Expression of RSK4, CD44 and MMP-9 is upregulated and positively correlated in metastatic ccRCC

Colorectal cancer subtyping and prognostic model construction based on interleukin-related genes

Members of the interleukin (IL) family are closely linked to cancer development and progression. However, research on the prognosis of colorectal cancer (CRC) related to IL is still lacking. This study investigated new CRC prognostic markers and offered new insights for CRC prognosis and treatment. CRC-related data and IL gene data were collected from public databases. Sample clustering was done with the NMF package to divide samples into different subtypes. Differential, enrichment, survival, and immune analyses were conducted on subtypes. A prognostic model was constructed using regression analysis. Drug sensitivity analysis was performed using GDSC database. Western blot analysis was performed to assess the effect of IL-7 on the JAK/STAT signaling pathway. Flow cytometry was used to examine the impact of IL-7 on CD8+ T cell apoptosis. Two CRC subtypes based on IL-associated genes were obtained. Cluster 1 had a higher survival rate than cluster 2, and they showed differences in some immune levels. The two clusters were mainly enriched in the JAK-STAT signaling pathway, T helper 17 cell differentiation, and the IL-17 signaling pathway. An 11-gene signature was built, and risk score was an independent prognosticator for CRC. The low-risk group showed a higher sensitivity to nine common targeted anticancer drugs. Western blot and flow cytometry results demonstrated that IL-7 could phosphorylate STAT5 and promote survival of CD8+ T cells. In conclusion, this study divided CRC samples into two IL-associated subtypes and obtained an 11-gene signature. In addition, targeted drugs that may improve the prognosis of patients with CRC were identified. These findings are of paramount importance for patient prognosis and CRC treatment.NEW & NOTEWORTHY We identified two clusters with significant survival differences in colorectal cancer (CRC) based on interleukin-related genes, constructed an 11-gene risk score model that can independently predict the prognosis of CRC, and explored some targeted drugs that may improve the prognosis of patients with CRC. The results of this study have important implications for the prognosis and treatment of CRC.

MMPs-related risk model identification and SAA1 promotes clear cell renal cell carcinoma migration via ERK-AP1-MMPs axis

Matrix Metalloproteinases (MMPs) have been demonstrated to be essential in facilitating the migration and metastasis of clear cell renal cell carcinoma (ccRCC). However, the ability of the MMP family to predict clinical outcomes and guide optimal therapeutic strategies for ccRCC patients remains incompletely understood. In this investigation, we initially conducted a thorough examination of the MMP family in pan-cancer. Notably, MMPs exhibited distinctive significance in ccRCC. Following this, we undertook an extensive analysis to evaluate the clinical value of MMPs and potential mechanisms by which MMPs contribute to the progression of ccRCC. A novel stratification method and prognostic model were developed based on MMPs in order to enhance the accuracy of prognosis prediction for ccRCC patients and facilitate personalized treatment. By conducting multi-omics analysis and transcriptional regulation analysis, it was hypothesized that SAA1 plays a crucial role in promoting ccRCC migration through MMPs. Subsequently, in vitro experiments confirmed that SAA1 regulates ccRCC cell migration via the ERK-AP1-MMPs axis. In conclusion, our study has explored the potential value of the MMP family as prognostic markers for ccRCC and as guides for medication regimens. Additionally, we have identified SAA1 as a crucial factor in the migration of ccRCC.

Identification of molecular subtypes and diagnostic model in clear cell renal cell carcinoma based on collagen-related genes may predict the response of immunotherapy

Background: Collagen represents a prominent constituent of the tumor's extracellular matrix (ECM). Nonetheless, its correlation with the molecular subtype attributes of clear cell renal cell carcinoma (ccRCC) remains elusive. Our objective is to delineate collagen-associated molecular subtypes and further construct diagnostic model, offering insights conducive to the precise selection of ccRCC patients for immunotherapeutic interventions. Methods: We performed unsupervised non-negative matrix factorization (NMF) analysis on TCGA-KIRC samples, utilizing a set of 33 collagen-related differentially expressed genes (33CRDs) for clustering. Our analysis encompassed evaluations of subtype-associated differences in pathways, immune profiles, and somatic mutations. Through weighted gene co-expression network analysis (WGCNA) and four machine learning algorithms, two core genes were found and a diagnostic model was constructed. This was subsequently validated in a clinical immunotherapy cohort. Single cell sequencing analysis and experiments demonstrated the role of core genes in ccRCC. Finally, we also analyzed the roles of MMP9 and SCGN in pan-cancer. Results: We described two novel collagen related molecular subtypes in ccRCC, designated subtype 1 and subtype 2. Compared with subtype 1, subtype 2 showed more infiltration of immune components, but had a higher TIDE (tumor immunedysfunctionandexclusion) score and increased levels of immune checkpoint molecules. Furthermore, reduced prognosis for subtype 2 was a consistent finding in both high and low mutation load subgroups. MMP9 and SCGN were identified as key genes for distinguishing subtype 1 and subtype 2. The diagnostic model based on them could better distinguish the subtype of patients, and the differentiated patients had different progression free survival (PFS) in the clinical immunotherapy cohort. MMP9 was predominantly expressed in macrophages and has been extensively documented in the literature. Meanwhile, SCGN, which was overexpressed in tumor cells, underwent experimental validation, emphasizing its role in ccRCC. In various cancers, MMP9 and SCGN were associated with immune-related molecules and immune cells. Conclusion: Our study identifies two collagen-related molecular subtypes of ccRCC and constructs a diagnostic model to help select appropriate patients for immunotherapy.

Targeted drug delivery systems for matrix metalloproteinase-responsive anoparticles in tumor cells: A review

Nanodrug delivery systems based on tumor microenvironment responses have shown excellent performance in tumor-targeted therapy, given their unique targeting and drug-release characteristics. Matrix metalloproteinases (MMPs) have been widely explored owing to their high specificity and expression in various tumor microenvironments. The design of an enzyme-sensitive nanodelivery system using MMPs as targeted receptors could markedly improve the performance of drug targeting. The current review focuses on the development and application of MMP-responsive drug carriers, and summarizes the classification of single- and multi-target nanocarriers based on their MMP responsiveness. The potential applications and challenges of this nanodrug delivery system are discussed to provide a reference for designing high-performance nanodrug delivery systems.

CD44 Is Associated with Poor Prognosis of ccRCC and Facilitates ccRCC Cell Migration and Invasion through HAS1/MMP9

BACKGROUND

In many solid tumors, CD44 has been identified as a cancer stem cell marker as well as an important molecular in cancer progression and metastasis, making it attractive for potential therapeutic applications. However, our knowledge of the biological function and mechanism of CD44 in clear cell renal cell carcinoma (ccRCC) is limited.

METHODS

In this study, the expression, prognostic values and functional enrichment analysis of CD44 in ccRCC were analyzed using public databases. Quantitative real-time PCR (qRT-PCR), Western blotting, and immunohistochemical (IHC) assays were taken to detect CD44 expression in ccRCC tissues. The effects of CD44 on the proliferation, migration and invasion of ccRCC cells were investigated by gain-of-function and loss-of-function experiments. Subcutaneous models further confirmed the role of CD44 in tumor growth. The relationship between CD44, HAS1 and MMP9 was investigated to uncover the regulatory mechanism of CD44 in ccRCC.

RESULTS

CD44 was significantly upregulated in ccRCC and associated with poor overall survival (OS). Based on the functional enrichment analysis and PPI network, we found that CD44 had associations with ECM interaction and focal adhesion pathway. Clinical ccRCC sample validation revealed that CD44 mRNA and protein expression were significantly increased in ccRCC tissues, and strong CD44 staining was observed in four metastatic ccRCC cases. In vitro experiments showed that CD44 overexpression promoted cell proliferation, migration and invasion. In vivo experiments also demonstrated that CD44 overexpression accelerated tumor formation in mice. Finally, we found that CD44 regulates the expression of HAS1 in ccRCC, which is essential for the secretion of MMP9 and cell migratory ability.

CONCLUSION

The upregulation of CD44 mRNA and protein expressions in ccRCC is indicative of unfavorable clinical prognoses. The CD44/HAS1/MMP9 axis is believed to exert a significant influence on the regulation of ECM degradation and ccRCC metastasis.

Development of an Immune Prognostic Model for Clear Cell Renal Cell Carcinoma Based on Tumor Microenvironment

Immune infiltration remains at a high level in clear cell renal cell carcinoma (ccRCC). It has been confirmed that immune cell infiltration in tumor microenvironment (TME) is intimately bound up with the progression and the clinical outcome of ccRCC. The prognostic model, developed based on different immune subtypes of ccRCC, has a predictive value in patients' prognosis. RNA sequencing data, somatic mutation data of ccRCC and clinical information were acquired from the cancer genome atlas (TCGA) database. The key immune-related genes (IRGs) were selected and by univariate Cox, LASSO, and multivariate Cox regression analyses. Then the ccRCC prognostic model was developed. The applicability of this model was verified in the independent dataset GSE29609. Thirteen IRGs including CCL7, ATP6V1C2, ATP2B3, ELAVL2, SLC22A8, DPP6, EREG, SERPINA7, PAGE2B, ADCYAP1, ZNF560, MUC20, and ANKRD30A were finally selected and a 13-IRGs prognostic model was developed. Survival analysis demonstrated that when compared with the low-risk group, patients in the high-risk group had a lower overall survival (p<0.05). AUC values based on the 13-IRGs prognostic model used to predict 3- and 5-year survival of ccRCC patients were greater than 0.70. And risk score was an independent prognostic factor (p<0.001). In addition, nomogram could accurately predict ccRCC patient's prognosis. This 13-IRGs model can effectively evaluate the prognosis of ccRCC patients, and also provide guidance for the treatment and prognosis of ccRCC patients.

P90 ribosomal S6 kinases: A bona fide target for novel targeted anticancer therapies?

The 90 kDa ribosomal S6 kinase (RSK) family of proteins is a group of highly conserved Ser/Thr kinases. They are downstream effectors of the Ras/ERK/MAPK signaling cascade. ERK1/2 activation directly results in the phosphorylation of RSKs, which further, through interaction with a variety of different downstream substrates, activate various signaling events. In this context, they have been shown to mediate diverse cellular processes like cell survival, growth, proliferation, EMT, invasion, and metastasis. Interestingly, increased expression of RSKs has also been demonstrated in various cancers, such as breast, prostate, and lung cancer. This review aims to present the most recent advances in the field of RSK signaling that have occurred, such as biological insights, function, and mechanisms associated with carcinogenesis. We additionally present and discuss the recent advances but also the limitations in the development of pharmacological inhibitors of RSKs, in the context of the use of these kinases as putative, more efficient targets for novel anticancer therapeutic approaches.

Risk Factor Analysis of Postoperative Venous Thromboembolism in Patients After Thoracoscopic Lobectomy

OBJECTIVE

To analyze independent risk factors for postoperative venous thromboembolism (VTE) in patients after thoracoscopic lobectomy and establish a risk model for predicting thrombosis.

METHODS

We selected 135 patients who underwent thoracoscopic lobectomy and assigned them to a VTE group (n = 31) and a non-VTE group (n = 104) according to the presence or absence of postoperative VTE. Univariate and multivariate logistic regression models were built to identify independent risk factors for postoperative thrombosis. A nomogram to predict the risk of thrombosis was generated, with the predictive performance of the model being evaluated by plotting calibration curve and the receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curve.

RESULTS

D-dimer on the first postoperative day and Caprini scores were independent high-risk factors for VTE after thoracoscopic lobectomy as revealed by univariate and multivariate logistic regression analyses (p < .05). The nomogram was evaluated, and the fitting degree of calibration curve indicated good accuracy of the model in predicting thrombosis. The area under the curve (AUC) value was 0.8654, suggesting favorable diagnostic efficacy of the model.

CONCLUSION

The D-dimer on the first postoperative day and Caprini scores were independent risk factors for VTE after thoracoscopic lobectomy. The nomogram that was generated to predict the risk of thrombosis had good accuracy and diagnostic efficacy, which can guide individual risk assessment and management decisions in clinical practice.

A New Model of Esophageal Cancers by Using a Detergent-Free Decellularized Matrix in a Perfusion Bioreactor

The lack of physiologically relevant human esophageal cancer models has as a result that many esophageal cancer studies are encountering major bottleneck challenges in achieving breakthrough progress. To address the issue, here we engineered a 3D esophageal tumor tissue model using a biomimetic decellularized esophageal matrix in a customized bioreactor. To obtain a biomimetic esophageal matrix, we developed a detergent-free, rapid decellularization method to decellularize porcine esophagus. We characterized the decellularized esophageal matrix (DEM) and utilized the DEM for the growth of esophageal cancer cell KYSE30 in well plates and the bioreactor. We then analyzed the expression of cancer-related markers of KYSE30 cells and compared them with formalin-fixed, paraffin-embedded (FFPE) esophageal squamous cell carcinoma (ESCC) tissue biospecimens. Our results show that the detergent-free decellularization method preserved the esophageal matrix components and effectively removed cell nucleus. KYSE30 cancer cells proliferated well on and inside the DEM. KYSE30 cells cultured on the DEM in the dynamic bioreactor show different cancer marker expressions than those in the static well plate, and also share some similarities to the FFPE-ESCC biospecimens. These findings built a foundation with potential for further study of esophageal cancer behavior in a biomimetic microenvironment using this new esophageal cancer model.

Raltitrexed regulates proliferation and apoptosis of HGC-27 cells by upregulating RSK4

Background

Raltitrexed is a specific inhibitor of thymidylate synthase and a potential chemotherapeutic agent for the treatment of advanced gastric cancer. In this study, we investigated the effect of raltitrexed on the proliferation of HGC-27 human gastric cancer cells and its potential underlying molecular mechanism(s).

Methods

RT-qPCR and western blotting were used to quantify RSK4 levels. Colony formation and flow cytometry assays were used to assess HGC-27 cell proliferation, cell cycle progression, mitochondrial membrane potential, and apoptosis. The expression of cell cycle and apoptosis markers were determined by western blotting.

Results

Our results demonstrate that raltitrexed upregulated RSK4 mRNA and protein levels in HGC-27 cells. Moreover, raltitrexed significantly inhibited tumor cell colony formation, arrested the cell cycle, decreased the mitochondrial membrane potential, and induced apoptosis. We observed that raltitrexed was capable of upregulating the expression of Bax, cyclin A1, and CDK3, and downregulating the expression of Bcl-2 and cleaved caspase-3. Importantly, siRNA-mediated RSK4 knockdown significantly reduced the inhibitory effect of raltitrexed on cell proliferation and its promotion of cell apoptosis. Moreover, silencing of RSK4 inhibited the raltitrexed-induced upregulation of cytochrome C. In addition, the changes in molecular markers related to the cell cycle and apoptosis induced by raltitrexed were reduced upon RSK4 depletion.

Conclusion

Our study shows that RSK4 is a key target of raltitrexed in the regulation of gastric cancer cell proliferation, cell cycle progression, and apoptosis.

Supplementary Information

The online version contains supplementary material available at 10.1186/s40360-022-00605-2.

LINC00887 Fosters Development of Clear Cell Renal Cell Carcinoma via Inhibiting CD8+ T Cell Immune Infiltration

Background

lncRNAs affect adaptive and innate immunity of cancer via mediating functional states of immune cells, genes, and pathways. Nonetheless, little is known about the molecular mechanism of lncRNA-mediated CD8+ T cell immune infiltration in progression of clear cell renal cell carcinoma (ccRCC). We designed this work to investigate the role of LINC00887 in regulating CD8+ T cell immune infiltration in ccRCC.

Methods

Correlation between LINC00887 and immune factors and the expression level of LINC00887 in ccRCC were analyzed by bioinformatics methods (TCGA-KIRC database, “edgeR” package, “clusterProfiler” package, and “CIBERSORT” package). LINC00887 expression in ccRCC was examined via RT-qPCR. The cytokilling capacity of CD8+ T cells was evaluated by the lactate dehydrogenase assay. The apoptotic ability of CD8+ T cells was measured by flow cytometry. The chemotactic ability of CD8+ T cells was revealed by chemotaxis assay. CXCR3, CXCL9, and CXCL10 levels were assessed by RT-qPCR.

Results

As suggested by bioinformatics analysis, LINC00887 was markedly upregulated in ccRCC patients and associated with expression of immune-suppression molecule, thereby abating the immune infiltration level of CD8+ cells in tumor tissue. As revealed by cellular assay, LINC00887 was upregulated in ccRCC cells, and knockdown of LINC00887 resulted in a decreased PD-L1 expression, increased CD8+ T cell toxicity, decreased apoptotic levels, and enhanced chemotaxis. Moreover, we found that LINC00887 exhibited inhibitory effect on immune infiltration of CD8+ cells in clinical tissues.

Conclusions

The results of this study suggested that LINC00887 promoted ccRCC progression by inhibiting immune infiltration of CD8+ T cells, providing new insights into pathogenesis of ccRCC and suggesting LINC00887 being a promising immunotherapy target for ccRCC.

Knockdown of CD44 inhibits proliferation, migration and invasion of osteosarcoma cells accompanied by downregulation of cathepsin S

BACKGROUND

Osteosarcoma (OS) is a malignant bone tumour of mesenchymal origin. These tumours are characterised by rich vascularisation, therefore promoting rapid proliferation and facilitating metastasis. CD44 has been reported to be involved in OS, but its role and molecular mechanisms in the pathogenesis of the disease are not fully determined.

METHODS

In this study, we investigated the antitumor effect of CD44 on the development of OS and further explored the molecular mechanisms. The expression of CD44, cathepsin S and MMP-9 was detected by Western blot (WB) and reverse transcription-polymerase chain reaction (RT-qPCR) in different cell lines (MG63, U2OS OS and hFOB 1.19). To elucidate the role of CD44 in OS, MG63 and U2OS cells were treated with small interference RNA (siRNA) to knock down CD44, and the knockdown efficiency was validated with GFP and RT-qPCR. Furthermore, cell proliferation was assayed using Cell Counting Kit‑8 (CCK-8) and colony formation assays, and cell migration and invasion were assayed by transwell and wound-healing assays.

RESULTS

We found that CD44 expression in the MG63 and U2OS OS cell lines was markedly increased compared to that of the human osteoblast hFOB 1.19 cell line. Knockdown of CD44 inhibited proliferation, migration and invasion of MG63 and U2OS cells. Cathepsin S expression in the MG63 and U2OS OS cell lines was increased compared to that of the human osteoblast hFOB 1.19 cell line. When CD44 was knocked down, its expression level went down.

CONCLUSION

Taken together, our data reinforced the evidence that CD44 knockdown inhibited cell proliferation, migration and invasion of OS cells accompanied by altered expression of cathepsin S. These findings offer new clues for OS development and progression, suggesting CD44 as a potential therapeutic target for OS.

CD44: A Multifunctional Mediator of Cancer Progression

CD44, a non-kinase cell surface transmembrane glycoprotein, has been widely implicated as a cancer stem cell (CSC) marker in several cancers. Cells overexpressing CD44 possess several CSC traits, such as self-renewal and epithelial-mesenchymal transition (EMT) capability, as well as a resistance to chemo- and radiotherapy. The CD44 gene regularly undergoes alternative splicing, resulting in the standard (CD44s) and variant (CD44v) isoforms. The interaction of such isoforms with ligands, particularly hyaluronic acid (HA), osteopontin (OPN) and matrix metalloproteinases (MMPs), drive numerous cancer-associated signalling. However, there are contradictory results regarding whether high or low CD44 expression is associated with worsening clinicopathological features, such as a higher tumour histological grade, advanced tumour stage and poorer survival rates. Nonetheless, high CD44 expression significantly contributes to enhanced tumourigenic mechanisms, such as cell proliferation, metastasis, invasion, migration and stemness; hence, CD44 is an important clinical target. This review summarises current research regarding the different CD44 isoform structures and their roles and functions in supporting tumourigenesis and discusses CD44 expression regulation, CD44-signalling pathways and interactions involved in cancer development. The clinical significance and prognostic value of CD44 and the potential of CD44 as a therapeutic target in cancer are also addressed.

MiR-548d-3p Promotes Gastric Cancer by Targeting RSK4

Purpose

Previous studies have demonstrated that RSK4 inhibits the proliferation of gastric cancer cells and the occurrence of tumors. However, to date, studies involving microRNAs (miRNAs) that target RSK4 have rarely been reported. Thus, this study aimed to investigate the miRNAs that target RSK4.

Materials and Methods

We screened miRNAs related to RSK4 in miRDB, microT-CDS, TargetScan, and mirDIP databases and found 18 miRNAs. We chose miR-548d-3p for follow-up research, identified the interaction site in RSK4 by comparing the sequence, and mutated it. Thereafter, we used the dual-luciferase reporter system, real-time PCR (RT-PCR), and Western blotting to assess the effect of miR-548d-3p on RSK4. The proliferation, apoptosis, migration, and invasion of gastric cancer cells were evaluated using MTT assay, propidium iodide (PI), EdU, annexin V-FITC/PI apoptosis detection kit, wound healing assay, and transwell assay after overexpression of miR-548d-3p and RSK4. Finally, a nude mouse tumorigenesis experiment was conducted to explore the role of RSK4-targeting miR-548d-3p in tumorigenesis.

Results

miR-548d-3p negatively regulated the expression of RSK4, resulting in suppressed apoptosis, enhanced proliferation, migration, and invasion of gastric cancer cells, and accelerated tumor growth. In addition, an increase in miR-548d-3p expression enhanced the mRNA levels of CDK2, cyclin A1, cyclin D1, Bax, Bcl-2, N-cadherin, and Vimentin, and decreased E-cadherin mRNA levels by targeting RSK4.

Conclusion

miR-548d-3p promotes gastric cancer by lowering the expression of RSK4.

Identification of Immune-Related Cells and Genes in Tumor Microenvironment of Clear Cell Renal Cell Carcinoma

Clear cell renal cell carcinoma (ccRCC) is one of the most common tumors in the urinary system. Progression in immunotherapy has provided novel options for the ccRCC treatment. However, the understanding of the ccRCC microenvironment and the potential therapeutic targets in the microenvironment is still unclear. Here, we analyzed the gene expression profile of ccRCC tumors from the Cancer Genome Atlas (TCGA) and calculated the abundance ratios of immune cells for each sample. Then, seven types of immune cells were found to be correlated to overall survival, and 3863 immune-related genes were identified by analyzing differentially expressed genes. We also found that the function of immune-related genes was mainly focused on ligand-receptor binding and signaling pathway transductions. Additionally, we identified 13 hub genes by analyzing the protein-protein interaction network, and seven of them are related to overall survival. Our study not only expands the understanding of fundamental biological features of microenvironment but also provides potential therapeutic targets.