Coronin 1C promotes triple-negative breast cancer invasiveness through regulation of MT1-MMP traffic and invadopodia function

The role and application of Coronin family in human tumorigenesis and immunomodulation

The Coronin family, a class of actin-binding proteins involved in the formation and maintenance of cytoskeleton structural stability, is aberrantly expressed in various tumors, including lung, gastric and head and neck cancers. They can regulate tumor cell metabolism and proliferation through RAC-1 and Wnt/β-Catenin signaling pathways and regulate invasion by influencing the PI3K, PAK4, and MT1-MMP signaling pathways and impacting the actin-network dynamics. In recent years, an increasing number of studies have highlighted the crucial roles of the cytoskeleton and immune modulation in the occurrence and development of tumors. The article delves into the Coronin family's pivotal role in tumor immune evasion, highlighting its modulation of neutrophil, T cell, and vesicular transport functions, as well as its interactions with tumorigenesis related organelles such as the endoplasmic reticulum, Golgi apparatus, mitochondria, and lysosomes. It also summarizes the potential therapeutic applications of the Coronin family in oncology. This review provides valuable insights into the mechanisms through which the Coronin family is implicated in the onset and progression of tumors. It also provides more theoretical foundation for tumor immunotherapy and combination drug therapy.

Advances in targeted therapy for triple-negative breast cancer: a review of key antigens and recent advances

The most aggressive subtype of breast cancer is triple-negative breast cancer (TNBC), which affects about 10-15% of all breast cancer cases. TNBC is associated with a poor prognosis and drug resistance due to the lack of oestrogen, progesterone, and HER2 receptors. Developing targeted immunotherapy for TNBC was challenged by identifying TNBC-specific antigens that can be suitable targets for antibody and nanobody-based therapies. Evidence from cancer- targeted therapy demonstrates that treatment outcomes are more successful when the target antigen is either overexpressed in tumour tissue or exhibits tumour specificity. Several antigens have been overexpressed in TNBC, including programmed cell death protein 1 (PD-1), programmed death-ligand 1(PD-L1), mesothelin (MSLN), trophoblast cell-surface antigen 2 (Trop-2), tumour endothelial marker 8 (TEM8), etc. There have been investigations targeting these antigens with antibodies, nanobodies, small molecules, peptides, and miniproteins for targeted treatment of TNBC. Antibodies known as Aembrolizumab, Atezolizumab, and Sacituzumab Govitecan-hziy have been approved by the FDA, and many are under investigation. The present review discusses the antigens with high expression in TNBC, their role in cancer development and progression, and the targeted therapies like antibodies, recombinant proteins, and antibody-drug conjugates (ADC).

CORO1C Regulates the Malignant Biological Behavior of Ovarian Cancer Cells and Modulates the mRNA Expression Profile through the PI3K/AKT Signaling Pathway

Ovarian cancer (OC) is a frequently occurring gynecological tumor, and its global incidence has recently increased. Coronin-like actin-binding protein 1C (CORO1C) is known to activate the phosphoinositide 3-kinase (PI3K)-protein kinase B (AKT) pathway and promote tumor progression. However, its role in OC remains unclear. This study investigated the role of CORO1C in OC malignancy. In this study, quantitative real-time polymerase chain reaction (qRT-PCR) was used to examine AKT and CORO1C mRNA expression in clinical OC tissues and cells. Immunohistochemical analysis and western blotting were used to examine protein expression in OC tissues and cells, respectively. 3-(4,5-Dimethylthiazol-2-yl)-2,5-diphenyltetrazolium bromide (MTT), scratch wound-healing, and Transwell assays were performed to examine cell proliferation and migration. RNA-Seq was used to validate the relationship between AKT and CORO1C expression. The results showed that CORO1C was highly expressed in clinical OC tissues and SKOV3 cells, correlating with the International Federation of Gynecology and Obstetrics (FIGO) stage. Furthermore, CORO1C knockout inhibited the proliferation, migration, and invasion of SKOV3 cells; altered the gene expression patterns in these cells; and was closely associated with the PI3K/AKT pathway. Western blotting confirmed that CORO1C knockout reduced the levels of phosphorylated PI3K and AKT. Additionally, CORO1C knockout increased phosphatase and tensin homologs deleted on chromosome 10 (PTEN) protein expression, whereas CORO1C overexpression decreased it. In conclusion, this study demonstrated that high CORO1C levels in OC are associated with greater metastasis and worse prognosis. CORO1C negatively regulates PTEN expression, activates the PI3K/AKT pathway, and promotes OC cell malignancy In patients with OC, CORO1C may function as an effective therapeutic and predictive biomarker.

Down-regulation of CORO1C mediated by lncMALAT1/miR-133a-3p axis contributes to trophoblast dysfunction and preeclampsia

INTRODUCTION

Placental trophoblast dysfunction has been proved to be closely related to the pathogenesis of preeclampsia. Coronaryxin-like actin-binding protein 1C (CORO1C) plays an important role in cell proliferation, apoptosis, invasion, and signal transduction, but its involvement in trophoblast dysfunction and preeclampsia remains uncertain.

METHODS

The expression of CORO1C in placental tissues of preeclampsia (PE) pregnant women and pregnant mice PE model were detected by real-time quantitative polymerase chain reaction (RT-qPCR), western blotting (WB) and immunohistochemical (IHC) staining. Next, the proliferation, invasion, migration and apoptosis were performed to explore the functions of CORO1C in HTR8/SVneo cell. Furthermore, the expression of CORO1C were detected in lncMALAT1 knockdown and overexpression HTR-8/SVneo cell. And then we investigated the possible regulatory mechanism of lncMALAT1 on CORO1C through bioinformatics analysis, FISH assays, RIP assays, RNA pull down and dual luciferase reporter assays. Finally, we further validated that lncMALAT1 regulate the function of placental trophoblast cells through CORO1C.

RESULTS

The expression of CORO1C was significantly decreased in the placenta of PE patients and mice model, and positively associated with neonatal birth weight. And we found that CORO1C inhibited trophoblast proliferation, migration and invasion. Furthermore, reduced expression of lncMALAT1 impaired CORO1C level, thereby resulting in trophoblast dysfunction. Mechanistically, the dysregulation of lncMALAT1 promoted the expression of miR-133a-3p, strongly enhancing its binding to the 3'UTR region of CORO1C mRNA for degradation.

DISCUSSION

This study demonstrated that the dysregulation of CORO1C via lncMALAT1/miR-133a-3p axis impairs trophoblast function and contributes to preeclampsia pathogenesis, providing novel insights in PE therapy through modulating CORO1C level.

[Formation, organization and function of invadosomes in cell motility and tumor invasion]

Invadosome is an umbrella term used to describe a family of cellular structures including podosomes and invadopodia. They serve as contact zones between the cell plasma membrane and extracellular matrix, contributing to matrix remodeling by locally enriched proteolytic enzymes. Invadosomes, which are actin-dependent, are implicated in cellular processes promoting adhesion, migration, and invasion. Invadosomes, which exist in various cell types, play crucial roles in physiological phenomena such as vascularization and bone resorption. Invadosomes are also implicated in pathological processes such as matrix tissue remodeling during metastatic tumor cell invasion. This review summarizes basic information and recent advances about mechanisms underlying podosome and invadopodia formation, their organization and function.

Fiber Microarchitecture in Interpenetrating Collagen-Alginate Hydrogel with Tunable Mechanical Plasticity Regulates Tumor Cell Migration

The fiber structures of tumor microenvironment (TME) are well-known in regulating tumor cell behaviors, and the plastic remolding of TME has recently been suggested to enhance tumor metastasis as well. However, the interrelationship between the fiber microarchitecture and matrix plasticity is inextricable by existing in vitro models. The individual roles of fiber microarchitecture and matrix plasticity in tuning tumor cell behaviors remain elusive. This study develops an interpenetrating collagen-alginate hydrogel platform with independently tunable matrix plasticity and fiber microarchitecture through an interpenetrating strategy of alginate networks and collagen I networks. With this hydrogel platform, it is demonstrated that tumor cells in high plasticity hydrogels are more extensive and aggressive than in low plasticity hydrogels and fiber structures only have influence in high plasticity hydrogels. The study further elucidates the underlying mechanisms through analyzing the distribution of forces within the matrix and tracking the focal adhesions (FAs) and finds that highly plastic hydrogels can activate the FAs formation, whereas the maturation and stability of FAs are dominated by fiber dispersion. This study not only establishes new ideas on how cells interact with TME cues but also would help to further finely tailor engineered hydrogel platforms for studying tumor behaviors in vitro.

Coronin 1C, Regulated by Multiple microRNAs, Facilitates Cancer Cell Aggressiveness in Pancreatic Ductal Adenocarcinoma

Coronin proteins are actin-related proteins containing WD repeat domains encoded by seven genes (CORO1A, CORO1B, CORO1C, CORO2A, CORO2B, CORO6, and CORO7) in the human genome. Analysis of large cohort data from The Cancer Genome Atlas revealed that expression of CORO1A, CORO1B, CORO1C, CORO2A, and CORO7 was significantly upregulated in pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma (PDAC) tissues (p < 0.05). Moreover, high expression of CORO1C and CORO2A significantly predicted the 5 year survival rate of patients with PDAC (p = 0.0071 and p = 0.0389, respectively). In this study, we focused on CORO1C and investigated its functional significance and epigenetic regulation in PDAC cells. Knockdown assays using siRNAs targeting CORO1C were performed in PDAC cells. Aggressive cancer cell phenotypes, especially cancer cell migration and invasion, were inhibited by CORO1C knockdown. The involvement of microRNAs (miRNAs) is a molecular mechanism underlying the aberrant expression of cancer-related genes in cancer cells. Our in silico analysis revealed that five miRNAs (miR-26a-5p, miR-29c-3p, miR-130b-5p, miR-148a-5p, and miR-217) are putative candidate miRNAs regulating CORO1C expression in PDAC cells. Importantly, all five miRNAs exhibited tumor-suppressive functions and four miRNAs except miR-130b-5p negatively regulated CORO1C expression in PDAC cells. CORO1C and its downstream signaling molecules are potential therapeutic targets in PDAC.

Invadopodia Methods: Detection of Invadopodia Formation and Activity in Cancer Cells Using Reconstituted 2D and 3D Collagen-Based Matrices

Tumor dissemination involves cancer cell migration through the extracellular matrix (ECM). ECM is mainly composed of collagen fibers that oppose cell invasion. To overcome hindrance in the matrix, cancer cells deploy a protease-dependent program in order to remodel the matrix fibers. Matrix remodeling requires the formation of actin-based matrix/plasma membrane contact sites called invadopodia, responsible for collagen cleavage through the accumulation and activity of the transmembrane type-I matrix metalloproteinase (MT1-MMP). In this article, we describe experimental procedures designed to assay for invadopodia formation and for invadopodia activity using 2D and 3D models based on gelatin (denatured collagen) and fibrillar type-I collagen matrices.

CBLC inhibits the proliferation and metastasis of breast cancer cells via ubiquitination and degradation of CTTN

The E3 ubiquitin ligase is an important regulator of cell signaling and proteostasis and is tightly controlled in many diseases, including cancer. Our study aimed to investigate the biological role of the E3 ubiquitin ligase CBLC in breast cancer and elucidate the specific mechanistic network underlying CBLC-mediated target substrate degradation, cell proliferation and metastasis. Here, we showed that CBLC expression was higher in breast cancer tissues and cells than that in normal tissues and cells. Higher expression of CBLC predicted a better prognosis for breast cancer patients. CBLC inhibited the proliferation, migration and invasion of breast cancer cells. Co-IP and immunofluorescence co-localization assays demonstrated that CBLC interacted with CTTN in the cytoplasm. CBLC promoted the degradation of CTTN through the ubiquitin-proteasome pathway without affecting its mRNA level. The inhibitory effect of CBLC on breast cancer cell proliferation, migration and invasion could partly be reversed by CTTN. Taken together, our study clarified the biological role of CBLC as a tumor suppressor and discovered its functional substrate, providing a molecular basis for CBLC/CTTN as a potential therapeutic target in breast cancer.

Development of anti-membrane type 1-matrix metalloproteinase nanobodies as immunoPET probes for triple negative breast cancer imaging

Triple-negative breast cancer (TNBC) is characterized by aggressiveness and high rates of metastasis. The identification of relevant biomarkers is crucial to improve outcomes for TNBC patients. Membrane type 1-matrix metalloproteinase (MT1-MMP) could be a good candidate because its expression has been reported to correlate with tumor malignancy, progression and metastasis. Moreover, single-domain variable regions (VHHs or Nanobodies) derived from camelid heavy-chain-only antibodies have demonstrated improvements in tissue penetration and blood clearance, important characteristics for cancer imaging. Here, we have developed a nanobody-based PET imaging strategy for TNBC detection that targets MT1-MMP. A llama-derived library was screened against the catalytic domain of MT1-MMP and a panel of specific nanobodies were identified. After a deep characterization, two nanobodies were selected to be labeled with gallium-68 (⁶⁸Ga). ImmunoPET imaging with both ([⁶⁸Ga]Ga-NOTA-3TPA14 and [⁶⁸Ga]Ga-NOTA-3CMP75) in a TNBC mouse model showed precise tumor-targeting capacity in vivo with high signal-to-background ratios. (⁶⁸Ga)Ga-NOTA-3CMP75 exhibited higher tumor uptake compared to (⁶⁸Ga)Ga-NOTA-3TPA14. Furthermore, imaging data correlated perfectly with the immunohistochemistry staining results. In conclusion, we found a promising candidate for nanobody-based PET imaging to be further investigated as a diagnostic tool in TNBC.

Lnc-ABCA12-8 confers acquired resistance to gefitinib in non-small cell lung cancer by regulating the alternative splicing of fibronectin 1 in the IIICS region

Acquired resistance to epidermal growth factor receptor tyrosine kinase inhibitors (EGFR-TKIs), such as gefitinib, has dramatically impaired the clinical outcomes in non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) patients, but the mechanisms are still unclear in substantial cases. In our previous study, we demonstrated that a novel long non-coding RNA (lncRNA), lnc-ABCA12-8, was overexpressed in gefitinib-resistant NSCLC cells, but the exact function is unknown. In this study, we confirmed that lnc-ABCA12-8 was significantly upregulated both in NSCLC cell lines and the plasma samples of NSCLC patients with acquired resistance to gefitinib. Downregulation of lnc-ABCA12-8 could reverse gefitinib resistance both in vitro and in vivo. Mechanistically, lnc-ABCA12-8 interacted with alternative splicing factor/splicing factor 2 (ASF/SF2), promoted the binding of ASF/SF2 to the IIICS exon of fibronectin 1 (FN1) gene and enhanced the IIICS region inclusion during fibronectin 1 (FN1) alternative splicing, resulting in the upregulation of entire IIICS region, and enhanced cell proliferation, migration, invasion, and adhesion. Taken together, our study suggest that lnc-ABCA12-8 is involved in the acquired resistance to gefitinib, and may be a novel biomarker and therapeutic target for monitoring and overcoming gefitinib resistance in NSCLC.

Ct-OATP1B3 promotes high-grade serous ovarian cancer metastasis by regulation of fatty acid beta-oxidation and oxidative phosphorylation

High-grade serous ovarian cancer (HGSOC) is the most lethal gynecologic malignancy mainly due to its extensive metastasis. Cancer-type organic anion transporting polypeptide 1B3 (Ct-OATP1B3), a newly discovered splice variant of solute carrier organic anion transporter family member 1B3 (SLCO1B3), has been reported to be overexpressed in several types of cancer. However, the biological function of Ct-OATP1B3 remains largely unknown. Here, we reveal that Ct-OATP1B3 is overexpressed in HGSOC and promotes the metastasis of HGSOC in vivo and in vitro. Mechanically, Ct-OATP1B3 directly interacts with insulin-like growth factor 2 mRNA-binding protein 2 (IGF2BP2), an RNA-binding protein, which results in enhancement of the mRNA stability and expression of carnitine palmitoyltransferase 1A (CPT1A) and NADH:Ubiquinone Oxidoreductase Subunit A2 (NDUFA2), leading to increased mitochondrial fatty acid beta-oxidation (FAO) and oxidative phosphorylation (OXPHOS) activities. The increased FAO and OXPHOS activities further facilitate adenosine triphosphate (ATP) production and cellular lamellipodia formation, which is the initial step in the processes of tumor cell migration and invasion. Taken together, our study provides an insight into the function and underlying mechanism of Ct-OATP1B3 in HGSOC metastasis, and highlights Ct-OATP1B3 as a novel prognostic marker as well as therapeutic target in HGSOC.

Pan-cancer analysis of microRNA expression profiles highlights microRNAs enriched in normal body cells as effective suppressors of multiple tumor types: A study based on TCGA database

BACKGROUND

MicroRNAs (miRNAs) are frequently deregulated in various types of cancer. While antisense oligonucleotides are used to block oncomiRs, delivery of tumour-suppressive miRNAs holds great potential as a potent anti-cancer strategy. Here, we aim to determine, and functionally analyse, miRNAs that are lowly expressed in various types of tumour but abundantly expressed in multiple normal tissues.

METHODS

The miRNA sequencing data of 14 cancer types were downloaded from the TCGA dataset. Significant differences in miRNA expression between tumor and normal samples were calculated using limma package (R programming). An adjusted p value < 0.05 was used to compare normal versus tumor miRNA expression profiles. The predicted gene targets were obtained using TargetScan, miRanda, and miRDB and then subjected to gene ontology analysis using Enrichr. Only GO terms with an adjusted p < 0.05 were considered statistically significant. All data from wet-lab experiments (cell viability assays and flow cytometry) were expressed as means ± SEM, and their differences were analyzed using GraphPad Prism software (Student's t test, p < 0.05).

RESULTS

By compiling all publicly available miRNA profiling data from The Cancer Genome Atlas (TCGA) Pan-Cancer Project, we reveal a small set of tumour-suppressing miRNAs (which we designate as 'normomiRs') that are highly expressed in 14 types of normal tissues but poorly expressed in corresponding tumour tissues. Interestingly, muscle-enriched miRNAs (e.g. miR-133a/b and miR-206) and miRNAs from DLK1-DIO3 locus (e.g. miR-381 and miR-411) constitute a large fraction of the normomiRs. Moreover, we define that the CCCGU motif is absent in the oncomiRs' seed sequences but present in a fraction of tumour-suppressive miRNAs. Finally, the gain of function of candidate normomiRs across several cancer cell types indicates that miR-206 and miR-381 exert the most potent inhibition on multiple cancer types in vitro.

CONCLUSION

Our results reveal a pan-cancer set of tumour-suppressing miRNAs and highlight the potential of miRNA-replacement therapies for targeting multiple types of tumour.

Matrix Metalloproteinases Shape the Tumor Microenvironment in Cancer Progression

Cancer progression with uncontrolled tumor growth, local invasion, and metastasis depends largely on the proteolytic activity of numerous matrix metalloproteinases (MMPs), which affect tissue integrity, immune cell recruitment, and tissue turnover by degrading extracellular matrix (ECM) components and by releasing matrikines, cell surface-bound cytokines, growth factors, or their receptors. Among the MMPs, MMP-14 is the driving force behind extracellular matrix and tissue destruction during cancer invasion and metastasis. MMP-14 also influences both intercellular as well as cell-matrix communication by regulating the activity of many plasma membrane-anchored and extracellular proteins. Cancer cells and other cells of the tumor stroma, embedded in a common extracellular matrix, interact with their matrix by means of various adhesive structures, of which particularly invadopodia are capable to remodel the matrix through spatially and temporally finely tuned proteolysis. As a deeper understanding of the underlying functional mechanisms is beneficial for the development of new prognostic and predictive markers and for targeted therapies, this review examined the current knowledge of the interplay of the various MMPs in the cancer context on the protein, subcellular, and cellular level with a focus on MMP14.

Compromised nuclear envelope integrity drives TREX1-dependent DNA damage and tumor cell invasion

Although mutations leading to a compromised nuclear envelope cause diseases such as muscular dystrophies or accelerated aging, the consequences of mechanically induced nuclear envelope ruptures are less known. Here, we show that nuclear envelope ruptures induce DNA damage that promotes senescence in non-transformed cells and induces an invasive phenotype in human breast cancer cells. We find that the endoplasmic reticulum (ER)-associated exonuclease TREX1 translocates into the nucleus after nuclear envelope rupture and is required to induce DNA damage. Inside the mammary duct, cellular crowding leads to nuclear envelope ruptures that generate TREX1-dependent DNA damage, thereby driving the progression of in situ carcinoma to the invasive stage. DNA damage and nuclear envelope rupture markers were also enriched at the invasive edge of human tumors. We propose that DNA damage in mechanically challenged nuclei could affect the pathophysiology of crowded tissues by modulating proliferation and extracellular matrix degradation of normal and transformed cells.

Membrane-type I matrix metalloproteinase (MT1-MMP), lipid metabolism and therapeutic implications

Lipids exert many essential physiological functions, such as serving as a structural component of biological membranes, storing energy, and regulating cell signal transduction. Dysregulation of lipid metabolism can lead to dyslipidemia related to various human diseases, such as obesity, diabetes, and cardiovascular disease. Therefore, lipid metabolism is strictly regulated through multiple mechanisms at different levels, including the extracellular matrix. Membrane-type I matrix metalloproteinase (MT1-MMP), a zinc-dependent endopeptidase, proteolytically cleaves extracellular matrix components, and non-matrix proteins, thereby regulating many physiological and pathophysiological processes. Emerging evidence supports the vital role of MT1-MMP in lipid metabolism. For example, MT1-MMP mediates ectodomain shedding of low-density lipoprotein receptor and increases plasma low-density lipoprotein cholesterol levels and the development of atherosclerosis. It also increases the vulnerability of atherosclerotic plaque by promoting collagen cleavage. Furthermore, it can cleave the extracellular matrix of adipocytes, affecting adipogenesis and the development of obesity. Therefore, the activity of MT1-MMP is strictly regulated by multiple mechanisms, such as autocatalytic cleavage, endocytosis and exocytosis, and post-translational modifications. Here, we summarize the latest advances in MT1-MMP, mainly focusing on its role in lipid metabolism, the molecular mechanisms regulating the function and expression of MT1-MMP, and their pharmacotherapeutic implications.

Msi1 promotes breast cancer metastasis by regulating invadopodia-mediated extracellular matrix degradation via the Timp3-Mmp9 pathway

Metastasis is the main cause of death in breast cancer patients. The initial step of metastasis is invadopodia-mediated extracellular matrix (ECM) degradation, which enables local breast tumor cells to invade surrounding tissues. However, the molecular mechanism underlying invadopodia-mediated metastasis remains largely unknown. Here we found that the RNA-binding protein Musashi1 (Msi1) exhibited elevated expression in invasive breast tumors and promoted lung metastasis of mammary cancer cells. Suppression of Msi1 reduced invadopodia formation in mammary cancer cells. Furthermore, Msi1 deficiency decreased the expression and activity of Mmp9, an important enzyme in ECM degradation. Mechanistically, Msi1 directly suppressed Timp3, an endogenous inhibitor of Mmp9. In clinical breast cancer specimens, TIMP3 and MSI1 levels were significantly inversely correlated both in normal breast tissue and breast cancer tissues and associated with overall survival in breast cancer patients. Taken together, our findings demonstrate that the MSI1-TIMP3-MMP9 cascade is critical for invadopodia-mediated onset of metastasis in breast cancer, providing novel insights into a promising therapeutic strategy for breast cancer metastasis.

Actin cytoskeleton deregulation confers midostaurin resistance in FLT3-mutant acute myeloid leukemia

The presence of FMS-like tyrosine kinase 3-internal tandem duplication (FLT3-ITD) is one of the most frequent mutations in acute myeloid leukemia (AML) and is associated with an unfavorable prognosis. FLT3 inhibitors, such as midostaurin, are used clinically but fail to entirely eradicate FLT3-ITD + AML. This study introduces a new perspective and highlights the impact of RAC1-dependent actin cytoskeleton remodeling on resistance to midostaurin in AML. RAC1 hyperactivation leads resistance via hyperphosphorylation of the positive regulator of actin polymerization N-WASP and antiapoptotic BCL-2. RAC1/N-WASP, through ARP2/3 complex activation, increases the number of actin filaments, cell stiffness and adhesion forces to mesenchymal stromal cells (MSCs) being identified as a biomarker of resistance. Midostaurin resistance can be overcome by a combination of midostaruin, the BCL-2 inhibitor venetoclax and the RAC1 inhibitor Eht1864 in midostaurin-resistant AML cell lines and primary samples, providing the first evidence of a potential new treatment approach to eradicate FLT3-ITD + AML.

Garitano-Trojaola et al. used a combination of human acute myeloid leukemia (AML) cell lines and primary samples to show that RAC1-dependent actin cytoskeleton remodeling through BCL2 family plays a key role in resistance to the FLT3 inhibitor, Midostaurin in AML. They showed that by targeting RAC1 and BCL2, Midostaurin resistance was diminished, which potentially paves the way for an innovate treatment approach for FLT3 mutant AML.

Cytoplasmic RAD23B interacts with CORO1C to synergistically promote colorectal cancer progression and metastasis

Colorectal cancers (CRCs) are characterized by diffuse infiltration of tumor cells into the regional lymph nodes and metastasis to distant organs, and its highly invasive nature contributes to disease recurrence and poor outcomes. The molecular mechanisms underlying CRC cell invasion remain incompletely understood. Here, we identified the upregulation of DNA damage repair-related protein RAD23B in CRC cells and tissues and showed that it associates with coronin 1C or coronin 3 (CORO1C) to facilitate invasion. We found that knockdown of RAD23B expression significantly inhibited the proliferation, invasion, and migration abilities of CRC cells both in vitro and in vivo, and suppressed the talin1/2/integrin/FAK/RhoA/Rac1/CORO1C signaling pathways. Interestingly, RAD23B interacted and co-localized with CORO1C, and CORO1C aggregated toward the margin of cancer cells in both CRC cells and tissues when RAD23B overexpressed. Mechanistically, overexpression of RAD23B and/or CORO1C further increased invadopodia formation and matrix degradation in SW480 and HCT8 CRC cells. Conversely, silencing of RAD23B expression suppressed tumorigenesis and liver metastasis in xenotransplant murine models. Furthermore, we found that RAD23B was significantly overexpressed in tumor tissues (n = 720) compared to adjacent non-tumor tissues (n = 694) of patients with CRC. Finally, we identified a strong correlation between higher levels of cytoplasmic expression of RAD23B, and poor prognosis and liver metastasis in CRC patients. Taken together, our data highlight a novel RAD23B-CORO1C signaling axis in CRC cell invasion and metastasis that may be of clinical significance.

Hyaluronan synthase 2 (HAS2) regulates cell phenotype and invadopodia formation in luminal-like breast cancer cells

Although luminal breast cancer cells are typically highly cohesive epithelial cells and have low invasive ability, many eventually develop metastasis. Until now, the underlying mechanisms remain obscure. In this work, we showed that the level of hyaluronic acid synthase 2 (HAS2) was positively correlated with the malignant phenotype of breast cancer cells. Notably, the increased expression of HAS2 promoted the invasive and migratory abilities of luminal breast cancer cells in vitro, followed by a reduced expression of E-cadherin, β-catenin, and ZO-1, and an elevated expression of N-cadherin and vimentin. Furthermore, overexpression of HAS2 promoted while knockdown of HAS2 impeded invadopodia formation, which subsequently increased or decreased the activation of cortactin, Tks5, and metalloproteinases (MMPs). Activation of these invadopodia-related proteins was prevented by inhibition of HAS2 or disruption of HA, which in turn attenuated the increased motility and invasiveness. Further, in vivo study showed that, HAS2 increased tumor growth and the rate of lung metastasis via driving transition to an invasive cell phenotype in SCID mice that were orthotopically transplanted with luminal breast cancer cells. Collectively, our results showed that HAS2 promoted cell invasion by inducing transition to an invasive phenotype and by enhancing invadopodia formation in luminal breast cancer cells, which may provide new mechanistic insights into its role in tumor metastasis.

Tissue remodeling by invadosomes

One of the strategies used by cells to degrade and remodel the extracellular matrix (ECM) is based on invadosomes, actin-based force-producing cell–ECM contacts that function in adhesion and migration and are characterized by their capacity to mediate pericellular proteolysis of ECM components. Invadosomes found in normal cells are called podosomes, whereas invadosomes of invading cancer cells are named invadopodia. Despite their broad involvement in cell migration and in protease-dependent ECM remodeling and their detection in living organisms and in fresh tumor tissue specimens, the specific composition and dynamic behavior of podosomes and invadopodia and their functional relevance in vivo remain poorly understood. Here, we discuss recent findings that underline commonalities and peculiarities of podosome and invadopodia in terms of organization and function and propose an updated definition of these cellular protrusions, which are increasingly relevant in patho-physiological tissue remodeling.

Changes in gene expression of cervical collagens, metalloproteinases, and tissue inhibitors of metalloproteinases after partial cervical excision-induced preterm labor in mice

We investigated changes in gene expression of cervical collagens, matrix metalloproteinases (MMPs), and tissue inhibitors of metalloproteinases (TIMPs) during pre-gestational uterine cervical excision and/or inflammation-induced preterm labor in mice. Forty sexually mature female mice were uniformly divided into four groups: sham, cervical excision, lipopolysaccharide (LPS) injection, and cervical excision plus LPS injection. Partial cervical tissue excision was performed at five weeks of age before mating. LPS was injected into the lower right uterine horn near the cervix on gestational day 16. Mice were sacrificed immediately postpartum. Uterine cervices were collected and subjected to quantitative real-time PCR. Col4α1 and Col5α1 expression increased significantly in the cervical excision plus LPS injection group compared to the sham group (p < 0.01 and p = 0.024, respectively). MMP-14 expression levels increased in the cervical excision plus LPS injection group compared to the sham group (p < 0.01). TIMP-1 expression was not significantly decreased in this group. Increased expression levels of Col4α1, Col5α1, and MMP-14 were associated with cervical excision plus inflammation-induced preterm labor. Thus, pre-gestational cervical remodeling through specific collagen metabolism and MMP activation may involve the pathogenesis of spontaneous preterm labor.

The multiple roles of actin-binding proteins at invadopodia

Invadopodia are actin-rich membrane protrusions that facilitate cancer cell dissemination by focusing on proteolytic activity and clearing paths for migration through physical barriers, such as basement membranes, dense extracellular matrices, and endothelial cell junctions. Invadopodium formation and activity require spatially and temporally regulated changes in actin filament organization and dynamics. About three decades of research have led to a remarkable understanding of how these changes are orchestrated by sequential recruitment and coordinated activity of different sets of actin-binding proteins. In this chapter, we provide an update on the roles of the actin cytoskeleton during the main stages of invadopodium development with a particular focus on actin polymerization machineries and production of pushing forces driving extracellular matrix remodeling.

Protrudin-mediated ER-endosome contact sites promote MT1-MMP exocytosis and cell invasion

Cancer cells break tissue barriers by use of small actin-rich membrane protrusions called invadopodia. Complete invadopodia maturation depends on protrusion outgrowth and the targeted delivery of the matrix metalloproteinase MT1-MMP via endosomal transport by mechanisms that are not known. Here, we show that the ER protein Protrudin orchestrates invadopodia maturation and function. Protrudin formed contact sites with MT1-MMP-positive endosomes that contained the RAB7-binding Kinesin-1 adaptor FYCO1, and depletion of RAB7, FYCO1, or Protrudin inhibited MT1-MMP-dependent extracellular matrix degradation and cancer cell invasion by preventing anterograde translocation and exocytosis of MT1-MMP. Moreover, when endosome translocation or exocytosis was inhibited by depletion of Protrudin or Synaptotagmin VII, respectively, invadopodia were unable to expand and elongate. Conversely, when Protrudin was overexpressed, noncancerous cells developed prominent invadopodia-like protrusions and showed increased matrix degradation and invasion. Thus, Protrudin-mediated ER-endosome contact sites promote cell invasion by facilitating translocation of MT1-MMP-laden endosomes to the plasma membrane, enabling both invadopodia outgrowth and MT1-MMP exocytosis.

Lipid-Raft-Targeted Molecular Self-Assembly Inactivates YAP to Treat Ovarian Cancer

The Yes-associated protein (YAP) is a major oncoprotein responsible for cell proliferation control. YAP's oncogenic activity is regulated by both the Hippo kinase cascade and uniquely by a mechanical-force-induced actin remodeling process. Inspired by reports that ovarian cancer cells specifically accumulate the phosphatase protein ALPP on lipid rafts that physically link to actin cytoskeleton, we developed a molecular self-assembly (MSA) technology that selectively halts cancer cell proliferation by inactivating YAP. We designed a ruthenium-complex-peptide precursor molecule that, upon cleavage of phosphate groups, undergoes self-assembly to form nanostructures specifically on lipid rafts of ovarian cancer cells. The MSAs exert potent, cancer-cell-specific antiproliferative effects in multiple cancer cell lines and in mouse xenograft tumor models. Our work illustrates how basic biochemical insights can be exploited as the basis for a nanobiointerface fabrication technology which links nanoscale protein activities at specific subcellular locations to molecular biological activities to suppress cancer cell proliferation.

Hold on or Cut? Integrin- and MMP-Mediated Cell-Matrix Interactions in the Tumor Microenvironment

The tumor microenvironment (TME) has become the focus of interest in cancer research and treatment. It includes the extracellular matrix (ECM) and ECM-modifying enzymes that are secreted by cancer and neighboring cells. The ECM serves both to anchor the tumor cells embedded in it and as a means of communication between the various cellular and non-cellular components of the TME. The cells of the TME modify their surrounding cancer-characteristic ECM. This in turn provides feedback to them via cellular receptors, thereby regulating, together with cytokines and exosomes, differentiation processes as well as tumor progression and spread. Matrix remodeling is accomplished by altering the repertoire of ECM components and by biophysical changes in stiffness and tension caused by ECM-crosslinking and ECM-degrading enzymes, in particular matrix metalloproteinases (MMPs). These can degrade ECM barriers or, by partial proteolysis, release soluble ECM fragments called matrikines, which influence cells inside and outside the TME. This review examines the changes in the ECM of the TME and the interaction between cells and the ECM, with a particular focus on MMPs.

Uveal Melanoma-Derived Extracellular Vesicles Display Transforming Potential and Carry Protein Cargo Involved in Metastatic Niche Preparation

Extracellular vesicles (EVs) carry molecules derived from donor cells and are able to alter the properties of recipient cells. They are important players during the genesis and progression of tumors. Uveal melanoma (UM) is the most common primary intraocular tumor in adults and is associated with a high rate of metastasis, primarily to the liver. However, the mechanisms underlying this process are poorly understood. In the present study, we analyzed the oncogenic potential of UM-derived EVs and their protein signature. We isolated and characterized EVs from five UM cell lines and from normal choroidal melanocytes (NCMs). BRCA1-deficient fibroblasts (Fibro-BKO) were exposed to the EVs and analyzed for their growth in vitro and their reprograming potential in vivo following inoculation into NOD-SCID mice. Mass spectrometry of proteins from UM-EVs and NCM-EVs was performed to determine a protein signature that could elucidate potential key players in UM progression. In-depth analyses showed the presence of exosomal markers, and proteins involved in cell-cell and focal adhesion, endocytosis, and PI3K-Akt signaling pathway. Notably, we observed high expression levels of HSP90, HSP70 and integrin V in UM-EVs. Our data bring new evidence on the involvement of UM-EVs in cancer progression and metastasis.

Intersection of TKS5 and FGD1/CDC42 signaling cascades directs the formation of invadopodia

Tumor cells exposed to a physiological matrix of type I collagen fibers form elongated collagenolytic invadopodia, which differ from dotty-like invadopodia forming on the gelatin substratum model. The related scaffold proteins, TKS5 and TKS4, are key components of the mechanism of invadopodia assembly. The molecular events through which TKS proteins direct collagenolytic invadopodia formation are poorly defined. Using coimmunoprecipitation experiments, identification of bound proteins by mass spectrometry, and in vitro pull-down experiments, we found an interaction between TKS5 and FGD1, a guanine nucleotide exchange factor for the Rho-GTPase CDC42, which is known for its role in the assembly of invadopodial actin core structure. A novel cell polarity network is uncovered comprising TKS5, FGD1, and CDC42, directing invadopodia formation and the polarization of MT1-MMP recycling compartments, required for invadopodia activity and invasion in a 3D collagen matrix. Additionally, our data unveil distinct signaling pathways involved in collagenolytic invadopodia formation downstream of TKS4 or TKS5 in breast cancer cells.

GIV/Girdin and Exo70 Collaboratively Regulate the Mammalian Polarized Exocytic Machinery

Polarized exocytosis is a fundamental process by which membranes and cargo proteins are delivered to the cell surface with precise spatial control. Although the need for the octameric exocyst complex is conserved from yeast to humans, what imparts spatial control is known only in yeast, i.e., a polarity scaffold called Bem1p. We demonstrate here that the mammalian scaffold protein, GIV/Girdin, fulfills the key criteria and functions of its yeast counterpart Bem1p; both bind Exo70 proteins via similar short-linear interaction motifs, and each prefers its evolutionary counterpart. Selective disruption of the GIV⋅Exo-70 interaction derails the delivery of the metalloprotease MT1-MMP to invadosomes and impairs collagen degradation and haptotaxis through basement membrane matrix. GIV's interacting partners reveal other components of polarized exocytosis in mammals. Findings expose how the exocytic functions aid GIV's pro-metastatic functions and how signal integration via GIV may represent an evolutionary advancement of the exocytic process in mammals.

Coronin 1C inhibits melanoma metastasis through regulation of MT1-MMP-containing extracellular vesicle secretion

Coronin 1C is overexpressed in multiple tumors, leading to the widely held view that this gene drives tumor progression, but this hypothesis has not been rigorously tested in melanoma. Here, we combined a conditional knockout of Coronin 1C with a genetically engineered mouse model of PTEN/BRAF-driven melanoma. Loss of Coronin 1C in this model increases both primary tumor growth rates and distant metastases. Coronin 1C-null cells isolated from this model are more invasive in vitro and produce more metastatic lesions in orthotopic transplants than Coronin 1C-reexpressing cells due to the shedding of extracellular vesicles (EVs) containing MT1-MMP. Interestingly, these vesicles contain melanosome markers suggesting a melanoma-specific mechanism of EV release, regulated by Coronin 1C, that contributes to the high rates of metastasis in melanoma.

Coronin 3 Promotes the Development of Oncogenic Properties in Glioma Through the Wnt/β-Catenin Signaling Pathway

PURPOSE

Evidence indicates that the actin-binding protein Coronin 3, which is aberrantly expressed in various cancers, is associated with cancer development and progression. However, little is known about the role of Coronin 3 in glioma tumorigenesis. Here, we aimed to explore the biological function and regulatory mechanism of Coronin 3 in glioblastoma (GBM).

MATERIALS AND METHODS

Coronin 3 level in human GBM clinical samples and cell lines was investigated. The shRNA knockdown strategy was used to assess the tumor characteristics of GBM cell lines. The role of β-catenin in Coronin 3-mediated oncogenic phenotypes was evaluated.

RESULTS

Coronin 3 was found to be highly upregulated in glioma cell lines. Furthermore, knockdown of Coronin 3 significantly inhibited the growth of glioma cells both in vivo and in vitro and suppressed the expression of Wnt/β-catenin pathway genes, including β-catenin, Cyclin D1, and c-Myc. Moreover, we demonstrated that Coronin 3 regulates the expression of β-catenin in glioma. Our results revealed that Coronin 3-stimulated tumor growth was β-catenin-dependent.

CONCLUSION

Our study reveals a new molecular mechanism of Coronin 3 in promoting glioma growth and development through regulating the Wnt/β-catenin signaling pathway.

Cell cycle regulators in cancer cell metabolism

Cancer proliferation and progression involves altered metabolic pathways as a result of continuous demand for energy and nutrients. In the last years, cell cycle regulators have been involved in the control of metabolic processes, such as glucose and insulin pathways and lipid synthesis, in addition to their canonical function controlling cell cycle progression. Here we describe recent data demonstrating the role of cell cycle regulators in the metabolic control especially in studies performed in cancer models. Moreover, we discuss the importance of these findings in the context of current cancer therapies to provide an overview of the relevance of targeting metabolism using inhibitors of the cell cycle regulation.

CRN2 binds to TIMP4 and MMP14 and promotes perivascular invasion of glioblastoma cells

CRN2 is an actin filament binding protein involved in the regulation of various cellular processes including cell migration and invasion. CRN2 has been implicated in the malignant progression of different types of human cancer. We used CRN2 knock-out mice for analyses as well as for crossbreeding with a Tp53/Pten knock-out glioblastoma mouse model. CRN2 knock-out mice were subjected to a phenotyping screen at the German Mouse Clinic. Murine glioblastoma tissue specimens as well as cultured murine brain slices and glioblastoma cell lines were investigated by immunohistochemistry, immunofluorescence, and cell biological experiments. Protein interactions were studied by immunoprecipitation, pull-down, and enzyme activity assays. CRN2 knock-out mice displayed neurological and behavioural alterations, e.g. reduced hearing sensitivity, reduced acoustic startle response, hypoactivity, and less frequent urination. While glioblastoma mice with or without the additional CRN2 knock-out allele exhibited no significant difference in their survival rates, the increased levels of CRN2 in transplanted glioblastoma cells caused a higher tumour cell encasement of murine brain slice capillaries. We identified two important factors of the tumour microenvironment, the tissue inhibitor of matrix metalloproteinase 4 (TIMP4) and the matrix metalloproteinase 14 (MMP14, synonym: MT1-MMP), as novel binding partners of CRN2. All three proteins mutually interacted and co-localised at the front of lamellipodia, and CRN2 was newly detected in exosomes. On the functional level, we demonstrate that CRN2 increased the secretion of TIMP4 as well as the catalytic activity of MMP14. Our results imply that CRN2 represents a pro-invasive effector within the tumour cell microenvironment of glioblastoma multiforme.

MT1-MMP directs force-producing proteolytic contacts that drive tumor cell invasion

Unraveling the mechanisms that govern the formation and function of invadopodia is essential towards the prevention of cancer spread. Here, we characterize the ultrastructural organization, dynamics and mechanical properties of collagenotytic invadopodia forming at the interface between breast cancer cells and a physiologic fibrillary type I collagen matrix. Our study highlights an uncovered role for MT1-MMP in directing invadopodia assembly independent of its proteolytic activity. Electron microscopy analysis reveals a polymerized Arp2/3 actin network at the concave side of the curved invadopodia in association with the collagen fibers. Actin polymerization is shown to produce pushing forces that repel the confining matrix fibers, and requires MT1-MMP matrix-degradative activity to widen the matrix pores and generate the invasive pathway. A theoretical model is proposed whereby pushing forces result from actin assembly and frictional forces in the actin meshwork due to the curved geometry of the matrix fibers that counterbalance resisting forces by the collagen fibers.

The mechanism of force production by invadopodia is unclear. Here, the authors show that cell surface MT1-MMP when in contact with collagen, induces Arp2/3 branched actin polymerisation on the concave side of invadopodia, which generates a pushing force along with collagen cleavage by MT1-MMP to invade.

A self-enforcing HOXA11/Stat3 feedback loop promotes stemness properties and peritoneal metastasis in gastric cancer cells

Rationale: Peritoneal metastasis is one of the most common and life-threatening metastases in gastric cancer patients. The disseminated gastric cancer cells forming peritoneal metastasis exhibit a variety of characteristics that contrast with those of adjacent epithelial cell of gastric mucosa and even primary gastric cancer cells. We hypothesized that the gene expression profiles of peritoneal foci could reveal the identities of genes that might function as metastatic activator. Methods: In this study, we show, using in vitro, in vivo, in silico and gastric cancer tissues studies in humans and mice, that Homoebox A11 (HOXA11) potently promote peritoneal metastasis of gastric cancer cells. Results: Its mechanism of action involves alternation of cancer stemness and subsequently enhancement of the adhesion, migration and invasion and anti-apoptosis. This is achieved, mainly, through formation of a positive feedback loop between HOXA11 and Stat3, which is involved in the stimulation of Stat3 signaling pathway. Conclusions: These observations uncover a novel peritoneal metastatic activator and demonstrate the association between HOXA11, Stat3 and cancer stemness of gastric cancer cells, thereby revealing a previously undescribed mechanism of peritoneal metastasis.

miR-26 suppresses renal cell cancer via down-regulating coronin-3

Coronin-3 (coronin-1C), a homotrimer F-actin-binding protein, has been reported to be important for metastasis in several types of cancers such as lung cancer, gastric cancer, and breast cancer. Here, we present an investigation of the expression and function of coronin-3 in renal cell cancer for the first time. We also confirmed that miR-26 directly targets coronin-3 and down-regulates its expression by western blot assay and dual-luciferase reporter system. The results of MTT and colony formation assay showed that miR-26 suppressed cell proliferation. Wound healing and transwell assay revealed that miR-26 inhibited migration and invasion of renal cancer cell. Moreover, overexpression of coronin-3 could reverse the miR-26-induced inhibition in cell growth and metastasis. Thus, our study suggests that coronin-3 should serve as a potential therapeutic target in renal cell cancer and provide a candidate for miRNA therapy.

MMP-14 degrades tropoelastin and elastin

Matrix metalloproteinases are a class of enzymes, which degrade extracellular matrix components such as collagens, elastin, laminin or fibronectin. So far, four matrix metalloproteinases have been shown to degrade elastin and its precursor tropoelastin, namely matrix metalloproteinase-2, -7, -9 and -12. This study focuses on investigating the elastinolytic capability of membrane-type 1 matrix metalloproteinase, also known as matrix metalloproteinase-14. We digested recombinant human tropoelastin and human skin elastin with matrix metalloproteinase-14 and analyzed the peptide mixtures using complementary mass spectrometric techniques and bioinformatics tools. The results and additional molecular docking studies show that matrix metalloproteinase-14 cleaves tropoelastin as well as elastin. While tropoelastin was well degraded, fewer cleavages occurred in the highly cross-linked mature elastin. The study also provides insights into the cleavage preferences of the enzyme. Similar to cleavage preferences of matrix metalloproteinases-2, -7, -9 and -12, matrix metalloproteinase-14 prefers small and medium-sized hydrophobic residues including Gly, Ala, Leu and Val at cleavage site P1'. Pro, Gly and Ala were preferably found at P1-P4 and P2'-P4' in both tropoelastin and elastin. Cleavage of mature skin elastin by matrix metalloproteinase-14 released a variety of bioactive elastin peptides, which indicates that the enzyme may play a role in the development and progression of cardiovascular diseases that go along with elastin breakdown.

MT1-MMP-dependent cell migration: proteolytic and non-proteolytic mechanisms

Membrane-type 1 matrix metalloproteinase (MT1-MMP) is a type I transmembrane proteinase that belongs to the matrix metalloproteinase (MMP) family. It is a potent modifier of cellular microenvironment and promotes cell migration and invasion of a wide variety of cell types both in physiological and pathological conditions. It promotes cell migration by degrading extracellular matrix on the cell surface and creates a migration path, by modifying cell adhesion property by shedding cell adhesion molecules to increase cell motility, and by altering cellular metabolism. Thus, MT1-MMP is a multifunctional cell motility enhancer. In this review, we will discuss the current understanding of the proteolytic and non-proteolytic mechanism of MT1-MMP-dependent cell migration.

CORO1C expression is associated with poor survival rates in gastric cancer and promotes metastasis in vitro

Coronin-like actin-binding protein 1C (CORO1C) is a member of the WD repeat protein family that regulates actin-dependent processes by assembling F-actin. CORO1C was previously reported to promote metastasis in breast cancer and lung squamous cell carcinoma. Here, we investigated the role of CORO1C in gastric cancer. Higher expression levels of CORO1C were detected in gastric cancer tissues as compared with normal gastric tissues. In addition, CORO1C levels were found to be positively correlated with lymph node metastasis in gastric cancer patients. The expression levels of CORO1C were higher in stage III-IV gastric cancer patients (80.8%) than in stage I-II gastric cancer patients(57.1%). Gastric cancer patients positive for CORO1C expression showed lower relapse-free survival and overall survival rates. Knockdown of CORO1C dramatically suppressed total cell number, cell viability, cell colony formation, cell mitosis and cell metastasis, and promoted apoptosis of gastric cancer cells. Furthermore, cyclin D1 and vimentin were found to be positively regulated by CORO1C. As cyclin D1 and vimentin play an oncogenic role in gastric cancer, CORO1C may exert its tumor-promoting activity through these proteins.