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/24/2019] [Accepted: 10/30/2019] [Indexed: 02/06/2023]
Affiliation(s)
- Ruchi Kakar‐Bhanot
- Primate Biology LaboratoryIndian Council of Medical Research‐National Institute for Research in Reproductive Health (ICMR‐NIRRH)Mumbai India
| | - Krupanshi Brahmbhatt
- Primate Biology LaboratoryIndian Council of Medical Research‐National Institute for Research in Reproductive Health (ICMR‐NIRRH)Mumbai India
| | - Vipin Kumar
- Proteomics Laboratory, Department of Bioscience and BioengineeringIndian Institute of TechnologyMumbai India
| | | | - Sanjeeva Srivastava
- Proteomics Laboratory, Department of Bioscience and BioengineeringIndian Institute of TechnologyMumbai India
| | - Uddhav Chaudhari
- Primate Biology LaboratoryIndian Council of Medical Research‐National Institute for Research in Reproductive Health (ICMR‐NIRRH)Mumbai India
| | - Geetanjali Sachdeva
- Primate Biology LaboratoryIndian Council of Medical Research‐National Institute for Research in Reproductive Health (ICMR‐NIRRH)Mumbai India
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20
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Zhang D, Yang L, Liu X, Gao J, Liu T, Yan Q, Yang X. Hypoxia modulates stem cell properties and induces EMT through N-glycosylation of EpCAM in breast cancer cells. J Cell Physiol 2019; 235:3626-3633. [PMID: 31584203 DOI: 10.1002/jcp.29252] [Citation(s) in RCA: 30] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/18/2018] [Accepted: 08/26/2019] [Indexed: 12/11/2022]
Abstract
Epithelial cell adhesion molecule (EpCAM), which is a transmembrane glycoprotein, is related to tumor progression. We demonstrated that EpCAM plays important roles in proliferation, apoptosis, and metastasis during breast cancer (BC) progression. But the role of N-glycosylation in EpCAM in tumor aggressiveness is not clear. Here, we evaluated the role of N-glycosylation of EpCAM in stemness and epithelial-mesenchymal transition (EMT) characteristics. EpCAM overexpression increases the expression of stemness markers (NANOG,SOX2, and OCT4) and EMT markers (N-cadherin and vimentin) under the condition of hypoxia in BC. Knockdown of EpCAM and mutation of N-glycosylation of EpCAM maintained in severe hypoxia lead to a significant reduction of stemness/EMT markers. In addition, we found that N-glycosylation of EpCAM is a crucial factor during this process. This demonstrates that EpCAM has a novel regulatory role in stemness/EMT dependence of hypoxia-inducible factor 1-alpha via regulating nuclear factor kappa B in BC cells. Hence, our study reveals EpCAM glycosylation modification as a new regulator of stemness/EMT under hypoxic in BC and points out EpCAM as a potential therapeutic target.
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Affiliation(s)
- Dandan Zhang
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Liaoning Provincial Core Lab of Glycobiology and Glycoengineering, Dalian Medical University, Dalian, China
| | - Liu Yang
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Liaoning Provincial Core Lab of Glycobiology and Glycoengineering, Dalian Medical University, Dalian, China
| | - Xue Liu
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Liaoning Provincial Core Lab of Glycobiology and Glycoengineering, Dalian Medical University, Dalian, China
| | - Jiujiao Gao
- Department of Molecular Medicine, School of Life Science and Biotechnology, Dalian University of Technology, Dalian, China
| | - Tingjiao Liu
- Section of Oral Pathology, College of Stomatology, Dalian Medical University, Dalian, China
| | - Qiu Yan
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Liaoning Provincial Core Lab of Glycobiology and Glycoengineering, Dalian Medical University, Dalian, China
| | - Xuesong Yang
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Liaoning Provincial Core Lab of Glycobiology and Glycoengineering, Dalian Medical University, Dalian, China
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21
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EpCAM low Circulating Tumor Cells: Gold in the Waste. DISEASE MARKERS 2019; 2019:1718920. [PMID: 31636732 PMCID: PMC6766153 DOI: 10.1155/2019/1718920] [Citation(s) in RCA: 19] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/03/2019] [Revised: 09/06/2019] [Accepted: 09/11/2019] [Indexed: 12/14/2022]
Abstract
The CellSearch® system which is still considered the gold standard for the enumeration of circulating tumor cells (CTC) utilizes antibodies against the epithelial cell adhesion molecule (EpCAM) for CTC enrichment. Recently, CTC discarded by the CellSearch® system due to their low EpCAM expression have been isolated and analyzed. We here sought to discuss technical and biological issues concerning the isolation and characterization of EpCAMlow CTC, highlighting the enormous potential of this subpopulation discarded by CellSearch®, which might instead reveal an unexpected clinical significance in tumor types where CTC enumeration has never been validated for prognostic and predictive purpose.
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22
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Expression of TRA2B in endometrial carcinoma and its regulatory roles in endometrial carcinoma cells. Oncol Lett 2019; 18:2455-2463. [PMID: 31452736 PMCID: PMC6676653 DOI: 10.3892/ol.2019.10553] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/26/2018] [Accepted: 05/16/2019] [Indexed: 12/24/2022] Open
Abstract
Expression levels of Transformer 2 protein homolog beta (TRA2B) in patients with endometrial carcinoma were assessed to investigate the impact of TRA2B on endometrial carcinoma cells. Furthermore, we analyzed the expression of several genes in the tissue samples from patients with endometrial cancer (EC) to identify whether cancer related genes we chose are differently expressed between the endometrial carcinoma tissues and adjacent normal tissues. The results of RT-qPCR analysis, western blot technology and immunofluorescence method consistently manifested that the expression of several genes in endometrial carcinoma tissue was significantly dysregulated between the two groups. Among the dysregulated genes, the strongly upregulated TRA2B in the tissues and serum from patients with EC was selected for further analysis. Endometrial carcinoma cells were transfected with chemically synthesized TRA2B plasmid, siRNA-TRA2B and their corresponding negative control respectively to assess the effects of TRA2B on the EC cells. Overexpression of TRA2B increased both the cell viability and proliferation potency of EC cells. Whereas, the viability and the proliferation ability of EC cells were strongly decreased by siRNA-TRA2B treatment. Furthermore, the invasion of EC cells was promoted by transfection of TRA2B and overexpression of TRA2B decreased the apoptosis of EC cells. Moreover, siRNA-TRA2B transfection inhibited the invasion but accelerated apoptosis of EC cells. Our results demonstrated that TRA2B is closely related to the development of endometrial carcinoma, and inhibition of TRA2B can decrease viability, proliferation and invasion of endometrial carcinoma, suggesting TRA2B is associated with the pathogenesis of human EC. Knockdown of TRA2B may be used for treatment of endometrial carcinoma, furthermore, these findings suggest an experimental foundation to clinical prognostic role of TRA2B in patients with endometrial carcinoma.
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Yamada-Kanazawa S, Tasaki Y, Kajihara I, Sakamoto R, Maeda-Otsuka S, Ihn H. The expression of EpCAM in extramammary Paget's disease. Intractable Rare Dis Res 2019; 8:20-23. [PMID: 30881853 PMCID: PMC6409118 DOI: 10.5582/irdr.2019.01010] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/16/2023] Open
Abstract
Extramammary Paget's disease (EMPD) is a rare skin malignant tumor. The prognosis of EMPD with distant metastasis is poor, however an effective therapy has not yet established. Recently, EpCAM (epithelial cell adhesion molecule, CD326) has attracted attention as both prognostic marker and therapeutic target in several cancers. Besides, EpCAM is an important surface marker of circulating tumor cell (CTC) in the collection of CTC. Thus, the purpose of our study was to examine the expression levels of EpCAM and evaluate the correlation between its intensity of EpCAM and the clinical characteristics of EMPD. The expression of EpCAM in EMPD was examined using immunohistochemistry. Skin samples were obtained from 32 patients with EMPD. We found that almost all EMPD tissues (90.6%, 29/32) were positive for EpCAM. Furthermore, the staining intensity of EpCAM protein negatively correlated with the presence of distant metastasis. Overexpression of EpCAM in EMPD cells suggests that EpCAM may be a novel therapeutic target and the research of CTC may be newly developed in EMPD. Based on these findings, EpCAM may be a meaningful molecule in EMPD.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | - Ikko Kajihara
- Department of Dermatology and Plastic Surgery, Faculty of Life Sciences, Kumamoto University, Honjo, Kumamoto, Japan
- Address correspondence to:Dr. Ikko Kajihara, Department of Dermatology and Plastic Surgery, Faculty of Life Sciences, Kumamoto University, Honjo1-1-1, Kumamoto 860-8556, Japan. E-mail:
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Singh RD, Shandilya R, Bhargava A, Kumar R, Tiwari R, Chaudhury K, Srivastava RK, Goryacheva IY, Mishra PK. Quantum Dot Based Nano-Biosensors for Detection of Circulating Cell Free miRNAs in Lung Carcinogenesis: From Biology to Clinical Translation. Front Genet 2018; 9:616. [PMID: 30574163 PMCID: PMC6291444 DOI: 10.3389/fgene.2018.00616] [Citation(s) in RCA: 44] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/02/2018] [Accepted: 11/23/2018] [Indexed: 12/24/2022] Open
Abstract
Lung cancer is the most frequently occurring malignancy and the leading cause of cancer-related death for men in our country. The only recommended screening method is clinic based low-dose computed tomography (also called a low-dose CT scan, or LDCT). However, the effect of LDCT on overall mortality observed in lung cancer patients is not statistically significant. Over-diagnosis, excessive cost, risks associated with radiation exposure, false positive results and delay in the commencement of the treatment procedure questions the use of LDCT as a reliable technique for population-based screening. Therefore, identification of minimal-invasive biomarkers able to detect malignancies at an early stage might be useful to reduce the disease burden. Circulating nucleic acids are emerging as important source of information for several chronic pathologies including lung cancer. Of these, circulating cell free miRNAs are reported to be closely associated with the clinical outcome of lung cancer patients. Smaller size, sequence homology between species, low concentration and stability are some of the major challenges involved in characterization and specific detection of miRNAs. To circumvent these problems, synthesis of a quantum dot based nano-biosensor might assist in sensitive, specific and cost-effective detection of differentially regulated miRNAs. The wide excitation and narrow emission spectra of these nanoparticles result in excellent fluorescent quantum yields with a broader color spectrum which make them ideal bio-entities for fluorescence resonance energy transfer (FRET) based detection for sequential or simultaneous study of multiple targets. In addition, photo-resistance and higher stability of these nanoparticles allows extensive exposure and offer state-of-the art sensitivity for miRNA targeting. A major obstacle for integrating QDs into clinical application is the QD-associated toxicity. However, the use of non-toxic shells along with surface modification not only overcomes the toxicity issues, but also increases the ability of QDs to quickly detect circulating cell free miRNAs in a non-invasive mode. The present review illustrates the importance of circulating miRNAs in lung cancer diagnosis and highlights the translational prospects of developing QD-based nano-biosensor for rapid early disease detection.
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Affiliation(s)
- Radha D. Singh
- Department of Molecular Biology, ICMR-National Institute for Research in Environmental Health, Bhopal, India
| | - Ruchita Shandilya
- Department of Molecular Biology, ICMR-National Institute for Research in Environmental Health, Bhopal, India
| | - Arpit Bhargava
- Department of Molecular Biology, ICMR-National Institute for Research in Environmental Health, Bhopal, India
| | - Rajat Kumar
- Department of Molecular Biology, ICMR-National Institute for Research in Environmental Health, Bhopal, India
| | - Rajnarayan Tiwari
- Department of Molecular Biology, ICMR-National Institute for Research in Environmental Health, Bhopal, India
| | - Koel Chaudhury
- School of Medical Science and Technology, Indian Institute of Technology, Kharagpur, India
| | - Rupesh K. Srivastava
- Department of Biotechnology, All India Institute of Medical Sciences, New Delhi, India
| | - Irina Y. Goryacheva
- Department of General and Inorganic Chemistry, Saratov State University, Saratov, Russia
| | - Pradyumna K. Mishra
- Department of Molecular Biology, ICMR-National Institute for Research in Environmental Health, Bhopal, India
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25
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Lee CJ, Sung PL, Kuo MH, Tsai MH, Wang CK, Pan ST, Chen YJ, Wang PH, Wen KC, Chou YT. Crosstalk between SOX2 and cytokine signaling in endometrial carcinoma. Sci Rep 2018; 8:17550. [PMID: 30510261 PMCID: PMC6277382 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-018-35592-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/14/2018] [Accepted: 11/07/2018] [Indexed: 02/07/2023] Open
Abstract
Endometrial carcinoma is a cancer derived from oncogenesis of the regenerating uterine cavity, in which cytokine stimulation shapes cell differentiation and tissue remodeling. Expression of the stem cell factors SOX2, OCT4, NANOG, and MYC has been linked to tumor malignancy in several cancers. However, how these stem cell factors crosstalk with cytokine signaling to promote malignancy in endometrial carcinoma is still elusive. Here we report that the expression of SOX2 and MYC, but not that of OCT4 and NANOG, correlate with poor histological differentiation and prognosis, while SOX2 expression is negatively associated with MYC level. We found that SOX2-high endometrial carcinoma cells possessed a higher colony-forming ability than their SOX2-low counterparts, and knockdown of SOX2 attenuated the colony-forming ability. We observed that SOX2 regulated EGFR expression in a SOX2–EGFR positive feedback loop. EGF stimulation induced SOX2 expression and promoted migration of endometrial carcinoma cells, whereas TGF-β stimulation inhibited SOX2 expression and attenuated the colony-forming ability. Immunohistochemistry analysis revealed that SOX2 expression correlated with lymph node infiltration of endometrial carcinoma. Our findings support that cytokine-induced stem cell factor SOX2 possesses oncogenic properties, with the potential to serve as a prognostic biomarker in endometrial carcinoma.
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Affiliation(s)
- Chang-Jung Lee
- Department of Life Science and Institute of Biotechnology, National Tsing-Hua University, HsinChu, 300, Taiwan (R.O.C.)
| | - Pi-Lin Sung
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Taipei Veterans General Hospital, Taipei, 112, Taiwan (R.O.C.).,Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, National Yang-Ming University, Taipei, 112, Taiwan (R.O.C.)
| | - Ming-Han Kuo
- Department of Life Science and Institute of Biotechnology, National Tsing-Hua University, HsinChu, 300, Taiwan (R.O.C.)
| | - Min-Hwa Tsai
- Department of Life Science and Institute of Biotechnology, National Tsing-Hua University, HsinChu, 300, Taiwan (R.O.C.)
| | - Cheng-Kuang Wang
- Department of Medical Technology, Jen-Teh Junior College of Medicine, Nursing and Management, Miaoli, 356, Taiwan (R.O.C.)
| | - Shien-Tung Pan
- Department of Pathology, Tungs' Taichung MetroHarbor Hospital, Taichung, 433, Taiwan (R.O.C.)
| | - Yi-Jen Chen
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Taipei Veterans General Hospital, Taipei, 112, Taiwan (R.O.C.).,Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, National Yang-Ming University, Taipei, 112, Taiwan (R.O.C.)
| | - Peng-Hui Wang
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Taipei Veterans General Hospital, Taipei, 112, Taiwan (R.O.C.).,Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, National Yang-Ming University, Taipei, 112, Taiwan (R.O.C.)
| | - Kuo-Chang Wen
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Taipei Veterans General Hospital, Taipei, 112, Taiwan (R.O.C.). .,Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, National Yang-Ming University, Taipei, 112, Taiwan (R.O.C.).
| | - Yu-Ting Chou
- Department of Life Science and Institute of Biotechnology, National Tsing-Hua University, HsinChu, 300, Taiwan (R.O.C.).
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Sung PL, Wen KC, Horng HC, Chang CM, Chen YJ, Lee WL, Wang PH. The role of α2,3-linked sialylation on clear cell type epithelial ovarian cancer. Taiwan J Obstet Gynecol 2018; 57:255-263. [PMID: 29673670 DOI: 10.1016/j.tjog.2018.02.015] [Citation(s) in RCA: 28] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 01/08/2018] [Indexed: 12/15/2022] Open
Abstract
OBJECTIVE Our previous study has shown that high expression of α2,3-sialytransferase type I was associated with advanced stage serous type epithelial ovarian cancer (EOC). The aim of the current study further attempts to evaluate the altered α 2,3-sialylation on the behavior of clear cell type EOC (C-EOC). MATERIALS AND METHODS Immunohistochemistry staining, bioinformatics analysis and tissue array were used to disclose the clinical significance of over α2,3-sialylation in C-EOC. An α2,3 sialylation inhibitor, soyasaponin I (SsaI) was used to investigate the behavior change of the C-EOC cell line. RESULTS We reconfirmed that α2,3-sialylation, instead of α2,6- sialylation, was associated with late-stage C-EOC. Soyasaponin I could inhibit α2,3-sialylation of C-EOC cell lines and increase E-cadherin expression with subsequently suppressing migration of C-EOC cells. CONCLUSIONS The current study demonstrated the important role of α2,3-linked sialylation in C-EOC and targeting of α2,3-linked sialylation might offer as a potential therapeutic strategy in the future.
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Affiliation(s)
- Pi-Lin Sung
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Taipei Veterans General Hospital, Taipei, Taiwan; Institute of Clinical Medicine, National Yang-Ming University School of Medicine, Taipei, Taiwan; Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, National Yang-Ming University, Taipei, Taiwan
| | - Kuo-Chang Wen
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Taipei Veterans General Hospital, Taipei, Taiwan; Institute of Clinical Medicine, National Yang-Ming University School of Medicine, Taipei, Taiwan; Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, National Yang-Ming University, Taipei, Taiwan
| | - Huann-Cheng Horng
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Taipei Veterans General Hospital, Taipei, Taiwan; Institute of Clinical Medicine, National Yang-Ming University School of Medicine, Taipei, Taiwan; Institute of BioMedical Informatics, National Yang-Ming University, Taipei, Taiwan
| | - Chia-Ming Chang
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Taipei Veterans General Hospital, Taipei, Taiwan; Institute of Clinical Medicine, National Yang-Ming University School of Medicine, Taipei, Taiwan
| | - Yi-Jen Chen
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Taipei Veterans General Hospital, Taipei, Taiwan; Institute of Clinical Medicine, National Yang-Ming University School of Medicine, Taipei, Taiwan; Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, National Yang-Ming University, Taipei, Taiwan
| | - Wen-Ling Lee
- Department of Medicine, Cheng-Hsin General Hospital, Taipei, Taiwan; Department of Nursing, Oriental Institute of Technology, New Taipei City, Taiwan.
| | - Peng-Hui Wang
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Taipei Veterans General Hospital, Taipei, Taiwan; Institute of Clinical Medicine, National Yang-Ming University School of Medicine, Taipei, Taiwan; Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, National Yang-Ming University, Taipei, Taiwan; Department of Medical Research, China Medical University Hospital, Taichung, Taiwan.
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27
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Huang L, Yang Y, Yang F, Liu S, Zhu Z, Lei Z, Guo J. Functions of EpCAM in physiological processes and diseases (Review). Int J Mol Med 2018; 42:1771-1785. [PMID: 30015855 PMCID: PMC6108866 DOI: 10.3892/ijmm.2018.3764] [Citation(s) in RCA: 70] [Impact Index Per Article: 11.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/25/2018] [Accepted: 07/04/2018] [Indexed: 12/14/2022] Open
Abstract
EpCAM (epithelial cell adhesion molecule) is a type I transmembrane glycoprotein, which was originally identified as a tumor-associated antigen due to its high expression level in rapidly growing epithelial tumors. Germ line mutations of the human EpCAM gene have been indicated as the cause of congenital tufting enteropathy. Previous studies based on cell models have revealed that EpCAM contributes to various biological processes including cell adhesion, signaling, migration and proliferation. Due to the previous lack of genetic animal models, the in vivo functions of EpCAM remain largely unknown. However, EpCAM genetic animal models have recently been generated, and are useful for understanding the functions of EpCAM. The authors here briefly review the functions and mechanisms of EpCAM in physiological processes and different diseases.
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Affiliation(s)
- Li Huang
- Guangdong Metabolic Disease Research Center of Integrated Chinese and Western Medicine, Guangdong Pharmaceutical University, Guangzhou Higher Education Mega Center, Guangzhou, Guangdong 510006, P.R. China
| | - Yanhong Yang
- The First Affiliated Hospital, School of Clinical Medicine, Guangdong Pharmaceutical University, Guangzhou, Guangdong 510080, P.R. China
| | - Fei Yang
- Guangdong Metabolic Disease Research Center of Integrated Chinese and Western Medicine, Guangdong Pharmaceutical University, Guangzhou Higher Education Mega Center, Guangzhou, Guangdong 510006, P.R. China
| | - Shaomin Liu
- Guangdong Metabolic Disease Research Center of Integrated Chinese and Western Medicine, Guangdong Pharmaceutical University, Guangzhou Higher Education Mega Center, Guangzhou, Guangdong 510006, P.R. China
| | - Ziqin Zhu
- Guangdong Metabolic Disease Research Center of Integrated Chinese and Western Medicine, Guangdong Pharmaceutical University, Guangzhou Higher Education Mega Center, Guangzhou, Guangdong 510006, P.R. China
| | - Zili Lei
- Guangdong Metabolic Disease Research Center of Integrated Chinese and Western Medicine, Guangdong Pharmaceutical University, Guangzhou Higher Education Mega Center, Guangzhou, Guangdong 510006, P.R. China
| | - Jiao Guo
- Guangdong Metabolic Disease Research Center of Integrated Chinese and Western Medicine, Guangdong Pharmaceutical University, Guangzhou Higher Education Mega Center, Guangzhou, Guangdong 510006, P.R. China
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