High expression of fibronectin is associated with poor prognosis, cell proliferation and malignancy via the NF-κB/p53-apoptosis signaling pathway in colorectal cancer

A 3D Self-Assembly Platform Integrating Decellularized Matrix Recapitulates In Vivo Tumor Phenotypes and Heterogeneity

Three-dimensional (3D) in vitro cell culture models are invaluable tools for investigating the tumor microenvironment. However, analyzing the impact of critical stromal elements, such as extracellular matrix (ECM), remains a challenge. In this study, we developed a hydrogel-free self-assembly platform to establish ECM-rich 3D "MatriSpheres" to deconvolute cancer cell-ECM interactions. Mouse and human colorectal cancer MatriSpheres actively incorporated microgram quantities of decellularized small intestine submucosa ECM, which proteomically mimicked colorectal cancer tumor ECM compared with traditional formulations like Matrigel. Solubilized ECM, at subgelation concentrations, was organized by colorectal cancer cells into intercellular stroma-like regions within 5 days, displaying morphologic similarity to colorectal cancer clinical pathology. MatriSpheres featured ECM-dependent transcriptional and cytokine profiles associated with malignancy, lipid metabolism, and immunoregulation. Model benchmarking with single-cell RNA sequencing demonstrated that MatriSpheres enhanced correlation with in vivo tumor cells over traditional ECM-poor spheroids. This facile approach enables tumor-specific tissue morphogenesis, promoting cell-ECM communication to improve fidelity for disease modeling applications. Significance: MatriSpheres provide a hydrogel-free 3D platform for decoupling the influence of heterogeneous extracellular matrix components on tumor biology and can broadly facilitate high-throughput drug discovery and screening applications. See related commentary by Ernst and De Wever, p. 1568.

Alternative Splicing of FBLN2 Generates a Prometastatic Extracellular Matrix in Gastrointestinal Cancers by Determining N-Glycosylation of Fibulin 2

Fibulin 2 (FBLN2) is an extracellular matrix glycoprotein. Exclusion of exon 9 of FBLN2 is one of the most recurrent splicing events across multiple types of cancer, but its functional relevance in cancer has remained unexplored. We here reveal that the exclusion of exon 9 of FBLN2 results in the loss of a single N-glycosylation site that leads to misfolding of the FBLN2 protein as well as to a reduction in both its stability and secretion efficiency. Indeed, the extracellular matrix of human colorectal cancer tissue exhibits a reduced abundance of FBLN2. This deficiency of FBLN2 together with a concomitant increase in the abundance of fibronectin 1 in the tumor microenvironment promotes the adhesion and migration of colorectal cancer cells. Our data thus suggest that the alternative splicing of FBLN2 exon 9 generates a prometastatic extracellular environment in cancer tissue by determining FBLN2 glycosylation.

Engineered Probiotic Saccharomyces boulardii Reduces Colitis-Associated Colorectal Cancer Burden in Mice

BACKGROUND

Individuals with inflammatory bowel diseases experience an elevated risk of colorectal cancer driven by chronic inflammation. Current systemic immunosuppressive therapies often cause severe side effects. Live oral biotherapeutics are an emerging treatment modality that directly target the intestines. We have engineered a probiotic Saccharomyces boulardii strain that expresses targeting ligands to bind fibronectin on inflamed mucosa and secretes anti-tumor necrosis factor nanobodies locally to reduce inflammation. We previously demonstrated that engineering S. boulardii to bind fibronectin enhanced colonization and reduced inflammation in a DSS colitis model.

AIMS

Here, we tested the anti-cancer potential of engineered S. boulardii using a well-established model of IBD-associated CRC, azoxymethane-treated interleukin 10-deficient (AOM/Il10-/-) mice. These mice develop inflammation and invasive tumors that model those found in inflammatory bowel disease.

METHODS

Mice were orally administered engineered S. boulardii at two dosing frequencies, unmodified S. boulardii, or placebo throughout the 18-week model. Colons were harvested for gross, histological, and molecular evaluation for inflammation and tumorigenesis.

RESULTS

Histological colon inflammation was reduced by twice weekly dosing of engineered and unmodified S. boulardii. Engineered S. boulardii reduced gross tumor number in a dose-dependent manner, with median tumor counts reduced from 7.5 to 2 per mouse (p < 0.0002 vs. placebo). Unmodified S. boulardii similarly reduced gross tumor number. Colonization studies revealed that engineered S. boulardii failed to colonize for greater time or density vs. unmodified S. boulardii.

CONCLUSION

Together our data indicate that engineering S. boulardii does not reduce its ability to decrease inflammation-associated tumorigenesis, and that further host-binding target optimization is required to enhance colonization and anti-cancer effects.

Membranous Overexpression of Fibronectin Predicts Microvascular Invasion and Poor Survival Outcomes in Patients with Hepatocellular Carcinoma

Background/Aims

Fibronectin (FN) has recently been identified as being overexpressed in patients with hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) and deemed a promising biomarker of vascular invasion. The aim of this study was to examine the patterns of FN expression in HCC cells and their clinicopathological significance, such as their association with vascular invasion and angiogenesis patterns.

Methods

Immunohistochemical analysis of FN was conducted using tissue microarrays from 258 surgically resected HCCs and matched nontumorous liver tissues. Three distinct FN expression patterns were observed: cytoplasmic, membranous, and sinusoidal. Moderate or strong expression was considered FN-positive.

Results

Cytoplasmic or sinusoidal FN expression was significantly more common in HCC cells than in the adjacent liver tissue (p<0.001). FN expression was detected in the membranes of HCC cells and absent in nonneoplastic hepatocytes (p<0.001). Overall survival and disease-free survival in patients with HCC cells with membranous FN expression were significantly shorter than those in patients without membranous FN expression. Membranous FN expression in HCC was significantly associated with high serum alpha-fetoprotein (AFP) and protein induced by vitamin K absence-II (PIVKA-II) levels, infiltrative gross type, poor Edmondson-Steiner grade, major vessel invasion, microvascular invasion, macrotrabecular massive subtype, advanced T stage, and vessel-encapsulating tumor cluster pattern. Sinusoidal pattern of FN expression in HCC was significantly associated with high serum AFP and PIVKA-II levels, infiltrative gross type, large tumor size, microvascular invasion, macrotrabecular massive subtype, and vessel-encapsulating tumor cluster patterns.

Conclusions

Evaluating FN expression in HCC cells may be useful for identifying aggressive cases of HCC with vascular invasion via biopsy.

Extraction, physicochemical properties, bioactivities and application of natural sweeteners: A review

Natural sweeteners generally refer to a sweet chemical component directly extracted from nature or obtained through appropriate modifications, mainly secondary metabolites of plants. Compared to the first-generation sweeteners represented by sucrose and the second-generation sweeteners represented by sodium cyclamate, natural sweeteners usually have high sweetness, low-calorie content, good solubility, high stability, and rarely toxic side effects. Historically, researchers mainly focus on the function of natural sweeteners as substitutes for sugars in the food industry. This paper reviews the bioactivities of several typical natural sweeteners, including anti-cancer, anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, anti-bacterial, and anti-hyperglycemic activities. In addition, we have summarized the extraction, physicochemical properties, and application of natural sweeteners. The article aimed to comprehensively collate vital information about natural sweeteners and review the potentiality of tapping bioactive compounds from natural products. Hopefully, this review provides insights into the further development of natural sweeteners as therapeutic agents and functional foods.

Engineering Tumor Stroma Morphogenesis Using Dynamic Cell-Matrix Spheroid Assembly

The tumor microenvironment consists of resident tumor cells organized within a compositionally diverse, three-dimensional (3D) extracellular matrix (ECM) network that cannot be replicated in vitro using bottom-up synthesis. We report a new self-assembly system to engineer ECM-rich 3D MatriSpheres wherein tumor cells actively organize and concentrate microgram quantities of decellularized ECM dispersions which modulate cell phenotype. 3D colorectal cancer (CRC) MatriSpheres were created using decellularized small intestine submucosa (SIS) as an orthotopic ECM source that had greater proteomic homology to CRC tumor ECM than traditional ECM formulations such as Matrigel. SIS ECM was rapidly concentrated from its environment and assembled into ECM-rich 3D stroma-like regions by mouse and human CRC cell lines within 4-5 days via a mechanism that was rheologically distinct from bulk hydrogel formation. Both ECM organization and transcriptional regulation by 3D ECM cues affected programs of malignancy, lipid metabolism, and immunoregulation that corresponded with an in vivo MC38 tumor cell subpopulation identified via single cell RNA sequencing. This 3D modeling approach stimulates tumor specific tissue morphogenesis that incorporates the complexities of both cancer cell and ECM compartments in a scalable, spontaneous assembly process that may further facilitate precision medicine.

Decellularized diseased tissues: current state-of-the-art and future directions

Decellularized matrices derived from diseased tissues/organs have evolved in the most recent years, providing novel research perspectives for understanding disease occurrence and progression and providing accurate pseudo models for developing new disease treatments. Although decellularized matrix maintaining the native composition, ultrastructure, and biomechanical characteristics of extracellular matrix (ECM), alongside intact and perfusable vascular compartments, facilitates the construction of bioengineered organ explants in vitro and promotes angiogenesis and tissue/organ regeneration in vivo, the availability of healthy tissues and organs for the preparation of decellularized ECM materials is limited. In this paper, we review the research advancements in decellularized diseased matrices. Considering that current research focuses on the matrices derived from cancers and fibrotic organs (mainly fibrotic kidney, lungs, and liver), the pathological characterizations and the applications of these diseased matrices are mainly discussed. Additionally, a contrastive analysis between the decellularized diseased matrices and decellularized healthy matrices, along with the development in vitro 3D models, is discussed in this paper. And last, we have provided the challenges and future directions in this review. Deep and comprehensive research on decellularized diseased tissues and organs will promote in-depth exploration of source materials in tissue engineering field, thus providing new ideas for clinical transformation.

Tumor Progression from a Fibroblast Activation Protein Perspective: Novel Diagnostic and Therapeutic Scenarios for Colorectal Cancer

In 2020, the Global Cancer Observatory estimated the incidence of colorectal cancer (CRC) at around 10.7% coupled with a mortality rate of 9.5%. The explanation for these values lies in the tumor microenvironment consisting of the extracellular matrix and cancer-associated fibroblasts (CAFs). Fibroblast activation protein (FAP) offers a promising target for cancer therapy since its functions contribute to tumor progression. Immunohistochemistry examination of FAP, fibronectin ED-B, and CXCR4 in primary tumors and their respective synchronous and/or metachronous metastases along with semiquantitative analysis have been carried out on histological samples of 50 patients diagnosed with metastatic CRC. The intensity of FAP, articulated by both "Intensity %" and "Intensity score", is lower in the first metastasis compared to the primary tumor with a statistically significant correlation. No significant correlations have been observed regarding fibronectin ED-B and CXCR4. Tumors that produce FAP have an ambivalent relationship with this protein. At first, they exploit FAP, but later they reduce its expressiveness. Although our study has not directly included FAP-Inhibitor (FAPI) PET/CT, the considerable expression of FAP reveals its potential as a diagnostic and therapeutic tool worthy of further investigation. This dynamic relationship between cancer and FAP has substantial diagnostic and therapeutic implications.

Advances in the roles of glycyrrhizic acid in cancer therapy

Since the first 70 years of reporting cancer chemotherapy, malignant tumors have been the second most common cause of death in children and adults. Currently, the commonly used anti-cancer methods include surgery, chemotherapy, radiotherapy, and immunotherapy. Although these treatment methods could alleviate cancer, they lead to different forms of side effects and have no particularly significant effect on prolonging the patients' life span. Glycyrrhizic acid (GL), a native Chinese herbal extract, has a wide range of pharmacological effects, such as anti-cancer, anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, and immune regulation. In this review, the anti-cancer effects and mechanisms of GL are summarized in various cancers. The inhibition of GL on chemotherapy-induced side effects, including hepatotoxicity, nephrotoxicity, genotoxicity, neurotoxicity and pulmonary toxicity, is highlighted. Therefore, GL may be a promising and ideal drug for cancer therapy.

Proteomic Alteration in the Progression of Multiple Myeloma: A Comprehensive Review

Multiple myeloma (MM) is an incurable hematologic malignancy. Most MM patients are diagnosed at a late stage because the early symptoms of the disease can be uncertain and nonspecific, often resembling other, more common conditions. Additionally, MM patients are commonly associated with rapid relapse and an inevitable refractory phase. MM is characterized by the abnormal proliferation of monoclonal plasma cells in the bone marrow. During the progression of MM, massive genomic alterations occur that target multiple signaling pathways and are accompanied by a multistep process involving differentiation, proliferation, and invasion. Moreover, the transformation of healthy plasma cell biology into genetically heterogeneous MM clones is driven by a variety of post-translational protein modifications (PTMs), which has complicated the discovery of effective treatments. PTMs have been identified as the most promising candidates for biomarker detection, and further research has been recommended to develop promising surrogate markers. Proteomics research has begun in MM, and a comprehensive literature review is available. However, proteomics applications in MM have yet to make significant progress. Exploration of proteomic alterations in MM is worthwhile to improve understanding of the pathophysiology of MM and to search for new treatment targets. Proteomics studies using mass spectrometry (MS) in conjunction with robust bioinformatics tools are an excellent way to learn more about protein changes and modifications during disease progression MM. This article addresses in depth the proteomic changes associated with MM disease transformation.

Proteomic analysis of low- and high-grade human colon adenocarcinoma tissues and tissue-derived primary cell lines reveals unique biological functions of tumours and new protein biomarker candidates

Background

Colon cancer is the third most common cancer and second highest cause of cancer deaths worldwide. The aim of the study was to find new biomarkers for diagnosis, prognosis and therapeutic drug targets for this disease.

Methods

Four low-grade and four high-grade human colon adenocarcinoma tumours with patient-matched normal colon tissues were analysed. Additionally, tissue-derived primary cell lines were established from each tumour tissue. The cell lines were validated using DNA sequencing to confirm that they are a suitable in vitro model for colon adenocarcinoma based on conserved gene mutations. Label-free quantitation proteomics was performed to compare the proteomes of colon adenocarcinoma samples to normal colon samples, and of colon adenocarcinoma tissues to tissue-derived cell lines to find significantly differentially abundant proteins. The functions enriched within the differentially expressed proteins were assessed using STRING. Proteomics data was validated by Western blotting.

Results

A total of 4767 proteins were identified across all tissues, and 4711 across primary tissue-derived cell lines. Of these, 3302 proteins were detected in both the tissues and the cell lines. On average, primary cell lines shared about 70% of proteins with their parent tissue, and they retained mutations to key colon adenocarcinoma-related genes and did not diverge far genetically from their parent tissues. Colon adenocarcinoma tissues displayed upregulation of RNA processing, steroid biosynthesis and detoxification, and downregulation of cytoskeletal organisation and loss of normal muscle function. Tissue-derived cell lines exhibited increased interferon-gamma signalling and aberrant ferroptosis. Overall, 318 proteins were significantly up-regulated and 362 proteins significantly down-regulated by comparisons of high-grade with low-grade tumours and low-grade tumour with normal colon tissues from both sample types.

Conclusions

The differences exhibited between tissues and cell lines highlight the additional information that can be obtained from patient-derived primary cell lines. DNA sequencing and proteomics confirmed that these cell lines can be considered suitable in vitro models of the parent tumours. Various potential biomarkers for colon adenocarcinoma initiation and progression and drug targets were identified and discussed, including seven novel markers: ACSL4, ANK2, AMER3, EXOSC1, EXOSC6, GCLM, and TFRC.

Supplementary Information

The online version contains supplementary material available at 10.1186/s12014-022-09364-y.

Evaluation of JUN, FN1 and LAMB1 polymorphisms in pterygium in a Chinese Han population

PURPOSE

To explore the underlying molecular mechanism of pterygium and identify the key genes regulating the development of pterygium.

METHODS

Differentially expressed mRNAs were obtained from the Gene Expression Omnibus (GEO) database. Gene Ontology (GO) and Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genomes (KEGG) analyses were performed using the DAVID (http://david.abcc.ncifcrf.gov/). The differential expressions of hub genes were verified using the reverse transcription-real-time fluorescent quantitative PCR (RT-qPCR). The function of the hub genes was further confirmed based on associations between the single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) in hub genes and pterygium. The genotyping results were analyzed using SNPStats online software in five gene models, including codominant, dominant, recessive, overdominant, and log-additive. Five gene models were analyzed using SNPStats.

RESULTS

We found that 240 genes were significantly differentially expressed. Functional enrichment analysis showed that focal adhesion pathway is extremely meaningful, among which JUN, FN1, and LAMB1 were verified to significantly differentially express in pterygium (P = 0.0011, P = 0.0018, and P = 0.0050, respectively). However, the all nine candidate SNPs (rs11688, rs3748814 in JUN; rs1263, rs1132741, rs1250259 in FN1; rs20556, rs35710474, rs25659, rs4320486 in LAMB1), were not statistically associated with pterygium.

CONCLUSION

Our results demonstrated that JUN, FN1, and LAMB1 polymorphisms were not associated with susceptibility to pterygium in Chinese Han population. Considering the fact that these three genes are differentially expressed in pterygium, further research is needed to explain its involvement in pterygium.

Tumor Microenvironment Shapes Colorectal Cancer Progression, Metastasis, and Treatment Responses

Colorectal cancer (CRC) is one of the most devastating diseases that accounts for numerous deaths worldwide. Tumor cell-autonomous pathways, such as the oncogenic signaling activation, significantly contribute to CRC progression and metastasis. Recent accumulating evidence suggests that the CRC microenvironment also profoundly promotes or represses this process. As the roles of the tumor microenvironment (TME) in CRC progression and metastasis is gradually uncovered, the importance of these non-cell-autonomous signaling pathways is appreciated. However, we are still at the beginning of this TME function exploring process. In this review, we summarize the current understanding of the TME in CRC progression and metastasis by focusing on the gut microbiota and host cellular and non-cellular components. We also briefly discuss TME-remodeling therapies in CRC.

Decellularized Colorectal Cancer Matrices as Bioactive Scaffolds for Studying Tumor-Stroma Interactions

More than a physical structure providing support to tissues, the extracellular matrix (ECM) is a complex and dynamic network of macromolecules that modulates the behavior of both cancer cells and associated stromal cells of the tumor microenvironment (TME). Over the last few years, several efforts have been made to develop new models that accurately mimic the interconnections within the TME and specifically the biomechanical and biomolecular complexity of the tumor ECM. Particularly in colorectal cancer, the ECM is highly remodeled and disorganized and constitutes a key component that affects cancer hallmarks, such as cell differentiation, proliferation, angiogenesis, invasion and metastasis. Therefore, several scaffolds produced from natural and/or synthetic polymers and ceramics have been used in 3D biomimetic strategies for colorectal cancer research. Nevertheless, decellularized ECM from colorectal tumors is a unique model that offers the maintenance of native ECM architecture and molecular composition. This review will focus on innovative and advanced 3D-based models of decellularized ECM as high-throughput strategies in colorectal cancer research that potentially fill some of the gaps between in vitro 2D and in vivo models. Our aim is to highlight the need for strategies that accurately mimic the TME for precision medicine and for studying the pathophysiology of the disease.

B7-H3 inhibits apoptosis of gastric cancer cell by interacting with Fibronectin

Anti-apoptosis has been widely accepted as a hallmark of malignancy. B7-H3, a type I transmembrane protein, plays a key role in anti-apoptosis and immune escape, but its regulation during cancer development remains unclear. To investigate how the effect of anti-apoptosis is regulated by B7-H3 in gastric cancer, we stably knocked down B7-H3 gene by shRNA in MGC-803 and MKN-45 cells. The correlation between B7-H3 and Fibronectin (FN) expression were investigated by bioinformatics in public data from TCGA (The Cancer Genome Atlas). Here, we reported that B7-H3 expression is positively correlated with FN in clinical gastric cancer samples, and B7-H3 promoted adhesion and inhibited apoptosis of gastric cancer cell through an FN-dependent pathway. Mechanistically, B7-H3 interacted with FN and subsequently activated PI3K/AKT signaling pathway, a critical mediator of oncogenic signaling. In addition, exogenous FN could inhibit the expression of pro-apoptosis-related proteins such as Caspase 3, Caspase 8, Caspase 9, Bax , p53, Apaf-1 and Cleaved PARP, and upregulated the levels of signal molecule p-PI3K, p-AKT and anti-apoptotic proteins Bcl-2 in B7-H3^high group, as compared with those in B7-H3^low group. In conclusion, we here for the first time revealed that B7-H3 inhibits apoptosis of gastric cancer cell through regulation of FN-mediated PI3K/AKT signaling pathways.

Stromal Cells Promote Matrix Deposition, Remodelling and an Immunosuppressive Tumour Microenvironment in a 3D Model of Colon Cancer

Simple Summary

Colorectal cancer is the third most common type of cancer in the world. Immune cells and normal supporting cells (MSCs) within a tumour affect patient survival and change how well treatments work. This research aimed to develop a more relevant 3D cancer model that combines MSCs and immune cells with cancer cells to test the effects of multiple cell types on tumour growth. We successfully developed a 3D model that shows that MSCs and immune cells can change the cancer-supporting environment around the tumour cells. We show that combining MSCs and immune cells with cancer cells can increase the level of immune-suppressing molecules they release and change immunotherapeutic drug targets on the cancer cells, similar to changes seen in human tumours. Using this 3D model for research may be better for testing new drugs than traditional 2D methods and could enable the identification of new drug targets.

Abstract

Colorectal cancer (CRC) is the third leading cause of cancer-related deaths worldwide. CRC develops in a complex tumour microenvironment (TME) with both mesenchymal stromal cells (MSCs) and immune infiltrate, shown to alter disease progression and treatment response. We hypothesised that an accessible, affordable model of CRC that combines multiple cell types will improve research translation to the clinic and enable the identification of novel therapeutic targets. A viable gelatine-methacrloyl-based hydrogel culture system that incorporates CRC cells with MSCs and a monocyte cell line was developed. Gels were analysed on day 10 by PCR, cytokine array, microscopy and flow cytometry. The addition of stromal cells increased transcription of matrix remodelling proteins FN1 and MMP9, induced release of tumour-promoting immune molecules MIF, Serpin E1, CXCL1, IL-8 and CXCL12 and altered cancer cell expression of immunotherapeutic targets EGFR, CD47 and PD-L1. Treatment with PD153035, an EGFR inhibitor, revealed altered CRC expression of PD-L1 but only in gels lacking MSCs. We established a viable 3D model of CRC that combined cancer cells, MSCs and monocytic cells that can be used to research the role the stroma plays in the TME, identify novel therapeutic targets and improve the transitional efficacy of therapies.

Development of Cell-Derived Matrices for Three-Dimensional In Vitro Cancer Cell Models

Most morphogenetic and pathological processes are driven by cells responding to the surrounding matrix, such as its composition, architecture, and mechanical properties. Despite increasing evidence for the role of extracellular matrix (ECM) in tissue and disease development, many in vitro substitutes still fail to effectively mimic the native microenvironment. We established a novel method to produce macroscale (>1 cm) mesenchymal cell-derived matrices (CDMs) aimed to mimic the fibrotic tumor microenvironment surrounding epithelial cancer cells. CDMs are produced by human adipose mesenchymal stem cells cultured in sacrificial 3D scaffold templates of fibronectin-coated poly-lactic acid microcarriers (MCs) in the presence of macromolecular crowders. We showed that decellularized CDMs closely mimic the fibrillar protein composition, architecture, and mechanical properties of human fibrotic ECM from cancer masses. CDMs had highly reproducible composition made of collagen types I and III and fibronectin ECM with tunable mechanical properties. Moreover, decellularized and MC-free CDMs were successfully repopulated with cancer cells throughout their 3D structure, and following chemotherapeutic treatment, cancer cells showed greater doxorubicin resistance compared to 3D culture in collagen hydrogels. Collectively, these results support the use of CDMs as a reproducible and tunable tool for developing 3D in vitro cancer models.

Molecular Mechanisms of Alcohol-Induced Colorectal Carcinogenesis

The etiology of colorectal cancer (CRC) is complex. Approximately, 10% of individuals with CRC have predisposing germline mutations that lead to familial cancer syndromes, whereas most CRC patients have sporadic cancer resulting from a combination of environmental and genetic risk factors. It has become increasingly clear that chronic alcohol consumption is associated with the development of sporadic CRC; however, the exact mechanisms by which alcohol contributes to colorectal carcinogenesis are largely unknown. Several proposed mechanisms from studies in CRC models suggest that alcohol metabolites and/or enzymes associated with alcohol metabolism alter cellular redox balance, cause DNA damage, and epigenetic dysregulation. In addition, alcohol metabolites can cause a dysbiotic colorectal microbiome and intestinal permeability, resulting in bacterial translocation, inflammation, and immunosuppression. All of these effects can increase the risk of developing CRC. This review aims to outline some of the most significant and recent findings on the mechanisms of alcohol in colorectal carcinogenesis. We examine the effect of alcohol on the generation of reactive oxygen species, the development of genotoxic stress, modulation of one-carbon metabolism, disruption of the microbiome, and immunosuppression.

Novel therapeutic strategies: targeting epithelial-mesenchymal transition in colorectal cancer

Epithelial-mesenchymal transition (EMT) is a process during which cells lose their epithelial characteristics, for instance apical-basal cell polarity and cell-cell contact, and gain mesenchymal properties, such as increased motility. In colorectal cancer, EMT has an important role in tumour progression, metastasis, and drug resistance. There has been accumulating evidence from preclinical and early clinical studies that show that EMT markers might serve as outcome predictors and potential therapeutic targets in colorectal cancer. This Review describes the fundamentals of EMT, including biology, newly partial EMT, and associated changes. We also provide a comprehensive summary of therapeutic compounds capable of targeting EMT markers, including drugs in preclinical and clinical trials and those with repurpose potential. Lastly, we explore the obstacles of EMT bench-to-bedside drug development.

Extracellular Matrices and Cancer-Associated Fibroblasts: Targets for Cancer Diagnosis and Therapy?

Solid cancer progression is dictated by neoplastic cell features and pro-tumoral crosstalks with their microenvironment. Stroma modifications, such as fibroblast activation into cancer-associated fibroblasts (CAFs) and extracellular matrix (ECM) remodeling, are now recognized as critical events for cancer progression and as potential therapeutic or diagnostic targets. The recent appreciation of the key, complex and multiple roles of the ECM in cancer and of the CAF diversity, has revolutionized the field and raised innovative but challenging questions. Here, we rapidly present CAF heterogeneity in link with their specific ECM remodeling features observed in cancer, before developing each of the impacts of such ECM modifications on tumor progression (survival, angiogenesis, pre-metastatic niche, chemoresistance, etc.), and on patient prognosis. Finally, based on preclinical studies and recent results obtained from clinical trials, we highlight key mechanisms or proteins that are, or may be, used as potential therapeutic or diagnostic targets, and we report and discuss benefits, disappointments, or even failures, of recently reported stroma-targeting strategies.

Prothymosin α promotes colorectal carcinoma chemoresistance through inducing lipid droplet accumulation

Colorectal cancer (CRC) affects millions of people worldwide. Chemoresistance seriously impairs the therapeutic effects. Lipid droplets (LDs) abnormally accumulate in CRC supported chemoresistance. Exploring the mechanism of LD-induced chemoresistance is extremely important for improving prognosis of CRC patients. The expression of PTMA was increased in both CRC tissues and cells, which was positively correlated with LD production. PTMA facilitated chemoresistance to gemcitabine by inducing LD production in CRC cells. PTMA enhanced LD biogenesis and chemoresistance to gemcitabine by promoting SREBP-1-mediated lipogenesis and STAT3 activation in CRC.

Identification of known and novel familial cancer genes in Swedish colorectal cancer families

Identifying new candidate colorectal cancer (CRC) genes and mutations are important for clinical cancer prevention as well as in cancer care. Genetic counseling is already implemented for known high-risk variants; however, the majority of CRC are of unknown causes. In our study, 110 CRC patients in 55 Swedish families with a strong history of CRC but unknown genetic causes were analyzed with the aim of identifying novel candidate CRC predisposing genes. Exome sequencing was used to identify rare and high-impact variants enriched in the families. No clear pathogenic variants were found in known CRC predisposing genes; however, potential pathogenic variants in novel CRC predisposing genes were identified. Over 3000 variants with minor allele frequency (MAF) <0.01 and Combined Annotation Dependent Depletion (CADD) > 20 were seen aggregating in the CRC families. Of those, 27 variants with MAF < 0.001 and CADD>25 were considered high-risk mutations. Interestingly, more than half of the high-risk variants were detected in three families, suggesting cumulating contribution of several variants to CRC. In summary, our study shows that despite a strong history of CRC within families, identifying pathogenic variants is challenging. In a small number of families, few rare mutations were shared by affected family members. This could indicate that in the absence of known CRC predisposing genes, a cumulating contribution of mutations leads to CRC observed in these families.

Extracellular Matrix Proteins Confer Cell Adhesion-Mediated Drug Resistance Through Integrin α v in Glioblastoma Cells

Chemotherapy resistance to glioblastoma (GBM) remains an obstacle that is difficult to overcome, leading to poor prognosis of GBM patients. Many previous studies have focused on resistance mechanisms intrinsic to cancer cells; the microenvironment surrounding tumor cells has been found more recently to have significant impacts on the response to chemotherapeutic agents. Extracellular matrix (ECM) proteins may confer cell adhesion-mediated drug resistance (CAMDR). Here, expression of the ECM proteins laminin, vitronectin, and fibronectin was assessed in clinical GBM tumors using immunohistochemistry. Then, patient-derived GBM cells grown in monolayers on precoated laminin, vitronectin, or fibronectin substrates were treated with cilengitide, an integrin inhibitor, and/or carmustine, an alkylating chemotherapy. Cell adhesion and viability were quantified. Transcription factor (TF) activities were assessed over time using a bioluminescent assay in which GBM cells were transduced with lentiviruses containing consensus binding sites for specific TFs linked to expression a firefly luciferase reporter. Apoptosis, mediated by p53, was analyzed by Western blotting and immunocytofluorescence. Integrin α_v activation of the FAK/paxillin/AKT signaling pathway and effects on expression of the proliferative marker Ki67 were investigated. To assess effects of integrin α_v activation of AKT and ERK pathways, which are typically deregulated in GBM, and expression of epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR), which is amplified and/or mutated in many GBM tumors, shRNA knockdown was used. Laminin, vitronectin, and fibronectin were abundant in clinical GBM tumors and promoted CAMDR in GBM cells cultured on precoated substrates. Cilengitide treatment induced cell detachment, which was most pronounced for cells cultured on vitronectin. Cilengitide treatment increased cytotoxicity of carmustine, reversing CAMDR. ECM adhesion increased activity of NFκB and decreased that of p53, leading to suppression of p53-mediated apoptosis and upregulation of multidrug resistance gene 1 (MDR1; also known as ABCB1 or P-glycoprotein). Expression of Ki67 was correlative with activation of the integrin α_v-mediated FAK/paxillin/AKT signaling pathway. EGFR expression increased with integrin α_v knockdown GBM cells and may represent a compensatory survival mechanism. These results indicate that ECM proteins confer CAMDR through integrin α_v in GBM cells.

Boosting GWAS using biological networks: A study on susceptibility to familial breast cancer

Genome-wide association studies (GWAS) explore the genetic causes of complex diseases. However, classical approaches ignore the biological context of the genetic variants and genes under study. To address this shortcoming, one can use biological networks, which model functional relationships, to search for functionally related susceptibility loci. Many such network methods exist, each arising from different mathematical frameworks, pre-processing steps, and assumptions about the network properties of the susceptibility mechanism. Unsurprisingly, this results in disparate solutions. To explore how to exploit these heterogeneous approaches, we selected six network methods and applied them to GENESIS, a nationwide French study on familial breast cancer. First, we verified that network methods recovered more interpretable results than a standard GWAS. We addressed the heterogeneity of their solutions by studying their overlap, computing what we called the consensus. The key gene in this consensus solution was COPS5, a gene related to multiple cancer hallmarks. Another issue we observed was that network methods were unstable, selecting very different genes on different subsamples of GENESIS. Therefore, we proposed a stable consensus solution formed by the 68 genes most consistently selected across multiple subsamples. This solution was also enriched in genes known to be associated with breast cancer susceptibility (BLM, CASP8, CASP10, DNAJC1, FGFR2, MRPS30, and SLC4A7, P-value = 3 × 10-4). The most connected gene was CUL3, a regulator of several genes linked to cancer progression. Lastly, we evaluated the biases of each method and the impact of their parameters on the outcome. In general, network methods preferred highly connected genes, even after random rewirings that stripped the connections of any biological meaning. In conclusion, we present the advantages of network-guided GWAS, characterize their shortcomings, and provide strategies to address them. To compute the consensus networks, implementations of all six methods are available at https://github.com/hclimente/gwas-tools.

Prognostic Significance of CDH1, FN1 and VIM for Early Recurrence in Patients with Colorectal Liver Metastasis After Liver Resection

Purpose

There are limited data on expression of epithelial–mesenchymal transition (EMT) markers in patients with colorectal liver metastases (CRLM). The study aim was to evaluate the expression and prognostic significance of E-cadherin (CDH1), fibronectin (FN1) and vimentin (VIM) in patients with CRLM after curative-intent liver resection.

Patients and Methods

Thirty patients with CRLM managed by curative-intent liver resection were included in this prospective pilot study. Blood samples, colorectal liver metastases and surrounding non-tumor liver tissue were collected. Expression of CDH1, FN1 and VIM was analyzed by quantitative real-time polymerase chain reaction. Expression in CRLM and non-tumor liver tissue was compared, while expression in serum was correlated with CRLM expression. One-year recurrence-free survival was compared between patients with low and high CDH1, FN1 and VIM expression.

Results

The expression of CDH1 was similar in CRLM and non-tumor liver tissues, while FN1 and VIM expression was significantly lower in metastatic tissue (P=0.003 and pP<0.001, respectively). Serum expression of CDH1 and VIM was detected in 66.7% and 93.3% of patients, respectively, while FN1 was not detected in any of the patients. The correlation of CDH1 and VIM expression between CRLM and serum was not statistically significant. Decreased CDH1 expression in CRLM and decreased VIM expression in serum were associated with early recurrence after surgical treatment of CRLM.

Conclusion

Lower expression of CDH1 in CRLM and lower serum expression of VIM were found to be associated with early recurrence after liver resection for CRLM.

A 3D View of Colorectal Cancer Models in Predicting Therapeutic Responses and Resistance

Although there have been many advances in recent years for the treatment of colorectal cancer (CRC), it still remains the third most common cause of cancer-related deaths worldwide. Many patients with late stage CRC display resistance to multiple different therapeutics. An important aspect in developing effective therapeutics for CRC patients is understanding the interactions that take place in the tumor microenvironment (TME), as it has been shown to contribute to drug resistance in vivo. Much research over the past 100 years has focused on 2D monolayer cultures or in vivo studies, however, the efficacy in translating these to the clinic is very low. More recent studies are turning towards developing an effective 3D model of CRC that is clinically relevant, that can recapitulate the TME in vitro and bridge the gap between 2D cultures and in vivo studies, with the aim of reducing the use of animal models in the future. This review summarises the advantages and limitations of different 3D CRC models. It emphasizes how different 3D models may be optimised to study cellular and extracellular interactions that take place in the TME of CRC in an effort to allow the development of more translatable effective treatment options for patients.

Emerging Role of Syndecans in Extracellular Matrix Remodeling in Cancer

The extracellular matrix (ECM) offers a structural basis for regulating cell functions while also acting as a collection point for bioactive molecules and connective tissue cells. To perform pathological functions under a pathological condition, the involved cells need to regulate the ECM to support their altered functions. This is particularly common in the development of cancer. The ECM has been recognized as a key driver of cancer development and progression, and ECM remodeling occurs at all stages of cancer progression. Thus, cancer cells need to change the ECM to support relevant cell surface adhesion receptor-mediated cell functions. In this context, it is interesting to examine how cancer cells regulate ECM remodeling, which is critical to tumor malignancy and metastatic progression. Here, we review how the cell surface adhesion receptor, syndecan, regulates ECM remodeling as cancer progresses, and explore how this can help us better understand ECM remodeling under these pathological conditions.

MicroRNA-146a suppresses tumor malignancy via targeting vimentin in esophageal squamous cell carcinoma cells with lower fibronectin membrane assembly

Background

Esophageal squamous cell carcinoma (ESCC) is widely prevalent in Taiwan, and high metastatic spread of ESCC leads to poor survival rate. Fibronectin (FN) assembly on the cell membrane may induce ESCC mobility. MicroRNAs (MiRNAs) are abundant in and participate in tumorigenesis in many cancers. However, the role of MiRNA in FN assembly-related ESCC mobility remains unexplored.

Methods

We divided ESCC CE81T cells into high-FN assembly (CE81^FN+) and low-FN assembly (CE81^FN−) groups by flow cytometry. MiRNA microarray analysis identified miR-146a expression as the most down-regulated miRNA in comparison of CE81^FN+ and CE81^FN− cells.

Results

Cell proliferation and migration were decreased when CE81^FN+ cells overexpressed transgenic miR-146a compared to the parental cells, indicating an inverse correlation between low miR-146a expression and high proliferation as well as motility of FN assembly ESCC cells. Furthermore, vimentin is the target gene of miR-146a involved in ESCC tumorigenesis. MiR-146a suppressed cell proliferation, migration and invasion of CE81^FN+ cells through the inhibition of vimentin expression, as confirmed by real-time PCR, Western blotting and Transwell™ assay. Analysis of one hundred and thirty-six paired ESCC patient specimens revealed that low miR-146a and high vimentin levels were frequently detected in tumor, and that the former was associated with late tumor stages (III and IV). Notably, either low miR-146a expression or high vimentin level was significantly associated with poor overall survival rate among ESCC patients.

Conclusions

This is the first report to link FN assembly in the cell membrane with miR-146a, vimentin and ESCC tumorigenesis both in vitro and in ESCC patients.

Circulating Tumor Cells and Fibronectin 1 in the Prognosis of Nasopharyngeal Carcinoma

Objective:

Nasopharyngeal carcinoma is highly endemic in Southeast China. Circulating tumor cell is an important biomarker in the prognosis of variety kinds of cancers. Overexpression of fibronectin 1 was observed in variety kinds of malignancies and may contribute to progress and metastasis of the cancers. The current study was aimed to investigate phenotypes of circulating tumor cell in nasopharyngeal carcinoma blood and fibronectin 1 expression in the circulating tumor cell, and their clinical application in predicting nasopharyngeal carcinoma prognosis.

Methods:

Blood samples were obtained from nasopharyngeal carcinoma patients before and after treatment. CanPatrol circulating tumor cell enrichment and RNA in situ hybridization were applied to identify circulating tumor cell and its phenotypes. Fibronectin 1 messenger RNA expression in the cells of circulating tumors was examined by messenger RNA-in situ hybridization.

Results:

Circulating tumor cell was not associated with tumor characteristics or lymph node metastasis. Patients with >9 circulating tumor cells or >5 mesenchymal phenotype circulating tumor cell per 5-mL blood had poorer progression-free survival (P < .05). Multivariable analysis demonstrated that 2 or more mesenchymal phenotype circulating tumor cells with high fibronectin 1 messenger RNA expression predicted shorter progression-free survival (P < .05).

Conclusions:

Circulating tumor cells with high-level fibronectin 1 expression was associated with poor survival in patients with nasopharyngeal carcinoma and could be an independent prognostic factor for nasopharyngeal carcinoma.

Siglec-7 is a predictive biomarker for the efficacy of cancer vaccination against metastatic colorectal cancer

Cancer immunotherapy, including vaccination, is considered a major scientific and medical breakthrough. However, cancer immunotherapy does not result in durable objective responses against colorectal cancer (CRC). To improve the efficacy of immunotherapy, the present study investigated several biomarkers for selecting patients who were expected to respond well to immunotherapy. Firstly, a comprehensive proteomic analysis was performed using tumor tissue lysates from patients enrolled in a phase II study, in which five human leukocyte antigen (HLA)-A*24:02-restricted peptides were administered. Sialic acid-binding immunoglobulin type lectin (Siglec)-7 was identified as a potential predictive biomarker. Subsequently, this biomarker was validated using western blot analysis, and immunofluorescence using tissue samples from the patients enrolled in the phase II study. The expression levels of Siglec-7 detected by immunofluorescence were quantified and their association with overall survival (OS) in patients treated with the peptide vaccine was examined. Furthermore, considering the important role of tumor-infiltrating lymphocytes (TILs) for CRC prognosis, the densities of CD3⁺, CD4^+, CD8⁺ and forkhead box P3 (FOXP3)⁺ T cells in CRC tissues were examined and compared with Siglec-7 expression. The mean expression levels of Siglec-7 were significantly higher in patients with poor prognosis, with an OS of ≤2 years, as shown in comprehensive proteomic analysis (P=0.016) and western blot analysis (P=0.025). Immunofluorescence analysis demonstrated that Siglec-7 was expressed in intratumoral macrophages. The OS in patients with high Siglec-7 expression was significantly shorter than in that in patients with low Siglec-7 expression (P=0.017) in the HLA-A*24:02-matched patients. However, this difference was not observed in the HLA-unmatched patients. There was no significant difference in OS between patients according to the numbers of TILs, nor significant correlation between TILs and Siglec-7 expression. In conclusion, Siglec-7 expression in macrophages in tumor tissue may be a novel predictive biomarker for the efficacy of immunotherapy against metastatic CRC.

Glycoproteomic Analysis Reveals Aberrant Expression of Complement C9 and Fibronectin in the Plasma of Patients with Colorectal Cancer

Colorectal cancer (CRC) is a major cause of cancer mortality. Currently used CRC biomarkers provide insufficient sensitivity and specificity; therefore, novel biomarkers are needed to improve the CRC detection. Label-free quantitative proteomics were used to identify and compare glycoproteins, enriched by wheat germ agglutinin, from plasma of CRC patients and age-matched healthy controls. Among 189 identified glycoproteins, the levels of 7 and 15 glycoproteins were significantly altered in the non-metastatic and metastatic CRC groups, respectively. Protein-protein interaction analysis revealed that they were predominantly involved in immune responses, complement pathways, wound healing and coagulation. Of these, the levels of complement C9 (C9) was increased and fibronectin (FN1) was decreased in both CRC states in comparison to those of the healthy controls. Moreover, their levels detected by immunoblotting were validated in another independent cohort and the results were consistent with in the study cohort. Combination of CEA, a commercial CRC biomarker, with C9 and FN1 showed better diagnostic performance. Interestingly, predominant glycoforms associated with acetylneuraminic acid were obviously detected in alpha-2 macroglobulin, haptoglobin, alpha-1-acid glycoprotein 1, and complement C4-A of CRC patient groups. This glycoproteomic approach provides invaluable information of plasma proteome profiles of CRC patients and identification of CRC biomarker candidates.

Fibronectin and colorectal cancer: signaling pathways and clinical implications

Colorectal cancer (CRC) is the fourth leading cause of cancer deaths worldwide, with poor prognosis mainly related to metastasis. Fibronectin (FN), a vital component of the extracellular matrix (ECM), has been found involved in tumorigenesis and malignant progression in different types of malignancy. Numerous studies have indicated the distinct expression of FN in various cancers and demonstrated the different functions of FN in the proliferation, migration, and invasion of cancers. Meanwhile, FN isoforms have been extensively used for targeted drug delivery and imaging for tumors. Although a growing number of studies on FN in CRC have been reported, integrated reviews on the relationship between FN and CRC are rare. In this review, we will summarize the association between FN and CRC, including the signaling pathways and molecules involved in, as well as potential diagnostic and therapeutic values of FN for patients with CRC.

Identification of the hub genes RUNX2 and FN1 in gastric cancer

Background

This study identified key genes in gastric cancer (GC) based on the mRNA microarray GSE19826 from the Gene Expression Omnibus (GEO) database and preliminarily explored the relationships among the key genes.

Methods

Differentially expressed genes (DEGs) were obtained using the GEO2R tool. The functions and pathway enrichment of the DEGs were analyzed using the Enrichr database. Protein–protein interactions (PPIs) were established by STRING. A lentiviral vector was constructed to silence RUNX2 expression in MGC-803 cells. The expression levels of RUNX2 and FN1 were measured. The influences of RUNX2 and FN1 on overall survival (OS) were determined using the Kaplan–Meier plotter online tool.

Results

In total, 69 upregulated and 65 downregulated genes were identified. Based on the PPI network of the DEGs, 20 genes were considered hub genes. RUNX2 silencing significantly downregulated the FN1 expression in MGC-803 cells. High expression of RUNX2 and low expression of FN1 were associated with long survival time in diffuse, poorly differentiated, and lymph node-positive GC.

Conclusion

High RUNX2 and FN1 expression were associated with poor OS in patients with GC. RUNX2 can negatively regulate the secretion of FN1, and both genes may serve as promising targets for GC treatment.

Role of Extracellular Matrix in Gastrointestinal Cancer-Associated Angiogenesis

Gastrointestinal tumors are responsible for more cancer-related fatalities than any other type of tumors, and colorectal and gastric malignancies account for a large part of these diseases. Thus, there is an urgent need to develop new therapeutic approaches to improve the patients' outcome and the tumor microenvironment is a promising arena for the development of such treatments. In fact, the nature of the microenvironment in the different gastrointestinal tracts may significantly influence not only tumor development but also the therapy response. In particular, an important microenvironmental component and a potential therapeutic target is the vasculature. In this context, the extracellular matrix is a key component exerting an active effect in all the hallmarks of cancer, including angiogenesis. Here, we summarized the current knowledge on the role of extracellular matrix in affecting endothelial cell function and intratumoral vascularization in the context of colorectal and gastric cancer. The extracellular matrix acts both directly on endothelial cells and indirectly through its remodeling and the consequent release of growth factors. We envision that a deeper understanding of the role of extracellular matrix and of its remodeling during cancer progression is of chief importance for the development of new, more efficacious, targeted therapies.

Colorectal Cancer and Probiotics: Are Bugs Really Drugs?

Colorectal cancer (CRC) is one of the most common types of cancer worldwide. There are many factors that predispose a patient to the disease such as age, family history, ethnicity, and lifestyle. There are different genetic factors and diseases that also increase a person’s risk for developing CRC. Studies have found associations between gut microbiome and the risk for developing versus protection against CRC. Normal gut microbiome aid in daily functions of the human body such as absorption, metabolism, detoxification, and regulation of inflammation. While some species of bacteria prevent CRC development and aid in therapeutic responses to various treatment regiments, other species seem to promote CRC pathogenesis. In this regard, many studies have been conducted to not only understand the biology behind these opposing different bacterial species; but also to determine if supplementation of these tumor opposing bacterial species as probiotics lends toward decreased risk of CRC development and improved therapeutic responses in patients with CRC. In this literature review, we aim to discuss the basics on colorectal cancer (epidemiology, risk factors, targets, treatments), discuss associations between different bacterial strains and CRC, and discuss probiotics and their roles in CRC prevention and treatment.

Shaping Up the Tumor Microenvironment With Cellular Fibronectin

Normal tissue homeostasis and architecture restrain tumor growth. Thus, for a tumor to develop and spread, malignant cells must overcome growth-repressive inputs from surrounding tissue and escape immune surveillance mechanisms that curb cancer progression. This is achieved by promoting the conversion of a physiological microenvironment to a pro-tumoral state and it requires a constant dialog between malignant cells and ostensibly normal cells of adjacent tissue. Pro-tumoral reprogramming of the stroma is accompanied by an upregulation of certain extracellular matrix (ECM) proteins and their cognate receptors. Fibronectin (FN) is one such component of the tumor matrisome. This large multidomain glycoprotein dimer expressed over a wide range of human cancers is assembled by cell-driven forces into a fibrillar array that provides an obligate scaffold for the deposition of other matrix proteins and binding sites for functionalization by soluble factors in the tumor microenvironment. Encoded by a single gene, FN regulates the proliferation, motile behavior and fate of multiple cell types, largely through mechanisms that involve integrin-mediated signaling. These processes are coordinated by distinct isoforms of FN, collectively known as cellular FN (as opposed to circulating plasma FN) that arise through alternative splicing of the FN1 gene. Cellular FN isoforms differ in their solubility, receptor binding ability and spatiotemporal expression, and functions that have yet to be fully defined. FN induction at tumor sites constitutes an important step in the acquisition of biological capabilities required for several cancer hallmarks such as sustaining proliferative signaling, promoting angiogenesis, facilitating invasion and metastasis, modulating growth suppressor activity and regulating anti-tumoral immunity. In this review, we will first provide an overview of ECM reprogramming through tumor-stroma crosstalk, then focus on the role of cellular FN in tumor progression with respect to these hallmarks. Last, we will discuss the impact of dysregulated ECM on clinical efficacy of classical (radio-/chemo-) therapies and emerging treatments that target immune checkpoints and explore how our expanding knowledge of the tumor ECM and the central role of FN can be leveraged for therapeutic benefit.

Identification of glutathione S-transferase π 1 as a prognostic proteomic biomarker for multiple myeloma using proteomic profiling

Multiple myeloma (MM) is a B-cell hematological malignancy with monoclonal plasma cell proliferation in the bone marrow. Early diagnosis of MM remains difficult due to the lack of specific symptoms and biomarkers. In the present study, matrix-assisted laser desorption/ionization time-of-flight mass spectrometry and the ClinProt system was used to detect potential biomarkers for MM from the bone marrow samples of 30 patients and 30 healthy controls. A total of 10 of the most significantly differentiated peaks between the patients and controls were identified. When patients with MM were compared with controls, 6 peaks with m/z values of 1,779.24, 1,866.32, 2,022.36, 2,878.9, 4,417.76 and 7,155.38 were upregulated, and 4 peaks with m/z values of 1,466.54, 1,520.02, 1,546.53 and 2,991.05 were downregulated. Of these 10 peaks, 4 peaks (pk 8, 1,866.32 Da; pk 15, 2,878.90 Da; pk 17, 2,991.05 Da; and pk 3, 1,520.02 Da) were further sequenced and identified using liquid chromatography/electrospray ionization-tandem mass spectrometry (LC-ESI-MS/MS). Furthermore, the expression of fibronectin 1 and glutathione S-transferase π 1 (GSTP1) were validated in patients with MM via ELISAs. Clinical data and statistical analysis indicated that GSTP1 expression was closely associated with the clinical stage of patients with MM. High GSTP1 levels were an independent risk factor for worse prognosis in patients with MM. These results demonstrate that GSTP1 may be a novel biomarker for early diagnosis, prognosis and monitoring of minimal residual disease in MM.

Tyrosine-Based Signals Regulate the Assembly of Daple⋅PARD3 Complex at Cell-Cell Junctions

Polarized distribution of organelles and molecules inside a cell is vital for a range of cellular processes and its loss is frequently encountered in disease. Polarization during planar cell migration is a special condition in which cellular orientation is triggered by cell-cell contact. We demonstrate that the protein Daple (CCDC88C) is a component of cell junctions in epithelial cells which serves like a cellular “compass” for establishing and maintaining contact-triggered planar polarity. Furthermore, these processes may be mediated through interaction with the polarity regulator PARD3. This interaction, mediated by Daple's PDZ-binding motif (PBM) and the third PDZ domain of PARD3, is fine-tuned by tyrosine phosphorylation on Daple's PBM by receptor and non-receptor tyrosine kinases, such as Src. Hypophosphorylation strengthens the interaction, whereas hyperphosphorylation disrupts it, thereby revealing an unexpected role of Daple as a platform for signal integration and gradient sensing for tyrosine-based signals within the planar cell polarity pathway.

•

Daple localizes to cell junction, regulates planar cell migration

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Localization requires Daple's C-terminal PDZ-binding motif (PBM)

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The PBM binds a PDZ module of the polarity determinant PARD3

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The Daple⋅PARD3 interaction is regulated by tyrosine-based signals

Sulforaphane Modulates Cell Migration and Expression of β-Catenin and Epithelial Mesenchymal Transition Markers in Breast Cancer Cells

BACKGROUND

We aimed to assess the effect of sulforaphane (SFN) on breast cancer cell migration and also its effect on the expression of epithelial mesenchymal transition (EMT) markers and β-catenin.

METHODS

This study was performed in Shahroud University of Medical Sciences, Shahroud, Iran from 2017-2018. In this experimental study, MDA-MB-231 cells were treated with different concentrations of SFN (5, 10, 20, 30 and 40 μM) at different time points of 24, 48, and 72 h. The control group was untreated cells. The inhibitory effects of different concentrations of SFN on cell migration at different time points were evaluated using scratch assay. Moreover, apoptosis was assessed by using flow cytometric analysis. The expression of β-catenin and EMT markers of ZEB1, fibronectin, and claudin-1 were determined by real-time PCR. Western blotting analysis of β-catenin was applied to determine its changes after SFN treatment.

RESULTS

SFN markedly inhibited the migration of cells at concentrations of 10, 20, 30, and 40μM after 24, 48, and 72 h. At relatively, high concentrations (30, 40μM), SFN induced apoptosis. Moreover, SFN reduced the gene expression of ZEB1, fibronectin, and claudin-1 after 72 h. The expression of β-catenin revealed a time-dependent decrease at the concentration of 40 μM SFN.

CONCLUSION

Downregulation of EMT markers and β-catenin showed accordance with the inhibition of migration. SFN could be a promising drug candidate to reduce metastasis in breast cancer.

TCPA v3.0: An Integrative Platform to Explore the Pan-Cancer Analysis of Functional Proteomic Data

Reverse-phase protein arrays represent a powerful functional proteomics approach to characterizing cell signaling pathways and understanding their effects on cancer development. Using this platform, we have characterized ∼8,000 patient samples of 32 cancer types through The Cancer Genome Atlas and built a widely used, open-access bioinformatic resource, The Cancer Proteome Atlas (TCPA). To maximize the utility of TCPA, we have developed a new module called "TCGA Pan-Cancer Analysis," which provides comprehensive protein-centric analyses that integrate protein expression data and other TCGA data across cancer types. We further demonstrate the value of this module by examining the correlations of RPPA proteins with significantly mutated genes, assessing the predictive power of somatic copy-number alterations, DNA methylation, and mRNA on protein expression, inferring the regulatory effects of miRNAs on protein expression, constructing a co-expression network of proteins and pathways, and identifying clinically relevant protein markers. This upgraded TCPA (v3.0) will provide the cancer research community with a more powerful tool for studying functional proteomics and making translational impacts.

LL-37 alone and in combination with IL17A enhances proinflammatory cytokine expression in parallel with hyaluronan metabolism in human synovial sarcoma cell line SW982-A step toward understanding the development of inflammatory arthritis

LL-37 is the only human cathelicidin-family host defense peptide and has been reported to interact with invading pathogens causing inflammation at various body sites. Recent studies showed high levels of LL-37 in the synovial-lining membrane of patients with rheumatoid arthritis, a common type of inflammatory arthritis. The present study aims to investigate the role of LL-37 on mechanisms associated with pathogenesis of inflammatory arthritis. The effects of LL-37 on the expression of proinflammatory cytokines, hyaluronan (HA) metabolism-related genes, cell death-related pathways, and cell invasion were investigated in SW982, a human synovial sarcoma cell line. Time-course measurements of proinflammatory cytokines and mediators showed that LL-37 significantly induced IL6 and IL17A mRNA levels at early time points (3–6 hr). HA-metabolism-related genes (i.e., HA synthase 2 (HAS2), HAS3, hyaluronidase 1 (HYAL1), HYAL2, and CD44) were co-expressed in parallel. In combination, LL-37 and IL17A significantly enhanced PTGS2, TNF, and HAS3 gene expression concomitantly with the elevation of their respective products, PGE2, TNF, and HA. Cell invasion rates and FN1 gene expression were also significantly enhanced. However, LL-37 alone or combined with IL17A did not affect cell mortality or cell cycle. Treatment of SW982 cells with both LL-37 and IL17A significantly enhanced IKK and p65 phosphorylation. These findings suggest that the chronic production of a high level of LL-37 may synchronize with its downstream proinflammatory cytokines, especially IL17A, contributing to the co-operative enhancement of pathogenesis mechanisms of inflammatory arthritis, such as high production of proinflammatory cytokines and mediators together with the activation of HA-metabolism-associated genes and cell invasion.

Global transcriptomic analysis identifies SERPINE1 as a prognostic biomarker associated with epithelial-to-mesenchymal transition in gastric cancer

Background

The plasminogen activation system plays a pivotal role in regulating tumorigenesis. In this work, we aim to identify key regulators of plasminogen activation associated with tumorigenesis and explore potential mechanisms in gastric cancer (GC).

Methods

Gene profiling datasets were extracted from the Gene Expression Omnibus (GEO) database. The differentially expressed genes (DEGs) were screened for and obtained by the GEO2R tool. The Database for Annotation, Visualization and Integrated Discovery was used for GO and KEGG enrichment analysis. Gene set enrichment analysis (GSEA) was performed to verify molecular signatures and pathways among The Cancer Genome Atlas or GEO datasets. Correlations between SERPINE1 and markers of epithelial-to-mesenchymal transition (EMT) were analyzed using the GEPIA database and quantitative real-time PCR (qRT-PCR). Interactive networks of selected genes were built by STRING and Cytoscape software. Finally, selected genes were verified with the Kaplan–Meier (KM) plotter database.

Results

A total of 104 overlapped upregulated and 61 downregulated DEGs were obtained. Multiple GO and KEGG terms associated with the extracellular matrix were enriched among the DEGs. SERPINE1 was identified as the only regulator of angiogenesis and the plasminogen activator system among the DEGs. A high level of SERPINE1 was associated with a poor prognosis in GC. GSEA analysis showed a strong correlation between SERPINE1 and EMT, which was also confirmed with the GEPIA database and qRT-PCR validation. FN1, TIMP1, MMP2, and SPARC were correlated with SERPINE1.The KM plotter database showed that an overexpression of these genes correlated with a shorter survival time in GC patients.

Conclusions

In conclusion, SERPINE1 is a potent biomarker associated with EMT and a poor prognosis in GC. Furthermore, FN1, TIMP1, MMP2, and SPARC are correlated with SERPINE1 and may serve as therapeutic targets in reversing EMT in GC.

Identification of pathogenic genes and transcription factors in glaucoma

Glaucoma is a group of eye diseases characterized by alterations in the contour of the optic nerve head, with corresponding visual field defects and progressive loss of retinal ganglion cells. The present study aimed to identify the key genes and upstream regulators in glaucoma. To screen the pathogenic genes involved in glaucoma, an integrated analysis was performed by using the microarray datasets in glaucoma derived from the Gene Expression Omnibus (GEO) database. The functional annotation and potential pathways of differentially expressed genes (DEGs) were additionally examined by Gene Ontology (GO) and Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genomes (KEGG) enrichment analyses. A glaucoma‑specific transcriptional regulatory network was constructed to identify crucial transcriptional factors that target the DEGs in glaucoma. From two GEO datasets, 1,935 DEGs (951 upregulated and 984 downregulated genes) between glaucoma and normal controls were identified. GO and KEGG analyses identified that 'eye development' [false discovery rate (FDR)=0.00415533] and 'visual perception' (FDR=0.00713283) were significantly enriched pathways for DEGs. The expression of lipocalin 2 (LCN2), monoamine oxidase A (MAOA), hemoglobin subunit β (HBB), paired box 6 (PAX6), fibronectin (FN1) and cAMP responsive element binding protein 1 (CREB1) were demonstrated to be involved in the pathogenesis of glaucoma. In conclusion, LCN2, MAOA, HBB, PAX6, FN1 and CREB1 may serve roles in glaucoma, regulated by PAX4, solute carrier family 22 member 1, hepatocyte nuclear factor 4 α and ELK1, ETS transcription factor. These data may contribute to the development of novel potential biomarkers, reveal the underlying pathogenesis and additionally identify novel therapeutic targets for glaucoma.

Heterogeneous expression patterns of fibronectin in the mouse subiculum

The subiculum displays as much anatomical and physiological heterogeneity as the hippocampus. Recent studies suggest that the subiculum is also diverse in terms of gene expression. However, few studies have investigated the heterogeneity of the entire subiculum. To address this issue, we focused on fibronectin because its mRNA (FN1 mRNA) is expressed in the dorsal and ventral subiculum. We immunohistochemically characterized the intracellular expression of fibronectin in the entire subiculum along three axes (i.e., the dorsoventral, proximodistal, and superficial-deep axes). We first confirmed that FN1 mRNA is translated into protein inside cells. Moreover, we found that fibronectin was expressed evenly in the pyramidal cell layer of the dorsal subiculum, whereas in the ventral subicular pyramidal field, fibronectin was most concentrated in the superficial, distal corner. These results suggest that excitatory neurons labeled by fibronectin are more localized in the ventral subiculum than in the dorsal subiculum. Therefore, fibronectin may be useful as an indicator for studying the heterogeneity of principal cells in the subiculum.

Clinicopathological and prognostic values of fibronectin and integrin αvβ3 expression in primary osteosarcoma

Background

Osteosarcoma is a malignant bone tumor with a high potential for lung metastasis, and the prognosis for patients with metastatic disease is very poor. The interaction between fibronectin (FN) and integrin αvβ3 in soft-tissue sarcoma promotes cell migration, invasion, and lung metastasis. This study aimed to investigate the prognostic significance of FN and αvβ3 in osteosarcoma.

Methods

Immunohistochemistry and western blotting were used to detect the expression of FN and αvβ3 in 60 osteosarcoma specimens and in 30 osteochondroma specimens. Furthermore, correlations of FN and αvβ3 with the clinicopathological features of osteosarcoma patients were analyzed using the χ² test and Fisher’s exact test. Disease-free survival and overall survival of osteosarcoma patients were assessed using the Kaplan-Meier method and Cox proportional hazards model. The predictive accuracy of the model was determined by the Harrell concordance index.

Results

FN (P < 0.05) and αvβ3 (P < 0.05) were overexpressed in osteosarcoma specimens compared with osteochondroma specimens. High FN expression was associated with a poor response to chemotherapy (P = 0.001) and poor disease-free (P < 0.001) and overall (P < 0.001) survival. High expression of αvβ3 was linked to an advanced surgical stage (P = 0.028), a poor response to chemotherapy (P = 0.002), and both poor disease-free survival (P < 0.001) and overall survival (P < 0.001). FN and αvβ3 co-expression were associated with sex (P = 0.011), an advanced surgical stage (P = 0.013), and a poor response to chemotherapy (P = 0.002). Moreover, high expression of both proteins can serve as an independent prognostic value for reduced survival time in osteosarcoma patients.

Conclusions

The results of this study suggest that FN and αvβ3 expression is associated with an unfavorable clinical outcome of osteosarcoma, and these molecules may constitute attractive therapeutic targets for osteosarcoma treatment. To improve the survival of osteosarcoma patients, further investigations are required to clarify their prognostic values in a larger population.

Electronic supplementary material

The online version of this article (10.1186/s12957-019-1566-z) contains supplementary material, which is available to authorized users.

Mechanisms of Matrix-Induced Chemoresistance of Breast Cancer Cells-Deciphering Novel Potential Targets for a Cell Sensitization

Tumor cell binding to microenvironment components such as collagen type 1 (COL1) attenuates the sensitivity to cytotoxic drugs like cisplatin (CDDP) or mitoxantrone (MX), referred to as cell adhesion mediated drug resistance (CAM-DR). CAM-DR is considered as the onset for resistance mutations, but underlying mechanisms remain elusive. To evaluate CAM-DR as target for sensitization strategies, we analyzed signaling pathways in human estrogen-positive MCF-7 and triple-negative MDA-MB-231 breast cancer cells by western blot, proteome profiler array and TOP-flash assay in presence of COL1. β1-Integrins, known to bind COL1, appear as key for mediating COL1-related resistance in both cell lines that primarily follows FAK/PI3K/AKT pathway in MCF-7, and MAPK pathway in MDA-MB-231 cells. Notably, pCREB is highly elevated in both cell lines. Consequently, blocking these pathways sensitizes the cells evidently to CDDP and MX treatment. Wnt signaling is not relevant in this context. A β1-integrin knockdown of MCF-7 cells (MCF-7-β1-kd) reveals a signaling shift from FAK/PI3K/AKT to MAPK pathway, thus CREB emerges as a promising primary target for sensitization in MDA-MB-231, and secondary target in MCF-7 cells. Concluding, we provide evidence for importance of CAM-DR in breast cancer cells and identify intracellular signaling pathways as targets to sensitize cells for cytotoxicity treatment regimes.

Sirtuin-7 knockdown inhibits the growth of endometrial cancer cells by inducing apoptosis via the NF-κB signaling pathway

Sirtuin-7 is an evolutionarily conserved NAD-dependent deacetylase, which serves an important role in carcinogenesis. However, the potential mechanism of sirtuin-7 in endometrial cancer has not yet been investigated. The purpose of the present study was to investigate whether sirtuin-7 exhibits inhibitory effects on endometrial cancer cells. The potential mechanisms mediated by sirtuin-7 in endometrial cancer cells were also investigated. The expression levels of sirtuin-7 in endometrial cancer cells were compared with normal endometrial cells using western blotting. The results demonstrated that sirtuin-7 is overexpressed in endometrial cancer cells compared with normal endometrial cells. The downregulation of sirtuin-7 inhibited the growth and invasiveness of endometrial cancer cells. The knockdown of sirtuin-7 was observed to increase the sensitivity of the endometrial cancer cells to cisplatin treatment in vitro. An investigation into the potential molecular mechanism demonstrated that sirtuin-7 knockdown promoted the apoptosis of endometrial cancer cells by regulating the nuclear factor (NF)-κB signaling pathway. The knockdown of sirtuin-7 inhibited NF-κB expression and resulted in a decrease in the expression of NF-κB target proteins that are anti-apoptotic: Bcl-xl, Bcl-2 and Mcl-1. Sirtuin-7 knockdown also resulted in an increase of the NF-κB target proteins that are pro-apoptotic: Caspase-3, Bad and Bax. In conclusion, the present study demonstrated that sirtuin-7 knockdown was able to markedly inhibit the growth of endometrial cancer cells, suggesting that sirtuin-7 may be a potential therapeutic target for endometrial cancer therapy.

NF-κB pathways in the development and progression of colorectal cancer

Nuclear factor-κB (NF-κB) has been widely implicated in the development and progression of cancer. In colorectal cancer (CRC), NF-κB has a key role in cancer-related processes such as cell proliferation, apoptosis, angiogenesis, and metastasis. The role of NF-κB in CRC is complex, owed to the cross talk with other signaling pathways. Although there is sufficient evidence gained from cell lines and animal models that NF-κB is involved in cancer-related processes, because of a lack of studies in human tissue, the clinical evidence of its importance is limited in patients with CRC. This review summarizes evidence relating to how NF-κB is involved in the development and progression of CRC and comments on future work to be carried out.