Fascin regulates prostate cancer cell invasion and is associated with metastasis and biochemical failure in prostate cancer

Fascin-1 expression is associated with neuroendocrine prostate cancer and directly suppressed by androgen receptor

BACKGROUND

Neuroendocrine prostate cancer (NEPC) is an aggressive form of prostate cancer, arising from resistance to androgen-deprivation therapies. However, the molecular mechanisms associated with NEPC development and invasiveness are still poorly understood. Here we investigated the expression and functional significance of Fascin-1 (FSCN1), a pro-metastasis actin-bundling protein associated with poor prognosis of several cancers, in neuroendocrine differentiation of prostate cancer.

METHODS

Differential expression analyses using Genome Expression Omnibus (GEO) database, clinical samples and cell lines were performed. Androgen or antagonist's cellular treatments and knockdown experiments were used to detect changes in cell morphology, molecular markers, migration properties and in vivo tumour growth. Chromatin immunoprecipitation-sequencing (ChIP-Seq) data and ChIP assays were analysed to decipher androgen receptor (AR) binding.

RESULTS

We demonstrated that FSCN1 is upregulated during neuroendocrine differentiation of prostate cancer in vitro, leading to phenotypic changes and NEPC marker expression. In human prostate cancer samples, FSCN1 expression is restricted to NEPC tumours. We showed that the androgen-activated AR downregulates FSCN1 expression and works as a transcriptional repressor to directly suppress FSCN1 expression. AR antagonists alleviate this repression. In addition, FSCN1 silencing further impairs in vivo tumour growth.

CONCLUSION

Collectively, our findings identify FSCN1 as an AR-repressed gene. Particularly, it is involved in NEPC aggressiveness. Our results provide the rationale for the future clinical development of FSCN1 inhibitors in NEPC patients.

Comprehensive analysis of the expression, prognosis and biological significance of FSCN family in clear cell renal cell carcinoma

Fascin (FSCN) is an actin-binding protein that serves a critical role in cell migration and invasion, contributing to tumor metastasis. However, there is little known about the function of FSCN family in kidney renal clear cell carcinoma (KIRC). The present study used the UALCAN, gene expression profiling interactive analysis, The Cancer Genome Atlas, cBioPortal, STRING and The Tumor Immune Estimation Resource databases to investigate the transcription level, genetic alteration and biological function of FSCNs in KIRC and their association with the prognosis value and immune cell infiltration in patients with KIRC. Results showed that the expression of FSCN1 and FSCN3 was markedly upregulated in patients with KIRC, while the expression of FSCN2 showed an opposite trend, which was the same as the experiments. Furthermore, the expression levels of FSCNs were associated with pathological stage, molecular subtypes and tumor grade. The expression levels of FSCNs were statistically correlated with the immune cell infiltration in KIRC. Higher expression levels of FSCN1 and FSCN3 were associated with worse overall survival (OS) and progression-free interval of patients bearing KIRC. Univariate and multivariate analysis demonstrated that FSCN2 was an independent risk factor for OS time in KIRC. Furthermore, mutations in FSCNs were significantly associated with poor OS and progression-free survival in patients with KIRC. The FSCNs were involved in pathways including focal adhesion, endocytosis, hypertrophic cardiomyopathy, regulation of actin cytoskeleton. The results indicated that FSCN2 might serve as an independent prognostic factor for OS of KIRC and that FSCN1 and FSCN3 can be used as favorable biomarkers for predicting clinical outcomes in KIRC.

Comparative proteome and serum analysis identified FSCN1 as a marker of abiraterone resistance in castration-resistant prostate cancer

BACKGROUND

Abiraterone (Abi) is an androgen receptor signaling inhibitor that significantly improves patients' life expectancy in metastatic prostate cancer (PCa). Despite its beneficial effects, many patients have baseline or acquired resistance against Abi. The aim of this study was to identify predictive serum biomarkers for Abi treatment.

METHODS

We performed a comparative proteome analysis on three Abi sensitive (LNCaPabl, LAPC4, DuCaP) and resistant (LNCaPabl-Abi, LAPC4-Abi, DuCaP-Abi) PCa cell lines using liquid chromatography tandem mass spectrometry (LC-MS/MS) technique. Two bioinformatic selection workflows were applied to select the most promising candidate serum markers. Serum levels of selected proteins were assessed in samples of 100 Abi-treated patients with metastatic castration-resistant disease (mCRPC) using ELISA. Moreover, FSCN1 serum concentrations were measured in samples of 69 Docetaxel (Doc) treated mCRPC patients.

RESULTS

Our proteome analysis identified 68 significantly, at least two-fold upregulated proteins in Abi resistant cells. Using two filtering workflows four proteins (AMACR, KLK2, FSCN1 and CTAG1A) were selected for ELISA analyses. We found high baseline FSCN1 serum levels to be significantly associated with poor survival in Abi-treated mCRPC patients. Moreover, the multivariable analysis revealed that higher ECOG status (>1) and high baseline FSCN1 serum levels (>10.22 ng/ml by ROC cut-off) were independently associated with worse survival in Abi-treated patients (p < 0.001 and p = 0.021, respectively). In contrast, no association was found between serum FSCN1 concentrations and overall survival in Doc-treated patients.

CONCLUSIONS

Our analysis identified baseline FSCN1 serum levels to be independently associated with poor survival of Abi-treated, but not Doc-treated mCRPC patients, suggesting a therapy specific prognostic value for FSCN1.

Roles of Fascin in Dendritic Cells

Dendritic cells (DCs) are professional antigen-presenting cells that play a crucial role in activating naive T cells through presenting antigen information, thereby influencing immunity and anti-cancer responses. Fascin, a 55-kDa actin-bundling protein, is highly expressed in mature DCs and serves as a marker protein for their identification. However, the precise role of fascin in intratumoral DCs remains poorly understood. In this review, we aim to summarize the role of fascin in both normal and intratumoral DCs. In normal DCs, fascin promotes immune effects through facilitating DC maturation and migration. Through targeting intratumoral DCs, fascin inhibitors enhance anti-tumor immune activity. These roles of fascin in different DC populations offer valuable insights for future research in immunotherapy and strategies aimed at improving cancer treatments.

Actin Bundles Dynamics and Architecture

Cells use the actin cytoskeleton for many of their functions, including their division, adhesion, mechanosensing, endo- and phagocytosis, migration, and invasion. Actin bundles are the main constituent of actin-rich structures involved in these processes. An ever-increasing number of proteins that crosslink actin into bundles or regulate their morphology is being identified in cells. With recent advances in high-resolution microscopy and imaging techniques, the complex process of bundles formation and the multiple forms of physiological bundles are beginning to be better understood. Here, we review the physiochemical and biological properties of four families of highly conserved and abundant actin-bundling proteins, namely, α-actinin, fimbrin/plastin, fascin, and espin. We describe the similarities and differences between these proteins, their role in the formation of physiological actin bundles, and their properties-both related and unrelated to their bundling abilities. We also review some aspects of the general mechanism of actin bundles formation, which are known from the available information on the activity of the key actin partners involved in this process.

The Role of Fascin-1 in Human Urologic Cancers: A Promising Biomarker or Therapeutic Target?

Human cancer statistics show that an increased incidence of urologic cancers such as bladder cancer, prostate cancer, and renal cell carcinoma. Due to the lack of early markers and effective therapeutic targets, their prognosis is poor. Fascin-1 is an actin-binding protein, which functions in the formation of cell protrusions by cross-linking with actin filaments. Studies have found that fascin-1 expression is elevated in most human cancers and is related to outcomes such as neoplasm metastasis, reduced survival, and increased aggressiveness. Fascin-1 has been considered as a potential therapeutic target for urologic cancers, but there is no comprehensive review to evaluate these studies. This review aimed to provide an enhanced literature review, outline, and summarize the mechanism of fascin-1 in urologic cancers and discuss the therapeutic potential of fascin-1 and the possibility of its use as a potential marker. We also focused on the correlation between the overexpression of fascin-1 and clinicopathological parameters. Mechanistically, fascin-1 is regulated by several regulators and signaling pathways (such as long noncoding RNA, microRNA, c-Jun N-terminal kinase, and extracellular regulated protein kinases). The overexpression of fascin-1 is related to clinicopathologic parameters such as pathological stage, bone or lymph node metastasis, and reduced disease-free survival. Several fascin-1 inhibitors (G2, NP-G2-044) have been evaluated in vitro and in preclinical models. The study proved the promising potential of fascin-1 as a newly developing biomarker and a potential therapeutic target that needs further investigation. The data also highlight the inadequacy of fascin-1 to serve as a novel biomarker for prostate cancer.

FSCN1 has a potential indication for the prognosis and regulates the migration of HNSCC

BACKGROUND

The study of molecular markers for diagnosis and prognosis is of great clinical significance for HNSCC patients. In this study, we proposed that FSCN1 has a potential indication for prognosis and is essential for the migration of HNSCC.

METHODS

We analyzed the expression and survival association of FSCN1 in HNSCC using TCGA data. We compared the expression of FSCN1 in tumors from primary and metastasis HNSCC patients using QPCR, western blotting, and immunochemistry staining. We determined the migration velocity of multiple HNSCC cell lines using a chemotaxis migration assay. We analyzed the correlation between FSCN1 expression and HNSCC cell migration. We also test the effect of FSCN1 knockdown and overexpression on HNSCC cell migration.

RESULTS

FSCN1 was overexpressed in HNSCC than pair normal tissues and metastasis HNSCC than primary HNSCC. FSCN1 expression was associated with significantly poorer overall survival of HNSCC patients. FSCN1 was potentially associated with immune cell infiltration and migration-associated genes. FSCN1 level was correlated with the migration in HNSCC cell lines. Knockdown of FSCN1 reduced the migration and the overexpression of FSCN1 promoted the migration of HNSCC cell lines.

CONCLUSION

FSCN1 is a potential prognostic marker and a critical biomolecule for the migration of HNSCC.

Development and validation of an LC-MS/MS method for the quantification of fascin proteins in human serum

Background: Fascin is an actin-bundling protein that has been linked to tumor cell migration, invasion, metastasis, disease progression and mortality, thus serving as a novel cancer biomarker. Bioanalytical methods to measure fascin in biological matrices are sparsely reported, while accurate quantitation of fascin levels may lend support for fascin as a promising therapeutic target. Method: An LC-MS/MS-based method involving protein precipitation, enzymatic digestion and solid phase extraction was developed and validated for the quantitation of fascin in human serum. Linearity over a calibration range of 5-500 ng/ml with a LLOQ of 5 ng/ml, great accuracy and precision, excellent parallelism as well as high extraction recovery were achieved. Conclusion: This method provides a valuable tool for anticancer drug development and cancer treatment.

The role of fascin-1 in the pathogenesis, diagnosis and management of respiratory related cancers

Human cancer statistics report that respiratory related cancers such as lung, laryngeal, oral and nasopharyngeal cancers account for a large proportion of tumors, and tumor metastasis remains the major reason for patient death. The metastasis of tumor cells requires actin cytoskeleton remodeling, in which fascin-1 plays an important role. Fascin-1 can cross-link F-actin microfilaments into bundles and form finger-like cell protrusions. Some studies have shown that fascin-1 is overexpressed in human tumors and is associated with tumor growth, migration and invasion. The role of fascin-1 in respiratory related cancers is not very clear. The main purpose of this study was to provide an updated literature review on the role of fascin-1 in the pathogenesis, diagnosis and management of respiratory related cancers. These studies suggested that fascin-1 can serve as an emerging biomarker and potential therapeutic target, and has attracted widespread attention.

MicroRNA-133 suppresses cell viability and migration of rheumatoid arthritis fibroblast-like synoviocytes by down-regulation of MET, EGFR, and FSCN1 expression

Aberrant proliferation and migration of fibroblast-like synoviocytes (FLS) are major characteristics of rheumatoid arthritis (RA). MicroRNA-133 (miR-133) is a tumor-suppressive miRNA that targets various genes responsive for cell proliferation and migration. The aim of this study was to examine the effect of miR-133 on RA FLS. A high throughput miRNA microarray was performed in synovium from mice with collagen-induced arthritis (CIA). Expression levels of miR-133 and the putative targets were determined in synovium and FLS from patients with RA and mice with CIA. Overexpression of miR-133 in RA FLS was performed by lentiviral vector-mediated transfer of precursor miRNA (pre-miR). The expression of miR-133a/b was decreased in the joint tissue and FLS of CIA mice, as determined by miRNA array and qRT-PCR. Down-regulation of miR-133a/b expression could also be observed in synovium and FLS from patients with RA. Overexpression of miR-133 reduced cell viability and migration of RA FLS, with decreased levels of FSCN1, EGFR, and MET. Our findings demonstrated the inhibitory effects of miR-133 on FLS viability and migration, and might contribute to the pharmacologic development of miR-133 therapeutics in patients with RA.

Fascin-1: Updated biological functions and therapeutic implications in cancer biology

Filopodia are cellular protrusions that respond to a variety of stimuli. Filopodia are formed when actin is bound to the protein Fascin, which may play a crucial role in cellular interactions and motility during cancer metastasis. Significantly, the noncanonical features of Fascin-1 are gradually being clarified, including the related molecular network contributing to metabolic reprogramming, chemotherapy resistance, stemness ac-tivity, and tumor microenvironment events. However, the relationship between biological characteristics and pathological features to identify effective therapeutic strategies needs to be studied further. The pur-pose of this review article is to provide a broad overview of the latest molecular networks and multiomics research regarding fascins and cancer. It also highlights their direct and indirect effects on available cancer treatments. With this multidisciplinary approach, researchers and clinicians can gain the most relevant in-formation on the function of fascins in cancer progression, which may facilitate clinical applications in the future.

Fascin in Gynecological Cancers: An Update of the Literature

Simple Summary

Fascin, an actin-binding protein, is upregulated in different types of human cancers. It is reportedly responsible for increasing the invasive and metastatic ability of cancer cells by reducing cell–cell adhesions. This review provides a brief overview of fascin and its interactions with other genes and oncoviruses to induce the onset and progression of cancer.

Abstract

Fascin is an actin-binding protein that is encoded by the FSCN1 gene (located on chromosome 7). It triggers membrane projections and stimulates cell motility in cancer cells. Fascin overexpression has been described in different types of human cancers in which its expression correlated with tumor growth, migration, invasion, and metastasis. Moreover, overexpression of fascin was found in oncovirus-infected cells, such as human papillomaviruses (HPVs) and Epstein-Barr virus (EBV), disrupting the cell–cell adhesion and enhancing cancer progression. Based on these findings, several studies reported fascin as a potential biomarker and a therapeutic target in various cancers. This review provides a brief overview of the FSCN1 role in various cancers with emphasis on gynecological malignancies. We also discuss fascin interactions with other genes and oncoviruses through which it might induce cancer development and progression.

Fascin-1 and its role as a serological marker in prostate cancer: a prospective case-control study

Aim:

This study aims to investigate any modification of serological FSCN1 in prostate cancer patients compared with patients without neoplasia.

Material & methods:

Clinical data and blood specimens from patients with and without prostate cancer were obtained. A quantitative sandwich ELISA method was used to determine serological values of FSCN1.

Results:

Although serum values of FSCN1 were dissimilar in the two cohorts of patients (6.90 vs 7.33 ng/ml), the difference was not statistically significant (p = 0.20). Serum values of FSCN1 stratified for Gleason score groups were not significantly distinguishable (p = 0.65). A negative correlation (rho = -0.331; p = 0.009) was reported between FSCN1 and age.

Conclusion:

Further studies are required to evaluate a possible diagnostic role of FSCN1 in prostate cancer.

FSCN1 is a potential novel biomarker that we investigated in patients with prostate cancer and evaluated in serum through a quantitative assay. Although FSCN1 serum values were dissimilar between patients with and without prostate cancer (with lower values in the first group), data are currently inconclusive. A negative correlation between FSCN1 and age was instead reported. Further studies are required to investigate a possible diagnostic role of FSCN1.

Fascin as a useful marker for cancer-associated fibroblasts in invasive lung adenocarcinoma

Cancer-associated fibroblasts (CAFs) have been attracting attention in recent years, but their nature has not been fully elucidated. Although CAFs have been recognized as an important therapeutic target, therapeutic agents have not been developed to date. CAFs are characterized by their high migration rate and involvement in epithelial-to-mesenchymal transition with some displaying a dendritic morphology that is reminiscent of fascin expression.The present study was designed to immunohistochemically investigate fascin expression in lung adenocarcinoma including CAFs and compare the results with existing CAF markers.We immunohistochemically investigated fascin expression in not only cancer tissue but also CAFs from 26 autopsy cases of lung adenocarcinoma. Immunohistochemistry of α-smooth muscle actin and fibroblast activation protein was also performed.Fascin-positive staining in CAFs was observed in all cases, with a strong correlation observed with existing CAF markers α-smooth muscle actin and fibroblast activation protein (P < .001). In addition, the proportion of tumor cells showing fascin-positive staining was found to correlate with its expression in CAFs (P < .05).We propose that CAFs express fascin, and that fascin may mediate crosstalk between cancer tissue and CAFs. Fascin might be a novel therapeutic target for treatments that target the cancer stroma.

MiRNA-145 and Its Direct Downstream Targets in Digestive System Cancers: A Promising Therapeutic Target

MicroRNAs (miRNAs) play a vital role in the onset and development of many diseases, including cancers. Emerging evidence shows that numerous miRNAs have the potential to be used as diagnostic biomarkers for cancers, and miRNA-based therapy may be a promising therapy for the treatment of malignant neoplasm. MicroRNA-145 (miR-145) has been considered to play certain roles in various cellular processes, such as proliferation, differentiation and apoptosis, via modulating the expression of direct target genes. Recent reports show that miR-145 participates in the progression of digestive system cancers, and plays crucial and novel roles in cancer treatment. In this review, we summarize the recent knowledge concerning the function of miR-145 and its direct targets in digestive system cancers. We discuss the potential role of miR-145 as a valuable biomarker for digestive system cancers and how miR-145 regulates these digestive system cancers via different targets to explore the potential strategy of targeting miR-145.

The effect of fascin 1 inhibition on head and neck squamous cell carcinoma cells

Fascin 1 plays important pro-metastatic roles in head and neck carcinoma (HNSCC) migration, invasion, and metastasis. However, limited advancement in targeting metastasis remains a major obstacle in improving HNSCC patients' survival. Therefore, we assessed the therapeutic potential of fascin 1 targeted inhibition and its potential prognostic value in HNSCC patients. Using in vitro and in vivo approaches, we investigated the effect of compound G2, a novel fascin 1 inhibitor, on HNSCC cells migration, invasion, and metastasis. High-throughput screening (HTS) was used to assess cytotoxic activity of compound G2 alone or combined with irradiation. We also evaluated the prognostic potential of fascin 1 in HNSCC patients. Interestingly, compound G2 reduced carcinoma cells migration and invasion in vitro and inhibited metastasis in vivo. Moreover, HTS revealed a modest cytotoxic activity of the compound G2 on HNSCC cell lines. Irradiation did not synergistically enhance the compound G2-mediated cytotoxic activity. Survival analyses showed that high fascin 1 immunoexpression, at the tumor invasive front, was associated with cancer-specific mortality in the advanced stages of HNSCC. Collectively, our findings suggest that fascin 1 represents a promising anti-metastatic therapeutic target and a useful prognostic marker in patients with HNSCC. Novel anti-metastatic agents could provide a valuable addition to cancer therapy.

Fascin Inhibitors Decrease Cell Migration and Adhesion While Increase Overall Survival of Mice Bearing Bladder Cancers

Simple Summary

Fascin is an actin-bundling protein, and is highly expressed in metastatic tumor cells. Small molecule fascin inhibitors have been recently developed to block tumor cell migration, invasion, and metastasis. Here we have tested a new fascin inhibitor on bladder cancer cells, and showed the inhibitory effects of the fascin inhibitor on bladder cancer cell migration, adhesion, and primary tumor growth. Therefore, fascin inhibitors might provide clinical benefits to bladder cancer patients.

Abstract

Bladder cancer is one of the most common cancers in the world. Early stage bladder tumors can be surgically removed, but these patients usually have relapses. When bladder cancer becomes metastatic, survival is very low. There is an urgent need for new treatments for metastatic bladder cancers. Here, we report that a new fascin inhibitor decreases the migration and adhesion of bladder cancer cells. Furthermore, this inhibitor decreases the primary tumor growth and increases the overall survival of mice bearing bladder cancers, alone, as well as in combination with the chemotherapy medication, cisplatin, or the immune checkpoint inhibitor, anti-PD-1 antibody. These data suggest that fascin inhibitors can be explored as a new treatment for bladder cancers.

Incaspitolide A isolated from Carpesium cernuum L. inhibits the growth of prostate cancer cells and induces apoptosis via regulation of the PI3K/Akt/xIAP pathway

Carpesium cernuum L. is a traditional medicine primarily used in Southwestern China, and it has been shown to exhibit a range of biological properties, including anti-inflammatory and antitumor activities. Incaspitolide A (IA) is a sesquiterpene isolated from C. cernuum L. The aim of the present study was to investigate the antiproliferative effects of IA on PC-3 prostate cancer cells and determine the underlying mechanism. Results from a Cell Counting Kit-8 assay demonstrated that IA significantly reduced the numbers of viable PC-3 cells in a time and dose-dependent manner. Phase-contrast microscopy revealed that the number and morphology of cells were markedly altered. Hoechst and EdU staining assays showed that IA reduced the proliferation of PC-3 cells. Flow cytometry analysis revealed that IA arrested cell cycle progression at the S phase and promoted cell apoptosis in a dose-dependent manner. Western blot analysis demonstrated that treatment with IA resulted in downregulation of phosphorylated (p-) PI3K, p-Akt, X-linked inhibitor of apoptosis (xIAP), CKD2, cyclin A2 and pro-Caspase-3 protein expression, and upregulation of cleaved poly(ADP-ribose) polymerase and P53 expression. The present results suggested that IA inhibited the growth of PC-3 cells and induced apoptosis. The underlying mechanism appeared to involve the inhibition of the PI3K/Akt/xIAP pathway. The present study indicated that IA may serve as a therapeutic for the management of prostate cancer and provided a theoretical basis for the pathogenesis of prostate cancer.

Fascin actin-bundling protein 1 in human cancer: promising biomarker or therapeutic target?

Fascin actin-bundling protein 1 (FSCN1) is a highly conserved actin-bundling protein that cross links F-actin microfilaments into tight, parallel bundles. Elevated FSCN1 levels have been reported in many types of human cancers and have been correlated with aggressive clinical progression, poor prognosis, and survival outcomes. The overexpression of FSCN1 in cancer cells has been associated with tumor growth, migration, invasion, and metastasis. Currently, FSCN1 is recognized as a candidate biomarker for multiple cancer types and as a potential therapeutic target. The aim of this study was to provide a brief overview of the FSCN1 gene and protein structure and elucidate on its actin-bundling activity and physiological functions. The main focus was on the role of FSCN1 and its upregulatory mechanisms and significance in cancer cells. Up-to-date studies on FSCN1 as a novel biomarker and therapeutic target for human cancers are reviewed. It is shown that FSCN1 is an unusual biomarker and a potential therapeutic target for cancer.

Mitochondrial Transfer in Cancer: A Comprehensive Review

Depending on their tissue of origin, genetic and epigenetic marks and microenvironmental influences, cancer cells cover a broad range of metabolic activities that fluctuate over time and space. At the core of most metabolic pathways, mitochondria are essential organelles that participate in energy and biomass production, act as metabolic sensors, control cancer cell death, and initiate signaling pathways related to cancer cell migration, invasion, metastasis and resistance to treatments. While some mitochondrial modifications provide aggressive advantages to cancer cells, others are detrimental. This comprehensive review summarizes the current knowledge about mitochondrial transfers that can occur between cancer and nonmalignant cells. Among different mechanisms comprising gap junctions and cell-cell fusion, tunneling nanotubes are increasingly recognized as a main intercellular platform for unidirectional and bidirectional mitochondrial exchanges. Understanding their structure and functionality is an important task expected to generate new anticancer approaches aimed at interfering with gains of functions (e.g., cancer cell proliferation, migration, invasion, metastasis and chemoresistance) or damaged mitochondria elimination associated with mitochondrial transfer.

Formin homology domains of Daam1 bind to Fascin and collaboratively promote pseudopodia formation and cell migration in breast cancer

OBJECTIVES

Cancer cell migration to secondary organs remains an essential cause of death among breast cancer (BrCa) patients. Cell motility mainly relies on actin dynamics. Our previous reports verified that dishevelled-associated activator of morphogenesis 1 (Daam1) regulates invadopodia extension and BrCa cell motility. However, how Daam1 is involved in actin filament assembly and promotes pseudopodia formation in BrCa cells remains unclear.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

One hundred human BrCa samples were collected at Women's Hospital of Nanjing Medical University. Immunohistochemistry (IHC) was used to examine Daam1 and Fascin expression. Wound healing and Boyden chamber assays were used to explore cell migration and pseudopodia extension of BrCa cells. Co-IP/pull down and Western blotting were performed to study the physical interaction between Daam1 and Fascin. Immunofluorescence assays were performed to observe whether Daam1 and Fascin were colocalized and mediated actin filament assembly.

RESULTS

Fascin was upregulated in BrCa tissues compared with that in paracarcinoma tissues. The downregulation of Fascin caused a decline in pseudopodia formation and cell motility. Moreover, we found that Daam1 interacted with Fascin via formin homology (FH) domains, especially the FH2 domain. Immunofluorescence assays showed that Daam1 and Fascin partially colocalized to actin filaments, and the knockdown of Daam1 or Fascin failed to colocalize to short and curved actin filaments.

CONCLUSIONS

Daam1 specifically binds to Fascin via FH domains and cooperatively facilitates pseudopodia formation and cell migration by promoting actin filament assembly in BrCa.

Anti-Metastasis Fascin Inhibitors Decrease the Growth of Specific Subtypes of Cancers

Fascin is an actin-bundling protein that is critical for filopodial formation and other cellular cytoskeletal structures. An elevated expression of fascin has been observed in tumor cells and is correlated with a shorter survival of cancer patients. Given its roles in tumor cell migration and invasion, we have developed small-molecule fascin inhibitors to prevent and delay tumor metastasis. Here we report the characterization of a new fascin inhibitor in mice. In addition to its inhibitory effects on tumor metastasis, we also report that fascin inhibitors can decrease the growth of specific subtypes of cancers, including epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR)-high triple-negative breast cancer, and activated B-cell subtypes of diffuse large B-cell lymphoma. Hence, fascin inhibitors can be used to not only inhibit tumor metastasis, but also decrease the tumor growth of specific cancer types.

Protein Expression Analysis of an In Vitro Murine Model of Prostate Cancer Progression: Towards Identification of High-Potential Therapeutic Targets

Background: Prostate cancer (PC) is the most frequently diagnosed cancer among men worldwide. The poor prognosis of PC is largely due to late diagnosis of the disease when it has progressed to advanced stages marked by androgen-independence. We interrogated proteomic signatures that embody the transition of PC from an androgen-dependent (AD) to an androgen-independent (AI) state. Methods: We have previously established AD and AI murine PC cell lines, PLum-AD and PLum-AI, respectively, which recapitulate primary and progressive PC at phenotypic and subcellular levels. We statistically surveyed global protein expression profiles in these cell lines. Differential profiles were functionally interrogated by pathways and protein–protein interaction network analyses. Results: Protein expression pattern analysis revealed a total of 683 proteins, among which 99 were significantly differentially altered in PLum-AI cells as compared to PLum-AD cells (45 increased and 54 decreased). Principal component analysis (PCA) revealed that the two different cell lines clearly separated apart, indicating a significant proteome expression difference between them. Four of the proteins (vimentin, catalase, EpCAM, and caspase 3) that were differentially expressed in PLum-AI cells compared to PLum-AD cells were subjected to biochemical validation by Western blotting. Biological process gene ontology (GO) analysis of the differentially expressed proteins demonstrated enrichment of biological functions and pathways in PLum-AI cells that are central to PI3 kinase and androgen receptor pathways. Besides, other relevant biological processes that are enriched in PLum-AI cells included cell adhesion and cell migration processes, cell and DNA damage, apoptosis, and cell cycle regulation. Conclusions: Our protein expression analysis of a murine in vitro model of PC progression identified differential protein spots that denote this progression and that comprise high-potential targets for early treatment of PC with a personalized patient-specific approach. Efforts are underway to functionally assess the potential roles of these proteins as therapeutic targets for PC progression.

The Inflammatory Milieu of Adamantinomatous Craniopharyngioma and Its Implications for Treatment

Pediatric Adamantinomatous Craniopharyngiomas (ACPs) are histologically benign brain tumors that often follow an aggressive clinical course. Their suprasellar location leaves them in close proximity to critical neurological and vascular structures and often results in significant neuroendocrine morbidity. Current treatment paradigms, involving surgical resection and radiotherapy, confer significant morbidity to patients and there is an obvious need to discover effective and safe alternative treatments. Recent years have witnessed significant efforts to fully detail the genomic, transcriptomic and proteomic make-up of these tumors, in an attempt to identify potential therapeutic targets. These studies have resulted in ever mounting evidence that inflammatory processes and the immune response play a critical role in the pathogenesis of both the solid and cystic portion of ACPs. Several inflammatory and immune markers have been identified in both the cyst fluid and solid tumor tissue of ACP. Due to the existence of effective agents that target them, IL-6 and immune checkpoint inhibitors seem to present the most likely immediate candidates for clinical trials of targeted immune-related therapy in ACP. If effective, such agents may result in a paradigm shift in treatment that ultimately reduces morbidity and results in better outcomes for our patients.

The Emerging Role of Cytoskeletal Proteins as Reliable Biomarkers

Cytoskeletal proteins are essential building blocks of cells. More than 100 cytoskeletal and cytoskeleton-associated proteins are known and for some, their function and regulation are understood in great detail. Apart from cell shape and support, they facilitate many processes such as intracellular signaling and transport, and cancer related processes such as proliferation, migration, and invasion. During the last decade, comparative proteomic studies have identified cytoskeletal proteins as in vitro markers for tumor progression and metastasis. Here, these results are summarized and a number of unrelated studies are highlighted, identifying the same cytoskeletal proteins as potential biomarkers. These findings might indicate that the abundance of these potential markers of tumor progression is associated with the biological outcome and are independent of the cancer origin. This correlates well with recently published results from the Cancer Genome Atlas, indicating that cancers show remarkable similarities in their analyzed molecular information, independent of their organ of origin. It is postulated that the quantification of cytoskeletal proteins in healthy tissues, tumors, in adjacent tissues, and in stroma, is a great source of molecular information, which might not only be used to classify tumors, but more importantly to predict patients' outcome or even best treatment choices.

Investigation of candidate molecular biomarkers for expression profile analysis of the Gene expression omnibus (GEO) in acute lymphocytic leukemia (ALL)

Much progress has been made in understanding the mechanism of acute lymphocytic leukemia (ALL). However, for adult ALL, there is still a lack of an effective treatment. In the present study, we first used the Gene Expression Omnibus (GEO) database to identify differentially expressed genes (DEGs) between ALL cell lines and Hodgkin and non-Hodgkin cell lines. Then, the GEO database was also used to detect the DEGs in acute lymphoblastic leukemia (Reh) cells transfected with a normal control or a constitutively active variant of the IkB kinase β. Finally, we found that three key DEGs (CCL5, FSCN1, and HS3ST1) are involved in proliferation and apoptosis according to Gene Ontology (GO) and Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes Genomes (KEGG) pathway analyses. Finally, we determined that all three target genes that participate in proliferation and apoptosis are regulated via the NF-kB signaling pathway.

The involvement of FBP1 in prostate cancer cell epithelial mesenchymal transition, invasion and metastasis by regulating the MAPK signaling pathway

Prostate cancer (PCa) is a frequently occurring malignancy in males, and epithelial mesenchymal transition (EMT) plays a critical role in PCa metastasis. Thus, developing biomarkers inhibiting EMT may provide significance for treatment of PCa. Hence, the aim of the current study was to investigate the mechanism by which FBP1 gene silencing influences PCa cell EMT, invasion and metastasis by mediating the MAPK pathway. PCa cell lines exhibiting the highest FBP1 expression were selected and treated with plasmids of siRNA-FBP1 sequence 1 and 2, pcDNA3.1-Flag-FBP1 (over-expression plasmid of FBP1), U0126 (an inhibitor of the ERK signaling pathway) and PD98059 (an inhibitor of the MEK signaling pathway). Cell proliferation, migration and invasion were detected by MTT assay, wound healing assay and Transwell assay, respectively. The mRNA and protein expression of related factors of EMT and MAPK signaling were determined by RT-qPCR and western blot analysis, respectively. Xenograft tumor growth after inoculation of DU145 cells was regularly analyzed in the nude mice. The positive expression of EMT markers was determined by immunohistochemistry. DU-145 and PC-3 cells displaying the highest FBP1 expression were selected for further analysis. The PCa cells treated with siRNA-FBP1 exhibited increased proliferation, migration rate and invasion, in addition to facilitated xenograft tumor growth. Notably, siRNA-FBP1 was identified to accelerate PCa cell EMT by elevating the expression of Vimentin and N-cadherin while diminishing E-cadherin expression via activation of the MAPK signaling pathway. The aforementioned results were reversed in PCa cells treated by pcDNA3.1-Flag-FBP1. Evidence has been provided in this study that FBP1 gene silencing activates the MAPK pathway, which ultimately promotes cell EMT, invasion and metastasis in PCa.

Whole transcriptome sequencing identifies crucial genes associated with colon cancer and elucidation of their possible mechanisms of action

PURPOSE

This study aimed to investigate the key long non-coding RNAs (lncRNAs) associated with colon cancer and elucidate their possible mechanisms of action.

PATIENTS AND METHODS

Eight early-stage (ES) colon tumor tissues, eight late-stage (LS) colon tumor tissues, and eight normal tissues were collected, and they were subjected to high-throughput RNA sequencing. Subsequently, comprehensive bioinformatics analyses, including the identification of differentially expressed mRNAs and lncRNAs, functional enrichment analysis, and construction of a protein-protein interaction network and an miRNA-lncRNA-mRNA regulatory network were performed. Additionally, the expression of key lncRNAs was verified using real-time quantitative PCR (qPCR).

RESULTS

In total, 549 common differentially expressed mRNAs and 30 common differentially expressed lncRNAs were identified in both the ES and LS colon cancer samples upon comparison with the normal samples. Functional enrichment analysis showed that KIAA0125 was significantly enriched in the PI3K-Akt signaling pathway and that MSTRG.35002.1 was markedly enriched in BMP signaling-related functions. Moreover, key miRNA-lncRNA-mRNA relationships, such as hsa-miR-29b-3p-KIAA0125-BCL2 and hsa-miR-29b-3p-MSTRG.35002.1-MMP2, were identified. Notably, the qPCR assay confirmed that KIAA0125 and MSTRG.35002.1 were significantly downregulated in both ES and LS colon tumor tissues compared with normal colon tissues.

CONCLUSION

Our findings indicate that key lncRNAs, including KIAA0125 and MSTRG.35002.1, may be involved in colorectal cancer (CRC) development. Downregulation of KIAA0125 may contribute to CRC development via sponging of hsa-miR-29b-3p to regulate BCL2 expression or regulating the PI3K-Akt signaling pathway. Downregulation of MSTRG.35002.1 may promote CRC development via sponging of hsa-miR-29b-3p to regulate MMP2 expression or regulating the BMP signaling pathway.

Fascin-1 enhances experimental osteosarcoma tumor formation and metastasis and is related to poor patient outcome

Background

Fascin-1, a prominent actin-bundling protein, is found to be upregulated in several human carcinomas. While it is accepted that Fascin-1 expression correlates with poor clinical outcome and decreased survival in various carcinomas, its role in sarcoma such as osteosarcoma (OS) remains unknown. In the present study, we evaluated the prognostic value and biological relevance of Fascin-1 in OS.

Methods

The correlation between Fascin-1 expression and the outcome of OS patients was determined by immunohistochemistry analysis of Fascin-1 expression in a tissue microarray of OS tissue specimens collected during primary tumor resection. To examine the effect of Fascin-1, shRNA and overexpression technology to alter Fascin-1 levels in OS cells were used in cellular assays as well as in intratibial xenograft OS models in SCID mice.

Results

Kaplan-Meier survival analysis of Fascin-1 expression in OS tumor specimens revealed a direct relationship between Fascin-1 expression and poor patient survival. Furthermore, overexpression of Fascin-1 in OS cells significantly increased their migratory capacity as well as the activity of the matrix metalloprotease MMP-9, known to be critical for the execution of metastasis. Finally, using relevant xenograft mouse models, orthotopic intratibial transplantation of two different OS cell lines overexpressing Fascin-1 promoted tumor growth and lung metastasis.

Conclusions

Collectively, our findings demonstrate for the first time that Fascin-1 has considerable potential as a novel prognostic biomarker in OS, and suggest that targeting of Fascin-1 might be a new anti-metastatic strategy in OS patient treatment.

Electronic supplementary material

The online version of this article (10.1186/s12885-019-5303-3) contains supplementary material, which is available to authorized users.

Regulatory mechanisms of miR-145 expression and the importance of its function in cancer metastasis

MicroRNAs are post-transcriptional mediators of gene expression and regulation, which play influential roles in tumorigenesis and cancer metastasis. The expression of tumor suppressor miR-145 is reduced in various cancer cell lines, containing both solid tumors and blood malignancies. However, the responsible mechanisms of its down-regulation are a complicated network. miR-145 is potentially able to inhbit tumor cell metastasis by targeting of multiple oncogenes, including MUC1, FSCN1, Vimentin, Cadherin, Fibronectin, Metadherin, GOLM1, ARF6, SMAD3, MMP11, Snail1, ZEB1/2, HIF-1α and Rock-1. This distinctive role of miR-145 in the regulation of metastasis-related gene expression may introduce miR-145 as an ideal candidate for controlling of cancer metastasis by miRNA replacement therapy. The present review aims to discuss the current understanding of the different aspects of molecular mechanisms of miR-145 regulation as well as its role in r metastasis regulation.

Structural Insights into the Induced-fit Inhibition of Fascin by a Small-Molecule Inhibitor

Tumor metastasis is responsible for ~90% of all cancer deaths. One of the key steps of tumor metastasis is tumor cell migration and invasion. Filopodia are cell surface extensions that are critical for tumor cell migration. Fascin protein is the main actin-bundling protein in filopodia. Small-molecule fascin inhibitors block tumor cell migration, invasion, and metastasis. Here we present the structural basis for the mechanism of action of these small-molecule fascin inhibitors. X-ray crystal structural analysis of a complex of fascin and a fascin inhibitor shows that binding of the fascin inhibitor to the hydrophobic cleft between the domains 1 and 2 of fascin induces a ~35^o rotation of domain 1, leading to the distortion of both the actin-binding sites 1 and 2 on fascin. Furthermore, the crystal structures of an inhibitor alone indicate that the conformations of the small-molecule inhibitors are dynamic. Mutations of the inhibitor-interacting residues decrease the sensitivity of fascin to the inhibitors. Our studies provide structural insights into the molecular mechanism of fascin protein function as well as the action of small-molecule fascin inhibitors.

FSCN1 predicts survival and is regulated by a PI3K-dependent mechanism in renal cell carcinoma

While overexpression of FSCN1 is reported in several cancers, the prognostic significance of FSCN1 in renal cell carcinoma (RCC) and the molecular mechanisms involved remain largely unclear. We retrospectively enrolled 194 patients with non-metastatic clear-cell RCC undergoing nephrectomy in our center between 2008 and 2011. FSCN1 expression was assessed by immunohistochemical staining and its association with clinicopathologic features and survival were evaluated. Functional effects of a modulated FSCN1 expression were analyzed with regard to invasion in RCC cell lines and metastasis in vivo. Here, we reported that FSCN1 was up-regulated in RCC tissues compared to non-tumor tissues, and associated with poor overall survival and recurrence-free survival. Its expression was not associated with age, tumor size, and clinical TNM stage. The incorporation of FSCN1 into the T stage and histologic grade would help to refine individual risk stratification. Preclinical studies using multiple RCC cells and orthotopic xenografts mice model indicated that FSCN1 could promote RCC cell invasion in vitro, and metastasis in vivo. Mechanistically, overexpression of FSCN1 led to an up-regulation of MMP9 and N-Cadherin. Notably, treating RCC cells with PI3 K/AKT inhibitors or knockdown GSK-3β decreased the expression of FSCN1, and then attenuated RCC invasion. Together, our results demonstrate that FSCN as an oncogene is a potential novel prognostic biomarker for RCC patients after nephrectomy, and can promote RCC metastasis.

Docosahexaenoic acid inhibits 12-O-tetradecanoylphorbol-13- acetate-induced fascin-1-dependent breast cancer cell migration by suppressing the PKCδ- and Wnt-1/β-catenin-mediated pathways

Fascin-1, an actin-bundling protein, plays an important role in cancer cell migration and invasion; however, the underlying mechanism remains unclear. On the basis of a 12-O-tetradecanoylphorbol 13-acetate (TPA)-induced cell migration model, it was shown that TPA increased fascin-1 mRNA and protein expression and fascin-1-dependent cell migration. TPA dose- and time-dependently increased PKCδ and STAT3α activation and GSK3β phosphorylation; up-regulated Wnt-1, β-catenin, and STAT3α expression; and increased the nuclear translocation of β-catenin and STAT3α. Rottlerin, a PKCδ inhibitor, abrogated the increases in STAT3α activation and β-catenin and fascin-1 expression. WP1066, a STAT3 inhibitor, suppressed TPA-induced STAT3α DNA binding activity and β-catenin expression. Knockdown of β-catenin attenuated TPA-induced fascin-1 and STAT3α expression as well as cell migration. In addition to MCF-7, migration of Hs578T breast cancer cells was inhibited by silencing fascin-1, β-catenin, and STAT3α expression as well. TPA also induced Wnt-1 expression and secretion, and blocking Wnt-1 signaling abrogated β-catenin induction. DHA pretreatment attenuated TPA-induced cell migration, PKCδ and STAT3α activation, GSK3β phosphorylation, and Wnt-1, β-catenin, STAT3α, and fascin-1 expression. Our results demonstrated that TPA-induced migration is likely associated with the PKCδ and Wnt-1 pathways, which lead to STAT3α activation, GSK3β inactivation, and β-catenin increase and up-regulation of fascin-1 expression. Moreover, the anti-metastatic potential of DHA is partly attributed to its suppression of TPA-activated PKCδ and Wnt-1 signaling.

Fascin is secreted in male's serum: results of a pilot study

Aim:

Fascin is a 55 kDa globular protein with an important role in cell migration. Aim of study was to investigate serum fascin in healthy males.

Materials & methods:

From 1 July 2016 to 31 December 2016, we collected serum from 46 males. Serum fascin level was performed using ELISA kit from USBiological (Salem, MA, USA).

Results:

Median age was 64 years. Mean fascin serum level was 9.84 ng/ml, mean prostate-specific antigen (PSA) was 2.74 ng/ml and mean prostate volume was 37.64 cc. The 51–60 years group had a mean of 10.53 ng/ml, the 61–70 group a mean of 9.7 ng/ml and the 71–80 group had a mean of 9.41 ng/ml fascin serum level.

Conclusion:

Fascin serum level did not differ according to age in males.

Fascin protein was previously associated with high-grade malignancies. This study presents the determination of fascin serum levels in 46 healthy males, providing a reference number in further determinations. The patients were divided into three subgroups according to age. The study presents the mean levels of each group, in association with PSA level and the mean prostate volumes. In conclusion, the study states that fascin is secreted in healthy male controls and the levels did not differ according to age.

FSCN1 gene polymorphisms: biomarkers for the development and progression of breast cancer

Breast cancer is a major cause of cancer mortality worldwide. Fascin-1 (FSCN1) is an actin-binding protein found in mammalian cells, including endothelial, neuronal and mesenchymal cells. FSCN1 overexpression has been indicated in breast cancer patients. However, scant information is available regarding the association between FSCN1 single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) and the risk or prognosis of breast cancer. We report on the association between 6 SNPs of the FSCN1 gene (rs56156320, rs8772, rs3801004, rs2966447, rs852479 and rs1640233) and breast cancer susceptibility as well as clinical outcomes in 316 patients with breast cancer and in 222 healthy controls. Carriers of the AC or AC + CC allele of the variant rs56156320 were at greater risk of breast cancer compared with wild-type (AA) carriers. Moreover, carriers of at least one G allele in rs3801004 were likely to progress to stage III/IV disease and lymph node metastasis. Individuals with at least one T allele at FSCN1 SNP rs2966447 were at higher risk of developing pathologic grade G3 disease. Furthermore, individuals bearing the C/C haplotype at SNPs rs56156320 and rs3801004 had nearly twice the risk of breast cancer. Our results indicate that genetic variations in the FSCN1 gene may serve as an important predictor of early-stage breast cancer.

The meta and bioinformatics analysis of fascin expression in gastric cancer: a potential marker for aggressiveness and worse prognosis

Fascin is a FSCN1-encoded actin bundling protein, and positively associated with proliferation, migration and metastasis of malignancies. Here, we performed a systematic meta and bioinformatics analysis through multiple online databases up to March 14, 2017. We found up-regulated fascin expression in gastric cancer, compared with normal mucosa (p<0.05). Fascin expression was positively with lymph node metastasis, TNM staging and worse prognosis of gastric cancer (p<0.05). According to bioinformatics database, FSCN1 mRNA expression was higher in gastric cancer than normal tissues (p<0.05). According to Kaplan-Meier plotter, we found that a higher FSCN1 expression was negatively correlated with overall and progression-free survival rates of all cancer patients, even stratified by aggressive parameters (p<0.05). These findings indicated that fascin expression might be employed as a potential marker to indicate gastric carcinogenesis and subsequent progression, even prognosis.

MicroRNA‑663 suppresses the proliferation and invasion of colorectal cancer cells by directly targeting FSCN1

Colorectal cancer (CRC) is the most frequently diagnosed malignancy of the gastrointestinal tract. The dysregulation of microRNAs (miRNAs/miRs) has been reported in the majority of types of human cancer, and is correlated with tumorigenesis and tumor development. Abnormal expression of miR‑663 has been observed in various types of human cancer. However, little is known about its role in CRC. Therefore, the aim of the present study was to clarify the expression and potential role of miR‑663, and its underlying molecular mechanism in CRC. It was observed that miR‑663 was markedly downregulated in CRC tissues and cell lines. Decreased miR‑663 expression levels in CRC tissues were correlated with tumor, node, metastasis stage and lymph node metastasis. Functional assays revealed that upregulation of miR‑663 inhibited cell proliferation and invasion in CRC. Further molecular mechanism assays demonstrated the fascin (FSCN1) was a target gene of miR‑663. In addition, FSCN1 was increased and negatively correlated with miR‑663 expression in CRC tissues. FSCN1 underexpression mimicked the tumor suppressive functions induced by miR‑663 overexpression on CRC cell proliferation and invasion. Collectively, the present study presented evidence that miR‑663 may act as a tumor suppressor in CRC by directly targeting FSCN1, which may lead to a potential therapeutic strategy focusing on miR‑663 and FSCN1 for patients with this disease.

How myosin organization of the actin cytoskeleton contributes to the cancer phenotype

The human genome contains 39 genes that encode myosin heavy chains, classified on the basis of their sequence similarity into 12 classes. Most cells express at least 12 different genes, from at least 8 different classes, which are typically composed of several class 1 genes, at least one class 2 gene and classes 5, 6, 9, 10, 18 and 19. Although the different myosin isoforms all have specific and non-overlapping roles in the cell, in combination they all contribute to the organization of the actin cytoskeleton, and the shape and phenotype of the cell. Over (or under) expression of these different myosin isoforms can have strong effects on actin organization, cell shape and contribute to the cancer phenotype as discussed in this review.

20(S)-Rg3 blocked epithelial-mesenchymal transition through DNMT3A/miR-145/FSCN1 in ovarian cancer

Epithelial-mesenchymal transition (EMT) is one of the key mechanisms mediating cancer progression. MicroRNAs (miRs) are essential regulators of gene expression by suppressing translation or causing degradation of target mRNA. Growing evidence illustrates the crucial roles of miRs dysregulation in cancer development and progression. Here, we have found for the first time that the ginsenoside 20(S)-Rg3, a pharmacologically active component of Panax ginseng, potently increases miR-145 expression by downregulating methyltransferase DNMT3A to attenuate the hypermethylation of the promoter region in the miR-145 precursor gene. Restoration of DNMT3A reverses the inhibitory effect of 20(S)-Rg3 on EMT. FSCN1 is verified as the target of miR-145 to suppress EMT in human ovarian cancer cells. The results from nude mouse xenograft models further demonstrate the suppressive effect of miR-145 on malignant progression of ovarian cancer. Taken together, our results show that 20(S)-Rg3 blocks EMT by targeting DNMT3A/miR-145/FSCN1 pathway in ovarian cancer cells, highlighting the potentiality of 20(S)-Rg3 to be used as a therapeutic agent for ovarian cancer.

Analysis of Fascin-1 in Relation to Gleason Risk Classification and Nuclear ETS-Related Gene Status of Human Prostate Carcinomas: An Immunohistochemical Study of Clinically Annotated Tumours From the Wales Cancer Bank

Although prostate-specific antigen (PSA) testing can identify early-stage prostate cancers, additional biomarkers are needed for risk stratification. In one study, high levels of the actin-bundling protein, fascin-1, were correlated with lethal-phase, hormone-refractory prostate cancer. Analyses of independent samples are needed to establish the value of fascin-1 as a possible biomarker. We examined fascin-1 by immunohistochemistry in tumour specimens from the Wales Cancer Bank in comparison with nuclear-located ETS-related gene (ERG), an emerging marker for aggressive prostate cancer. Fascin-1 was elevated in focal areas of a minority of tumours, yet fascin-1-positivity did not differentiate tumours of low-, intermediate-, or high-risk Gleason scores and did not correlate with PSA status or biochemical relapse after surgery. Stromal fascin-1 correlated with high Gleason score. Nuclear ERG was upregulated in tumours but not in stroma. The complexities of fascin-1 status indicate that fascin-1 is unlikely to provide a suitable biomarker for prediction of aggressive prostate cancers.

Regulation of actin-binding protein ANLN by antitumor miR-217 inhibits cancer cell aggressiveness in pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma

Analysis of our microRNA (miRNA) expression signature of pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma (PDAC) revealed that microRNA-217 (miR-217) was significantly reduced in cancer tissues. The aim of this study was to investigate the antitumor roles of miR-217 in PDAC cells and to identify miR-217-mediated molecular pathways involved in PDAC aggressiveness. The expression levels of miR-217 were significantly reduced in PDAC clinical specimens. Ectopic expression of miR-217 significantly suppressed cancer cell migration and invasion. Transcription of actin-binding protein Anillin (coded by ANLN) was detected by our in silico and gene expression analyses. Moreover, luciferase reporter assays showed that ANLN was a direct target of miR-217 in PDAC cells. Overexpression of ANLN was detected in PDAC clinical specimens by real-time PCR methods and immunohistochemistry. Interestingly, Kaplan-Meier survival curves showed that high expression of ANLN predicted shorter survival in patients with PDAC by TCGA database analysis. Silencing ANLN expression markedly inhibited cancer cell migration and invasion capabilities of PDAC cell lines. We further investigated ANLN-mediated downstream pathways in PDAC cells. "Focal adhesion" and "Regulation of actin binding protein" were identified as ANLN-modulated downstream pathways in PDAC cells. Identification of antitumor miR-217/ANLN-mediated PDAC pathways will provide new insights into the potential mechanisms underlying the aggressive course of PDAC.

The prognostic importance of TGF-β, TGF-β receptor, and fascin in childhood solid tumors

Fascin plays a role in tumor metastasis under the influence of TGF-β, each potentiating the effect of the other. We retrospectively investigated whether there was a prognostic relationship between TGF-β and fascin, and disease stage, local recurrence, metastasis tendency, and response to treatment. Twelve neuroblastomas, 17 osteosarcomas, 14 Ewing's sarcomas, 15 rhabdomyosarcoma cases, and 8 rare solid tumors were included. Serum TGF-β levels were high at the time of diagnosis in all groups (p = .015) and decreased significantly during remission (p = .008). Serum TGF-β values in the relapse period rarely reached high levels at the time of diagnosis and even stayed under the control group values (p = .017). When TGF-β receptor expression in tumor tissues was evaluated, the association of TGF-β receptor positivity with metastatic disease and advanced stage was striking. We found that 88% of rhabdomyosarcoma cases with alveolar histopathology expressed the TGF-β receptor, and the association between TGF-β receptor positivity and alveolar histopathology seemed to be a negative prognostic marker. When fascin levels were evaluated in childhood solid tumor tissue, the risk of relapse increased when the fascin total score at diagnosis was >4. This is one of the few studies including prognostic markers such as serum TGF-β, tissue TGF-β, TGF-β receptor, and fascin in pediatric solid tumors. Considering the poor prognosis of advanced stage pediatric solid tumors and the need for biomarkers to predict which patient might need more intensive therapy or warrant closer follow-up afterward, we think that TGF-β, TGF-β receptor, and fascin expression have an important prognostic role.

Insights into a novel nuclear function for Fascin in the regulation of the amino-acid transporter SLC3A2

Fascin 1 (FSCN1) is a cytoskeleton-associated protein recognized to function primarily in the regulation of cytoskeleton structure and formation of plasma membrane protrusions. Here we report a novel nuclear function for Fascin 1. Biochemical studies and genome wide localization using ChIP-seq identified phosphorylated Fascin 1 (pFascin) in complexes associated with transcription and that it co-localizes with histone H3 Lys4 trimethylation (H3K4me3) on chromatin. Gene expression profiling identified genes affected by Fascin 1 including SLC3A2, a gene encoding for a plasma membrane transporter that regulates intracellular amino acid levels. RbBP5, a subunit of the H3K4 histone methyltransferase (HMT) complex was found to interact with Fascin 1 supporting its role in H3K4me3 establishment at target genes. Moreover, we show that changes to SLC3A2 levels affect amino acid-mediated mTORC1 activation. These results reveal that Fascin 1 has a yet undiscovered nuclear function as an epigenetic modulator of genes essential for amino acid metabolism.

Improving fascin inhibitors to block tumor cell migration and metastasis

Tumor metastasis is the major cause of mortality of cancer patients, being responsible for ∼90% of all cancer deaths. One of the key steps during tumor metastasis is tumor cell migration which requires actin cytoskeletal reorganization. Among the critical actin cytoskeletal protrusion structures are antenna-like filopodia. Fascin protein is the main actin-bundling protein in filopodia. Here we report the development of fascin-specific small-molecules that inhibit the interaction between fascin and actin. These inhibitors block the in vitro actin-binding and actin-bundling activities of fascin, tumor cell migration and tumor metastasis in mouse models. Mechanistically, these inhibitors likely occupy one of the actin-binding sites, reduce the binding of actin filaments, and thus lead to the inhibition of the bundling activity of fascin. At the cellular level, these inhibitors impair actin cytoskeletal reorganization. Our data indicate that target-specific anti-fascin agents will have great potential for treating metastatic tumors.

miR-429 functions as a tumor suppressor by targeting FSCN1 in gastric cancer cells

It has been previously reported that the deregulation of microRNAs in gastric cancer (GC) was correlated with the progression and prognosis. miR-429, a member of the miR-200 family, was previously shown to play an important role in human carcinomas. Our study shows that miR-429 is significantly downregulated in GC tissues compared with matched nontumor tissues. Overexpression of miR-429 in GC cells suppressed cell proliferation. Fascin-1 (FSCN1) was identified as one of the targets of miR-429 and knockdown of FSCN1 mimics the function of miR-429 overexpression. In conclusion, miR-429 acts as a tumor suppressor by targeting FSCN1, suggesting that miR-429 and FSCN1 can both be potential therapeutic targets of GC.

Specific Myosins Control Actin Organization, Cell Morphology, and Migration in Prostate Cancer Cells

We investigated the myosin expression profile in prostate cancer cell lines and found that Myo1b, Myo9b, Myo10, and Myo18a were expressed at higher levels in cells with high metastatic potential. Moreover, Myo1b and Myo10 were expressed at higher levels in metastatic tumors. Using an siRNA-based approach, we found that knockdown of each myosin resulted in distinct phenotypes. Myo10 knockdown ablated filopodia and decreased 2D migration speed. Myo18a knockdown increased circumferential non-muscle myosin 2A-associated actin filament arrays in the lamella and reduced directional persistence of 2D migration. Myo9b knockdown increased stress fiber formation, decreased 2D migration speed, and increased directional persistence. Conversely, Myo1b knockdown increased numbers of stress fibers but did not affect 2D migration. In all cases, the cell spread area was increased and 3D migration potential was decreased. Therefore, myosins not only act as molecular motors but also directly influence actin organization and cell morphology, which can contribute to the metastatic phenotype.

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Myo1b, Myo9b, Myo10, and Myo18a are highly expressed in metastatic prostate cancer

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Knockdown of individual myosins distinctly affects the cytoskeleton and cell migration

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Myosins act in concert to directly influence actin organization and cell migration

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Misregulation of myosin expression may drive the metastatic phenotype

Fascin1 in carcinomas: Its regulation and prognostic value

Previous cell biological studies demonstrate that the actin bundling protein fascin1 regulates cell motility, migration and invasion. Human studies demonstrate that fascin1 is upregulated in many epithelial cancers. This review gives a brief overview of the role of fascin1 in cell migration and invasion, but focuses mainly on the regulation and clinical relevance of fascin1 in epithelial cancers. Here, we propose fascin1 as a potent prognostic biomarker for breast, colorectal, esophageal cancers and head and neck squamous cell carcinomas. Fascin1 may also be an attractive drug target against these carcinomas in the future, but more studies are needed.

Phage display screening identifies a novel peptide to suppress ovarian cancer cells in vitro and in vivo in mouse models

Background

Ovarian cancer is a possibly lethal gynecological malignancy and this study utilized phage display technology to screen and identify peptides that specifically bind to ovarian cancer cells and explored the effects of these peptides on ovarian cancer cells in vitro and in vivo.

Methods

The phage displayed peptide library was used to isolate the peptides binding to and internalizing into the ovarian carcinoma cells. Positive phage clones were characterized with DNA sequencing and bioinformatics analysis and then validated with immunofluorescence. Subsequently, the selected peptides were investigated for their cancer-related functions, including cell adhesion, spreading, motility, and invasion in vitro and in vivo.

Results

Peptide1 read as SWQIGGNwas the positive peptide and showed preferential binding to the target cells. Peptide 1 also inhibited cell proliferation, migration, invasion and adhesion of ovarian cancer HO8910 cells in vitro. In vivo, Peptide 1 led to a lower tumorigenicity of HO8910 cells, which was characterized by the inhibitory effect on tumor growth and metastasis of ovarian cells.

Conclusion

These studies demonstrate that the phage display-identified tumor cell-binding peptide was able to control ovarian cancer cell viability, migration, invasion, and adhesion capacity in vitro as well as tumor growth and metastasis in vivo. Future studies will be aimed at evaluating the clinical efficacy of the peptide SWQIGGN in ovarian cancer patients.

Targeted inhibition of fascin function blocks tumour invasion and metastatic colonization

One of the key steps during tumour metastasis is tumour cell migration and invasion, which require actin cytoskeletal reorganization. Among the critical actin cytoskeletal protrusion structures are the filopodia, which act like cell sensory organs to communicate with the extracellular microenvironment and participate in fundamental cell functions such as cell adhesion, spreading and migration in the three-dimensional environment. Fascin is the main actin-bundling protein in filopodia. Using high-throughput screening, here we identify and characterize small molecules that inhibit the actin-bundling activity of fascin. Focusing on one such inhibitor, we demonstrate that it specifically blocks filopodial formation, tumour cell migration and invasion in vitro, and metastasis in vivo. Hence, target-specific anti-fascin agents have a therapeutic potential for cancer treatment.