Overexpression of MTFR2 Predicts Poor Prognosis of Breast Cancer

MTFR2 promotes endometrial carcinoma cell proliferation and growth via the miR-132-3p/PI3K/Akt signaling pathway

Objective

Understanding the mechanisms underlying endometrial cancer progression is crucial for the development of effective targeted therapies. In this study, we investigated the role of MTFR2 in endometrial cancer cell.

Methods

The expression of MTFR2 in endometrial cancer was analyzed using The Cancer Genome Atlas (TCGA) dataset and detected in endometrial cancer tissues and cells, respectively. Gain-of-function and loss-of-function approaches were utilized to investigate the impact of MTFR2 on endometrial cancer cell proliferation and tumorigenesis in both in vitro and in vivo settings. Computational tools were employed to predict microRNAs (miRNAs) that potentially regulate MTFR2, and these predictions were experimentally validated.

Results

The expression of MTFR2 is enhanced in endometrial carcinoma, and it is positively correlated with the poor prognosis of patients. Functional studies show that MTFR2 promoted the proliferation, migration and invasion of endometrial cancer cells. Bioinformatics analysis and luciferase assays identified that MTFR2 is a potential target of miR-132-3p, and transfection with miR-132-3p mimics attenuated the MTFR2-induced activation of the PI3K/Akt pathway.

Conclusion

Our findings highlight the critical role of MTFR2 in promoting endometrial cancer cell proliferation and growth through the miR-132-3p/PI3K/Akt signaling pathway. Targeting this signaling axis may offer potential therapeutic strategies for endometrial cancer treatment.

Obtention of viable cell suspensions from breast cancer tumor biopsies for 3D chromatin conformation and single-cell transcriptome analysis

Molecular and cellular characterization of tumors is essential due to the complex and heterogeneous nature of cancer. In recent decades, many bioinformatic tools and experimental techniques have been developed to achieve personalized characterization of tumors. However, sample handling continues to be a major challenge as limitations such as prior treatments before sample acquisition, the amount of tissue obtained, transportation, or the inability to process fresh samples pose a hurdle for experimental strategies that require viable cell suspensions. Here, we present an optimized protocol that allows the recovery of highly viable cell suspensions from breast cancer primary tumor biopsies. Using these cell suspensions we have successfully characterized genome architecture through Hi-C. Also, we have evaluated single-cell gene expression and the tumor cellular microenvironment through single-cell RNAseq. Both technologies are key in the detailed and personalized molecular characterization of tumor samples. The protocol described here is a cost-effective alternative to obtain viable cell suspensions from biopsies simply and efficiently.

Dysregulation of MTFR2, ATP5IF1 and BAK1 in Sertoli cells relates to idiopathic non-obstructive azoospermia via inhibiting mitochondrial fission and inducing mitochondrial dysfunction†

Non-obstructive azoospermia affects more than 10% of infertile men with over 70% patients are idiopathic with uncharacterized molecular mechanisms, which is referred as idiopathic non-obstructive azoospermia. In this study, we checked the morphology of Sertoli cell mitochondria in testis biopsies from patients with idiopathic non-obstructive azoospermia and patients with obstructive azoospermia who have normal spermiogenesis. The expression of 104 genes controlling mitochondria fission and fusion were analyzed in three gene expression datasets including a total of 60 patients with non-obstructive azoospermia. The levels of 7 candidate genes were detected in testis biopsies from 38 patients with idiopathic non-obstructive azoospermia and 24 patients with obstructive azoospermia who have normal spermatogenesis by RT-qPCR. Cell viability, apoptosis, mitochondria membrane potential, adenosine triphosphate production, oxygen consumption, and mitochondria morphology were examined in primary human Sertoli cells. Mouse spermatogonial stem cells were used to detect the cell supporting capacity of Sertoli cells. We observed that patients with idiopathic non-obstructive azoospermia had elongated mitochondria. MTFR2 and ATP5IF1 were downregulated, whereas BAK1 was upregulated in idiopathic non-obstructive azoospermia testis and Sertoli cells. Sertoli cells from patients with idiopathic non-obstructive azoospermia had reduced viability, mitochondria membrane potential, adenosine triphosphate production, oxygen consumption rate, glycolysis and increased apoptosis. Knockdown MTFR2 in Sertoli cells increased the mitochondria size. Knockdown ATP5IF1 did not change mitochondrial morphology but increased adenosine triphosphate hydrolysis. Overexpression of BAK1 reduced membrane potential and upregulated cell apoptosis. The dysregulation of all these three genes contributed to the dysfunction of Sertoli cells, which provides a clue for idiopathic non-obstructive azoospermia treatment.

Roles of mitochondrial fusion and fission in breast cancer progression: a systematic review

Background

Mitochondria play critical roles in cellular physiological activity as cellular organelles. Under extracellular stimulation, mitochondria undergo constant fusion and fission to meet different cellular demands. Mitochondrial dynamics, which are involved in mitochondrial fusion and fission, are regulated by specialized proteins and lipids, and their dysregulation causes human diseases, such as cancer. The advanced literature about the crucial role of mitochondrial dynamics in breast cancer is performed.

Methods

All related studies were systematically searched through online databases (PubMed, Web of Science, and EMBASE) using keywords (e.g., breast cancer, mitochondrial, fission, and fusion), and these studies were then screened through the preset inclusion and exclusion criteria.

Results

Eligible studies (n = 19) were evaluated and discussed in the systematic review. These advanced studies established the roles of mitochondrial fission and fusion of breast cancer in the metabolism, proliferation, survival, and metastasis. Importantly, the manipulating of mitochondrial dynamic is significant for the progresses of breast cancer.

Conclusion

Understanding the mechanisms underlying mitochondrial fission and fusion during tumorigenesis is important for improving breast cancer treatments.

MTFR2 shapes a barrier of immune microenvironment in hepatocellular carcinoma

Hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) is a leading cause of cancer-related death in the world. Mitochondrial fission regulator 2 (MTFR2) is involved in the development of various cancers. However, the roles of MTFR2 in HCC remain unknown. In this study, we conducted a comprehensive analysis of MTFR2 in HCC, which was generated from integrative MTFR2 analyses of eight HCC cell lines, and three datasets (public dataset, real-world dataset, and immunotherapy dataset) derived from bulk HCC tissues, survival, and immunotherapy data. We demonstrated that the expression level of MTFR2 is upregulated in HCC, leading to poor prognosis. MTFR2 is positively correlated with the level of immune cell infiltration, multiple immune checkpoints and immunotherapy response prediction pathways, and acts as an important role in cancer-immunity cycle. In conclusion, our work indicates that MTFR2 can shape a barrier of immune microenvironment and result in poor prognosis in hepatocellular carcinoma, but the immune barrier may be broken by immunotherapy.

Prognostic Value and Potential Mechanism of MTFR2 in Lung Adenocarcinoma

Mitochondrial fission regulator 2 (MTFR2) belongs to the MTFR1 family, which plays a crucial role in regulating oxidative phosphorylation. Recent studies indicate that it also participates in cancer carcinogenesis and development; however, the clinical significance of MTFR2 in lung adenocarcinoma has not been fully confirmed. Our current study investigated the relationships between clinical characteristics and MTFR2 expression based on The Cancer Genome Atlas (TCGA), Gene Expression Omnibus (GSE31210) dataset, and clinical histopathological sample cohort. In addition, Kaplan–Meier and Cox regression analyses were additionally performed to evaluate the association between MTFR2 expression and patient survival. Gene set enrichment analysis (GESA) was conducted to spot possible pathways associated with MTFR2. Moreover, a single-sample GESA (ssGESA) was performed to evaluate the association between MTFR2 expression and immune cell infiltration. Cell colony formation assay, CCK-8 assay, cell cycle assay, and transwell assay were performed to verify the cell proliferation, migration, and invasion abilities after interfering with MTFR2 in lung cancer cells. Western blot assay was applied to identify the underlying protein levels. The results indicated that the elevated MTFR2 expression in lung adenocarcinoma samples correlated with T stage (P < 0.001), N stage (P = 0.005), M stage (P = 0.015), pathological stage (P = 0.002), and TP53 status (P < 0.001). Patients with a higher MTFR2 expression correlated with poorer overall survival (P < 0.01) and progression-free survival (P = 0.002). Knockdown of MTFR2 inhibited cell proliferation, migration, and invasion via AKT-cyclin D1 signaling and EMT pathways. Moreover, MTFR2 expression significantly positively correlated with Th2 cells (P < 0.001). Taken together, MTFR2 could serve as a novel prognostic indicator and therapeutic target for lung adenocarcinoma.

Association of High Expression of Mitochondrial Fission Regulator 2 with Poor Survival of Patients with Esophageal Squamous Cell Carcinoma

Mitochondrial fission regulator 2 (MTFR2) is associated with mitochondrial fission, while few studies have assessed the associations between MTFR2 expression and clinical characteristics or prognosis of esophageal squamous cell carcinoma (ESCC). In this study, we compared the expression of MTFR2 in 6 ESCC tumors and relative normal tissues by immunohistochemistry (IHC). To assess the effect of MTFR2 expression on clinicopathologic characteristics and survival, 115 paraffin embedded ESCC tissue samples were assessed by IHC staining. Furthermore, the association between clinicopathological properties and MTFR2 expression in patients with ESCC was examined. The survival analysis was performed using the Cox regression models. We found that MTFR2 expression was significantly increased in ESCC tumors compared with normal esophageal epithelial cells. IHC analysis of 115 paraffin embedded ESCC tumor specimens of the patients showed that the expression of MTFR2 was significantly associated with clinical stage (P < 0.001), tumor classification (P < 0.001), histological grade (P < 0.001), and other clinicopathological characteristics. Both univariate and multivariate analyses showed that MTFR2 expression was inversely correlated with the survival of ESCC patients. In conclusion, the expression of MTFR2 is significantly associated with clinicopathologic characteristics and prognosis of ESCC. Thus, MTFR2 expression could serve as a potentially important prognostic biomarker and clinical target for patients with ESCC.

Transcription factor HOXC10 activates the expression of MTFR2 to regulate the proliferation, invasion and migration of colorectal cancer cells

HOXC10 and mitochondrial fission regulator 2 (MTFR2) have been reported to be abnormally expressed in multiple types of cancer tissues. However, the effects of HOXC10 and MTFR2 on colorectal cancer (CRC) remain poorly understood. Therefore, the present study aimed to investigate the expression of HOXC10 and MTFR2 in CRC tissues and cells, and analyze their effects on CRC cell proliferation, invasion and migration. Reverse transcription‑quantitative PCR and western blotting were used to detect the expression levels of MTFR2 and HOXC10 in tissues and cells. To investigate the association between MTFR2 and HOXC10, short hairpin RNA‑MTFR2 and overexpression vector‑HOXC10 were transfected into the cells, respectively. Furthermore, western blotting was performed to detect the expression levels of invasion‑associated proteins. The proliferation, clone formation, invasion and migration of colorectal cancer cells were in turn analyzed by the Cell Counting Kit‑8, clone formation, wound healing and Transwell assays. Japan Automotive Software Platform and Architecture software predicted the binding sites between HOXC10 and MTFR2, which was confirmed by the dual‑luciferase reporter assay and chromatin immunoprecipitation. The present study demonstrated that HOXC10 and MTFR2 mRNA and protein expression levels were significantly upregulated in CRC tissues and cells. MTFR2 knockdown significantly inhibited CRC cell proliferation, clone formation, invasion and migration. Furthermore, HOXC10 was shown to interact with MTFR2. HOXC10 overexpression was able to significantly reverse the inhibitory effects of MTFR2 knockdown on CRC cells. In conclusion, HOXC10 overexpression activated MTFR2 expression to enhance the proliferation, clone formation, invasion and migration of CRC cells.

MTFR2, A Potential Biomarker for Prognosis and Immune Infiltrates, Promotes Progression of Gastric Cancer Based on Bioinformatics Analysis and Experiments

Background: Mitochondrial fission regulator 2 (MTFR2) which can promote mitochondrial fission, has recently been reported to be involved in tumorigenesis. However, little is known about its expression levels and function in gastric cancer (GC). This study aims to clarify the role of MTFR2 in GC.

Methods:We firstly determined the expression level and prognostic value of MTFR2 in GC by integrated bioinformatics (Oncomine, GEPIA, Kaplan-Meier Plotter database) and experimental approaches (RT-qPCR, western blot, immunohistochemistry). After constructing stable down-regulated GC cells, the biological functions of MTFR2 in vitro and in vivo were studied through cell clone formation, wound healing, transwell and tumor formation experiments.To understand the reason for the high expression of MTFR2 in GC, copy number alternation, promoter methylation and mutation of MTFR2 were detected by UALCAN and cBioPortal. TargetScanHuman and PROMO databases were also used to explore the miRNAs and transcription factors of MTFR2, and the regulatory network was visualized by Cytoscape. LinkedOmics was used to detect the co-expression profile, and then these co-expressed genes were used for gene oncology function and pathway enrichment analysis to deepen the understanding of MTFR2 mechanism. The protein interaction network of MTFR2 was constructed by the GeneMANIA platform. Docking study of the binding mode was conducted by H DOCK webserver, and PYMOL is used for visualization, and analysis. TIMER database was used to explore the correlation between MTFR2 expression level and immune cells infiltration and gene markers of tumor infiltrating immune cells.

Results: We demonstrated that MTFR2 was up-regulated in GC, and its overexpression led to poorer prognosis. MTFR2 downregulation inhibited the proliferation, migration, and invasion of GC cells in vitro and in vivo. By bioinformatics analysis, we identified the possible factors in MTFR2 overexpression. Moreover, function and pathway enrichment analyses found that MTFR2 was involved in chromosome segregation, catalytic activity, cell cycle, and ribonucleic acid transport. A MTFR2-protein interaction network revealed a potential direct protein interaction between MTFR2 and protein kinase adenosine-monophosphate-activated catalytic subunit alpha 1 (PRKAA1), and their potential binding site was predicted in a molecular docking model. In addition, we also found that MTFR2 may be correlated with immune infiltration in GC.

Conclusions: Our study has effectively revealed the expression, prognostic value, potential functional networks, protein interactions and immune infiltration of MTFR2 in GC. Altogether, our data identify the possible underlying mechanisms of MTFR2 and suggest that MTFR2 may be a prognostic biomarker and therapeutic target in GC.