Tissue inhibitor of metalloproteinases-3 transfer suppresses malignant behaviors of colorectal cancer cells

Profilin 2 isoform expression is associated with lung metastasis of colorectal cancer according to a comprehensive gene expression study using a mouse model

Lung metastasis is the second most common type of metastasis in colorectal cancer. Specific treatments for lung metastasis have not been developed since the underlying mechanisms are poorly understood. The present study aimed to elucidate the molecular basis of lung metastasis in colorectal cancer. In a mouse model, cell lines that were highly metastatic to the lungs were established by injecting colorectal cancer cells through the tail vein and removing them from the lungs. Differential gene expression comparing the transfected cells with their parental cells was investigated using DNA microarrays. The results were functionally interpreted using gene enrichment analysis and validated using reverse transcription-quantitative PCR (RT-qPCR). The isoforms of the identified genes were examined by melting curve analysis. The present study established colorectal cancer cell lines that were highly metastatic to the lungs. DNA microarray experiments revealed that genes (N-cadherin, VE-cadherin, Six4, Akt and VCAM1) involved in motility, proliferation and adhesion were upregulated, and genes (tissue inhibitor of metalloproteinase-3 and PAX6) with tumor-suppressive functions were downregulated in metastatic cells. Profilin 2 (PFN2) expression was upregulated in multiple metastatic cell lines using RT-qPCR. Two PFN2 isoforms were overexpressed in metastatic cells. In vitro and in vivo models were established and genes associated with lung metastasis were identified to overcome the heterogeneity of the disease. Overall, aberrant PFN2 expression is unreported in lung metastasis in colorectal cancer. In the present study, two PFN2 isoforms with differential tissue distribution were upregulated in metastatic cells, suggesting that they promote lung metastasis in colorectal cancer.

The TIMP protein family: diverse roles in pathophysiology

The tissue inhibitors of matrix metalloproteinases (TIMPs) are a family of four matrisome proteins classically defined by their roles as the primary endogenous inhibitors of metalloproteinases (MPs). Their functions however are not limited to MP inhibition, with each family member harboring numerous MP-independent biological functions that play key roles in processes such as inflammation and apoptosis. Because of these multifaceted functions, TIMPs have been cited in diverse pathophysiological contexts. Herein, we provide a comprehensive overview of the MP-dependent and -independent roles of TIMPs across a range of pathological conditions. The potential therapeutic and biomarker applications of TIMPs in these disease contexts are also considered, highlighting the biomedical promise of this complex and often misunderstood protein family.

Alternative polyadenylation associated with prognosis and therapy in colorectal cancer

Colorectal cancer (CRC) is among the most widely spread cancers globally. Aberrant alternative polyadenylation (APA) plays a role in cancer onset and its progression. Consequently, this study focused on highlighting the role of APA events and signals in the prognosis of patients with CRC. The APA events, RNA sequencing (RNA-seq), somatic mutations, copy number variants (CNVs), and clinical information of the CRC cohort were obtained from The Cancer Genome Atlas (TCGA) database and UCSC (University of California-Santa Cruz) Xena database. The whole set was sorted into two sets: a training set and a test set in a ratio of 7:3. 197 prognosis-related APA events were collected by performing univariate Cox regression signature in patients with CRC. Subsequently, a signature for APA events was established by least absolute shrinkage and selection operator (LASSO) and multivariate Cox analysis. The risk scores were measured for individual patients on the basis of the signature and patients were sorted into two groups; the high-risk group and the low-risk group as per their median risk scores. Kaplan–Meier curves, principal component analysis (PCA), and time-dependent receiver operator characteristic (ROC) curves revealed that the signature was able to predict patient prognosis effectively and further validation was provided in the test set and the whole set. The high-risk and low-risk groups displayed various distributions of mutations and CNVs. Tumor mutation burden (TMB) alone and in combination with the signature predicted the prognosis of CRC patients, but the gene frequencies of TMBs and CNVs did not change in the low- and high-risk groups. Moreover, immunotherapy and chemotherapy treatments showed different responses to PD-1 inhibitors and multiple chemotherapeutic agents in the low and high-risk groups based on the tumor immune dysfunction and exclusion (TIDE) and genomics of drugs sensitivity in cancer (GDSC) databases. This study may help in understanding the potential roles of APA in CRC, and the signature for prognosis-related APA events can work as a potential predictor for survival and treatment in patients with CRC.

Insights into the Role of Matrix Metalloproteinases in Precancerous Conditions and in Colorectal Cancer

Simple Summary

Colorectal cancer (CRC) is one of the most common cancer worldwide. CRC is derived from polyps and many factors, such as Matrix Metalloproteinases (MMPs) can gain the progression of colorectal carcinogenesis. Many investigations have indicated the role of MMPs in CRC development while there is not enough knowledge about the function of MMPs in precancerous conditions. This review summarizes the current information about the role of MMPs in polyps and CRC progression.

Abstract

Colorectal cancer (CRC) is the third and second cancer for incidence and mortality worldwide, respectively, and is becoming prevalent in developing countries. Most CRCs derive from polyps, especially adenomatous polyps, which can gradually transform into CRC. The family of Matrix Metalloproteinases (MMPs) plays a critical role in the initiation and progression of CRC. Prominent MMPs, including MMP-1, MMP-2, MMP-7, MMP-8, MMP-9, MMP-12, MMP-13, MMP-14, and MMP-21, have been detected in CRC patients, and the expression of most of them correlates with a poor prognosis. Moreover, many studies have explored the inhibition of MMPs and targeted therapy for CRC, but there is not enough information about the role of MMPs in polyp malignancy. In this review, we discuss the role of MMPs in colorectal cancer and its pathogenesis

The Effect of Herpes Simplex Virus-Type-1 (HSV-1) Oncolytic Immunotherapy on the Tumor Microenvironment

The development of cancer causes disruption of anti-tumor immunity required for surveillance and elimination of tumor cells. Immunotherapeutic strategies aim for the restoration or establishment of these anti-tumor immune responses. Cancer immunotherapies include immune checkpoint inhibitors (ICIs), adoptive cellular therapy (ACT), cancer vaccines, and oncolytic virotherapy (OVT). The clinical success of some of these immunotherapeutic modalities, including herpes simplex virus type-1 derived OVT, resulted in Food and Drug Administration (FDA) approval for use in treatment of human cancers. However, a significant proportion of patients do not respond or benefit equally from these immunotherapies. The creation of an immunosuppressive tumor microenvironment (TME) represents an important barrier preventing success of many immunotherapeutic approaches. Mechanisms of immunosuppression in the TME are a major area of current research. In this review, we discuss how oncolytic HSV affects the tumor microenvironment to promote anti-tumor immune responses. Where possible we focus on oncolytic HSV strains for which clinical data is available, and discuss how these viruses alter the vasculature, extracellular matrix and immune responses in the tumor microenvironment.

Proximal colon-derived O-glycosylated mucus encapsulates and modulates the microbiota

Colon mucus segregates the intestinal microbiota from host tissues, but how it organizes to function throughout the colon is unclear. In mice, we found that colon mucus consists of two distinct O-glycosylated entities of Muc2: a major form produced by the proximal colon, which encapsulates the fecal material including the microbiota, and a minor form derived from the distal colon, which adheres to the major form. The microbiota directs its own encapsulation by inducing Muc2 production from proximal colon goblet cells. In turn, O-glycans on proximal colon-derived Muc2 modulate the structure and function of the microbiota as well as transcription in the colon mucosa. Our work shows how proximal colon control of mucin production is an important element in the regulation of host-microbiota symbiosis.

CircFNDC3B sequestrates miR-937-5p to derepress TIMP3 and inhibit colorectal cancer progression

Circular RNA (circRNA) are single‐stranded RNA with covalently closed 3′ and 5′ ends, with many recognized to be involved in human diseases as gene regulators, typically by interacting with other RNA. CircFNDC3B is a circRNA formed by back‐splicing of exons 5 and 6 of the FNDC3B gene. CircFNDC3B was recently implicated in renal carcinoma, gastric and bladder cancer. However, the expression levels of circFNDC3B and its role in colorectal cancer (CRC) remain unclear. Expression of circFNDC3B and TIMP3 levels in CRC tissues and cell lines were found to be low, whereas microRNA (miR)‐937‐5p expression was high in CRC. MicroRNA‐937‐5p downregulated TIMP3, thereby promoting tumor cell proliferation, invasion, migration and angiogenesis. Moreover, CircFNDC3B was shown to bind to miR‐937‐5p. CircFNDC3B and circFNDC3B‐enriched exosomes inhibited tumorigenic, metastatic and angiogenic properties of CRC, and miR‐937‐5p overexpression or TIMP3 knockdown could reverse these effects. In vivo CRC tumor growth, angiogenesis and liver metastasis were suppressed by circFNDC3B overexpression, circFNDC3B‐enriched exosomes or miR‐937‐5p knockdown. In conclusion, our work reports a tumor‐suppressing role for the circFNDC3B–miR‐97‐5p–TIMP3 pathway and suggests that circFNDC3B‐enriched exosomes can inhibit angiogenesis and CRC progression.

Driver Gene Mutations and Epigenetics in Colorectal Cancer

OBJECTIVE

The majority of patients with colorectal cancer are diagnosed with locally advanced and/or disseminated disease, and treatment options include surgery in combination with cytotoxic chemotherapy regimens, biologics, and/or radiotherapy. Thus, colorectal cancer remains a heavy burden on society and health care systems.Mounting evidence show that driver gene mutations play only part of the role in carcinogenesis. Epigenetics are strongly implicated in initiation and progression of colorectal cancer along with major players such as intestinal microbiotic dysbiosis and chronic mucosal inflammation.To assess phenotypic changes in proteins and gene expression, multigene expression signatures based on sequencing techniques have been developed to hopefully improve predictors of the tumor profile, immune response, and therapeutic outcomes. Our objective was to review current advances in the field and to update surgeons and academics on driver gene mutations and epigenetics in colorectal cancer.

BACKGROUND AND METHODS

This is a narrative review studying relevant research published in the PUBMED database from 2012-2018.

RESULTS AND CONCLUSION

Increased understanding of the molecular biology will improve options to characterize colorectal cancer with regard to mutations and molecular pathways, including microsatellite instability, epigenetics, microbiota, and microenvironment. Research will inevitably improve risk group stratification and targeted treatment approaches.Epigenetic profiling and epigenetic modulating drugs will increase risk stratification, increase accessibility for DNA targeting chemotherapeutics and reduce cytotoxic drug resistance.New generation antibiotics such as biofilm inhibitors and quorum sensing inhibitors are being developed to target the carcinogenetic impact of colonic dysbiosis and inflammation.

MiR-4435 is an UQCRB-related circulating miRNA in human colorectal cancer

Ubiquinol-cytochrome c reductase (UQCRB), a subunit of the mitochondrial complex III, is highly expressed in tissues from colorectal cancer patients. Since UQCRB is highly expressed in colorectal cancer, we investigated miRNAs from mutant UQCRB-expressing cell lines to identify new miRNA biomarkers. After sequencing miRNAs in the mutant UQCRB-expressing cell lines, miR-4435 was selected as a potential biomarker candidate from the six up-regulated miRNAs. The expression level of miR-4435 in the mutant UQCRB-expressing cell lines and colon cancer was increased. Notably, the expression level of miR-4435 was increased in exosomes isolated from cell culture medium, suggesting that miR-4435 is closely related to colon cancer and that large amounts of miR-4435 may be secreted outside of the cells through exosomes. Additionally, exosomes extracted from the serum samples of colorectal cancer patients showed increased miR-4435 levels depending on the cancer progression stage. Moreover, analyses of a miRNA database and mRNA-sequencing data of the mutant UQCRB-expressing cell lines revealed that TIMP3, a tumor suppressor, could be a target of miR-4435. Additionally, the expression of miR-4435 was suppressed by UQCRB inhibitor treatment whereas TIMP3 was up-regulated. Upregulation of TIMP3 decreased proliferation of the mutant UQCRB-expressing cell lines and a colorectal cancer cell line. TIMP3 was also upregulated in response to miR-4435 inhibitor and UQCRB inhibitor treatments. Furthermore, these findings suggest that miR-4435 is related to an oncogenic function in UQCRB related disease, CRC, and that effects migration and invasion on mutant UQCRB-expressing cell lines and colorectal cancer cell. In conclusion, our results identified miR-4435 as a potential circulating miRNA biomarker of colorectal cancer associated with UQCRB.

Loss of TIMP3 by promoter methylation of Sp1 binding site promotes oral cancer metastasis

The tissue inhibitor of metalloproteinase-3 (TIMP3) is the only member of the TIMP family that binds to the extracellular matrix and suppresses cancer cell growth, angiogenesis, migration, and invasion. However, whether the abnormal expression and promoter methylation of TIMP3 facilitates oral cancer metastasis remain unclear. In this study, the DNA methylation levels of TIMP3 CpG islands were assessed through pyrosequencing. Artificial modulation of TIMP3 was performed to explore the role of TIMP3 in tumor metastasis in vitro and in vivo. Our results showed that the suppression of TIMP3 transcription by DNA methylation involves the inhibition of the binding of the transcription factor Sp1 to the TIMP3 promoter as well as the upregulation of DNMT1 and DNMT3B. Functional analyses revealed that TIMP3 overexpression reduced migration and invasion abilities in oral cancer cells and inhibited lymph node metastasis in vivo. Moreover, TIMP3 regulated epithelial-mesenchymal transition by increasing the expression of the epithelial markers and reducing the expression of the mesenchymal markers. In conclusion, our findings suggested that the suppression of TIMP3 by DNA methylation contributes to oral cancer metastasis.

TIMP3 expression associates with prognosis in colorectal cancer and its novel arylsulfonamide inducer, MPT0B390, inhibits tumor growth, metastasis and angiogenesis

Tissue inhibitors of metalloproteinase 3 (TIMP3) are a major endogenous inhibitor of matrix metalloproteinase (MMPs) that inhibit tumor growth, invasion, metastasis and angiogenesis. In this study, we found that TIMP3 expression is associated with positive prognosis of colorectal cancer (CRC) clinicopathologically. Therefore, we developed a series of arylsulfonamide derivatives as TIMP3 inducers in order to define potential colorectal cancer therapeutic agent. Among these, MPT0B390 was selected for anti-tumor, anti-metastasis, and anti-angiogenesis property determination. Methods: The relationship between TIMP3 expression and clinical pathological features in colorectal patients and cell lines were determined by immunohistochemistry, bioinformatics analysis and western blotting. The anti-tumor function was validated by using MTT, apoptosis pathway detection and in vivo xenograft model for tumor growth inhibition determination. The anti-metastatic function was validated using a transwell migration assay, and using in vivo lung metastasis and liver metastasis models. The mechanism of MPT0B390-induced TIMP3 expression was further tested using qPCR and Chromatin IP assay. The anti-angiogenesis function was examined by using transwell migration assay, and in vivo Matrigel plug assay. Results: After screening candidate compounds, we identified MPT0B390 as an effective inducer of TIMP3. We showed that MPT0B390 induces TIMP3 expression significantly and inhibits CRC cell growth in vitro and in vivo. By inducing TIMP3 expression, MPT0B390 can also exert its anti-metastasis effect to inhibit CRC cell migration and invasion and downregulates migration markers such as uPA, uPAR, and c-Met. Subsequent Chromatin immunoprecipitation assay revealed that MPT0B390 can significantly inhibit EZH2 expression as well as its binding to TIMP3 promoter region to regulate TIMP3 induction. In addition to the anti-tumor and anti-metastasis capability, MPT0B390 can also induce TIMP3 expression in endothelial cells to inhibit tumor angiogenesis. Conclusion: These data suggest the potential therapeutic applications of the TIMP3 inducer, MPT0B390, for colorectal cancer treatment.

Ginsenoside Rh1 inhibits colorectal cancer cell migration and invasion in vitro and tumor growth in vivo

Colorectal cancer (CRC) is the third leading cause of cancer-associated mortality worldwide. Ginsenoside Rh1 (Rh1) is a traditional medicine monomer with antitumor activity; however, the effects of Rh1 in CRC remain to be determined. In the present study, SW620 cells were treated with different concentrations of Rh1. Cell Counting Kit-8, wound healing and Transwell assays were performed to measure cell viability and proliferation, migration and invasion, respectively. Subsequently, the mRNA expression levels of matrix metallopeptidase (MMP)1, MMP3 and tissue inhibitor of metalloproteinases 3 (TIMP3) were detected by reverse transcription-quantitative PCR analysis. In addition, the protein expression levels of MMP1, MMP3, TIMP3, and total or phosphorylated (p-)ERK1/2, P38, JNK were detected by western blotting. Furthermore, tumor growth was examined in a nude mouse xenograft model. The results of the present study indicated that Rh1 was not toxic to CRC cells at various concentrations (0, 50 or 100 µM) and treatment durations (24 or 48 h). However, cell proliferation was suppressed by Rh1 in a dose-dependent manner. Rh1 (100 µM) significantly inhibited cell migration and invasion in vitro. Additionally, Rh1 suppressed the mRNA and protein expression of MMP1 and MMP3, and promoted TIMP3 expression. Rh1 decreased the ratios of p-P38/P38, p-ERK1/2/ERK1-2 and p-JNK/JNK in vitro and in vivo, which suggested that Rh1 inactivated the mitogen-activated protein kinase (MAPK) signaling pathway. Notably, Rh1 markedly decreased tumor volume and weight in vivo. In conclusion, the present study demonstrated that Rh1 inhibited the proliferation, migration and invasion of CRC cells in vitro and tumor growth in vivo. This inhibition was at least partially due to the inhibition of MMP1 and MMP3 expression, the increase in TIMP3 expression level and the MAPK signaling pathway inactivation. Therefore, Rh1 may effectively inhibit the development of CRC as an anticancer drug, and may have a supporting effect during CRC treatment.

TIMP-3 as a therapeutic target for cancer

Tissue inhibitor of metalloproteinase-3 (TIMP-3), a secreted glycoprotein, plays an important role in carcinogenesis. It can bind to many proteinases to suppress their activity and thus protect the extracellular matrix from degradation. TIMP-3 may have many anticancer properties, including apoptosis induction and antiproliferative, antiangiogenic, and antimetastatic activities. This review summarizes the structure, proteinase inhibition ability, genetic and epigenetic regulation, cancer therapy potential, and contribution to cancer development of TIMP-3. Furthermore, in this review we discuss its potential as a biomarker for predicting cancer progression and the current state of drugs that target TIMP-3, either alone or in combination with clinical treatment. In conclusion, TIMP-3 can be a biomarker of cancer and a potential target for cancer therapy. This review article can serve as a basis to understand how to modulate TIMP-3 levels as a drug target of cancers.

CDK8-Novel Therapeutic Opportunities

Improvements in cancer therapy frequently stem from the development of new small-molecule inhibitors, paralleled by the identification of biomarkers that can predict the treatment response. Recent evidence supports the idea that cyclin-dependent kinase 8 (CDK8) may represent a potential drug target for breast and prostate cancer, although no CDK8 inhibitors have entered the clinics. As the available inhibitors have been recently reviewed, we focus on the biological functions of CDK8 and provide an overview of the complexity of CDK8-dependent signaling throughout evolution and CDK8-dependent effects that may open novel treatment avenues.

Strong association of tissue inhibitor of metalloproteinase (TIMP)-2 and -3 promoter single nucleotide polymorphisms with risk of colorectal cancer in ethnic Kashmiri population - a case control study

Background: The tissue inhibitors of metalloproteinases (TIMPs) including TIMP2 and TIMP3 are the key physiological inhibitors of matrix metalloproteinases (MMPs) and along with MMPs, TIMPs play a vital role in the coordinated proteolytic breakdown and remodeling of the extracellular matrix (ECM) and the basement membrane that represent the barriers to any malignant tumor invasion and progression. These enzymes are vital for tumor invasion and metastasis and also play a critical role in several other stages of tumor development and progression. The studies on the association of various polymorphisms in human TIMP2 and TIMP3 genes including TIMP2-418G/C and TIMP3-1296T/C single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) and CRC risk are limited, mixed, and inconclusive.Materials and methods: The aim of the present study was to analyze the association of TIMP2-418G/C and TIMP3-1296T/C promoter SNPs with colorectal cancer (CRC) susceptibility and development risk and also to evaluate the modifying effects of possible TIMP2-418G/C and TIMP3-1296T/C SNPs' genotypes on different risk factors of CRC or the reciprocal effect in ethnic population of Kashmir, India through a case-control setup. The genotype frequencies of TIMP2-418G/C and TIMP3-1296T/C promoter SNPs were compared between 142 CRC patients and 184 individually matched healthy controls by using polymerase chain reaction-restriction fragment length polymorphism (PCR-RFLP) method. The associations between the TIMP2-418G/C and TIMP3-1296T/C SNPs and CRC risk were examined through conditional logistic regression models adjusted for multiple possible confounding (third) variables. The possible effect measure modification of the association between the relevant SNP genotypes and CRC risk by various CRC risk factors including age, gender, and smoking status was also analyzed. Further, the associations between these SNPs and various clinico-pathological parameters, demographic variables, and environmental factors within the case group subjects with regard to CRC risk were also evaluated.Results: The overall association between the TIMP2-418G/C and TIMP3-1296T/C SNPs and the modulation of CRC risk was found to be highly significant (P=0.019 and P=0.000 for TIMP2 and TIMP3 SNPs, respectively). The heterozygous genotype (GC) of TIMP2-418G/C was significantly associated with an increased risk of colorectal cancer [OR, 1.87 (95%CI, 1.07-3.27); P=0.027] whereas the heterozygous genotype (TC) of TIMP3-1296T/C SNP was significantly associated with a decreased risk of colorectal cancer [OR, 0.53 (95%CI, 0.32-0.86); P=0.011]. The variant genotype (CC) of TIMP3-1296T/C SNP was also significantly associated with a decreased risk of colorectal cancer [OR, 0.18 (95%CI, 0.05-0.65); P=0.009].Conclusion: The present study demonstrates that there is a strong and highly significant association between the TIMP2-418G/C and TIMP3-1296T/C promoter SNPs and the risk of developing CRC in ethnic Kashmiri population. However, in order to substantiate our findings, the present study needs to be replicated with bigger sample size and should involve other ethnically defined populations with high CRC risk.

miR-222-3p promotes osteosarcoma cell migration and invasion through targeting TIMP3

BACKGROUND

Abnormal expression of miRNAs has been reported in osteosarcoma (OS), and miR-222-3p levels have been found to be increased in the serum of OS patients. However, the exact role of miR-222-3p in OS remains unclear. In the present study, we aimed to identify the molecular mechanism underlying the role of miR-222-3p in the development of OS.

METHODS

We examined the expression level of miR-222-3p in OS tissues and OS cells using reverse-transcription quantitative PCR (RT-qPCR) analysis. MTT, colony formation, and transwell invasion assays were used to analyze the effects of miR-222-3p on the proliferation and invasion ability of OS cells. Luciferase reporter gene assays were used to confirm the target gene of miR-222-3p in OS cells. Tumor xenografts were then used to investigate the role of miR-222-3p in OS growth in vivo.

RESULTS

The data of the present study demonstrated that miR-222-3p levels were increased in OS tissues and OS cells. Downregulation of miR-222-3p significantly inhibited the proliferation, migration, and invasion of OS cells in vitro. Further analysis revealed that tissue inhibitors of metalloproteinases 3 (TIMP3) is one of the functional target genes of miR-222-3p, and inhibition of TIMP3 efficiently rescues the blocking of cell proliferation and invasion mediated by miR-222-3p inhibitor in OS cells.

CONCLUSION

Our findings constitute evidence that miR-222-3p promotes OS cell proliferation and invasion through targeting TIMP3 mRNA and provide novel insight into the mechanism underlying the development of OS.

CDK8 Selectively Promotes the Growth of Colon Cancer Metastases in the Liver by Regulating Gene Expression of TIMP3 and Matrix Metalloproteinases

: Unresectable hepatic metastases of colon cancer respond poorly to existing therapies and are a major cause of colon cancer lethality. In this study, we evaluated the therapeutic viability of targeting the mediator kinase CDK8, an early clinical stage drug target, as a means to suppress metastasis of colon cancer. CDK8 was amplified or overexpressed in many colon cancers and CDK8 expression correlated with shorter patient survival. Knockdown or inhibition of CDK8 had little effect on colon cancer cell growth but suppressed metastatic growth of mouse and human colon cancer cells in the liver. This effect was due in part to inhibition of already established hepatic metastases, indicating therapeutic potential of CDK8 inhibitors in the metastatic setting. In contrast, knockdown or inhibition of CDK8 had no significant effect on the growth of tumors implanted subcutaneously, intrasplenically, or orthotopically in the cecum. CDK8 mediated colon cancer growth in the liver through downregulation of matrix metalloproteinase (MMP) inhibitor TIMP3 via TGFβ/SMAD-driven expression of a TIMP3-targeting microRNA, miR-181b, along with induction of Mmp3 in murine or MMP9 in human colon cancer cells via Wnt/β-catenin-driven transcription. These findings reveal a new mechanism for negative regulation of gene expression by CDK8 and a site-specific role for CDK8 in colon cancer hepatic metastasis. Our results indicate the utility of CDK8 inhibitors for the treatment of colon cancer metastases in the liver and suggest that CDK8 inhibitors may be considered in other therapeutic settings involving TGFβ/SMAD or Wnt/β-catenin pathway activation. SIGNIFICANCE: These findings demonstrate that inhibition of the transcription-regulating kinase CDK8 exerts a site-specific tumor-suppressive effect on colon cancer growth in the liver, representing a unique therapeutic opportunity for the treatment of advanced colon cancer.Graphical Abstract: http://cancerres.aacrjournals.org/content/canres/78/23/6594/F1.large.jpg.

KDM1A promotes tumor cell invasion by silencing TIMP3 in non-small cell lung cancer cells

Epigenetic regulation plays an important role in tumor metastasis. KDM1A is a histone demethylase specific for H3K4me2/me1 demethylation, and has been found to be overexpressed in many cancers, including non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC). However, the role of KDM1A in lung cancer remains unclear. Here, we show that KDM1A promotes cancer metastasis in NSCLC cells by repressing TIMP3 (tissue inhibitor of metalloproteinase 3) expression. Consistently with this, overexpression of TIMP3 inhibited MMP2 expression and JNK phosphorylation, both of which are known to be important for cell invasion and migration. Importantly, knockdown of TIMP3 in KDM1A-deficient cells rescued the metastatic capability of NSCLC cells. These findings were also confirmed by pharmacological inhibition assays. We further demonstrate that KDM1A removes H3K4me2 at the promoter of TIMP3, thus repressing the transcription of TIMP3. Finally, high expression of KDM1A and low expression of TIMP3 significantly correlate with a poor prognosis in NSCLC patients. This study establishes a mechanism by which KDM1A promotes cancer metastasis in NSCLC cells, and we suggest that KDM1A may be a potential therapeutic target for NSCLC treatment.

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

OBJECTIVE

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

METHODS

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

RESULTS

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

CONCLUSIONS

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

Long Noncoding RNA BC032913 as a Novel Therapeutic Target for Colorectal Cancer that Suppresses Metastasis by Upregulating TIMP3

Long noncoding RNAs (lncRNAs) have been shown to play critical roles in the biology of various cancers. However, their expression patterns and biological functions in human colorectal cancer (CRC) remain largely unknown. The aim of this study was to explore lncRNA profiles in CRC and investigate key lncRNAs involved in CRC tumorigenesis and progression. The microarray data of six CRC and matched non-cancerous tissues revealed distinct lncRNA profiles, including 899 upregulated and 1,646 downregulated lncRNAs (p < 0.05, fold change > 2.0). Furthermore, we found that the lncRNA BC032913 was generally underexpressed in 115 CRC samples compared with normal tissues. Reduced BC032913 levels were significantly associated with an advanced tumor, lymph nodes, distant metastasis (TNM) stage and a higher risk of lymph node and distant metastases. BC032913 downregulation indicated poor overall survival in CRC patients. Moreover, BC032913 enhanced the mRNA and protein expression of TIMP3 and inhibited Wnt/β-catenin pathway activity, thus suppressing CRC metastasis in vitro and in vivo. Collectively, the obtained data show that BC032913 plays an inhibitory role in CRC aggression by upregulating TIMP3, followed by inactivation of the Wnt/β-catenin pathway. Our findings indicate that the novel lncRNA BC032913 could serve as a novel prognostic marker and effective therapeutic target for CRC.

Epigenetics in cancer: Fundamentals and Beyond

Activation of oncogenes or the deactivation of tumor suppressor genes has long been established as the fundamental mechanism leading towards carcinogenesis. Although this age old axiom is vastly accurate, thorough study over the last 15years has given us unprecedented information on the involvement of epigenetic in cancer. Various biochemical pathways that are essential towards tumorigenesis are regulated by the epigenetic phenomenons like remodeling of nucleosome by histone modifications, DNA methylation and miRNA mediated targeting of various genes. Moreover the presence of mutations in the genes controlling the epigenetic players has further strengthened the association of epigenetics in cancer. This merger has opened up newer avenues for targeted anti-cancer drug therapy with numerous pharmaceutical industries focusing on expanding their research and development pipeline with epigenetic drugs. The information provided here elaborates the elementary phenomena of the various epigenetic regulators and discusses their alteration associated with the development of cancer. We also highlight the recent developments in epigenetic drugs combining preclinical and clinical data to signify this evolving field in cancer research.

Plasma levels of the tissue inhibitor matrix metalloproteinase-3 as a potential biomarker in oral cancer progression

Oral cancer is the most common malignancy with poor prognosis and is the fourth most common cancer in men in Taiwan. The tissue inhibitor of metalloproteinase-3 (TIMP3) acts as a tumor suppressor gene by inhibiting the growth, angiogenesis, migration, and invasion of cancer cells. However, few studies have examined the association of plasma TIMP3 levels with oral squamous cell carcinoma (OSCC), and the role of plasma TIMP3 levels in OSCC progression is still unclear. We measured the plasma TIMP3 levels of 450 OSCC patients and 64 healthy controls by using a commercial enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay. We also analyzed TIMP3 mRNA levels of 328 OSCC patients and 32 normal tissues from The Cancer Genome Atlas (TCGA) dataset. Our results revealed that plasma TIMP3 levels were significantly lower in patients with OSCC than in healthy controls (p < 0.001). Moreover, plasma TIMP3 levels in patients with OSCC were significantly associated with the tumor stage and tumor status but not with the lymph node status, metastasis, and cell differentiation. To verify our findings, we also examined TCGA bioinformatics database and discovered similar results for the association with the pathological stage of OSCC. In conclusion, our results suggest that plasma TIMP3 is a potential biomarker for predicting the tumor stage and T status in patients with OSCC.

Extracellular Matrix and Colorectal Cancer: How Surrounding Microenvironment Affects Cancer Cell Behavior?

Colorectal cancer (CRC) whit more than a million of new cases per year is one of the most common registered cancers worldwide with few treatment options especially for advanced and metastatic patients.The tumor microenvironment is composed by extracellular matrix (ECM), cells, and interstitial fluids. Among all these constituents, in the last years an increased interest around the ECM and its potential role in cancer tumorigenesis is arisen. During cancer progression the ECM structure and composition became disorganized, allowing cellular transformation and metastasis. Up to now, the focus has mainly been on the characterization of CRC microenvironment analyzing separately structural ECM components or cell secretome modifications. A more extensive view that interconnects these aspects should be addressed. In this review, biochemical (secretome) and biomechanical (structure and architecture) changes of tumor microenvironment will be discussed, giving suggestions on how these changes can affect cancer cell behavior. J. Cell. Physiol. 232: 967-975, 2017. © 2016 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.

Association Between Tissue Inhibitor of Metalloproteinase-3 Gene Methylation and Gastric Cancer Risk: A Meta-Analysis

BACKGROUND

The tumor suppressor gene tissue inhibitor of metalloproteinase-3 (TIMP-3) has been reported to be frequently and significantly downregulated in gastric cancer, and its downregulation is correlated with hypermethylation in its promoter region. However, the association between TIMP-3 methylation and gastric cancer risk remains unclear.

AIM

In this study, we assessed the relationship between TIMP-3 promoter methylation and gastric cancer risk by performance of a meta-analysis.

METHODS

Relevant studies were identified in a comprehensive literature search using PubMed, Embase, and Web of Science databases. The strength of the association between TIMP-3 methylation and the risk of gastric cancer was assessed by odds ratio (OR) with the corresponding 95% confidence interval (CI). The heterogeneity among studies was tested using the Q-statistics and I(2) metric. The publication bias was examined by Begg's funnel plots and Egger's linear regression test.

RESULTS

A total of 1096 subjects from eight studies were included in the present meta-analysis. Overall, a significant association between TIMP-3 methylation and gastric cancer risk was observed (OR = 8.65; 95% CI 4.31-17.37; p < 0.001). Stratified analyses by ethnicity, sample materials, and detection methods also revealed increased gastric cancer risk in individuals harboring methylated TIMP-3. Moreover, no publication bias was detected in the present meta-analysis.

CONCLUSIONS

Our results show a positive correlation between TIMP-3 promoter methylation and gastric cancer risk and indicated that TIMP-3 promoter methylation may be used as a molecular marker for gastric cancer.

Recursive Random Lasso (RRLasso) for Identifying Anti-Cancer Drug Targets

Uncovering driver genes is crucial for understanding heterogeneity in cancer. L1-type regularization approaches have been widely used for uncovering cancer driver genes based on genome-scale data. Although the existing methods have been widely applied in the field of bioinformatics, they possess several drawbacks: subset size limitations, erroneous estimation results, multicollinearity, and heavy time consumption. We introduce a novel statistical strategy, called a Recursive Random Lasso (RRLasso), for high dimensional genomic data analysis and investigation of driver genes. For time-effective analysis, we consider a recursive bootstrap procedure in line with the random lasso. Furthermore, we introduce a parametric statistical test for driver gene selection based on bootstrap regression modeling results. The proposed RRLasso is not only rapid but performs well for high dimensional genomic data analysis. Monte Carlo simulations and analysis of the "Sanger Genomics of Drug Sensitivity in Cancer dataset from the Cancer Genome Project" show that the proposed RRLasso is an effective tool for high dimensional genomic data analysis. The proposed methods provide reliable and biologically relevant results for cancer driver gene selection.

Polymorphisms and Plasma Levels of Tissue Inhibitor of Metalloproteinase-3: Impact on Genetic Susceptibility and Clinical Outcome of Oral Cancer

Oral cancer, the fourth most common cancer among men in Taiwan, is associated with environmental carcinogens. Tissue inhibitor of metalloproteinase-3 (TIMP3), a member of the TIMP family, is the only protein that binds to the extracellular matrix for suppressing cancer cell growth, angiogenesis, migration, and invasion. The association of TIMP3 polymorphism with oral cancer susceptibility, however, has not yet been reported. In this study, 1947 participants-1200 healthy male controls and 747 male patients with oral cancer-were recruited. Allelic discrimination of TIMP3 -1296 T > C (rs9619311), TIMP3 C > T (rs9862), and TIMP3 C > T (rs11547635) polymorphisms were assessed through real-time polymerase chain reaction. The authors discovered that individuals carrying the polymorphic rs9862 allele are more susceptible to oral cancer [odds ratio (OR), 1.5; 95% confidence interval (CI), 1.2-1.9; adjusted OR (AOR), 1.6; 95% CI, 1.2-2.1] after adjustment for betel quid chewing, alcohol, and tobacco consumption. Among 601 betel quid chewers, the TIMP3 polymorphism rs9862 T/T carriers had a 32.2-fold (95% CI, 20.2-51.3) increased oral cancer risk compared with those carrying C/C and not chewing betel quid. In addition, the authors observed a significant association between rs9862 variants and large tumors (OR, 1.5; 95% CI, 1.0-2.3) development. Moreover, TIMP3 plasma levels significantly increased in oral cancer patients who have large tumor or carry T allele rs9862 polymorphism. In conclusion, these results suggest that gene-environment interactions between the TIMP3 rs9862 polymorphisms and betel quid may alter oral cancer susceptibility and tumor growth in Taiwanese men.

TIMP3 Attenuates the Loss of Neural Stem Cells, Mature Neurons and Neurocognitive Dysfunction in Traumatic Brain Injury

Mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) have been shown to have potent therapeutic effects in a number of disorders including traumatic brain injury (TBI). However, the molecular mechanism(s) underlying these protective effects are largely unknown. Herein we demonstrate that tissue inhibitor of matrix metalloproteinase-3 (TIMP3), a soluble protein released by MSCs, is neuroprotective and enhances neuronal survival and neurite outgrowth in vitro. In vivo in a murine model of TBI, intravenous recombinant TIMP3 enhances dendritic outgrowth and abrogates loss of hippocampal neural stem cells and mature neurons. Mechanistically we demonstrate in vitro and in vivo that TIMP3-mediated neuroprotection is critically dependent on activation of the Akt-mTORC1 pathway. In support of the neuroprotective effect of TIMP3, we find that intravenous delivery of recombinant TIMP3 attenuates deficits in hippocampal-dependent neurocognition. Taken together, our data strongly suggest that TIMP3 has direct neuroprotective effects that can mitigate the deleterious effects associated with TBI, an area with few if any therapeutic options.

Abnormal expression of WIF1 in hepatocellular carcinoma cells and its regulating effect on invasion and metastasis factors of TIMP-3 and caveolin-1 of hepatocellular carcinoma

OBJECTIVE

To discuss the abnormal expression of Wnt inhibitory factor (WIF1) in hepatocellular carcinoma cells and its regulating effect on the hepatocellular carcinoma invasion and metastasis factors of tissue inhibitor of matrix metalloproteinases-3 (TIMP-3) and caveolin-1.

METHODS

RT-PCR and Western blot were employed to detect the expression of WIF1 in six hepatocellular carcinoma cell lines of HepG2, Hep3B, Huh7, PLC/PRF/5, SMMC-7721 and MHCC97 and the immortalized human liver cell line THLE-3. Besides, Lipofectamine 2000 was employed to transfect the eukaryotic expression vector pcDNA3.1-WIF1 and blank plasmid pcDNA3.1 into hepatocellular carcinoma cell lines. Transwell assay was used to detect the effect of WIF1 on the invasion ability of hepatocellular carcinoma cells; Western blot was used to detect the effect of WIF1 on the expression of TIMP-3 and caveolin-1 in hepatocellular carcinoma cells, it also discussed the effect on the expression of β-catenin.

RESULTS

The expression of WIF1 in hepatocellular carcinoma cell lines was lower than that in the normal liver cell lines (P < 0.01); while there was basically no expression of WIF1 in the human highly metastatic cell line MHCC-97 and moderate expression in HepG2 and SMMC-7721. Therefore, HepG2 and SMMC-7721 were chosen as the further experimental cell lines. After transfecting the eukaryotic expression vector pcDNA3.1-WIF1 and blank plasmid pcDNA3.1 into hepatocellular carcinoma cell lines, compared with the blank plasmid group, the cell viability and invasion ability in the WIF1 group were all reduced (P < 0.01), the expression of TIMP-3, caveolin-1 and mRNA were all down-regulated (P < 0.01), and the expression of β-catenin was decreased (P < 0.01).

CONCLUSIONS

Because of down-regulation or missing of expression of WIF1 in hepatocellular carcinoma cell lines, the up-regulation of WIF1 expression can significantly inhibit the invasion and metastasis of HepG2 and SMMC-7721 of hepatocellular carcinoma cell lines, which are related to the up-regulated expression of TIMP-3 and down-regulated expression of caveolin-1 and may be realized through the Wnt/β-catenin signaling pathway.

Timp3 deficient mice show resistance to developing breast cancer

Timp3 is commonly silenced in breast cancer, but mechanistic studies have identified both tumor promotion and suppression effects of this gene. We have taken a genetic approach to determine the impact of Timp3 loss on two mouse models of breast cancer. Interestingly, MMTV-PyMT Timp3^−⁄− mice have delayed tumor onset and 36% of MMTV-Neu Timp3^−⁄− mice remain tumor free. TIMP3 is a regulator of TNF signaling and similar to Timp3, Tnf or Tnfr1 loss delays early tumorigenesis. The tumor suppression in Timp3 null mice requires Tnfr1, but does not result in alterations in the local immune compartment. In the mammary gland, Timps are highly expressed in the stroma and through the transplantation of tumor cells we observe that Timp3 deficiency in the host is sufficient to delay the growth of early, but not advanced tumor cells. Together our data is the first to identify a tumor promoting role of endogenous Timp3 in vivo, the spatial and temporal windows of this effect, and its dependence on Tnfr1.

Methylated TIMP-3 DNA in body fluids is an independent prognostic factor for gastric cancer

CONTEXT

Fluid methylated DNA may be a suitable biomarker for cancer patients.

OBJECTIVE

To investigate whether circulating methylated tissue inhibitor of metalloproteinase 3 (TIMP-3) DNA in body fluids is a useful prognostic biomarker in gastric cancer (GC).

DESIGN

TIMP-3 methylation was detected by real-time methylation-specific polymerase chain reaction in tumor tissues, paired preoperative peritoneal washes (PPWs), and paired serum samples from 92 GC patients.

RESULTS

The frequency of TIMP-3 methylation was significantly elevated in GC tissues (63.04%; 58 of 92) compared with that in paired adjacent normal tissue (4.3%; 4 of 92) (P < .001). TIMP-3 methylation correlated closely with peritoneal metastasis and TNM stage (all P < .001). The frequency of TIMP-3 methylation in preoperative peritoneal washes and serum samples was 53.3% (49 of 92) and 58.7% (54 of 92), respectively. The Aζ values of the receiver operator characteristic curve for methylated TIMP-3 were 0.966 and 0.922 for serum and preoperative peritoneal washes, respectively, compared with those in GC tissues. The patients with elevated methylated TIMP-3 levels in body fluids had poorer disease-free survival rates than those without (all P < .001). Cox regression analysis showed that detection of methylated TIMP-3 DNA in body fluids was an independent risk factor for GC patients, with a remarkable decrease in disease-free survival 30 months after surgical resection of the gastric tumor.

CONCLUSION

Presence of methylated TIMP-3 DNA in body fluids is a useful biomarker for predicting the progression and prognosis of GC patients.

Depletion of C3orf1/TIMMDC1 inhibits migration and proliferation in 95D lung carcinoma cells

In our previous study, we identified an association of high expression of c3orf1, also known as TIMMDC1 (translocase of inner mitochondrial membrane domain-containing protein 1), with metastatic characteristics in lung carcinoma cells. To investigate the preliminary function and mechanism of this mitochondrial protein, we depleted C3orf1 expression by introducing siRNA into 95D lung carcinoma cells. We demonstrated that C3orf1 depletion significantly suppressed 95D cell growth and migration. We confirmed C3orf1 localization in the inner mitochondrial membrane and showed that mitochondrial viability, membrane potential, and ATPase activity were remarkably reduced upon depletion of C3orf1. Microarray data indicated that genes involved in regulation of cell death, migration, and cell-cycle arrest were significantly altered after C3orf1 depletion for 48 h. The expression of genes involved in focal adhesion, ECM-receptor interaction, and p53-signaling pathways were notably altered. Furthermore, cell-cycle arrest genes such as CCNG2 and PTEN as well as genes involved in cell migration inhibition, such as TIMP3 and COL3A1, were upregulated after C3orf1 depletion in 95D cells. Concurrently, expression of the migration-promoting gene NUPR1 was markedly reduced, as confirmed by real-time PCR. We conclude that C3orf1 is critical for mitochondrial function, migration, and proliferation in 95D lung carcinoma cells. Depletion of C3orf1 inhibited cell migration and cell proliferation in association with upregulation of genes involved in cell-cycle arrest and cell migration inhibition. These results suggest that C3orf1 (TIMMDC1) may be a viable treatment target for lung carcinoma, and that further study of the role of this protein in lung carcinoma pathogenesis is justified.

TIMP-3 expression associates with malignant behaviors and predicts favorable survival in HCC

The tissue inhibitors of metalloproteinases (TIMPs) are proteins that specifically inhibit the proteolytic activity of the matrix metalloproteinases (MMPs). TIMP-3, the only member of the TIMPs that can tightly bind to the extracellular matrix, has been identified as a unique tumor suppressor that demonstrates the ability to inhibit tumor angiogenesis, invasion, and metastasis. This study aimed to detect the expression of TIMP-3 in hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) and investigate the association between TIMP-3 expression and its clinicopathological significance in HCC patients. In the current study, reverse transcription-polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR) and Western blotting of HCC cell lines and one-step quantitative reverse transcription PCR (qPCR) and immunohistochemistry (IHC) analyses in HCC tissues were performed, to characterize the TIMP-3 expression. Kaplan-Meier survival and Cox regression analyses were utilized to evaluate the prognosis of 101 HCC patients. The results showed that the expression of TIMP-3 in HCC was significantly decreased relative to that of non-cancerous cells and tissues. Furthermore, the TIMP-3 expression was statistically associated with malignant behaviors of HCC, including portal vein invasion (p = 0.036) and lymph node metastasis (p = 0.030). Cox regression analysis revealed that TIMP-3 expression was an independent prognostic factor for disease-free survival (p = 0.039) and overall survival (p = 0.049). These data indicate that TIMP-3 expression is a valuable prognostic biomarker for HCC and that TIMP-3 expression suggests a favorable prognosis for HCC patients.

The role of matrix metalloproteinases in colorectal cancer

In the United States, colorectal cancer (CRC) is the third leading cause of cancer mortality, with limited treatment options for those with advanced disease. Matrix metalloproteinases (MMPs) are important for maintaining extracellular homeostasis but also play a prominent role in cancer cell invasion and dissemination. Expression levels of MMP-1, -2, -7, -9 and -13 correlate with worse outcomes; MMP-12 expression appears to be protective. Hence, MMPs are attractive therapeutic targets. Previous clinical trials using broad-spectrum MMP inhibitors were disappointing because of off-target toxicity and lack of efficacy. Now, the availability of safer, more selective inhibitors has renewed interest in therapeutic targeting of MMPs.