The clinical relevance of OSM in inflammatory diseases: a comprehensive review

Oncostatin M (OSM) is a pleiotropic cytokine involved in a variety of inflammatory responses such as wound healing, liver regeneration, and bone remodeling. As a member of the interleukin-6 (IL-6) family of cytokines, OSM binds the shared receptor gp130, recruits either OSMRβ or LIFRβ, and activates a variety of signaling pathways including the JAK/STAT, MAPK, JNK, and PI3K/AKT pathways. Since its discovery in 1986, OSM has been identified as a significant contributor to a multitude of inflammatory diseases, including arthritis, inflammatory bowel disease, lung and skin disease, cardiovascular disease, and most recently, COVID-19. Additionally, OSM has also been extensively studied in the context of several cancer types including breast, cervical, ovarian, testicular, colon and gastrointestinal, brain,lung, skin, as well as other cancers. While OSM has been recognized as a significant contributor for each of these diseases, and studies have shown OSM inhibition is effective at treating or reducing symptoms, very few therapeutics have succeeded into clinical trials, and none have yet been approved by the FDA for treatment. In this review, we outline the role OSM plays in a variety of inflammatory diseases, including cancer, and outline the previous and current strategies for developing an inhibitor for OSM signaling.

Cloning, expression, purification, and immunoblotting analysis of recombinant type III fibronectin domains of human oncostatin M receptor

BACKGROUND

The human oncostatin M receptor subunit , commonly known as the oncostatin M receptor (OSMR), is a cell surface protein and belongs to the family of type I cytokine receptors. It is highly expressed in several cancers and is a potential therapeutic target. Structurally, OSMR consists of three major domains: the extracellular, transmembrane, and cytoplasmic domains. The extracellular domain further comprises four Type III fibronectin subdomains. The functional relevance of these type III fibronectin domains is not known yet, and it is of great interest to us to understand their role in OSMR-mediated interactions with other oncogenic proteins.

METHODS & RESULTS

The four type III fibronectin domains of hOSMR were amplified by PCR using the pUNO1-hOSMR construct as a template. The molecular size of the amplified products was confirmed by agarose gel electrophoresis. The amplicons were then cloned into a pGEX4T3 vector containing GST as an N-terminal tag. Positive clones with domain inserts were identified by restriction digestion and overexpressed in E. coli Rosetta (DE3) cells. The optimum conditions for overexpression were found to be 1 mM IPTG and an incubation temperature of 37 °C. The overexpression of the fibronectin domains was confirmed by SDS-PAGE, and they are affinity purified by using glutathione agarose beads in three repetitive steps. The purity of the isolated domains analyzed by SDS-PAGE and western blotting showed that they were exactly at their corresponding molecular weights as a single distinct band.

CONCLUSION

In this study, we have successfully cloned, expressed, and purified four Type III fibronectin subdomains of hOSMR.

Identification and integration analysis of a novel prognostic signature associated with cuproptosis-related ferroptosis genes and relevant lncRNA regulatory axis in lung adenocarcinoma

Lung adenocarcinoma (LUAD) is a highly prevalent malignancy worldwide, and its clinical prognosis assessment and treatment is a major research direction. Both ferroptosis and cuproptosis are novel forms of cell death and are considered to be important factors involved in cancer progression. To further understand the correlation between the cuproptosis-related ferroptosis genes (CRFGs) and the prognosis of LUAD, we explore the molecular mechanisms related to the development of the disease. We constructed a prognostic signature containing 13 CRFGs, which, after grouping based on risk score, revealed that the LUAD high-risk group exhibited poor prognosis. Nomogram confirmed that it could be an independent risk factor for LUAD, and ROC curves and DCA validated the validity of the model. Further analysis showed that the three prognostic biomarkers (LIFR, CAV1, TFAP2A) were significantly correlated with immunization. Meanwhile, we found that a LINC00324/miR-200c-3p/TFAP2A regulatory axis could be involved in the progression of LUAD. In conclusion, our report reveals that CRFGs are well correlated with LUAD and provide new ideas for the construction of clinical prognostic tools, immunotherapy, and targeted therapy for LUAD.

Interleukin-11: A Potential Biomarker and Molecular Therapeutic Target in Non-Small Cell Lung Cancer

Non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) accounts for 85% of lung cancer and is a fast progressive disease when left untreated. Identification of potential biomarkers in NSCLC is an ongoing area of research that aims to detect, diagnose, and prognosticate patients early to optimize treatment. We review the role of interleukin-11 (IL11), a stromal-cell derived pleiotropic cytokine with profibrotic and cellular remodeling properties, as a potential biomarker in NSCLC. This review identifies the need for biomarkers in NSCLC, the potential sources of IL11, and summarizes the available information leveraging upon published literature, publicly available datasets, and online tools. We identify accumulating evidence suggesting IL11 to be a potential biomarker in NSCLC patients. Further in-depth studies into the pathophysiological effects of IL11 on stromal-tumor interaction in NSCLC are warranted and current available literature highlights the potential value of IL11 detection as a diagnostic and prognostic biomarker in NSCLC.

Oncostatin M: A mysterious cytokine in cancers

Oncostatin M (OSM), as a member of the Interleukin-6 family cytokines, plays a significant role in inflammation, autoimmunity, and cancers. It is mainly secreted by T lymphocytes, neutrophils, and macrophages and was initially introduced as anti-cancer agent. However, in some cases, it promotes cancer progression. Overexpression of OSM and OSM receptor has been detected in various cancers including colon cancer, breast cancer, pancreatic cancer, myeloma, brain tumors, chronic lymphocytic leukemia, and hepatoblastoma. STAT3 is the main downstream signaling molecule of OSM, which operates the leading role in modifications of cancer cells and enhancing cell growth, invasion, survival, and all other hallmarks of cancer cells. However, due to the presence of multiple signaling pathways, it can act contradictory in some cancers. In this review, we will discuss the emerging roles of OSM in cancer and elucidate its function in tumor control or progression and finally discuss therapeutic approaches designed to manipulate this cytokine in cancer.

RICTOR Amplification Promotes NSCLC Cell Proliferation through Formation and Activation of mTORC2 at the Expense of mTORC1

Non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) is characterized by genomic alterations, yet a targetable mutation has not been discovered in nearly half of all patients. Recent studies have identified amplification of RICTOR, an mTORC2-specific cofactor, as a novel actionable target in NSCLC. mTORC2 is one of two distinct mTOR complexes to sense environmental cues and regulate a variety of cellular processes, including cell growth, proliferation, and metabolism, all of which promote tumorigenesis when aberrantly regulated. Interestingly, other components of mTORC2 are not coamplified with RICTOR in human lung cancer, raising the question as to whether RICTOR amplification-induced changes are dependent on mTORC2 function. To model RICTOR amplification, we overexpressed Rictor using the Cas9 Synergistic Activation Mediator system. Overexpression of Rictor increased mTORC2 integrity and signaling, but at the expense of mTORC1, suggesting that overexpressed Rictor recruits common components away from mTORC1. Additionally, Rictor overexpression increases the proliferation and growth of NSCLC 3D cultures and tumors in vivo. Conversely, knockout of RICTOR leads to decreased mTORC2 formation and activity, but increased mTORC1 function. Because Rictor has mTOR-dependent and -independent functions, we also knocked out mLST8, a shared mTOR cofactor but is specifically required for mTORC2 function. Inducible loss of mLST8 in RICTOR-amplified NSCLC cells inhibited mTORC2 integrity and signaling, tumor cell proliferation, and tumor growth. Collectively, these data identify a mechanism for Rictor-driven tumor progression and provide further rationale for the development of an mTORC2-specific inhibitor. IMPLICATIONS: RICTOR amplification drives NSCLC proliferation through formation of mTORC2, suggesting mTORC2-specific inhibition could be a beneficial therapeutic option.

Increased levels of the soluble oncostatin M receptor (sOSMR) and glycoprotein 130 (sgp130) in systemic sclerosis patients and associations with clinical parameters

OBJECTIVE

The objective of the present study was to evaluate the serum levels of soluble oncostatin M (OSM), OSM receptor (sOSMR) and glycoprotein130 (sgp130) in patients with systemic sclerosis (SSc), and the possible associations and correlations with clinical parameters.

METHODS

Serum levels of OSM, sOSMR and sgp130 were evaluated by ELISA in eighty-four SSc patients and eighty-four healthy volunteers.

RESULTS

SSc patients had significantly elevated levels of sOSMR and sgp130 when compared with healthy individuals (p < 0.0001 and p = 0.025, respectively). Diffuse cutaneous SSc and limited cutaneous SSc patients also presented higher levels of sOSMR when compared with healthy individuals (p = 0.003 and p = 0.0001, respectively). Patients with digital ulcers presented higher levels of sOSMR when compared to those without ulcers (p = 0.034). However, sOSMR levels were lower in patients with esophageal dysfunction than patients without this involvement (p = 0.038). OSM levels were undetectable in serum from SSc patients and healthy volunteers.

CONCLUSION

Serum levels of sOSMR and sgp130 are elevated in patients with systemic sclerosis. In addition, associations were observed with important clinical manifestations, suggesting that sOSMR is a candidate biomarker of this disease. More studies are needed to clarify the functions of IL-6 family cytokines in systemic sclerosis.

Oncostatin M as a new diagnostic, prognostic and therapeutic target in inflammatory bowel disease (IBD)

Introduction: Given the high rate of primary and acquired resistance to current inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) treatments, novel drug targets and biomarkers that aid in therapeutic prediction are eagerly awaited. Furthermore, postponing treatment initiation because of a diagnostic delay profoundly affects patient well-being and overall disease evolution. Among the emerging targets and biomarkers, oncostatin M (OSM) has gained much interest in the past few years.Areas covered: A literature search to June 2019 was performed to identify the most relevant reports on Oncostatin M. The authors summarize the biology of OSM, its role in health and disease, its potential as a diagnostic, prognostic and therapeutic biomarker in the field of IBD and how it might be a drug target of the future.Expert opinion: OSM has diagnostic, prognostic and therapeutic capabilities. High mucosal OSM predicts primary non-response to anti-TNF antibodies. However, one could question whether a single cytokine can capture the complexity and heterogeneity of IBD. Neutralizing OSM in patients with elevated mucosal OSM appears to be attractive and should be considered as a valid option for the first biomarker-stratified, proof-of-concept trial that studies a novel therapeutic compound in IBD.

OSMR gene effect on the pathogenesis of chronic autoimmune Urticaria via the JAK/STAT3 pathway

Background

Chronic autoimmune urticaria (CAU) is a common skin disease and remains unclear understanding of pathogenesis in the vast majority of cases. In order to explore a new therapy for CAU, the current study was performed to investigate the possible functioning of the Oncostatin M receptor (OSMR) gene in the autoimmunity of CAU via regulation of the JAK/STAT3 signaling pathway.

Methods

CAU skin tissues from 24 CAU patients and normal skin tissues from normal subjects were collected. Hematoxylin-eosin (HE) staining was conducted to count eosinophils, and immunohistochemistry was carried out to detect the positive rate of OSMR expression in two kinds of skin tissues. A total of 72 Kunming (KM) mice were selected, and 60 mice were used for establishing CAU models and later transfected with different plasmids. The expression of inflammatory factors was evaluated by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assays (ELISA). Expressions of janus kinase (JAK), signal transducer and activator of transcription 3 (STAT3), interferon-stimulated gene 15 (ISG15), CT10-regulated kinase (CRK), and interferon regulatory factor 9 (IRF9) were identified using Western blot assay and reverse transcription quantitative polymerase chain reaction (RT-qPCR). Epithelial cell proliferation was assessed by 3-[4,5-dimethylthiazol-2-yl]-2,5-diphenyl tetrazolium bromide (MTT) assay, and cell cycle distribution and cell apoptosis were assessed using flow cytometry.

Results

The findings confirm that OSMR protein expression and histamine release rate are highly elevated in human CAU skin tissues, and the expression of the JAK/STAT3 signaling pathway-related genes (OSMR, JAK2, STAT3, ISG15, CRK and IRF9) was up-regulated. OSMR gene silencing in CAU mice significantly decreases the content of inflammatory factors (IL-1, IL-6, IFN-γ, and IgE), the number of eosinophils, and reduces the expression of the JAK/STAT3 signaling pathway related genes, and further enhances cell proliferation, promotes cell cycle entry and inhibits apoptosis of epithelial cells.

Conclusion

All aforementioned results indicate that OSMR gene silencing inhibits the activation of the JAK/STAT3 signaling pathway, thereby suppressing the development of CAU.

IL-31: A new key player in dermatology and beyond

IL-31 is a novel cytokine expressed in many human tissues and involved mainly in T_H2-weighted inflammation. IL-31 signals through a receptor complex consisting of IL-31 receptor α and oncostatin M receptor β. The available data show that IL-31 is strongly linked with chronic pruritic skin disorders, such as atopic eczema, and represents a novel target for directed drug therapy. Regulation of immune responses and cellular differentiation and proliferation are recently elucidated effects of IL-31, suggesting a more complex and diverse area of effect for this novel cytokine. This review summarizes the current knowledge on IL-31 and its receptors and the involvement of IL-31 in diseases both in human subjects and mouse models.

Secreted gelsolin desensitizes and induces apoptosis of infiltrated lymphocytes in prostate cancer

Loss of immunosurveillance is a major cause of cancer progression. Here, we demonstrate that gelsolin, a constituent of ejaculate, induces apoptosis of activated lymphocytes in prostate cancer. Gelsolin was highly expressed in prostate cancer cells, and was associated with tumor progression, recurrence, metastasis, and poor prognosis. In vitro, secreted gelsolin inactivated CD4⁺ T cells by binding to CD37, and induced apoptosis of activated CD8⁺ T lymphocytes by binding to Fas ligand during cell contact dependent on major histocompatibility complex I. Moreover, secreted gelsolin bound to sortilin, which in turn bound to Wiskott-Aldrich syndrome protein family member 3, thereby enhancing the endocytosis and intracellular transport of essential lipids needed to facilitate tumor growth and expansion. Under normal conditions, gelsolin is a seemingly harmless protein that prevents immune responses in female recipients. In disease states, however, this protein can inhibit immunosurveillance and promote cancer progression.

Neuropathies of Stüve-Wiedemann Syndrome due to mutations in leukemia inhibitory factor receptor (LIFR) gene

Stüve-Wiedemann syndrome (STWS; OMIM #610559) is a rare disease that results in dysfunction of the autonomic nervous system, which controls involuntary processes such as breathing rate and body temperature. In infants, this can result in respiratory distress, feeding and swallowing difficulties, and hyperthermic episodes. Individuals may sweat excessively when body temperature is not elevated. Additionally, individuals have reduced ability to feel pain and may lose reflexes such as the corneal reflex that normally causes one to blink, and the patellar reflex resulting in the knee-jerk. STWS usually results in infant mortality, yet some STWS patients survive into early adulthood. STWS is caused by a mutation in the leukemia inhibitory factor receptor (LIFR) gene, which is inherited in an autosomal-recessive pattern. Most LIFR mutations resulting in STWS cause instability of the mRNA due to frameshift mutations leading to premature stop codons, which prevent the formation of LIFR protein. STWS is managed on a symptomatic basis as no treatment is currently available.

Transcriptomic analyses of genes differentially expressed by high-risk and low-risk human papilloma virus E6 oncoproteins

Human papilloma virus is the causative agent for cervical cancer with 99 % of cervical cancer cases containing HPV. The high risk HPV-16, 18 and 31 are the major causative agents. The low risk HPV-6, 11 have been reported to cause penile, laryngeal, bronchogenic and oesophageal cancer. Since E6 oncoprotein is frequently over expressed in cancers, we did gene expression studies to compare between the E6 genes of high-risk (HPV18) or low-risk (HPV11)stably transfected in epithelial cell line EPC-2 or mock transfected with the basic vector pCDNA3.1. Microarray studies showed a total of 697 genes showing differential expression between the samples. Genes involved in several key cellular processes such as cell adhesion, angiogenesis, transcription regulation, cell cycle regulation and cell division showed altered expression between the samples. Gene Ontology mapping of 44 genes according cellular pathways revealed 13 pathways namely angiogenesis, alzhemier's, Wnt, p53, interleukin, TGF-β, cadherin, integrin, PI3-kinase, catennin, insulin, chemokine and G protein signalling pathways. The microarray results were confirmed by quantitative real-time PCR for some representative genes like IFI27, CTNNA1, OSMR, CYP1B1, TNFSF13, LAMA2 and COL5A3. Analysis of differentially expressed genes by high-risk and low-risk HPV E6 proteins might help in identification of potential biomarkers for diagnosis, progression and therapy of oesophageal cancer. The understanding of mechanisms of activation of these genes as well as the function of gene products will give a further insight into their roles in oesophageal cancer.

Stüve-Wiedemann syndrome: LIFR and associated cytokines in clinical course and etiology

Stüve-Wiedemann syndrome (STWS; OMIM #610559) is a rare bent-bone dysplasia that includes radiologic bone anomalies, respiratory distress, feeding difficulties, and hyperthermic episodes. STWS usually results in infant mortality, yet some STWS patients survive into and, in some cases, beyond adolescence. STWS is caused by a mutation in the leukemia inhibitory factor receptor (LIFR) gene, which is inherited in an autosomally recessive pattern. Most LIFR mutations resulting in STWS are null mutations which cause instability of the mRNA and prevent the formation of LIFR, impairing the signaling pathway. LIFR signaling usually follows the JAK/STAT3 pathway, and is initiated by several interleukin-6-type cytokines. STWS is managed on a symptomatic basis since there is no treatment currently available.

Oncostatin M receptor is a novel therapeutic target in cervical squamous cell carcinoma

Cervical carcinoma is the second most common cause of cancer deaths in women worldwide. Treatments have not changed for decades and survival rates for advanced disease remain low. An exciting new molecular target for the treatment of cervical squamous cell carcinoma (SCC), and possibly for SCCs at other anatomical sites, is the oncostatin M receptor (OSMR). This cell surface cytokine receptor is commonly copy number gained and overexpressed in advanced cervical SCC, changes that are associated with significantly worse clinical outcomes. OSMR overexpression in cervical SCC cells results in enhanced responsiveness to the major ligand oncostatin M (OSM), which induces several pro-malignant effects, including a pro-angiogenic phenotype and increased cell migration and invasiveness. OSMR is a strong candidate for antibody-mediated inhibition, a strategy that has had a major impact on haematological malignancies and various solid tumours such as HER2-positive breast cancers.

The enigmatic cytokine oncostatin m and roles in disease

Oncostatin M is a secreted cytokine involved in homeostasis and in diseases involving chronic inflammation. It is a member of the gp130 family of cytokines that have pleiotropic functions in differentiation, cell proliferation, and hematopoetic, immunologic, and inflammatory networks. However, Oncostatin M also has activities novel to mediators of this cytokine family and others and may have fundamental roles in mechanisms of inflammation in pathology. Studies have explored Oncostatin M functions in cancer, bone metabolism, liver regeneration, and conditions with chronic inflammation including rheumatoid arthritis, lung and skin inflammatory disease, atherosclerosis, and cardiovascular disease. This paper will review Oncostatin M biology in a historical fashion and focus on its unique activities, in vitro and in vivo, that differentiate it from other cytokines and inspire further study or consideration in therapeutic approaches.

Oncostatin M receptor β and cysteine/histidine-rich 1 are biomarkers of the response to erythropoietin in hemodialysis patients

Biomarkers that evaluate the response to erythropoietic-stimulating agents largely measure inflammation and iron availability. While these are important factors in modifying an individual's response to these agents, they do not address all aspects of a poor response. To clarify this, we isolated peptides in the serum of good and poor responders to erythropoietin in order to identify biomarkers of stimulating agent response. Ninety-one candidate biomarker targets were identified and characterized using mass spectrometry, of which tandem mass spectroscopy provided partial amino-acid sequence information of 17 different peptides for 16 peptide masses whose abundance significantly differed between poor and good responders. The analysis concluded that three peptides associated with a poor response were derived from oncostatin M receptor β (OSMRβ). The 13 serum peptides associated with a good response were derived from fibrinogen α and β, coagulation factor XIII, complement C3, and cysteine/histidine rich 1(CYHR1). Poor response was most strongly associated with the OSMRβ fragment with the largest molecular weight, while a good response was most strongly associated with CYHR1. Immunoblots found the abundance of intact OSMRβ and CYHR1 significantly differed between good and poor responders. Thus, two measurable biomarkers of the response to erythropoietic-stimulating agents are present in the serum of treated patients.