Comprehensive analysis of suppressor of cytokine signaling proteins in human breast Cancer

MiR-9 promotes G-MDSC recruitment and tumor proliferation by targeting SOCS3 in breast cancer

Myeloid-derived suppressor cells (MDSCs) are a heterogeneous group of cells that differentiate from myeloid cells, proliferate in cancer and inflammatory reactions, and mainly exert immunosuppressive functions. Nonetheless, the precise mechanisms that dictate both the accumulation and function of MDSCs remain only partially elucidated. In the course of our investigation, we observed a positive correlation between the content of MDSCs especially G-MDSCs and miR-9 level in the tumor tissues derived from miR-9 knockout MMTV-PyMT mice and 4T1 tumor-bearing mice with miR-9 overexpression. Combined with RNA-seq analysis, we identified SOCS2 and SOCS3 as direct targets of miR-9. Additionally, our research unveiled the pivotal role of the CCL5/CCR5 axis in orchestrating the chemotactic recruitment of G-MDSCs within the tumor microenvironment, a process that is enhanced by miR-9. These findings provide fresh insights into the molecular mechanisms governing the accumulation of MDSCs within the framework of breast cancer development.

Interplay between Estrogen, Kynurenine, and AHR Pathways: An immunosuppressive axis with therapeutic potential for breast cancer treatment

Breast cancer is one of the most common malignancies among women worldwide. Estrogen exposure via endogenous and exogenous sources during a lifetime, together with environmental exposure to estrogenic compounds, represent the most significant risk factor for breast cancer development. As breast tumors establish, multiple pathways are deregulated. Among them is the aryl hydrocarbon receptor (AHR) signaling pathway. AHR, a ligand-activated transcription factor associated with the metabolism of polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons and estrogens, is overexpressed in breast cancer. Furthermore, AHR and estrogen receptor (ER) cross-talk pathways have been observed. Additionally, the Tryptophan (Trp) catabolizing enzymes indolamine-2,3-dioxygenase (IDO) and tryptophan-2,3-dioxygenase (TDO) are overexpressed in breast cancer. IDO/TDO catalyzes the formation of Kynurenine (KYN) and other tryptophan-derived metabolites, which are ligands of AHR. Once KYN activates AHR, it stimulates the expression of the IDO enzyme, increases the level of KYN, and activates non-canonical pathways to control inflammation and immunosuppression in breast tumors. The interplay between E2, AHR, and IDO/TDO/KYN pathways and their impact on the immune system represents an immunosuppressive axis on breast cancer. The potential modulation of the immunosuppressive E2-AHR-IDO/TDO/KYN axis has aroused great expectations in oncotherapy. The present article will review the mechanisms implicated in generating the immunosuppressive axis E2-AHR-IDO/TDO/KYN in breast cancer and the current state of knowledge as a potential therapeutic target.

MicroRNAs Regulate Tumorigenesis by Downregulating SOCS3 Expression: An In silico Approach

Tumor microenvironment is characterized by the occurrence of significant changes due to disrupted signaling pathways that affect a broad spectrum of cellular activities such as proliferation, differentiation, signaling, invasiveness, migration, and apoptosis. Similarly, a downregulated suppressor of cytokine signaling 3 (SOCS3) promotes increased JAK/STAT function due to aberrant cytokine signaling, which results in increased cell proliferation, differentiation, and migration. Multiple carcinomas including breast cancer, prostate cancer, hepatocellular carcinoma, pancreatic cancer, and colorectal cancer involve the disruption of SOCS3 expression due to microRNA overexpression. MicroRNAs are small, conserved, and non-coding RNA molecules that regulate gene expression through post-transcriptional inhibition and mRNA destabilization. The aim of this study was to identify putative microRNAs that interact with SOCS3 and downregulate its expression. In this study, miRWalk, TargetScan, and miRDB were used to identify microRNAs that interact with SOCS3, whereas RNA22 was utilized to identify the binding sites of 238 significant microRNAs. The tertiary structures of shortlisted microRNAs and SOCS3 regions were predicted through MC Sym and RNAComposer, respectively. For molecular docking, HDOCK was used, which predicted 80 microRNA-messengerRNA complexes and the interactions of the top 5 shortlisted complexes were assessed. The complexes were shortlisted on the basis of least binding affinity score and maximum confidence score. This study identifies the interactions of known (miR-203a-5p) and novel (miR-6756-5p, miR-6732-5p, miR-1203, miR-6887-5p) microRNAs with SOCS3 regions due to their maximum interactions. Identifying the interactions of these microRNAs with SOCS3 will significantly advance the understanding of oncomiRs (miRNAs that are associated with cancer development) in tumor development due to their influence on SOCS3 expression. These insights will assist in future studies to understand the significance of miRNA-SOCS3-associated tumor development and progression.

Triple-negative Breast Cancer: Identification of circRNAs With Efficacy in Preclinical In Vivo Models

Triple-negative breast cancer (TNBC) is an aggressive subtype of breast cancer with insufficient options for therapy. In order to identify new targets and treatment modalities we searched the literature for circular RNAs (circRNAs) which mediate efficacy in TNBC-related in vivo preclinical models. In addition to 5 down-regulated circRNAs which modulate tumor-suppressive pathways, we identified 15 up-regulated circRNAs. Down- and up-regulated refers to expression in corresponding non-transformed cells and tissues. The up-regulated circRNAs comprise five transmembrane receptors and secreted proteins as targets, five transcription factors and transcription-associated targets, four cell-cycle related circRNAs and one involved in paclitaxel resistance. In this review article we discuss drug-discovery related aspects and modalities of therapeutic intervention. Down-regulated circRNAs can be reconstituted by re-expression of corresponding circRNAs in tumor cells or up-regulation of corresponding targets. Up-regulated circRNAs can be inhibited by small-interfering RNA (siRNA) or short hairpin RNA (shRNA)-based approaches or inhibition of the corresponding targets with small molecules or antibody-related moieties.

Lithium Chloride Promotes Milk Protein and Fat Synthesis in Bovine Mammary Epithelial Cells via HIF-1α and β-Catenin Signaling Pathways

Lithium is one of the trace elements with many physiological properties, such as being anti-cancer, anti-viral, and anti-inflammatory. However, little is known about its effect on milk synthesis during lactation. Therefore, we selected different concentrations (5 mM, 10 mM, and 20 mM) of lithium chloride (LiCl) and assessed the effect of LiCl on bovine mammary epithelial (MAC-T) cells that underwent 4 days of differentiation induction. Moreover, we analyzed the effect of LiCl on the expression of genes related to milk fat and milk protein synthesis. Herein, LiCl (5-20 mM) significantly increased the expression of β-casein, promoted mRNA expression and phosphorylated protein expression of the signal transduction molecule and activator of transcription 5β (STAT5-β), and inhibited mRNA and protein expression of suppressor of cytokine signaling 2 (SOCS2). In contrast, 5 and 10 mM LiCl significantly inhibited expression of SOCS3. LiCl at concentration of 5-20 mM enhanced phosphorylation level of mTOR protein; at 10 mM and 20 mM, LiCl significantly promoted expression and phosphorylation of downstream ribosomal protein S6 kinase beta-1 (S6K1) protein. Considering milk fat synthesis, mRNA expression of acetyl CoA carboxylase (ACC) and lipoprotein lipase (LPL) genes was considerably increased in the presence of LiCl (5-20 mM). Additionally, increased protein expression levels of stearoyl-CoA desaturase (SCD), peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor-γ (PPARγ), and sterol regulatory element-binding protein 1 (SREBP1) were observed at all LiCl concentrations tested. Subsequently, LiCl (5-20 mM) significantly promoted protein expression and phosphorylation of β-catenin, while 10 mM and 20 mM of LiCl significantly promoted protein expression of hypoxia-inducible factor-1α (HIF-1α). Collectively, it has been shown that 10 mM LiCl can effectively activate HIF-1α, β-catenin, and β-catenin downstream signaling pathways. Conversely, at 10 mM, LiCl inhibited SOCS2 and SOCS3 protein expression through JAK2/STAT5, mTOR, and SREBP1 signaling pathways, improving synthesis of milk protein and fat. Therefore, LiCl can be used as a potential nutrient to regulate milk synthesis in dairy cows.

Analysis of SOCS3 gene genotype in patients with acute cerebral infarction and its relationship with disease progression

OBJECTIVE

This reseaech aimed to analyze the polymorphism of SOCS3 gene in patients with acute cerebral infarction (ACI), and to explore its relationship with disease progression.

METHODS

A total of 310 patients with ACI were categorized into mild stroke group and moderate to severe stroke group according to the National Institute of Stroke Scale (NIHSS) score at admission. Based on NIHSS scores at 7 days after admission, patients were further divided into advanced group and non-advanced group. According to the results of SOCS3 gene detection, three genotypes of rs8064821 were detected: CC, CA and AA. The distribution difference of the genotypes and their predictive possibility were reckoned.

RESULTS

The distribution of SOCS3 genotype at rs8064821 in patients with ACI was CC (161 cases), CA (127 cases), and AA (22 cases), with frequencies of 51.93 %, 40.97 %, and 7.10 %, respectively. Compared with mild group, the proportion of CC genotype was lower, while the proportion of CA and AA genotypes was higher in moderate-severe stroke group (P < 0.01). Compared with non-advanced group, patients who advanced to neurological deficit had a lower proportion of CC genotype, and a higher proportion of CA and AA genotype (P < 0.01).

CONCLUSION

CA and AA genotypes were the main genotypes of SOCS3 in patients with ACI in northern Anhui of China. The disease was more severe in patients with CA and AA, who are more likely to develop neurological deficits.

CISH Expression Is Associated with Metastasis-Free Interval in Triple-Negative Breast Cancer and Refines the Prognostic Value of PDL1 Expression

Simple Summary

CISH is a member of the suppressors of cytokine signaling (SOCS) family of proteins and an important negative regulator of T cells and NK cells signaling and function. In this study, analyzing 1936 triple-negative breast cancer (TNBC) clinical samples, we highlighted correlation between CISH expression and tumor features. We demonstrated that high CISH upregulation was associated with better metastasis-free interval, especially when PDL1 was also upregulated. Moreover, we showed that the two-gene model (CISH and PDL1) provided more prognostic information than each gene alone and maintained its prognostic value in multivariate analysis. Such prognostic synergy between CISH and PDL1 expressions might reinforce the therapeutic relevance of co-targeting TNBC by a combination of CISH inhibition with an immune checkpoint inhibitor blocking the PD1/PDL1 axis.

Abstract

Strategies are being explored to increase the efficiency of immune checkpoint inhibitors (ICIs) targeting PD1/PDL1 in triple-negative breast cancer (TNBC), including combination with therapies inhibiting intracellular immune checkpoints such as CISH (Cytokine-induced SH2 protein). Correlation between CISH expression and TNBC features is unknown. We retrospectively analyzed CISH expression in 1936 clinical TNBC samples and searched for correlations with clinical variables, including metastasis-free interval (MFI). Among TNBCs, 44% were identified as “CISH-up” and 56% “CISH-down”. High expression was associated with pathological axillary lymph node involvement, more adjuvant chemotherapy, and Lehmann’s immunomodulatory and luminal AR subtypes. The “CISH-up” class showed longer 5-year MFI (72%) than the “CISH-down” class (60%; p = 2.8 × 10⁻²). CISH upregulation was associated with activation of IFNα and IFNγ pathways, antitumor cytotoxic immune response, and signatures predictive for ICI response. When CISH and PDL1 were upregulated together, the 5-year MFI was 81% versus 52% when not upregulated (p = 6.21 × 10⁻⁶). The two-gene model provided more prognostic information than each gene alone and maintained its prognostic value in multivariate analysis. CISH expression is associated with longer MFI in TNBC and refines the prognostic value of PDL1 expression. Such observation might reinforce the therapeutic relevance of combining CISH inhibition with an anti-PD1/PDL1 ICI.

SOCS3 Gene Polymorphism and Hypertension Susceptibility in Chinese Population: A Two-Center Case-Control Study

Endothelial inflammation and vascular damage are essential risk factors contributing to hypertension. Suppressor of cytokine signaling 3 (SOCS3) is involved in the regulation of multiple inflammatory pathways. A large number of studies have shown that the anti-inflammatory effect of SOCS3 in hypertension, obesity, and allergic reactions has brought more insights into the inhibition of inflammation. Therefore, we selected a tagSNP of SOCS3 (rs8064821) to investigate whether they are contributing to the risk of hypertension in the Chinese population. In total, 532 patients with hypertension and 569 healthy controls were enrolled for two central of China. SOCS3 rs8064821 C>A polymorphism was genotyped using TaqMan assay. SOCS3 rs8064821 CA genotype was associated with an increased risk of hypertension (OR = 1.821, 95%CI = 1.276-2.600, P = 0.001). Rs8064821 A allele was associated with higher SOCS3 mRNA level in PBMCs from healthy donors. SOCS3 rs8064821 C>A polymorphism may contribute to the risk of hypertension in the Chinese population by regulating the expression of SOCS3.

Targeting the JAK-STAT pathway in autoimmune diseases and cancers: A focus on molecular mechanisms and therapeutic potential

The Janus kinase (JAK)/signal transducer and activator of transcription (STAT) signaling pathway is characterized by diverse immune regulatory systems involving cell proliferation, survival, and inflammation and immune tolerance. Aberrant JAK/STAT transduction activates proinflammatory cytokine signaling that jeopardize the immune balance and thus contributes to the development of autoimmune diseases and cancer progression. The success of several small-molecule JAK inhibitors in the treatment of rheumatologic diseases demonstrates that targeting the JAK/STAT pathway is efficient in suppressing inflammation and sheds light on their therapeutic potential in several autoimmune diseases and cancers. In this review, we discuss the signal transduction and molecular mechanism involving immune function through the JAK-STAT pathway, outline the role of this pathway in autoimmunity and oncoimmunology, and explain the preclinical and clinical trial evidence for the therapeutic potential of targeting the JAK-STAT signaling pathway. Issues regarding the safety and clinical efficacy of JAK inhibitors are reviewed. Ongoing studies are addressed with a focus on emerging indications for JAK inhibition and explanations of the novel mechanisms of JAK-STAT signaling blockade.

SOCS: negative regulators of cytokine signaling for immune tolerance

Cytokines are important intercellular communication tools for immunity. Many cytokines promote gene transcription and proliferation through the JAK/STAT (Janus kinase / signal transducers and activators of transcription) and the Ras/ERK (GDP/GTP-binding rat sarcoma protein / extracellular signal-regulated kinase) pathways, and these signaling pathways are tightly regulated. The SOCS (suppressor of cytokine signaling) family are representative negative regulators of JAK/STAT-mediated cytokine signaling and regulate the differentiation and function of T cells, thus being involved in immune tolerance. Human genetic analysis has shown that SOCS family members are strongly associated with autoimmune diseases, allergy and tumorigenesis. SOCS family proteins also function as immune-checkpoint molecules that contribute to the unresponsiveness of T cells to cytokines.