Study on the correlation between extracellular matrix protein-1 and the growth, metastasis and angiogenesis of laryngeal carcinoma

Screening and identification of potential target genes in head and neck cancer using bioinformatics analysis

Head and neck cancer (HNC) is the sixth most common cancer worldwide. Recent studies on the pathogenesis of HNC have identified some biochemical associations of this disease, but the molecular mechanisms are not clear. To explore the genetic alterations in head and neck tumors, to identify new high-specificity and high-sensitivity tumor markers, and to investigate potentially effective therapeutic targets, in silico methods were used to study HNC. The GSE58911 microarray dataset was downloaded from the Gene Expression Omnibus online database to identify potential target genes in the carcinogenesis and progression of HNC. Differentially expressed genes (DEGs) were identified and functional enrichment analysis was performed. In addition, a protein-protein interaction network was also constructed, and gene analysis was undertaken using Search Tool for the Retrieval of Interacting Genes and Cytoscape. A total of 648 differentially expressed genes were identified. Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genomes pathway and Gene Ontology functional enrichment analysis of DEGs included muscle system process, extracellular matrix organization, actin binding, structural molecule activity, structural constituent of muscle, extracellular region part, ECM-receptor interaction, amoebiasis, focal adhesion, drug metabolism-cytochrome P450, and chemical carcinogenesis. There were 26 hub genes identified and biological process analysis revealed that these genes were mainly enriched in extracellular matrix organization, serine-type endopeptidase activity, extracellular matrix, and complement and coagulation cascades. Survival analysis revealed that interleukin (IL)-8 (C-X-C motif chemokine ligand 8), IL1B, and serpin family A member 1 may be involved in the carcinogenesis of HNC. In summary, the DEGs and hub genes identified in the present study may increase understanding of the molecular mechanisms of development of HNC and provide potential target genes for clinical diagnosis and targeted therapy.

Genome-Wide Identification and Comparative Analysis of Albumin Family in Vertebrates

Albumins are the most well-known globular proteins, and the most typical representatives are the serum albumins. However, less attention was paid to the albumin family, except for the human and bovine serum albumin. To characterize the features of albumin family, we have mined all the putative albumin proteins from the available genome sequences. The results showed that albumin is widely distributed in vertebrates, but not present in the bacteria and archaea. The phylogenetic analysis of vertebrate albumin family implied an evolutionary relationship between members of serum albumin, α-fetoprotein, vitamin D–binding protein, and afamin. Meanwhile, a new member from the albumin family was found, namely, extracellular matrix protein 1. The structural analysis revealed that the motifs for forming the internal disulfide bonds are highly conserved in the albumin family, despite the low overall sequence identity across the family. The domain arrangement of albumin proteins indicated that most of vertebrate albumins contain 3 characteristic domains, arising from 2 evolutionary patterns. And a significant trend has been observed that the albumin proteins in higher vertebrate species tend to possess more characteristic domains. This study has provided the fundamental information required for achieving a better understanding of the albumin distribution, phylogenetic relationship, characteristic motif, structure, and new insights into the evolutionary pattern.

Extracellular matrix 1 (ECM1) regulates the actin cytoskeletal architecture of aggressive breast cancer cells in part via S100A4 and Rho-family GTPases

ECM1 overexpression is an independent predictor of poor prognosis in primary breast carcinomas, however the mechanisms by which ECM1 affects tumor progression have not been completely elucidated. ECM1 was silenced in the triple-negative breast cancer cell lines Hs578T and MDAMB231 using siRNA and the cells were evaluated for changes in morphology, migration, invasion and adhesion. Actin cytoskeleton alterations were evaluated by fluorescent staining and levels of activated Rho GTPases by pull down assays. ECM1 downregulation led to significantly diminished cell migration (p = 0.0005 for Hs578T and p = 0.02 for MDAMB231) and cell adhesion (p < 0.001 for Hs578T and p = 0.01 for MDAMB231). Cell invasion (matrigel) was reduced only in the Hs578T cells (p < 0.01). Silencing decreased the expression of the prometastatic molecules S100A4 and TGFβR2 in both cell lines and CD44 in Hs578T cells. ECM1-silenced cells also exhibited alterations in cell shape and showed bundles of F-actin across the cell (stress fibers) whereas NT-siRNA treated cells showed peripheral membrane ruffling. Downregulation of ECM1 was also associated with an increased F/G actin ratio, when compared to the cells transfected with NT siRNA (p < 0.001 for Hs578T and p < 0.00035 for MDAMB231) and a concomitant decline of activated Rho A in the Hs578T cells. Re-expression of S100A4 in ECM1-silenced cells rescued the phenotype in the Hs578T cells but not the MDAMB231 cells. We conclude that ECM1 is a key player in the metastatic process and regulates the actin cytoskeletal architecture of aggressive breast cancer cells at least in part via alterations in S100A4 and Rho A.