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Šutić M, Dmitrović B, Jakovčević A, Džubur F, Oršolić N, Debeljak Ž, Försti A, Seiwerth S, Brčić L, Madzarac G, Samaržija M, Jakopović M, Knežević J. Transcriptomic Profiling for Prognostic Biomarkers in Early-Stage Squamous Cell Lung Cancer (SqCLC). Cancers (Basel) 2024; 16:720. [PMID: 38398111 PMCID: PMC10887138 DOI: 10.3390/cancers16040720] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/04/2023] [Revised: 01/26/2024] [Accepted: 01/30/2024] [Indexed: 02/25/2024] Open
Abstract
Squamous cell lung carcinoma (SqCLC) is associated with high mortality and limited treatment options. Identification of therapeutic targets and prognostic biomarkers is still lacking. This research aims to analyze the transcriptomic profile of SqCLC samples and identify the key genes associated with tumorigenesis, overall survival (OS), and a profile of the tumor-infiltrating immune cells. Differential gene expression analysis, pathway enrichment analysis, and Gene Ontology analysis on RNA-seq data obtained from FFPE tumor samples (N = 23) and healthy tissues (N = 3) were performed (experimental cohort). Validation of the results was conducted on publicly available gene expression data using TCGA LUSC (N = 225) and GTEx healthy donors' cohorts (N = 288). We identified 1133 upregulated and 644 downregulated genes, common for both cohorts. The most prominent upregulated genes were involved in cell cycle and proliferation regulation pathways (MAGEA9B, MAGED4, KRT, MMT11/13), while downregulated genes predominately belonged to immune-related pathways (DEFA1B, DEFA1, DEFA3). Results of the survival analysis, conducted on the validation cohort and commonly deregulated genes, indicated that overexpression of HOXC4 (p < 0.001), LLGL1 (p = 0.0015), and SLC4A3 (p = 0.0034) is associated with worse OS in early-stage SqCLC patients. In contrast, overexpression of GSTZ1 (p = 0.0029) and LILRA5 (p = 0.0086) was protective, i.e., associated with better OS. By applying a single-sample gene-set enrichment analysis (ssGSEA), we identified four distinct immune subtypes. Immune cell distribution suggests that the memory T cells (central and effector) and follicular helper T cells could serve as important stratification parameters.
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Affiliation(s)
- Maja Šutić
- Laboratory for Advanced Genomics, Division of Molecular Medicine, Ruđer Bošković Institute, 10000 Zagreb, Croatia;
| | - Branko Dmitrović
- Department of Pathology, Faculty of Dental Medicine and Health Osijek, Clinical Medical Center Osijek, 31000 Osijek, Croatia;
| | - Antonia Jakovčević
- Department of Pathology, School of Medicine, University of Zagreb, 10000 Zagreb, Croatia; (A.J.); (S.S.)
| | - Feđa Džubur
- Clinical Department for Respiratory Diseases Jordanovac, University Hospital Centre Zagreb, School of Medicine, University of Zagreb, 10000 Zagreb, Croatia; (F.D.); (M.S.)
| | - Nada Oršolić
- Division of Animal Physiology, Faculty of Science, University of Zagreb, 10000 Zagreb, Croatia;
| | - Željko Debeljak
- Clinical Institute of Laboratory Diagnostics, University Hospital Center Osijek, 31000 Osijek, Croatia;
- Faculty of Medicine, J.J. Strossmayer University of Osijek, 31000 Osijek, Croatia
| | - Asta Försti
- Hopp Children’s Cancer Center (KiTZ), 69120 Heidelberg, Germany;
- Division of Pediatric Neurooncology, German Cancer Research Center (DKFZ), German Cancer Consortium (DKTK), 69120 Heidelberg, Germany
| | - Sven Seiwerth
- Department of Pathology, School of Medicine, University of Zagreb, 10000 Zagreb, Croatia; (A.J.); (S.S.)
| | - Luka Brčić
- Diagnostic and Research Institute of Pathology, Medical University of Graz, 8010 Graz, Austria;
| | - Goran Madzarac
- Department for Thoracic Surgery, University Hospital Zagreb, 10000 Zagreb, Croatia;
| | - Miroslav Samaržija
- Clinical Department for Respiratory Diseases Jordanovac, University Hospital Centre Zagreb, School of Medicine, University of Zagreb, 10000 Zagreb, Croatia; (F.D.); (M.S.)
| | - Marko Jakopović
- Clinical Department for Respiratory Diseases Jordanovac, University Hospital Centre Zagreb, School of Medicine, University of Zagreb, 10000 Zagreb, Croatia; (F.D.); (M.S.)
| | - Jelena Knežević
- Laboratory for Advanced Genomics, Division of Molecular Medicine, Ruđer Bošković Institute, 10000 Zagreb, Croatia;
- Faculty of Dental Medicine and Health, J.J. Strossmayer University of Osijek, 31000 Osijek, Croatia
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Wang L, Sun H, Cao L, Wang J. Role of HOXA1-4 in the development of genetic and malignant diseases. Biomark Res 2024; 12:18. [PMID: 38311789 PMCID: PMC10840290 DOI: 10.1186/s40364-024-00569-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/30/2023] [Accepted: 01/20/2024] [Indexed: 02/06/2024] Open
Abstract
The HOXA genes, belonging to the HOX family, encompass 11 members (HOXA1-11) and exert critical functions in early embryonic development, as well as various adult processes. Furthermore, dysregulation of HOXA genes is implicated in genetic diseases, heart disease, and various cancers. In this comprehensive overview, we primarily focused on the HOXA1-4 genes and their associated functions and diseases. Emphasis was placed on elucidating the impact of abnormal expression of these genes and highlighting their significance in maintaining optimal health and their involvement in the development of genetic and malignant diseases. Furthermore, we delved into their regulatory mechanisms, functional roles, and underlying biology and explored the therapeutic potential of targeting HOXA1-4 genes for the treatment of malignancies. Additionally, we explored the utility of HOXA1-4 genes as biomarkers for monitoring cancer recurrence and metastasis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lumin Wang
- Gastroenterology Department, The Second Affiliated Hospital of Xi'an Jiaotong University, Xi'an, People's Republic of China.
| | - Haifeng Sun
- The Third Department of Medical Oncology, Shaanxi Provincial Cancer Hospital Affiliated to Medical College of Xi'an Jiaotong University, Xi'an, Shaanxi, People's Republic of China
| | - Li Cao
- Department of Cell Biology and Genetics, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Xi'an Jiaotong University Health Science Center, Xi'an, Shaanxi, People's Republic of China
| | - Jinhai Wang
- Gastroenterology Department, The Second Affiliated Hospital of Xi'an Jiaotong University, Xi'an, People's Republic of China.
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Dong X, Chen X, Zhao Y, Wu Q, Ren Y. CircTMEM87A promotes the tumorigenesis of gastric cancer by regulating the miR-1276/SLC7A11 axis. J Gastroenterol Hepatol 2024; 39:121-132. [PMID: 38037531 DOI: 10.1111/jgh.16402] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/01/2023] [Revised: 09/27/2023] [Accepted: 10/19/2023] [Indexed: 12/02/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Gastric cancer (GC) is a common malignancy with high incidence and mortality, and its pathogenesis involves the regulation of circular RNAs (circRNAs). However, the molecular mechanism of circTMEM87A in GC malignant progression is uncertain. METHODS Quantitative real-time polymerase chain reaction (qRT-PCR) was performed to detect the expressions of circTMEM87A, miR-1276, and solute carrier family 7 membrane 11 (SLC7A11). Western blot was applied to detect protein expression levels of EMT-related proteins (vimentin and E-cadherin) and SLC7A11. Cell counting kit-8 assay (CCK8) and thymidine analog 5-ethynyl-2'-deoxyuridine (EdU) were performed to assess cell proliferation. Apoptosis was investigated using flow cytometry. Transwell assay and wound healing assay were carried out to examine the migration of MKN-7 and AGS cells. The Cellular ROS Assay Kit, Iron Assay Kit, and GSH/GSSG Ratio Detection Assay Kit were utilized to monitor lipid ROS level, iron level, and GSH/GSSG ratio, respectively. The interaction between miR-1276 and circTMEM87A or SLC7A11 was investigated using dual-luciferase reporter assay and RNA immunoprecipitation (RIP) assay. A xenograft mouse model was constructed to explore the function of circTMEM87A in tumor formation in vivo. RESULTS CircTMEM87A and SLC7A11 were upregulated, while miR-1276 was downregulated in GC tissues and cells. Knockdown of circTMEM87A suppressed the proliferation and migration and promoted apoptosis and ferroptosis of GC cells. CircTMEM87A served as a sponge for miR-1276, and miR-1276 inhibitor relieved the circTMEM87A knockdown-induced effects on GC cell phenotypes. Similarly, SLC7A11, a downstream gene of miR-1276, rescued miR-1276 overexpression-induced effects on GC cell function. Furthermore, circTMEM87A knockdown inhibited GC cell tumor phenotypes in vivo. CONCLUSION CircTMEM87A promoted the proliferation and migration and inhibited apoptosis and ferroptosis of GC cells by increasing SLC7A11 expression through binding to miR-1276.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xueguang Dong
- Department of Clinical Laboratory, Jinan People's Hospital Affiliated to Shandong First Medical University, Jinan, 271100, Shandong, China
| | - Xiumei Chen
- Department of Clinical Laboratory, Jinan People's Hospital Affiliated to Shandong First Medical University, Jinan, 271100, Shandong, China
| | - Yuanhao Zhao
- Department of Clinical Laboratory, Jinan People's Hospital Affiliated to Shandong First Medical University, Jinan, 271100, Shandong, China
| | - Qunyan Wu
- Department of Clinical Laboratory, Jinan People's Hospital Affiliated to Shandong First Medical University, Jinan, 271100, Shandong, China
| | - Yuguo Ren
- Department of Clinical Laboratory, Jinan People's Hospital Affiliated to Shandong First Medical University, Jinan, 271100, Shandong, China
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Wang L, Wang X, Sun H, Wang W, Cao L. A pan-cancer analysis of the role of HOXD1, HOXD3, and HOXD4 and validation in renal cell carcinoma. Aging (Albany NY) 2023; 15:10746-10766. [PMID: 37827698 PMCID: PMC10599751 DOI: 10.18632/aging.205116] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/12/2023] [Accepted: 09/26/2023] [Indexed: 10/14/2023]
Abstract
HOXD1, HOXD3, and HOXD4 are members of the HOXD genes family and are related to tumorigenesis of the tumor. However, whether HOXDs (1, 3, 4) have a crucial role across pan-cancer is still unknown. HOXD1, HOXD3, and HOXD4 expressions were analyzed using public databases in 33 types of tumors. The UCSC Xena website was carried out to investigate the relationship between the expression of genes and the progress of cancers. The biological functions of HOXD3 were tested by colony forming, transwell, wound healing, and xenograft assay in vitro and in vivo. GSEA was used to identify the associated cancer hallmarks with HOXDs expression. Immune cell infiltration analysis was applied to verify the immune cell infiltrations related to genes. The results showed HOXD1, HOXD3, and HOXD4 co-low expressed in BRCA, COAD, KICH, KIRC, KIRP, READ, and TGCT. In the KIRC, all of HOXDs expression was connected with tumor stage and histological grade. Upregulation of HOXDs was associated with improved OS, DSS, and PFI. Down-expression of HOXD3 induced cell proliferation, migration, and invasion in vivo and in vitro. In addition, HOXDs were connected with immune-activated hallmarks and cancer immune cell infiltrations. These findings demonstrated that HOXDs may be indicative biomarkers for the prognosis and immunotherapy in pan-cancer.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lumin Wang
- Department of Gastroenterology, The Second Affiliated Hospital of Xi’an Jiaotong University, Xi’an, Shaanxi 710004, P.R. China
| | - Xiaofei Wang
- Key Laboratory of Environment and Genes Related to Diseases, Xi’an Jiaotong University Health Science Center, Xi’an, Shaanxi 710061, P.R. China
| | - Haifeng Sun
- The Third Department of Medical Oncology, Shaanxi Provincial Cancer Hospital Affiliated to Medical College of Xi’an Jiaotong University, Xi’an, Shaanxi 710065, P.R. China
| | - Wenjing Wang
- Department of Hepatobiliary Surgery, The First Affiliated Hospital of Xi’an Jiaotong University, Xi’an, Shaanxi 710061, P.R. China
| | - Li Cao
- Key Laboratory of Environment and Genes Related to Diseases, Xi’an Jiaotong University Health Science Center, Xi’an, Shaanxi 710061, P.R. China
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Gu H, Zhong Y, Liu J, Shen Q, Wei R, Zhu H, Zhang X, Xia X, Yao M, Ni M. The Role of miR-4256/HOXC8 Signaling Axis in the Gastric Cancer Progression: Evidence From lncRNA-miRNA-mRNA Network Analysis. Front Oncol 2022; 11:793678. [PMID: 35111675 PMCID: PMC8801578 DOI: 10.3389/fonc.2021.793678] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/12/2021] [Accepted: 12/21/2021] [Indexed: 12/14/2022] Open
Abstract
Gastric cancer is a deadly human malignancy and the molecular mechanisms underlying gastric cancer pathophysiology are very complicated. Thus, further investigations are warranted to decipher the underlying molecular mechanisms. With the development of high-throughput screening and bioinformatics, gene expression profiles with large scale have been performed in gastric cancer. In the present study, we mined The Cancer Genome Atlas (TCGA) database and analyzed the gene expression profiles between gastric cancer tissues and normal gastric tissues. A series of differentially expressed lncRNAs, miRNAs and mRNAs between gastric cancer tissues and normal gastric tissues were identified. Based on the differentially expressed genes, we constructed miRNA-mRNA network, lncRNA-mRNA network and transcriptional factors-mRNA-miRNA-lncRNA network. Furthermore, the Kaplan survival analysis showed that high expression levels of EVX1, GBX2, GCM1, HOXC8, HOXC9, HOXC10, HOXC11, HOXC12 and HOXC13 were all significantly correlated with shorter overall survival of the patients with gastric cancer. On the other hand, low expression level of HOXA13 was associated with shorter overall survival of patients with gastric cancer. Among these hub genes, we performed the in vitro functional studies of HOXC8 in the gastric cancer cells. Knockdown of HOXC8 and overexpression of miR-4256 both significantly repressed the gastric cancer cell proliferation and migration, and miR-4256 repressed the expression of HOXC8 via targeting its 3' untranslated region in gastric cancer cells. Collectively, our results revealed that a complex interaction networks of differentially expressed genes in gastric cancer, and further functional studies indicated that miR-4256/HOXC8 may be an important axis in regulating gastric cancer progression.
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Affiliation(s)
- Haijuan Gu
- Department of Pharmacy, Tumor Hospital Affiliated to Nantong University, Nantong, China
| | - Yuejiao Zhong
- Department of Medical Oncology, The Affiliated Cancer Hospital of Nanjing Medical University & Jiangsu Cancer Hospital & Jiangsu Institute of Cancer Research, Nanjing, China
| | - Jibin Liu
- Institute of Oncology, Tumor Hospital Affiliated to Nantong University, Nantong, China
| | - Qian Shen
- Department of Oncology, Tumor Hospital Affiliated to Nantong University, Nantong, China
| | - Rong Wei
- Department of Pharmacy, Tumor Hospital Affiliated to Nantong University, Nantong, China
| | - Haixia Zhu
- Clinical Laboratory, Tumor Hospital Affiliated to Nantong University, Nantong, China
| | - Xunlei Zhang
- Department of Oncology, Tumor Hospital Affiliated to Nantong University, Nantong, China
| | - Xianxian Xia
- Department of Pharmacy, Tumor Hospital Affiliated to Nantong University, Nantong, China
| | - Min Yao
- Department of Pharmacy, Tumor Hospital Affiliated to Nantong University, Nantong, China
| | - Meixin Ni
- Department of Pharmacy, Tumor Hospital Affiliated to Nantong University, Nantong, China
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