The Role of Galectin3, Tubulinβ, and Maspin in Promoting Tumor Budding in Colorectal Carcinoma and Their Clinical Implications

Inhibition of the SERPINB5/HSP90AA1 axis restrains the proliferation and invasion of rectal cancer

BACKGROUND

The upregulation of serpin family B member 5 (SERPINB5) has been linked to the progression of rectal cancer. However, the specific roles and underlying mechanisms of SERPINB5 in rectal cancer are not fully understood.

AIM

To investigate the roles and mechanisms of SERPINB5 in rectal cancer.

METHODS

SERPINB5 protein level in rectal cancer tissues and cell lines was measured through western blot analysis. SW480 cells were transfected with pcDNA-SERPINB5 or short-hairpin RNA targeting SERPINB5 (sh-SERPINB5). Cell proliferation, invasion, and apoptosis were then evaluated. The interaction between SERPINB5 and heat shock protein 90 alpha class A member 1 (HSP90AA1) was confirmed through a co-immunoprecipitation assay. Subsequently, pcDNA-HSP90AA1 or sh-HSP90AA1 was transfected into SW480 cells, and cell progression was then detected. Moreover, rescue experiments were used to investigate the effect of the SERPINB5/HSP90AA1 axis on rectal cancer progression. Additionally, sh-SERPINB5-transfected SW480 cells were implanted into nude mice, and xenograft tumor growth was then evaluated.

RESULTS

SERPINB5 was prominently upregulated in rectal cancer tissues and cells. SERPINB5 overexpression increased SW480 cell proliferation and invasion while reducing apoptosis. In contrast, SERPINB5 knockdown had the opposite effects. Moreover, SERPINB5 could interact with HSP90AA1 and promote HSP90AA1 expression in SW480 cells. HSP90AA1 overexpression facilitated SW480 cell proliferation and invasion and restrained apoptosis. By contrast, HSP90AA1 knockdown suppressed cell progression. The upregulation of HSP90AA1 reversed the SERPINB5 silencing-mediated inhibition of SW480 cell progression. Additionally, SERPINB5 knockdown retarded the growth of rectal cancer tumors in vivo.

CONCLUSION

SERPINB5 knockdown inhibited rectal cancer cell proliferation and invasion and retarded xenograft tumor growth by inhibiting HSP90AA1 expression.

The paradoxical role of SERPINB5 in gastrointestinal cancers: oncogene or tumor suppressor?

BACKGROUND

SERPINB5, also known as Maspin, is a non-inhibitory member of the serine protease inhibitor superfamily. SERPINB5 exerts diverse effects on a variety of human cancers, including cell proliferation, angiogenesis, apoptosis, tumor invasion, and metastasis. SERPINB5 has traditionally been regarded as a tumor suppressor gene, but emerging evidences supports its oncogenic properties.

METHODS

We conducted a comprehensive review of the existing literature on SERPINB5 in gastrointestinal cancers, synthesizing data on its expression patterns, subcellular localization, epigenetic modifications, and clinical significance.

RESULTS

Depending on its subcellular localization and epigenetic modifications, SERPINB5 demonstrate either protumor or antitumor activity in different gastrointestinal cancers, such as colorectal cancer, gastric cancer, pancreatic cancer, gallbladder cancer and liver cancer. We elucidate its potential as a predictive and prognostic biomarker, with a focus on its implications for diagnosis, prognosis, and therapeutic intervention, emphasizing its utility in early lesion detection and treatment.

CONCLUSIONS

SERPINB5 plays a complex and context-dependent role in gastrointestinal cancers, highlighting further research to dissect the true significance of SERPINB5 expression and the molecular mechanisms underlying its divergent clinical behaviors in cancer.

Evaluation of the diagnostic utility of NCOA3, Maspin and VHL protein expression in pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma: An immunohistochemical study

Pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma (PDAC) is a lethal tumor with a high mortality rate. The distinction between PDAC and chronic pancreatitis is sometimes challenging on routine histopathological examination, highlighting the need to identify biomarkers that can facilitate this distinction. This retrospective study was conducted to evaluate the diagnostic utility of nuclear receptor co-activator 3 (NCOA3), Maspin and Von Hippel-Lindau protein (VHL) immunostaining in PDAC. Eighty cases of PDAC, 46 cases of chronic pancreatitis and 53 normal pancreatic tissue were immunohistochemically assessed using NCOA3, Maspin and VHL antibodies on sections from a tissue microarray. NCOA3, Maspin and VHL were positive in 90 %, 100 % and 35 %, of PDAC cases respectively, whereas NCOA3, Maspin and VHL expressions were positive in 3.8 %, 0 and 100 % of normal pancreatic tissue and in 15.2 %, 21.7 % and 97.8 % of chronic pancreatitis cases respectively. Significant differences were observed between PDAC and other groups regarding NCOA3, Maspin and VHL expression (p < 0.001). The H scores of NCOA3, Maspin and VHL could significantly distinguish between PDAC and normal cases with high sensitivity (90 %, 100 % and 98.75 % respectively) and specificity (100 %, 100 % and 96.23 % respectively). Similar findings were found in the distinction between PDAC and chronic pancreatitis (Sensitivity: 90 %, 95.25 % and 98.75 %; specificity: 100 %, 100 % and 93.48 % for NCOA3, Maspin and VHL respectively). In conclusion, NCOA3 and Maspin were found to be significantly expressed in PDAC compared to non-tumorous tissue while VHL was significantly expressed in non-tumorous tissue. A panel of NCOA3, Maspin and VHL could potentially distinguish PDAC from non-tumorous pancreatic tissue.

Synergistic Impact of ARSB, TP53, and Maspin Gene Expressions on Survival Outcomes in Colorectal Cancer: A Comprehensive Clinicopathological Analysis

(1) Background: Colorectal cancer (CRC) remains a significant cause of morbidity and mortality worldwide, with its prognosis influenced by genetic and clinicopathological factors. This study investigates the associations between the gene expressions of Arylsulfatase B (ARSB), TP53, and Maspin, alongside traditional clinicopathological features, and their impact on CRC survival outcomes. (2) Methods: 70 consecutive CRC cases were analyzed for ARSB, TP53, and Maspin gene expression using RT-qPCR, and their protein levels were assessed through immunohistochemistry. Clinicopathological parameters—age, gender, tumor localization, macroscopic and microscopic aspects, lymph node ratio, pT stage, and tumor budding—were evaluated for their prognostic significance. Kaplan–Meier survival analysis with Cox proportional hazards regression was used to determine their impact on overall survival. (3) Results: No significant survival differences were observed based on age, gender, tumor localization, and macroscopic aspect. The microscopic aspect and pT stage showed significant associations with survival, with poorer outcomes in G3 and pT3/pT4 stages, respectively. Immunohistochemical positivity for ARSB and Maspin indicated a longer survival, while TP53 protein expression alone did not significantly impact the prognosis. Dual high gene expression (ARSB + TP53, TP53 + Maspin) and triple high gene expression (ARSB + TP53 + Maspin) were significantly associated with better survival outcomes. (4) Conclusions: The combined gene expression profile of ARSB, TP53, and Maspin presents a novel prognostic marker in CRC, offering insights into the molecular dynamics of cancer cells and potential therapeutic targets. These findings emphasize the importance of integrating molecular markers with traditional clinicopathological factors for a more accurate prognostication and personalized treatment approach in CRC.