Non-cysteine linked MUC1 cytoplasmic dimers are required for Src recruitment and ICAM-1 binding induced cell invasion

Intercellular adhesion molecule-1 (ICAM-1): From molecular functions to clinical applications in cancer investigation

Intercellular adhesion molecule-1 (ICAM-1) is a versatile molecule that plays a critical role in various physiological and pathological processes, particularly in tumor development where its impact is bidirectional. On the one hand, it augments the immune response by promoting immune cell migration, infiltration, and the formation of immunological synapses, thus facilitating potent antitumor effects. Simultaneously, it contributes to tumor immune evasion and influences metastasis by mediating transendothelial migration (TEM), epithelial-to-mesenchymal transition (EMT), and epigenetic modification of tumor cells. Despite its significant potential, the full clinical utility of ICAM-1 has yet to be fully realized. In this review, we thoroughly examine recent advancements in understanding the role of ICAM-1 in tumor development, its relevance in predicting therapeutic efficacy and prognosis, as well as the progress in clinical translational research on anti-ICAM-1-based therapies, encompassing including monoclonal antibodies, immunotherapy, antibody-drug conjugate (ADC), and conventional treatments. By shedding light on these innovative strategies, we aim to underscore ICAM-1's significance as a valuable and multifaceted target for cancer treatment, igniting enthusiasm for further research and facilitating translation into clinical applications.

Circulating galectin-3 promotes tumor-endothelium-adhesion by upregulating ICAM-1 in endothelium-derived extracellular vesicles

The adhesion of tumor cells to vascular endothelial cells is an important process of tumor metastasis. Studies have shown that tumor could educate vascular endothelial cells to promote tumor metastasis through many ways. However, the effect of tumor cells on the functions of vascular endothelial cells-derived extracellular vesicles (H-EVs) and the mechanisms underlying their effects in tumor-endothelium adhesion in metastasis remain mysterious. In this study, we found that H-EVs promoted the adhesion of triple negative breast cancer cell to endothelial cells and cirGal-3 enhanced the adhesion-promoting effects of H-EVs. The underlying mechanism was related to the upregulation of glycolysis in endothelial cells induced by cirGal-3 which led to the increase of the ICAM-1 expression and its transmission to MDA-MB-231 cells by H-EVs. Targeting of cirGal-3 or glycolysis of vascular endothelium in breast cancer therefore represents a promising therapeutic strategy to reduce metastasis.

MUC1-mediated Macrophage Activation Promotes Colitis-associated Colorectal Cancer via Activating the Interleukin-6/ Signal Transducer and Activator of Transcription 3 Axis

BACKGROUND & AIMS

MUC1 is abnormally expressed in colorectal cancer, including colitis-associated colorectal cancer (CAC), but its role in tumorigenesis is unclear. This study investigated MUC1's effects in murine models of colitis and CAC and elucidated mechanisms of action.

METHODS

Colitis and CAC were induced in mice by exposure to dextran sodium sulfate or azoxymethane plus dextran sodium sulphate. Clinical parameters, immune cell infiltration, and tumor development were monitored throughout disease progression. Experiments in knockout mice and bone marrow chimeras were combined with an exploration of immune cell abundance and function.

RESULTS

Deficiency of Muc1 suppressed inflammation, inhibited tumor progression, increased abundance of CD8⁺ T lymphocytes, and reduced abundance of macrophages in colon tumors. Bone marrow chimeras showed promotion of CAC was primarily mediated by Muc1-expressing hematopoietic cells, and that MUC1 promoted a pro-tumoral immunosuppressive macrophage phenotype within tumors. Mechanistic studies revealed that Muc1 deficiency remarkably reduced interleukin-6 levels in the colonic tissues and tumors that was mainly produced by infiltrating macrophages at day 21, 42, and 85. In bone marrow-derived macrophages, MUC1 promoted responsiveness to chemoattractant and promoted activation into a phenotype with high Il6 and Ido1 expression, secreting factors which inhibited CD8⁺ T cell proliferation. MUC1 potently drives macrophages to produce interleukin-6, which in turn drives a pro-tumorigenic activation of signal transducer and activator of transcription 3 in colon epithelial tumor and stromal cells, ultimately increasing the occurrence and development of CAC.

CONCLUSIONS

Our findings provide cellular and molecular mechanisms for the pro-tumorigenic functions of MUC1 in the inflamed colon. Therapeutic strategies to inhibit MUC1 signal transduction warrant consideration for the prevention or therapy of CAC.

Inhibition of MUC1 exerts cell-cycle arrest and telomerase suppression in glioblastoma cells

Mucin 1 (MUC1) is a transmembrane glycoprotein involved in tumorigenesis of diverse cancers. However, the role of MUC1 in glioblastoma (GBM) has not yet been fully explored. In this study, the anticancer mechanism of MUC1 suppression in GBM was investigated. The expression level of MUC1 was analyzed in human glioma and paired normal brain tissues. MUC1 was overexpressed in GBM and was negatively associated with overall survival. Moreover, we silenced MUC1 to investigate its effect in GBM cell lines and found that knockdown of MUC1 inhibited cell proliferation and resulted in cell cycle arrest at G1 phase. MUC1 silencing decreased the phosphorylation of RB1 and increased the expression of CDKN1B. Gene set enrichment analysis showed that a series of genes related to cell cycle, telomere maintenance and transforming growth factor Beta (TGF-β) signaling in epithelial mesenchymal transition (EMT) were influenced by MUC1 knockdown. Notably, the reduced TERT expression levels combined with impaired telomerase activity and the switching of telomere maintenance mechanism to alternative lengthening of telomeres (ALT) were observed after MUC1 knockdown. Our results support the role of MUC1 in oncological process in GBM which can be developed as a therapeutic target for cell cycle control and telomere maintenance mechanism.

Mucin-1 is required for Coxsackie Virus B3-induced inflammation in pancreatitis

The Muc-1 oncoprotein is a tumor-associated mucin often overexpressed in pancreatic cancer. We report that knockout of Muc-1 reduced the degree of pancreatic inflammation that resulted from infection with Coxsackievirus B3 (CVB3) in a mouse model. CVB3-infected Muc-1-deficient (Muc-1^KO) mice had significantly reduced infiltration of macrophages into the murine pancreas. We found that Muc-1 signaling through NF-κB increased expression of ICAM-1, a pro-inflammatory mediator that recruits macrophages. Further investigation revealed that bone marrow derived macrophages (BMDM) from the Muc-1^KO mice exhibited defective migration properties, in part due to low expression of the C-C motif chemokine receptor (CCR2) and the integrin Very Late Antigen 4 (VLA-4). The results presented here provide novel insight into the role of Muc-1 in regulating the inflammatory response and the cellular microenvironment in pancreatitis.

The role of lncRNA MSC-AS1/miR-29b-3p axis-mediated CDK14 modulation in pancreatic cancer proliferation and Gemcitabine-induced apoptosis

Pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma (PDAC) remains a leading cause of cancer-related death due to the failure of traditional therapies. In the present study, we attempted to construct a lncRNA-miRNA-mRNA network which may modulate PDAC cell proliferation and Gemcitabine-induced cell apoptosis starting from CDK14, a new member of the CDK family and an oncogene in many cancers. Based on TCGA data, a significant positive correlation was observed between lncRNA MSC-AS1 and CDK14. Moreover, MSC-AS1 expression was upregulated in PDAC tissues. Higher MSC-AS1 expression was correlated with poorer prognosis in patients with PDAC. MSC-AS1 knockdown in Panc-1 and BxPC-3 cells significantly inhibited the cell proliferation. Moreover, miR-29b-3p, which has been reported to act as a tumor suppressor, was predicted to bind to both MSC-AS1 and CDK14. Contrary to MSC-AS1, higher miR-29b-3p expression was correlated to better prognosis in patients with PDAC. In both PDAC cell lines, miR-29b-3p negatively regulated MSC-AS1 and CDK14. As confirmed using luciferase reporter gene and RIP assays, MSC-AS1 served as a ceRNA for miR-29b-3p to counteract miR-29b-mediated CDK14 repression. MSC-AS1 knockdown inhibited CDK14 protein levels and PDAC proliferation and enhanced gemcitabine-induced cell death and apoptosis while miR-29b-3p inhibition exerted an opposing effect; the effect of MSC-AS1 knockdown was partially attenuated by miR-29b-3p inhibition. Taken together, we demonstrated that MSC-AS1/miR-29b-3p axis modulates the cell proliferation and GEM-induced cell apoptosis in PDAC cell lines through CDK14. We provided a novel experimental basis for PDAC treatment from the perspective of lncRNA-miRNA-mRNA network.

A recycling anti-transferrin receptor-1 monoclonal antibody as an efficient therapy for erythroleukemia through target up-regulation and antibody-dependent cytotoxic effector functions

Targeting transferrin receptor 1 (TfR1) with monoclonal antibodies is a promising therapeutic strategy in cancer as tumor cells often overexpress TfR1 and show increased iron needs. We have re-engineered six anti-human TfR1 single-chain variable fragment (scFv) antibodies into fully human scFv₂-Fcγ1 and IgG1 antibodies. We selected the more promising candidate (H7), based on its ability to inhibit TfR1-mediated iron-loaded transferrin internalization in Raji cells (B-cell lymphoma). The H7 antibody displayed nanomolar affinity for its target in both formats (scFv₂-Fcγ1 and IgG1), but cross-reacted with mouse TfR1 only in the scFv₂-Fc format. H7 reduced the intracellular labile iron pool and, contrary to what has been observed with previously described anti-TfR1 antibodies, upregulated TfR1 level in Raji cells. H7 scFv₂-Fc format elimination half-life was similar in FcRn knock-out and wild type mice, suggesting that TfR1 recycling contributes to prevent H7 elimination in vivo. In vitro, H7 inhibited the growth of erythroleukemia and B-cell lymphoma cell lines (IC₅₀ 0.1 µg/mL) and induced their apoptosis. Moreover, the Im9 B-cell lymphoma cell line, which is resistant to apoptosis induced by rituximab (anti-CD20 antibody), was sensitive to H7. In vivo, tumor regression was observed in nude mice bearing ERY-1 erythroleukemia cell xenografts treated with H7 through a mechanism that involved iron deprivation and antibody-dependent cytotoxic effector functions. Therefore, targeting TfR1 using the fully human anti-TfR1 H7 is a promising tool for the treatment of leukemia and lymphoma.

Relationship between intercellular adhesion molecule-1 and morbidly adherent placenta

Objective Morbidly adherent placenta (MAP) is a clinical condition the prevalance of which is steadily increasing. It is described as the invasion of the placenta into the uterine wall through the myometrium and beyond. Several studies have shown that intercellular adhesion molecule-1 (ICAM-1) increases the invasion capability of tumor cells and placental cells. In our study, we investigated the expression of ICAM-1 in MAP cases. Methods This is a prospective case-control study. Eighty-nine patients who were diagnosed with MAP and 96 patients, without adherent placenta, as a control group were included in the study. ICAM-1 staining was examined by immuno-histochemical staining in placental samples. Results Of the 89 patients in the MAP group, 72 (80.8%) showed positive staining, while 26 (27%) did so in the control group. ICAM-1 positive staining in the MAP group was statistically significantly higher (P=0.03). Conclusion This is the first study investigating the relationship between MAP and ICAM-1 in the literature. In our study, we showed that ICAM-1 expression increased in the MAP group.

Ion channels as therapeutic antibody targets

It is now well established that antibodies have numerous potential benefits when developed as therapeutics. Here, we evaluate the technical challenges of raising antibodies to membrane-spanning proteins together with enabling technologies that may facilitate the discovery of antibody therapeutics to ion channels. Additionally, we discuss the potential targeting opportunities in the anti-ion channel antibody landscape, along with a number of case studies where functional antibodies that target ion channels have been reported. Antibodies currently in development and progressing towards the clinic are highlighted.

Overexpression of MUC1 predicts poor prognosis in patients with breast cancer

Breast cancer is the most commonly diagnosed cancer in females; thus, there is an urgent requirement to identify precise biomarkers for the diagnosis and treatment of the disease. Mucin 1 (MUC1) is a glycoprotein that has been demonstrated to be involved in the metastasis and invasion of multiple tumor types. Bioinformatics analyses were conducted to indicate the prognostic value of MUC1 in breast cancer. Additionally, the expression level of MUC1 was assessed using Oncomine analysis. Furthermore, PrognoScan was used to analyze the prognostic value of MUC1 in breast cancer. Mutations of MUC1 were analyzed by the Catalogue of Somatic Mutations in Cancer and cBioPortal databases. In addition, University of California, Santa Cruz (UCSC) was used to examine the methylation status of MUC1. Co-expression of MUC1 mRNA was detected with the cBioPortal, UCSC and Breast Cancer Gene-Expression Miner v4.0 datasets. The results demonstrated that MCU1 is frequently overexpressed in breast cancer and is negatively associated with CpG sites. Furthermore, pooled data indicated that abnormally high expression of MUC1 indicates poor prognosis. Additionally, upregulation of MUC1 expression is associated with estrogen receptor- and progesterone receptor-positive disease, aging and increased Scarff, Bloom and Richardson grade, but is not associated with triple-negative and basal-like status. Subsequent data mining across multiple large databases demonstrated a positive association between MUC1 mRNA expression and cyclic AMP-responsive element-binding protein 3-like 4 (CREB3L4) in breast cancer tissues. The present data indicated that the overexpression of MUC1 indicates a poor prognosis in patients with breast cancer and is associated with MUC1 promoter methylation status. Additionally, MUC1 positively correlated with CREB3L4 and may serve as a potential prognostic factor and therapy target for breast cancer.

Circ0043898 acts as a tumor inhibitor and performs regulatory effect on the inhibition of esophageal carcinoma

Objective: The study aimed to investigate candidate circular RNAs (circRNAs) in regulating the pathogenic process of esophageal carcinoma. Methods: Specimens were collected from the patients with esophageal carcinoma. Total RNA was purified and treated with RNase R followed by RNA-seq in the purpose of screening the circRNAs in significant differentially expression. The expression level of the screened circRNAs were further validated using RT-PCR. The circular structure of the circRNA was validated with divergent and convergent primers. Overexpression vector was prepared in the purpose of raising the expression level of circ0043898 in the ECA-109 and Kyse-520 cells. The cell colony assay and MTS assay were conducted to determine the capacity of cell proliferation. Chamber assays were applied to determine the capacity of cell migration and invasion while flowcytometry was applied to determine the cell cycle and cell apoptosis. In vivo animal assay was conducted by injecting the cells to the chest of the mice. RNA-seq was performed followed by GO and KEGG study to further verify the regulation mechanism of circ0043898. Results: circ0043898 was validated that down-regulated expressed in the specimens from the patients with esophageal carcinoma. The cell assays proved that overexpression of circ0043898 can obviously inhibit the cell proliferation, cell migration and invasion and induce cell apoptosis and death in the cancerous cells. The in vivo animal study also suggested that the circ0043898 performed inhibitory functions on oncogenesis. The RNA-seq presented the potential regulation mechanism of circ0043898. Histone H3 and BMI1 were presented significantly differential expression in both ECA-109 and Kyse-520 cells, indicating they might be the targets of circ0043898. Conclusion: circ0043898 is presented as tumor inhibitor and could be a candidate biomarker in the therapeutic target and diagnosis of esophageal carcinoma.

ELF3 is an antagonist of oncogenic-signalling-induced expression of EMT-TF ZEB1

Background: Epithelial-to-mesenchymal transition (EMT) is a key step in the transformation of epithelial cells into migratory and invasive tumour cells. Intricate positive and negative regulatory processes regulate EMT. Many oncogenic signalling pathways can induce EMT, but the specific mechanisms of how this occurs, and how this process is controlled are not fully understood. Methods: RNA-Seq analysis, computational analysis of protein networks and large-scale cancer genomics datasets were used to identify ELF3 as a negative regulator of the expression of EMT markers. Western blotting coupled to siRNA as well as analysis of tumour/normal colorectal cancer panels was used to investigate the expression and function of ELF3. Results: RNA-Seq analysis of colorectal cancer cells expressing mutant and wild-type β-catenin and analysis of colorectal cancer cells expressing inducible mutant RAS showed that ELF3 expression is reduced in response to oncogenic signalling and antagonizes Wnt and RAS oncogenic signalling pathways. Analysis of gene-expression patterns across The Cancer Genome Atlas (TCGA) and protein localization in colorectal cancer tumour panels showed that ELF3 expression is anti-correlated with β-catenin and markers of EMT and correlates with better clinical prognosis. Conclusions: ELF3 is a negative regulator of the EMT transcription factor (EMT-TF) ZEB1 through its function as an antagonist of oncogenic signalling.

Synergistic inhibition of aggressive breast cancer cell migration and invasion by cytoplasmic delivery of anti-RhoC silencing RNA and presentation of EPPT1 peptide on "smart" particles

Overexpression of RhoC protein in breast cancer patients has been linked to increased cancer cell invasion, migration, and metastases. Suppressing RhoC expression in aggressive breast cancer cells using silencing RNA (siRNA) molecules is a viable strategy to inhibit the metastatic spread of breast cancer. In this report, we describe the synthesis of a series of asymmetric pH-sensitive, membrane-destabilizing polymers engineered to complex anti-RhoC siRNA molecules forming "smart" nanoparticles. Using β-CD as the particle core, polyethylene glycol (PEG) chains were conjugated to the primary face via non-cleavable bonds and amphiphilic polymers incorporating hydrophobic and cationic monomers were grafted to the secondary face via acid-labile linkages. We investigated the effect of PEG molecular weight (2 & 5 kDa) on transfection capacity and serum stability of the formed particles. We evaluated the efficacy of EPPT1 peptides presented on the free tips of the PEG brush to function as a targeting ligand against underglycosylated MUC1 (uMUC1) receptors overexpressed on the surface of metastatic breast cancer cells. Results show that "smart" nanoparticles successfully delivered anti-RhoC siRNA into the cytoplasm of aggressive SUM149 and MDA-MB-231 breast cancer cells, which resulted in a dose-dependent inhibition of cell migration and invasion. Further, EPPT1-targeted nanoparticles demonstrate a synergistic inhibition of cell migration and invasion imparted via RhoC knockdown and EPPT1-mediated signaling via the uMUC1 receptor.

ICAM3 mediates tumor metastasis via a LFA-1-ICAM3-ERM dependent manner

ICAM3 was reported to promote metastasis in tumors. However, the underlying mechanism remains elusive. Here, we disclosed that the expression of ICAM3 was closely correlated with the TNM stage of human breast and lung cancer, as well as the dominant overexpression in high aggressive tumor cell lines (231 and A549 cells). Moreover, the knockdown of ICAM3 inhibited tumor metastasis whereas the ectopic expression of ICAM3 promoted tumor metastasis both in vitro and in vivo. In addition, exploration of the underlying mechanism demonstrated that ICAM3 not only binds to LFA-1 with its extracellular domain and structure protein ERM but also to lamellipodia with its intracellular domain which causes a tension that pulls cells apart (metastasis). Furthermore, ICAM3 extracellular or intracellular mutants alternatively abolished ICAM3 mediated tumor metastasis in vitro and in vivo. As a therapy strategy, LFA-1 antibody or Lifitegrast restrained tumor metastasis via targeting ICAM3-LFA-1 interaction. In summary, the aforementioned findings suggest a model of ICAM3 in mediating tumor metastasis. This may provide a promising target or strategy for the prevention of tumor metastasis.

Novel roles of Src in cancer cell epithelial-to-mesenchymal transition, vascular permeability, microinvasion and metastasis

The Src-family kinases (SFKs), an intracellularly located group of non-receptor tyrosine kinases are involved in oncogenesis. The importance of SFKs has been implicated in the promotion of tumor cell motility, proliferation, inhibition of apoptosis, invasion and metastasis. Recent evidences indicate that specific effects of SFKs on epithelial-to-mesenchymal transition (EMT) as well as on endothelial and stromal cells in the tumor microenvironment can have profound effects on tumor microinvasion and metastasis. Although, having been studied extensively, these novel features of SFKs may contribute to greater understanding of benefits from Src inhibition in various types of cancers. Here we review the novel role of SFKs, particularly c-Src in mediating EMT, modulation of tumor endothelial-barrier, transendothelial migration (microinvasion) and metastasis of cancer cells, and discuss the utility of Src inhibitors in vascular normalization and cancer therapy.

Early detection of hepatocellular carcinoma co-occurring with hepatitis C virus infection: A mathematical model

AIM: To develop a mathematical model for the early detection of hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) with a panel of serum proteins in combination with α-fetoprotein (AFP).

METHODS: Serum levels of interleukin (IL)-8, soluble intercellular adhesion molecule-1 (sICAM-1), soluble tumor necrosis factor receptor II (sTNF-RII), proteasome, and β-catenin were measured in 479 subjects categorized into four groups: (1) HCC concurrent with hepatitis C virus (HCV) infection (n = 192); (2) HCV related liver cirrhosis (LC) (n = 96); (3) Chronic hepatitis C (CHC) (n = 96); and (4) Healthy controls (n = 95). The R package and different modules for binary and multi-class classifiers based on generalized linear models were used to model the data. Predictive power was used to evaluate the performance of the model. Receiver operating characteristic curve analysis over pairs of groups was used to identify the best cutoffs differentiating the different groups.

RESULTS: We revealed mathematical models, based on a binary classifier, made up of a unique panel of serum proteins that improved the individual performance of AFP in discriminating HCC patients from patients with chronic liver disease either with or without cirrhosis. We discriminated the HCC group from the cirrhotic liver group using a mathematical model (-11.3 + 7.38 × Prot + 0.00108 × sICAM + 0.2574 ×β-catenin + 0.01597 × AFP) with a cutoff of 0.6552, which achieved 98.8% specificity and 89.1% sensitivity. For the discrimination of the HCC group from the CHC group, we used a mathematical model [-10.40 + 1.416 × proteasome + 0.002024 × IL + 0.004096 × sICAM-1 + (4.251 × 10^-4) × sTNF + 0.02567 ×β-catenin + 0.02442 × AFP] with a cutoff 0.744 and achieved 96.8% specificity and 89.7% sensitivity. Additionally, we derived an algorithm, based on a binary classifier, for resolving the multi-class classification problem by using three successive mathematical model predictions of liver disease status.

CONCLUSION: Our proposed mathematical model may be a useful method for the early detection of different statuses of liver disease co-occurring with HCV infection.

Reprogramming cancer cells: overview & current progress

INTRODUCTION

Cancer is a disease with genetic and epigenetic origins, and the possible effects of reprogramming cancer cells using the defined sets of transcription factors remain largely uninvestigated. In the handful of publications available so far, findings have shown that reprogramming cancer cells changed the characteristics of the cells to differ from the parental cancer cells. These findings indicated the possibility of utilizing reprogramming technology to create a disease model in the laboratory to be used in studying the molecular pathogenesis or for drug screening of a particular cancer model.

AREAS COVERED

Despite numerous methods employed in generating induced pluripotent stem cells (iPSCs) from cancer cells only a few studies have successfully reprogrammed malignant human cells. In this review we will provide an overview on i) methods to reprogram cancer cells, ii) characterization of the reprogrammed cancer cells, and iii) the differential effects of reprogramming on malignancy, epigenetics and response of the cancer cells to chemotherapeutic agents.

EXPERT OPINION

Continued technical progress in cancer cell reprogramming technology will be instrumental for more refined in vitro disease models and ultimately for the development of directed and personalized therapy for cancer patients in the future.

Vectors and strategies for nonviral cancer gene therapy

INTRODUCTION

This review presents recent developments in the use of nonviral vectors and transfer technologies in cancer gene therapy. Tremendous progress has been made in developing cancer gene therapy in ways that could be applicable to treatments. Numerous efforts are focused on methods of attacking known and novel targets more efficiently and specifically. In parallel to progress in nonviral vector design and delivery technologies, important achievements have been accomplished for suicide, gene replacement, gene suppression and immunostimulatory therapies. New nonviral cancer gene therapies have been developed based on emerging RNAi (si/shRNA-, miRNA) or ODN.

AREAS COVERED

This review provides an overview of recent gene therapeutic strategies in which nonviral vectors have been used experimentally and in clinical trials. Furthermore, we present current developments in nonviral vector systems in association with important chemical and physical gene delivery technologies and their potential for the future.

EXPERT OPINION

Nonviral gene therapy has maintained its position as an approach for treating cancer. This is reflected by the fact that more than 17% of all gene therapy trials employ nonviral approaches. Thus, nonviral vectors have emerged as a clinical alternative to viral vectors for the appropriate expression and delivery of therapeutic genes.

Serum biomarkers for early detection of hepatocellular carcinoma associated with HCV infection in egyptian patients

BACKGROUND

Early detection of hepatocellular carcinoma using serological markers with better sensitivity and specificity than alpha fetoprotein (AFP) is needed.

AIMS

The aim of this study was to evaluate the diagnostic value of serum sICAM-1, β-catenin, IL-8, proteasome and sTNFR-II in early detection of HCC.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

Serum levels of IL-8, sICAM-1, sTNFR-II, proteasome and β-catenin were measured by ELISA assay in 479 serum samples from 192 patients with HCC, 96 patients with liver cirrhosis (LC), 96 patients with chronic hepatitis C (CHC) and 95 healthy controls.

RESULTS

Serum levels of proteasome, sICAM-1, β-catenin and αFP were significantly elevated in HCC group compared to other groups (P-value<0.001), where serum level of IL-8 was significantly elevated in the LC and HCC groups compared to CHC and control groups (P-value <0.001), while no significant difference was noticed in patients with HCC and LC (P-value=0.09). Serum level of sTNFR- II was significantly elevated in patients with LC compared to HCC, CHC and control groups (P-value <0.001); also it was significantly higher in HCC compared to CHC and control groups (P-value <0.001). ROC curve analysis of the studied markers between HCC and other groups revealed that the serum level of proteasome had sensitivity of 75.9% and specificity of 73.4% at a cut-off value of 0.32 μg/ml with AUC 0.803 sICAM-1 at cut off value of 778ng/ml, the sensitivity was 75.8% and the specificity was 71.8% with AUC 0.776. β-catenin had sensitivity and specificity of 70% and 68.6% respectively at a cut off value of 8.75ng/ml with an AUC of 0.729. sTNFR-II showed sensitivity of 86.3% and specificity of 51.8% at a cut off value of 6239.5pg/ml with an AUC of 0.722. IL-8 had sensitivity of 70.4% and specificity of 52.3% at a cut off value of 51.5pg/ml with AUC 0.631.

CONCLUSIONS

Our data supported the role of proteasome, sICAM-1, sTNFR-II and β-catenin in early detection of HCC. Also, using this panel of serological markers in combination with αFP may offer improved diagnostic performance over αFP alone in the early detection of HCC.

MUC1-mediated motility in breast cancer: a review highlighting the role of the MUC1/ICAM-1/Src signaling triad

Breast cancer is the most common cancer in women with the leading cause of death being metastasis, the spread of cancer to distant organs. For those patients with high-risk estrogen receptor positive (ER+) breast cancer, an increased expression of the glycoprotein MUC1 is associated with resistance to anti-hormonal therapy, metastasis and death. Tumor cells may use MUC1 to metastasize by exploiting the vascular adhesion pathways used by leukocytes during the inflammatory response. MUC1 is a type 1 transmembrane protein whose cytoplasmic tail acts as a scaffold for several signaling pathways including the non-receptor kinase Src, a signaling molecule involved in cell differentiation, proliferation, adhesion and motility. This review will highlight our current knowledge of how MUC1/ICAM-1 binding can lead to the recruitment and activation of Src and propose a novel role for lipid raft microdomains in this promigratory signaling. Improved understanding of the mechanism of metastases and the underlying signaling cascade is a prerequisite to the discovery of therapeutic targets to prevent metastasis and death in ER+ breast cancer patients.

Altered glycosylation of MUC1 influences its association with CIN85: the role of this novel complex in cancer cell invasion and migration

MUC1 is a transmembrane glycoprotein abnormally expressed in human adenocarcinomas. The extracellular domain of MUC1 contains a variable number of tandem repeats (VNTR) region that is extensively O-glycosylated in normal epithelia and underglycosylated in tumor cells. This change in posttranslational modification of MUC1 leads to changes in its normal functions including, we hypothesized, its interaction with other molecules. We identified CIN85, an adaptor protein involved in multiple cellular processes including signal transduction, cytoskeletal remodeling and cancer cell invasion, as one of several proteins that associate with MUC1 in tumor cells. CIN85 associates with both the cytosolic tail and the extracellular VNTR of MUC1. Co-immunoprecipitation and confocal immunofluorescence confirmed that MUC1 and CIN85 co-localize primarily at the plasma membrane but the complex can be found also in the cytosol and on the cytoskeleton. MUC1 and CIN85 are both over-expressed in early as well as advanced clinical stages of breast cancer and co-localize on invadopodia-like structures implicated in cell invasion. siRNA-mediated silencing of CIN85 and/or MUC1 revealed that MUC1 enhances CIN85-dependent breast cancer cell migration and invasion in vitro. However, ectopic expression of MUC1 enhances the motility induced by CIN85. When tested in vivo in a tumor metastasis model of B16 melanoma, mice injected with CIN85-depleted melanoma cells exhibited few or no lung metastasis and, similarly to the in vitro results, overexpression of MUC1 recovered the shCIN85-reduced metastatic process. Our findings implicate this newly identified CIN85/MUC1 complex associated with invadopodia-related molecules in promoting the invasive and metastatic potential of breast cancer.

Cell Models for the Investigation of the Role of the Mucin MUC1 Extracellular Domain in Metastasizing

The speculations on the role of MUC1, a substance which is overexpressed in glandular cancer cells, on the metastatic potential of such cells are rooted in data that seem to indicate that cell malignization correlates with a change from the apical localization of mucin MUC1 to a peripheral one. Nonetheless, the role of MUC1 in cancer metastasizing remains far from clear. The major hurdle remains the absence of adequate cell models. The aim of the present study was to create cell models that present different fragments of the human mucin MUC1 extracellular domain on their surface. Genetic constructions were generated on the basis of the plasmid vector pEGFP-N3. These constructions contain fusion genes coding for chimeric proteins composed of different combinations of mucin MUC1 functional domains and identification markers (FLAG-epitope, located at the N-terminus, and EGFP, located at the C-terminus of the chimeric proteins). These constructions were used for a stable transformation of HT-29 human cancer cells. The transformants obtained were characterized by flow cytometry. The low expression level of endogenous mucin MUC1 and the high expression level of recombinant proteins were confirmed by real-time PCR. The microscopic examination of the transformed cells confirmed the membrane localization of the fusion proteins. The resulting cell models could be used to investigate the role of the mucin MUC1 domains in cancer cell metastasizing. The obtained cells are used as an applicable model of MUC1-expressing cancers and might be used to study the role of different functional fragments of mucin MUC1 in metastasizing.

Expression and role of icam-1 in the occurrence and development of hepatocellular carcinoma

Intercellular adhesion molecule-1 (ICAM-1) is a member of the immunoglobulin superfamily, its main function being to participate in recognition and adhesion between cells. ICAM-1 is considered closely related to occurrence, development, metastasis and invasion process of hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC). A variety of inflammatory cytokines and stimulus affect its expression through the nuclear factor-kappa B (NF-κB) signal transduction pathway. In the initial stage of inflammation, hepatocirrhosis and tumor development, ICAM-1 is expressed differently, and has varied effects on different cells to promote occurrence of malignancy and metastasis. ICAM-1 has diagnostic significance for AFP-negative or suspected HCC, and may be a prognositic significance. It is thus widely used in studies as a biomarker which reflects cancer cells metastasis as well as curative effect of drugs. Many new treatments of HCC may be based on the effects of ICAM-1 on different levels of function.

Muc1/Cd227 immunohistochemistry in routine practice is a useful biomarker in breast cancers

Over-expression of MUC1/CD227 is observed in 90% of breast tumors. Classical morphologic description and semi-quantitative digital measurement of MUC1 were performed from immunohistochemical stained slides of 123 routine histological samples. Measures of MUC1 expression showed statistical differences between non tumoral (NT) breast tissue and Ductal Carcinoma In Situ (DCIS) or infiltrating carcinoma (IC), p < 0.0001. Loss of MUC1 was correlated with high Ki67 index (p = 0.001) and loss of hormonal receptors (p = 0.03), whereas no correlations were found with HER2 expression. High-grade DCIS or IC showed increasing loss of apical polarised and cytoplasmic expression of MUC1.

Postoperative simple biochemical markers for prediction of bone metastases in Egyptian breast cancer patients

Objective:

The present study was undertaken to identify patient populations at high risk for bone metastases (BM) at any time after diagnosis of operable breast cancer.

Subjects and methods:

A total number of 59 cases with breast cancer after mastectomy was subdivided into two main groups that included 30 patients with radiologically confirmed BM and 29 patients with no bone metastasis (NBM). Patients with NBM were formerly observed for a one-year follow-up interval to monitor the development of bone metastasis (new BM). Parameters included a full blood picture, tumour markers (carcinoembryonic antigen and CA 15.3) and some biochemical markers (vascular endothelial growth factor and zinc levels, as well as tartrate-resistant acid phosphatase and alkaline phosphatase activities).

Results:

A significant elevation was recorded in carcinoembryonic antigen level and alkaline phosphatase activity, as well as inflammation and vascularisation markers at the time of primary diagnosis in patients with BM, compared with those without BM. CA 15.3 was significantly higher in the new BM group as compared with the other two groups (patients free of bone metastasis [free BM] and BM). According to the likelihood ratio, a panel of single, calculated as well as combined markers was proposed to predict BM within one year in breast cancer patients.

Conclusion:

Vascularisation and inflammation markers, as well as CA 15.3 are predictive of bone recurrence within one year in breast carcinoma patients. We suggest that in cancer validation studies it is imperative to search for markers that link to the premetastatic process and to determine what type of mechanism is active in each stage.

MUC1 and metastatic cancer: expression, function and therapeutic targeting

MUC1 is a transmembrane mucin that is often overexpressed in metastatic cancers and often used as a diagnostic marker for metastatic progression. The extracellular domain of MUC1 can serve as a ligand for stromal and endothelial cell adhesion receptors, and the cytoplasmic domain engages in several interactions that can result in increased migration and invasion, as well as survival. In this review, we address the role of MUC1 in metastatic progression by assessing clinical studies reporting MUC1 levels at various disease stages, reviewing mouse models utilized to study the role of MUC1 in metastatic progression, discuss mechanisms of MUC1 upregulation, and detail MUC1 protein interactions and signaling events. We review interactions between MUC1 and the extracellular environment, with proteins colocalized in the plasma membrane and/or cytoplasmic proteins, and summarize the role of MUC1 in the nucleus as a transcriptional cofactor. Finally, we review recent publications describing current therapies targeting MUC1 in patients with advanced disease and the stage of these therapies in preclinical development or clinical trials.

Traditional Chinese medicine as dual guardians against hypertension and cancer?

This study utilizes the comprehensive traditional Chinese medicine database TCM Database@Taiwan ( http://tcm.cmu.edu.tw/ ) in conjunction with structure-based and ligand-based drug design to identify multi-function Src inhibitors. The three potential TCM candidates identified as having suitable docking conformations and bioactivity profiles were Angeliferulate, (3R)-2'-hydroxy-3',4'-dimethoxyisoflavan-7-O-beta-D-glucoside (HMID), and 3-[2',6-dihydroxy-5'-(2-propenyl)[1,1'-biphenyl]3-yl]-(E)-2-propenoic acid (3PA). Molecular dynamics simulation demonstrated that the TCM candidates have more stable interactions with the cleft and in complex with Src kinase compared to Saracatinib. Angeliferulate and HMID, both originated from Angelica sinensis, not only interact with Lys298 and amino acids from different loops in the cleft, but also with Asp407 located on the activation loop. These interactions are important to reduce the opening of the activation loop due to phosphorylation, hence stabilize the Src kinase cleft structure and inhibit activation. The TCM candidates also exhibited high affinity to other cancer-related target proteins (EGFR, HER2, and HSP90). Our observations suggest that the TCM candidates might have multi-targeting effects in hypertension and cancer.

Characterization of a novel weak interaction between MUC1 and Src-SH3 using nuclear magnetic resonance spectroscopy

Breast cancer causes death through cancer cell migration and subsequent metastasis to distant organs. In vitro, the MUC1 mucin can mediate breast cancer cell migration by binding to intercellular adhesion molecule-1 (ICAM-1). This migration is dependent on MUC1 cytoplasmic domain (MUC1-CD) activation of the non-receptor tyrosine kinase, Src, possibly through competitive displacement of an inhibitory Src intramolecular SH3 binding. Therefore, we characterized the binding site and affinity of the MUC1-CD for Src-SH3 using multidimensional nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR) spectroscopy to monitor the titration of the (15)N labeled Src-SH3 domain with synthetic native and mutant peptides of MUC1-CD. The results revealed that the dissociation constant (K(d)) for the interaction of the native MUC1-CD peptides and Src-SH3 domain was weak with a K(d) of 2-3 mM. Notably, the SH3 residues most perturbed upon peptide binding were located outside the usual hydrophobic binding cleft in a previously described alternate binding site on the Src-SH3, suggesting that MUC1-CD binds to a non-canonical site. The binding characteristics outlined here suggest that the interaction between Src-SH3 and MUC1-CD represents a novel weak electrostatic interaction of the type which is increasingly recognized as important in transient and dynamic protein complexes required for cell migration and signal transduction. As such, this study forms the foundation for the design of specific inhibitors of this interaction which may target breast cancer metastases with exquisite specificity.

Targeting cysteine-mediated dimerization of the MUC1-C oncoprotein in human cancer cells

The MUC1 heterodimeric protein is aberrantly overexpressed in diverse human carcinomas and contributes to the malignant phenotype. The MUC1-C transmembrane subunit contains a CQC motif in the cytoplasmic domain that has been implicated in the formation of dimers and in its oncogenic function. The present study demonstrates that MUC1-C forms dimers in human breast and lung cancer cells. MUC1-C dimerization was detectable in the cytoplasm and was independent of MUC1-N, the N-terminal mucin subunit that extends outside the cell. We show that the MUC1-C cytoplasmic domain forms dimers in vitro that are disrupted by reducing agents. Moreover, dimerization of the MUC1-C subunit in cancer cells was blocked by reducing agents and increased by oxidative stress, supporting involvement of the CQC motif in forming disulfide bonds. In support of these observations, mutation of the MUC1-C CQC motif to AQA completely blocked MUC1-C dimerization. Importantly, this study was performed with MUC1-C devoid of fluorescent proteins, such as GFP, CFP and YFP. In this regard, we show that GFP, CFP and YFP themselves form dimers that are readily detectable with cross-linking agents. The present results further demonstrate that a cell-penetrating peptide that targets the MUC1-C CQC cysteines blocks MUC1-C dimerization in cancer cells. These findings provide definitive evidence that: i) the MUC1-C cytoplasmic domain cysteines are necessary and sufficient for MUC1-C dimerization, and ii) these CQC motif cysteines represent an Achilles' heel for targeting MUC1-C function.