Epigenetic alterations leading to TMPRSS4 promoter hypomethylation and protein overexpression predict poor prognosis in squamous lung cancer patients

Non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) is the leading cause of cancer-related death worldwide, which highlights the need of innovative therapeutic options. Although targeted therapies can be successfully used in a subset of patients with lung adenocarcinomas (ADC), they are not appropriate for patients with squamous cell carcinomas (SCC). In addition, there is an unmet need for the identification of prognostic biomarkers that can select patients at risk of relapse in early stages. Here, we have used several cohorts of NSCLC patients to analyze the prognostic value of both protein expression and DNA promoter methylation status of the prometastatic serine protease TMPRSS4. Moreover, expression and promoter methylation was evaluated in a panel of 46 lung cancer cell lines. We have demonstrated that a high TMPRSS4 expression is an independent prognostic factor in SCC. Similarly, aberrant hypomethylation in tumors, which correlates with high TMPRSS4 expression, is an independent prognostic predictor in SCC. The inverse correlation between expression and methylation status was also observed in cell lines. In vitro studies showed that treatment of cells lacking TMPRSS4 expression with a demethylating agent significantly increased TMPRSS4 levels. In conclusion, TMPRSS4 is a novel independent prognostic biomarker regulated by epigenetic changes in SCC and a potential therapeutic target in this tumor type, where targeted therapy is still underdeveloped.

TMPRSS4 induces cancer stem cell-like properties in lung cancer cells and correlates with ALDH expression in NSCLC patients

Metastasis involves a series of changes in cancer cells that promote their escape from the primary tumor and colonization to a new organ. This process is related to the transition from an epithelial to a mesenchymal phenotype (EMT). Recently, some authors have shown that migratory cells with an EMT phenotype share properties of cancer stem cells (CSCs), which allow them to form a new tumor mass. The type II transmembrane serine protease TMPRSS4 is highly expressed in some solid tumors, promotes metastasis and confers EMT features to cancer cells. We hypothesized that TMPRSS4 could also provide CSC properties. Overexpression of TMPRSS4 reduces E-cadherin and induces N-cadherin and vimentin in A549 lung cancer cells, supporting an EMT phenotype. These changes are accompanied by enhanced migration, invasion and tumorigenicity in vivo. TMPRSS4 expression was highly increased in a panel of lung cancer cells cultured as tumorspheres (a typical assay to enrich for CSCs). H358 and H441 cells with knocked-down TMPRSS4 levels were significantly less able to form primary and secondary tumorspheres than control cells. Moreover, they showed a lower proportion of ALDH+ cells (examined by FACS analysis) and lower expression of some CSC markers than controls. A549 cells overexpressing TMPRSS4 conferred the opposite phenotype and were also more sensitive to the CSC-targeted drug salinomycin than control cells, but were more resistant to regular chemotherapeutic drugs (cisplatin, gemcitabine and 5-fluorouracil). Analysis of 70 NSCLC samples from patients revealed a very significant correlation between TMPRSS4 expression and CSC markers ALDH (p = 0.0018) and OCT4 (p = 0.0004), suggesting that TMPRSS4 is associated with a CSC phenotype in patients' tumors. These results show that TMPRSS4, in addition to inducing EMT, can also promote CSC features in lung cancer; therefore, CSC-targeting drugs could be an appropriate treatment for TMPRSS4+ tumors.

TMPRSS4 regulates levels of integrin α5 in NSCLC through miR-205 activity to promote metastasis

Background:

TMPRSS4 is a membrane-anchored protease involved in cell migration and invasion in different cancer types including lung cancer. TMPRSS4 expression is increased in NSCLC and its inhibition through shRNA reduces lung metastasis. However, molecular mechanisms leading to the protumorigenic regulation of TMPRSS4 in lung cancer are unknown.

Methods:

miR-205 was identified as an overexpressed gene upon TMPRSS4 downregulation through microarray analysis. Cell migration and invasion assays and in vivo lung primary tumour and metastasis models were used for functional analysis of miR-205 overexpression in H2170 and H441 cell lines. Luciferase assays were used to identify a new miR-205 direct target in NSCLC.

Results:

miR-205 overexpression promoted an epithelial phenotype with increased E-cadherin and reduced fibronectin. Furthermore, miR-205 expression caused a G₀/G₁ cell cycle arrest and inhibition of cell growth, migration, attachment to fibronectin, primary tumour growth and metastasis formation in vivo. Integrin α5 (a proinvasive protein) was identified as a new miR-205 direct target in NSCLC. Integrin α5 downregulation in lung cancer cells resulted in complete abrogation of cell migration, a decreased capacity to adhere to fibronectin and reduced in vivo tumour growth, compared with control cells. TMPRSS4 silencing resulted in a concomitant reduction of integrin α5 levels.

Conclusion:

We have demonstrated for the first time a new molecular pathway that connects TMPRSS4 and integrin α5 through miR-205 to regulate cancer cell invasion and metastasis. Our results will help designing new therapeutic strategies to inhibit this novel pathway in NSCLC.

Comparative study of PrPc expression in rat, monkey, and cow gastrointestinal tract

The gastrointestinal tract (GIT) appears to be the main site of entry for the pathological isoform of prions (PrP(sc)). To understand how the PrP(sc) internalization process occurs, it is important to characterize the cell types that express normal prion protein (PrP(c)) along the GIT. To do so, we studied the distribution of PrP(c) in the rat, monkey, and cow GIT. Using Western blot analysis, we found that PrP(c) is expressed in all digestive regions of the three species. Immunoreactivity for PrP(c) was found throughout the GIT in epithelial cells sharing the neuroendocrine (NE) phenotype. Immunostained cells appeared scattered throughout the epithelium of fundic and pyloric glands as well as in intestinal villi and crypts.

Characterization of PrPc-Immunoreactive Cells in Monkey (Macaca fascicularis) Gastrointestinal Tract

The gastrointestinal tract (GIT) is one of the most likely entry sites for the pathological isoform of prions (PrP(sc)). To understand how PrP(sc) crosses the digestive mucosa, it is crucial to characterize the cells expressing normal prion protein (PrP(c)). By means of double immunofluorescence applied to sections of the monkey GIT, we demonstrated that, in the stomach, PrP(c) immunostaining occurs in subsets of histamine, somatostatin (Som), ghrelin (Ghr), gastrin (G), and serotonin (5HT) cells. In the small and large bowels, PrP(c) cells were found in subpopulations of cells immunolabeled for 5HT, Som, G, and peptide YY (PYY).

Distribution of adrenomedullin and proadrenomedullin N-terminal 20 peptide immunoreactivity in the pituitary gland of the frog Rana perezi

Adrenomedullin (AM) and proadrenomedullin N-terminal 20 peptide (PAMP) are two multifunctional peptides processed from a common precursor which have been described in numerous mammalian organs, including the pituitary gland. Previous studies have found AM immunoreactivity in neurohypophysis nerve fibers of amphibian pituitary. In the present study, immunocytochemical and Western blot analysis in the pituitary gland of the amphibian Rana perezi demonstrated in the adenohypophysis both AM and PAMP. AM-like immunoreactivity was found in a moderate number of endocrine cells of the pars distalis. In the neurohypophysis, AM was observed not only in nerve fibers of pars nervosa and axonal projections innervating the pars intermedia, but also in the outer zone of the median eminence. PAMP staining was observed in numerous endocrine cells scattered all over the pars distalis and in some cells of the pars tuberalis, but not in the neurohypophysis. In order to compare the quantity of AM and PAMP immunoreactivity between pars distalis of female and male specimens, an image analysis study was done. Significant differences for AM immunoreactivity (p<0.001) between sexes was found, the males showing higher immunostained area percentage. Differences of PAMP immunoreactivity were not significant (p=0.599). Western blot analysis detected bands presumably corresponding to precursor and/or intermediate species in the propeptide processing.

Immunocytochemical and ultrastructural characterization of endocrine cells in the larval stomach of the frog Rana temporaria tadpoles: a comparison with adult specimens

According to immunostaining and ultrastructural patterns, Rana temporaria tadpole stomach displays a well-differentiated endocrine population comprising, at least, six cellular types: ECL, EC [serotonin], D [somatostatin] - all three of them abundant -, P [bombesin] - less numerous -, CCK-8 [cholecystokinin/gastrin] and A [glucagon/glicentin] - both very scarce. Larval endocrine cells are mainly located in the surface epithelium and show open or closed morphologies. Cellular diversity is similar in tadpoles and frogs, with the exception of immunoreactivity for gastrin-17, found in adults in numerous cells. Larval cells display mature ultrastructural traits, although with smaller secretory granules. The different distribution of endocrine cells, which in adults are preferentially located in the glands, probably refers to different functional requirements. However, the rich vascular plexus present in larval mucosa may be an efficient transport medium of surface hormones to-gastric targets. The enhancement in adults of endocrine population and correlative increase in hormonal secretion indicates a more active functional role, probably related to the shift from herbivorous to carnivorous habits. In summary, the tadpole gastric endocrine population, although not as numerous as that of adult frogs, displays histological traits that indicate a relevant (immunoreactive and ultrastructural properties, cellular diversity) and specific (surface location, relative abundance of open-type cells) role of local regulatory factors in amphibian larval gastric function.

Relationship between epithelial and connective tissues in the stomach of the frog Rana temporaria during metamorphosis: an ultrastructural study

In the course of metamorphosis of the stomach of Rana temporaria tadpoles there is a marked increase in the amount of active mesenchymal fibroblasts and extracellular matrix underlying the regenerating gastric epithelium. At the onset of metamorphosis, a thick PAS-positive basement membrane is developed around the epithelial component of the mucosa, formed by the apical, degenerating larval epithelium and the basal, regenerative epithelial cords. Under the electron microscope, a folded basement membrane is usually revealed under the apical degenerating epithelium while a compact basement membrane (up to 1-2 microns thick), forming both patches and more extensive areas, is frequently seen around the regenerative glandular cords. Cytoplasmic processes, extending from both the epithelial and mesenchymal fibroblastic cells, cross the basement membrane and make physical contact between the two cellular types. At mid-metamorphosis areas of thick PAS-positive basement membrane are still observed around the differentiating glandular outlines, before disappearing completely at late metamorphosis. The probable involvement of intertissue interactions between epithelium and connective elements in the morphogenesis, proliferation and differentiation of secondary, definitive frog stomach is discussed. Early contacts between epithelium and phagocytes, probably related to the invasion of epithelium by the phagocytic cells, have also been observed.

An immunocytochemical and ultrastructural study of the larval anterior intestine of the frog Rana temporaria, with especial reference to endocrine cells

Endocrine cells of the larval intestine of Rana temporaria tadpoles have been identified by argyrophilic, immunocytochemical and electron-microscopical techniques. Scarce endocrine cells have been found in both the short non-absorptive zone immediately following the stomach, and in the rest of the anterior intestine. Endocrine cells are frequently seen to extend a cytoplasmic process towards the lumen. Immunoreactivity for serotonin, somatostatin, bombesin and cholecystokinin-8 has been detected. According to the ultrastructural traits of the endocrine granules, three larval intestinal endocrine populations have been differentiated.

An immunocytochemical and ultrastructural study of the larval anterior intestine of the frog Rana temporaria, with especial reference to endocrine cells

Endocrine cells of the larval intestine of Rana temporaria tadpoles have been identified by argyrophilic, immunocytochemical and electron-microscopical techniques. Scarce endocrine cells have been found in both the short non-absorptive zone immediately following the stomach, and in the rest of the anterior intestine. Endocrine cells are frequently seen to extend a cytoplasmic process towards the lumen. Immunoreactivity for serotonin, somatostatin, bombesin and cholecystokinin-8 has been detected. According to the ultrastructural traits of the endocrine granules, three larval intestinal endocrine populations have been differentiated.

Neuroendocrine diffuse system of the respiratory tract of Rana temporaria: an immunocytochemical study

The neuroendocrine cell population of the respiratory system of Rana temporaria has been studied by means of immunocytochemical methods at the light-microscopic level. Isolated or clustered endocrine cells have been found in the epithelium of the buccal cavity, glottis, larynx, and lung. Nine different types of endocrine isolated cell types can be distinguished according to their immunoreactivity to several regulatory peptides [calcitonin, substance P, bombesin, peptide histidine isoleucine (PHI), cholecystokinin (CCK), and endothelin 1] and neuroendocrine markers (7B2, chromogranin, and serotonin). Neuroepithelial bodies are innervated clusters of cells simultaneously immunoreactive for serotonin and 7B2. Nerves and/or neurons have been detected in different regions of the respiratory system using antibodies against protein gene product 9.5, serotonin, calcitonin gene-related peptide (CGRP), substance P, PHI, helodermin, and CCK.

Neuronal nitric oxide synthase immunoreactivity in the respiratory tract of the frog, Rana temporaria

Physiological and histochemical studies have recently supported the notion that nitric oxide (NO) is the transduction signal responsible for the non-adrenergic, non-cholinergic relaxation of the vasculature as well as the airways of the mammalian lung. We report the presence of immunoreactivity to NO synthase (NOS) in nerve cell bodies and nerve fibres in the neural plexus of the buccal cavity and lungs of the frog, Rana temporaria, using the indirect immunocytochemical technique of avidin-biotin and the NADPH-diaphorase technique. The neural ganglia located next to the muscle layer and within the connective tissue of the buccal cavity were partially immunoreactive for NOS. In the lungs, NOS immunoreactivity occurred in nerve cell bodies, as well as in both myelinated and unmyelinated nerve fibres. Fine nerve fibres immunoreactive to NOS were observed within the muscle fibre bundles and next to the respiratory epithelium. Both the presence of NOS immunoreactivity and the positive histochemical reaction for NADPH-diaphorase in the neural plexus of amphibian respiratory tract suggests a broad evolutionary role for NO as a peripheral neurotransmitter.

Metamorphic changes in the stomach of the frog Rana temporaria tadpoles

The histological transformation of amphibian stomach during metamorphosis was studied in the frog Rana temporaria. The earliest metamorphic changes occur shortly before regression of the cloacal piece of tail and appearance of forelegs. Autolysis of primary, larval epithelial cells and activity of phagocytes lead to regression of the apical mucosa, which is shed into the gastric lumen. Histogenesis takes place from the very beginning of metamorphosis in the basal region of the mucosa; undifferentiated, regenerative cells, arranged in small compact cords and surrounded by a thick basement membrane, give rise to secondary lining epithelium and glands. Lining epithelial cells differentiate into a typical mucosecretory epithelium. Oxyntic cells present in larval glands are substituted by both ion- and protein-secreting oxyntic-peptic cells. During metamorphosis, connective and muscular tissues markedly increase, a submucosa, not present in larval tadpoles, gradually develops. A muscularis mucosae is also formed and the muscular propria becomes thicker. At late metamorphosis, folded structures involving both mucosa and submucosa develop, increasing the luminal surface as in adults. Removal of the larval gastric mucosa and its replacement by a new, adult-type definitive one, together with development of peripheral connective and muscular tissues, account for metamorphosis of tadpole stomach.

Structural study of the frog Rana temporaria larval stomach

The gastric wall of Rana temporaria tadpoles consists of a well-developed mucosa and thin muscular and serosa layers. Three cellular types--mucous, ciliated and endocrine cells--make up the lining epithelium. Different types of endocrine cells exist. Argyrophylic endocrine cells can be recognized in semithin sections of plastic-embedded material while non-argyrophylic endocrine cells can only be identified under the electron microscope. Glands are composed mainly of well-differentiated oxyntic cells and, occasionally, scarce endocrine cells. Oxyntic cells show abundant mitochondria and smooth endoplasmic reticulum, but do not contain zymogen granules as do those present in adults. Secretory canaliculi with microvilli are also well-developed. The lamina propria contains numerous vascular sinuses and nerve bundles which innervate the endothelium and some endocrine cells. The neuroendocrine regulation of frog gastric functions seems therefore to have developed in young tadpoles. Nerve fibers also innervate the muscular propria, which is composed of a single layer of smooth muscle cells. Underlying the muscle, connective fibers and a flattened layer of mesothelial cells make up the serosa. In summary, the structure of the frog larval stomach shows a well-differentiated histological pattern, especially referring to surface epithelium and glands. Some of the histological traits will also be present in adult frogs while others are characteristic of the tadpole's stage.

Immunohistochemical colocalization of 7B2 and 5HT in the neuroepithelial bodies of the lung of Rana temporaria

The neuroendocrine cell population of the lung of Rana temporaria has been studied by means of immunocytochemistry. Serotonin (5HT)- and polypeptide 7B2-immunoreactive neuroepithelial bodies have been observed in the epithelial lining of the lung. 5HT- but not 7B2-immunoreactive isolated endocrine cells have also been observed.