Suppression of KCMF1 by constitutive high CD99 expression is involved in the migratory ability of Ewing's sarcoma cells

KCMF1-like suppresses white spot syndrome virus infection by promoting apoptosis in mud crab (Scylla paramamosain)

Potassium channel modulatory factor 1 (KCMF1), an E3 ubiquitin ligase, plays a vital role in renal tubulogenesis, preeclampsia, and tumor development in mammals. Nevertheless, the function of KCMF1 in invertebrates remains to be investigated. Here, we identified KCMF1-like from Scylla paramamosian, encoding 242 amino acids with two zinc finger domains at the N-terminal. Real-time quantitative PCR analysis revealed that KCMF1-like was expressed in all tested tissues, including hemocytes, brain, mid-intestine, subcuticular epidermis, gills, muscle, heart, and stomach, with higher levels in muscle and mid-intestine. KCMF1-like was up-regulated in the hemocytes of mud crabs challenged with white spot syndrome virus (WSSV). RNA interference (RNAi) was performed to investigate the impact of KCMF1-like on the proliferation of WSSV in mud crabs. Knock-down of KCMF1-like resulted in an increase of the WSSV copy number and an impairment of the hemocytes apoptosis rate in vivo. In addition, KCMF1-like could also affect the mitochondrial membrane potential. Collectively, these results revealed that KCMF1-like might play a crucial role in the defense against virus infection in mud crab. This study contributes a novel insight into the role of KCMF1-like in the antiviral immune defense mechanism in crustaceans.

Canine Mammary Neoplasia Induces Variations in the Peripheral Blood Levels of CD20, CD45RA, and CD99

The idea of using tumour biomarkers as diagnostic tools is progressively increasing. Of these, serum biomarkers are of particular interest, as they can provide rapid results. In the present study, serum samples from 26 bitches diagnosed with mammary tumours, plus 4 healthy bitches, were obtained. The samples were analysed using CD antibody microarrays targeting 90 CD surface markers and 56 cytokines/chemokines. A total of five CD proteins, namely CD20, CD45RA, CD53, CD59, and CD99, were selected and further analysed, utilizing immunoblotting techniques to validate the microarray results. CD45RA showed a significantly lower abundance in the serum samples from the bitches carrying mammary neoplasia in comparison to the healthy animals. Regarding CD99, the serum samples from the neoplastic bitches showed it in a significantly higher abundance than those from the healthy patients. Finally, CD20 showed a significantly higher abundance in bitches carrying a malignant mammary tumour in comparison to healthy patients, but no differential expression between malignant and benign tumours was observed. According to these results, both CD99 and CD45RA are indicators of mammary tumour presence, but without distinguishing between malignant and benign.

Design, synthesis and biological evaluation of Nucleosidic CD99 inhibitors that selectively reduce Ewing sarcoma viability

Ewing Sarcoma (ES) is a cancer of bone and soft tissues affecting mostly children and young adults. Aggressive progression and poor prognosis of this malignancy call for novel and targeted treatments. CD99 is a transmembrane protein that is abundantly expressed on ES cells and is a diagnostic marker for the disease. ES cells are selectively sensitive to CD99 inhibition compared to most normal cells and other tumors. Therefore, CD99 is a good molecular target for ES treatment. Clofarabine and cladribine are two FDA approved drugs that are administered for their inhibitory acts on DNA synthesis to treat relapsed or refractory acute lymphoblastic and myeloid leukemia. They have also been shown to directly bind to CD99 and inhibit ES growth through a distinct mechanism. In the current study, we designed, synthesized and tested new ES specific derivatives of both drugs that would continue to target CD99 but with expected reduction in cellular membrane permeability and rendered unsuitable for inhibiting DNA synthesis. By using commercially available clofarabine and cladribine purine nucleoside analogs, we modified the primary alcohol moiety at the deoxyribose C-5' terminal site to suppress phosphorylation and thus inhibition of subsequent DNA synthesis pathways. In addition, we incorporated a variety of polar groups in the ribose and purine rings to reduce membrane permeability and investigated the effects of configurational changes in the sugar moiety. Among 26 new derivatives, we identified two compounds, BK50164 and BK60106, that cause cell death specifically in ES primarily due to inhibition of CD99 but not via inhibition of DNA synthesis. These findings provide a road map for the future development selective CD99 inhibitors for targeted treatment of ES.

Laryngeal extra-skeletal Ewing sarcoma treated with DC-CTL immunotherapy: A case report and review of the literature

Extra-skeletal Ewing sarcoma (EES) is a rare sarcoma composed primarily of small round cells, capable of metastasizing and relapsing. Few cases of EES originating from the larynx have been reported, and no publications regarding laryngeal EES treated with dendritic cells-cytotoxic T lymphocytes (DC-CTL) immunotherapy have been found. We described a 29-year-old woman with a mass found in the larynx. Diffuse small round cells with scanty cytoplasm shown by histology test and extremely positive staining of CD99 revealed by immunohistochemistry helped determine the diagnosis of laryngeal EES. The patient survived for seven years with no signs of recurrence or metastasis after six cycles of DC-CTL immunotherapy based on traditional treatments. This case indicates that DC-CTL immunotherapy could be considered a new option for treating EES.

The Biological Function of MicroRNAs in Bone Tumors

Micro ribonucleic acids (miRNAs) are small endogenous noncoding RNAs molecules that regulate gene expression post-transcriptionally. A single miRNA is able to target hundreds of specific messenger RNA (mRNAs) by binding to the 3′-untranslated regions. miRNAs regulate different biological processes such as cell proliferation, differentiation and apoptosis. Altered miRNA expression is certainly related to the development of the most common human diseases, including tumors. Osteosarcoma (OS), Ewing’s Sarcoma (ES), and Chondrosarcoma (CS) are the most common primary bone tumors which affect mainly children and adolescents. A significant dysregulation of miRNA expression, in particular of mir-34, mir-21, mir-106, mir-143, and miR-100, has been revealed in OS, ES and CS. In this context, miRNAs can act as either tumor suppressor genes or oncogenes, contributing to the initiation and progression of bone tumors. The in-depth study of these small molecules can thus help to better understand their biological functions in bone tumors. Therefore, this review aims to examine the potential role of miRNAs in bone tumors, especially OS, ES and CS, and to suggest their possible use as potential therapeutic targets for the treatment of bone tumors and as biomarkers for early diagnosis.

Targeting CD99 Compromises the Oncogenic Effects of the Chimera EWS-FLI1 by Inducing Reexpression of Zyxin and Inhibition of GLI1 Activity

Ewing sarcoma, a highly aggressive pediatric tumor, is driven by EWS-FLI1, an oncogenic transcription factor that remodels the tumor genetic landscape. Epigenetic mechanisms play a pivotal role in Ewing sarcoma pathogenesis, and the therapeutic value of compounds targeting epigenetic pathways is being identified in preclinical models. Here, we showed that modulation of CD99, a cell surface molecule highly expressed in Ewing sarcoma cells, may alter transcriptional dysregulation in Ewing sarcoma through control of the zyxin-GLI1 axis. Zyxin is transcriptionally repressed, but GLI1 expression is maintained by EWS-FLI1. We demonstrated that targeting CD99 with antibodies, including the human diabody C7, or genetically inhibiting CD99 is sufficient to increase zyxin expression and induce its dynamic nuclear accumulation. Nuclear zyxin functionally affects GLI1, inhibiting targets such as NKX2-2, cyclin D1, and PTCH1 and upregulating GAS1, a tumor suppressor protein negatively regulated by SHH/GLI1 signaling. We used a battery of functional assays to demonstrate (i) the relationship between CD99/zyxin and tumor cell growth/migration and (ii) how CD99 deprivation from the Ewing sarcoma cell surface is sufficient to specifically affect the expression of some crucial EWS-FLI1 targets, both in vitro and in vivo, even in the presence of EWS-FLI1. This article reveals that the CD99/zyxin/GLI1 axis is promising therapeutic target for reducing Ewing sarcoma malignancy.

Tumour cell CD99 regulates transendothelial migration via CDC42 and actin remodelling

Metastasis requires tumour cells to cross endothelial cell (EC) barriers using pathways similar to those used by leucocytes during inflammation. Cell surface CD99 is expressed by healthy leucocytes and ECs, and participates in inflammatory transendothelial migration (TEM). Tumour cells also express CD99, and we have analysed its role in tumour progression and cancer cell TEM. Tumour cell CD99 was required for adhesion to ECs but inhibited invasion of the endothelial barrier and migratory activity. Furthermore, CD99 depletion in tumour cells caused redistribution of the actin cytoskeleton and increased activity of the Rho GTPase CDC42, known for its role in actin remodelling and cell migration. In a xenograft model of breast cancer, tumour cell CD99 expression inhibited metastatic progression, and patient samples showed reduced expression of the CD99 gene in brain metastases compared to matched primary breast tumours. We conclude that CD99 negatively regulates CDC42 and cell migration. However, CD99 has both pro- and anti-tumour activity, and our data suggest that this results in part from its functional linkage to CDC42 and the diverse signalling pathways downstream of this Rho GTPase. This article has an associated First Person interview with the first author of the paper.

GDF6-CD99 Signaling Regulates Src and Ewing Sarcoma Growth

We report here that the autocrine signaling mediated by growth and differentiation factor 6 (GDF6), a member of the bone morphogenetic protein (BMP) family of cytokines, maintains Ewing sarcoma growth by preventing Src hyperactivation. Surprisingly, Ewing sarcoma depends on the prodomain, not the BMP domain, of GDF6. We demonstrate that the GDF6 prodomain is a ligand for CD99, a transmembrane protein that has been widely used as a marker of Ewing sarcoma. The binding of the GDF6 prodomain to the CD99 extracellular domain results in recruitment of CSK (C-terminal Src kinase) to the YQKKK motif in the intracellular domain of CD99, inhibiting Src activity. GDF6 silencing causes hyperactivation of Src and p21-dependent growth arrest. We demonstrate that two GDF6 prodomain mutants linked to Klippel-Feil syndrome are hyperactive in CD99-Src signaling. These results reveal a cytokine signaling pathway that regulates the CSK-Src axis and cancer cell proliferation and suggest the gain-of-function activity for disease-causing GDF6 mutants.

Ewing sarcoma is driven by the EWS-ETS fusion oncoprotein, but little is known about the extracellular signaling regulating this cancer. Zhou et al. report that the prodomain of GDF6 is a ligand for CD99, inhibiting Src through CSK and maintaining Ewing sarcoma growth in an autocrine fashion.

Development of an Ewing sarcoma cell line with resistance to EWS‑FLI1 inhibitor YK‑4‑279

Despite Ewing sarcoma (ES) being the second most common pediatric malignancy of bone and soft tissue, few novel therapeutic approaches have been introduced over the past few decades. ES contains a pathognomonic chromosomal translocation that leads to a fusion protein between EWSR1 and an ets family member, most often FLI1. EWS‑FLI1 is the most common type of fusion protein and is a well‑vetted therapeutic target. A small molecule inhibitor of EWS‑FLI1, YK‑4‑279 (YK) was developed with the intention to serve as a targeted therapy option for patients with ES. The present study investigated resistance mechanisms by developing an ES cell line specifically resistant to YK. The ES cell line A4573 was treated with YK to create resistant cells by long term continuous exposure. The results revealed that resistance in A4573 was robust and sustainable, with a >27‑fold increase in IC50 lasting up to 16 weeks in the absence of the compound. Resistant ES cells were still sensitive to standard of care drugs, including doxorubicin, vincristine and etoposide, which may be valuable in future combination treatments in the clinic. Resistant ES cells revealed an increased expression of CD99. RNA sequencing and qPCR validation of resistant ES cells confirmed an increased expression of ANO1, BRSK2 and IGSF21, and a reduced expression of COL24A1, PRSS23 and RAB38 genes. A functional association between these genes and mechanism of resistance remains to be investigated. The present study created a cell line to investigate YK resistance.

Exosomes in Bone Sarcomas: Key Players in Metastasis

Bone sarcomas are rare cancers which often present with metastatic disease and are still associated with poor survival rates. Studies in the last decade have identified that exosomes, a type of extracellular vesicle released by cells, play an important role in tumour progression and dissemination. Through the transfer of their cargo (RNAs, proteins, and lipids) across cells, they are involved in cellular cross-talk and can induce changes in cellular behaviour. Exosomes have been shown to be important in metastasis organotropism, induction of angiogenesis and vascular permeability, the education of cells towards a pro-metastatic phenotype or the interaction between stromal and tumour cells. Due to the importance exosomes have in disease progression and the high incidence of metastasis in bone sarcomas, recent studies have evaluated the implications of these extracellular vesicles in bone sarcomas. In this review, we discuss the studies that evaluate the role of exosomes in osteosarcoma, Ewing sarcoma, and preliminary data on chondrosarcoma.

The Role of C-X-C Chemokine Receptor Type 4 (CXCR4) in Cell Adherence and Spheroid Formation of Human Ewing's Sarcoma Cells under Simulated Microgravity

We studied the behavior of Ewing's Sarcoma cells of the line A673 under simulated microgravity (s-µg). These cells express two prominent markers-the oncogene EWS/FLI1 and the chemokine receptor CXCR4, which is used as a target of treatment in several types of cancer. The cells were exposed to s-µg in a random-positioning machine (RPM) for 24 h in the absence and presence of the CXCR4 inhibitor AMD3100. Then, their morphology and cytoskeleton were examined. The expression of selected mutually interacting genes was measured by qRT-PCR and protein accumulation was determined by western blotting. After 24 h incubation on the RPM, a splitting of the A673 cell population in adherent and spheroid cells was observed. Compared to 1 g control cells, EWS/FLI1 was significantly upregulated in the adherent cells and in the spheroids, while CXCR4 and CD44 expression were significantly enhanced in spheroids only. Transcription of CAV-1 was upregulated and DKK2 and VEGF-A were down-regulated in both, adherent in spheroid cells, respectively. Regarding, protein accumulation EWS/FLI1 was enhanced in adherent cells only, but CD44 decreased in spheroids and adherent cells. Inhibition of CXCR4 did not change spheroid count, or structure. Under s-µg, the tumor marker EWS/FLI1 is intensified, while targeting CXCR4, which influences adhesion proteins, did not affect spheroid formation.

Targeting Tumor Vascular CD99 Inhibits Tumor Growth

CD99 (MIC2; single-chain type-1 glycoprotein) is a heavily O-glycosylated transmembrane protein (32 kDa) present on leukocytes and activated endothelium. Expression of CD99 on endothelium is important in lymphocyte diapedesis. CD99 is a diagnostic marker for Ewing's Sarcoma (EWS), as it is highly expressed by these tumors. It has been reported that CD99 can affect the migration, invasion and metastasis of tumor cells. Our results show that CD99 is also highly expressed in the tumor vasculature of most solid tumors. Furthermore, we found that in vitro CD99 expression in cultured endothelial cells is induced by starvation. Targeting of murine CD99 by a conjugate vaccine, which induced antibodies against CD99 in mice, resulted in inhibition of tumor growth in both a tumor model with high CD99 (Os-P0109 osteosarcoma) and low CD99 (CT26 colon carcinoma) expression. We demonstrated that vaccination against CD99 is safe, since no toxicity was observed in mice with high antibody titers against CD99 in their sera during a period of almost 11 months. Targeting of CD99 in humans is more complicated due to the fact that the human and mouse CD99 protein are not identical. We are the first to show that growth factor activated endothelial cells express a distinct human CD99 isoform. We conclude that our observations provide an opportunity for specific targeting of CD99 isoforms in human tumor vasculature.

Production and characterization of monoclonal antibodies against recombinant extracellular domain of CD99

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVE

CD99/MIC2 gene product is a heavily glycosylated transmembrane protein which plays a major role in homotypic cell adhesion, apoptosis of double positive T cells and vesicular protein trafficking. It is over expressed in various cancers and has been considered as an ideal therapeutic target. The present study focused at developing monoclonal antibodies against the extracellular domain (ECD) of CD99 using hybridoma technology.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

In order to generate monoclonal antibodies, the recombinant ECD of CD99 was used for immunizing the mice. Resulting hybridomas were screened through indirect ELISA. Clones which gave high absorbance values were sub cloned by limiting dilution followed by isotype determination, IP, WB and FACS. The monoclonal antibody 547F2 4F12 was purified from culture supernatant using FPLC and further screened using IF. Finally, the antibodies were validated for specificity using siRNA knock-down.

RESULTS

We were able to establish stable hybridoma clones secreting CD99 antibodies. The antibodies reacted with both the recombinant ECD as well as the wild type CD99 and their isotype's were determined as IgM.

CONCLUSION

Based on these results, we propose that the purified monoclonal antibody 547F2 4F12 could be possibly used for targeting tumors which over express CD99.

Introducing fluorescence guided surgery into orthopedic oncology: A systematic review of candidate protein targets for Ewing sarcoma

Ewing sarcoma (ES), an aggressive bone and soft‐tissue tumor, is treated with chemotherapy, radiotherapy, and surgery. Intra‐operative distinction between healthy and tumorous tissue is of paramount importance but challenging, especially after chemotherapy and at complex anatomical locations. Near infrared (NIR) fluorescence‐guided surgery (FGS) is able to facilitate the determination of tumor boundaries intra‐operatively, improving complete resection and therefore survival. This review evaluates potential ES‐specific proteins from the literature as targets for NIR FGS.

Ewing sarcoma

Ewing sarcoma is the second most frequent bone tumour of childhood and adolescence that can also arise in soft tissue. Ewing sarcoma is a highly aggressive cancer, with a survival of 70-80% for patients with standard-risk and localized disease and ~30% for those with metastatic disease. Treatment comprises local surgery, radiotherapy and polychemotherapy, which are associated with acute and chronic adverse effects that may compromise quality of life in survivors. Histologically, Ewing sarcomas are composed of small round cells expressing high levels of CD99. Genetically, they are characterized by balanced chromosomal translocations in which a member of the FET gene family is fused with an ETS transcription factor, with the most common fusion being EWSR1-FLI1 (85% of cases). Ewing sarcoma breakpoint region 1 protein (EWSR1)-Friend leukaemia integration 1 transcription factor (FLI1) is a tumour-specific chimeric transcription factor (EWSR1-FLI1) with neomorphic effects that massively rewires the transcriptome. Additionally, EWSR1-FLI1 reprogrammes the epigenome by inducing de novo enhancers at GGAA microsatellites and by altering the state of gene regulatory elements, creating a unique epigenetic signature. Additional mutations at diagnosis are rare and mainly involve STAG2, TP53 and CDKN2A deletions. Emerging studies on the molecular mechanisms of Ewing sarcoma hold promise for improvements in early detection, disease monitoring, lower treatment-related toxicity, overall survival and quality of life.

Clofarabine inhibits Ewing sarcoma growth through a novel molecular mechanism involving direct binding to CD99

Ewing sarcoma (ES) is an aggressive bone and soft tissue malignancy that predominantly affects children and adolescents. CD99 is a cell surface protein that is highly expressed on ES cells and is required to maintain their malignancy. We screened small molecule libraries for binding to extracellular domain of recombinant CD99 and subsequent inhibition of ES cell growth. We identified two structurally similar FDA-approved compounds, clofarabine and cladribine that selectively inhibited the growth of ES cells in a panel of 14 ES vs. 28 non-ES cell lines. Both drugs inhibited CD99 dimerization and its interaction with downstream signaling components. A membrane-impermeable analog of clofarabine showed similar cytotoxicity in culture, suggesting that it can function through inhibiting CD99 independent of DNA metabolism. Both drugs drastically inhibited anchorage-independent growth of ES cells, but clofarabine was more effective in inhibiting growth of three different ES xenografts. Our findings provide a novel molecular mechanism for clofarabine that involves direct binding to a cell surface receptor CD99 and inhibiting its biological activities.

CD99: A Cell Surface Protein with an Oncojanus Role in Tumors

The cell surface molecule CD99 has gained interest because of its involvement in regulating cell differentiation and adhesion/migration of immune and tumor cells. However, the molecule plays an intriguing and dual role in different cell types. In particular, it acts as a requirement for cell malignancy or as an oncosuppressor in tumors. In addition, the gene encodes for two different isoforms, which also act in opposition inside the same cell. This review highlights key studies focusing on the dual role of CD99 and its isoforms and discusses major critical issues, challenges, and strategies for overcoming those challenges. The review specifically underscores the properties that make the molecule an attractive therapeutic target and identifies new relationships and areas of study that may be exploited. The elucidation of the spatial and temporal control of the expression of CD99 in normal and tumor cells is required to obtain a full appreciation of this molecule and its signaling.

Combined experience of six independent laboratories attempting to create an Ewing sarcoma mouse model

Ewing sarcoma (ES) involves a tumor-specific chromosomal translocation that produces the EWS-FLI1 protein, which is required for the growth of ES cells both in vitro and in vivo. However, an EWS-FLI1-driven transgenic mouse model is not currently available. Here, we present data from six independent laboratories seeking an alternative approach to express EWS-FLI1 in different murine tissues. We used the Runx2, Col1a2.3, Col1a3.6, Prx1, CAG, Nse, NEFL, Dermo1, P0, Sox9 and Osterix promoters to target EWS-FLI1 or Cre expression. Additional approaches included the induction of an endogenous chromosomal translocation, in utero knock-in, and the injection of Cre-expressing adenovirus to induce EWS-FLI1 expression locally in multiple lineages. Most models resulted in embryonic lethality or developmental defects. EWS-FLI1-induced apoptosis, promoter leakiness, the lack of potential cofactors, and the difficulty of expressing EWS-FLI1 in specific sites were considered the primary reasons for the failed attempts to create a transgenic mouse model of ES.

CD99 at the crossroads of physiology and pathology

CD99 is a cell surface protein with unique features and only partly defined mechanisms of action. This molecule is involved in crucial biological processes, including cell adhesion, migration, death, differentiation and diapedesis, and it influences processes associated with inflammation, immune responses and cancer. CD99 is frequently overexpressed in many types of tumors, particularly pediatric tumors including Ewing sarcoma and specific subtypes of leukemia. Engagement of CD99 induces the death of malignant cells through non-conventional mechanisms. In Ewing sarcoma, triggering of CD99 by specific monoclonal antibodies activates hyperstimulation of micropinocytosis and leads to cancer cells killing through a caspase-independent, non-apoptotic pathway resembling methuosis. This process is characterized by extreme accumulation of vacuoles in the cytoplasmic space, which compromises cell viability, requires the activation of RAS-Rac1 downstream signaling and appears to be rather specific for tumor cells. In addition, anti-CD99 monoclonal antibodies exhibit antitumor activities in xenografts in the absence of immune effector cells or complement proteins. Overall, these data establish CD99 as a new opportunity to treat patients with high expression of CD99, particularly those that are resistant to canonical apoptosis-inducing agents.

Ewing sarcoma: a chronicle of molecular pathogenesis

Sarcomas have traditionally been classified according to their chromosomal alterations regardless of whether they accompany simple or complex genetic changes. Ewing sarcoma, a classic small round cell bone tumor, is a well-known mesenchymal malignancy that results from simple sarcoma-specific genetic alterations. The genetic alterations are translocations between genes of the TET/FET family (TLS/FUS, EWSR1, and TAF15) and genes of the E26 transformation-specific (ETS) family. In this review, we intend to summarize a chronicle of molecular findings of Ewing sarcoma including recent advances and explain resultant molecular pathogenesis.

KCMF1 (potassium channel modulatory factor 1) Links RAD6 to UBR4 (ubiquitin N-recognin domain-containing E3 ligase 4) and lysosome-mediated degradation

RAD6 is a ubiquitin E2 protein with roles in a number of different biological processes. Here, using affinity purification coupled with mass spectrometry, we identify a number of new RAD6 binding partners, including the poorly characterized ubiquitin E3 ligases KCMF1 (potassium channel modulatory factor 1) and UBR4 (ubiquitin N-recognin domain-containing E3 ligase 4), a protein that can bind N-end rule substrates, and which was recently linked to lysosome-mediated degradation and autophagy. NMR, combined with in vivo and in vitro interaction mapping, demonstrate that the KCMF1 C terminus binds directly to RAD6, whereas N-terminal domains interact with UBR4 and other intracellular vesicle- and mitochondria-associated proteins. KCMF1 and RAD6 colocalize at late endosomes and lysosomes, and cells disrupted for KCMF1 or RAD6 function display defects in late endosome vesicle dynamics. Notably, we also find that two different RAD6A point mutants (R7W and R11Q) found in X-linked intellectual disability (XLID) patients specifically lose the interaction with KCMF1 and UBR4, but not with other previously identified RAD6 interactors. We propose that RAD6-KCMF1-UBR4 represents a unique new E2-E3 complex that targets unknown N-end rule substrates for lysosome-mediated degradation, and that disruption of this complex via RAD6A mutations could negatively affect neuronal function in XLID patients.

MicroRNA-210 contributes to preeclampsia by downregulating potassium channel modulatory factor 1

Preeclampsia is a pregnancy-specific syndrome manifested by the onset of hypertension and proteinuria after the 20th week of gestation. Abnormal placenta development has been generally accepted as the initial cause of the disorder. Recently, microRNA-210 (miR-210) has been found to be upregulated in preeclamptic placentas compared with normal placentas, indicating a possible association of this small molecule with the placental pathology of preeclampsia. However, the function of miR-210 in the development of the placenta remains elusive. The aim of this study was to characterize the molecular mechanism of preeclampsia development by examining the role of miR-210. In this study, miR-210 and potassium channel modulatory factor 1 (KCMF1) expressions were compared in placentas from healthy pregnant individuals and patients with preeclampsia, and the role of miR-210 in trophoblast cell invasion via the downregulation of KCMF1 was investigated in the immortal trophoblast cell line HTR8/SVneo. The levels of KCMF1 were significantly lower in preeclamptic placenta tissues than in gestational week-matched normal placentas, which was inversely correlated with the level of miR-210. KCMF1 was validated as the direct target of miR-210 using real-time polymerase chain reaction, Western blotting, and dual luciferase assay in HTR8/SVneo cells. miR-210 inhibited the invasion of trophoblast cells, and this inhibition was abrogated by the overexpression of KCMF1. The inflammatory factor tumor necrosis factor-α could upregulate miR-210 while suppressing KCMF1 expression in HTR8/SVneo cells. This is the first report on the function of KCMF1 in human placental trophoblast cells, and the data indicate that aberrant miR-210 expression may contribute to the occurrence of preeclampsia by interfering with KCMF1-mediated signaling in the human placenta.

Expression of CD99 in Multiple Myeloma: A Clinicopathologic and Immunohistochemical Study of 170 Cases

Background

Multiple myeloma (MM) is a heterogeneous and ultimately fatal disease. Risk stratification using prognostic biomarkers is crucial to individualize treatments. We sought to investigate the role of CD99, a transmembrane protein highly expressed in many hematopoietic cells including subpopulations of normal and neoplastic plasma cells, for MM risk stratification.

Methods

CD99 expression was measured in paraffin samples of bone marrow and extramedullary biopsies of 170 patients with MM. Patients were divided into those with high score (moderately and strongly positive) and low score (negative and weakly positive), with all staining being cytoplasmic and/or membranous.

Results

High anti-CD99 immunostaining was observed in 72 of 136 (52.9%) bone marrow biopsies and 24 of 87 (27.6%) extramedullary biopsies in MM. High CD99 expression of extramedullary specimens was associated with significantly longer overall survival (OS; p=.016). High CD99 expression of extramedullary specimens was also associated with better prognosis in the nonautologous stem cell transplantation group of MM patients (p=.044). In multivariate analysis, International Staging System stage was an independent prognostic factor, whereas CD99 expression was no longer statistically significant.

Conclusions

Expression of CD99 in extramedullary specimens was correlated with longer OS, suggesting that CD99 may be a helpful immunohistochemical marker for risk stratification.

Differential transcriptome profile of peripheral white cells to identify biomarkers involved in oxaliplatin induced neuropathy

Anticancer chemotherapy (CT) produces non-desirable effects on normal healthy cells and tissues. Oxaliplatin is widely used in the treatment of colorectal cancer and responsible for the development of sensory neuropathy in varying degrees, from complete tolerance to chronic neuropathic symptoms. We studied the differential gene expression of peripheral leukocytes in patients receiving oxaliplatin-based chemotherapy to find genes and pathways involved in oxaliplatin-induced peripheral neuropathy. Circulating white cells were obtained prior and after three cycles of FOLFOX or CAPOX chemotherapy from two groups of patients: with or without neuropathy. RNA was purified, and transcriptomes were analyzed. Differential transcriptomics revealed a total of 502 genes, which were significantly up- or down-regulated as a result of chemotherapy treatment. Nine of those genes were expressed in only one of two situations: CSHL1, GH1, KCMF1, IL36G and EFCAB8 turned off after CT, and CSRP2, IQGAP1, GNRH2, SMIM1 and C5orf17 turned on after CT. These genes are likely to be associated with the onset of oxaliplatin-induced peripheral neuropathy. The quantification of their expression in peripheral white cells may help to predict non-desirable side effects and, consequently, allow a better, more personalized chemotherapy.

Ion channels and transporters in the development of drug resistance in cancer cells

Multi-drug resistance (MDR) to chemotherapy is the major challenge in the treatment of cancer. MDR can develop by numerous mechanisms including decreased drug uptake, increased drug efflux and the failure to undergo drug-induced apoptosis. Evasion of drug-induced apoptosis through modulation of ion transporters is the main focus of this paper and we demonstrate how pro-apoptotic ion channels are downregulated, while anti-apoptotic ion transporters are upregulated in MDR. We also discuss whether upregulation of ion transport proteins that are important for proliferation contribute to MDR. Finally, we discuss the possibility that the development of MDR involves sequential and localized upregulation of ion channels involved in proliferation and migration and a concomitant global and persistent downregulation of ion channels involved in apoptosis.

MiR-30a-5p connects EWS-FLI1 and CD99, two major therapeutic targets in Ewing tumor

Ewing sarcoma is a pediatric bone tumor characterized in 85% of cases by the fusion between EWS and FLI1 genes that results in the expression of the EWS-FLI1 aberrant transcription factor. Histologically, the Ewing tumor expresses high levels of the CD99 membrane glycoprotein. It has been recently described that CD99 expression contributes to the Ewing tumor oncogenesis by modulating growth and differentiation of tumor cells. Different studies have also shown that overexpression of EWS-FLI1 induces CD99 expression in non-Ewing cells. At the opposite, the knockdown of EWS-FLI1 expression by siRNA approaches has no significant effect on CD99 mRNA level in Ewing cells. Here, by in vivo and in vitro studies, we show that while EWS-FLI1 inhibition has only slight effects on the amount of CD99 transcript, it induces a dramatic decrease of the CD99 protein expression level, hence suggesting post-transcriptional regulations, possibly mediated by microRNAs. To further investigate this issue, we identified a set of 91 miRNAs that demonstrate EWS-FLI1 modulation, three of them being predicted to bind CD99 3' untranslated region (30'UTR). Among these, we show that miR-30a-5p has the ability to interact with the 30'UTR region of CD99 and to regulate its expression. Moreover, the re-expression of miRNA-30a-5p in Ewing cell line induces decreased cell proliferation and invasion. In this study, we therefore show that miR-30a-5p constitutes a major functional link between EWS-FLI1 and CD99, two critical biomarkers and therapeutic targets in Ewing sarcoma.

Interaction of 14-3-3σ with KCMF1 suppresses the proliferation and colony formation of human colon cancer stem cells

AIM: To investigate the biological function of 14-3-3σ protein and to look for proteins that interact with 14-3-3σ protein in colon cancer stem cells.

METHODS: Reverse transcription polymerase chain reaction was performed to amplify the 14-3-3σ gene from the mRNA of colon cancer stem cells. The gene was then cloned into the pGEM-T vector. After being sequenced, the target gene 14-3-3σ was cut from the pGEM-T vector and cloned into the pGBKT7 yeast expression plasmid. Then, the bait plasmid pGBKT7-14-3-3σ was transformed into the yeast strain AH109. After the expression of the pGBKT7-14-3-3σ fusion protein in the AH109 yeast strain was accomplished, a yeast two-hybrid screening assay was performed by mating AH109 with Y187 that contained a HeLa cDNA library plasmid. The interaction between the 14-3-3σ protein and the proteins obtained from positive colonies was further confirmed by repeating the yeast two-hybrid screen. After extracting and sequencing the plasmids from the positive colonies, we performed a bioinformatics analysis. A coimmunoprecipitation assay was performed to confirm the interaction between 14-3-3σ and the proteins obtained from the positive colonies. Finally, we constructed 14-3-3σ and potassium channel modulatory factor 1 (KCMF1) siRNA expression plasmids and transfected them into colon cancer stem cells.

RESULTS: The bait plasmid pGBKT7-14-3-3σ was constructed successfully, and the 14-3-3σ protein had no toxic or autonomous activation effect on the yeast. Nineteen true-positive colonies were selected and sequenced, and their full-length sequences were obtained. We searched for homologous DNA sequences for these sequences from GenBank. Among the positive colonies, four coding genes with known functions were obtained, including KCMF1, quinone oxidoreductase (NQO2), hydroxyisobutyrate dehydrogenase (HIBADH) and 14-3-3σ. For the subsequent coimmunoprecipitation assay, the plasmids PCDEF-Flag-14-3-3σ, PCDEF-Myc-KCMF1, PCDEF-Myc-NQO2 and PCDEF-Myc-HIBADH were successfully constructed, and the sequences were further confirmed by DNA sequencing. The Fugene 6 reagent was used to transfect the plasmids, and fluorescence-activated cell sorting analysis showed the transfection efficiency was 97.8% after 48 h. The HEK 293FT cells showed the stable expression of the PCDEF-Flag-14-3-3σ, PCDEF-Myc-KCMF1, PCDEF-Myc-NQO2 and PCDEF-Myc-HIBADH plasmids. After anti-Myc antibody immunoprecipitation with Myc-KCMF1, Myc-NQO2 and Myc-HIBADH from cell lysates, the presence of Flag-14-3-3σ protein in the immunoprecipitated complex was determined by western blot analysis. The knock-down expression of the 14-3-3σ and KCMF1 proteins significantly inhibited cell proliferation and colony formation of SW1116csc.

CONCLUSION: Genes of the proteins that interacted with 14-3-3σ were successfully screened from a HeLa cDNA library. KCMF1 and 14-3-3σ protein may affect the proliferation and colony formation of human colon cancer stem cells.

Overexpression of CD99 Increases the Migration and Invasiveness of Human Malignant Glioma Cells

The malignant glioma is the most common primary human brain tumor, and its migration and invasiveness away from the primary tumor mass are considered a leading cause of tumor recurrence and treatment failure. Recently, gene expression profiling revealed that the transmembrane glycoprotein CD99 is more highly expressed in malignant glioma than in normal brain. Although its function is not completely understood, CD99 is implicated in cell adhesion and migration in a variety of different cell types. CD99 has wild-type and splice variant isoforms. Previous studies have shown that wild-type CD99 may be an oncosuppressor in some tumors, distinct from the role of the splice variant isoform. In this study, our data reveal that only wild-type CD99 is expressed in human glioma cells and tissues. Using a tissue microarray, we validated that gliomas demonstrate higher expression of CD99 compared with nonneoplastic brain. To assess the role of CD99 in glioma migration and invasion, we inhibited CD99 expression by siRNA and demonstrated decreased glioma migration and invasion. In contrast, when CD99 was overexpressed in glioma cells, we observed enhancement of cell migration and invasiveness. An orthotopic brain tumor model demonstrates that CD99 overexpression significantly increases invasiveness and decreases survival rate. Interestingly, Rac activity was decreased and Rho activity was increased in CD99 overexpressing glioma cells, and the proportion of amoeboid cells to mesenchymal cells was significantly increased. Taken together, our findings suggest that CD99 may play an important role in the migration and invasion of human gliomas independent of Akt, ERK, or JNK signaling pathways. Moreover, CD99 might be involved in amoeboid-mesenchymal transition in glioma migration. CD99 may be an important future target to inhibit migration and invasion, especially in CD99-expressing gliomas.

Interdisciplinary approach to the management of Ewing sarcoma: a case report

Ewing sarcoma is a common primary bone malignancy occurring in childhood and adolescence. This case report describes a 4-year-old female patient who had Ewing sarcoma in the left clavicular region. The patient underwent total excision of the left clavicle and subsequently developed periodontitis and multiple carious lesions after chemotherapy. Caries risk and salivary flow rate tests were performed, followed by periodontal treatment, topical fluoride application, restoration of caries, and oral hygiene instruction. The care of this patient demonstrates that an interdisciplinary approach is essential to eliminate all foci of infection, minimize morbidity, and improve the patient's general health before, during, and after oncological treatment.

The zinc-finger protein KCMF1 is overexpressed during pancreatic cancer development and downregulation of KCMF1 inhibits pancreatic cancer development in mice

Potassium channel modulatory factor 1 (KCMF1) was found upregulated in a differential screen in the metaplastic epithelium in the pancreas of transforming growth factor (TGF)-alpha transgenic mice. Expression analysis indicated broad overexpression in human cancer tissues. Therefore, we investigated the hypothesis that KCMF1 promotes metaplastic changes and tumor development. KCMF1 represents an evolutionarily highly conserved protein with a 95% identity between human and zebrafish. KCMF1 is expressed during embryonic development and in the majority of adult tissues investigated. Upregulation of nuclear KCMF1 expression is evident in preneoplastic lesions and in several epithelial malignancies, such as pancreatic cancer in mice and humans. In cell culture and in the chicken chorioallantoic membrane model, KCMF1 enhances proliferation, migration and invasion of HEK-293 and Panc1 cells. In crossbreeding experiments, KCMF1-knockdown gene trap mice showed a reduced number and size of premalignant lesions and absence of pancreatic cancer formation in TGF-alpha transgenic mice. This effect is related to the decreased expression of G1 to S cell-cycle regulators such as cyclin D and cyclin-dependent kinase (CDK) 4. Our data support the hypothesis that KCMF1 mediates pro-oncogenic functions in vitro and in vivo and downregulation of KCMF1 results in the inhibition of pancreatic cancer formation in mice. These effects are mediated through downregulation of cell-cycle control genes such as cyclin D and CDK4.

A survey of well conserved families of C2H2 zinc-finger genes in Daphnia

Background

A recent comparative genomic analysis tentatively identified roughly 40 orthologous groups of C2H2 Zinc-finger proteins that are well conserved in "bilaterians" (i.e. worms, flies, and humans). Here we extend that analysis to include a second arthropod genome from the crustacean, Daphnia pulex.

Results

Most of the 40 orthologous groups of C2H2 zinc-finger proteins are represented by just one or two proteins within each of the previously surveyed species. Likewise, Daphnia were found to possess a similar number of orthologs for all of these small orthology groups. In contrast, the number of Sp/KLF homologs tends to be greater and to vary between species. Like the corresponding mammalian Sp/KLF proteins, most of the Drosophila and Daphnia homologs can be placed into one of three sub-groups: Class I-III. Daphnia were found to have three Class I proteins that roughly correspond to their Drosophila counterparts, dSP1, btd, CG5669, and three Class II proteins that roughly correspond to Luna, CG12029, CG9895. However, Daphnia have four additional KLF-Class II proteins that are most similar to the vertebrate KLF1/2/4 proteins, a subset not found in Drosophila. Two of these four proteins are encoded by genes linked in tandem. Daphnia also have three KLF-Class III members, one more than Drosophila. One of these is a likely Bteb2 homolog, while the other two correspond to Cabot and KLF13, a vertebrate homolog of Cabot.

Conclusion

Consistent with their likely roles as fundamental determinants of bilaterian form and function, most of the 40 groups of C2H2 zinc-finger proteins are conserved in kind and number in Daphnia. However, the KLF family includes several additional genes that are most similar to genes present in vertebrates but missing in Drosophila.

Xg expression in Ewing's sarcoma is of prognostic value and contributes to tumor invasiveness

Ewing's sarcoma (EWS) is an aggressive tumor of children and young adults that requires intensive treatment. The search for new prognostic factors is very important to choose the most appropriate therapy and to better understand the biology of the disease for the development of new therapeutic tools. We found that Xg, a thus far poorly described molecule and member of the CD99 family, is expressed in EWS cell lines and EWS primary tumors. Immunohistochemical analysis confirmed the expression of Xg in 24% of patients. We found that Xg expression in EWS defines a subgroup of patients with worse prognosis compared with those with Xg-negative localized tumors, indicating a clinical relevance of Xg expression in EWS. Forced expression of Xg in an EWS cell line upregulated cell migration and invasion in vitro. Furthermore, knockdown of Xg expression with specific short hairpin RNA significantly reduced migration and invasion of EWS cells. Consistent with these data, in vivo xenotransplant studies in nude mice revealed that Xg expression increased the incidence and the number of metastases of EWS cells. Thus, Xg expression is associated with lower overall survival in EWS patients with localized tumors and is implicated in metastasis.

Flow cytometric detection of Ewing sarcoma cells in peripheral blood and bone marrow

BACKGROUND

A new method for detecting circulating Ewing sarcoma cells using flow cytometry is described. This strategy exploits the nearly universal expression of CD99 and the lack of expression of CD45 by Ewing sarcoma cells.

PROCEDURE

Ewing sarcoma cell line A673, peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMCs), and bone marrow mononuclear cells (BMMCs) were stained for CD99 and CD45 in order to detect CD99+CD45- cells by flow cytometry. Known quantities of A673 Ewing sarcoma cells were spiked into control PBMCs to test the accuracy of this method. Control PBMCs were evaluated to assess the level of background staining.

RESULTS

Flow cytometry was accurate at frequencies as low as one A673 cell per 500,000 PBMCs. The background rate of CD99+CD45- cell detection was low in PBMCs from nine healthy volunteers (median 0.0001% of total cells; range 0-0.00046%) and was further reduced by incorporating stains to exclude dead cells, progenitor cells, and monocytes. In one subject with newly diagnosed localized Ewing sarcoma, CD99+CD45- cells were detected in both blood (0.0021%) and bone marrow (0.048%).

CONCLUSIONS

Multicolor flow cytometry for CD99+CD45- cells provides a new strategy for detecting circulating Ewing sarcoma cells. Clinical evaluation and validation of this method is ongoing.

Frequent expression of CD99 in anaplastic large cell lymphoma: a clinicopathologic and immunohistochemical study of 160 cases

Originally described as a diagnostically useful marker for Ewing sarcoma, CD99 immunoreactivity has also been documented in a variety of other tumors, including hematopoietic neoplasms. By using conventional paraffin immunoperoxidase staining and tissue microarrays, we retrospectively investigated CD99 expression in a series of 160 anaplastic large cell lymphoma (ALCL) cases. Of the 160 cases, 103 (64.4%) were positive for CD99. The distribution of CD99 positivity was similar for nodal (66/103 [64.1%]), extranodal, (21/32 [66%]), and primary cutaneous lesions (16/25 [64%]). CD99 expression was present in 96 (64.4%) of 149 of the common type, 4 (80%) of 5 of the small cell variant, and 3 (50%) of 6 of the lymphohistiocytic variant cases. CD99 expression was slightly more frequent in anaplastic large cell lymphoma kinase (ALK)+ cases compared with ALK- cases (43/54 [80%] vs 44/81 [54%]). With 2 exceptions, ALK+ ALCL was seen only in patients younger than 41 years. We conclude that CD99 is frequently expressed in ALCL, with a slightly increased frequency in the younger age ALK+ cases. Nodal and extranodal ALCL should be considered in the differential diagnosis when a CD99+ neoplasm is encountered.

CD99 is essential for leukocyte diapedesis in vivo

Recruitment of leukocytes into inflamed tissue requires migration of leukocytes from the blood stream across the endothelial lining and the basement membrane of the local blood vessels. CD99 in humans is a 32-kDa highly O-glycosylated cell surface protein expressed on most leukocytes. The authors recently found CD99 to be expressed in leukocytes and at human endothelial cell contacts. Human CD99 is involved in homophilic interaction between the two cell types and participates in the transendothelial migration of monocytes and polymorphonuclear neutrophils (PMNs) in vitro. To test the role of CD99 in vivo, the authors cloned murine CD99 (muCD99), expressed it in vitro, and generated a blocking monoclonal antibody against it. We first showed that muCD99 is expressed on mouse leukocytes as well as enriched at the endothelial cell borders. Transfection of cells with muCD99 imparts on them the ability to aggregate in a CD99-dependent homophilic manner. Cells expressing muCD99 did not bind to cells expressing murine or human platelet endothelial call adhesion molecule (PECAM) or human CD99. In the thioglycollate peritonitis model of inflammation, anti-CD99 monoclonal antibody blocked the recruitment of neutrophils and monocytes by over 40% and 80%, respectively, at 18 h. Microscopy showed that this blocking occurred at the luminal surface of venules. The authors conclude that CD99 plays a major role in the emigration of leukocytes in vivo.

T-cell regulator RNF125/TRAC-1 belongs to a novel family of ubiquitin ligases with zinc fingers and a ubiquitin-binding domain

The recently identified RNF125 [RING (really interesting new gene) finger protein 125], or TRAC-1 (T-cell RING protein in activation 1), is unique among ubiquitin ligases in being a positive regulator of T-cell activation. In addition, TRAC-1 has been shown to down-modulate HIV replication and to inhibit pathogen-induced cytokine production. However, apart from the presence of an N-terminal C3HC4 (Cys(3)-His-Cys(4)) RING domain, the TRAC-1 protein remains uncharacterized. In the present paper, we report novel interactions and modifications for TRAC-1, and elucidate its domain organization. Specifically, we determine that TRAC-1 associates with membranes and is excluded from the nucleus through myristoylation. Our data are further consistent with a crucial role for the C-terminus in TRAC-1 function. In this region, novel domains were recognized through the identification of three closely related proteins: RNF114, RNF138 and RNF166. TRAC-1 and its relatives were found to contain, apart from the RING domain, a C2HC (Cys(2)-His-Cys)- and two C2H2 (Cys(2)-His(2))-type zinc fingers, as well as a UIM (ubiquitin-interacting motif). The UIM of TRAC-1 binds Lys(48)-linked polyubiquitin chains and is, together with the RING domain, required for auto-ubiquitination. As a consequence of auto-ubiquitination, the half-life of TRAC-1 is shorter than 30 min. The identification of these novel modifications, interactions, domains and relatives significantly widens the contexts for investigating TRAC-1 activity and regulation.

The absence of Ser389 phosphorylation in p53 affects the basal gene expression level of many p53-dependent genes and alters the biphasic response to UV exposure in mouse embryonic fibroblasts

Phosphorylation is important in p53-mediated DNA damage responses. After UV irradiation, p53 is phosphorylated specifically at murine residue Ser389. Phosphorylation mutant p53.S389A cells and mice show reduced apoptosis and compromised tumor suppression after UV irradiation. We investigated the underlying cellular processes by time-series analysis of UV-induced gene expression responses in wild-type, p53.S389A, and p53(-/-) mouse embryonic fibroblasts. The absence of p53.S389 phosphorylation already causes small endogenous gene expression changes for 2,253, mostly p53-dependent, genes. These genes showed basal gene expression levels intermediate to the wild type and p53(-/-), possibly to readjust the p53 network. Overall, the p53.S389A mutation lifts p53-dependent gene repression to a level similar to that of p53(-/-) but has lesser effect on p53-dependently induced genes. In the wild type, the response of 6,058 genes to UV irradiation was strictly biphasic. The early stress response, from 0 to 3 h, results in the activation of processes to prevent the accumulation of DNA damage in cells, whereas the late response, from 12 to 24 h, relates more to reentering the cell cycle. Although the p53.S389A UV gene response was only subtly changed, many cellular processes were significantly affected. The early response was affected the most, and many cellular processes were phase-specifically lost, gained, or altered, e.g., induction of apoptosis, cell division, and DNA repair, respectively. Altogether, p53.S389 phosphorylation seems essential for many p53 target genes and p53-dependent processes.

CD99 isoforms dictate opposite functions in tumour malignancy and metastases by activating or repressing c-Src kinase activity

CD99 gene encodes two distinct proteins, produced by alternative splicing of CD99 gene transcript. Full-length CD99 isoform (CD99wt) is formed by an extracellular domain, followed by a transmembrane domain and a 36 amino-acid intracytoplasmic domain, which is partially deleted in the truncated, short form (CD99sh). A differential expression of these two CD99 molecules can lead to distinct functional outcomes in lymphocytes. To investigate the functional effects of CD99 molecules on malignancy, forced overexpression of the two CD99 isoforms was induced in osteosarcoma and prostate cancer cells. The two isoforms exhibited opposite functions: the major form dramatically inhibits anchorage-independent growth, anoikis resistance, migration and metastasis, whereas the CD99sh remarkably favours the phenomena. A mechanistic analysis of CD99-transfected osteosarcoma cells points to involvement of c-Src family kinase activity in regulating CD99 functions in malignancy. Ser168 residue of CD99 plays a pivotal role in the reversion of the malignant phenotype. Our findings highlight the involvement of CD99 in crucial processes of cancer malignancy, serving as a curtain raiser for this, so far neglected molecule. In addition, a dualistic role for the two CD99 isoforms was shown in agreement with what was observed for other cell adhesion molecules.