Low EphA7 Expression Correlated with Lymph Node Metastasis and Poor Prognosis of Patients with Esophageal Squamous Cell Carcinoma

Altered TP53, CDKN2A, ATM, EPHA7, POT1, CHEK1, GRIN2A, and EGFR Predict Shorter Survival in Penile Squamous Cell Carcinoma

Penile squamous cell carcinoma (pSCC) represents an uncommon malignancy characterized by stagnant mortality, psychosexual distress, and a highly variable prognosis. Currently, the World Health Organization distinguishes between human papillomavirus (HPV)-related and HPV-independent pSCC. Recently, there has been an evolving line of research documenting the enrichment of HPV-independent pSCC with a high tumor mutational burden (TMB) and programmed death ligand-1 expression, as well as clusters of genes associated with HPV status. In this study, we conducted comprehensive next-generation sequencing DNA profiling of 146 pSCC samples using a panel consisting of 355 genes associated with tumors. This profiling was correlated with immunohistochemical markers and prognostic clinical data. A survival analysis of recurrent genomic events (found in ≥10 cases) was performed. TP53, CDKN2A, ATM, EPHA7, POT1, CHEK1, GRIN2A, and EGFR alterations were associated with significantly shortened overall survival in univariate and multivariate analysis. HPV positivity, diagnosed through both p16 immunohistochemistry and HPV DNA analysis, displayed no impact on survival but was associated with high-grade, lymphatic invasion, programmed death ligand-1 negativity/weak expression, and low TMB. FAT1, TP53, CDKN2A, CASP8, and HRAS were more often mutated in HPV-independent pSCC. In contrast, HPV-associated pSCCs were enriched by EPHA7, ATM, GRIN2A, and CHEK1 mutations. PIK3CA, FAT1, FBXW7, and KMT2D mutations were associated with high TMB. NOTCH1, TP53, CDKN2A, POT1, KMT2D, ATM, CHEK1, EPHA3, and EGFR alterations were related to adverse clinicopathologic signs, such as advanced stage, high tumor budding, and lymphovascular invasion. We detected 160 alterations with potential treatment implications, with 21.2% of samples showing alterations in the homologous recombination repair pathway. To the best of our knowledge, this study describes the largest cohort of pSCC with complex molecular pathologic, clinical, and prognostic analysis correlating with prognosis.

Advances and current concepts on Eph receptors and ephrins in upper digestive tract cancers

Erythropoietin-producing hepatocellular (Eph) receptors comprise the largest group of surface receptors and are responsible for cellular signals. Eph/ephrin signaling has been identified to play a role in key cancer development and progression processes, especially in the upper gastrointestinal tract. The Eph/ephrin system has been described as a tumor suppressor in duodenal cancer, while in esophageal, gastric, hepatic, and pancreatic cancer, the system has been related to tumor progression. For their significant role in developing a wide range of malignancies, Eph receptors and their ligands have proven to be an important target for new anticancer therapies. In this review, we present an overview of the literature and highlight evidence supporting the role of the Eph/ephrin system in upper digestive tract cancers. In addition, we discuss molecular findings that represent promising therapeutic targets for these cancers.

The role of EphA7 in different tumors

Ephrin receptor A7 (EphA7) is a member of the Eph receptor family. It is widely involved in signal transduction between cells, regulates cell proliferation and differentiation, and participates in developing neural tubes and brain. In addition, EphA7 also has a dual role of tumor promoter and tumor suppressor. It can participate in cell proliferation, migration and apoptosis through various mechanisms, and affect tumor differentiation, staging and prognosis. EphA7 may be a potential diagnostic marker and tumor treatment target. This article reviews the effects of EphA7 on a variety of tumor biological processes and pathological characteristics, as well as specific effects and regulatory mechanisms.

microRNA-196b promotes esophageal squamous cell carcinogenesis and chemoradioresistance by inhibiting EPHA7, thereby restoring EPHA2 activity

Esophageal cancer (EC) is extremely aggressive and has a very poor survival rate. Esophageal squamous cell carcinoma (ESCC) accounts for 80% of all ECs worldwide, with the majority of the remaining 20% being esophageal adenocarcinoma (EAC). Due to its occult and insidious presentation, ESCC is typically diagnosed and treated in its advanced stages, thereby limiting the success of present therapeutic modalities. microRNAs (miRNAs) can function as tumor suppressors or oncogenes, playing critical roles in cancer initiation and progression by regulating target genes in oncogenic pathways. In the current study, we demonstrated that microRNA-196b (miR-196b) is one of the most upregulated miRNAs in both ESCC and EAC. miR-196b was overexpressed in ESCC and EAC cell lines, cellular exosomal RNAs, and ESCC tissue samples. Functional studies revealed that miR-196b acted as an oncomiR by directly targeting a tumor suppressor, ephrin type-A receptor 7 (EPHA7). EPHA7 abrogates the activity of ephrin type-A receptor 2 (EPHA2), a key molecule involved in the epithelial-to-mesenchymal transition (EMT) and MAPK/ERK pathways, mediating resistance to UV and chemoradiotherapy in both ESCC and EAC. Taken together, these findings suggest that miR-196b is a strong candidate molecular target for EC treatment.

Coexpression of EphA10 and Gli3 promotes breast cancer cell proliferation, invasion and migration

This study investigated the influences of EphA10 and Gli3 on breast cancer (BC) cell proliferation, invasion and migration. Immunohistochemistry was used to reveal the expressions of EphA10 and Gli3 in 18 intraductal carcinomas, 124 invasive carcinomas, 50 paracancerous tissues (2 cm away from the tumor, when possible or available), 50 lobular hyperplastic tissues and 30 normal breast tissues. qRT-PCR and Western blotting were applied to detect the expressions of EphA10 and Gli3 in invasive BC cells (MDA-MB-231, BT20 and Hs578T) and normal human mammary epithelial cells (MCF10A). MDA-MB-231 and BT20 cells were transfected with sh-EphA10, sh-Gli3 or sh-EphA10+sh-Gli3. CCK-8 was used to test the proliferation of transfected MDA-MB-231 and BT20 cells. Transwell and scratch assays were used for evaluation of invasion and migration of the transfected cells. EphA10 and Gli3 were highly expressed in invasive carcinomas and invasive BC cells. The expressions of EphA10 and Gli3 were associated with the clinicopathological characteristics and poor prognosis of patients with invasive BC. Knockdown of EphA10 or Gli3 suppressed activities of BC cells. Knockdown of both EphA10 and Gli3 was more effective than knockdown of Gli3 alone. Taken together, coexpression of EphA10 and Gli3 promotes BC cell proliferation, invasion and migration.

Ephrin Receptors (Eph): EphA1, EphA5, and EphA7 Expression in Uveal Melanoma-Associations with Clinical Parameters and Patient Survival

Uveal melanoma is the most common primary intraocular malignancy in adults. The development of distant metastases is associated with a poor prognosis. Ephrine receptors (Eph) are the largest subpopulation of tyrosine kinase receptors. They play an important role in processes related to the formation and progression of cancer. The aim of the study was to evaluate the expression of ephrin receptors EphA1, EphA5, and EphA7 in uveal melanoma and its associations with clinicopathological parameters, overall survival, and disease-free survival. The study included 94 previously untreated patients who underwent enucleation due to uveal melanoma. High expression of EphA1 was positively correlated with a smaller tumor size, less frequent extra-scleral extension, lower mitotic activity, and more frequent vitreous hemorrhage. High expression of EphA5 was associated with less frequent chromosome 3 loss, absence of distant metastases, and more frequent vitreous hemorrhage. High expression of EphA7 was associated with a more frequent primary tumor location in the posterior pole. High EphA5 expression was associated with longer overall survival time. The above findings indicate that high expression of EphA1 and EphA5 can be considered a beneficial prognostic factor in uveal melanoma.

Markers of Angiogenesis, Lymphangiogenesis, and Epithelial-Mesenchymal Transition (Plasticity) in CIN and Early Invasive Carcinoma of the Cervix: Exploring Putative Molecular Mechanisms Involved in Early Tumor Invasion

The establishment of a proangiogenic phenotype and epithelial-to-mesenchymal transition (EMT) are considered as critical events that promote the induction of invasive growth in epithelial tumors, and stimulation of lymphangiogenesis is believed to confer the capacity for early dissemination to cancer cells. Recent research has revealed substantial interdependence between these processes at the molecular level as they rely on common signaling networks. Of great interest are the molecular mechanisms of (lymph-)angiogenesis and EMT associated with the earliest stages of transition from intraepithelial development to invasive growth, as they could provide the source of potentially valuable tools for targeting tumor metastasis. However, in the case of early-stage cervical cancer, the players of (lymph-)angiogenesis and EMT processes still remain substantially uncharacterized. In this study, we used RNA sequencing to compare transcriptomes of HPV(+) preinvasive neoplastic lesions and early-stage invasive carcinoma of the cervix and to identify (lymph-)angiogenesis- and EMT-related genes and pathways that may underlie early acquisition of invasive phenotype and metastatic properties by cervical cancer cells. Second, we applied flow cytometric analysis to evaluate the expression of three key lymphangiogenesis/EMT markers (VEGFR3, MET, and SLUG) in epithelial cells derived from enzymatically treated tissue specimens. Overall, among 201 differentially expressed genes, a considerable number of (lymph-)angiogenesis and EMT regulatory factors were identified, including genes encoding cytokines, growth factor receptors, transcription factors, and adhesion molecules. Pathway analysis confirmed enrichment for angiogenesis, epithelial differentiation, and cell guidance pathways at transition from intraepithelial neoplasia to invasive carcinoma and suggested immune-regulatory/inflammatory pathways to be implicated in initiation of invasive growth of cervical cancer. Flow cytometry showed cell phenotype-specific expression pattern for VEGFR3, MET, and SLUG and revealed correlation with the amount of tumor-infiltrating lymphocytes at the early stages of cervical cancer progression. Taken together, these results extend our understanding of driving forces of angiogenesis and metastasis in HPV-associated cervical cancer and may be useful for developing new treatments.

The role of Eph receptors in cancer and how to target them: novel approaches in cancer treatment

INTRODUCTION

Erythropoietin-producing human hepatocellular (Eph) receptors are among the largest family of tyrosine kinases that are divided into two classes: EphA and EphB receptors. Over the past two decades, their role in cancer has become more evident.

AREAS COVERED

There is a need for new anticancer treatments and more insight in the emerging role of Eph receptors in cancer. Molecular mechanisms underlying the pro-tumorigenic effects of Eph receptors could be exploited for future therapeutic strategies. This review describes the variability in expression levels and different effects on oncogenic and tumor suppressive downstream signaling of Eph receptors in various cancer types, and the small molecules, antibodies and peptides that target these receptors.

EXPERT OPINION

The complexity of Eph signaling is a challenge for the definition of clear targets for cancer treatment. Nevertheless, numerous drugs that target EphA2 and EphB4 are currently in clinical trials. However, some Eph targeted drugs also inhibit other tyrosine kinases, so it is unclear to what extent the targeting of Eph receptors contributes to their efficacy. Future research is warranted for an improved understanding of the full network in which Eph receptors function. This will be critical for the improvement of the anticancer effects of drugs that target the Eph receptors.

KRT 15 as a prognostic biomarker is highly expressed in esophageal carcinoma

Aim: To investigate the expression and prognostic value of KRT 15 in esophageal carcinoma. Materials & methods: The expression levels of KRT 15 were measured in 128 cases of esophageal carcinoma and matched adjacent normal tissues by immunohistochemistry and Western blot assays. Results & conclusion: Western blot analysis shown the expression levels of KRT 15 in esophageal carcinoma were significantly higher compared with those in matched adjacent normal tissues (p < 0.001). immunohistochemistry result shown the high-expression rate of KRT 15 in esophageal carcinoma were 56.3%, which was significantly higher than those in normal tissues (35.9%; p = 0.002). KRT 15 high-expression correlated with T stage, lymph node metastasis, tumor node metastasis stage and prognosis (p < 0.05). These data indicate KRT 15 as a prognostic biomarker is highly expressed in esophageal carcinoma.

EphA3 Downregulation by Hypermethylation Associated with Lymph Node Metastasis and TNM Stage in Colorectal Cancer

BACKGROUND

EphA3 is a member of Eph receptors, which is involved in tumorigenesis. The expression and clinical significance of EphA3 in colorectal cancer (CRC) have not been fully investigated.

METHODS

Four colon cancer cell lines and a set of CRC tissues were examined for EphA3 expression. The methylation status of a CpG island within the EphA3 promoter, the presence of four somatic EPHA3 mutations, and EPHA3 gene copy number variations were also analyzed in colon cancer cell lines.

RESULTS

EphA3 expression was lost in all colon cancer cell lines examined. EphA3 expression was lower in tumor tissues when compared with normal intestinal tissues (P < 0.001). A comparison of EphA3 immunohistochemical scores for tumor and matched normal intestinal tissues revealed that the protein was downregulated in 82/164 (50.0%), unchanged in 52/164 (31.7%), and upregulated in 30/164 (18.3%) cases of CRC. EphA3 expression was negatively associated with lymph node metastasis (P =0.014, r_s=- 0.192) and TNM stage (P =0.001, r_s=- 0.260). Downregulation of expression was more common in older patients (P =0.013, r_s=0.193). Methylated promoter DNA was detected in all four colon cancer cell lines. Somatic mutations or EphA3 gene deletion was not detected.

CONCLUSIONS

EphA3 was downregulated in the majority of CRC. Hypermethylation of a CpG island within the EPHA3 promoter provides a possible mechanism. Loss of EphA3 expression was associated with lymph node metastasis and TNM stage and may therefore prove useful as a predictor for tumor spread in CRC.

Receptor Tyrosine Kinase EphB3: a Prognostic Indicator in Colorectal Carcinoma

Although EphB3 expression is down-regulated in colorectal cancer (CRC) cells compared with normal intestinal epithelial cells, the relationship between EphB3 expression and clinicopathological parameters in CRC is unclear. We examined EphB3 expression in 128 CRC tissue specimens and in 19 adenoma specimens using immunohistochemistry. The relationships between EphB3 expression and clinicopathological parameters, KRAS mutations, BRAF V600E mutation, MSI and survival were evaluated using Spearman's rank correlation and Kaplan-Meier survival analyses, respectively. CpG methylation in the EphB3 promoter was examined in four human CRC cell lines and tissues. EphB3 was strongly expressed in all normal intestinal epithelial cells (128/128) and adenoma cells (19/19). In CRC tumor cells, EphB3 expression was negative or weak in 41.4% (53/128), moderate in 26.6% (34/128), and strong in 32.0% (41/128) of samples. EphB3 expression was negatively associated with invasive depth (P = 0.016, r_s = -0.213), lymph node metastasis (P = 0.000, r_s = -0.490), and TNM stage (P = 0.000, r_s = -0.390), and was positively associated with poor differentiation (P = 0.001, r_s = 0.290), BRAF V600E mutation (P = 0.008, r_s = 0.235), and longer overall survival (P < 0.001). In multivariate analysis, EphB3 expression (P = 0.007) and lymph node metastasis (P < 0.001) were independent prognostic factors for poor survival. Hypermethylation of the EphB3 promoter was detected in cell lines and CRC tissues. EphB3 is down-regulated in CRC compared to normal mucosa. Hypermethylation of CpG island is contributed to downregulation of EphB3 in CRC. EphB3 expression in tumor cells may be a useful prognostic indicator for patients with CRC.

EphA10 and EphB3 are prognostic markers in gallbladder squamous cell/adenosquamous carcinomas and adenocarcinomas

AIMS

Squamous cell/adenosquamous carcinomas (SC/ASC) are rare subtypes of gallbladder cancers (GBCs). Clinical characteristics of SC/ASC have not been well documented, and no biological markers of GBC carcinogenesis, progression and prognosis are available.

METHODS

We detected EphA10 and EphB3 expression in 69 SC/ASCs and 146 adenocarcinomas (ACs) with EnVision immunohistochemistry.

RESULTS

The percentage of cases with a patient age of > 45 years, lymph node metastasis and invasion was significantly higher in the SCs/ASCs compared with the ACs (P < 0.05). The positive expression of EphA10 and negative expression of EphB3 were significantly higher in the cases of SC/ASC and AC than in chronic cholecystitis (P < 0.01). The positive expressions of EphA10 and negative expression of EphB3 were significantly higher in the cases of poorly differentiation, large tumor size, high TNM stage, lymph node metastasis, invasion and no resection (only biopsy) of SC/ASC and AC. The negative correlation was found between EphA10 and EphB3 expression in SC/ASC and AC (P < 0.01). The univariate Kaplan-Meier analysis showed that positive EphA10 and negative EphB3, differentiation, tumor size, TNM stage, lymph node metastasis, invasion and surgical curability, is closely associated with a decreased overall survival in SC/ASC and AC patients (P < 0.05 or P < 0.01). The multivariate Cox regression analysis identified that positive EphA10 and negative EphB3 expression are independent factors for a poor-prognosis in SC/ASC and AC patients. The AUC for EphA10 and EphB3 showed might have role for carcinogenesis and progression of SC/ASC and AC.

CONCLUSIONS

The present study indicates that positive EphA10 and negative EphB3 expression are closely associated with the pathogenesis, clinical, pathological and biological behaviors, and poor prognosis in gallbladder cancer.

EPHA7 and EPHA10 Physically Interact and Differentially Co-localize in Normal Breast and Breast Carcinoma Cell Lines, and the Co-localization Pattern Is Altered in EPHB6-expressing MDA-MB-231 Cells

Erythropoietin-producing hepatocellular carcinoma cell (EPH) receptors comprise the most abundant receptor tyrosine kinase family characterized to date in mammals including humans. These proteins are involved in axon guidance, tissue organization, vascular development and the intricate process of various diseases including cancer. These diverse functions of EPH receptors are attributed, in part, to their abilities for heterodimerization. While the interacting partners of kinase-deficient EPHB6 receptor have been characterized, the interaction of the kinase-dead EPHA10 with any other receptor has not been identified. By using co-immunoprecipitation, we demonstrated physical interaction between kinase-deficient EPHA10 with kinase-sufficient EPHA7 receptor. Immunocytochemical analyses have revealed that these two receptors co-localize on the cell surface, and soluble portions of the receptors exist as a complex in the cytoplasm as well as the nuclei. While EPHA7 and EPHA10 co-localize similarly on the membrane in MCF10A and MCF7 cells, they were differentially co-localized in MDA-MB-231 cells stably transfected with empty pcDNA vector (MDA-MB-231-PC) or an expression construct of EPHB6 (MDA-MB-231-B6). The full-length isoforms of these receptors were co-localized on the cell surface, and the soluble forms were present as a complex in the cytoplasm as well as the nucleus in MDA-MB-231-PC cells. MDA-MB-231-B6 cells, on the other hand, were distinguished by the absence of any signal in the nuclei. Our results represent the first demonstration of physical interaction between EPHA10 and EPHA7 and their cellular co-localization. Furthermore, these observations also suggest gene-regulatory functions of the complex of the soluble forms of these receptors in breast carcinoma cells of differential invasiveness.

Expression of APPL1 is correlated with clinicopathologic characteristics and poor prognosis in patients with gastric cancer

BACKGROUND

Although appl1 is overexpressed in many cancers, its status in gastric cancer (gc) is not known. In the present study, we used relevant pathologic and clinical data to investigate appl1 expression in patients with gc.

METHODS

In 47 gc and 27 non-gc surgical specimens, immunohistochemistry was used to detect the expression of appl1, and reverse-transcriptase polymerase chain reaction (rt-pcr) was used to detect messenger rna (mrna). A scatterplot visualized the relationship between survival time and mrna expression in gc patients. The log-rank test and other survival statistics were used to determine the association of appl1 expression with the pathologic features of the cancer and clinical outcomes.

RESULTS

In gc, appl1 was expressed in 28 of 47 specimens (59.6%), and in non-gc, it was expressed in 7 of 23 specimens (30.4%, p < 0.05). The expression of mrna in gc was 0.82 [95% confidence interval (ci): 0.78 to 0.86], and in non-gc, it was 0.73 (95% ci: 0.69 to 0.77; p < 0.05). Immunohistochemistry demonstrated that, in gc, appl1 expression was correlated with depth of infiltration (p = 0.005), lymph node metastasis (p = 0.017), and TNM stage (p = 0.022), but not with pathologic type (p = 0.41). Testing by rt-pcr demonstrated that, in gc, appl1 mrna expression was correlated with depth of infiltration (p = 0.042), lymph node metastasis (p = 0.031), and TNM stage (p = 0.04), but again, not with pathologic type (p = 0.98). The correlation coefficient between survival time and mrna expression was -0.83 (p < 0.01). Overexpression of appl1 protein (hazard ratio: 3.88; 95% ci: 1.07 to 14.09) and mrna (hazard ratio: 4.23; 95% ci: 3.09 to 15.11) was a risk factor for death in patients with gc.

CONCLUSIONS

Expression of appl1 is increased in gc. Overexpression is prognostic for a lethal outcome.

Effect of miR-503 Down-Regulation on Growth and Invasion of Esophagus Carcinoma and Related Immune Function

Background

MicroRNA (miR) has been proved to be an important biomarker for tumors because it can regulate occurrence, progression, invasion, and metastasis of cancer. A previous study has shown the involvement of miR-503 in multiple gastrointestinal tumors. Its detailed role and immune regulatory function in esophagus carcinoma, however, remains unknown. This study thus investigated the effect of miR-503 in regulating growth, proliferation, and invasion of esophagus cancer and its influence on cytokine secretion.

Material/Methods

Esophagus carcinoma cell line EC9706 and normal esophageal epithelial cell line HEEC were transfected with miR-503 inhibitor. MTT assay was used to quantify the cell proliferation, and a Transwell chamber was used to evaluate cell invasion. Release of cytokines, including interleukin-2 (IL-2), IL-4, IL-10, and interferon-γ (IFN-γ), was measured by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA).

Results

MiR-503 expression was significantly elevated in esophagus carcinoma cells (p<0.05). The specific inhibition of miR-503 expression remarkably suppressed proliferation and invasion of tumor cells. It can also down-regulated IL-2 and IFN-γ expression and facilitate secretion of IL-4 and IL-10 when compared to the control group (p<0.05 in all ceases).

Conclusions

The inhibition of miR-503 can effectively inhibit tumor progression and improve immune function, suggesting its potency as a novel drug target for esophagus cancer treatment.