TGF-β-dependent reprogramming of amino acid metabolism induces epithelial-mesenchymal transition in non-small cell lung cancers

Metabolic alterations and mitochondrial dysfunction in human airway BEAS-2B cells exposed to vanadium pentoxide

Vanadium pentoxide (V+5) is a hazardous material that has drawn considerable attention due to its wide use in industrial sectors and increased release into environment from human activities. It poses potential adverse effects on animals and human health, with pronounced impact on lung physiology and functions. In this study, we investigated the metabolic response of human bronchial epithelial BEAS-2B cells to low-level V+5 exposure (0.01, 0.1, and 1 ppm) using liquid chromatography-high resolution mass spectrometry (LC-HRMS). Exposure to V+5 caused extensive changes to cellular metabolism in BEAS-2B cells, including TCA cycle, glycolysis, fatty acids, amino acids, amino sugars, nucleotide sugar, sialic acid, vitamin D3, and drug metabolism, without causing cell death. Altered mitochondrial structure and function were observed with as low as 0.01 ppm (0.2 μM) V+5 exposure. In addition, decreased level of E-cadherin, the prototypical epithelial marker of epithelial-mesenchymal transition (EMT), was observed following V+5 treatment, supporting potential toxicity of V+5 at low levels. Taken together, the present study shows that V+5 has adverse effects on mitochondria and the metabolome which may result in EMT activation in the absence of cell death. Furthermore, results suggest that high-resolution metabolomics could serve as a powerful tool to investigate metal toxicity at levels which do not cause cell death.

Cancer spreading patterns based on epithelial-mesenchymal plasticity

Introduction: Metastasis is a major cause of cancer-related deaths, underscoring the necessity to discern the rules and patterns of cancer cell spreading. Epithelial-mesenchymal plasticity contributes to cancer aggressiveness and metastasis. Despite establishing key determinants of cancer aggressiveness and metastatic ability, a comprehensive understanding of the underlying mechanism is unknown. We aimed to propose a classification system for cancer cells based on epithelial-mesenchymal plasticity, focusing on hysteresis of the epithelial-mesenchymal transition and the hybrid epithelial/mesenchymal phenotype. Methods: We extensively reviewed the concept of epithelial-mesenchymal plasticity, specifically considering the hysteresis of the epithelial-mesenchymal transition and the hybrid epithelial/mesenchymal phenotype. Results: In this review and hypothesis article, based on epithelial-mesenchymal plasticity, especially the hysteresis of epithelial-mesenchymal transition and the hybrid epithelial/mesenchymal phenotype, we proposed a classification of cancer cells, indicating that cancer cells with epithelial-mesenchymal plasticity potential could be classified into four types: irreversible hysteresis, weak hysteresis, strong hysteresis, and hybrid epithelial/mesenchymal phenotype. These four types of cancer cells had varied biology, spreading features, and prognoses. Discussion: Our results highlight that the proposed classification system offers insights into the diverse behaviors of cancer cells, providing implications for cancer aggressiveness and metastasis.

Endocardial HDAC3 is required for myocardial trabeculation

BACKGROUND

Trabeculation, a key process in early heart development, is the formation of myocardial trabecular meshwork. The failure of trabeculation often leads to embryonic lethality. Support from endocardial cells, including the secretion of extracellular matrix (ECM) and growth factors is critical for trabeculation; however, it is unknown how the secretion of ECM and growth factors is initiated and regulated by endocardial cells.

METHODS

Various cellular and mouse models in conjunction with biochemical and molecular tools were employed to study the role of histone deacetylase 3 (HDAC3) in the developing endocardium.

RESULTS

We found that genetic deletion of Hdac3 in endocardial cells in mice resulted in early embryo lethality presenting as a hypotrabeculation cardiac phenotype. Single cell RNA sequencing identified several ECM components including collagens that were significantly downregulated in Hdac3 knockout (KO) endocardial cells. When cultured with supernatant from Hdac3 KO mouse cardiac endothelial cells (MCECs), wild-type mouse embryonic cardiomyocytes showed decreased proliferation, suggesting that growth signaling from Hdac3 KO MCECs is disrupted. Subsequent transcriptomic analysis revealed that transforming growth factor β3 (TGFβ3) was significantly downregulated in Hdac3 KO MCECs and Hdac3 cardiac endothelial KO hearts. Mechanistically, we identified that microRNA (miR)-129-5p was significantly upregulated in Hdac3 KO MCECs and Hdac3 cardiac endothelial KO hearts. Overexpression of miR-129-5p repressed Tgfβ3 expression in wild-type MCECs, whereas knockdown of miR-129-5p restored Tgfβ3 expression in Hdac3 KO MCECs.

CONCLUSION

Our findings reveal a critical signaling pathway in which endocardial HDAC3 promotes trabecular myocardium growth by stimulating TGFβ signaling through repressing miR-129-5p, providing novel insights into the etiology of congenital heart disease and conceptual strategies to promote myocardial regeneration.

CT-Based Radiogenomics of P4HA3 Expression in Clear Cell Renal Cell Carcinoma

RATIONALE AND OBJECTIVES

The sequencing of the renal cell carcinoma (RCC) genome identified several mutations with prognostic significance. Genomic analysis, collected in The Cancer Genome Atlas Research Network, revealed several clear cell renal cell carcinoma (ccRCC) gene mutations and gene expressions. Radiogenomics is a new branch of diagnostic imaging based on the association between imaging phenotypes and genomics of diseases. P4HA3 expression has recently been shown to correlate with increased aggressiveness of ccRCC, with poor prognosis, proliferation, migration, invasion, and metastases, suggesting P4HA3 as a prognostic marker and therapeutic target in ccRCC. The aim of this study is to investigate the computed tomography (CT) imaging phenotype of P4HA3 expression in ccRCC patients.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

In this retrospective study we enrolled 196 ccRCC patients divided into two groups: ccRCC patients with P4HA3 expression (n = 13) and ccRCC patients without P4HA3 expression (n = 183). Several imaging features were evaluated on preoperative CT scan. The statistical significance threshold was set at P < .05.

RESULTS

A statistically significant association was found with larger primary tumor size (P = .033), tumor infiltration (P = .023), ill-defined tumor margins (P = .025), and advanced tumor stage American Joint Committee of Cancer (P = .014).

CONCLUSION

This study demonstrates CT imaging features associated with P4HA3 expression in ccRCC. These results could contribute to better understand P4HA3 expression with a noninvasive approach and could be applied to the development of targeted therapies.

CD155 is essential for skeletal muscle regeneration by regulating satellite cell proliferation and differentiation

CD155, a member of the immunoglobulin superfamily, is closely related to cell proliferation, adhesion, and migration. CD155 is overexpressed on the surface of cancer cells to promote cell proliferation and is upregulated in damaged tissues as a stress-induced molecule. The process of skeletal muscle regeneration after injury is complex and involves injurious stimulation and subsequent satellite cell proliferation. However, the role of CD155 in this process remains unelucidated. This study aimed to explore the role of CD155 in injured skeletal muscle regeneration and to clarify its effect on satellite cell proliferation and differentiation. Here, quantitative real-time polymerase chain reaction (RT-qPCR) and immunofluorescence results indicated that CD155 expression in satellite cells increased after skeletal muscle injury. CD155 knockout in mice impaired the regeneration of skeletal muscle. A bone marrow transplantation mouse model was constructed and revealed that CD155 on skeletal muscle tissues, not immune cells, affected muscle regeneration. In vitro, CD155 knockdown in myoblasts inhibited their proliferation and differentiation. The transcriptomic analysis also indicated that CD155 absence can impair the biological proliferation and differentiation process of myoblasts. Our research demonstrates that CD155 directly promotes injured muscle regeneration by regulating satellite cell proliferation and differentiation, which may be a potential therapeutic molecule for skeletal muscle injury.

The TGF-β Family in Glioblastoma

Members of the transforming growth factor β (TGF-β) family have been implicated in the biology of several cancers. In this review, we focus on the role of TGFβ and bone morphogenetic protein (BMP) signaling in glioblastoma. Glioblastoma (GBM) is the most common malignant brain tumor in adults; it presents at a median age of 64 years, but can occur at any age, including childhood. Unfortunately, there is no cure, and even patients undergoing current treatments (surgical resection, radiotherapy, and chemotherapy) have a median survival of 15 months. There is a great need to identify new therapeutic targets to improve the treatment of GBM patients. TGF-βs signaling promotes tumorigenesis in glioblastoma, while BMPs suppress tumorigenic potential by inducing tumor cell differentiation. In this review, we discuss the actions of TGF-βs and BMPs on cancer cells as well as in the tumor microenvironment, and their use in potential therapeutic intervention.

Role of maraviroc and/or rapamycin in the liver of IL10 KO mice with frailty syndrome

Cellular senescence and low-grade inflammation favor the acceleration of aging. The liver is an essential metabolic organ because changes related to its function are related to age-related diseases. The objective of this study was to evaluate the effects of maraviroc (MVC) and/or rapamycin (RAPA) on liver tissue in an experimental model of frailty syndrome in mice, since MVC and RAPA are two molecules able to decrease CCR5 expression, which is overexpressed in patients with frailty. Methods: Eighty male homozygous IL10KO mice were randomly assigned to one of 4 groups (n = 20): i) IL10KO group; ii) MVC group, iii) RAPA group, and iv) MVC-RAPA group. Liver samples were analyzed. Gene expression quantification and western blotting were also performed. The proinflammatory cytokines IL-6 and IL-18 were decreased in MVC and MVC/RAPA groups, IL-12 was decreased in RAPA and MVC/RAPA groups and TNF-α was decreased in all therapeutic groups. P21 was decreased in RAPA and MVC/RAPA groups, Galactosidase beta-1, was also significantly reduced in all therapeutic groups, as were NF-kB1, NF-kB2 and STAT3. In all groups, mTOR and CCL5 were significantly reduced. CCR5 expression was decreased in the MVC and MVC/RAPA groups. Conclusion: MVC and RAPA may protect against some factors involved in liver aging. More studies will be necessary to verify their clinical applications.

Transcriptome sequencing identifies prognostic genes involved in gastric adenocarcinoma

Gastric adenocarcinoma (GAC) is one of the world's most lethal malignant tumors. It has been established that the occurrence and progression of GAC are linked to molecular changes. However, the pathogenesis mechanism of GAC remains unclear. In this study, we sequenced 6 pairs of GAC tumor tissues and adjacent normal tissues and collected GAC gene expression profile data from the TCGA database. Analysis of this data revealed 465 differentially expressed genes (DEGs), of which 246 were upregulated and 219 were downregulated. Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genomes (KEGG) pathway analysis demonstrated that DEGs were observably enriched in ECM-receptor interaction, protein digestion and absorption, and gastric acid secretion pathways. Six key genes (MATN3, COL1A1, COL5A2, P4HA3, SERPINE1 and VCAN) associated with poor GAC prognosis were screened from the protein‒protein interaction (PPI) network by survival analysis, and P4HA3 and MATN3 have rarely been reported to be associated with GAC. We further analyzed the function of P4HA3 in the GAC cell line SGC-7901 by RT‒qPCR, MTT, flow cytometry, colony formation, wound healing, Transwell and western blot assays. We found that P4HA3 was upregulated in the SGC-7901 cell line versus normal control cells. The outcomes of the loss-of-function assay illustrated that P4HA3 significantly enhanced the ability of GAC cells to proliferate and migrate. This study provides a new basis for the selection of prognostic markers and therapeutic targets for GAC.

NSG1 promotes glycolytic metabolism to enhance Esophageal squamous cell carcinoma EMT process by upregulating TGF-β

As a highly enriched endosomal protein within neuronal cells, NSG1 has been discovered to facilitate the process of epithelial-mesenchymal transition (EMT) in esophageal squamous cell carcinoma (ESCC). However, the precise mechanisms behind this phenomenon have yet to be elucidated. The pivotal role of transforming growth factor-β (TGF-β) in triggering the EMT and its significant contribution towards tumor metabolic reprogramming-responsible for EMT activation-has been robustly established. Nevertheless, the extent of TGF-β involvement in the NSG1-mediated EMT within ESCC and the processes through which metabolic reprogramming participates remain ambiguous. We accessed an array of extensive public genome databases to analyze NSG1 expression in ESCC. Regulation of TGF-β by NSG1 was analyzed by transcriptome sequencing, quantitative Real-Time PCR (qRT-PCR), co-immunoprecipitation (CO-IP), and immunofluorescence (IF). Additionally, cellular functional assays and western blot analyses were conducted to elucidate the effect of NSG1 on TGF-β/Smad signaling pathway, as well as its role in ESCC cell metastasis and proliferation. We validated the influence of the NSG1/TGF-β axis on metabolic reprogramming in ESCC by measuring extracellular acidification, glucose uptake, and lactate production. Our findings identify an oncogenic role for NSG1 in ESCC and show a correlation between high NSG1 expression and poor prognosis in ESCC patients. Additional research indicated TGF-β's involvement in the NSG1-induced EMT process. From a mechanistic perspective, NSG1 upregulates TGF-β, activating the TGF-β/Smad signaling pathway and subsequently fostering the EMT process by inducing cell metabolic reprogramming-evident from elevated glycolysis levels. In conclusion, our study highlights the NSG1/TGF-β axis as a promising therapeutic target for ESCC.

Changes in lung epithelial cell volatile metabolite profile induced by pro-fibrotic stimulation with TGF-β1

Volatile organic compounds (VOCs) have shown promise as potential biomarkers in idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis. Measuring VOCs in the headspace ofin vitromodels of lung fibrosis may offer a method of determining the origin of those detected in exhaled breath. The aim of this study was to determine the VOCs associated with two lung cell lines (A549 and MRC-5 cells) and changes associated with stimulation of cells with the pro-fibrotic cytokine, transforming growth factor (TGF)-β1. A dynamic headspace sampling method was used to sample the headspace of A549 cells and MRC-5 cells. These were compared to media control samples and to each other to identify VOCs which discriminated between cell lines. Cells were then stimulated with the TGF-β1 and samples were compared between stimulated and unstimulated cells. Samples were analysed using thermal desorption-gas chromatography-mass spectrometry and supervised analysis was performed using sparse partial least squares-discriminant analysis (sPLS-DA). Supervised analysis revealed differential VOC profiles unique to each of the cell lines and from the media control samples. Significant changes in VOC profiles were induced by stimulation of cell lines with TGF-β1. In particular, several terpenoids (isopinocarveol, sativene and 3-carene) were increased in stimulated cells compared to unstimulated cells. VOC profiles differ between lung cell lines and alter in response to pro-fibrotic stimulation. Increased abundance of terpenoids in the headspace of stimulated cells may reflect TGF-β1 cell signalling activity and metabolic reprogramming. This may offer a potential biomarker target in exhaled breath in IPF.

The epithelial-mesenchymal plasticity landscape: principles of design and mechanisms of regulation

Epithelial-mesenchymal plasticity (EMP) enables cells to interconvert between several states across the epithelial-mesenchymal landscape, thereby acquiring hybrid epithelial/mesenchymal phenotypic features. This plasticity is crucial for embryonic development and wound healing, but also underlies the acquisition of several malignant traits during cancer progression. Recent research using systems biology and single-cell profiling methods has provided novel insights into the main forces that shape EMP, which include the microenvironment, lineage specification and cell identity, and the genome. Additionally, key roles have emerged for hysteresis (cell memory) and cellular noise, which can drive stochastic transitions between cell states. Here, we review these forces and the distinct but interwoven layers of regulatory control that stabilize EMP states or facilitate epithelial-mesenchymal transitions (EMTs) and discuss the therapeutic potential of manipulating the EMP landscape.

The Emerging Role of Raman Spectroscopy as an Omics Approach for Metabolic Profiling and Biomarker Detection toward Precision Medicine

Omics technologies have rapidly evolved with the unprecedented potential to shape precision medicine. Novel omics approaches are imperative toallow rapid and accurate data collection and integration with clinical information and enable a new era of healthcare. In this comprehensive review, we highlight the utility of Raman spectroscopy (RS) as an emerging omics technology for clinically relevant applications using clinically significant samples and models. We discuss the use of RS both as a label-free approach for probing the intrinsic metabolites of biological materials, and as a labeled approach where signal from Raman reporters conjugated to nanoparticles (NPs) serve as an indirect measure for tracking protein biomarkers in vivo and for high throughout proteomics. We summarize the use of machine learning algorithms for processing RS data to allow accurate detection and evaluation of treatment response specifically focusing on cancer, cardiac, gastrointestinal, and neurodegenerative diseases. We also highlight the integration of RS with established omics approaches for holistic diagnostic information. Further, we elaborate on metal-free NPs that leverage the biological Raman-silent region overcoming the challenges of traditional metal NPs. We conclude the review with an outlook on future directions that will ultimately allow the adaptation of RS as a clinical approach and revolutionize precision medicine.

Out of the cycle: Impact of cell cycle aberrations on cancer metabolism and metastasis

The use of cell cycle inhibitors has necessitated a better understanding of the cell cycle in tumor biology to optimize the therapeutic approach. Cell cycle aberrations are common in cancers, and it is increasingly acknowledged that these aberrations exert oncogenic effects beyond the cell cycle. Multiple facets such as cancer metabolism, immunity and metastasis are also affected, all of which are beyond the effect of cell proliferation alone. This review comprehensively summarized the important recent findings and advances in these interrelated processes. In cancer metabolism, cell cycle regulators can modulate various pathways in aerobic glycolysis, glucose uptake and gluconeogenesis, mainly through transcriptional regulation and kinase activities. Amino acid metabolism is also regulated through cell cycle progression. On cancer metastasis, metabolic plasticity, immune evasion, tumor microenvironment adaptation and metastatic site colonization are intricately related to the cell cycle, with distinct regulatory mechanisms at each step of invasion and dissemination. Throughout the synthesis of current understanding, knowledge gaps and limitations in the literature are also highlighted, as are new therapeutic approaches such as combinational therapy and challenges in tackling emerging targeted therapy resistance. A greater understanding of how the cell cycle modulates diverse aspects of cancer biology can hopefully shed light on identifying new molecular targets by harnessing the vast potential of the cell cycle.

TGF-β as Predictive Marker and Pharmacological Target in Lung Cancer Approach

Lung cancer (LC) represents the leading cause of cancer incidence and mortality worldwide. LC onset is strongly related to genetic mutations and environmental interactions, such as tobacco smoking, or pathological conditions, such as chronic inflammation. Despite advancement in knowledge of the molecular mechanisms involved in LC, this tumor is still characterized by an unfavorable prognosis, and the current therapeutic options are unsatisfactory. TGF-β is a cytokine that regulates different biological processes, particularly at the pulmonary level, and its alteration has been demonstrated to be associated with LC progression. Moreover, TGF-β is involved in promoting invasiveness and metastasis, via epithelial to mesenchymal transition (EMT) induction, where TGF-β is the major driver. Thus, a TGF-β-EMT signature may be considered a potential predictive marker in LC prognosis, and TGF-β-EMT inhibition has been demonstrated to prevent metastasis in various animal models. Concerning a LC therapeutic approach, some TGF-β and TGF-β-EMT inhibitors could be used in combination with chemo- and immunotherapy without major side effects, thereby improving cancer therapy. Overall, targeting TGF-β may be a valid possibility to fight LC, both in improving LC prognosis and cancer therapy, via a novel approach that could open up new effective strategies against this aggressive cancer.

L-2hydroxyglutaric acid rewires amino acid metabolism in colorectal cancer via the mTOR-ATF4 axis

Oncometabolites, such as D/L-2-hydroxyglutarate (2HG), have directly been implicated in carcinogenesis; however, the underlying molecular mechanisms remain poorly understood. Here, we showed that the levels of the L-enantiomer of 2HG (L2HG) were specifically increased in colorectal cancer (CRC) tissues and cell lines compared with the D-enantiomer of 2HG (D2HG). In addition, L2HG increased the expression of ATF4 and its target genes by activating the mTOR pathway, which subsequently provided amino acids and improved the survival of CRC cells under serum deprivation. Downregulating the expression of L-2-hydroxyglutarate dehydrogenase (L2HGDH) and oxoglutarate dehydrogenase (OGDH) increased L2HG levels in CRC, thereby activating mTOR-ATF4 signaling. Furthermore, L2HGDH overexpression reduced L2HG-mediated mTOR-ATF4 signaling under hypoxia, whereas L2HGDH knockdown promoted tumor growth and amino acid metabolism in vivo. Together, these results indicate that L2HG ameliorates nutritional stress by activating the mTOR-ATF4 axis and thus could be a potential therapeutic target for CRC.

Arginase-1 inhibition reduces migration ability and metastatic colonization of colon cancer cells

BACKGROUND

Arginase-1 (ARG1), a urea cycle-related enzyme, catalyzes the hydrolysis of arginine to urea and ornithine, which regulates the proliferation, differentiation, and function of various cells. However, it is unclear whether ARG1 controls the progression and malignant alterations of colon cancer.

METHODS

We established metastatic colonization mouse model and ARG1 overexpressing murine colon cancer CT26 cells to investigate whether activation of ARG1 was related to malignancy of colon cancer cells in vivo. Living cell numbers and migration ability of CT26 cells were evaluated in the presence of ARG inhibitor in vitro.

RESULTS

Inhibition of arginase activity significantly suppressed the proliferation and migration ability of CT26 murine colon cancer cells in vitro. Overexpression of ARG1 in CT26 cells reduced intracellular L-arginine levels, enhanced cell migration, and promoted epithelial-mesenchymal transition. Metastatic colonization of CT26 cells in lung and liver tissues was significantly augmented by ARG1 overexpression in vivo. ARG1 gene expression was higher in the tumor tissues of liver metastasis than those of primary tumor, and arginase inhibition suppressed the migration ability of HCT116 human colon cancer cells.

CONCLUSION

Activation of ARG1 is related to the migration ability and metastatic colonization of colon cancer cells, and blockade of this process may be a novel strategy for controlling cancer malignancy.

P4HA3 promotes clear cell renal cell carcinoma progression via the PI3K/AKT/GSK3β pathway

Clear cell renal cell carcinoma (ccRCC) is the most common subtype of renal cell carcinoma. P4HA3 is a key enzyme in collagen biosynthesis and has emerged as important molecules in regulation of proliferation, invasion, and metastasis in various tumor types. The role of P4HA3 in the development of ccRCC has remained to be elucidated. Genes expression, prognostic, and enrichment analyses were carried out with bioinformatics analysis. The efficiency of P4HA3 knockdown was confirmed by real-time quantitative PCR and Western blotting. The cellular functions were analyzed by CCK-8, EdU, wound healing, and transwell assays. The levels of related proteins expression were analyzed by Western blotting. P4HA3 was highly expressed in ccRCC compared with normal tissue samples from the TCGA database. Kaplan-Meier curves results showed that the expression level of P4HA3 was significantly negatively correlated with overall survival of patients. P4HA3 expression knockdown inhibited the proliferation, migration, and invasion of ccRCC cells, as demonstrated by in vitro experiments. In addition, GSEA results revealed that P4HA3 may be related to EMT and involved in the PI3K-AKT-GSK3β pathway in ccRCC; this was tentatively confirmed through Western blotting. P4HA3 may induce ccRCC progression via the PI3K-AKT-GSK3β signaling pathway and could represent a potential therapeutic target.

Systematic pan-cancer analysis of the potential tumor diagnosis and prognosis biomarker P4HA3

Purpose: Prolyl 4-hydroxylase subunit alpha 3 (P4HA3) is implicated in several cancers' development. However, P4HA3 has not been reported in other cancers, and the exact mechanism of action is currently unknown. Materials and methods: First, the expression profile of P4HA3 was analyzed using a combination of the University of California Santa Cruz (UCSC) database, Cancer Cell Line Encyclopedia (CCLE) database, and Genotype-Tissue Expression (GTEx) database. UniCox and Kaplan-Meier were used to analyze the predictive value of P4HA3. The expression of P4HA3 was analyzed in clinical staging, immune subtypes, and Molecular subtypes. Secondly, the correlation of P4HA3 with immunomodulatory genes, immune checkpoint genes, RNA modification genes, immune cell infiltration, cancer-related functional status, tumor stemness index, DNA mismatch repair (MMR) genes and DNA Methyltransferase was examined. The role of P4HA3 in DNA methylation, copy number variation (CNV), mutational status, tumor mutational burden (TMB), and microsatellite instability (MSI) was also analyzed. In addition, gene set enrichment analysis (GSEA) was used to explore the potential functional mechanisms of P4HA3 in pan-cancer. Finally, P4HA3-related drugs were searched in CellMiner, Genomics of Drug Sensitivity in Cancer (GDSC), and Cancer Therapeutics Response Portal (CTRP) databases. Results: P4HA3 is significantly overexpressed in most cancers and is associated with poor prognosis. P4HA3 is strongly associated with clinical cancer stage, immune subtypes, molecular subtypes, immune regulatory genes, immune checkpoint genes, RNA modifier genes, immune cell infiltration, cancer-related functional status, tumor stemness index, MMR Gene, DNA Methyltransferase, DNA methylation, CNV, mutational status, TMB, and MSI are closely related. Available enrichment analysis revealed that P4HA3 is associated with the epithelial-mesenchymal transition and immune-related pathways. There are currently 20 drugs associated with P4HA3. Conclusion: In human pan-cancer, P4HA3 is associated with poor patient prognosis and multiple immune cells and may be a novel immunotherapeutic target. It may act on tumor progression through the epithelial-mesenchymal transition (EMT) pathway.

Identification of a basement membrane-based risk scoring system for prognosis prediction and individualized therapy in clear cell renal cell carcinoma

Clear cell renal cell carcinoma (ccRCC) belongs to one of the 10 most frequently diagnosed cancers worldwide and has a poor prognosis at the advanced stage. Although multiple therapeutic agents have been proven to be curative in ccRCC, their clinical application was limited due to the lack of reliable biomarkers. Considering the important role of basement membrane (BM) in tumor metastasis and TME regulation, we investigated the expression of BM-related genes in ccRCC and identified prognostic BM genes through differentially expression analysis and univariate cox regression analysis. Then, BM-related ccRCC subtypes were recognized through consensus non-negative matrix factorization based on the prognostic BM genes and evaluated with regard to clinical and TME features. Next, utilizing the differentially expressed genes between the BM-related subtypes, a risk scoring system BMRS was established after serial analysis of univariate cox regression analysis, lasso regression analysis, and multivariate cox regression analysis. Time-dependent ROC curve revealed the satisfactory prognosis predictive capacity of BMRS with internal, and external validation. Multivariate analysis proved the independent predictive ability of BMRS and a BMRS-based nomogram was constructed for clinical application. Some featured mutants were discovered through genomic analysis of the BMRS risk groups. Meanwhile, the BMRS groups were found to have distinct immune scores, immune cell infiltration levels, and immune-related functions. Moreover, with the help of data from The Cancer Immunome Atlas (TCIA) and Genomics of Drug Sensitivity in Cancer (GDSC), the potential of BMRS in predicting therapeutic response was evaluated and some possible therapeutic compounds were proposed through ConnectivityMap (CMap). For the practicability of BMRS, we validated the expression of BMRS-related genes in clinical samples. After all, we identified BM-related ccRCC subtypes with distinct clinical and TME features and constructed a risk scoring system for the prediction of prognosis, therapeutic responses, and potential therapeutic agents of ccRCC. As ccRCC systemic therapy continues to evolve, the risk scoring system BMRS we reported may assist in individualized medication administration.

PD-L1 Activity Is Associated with Partial EMT and Metabolic Reprogramming in Carcinomas

Immune evasion and metabolic reprogramming are hallmarks of cancer progression often associated with a poor prognosis and frequently present significant challenges for cancer therapies. Recent studies have highlighted the dynamic interaction between immunosuppression and the dysregulation of energy metabolism in modulating the tumor microenvironment to promote cancer aggressiveness. However, a pan-cancer association among these two hallmarks, and a potent common driver for them-epithelial-mesenchymal transition (EMT)-remains to be done. This meta-analysis across 184 publicly available transcriptomic datasets as well as The Cancer Genome Atlas (TCGA) data reveals that an enhanced PD-L1 activity signature along with other immune checkpoint markers correlate positively with a partial EMT and an elevated glycolysis signature but a reduced OXPHOS signature in many carcinomas. These trends were also recapitulated in single-cell, RNA-seq, time-course EMT induction data across cell lines. Furthermore, across multiple cancer types, concurrent enrichment of glycolysis and PD-L1 results in worse outcomes in terms of overall survival as compared to enrichment for only PD-L1 activity or expression. These results highlight potential functional synergy among these interconnected axes of cellular plasticity in enabling metastasis and multi-drug resistance in cancer.

TGF-β signaling in the tumor metabolic microenvironment and targeted therapies

Transforming growth factor-β (TGF-β) signaling has a paradoxical role in cancer progression, and it acts as a tumor suppressor in the early stages but a tumor promoter in the late stages of cancer. Once cancer cells are generated, TGF-β signaling is responsible for the orchestration of the immunosuppressive tumor microenvironment (TME) and supports cancer growth, invasion, metastasis, recurrence, and therapy resistance. These progressive behaviors are driven by an “engine” of the metabolic reprogramming in cancer. Recent studies have revealed that TGF-β signaling regulates cancer metabolic reprogramming and is a metabolic driver in the tumor metabolic microenvironment (TMME). Intriguingly, TGF-β ligands act as an “endocrine” cytokine and influence host metabolism. Therefore, having insight into the role of TGF-β signaling in the TMME is instrumental for acknowledging its wide range of effects and designing new cancer treatment strategies. Herein, we try to illustrate the concise definition of TMME based on the published literature. Then, we review the metabolic reprogramming in the TMME and elaborate on the contribution of TGF-β to metabolic rewiring at the cellular (intracellular), tissular (intercellular), and organismal (cancer-host) levels. Furthermore, we propose three potential applications of targeting TGF-β-dependent mechanism reprogramming, paving the way for TGF-β-related antitumor therapy from the perspective of metabolism.

miR-1266-3p Suppresses Epithelial-Mesenchymal Transition in Colon Cancer by Targeting P4HA3

Numerous studies have been conducted to demonstrate that miRNA is strongly related to colon cancer progression. Nevertheless, there are few studies regarding the function for miR-1266-3p in colon cancer, and the molecular mechanism remains poorly know. Our study was designed to examine the level of miR-1266-3p expression among the colon cancer tissue and cell and to study the role and regulatory mechanism for miR-1266-3p among colon cancer's malignant biologic behavior. First, we found that miR-1266-3p expression was distinctly lower in colonic carcinoma tissues and cells than in nontumor ones, and the prognosis of low miR-1266-3p patients was distinctly worse than that of high miR-1266-3p patients. Second, we predicted that the target gene of miR-1266-3p was prolyl 4-hydroxylase subunit alpha 3 (P4HA3) through bioinformatics, and the targeting relationship between the two was verified by a dual luciferase assay report. Furthermore, miR-1266-3p inhibited the growth and metastasis of colon cancer in vitro as well as in vivo, and this effect could be alleviated by overexpressing P4HA3. Even more importantly, our study demonstrated that miR-1266-3p inhibited epithelial-mesenchymal transition (EMT) by targeting P4HA3. In conclusion, miR-1266-3p could inhibit growth, metastasis, and EMT in colon cancer by targeting P4HA3. Our discoveries might offer a novel target for colon cancer diagnosis and treatment.

The Interplay Between TGF-β Signaling and Cell Metabolism

The transforming growth factor-β (TGF-β) signaling plays a critical role in the development and tissue homeostasis in metazoans, and deregulation of TGF-β signaling leads to many pathological conditions. Mounting evidence suggests that TGF-β signaling can actively alter metabolism in diverse cell types. Furthermore, metabolic pathways, beyond simply regarded as biochemical reactions, are closely intertwined with signal transduction. Here, we discuss the role of TGF-β in glucose, lipid, amino acid, redox and polyamine metabolism with an emphasis on how TGF-β can act as a metabolic modulator and how metabolic changes can influence TGF-β signaling. We also describe how interplay between TGF-β signaling and cell metabolism regulates cellular homeostasis as well as the progression of multiple diseases, including cancer.

Prolyl 4-hydroxylase subunit alpha 3 facilitates human colon cancer growth and metastasis through the TGF-β/Smad signaling pathway

Prolyl 4-hydroxylase subunit alpha 3 (P4HA3) has been known to be associated with a variety of human cancers. However, the role of P4HA3 on colon cancer growth and metastasis is unclear. In this study, we investigated the effect of P4HA3 on the growth and metastasis of colon cancer and its possible molecular mechanism. First of all, we demonstrated that P4HA3 expression was greatly higher in cells and tissues of colon cancer than that in non-tumor tissues and cells, and the prognosis of patients who had higher P4HA3 was distinctively poorer than patients who had lower level of P4HA3. Second, it was shown that P4HA3 knockdown strongly inhibited the migration, proliferation and invasion ability of colon cancer cells. However, P4HA3 over-expression accelerated the abilities. Meanwhile, P4HA3 could promote subcutaneous tumorigenesis in nude mice in vivo. In addition, P4HA3 knockdown significantly decreased mesenchymal markers Vimentin, N-cadherin and Snail expression and increased epithelial marker E-cadherin expression. And conversely, over-expression of P4HA3 produced the opposite effects. In the current study, there was further evidence that down-regulating P4HA3 significantly reduced both TGF-β and its following molecules including p-Smad2 as well as p-Smad3. However, overexpression of P4HA3 showed the opposite effect. In conclusion, this study shows that P4HA3 promotes the human colon cancer growth and metastasis by affecting TGF-β/Smad signaling pathway. P4HA3 may become a new target for early diagnosis, treatment and prognosis assessment of colon cancer.

The Epithelial-Mesenchymal Transition at the Crossroads between Metabolism and Tumor Progression

The transition between epithelial and mesenchymal phenotype is emerging as a key determinant of tumor cell invasion and metastasis. It is a plastic process in which epithelial cells first acquire the ability to invade the extracellular matrix and migrate into the bloodstream via transdifferentiation into mesenchymal cells, a phenomenon known as epithelial–mesenchymal transition (EMT), and then reacquire the epithelial phenotype, the reverse process called mesenchymal–epithelial transition (MET), to colonize a new organ. During all metastatic stages, metabolic changes, which give cancer cells the ability to adapt to increased energy demand and to withstand a hostile new environment, are also important determinants of successful cancer progression. In this review, we describe the complex interaction between EMT and metabolism during tumor progression. First, we outline the main connections between the two processes, with particular emphasis on the role of cancer stem cells and LncRNAs. Then, we focus on some specific cancers, such as breast, lung, and thyroid cancer.