ASCC3 promotes the immunosuppression and progression of non-small cell lung cancer by impairing the type I interferon response via CAND1-mediated ubiquitination inhibition of STAT3

BACKGROUND

Activating signal cointegrator 3 (ASCC3) has been identified as an oncogenic factor that impairs host immune defense. However, the underlying mechanisms of carcinogenesis and its impact on the antitumor immune response remain unclear. In this study, we aimed to investigate the molecular mechanisms of ASCC3 in the progression of non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC).

METHODS

Single-cell sequencing data from the Gene Expression Omnibus and gene expression profiles from The Cancer Genome Atlas database were analyzed. The expression, clinical relevance and biological functions of ASCC3 in NSCLC were explored. Then, RNA sequencing, immunoprecipitation, mass spectrometry, immunofluorescence, and flow cytometry analyses were conducted to explore the underlying molecular mechanisms. In addition, in vivo experiments in mouse models were conducted to explore the probability of ASCC3 knockdown to improve the efficacy of anti-Programmed Death-1 (PD-1) therapy in NSCLC.

RESULTS

ASCC3 was significantly upregulated in NSCLC and correlated with poor pathological characteristics and prognosis in patients with NSCLC. Overexpression of ASCC3 promoted malignant phenotypes of NSCLC cells and induced an immunosuppressive tumor microenvironment, which was characterized by a decrease in CD8+ T cells, natural killer cells and dendritic cells but an increase in regulatory T(Treg) cells. Mechanistically, ASCC3 stabilized signal transducer and activator of transcription (STAT)3 signaling by recruiting Cullin-associated and neddylation dissociated 1 (CAND1), which inhibited ubiquitin-mediated degradation of STAT3, thereby impairing the type I interferon response of tumor cells and promoting the immunosuppression and progression of NSCLC. Furthermore, high expression of ASCC3 impaired the efficacy of anti-PD-1 therapy, and an anti-PD-1 antibody combined with ASCC3 knockdown exerted promising synergistic efficacy in a preclinical mouse model.

CONCLUSION

ASCC3 could stabilize the STAT3 pathway via CAND1, reshaping the tumor microenvironment and inducing resistance to anti-PD-1 therapy, which promotes the progression of NSCLC. It is a reliable prognostic indicator and can be a target in combination therapy for NSCLC.

Comprehensive landscape and future perspective of long noncoding RNAs in non-small cell lung cancer: it takes a village

Long noncoding RNAs (lncRNAs) are a distinct subtype of RNA that lack protein-coding capacity but exert significant influence on various cellular processes. In non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC), dysregulated lncRNAs act as either oncogenes or tumor suppressors, contributing to tumorigenesis and tumor progression. LncRNAs directly modulate gene expression, act as competitive endogenous RNAs by interacting with microRNAs or proteins, and associate with RNA binding proteins. Moreover, lncRNAs can reshape the tumor immune microenvironment and influence cellular metabolism, cancer cell stemness, and angiogenesis by engaging various signaling pathways. Notably, lncRNAs have shown great potential as diagnostic or prognostic biomarkers in liquid biopsies and therapeutic strategies for NSCLC. This comprehensive review elucidates the significant roles and diverse mechanisms of lncRNAs in NSCLC. Furthermore, we provide insights into the clinical relevance, current research progress, limitations, innovative research approaches, and future perspectives for targeting lncRNAs in NSCLC. By summarizing the existing knowledge and advancements, we aim to enhance the understanding of the pivotal roles played by lncRNAs in NSCLC and stimulate further research in this field. Ultimately, unraveling the complex network of lncRNA-mediated regulatory mechanisms in NSCLC could potentially lead to the development of novel diagnostic tools and therapeutic strategies.

Detection of Epstein-Barr virus infection in thymic epithelial tumors by nested PCR and Epstein-Barr-encoded RNA ISH

BACKGROUND

Epstein-Barr virus (EBV) is well known to be associated with a lot of tumors, including lymphoma, nasopharyngeal carcinoma, EBV-associated gastric carcinoma, and some other carcinomas with similar lymphoepithelioma-like features. However, the association between EBV and thymic epithelial tumors (TETs) is inconclusive as reports in this regard are not entirely consistent and the methods employed are of different sensitivity and specificity. The geographical difference of the patients is also one of the reasons for the different points of view.

METHODS

In our study, we examined 72 thymomas, including 3 cases of type A thymomas, 27 cases of type AB, 6 cases of type B1, 26 cases of type B2 and 10 cases of type B3 thymomas, and 15 thymic carcinomas to detect the viral genome at both DNA and RNA levels. The genome DNA of fresh tissues was first screened by nested polymerase chain reaction (PCR), which could be regarded as the most sensitive method to detect small amounts of DNA. Then all the tissue blocks were further submitted for viral localization by Epstein-Barr-encoded RNA (EBER) ISH. Group parameters were assessed using the chi-square test at a significance level of p < 0.05.

RESULTS

Nested PCR results showed that none of type A, eight (29.6%) type AB, one (16.7%) type B1, fifteen (57.7%) type B2, and four (40.0%) type B3 were positive for EBV genome. However, none of them detected EBER expression except for one case of type B2 thymoma. Fourteen (93.3%) thymic carcinomas were positive for EBV by nested PCR, of which three displayed weak nuclear signals within the tumor cells by EBER ISH.

CONCLUSIONS

These results showed that nested PCR was a sensitive method for screening the EBV genome in thymic epithelial tumors. As the malignancy of thymoma increases, the rate of EBV infection became higher. Thymic carcinomas were well associated with the Epstein-Barr virus.There was significant association between the EBV infection rate and thymoma type (p < 0.05). We further analyzed the association between EBV infection and myasthenia gravis. However, it showed no significant difference(p = 0.2754), although the EBV infection rate was higher in the thymomas with myasthenia gravis.

Tumor-infiltrating CD36+CD8+T cells determine exhausted tumor microenvironment and correlate with inferior response to chemotherapy in non-small cell lung cancer

BACKGROUND

The scavenger receptor CD36 was reported to be highly expressed on tumor-infiltrating CD8⁺ T cells, but the clinical role remains obscure. This study aims to explore the infiltration and clinical value of CD36⁺CD8⁺ T cells in NSCLC.

METHODS

Immunohistochemistry and immunofluorescence were conducted for survival analyses and immunological evaluation in 232 NSCLC patients in Zhongshan Hospital. Flow cytometry analyses were carried out to assess the immune cells from fresh tumor samples, non-tumor tissues and peripheral blood. In vitro tumor infiltrating lymphocytes cultures were conducted to test the effect of CD36 blockage.

RESULTS

Accumulation of CD36⁺CD8⁺ T cells in tumor tissues was correlated with more advanced stage (p < 0.001), larger tumor size (p < 0.01), and lymph node metastasis (p < 0.0001) in NSCLC. Moreover, high infiltration of CD36⁺CD8⁺ T cells indicated poor prognosis in terms of both overall survival (OS) and recurrence-free survival (RFS) and inferior chemotherapy response. CD36⁺CD8⁺ T cells showed decreased GZMB (p < 0.0001) and IFN-γ (p < 0.001) with elevated PD-1 (p < 0.0001) and TIGIT (p < 0.0001). Analysis of tumor-infiltrating immune cell landscape revealed a positive correlation between CD36⁺CD8⁺ T cells and Tregs (p < 0.01) and M2-polarized macrophages (p < 0.01) but a negative correlation with Th1 (p < 0.05). Notably, inhibition of CD36 partially restored the cytotoxic function of CD8⁺ T cells by producing more GZMB and IFN-γ.

CONCLUSION

CD36⁺CD8⁺ T cells exhibit impaired immune function and high infiltration of CD36⁺CD8⁺ T cells indicated poor prognosis and inferior chemotherapy response in NSCLC patients. CD36 could be a therapeutic target in combination with chemotherapy in NSCLC patients.

Immunotherapy of thymic epithelial tumors: molecular understandings and clinical perspectives

Immunotherapy has emerged to play a rapidly expanding role in the treatment of cancers. Currently, many clinical trials of therapeutic agents are on ongoing with majority of immune checkpoint inhibitors (ICIs) especially programmed death receptor 1 (PD-1) and its ligand 1 (PD-L1) inhibitors. PD-1 and PD-L1, two main immune checkpoints, are expressed at high levels in thymic epithelial tumors (TETs) and could be predictors of the progression and immunotherapeutic efficacy of TETs. However, despite inspiring efficacy reported in clinical trials and clinical practice, significantly higher incidence of immune-related adverse events (irAEs) than other tumors bring challenges to the administration of ICIs in TETs. To develop safe and effective immunotherapeutic patterns in TETs, understanding the clinical properties of patients, the cellular and molecular mechanisms of immunotherapy and irAEs occurrence are crucial. In this review, the progress of both basic and clinical research on immune checkpoints in TETs, the evidence of therapeutic efficacy and irAEs based on PD-1 /PD-L1 inhibitors in TETs treatment are discussed. Additionally, we highlighted the possible mechanisms underlying irAEs, prevention and management strategies, the insufficiency of current research and some worthy research insights. High PD-1/PD-L1 expression in TETs provides a rationale for ICI use. Completed clinical trials have shown an encouraging efficacy of ICIs, despite the high rate of irAEs. A deeper mechanism understanding at molecular level how ICIs function in TETs and why irAEs occur will help maximize the immunotherapeutic efficacy while minimizing irAEs risks in TET treatment to improve patient prognosis.

Prognostic Correlation between Tumor Volume and Complete Resection of Thymoma at Different Masaoka-Koga Stages

OBJECTIVE

Thymoma is a slow-growing epithelial tumor of thymus gland. Its size is associated with its prognosis. The aim of this study was to analyze the prognostic correlation of tumor volume and complete resection of thymoma at different Masaoka-Koga stages.

METHODS

A retrospective study was carried out, using the data of 502 patients who underwent complete resection of thymectomy at Zhongshan Hospital, Fudan University, in Shanghai, China, from February 2009 to February 2016. The characteristics of the patients were collected. Using Masaoka-Koga staging system, patients were divided into four different subcohorts: Stage I, stage II, stage III and stage IVa/IVb. The relationship between tumor volume and postoperative recurrence was analyzed for each subcohort, using receiver operating curves, cutoff values were obtained. and patients were grouped according to the cutoff values. Survival analysis was performed with the help of Kaplan-Meier method, and the difference between the two survival curves was compared using log-rank test. Whether tumor volume could be used as an independent risk factor for thymoma prognosis was analyzed, using a univariate Cox proportional hazards model.

RESULTS

The area under the curve was 0.718, 0.740, 0.798, and 0.804 for the stage I, II, III, and IVa/IVb subcohorts, respectively, and the cutoff values of tumor volume for predicting recurrence were 47.90 cm³, 53.70 cm³, 76.35 cm³, and 89.05 cm³, respectively. Patients with tumor volumes greater than the cutoff values had significantly shorter recurrence-free survival than those with tumor volumes less than the cutoff values (p < 0.001). The results of the univariate Cox proportional hazards model indicated that tumor volume was an independent risk factor for thymoma prognosis and for postoperative prognosis of thymoma in Masaoka-Koga stage I (p < 0.001).

CONCLUSIONS

Tumor volume is significantly correlated with the postoperative prognosis of thymoma in Masaoka-Koga stage I and can serve as an independent risk factor for predicting postoperative tumor recurrence.

Spontaneous Ferromagnetism Induced Topological Transition in EuB_{6}

The interplay between various symmetries and electronic bands topology is one of the core issues for topological quantum materials. Spontaneous magnetism, which leads to the breaking of time-reversal symmetry, has been proven to be a powerful approach to trigger various exotic topological phases. In this Letter, utilizing the combination of angle-resolved photoemission spectroscopy, magneto-optical Kerr effect microscopy, and first-principles calculations, we present the direct evidence on the realization of the long-sought spontaneous ferromagnetism induced topological transition in soft ferromagnetic EuB_{6}. Explicitly, we reveal the topological transition is from Z_{2}=1 topological insulator in paramagnetic state to χ=1 magnetic topological semimetal in low temperature ferromagnetic state. Our results demonstrate that the simple band structure near the Fermi level and rich topological phases make EuB_{6} an ideal platform to study the topological phase physics.

Exosomal circZNF451 restrains anti-PD1 treatment in lung adenocarcinoma via polarizing macrophages by complexing with TRIM56 and FXR1

BACKGROUND

Although success was achieved in the therapy for a minority of advanced lung adenocarcinoma (LUAD) patients, anti-programmed death 1 (PD1) resistance was found in most LUAD patients. Here, we aimed to uncover a potential role of exosomal circular RNAs (circRNAs) in LUAD refractory to PD1 blockade.  METHODS: circRNA sequencing and qRT-PCR were performed to determine the level of exosomal circRNAs in LUAD patients subsequently treated with anti-PD1. Then, the RNA pulldown, RNA immunoprecipitation, mass spectrometry, chromatin immunoprecipitation, luciferase reporter assays, flow cytometry, RNA sequencing, and in vitro and in vivo models were used to uncover the biological functions and underlying mechanism of circZNF451 in LUAD anti-PD1 treatment resistance.

RESULTS

circRNA sequencing and qRT-PCR identified the up-regulation of exosomal circZNF451 from LUAD patients with progressive disease (PD) compared to those with partial remission (PR) after PD1 blockade therapy. Furthermore, elevated circZNF451 was revealed to be associated with poor prognosis of LUAD patients. Additionally, exosomal circZNF451 was demonstrated to induce an anti-inflammatory phenotype in macrophages and exhaustion of cytotoxic CD8⁺ T cells, and enhanced TRIM56-mediated degradation of FXR1 to activate the ELF4-IRF4 pathway in macrophages. By transgenic mice, knockout of ELF4 in macrophages was found to rescue immunotherapy efficacy in tumors with high level of exosomal circZNF451.

CONCLUSION

Exosomal circZNF451 reshapes the tumor immune microenvironment by inducing macrophages polarization via the FXR1- ELF4-IRF4 axis and is a novel biomarker for predicting the sensitivity of PD1 blockade in LUAD.

Circulating tumor cell methylation profiles reveal the classification and evolution of non-small cell lung cancer

Background

The ability of circulating tumor cells (CTCs) to identify lung adenocarcinoma (LUAD) and lung squamous cell carcinoma (LUSC) could improve pathological diagnosis and the selection of treatments for non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC). Previous studies have shown that deoxyribonucleic acid (DNA) methylation exhibits cell and tissue specificity. Thus, we aimed to explore the methylation status of CTCs in LUAD and LUSC and identify the potential biomarkers.

Methods

We first analyzed Infinium 450K methylation profiles obtained from The Cancer Genome Atlas and Gene Expression Omnibus. We then performed whole-genome sequencing of CTCs in tumor and matched normal lung tissues and white blood cells from 6 NSCLC patients.

Results

The bioinformatics analysis revealed a NSCLC-specific DNA methylation marker panel, which could accurately distinguish between LUAD and LUSC with high diagnostic accuracy. The whole-genome sequencing of CTCs in NSCLC patients also showed 100% accuracy for distinguishing between LUAD and LUSC based on the CTC methylation profiles. To investigate the function of CTCs, we further analyzed similar and different methylation profiles between the CTCs and their primary tumors, and found very high similarities between the CTCs and their primary tumor tissues, indicating that these cells inherit information from primary tumors. However, the CTCs also displayed some characteristics that differed to those of primary tumor tissues, which suggest that CTCs acquire some unique characteristics after migrating from the primary tumor; these characteristics may partly explain the ability of tumor cells to evade immune surveillance.

Conclusions

Our findings provide insights into the potential use of CTCs in the pathological classification of NSCLC patients. Our findings also show how CTC primary tumor inheritance and CTC evolution affect metastasis and immune escape.

Minimally invasive thymectomy for myasthenia gravis: a 7-year retrospective study

BACKGROUND

Thymectomy has been identified as an effective strategy for patients with myasthenia gravis (MG) and thymic masses. However, the best surgical approach remains a matter of debate. The aim of the present study was to compare the surgical and neurological outcomes of video-assisted thoracoscopic thymectomy with a modified subxiphoid and bilateral approach in patients with MG and thymic masses.

METHODS

From August 2013 to April 2018, 68 patients who were diagnosed with MG and thymic masses and underwent video-assisted thoracoscopic thymectomy with a modified subxiphoid (44 patients) or bilateral (24 patients) approach were included in this retrospective study. The surgical and neurological results were analyzed with propensity score matching.

RESULTS

After propensity score matching, the modified subxiphoid approach in video-assisted thoracoscopic thymectomy resulted in an obviously shorter operative time (P=0.00), drainage duration (P=0.00), less intraoperative blood loss (P=0.00), and shorter postoperative hospital stay (P=0.01). In terms of neurological outcomes, no significant difference was observed in the improvement in MG, with 2-year complete stable remission rates of 21.1% and 26.3% (P=0.68) and 2-year pharmacological remission rates of 31.6% and 26.3% (P=0.60) for the bilateral and subxiphoid approaches, respectively. Additionally, the approaches resulted in similar effects on the magnitudes of decrease in the prednisolone and pyridostigmine doses after 2 years, with average pyridostigmine dose reductions of 72.2% and 71.1% (P=0.78) and average prednisolone reductions of 76.8% and 71.7% (P=0.96) for the bilateral and subxiphoid approaches, respectively.

CONCLUSIONS

The modified subxiphoid approach was found to be superior to the bilateral approach in video-assisted thoracic surgery thymectomy in terms of the surgical outcomes and yielded similar neurological outcomes. Therefore, the modified subxiphoid approach is recommended as an alternative to the bilateral approach in the treatment of patients with MG and thymic masses.

Modified Subxiphoid Thoracoscopic Thymectomy for Locally Invasive Thymoma

BACKGROUND

We explored the feasibility and safety of modified subxiphoid thoracoscopic thymectomy for patients with locally invasive thymomas.

METHODS

Subxiphoid thoracoscopic thymectomy was performed on select patients with locally invasive thymomas (Masaoka stage III) using an auxiliary sternal retractor to create a larger operative field.

RESULTS

From June 2015 to March 2019, we performed modified subxiphoid thoracoscopic thymectomy on 48 patients with locally invasive thymomas: 39 patients had pericardium or lung infiltration and received a combination of a partial pericardium or lung wedge resection, and 9 patients had left innominate vein infiltration and underwent combined resection of the left innominate vein. Thoracoscopic thymectomy was performed from the subxiphoid pathway with an auxiliary sternal retractor in all 48 patients, and there were no conversions to median sternotomy. The median tumor size was 5 cm, and the maximal tumor size was 12 cm. The median blood loss was 50 mL. The median duration of chest tube placement was 3 days, and the median hospital stay was 4.5 days after surgery. All patients achieved a good recovery after surgery, and none had serious complications during the perioperative period. All patients underwent postoperative adjuvant radiotherapy and presented no local recurrence or distant metastasis until now.

CONCLUSIONS

Modified subxiphoid thoracoscopic thymectomy with an auxiliary sternal retractor makes minimally invasive thymectomy easier and safer to perform and is an alternative approach for some patients with locally invasive thymomas.

Downregulation of SETBP1 promoted non-small cell lung cancer progression by inducing cellular EMT and disordered immune status

PURPOSE

SET binding protein 1 (SETBP1) has involved in cancer pathogenesis like leukemic malignancies and breast cancer. But the role and the underlying mechanism in NSCLC remain unclear.

METHODS

RT-PCR and western blotting were used for determining the expression level of SETBP1 in NSCLC. The clinical values of SETBP1 expression were evaluated by tissue microarray and immunohistochemistry. CCK-8, transwell and Matrigel assays were used to assess NSCLC cells proliferation, migration and invasion ability. The analysis of EMT markers was carried out by RT-PCR, western blotting and immunofluorescence. Bioinformatics analysis revealed the relationship between SETBP1 expression and tumor-associated immune cells.

RESULTS

SETBP1 expression was significantly downregulated in NSCLC tissues than matched peri-tumors and NSCLC patients with the decreased level of SETBP1 had worse OS. Downregulation of SETBP1 expression induced EMT to promote NSCLC cells proliferation, migration and invasion by the activation of ERK1/2 signal pathway. Aberrant SETBP1 expression was companied by disordered immune status of NSCLC patients and might be involved in regulation of polarization of tumor-associated macrophages.

CONCLUSION

SETBP1 can act as a tumor suppressor to reduce the progression of NSCLC and can be used for a prognostic biomarker in NSCLC. Aberrant SETBP1 expression was companied by disordered immune status of NSCLC patients.

A mutational profile in multiple thymic squamous cell carcinoma

Background

Multiple thymic squamous cell carcinoma (TSCC) is a rare thymic epithelial tumor with a dismal prognosis. Mutational profiles of multiple TSCC may expand our understanding of tumorigenesis and treatment options for these tumors.

Methods

We sequenced the whole exomes of 3 TSCC nodules from a multiple TSCC patient and a paired peripheral blood sample and identified single-nucleotide variants and small insertions and deletions, and also performed gene ontological and pathway analyses.

Results

The 3 TSCC nodules were subjected to hematoxylin-eosin staining, and the results showed that these 3 nodules were highly similar with respect to histology. We identified 116, 94 and 98 non-synonymous somatic mutations in the 3 TSCC nodules, and 34 mutations, including mutations in TP53 and ARID1A, among others, were present in all 3 TSCC nodules. We then performed immunohistochemistry to assess two selected genes, TP53 and ARID1A, and found that the 3 TSCC nodules expressed similar levels of TP53 and ARID1A. Further gene ontological analysis and pathway analysis revealed that the 3 TSCC nodules also had similar significantly enriched pathways based on the identified genetic alterations. These results demonstrated that the 3 multiple TSCC nodules were spatially independent of each other but were highly similar with respect to histological sources and genetic characteristics, suggesting that 2 TSCC nodules were likely metastases of the third nodule.

Conclusions

These findings suggest that TSCC cells can be transferred to other sites inside the thymus and that total thymectomy is a good treatment option for thymic epithelial tumors.

Overexpression of EI2BL promoted human non-small cell lung cancer progression by inducing cell EMT phenotype

AIMS

To unveil the role of EI2BL in non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) and the relationship between expression of EI2BL and the prognosis of patients with NSCLC.

METHODS

Immunohistochemistry (IHC), western blot analysis, immunofluorescence and real-time quantitative PCR (RT-qPCR) were used to evaluate EI2BL protein and mRNA levels in NSCLC and corresponding peritumour tissues. Cell Counting Kit-8, transwell assay and wound healing assay were used to analyse the abilities of cell proliferation, invasion and migration. In addition, the analysis of epithelial-mesenchymal transition (EMT) markers was also assessed by western blot analysis, RT-qPCR and immunofluorescence. Tissue micro-array analysis of 200 NSCLC cases was used to assess the relationship between EI2BL expression and clinicopathological characteristics. Moreover, the prognostic role of EI2BL in 200 patients with NSCLC was evaluated by Cox regression models and Kaplan-Meier methods.

RESULTS

Elevated EI2BL expression was more common in NSCLC tissues than paired peritumour tissues in both mRNA and protein level. EI2BL promoted the proliferation, invasion and migration of NSCLC cells. In addition, aberrant EI2BL expression might modulate the expression of key molecules of EMT by ERK1/2 signal pathway. The expression of EI2BL was significantly associated with tumour stage, lymph node metastasis and tumour size. Moreover, higher expression of EI2BL in patients with NSCLC had a poor overall survival rate.

CONCLUSIONS

Our study illustrated that elevated expression of EI2BL promoted NSCLC cell proliferation, migration and invasion and EI2BL overexpression may be a reliable biomarker of poor prognosis.

Comparison between CT and MRI in the Diagnostic Accuracy of Thymic Masses

Purpose: The aim of this study was to compare diagnostic accuracy between CT and MRI for thymic masses.

Methods: We searched literature and collected information on first author, publication year, cases of different types of thymic lesions, correct diagnostic cases of CT and MRI and results of quantitative analysis of CT and MRI. The ROC curve was applied to compare the diagnostic performance of different imaging modalities.

Results: Eight literatures were finally included and analyzed in this study. There were 253 cases examined by CT and 340 cases by MRI in total. We showed outcomes of quantitative analysis of each study in this article. The sensitivity of CT and MRI was both 100%, while the specificity was 75% and 80%, respectively. AUC of CT was 0.875 [95%CI: 0.473, 0.997] and that of MRI was 0.880 [95%CI: 0.531, 0.995].

Conclusion: The diagnostic accuracy of MRI is superior to CT in detecting thymomas, thymic cysts or thymic hyperplasia but that of CT and MRI is still unclear in differentiating thymic carcinomas and lymphomas/germ cell tumors.

Loss of UHRF2 Is Associated With Non-small Cell Lung Carcinoma Progression

Recent evidence indicated ubiquitin like with PHD and ring finger domains 2 (UHRF2) was involved in various human diseases, especially in cancer, however, its roles in cancer are still in dispute. Here, we found UHRF2 expression was decreased in lung cancer tissues compared with adjacent normal tissues by referring to the Oncomine Database, which was further identified by immunoblotting and quantitative real-time polymerase chain reaction assays. Secondly, we found knockdown of UHRF2 in A549 and 95-D cell lines enhanced the capability of proliferation, invasion and migration, while forced UHRF2 expression inhibited NSCLC cells proliferation,invasion and migration. Mechanistically, dot-blot and western blot assays indicated that the level of UHRF2 was positively correlated with 5-hmC level by affecting ten-eleven translocation 2 (TET2) expression. Clinically, UHRF2 downregulation is significantly correlated with a malignant phenotype, including larger tumor size and poor differentiation. Moreover, UHRF2 downregulated correlates with shorter overall survival(OS). Conclusion: Our findings indicate that UHRF2 is a tumor suppressor in NSCLC by influence TET2 expression and serve as a potential therapeutic target in NSCLC.

Elevated FUS/TLS expression is negatively associated with E-cadherin expression and prognosis of patients with non-small cell lung cancer

Fused in sarcoma/translocated in liposarcoma (FUS/TLS), a ubiquitous and multifunctional DNA and RNA-binding protein, contributes an important function in cancer and neurodegenerative disease; however, its role in lung cancer remains unclear. In the present study, the expression of FUS/TLS in non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) and the significance of FUS/TLS for predicting the clinical outcome of patients with NSCLC, was examined. FUS/TLS expression was investigated in NSCLC tissues and their matched adjacent non-tumorous tissues by reverse transcription-quantitative polymerase chain reaction, western blotting, and immunohistochemistry. Tissue microarrays representing 208 patients with NSCLC were used to determine the expression pattern and associations with FUS/TLS using immunohistochemistry. Prognostic significance was assessed by Kaplan-Meier survival estimates and log-rank tests. Data revealed that FUS/TLS expression was elevated in NSCLC tissues compared with corresponding normal tissue mRNA (9.27±0.73 vs. 6.15±0.60) and protein (3.32±0.75 vs. 0.30±0.07) levels. In tissue microarrays, FUS/TLS was highly expressed in 103 (49.5%, 103/208) NSCLC tissues compared with adjacent normal lung tissues (28.4%, 59/208). Overexpression of FUS/TLS was associated with higher tumor node metastasis stage (P=0.016), poorer differentiation (P=0.008), large tumor size (P=0.019) and predicted poor prognosis (P=0.005) in patients with NSCLC. Notably, correlation analysis revealed a significant inverse association between the expression of FUS/TLS and E-cadherin (r²=0.51; P=0.036). Furthermore, patients with NSCLC with high FUS/TLS and impaired E-cadherin expression had a notably poor prognosis (P=4.01×10^-4). Thus, the results from the present study indicate that elevated FUS/TLS expression promotes NSCLC progression. FUS/TLS, alone or in combination with E-cadherin, is a novel prognostic predictor for patients with NSCLC.

Ring finger protein 38 promote non-small cell lung cancer progression by endowing cell EMT phenotype

Objectives: Ring finger protein 38 (RNF38), as an E3 ubiquitin ligase, plays an essential role in multiple biological processes by controlling cell apoptosis, cell cycle and DNA repair, and resides in chromosome 9 (9p13) which is involvement in cancer pathogenesis including lung cancer. However, its function in tumorigenesis remains unclear. Hence, this study set out to investigate the biological function and clinical implications of RNF38 in non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC).

Materials and Methods: Immunohistochemistry, quantitative real-time polymerase chain reaction (qRT-PCR) and western blot were used to detect RNF38 protein and mRNA levels in NSCLC and corresponding paratumor tissues. Tissue microarrays (TMA) analysis of 208 NSCLC cases were used to evaluate the relationship between RNF38 expression and clinical implications. Prognostic value was assessed by Kaplan-Meier analysis and log-rank tests. Wound-healing assays, trans-well assays, colony formation assays and CCK8 were used to assess cell migration, invasion and proliferative ability respectively. The analysis of epithelial-to-mesenchymal transition (EMT) phenotype was carried out by immunofluorescence and western blot.

Results: Our data revealed that elevated RNF38 expression were more common in NSCLC tissues than paired normal tissues in both mRNA (2.82 ± 0.29 vs. 1.23 ± 0.13) and protein (2.75 ± 0.09 vs. 1.24 ± 0.02) level. High levels of RNF38 expression were significantly associated with lymph node metastases, higher TNM stages (p=0.011), larger tumor size (p=2.09E-04) and predicted poor prognosis. RNF38 expression was inversely correlated with E-cadherin expression (P= 0.025). Moreover, downregulation of RNF38 impaired the proliferation, metastatic and invasive abilities in NSCLC cells. In addition, aberrant RNF38 expression could modulate the key molecules of EMT.

Conclusions: Our results indicate that elevated expression of RNF38 is significantly associated with the proliferation and metastatic capacity of NSCLC cells, and RNF38 overexpression can serve as a biomarker of NSCLC poor prognosis.

High level of BRD4 promotes non-small cell lung cancer progression

Bromodomain containing protein 4 (BRD4), a member of the bromodomain and extra terminal domain (BET) protein family, has been shown to play important roles in tumor progression. However, its role in non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) is still largely unknown. Here, we found that BRD4 expression was significantly upregulated in NSCLC tissues and NSCLC cell lines with higher invasion and metastasis potentials. Suppression of BRD4 expression in NSCLC cell lines impaired cell invasion, inhibited cell proliferation, and accelerated cell apoptosis. Clinically, we observed that the BRD4 level was significantly related to histological type, lymph node metastasis, tumor stage and differentiation. More importantly, high level of BRD4 was closely correlated with the poor prognosis of NSCLC patients. Therefore, our study suggests that BRD4 is one of the major contributors to the invasion-prone phenotype of NSCLC, and a potential therapeutic target of NSCLC.

The overexpression of 14-3-3ζ and Hsp27 promotes non–small cell lung cancer progression

BACKGROUND

The 14-3-3ζ protein has been identified as a putative oncoprotein in several cancers, including non–small cell lung cancer (NSCLC). However, the mechanisms underlying its functions have not been well defined.

METHODS

Proteins that interact with 14-3-3ζ were identified through coimmunoprecipitation and mass spectrometry in NSCLC cells. The interaction of 14-3-3ζ with these molecular partners and their roles in the invasiveness and metastasis of NSCLC cells were assayed through specific disruptions in the 14-3-3ζ signaling network. In addition, the clinical implications of this 14-3-3ζ complex were examined in samples from patients with NSCLC.

RESULTS

Among the identified proteins that interacted with 14-3-3ζ, there were 230 proteins in 95-D cells, 181 proteins in 95-C cells, and 203 proteins in A549 cells; and 16 interacting proteins were identified that overlapped between all cell lines. Further studies revealed 14-3-3ζ complexes within the heat shock protein 27 (Hsp27) protein and demonstrated that the interference of Hsp27 or 14-3-3ζ inhibited the invasion and metastasis of NSCLC cells. The invasive and metastatic capabilities of cells with both Hsp27 and 14-3-3ζ interference could be completely restored only by Hsp27 and 14-3-3ζ complementary DNA transfection and not by either agent alone. Clinically, the postoperative 5-year overall survival (OS) in patients who had high expression of both 14-3-3ζ and Hsp27 was significantly lower than the 5-year OS in patients who had low expression of both 14-3-3ζ and Hsp27 (26.5% vs 59.7%, respectively). Multivariate analysis revealed that the combined expression of 14-3-3ζ and Hsp27 was an independent prognostic indicator of OS(P = .036).

CONCLUSIONS

The current data suggest that the combined expression of 14-3-3ζ and Hsp27 may be a biomarker for predicting survival in patients with NSCLC, and this combination may have potential as a therapeutic target for NSCLC.

The expression of CXCR4 and its relationship with matrix metalloproteinase-9/vascular endothelial growth factor in esophageal squamous cell cancer

Esophageal cancer (EC) is a highly aggressive neoplasm with poor prognosis. The main reason for this disappointing outcome is the strong behavior of esophageal cancer cell's invasion and metastasis. CXC chemokine receptor 4 (CXCR4) was found to be expressed in many tumors and significantly correlated with invasion, angiogenesis, metastasis, and prognosis. In the present study, we investigated the expressions of CXCR4, matrix metalloproteinase-9 (MMP-9), and vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) in esophageal squamous cell cancer (ESCC) and analyzed the relationship among the three proteins. Sections of paraffin-embedded tissues were obtained from 127 patients with ESCC undergoing esophagectomy at Zhongshan Hospital, Fudan University in 2005. The CXCR4, MMP-9, and VEGF expressions in EC tissues were evaluated according to the immunohistochemical staining area and intensity. The correlations between patients' prognosis and covariates were analyzed by Kaplan--Meier method (univariate analysis) and Cox regression (multivariate analysis). The overall expression rate of CXCR4, MMP-9, and VEGF was 88.2%, 93.7%, and 79.5%, respectively. CXCR4 expression was significantly associated with tumor grade, tumor size, tumor depth, regional lymph node metastasis, and tumor, node, metastasis (TNM) stage (P < 0.05). MMP-9 expression was significantly associated with age and tumor grade (P < 0.05). VEGF expression was significantly associated with tumor grade, tumor depth, and TNM stage (P < 0.05). CXCR4 expression was positively correlated with MMP-9 expression (P < 0.01, r= 0.365) and VEGF expression (P < 0.01, r= 0.380). However, there was no significant correlation between MMP-9 and VEGF expression (P > 0.05). In univariate analysis, CXCR4 expression, tumor size, tumor depth, lymph node metastasis, and TNM stage were correlated with patients' prognosis (P < 0.05); in multivariate analysis, tumor size and lymph node metastasis were the independent factors of poor prognosis. CXCR4 was highly expressed in ESCC and correlated with MMP-9, VEGF, clinicopathological features and prognosis. We speculated CXCR4 play an important role during the progression of this disease and there might be some regulatory mechanism existing between CXCR4 and MMP-9/VEGF in ESCC.

Simultaneous identification of Bulbus Fritillariae cirrhosae using PCR-RFLP analysis

Bulbus Fritillariae (BF) is the most commonly used antitussive herb in China. There are nine species of Fritillaria recorded as the drug BF in the Chinese Pharmacopoeia. Bulbus Fritillariae cirrhosae (BF cirrhosae) is a group that includes four species of BF; these four species come from wild sources with higher efficiency and lower toxicity compared to the other five species of BF. Due to reasons of carelessness and reduced costs, the other five species are often sold as BF cirrhosae. Analysis through appearance, microscopic and chemical techniques has limitations. Identifying botanical resources is a primary step in the standardization of herbal medicine. In the present article, the internal transcribed spacer 1 (ITS1) regions of the nuclear ribosomal DNA (nrDNA) of nine species and one variety of Fritillaria genus have been sequenced. A mutation site in the ITS1 region among BF cirrhosae and other species of BF has been found and can be recognized by the restriction endonuclease SmaI. Polymerase chain reaction-restriction fragment length polymorphism (PCR-RFLP) analysis of the nuclear ribosomal ITS1 region was used to differentiate BF cirrhosae from other species of BF and is a successful method in distinguishing the subgroups.

Antibacterial and antifungal activity of Erigeron breviscapus

The antibacterial and antifungal properties of the ethanol extract of Erigeron breviscapus whole plant was evaluated. The extract showed a moderate antibacterial activity and a high antifungal activity.

[Studies on the arbutin biosynthesis by hairy root of Panax ginseng C.A. Mayer]

OBJECTIVE

To study basic conditions for biosynthesis arbutin by the hairy root of Panax ginseng.

METHOD

Based on the content of arbutin and the biotransformation rate of hydroquione, these conditions such as the culture stage, the lasting time and the concentration of hydroquione fitting for biosynthesis were found.

RESULT

After cultured for 22 days, transferred in fresh B5 medium having 2 mmol.L-1 hydroquione, the hairy root biotransformated hydroquione into arbutin in 24 hours, the bioconversion rate was 89.0% and the content of arbutin in dry root was 13.0%.

CONCLUSION

Arbutin, was which never found in the genus of Panax ginseng, can be biosynthesized by the hairy root of Panax ginseng.

[Studies on tissue culture of Dendrobium chrysotoxum Lindl in vitro]

OBJECTIVE

To set up a system for the culture of Dendrobium chrysotoxum in vitro.

METHOD

Tissue culture, fire fly luminescence and phenol-H2SO4 method.

RESULT

The embryo could germinate with or without light, the MS, 1/2MS, B5, N6 mediums are suitable to the growth and the differentiation of sprout with light, 0.5 mg.L-1 NAA and 1 mg.L-1 6-BA, and ATP have regular changes, the content of polysaccharide was 2.833% in plant and 7.254% in sprout.

CONCLUSION

The light has no effects on the embryo germination, but the phytohormone, nitrogen source and organized elements are important to the growth and differentiation of the sprout which should be transferred to the MS, 1/2MS, B5, N6 mediums in time supplemented with NAA [symbol: see text] 6-BA, ATP may be served as the dynamic indication of nourishment demand in the plant. The content of polysaccharide in the sprout is higher and can be utilized.

[Genetic transformation of Panax ginseng C.A. Meyer induced by root inducing plasmid(Ri) of Agrobacterium rhizogenes]

OBJECTIVE

To obtain the hairy root of Panax ginseng (HRPG).

METHOD

HRPG was obtained by infecting the germ-free seedling, cotyledon, leaf the blade, Petiole with Agrobacterium rhizogenes 15,834 harbouring agropine-type Ri plasmid. The transformation was proved by PCR and TLC.

RESULT

HRPG grew rapidly on hormone-free medium and showed typical phenotype of hairy root. The induced rate and time can be improved by adding exogenous hormone and AS(hydroxyacetosyringone). PCR analysis confirmed the integration of TL-DNA, including 564 bp rolC sequence in the HRPG. Opine analysis evidenced the integration and expression of TL-DNA. The total saponin in HRPG (2.486%) was higher the than control(1.403% Panax ginseng).

CONCLUSION

HRPG grows rapidly and proves high in content of ginseng saponin. This culture system of HRPG will be useful for the production of active components in ginseng.

[Experimental morphological study of injection nerve injuries in rabbits]

The sciatic nerve of 16 rabbits were examined with the optical and electron microscope 2, 24, 72 hours and 7 days after injecting penicillin (200,000 U) into nerve or its peripheral in experiment group and control group. The experiment group showed successively nerve fiber tumefaction, myelin sheath lamellar separation and degeneration partly, the construction of axonal change abnormality myelin and axonal obvious degeneration from 2 hours to 7 days. The control group showed perinerve edema, hyperemia, epineurium hyperplasia, the nerve fiber of near epineurium had mild pathologic changes.

Role of glycoconjugates in adherence of Salmonella pullorum to the intestinal epithelium of chicks

1. The distribution of glycoconjugates on the surface of Salmonella pullorum and the ileal epithelium of chicks was demonstrated by lectin cytochemistry. The role of glycoconjugates in adherence of S. pullorum to the ileal epithelium was determined by a sugar inhibition assay using the scanning electron microscope. 2. S. pullorum exhibited binding to Concanavalin A (Con A) and wheat germ agglutinin (WGA) but not to soyabean agglutinin (SBA), Ricinus communis agglutinin (RCA) and Ulex europaeus agglutinin (UEA). 3. The ileal epithelium of chicks bound WGA, Con A and SBA. The binding sites for WGA were on the brush border and cytoplasm of columnar enterocytes as well as on goblet cells. The binding of Con A was confined to the cytoplasm of columnar enterocytes, while SBA bound, in a limited way, to the brush border of columnar enterocytes. 4. After an oral dose of S. pullorum, adherence to the ileal epithelium was inhibited by methyl alpha-D-mannopyranoside.

The inhibitory effect of hydrocortisone on interferon production by rat spleen cells

The effect of hydrocortisone on interferon r(IFN-r) production by rat spleen cells and its mechanism were studied. The results showed that hydrocortisone inhibited IFN-r production at concentrations as low as 5.52 x 10(-10) M, with complete suppression at 5.52 x 10(-8) M, and the total number and survival rate of the cultured spleen cells were not apparently affected by 5.52 x 10(-8) M hydrocortisone. The inhibitory effect was dose-dependent when the concentration was from 5.52 x 10(-10) M to 5.52 x 10(-8) M and could be blocked by RU38486, a competitive antagonist of glucocorticoid. Our results suggested that glucocorticoid may inhibit IFN-r production through a receptor-mediated mechanism.