Assessment of the Usefulness of the SEMA5A Concentration Profile Changes as a Molecular Marker in Endometrial Cancer

lncRNA TTTY14 participates in the progression of repeated implantation failure by regulating the miR-6088/SEMA5A axis

PURPOSE

To identify potential biomarkers and the molecular mechanisms associated with repeated implantation failure (RIF), three microarray datasets, GSE71331 (lncRNA + mRNA), GSE111974 (lncRNA + mRNA), and GSE71332 (miRNA), were retrieved from the Gene Expression Omnibus (GEO) database.

METHODS

The differentially expressed mRNAs (DEMs), lncRNAs (DElncRNAs), and miRNAs (DEmiRNAs) between normal control samples (C group) and RIF samples (RIF group) were identified, and then a module partition analysis was performed based on weighted correlation network analysis (WGCNA). Following enrichment analysis of the genes, the lncRNA-miRNA-mRNA interactions (ceRNA) were examined. The mRNAs in the ceRNA network were evaluated using the GSE58144 dataset. Finally, the key RNAs were verified using reverse transcription-quantitative polymerase chain reaction (RT-qPCR).

RESULTS

Fifty-three DEmiRNAs, 327 DEMs, and 13 DElncRNAs were identified between the C and RIF groups. According to WGCNA, the magenta module was positively correlated with RIF disease status. The lncRNA-mRNA interaction analysis based on genes in the magenta module revealed the intersecting lncRNAs, including peptidylprolyl isomerase E-like pseudogene (PPIEL) and the testis-specific transcript, y-Linked 14 (TTTY14); these lncRNAs are mainly involved in functions, such as plasma membrane organization. The ceRNA network analysis revealed several interactions, such as TTTY14-miR-6088-semaphorin 5 A (SEMA5A). Finally, SEMA5A and the zinc finger protein 555 (ZNF555) were identified to be significantly upregulated in the RIF group compared with those in the C group in the GSE58144 dataset. The RT-qPCR results aligned with the above results.

CONCLUSIONS

Overall, TTTY14, ZNF555, SEMA5A, PPIEL, and miR-6088 could serve as novel biomarkers of RIF.

Emerging roles and mechanisms of semaphorins activity in cancer

Semaphorins are regulatory molecules that are linked to the modulation of several cancer processes, such as angiogenesis, cancer cell invasiveness and metastasis, tumor growth, as well as cancer cell survival. Semaphorin (SEMA) activity depends on the cancer histotypes and their particularities. In broad terms, the effects of SEMAs result from their interaction with specific receptors/co-receptors - Plexins, Neuropilins and Integrins - and the subsequent effects upon the downstream effectors (e.g. PI3K/AKT, MAPK/ERK). The present article serves as an integrative review work, discussing the broad implications of semaphorins in cancer, focusing on cell proliferation/survival, angiogenesis, invasion, metastasis, stemness, and chemo-resistance/response whilst highlighting their heterogeneity as a family. Herein, we emphasized that semaphorins are largely implicated in cancer progression, interacting with the tumor microenvironment components. Whilst some SEMAs (e.g. SEMA3A, SEMA3B) function widely as tumor suppressors, others (e.g. SEMA3C) act as pro-tumor semaphorins. The differences observed in terms of the biological structure of SEMAs and the particularities of each cancer histotypes require that each semaphorin be viewed as a unique entity, and its roles must be researched accordingly. A more in-depth and comprehensive view of the molecular mechanisms that promote and sustain the malignant behavior of cancer cells is of utmost importance.

Tumor-derived extracellular vesicles confer 5-fluorouracil resistance in esophageal cancer via long noncoding RNA AC116025.2 delivery

5-Fluorouracil (5-FU) resistance is one of the main causes for treatment failure in esophageal cancer (EC). Here, we intended to elucidate the mechanism of tumor-derived extracellular vesicles (TEVs)-encapsulated long noncoding RNAs (lncRNAs) AC116025.2 in 5-FU resistance in EC. EVs were isolated from the serum samples of EC patients and HEEC, TE-1, and TE-1/5-FU cells, followed by RT-qPCR detection of AC116025.2 expression in EVs. The relationship among AC116025.2, microRNA (miR)-4496, and SEMA5A was evaluated. Next, EC cells were cocultured with EVs, followed by lentivirus transduction and plasmid transfection for studying the role of TEVs-AC116025.2 in EC cells in relation to miR-4496 and SEMA5A. Tumor formation in nude mice was applied for in vivo confirmation. Elevated AC116025.2 expression was seen in the EVs from the serum of 5-FU insensitive patients and from 5-FU-resistant EC cells. Mechanistically, AC116025.2 bound to miR-4496 that inversely targeted SEMA5A in EC cells. EVs-oe-AC116025.2 augmented EC cell viability, colony formation, and 5-FU resistance, but diminished their apoptosis through miR-4496-mediated SEMA5A. Furthermore, EVs-oe-AC116025.2 augmented tumor formation and 5-FU resistance of EC cells in vivo. Conclusively, our data offered evidence of the promoting mechanism of TEVs in the 5-FU resistance of EC by delivering AC116025.2.

TSP1 is the essential domain of SEMA5A involved in pannus formation in rheumatoid arthritis

OBJECTIVE

In this study, we explored the effect of semaphorin5A (SEMA5A) on RA pathogenesis and its specific TSP1 domain on pannus formation.

METHODS

The expression of SEMA5A was detected in the synovium, the fibroblast-like synoviocytes (FLSs) and the SF of RA patients and healthy controls (HCs) by real-time quantitative PCR (q-PCR), immunohistochemistry staining, western blot and ELISA. SEMA5A-mAb intervention was performed to appraise the severity of joints in the CIA model. Transcriptome sequencing and bioinformatics analysis in SEMA5A-transfected FLSs from HCs were performed to screen differentially expressed genes after SEMA5A overexpression. An MTT assay in RA-FLSs, a chicken embryo allantoic membrane experiment and a tube formation experiment were used to clarify the influence of SEMA5A on cell proliferation and angiogenesis. Furthermore, a rescue experiment verified the function of the TSP1 domain of SEMA5A in the progress of RA with Sema5a-/- CIA mice.

RESULTS

The expression of SEMA5A increased in RA compared with that in HCs. Simultaneously, SEMA5A-mAbs significantly attenuated joint injury and the inflammatory response in CIA models. In addition, transcriptome sequencing and angiogenesis-related experiments verified the ability of SEMA5A to promote FLS proliferation and angiogenesis. Moreover, TSP1 was proved to be an essential domain in SEMA5A-induced angiogenesis in vitro. Additionally, rescue of TSP1-deleted SEMA5A failed to reduce the severity of arthritis in a CIA model constructed with Sema5a -/- mice.

CONCLUSION

In summary, upregulation of SEMA5A was first confirmed in pathological lesions of RA patients. Furthermore, treatment with SEMA5A-mAbs attenuated the progress of RA in the CIA model. Moreover, TSP1 was indicated as the key domain of SEMA5A in the promotion of pannus formation in RA.

Effect of Salinomycin on Expression Pattern of Genes Associated with Apoptosis in Endometrial Cancer Cell Line

Background

Salinomycin is part of a group of ionophore antibiotics characterized by an activity towards tumor cells. To this day, the mechanism through which salinomycin induces their apoptosis is not fully known yet. The goal of this study was to assess the expression pattern of genes and the proteins coded by them connected with the process of programmed cell death in an endometrial cancer cell Ishikawa culture exposed to salinomycin and compared to the control.

Materials and Methods

Analysis of the effect of salinomycin on Ishikawa endometrial cancer cells (ECACC 99040201) included a cytotoxicity MTT test (with a concentration range of 0.1-100 µM), assessment of the induction of apoptosis and necrosis by salinomycin at a concentration of 1 µM as well the assessment of the expression of the genes chosen in the microarray experiment (microarray HG-U 133A_2) and the proteins coded by them connected with apoptosis (RTqPCR, ELISA assay). The statistical significance level for all analyses carried out as part of this study was p<0.05.

Results

It was observed that salinomycin causes the death of about 50% of cells treated by it (50.74±0.80% of all cells) at a concentration of 1µM. The decrease in the number of living cells was determined directly after treatment of the cells with the drug (time 0). The average percent of late apoptotic cells was 1.65±0.24% and 0.57±0.01% for necrotic cells throughout the entire observation period.

Discussion

Microarray analysis indicated the following number of mRNA differentiating the culture depending on the time of incubation with the drug: H_12 vs C = 114 mRNA, H_8 vs C = 84 mRNA, H_48 vs. C = 27 mRNA, whereas 5 mRNAs were expressed differently at all times. During the whole incubation period of the cells with the drug, the following dependence of the expression profile of the analyzed transcripts was observed: Bax>p53>FASL>BIRC5>BCL2L.

Conclusion

The analysis carried out indicated that salinomycin, at a concentration of 1 µM, stopped the proliferation of 50% of endometrial cancer cells, mainly by inducing the apoptotic process of the cells. The molecular exponent of the induction of programmed cell death was an observed increase in the transcriptional activity of pro-apoptotic genes: Bax;p53;FASL and a decrease in the expression of anti-apoptotic genes: BCL2L2; BIRC5.

Effect of Danggui-Shaoyao-San-Containing Serum on the Renal Tubular Epithelial-Mesenchymal Transition of Diabetic Nephropathy

OBJECTIVES

To investigate the effect of Danggui-Shaoyao-San (DSS)-containing serum on the renal tubular Epithelial-Mesenchymal Transition (EMT) of Diabetic Nephropathy (DN) in high glucose- induced HK-2 cells and its mechanism.

METHODS

20 rats were randomly divided into four groups: blank control group, DSS low dose group (DSS-L), DSS middle dose group (DSS-M), and DSS high dose group (DSS-H). DSS was administrated to the corresponding group (7g/kg/d, 14g/kg/d and 21g/kg/d) for 7 consecutive days, and the same volume of saline was given to the blank control group by gavage. The rat drug-containing serum was successfully prepared. HK-2 cells were divided into five groups: blank control group, model group, DSS-L, DSS-M, DSS-H, according to the corresponding drug and dose of each treatment group. Protein and mRNA levels of Jagged1, Notch1, Hes5, Notch Intracellular Domain (NICD), E-cadherin, alpha- Smooth Muscle Actin (α-SMA) and vimentin at 24h, 48h and 72h were detected by Western Blot and RT-qPCR.

RESULTS

The protein and mRNA levels of Jagged1, Notch1, Hes5, NICD, α-SMA and vimentin in the treatment groups were remarkably decreased compared with the model group (P<0.05), and the protein and mRNA levels of E-cadherin were notably increased (P<0.05) by Western Blot and RT-qPCR.

CONCLUSION

Our results demonstrated that DSS could prevent DN by ameliorating renal tubular EMT through inhibition of the Notch signaling pathway.

Cisplatin Changes Expression of SEMA3B in Endometrial Cancer

BACKGROUND

Semaphorin 3B (SEMA3B) is characterized as a strong suppressing factor of the proliferation of cancerous cells and also by its anti-angiogenic effect. However, the knowledge on the changes in the expression profile of SEMA3B under the influence of cisplatin in endometrial cancer remains fragmented. The aim of this work was to note the changes in expression of SEMA3B when under the influence of cisplatin in the endometrial cancer cell line.

METHODS

Ishikawa cell line cells were exposed to three different concentrations of cisplatin: 2.5μM; 5μM; 10μM for 12, 24 and 48 hours and were compared to cells untreated by the drug. Changes in the expression profile of SEMA3B were determined based upon RtqPCR (mRNA) alongside the ELISA assay (protein). The Statistica 13.0 PL program was used for statistical analysis (p<0.05).

RESULTS

Changes on the transcriptome level seem to be more dynamic than on the proteome level. Regardless of the concentration given or the exposition period, the expression of semaphorin 3B was, in fact, higher in cells exposed to cisplatin. Statistically substantial differences (p<0.05) in the expression of SEMA3B mRNA and protein were seen for all incubation periods at the given cisplatin level when compared to the control.

CONCLUSION

Cisplatin causes a growth in the expression of SEMA3B in an endometrial cancer cell culture, this results in the restoration in the state of cell homeostasis and shows the effectiveness of pharmacotherapy, including a low risk of drug resistance.