MUC16 Promotes Liver Metastasis of Pancreatic Ductal Adenocarcinoma by Upregulating NRP2-Associated Cell Adhesion

Sugar symphony: glycosylation in cancer metabolism and stemness

Glycosylation is a complex co-translational and post-translational modification (PTM) in eukaryotes that utilizes glycosyltransferases to generate a vast array of glycoconjugate structures. Recent studies have highlighted the role of glycans in regulating essential molecular, cellular, tissue, organ, and systemic biological processes with significant implications for human diseases, particularly cancer. The metabolic reliance of cancer, spanning tumor initiation, disease progression, and resistance to therapy, necessitates a range of uniquely altered cellular metabolic pathways. In addition, the intricate interplay between cell-intrinsic and -extrinsic mechanisms is exemplified by the communication between cancer cells, cancer stem cells (CSCs), cancer-associated fibroblasts (CAFs), and immune cells within the tumor microenvironment (TME). In this review article, we explore how differential glycosylation in cancer influences the metabolism and stemness features alongside new avenues in glycobiology.

The Role of Antigen Carbohydrate 125 in Modulating Soluble ST2: Prognostic-Related Effects in Acute Heart Failure

BACKGROUND

Acute heart failure (AHF) is a complex syndrome associated with high mortality and hospital readmissions, characterized by volume overload and inflammation. Soluble ST2 (sST2) and antigen carbohydrate 125 (CA125) are emerging biomarkers that reflect these processes and may interact to influence long-term outcomes in AHF patients. This study aims to examine the prognostic relationship between sST2 and CA125 in predicting mortality and heart failure (HF)-related hospitalizations in patients with decompensated heart failure.

METHODS

In a cohort of 635 patients with AHF, we investigated whether the prognostic value of sST2 varies according to CA125 levels (≤35 vs. >35 U/mL). The endpoints were: (a) time to all-cause death, and (b) the combination of time to death or new HF admission.

RESULTS

This study of EAHFE registry data shows that the association between sST2 and long-term adverse outcomes (mortality and HF hospitalizations) in patients with AHF was differentially influenced by CA125 concentrations (p-value for interactions = 0.031 and 0.029, respectively). Higher sST2 was associated with the risk of death and the combined risk of death/HF readmission when CA125 was >35 U/mL [HR = 1.02 (CI 95%: 1.01-1.04), p = 0.006 and 1.02 (CI 95%: 1.01-1.03); p = 0.013 per increase in 10 ng/mL, respectively], but not when CA125 was ≤35 U/mL.

CONCLUSIONS

This study highlights the prognostic interaction between sST2 and CA125 in AHF. Elevated sST2 predicts poor outcomes mainly in patients with high CA125 levels (>35 U/mL), suggesting CA125's role in modulating inflammatory activity in HF. Further research is needed.

MUC16/CA125 in cancer: new advances

MUC16/CA125 is a common diagnostic marker for many types of cancer. However, due to the widespread expression of MUC16 in cancer, its specificity and sensitivity as a target are poor, which severely limits its clinical application. In recent years, various studies have shown that the clinical application potential of MUC16/CA125 has been greatly improved. The update of detection technology improves the accuracy and range of detection, and improves the early diagnosis rate of cancer. Targeting MUC16/CA125 is an important strategy for tumor therapy. Targeting residual amino acids, n-glycoylation structures or other targets on the surface of MUC16 cells can greatly improve the accuracy of detection and therapy. The new drug delivery method broke through the original technical shackles, targeted MUC16 positive cells more specifically and improved the drug efficacy. In this paper, the technological advances in detecting and identifying MUC16 targets and the great progress in cancer screening and treatment based on MUC16 as a target are described in detail, revealing the great potential of MUC16 as a target in cancer screening and treatment, and illustrating the potential clinical application value of MUC16.

Targeting RhoA expression with formononetin and salvianolic acid B to mitigate pancreatic cancer-associated endothelial cells changes

ETHNOPHARMACOLOGICAL RELEVANCE

According to the theory of Qi and blood in Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM), the combination of Qi-reinforcing herbs and blood-activating herbs has a synergistic effect in improving blood stasis syndrome, especially in tumor treatment. The classic "Radix Astragali - Salvia miltiorrhiza" duo exemplifies this principle, renowned for invigorating Qi and activating blood flow, employed widely in tumor therapies. Our prior research underscores the potent inhibition of pancreatic tumor xenografts by the combination of Formononetin (from Radix Astragali) and Salvianolic acid B (from Salvia miltiorrhiza) in vitro. However, it remains unclear whether this combination can inhibit the abnormal vascularization of pancreatic tumors to achieve its anti-cancer effect.

AIM OF THE STUDY

Abnormal vasculature, known to facilitate tumor growth and metastasis. Strategies to normalize tumor-associated blood vessels provide a promising avenue for anti-tumor therapy. This study aimed to unravel the therapeutic potential of Formononetin combined with Salvianolic acid B (FcS) in modulating pancreatic cancer's impact on endothelial cells, illuminate the underlying mechanisms that govern this therapeutic interaction, thereby advancing strategies to normalize tumor vasculature and combat cancer progression.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

A co-culture system involving Human Umbilical Vein Endothelial Cells (HUVECs) and PANC-1 cells was established to investigate the potential of targeting abnormal vasculature as a novel anti-tumor therapeutic strategy. We systematically compared HUVEC proliferation, migration, invasion, and lumenogenesis in both mono- and co-culture conditions with PANC-1 (H-P). Subsequently, FcS treatment of the H-P system was evaluated for its anti-angiogenic properties. Molecular docking was utilized to predict the interactions between Formononetin and Salvianolic acid B with RhoA, and the post-treatment expression of RhoA in HUVECs was assessed. Furthermore, we utilized shRhoA lentivirus to elucidate the role of RhoA in FcS-mediated effects on HUVECs. In vivo, a zebrafish xenograft tumor model was employed to assess FcS's anti-tumor potential, focusing on cancer cell proliferation, migration, apoptosis, and vascular development.

RESULTS

FcS treatment demonstrated a significant, dose-dependent inhibition of PANC-1-induced alterations in HUVECs, including proliferation, migration, invasion, and tube formation capabilities. Molecular docking analyses indicated potential interactions between FcS and RhoA. Further, FcS treatment was found to downregulate RhoA expression and modulated the PI3K/AKT signaling pathway in PANC-1-induced HUVECs. Notably, the phenotypic inhibitory effects of FcS on HUVECs were attenuated by RhoA knockdown. In vivo zebrafish studies validated FcS's anti-tumor activity, inhibiting cancer cell proliferation, metastasis, and vascular sprouting, while promoting tumor cell apoptosis.

CONCLUSIONS

This study underscores the promising potential of FcS in countering pancreatic cancer-induced endothelial alterations. FcS exhibits pronounced anti-abnormal vasculature effects, potentially achieved through downregulation of RhoA and inhibition of the PI3K/Akt signaling pathway, thereby presenting a novel therapeutic avenue for pancreatic cancer management.

RRM2 promotes liver metastasis of pancreatic cancer by stabilizing YBX1 and activating the TGF-beta pathway

Pancreatic cancer is one of the most malignant types of cancer, and despite recent advances in treatment, prognosis remains extremely poor. The most common site of pancreatic cancer metastasis is the liver. Elucidating the molecular mechanisms of pancreatic cancer progression and liver metastasis is essential for improving patients' survival. Ribonucleotide reductase subunit M2 (RRM2) has been linked to many types of cancers and is associated with tumor progression. However, the role of RRM2 in the liver metastasis of pancreatic cancer is still unclear. In this study, RRM2 was found to promote the malignant biological behavior of pancreatic cancer and enhance its liver metastasis. Further studies on the downstream molecular mechanisms of RRM2 revealed that RRM2 stabilizes YBX1, upregulates TGFBR1, and activates the TGF-beta pathway to promote pancreatic cancer progression and liver metastasis. In summary, these results suggest that RRM2 may be an effective therapeutic target for pancreatic cancer liver metastasis.

Targeting Human Pancreatic Cancer with a Fluorophore-Conjugated Mucin 4 (MUC4) Antibody: Initial Characterization in Orthotopic Cell Line Mouse Models

Background/Objectives: Pancreatic cancer is the third leading cause of death related to cancer. The only possible cure presently is complete surgical resection; however, this is limited by difficulty in clearly defining tumor margins. Enhancement of the visualization of pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma (PDAC) tumor margins using near-infrared dye-conjugated tumor-specific antibodies was pioneered by using anti-CEA, anti-CA19.9, and anti-MUC5AC in orthotopic mouse models of pancreatic cancer. Recently, an antibody to Mucin 4 (MUC4) conjugated to a fluorescent probe has shown promise in targeting colon tumors in orthotopic mouse models. Methods: In the present study, we targeted pancreatic cancer using an anti-MUC4 antibody conjugated to IRDye800 (anti-MUC4-IR800) in orthotopic mouse models. Two pancreatic cancer human cell lines were used, SW1990 and CD18/HPAF. Results: Anti-MUC4-IR800 targeted the two pancreatic cancer cell line tumors in orthotopic mouse models with high tumor-to-pancreas ratios and high tumor-to-liver ratios, with greater targeting seen in SW1990. Conclusions: The present results suggest anti-MUC4-IR800's potential to be used in fluorescence-guided surgical resection of pancreatic cancer.

Hypomethylation-associated ELF3 helps nasopharyngeal carcinoma to escape immune surveillance via MUC16-mediated glycolytic metabolic reprogramming

Immune escape and metabolic reprogramming are two essential hallmarks of cancer. Mucin-16 (MUC16) has been linked to glycolysis and immune response in different cancers. However, its involvement in nasopharyngeal carcinoma (NPC) has not been well described. We seek to dissect the functions and detailed mechanisms of MUC16 in NPC. Bioinformatics prediction was performed to identify NPC-related molecules. MUC16 was significantly enhanced in NPC tissues, which was correlated with the advanced tumor stage of patients. Lentiviral plasmids-mediated MUC16 deletion inhibited the malignant behavior of NPC cells, and glycolysis inhibition by MUC16 deletion blocked immune escape in NPC cells. E74-like factor 3 (ELF3) bound to the MUC16 promoter promotes the transcription of MUC16. MUC16 overexpression reversed the repressive effect of ELF3 silencing on glycolysis and immune escape in NPC and accelerated tumor growth in vivo. Overexpression of ELF3 in NPC was associated with reduced DNA methylation in its promoter. Our findings revealed the role of the ELF3/MUC16 axis in the immune escape and metabolic reprogramming of NPC, providing potential therapeutic targets for NPC.NEW & NOTEWORTHY We identified the functions of E74-like factor 3 (ELF3) in glycolysis and immune escape of nasopharyngeal carcinoma cells for the first time. As a transcription factor, ELF3 promoted mucin-16 (MUC16) expression by binding to its promoter, leading to the glycolysis-mediated immune escape of nasopharyngeal carcinoma (NPC) cells. Targeting the ELF3/MUC16 axis generates a superior antitumor immune response, which will help establish a novel approach to restore protective antitumor immunity for NPC immunotherapy.

RBM7 deficiency promotes breast cancer metastasis by coordinating MFGE8 splicing switch and NF-kB pathway

Aberrant alternative splicing is well-known to be closely associated with tumorigenesis of various cancers. However, the intricate mechanisms underlying breast cancer metastasis driven by deregulated splicing events remain largely unexplored. Here, we unveiled that RBM7 is decreased in lymph node and distant organ metastases of breast cancer as compared to primary lesions and low expression of RBM7 is correlated with the reduced disease-free survival of breast cancer patients. Breast cancer cells with RBM7 depletion exhibited an increased potential for lung metastasis compared to scramble control cells. The absence of RBM7 stimulated breast cancer cell migration, invasion, and angiogenesis. Mechanistically, RBM7 controlled the splicing switch of MFGE8, favoring the production of the predominant isoform of MFGE8, MFGE8-L. This resulted in the attenuation of STAT1 phosphorylation and alterations in cell adhesion molecules. MFGE8-L exerted an inhibitory effect on the migratory and invasive capability of breast cancer cells, while the truncated isoform MFGE8-S, which lack the second F5/8 type C domain had the opposite effect. In addition, RBM7 negatively regulates the NF-κB cascade and an NF-κB inhibitor could obstruct the increase in HUVEC tube formation caused by RBM7 silencing. Clinically, we noticed a positive correlation between RBM7 expression and MFGE8 exon7 inclusion in breast cancer tissues, providing new mechanistic insights for molecular-targeted therapy in combating breast cancer.

MUC16: clinical targets with great potential

Mucin 16 (MUC16) is a membrane-bound mucin that is abnormally expressed or mutated in a variety of diseases, especially tumors, while being expressed in normal body epithelium. MUC16 and its extracellular components are often important cancer-related biomarkers. Abnormal expression of MUC16 promotes tumor progression through mesenchymal protein, PI3K/AKT pathway, JAK2/STAT3 pathway, ERK/FBW7/c-Myc, and other mechanisms, and plays an important role in the occurrence and development of tumors. In addition, MUC16 also helps tumor immune escape by inhibiting T cells and NK cells. Many drugs and trials targeting MUC16 have been developed, and MUC16 may be a new direction for future treatments. In this paper, the mechanism of action of MUC16 in the development of cancer, especially in the immune escape of tumor, is introduced in detail, indicating the potential of MUC16 in clinical treatment.

Mesothelin-based CAR-T cells exhibit potent antitumor activity against ovarian cancer

BACKGROUND

Ovarian cancer (OC) is characterized by its rapid growth and spread which, accompanied by a low 5-year survival rate, necessitates the development of improved treatments. In ovarian cancer, the selective overexpression of Mucin-16 (MUC16, CA125) in tumor cells highlights its potential as a promising target for developing anti-tumor therapies. However, the potential effectiveness of CAR-T cell therapy that targets MUC16 in ovarian cancer cells is unknown.

METHODS

The expression of MUC16 in viable OC cells was detected using immunofluorescence and flow cytometry techniques. A MSLN-CAR construct, comprising the MUC16-binding polypeptide region of mesothelin (MSLN), a CD8 hinge spacer and transmembrane domain, 4-1BB, and CD3ζ endo-domains; was synthesized and introduced into T cells using lentiviral particles. The cytotoxicity of the resultant CAR-T cells was evaluated in vitro using luciferase assays. Cytokine release by CAR-T cells was measured using enzyme-linked immunosorbent assays. The anti-tumor efficacy of the CAR-T cells was subsequently assessed in mice through both systemic and local administration protocols.

RESULTS

MSLN-CAR T cells exhibited potent cytotoxicity towards OVCAR3 cells and their stem-like cells that express high levels of MUC16. Also, MSLN-CAR T cells were inefficient at killing SKOV3 cells that express low levels of MUC16, but were potently cytotoxic to such cells overexpressing MUC16. Moreover, MSLN-CAR T cells delivered via tail vein or peritoneal injection could shrink OVCAR3 xenograft tumors in vivo, with sustained remission observed following peritoneal delivery of MSLN-CAR T cells.

CONCLUSIONS

Collectively, these results suggested that MSLN-CAR T cells could potently eliminate MUC16- positive ovarian cancer tumor cells both in vitro and in vivo, thereby providing a promising therapeutic intervention for MUC16-positive patients.

Deficiency of inflammation-sensing protein neuropilin-2 in myeloid-derived macrophages exacerbates colitis via NF-κB activation

Neuropilin-2 (NRP2) is a multifunctional protein engaged in the regulation of angiogenesis, lymphangiogenesis, axon guidance, and tumor metastasis, but its function in colitis remains unclear. Here, we found that NRP2 was an inflammation-sensing protein rapidly and dramatically induced in myeloid cells, especially in macrophages, under inflammatory contexts. NRP2 deficiency in myeloid cells exacerbated dextran sulfate sodium salt-induced experimental colitis by promoting polarization of M1 macrophages and colon injury. Mechanistically, NRP2 could be induced via NF-κB activation by TNF-α in macrophages, but exerted an inhibitory effect on NF-κB signaling, forming a negative feedback loop with NF-κB to sense and alleviate inflammation. Deletion of NRP2 in macrophages broke this negative feedback circuit, leading to NF-κB overactivation, inflammatory exacerbation, and more severe colitis. Collectively, these findings reveal inflammation restriction as a role for NRP2 in macrophages under inflammation contexts and suggest that NRP2 in macrophages may relieve inflammation in inflammatory bowel disease. © 2023 The Pathological Society of Great Britain and Ireland.

MUC1 and MUC16: critical for immune modulation in cancer therapeutics

The Mucin (MUC) family, a range of highly glycosylated macromolecules, is ubiquitously expressed in mammalian epithelial cells. Such molecules are pivotal in establishing protective mucosal barriers, serving as defenses against pathogenic assaults. Intriguingly, the aberrant expression of specific MUC proteins, notably Mucin 1 (MUC1) and Mucin 16 (MUC16), within tumor cells, is intimately associated with oncogenesis, proliferation, and metastasis. This association involves various mechanisms, including cellular proliferation, viability, apoptosis resistance, chemotherapeutic resilience, metabolic shifts, and immune surveillance evasion. Due to their distinctive biological roles and structural features in oncology, MUC proteins have attracted considerable attention as prospective targets and biomarkers in cancer therapy. The current review offers an exhaustive exploration of the roles of MUC1 and MUC16 in the context of cancer biomarkers, elucidating their critical contributions to the mechanisms of cellular signal transduction, regulation of immune responses, and the modulation of the tumor microenvironment. Additionally, the article evaluates the latest advances in therapeutic strategies targeting these mucins, focusing on innovations in immunotherapies and targeted drugs, aiming to enhance customization and accuracy in cancer treatments.

Identifying endoplasmic reticulum stress-related molecular subtypes and prognostic model for predicting the immune landscape and therapy response in pancreatic cancer

Endoplasmic reticulum stress (ERS) is caused by the accumulation of intracellular misfolded or unfolded proteins and is associated with cancer development. In this study, pan-cancer analysis revealed complex genetic variations, including copy number variation, methylation, and somatic mutations for ERS-related genes (ERGs) in 33 kinds of cancer. Consensus clustering divided pancreatic cancer (PC) patients from TCGA and GEO databases into two ERS-related subtypes: ERGcluster A and B. Compared with ERGcluster A, ERGcluster B had a more active ERS state and worse prognosis. Subsequently, the ERS-related prognostic model was established to quantify the ERS score for a single sample. The patient with a low ERS score had remarkably longer survival times. ssGSEA and CIBERSORT algorithms revealed that activated B cells and CD8+ T cells had higher infiltration in the low ERS score group, but higher infiltration of activated CD4+ T cells, activated dendritic cells, macrophages, and neutrophils in the high ERS score group. Drug sensitivity analysis indicated the low ERS score group had a better response to gemcitabine, paclitaxel, 5-fluorouracil, oxaliplatin, and irinotecan. RT-qPCR validated that MET, MUC16, and KRT7 in the model had higher expression levels in pancreatic tumour tissues. Single-cell analysis further revealed that MET, MUC16, and KRT7 were mainly expressed in cancer cells in PC tumour microenvironment. In all, we first constructed the ERS-related molecular subtypes and prognostic model in PC. Our research highlighted the vital role of ERS in PC and contributed to further research on molecular mechanisms and novel therapeutic strategies for PC in the future.

Mind the (guidance) signals! Translational relevance of semaphorins, plexins, and neuropilins in pancreatic cancer

Pancreatic cancer is a major cause of demise worldwide. Although key associated genetic changes have been discovered, disease progression is sustained by pathogenic mechanisms that are poorly understood at the molecular level. In particular, the tissue microenvironment of pancreatic adenocarcinoma (PDAC) is usually characterized by high stromal content, scarce recruitment of immune cells, and the presence of neuronal fibers. Semaphorins and their receptors, plexins and neuropilins, comprise a wide family of regulatory signals that control neurons, endothelial and immune cells, embryo development, and normal tissue homeostasis, as well as the microenvironment of human tumors. We focus on the role of these molecular signals in pancreatic cancer progression, as revealed by experimental research and clinical studies, including novel approaches for cancer treatment.

The CA125 level postoperative change rule and its prognostic significance in patients with resectable pancreatic cancer

BACKGROUND

The relationship between postoperative CA125 level changes and early recurrence after curative resection of resectable PDAC is still unclear.

METHODS

The electronic medical records and follow-up data of patients with resectable pancreatic cancer were evaluated. Dynamic CA125 detection was used to identify the rules for postoperative CA125 level change and its prognostic value in patients with resectable pancreatic cancer.

RESULTS

The study included a total of 118 patients with resectable pancreatic cancer who underwent curative resection. Early postoperative CA125 levels were significantly higher than those before surgery (P < 0.05). It decreased gradually in the group without early recurrence (P < 0.05) but not in the early recurrence group (P>0.05). There was no correlation between early postoperative CA125 levels and early recurrence (P > 0.05). CA125 levels three months after surgery were associated with an increased risk of early recurrence (P = 0.038, 95% CI (1.001-1.025)). The cutoff CA125 level at 3 months after surgery for predicting early recurrence was 22.035. Patients with CA125 levels < 22.035 three months postoperatively had similar DFS and OS, regardless of whether the value was exceeded in the early postoperative period, but these values were significantly better than those of patients with CA125 levels > 22.035 at 3 months postoperatively (p < 0.05).

CONCLUSIONS

Patients with different prognoses have different patterns of CA125 level changes. Elevations in CA125 levels > 3 months postoperatively, rather than early postoperative elevation, were associated with a poor prognosis.

Ca 125 is an independent prognostic marker in resected pancreatic cancer of the head of the pancreas

The prognostic value of carbohydrate antigen 125 (Ca 125) is emerging also in pancreatic cancer (PDAC). In this study, we aim to define the prognostic value of Ca 125 in resected PDAC of the head of the pancreas. This is a single-center, retrospective study. Data from patients with a pre-operative assay of Ca 125 who underwent a pancreatic resection for PDAC between 2010 and 2018 were analyzed. As per National Comprehensive Cancer Guidelines, tumors were classified in resectable (R-PDAC), borderline resectable (BR-PDAC), and locally advanced (LA-PDAC). The Kaplan-Meier method was used to evaluate the overall survival. Cox proportional hazard regression was used to evaluate the role of pre-operative Ca 125 in predicting survival (while adjusting for confounders). The maximally selected log-rank statistic was used to identify a Ca 125 cut-off defining two groups with different survival probability. Inclusion criteria were met by 207 patients (R-PDAC: 80, BR-PDAC: 91, and LA-PDAC: 36). Ca 125 predicted overall survival before and after adjusting for confounding factors in all categories of anatomic resectability (R-PDAC: HR = 4.3; p = 0.0249) (BR-PDAC: HR = 7.82; p = 0.0024) (LA-PDAC: HR = 11.4; p = 0.0043). In BR-PDAC and LA-PDAC (n = 127), the division in two groups (high vs. low Ca 125) correlated with T stage (p = 0.0317), N stage (p = 0.0083), mean LN ratio (p = 0.0292), and tumor grading (p = 0.0143). This study confirmed the prognostic value of Ca125 in resected pancreatic cancer and, therefore, the importance of biologic over anatomic resectability. Ca 125 should be routinely assayed in surgical candidates with PDAC.

Chimeric antibody targeting unique epitope on onco-mucin16 reduces tumor burden in pancreatic and lung malignancies

Aberrantly expressed onco-mucin 16 (MUC16) and its post-cleavage generated surface tethered carboxy-terminal (MUC16-Cter) domain are strongly associated with poor prognosis and lethality of pancreatic (PC) and non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC). To date, most anti-MUC16 antibodies are directed towards the extracellular domain of MUC16 (CA125), which is usually cleaved and shed in the circulation hence obscuring antibody accessibility to the cancer cells. Herein, we establish the utility of targeting a post-cleavage generated, surface-tethered oncogenic MUC16 carboxy-terminal (MUC16-Cter) domain by using a novel chimeric antibody in human IgG1 format, ch5E6, whose epitope expression directly correlates with disease severity in both cancers. ch5E6 binds and interferes with MUC16-associated oncogenesis, suppresses the downstream signaling pFAK(Y397)/p-p70S6K(T389)/N-cadherin axis and exert antiproliferative effects in cancer cells, 3D organoids, and tumor xenografts of both PC and NSCLC. The robust clinical correlations observed between MUC16 and N-cadherin in patient tumors and metastatic samples imply ch5E6 potential in targeting a complex and significantly occurring phenomenon of epithelial to mesenchymal transition (EMT) associated with disease aggressiveness. Our study supports evaluating ch5E6 with standard-of-care drugs, to potentially augment treatment outcomes in malignancies inflicted with MUC16-associated poor prognosis.

Comprehensive transcriptomic profiling and mutational landscape of primary gastric linitis plastica

BACKGROUND

Primary gastric linitis plastica (GLP) is a distinct phenotype of gastric cancer with poor survival. Comprehensive molecular profiles and putative therapeutic targets of GLP remain undetermined.

METHODS

We subjected 10 tumor-normal tissue pairs to whole exome sequencing (WES) and whole transcriptome sequencing (WTS). 10 tumor samples were all GLP which involves 100% of the gastric wall macroscopically. TCGA data were compared to generate the top mutated genes and the overexpressed genes in GLP.

RESULTS

Our results reveal that GLP has distinctive genomic and transcriptomic features, dysfunction in the Hippo pathway is likely to be a key step during GLP development. 6 genes were identified as significantly highly mutated genes in GLP, including AOX1, ANKRD36C, CPXM1, PTPN14, RPAP1, and DCDC1). MUC6, as a previously identified gastric cancer driver gene, has a high mutation rate (20%) in GLP. 20% of patients in our GLP cohort had CDH1 mutations, while none had RHOA mutations. GLP exhibits high immunodeficiency and low AMPK pathway activity. Our WTS results showed that 3 PI3K-AKT pathway-related genes (PIK3R2, AKT3, and IGF1) were significantly up-regulated in GLP. Two genes were identified using immunohistochemistry (IHC), IGF2BP3 and MUC16, which specifically expressed in diffuse-type-related gastric cancer cell lines, and its knockdown inhibits PI3K-AKT pathway activity.

CONCLUSIONS

We provide the first integrative genomic and transcriptomic profiles of GLP, which may facilitate its diagnosis, prognosis, and treatment.

Muc16 depletion diminishes KRAS-induced tumorigenesis and metastasis by altering tumor microenvironment factors in pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma

MUC16, membrane-bound mucin, plays an oncogenic role in pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma (PDAC). However, the pathological role of MUC16 in the PDAC progression, tumor microenvironment, and metastasis in cooperation with KrasG12D and Trp53R172H mutations remains unknown. Deletion of Muc16 with activating mutations KrasG12D/+ and Trp53R172H/+ in mice significantly decreased progression and prolonged overall survival in KrasG12D/+; Trp53R172H/+; Pdx-1-Cre; Muc16-/- (KPCM) and KrasG12D/+; Pdx-1-Cre; Muc16-/- (KCM), as compared to KrasG12D/+; Trp53R172H/+; Pdx-1-Cre (KPC) and KrasG12D/+; Pdx-1-Cre (KC) mice, respectively. Muc16 knockout pancreatic tumor (KPCM) displays decreased tumor microenvironment factors and significantly reduced incidence of liver and lung metastasis compared to KPC. Furthermore, in silico data analysis showed a positive correlation of MUC16 with activated stroma and metastasis-associated genes. KPCM mouse syngeneic cells had significantly lower metastatic and endothelial cell binding abilities than KPC cells. Similarly, KPCM organoids significantly decreased the growth rate compared to KPC organoids. Interestingly, RNA-seq data revealed that the cytoskeletal proteins Actg2, Myh11, and Pdlim3 were downregulated in KPCM tumors. Further knockdown of these genes showed reduced metastatic potential. Overall, our results demonstrate that Muc16 alters the tumor microenvironment factors during pancreatic cancer progression and metastasis by changing the expression of Actg2, Myh11, and Pdlim3 genes.

Role of Neuropilin-2-mediated signaling axis in cancer progression and therapy resistance

Neuropilins (NRPs) are transmembrane proteins involved in vascular and nervous system development by regulating angiogenesis and axon guidance cues. Several published reports have established their role in tumorigenesis. NRPs are detectable in tumor cells of several cancer types and participate in cancer progression. NRP2 is also expressed in endothelial and immune cells in the tumor microenvironment and promotes functions such as lymphangiogenesis and immune suppression important for cancer progression. In this review, we have taken a comprehensive approach to discussing various aspects of NRP2-signaling in cancer, including its regulation, functional significance in cancer progression, and how we could utilize our current knowledge to advance the studies and target NRP2 to develop effective cancer therapies.