SGLT2 inhibitors prevent LPS-induced M1 macrophage polarization and alleviate inflammatory bowel disease by downregulating NHE1 expression

BACKGROUND

Classically activated M1 macrophages, characterized by aberrant glycolysis and secretion of inflammatory cytokines, play pivotal roles in inflammatory diseases, including inflammatory bowel disease (IBD). Recently, sodium-glucose co-transporter 2 (SGLT2) inhibitors were shown to suppress Na+/H+ exchanger 1 (NHE1) and Na+/Ca2+ exchanger 1 (NCX1) activity, regulating downstream intracellular Ca2+ concentrations in cardiomyocytes. However, whether SGLT2 inhibitors regulate M1 macrophage polarization by downregulating NHE1 and NCX1 remains unknown.

METHODS

We analyzed cellular responses to SGLT2 inhibitors using mouse bone marrow-derived macrophages and peritoneal macrophages treated with lipopolysaccharide (LPS). To induce IBD, we used a dextran sulfate sodium salt-induced colitis mouse model.

RESULTS

We observed that NHE1 and NCX1 were overexpressed in LPS-treated macrophages, leading to M1 macrophage polarization. Mechanistically, NHE1 and NCX1-mediated Ca2+ accumulation in the macrophage resulted in enhanced glycolysis by promoting PI3K/AKT/mTORC1 signaling. SGLT2 inhibitors suppressed both the expression levels and activities of NHE1 and NCX1, and consequently downregulated PI3K/AKT/mTORC1 signaling and glycolysis in LPS-treated macrophages. We observed inhibition of LPS-stimulated M1 polarization and cytokine production by SGLT2 inhibitors in vitro, ex vivo, and in an IBD mouse model.

CONCLUSIONS

NHE1 promotes M1 macrophage polarization and SGLT2 inhibitors are a novel strategy to treat M1 macrophage-mediated inflammatory diseases, including IBD.

Myriocin suppresses tumor growth by modulating macrophage polarization and function through the PI3K/Akt/mTOR pathway

Macrophages within the tumor microenvironment (TME), referred to as tumor-associated macrophages (TAMs), are involved in various aspects of tumor progression including initiation, angiogenesis, metastasis, immunosuppression, and resistance to therapy. Myriocin, a natural compound isolated from Mycelia sterilia, is an immunosuppressant that inhibits tumor growth and angiogenesis. However, the mechanisms underlying the effects of myriocin on TAMs and TAM-mediated tumor growth have not yet been elucidated. In this study, we determined the effects of myriocin on TAMs and the underlying mechanism in vitro and in vivo. Myriocin significantly suppressed monocyte-macrophage differentiation and M2 polarization of macrophages but not M1 polarization. In addition, myriocin inhibited the expression of anti-inflammatory cytokines and secretion of proangiogenic factors, such as vascular endothelial growth factor, in M2 macrophages as well as M2-induced endothelial cell permeability. Myriocin also inhibited the PI3K/Akt/mTOR signaling pathway in M2 macrophages. Myriocin reduced the population of M2-like TAMs within the tumor tissue of a mouse allograft tumor model but not that of M1-like TAMs. Moreover, combined treatment with myriocin and cisplatin synergistically suppressed tumor growth and enhanced survival rate in mice by reducing the population of M2-like TAMs. Overall, these results suggest that myriocin inhibits tumor growth by remodeling the TME through suppression of differentiation and polarization of M2-like TAMs via the PI3K/Akt/mTOR signaling pathway.

The tobacco-specific carcinogen NNK induces pulmonary tumorigenesis via nAChR/Src/STAT3-mediated activation of the renin-angiotensin system and IGF-1R signaling

The renin-angiotensin (RA) system has been implicated in lung tumorigenesis without detailed mechanistic elucidation. Here, we demonstrate that exposure to the representative tobacco-specific carcinogen nitrosamine 4-(methylnitrosamino)-1-(3-pyridyl)-1-butanone (NNK) promotes lung tumorigenesis through deregulation of the pulmonary RA system. Mechanistically, NNK binding to the nicotinic acetylcholine receptor (nAChR) induces Src-mediated signal transducer and activator of transcription 3 (STAT3) activation, resulting in transcriptional upregulation of angiotensinogen (AGT) and subsequent induction of the angiotensin II (AngII) receptor type 1 (AGTR1) signaling pathway. In parallel, NNK concurrently increases insulin-like growth factor 2 (IGF2) production and activation of IGF-1R/insulin receptor (IR) signaling via a two-step pathway involving transcriptional upregulation of IGF2 through STAT3 activation and enhanced secretion from intracellular storage through AngII/AGTR1/PLC-intervened calcium release. NNK-mediated crosstalk between IGF-1R/IR and AGTR1 signaling promoted tumorigenic activity in lung epithelial and stromal cells. Lung tumorigenesis caused by NNK exposure or alveolar type 2 cell-specific Src activation was suppressed by heterozygous Agt knockout or clinically available inhibitors of the nAChR/Src or AngII/AGTR1 pathways. These results demonstrate that NNK-induced stimulation of the lung RA system leads to IGF2-mediated IGF-1R/IR signaling activation in lung epithelial and stromal cells, resulting in lung tumorigenesis in smokers.

Manassantin A inhibits tumour growth under hypoxia through the activation of chaperone-mediated autophagy by modulating Hsp90 activity

BACKGROUND

Chaperon-mediated autophagy (CMA) has taken on a new emphasis in cancer biology. However, the roles of CMA in hypoxic tumours are poorly understood. We investigated the anti-tumour effects of the natural product ManA through the activation of CMA in tumour progression under hypoxia.

METHODS

The effect of ManA on CMA activation was assessed in mouse xenograft models and cells. The gene expressions of HIF-1α, HSP90AA1, and transcription factor EB (TFEB) were analysed using The Cancer Genome Atlas (TCGA) datasets to assess the clinical relevance of CMA.

RESULTS

ManA activates photoswitchable CMA reporter activity and inhibits Hsp90 chaperone function by disrupting the Hsp90/F1F0-ATP synthase complex. Hsp90 inhibition enhances the interaction between CMA substrates and LAMP-2A and TFEB nuclear localisation, suggesting CMA activation by ManA. ManA-activated CMA retards tumour growth and displays cooperative anti-tumour activity with anti-PD-1 antibody. TCGA datasets show that a combined expression of HSP90AA1High/HIF1AHigh or TFEBLow/HIF1AHigh is strongly correlated with poor prognosis in patients with lung cancer.

CONCLUSIONS

ManA-induced CMA activation by modulating Hsp90 under hypoxia induces HIF-1α degradation and reduces tumour growth. Thus, inducing CMA activity by targeting Hsp90 may be a promising therapeutic strategy against hypoxic tumours.

Dual anti-angiogenic and anti-metastatic activity of myriocin synergistically enhances the anti-tumor activity of cisplatin

PURPOSE

Tumor microenvironment consists of various kind of cells, forming complex interactions and signal transductions for tumor growth. Due to this complexity, targeting multiple kinases could yield improved clinical outcomes. In this study, we aimed to investigate the potential of myriocin, from Mycelia sterilia, as a novel dual-kinase inhibitor and suggest myriocin as a candidate for combined chemotherapy.

METHODS

We initially evaluated the anti-tumor and anti-metastatic effect of myriocin in mouse allograft tumor models. We examined the effects of myriocin on angiogenesis and tumor vasculature using in vitro, in vivo, and ex vivo models, and also tested the anti-migration effect of myriocin in in vitro models. Next, we explored the effects of myriocin alone and in combination with cisplatin on tumor growth and vascular normalization in mouse models.

RESULTS

We found that myriocin inhibited tumor growth and lung metastasis in mouse allograft tumor models. Myriocin induced normalization of the tumor vasculature in the mouse models. We also found that myriocin suppressed angiogenesis through the VEGFR2/PI3K/AKT pathway in endothelial cells (ECs), as well as cancer cell migration by blocking the IκBα/NF-κB(p65)/MMP-9 pathway. Finally, we found that myriocin enhanced the drug delivery efficacy of cisplatin by increasing the integrity of tumor vasculature in the mouse models, which synergistically increased the anti-tumor activity of cisplatin.

CONCLUSION

We suggest that myriocin is a novel potent anti-cancer agent that dually targets both VEGFR2 in ECs and IκBα in cancer cells, and exerts more pronounced anti-tumor effects than with either kinase being inhibited alone.

Steppogenin suppresses tumor growth and sprouting angiogenesis through inhibition of HIF-1α in tumors and DLL4 activity in the endothelium

BACKGROUND

Hypoxia is a characteristic feature of many solid tumors. As an adaptive response to hypoxia, tumor cells activate hypoxia-inducible factor-1α (HIF-1α). Under hypoxic conditions, angiogenesis mediated by HIF-1α is involved in the growth and metastasis of tumor cells. During the angiogenic process, differentiated tip endothelial cells (ECs) characterized by high expression of DLL4 promote angiogenic germination through filopodia. Inhibitors of HIF-1α or DLL4 have been widely studied PURPOSE: We tried to find inhibitors targeting both HIF-1α and DLL4 in tumor which have not yet been developed.

STUDY DESIGN

In this study, we examined a natural compound that inhibits sprouting angiogenesis and tumor growth by targeting both HIF-1α and DLL4 under hypoxic conditions.

METHODS

After examining cell viability of 70 selected natural compounds, we assessed the effects of compounds on HIF-1α and DLL4 transcriptional activity using a dual-luciferase reporter assay. Western blot analysis, immunofluoresecnt assay and real-time qPCR were performed to identify expression of proteins, such as HIF-1α and DLL4, as well as HIF-1α target genes under hypoxic conditions. In vitro angiogenesis assay and in vivo allograft tumor experiment were performed to investigate inhibition of tumor growth through anti-angiogenic activity.

RESULTS

Among these compounds, steppogenin, which is extracted from the root bark of Morus alba l, respectively inhibited the transcriptional activity of HIF-1α under hypoxic conditions in HEK293T cells and vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF)-induced DLL4 expression in vascular ECs in a dose-dependent manner. In tumor cells and retinal pigment epithelial cells, steppogenin significantly suppressed HIF-1α protein levels under hypoxic conditions as well as VEGF-induced DLL4 expression in ECs. Furthermore, steppogenin suppressed hypoxia-induced vascular EC proliferation and migration as well as VEGF-induced sprouting of EC spheroids.

CONCLUSION

These results suggest that the natural compound steppogenin could potentially be used to treat angiogenic diseases, such as those involving solid tumors, because of its dual inhibition of HIF-1α and DLL4.

Tumor-derived OBP2A promotes prostate cancer castration resistance

Androgen deprivation therapy (ADT) is a systemic therapy for advanced prostate cancer (PCa); although most patients initially respond to ADT, almost all cancers eventually develop castration-resistant PCa (CRPC). Currently, most research focuses on castration-resistant tumors, and the role of tumors in remission is almost completely ignored. Here, we report that odorant-binding protein (OBP2A) released from tumors in remission during ADT catches survival factors, such as CXCL15/IL8, to promote PCa cell androgen-independent growth and enhance the infiltration of myeloid-derived suppressor cells (MDSCs) into tumor microenvironment, leading to the emergence of castration resistance. OBP2A knockdown significantly inhibits CRPC and metastatic CRPC development and improves therapeutic efficacy of CTLA-4/PD-1 antibodies. Treatment with OBP2A-binding ligand α-pinene interrupts the function of OBP2A and suppresses CRPC development. Furthermore, α-pinene-conjugated doxorubicin/docetaxel can be specifically delivered to tumors, resulting in improved anticancer efficacy. Thus, our studies establish a novel concept for the emergence of PCa castration resistance and provide new therapeutic strategies for advanced PCa.

Early adolescents’ sexual and reproductive health literacy in Lao PDR

Background

Sexual and reproductive health literacy (SRHL) refers to the ability to access, understand, appraise, and apply information for decision-making related to sexual and reproductive health. The low level of SRHL in adolescents increases their sexually risky behaviors and endangers sexual health. Although early adolescence is a critical development period for forming initial views on sexuality and is often a time for attempting risky behaviors, studies on SRHL for early adolescents are fairly limited in Las PDR. As an initial step for the development of a global health project between Lao PDR and South Korea, this study assessed the level of SRHL and the differences in gender among early adolescents in Lao PDR.

Methods

Participants were 235 students conveniently recruited from one junior high school each in two provinces in Lao PDR. SRHL was measured using the 39-item Teen Pregnancy Health Literacy scale consisting of 4 subscales of finding, understanding, appraisal, and application. The scores were classified into inadequate, problematic, sufficient, and excellent using the SRHL index formula. The mean differences in gender were compared using t-test.

Results

The mean of the SRHL scores of the participants was 19.07 (±10.57). The mean score was significantly lower for girls, at 17.67 (±11.22) than for boys, at 21.37 (±9.05) (p = .006). Significant differences were further identified in all four sub-domains of SRHL: finding (p = .025), understanding (p = .005), appraisal (p = .041), and application (p = .029). The majority of participants (91.7%) were categorized as having an ‘inadequate’ or ‘problematic’ level of SRHL.

Conclusions

The level of SRHL among most early adolescents was found to be inadequate. The level of SRHL among girls was much lower than that among boys. The findings suggest a gender-specific approach to developing health education programs to improve SRHL among early adolescents and prevent future sexually risky behaviors in Lao PDR.

Key messages

RUNX Family in Hypoxic Microenvironment and Angiogenesis in Cancers

The tumor microenvironment (TME) is broadly implicated in tumorigenesis, as tumor cells interact with surrounding cells to influence the development and progression of the tumor. Blood vessels are a major component of the TME and are attributed to the creation of a hypoxic microenvironment, which is a common feature of advanced cancers and inflamed premalignant tissues. Runt-related transcription factor (RUNX) proteins, a transcription factor family of developmental master regulators, are involved in vital cellular processes such as differentiation, proliferation, cell lineage specification, and apoptosis. Furthermore, the RUNX family is involved in the regulation of various oncogenic processes and signaling pathways as well as tumor suppressive functions, suggesting that the RUNX family plays a strategic role in tumorigenesis. In this review, we have discussed the relevant findings that describe the crosstalk of the RUNX family with the hypoxic TME and tumor angiogenesis or with their signaling molecules in cancer development and progression.

Abstract 6160: Tie2-mediated AMPK activation by ferritin-based protein C nanoparticles inhibits advanced prostate cancer development through induction of vasodilation

Prostate cancer (PCa) is one of the most common malignancies and the second-leading cause of cancer-related mortality in men in Western countries. Androgen deprivation therapy (ADT) is an initial systemic therapy for advanced PCa, but almost all cancer eventually becomes castration resistant. Recently, we introduced ferritin-based protein C nanoparticles (PCNs), known as TFG and TFMG, which enhance normalization of the tumor vasculature. However, the exact underlying mechanism how PCNs induces AMP-activated protein kinase (AMPK) activation and anti-tumor activity in castration-resistant prostate cancer (CRPC) remains unknown. Here, we investigated the role of PCNs for CRPC development in endothelial cells. We found that TFMG inhibits prostate cancer castration resistance by activating AMPK through the Tie2-mediated signaling pathway. TFMG treatment increased AMPK phosphorylation at Thr172 and acetyl-CoA carboxylase (ACC) at Ser79 in EA.hy926 cells. TFMG treatment also significantly increased the phosphorylation of endothelial nitric oxide synthase (eNOS) with inducing nitric oxide (NO) production in EA.hy926 cells. In addition, TFMG treatment induced the vasodilatory effect in isolated rat mesenteric resistance arteries (MRAs), which was blocked by NO synthase inhibitor L-NAME. Interestingly, these effects were all abolished by pretreatment with Compound C (an AMPK inhibitor), rebastinib (selective Tie2 Inhibitor), AMPK knockdown using siRNA, or dominant negative AMPKα recombinant adenovirus. Finally, we found that TFMG functionally abrogates CRPC development in mouse model. In summary, TFMG exerted vasodilatation through activating Tie2/AMPK/eNOS signaling in endothelial cells, which leads to the overcoming vasoconstriction induced ADT. This study provides the potential value of TFMG in vasodilation of blood vessels leading suppression of CRPC development.

Citation Format: You Mie Lee, Ji-Hak Jeong, Hyunha Jang, Jihye You. Tie2-mediated AMPK activation by ferritin-based protein C nanoparticles inhibits advanced prostate cancer development through induction of vasodilation [abstract]. In: Proceedings of the American Association for Cancer Research Annual Meeting 2022; 2022 Apr 8-13. Philadelphia (PA): AACR; Cancer Res 2022;82(12_Suppl):Abstract nr 6160.

Expression of ICAM-1 in Blood Vascular Endothelium and Tissues in Human Premalignant Lesion and Gastric/Hepatocellular Carcinomas

Background/Aims

Angiogenesis is essential for the outgrowth and metastasis of tumors. The structure and characteristics of tumor vasculature differ from those of normal vessels. We compared the characteristics of differentially expressed genes in endothelial cells (ECs) isolated from gastric and normal cells.

Methods

Previously, we had isolated pure tumor ECs (TECs) and normal ECs (NECs) from advanced gastric cancer (AGC) lesions and normal mucosal tissues, respectively. Using the oligomer chip platform of the Affymetrix GeneChip technology, genes that were expressed more than three-fold with a significance of p≤0.001 were measured. The intercellular adhesion molecule 1 (ICAM-1) was found to be overexpressed in the TECs compared to the normal gastric ECs. In this study, the upregulation of ICAM-1 was confirmed in cultured TECs by immunofluorescence.

Results

The expression of ICAM-1 was upregulated in the ECs, as well as in the stromal and immune cells, in early human gastric preneoplastic and hepatic fibrotic tissues. Upregulation of ICAM-1 was observed in the TECs, immune cells, and cancer epithelial cells in AGC and hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC). These results suggest that increased ICAM-1 expression in the ECs of the tissue microenvironment progressively contributes to the recruitment of immune cells to promote inflammation, leading to fibrosis and tumorigenesis.

Conclusions

Therefore, upregulated ICAM-1 in the tissues in premalignant gastric diseases or hepatic fibrosis and their malignant cancers could be a promising target for disease prevention and treatment.

BRCA1-BARD1 regulates transcription through modulating topoisomerase IIβ

RNA polymerase II (Pol II)-dependent transcription in stimulus-inducible genes requires topoisomerase IIβ (TOP2B)-mediated DNA strand break and the activation of DNA damage response signalling in humans. Here, we report a novel function of the breast cancer 1 (BRCA1)-BRCA1-associated ring domain 1 (BARD1) complex in this process. We found that BRCA1 is phosphorylated at S1524 by the kinases ataxia-telangiectasia mutated and ATR during gene activation, and that this event is important for productive transcription. Our biochemical and genomic analyses showed that the BRCA1-BARD1 complex interacts with TOP2B in the EGR1 transcription start site and in a large number of protein-coding genes. Intriguingly, the BRCA1-BARD1 complex ubiquitinates TOP2B, which stabilizes TOP2B binding to DNA while BRCA1 phosphorylation at S1524 controls the TOP2B ubiquitination by the complex. Together, these findings suggest the novel function of the BRCA1-BARD1 complex in the regulation of TOP2B and Pol II-mediated gene expression.

Cisplatin Resistance in Epstein-Barr-Virus-Associated Gastric Carcinoma Acquired through ATM Methylation

Simple Summary

Gastric cancer (GC) is the fifth-leading type of cancer and the third –leading cause of death from cancer. Epstein-Barr virus-associated gastric carcinoma (EBVaGC) is recently accountable for 10% of all the GC worldwide. Platinum drugs such as cisplatin and oxaliplatin are the first-line choice in GC chemotherapy. The widespread use of cisplatin leads to make tumor cells develop single or multiple drug resistance via various mechanisms. DNA hypermethylation on tumor suppressor genes is one of causes leading to drug resistances. 5-Azacytidine (5-AZA) is a chemical analogue of cytidine and inhibits DNA methyltransferase, resulting in DNA hypomethylation. Our main objective was to identify synergistic effect of two important GC drugs whose mechanisms may be in complementary cooperation. We found that cisplatin enhances its anticancer activity with 5-AZA through DNA demethylation in EBVaGC. Identifying this synergistic effect of two important GC drugs can be useful to treat EBVaGC which shows resistance to platinum-based chemotherapy.

Abstract

Epstein–Barr-virus-associated gastric carcinoma (EBVaGC), first reported in 1992, currently accounts for 10% of all gastric carcinoma worldwide. EBVaGC has unique DNA hypermethylation phenotypes that allow for higher proportions of DNA methylation than any other gastric cancer. CpG islands in the gene promoter region are one of the major regions in which DNA methylation controls gene transcription. Despite cisplatin-based chemotherapy being one of the standard treatment regimens for advanced gastric cancer, including EBVaGC, cisplatin alone or in combination with 5-fluorouracil has been limited by its less potent anticancer activity and the occurrence of cisplatin resistance. Accordingly, the current study evaluated the anticancer activities of a combination of cisplatin and 5-Azacytidine (5-AZA) against EBVaGC. Our findings showed that cisplatin upregulated the DNMT3A gene, whereas shRNA-targeted removal of DNMT3A mRNA contributed to cisplatin-mediated EBV lytic reactivation. Moreover, the removal of DNMT3A mRNA upregulated the ATM gene through DNA demethylation on the ATM promoter. Furthermore, CRISPR/Cas9-targeted removal of the ATM gene resulted in significantly reduced cell susceptibility and EBV lytic reactivation by a combination of cisplatin and DNMT3A inhibitor 5-AZA. Finally, 5-AZA exhibited a synergistic effect with cisplatin in anti-EBV and anti-EBVaGC activities by increasing drug susceptibility and EBV lytic reactivation. The aforementioned results suggest that cisplatin combined with DNA methylation inhibitors could be a novel therapeutic approach for EBVaGC.

Highly efficient solid-state Raman yellow-orange lasers created by enhancing the cavity reflectivity

A new, to the best of our knowledge, output coupler (OC) with enhancement of the cavity reflectivity is proposed to remarkably elevate the output powers and efficiencies of diode-pumped Nd:GdVO₄/KGW Raman yellow-orange lasers. The cavity reflectivity is effectively increased by using the double-sided dichroic coating on the OC. In comparison with the conventional single-sided coating, the conversion efficiency can be boosted from 15% to 26.3% in the experiment of a yellow laser at 578.8 nm, and the maximum output power can be increased from 5.7 to 10.5 W in the quasi-continuous-wave mode with 50% duty cycle and frequency of 500 Hz. Furthermore, in the operation of an orange laser at 588 nm, the maximum output power can be improved from 5.6 to 7.0 W by replacing the conventional OC with the new one.

Pathological angiogenesis and inflammation in tissues

The role of angiogenesis in the growth of organs and tumors is widely recognized. Vascular-organ interaction is a key mechanism and a concept that enables an understanding of all biological phenomena and normal physiology that is essential for human survival under pathological conditions. Recently, vascular endothelial cells have been classified as a type of innate immune cells that are dependent on the pathological situations. Moreover, inflammatory cytokines and signaling regulators activated upon exposure to infection or various stresses play crucial roles in the pathological function of parenchymal cells, peripheral immune cells, stromal cells, and cancer cells in tissues. Therefore, vascular-organ interactions as a vascular microenvironment or tissue microenvironment under physiological and pathological conditions are gaining popularity as an interesting research topic. Here, we review vascular contribution as a major factor in microenvironment homeostasis in the pathogenesis of normal as well as cancerous tissues. Furthermore, we suggest that the normalization strategy of pathological angiogenesis could be a promising therapeutic target for various diseases, including cancer.

Tie2-mediated vascular remodeling by ferritin-based protein C nanoparticles confers antitumor and anti-metastatic activities

BACKGROUND

Conventional therapeutic approaches for tumor angiogenesis, which are primarily focused on the inhibition of active angiogenesis to starve cancerous cells, target the vascular endothelial growth factor signaling pathway. This aggravates hypoxia within the tumor core and ultimately leads to increased tumor proliferation and metastasis. To overcome this limitation, we developed nanoparticles with antiseptic activity that target tumor vascular abnormalities.

METHODS

Ferritin-based protein C nanoparticles (PCNs), known as TFG and TFMG, were generated and tested in Lewis lung carcinoma (LLC) allograft and MMTV-PyMT spontaneous breast cancer models. Immunohistochemical analysis was performed on tumor samples to evaluate the tumor vasculature. Western blot and permeability assays were used to explore the role and mechanism of the antitumor effects of PCNs in vivo. For knocking down proteins of interest, endothelial cells were transfected with siRNAs. Statistical analysis was performed using one-way ANOVA followed by post hoc Dunnett's multiple comparison test.

RESULTS

PCNs significantly inhibited hypoxia and increased pericyte coverage, leading to the inhibition of tumor growth and metastasis, while increasing survival in LLC allograft and MMTV-PyMT spontaneous breast cancer models. The coadministration of cisplatin with PCNs induced a synergistic suppression of tumor growth by improving drug delivery as evidenced by increased blood prefusion and decreased vascular permeability. Moreover, PCNs altered the immune cell profiles within the tumor by increasing cytotoxic T cells and M1-like macrophages with antitumor activity. PCNs induced PAR-1/PAR-3 heterodimerization through EPCR occupation and PAR-1 activation, which resulted in Gα13-RhoA-mediated-Tie2 activation and stabilized vascular tight junctions via the Akt-FoxO3a signaling pathway.

CONCLUSIONS

Cancer treatment targeting the tumor vasculature by inducing antitumor immune responses and enhancing the delivery of a chemotherapeutic agent with PCNs resulted in tumor regression and may provide an effective therapeutic strategy.

Clinical significance and prognostic role of hypoxia-induced microRNA 382 in gastric adenocarcinoma

Hypoxia and angiogenesis are critical components in the progression of solid cancer, including gastric cancers (GCs). miR-382 has been identified as a hypoxia-induced miR (hypoxamiR), but the clinical significance in GCs has not been identified yet. To explore the clinical and prognostic importance of miR-382 in GCs, the surgical specimens of 398 patients with GCs in KNU hospital in Korea, the total of 183 patients was randomly selected using simple sampling methods and big data with 446 GCs and 45 normal tissues from the data portal (https://portal.gdc.cancer.gov/) were analysed. Expression of miR-382 as well as miR-210, as a positive control hypoxamiR by qRT-PCR in histologically malignant region of GCs showed significantly positive correlation (R = 0.516, p<0.001). High miR-210 and miR-382 expression was significantly correlated with unfavorable prognosis including advanced GCs (AGC), higher T category, N category, pathologic TNM stage, lymphovascular invasion, venous invasion, and perinueral invasion, respectively (all p<0.05). In univariate analysis, high miR-210 expression was significantly associated with worse overall survival (OS) (p = 0.036) but not high miR-382. In paired 60 gastric normal and cancer tissues, miR-382 expression in cancer tissues was significantly higher than normal counterpart (p = 0.003), but not miR-210 expression. However, by increasing the patient number from the big data analysis, miR-210 as well as miR-382 expression in tumor tissues was significantly higher than the normal tissues. Our results suggest that miR-382, as novel hypoxamiR, can be a prognostic marker for advanced GCs and might be correlated with metastatic potential. miR-382 might play important roles in the aggressiveness, progression and prognosis of GCs. In addition, miR-382 give a predictive marker for progression of GCs compared to the normal or preneoplastic lesion.

Multi-omics Analyses Reveal Synergistic Carbohydrate Metabolism in Streptococcus mutans-Candida albicans Mixed-Species Biofilms

Candida albicans, a major opportunistic fungal pathogen, is frequently found together with Streptococcus mutans in dental biofilms associated with severe childhood caries (tooth decay), a prevalent pediatric oral disease. However, the impact of this cross-kingdom relationship on C. albicans remains largely uncharacterized. Here, we employed a novel quantitative proteomics approach in conjunction with transcriptomic profiling to unravel molecular pathways of C. albicans when cocultured with S. mutans in mixed biofilms. RNA sequencing and iTRAQ (isobaric tags for relative and absolute quantitation)-based quantitative proteomics revealed that C. albicans genes and proteins associated with carbohydrate metabolism were significantly enhanced, including sugar transport, aerobic respiration, pyruvate breakdown, and the glyoxylate cycle. Other C. albicans genes and proteins directly and indirectly related to cell morphogenesis and cell wall components such as mannan and glucan were also upregulated, indicating enhanced fungal activity in mixed-species biofilm. Further analyses revealed that S. mutans-derived exoenzyme glucosyltransferase B (GtfB), which binds to the fungal cell surface to promote coadhesion, can break down sucrose into glucose and fructose that can be readily metabolized by C. albicans, enhancing growth and acid production. Altogether, we identified key pathways used by C. albicans in the mixed biofilm, indicating an active fungal role in the sugar metabolism and environmental acidification (key virulence traits associated with caries onset) when interacting with S. mutans, and a new cross-feeding mechanism mediated by GtfB that enhances C. albicans carbohydrate utilization. In addition, we demonstrate that comprehensive transcriptomics and quantitative proteomics can be powerful tools to study microbial contributions which remain underexplored in cross-kingdom biofilms.

CCN1 interlinks integrin and hippo pathway to autoregulate tip cell activity

CCN1 (CYR61) stimulates active angiogenesis in various tumours, although the mechanism is largely unknown. Here, we report that CCN1 is a key regulator of endothelial tip cell activity in angiogenesis. Microvessel networks and directional vascular cell migration patterns were deformed in ccn1-knockdown zebrafish embryos. CCN1 activated VEGFR2 and downstream MAPK/PI3K signalling pathways, YAP/TAZ, as well as Rho effector mDia1 to enhance tip cell activity and CCN1 itself. VEGFR2 interacted with integrin αvβ3 through CCN1. Integrin αvβ3 inhibitor repressed tip cell number and sprouting in postnatal retinas from endothelial cell-specific Ccn1 transgenic mice, and allograft tumours in Ccn1 transgenic mice showed hyperactive vascular sprouting. Cancer patients with high CCN1 expression have poor survival outcomes and positive correlation with ITGAV and ITGB3 and high YAP/WWTR1. Thus, our data underscore the positive feedback regulation of tip cells by CCN1 through integrin αvβ3/VEGFR2 and increased YAP/TAZ activity, suggesting a promising therapeutic intervention for pathological angiogenesis.

Oncogenic KRAS signaling activates mTORC1 through COUP-TFII-mediated lactate production

Oncogenic signals contribute to enhanced glycolysis and mTORC1 activity, leading to rapid cell proliferation in cancer. Regulation of glycolysis and mTORC1 by PI3K/Akt signaling is well established, but how KRAS-induced MEK signaling regulates these pathways remains poorly understood. Here, we report a role for MEK-driven lactate production in mTORC1 activation in KRAS-activated cells. KRAS/MEK-induced upregulation of the chicken ovalbumin upstream promoter transcriptional factor II (COUP-TFII) increases the expression of lactate dehydrogenase A (LDHA), resulting in lactate production and mTORC1 activation. Further, lactate inhibits the interaction of TSC2 and Rheb, leading to the cellular activation of mTORC1 irrespective of growth factor stimulation. These findings suggest that COUP-TFII is a novel oncogenic mediator, connecting KRAS signaling and glycolysis, and leading to mTORC1 activation and cellular growth.

Runx3 inhibits endothelial progenitor cell differentiation and function via suppression of HIF-1α activity

Endothelial progenitor cells (EPCs) are bone marrow (BM)‑derived progenitor cells that can differentiate into mature endothelial cells, contributing to vasculogenesis in the blood vessel formation process. Runt‑related transcription factor 3 (RUNX3) belongs to the Runt domain family and is required for the differentiation of specific immune cells and neurons. The tumor suppressive role of RUNX3, via the induction of apoptosis and cell cycle arrest in a variety of cancers, and its deletion or frequent silencing by epigenetic mechanisms have been studied extensively; however, its role in the differentiation of EPCs is yet to be investigated. Therefore, in the present study, adult BM‑derived hematopoietic stem cells (HSCs) were isolated from Runx3 heterozygous (Rx3+/‑) or wild‑type (WT) mice. The differentiation of EPCs from the BM‑derived HSCs of Rx3+/‑ mice was found to be significantly increased compared with those of the WT mice, as determined by the number of small or large colony‑forming units. The migration and tube formation abilities of Rx3+/‑ EPCs were also observed to be significantly increased compared with those of WT EPCs. Furthermore, the number of circulating EPCs, defined as CD34+/vascular endothelial growth factor receptor 2 (VEGFR2)+ cells, was also significantly increased in Rx3+/‑ mice. Hypoxia‑inducible factor (HIF)‑1α was upregulated in Rx3+/‑ EPCs compared with WT EPCs, even under normoxic conditions. Furthermore, in a hindlimb ischemic mouse models, the recovery of blood flow was observed to be highly stimulated in Rx3+/‑ mice compared with WT mice. Also, in a Lewis lung carcinoma cell allograft model, the tumor size in Rx3+/‑ mice was significantly larger than that in WT mice, and the EPC cell population (CD34+/VEGFR2+ cells) recruited to the tumor was greater in the Rx3+/‑ mice compared with the WT mice. In conclusion, the present study revealed that Runx3 inhibits vasculogenesis via the inhibition of EPC differentiation and functions via the suppression of HIF‑1α activity.

Protective Effects of Arabinogalactan-Peptide Isolated from Wheat Flour against Myocardial Injury in an Ischemia/Reperfusion Rat Model

We have previously shown that supplementation of wheat with hot-water extract reduces myocardial injury by inhibiting apoptosis in a rat model of myocardial infarction (MI). Arabinogalactan-peptide (AGP), a cell wall polysaccharide of wheat, was also responsible for the protection. However, the underlying mechanisms were not elucidated. In this study, we investigated the underlying mechanisms for how AGP supplementation reduces myocardial injury. First, we isolated highly pure AGP from all-purpose wheat flour. We supplemented rats with AGP at a dose of 100 mg/kg/d for 3 days, and subjected the rats to ischemia (30 min) through ligation of the left anterior descending coronary artery followed by reperfusion (3 h) through a release of the ligation. Supplementation with AGP significantly reduced the infarct size in the heart. In addition, AGP intake inhibited the apoptotic cascade, determined through decreased mitogen-activated protein kinases (p38 and c-Jun N-terminal kinase) phosphorylation, decreased Bcl-2-associated X protein/B-cell lymphoma ratios, and decreased generation of nicked DNA, which was confirmed through western blotting and terminal deoxynucleotidyltransferase-mediated dUTP nick-end labeling staining. These findings indicate that AGP intake can protect against myocardial injury. Traditionally, consumption of dietary fiber such as AGP has been shown to reduce MI risk by inhibiting preocclusion steps through reducing risk factors. Our findings suggest that AGP intake can also reduce MI risk by inhibiting postocclusion steps. This study describes a better dietary recommendation and new prevention strategy for reducing MI risk through regular consumption of wheat rich in AGP.

The oncometabolite d‑2‑hydroxyglutarate induces angiogenic activity through the vascular endothelial growth factor receptor 2 signaling pathway

The mutation of isocitrate dehydrogenase (IDH)1 (R132H) and IDH2 (R172K) and the induction of hypoxia in various solid tumors results in alterations in metabolic profiles, including the production of the d‑ or l‑forms of 2‑hydroxyglutarate (2HG) from α‑ketoglutarate in aerobic metabolism in the tricarboxylic acid (TCA) cycle. However, it is unclear whether the oncometabolite d‑2HG increases angiogenesis in endothelial cells. Therefore, in this study, we analyzed the levels of various metabolites, including d‑2HG, under hypoxic conditions and in IDH2R172K mutant breast cancer cells by mass spectrometry. We then further evaluated the effects of this metabolite on angiogenesis in breast cancer cells. The results revealed that treatment with d‑2HG increased the levels of secreted vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) in cancer cells and enhanced endothelial cell proliferation in a concentration‑dependent manner. Wound healing and cell migration (examined by Transwell assay) were significantly increased by d‑2HG to a level similar to that induced by VEGF. Tube formation was significantly stimulated by d‑2HG, and chick chorioallantoic membrane angiogenesis was also enhanced by d‑2HG. d‑2HG activated VEGF receptor (VEGFR)2 and VEGFR2 downstream signaling, extracellular signal‑regulated kinase 1/2, focal adhesion kinase, AKT and matrix metalloproteinase (MMP)2. Taken together, the findings of this study suggested that d‑2HG induced angiogenic activity via VEGFR2 signaling and increased MMP2 activity.

Emerging role of RUNX3 in the regulation of tumor microenvironment

A number of genes have been therapeutically targeted to relieve cancer, but cancer relapse is still a growing issue. The concept that the surrounding tumor environment is critical for the progression of cancer may foster an answer to the issue of cancer malignancy. Runt domain transcription factors (RUNX1, 2, and 3) are evolutionarily conserved and have been intensively studied for their roles in normal development and pathological conditions. During tumor growth, a hypoxic microenvironment and infiltration of the tumor by immune cells are common phenomena. In this review, we briefly introduce the consequences of hypoxia and immune cell infiltration into the tumor microenvironment with a focus on RUNX3 as a critical regulator. Furthermore, based on our current knowledge of the functional role of RUNX3 in hypoxia and immune cell maintenance, a probable therapeutic intervention is suggested for the effective management of tumor growth and malignancy. [BMB Reports 2018; 51(4): 174-181].

Abstract 2132: Anti-vascular inflammatory nanoparticles inhibit tumor progression and metastasis through vascular normalization

Vascular networks in cancer are structurally and functionally abnormal. Abnormal blood vessel development in cancer plays an important role in cancer growth and metastasis, and blocks delivery of chemotherapeutic drugs. Recent studies have revealed that the normalization of abnormal tumor vasculature is one of the promising approaches to treat cancer. Inflammatory microenvironment is one of the newly focused hallmarks of cancer, and tumor vasculature has similar features to that of inflammatory vessels. Thus, vascular inflammation is emerged as an attractive target for cancer treatment. We hypothesized that amelioration of vascular inflammation in tumor may induce vascular normalization leading to the inhibition of tumor progression and metastasis. Here, we investigated the function of ant-vascular nanoparticles in tumor growth and metastasis in LLC allograft tumor models and MMTV-PyMT, spontaneous breast tumor models using TFG and TFMG which are engineered a protein-cage nano-particle (ferritin) with both EPCR-targeting peptides (γ-carboxyglutamic acid (Gla) domain of protein C) and PAR-1-activating peptides (TRAP) of thrombin on its surface. As a result, tumor growth was significantly inhibited in the nanoparticle-injected group, and the lymph node metastasis was also decreased in both animal models. It has been found that the survival rate of the nanoparticle-injected group was prolonged. TFG and TFMG normalized abnormal tumor vasculature, that is, pericytes coverage in vasculatures was significantly increased but the hypoxic regions was decreased in the nanoparticle injected group. Furthermore, when the experiment was conducted by administering cisplatin and nanoparticles together in the LLC allograft tumor model, the tumor size was synergistically increased in the case of the nanoparticle and cisplatin combination administration compared to the cisplatin alone group. Taken together, anti-vascular inflammation nanoparticles with anti-vascular inflammatory properties normalized the abnormal blood vessels and inhibited tumor formation and metastasis. It is suggested that inducing normalization of cancer blood vessels by improving the inflammatory state of blood vessels may be a promising therapeutic method for effective cancer treatment.

Citation Format: Young Sun Choi, Soo Hyun Kang, Jong-Sup Bae, In-San Kim, You Mie Lee. Anti-vascular inflammatory nanoparticles inhibit tumor progression and metastasis through vascular normalization [abstract]. In: Proceedings of the American Association for Cancer Research Annual Meeting 2018; 2018 Apr 14-18; Chicago, IL. Philadelphia (PA): AACR; Cancer Res 2018;78(13 Suppl):Abstract nr 2132.

Depth extraction with offset pixels

Numerous depth extraction techniques have been proposed in the past. However, the utility of these techniques is limited as they typically require multiple imaging units, bulky platforms for computation, cannot achieve high speed and are computationally expensive. To counter the above challenges, a sensor with Offset Pixel Apertures (OPA) has been recently proposed. However, a working system for depth extraction with the OPA sensor has not been discussed. In this paper, we propose the first such system for depth extraction using the OPA sensor. We also propose a dedicated hardware implementation for the proposed system, named as the Depth Map Processor (DMP). The DMP can provide depth at 30 frames per second at 1920 × 1080 resolution with 31 disparity levels. Furthermore, the proposed DMP has low power consumption as for the aforementioned speed and resolution it only requires 290.76 mW. The proposed system makes it an ideal choice for depth extraction systems in constrained environments.

A Positive Feedback Loop between Sestrin2 and mTORC2 Is Required for the Survival of Glutamine-Depleted Lung Cancer Cells

Proper regulation of mTORC1 and mTORC2 upon nutrient starvation is critical for cancer cell survival. Upregulation of Sestrin2 in response to glutamine deprivation rescues cell death by suppressing mTORC1. However, the contribution of mTORC2 to Sestrin2-mediated mTORC1 suppression remains unclear. Here, we report that both Sestrin2 and mTORC2 are upregulated in glutamine-depleted lung cancer cells. Moreover, glutamine depletion caused Sestrin2 to associate with mTORC2, which was required for the increase in Sestrin2 protein stability and the reduction in mTORC1 activity. Ultimately, differential regulation of mTORC1 and 2 by Sestrin2 reprogramed lipid metabolism and enabled glutamine-depleted lung cancer cells to survive by maintaining energy and redox balance. Importantly, combined inhibition of glutamine utilization and Sestrin2 induced lung cancer cell death both in vitro and in vivo. This study shows that differential Sestrin2-mediated regulation of mTORC1 and mTORC2 is necessary for the survival of glutamine-depleted lung cancer cells.

Molecular and functional evaluation of a novel HIF inhibitor, benzopyranyl 1,2,3-triazole compound

Hypoxia occurs in a variety of pathological events, including the formation of solid tumors. Hypoxia-inducible factor (HIF)-1α is stabilized under hypoxic conditions and is a key molecule in tumor growth and angiogenesis. Seeking to develop novel cancer therapeutics, we investigated small molecules from our in-house chemical libraries to target HIF-1α. We employed a dual-luciferase assay that uses a luciferase (Luc) reporter vector harboring five copies of hypoxia-responsive element (HRE) in the promoter. Under hypoxic conditions that increased Luc reporter activity by four-fold, we screened 144 different compounds, nine of which showed 30–50% inhibition of hypoxia-induced Luc reporter activity. Among these, “Compound 12, a benzopyranyl 1,2,3-triazole” was the most efficient at inhibiting the expression of HIF-1α under hypoxic conditions, reducing its expression by 80%. Under hypoxic conditions, the half maximal IC₅₀ of the compound was 24 nM in HEK-293 human embryonic kidney cells, and 2 nM in A549 human lung carcinoma cells. Under hypoxic conditions, Compound 12 increased hydroxylated HIF-1α levels and HIF-1α ubiquitination, and also dose-dependently decreased HIF-1α target gene expression as well as vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) secretion. Furthermore, this compound inhibited VEGF-induced in vitro angiogenesis in human umbilical vein endothelial cells (HUVECs), and in vivo, it inhibited chick chorioallantoic membrane angiogenesis. In allogaft assays, cotreatment with Compound 12 and gefitinib significantly inhibited tumor growth and angiogenesis. Compound 12 can be a novel inhibitor of HIF-1α by accelerating its degradation, and shows much potential as an anti-cancer agent through its ability to suppress tumor growth and angiogenesis.

Can persistent organic pollutants distinguish between two opposite metabolic phenotypes in lean Koreans?

AIMS

This study investigated the association of persistent organic pollutants (POPs), an emerging new risk factor for type 2 diabetes and the metabolic syndrome, with the presence of opposite phenotypes of glucose and lipid metabolism among normal-weight Koreans of similar body composition.

METHODS

Fifty subjects, randomly selected from an ongoing community-based cohort study, from two opposite phenotype groups - metabolically unhealthy normal weight (MUHNW) and metabolically healthy normal weight (MHNW) - were matched for waist circumference, visceral fat mass and demographic variables, then compared for serum concentrations of POPs.

RESULTS

Most POPs (10 out of 13 compounds) were present in higher serum concentrations in the MUHNW than in the MHNW. In particular, serum concentrations of all compounds of the organochlorine pesticide class were 2.2 to 4.7 times higher in cases than in controls. Compared with the lowest tertile of summary measures of POPs, Odds ratios (95% confidence interval) for the second and third tertiles were 7.4 (1.9-29.4) and 10.4 (2.6-41.2), respectively. Adjusting for possible confounders did not change the results.

CONCLUSION

Taken altogether, these findings from the present and previous studies suggest that increased serum POP concentrations may play an important role in the development of unhealthy metabolic phenotypes in lean people.

Exostosin 1 regulates cancer cell stemness in doxorubicin-resistant breast cancer cells

Cancer stem cells (CSCs) are associated with cancer recurrence following radio/chemotherapy owing to their high resistance to therapeutic intervention. In this study, we investigated the role of exostoxin 1 (EXT1), an endoplasmic reticulum (ER)-residing type II transmembrane glycoprotein, in cancer cell stemness. DNA microarray analysis revealed that doxorubicin-resistant MCF7/ADR cells have high levels of EXT1 expression compared to its parental cell line, MCF7. These cells showed significantly higher populations of CSCs and larger populations of aldehyde dehydrogenase (ALDH⁺) and CD44⁺/CD24^-cells, as compared to MCF7 cells. siRNA-mediated knockdown of EXT1 in MCF7/ADR cells significantly reduced cancer stem cell markers, populations of ALDH⁺and CD44⁺/CD24^- cells, mRNA and protein expression for CD44, and mammosphere number. Furthermore, epithelial mesenchymal transition (EMT) markers and migratory behavior were also repressed with reduced EXT1. In an in vitro soft agar colony formation assay, EXT1 knockdown by short hairpin RNA (shRNA) reduced the colony formation ability of these cells. Based on these results, we suggest that EXT1 could be a promising novel target to overcome cancer cell stemness in anthracycline-based therapeutic resistance.

Roles of RUNX in Hypoxia-Induced Responses and Angiogenesis

During the past two decades, Runt domain transcription factors (RUNX1, 2, and 3) have been investigated in regard to their function, structural elements, genetic variants, and roles in normal development and pathological conditions. The Runt family proteins are evolutionarily conserved from Drosophila to mammals, emphasizing their physiological importance. A hypoxic microenvironment caused by insufficient blood supply is frequently observed in developing organs, growing tumors, and tissues that become ischemic due to impairment or blockage of blood vessels. During embryonic development and tumor growth, hypoxia triggers a stress response that overcomes low-oxygen conditions by increasing erythropoiesis and angiogenesis and triggering metabolic changes. This review briefly introduces hypoxic conditions and cellular responses, as well as angiogenesis and its related signaling pathways, and then describes our current knowledge on the functions and molecular mechanisms of Runx family proteins in hypoxic responses, especially in angiogenesis.

Two different phase-change origins with chemical- and structural-phase-changes in C doped (1.5 wt.%) In3Sb1Te2

We fabricated C-doped (1.5 wt.%) In₃Sb₁Te₂ (CIST) thin films with amorphous phase (a-CIST) using a sputter method. Two electrical-phase-changes at 250 and 275 °C were observed in the sheet resistance measurement. In order to understand the origin of these electrical-phase-changes, all samples were characterized by XRD, TEM, and HRXPS with synchrotron radiation. In a-CIST, only weak Sb-C bonding was observed. In the first electrical-phase-change at 250 °C, strong Sb-C bonding occurred without an accompanying structural/phase change (still amorphous). On the other hand, the second electrical-phase-change at 275 °C was due to the structural/phase change from amorphous to crystalline without a chemical state change.

Genetic polymorphisms in glycolytic pathway are associated with the prognosis of patients with early stage non-small cell lung cancer

This study was conducted to investigate whether polymorphisms of genes involved in glycolysis are associated with the prognosis of patients with non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) after surgical resection. Forty-four single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) of 17 genes in glycolytic pathway were investigated in a total of 782 patients with NSCLC who underwent curative surgical resection. The association of the SNPs with overall survival (OS) and disease free survival (DFS) were analyzed. Among the 44 SNPs investigated, four SNPs (ENO1 rs2274971A > G, PFKM rs11168417C > T, PFKP rs1132173C > T, PDK2 rs3785921G > A) were significantly associated with survival outcomes in multivariate analyses. When stratified by tumor histology, three SNPs (ENO1 rs2274971A > G, PFKM rs11168417C > T, and PDK2 rs3785921G > A) were significantly associated with OS and/or DFS only in squamous cell carcinoma, whereas PFKP rs1132173C > T exhibited a significant association with survival outcomes only in adenocarcinoma. When the four SNPs were combined, OS and DFS decreased as the number of bad genotypes increased (Ptrend = 8 × 10⁻⁴ and 3 × 10⁻⁵, respectively). Promoter assays showed that ENO1 rs2274971G allele had significantly higher promoter activity compared to the rs2274971A allele. The four SNPs, especially ENO1 rs2274971A > G, may be useful for the prediction of prognosis in patients with surgically resected NSCLC.

Targeting of RUNX3 by miR-130a and miR-495 cooperatively increases cell proliferation and tumor angiogenesis in gastric cancer cells

Mature microRNAs (miRNAs) are 21 to 23 nucleotide noncoding RNA molecules that can downregulate multiple gene expression by mRNA degradation or translational repression. miRNAs are considered to play important roles in cell proliferation, apoptosis, and differentiation during mammalian development. The Runt-related transcription factor 3 (RUNX3) expression and activity are frequently downregulated by various mechanisms in gastric cancer. We have reported that RUNX3 inactivation is crucial for early tumorigenesis. In this study, we investigated the role of miRNAs targeting RUNX3 in early tumorigenesis. miR-130a and miR-495 upregulated under hypoxic conditions that bind to the RUNX3 3′-untranslated region (3′-UTR) were identified in gastric cancer cells by using microarray analysis and bioinformatics programs. Combination of miR-130a and miR-495 inhibited RUNX3 expression at the protein level, but not at the mRNA level. miR-130a and miR-495 significantly inhibited the RUNX3–3′UTR-luciferase activity. Combination of miR-130a and miR-495 significantly decreased apoptosis determined by Annexin V-FITC/propidium iodide staining and flow cytometric analysis, and the expression of Bim in SNU484 gastric cancer cells. In addition, p21 and Bim, RUNX3 target genes, were completely downregulated by the combination of miR-130a and miR-495. Using matrigel plug assay, we found that antagomiRs specific for miR-130a and miR-495 significantly reduced angiogenesis in vivo. In conclusion, targeting miR-130a and miR-495 could be a potential therapeutics to recover RUNX3 expression under hypoxic conditions and in early tumorigenic progression.

PIN1 Suppresses the Hepatic Differentiation of Pulp Stem Cells via Wnt3a

This study aimed to investigate the role of PIN1 on the hepatic differentiation of human dental pulp stem cells (hDPSCs) and its signaling pathway, as well as the potential therapeutic effects of hDPSC transplantation and PIN1 inhibition on CCl₄ (carbon tetrachloride)-induced liver fibrosis in mice. The in vitro results showed that hepatic differentiation was suppressed by infection with adenovirus-PIN1 and promoted by PIN1 inhibitor juglone via the downregulation of Wnt3a and β-catenin. Compared with treatment with either hDPSC transplantation or juglone alone, the combination of hDPSCs and juglone into CCl₄-injured mice significantly suppressed liver fibrosis and restored serum levels of alanine transaminase, aspartate transaminase, and ammonia. Collectively, the present study shows for the first time that PIN1 inhibition promotes hepatic differentiation of hDPSCs through the Wnt/β-catenin pathway. Furthermore, juglone in combination with hDPSC transplantation effectively treats liver fibrosis, suggesting that hDPSC transplantation with PIN1 inhibition may be a novel therapeutic candidate for the treatment of liver injury.

Abstract 3270: Myriocin, an inhibitor of serine palmitoyltransferase activity, has the anti-angiogenic effect by attenuating VEGF-induced angiogenesis signaling pathway

Myriocin is a powerful serine palmitoyl transferase inhibitor, by inhibiting of sphingosine biosynthesis. Myriocin is also known to have immunosuppressive activity. Here, we demonstrate the anti-angiogenic effect of myriocin. Myriocin decreased vascular endothelial cell growth factor (VEGF)-induced angiogenic process, that include proliferation, migration, invasion, tube formation and cell adhesion in human umbilical vein endothelial cells (HUVECs). Myriocin down-regulated VEGF-induced VEGFR2, focal adhesion kinase, AKT kinase, rho-associated coiled-coil-containing protein kinase 1 (ROCK1) and matrix metalloproteinase-2 (MMP2) expression. Myriocin greatly reduced new vessel formation in chick chorioallantoic membrane and vessel sprouting in mouse aortic ring assay. Furthermore, VEGF-induced phalloidin expression was inhibited by miyriocin in HUVECs. Our result indicated that myriocin inhibited VEGF-induced proliferation, migration, invasion, tube formation and cell adhesion in vitro by inhibiting VEGFR2-mediated activation of FAK, AKT, ROCK1 and MMP2. Taken together, we suggest that myriocin may act as significant angiogenic inhibitor by inhibiting VEGF-induced signaling pathway.

Citation Format: Sun Hee Lee, Yuk Dong Jung, Hye-Eun Lee, You Mie Lee. Myriocin, an inhibitor of serine palmitoyltransferase activity, has the anti-angiogenic effect by attenuating VEGF-induced angiogenesis signaling pathway. [abstract]. In: Proceedings of the 107th Annual Meeting of the American Association for Cancer Research; 2016 Apr 16-20; New Orleans, LA. Philadelphia (PA): AACR; Cancer Res 2016;76(14 Suppl):Abstract nr 3270.

Abstract 2485: Heterozygous deletion of RUNX3 promotes vasculogenesis by enhancing endothelial progenitor cells function

Endothelial progenitor cells (EPCs) are bone marrow (BM) -derived stem cells to be committed and differentiated into mature endothelial cells. Runt-related transcription factor 3 (RUNX3) is a tumor suppressor involved in TGF-β signaling pathway and participate in cell cycle arrest and anti-angiogenesis. RUNX3 is frequently deleted or transcriptionally silenced in a variety of cancers by epigenetic mechanisms. The aim of study was to determine the role of RUNX3 in EPC function and vasculogenesis. Here we found that RUNX3 homozygous knockout (Rx3-/-) embryos had vascular defects in embryonic day (ED) 10 and developmental abnormalities in ED 16.5 organs. The number of EPC colonies and circulating EPCs (CD34+/VEGFR2+ cells), migration and tube formation capacity of EPCs derived from RUNX3 heterozygous (Rx3+/-) mice were increased in compared to those wild type (WT) mice, suggesting that deletion of RUNX3 can enhance vasculogenesis. Expression level of VEGF, VEGFR2, SDF-1, CXCR4 and endothelial nitric oxide synthase (eNOS) mRNA was significantly up-regulated in Rx3+/- EPCs. Protein expression of VEGF, p-VEGFR2, p-Akt, p-ERK, p-SAPK/JNK and p-eNOS was also augmented in Rx3+/- EPCs. Finally, we found that recovery of blood flow was highly stimulated in Rx3+/- mice using hindlimb ischemia mouse models. Taken together, our study revealed that RUNX3 might inhibit vasculogenic processes in physiological ischemia by inhibition of EPC functions.

Citation Format: Su Young Oh, Se-Hyung Lee, Sun Hee Lee, You Mie Lee. Heterozygous deletion of RUNX3 promotes vasculogenesis by enhancing endothelial progenitor cells function. [abstract]. In: Proceedings of the 107th Annual Meeting of the American Association for Cancer Research; 2016 Apr 16-20; New Orleans, LA. Philadelphia (PA): AACR; Cancer Res 2016;76(14 Suppl):Abstract nr 2485.

Decursinol angelate inhibits PGE2-induced survival of the human leukemia HL-60 cell line via regulation of the EP2 receptor and NFκB pathway

Decursinol angelate (DA), an active pyranocoumarin compound from the roots of Angelica gigas, has been reported to possess anti-inflammatory and anti-cancer activities. In a previous study, we demonstrated that prostaglandin E2 (PGE2) plays a survival role in HL-60 cells by protecting them from the induction of apoptosis via oxidative stress. Flow cytometry and Hoechst staining revealed that PGE2 suppresses menadione-induced apoptosis, cell shrinkage, and chromatin condensation, by blocking the generation of reactive oxygen species. Treatment of DA was found to reverse the survival effect of PGE2 as well as restoring the menadione-mediated cleavage of caspase-3, lamin B, and PARP. DA blocked PGE2-induced activation of the EP2 receptor signaling pathway, including the activation of PKA and the phosphorylation of CREB. DA also inhibited PGE2-induced expression of cyclooxygenase-2 and the activation of the Ras/Raf/ Erk pathway, which activates downstream targets for cell survival. Finally, DA greatly reduced the PGE2-induced activation of NF-κB p50 and p65 subunits. These results elucidate a novel mechanism for the regulation of cell survival and apoptosis, and open a gateway for further development and combinatory treatments that can inhibit PGE2 in cancer cells.

Disease-drug database for pharmacogenomic-based prescribing

Providers have expressed a strong desire to have additional clinical decision-support tools to help with interpretation of pharmacogenomic results. We developed and tested a novel disease-drug association tool that enables pharmacogenomic-based prescribing to treat common diseases. First, 324 drugs were mapped to 484 distinct diseases (mean number of drugs treating each disease was 4.9; range 1-37). Then the disease-drug association tool was pharmacogenomically annotated, with an average of 1.8 pharmacogenomically annotated drugs associated/disease. Applying this tool to a prospectively enrolled >1,000 patient cohort from a tertiary medical center showed that 90% of the top ∼20 diseases in this population and ≥93% of patients could appropriately be treated with ≥1 medication with actionable pharmacogenomic information. When combined with clinical patient genotypes, this tool permits delivery of patient-specific pharmacogenomically informed disease treatment recommendations to inform the treatment of many medical conditions of the US population, a key initial step towards implementation of precision medicine.

Risk factors for recurrence in patients with papillary thyroid carcinoma undergoing modified radical neck dissection

BACKGROUND

This study evaluated the impact of lymph node-related factors on the risk of and site of recurrence in patients who had papillary thyroid carcinoma with lymph node metastasis in the lateral compartment (classified as pN1b).

METHODS

Patients underwent total thyroidectomy with unilateral modified radical neck dissection for classical papillary thyroid carcinoma. Risk factors for recurrence were evaluated according to the pattern of recurrence.

RESULTS

A total of 324 patients were included in the study. The median follow-up was 63 (range 14-181) months. Recurrence was detected in 47 patients (14·5 per cent). In the multivariable analysis, a maximum diameter of metastatic lymph nodes larger than 2·0 cm (hazard ratio (HR) 1·15, 95 per cent c.i. 1·06 to 1·25; P = 0·033) and a central compartment metastatic lymph node ratio of more than 0·42 (HR 3·35, 1·65 to 6·79; P < 0·001) were identified as independent risk factors for locoregional recurrence. Age 45 years or older (HR 5·69, 1·24 to 26·12; P = 0·025) and extranodal extension of metastasis (HR 12·71, 1·64 to 98·25; P = 0·015) were risk factors for distant metastasis. In subgroup analysis of locoregional recurrence, several lymph node-related factors affected the risk of recurrence according to the specific site of metastasis.

CONCLUSION

Lymph node-related factors are of importance for the risk of recurrence in patients with classical papillary thyroid carcinoma classified as pN1b.

Molecular identification of the traditional herbal medicines, Arisaematis Rhizoma and Pinelliae Tuber, and common adulterants via universal DNA barcode sequences

Methods to identify Pinelliae Tuber and Arisaematis Rhizoma are required because of frequent reciprocal substitution between these two herbal medicines and the existence of several closely related plant materials. As a result of the morphological similarity of dried tubers, correct discrimination of authentic herbal medicines is difficult by conventional methods. Therefore, we analyzed DNA barcode sequences to identify each herbal medicine and the common adulterants at a species level. To verify the identity of these herbal medicines, we collected five authentic species (Pinellia ternata for Pinelliae Tuber, and Arisaema amurense, A. amurense var. serratum, A. erubescens, and A. heterophyllum for Arisaematis Rhizoma) and six common adulterant plant species. Maturase K (matK) and ribulose-1,5-bisphosphate carboxylase/oxygenase large subunit (rbcL) genes were then amplified using universal primers. In comparative analyses of two DNA barcode sequences, we obtained 45 species-specific nucleotides sufficient to identify each species (except A. erubescens with matK) and 28 marker nucleotides for each species (except P. pedatisecta with rbcL). Sequence differences at corresponding positions of the two combined DNA barcodes provided genetic marker nucleotides that could be used to identify specimens of the correct species among the analyzed medicinal plants. Furthermore, we generated a phylogenetic tree showing nine distinct groups depending on the species. These results can be used to authenticate Pinelliae Tuber and Arisaematis Rhizoma from their adulterants and to identify each species. Thus, comparative analyses of plant DNA barcode sequences identified useful genetic markers for the authentication of Pinelliae Tuber and Arisaematis Rhizoma from several adulterant herbal materials.

A Double-Chambered Protein Nanocage Loaded with Thrombin Receptor Agonist Peptide (TRAP) and γ-Carboxyglutamic Acid of Protein C (PC-Gla) for Sepsis Treatment

New protein nanocages are designed bearing two functional proteins, γ-carboxyglutamic acid of protein C (PC-Gla) and thrombin receptor agonist peptide (TRAP), and have an anti-septic response. These nanoparticles reduce sepsis-induced organ injury and septic mortality in vivo. Noting that there are currently no medications for severe sepsis, these results show that novel nanoparticles can be used to treat sepsis.

Synthesis and Biological Evaluation of Manassantin Analogues for Hypoxia-Inducible Factor 1α Inhibition

To cope with hypoxia, tumor cells have developed a number of adaptive mechanisms mediated by hypoxia-inducible factor 1 (HIF-1) to promote angiogenesis and cell survival. Due to significant roles of HIF-1 in the initiation, progression, metastasis, and resistance to treatment of most solid tumors, a considerable amount of effort has been made to identify HIF-1 inhibitors for treatment of cancer. Isolated from Saururus cernuus, manassantins A (1) and B (2) are potent inhibitors of HIF-1 activity. To define the structural requirements of manassantins for HIF-1 inhibition, we prepared and evaluated a series of manassantin analogues. Our SAR studies examined key regions of manassantin’s structure in order to understand the impact of these regions on biological activity and to define modifications that can lead to improved performance and drug-like properties. Our efforts identified several manassantin analogues with reduced structural complexity as potential lead compounds for further development. Analogues MA04, MA07, and MA11 down-regulated hypoxia-induced expression of the HIF-1α protein and reduced the levels of HIF-1 target genes, including cyclin-dependent kinase 6 (Cdk6) and vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF). These findings provide an important framework to design potent and selective HIF-1α inhibitors, which is necessary to aid translation of manassantin-derived natural products to the clinic as novel therapeutics for cancers.