Taurine Rescues Cancer-induced Atrophy in Human Skeletal Muscle Cells via Ameliorating the Inflammatory Tumor Microenvironment

BACKGROUND/AIM

Cancer cachexia is a wasting syndrome that has a devastating impact on the prognosis of patients with cancer. It is well-documented that pro-inflammatory cytokines are involved in the progression of this disorder. Therefore, this study was conducted to investigate the protective effect of taurine, an essential nonprotein amino acid with great anti-inflammatory properties, in attenuating muscle atrophy induced by cancer.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

Conditioned media (CM) derived from T24 human bladder carcinoma cells with or without 5 mM taurine were incubated with human skeletal muscle cells (HSkMCs) and their differentiation was examined. The intracellular reactive oxygen species (ROS), morphology, and the catabolic pathway were monitored.

RESULTS

T24-derived CM with high levels of TNF-α and IL-6 caused aberrant ROS accumulation and formation of atrophic myotubes by HSkMCs. In T24 cancer cells, taurine significantly inhibited the production of TNF-α and IL-6. In HSkMCs, taurine increased ROS clearance during differentiation and preserved the myotube differentiation ability impaired by the inflammatory tumor microenvironment. In addition, taurine ameliorated myotube atrophy by regulating the Akt/FoxO1/MuRF1 and MAFbx signaling pathways.

CONCLUSION

Taurine rescues cancer-induced atrophy in human skeletal muscle cells by ameliorating the inflammatory tumor microenvironment. Taurine supplementation may be a promising approach for intervening with the progression of cancer cachexia.

Comprehensive characterization of polyproline tri-helix macrocyclic nanoscaffolds for predictive ligand positioning

Multivalent ligands hold promise for enhancing avidity and selectivity to simultaneously target multimeric proteins, as well as potentially modulating receptor signaling in pharmaceutical applications. Essential for these manipulations are nanosized scaffolds that precisely control ligand display patterns, which can be achieved by using polyproline oligo-helix macrocyclic nanoscaffolds via selective binding to protein oligomers and cell surface receptors. This work focuses on synthesis and structural characterization of different-sized polyproline tri-helix macrocyclic (PP3M) scaffolds. Through combined analysis of circular dichroism (CD), small- and wide-angle X-ray scattering (SWAXS), electron spin resonance (ESR) spectroscopy, and molecular modeling, a non-coplanar tri-helix loop structure with partially crossover helix ends is elucidated. This structural model aligns well with scanning tunneling microscopy (STM) imaging. The present work enhances the precision of nanoscale organic synthesis, offering prospects for controlled ligand positioning on scaffolds. This advancement paves the way for further applications in nanomedicine through selective protein interaction, manipulation of cell surface receptor functions, and developments of more complex polyproline-based nanostructures.

Kisspeptin Regulates Cell Invasion and Migration in Endometrial Cancer

Kisspeptin (a product of the KISS1 gene and its receptor) plays an important role in obstetrics, gynecology, and cancer cell metastasis and behavior. In hypothalamic-pituitary-gonadal axis and placentation, Kisspeptin/Kisspeptin receptor affects hormone release and represses trophoblast invasion into maternal deciduae. Endometrial cancer is one of the common gynecological cancers and is usually accompanied by metastasis, the risk factor that causes death. Recently, research has demonstrated that Kisspeptin/Kisspeptin receptor expression in aggressive-stage endometrial cancer tissues. However, the detailed mechanism of Kisspeptin/Kisspeptin receptor in regulating the motility of endometrial cancers is not well understood. In this study, we use endometrial cancer cell lines RL95-2, Ishikawa, HEC-1-A, and HEC-1-B as models to explore the molecular mechanism of Kisspeptin on cell motility. First, we discovered that Kisspeptin/Kisspeptin receptor was expressed in endometrial cancer cells, and Kisspeptin significantly regulated the migration and invasion of endometrial cancer cells. Furthermore, we explored the epithelial-mesenchymal transition marker expression and the underlying signals were regulated on Kisspeptin treatment. In conclusion, we suggest that Kisspeptin regulates endometrial cancer cell motility via FAK and Src expression and the ERK1/2, N-Cadherin, E-Cadherin, beta-Catenin, Twist, and matrix metalloproteinase signaling pathways. We expect these molecules could be candidates for the development of new approaches and therapeutic targets.

Starvation-inactivated MTOR triggers cell migration via a ULK1-SH3PXD2A/TKS5-MMP14 pathway in ovarian carcinoma

ABBREVIATIONS

AMPK: AMP-activated protein kinase; CHX: cycloheximide; RAD001: everolimus; HBSS: Hanks' balanced salt solution; LC-MS/MS: liquid chromatography-mass spectrometry/mass spectrometry; MMP14: matrix metallopeptidase 14; MTOR: mechanistic target of rapamycin kinase; MAPK: mitogen-activated protein kinase; RB1CC1/FIP200: RB1 inducible coiled-coil 1; PtdIns3P: phosphatidylinositol-3-phosphate; PX: phox homology; SH3: Src homology 3; SH3PXD2A/TKS5: SH3 and PX domains 2A; SH3PXD2A-[6A]: S112A S142A S146A S147A S175A S348A mutant; ULK1: unc-51 like autophagy activating kinase 1.

Targeted next-generation sequencing for the detection of cancer-associated somatic mutations in adenomyosis

Adenomyosis is a condition characterised by the invasion of endometrial tissues into the uterine myometrium, the molecular pathogenesis of which remains incompletely elucidated. Lesion profiling with next-generation sequencing (NGS) can lead to the identification of previously unanticipated causative genes and the detection of therapeutically actionable genetic changes. Using an NGS panel that included 275 cancer susceptibility genes, this study examined the occurrence and frequency of somatic mutations in adenomyotic tissue specimens collected from 17 women. Extracted DNA was enriched using targeted formalin-fixed paraffin-embedded tissue cores prior to the identification of lesion-specific variants. The results revealed that KRAS and AT-rich interactive domain 1A (ARID1A) were the two most frequently mutated genes (mutation frequencies: 24% and 12%, respectively). Notably, endometrial atypical hyperplasia did not involve adenomyotic areas. We also identified, for the first time, two potentially pathogenic mutations in the F-box/WD repeat-containing protein 7 (FBXW7) and cohesin subunit SA-2 (STAG2) genes. These findings indicate that mutations in the KRAS, ARID1A, FBXW7 and STAG2 genes may play a critical role in the pathogenesis of adenomyosis. Additional studies are needed to assess whether the utilisation of oncogenic driver mutations can inform the surveillance of patients with adenomyosis who had not undergone hysterectomy.Impact statementWhat is already known on this subject? Although somatic point mutations in the KRAS oncogene have been recently detected in adenomyosis, the molecular underpinnings of this condition remains incompletely elucidated. Lesion profiling with next-generation sequencing (NGS) can lead to the identification of previously unanticipated causative genes and the detection of therapeutically actionable genetic changes.What do the results of this study add? The results of NGS revealed that KRAS and AT-rich interactive domain 1A (ARID1A) were the two most frequently mutated genes (mutation frequencies: 24% and 12%, respectively). We also identified, for the first time, two potentially pathogenic mutations in the F-box/WD repeat-containing protein 7 (FBXW7) and cohesin subunit SA-2 (STAG2) genes.What are the implications of these findings for clinical practice and/or further research? The utilisation of oncogenic driver mutations has the potential to inform the surveillance of patients with adenomyosis who had not undergone hysterectomy.

EGF-Enhanced GnRH-II Regulation in Decidual Stromal Cell Motility through Twist and N-Cadherin Signaling

Crucial roles in embryo implantation and placentation in humans include the invasion of the maternal decidua by extravillous trophoblasts and the motile behavior of decidual endometrial stromal cells. The effects of the epidermal growth factor (EGF) and GnRH-II in the endometrium take part in early pregnancy. In the present study, we demonstrated the coaction of EGF- and GnRH-II-promoted motility of human decidual endometrial stromal cells, indicating the possible roles of EGF and GnRH-II in embryo implantation and early pregnancy. After obtaining informed consent, we obtained human decidual endometrial stromal cells from decidual tissues from normal pregnancies at 6 to 12 weeks of gestation in healthy women undergoing suction dilation and curettage. Cell motility was evaluated with invasion and migration assays. The mechanisms of EGF and GnRH-II were performed using real-time PCR and immunoblot analysis. The results showed that human decidual tissue and stromal cells expressed the EGF and GnRH-I receptors. GnRH-II-mediated cell motility was enhanced by EGF and was suppressed by the knockdown of the endogenous GnRH-I receptor and EGF receptor with siRNA, revealing that GnRH-II promoted the cell motility of human decidual endometrial stromal cells through the GnRH-I receptor and the activation of Twist and N-cadherin signaling. This new concept regarding the coaction of EGF- and GnRH-promoted cell motility suggests that EGF and GnRH-II potentially affect embryo implantation and the decidual programming of human pregnancy.

Identification of Healthy Tissue from Malignant Tissue in Surgical Margin Using Raman Spectroscopy in Oral Cancer Surgeries

Accurate identification of tissue types in surgical margins is essential for ensuring the complete removal of cancerous cells and minimizing the risk of recurrence. The objective of this study was to explore the clinical utility of Raman spectroscopy for the detection of oral squamous cell carcinoma (OSCC) in both tumor and healthy tissues obtained from surgical resection specimens during surgery. This study enrolled a total of 64 patients diagnosed with OSCC. Among the participants, approximately 50% of the cases were classified as the most advanced stage, referred to as T4. Raman experiments were conducted on cryopreserved tissue samples collected from patients diagnosed with OSCC. Prominent spectral regions containing key oral biomarkers were analyzed using the partial least squares-support vector machine (PLS-SVM) method, which is a powerful multivariate analysis technique for discriminant analysis. This approach effectively differentiated OSCC tissue from non-OSCC tissue, achieving a sensitivity of 95.7% and a specificity of 93.3% with 94.7% accuracy. In the current study, Raman analysis of fresh tissue samples showed that OSCC tissues contained significantly higher levels of nucleic acids, proteins, and several amino acids compared to the adjacent healthy tissues. In addition to differentiating between OSCC and non-OSCC tissues, we have also explored the potential of Raman spectroscopy in classifying different stages of OSCC. Specifically, we have investigated the classification of T1, T2, T3, and T4 stages based on their Raman spectra. These findings emphasize the importance of considering both stage and subsite factors in the application of Raman spectroscopy for OSCC analysis. Future work will focus on expanding our tissue sample collection to better comprehend how different subsites influence the Raman spectra of OSCC at various stages, aiming to improve diagnostic accuracy and aid in identifying tumor-free margins during surgical interventions.

Massively parallel sequencing of endometrial lavage specimens for the detection of cancer-associated mutations in atypical and non-atypical endometrial hyperplasia

Background

Endometrial hyperplasia (EH), particularly with atypia, is considered an antecedent of endometrial adenocarcinoma. In this study, we aimed to apply massively parallel sequencing of endometrial lavage specimens for the detection of cancer-associated mutations in atypical (AEH) and non-atypical endometrial hyperplasia (NEH). The identified alterations were compared with those detected in tissue samples.

Materials and methods

Endometrial lavage specimens and parallel biopsy samples (n = 11 for AEH and n = 9 for NEH) were obtained from 18 women (9 with AEH and 9 with NEH) who received an office hysteroscopy for suspected endometrial lesions. All samples were tested for somatic mutations in hotspot regions of 72 cancer-associated genes by massively parallel sequencing.

Results

On analyzing sequencing data, the presence of at least one cancer-associated gene mutation was identified in 72.7 and 44.4% of endometrial lavage specimens obtained from women with AEH and NEH, respectively (p = 0.362, 95% confidence interval = 0.72-3.70). The concordance rates between mutations identified in endometrial lavage specimens and endometrial biopsies were 54.5 and 0% from women with AEH and NEH, respectively (p = 0.014). A patient with NEH harbored mutations in endometrial lavage with the same mutations found in the tissue specimen at low allele frequency below detection cutoff, raising the suspicion of missed focal atypia.

Conclusion

Endometrial hyperplasia is characterized by a high burden of cancer-associated mutations, particularly in the presence of atypia. Our study, albeit performed with a relatively small number of samples, indicates that their detection by massively parallel sequencing of endometrial lavage is feasible. Our findings may allow tailoring of endometrial biopsies to the individual risk of AEH; additionally, they can pave the way toward less invasive surveillance protocols in patients with known EH.

Raman Spectral Characterization of Urine for Rapid Diagnosis of Acute Kidney Injury

Acute kidney injury (AKI) is a common syndrome characterized by various etiologies and pathophysiologic processes that deteriorate kidney function. The aim of this study is to identify potential biomarkers in the urine of non-acute kidney injury (non-AKI) and AKI patients through Raman spectroscopy (RS) to predict the advancement in complications and kidney failure. Selected spectral regions containing prominent peaks of renal biomarkers were subjected to partial least squares linear discriminant analysis (PLS-LDA). This discriminant analysis classified the AKI patients from non-AKI subjects with a sensitivity and specificity of 97% and 100%, respectively. In this study, the RS measurements of urine specimens demonstrated that AKI had significantly higher nitrogenous compounds, porphyrin, tryptophan and neopterin when compared with non-AKI. This study’s specific spectral information can be used to design an in vivo RS approach for the detection of AKI diseases.

Extracellular Vesicle-Associated MicroRNA-138-5p Regulates Embryo Implantation and Early Pregnancy by Adjusting GPR124

Functional embryo–maternal interactions occur during the embryo implantation and placentation. Extracellular vesicles with microRNA (miR) between cells have been considered of critical importance for embryo implantation and the programming of human pregnancy. MiR-138-5p functions as the transcriptional regulator of G protein-coupled receptor 124 (GPR124). However, the signaling pathway of miR138-5p- and GPR124-adjusted NLRP3 inflammasome activation remains unclear. In this study, we examine the roles of the miR138-5p and GPR124-regulated inflammasome in embryo implantation and early pregnancy. Human decidual stromal cells were isolated from the abortus tissue and collected by curettage from missed abortion patients and normal pregnant women at 6- to 12-week gestation, after informed consent. Isolated extracellular vesicles from decidua and decidual stromal cells were confirmed by transmission electron microscopy (TEM). Next-Generation Sequencing (NGS) and microarray were performed for miR analysis. The predicated target genes of the differentially expressed miR were analyzed to identify the target genes and their pathway. We demonstrated the down-regulation of miR-138-5p and the overexpression of GPR124 in spontaneous miscarriage compared to normal pregnancy. We also showed the excessive activation of the NLRP3 inflammasome in spontaneous miscarriage compared to normal pregnancy. Here, we newly demonstrate that the miR-138-5p and GPR124-adjusted NLRP3 inflammasome were expressed in extracellular vesicles derived from decidua and decidual stromal cells, indicating that the miR-138-5p, GPR124 and NLRP3 (NACHT, LRR, and PYD domains-containing protein 3) inflammasome have a potential modulatory role on the decidual programming and placentation of human pregnancy. Our findings represent a new concept regarding the role of extracellular vesicles, miR-138-5p, GPR124, and the NLRP3 inflammasome in normal early pregnancy and spontaneous miscarriage.

Glucose Activates Lysine-Specific Demethylase 1 through the KEAP1/p62 Pathway

Endometrial cancer incidence increases annually. Several risk factors, including high glucose intake, are associated with endometrial cancer. We investigated whether glucose affects lysine-specific demethylase 1 (LSD1) expression and the responsible molecular mechanisms. A high concentration of glucose stimulated p62 phosphorylation and increased LSD1 protein expression. Knockdown of p62 or treatment with mammalian target of rapamycin (mTOR), transforming growth factor-β activated kinase 1 (TAK1), casein kinase 1 (CK1), and protein kinase C (PKC) inhibitors abrogated glucose-regulated LSD1 expression. Unphosphorylated p62 and LSD1 formed a complex with Kelch-like ECH-associated protein 1 (KEAP1) and were degraded by the KEAP1-dependent proteasome. Phosphorylated p62 increased LSD1 protein expression by escaping the KEAP1 proteasome complex. LSD1 and KEAP1 interaction was enhanced in the presence of the nuclear factor erythroid 2-related factor 2 (NRF2) protein. LSD1 also participated in antioxidant gene regulation with NRF2. In diabetic mice, increasing LSD1and phospho-p62 expression was observed in uterine epithelial cells. Our results indicate that glucose induces p62 phosphorylation through mTOR, TAK1, CK1, and PKC kinases. Subsequently, phospho-p62 competitively interacts with KEAP1 and releases NRF2–LSD1 from the KEAP1 proteasome complex. Our findings may have public health implications for the prevention of endometrial cancer.

Prevalence of drug resistance mutations in HIV-infected individuals with low-level viraemia under combination antiretroviral therapy: an observational study in a tertiary hospital in Northern Taiwan, 2017-19

BACKGROUND

Effective ART is crucial for combating the HIV pandemic. Clinically, plasma viral load monitoring to achieve virological suppression is the guide for an optimal ART. The presence of low-level viraemia (LLV) below the definition level of virological failure is a risk factor for ART failure. However, there is no treatment consensus over LLV yet, mainly due to the limitation of standard HIV-RNA genotyping and the resultant insufficient understanding of LLV characteristics.

OBJECTIVES

To better profile drug resistance mutations (DRMs) and the associated factors in cases experiencing LLV.

METHODS

A prospective observational study was conducted from 2017 to 2019. HIV-DNA was used as an alternative to HIV-RNA for HIV genotyping coupled with deep sequencing for ART-naive and ART-failure cases, as well as those with LLV.

RESULTS

Eighty-one ART-naive, 18 ART-failure and 16 LLV cases received HIV genotyping in the study. Three-quarters (12/16) of cases experiencing LLV harboured DRMs. Cases with LLV had higher prevalence of DRMs to NNRTIs than the ART-naive group (69% versus 20%, P < 0.001), but lower DRM prevalence to NRTIs than the ART-failure group (25% versus 61%, P < 0.001). Approximately half of the LLV cases had issues of suboptimal ART compliance/ART interruption, and 68.8% (11/16) did not display drug resistance to their ART at the time of LLV.

CONCLUSIONS

HIV DRM profiles in LLV cases were significantly different to those in ART-naive and ART-failure cases. Approaches to consolidate ART compliance and early exploration of potential ART resistance may be needed for cases experiencing LLV episodes.

Glycogen synthase kinase-3 beta (GSK3β)-mediated phosphorylation of ETS1 promotes progression of ovarian carcinoma

ETS1 - an evolutionarily conserved transcription factor involved in the regulation of a number of cellular processes - is overexpressed in several malignancies, including ovarian cancer. Most studies on ETS1 expression have been focused on the transcriptional and RNA levels, with post-translational control mechanisms remaining relatively unexplored in the pathogenesis of malignancies. Here, we show that ETS1 forms a complex with glycogen synthase kinase-3β (GSK3β). Specifically, GSK3β-mediated phosphorylation of ETS1 at threonine 265 and serine 269 promoted protein stability, induced the transcriptional activation of matrix metalloproteinase (MMP)-9, and increased cell migration. In vivo experiments revealed that a GSK3β inhibitor was able to suppress both endogenous ETS1 expression and induction of MMP-9 expression. Upon generation of a specific antibody against phosphorylated ETS1, we demonstrated that phospho-ETS1 immunohistochemical expression in ovarian cancer specimens was correlated with that of MMP-9. Notably, the cumulative overall survival of patients with low phospho-ETS1 histoscores was significantly longer than that of those showing higher scores. We conclude that the GSK3β/ETS1/MMP-9 axis may regulate the biological aggressiveness of ovarian cancer and can serve as a prognostic factor in patients with this malignancy.

Preparation and conformational analysis of polyproline tri-helix macrocycle nanoscaffolds of varied sizes

Ligand patterns at the nanoscale are essential in modulating biological recognition and signaling through binding to receptor oligomers. Biocompatible nanoscaffolds that allow precise control of multiple ligand presentation would be of great use in manipulating cellular processes and understanding membrane receptor biology. We have previously developed tri-helix and tetra-helix macrocycle scaffolds based on the Pro9 peptide helix to control ligand arrangements that can selectively target receptor oligomers. A better understanding of the structure of these macromolecules would significantly reduce the difficulty in designing matching ligand positions for target receptors. In this work, we expand the arsenal of ligand patterns by preparing polyproline tri-helix macrocycle scaffolds of different sizes. These synthetic nanoscaffolds composed of peptide helices ranging from Pro6 to Pro12 also allowed us to systematically investigate their properties. With a combination of circular dichroism spectroscopy and ion mobility spectrometry-mass spectrometry (IMS-MS), the measurement for varied sizes of these scaffolds indicated the connecting dihedral angle between both ends of the helix affects the strain in the cyclic scaffold. The experimental collision cross section obtained from IMS-MS favors a propeller model for the helix arrangements. The results not only contribute conformational insights for the polyproline tri-helix system, but also provide precious information for the future design and synthesis of cyclic nanostructures based on peptide helices.

Intracellular targeting of STIP1 inhibits human cancer cell line growth

BACKGROUND

Extracellular and cell-surface molecules remain the most common druggable cancer targets. However, intracellular therapeutic modalities are gaining momentum. The overexpression of stress-induced phosphoprotein 1 (STIP1), an adaptor protein that coordinates the functions of different chaperones in protein folding, has been reported in several solid malignancies. Here, we investigated the effects of intracellular STIP1 inhibition, attained either through the HEPES-mediated cytosolic delivery of anti-STIP1 antibodies or the use of a cell-penetrating signal-tagged peptide 520, in different human cancer cell lines and luciferase-expressing murine ovarian cancer cells (MOSEC/Luc) tumor-bearing C57BL/6 mice.

METHODS

The effects of STIP1 in different human cell lines were determined by cell viability, cell cytotoxicity and cell apoptosis assays. Immunoblotting was used to assess the relevant proteins found in this study and tumor xenograft mice models were also employed.

RESULTS

Intracellular targeting of STIP1 inhibited cancer cell line growth and promoted caspase 3-dependent apoptotic cell death. Moreover, the intracellular delivery of anti-STIP1 antibodies facilitated the degradation of STIP1 and two of its client proteins, lysine-specific demethylase 1 and Janus kinase 2. In vivo studies demonstrated that survival of mice bearing experimental tumors was improved by administration of anti-STIP1 antibodies.

CONCLUSIONS

Our findings demonstrate that the cytosolic inhibition of STIP1 in tumor cells is feasible and provides a solid basis for further investigation of STIP1 as an intracellular cancer target. Our findings demonstrate that cytosolic inhibition of STIP1 in tumor cells is feasible and provide a solid basis for further exploration of STIP1 as an intracellular cancer target.

Synergistic effects of pazopanib and hyperthermia against uterine leiomyosarcoma growth mediated by downregulation of histone acetyltransferase 1

Pazopanib-a multitargeted tyrosine kinase inhibitor with prominent antiangiogenic effects-has shown promise in the treatment of soft-tissue sarcomas. Hyperthermia has been also applied as an adjunctive treatment to chemotherapy for these malignancies. Here, we show that pazopanib and hyperthermia act synergistically in inhibiting uterine leiomyosarcoma (LMS) cell growth. Compared with either treatment alone, the combination of pazopanib and hyperthermia exerted the highest antitumor activity in a xenograft model. Mechanistically, we found that combined treatment with pazopanib and hyperthermia inhibited histone acetyltransferase 1 (HAT1) expression in LMS cells. The Clock element on the HAT1 promoter was critical for pazopanib- and hyperthermia-induced HAT1 downregulation. Inhibition of HAT1-either by pazopanib and hyperthermia or through HAT1 silencing-was mediated by suppression of Clock. Accordingly, Clock protein reconstitution rescued both HAT1 levels and HAT1-mediated histone acetylation. Immunohistochemistry revealed a higher expression of HAT1 in uterine LMS than in leiomyomas (p = 0.007), with high HAT1 expression levels being associated with poor clinical outcomes (p = 0.007). We conclude that pazopanib and hyperthermia exert synergistic effects against LMS growth by inhibiting HAT1. Further preclinical studies on HAT1 as a potential drug target in uterine LMS are warranted, especially in combination with hyperthermia. KEY MESSAGES: Pazopanib and hyperthermia inhibit the growth of leiomyosarcoma. Their combined use inhibits HAT1 expression in leiomyosarcoma cells. The promoter Clock element is required for HAT1 downregulation. HAT1 expression is higher in leiomyosarcoma than in leiomyomas. An increased HAT1 expression is associated with poor clinical outcomes.

Percentage genome change and chromosome 7q amplification predict sorafenib response in advanced hepatocellular carcinoma

Background

Hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) may arise from genomic instability and has dismal outcome. Sorafenib is the first-line treatment for advanced stage HCC, but its therapeutic efficacy is less than 50%. Biomarkers for predicting the therapeutic efficacy of sorafenib administration to patients with advanced HCC are required. Here, we evaluated the role of chromosomal copy number aberrations (CNAs) in patients with advanced HCC who were treated with sorafenib along with their drug response.

Methods

The response to sorafenib treatment of twenty-three HCC patients who developed advanced recurrence after partial hepatectomy was analyzed using the modified Response Evaluation Criteria in Solid Tumors (mRECIST). Formalin fixed paraffin embedded (FFPE) tissue specimens obtained after tumor resection were analyzed using the Affymetrix OncoScan® FFPE assay.

Results

From the 23 patients analyzed in this study, 7 (30.4%) had complete/partial response to sorafenib (CR/PR), 7 (30.4%) had stable disease (SD), and 9 (39.1%) had progressive disease (PD). The mean genome-wide percentage of genome change acquisition via the OncoScan platform was 19.8% for patients with CR/PR/SD and 50.02% in the PD group (p = 0.055). Percentage of genome change above 33% was associated with adverse outcomes for sorafenib treatment in the time-to-progression analysis (p = 0.007) and overall survival (p = 0.096). Among these CNAs, amplification of chromosome 7q, containing the multidrug resistance gene ATP Binding Cassette Subfamily B Member 1 (ACBC1), significantly associated with poor overall survival (p = 0.004) and time-to-progression (p < 0.001).

Conclusions

Higher percentage genome change and amplification of chromosome 7q in advanced HCC is associated with sorafenib resistance.

Genetic analysis of a Taiwanese family identifies a DMRT3-OAS3 interaction that is involved in human sexual differentiation through the regulation of ESR1 expression

OBJECTIVE

To identify the genetic etiology of recurrent disorders of sex development (DSDs) in a Taiwanese family with 46,XY sex reversal and hypospadias.

DESIGN

Genetic and functional studies.

SETTING

Academic hospital.

PATIENT(S)

A three-generation family consisting of 22 members, with eight cases of 46,XY DSD, of whom four have 46,XY male-to-female sex reversal and four are 46,XY males with hypospadias.

INTERVENTION(S)

None.

MAIN OUTCOME MEASURE(S)

Results of exome sequencing and in vitro protein and RNA analyses.

RESULT(S)

All patients with DSDs were found to carry heterozygous missense mutations in the doublesex and mab-3-related transcription factor 3 (DMRT3; rs187176004, c.A815C, p.K272T) and 2',5'-oligoadenylate synthetase 3 (OAS3; rs16942374, c.G2606A, p.R869H) genes. The DMRT3 mutation increased estrogen receptor 1 (ESR1) expression. Upon binding with the OAS3-RNase L complex, wild-type DMRT3 promoted degradation of ESR1 mRNA. However, the DMRT3^A815C-OAS3^G2606A complex interacted less strongly with ESR1 mRNA and RNase L, ultimately preventing ESR1 mRNA degradation. The interactions between DMRT3, OAS3, and RNase L were confirmed in the patients' testis.

CONCLUSION(S)

Our results indicate that DMRT3 and OAS3 are involved in human DSDs by controlling ESR1 expression.

Compensatory combination of romidepsin with gemcitabine and cisplatin to effectively and safely control urothelial carcinoma

BACKGROUND

Human urothelial carcinoma (UC) has a high tendency to recur and progress to life-threatening advanced diseases. Advanced therapeutic regimens are needed to control UC development and recurrence.

METHODS

We pursued in vitro and in vivo studies to understand the ability of a triple combination of gemcitabine, romidepsin, and cisplatin (Gem+Rom+Cis) to modulate signalling pathways, cell death, drug resistance, and tumour development.

RESULTS

Our studies verified the ability of Gem+Rom+Cis to synergistically induce apoptotic cell death and reduce drug resistance in various UC cells. The ERK pathway and reactive oxygen species (ROS) played essential roles in mediating Gem+Rom+Cis-induced caspase activation, DNA oxidation and damage, glutathione reduction, and unfolded protein response. Gem+Rom+Cis preferentially induced death and reduced drug resistance in oncogenic H-Ras-expressing UC vs. counterpart cells that was associated with transcriptomic profiles related to ROS, cell death, and drug resistance. Our studies also verified the efficacy and safety of the Gem plus Rom+Cis regimen in controlling UC cell-derived xenograft tumour development and resistance.

CONCLUSIONS

More than 80% of UCs are associated with aberrant Ras-ERK pathway. Thus the compensatory combination of Rom with Gem and Cis should be seriously considered as an advanced regimen for treating advanced UCs, especially Ras-ERK-activated UCs.

Shall I trust the report? Variable performance of Sanger sequencing revealed by deep sequencing on HIV drug resistance mutation detection

BACKGROUND

The clinical utilisation of deep sequencing in HIV treatment has been hindered due to its unknown correlation with standard Sanger genotyping and the undetermined value of minority drug resistance mutation (DRM) detection.

OBJECTIVES

To compare deep sequencing performance to standard Sanger genotyping with clinical samples, in an effort to delineate the correlation between the results from the two methods and to find the optimal deep sequencing threshold for clinical utilisation.

METHODS

We conducted a retrospective study using stored plasma collected from August 2014 to March 2018 for HIV genotyping with the commercial Sanger genotyping kit. Samples with available Sanger genotyping reports were further deep sequenced. Drug resistance was interpreted according to the Stanford HIV drug resistance database algorithm.

RESULTS

At 15-25% minority detection thresholds, 9-15% cases had underestimated DRMs by Sanger sequencing. The concordance between the Sanger and deep sequencing reports was 68-82% in protease-reverse transcriptase region and 88-97% in integrase region at 5-25% thresholds. The undetected drug resistant minority variants by Sanger sequencing contributed to the lower negative predictive value of Sanger genotyping in cases harbouring DRMs.

CONCLUSIONS

Use of deep sequencing improved detection of antiretroviral resistance mutations especially in cases with virological failure or previous treatment interruption. Deep sequencing with 10-15% detection thresholds may be considered a suitable substitute for Sanger sequencing on antiretroviral DRM detection.

Bright and fast-response perovskite light-emitting diodes with an ICBA:modified-C60 nanocomposite electrical confinement layer

Bright and fast-response CH₃NH₃PbBr₃ perovskite light-emitting diodes (PeLEDs) are realized by using ICBA:modified C₆₀ (MC₆₀) nanocomposites as the hole blocking layer (HBL) and electron transport layer (ETL). The photoluminescence spectrum shows that the use of hydrophilic MC₆₀ in the ETL helps the surface passivation of the perovskite layer. In addition, the photoelectron spectra and water-droplet contact angle images show that the use of the ICBA:MC₆₀ nanocomposite ETL can simultaneously confine the electrons and holes in the perovskite layer, which boosts the injected electron-hole radiative recombination efficiency and thereby increases the electroluminescence from 1 cd m^-2 to 2080 cd m^-2 at 6 V when the ICBA:3,5OEC₆₀ nanocomposite ETL is used. In addition, the operational frequency of the optimal PeLED is up to 1.5 MHz.

Dynamic bioenergetic alterations in colorectal adenomatous polyps and adenocarcinomas

BACKGROUND

Energy metabolism in carcinogenesis is poorly understood. It is widely accepted the majority of colorectal cancers (CRCs) arise from adenomatous polyps (APs). We aimed to characterize the bioenergetic alterations in APs and CRCs.

METHODS

Fifty-six APs, 93 CRCs and adjacent normal mucosae were tested. Oxygen consumption rate (OCR) was measured representing mitochondrial oxidative phosphorylation (OxPhos), and extracellular acidification rate (ECAR)was measured representing glycolysis. Mitochondrial DNA (mtDNA) variants and mutations were studied. Over-expressed metabolic genes in APs were identified by microarray and validated by qRT-PCR, Western blots and immunohistochemistry. Identified genes were knocked down in WiDr and colo205 CRC cell lines, and their expression was analyzed in APs/CRCs with enhanced glycolysis.

FINDINGS

ECAR, not OCR, was significantly increased in APs. While no difference of ECAR was found between CRCs and normal mucosae, OCR was significantly reduced in CRCs. OCR/ECAR ratio was decreased in APs over 1 cm, APs with a villous component and CRCs, indicating their glycolytic tendencies. The number of mtDNA mutations was increased in APs and CRCs, but not correlated with metabolic profiles. Two metabolic genes ALDOB and SLC16A4 were up-regulated in APs. Both ALDOB-knockdown and SLC16A4-knockdown CRC cell lines showed increased basal motichondrial OxPhos and decreased basal glycolysis. Moreover, the increase of mitochondrial ATP-linked respiration and the decrease of glycolytic capacity were showed in SLC16A4-knockdown cells. Finally, APs/CRCs with enhanced glycolysis had increased SLC16A4 expression.

INTERPRETATION

ATP production shifts from OxPhos to glycolysis in the process of AP enlargement and villous transformation. OxPhos defects are present in CRCs but not in APs. APs and CRCs tend to accumulate mtDNA mutations, but these are not correlated with bioenergetic profiles. Finally, the ALDOB and SLC16A4 may contribute to the glycolytic shift in APs/CRCs.

POLG R964C and GBA L444P mutations in familial Parkinson's disease: Case report and literature review

Polymerase gamma (POLG) is an enzyme responsible for the replication and repair of mitochondrial DNA. Mutations in POLG may cause variable clinical manifestations, including parkinsonism, epilepsy, cerebellar ataxia, neuropathy, and progressive external ophthalmoplegia. However, mutations of this gene are rare in patients with typical Parkinson's disease (PD). We report a man (current age: 59 years) without any underlying disease presenting with right-hand tremor at the age of 39 years, followed by slow movement, rigidity, and postural instability. He developed motor fluctuation and levodopa-induced dyskinesia 8 years later. At the age of 58 years, cognitive decline and visual hallucination ensued; he was institutionalized thereafter. We used multiplex ligation-dependent probe amplification, which demonstrated no large deletions or duplications of relevant PD genes. Next, targeted sequencing panel covering 51 genes causative for PD was applied for the proband; it revealed a heterozygous missense substitution R964C in POLG and a heterozygous missense substitution L444P in GBA. The patient's father, who had been diagnosed as having PD and type 2 diabetes mellitus at the age of 70 years, demonstrated identical mutations. This is the first report of familial PD combined with POLG R964C and GBA L444P mutations. Two pathogenic gene mutations potentially cause double hit in pathological neurodegeneration. This finding extends our understanding of the PD genotype-phenotype correlation.

Activin A regulates the epidermal growth factor receptor promoter by activating the PI3K/SP1 pathway in oral squamous cell carcinoma cells

Epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR) and activin A are both overexpressed in oral cavity squamous cell carcinoma (OSCC). We evaluated their clinical correlation and activin A-mediated EGFR regulation in this study. Overexpression of both transcripts/proteins indicated a poorer prognosis in OSCC patients. Knockdown of endogenous INHBA repressed the expression of EGFR and inhibited activin A-mediated canonical Smads, noncanonical phosphorylation of AKT (ser473) (p-AKT ser473) and SP1. Inhibition of PI3K signaling via its inhibitor attenuated p-AKT ser473 and in turn reduced SP1 and EGFR expression in the presence of recombinant activin A (rActivin A) in OSCC cells, as revealed via a luciferase assay and western blotting. However, canonical Smad signaling repressed the EGFR promoter, as revealed by a luciferase assay. The transcription factor SP1, its coactivator CBP/p300, and Smad proteins were recruited to the EGFR proximal promoter following rActivin A treatment, as revealed by chromatin immunoprecipitation (ChIP). Smad2/3/4 dramatically outcompeted SP1 binding to the EGFR proximal promoter following mithramycin A treatment. Activin A activates the PI3K and Smad pathways to compete for binding to overlapping SP1 consensus sequences on the EGFR proximal promoter. Nevertheless, canonical p-Smad2 was largely repressed in OSCC tumor tissues, suggesting that the activin A-mediated noncanonical pathway is essential for the carcinogenesis of OSCC.

Selective targeting of DC-SIGN by controlling the oligomannose pattern on a polyproline tetra-helix macrocycle scaffold

DC-SIGN and langerin receptors both bind to oligomannose but lead to opposite effects upon encountering HIV. Because selective targeting of DC-SIGN can lead to anti-viral effects, we developed a glycoconjugate, which provides over 4800-fold selectivity for DC-SIGN over langerin, by controlling the oligomannose pattern on a polyproline tetra-helix macrocycle scaffold.

Utilization of HEPES for Enhancing Protein Transfection into Mammalian Cells

The delivery of active proteins into cells (protein transfection) for biological purposes offers considerable potential for clinical applications. Herein we demonstrate that, with a readily available, inexpensive organic agent, the 4-(2-hydroxyethyl)-1-piperazineethanesulfonic acid (HEPES) method can be used for simple and efficient protein transfection. By mixing proteins with a pure HEPES solution before they are applied to live cells, proteins with various molecular weights (including antibodies, recombinant proteins, and peptides) were successfully delivered into the cytoplasm of different cell types. The protein transfection efficiency of the HEPES method was not inferior to that of commercially available systems that are both more expensive and time consuming. Studies using endocytotic inhibitors and endosomal markers have revealed that cells internalize HEPES-protein mixtures through endocytosis. Results that HEPES-protein mixtures exhibited a low diffusion coefficient suggest that HEPES might neutralize the charges of proteins and, thus, facilitate their cellular internalization. Upon internalization, the cytosolic antibodies caused the degradation of targeted proteins in TRIM21-expressing cells. In summary, the HEPES method is efficient for protein transfection and has potential for myriad clinical applications.

Identification of a c.544C>T mutation in WDR34 as a deleterious recessive allele of short rib-polydactyly syndrome

OBJECTIVE

Single-nucleotide polymorphism (SNP) microarrays and whole-exome sequencing (WES) are tools to precisely diagnose rare autosomal recessive (AR) diseases. In this study, SNP chip and WES were used to identify a mutated location in WDR34 in a baby born to consanguineous parents.

CASE REPORT

The baby, born at 36 gestational weeks had a small thoracic cage, symmetric short proximal bones, and polydactyly. Radiography showed short ribs with reduced lung volume and pulmonary opacities, compatible with asphyxiating thoracic dystrophy or short rib-polydactyly syndrome (SRPS). At 4 months of age, she died of pulmonary hypoplasia and sepsis. SNP microarray and evaluation tool confirmed WDR34 as the candidate gene. WES detected an AR mutation at c.554C > T [p.Arg182Trp] in WDR34.

CONCLUSION

This study was the first to identify c.544C > T [p.Arg182Trp] mutation in WDR34 in a patient with SRPS. According to the database, the homozygous mutation of c.544C > T in WDR34 was deleterious and the prevalence of heterozygous mutation was relatively higher in Asian population. More studies of this mutation in patients with SRPS are required.

Enhancement of photocurrent extraction and electron injection in dual-functional CH3NH3PbBr3 perovskite-based optoelectronic devices via interfacial engineering

Photocurrent extraction and electron injection in CH₃NH₃PbBr₃ (MAPbBr₃) perovskite-based optoelectronic devices are both significantly increased by improving the contact at the PCBM/MAPbBr₃ interface with an extended solvent annealing (ESA) process. Photoluminescence quenching and x-ray diffraction experiments show that the ESA not only improves the contact at the PCBM/MAPbBr₃ interface but also increases the crystallinity of the MAPbBr₃ thin films. The optimized dual-functional PCBM-MAPbBr₃ heterojunction based optoelectronic device has a high power conversion efficiency of 4.08% and a bright visible luminescence of 1509 cd m^-2. In addition, the modulation speed of the MAPbBr₃ based light-emitting diodes is larger than 14 MHz, which indicates that the defect density in the MAPbBr₃ thin film can be effectively reduced by using the ESA process.

Galactose Derivative-Modified Nanoparticles for Efficient siRNA Delivery to Hepatocellular Carcinoma

Successful siRNA therapy requires suitable delivery systems with targeting moieties such as small molecules, peptides, antibodies, or aptamers. Galactose (Gal) residues recognized by the asialoglycoprotein receptor (ASGPR) can serve as potent targeting moieties for hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) cells. However, efficient targeting to HCC via galactose moieties rather than normal liver tissues in HCC patients remains a challenge. To achieve more efficient siRNA delivery in HCC, we synthesized various galactoside derivatives and investigated the siRNA delivery capability of nanoparticles modified with those galactoside derivatives. In this study, we assembled lipid/calcium/phosphate nanoparticles (LCP NPs) conjugated with eight types of galactoside derivatives and demonstrated that phenyl β-d-galactoside-decorated LCP NPs (L4-LCP NPs) exhibited a superior siRNA delivery into HCC cells compared to normal hepatocytes. VEGF siRNAs delivered by L4-LCP NPs downregulated VEGF expression in HCC in vitro and in vivo and led to a potent antiangiogenic effect in the tumor microenvironment of a murine orthotopic HCC model. The efficient delivery of VEGF siRNA by L4-LCP NPs that resulted in significant tumor regression indicates that phenyl galactoside could be a promising HCC-targeting ligand for therapeutic siRNA delivery to treat liver cancer.

Stress-induced phosphoprotein-1 maintains the stability of JAK2 in cancer cells

Overexpression of stress-induced phosphoprotein 1 (STIP1) − a co-chaperone of heat shock protein (HSP) 70/HSP90 – and activation of the JAK2-STAT3 pathway occur in several tumors. Combined treatment with a HSP90 inhibitor and a JAK2 inhibitor exert synergistic anti-cancer effects. Here, we show that STIP1 stabilizes JAK2 protein in ovarian and endometrial cancer cells. Knock-down of endogenous STIP1 decreased JAK2 and phospho-STAT3 protein levels. The N-terminal fragment of STIP1 interacts with the N-terminus of JAK2, whereas the C-terminal DP2 domain of STIP1 mediates the interaction with HSP90 and STAT3. A peptide fragment in the DP2 domain of STIP1 (peptide 520) disrupted the interaction between STIP1 and HSP90 and induced cell death through JAK2 suppression. In an animal model, treatment with peptide 520 inhibited tumor growth. In summary, STIP1 modulates the function of the HSP90-JAK2-STAT3 complex. Peptide 520 may have therapeutic potential in the treatment of JAK2-overexpressing tumors.

Positive associations between upregulated levels of stress-induced phosphoprotein 1 and matrix metalloproteinase-9 in endometriosis/adenomyosis

Stress-induced phosphoprotein-1 (STIP1), an adaptor protein that coordinates the functions of HSP70 and HSP90 in protein folding, has been implicated in the development of human gynecologic malignancies. This case-control study investigates STIP1 serum levels and tissue expression in relation to endometriosis/adenomyosis in Taiwanese population. Female patients with surgically confirmed endometriosis/adenomyosis were compared with women free of endometriosis/adenomyosis. Serum STIP1 levels were measured using an enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay and surgical tissues were analyzed by immunohistochemistry. Both epithelial and stromal cells in surgical tissues of endometriosis and adenomyosis expressed STIP1 and MMP-9. Notably, MMP-9 expression was significantly decreased when STIP1 expression was knocked-down. In vitro experiments revealed that STIP1 was capable of binding to the MMP-9 promoter and enhanced its transcriptional expression. The preoperative serum STIP1 levels of patients with endometriosis/adenomyosis were significantly higher than those of the controls. In brief, our data suggest an association between STIP1 levels and endometriosis/adenomyosis.

Transparent electrode design for AlGaN deep-ultraviolet light-emitting diodes

Zinc gallate (ZnGa₂O₄; ZGO) thin films were employed as the p-type transparent contact layer in deep-ultraviolet AlGaN-based light-emitting diodes (LEDs) to increase light output power. The transmittance of 200-nm-thick ZGO in deep-ultraviolet wavelength (280 nm) was as high as 92.3%. Two different ohmic contact structures, a dot-LED (D-LED; ZGO/dot-ITO/LED) and whole-LED (W-LED; ZGO/ITO/LED), exhibited improved light output power and current spreading compared to a conventional ITO-LED (C-LED). At an injection current of 20 mA, the D-LED and W-LED exhibited 33.7% and 12.3% enhancements in light output power, respectively, compared to the C-LED. The enhanced light output power of the D-LED can be attributed to an improvement in current spreading and enhanced light-extracting efficiency achieved by introducing ZGO/dot-ITO.

Prediction of early-stage hepatocellular carcinoma using OncoScan chromosomal copy number aberration data

AIM

To identify chromosomal copy number aberrations (CNAs) in early-stage hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) and analyze whether they are correlated with patient prognosis.

METHODS

One hundred and twenty patients with early-stage HCC were enrolled in our study, with the collection of formalin fixed, paraffin-embedded (FFPE) specimens and clinicopathological data. Tumor areas were marked by certified pathologists on a hematoxylin and eosin-stained slide, and cancer and adjacent non-cancerous tissues underwent extraction of DNA, which was analyzed with the Affymetrix OncoScan platform to assess CNAs and loss of heterozygosity (LOH). Ten individuals with nonmalignant disease were used as the control group. Another cohort consisting of 40 patients with stage I/II HCC were enrolled to analyze gene expression and to correlate findings with the OncoScan data.

RESULTS

Copy number amplifications occurred at chromosomes 1q21.1-q44 and 8q12.3-24.3 and deletions were found at 4q13.1-q35.2, 8p 23.2-21.1, 16q23.3-24.3, and 17p13.3-12, while LOH commonly occurred at 1p32.3, 3p21.31, 8p23.2-21.1, 16q22.1-24.3, and 17p 13.3-11 in early-stage HCC. Using Cox regression analysis, we also found that a higher percentage of genome change (≥ 60%) was an independent factor for worse prognosis in early-stage HCC (P = 0.031). Among the 875 genes in the OncoScan GeneChip, six were independent predictors of worse disease-free survival, of which three were amplified (MYC, ELAC2, and SYK) and three were deleted (GAK, MECOM, and WRN). Further, patients with HCC who exhibited ≥ 3 CNAs involving these six genes have worse outcomes compared to those who had < 3 CNAs (P < 0.001). Similarly, Asian patients with stage I HCC from The Cancer Genome Atlas harboring CNAs with these genes were also predicted to have poorer outcomes.

CONCLUSION

Patients with early-stage HCC and increased genome change or CNAs involving MYC, ELAC2, SYK, GAK, MECOM, or WRN are at risk for poorer outcome after resection.

Lysine-specific demethylase 1 (LSD1) destabilizes p62 and inhibits autophagy in gynecologic malignancies

Lysine-specific demethylase 1 (LSD1) – also known as KDM1A – is the first identified histone demethylase. LSD1 is highly expressed in numerous human malignancies and has recently emerged as a target for anticancer drugs. Owing to the presence of several functional domains, we speculated that LSD1 could have additional functions other than histone demethylation. P62 – also termed sequestasome 1 (SQSTM1) – plays a key role in malignant transformation, apoptosis, and autophagy. Here, we show that a high LSD1 expression promotes tumorigenesis in gynecologic malignancies. Notably, LSD1 inhibition with either siRNA or pharmacological agents activates autophagy. Mechanistically, LSD1 decreases p62 protein stability in a demethylation-independent manner. Inhibition of LSD1 reduces both tumor growth and p62 protein degradation in vivo. The combination of LSD1 inhibition and p62 knockdown exerts additive anticancer effects. We conclude that LSD1 destabilizes p62 and inhibits autophagy in gynecologic cancers. LSD1 inhibition reduces malignant cell growth and activates autophagy. The combinations of LSD1 inhibition and autophagy blockade display additive inhibitory effect on cancer cell viability. A better understanding of the role played by p62 will shed more light on the anticancer effects of LSD1 inhibitors.

Real-time optical wireless transmissions of digital TV signals using white InGaN LEDs grown with an asymmetric quantum barrier

The feasibility of using InGaN LEDs grown with asymmetric barrier layer (ABL) as transmitters in visible light communications is investigated experimentally. Compared with normal LEDs, the improvement in the spontaneous emission rate due to enhanced carrier localization and better uniformity of carrier distribution in ABL-containing MQWs leads to the fabricated LEDs can exhibit a 32.6% (@ 350 mA) increase in emission intensity and a 10.5% increase in modulation bandwidth. After eliminating the slow-responding phosphorescent components emitting from the phosphor-converted white LEDs, an open eye-diagram at 180 Mb/s is demonstrated over a distance of 100 cm in directed line-of-sight optical links. With the use of proposed LEDs, real-time transmissions of digital TV signals over a moderate distance (~100 cm) in free space is shown to be available in a 150 Mbit/s white LED-based optical link with conventional on-off keying modulation.

BAI1-Associated Protein 2-Like 1 (BAIAP2L1) Is a Potential Biomarker in Ovarian Cancer

Brain-specific angiogenesis inhibitor 1 (BAI1)-associated protein 2-like 1 (BAIAP2L1), also known as insulin receptor tyrosine kinase substrate (IRTKS), is involved in plasma membrane protrusion and actin formation during cell morphogenesis and migration. BAIAP2L1 is recently reported to promote cell proliferation through activation of the EGFR-ERK pathway in hepatocellular carcinoma. In this study, we report the first comprehensive study of BAIAP2L1 upregulation in human ovarian cancer. Upregulation of BAIAP2L1 in ovarian tumors was first found during RNA screening and confirmed by immunohistochemical studies on ovarian cancers and other cancer types. Significant upregulation of BAIAP2L1 in ovarian cancer was validated by analyzing multiple independent cohorts in publicly available data sets. Furthermore, BAIAP2L1 protein expression in metastatic lesions was higher than the corresponding primary tumors. Functional assays in ovarian cancer cells revealed that BAIAP2L1 is involved in promoting cell proliferation and avoiding apoptosis. In conclusion, results of this study not only indicate that BAIAP2L1 can be used as a biomarker for human ovarian cancer but also reveal its role in cancer biology. Further elucidation of the role of BAIAP2L1 in context of the insulin receptor signaling pathways of cancer cells is warranted for developing cancer therapeutics by targeting cancer-specific metabolism.

Variations in cognitive demand affect heart rate in typically developing children and children at risk for developmental coordination disorder

BACKGROUND

Developmental coordination disorder (DCD) is a diagnosis for children who present with movement difficulties, but are of normal intelligence without neurological deficits. Previous studies have demonstrated that children with DCD exhibit perceptual deficits and lower cognition performance. To date, their autonomic nervous system (ANS) responses during tasks requiring cognitive and perceptual effort have not been compared to typically developing children (TDC).

OBJECTIVE

The present study investigated heart rate variability (HRV) as a marker for ANS response differences between DCD and TDC, and the impact of different levels of task difficulty.

METHODS

Participants were 60 individuals (9-10 years); 30 children at risk for DCD, and 30 TDC. Each participant performed two tasks each of which demanded enhanced cognitive effort: a visual signal detection task and a digit memory task-each task had two levels of difficulty, low (LD) and high (HD). Heart rate responses were continuously recorded during performance of each task. Frequency domain analysis and heart rate sample entropy (SampEn) were computed to determine ANS responses in each of the tasks.

RESULTS

HRV differences were detected between the two levels of task difficulty, LD and HD, for the visual signal detection task, but not for the digit memory task. HRV differences between LD and HD conditions were greater for TDC children than DCD when engaged in visual signal detection task, compare to the memory task.

INTERPRETATION

The results suggest that children at risk for DCD may show decreased HRV as a marker for altered ANS responses and potential deficits in the linkage between their perceptions and actions.

Newly diagnosed gastroesophageal reflux disease increased the risk of acute exacerbation of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease during the first year following diagnosis--a nationwide population-based cohort study

BACKGROUND

While prior studies have demonstrated that chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) is associated with gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD), and that GERD is associated with acute exacerbations of COPD (AECOPD), no study to date has been able to establish temporality in this relationship. The purpose of this cohort study was to explore the impact of a new diagnosis of GERD on the risk of subsequent AECOPD.

METHODS

We used a retrospective population-based cohort design to analyse the data of 1976 COPD subjects with GERD as an exposure cohort and 3936 COPD subjects without GERD as a comparison group. We individually tracked each subject in this study for 12 months and identified those subjects who experienced an episode of AECOPD. Hazard ratios (HR) were calculated using Cox proportional hazards regression analysis.

RESULTS

The incidence of AECOPD was 4.08 and 2.79 per 100 person-year in individuals with and without GERD, respectively (p = 0.012). Following adjustment for sex, age, ischaemic heart disease, heart failure, atrial fibrillation, hypertension, osteoporosis, anxiety, diabetes mellitus, angina, stroke, anaemia, dementia, occupational category, monthly insurance premium, number of OPD visits and COPD severity. The stepwise Cox regression analysis revealed that GERD was independently associated with an increased risk of AECOPD (HR = 1.48, 95% CI = 1.10-1.99).

CONCLUSION

This study demonstrated that GERD is an independent risk factor for AECOPD. Caution should be exercised when assessing GERD symptoms in patients with COPD.

Effects of Asymmetric Quantum Wells on the Structural and Optical Properties of InGaN-Based Light-Emitting Diodes

A metalorganic vapor phase epitaxy-grown InGaN/GaN multiple-quantum-well (MQW) with three graded-thickness wells (the first-grown well had the greatest width) near the n-GaN was used as the active layer of an LED. For LEDs with an asymmetric quantum well (AQW), high-resolution X-ray diffraction and transmission electron microscopic reveal that the modified MQWs with a reasonable crystalline quality were coherently strained on the underlying GaN epilayers without any relaxation. In addition, the slight increase of indium segregation in the LED with an AQW may be attributed to variations in indium contents experienced during epitaxial growth of the wide well-containing MQWs. By preventing the energetic electrons from accumulating at the topmost quantum well nearest the p-GaN, the presence of light intensity roll-off in the LED with an AQW is shifted to higher currents and the corresponding maximum light output power is increased with a ratio 7.9% higher than that of normal LEDs. Finally, similar emission wavelengths were observed in the electroluminescence spectra of both LEDs, suggesting that light emitted mostly from the top quantum wells (near the p-GaN) while the emissions from the AQW region were insignificant.

Tumor stress-induced phosphoprotein1 (STIP1) as a prognostic biomarker in ovarian cancer

Stress-induced phosphoprotein 1 (STIP1) has been recently identified as a released biomarker in human ovarian cancer. In addition, STIP1 secreted by human ovarian cancer cells has been shown to promote tumor cell proliferation by binding to ALK2 (activin A receptor, type II-like kinase 2) and activating the SMAD-ID3 signaling pathways. In this study, a total of 330 ovarian cancer tumor samples were evaluated for STIP1 expression by immunohistochemistry and analyzed for a possible correlation with patient characteristics and survival. The quantification of immunoreactivity was accomplished by applying an immunohistochemical scoring system (histoscore). Patients with high-level STIP1 expression (histoscore ≥169) had a significantly worse survival (high STIP1, mean survival time = 76 months; low STIP1, mean survival time = 112 months; P<0.0001). Moreover, STIP1 histoscores were significantly higher in high-grade tumors (grade 3) than in low-grade (grade 1–2) malignancies (P<0.0001), suggesting that STIP1 may be a proxy for tumor aggressiveness. The results of multivariable analysis revealed that high STIP1 histoscores, advanced stages, histologic types, and the presence of residual disease (≥2 cm) were independent predictors of poor prognosis. The addition of STIP1 histoscores improved the prediction of overall and progression-free survival rates in the multivariable Cox proportional hazard model. The treatment of ovarian cancer cells with recombinant STIP1 stimulated cell proliferation and migration, but co-treatment with anti-STIP1 antibodies abrogated this effect. Our findings suggest that STIP1 expression may be related to prognosis and that the STIP1 pathway may represent a novel therapeutic target for human ovarian cancer.

Estrogen stimulates the proliferation of human endometrial cancer cells by stabilizing nucleophosmin/B23 (NPM/B23)

Unopposed estrogen exposure is an important factor in the tumorigenesis of endometrial cancer. Nucleophosmin/B23 (NPM/B23), a phosphoprotein that has pleiotropic functions in cells, plays an important role in various cancers. However, the regulatory role of NPM/B23 in estrogen signaling in endometrial cancer has not been explored. Here, we report that NPM/B23 was required for estrogen-induced endometrial proliferation, and the increase in NPM/B23 was estrogen receptor α-dependent. Furthermore, estrogen increased NPM/B23 protein levels by repressing its ubiquitination and subsequently stabilizing the protein. The overexpression of the alternate reading frame (ARF) suppressed the estrogen-induced increase in the NPM/B23 protein levels, indicating that ARF inhibited the observed estrogen-mediated NPM/B23 stabilization. Our results suggest that one of the effects of estrogen on endometrial proliferation is the suppression of the NPM/B23-ARF interaction and the subsequent increase in NPM/B23 protein levels. This novel characterization of NPM/B23 in estrogen-mediated cell proliferation may extend our understanding of the tumorigenesis of steroid hormone-related cancers.

Mixed sequence reader: a program for analyzing DNA sequences with heterozygous base calling

The direct sequencing of PCR products generates heterozygous base-calling fluorescence chromatograms that are useful for identifying single-nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs), insertion-deletions (indels), short tandem repeats (STRs), and paralogous genes. Indels and STRs can be easily detected using the currently available Indelligent or ShiftDetector programs, which do not search reference sequences. However, the detection of other genomic variants remains a challenge due to the lack of appropriate tools for heterozygous base-calling fluorescence chromatogram data analysis. In this study, we developed a free web-based program, Mixed Sequence Reader (MSR), which can directly analyze heterozygous base-calling fluorescence chromatogram data in .abi file format using comparisons with reference sequences. The heterozygous sequences are identified as two distinct sequences and aligned with reference sequences. Our results showed that MSR may be used to (i) physically locate indel and STR sequences and determine STR copy number by searching NCBI reference sequences; (ii) predict combinations of microsatellite patterns using the Federal Bureau of Investigation Combined DNA Index System (CODIS); (iii) determine human papilloma virus (HPV) genotypes by searching current viral databases in cases of double infections; (iv) estimate the copy number of paralogous genes, such as β-defensin 4 (DEFB4) and its paralog HSPDP3.

Postural responses to a suprapostural visual task among children with and without developmental coordination disorder

We sought to determine the effects of varying the perceptual demands of a suprapostural visual task on the postural activity of children with developmental coordination disorder (DCD), and typically developing children (TDC). Sixty-four (32 per group) children aged between 9 and 10 years participated. In a within-participants design, each child performed a signal detection task at two levels of difficulty, low (LD) and high difficulty (HD). During performance of the signal detection tasks we recorded positional variability of the head and torso using a magnetic tracking system. We found that task difficulty had a greater effect on task performance among the TDC group than among children with DCD. Overall positional variability was greater the DCD group than in the TDC group. In the TDC group, positional variability was reduced during performance of the HD task, relative to sway during performance of the LD task. In the DCD group, positional variability was greater during performance of the HD task than during performance of the LD task. In children, DCD may reduce the strength of functional integration of postural activity with the demands of suprapostural visual tasks.

Stress-induced phosphoprotein 1 as a secreted biomarker for human ovarian cancer promotes cancer cell proliferation

Ovarian cancers are frequently not diagnosed until advanced stages, resulting in a high case fatality rate. Because of this, more tumor markers, in addition to CA125, for detecting and monitoring ovarian cancer are needed. During a systematic search for potential biomarkers of ovarian cancer, we compared the protein profiles between tumor interstitial fluid and normal interstitial fluid of ovaries, rationalizing that abnormal levels of proteins in tumor interstitial fluid may be detected in peripheral blood and thus serve as easily accessible tumor markers. Here, we show that stress-induced phosphoprotein 1 (STIP1) was secreted by ovarian cancer tissues into the peripheral blood of patients, resulting in a significant increase of serum levels of STIP1 in cancer patients compared with those in age-matched normal controls. Our results further indicated that combined use of CA125 and STIP1 may increase early detection of ovarian cancer. Functionally, recombinant STIP1 significantly induced ERK phosphorylation, promoted DNA synthesis, and increased Ki-67 immunoreactivity in ovarian cancer cells, suggesting that STIP1 in vitro promotes cell proliferation. Colocalization of STIP1 and phospho-ERK in human ovarian cancer tissues also supports an in vivo activation of ERK by STIP1. Further understanding of molecular roles of STIP1 in human ovarian cancer may shed light on its pathophysiology and development of novel therapeutic strategies.