Matrix metalloproteinase 2 contributes to aggressive phenotype, epithelial-mesenchymal transition and poor outcome in nasopharyngeal carcinoma

Mechanism of HIF-1α promoting proliferation, invasion and metastasis of nasopharyngeal carcinoma by regulating MMP-2 in hypoxic microenvironment

Objective

To explore the mechanism of HIF-1α promoting the proliferation, invasion and metastasis of nasopharyngeal carcinoma cells by regulating the expression of MMP-2.

Methods

30 nasopharyngeal carcinoma tissues and 30 normal nasopharyngeal epithelial tissues were collected, and the expression of HIF-1α and MMP-2 in the nasopharyngeal carcinoma, normal nasopharyngeal epithelial tissues and their hypoxic environment were systematically analyzed by qRT-PCR and western blot techniques. Lentivirus transfection technology was used to regulate the expression of HIF-1α and MMP-2 genes in the HONE1 cell line under hypoxic environment, and to explore the interaction mechanism of HIF-1α and MMP-2 genes and their role in the proliferation, invasion and metastasis of nasopharyngeal carcinoma. Furthermore, the cytological behavior changes regulated by HIF-1α and MMP-2 genes were further explored by gene chip technology.

Results

The expressions of HIF-1α and MMP-2 in nasopharyngeal carcinoma tissues were significantly higher than those in normal nasopharyngeal epithelial tissues (P < 0.05). Compared with normoxic group, the expression of HIF-1α and MMP-2 in the nasopharyngeal carcinoma cell line HONE1 increased in hypoxic group (P < 0.05). Compared with NC-siRNA group, the expression of HIF-1α in si-HIF-1α group decreased, and the cell proliferation ability and invasion and metastasis ability decreased (P < 0.05). PCR array analysis revealed that the mRNA expressions of FAS, BRCA1, TIMP-1 genes were up-regulated in nasopharyngeal carcinoma HONE1 cells with HIF-1α gene silencing. AKT1, VEGFA, MET, MMP-2, MMP-9 and MTA2 were down-regulated. Compared with NC-siRNA group, the expression of MMP-2 in si-MMP-2 group decreased, and the ability of cell proliferation and invasion and metastasis decreased (P < 0.05).

Conclusion

HIF-1α could inhibit the proliferation, invasion and metastasis of nasopharyngeal carcinoma by regulating the expression of MMP-2, thus inhibiting tumor growth. Therefore, HIF-1α and MMP-2 might become important therapeutic targets to inhibit the growth, invasion and metastasis of nasopharyngeal carcinoma.

HPRT1: a preliminary investigation on its involvement in nasopharyngeal carcinoma

BACKGROUND

Accumulating evidences have stressed the association between hypoxanthine phosphoribosyl transferase 1 (HPRT1) overexpression and the poor prognosis of various cancers. Our study, herein, preliminarily investigates the involvement of HPRT1 in nasopharyngeal carcinoma (NPC).

METHODS

Data from TCGA were applied to read HPRT1 expression in diverse cancers including NPC and to predict the prognosis of NPC patients. The total RNA and protein from NPC cells and nasopharyngeal epithelial cells NP460 were extracted to quantify HPRT1 expression. Following the completion of transfection, the proliferation and migration of NPC cells were determined employing MTT, colony formation and western blot assay (the quantification on expressions of protein related to proliferation and migration).

RESULTS

HPRT1 was differentially expressed in diverse cancers yet particularly highly expressed in NPC, and high HPRT1 expression was related to the poor prognosis of NPC patients. Also, HPRT1 expression was higher in NPC cells and its silencing diminished the viability and proliferation of NPC cells and reduced the expressions of CyclinD1, CyclinE, Multidrug Resistance Protein 1 (MDR1), matrix metalloproteinase (MMP)-2, and MMP-9.

CONCLUSION

This study preliminarily explored the involvement of HPRT1 in NPC based on some cellular assays in vitro, which may provide evidence for investigating the specific mechanism underlying the effects of HPRT1 in cancers.

RNAs in tumour-derived extracellular vesicles and their significance in the tumour microenvironment

Small extracellular vesicles (sEVs) secreted by various types of cells serve as crucial mediators of intercellular communication within the complex tumour microenvironment (TME). Tumour-derived small extracellular vesicles (TDEs) are massively produced and released by tumour cells, recapitulating the specificity of their cell of origin. TDEs encapsulate a variety of RNA species, especially messenger RNAs, microRNAs, long non-coding RNAs, and circular RNAs, which release to the TME plays multifaced roles in cancer progression through mediating cell proliferation, invasion, angiogenesis, and immune evasion. sEVs act as natural delivery vehicles of RNAs and can serve as useful targets for cancer therapy. This review article provides an overview of recent studies on TDEs and their RNA cargo, with emphasis on the role of these RNAs in carcinogenesis.

Glycolysis, the sweet appetite of the tumor microenvironment

Cancer cells display an altered metabolic phenotype, characterised by increased glycolysis and lactate production, even in the presence of sufficient oxygen - a phenomenon known as the Warburg effect. This metabolic reprogramming is a crucial adaptation that enables cancer cells to meet their elevated energy and biosynthetic demands. Importantly, the tumor microenvironment plays a pivotal role in shaping and sustaining this metabolic shift in cancer cells. This review explores the intricate relationship between the tumor microenvironment and the Warburg effect, highlighting how communication within this niche regulates cancer cell metabolism and impacts tumor progression and therapeutic resistance. We discuss the potential of targeting the Warburg effect as a promising therapeutic strategy, with the aim of disrupting the metabolic advantage of cancer cells and enhancing our understanding of this complex interplay within the tumor microenvironment.

MMPs as potential molecular targets in epithelial-to-mesenchymal transition driven COPD progression

Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) is the third leading cause of mortality globally and the risk of developing lung cancer is six times greater in individuals with COPD who smoke compared to those who do not smoke. Matrix metalloproteinases (MMPs) play a crucial role in the pathophysiology of respiratory diseases by promoting inflammation and tissue degradation. Furthermore, MMPs are involved in key processes like epithelial-to-mesenchymal transition (EMT), metastasis, and invasion in lung cancer. While EMT has traditionally been associated with the progression of lung cancer, recent research highlights its active involvement in individuals with COPD. Current evidence underscores its role in orchestrating airway remodeling, fostering airway fibrosis, and contributing to the potential for malignant transformation in the complex pathophysiology of COPD. The precise regulatory roles of diverse MMPs in steering EMT during COPD progression needs to be elucidated. Additionally, the less-understood aspect involves how these MMPs bi-directionally activate or regulate various EMT-associated signaling cascades during COPD progression. This review article explores recent advancements in understanding MMPs' role in EMT during COPD progression and various pharmacological approaches to target MMPs. It also delves into the limitations of current MMP inhibitors and explores novel, advanced strategies for inhibiting MMPs, potentially offering new avenues for treating respiratory diseases.

Peritumoral SPARC expression induced by exosomes from nasopharyngeal carcinoma infected Epstein-Barr virus: A poor prognostic marker

Epstein-Barr virus (EBV)-associated nasopharyngeal carcinoma (NPC) cells have high metastatic potential. Recent research has revealed that the interaction of between tumor cells and the surrounding stroma plays an important role in tumor invasion and metastasis. In this study, we showed the prognostic value of expression of SPARC, an extracellular matrix protein with multiple cellular functions, in normal adjacent tissues (NAT) surrounding NPC. In the immunohistochemical analysis of 51 NPC biopsy specimens, SPARC expression levels were significantly elevated in the NAT of EBER (EBV-encoded small RNA)-positive NPC compared to that in the NAT of EBER-negative NPC. Moreover, increased SPARC expression in NAT was associated with a worsening of overall survival. The enrichment analysis of RNA-seq of publicly available NPC and NAT surrounding NPC data showed that high SPARC expression in NPC was associated with epithelial mesenchymal transition promotion, and there was a dynamic change in the gene expression profile associated with interference of cellular proliferation in NAT, including SPARC expression. Furthermore, EBV-positive NPC cells induce SPARC expression in normal nasopharyngeal cells via exosomes. Induction of SPARC in cancer-surrounding NAT cells reduced intercellular adhesion in normal nasopharyngeal structures and promoted cell competition between cancer cells and normal epithelial cells. These results suggest that epithelial cells loosen their own binding with the extracellular matrix as well as stromal cells, facilitating the invasion of tumor cells into the adjacent stroma by activating cell competition. Our findings reveal a new mechanism by which EBV creates a pro-metastatic microenvironment by upregulating SPARC expression in NPC.

Contribution of Autophagy to Epithelial Mesenchymal Transition Induction during Cancer Progression

Epithelial Mesenchymal Transition (EMT) is a dedifferentiation process implicated in many physio-pathological conditions including tumor transformation. EMT is regulated by several extracellular mediators and under certain conditions it can be reversible. Autophagy is a conserved catabolic process in which intracellular components such as protein/DNA aggregates and abnormal organelles are degraded in specific lysosomes. In cancer, autophagy plays a controversial role, acting in different conditions as both a tumor suppressor and a tumor-promoting mechanism. Experimental evidence shows that deep interrelations exist between EMT and autophagy-related pathways. Although this interplay has already been analyzed in previous studies, understanding mechanisms and the translational implications of autophagy/EMT need further study. The role of autophagy in EMT is not limited to morphological changes, but activation of autophagy could be important to DNA repair/damage system, cell adhesion molecules, and cell proliferation and differentiation processes. Based on this, both autophagy and EMT and related pathways are now considered as targets for cancer therapy. In this review article, the contribution of autophagy to EMT and progression of cancer is discussed. This article also describes the multiple connections between EMT and autophagy and their implication in cancer treatment.

Caspase-9-mediated cleavage of vimentin attenuates the aggressiveness of leukemic NB4 cells

Vimentin is a main type 3 intermediate filament protein. It seems that abnormal expression of vimentin is contributed to the appearance of the aggressive feature of cancer cells. So that it has been reported that malignancy and epithelial-mesenchymal transition in solid tumors, and poor clinical outcomes in patients with lymphocytic leukemia and acute myelocytic leukemia have been associated with the high expression of vimentin. Vimentin is a non-caspase substrate of caspase-9 although its cleavage by caspase-9 in biological processes has not been reported. In the present study, we sought to understand whether vimentin cleavage mediated by caspase-9 could reverse the malignancy in leukemic cells. Herein, to address the issue, we investigated vimentin changes in differentiation and took advantage of the inducible caspase-9 (iC9)/AP1903 system in human leukemic NB4 cells. Following the transfection and treatment of the cells using the iC9/AP1903 system, vimentin expression, cleavage, and subsequently, the cell invasion and the relevant markers such as CD44 and MMP-9 were evaluated. Our results revealed the downregulation and cleavage of vimentin which attenuates the malignant phenotype of the NB4 cells. Considering the favorable effect of this strategy in keeping down the malignant features of the leukemic cells, the effect of the iC9/AP1903 system in combination with all-trans-retinoic acid (ATRA) treatment was evaluated. The obtained data prove that iC9/AP1903 significantly makes the leukemic cells more sensitive to ATRA.

Transición epitelio – mesenquima y cáncer

Cancer cell migration and invasion are critical components of metastatic disease, the leading cause of death in cancer patients. The epithe-lium-mesenchyme-transition (EMT) and mesenchyme-epithelium-transition (MET) are pathways involved in cancer metastasis. This process involves the degradation of cell-cell and cell-extracellular matrix junctions and the subse-quent loss of regulation of binding proteins such as E-cadherin. Cells undergo a reorganization of the cytoskeleton. These alterations are associated with a change in cell shape from epithelial to mesenchymal morphology. Understand-ing EMT and MET’s molecular and cellular basis provides fundamental insights into cancer etiology and may lead to new therapeutic strategies. In this review, we discuss some of the regulatory mechanisms and pathological role of epitheli-al-mesenchymal plasticity, focusing on the knowledge about the complexity and dynamics of this phenomenon in cancer

HOXA13 promotes the proliferation, migration, and invasion of nasopharyngeal carcinoma HNE1 cells by upregulating the expression of Snail and MMP-2

Homeobox A13 (HOXA13) has been verified as an oncogen in some malignancies. However, its role in nasopharyngeal carcinoma (NPC) is still unclear. This study aims to explore the role of HOXA13 in NPC and its underlying mechanism. The mRNA expression of HOXA13 in NPC was obtained from the GSE53819 and GSE64634 datasets in the Gene Expression Omnibus (GEO) database. MTT, colony formation and transwell assays and xenograft tumour models were used to investigate the effects of HOXA13 on NPC HNE1 cells in vitro and in vivo. The expression of HOXA13, epithelial-mesenchymal transition-transcription factor (EMT-TF) Snail and matrix metalloproteinase 2 (MMP-2) was detected by immunohistochemistry, quantitative real-time polymerase chain reaction (qRT-PCR) and Western blotting. The results showed that HOXA13 was upregulated in NPC. Silencing HOXA13 suppressed the proliferation, migration, and invasion of HNE1 cells, which inhibited tumour growth, while overexpression of HOXA13 induced the opposite effects. In addition, the expression of Snail and MMP-2 at the transcriptional and protein levels was associated with the expression of HOXA13. In summary, our results suggest that HOXA13 plays a role as a cancer-promoting gene in NPC. The underlying mechanism may be related to the upregulation of Snail and MMP-2.

IOX-1 suppresses metastasis of osteosarcoma by upregulating histone H3 lysine trimethylation

New therapeutic approaches are needed for metastatic osteosarcoma (OS), as survival rates remain low despite surgery and chemotherapy. Epigenetic changes, such as histone H3 methylation, play key roles in many cancers including OS, although the underlying mechanisms are not clear. In this study, human OS tissue and OS cell lines displayed lower levels of histone H3 lysine trimethylation compared with normal bone tissue and osteoblast cells. Treating OS cells with the histone lysine demethylase inhibitor 5-carboxy-8-hydroxyquinoline (IOX-1) dose-dependently increased histone H3 methylation and inhibited cellular migratory and invasive capabilities, suppressed matrix metalloproteinase expression, reversed epithelial-to-mesenchymal transition by increasing levels of epithelial markers E-cadherin and ZO-1 and decreasing the expression of mesenchymal markers N-cadherin, vimentin, and TWIST, and also reduced stemness properties. An analysis of cultivated MG63 cisplatin-resistant (MG63-CR) cells revealed lower histone H3 lysine trimethylation levels compared with levels in MG63 cells. Exposing MG63-CR cells to IOX-1 increased histone H3 trimethylation and ATP-binding cassette transporter expression, potentially sensitizing MG63-CR cells to cisplatin. In conclusion, our study suggests that histone H3 lysine trimethylation is associated with metastatic OS and that IOX-1 or other epigenetic modulators present promising strategies to inhibit metastatic OS progression.

Nasopharyngeal carcinoma ecology theory: cancer as multidimensional spatiotemporal "unity of ecology and evolution" pathological ecosystem

Nasopharyngeal carcinoma (NPC) is a particular entity of head neck cancer that is generally regarded as a genetic disease with diverse intertumor and intratumor heterogeneity. This perspective review mainly outlines the up-to-date knowledge of cancer ecology and NPC progression, and presents a number of conceptual stepping-stones. At the beginning, I explicitly advocate that the nature of NPC (cancer) is not a genetic disease but an ecological disease: a multidimensional spatiotemporal "unity of ecology and evolution" pathological ecosystem. The hallmarks of cancer is proposed to act as ecological factors of population fitness. Subsequently, NPC cells are described as invasive species and its metastasis as a multidirectional ecological dispersal. The foundational ecological principles include intraspecific relationship (e.g. communication) and interspecific relationship (e.g. competition, predation, parasitism and mutualism) are interpreted to understand NPC progression. "Mulberry-fish-ponds" model can well illustrate the dynamic reciprocity of cancer ecosystem. Tumor-host interface is the ecological transition zone of cancer, and tumor buddings should be recognized as ecological islands separated from the mainland. It should be noted that tumor-host interface has a significantly molecular and functional edge effect because of its curvature and irregularity. Selection driving factors and ecological therapy including hyperthermia for NPC patients, and future perspectives in such field as "ecological pathology", "multidimensional tumoriecology" are also discussed. I advance that "nothing in cancer evolution or ecology makes sense except in the light of the other". The cancer ecology tree is constructed to comprehensively point out the future research direction. Taken together, the establishment of NPC ecology theory and cancer ecology tree might provide a novel conceptual framework and paradigm for our understanding of cancer complex causal process and potential preventive and therapeutic applications for patients.

Syringin as TGF-βR1, HER2, EGFR, FGFR4 Kinase, and MMP-2 Inhibitor and Potential Cytotoxic Agent against ER+ Breast Cancer Cells

Background:

Breast cancer is currently the most diagnosed cancer worldwide. Neoplastic cells and components of the tumor microenvironment trigger enzymes and receptors to facilitate cancer advancement. Syringin, a natural phenylpropanoid glycoside, has been reported to possess anti-cancer activity and affinity with numerous druggable targets of breast carcinoma.

Objectives:

This work aims to evaluate the effects of syringin on the growth of breast cancer cells (MCF-7) and normal dermal fibroblast cells (HDFn) and its ability to inhibit the protein targets of breast cancer.

Methods:

Syringin was investigated on cell lines in vitro via MTT assay. Using non-cell-based activity assay kits, its influence on the activity of transforming growth factor-beta receptor type 1 (TGF-βR1), human epidermal growth factor receptor (HER2), epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR), fibroblast growth factor receptor 4 (FGFR4), and matrix metalloproteinase-2 (MMP-2) was evaluated.

Results:

Syringin exhibited significant cytotoxicity against MCF-7 cells (IC50: 32.11 μM for 24 hours and 21.35 μM for 48 hours) and was non-toxic on healthy HDFn cells (IC50: >100 μM for 24 and 48 hours). It significantly suppressed the activity of cancer and angiogenesis regulating enzymes in vitro with commendable IC50 values on TGF-βR1 kinase (IC50: 6.48 μM), HER2 kinase (IC50: 7.18 μM), EGFR kinase (IC50: 12.38 μM), FGFR4 kinase (IC50: 16.03 μM), and MMP-2 (IC50: 16.07 μM).

Conclusion:

Findings showed the selective toxicity of syringin on breast cancer cells and its potential against pro-angiogenic enzymes. These discoveries strongly indicate the significance and therapeutic potential of syringin in targeted cancer therapy.

Matrix metalloproteinase 2 is a target of the RAN-GTP pathway and mediates migration, invasion and metastasis in human breast cancer

RAS-related nuclear protein(RAN) is a nuclear shuttle and normally regulates events in the cell cycle. When overexpressed in cultured cells, it causes increases in cell migration/invasion in vitro and its overexpression is associated with early breast cancer patient deaths in vivo. However, the underlying mechanism is unknown. The effect of RAN overexpression on potential targets MMP2, ATF3, CXCR3 was investigated by Real-Time PCR/Western blots in the triple receptor negative breast cancer(TRNBC) cell line MDA-MB231 and consequent biological effects were measured by cell adhesion, cell migration and cell invasion assays. Results showed that knockdown of RAN lead to a reduction of MMP2 and its potential regulators ATF3 and CXCR3. Moreover, knockdown of ATF3 or CXCR3 downregulated MMP2 without affecting RAN, indicating that RAN regulates MMP2 through ATF3 and CXCR3. Knockdown of RAN and MMP2 reduced cell adhesion, cell migration and cell growth in agar, whilst overexpression of MMP2 reversed the knockdown of RAN. Furthermore, immunohistochemical staining for RAN and MMP2 are positively associated with each other in the same tumour and separately with patient survival times in breast cancer specimens, suggesting that a high level of RAN may be a pre-requisite for MMP2 overexpression and metastasis. Moreover, positive immunohistochemical staining for both RAN and MMP-2 reduces further patient survival times over that for either protein separately. Our results suggest that MMP2 expression can stratify progression of breast cancers with a high and low incidence of RAN, both RAN and MMP2 in combination can be used for a more accurate patient prognosis. SIMPLE SUMMARY: Ran is an important regulator of normal cell growth and behaviour. We have established in cell line models of breast cancer (BC) a molecular pathway between RAN and its protein-degrading effector MMP-2 and properties related to metastasis in culture. Using immunohistochemistry (IHC) staining of primary BCs, we have shown that RAN and MMP-2 are on their own significantly associated with patient demise from metastatic BC. Moreover, when staining for MMP-2 is added to that for RAN in the primary tumours, there is a significant decrease in patient survival time over that for either protein alone. Thus a combination of staining for RAN and MMP2 is an excellent marker for poor prognosis in breast cancer.

Therapeutic potential of targeting mirnas to prostate cancer tumors: using psma as an active target

Prostate cancer (PC) is a commonly diagnosed malignancy in men and is associated with high mortality rates. Current treatments for PC include surgery, chemotherapy, and radiation therapy. However, recent advances in targeted delivery systems have yielded promising new approaches to PC treatment. As PC epithelial cells express high levels of prostate-specific membrane antigen (PSMA) on the cell surface, new drug conjugates focused on PSMA targeting have been developed. microRNAs (miRNAs) are small noncoding RNAs that regulate posttranscriptional gene expression in cells and show excellent possibilities for use in developing new therapeutics for PC. PSMA-targeted therapies based on a miRNA payload and that selectively target PC cells enhances therapeutic efficacy without eliciting damage to normal surrounding tissue. This review discusses the rationale for utilizing miRNAs to target PSMA, revealing their potential in therapeutic approaches to PC treatment. Different delivery systems for miRNAs and challenges to miRNA therapy are also explored.

MiR-299-3p Inhibits Nasopharyngeal Carcinoma Cell Proliferation and Migration by Targeting MMP-2

Purpose

Nasopharyngeal carcinoma (NPC) is a type of squamous cell carcinoma that originated from the epithelial cells of the nose and throat, and its incidence ranks the first among head and neck tumors. However, NPC has a unique and complex etiology that is not completely understood. MiR-299-3p was discovered to be abnormally expressed in cancers. However, the involvement of miR-299-3p in the incidence and progression of nasopharyngeal cancer remains unknown.

Methods

The miR-299-3p expression in nasopharyngeal cancer samples and cell lines was identified using quantitative PCR (qPCR). Nasopharyngeal cancer cells were evaluated for proliferation, migration, and invasion using MTT, colony formation assay, and Transwell invasion assay. MiRBase and TargetScan databases identified the possible miR-299-3p target genes that were confirmed using a dual-luciferase reporter analysis. Additionally, the miR-299-3p target genes were validated by Western blot, colony formation assay, and Transwell assays.

Results

It was found that miR-299-3p expression was low in nasopharyngeal cancer tissues and cell lines, according to qPCR data. Cell proliferation, colony formation, and migration were considerably reduced by miR-299-3p overexpression. Furthermore, matrix metalloproteinase 2 (MMP-2) expression was regulated by miR-299-3p, whereas MMP-2 knockdown significantly inhibited the capacity of nasopharyngeal cancer cells to form colonies and migrate. Overexpression of MMP-2 substantially reduced the miR-299-3p inhibitory impact on nasopharyngeal cancer cell migration and colony formation.

Conclusion

The miR-299-3p acts as a tumor suppressor gene to suppress the growth and spread of nasopharyngeal cancer by regulating MMP-2 expression. Therefore, miR-299-3p and MMP-2 could be important therapeutic targets for suppressing nasopharyngeal cancer growth and metastasis.

Roles of ubiquitination in the crosstalk between tumors and the tumor microenvironment (Review)

The interaction between a tumor and the tumor microenvironment (TME) plays a key role in tumorigenesis and tumor progression. Ubiquitination, a crucial post-translational modification for regulating protein degradation and turnover, plays a role in regulating the crosstalk between a tumor and the TME. Thus, identifying the roles of ubiquitination in the process may assist researchers to investigate the mechanisms underlying tumorigenesis and tumor progression. In the present review article, new insights into the substrates for ubiquitination that are involved in the regulation of hypoxic environments, angiogenesis, chronic inflammation-mediated tumor formation, and the function of cancer-associated fibroblasts and infiltrating immune cells (tumor-associated macrophages, T-cells, myeloid-derived suppressor cells, dendritic cells, and natural killer cells) are summarized. In addition, the potential targets of the ubiquitination proteasome system within the TME for cancer therapy and their therapeutic effects are reviewed and discussed.

Dihydromyricetin inhibits cancer cell migration and matrix metalloproteinases-2 expression in human nasopharyngeal carcinoma through extracellular signal-regulated kinase signaling pathway

Nasopharyngeal carcinoma (NPC) is endemic in Southeast Asia and the main cause of treatment failure is metastasis. A lot of biological and pharmacological actions of dihydromyricetin (DHM) have been reported such as regulating glucose and anti-cancer effects. The effects of DHM on the cancer invasion and migration of NPC, however, are still unclear. We therefore investigated the in vitro anti-metastatic properties of DHM on three human NPC cell lines (HONE-1, NPC-39, and NPC-BM), as well as the underlying signaling pathways. Our study revealed that DHM could suppress the migration and invasion in NPC cells. Gelatin zymography assay and western blotting assays demonstrated that DHM suppressed the enzyme activity and protein expression of matrix metalloproteinases-2 (MMP-2). Mitogen-activated protein kinases were also investigated to elucidate the signaling pathway, which showed that phosphorylation of extracellular signal-regulated kinase 1 and 2 (ERK1/2) was inhibited after the treatment of DHM. In conclusion, our data revealed that DHM inhibited the migration and invasion of NPC cells by suppressing the expression of MMP-2 via down regulating the ERK1/2 signaling pathway.

Sporadic cell death in macroscale 3D tumor grafts with high drug resistance by activating cell-ECM interactions

In the tumor microenvironment (TME), the extracellular matrix (ECM) provides a dynamic structure for cell adhesion and cancer cell motility, such as migration and invasion, as well as remodeling. Matrix metalloproteinases (MMPs) promote cancer cell motility, which contributes to inducing drug resistance and thereby acquiring aggressive features. The drug resistance-induced 3Din vitrotumor model can be an effective model for therapeutic strategies for anticancer drugs targeting aggressive cancer cells. Here, we describe highly drug-resistant multicellular tumoroids (MCTs)-ECM tumor grafts under a macroscale dense 3Din vitromodel through a combination of numerous MCTs and a collagen matrix. MCTs-ECM tumor grafts promote the high activity of MMP2 and MMP9 compared to general MCTs and induced cancer cell motility. Then, after the administration of anticancer drugs, the tumor grafts show increased drug resistance, with both the sporadic distribution of necrotic cells and the reduction of apoptotic portions, by activating cancer cell motility. MCTs-ECM tumor graft could be useful as a macroscale tumor graft model for inducing drug resistance by activating cancer cell motility and evaluating the efficacy of anticancer drugs targeting cancer with aggressive features.

Silver Nanoparticles Modulate the Epithelial-to-Mesenchymal Transition in Estrogen-Dependent Breast Cancer Cells In Vitro

Silver nanoparticles (AgNPs) are frequently detected in many convenience goods, such as cosmetics, that are applied directly to the skin. AgNPs accumulated in cells can modulate a wide range of molecular pathways, causing direct changes in cells. The aim of this study is to assess the capability of AgNPs to modulate the metastasis of breast cancer cells through the induction of epithelial-to-mesenchymal transition (EMT). The effect of the AgNPs on MCF-7 cells was investigated via the sulforhodamine B method, the wound healing test, generation of reactive oxygen species (ROS), the standard cytofluorimetric method of measuring the cell cycle, and the expression of EMT marker proteins and the MTA3 protein via Western blot. To fulfill the results, calcium flux and HDAC activity were measured. Additionally, mitochondrial membrane potential was measured to assess the direct impact of AgNPs on mitochondria. The results indicated that the MCF-7 cells are resistant to the cytotoxic effect of AgNPs and have higher mobility than the control cells. Treatment with AgNPs induced a generation of ROS; however, it did not affect the cell cycle but modulated the expression of EMT marker proteins and the MTA3 protein. Mitochondrial membrane potential and calcium flux were not altered; however, the AgNPs did modulate the total HDAC activity. The presented data support our hypothesis that AgNPs modulate the metastasis of MCF-7 cells through the EMT pathway. These results suggest that AgNPs, by inducing reactive oxygen species generation, alter the metabolism of breast cancer cells and trigger several pathways related to metastasis.

Geometrically encoded SERS nanobarcodes for the logical detection of nasopharyngeal carcinoma-related progression biomarkers

The limited availability of nasopharyngeal carcinoma-related progression biomarker array kits that offer physicians comprehensive information is disadvantageous for monitoring cancer progression. To develop a biomarker array kit, systematic identification and differentiation of a large number of distinct molecular surface-enhanced Raman scattering (SERS) reporters with high spectral temporal resolution is a major challenge. To address this unmet need, we use the chemistry of metal carbonyls to construct a series of unique SERS reporters with the potential to provide logical and highly multiplex information during testing. In this study, we report that geometric control over metal carbonyls on nanotags can produce 14 distinct barcodes that can be decoded unambiguously using commercial Raman spectroscopy. These metal carbonyl nanobarcodes are tested on human blood samples and show strong sensitivity (0.07 ng/mL limit of detection, average CV of 6.1% and >92% degree of recovery) and multiplexing capabilities for MMPs.

Fragile Gene WWOX Guides TFAP2A/TFAP2C-Dependent Actions Against Tumor Progression in Grade II Bladder Cancer

INTRODUCTION

The presence of common fragile sites is associated with no-accidental chromosomal instability which occurs prior to carcinogenesis. The WWOX gene spans the second most active fragile site: FRA16D. Chromosomal breakage at this site is more common in bladder cancer patients who are tobacco smokers which suggests the importance of WWOX gene loss regarding bladder carcinogenesis. Tryptophan domains of WWOX are known to recognize motifs of other proteins such as AP-2α and AP-2γ allowing protein-protein interactions. While the roles of both AP-2 transcription factors are important for bladder carcinogenesis, their nature is different. Based on the literature, AP-2γ appears to be oncogenic, whereas AP-2α mainly exhibits tumor suppressor character. Presumably, the interaction between WWOX and both transcription factors regulates thousands of genes, hence the aim of the present study was to determine WWOX, AP-2α, and AP-2γ function in modulating biological processes of bladder cancer.

METHODS

RT-112 cell line (grade II bladder cancer) was subjected to two stable lentiviral transductions. Overall, this resulted in six variants to investigate distinct WWOX, AP-2α, or AP-2γ function as well as WWOX in collaboration with a particular transcription factor. Cellular models were examined with immunocytochemical staining and in terms of differences in biological processes using assays investigating cell viability, proliferation, apoptosis, adhesion, clonogenicity, migration, activity of metalloproteinases and 3D culture growth.

RESULTS

WWOX overexpression increased apoptosis but decreased cell viability, migration and large spatial colonies. AP-2α overexpression decreased tumor cell viability, migratory potential, matrix metalloproteinase-2 activity and clonogenicity. AP-2γ overexpression decreased matrix metalloproteinase-2 activity but increased wound healing, adhesion, clonogenicity and spatial colony formation. WWOX and AP-2α overexpression induced apoptosis but decreased cell viability, adhesion, matrix metalloproteinase-2 activity, overall number of cultured colonies and migration rate. WWOX and AP-2γ overexpression decreased tumor cell viability, proliferation potential, adhesion, clonogenicity and the ability to create spatial structures, but also increased apoptosis or migration rate.

CONCLUSION

Co-overexpression of WWOX with AP-2α or WWOX with AP-2γ resulted in a net anti-tumor effect. However, considering this research findings and the difference between AP-2α and AP-2γ, we suggest that this similarity is due to a divergent behavior of WWOX.

Up-regulation of the expressions of MiR-149-5p and MiR-99a-3p in exosome inhibits the progress of pituitary adenomas

This study explored the function of microRNAs (miRNAs) in invasive pituitary adenomas (IPA), and developed a microRNA-exosome strategy for the disease treatment. Differentially expressed miRNAs and tumor-associated markers in IPA, non-invasive pituitary adenoma (NIPA), and rat pituitary adenoma cells were identified by bioinformatics analysis and qRT-PCR. Then, the cells were treated by miR-149-5p and miR-99a-3p mimics or inhibitors, or incubated with modified exosome with overexpressed or silenced miRNAs. The cell behaviors were analyzed by molecular experiments. Xenograft assays were constructed by injection of pituitary adenoma cells and exosome into NU/NU nude mice. Tumor size, weight, and expressions of markers related to miRNAs and angiogenesis were determined. Target genes for miR-99a-3p and miR-149 were predicted and verified by bioinformatics analysis and molecular experiments. Twenty differentially expressed miRNAs were identified, among which miR-99a-3p and miR-149 were inhibited in both pituitary adenoma cells and tissues significantly. Expressions of E-cadherin and p53 were down-regulated, while those of MMP-2, MMP-9, N-cadherin, Vimentin, and VEGF were up-regulated in pituitary adenoma cells and tissues, especially in IPA. Further experiments revealed that overexpressed miR-149 and miR-99a-3p inhibited the growth and metastasis of pituitary adenoma cells and tube formation of endothelial cells. MiR-149 and miR-99a-3p overexpressed by exosome showed similar suppressive effects on cell viability, metastasis, tube formation ability, in vivo tumor growth, and expressions of angiogenesis-related markers. Further analysis showed that NOVA1, DTL, and RAB27B were targeted by miR-99a-3p. This study found that overexpressed miR-149-5p and miR-99a-3p induced by exosome could suppress the progression of IPA. 1. MiR-149-5p and miR-99a-3p affect the expression of EMT- and ECM-related markers and tumor-related genes in rat pituitary adenoma cells treated with exosomes. 2. Exosome inhibited the tumor growth. 3. Overexpressed miR-149-5p and miR-99a-3p induced by exosome.

Pinocembrin Inhibits the Proliferation, Migration, Invasiveness, and Epithelial-Mesenchymal Transition of Colorectal Cancer Cells by Regulating LACTB

Background: Colorectal cancer (CRC) is a common malignancy of digestive tract. Pinocembrin (PINO) has been discovered to have proapoptotic effect on CRC. This study aimed to elucidate how other biological behaviors of CRC cells were affected under PINO treatment. Materials & Methods: The effect of PINO on HT29 and HCT116 cells were detected through treatment of different concentrations of PINO. The role of LACTB in PINO treatment was investigated by transfection of siRNA-LACTB. Cell counting kit-8 assay, wound healing assay, and Transwell assay were conducted to evaluate the proliferation, migration, and invasiveness of CRC cells, respectively. Western blot or quantitative reverse transcription-polymerase chain reaction was carried out to measure the expressions of LACTB, matrix metalloproteinase (MMP)-2, E-cadherin, and N-cadherin. Results: Gradient PINO inhibited the viability, migration, invasiveness, and expressions of MMP-2 and N-cadherin in CRC cells, while promoted E-cadherin and LACTB expressions. Silencing LACTB promoted the viability, migration, invasiveness, and expressions of MMP-2 and N-cadherin in CRC cells and inhibited E-cadherin expression. PINO counteracted the effect of silenced LACTB, and yet silencing LACTB partially abolished the effect of PINO on CRC cells. Conclusion: PINO inhibited the proliferation, migration, invasiveness, and epithelial-to-mesenchymal transition of CRC cells by regulating LACTB.

Y-Box Binding Protein-1 Promotes Epithelial-Mesenchymal Transition in Sorafenib-Resistant Hepatocellular Carcinoma Cells

Hepatocellular carcinoma is one of the most common cancer types worldwide. In cases of advanced-stage disease, sorafenib is considered the treatment of choice. However, resistance to sorafenib remains a major obstacle for effective clinical application. Based on integrated phosphoproteomic and The Cancer Genome Atlas (TCGA) data, we identified a transcription factor, Y-box binding protein-1 (YB-1), with elevated phosphorylation of Ser102 in sorafenib-resistant HuH-7^R cells. Phosphoinositide-3-kinase (PI3K) and protein kinase B (AKT) were activated by sorafenib, which, in turn, increased the phosphorylation level of YB-1. In functional analyses, knockdown of YB-1 led to decreased cell migration and invasion in vitro. At the molecular level, inhibition of YB-1 induced suppression of zinc-finger protein SNAI1 (Snail), twist-related protein 1 (Twist1), zinc-finger E-box-binding homeobox 1 (Zeb1), matrix metalloproteinase-2 (MMP-2) and vimentin levels, implying a role of YB-1 in the epithelial-mesenchymal transition (EMT) process in HuH-7^R cells. Additionally, YB-1 contributes to morphological alterations resulting from F-actin rearrangement through Cdc42 activation. Mutation analyses revealed that phosphorylation at S102 affects the migratory and invasive potential of HuH-7^R cells. Our collective findings suggest that sorafenib promotes YB-1 phosphorylation through effect from the EGFR/PI3K/AKT pathway, leading to significant enhancement of hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) cell metastasis. Elucidation of the specific mechanisms of action of YB-1 may aid in the development of effective strategies to suppress metastasis and overcome resistance.

Intrinsic and Extrinsic Modulators of the Epithelial to Mesenchymal Transition: Driving the Fate of Tumor Microenvironment

The epithelial to mesenchymal transition (EMT) is an evolutionarily conserved process. In cancer, EMT can activate biochemical changes in tumor cells that enable the destruction of the cellular polarity, leading to the acquisition of invasive capabilities. EMT regulation can be triggered by intrinsic and extrinsic signaling, allowing the tumor to adapt to the microenvironment demand in the different stages of tumor progression. In concomitance, tumor cells undergoing EMT actively interact with the surrounding tumor microenvironment (TME) constituted by cell components and extracellular matrix as well as cell secretome elements. As a result, the TME is in turn modulated by the EMT process toward an aggressive behavior. The current review presents the intrinsic and extrinsic modulators of EMT and their relationship with the TME, focusing on the non-cell-derived components, such as secreted metabolites, extracellular matrix, as well as extracellular vesicles. Moreover, we explore how these modulators can be suitable targets for anticancer therapy and personalized medicine.