Epithelial Plasticity in Cancer: Unmasking a MicroRNA Network for TGF-β-, Notch-, and Wnt-Mediated EMT

A potential therapeutic molecule target: lncRNA AK023507 inhibits the metastasis of breast cancer by regulating the WNT/DOCK4/β-catenin axis

PURPOSE

Breast cancer (BC) has become the most common malignant tumor in women worldwide. This study was carried out to find and validate a novel molecular therapeutic target for BC.

METHODS

Long non-coding RNA (lncRNA) AK023507 was selected as the study objects through microarray analysis. The function of lncRNA AK023507 was verified by various cell function experiments in vitro, subcutaneous tumorigenesis experiments, and lung metastasis model experiments in vivo. The RNA pull-down experiment and Western blot experiment were used to confirm the mechanism regulation pathway and the recovery experiment was used to verify it. TCGA datasets were used for clinical and immune function prediction analysis.

RESULTS

In vitro cell function tests and in vivo experiments suggested that overexpression of lncRNA AK023507 inhibited the proliferation and metastasis of BC cells. The RNA pull-down experiment and Western blot analysis validated that lncRNA AK023507 interacted with the dedicator of cytokinesis 4 (DOCK4) protein. Analysis of public databases predicted that DOCK4 is a potential prognostic risk factor associated with epithelial-mesenchymal transition (EMT) and central memory T cell (TCM) cellular immune infiltration.

CONCLUSIONS

LncRNA AK023507 inhibits the proliferation and metastasis of BC by regulating the DOCK4/β-catenin axis. This discovery will provide new potential therapeutic targets for BC.

Single-cell and spatial omics unravel the spatiotemporal biology of tumour border invasion and haematogenous metastasis

Solid tumours exhibit a well-defined architecture, comprising a differentiated core and a dynamic border that interfaces with the surrounding tissue. This border, characterised by distinct cellular morphology and molecular composition, serves as a critical determinant of the tumour's invasive behaviour. Notably, the invasive border of the primary tumour represents the principal site for intravasation of metastatic cells. These cells, known as circulating tumour cells (CTCs), function as 'seeds' for distant dissemination and display remarkable heterogeneity. Advancements in spatial sequencing technology are progressively unveiling the spatial biological features of tumours. However, systematic investigations specifically targeting the characteristics of the tumour border remain scarce. In this comprehensive review, we illuminate key biological insights along the tumour body-border-haematogenous metastasis axis over the past five years. We delineate the distinctive landscape of tumour invasion boundaries and delve into the intricate heterogeneity and phenotype of CTCs, which orchestrate haematogenous metastasis. These insights have the potential to explain the basis of tumour invasion and distant metastasis, offering new perspectives for the development of more complex and precise clinical interventions and treatments.

The role of flavonoids in the regulation of epithelial-mesenchymal transition in cancer: A review on targeting signaling pathways and metastasis

One of the hallmarks of cancer is metastasis, a process that entails the spread of cancer cells to distant regions in the body, culminating in tumor formation in secondary organs. Importantly, the proinflammatory environment surrounding cancer cells further contributes to cancer cell transformation and extracellular matrix destruction. During metastasis, front-rear polarity and emergence of migratory and invasive features are manifestations of epithelial-mesenchymal transition (EMT). A variety of transcription factors (TFs) are implicated in the execution of EMT, the most prominent belonging to the Snail Family Transcriptional Repressor (SNAI) and Zinc Finger E-Box Binding Homeobox (ZEB) families of TFs. These TFs are regulated by interaction with specific microRNAs (miRNAs), as miR34 and miR200. Among the several secondary metabolites produced in plants, flavonoids constitute a major group of bioactive molecules, with several described effects including antioxidant, antiinflammatory, antidiabetic, antiobesogenic, and anticancer effects. This review scrutinizes the modulatory role of flavonoids on the activity of SNAI/ZEB TFs and on their regulatory miRNAs, miR-34, and miR-200. The modulatory role of flavonoids can attenuate mesenchymal features and stimulate epithelial features, thereby inhibiting and reversing EMT. Moreover, this modulation is concomitant with the attenuation of signaling pathways involved in diverse processes as cell proliferation, cell growth, cell cycle progression, apoptosis inhibition, morphogenesis, cell fate, cell migration, cell polarity, and wound healing. The antimetastatic potential of these versatile compounds is emerging and represents an opportunity for the synthesis of more specific and potent agents.

Open MoA: revealing the mechanism of action (MoA) based on network topology and hierarchy

MOTIVATION

Many approaches in systems biology have been applied in drug repositioning due to the increased availability of the omics data and computational biology tools. Using a multi-omics integrated network, which contains information of various biological interactions, could offer a more comprehensive inspective and interpretation for the drug mechanism of action (MoA).

RESULTS

We developed a computational pipeline for dissecting the hidden MoAs of drugs (Open MoA). Our pipeline computes confidence scores to edges that represent connections between genes/proteins in the integrated network. The interactions showing the highest confidence score could indicate potential drug targets and infer the underlying molecular MoAs. Open MoA was also validated by testing some well-established targets. Additionally, we applied Open MoA to reveal the MoA of a repositioned drug (JNK-IN-5A) that modulates the PKLR expression in HepG2 cells and found STAT1 is the key transcription factor. Overall, Open MoA represents a first-generation tool that could be utilized for predicting the potential MoA of repurposed drugs and dissecting de novo targets for developing effective treatments.

AVAILABILITY AND IMPLEMENTATION

Source code is available at https://github.com/XinmengLiao/Open_MoA.

Strategy of targeting the tumor microenvironment via inhibition of fibroblast/fibrosis remodeling new era to cancer chemo-immunotherapy resistance

The use of repurposing drugs that may have neoplastic and anticancer effects increases the efficiency and decrease resistance to chemotherapy drugs through a biochemical and mechanical transduction mechanisms through modulation of fibroblast/fibrosis remodeling in tumor microenvironment (TME). Interestingly, fibroblast/fibrosis remodeling plays a vital role in mediating cancer metastasis and drug resistance after immune chemotherapy. The most essential hypothesis for induction of chemo-immunotherapy resistance is via activation of fibroblast/fibrosis remodeling and preventing the infiltration of T cells after is mainly due to the interference between cytoskeleton, mechanical, biochemical, metabolic, vascular, and remodeling signaling pathways in TME. The structural components of the tumor that can be targeted in the fibroblast/fibrosis remodeling include the depletion of the TME components, targeting the cancer-associated fibroblasts and tumor associated macrophages, alleviating the mechanical stress within the ECM, and normalizing the blood vessels. It has also been found that during immune-chemotherapy, TME injury and fibroblast/fibrosis remodeling causes the up-regulation of inhibitory signals and down-regulation of activated signals, which results in immune escape or chemo-resistance of the tumor. In this regard, repurposing or neo-adjuvant drugs with various transduction signaling mechanisms, including anti-fibrotic effects, are used to target the TME and fibroblast/fibrosis signaling pathway such as angiotensin 2, transforming growth factor-beta, physical barriers of the TME, cytokines and metabolic factors which finally led to the reverse of the chemo-resistance. Consistent to many repurposing drugs such as pirfenidone, metformin, losartan, tranilast, dexamethasone and pentoxifylline are used to decrease immune-suppression by abrogation of TME inhibitory signal that stimulates the immune system and increases efficiency and reduces resistance to chemotherapy drugs. To overcome immunosuppression based on fibroblast/fibrosis remodeling, in this review, we focus on inhibitory signal transduction, which is the physical barrier, alleviates mechanical stress and prevents mechano-metabolic activation.

Epigenetic Rewiring of Metastatic Cancer to the Brain: Focus on Lung and Colon Cancers

Distant metastasis occurs when cancer cells adapt to a tissue microenvironment that is different from the primary organ. This process requires genetic and epigenetic changes in cancer cells and the concomitant modification of the tumor stroma to facilitate invasion by metastatic cells. In this study, we analyzed differences in the epigenome of brain metastasis from the colon (n = 4) and lung (n = 14) cancer and we compared these signatures with those found in primary tumors. Results show that CRC tumors showed a high degree of genome-wide methylation compared to lung cancers. Further, brain metastasis from lung cancer deeply activates neural signatures able to modify the brain microenvironment favoring tumor cells adaptation. At the protein level, brain metastases from lung cancer show expression of the neural/glial marker Nestin. On the other hand, colon brain metastases show activation of metabolic signaling. These signatures are specific for metastatic tumors since primary cancers did not show such epigenetic derangements. In conclusion, our data shed light on the epi/molecular mechanisms that colon and lung cancers adopt to thrive in the brain environment.

SFPQ Promotes Lung Cancer Malignancy via Regulation of CD44 v6 Expression

Mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) contribute to tumor pathogenesis and elicit antitumor immune responses in tumor microenvironments. Nuclear proteins might be the main players in these processes. In the current study, combining spatial proteomics with ingenuity pathway analysis (IPA) in lung non-small cell (NSC) cancer MSCs, we identify a key nuclear protein regulator, SFPQ (Splicing Factor Proline and Glutamine Rich), which is overexpressed in lung cancer MSCs and functions to promote MSCs proliferation, chemical resistance, and invasion. Mechanistically, the knockdown of SFPQ reduces CD44v6 expression to inhibit lung cancer MSCs stemness, proliferation in vitro, and metastasis in vivo. The data indicates that SFPQ may be a potential therapeutic target for limiting growth, chemotherapy resistance, and metastasis of lung cancer.

Sdy-1 Executes Antitumor Activity in HepG2 and HeLa Cancer Cells by Inhibiting the Wnt/β-Catenin Signaling Pathway

Demethylincisterol A₃ (Sdy-1), a highly degraded sterol that we previously isolated from Chinese mangrove Rhizophora mucronata endophytic Pestalotiopsis sp. HQD-6, exhibits potent antitumor activity towards a variety of cancer cells. In this study, we further verified that Sdy-1 effectively inhibited the proliferation and migration of human liver (HepG2) and cervical cancer (HeLa) cells in vitro and it can induce cell apoptosis and arrest the cell cycle in the G1-phase. Mechanistically, we demonstrated that Sdy-1 executes its function via inhibition of the Wnt/β-catenin signaling pathway. Sdy-1 may not inhibit the Wnt signaling pathway through the cascade reaction from upstream to downstream, but directly acts on β-catenin to reduce its transcription level, thereby reducing the level of β-catenin protein and further reducing the expression of downstream related proteins. The possible interaction between Sdy-1 and β-catenin protein was further confirmed by molecular docking studies. In the nude mouse xenograft model, Sdy-1 can also significantly inhibit tumor growth. These results indicated that Sdy-1 is an efficient inhibitor of the Wnt signaling pathway and is a promising antitumor candidate for therapeutic applications.

Small interfering-high mobility group A2 attenuates epithelial-mesenchymal transition in thymic cancer cells via the Wnt/β-catenin pathway

Thymus carcinoma is one of the thymic epithelial neoplasms with high metastasis, which does not have any good treatment at present. High mobility group A2 (HMGA2) is highly expressed in a variety of malignant tumors, such as lung cancer, colon cancer and ovarian cancer and is closely related to tumor invasion and metastasis. The present study aimed to investigate the effect and mechanism of HMGA2 on epithelial-mesenchymal transition (EMT) in thymic cancer cells. IU-TAB-1, A549, HCT-116 and 293T cells were screened by testing the protein expression level of HMGA2 though western blotting and subjected to HMGA2 interference [small interfering (si)-HMGA2]. Cell proliferation was evaluated using the Cell Counting Kit-8 assay. Cell migration and invasion were detected using the Transwell assay. Cell apoptosis was examined using flow cytometry and β-catenin expression was observed by immunofluorescence. The levels of E-cadherin, vimentin, Wnt3a, Wnt5a and β-catenin proteins were determined by western blotting. Among the four cell lines tested, IU-TAB-1 cells demonstrated the highest expression of HMGA2 (P<0.05) and were hence selected for subsequent experiments. Compared with the control group (untransfected cells), si-HMGA2 resulted in significantly decreased proliferation, migration and invasion of IU-TAB-1 cells, whereas apoptosis was increased (P<0.05). The protein expression of vimentin, Wnt3a, Wnt5a and β-catenin was significantly decreased by si-HMGA2 compared with the control group (P<0.05), whereas E-cadherin expression was increased (P<0.05). After treatment with si-HMGA2 in combination with Wnt/β-catenin agonists (SKL2001) or inhibitors (XAV-939), EMT was respectively enhanced or inhibited in IU-TAB-1 cells. Overall, si-HMGA2 may attenuate EMT in thymic cancer cells and the mechanism may be related to the Wnt/β-catenin pathway.

Cancer drug resistance induced by EMT: novel therapeutic strategies

Over the last decade, important clinical benefits have been achieved in cancer patients by using drug-targeting strategies. Nevertheless, drug resistance is still a major problem in most cancer therapies. Epithelial-mesenchymal plasticity (EMP) and tumour microenvironment have been described as limiting factors for effective treatment in many cancer types. Moreover, epithelial-to-mesenchymal transition (EMT) has also been associated with therapy resistance in many different preclinical models, although limited evidence has been obtained from clinical studies and clinical samples. In this review, we particularly deepen into the mechanisms of which intermediate epithelial/mesenchymal (E/M) states and its interconnection to microenvironment influence therapy resistance. We also describe how the use of bioinformatics and pharmacogenomics will help to figure out the biological impact of the EMT on drug resistance and to develop novel pharmacological approaches in the future.

Clinical Impact of the Epithelial-Mesenchymal Transition in Lung Cancer as a Biomarker Assisting in Therapeutic Decisions

Lung cancer is one of the most common solid cancers and represents the leading cause of cancer death worldwide. Over the last decade, research on the epithelial-mesenchymal transition (EMT) in lung cancer has gained increasing attention. Here, we review clinical and histological features of non-small-cell lung cancer associated with EMT. We then aimed to establish potential clinical implications of EMT in current therapeutic options, including surgery, radiation, targeted therapy against oncogenic drivers, and immunotherapy.

Long Non-Coding RNA MACC1-AS1 Is Involved in Distant Recurrence of Hepatocellular Carcinoma After Surgical Resection

Background

We explored the role of MACC1-AS1 in hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC).

Material/Methods

Measurement of preoperative plasma levels of MACC1-AS1 was performed by qPCR, and the comparison between the HCC and Control group was performed by unpaired t test. The overexpression of TGF-β1 in SNU-182 and SNU-398 cells was confirmed by qPCR.

Results

MACC1-AS1 was overexpressed in HCC patients. In comparison to pretreatment level, distant recurrence (DR) was accompanied by increased levels of MACC1-AS1 in plasma, but this phenomenon was not observed in cases of local recurrence (LR) or non-recurrence (NR). In HCC cells, MACC1-AS1 positively regulated the expression of TGF-β1. MACC1-AS1 overexpression resulted in increased invasion and migration rates of HCC cells, while siRNA silencing resulted in reduced rates. Moreover, TGF-β1 overexpression reduced the effects of MACC1-AS1 siRNA silencing.

Conclusions

MACC1-AS1 is involved in the distant recurrence of HCC, and its actions are possibly mediated by TGF-β1.

Tumor-Derived Exosomes Mediate the Instability of Cadherins and Promote Tumor Progression

Cadherins, including E-cadherin, N-cadherin, VE-cadherin, etc., are important adhesion molecules mediating intercellular junctions. The abnormal expression of cadherins is often associated with tumor development and progression. Epithelial–mesenchymal transition (EMT) is the most important step in the metastasis cascade and is accompanied by altered expression of cadherins. Recent studies reveal that as a cargo for intercellular communication, exosomes—one type of extracellular vesicles that can be secreted by tumor cells—are involved in a variety of physiological and pathological processes, especially in tumor metastasis. Tumor-derived exosomes play a crucial role in mediating the cadherin instability in recipient cells by transferring bioactive molecules (oncogenic microRNAs (miRNAs) and long non-coding RNAs (lncRNAs), EMT-related proteins, and others), modulating their local and distant microenvironment, and facilitating cancer metastasis. In turn, aberrant expression of cadherins in carcinoma cells can also affect the biogenesis and release of exosomes. Therefore, we summarize the current research on the crosstalk between tumor-derived exosomes and aberrant cadherin signals to reveal the unique role of exosomes in cancer progression.

Integrating proteomics and transcriptomics for the identification of potential targets in early colorectal cancer

Colorectal cancer (CRC) is one of the most common malignancies worldwide. At present, CRC can often be treated upon diagnosis at stage I or II, or when dysplasia is detected; however, 60-70% of cases are not diagnosed until they have developed into late stages of the disease or until the malignancy is identified. Diagnosis of CRC at an early stage remains a challenge due to the absence of early-stage-specific biomarkers. To identify potential targets of early stage CRC, label-free proteomics analysis was applied to paired tumor-benign tissue samples from patients with stage II CRC (n=21). A total of 2,968 proteins were identified; corresponding RNA-Sequencing data were retrieved from The Cancer Genome Atlas-colon adenocarcinoma. Numerous bioinformatics methods, including differential expression analysis, weighted correlation network analysis, Gene Ontology and protein-protein interaction analyses, were applied to the proteomics and transcriptomics data. A total of 111 key proteins, which appeared as both differentially expressed proteins and mRNAs in the hub module, were identified as key candidates. Among these, three potential targets [protein-arginine deiminase type-2 (PADI2), Fc fragment of IgG binding protein (FCGBP) and phosphoserine aminotransferase 1] were identified from the pathological data. Furthermore, the survival analysis indicated that PADI2 and FCGBP were associated with the prognosis of CRC. The findings of the present study suggested potential targets for the identification of early stage CRC, and may improve understanding of the mechanism underlying the occurrence of CRC.

Yifei Tongluo, a Chinese Herbal Formula, Suppresses Tumor Growth and Metastasis and Exerts Immunomodulatory Effect in Lewis Lung Carcinoma Mice

This study was aimed to investigate the anti-tumor, anti-metastasis and immunomodulatory effects of Yifei Tongluo (YFTL), a Chinese herbal formula, in Lewis lung carcinoma mice and to explore the underlying mechanisms. LLC cells were inoculated subcutaneously in C57BL/6 mice to establish the Lewis lung carcinoma model. We observed that YFTL effectively inhibited tumor growth and prolonged the overall survival of tumor-bearing mice. Additionally, YFTL treatment resulted in a significantly decreased number of surface lung metastatic lesions compared with the model control group. Meanwhile, TUNEL staining confirmed that the tumors from YFTL-treated mice exhibited a markedly higher apoptotic index. The results suggest that Akt and mitogen-activated protein kinase (MAPKs) pathways may be involved in YFTL-induced apoptosis. The results show that YFTL also inhibited the vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF), matrix metalloproteinases (MMP)-2, MMP-9, N-cadherin, and Vimentin expression, but increased E-cadherin expression. Mechanistic studies indicated that YFTL could suppress the angiogenesis and the epithelial-mesenchymal transition (EMT) of the tumor through Akt/ERK1/2 and TGFβ1/Smad2 pathways. In addition, YFTL also showed immunomodulatory activities in improving the immunosuppressive state of tumor-bearing mice. Therefore, our findings could support the development of YFTL as a potential antineoplastic agent and a potentially useful anti-metastatic agent for lung carcinoma therapy.

Expression profile and biological function of miR-455-5p in colorectal carcinoma

Underexpression of microRNA-455-5p (miR-455-5p) in medullary thyroid carcinoma, melanoma, gastric cancer and additional cancer types has been reported, which may be associated with carcinoma development. The present study aimed to evaluate the expression profile and biological role of miR-455-5p in colorectal carcinoma. Carcinoma tissues and adjacent tissue specimens from 40 patients with colorectal cancer were randomly collected. Reverse transcription-quantitative polymerase chain reaction (RT-qPCR) analysis was conducted to detect the expression levels of miR-455-5p in colorectal carcinoma and adjacent normal tissues. The biological effects of miR-455-5p on selected colorectal cancer cells were assessed using bromodeoxyuridine assays, wound healing migration assays and flow cytometry. Bioinformatics analysis was implemented to predict the potential target genes of miR-455-5p in colorectal cancer. The expression levels of target genes were further validated by RT-qPCR and western blot analysis of the mRNA and protein levels. The results of the experiments demonstrated that miR-455-5p expression was downregulated in colorectal cancer tissues compared with adjacent normal tissues. In colorectal cancer cells (SW-480, HT-29 and HCT-116), miR-455-5p was observed to inhibit cell proliferation and migration while promoting cell apoptosis. Bioinformatics analysis predicted that the oncogene phosphoinositide-3-kinase regulatory subunit 1 (PIK3R1) was one of the top ranked target genes of miR-455-5p in colorectal cancer cells. This association was validated by RT-qPCR and western blotting. In vivo studies revealed that the expression level of miR-455-5p was significantly downregulated in human colorectal cancer. Further in vitro studies suggested that miR-455-5p may prevent the development of colorectal cancer by downregulating the oncogene PIK3R1. It was concluded that miR-455-5p may target and downregulate PIK3R1 in colorectal cancer.

Microarray analysis of miRNA expression profiles following whole body irradiation in a mouse model

CONTEXT

Accidental exposure to life-threatening radiation in a nuclear event is a major concern; there is an enormous need for identifying biomarkers for radiation biodosimetry to triage populations and treat critically exposed individuals.

OBJECTIVE

To identify dose-differentiating miRNA signatures from whole blood samples of whole body irradiated mice.

METHODS

Mice were whole body irradiated with X-rays (2 Gy-15 Gy); blood was collected at various time-points post-exposure; total RNA was isolated; miRNA microarrays were performed; miRNAs differentially expressed in irradiated vs. unirradiated controls were identified; feature extraction and classification models were applied to predict dose-differentiating miRNA signature.

RESULTS

We observed a time and dose responsive alteration in the expression levels of miRNAs. Maximum number of miRNAs were altered at 24-h and 48-h time-points post-irradiation. A 23-miRNA signature was identified using feature selection algorithms and classifier models. An inverse correlation in the expression level changes of miR-17 members, and their targets were observed in whole body irradiated mice and non-human primates.

CONCLUSION

Whole blood-based miRNA expression signatures might be used for predicting radiation exposures in a mass casualty nuclear incident.

Modeling of mesenchymal hybrid epithelial state and phenotypic transitions in EMT and MET processes of cancer cells

Based on the transcriptional regulatory mechanisms between microRNA-200 and transcription factor ZEB in an individual cancer cell, a minimal dynamic model is proposed to study the epithelial-mesenchymal transition (EMT) and mesenchymal-epithelial transition (MET) processes of cancer cells. It is shown that each cancer cell can exit in any of three phenotypic states: the epithelial (E) state, the mesenchymal (M) state, and the epithelial/mesenchymal (E/M) hybrid state, and the state of cancer cell can interconvert between different states. The phase diagram shows that there are monostable, bistable, and tristable phenotypic states regions in a parameters plane. It is found that different pathway in the phase diagram can correspond to the EMT or the MET process of cancer cells, and there are two possible EMT processes. It is important that the experimental phenomenon of E/M hybrid state appearing in the EMT process but rather in the MET process can be understood through different pathways in the phase diagram. Our numerical simulations show that the effects of noise are opposite to these of time delay on the expression of transcription factor ZEB, and there is competition between noise and time delay in phenotypic transitions process of cancer cells.

MiR-204 down-regulation elicited perturbation of a gene target signature common to human cholangiocarcinoma and gastric cancer

Background & Aims

There is high need of novel diagnostic and prognostic tools for tumors of the digestive system, such as gastric cancer and cholangiocarcinoma. We recently found that miR-204 was deeply downregulated in gastric cancer tissues. Here we investigated whether this was common to other tumors of the digestive system and whether this elicited a miR-204-dependent gene target signature, diagnostically and therapeutically relevant. Finally, we assessed the contribution of the identified target genes to the cell cycle progression and clonogenicity of gastric cancer and cholangiocarcinoma cell lines.

Methods

We employed quantitative PCR and Affymetrix profiling for gene expression studies. In silico analysis aided us to identifying a miR-204 target signature in publicly available databases (TGCA). We employed transient transfection experiments, clonogenic assays and cell cycle profiling to evaluate the biological consequences of miR-204 perturbation.

Results

We identified a novel miR-204 gene target signature perturbed in gastric cancer and in cholangiocarcinoma specimens. We validated its prognostic relevance and mechanistically addressed its biological relevance in GC and CC cell lines.

Conclusions

We suggest that restoring the physiological levels of miR-204 in some gastrointestinal cancers might be exploited therapeutically.

Prognostic implication of NOTCH1 in early stage oral squamous cell cancer with occult metastases

OBJECTIVE

The objective of this study was to explore the prognostic value of cancer stem cell markers, namely CD133, NANOG, and NOTCH1, in early stage oral squamous cell carcinoma (OSCC).

MATERIALS AND METHODS

One hundred forty-four patients with early stage (cT1T2N0) OSCC were identified from a pre-existing database of patients with oral cancer. We examined the impact of the immunohistochemical expression of CD133, NANOG, and NOTCH1 in OSCC. Overall survival (OS) curves were calculated using the Kaplan-Meier method. Predictors of outcome were identified using multivariate analysis.

RESULTS

We found that CD133, NANOG, and NOTCH1 were significantly associated with lymph node metastasis, and NOTCH1 was also significantly associated with depth of invasion and locoregional recurrence.

CONCLUSIONS

NOTCH1 was identified as an independent prognostic factor for OS.

CLINICAL RELEVANCE

NOTCH1 might prove to be a useful indicator for high-risk patients with occult metastases from early stage OSCC.

Yiqi Huayu Jiedu Decoction Inhibits the Invasion and Metastasis of Gastric Cancer Cells through TGF-β/Smad Pathway

Background. Yiqi Huayu Jiedu Decoction (YHJD) can obviously improve the quality of life of those patients with gastric cancer and prolong their survival. Methods. In vitro experiments, we observe YHJD's effect on the cells' proliferation by MTT assay. Cell adhesion assay, wound-healing assay, and Transwell invasion assay serve to detect its influence on cells' adhesion, migration, and invasion, respectively. Inhibitor (10 μM/L of SB431542) and activator (10 ng/mL of TGF-β) of TGF-β/Smad pathway were used to estimate whether YHJD's impact on the biological behavior of gastric cancer cells was related to TGF-β/Smad pathway. In in vivo studies, YHJD was administered to the nude mice transplanted with gastric cancer to observe its effect on the tumor. Western blotting and immunohistochemical assay were used to test relevant cytokines of TGF-β/Smad pathway and epithelial-mesenchymal transition (EMT) in MGC-803 cells and the tumor bearing nude mice. Results. YHJD inhibited proliferation, adhesion, migration, and invasion of MGC-803 gastric cancer cells in vitro. In in vivo studies, YHJD reduced the volume of the transplanted tumors. It also enhanced the expression of E-cadherin and decreased the levels of N-cadherin, TGF-β, Snail, and Slug in both MGC-803 cells and the transplanted tumor by western blot assay. The immunohistochemical assay revealed that YHJD raised E-cadherin in the tumors of the mice; on the contrary, the expression of N-cadherin, Twist, vimentin, TGF-βR I, p-Smad2, p-Smad3, Snail, and Slug reduced. Conclusion. YHJD can effectively inhibit the invasion and metastasis of gastric cancer cells. The mechanism may be related to TGF-β/Smad pathway.

TRIM37 promotes epithelial‑mesenchymal transition in colorectal cancer

There is substantial research on the oncogenic role of tripartite motif containing 37 (TRIM37); however, its importance in colorectal cancer (CRC) remains to be elucidated. The present study used reverse transcription-quantitative polymerase chain reaction, immunohistochemistry and western blotting to detect the expression level of TRIM37 in CRC. The importance of TRIM37 in cell proliferation, invasion and metastasis of CRC were investigated through overexpressing or knocking-down of TRIM37 in CRC cell lines, to observe its function. The present study revealed that TRIM37 was overexpressed in human CRC tissues. High TRIM37 expression resulted in increased CRC proliferation, migration and invasion. Mechanistically, it was confirmed that TRIM37 enhanced invasion and metastasis of CRC via the epithelial-mesenchymal transition pathway. In conclusion, the present study suggested that TRIM3 may contribute to CRC and act as a potential therapeutic target for CRC treatment.

miR-146a-5p mediates epithelial-mesenchymal transition of oesophageal squamous cell carcinoma via targeting Notch2

Background:

Our previous study found that dysregulated microRNA-146a-5p (miR-146a-5p) is involved in oesophageal squamous cell cancer (ESCC) proliferation. This article aimed to evaluate its detailed mechanisms in ESCC epithelial–mesenchymal transition (EMT) progression.

Methods:

Invasion assay, qRT-PCR and western blotting were used to validate the roles of miR-146a-5p and Notch2 in EMT progression. miRNA target gene prediction databases and dual-luciferase reporter assay were used to validate the target gene.

Results:

miR-146a-5p inhibitor led to increase of invaded ESCC cells, while miR-146a-5p mimics inhibited invasion ability of ESCC cells. Protein level of E-cadherin decreased, whereas those of Snail and Vimentin increased in the anti-miR-146a-5p group, which demonstrated that miR-146a-5p inhibits EMT progression of ESCC cells. miRNA target gene prediction databases indicated the potential of Notch2 as a direct target gene of miR-146a-5p and dual-luciferase reporter assay validated it. Importantly, shRNA-Notch2 restrained EMT and partially abrogated the inhibiting effects of miR-146a-5p on EMT progression of ESCC cells.

Conclusions:

miR-146a-5p functions as a tumour-suppressive miRNA targeting Notch2 and inhibits the EMT progression of ESCC.

Halofuginone inhibits radiotherapy-induced epithelial-mesenchymal transition in lung cancer

Radiotherapy is used to treat many different human tumors. Paradoxically, radiation can activate TGF-β1 signaling and induce the epithelial-mesenchymal transition (EMT), which is associated with enhanced tumor progression. This study investigated the inhibitory effects of halofuginone, a plant-derived alkaloid that has been shown to inhibit TGF-β1 signaling, on radiation-induced EMT and explored the underlying mechanisms using a Lewis lung carcinoma (LLC) xenograft model. The cells and animals were divided into five treatment groups: Normal Control (NC), Halofuginone alone (HF), Radiotherapy alone (RT), Radiotherapy combined with Halofuginone (RT+HF), and Radiotherapy combined with the TGF-β1 inhibitor SB431542 (RT+SB). Radiation induced EMT in lung cancer cells and xenografts, as evidenced by increased expression of the mesenchymal markers N-cadherin and Vimentin, and reduced expression of the epithelial markers E-cadherin and Cytokeratin. Further, radiotherapy treatment increased the migration and invasion of LLC cells. Halofuginone reversed the EMT induced by radiotherapy in vitro and in vivo, and inhibited the migration and invasion of LLC cells. In addition, TGF-β1/Smad signaling was activated by radiotherapy and the mRNA expression of Twist and Snail was elevated; this effect was reversed by halofuginone or the TGF-β1 inhibitor SB431542. Our results demonstrate that halofuginone inhibits radiation-induced EMT, and suggest that suppression of TGF-β1 signaling may be responsible for this effect.

Aging-associated changes in microRNA expression profile of internal anal sphincter smooth muscle: Role of microRNA-133a

A comprehensive genomic and proteomic, computational, and physiological approach was employed to examine the (previously unexplored) role of microRNAs (miRNAs) as regulators of internal anal sphincter (IAS) smooth muscle contractile phenotype and basal tone. miRNA profiling, genome-wide expression, validation, and network analyses were employed to assess changes in mRNA and miRNA expression in IAS smooth muscles from young vs. aging rats. Multiple miRNAs, including rno-miR-1, rno-miR-340-5p, rno-miR-185, rno-miR-199a-3p, rno-miR-200c, rno-miR-200b, rno-miR-31, rno-miR-133a, and rno-miR-206, were found to be upregulated in aging IAS. qPCR confirmed the upregulated expression of these miRNAs and downregulation of multiple, predicted targets (Eln, Col3a1, Col1a1, Zeb2, Myocd, Srf, Smad1, Smad2, Rhoa/Rock2, Fn1, Tagln v2, Klf4, and Acta2) involved in regulation of smooth muscle contractility. Subsequent studies demonstrated an aging-associated increase in the expression of miR-133a, corresponding decreases in RhoA, ROCK2, MYOCD, SRF, and SM22α protein expression, RhoA-signaling, and a decrease in basal and agonist [U-46619 (thromboxane A₂ analog)]-induced increase in the IAS tone. Moreover, in vitro transfection of miR-133a caused a dose-dependent increase of IAS tone in strips, which was reversed by anti-miR-133a. Last, in vivo perianal injection of anti-miR-133a reversed the loss of IAS tone associated with age. This work establishes the important regulatory effect of miRNA-133a on basal and agonist-stimulated IAS tone. Moreover, reversal of age-associated loss of tone via anti-miR delivery strongly implicates miR dysregulation as a causal factor in the aging-associated decrease in IAS tone and suggests that miR-133a is a feasible therapeutic target in aging-associated rectoanal incontinence.

The role of microRNAs in bone metastasis

The skeleton represents a common site of metastases for osteotropic cancers such as prostate and breast tumors and novel therapeutic targets and new markers for the monitoring of bone lesions are urgently needed. The formation of bone metastases is a complex process that starts at the level of the confined tumor and that is characterized by a dynamic crosstalk between the primary cancer and the future metastatic site, the bone. Factors released by the primary tumor contribute to prepare a fertile “soil”, where a “pre-metastatic niche” is established prior to future colonization by cancer cells. When the primary cancer progress from the confined disease to its invasive phase, tumor cells will acquire an invasive phenotype, enter into the circulation and colonize the previously prepared site where they will establish a “metastatic niche”. Among the variety of molecules that participate in the metastatic cascade, microRNAs are a class of small non-coding RNA that play an important role in the development of metastatic bone lesions. Many studies have addressed the role of small non-coding RNAs (miRs) in metastasis in osteotropic cancers and have highlighted the role of miRs as oncogenes (oncomiRs) or tumor suppressor miRs.

In this review we present describe the role of miRs in the processing of the supportive bone microenvironment prior and after the bone colonization by cancer cells. Finally, future therapeutic strategies and perspectives are also discussed.

Potential role of nuclear PD-L1 expression in cell-surface vimentin positive circulating tumor cells as a prognostic marker in cancer patients

Although circulating tumor cells (CTCs) have potential as diagnostic biomarkers for cancer, determining their prognostic role in cancer patients undergoing treatment is a challenge. We evaluated the prognostic value of programmed death-ligand 1 (PD-L1) expression in CTCs in colorectal and prostate cancer patients undergoing treatment. Peripheral blood samples were collected from 62 metastatic colorectal cancer patients and 30 metastatic prostate cancer patients. CTCs were isolated from the samples using magnetic separation with the cell-surface vimentin(CSV)-specific 84-1 monoclonal antibody that detects epithelial-mesenchymal transitioned (EMT) CTCs. CTCs were enumerated and analyzed for PD-L1 expression using confocal microscopy. PD-L1 expression was detectable in CTCs and was localized in the membrane and/or cytoplasm and nucleus. CTC detection alone was not associated with poor progression-free or overall survival in colorectal cancer or prostate cancer patients, but nuclear PD-L1 (nPD-L1) expression in these patients was significantly associated with short survival durations. These results demonstrated that nPD-L1 has potential as a clinically relevant prognostic biomarker for colorectal and prostate cancer. Our data thus suggested that use of CTC-based models of cancer for risk assessment can improve the standard cancer staging criteria and supported the incorporation of nPD-L1 expression detection in CTCs detection in such models.

Paraquat inhibited differentiation in human neural progenitor cells (hNPCs) and down regulated miR-200a expression by targeting CTNNB1

Paraquat (PQ) exposure influences central nervous system and results in serious neurotoxicity in vitro and in vivo. However, the role of PQ exposure in the development of CNS remains unclear. In present study, we investigated microRNAs (miRNAs) expression profiling and cell differential status following PQ treatment in human neural progenitor cells (hNPCs) as well as involved mechanism. Microarray profiling of miRNAs expression of PQ treated cell line and their corresponding control was determined. Differentially expression miRNAs were confirmed by quantitative real time PCR. Neural cell differentiation was performed with immunocytochemical analysis. Predicated target of miRNA was identified with luciferase reports and quantitatively analyzed using western blotting. Our results found PQ dramatically suppressed neural cell differentiation ability. 43 differentially expressed miRNAs were identified in PQ treated cells. The expression levels were over expressed in 25 miRNAs, whereas 18 miRNAs were suppressed. More importantly, we observed that miR-200a expression level to be lower in PQ treated cells. Luciferase assay and protein expression results confirmed the direct binding effect between CTNNB1 and miR-200a following PQ exposure. Collectively, our data suggested that down regulation of miR-200a in the PQ treated neural stem cell significantly participated in the differentiation processes and subsequently resulting in decreased cell viability, increased epithelial-mesenchymal transition process and the inhibited differential through CTNNB1 pathway.

Novel delivery approaches for cancer therapeutics

Currently, a majority of cancer treatment strategies are based on the removal of tumor mass mainly by surgery. Chemical and physical treatments such as chemo- and radiotherapies have also made a major contribution in inhibiting rapid growth of malignant cells. Furthermore, these approaches are often combined to enhance therapeutic indices. It is widely known that surgery, chemo- and radiotherapy also inhibit normal cells growth. In addition, these treatment modalities are associated with severe side effects and high toxicity which in turn lead to low quality of life. This review encompasses novel strategies for more effective chemotherapeutic delivery aiming to generate better prognosis. Currently, cancer treatment is a highly dynamic field and significant advances are being made in the development of novel cancer treatment strategies. In contrast to conventional cancer therapeutics, novel approaches such as ligand or receptor based targeting, triggered release, intracellular drug targeting, gene delivery, cancer stem cell therapy, magnetic drug targeting and ultrasound-mediated drug delivery, have added new modalities for cancer treatment. These approaches have led to selective detection of malignant cells leading to their eradication with minimal side effects. Lowering multi-drug resistance and involving influx transportation in targeted drug delivery to cancer cells can also contribute significantly in the therapeutic interventions in cancer.

Roles of NOTCH1 as a Therapeutic Target and a Biomarker for Lung Cancer: Controversies and Perspectives

Lung cancer is one of the most common types of human malignancies and the leading cause of cancer-related death. Patients with surgically resectable early stage lung cancer are more likely curable, but currently only a small population of patients can be diagnosed at such a stage, partly due to our incomplete understanding of the biology of lung cancer and the lack of diagnostic and prognostic biomarkers. Recent studies have shown that NOTCH1 is a critical regulator of human carcinogenesis and has been implicated in multiple steps of cancer development and progression. Herein, we review recent findings about the role of NOTCH1 in lung cancer and discuss its potential usefulness as both a therapeutic target and a biomarker for lung cancer.

Tumor microenvironment and cancer therapy resistance

Innate resistance to various therapeutic interventions is a hallmark of cancer. In recent years, however, acquired resistance has emerged as a daunting challenge to anticancer treatments including chemotherapy, radiation and targeted therapy, which abolishes the efficacy of otherwise successful regimens. Cancer cells gain resistance through a variety of mechanisms in both primary and metastatic sites, involving cell intrinsic and extrinsic factors, but the latter often remains overlooked. Mounting evidence suggests critical roles played by the tumor microenvironment (TME) in multiple aspects of cancer progression particularly therapeutic resistance. The TME decreases drug penetration, confers proliferative and antiapoptotic advantages to surviving cells, facilitates resistance without causing genetic mutations and epigenetic changes, collectively modifying disease modality and distorting clinical indices. Recent studies have set the baseline for future investigation on the intricate relationship between cancer resistance and the TME in pathological backgrounds. This review provides an updated outline of research advances in TME biology and highlights the prospect of targeting the TME as an essential strategy to overcome cancer resistance and improve therapeutic outcomes through precise intervention. In the long run, continued inputs into translational medicine remain highly desired to achieve durable responses in the current era of personalized clinical oncology.