Pharmacological reprogramming of zebrafish lateral line supporting cells to a migratory progenitor state

In the zebrafish lateral line, non-sensory supporting cells readily re-enter the cell cycle to generate new hair cells and supporting cells during homeostatic maintenance and following damage to hair cells. This contrasts with supporting cells from mammalian vestibular and auditory sensory epithelia which rarely re-enter the cell cycle, and hence loss of hair cells results in permanent sensory deficit. Lateral line supporting cells are derived from multipotent progenitor cells that migrate down the trunk midline as a primordium and are deposited to differentiate into a neuromast. We have found that we can revert zebrafish support cells back to a migratory progenitor state by pharmacologically altering the signaling environment to mimic that of the migratory primordium, with active Wnt signaling and repressed FGF signaling. The reverted supporting cells migrate anteriorly and posteriorly along the horizontal myoseptum and will re-epithelialize to form an increased number of neuromasts along the midline when the pharmacological agents are removed. These data demonstrate that supporting cells can be readily reprogrammed to a migratory multipotent progenitor state that can form new sensory neuromasts, which has important implications for our understanding of how the lateral line system matures and expands in fish and also suggest avenues for returning mammalian supporting cells back to a proliferative state.

KDM7A-DT induces genotoxic stress, tumorigenesis, and progression of p53 missense mutation-associated invasive breast cancer

Stress-induced promoter-associated and antisense lncRNAs (si-paancRNAs) originate from a reservoir of oxidative stress (OS)-specific promoters via RNAPII pausing-mediated divergent antisense transcription. Several studies have shown that the KDM7A divergent transcript gene (KDM7A-DT), which encodes a si-paancRNA, is overexpressed in some cancer types. However, the mechanisms of this overexpression and its corresponding roles in oncogenesis and cancer progression are poorly understood. We found that KDM7A-DT expression is correlated with highly aggressive cancer types and specific inherently determined subtypes (such as ductal invasive breast carcinoma (BRCA) basal subtype). Its regulation is determined by missense TP53 mutations in a subtype-specific context. KDM7A-DT transcribes several intermediate-sized ncRNAs and a full-length transcript, exhibiting distinct expression and localization patterns. Overexpression of KDM7A-DT upregulates TP53 protein expression and H2AX phosphorylation in nonmalignant fibroblasts, while in semi-transformed fibroblasts, OS superinduces KDM7A-DT expression in a TP53-dependent manner. KDM7A-DT knockdown and gene expression profiling in TP53-missense mutated luminal A BRCA variant, where it is abundantly expressed, indicate its significant role in cancer pathways. Endogenous over-expression of KDM7A-DT inhibits DNA damage response/repair (DDR/R) via the TP53BP1-mediated pathway, reducing apoptosis and promoting G2/M checkpoint arrest. Higher KDM7A-DT expression in BRCA is associated with KDM7A-DT locus gain/amplification, higher histologic grade, aneuploidy, hypoxia, immune modulation scores, and activation of the c-myc pathway. Higher KDM7A-DT expression is associated with relatively poor survival outcomes in patients with luminal A or Basal subtypes. In contrast, it is associated with favorable outcomes in patients with HER2+ER- or luminal B subtypes. KDM7A-DT levels are coregulated with critical transcripts and proteins aberrantly expressed in BRCA, including those involved in DNA repair via non-homologous end joining and epithelial-to-mesenchymal transition pathway. In summary, KDM7A-DT and its si-lncRNA exhibit several intrinsic biological and clinical characteristics that suggest important roles in invasive BRCA and its subtypes. KDM7A-DT-defined mRNA and protein subnetworks offer resources for identifying clinically relevant RNA-based signatures and prospective targets for therapeutic intervention.

Mesenchymal stem cells derived from CHIR99021 and TGF‑β induction remained on the colicomentum and improved cardiac function of a rat model of acute myocardium infarction

Human induced pluripotent stem cells (hiPSCs) have been regarded as a potential stem cell source for cell therapy. However, the production of cells with mesenchymal potential from hiPSCs through spontaneous differentiation is time consuming and laborious. In the present study, the combined use of the GSK-3 inhibitor CHIR99021 and TGF-β was used to obtain mesenchymal stem cell (MSC)-like cells from hiPSCs. During the induction process, the transcription of epithelial-mesenchymal transition (EMT)-related genes N-cadherin and Vimentin in the transformed cells was upregulated, whereas the transcription of E-cadherin and pluripotency-related transcription factors SOX2, OCT4 and NANOG did not change significantly. This indicated that whilst cells were pluripotent, EMT was initiated by the upregulation of transcription of EMT promoting genes. Both SMAD-dependent and independent signalling pathways were significantly activated by the combined induction treatment compared with the single factor induction. The hiPSC-derived MSC-like cells (hiPSC-MSCs) expressed MSC-related markers and acquired osteogenic, chondrogenic and adipogenic differentiation potentials. After being injected into the peritoneal cavity of rats, the hiPSC-MSCs secreted angiogenic and immune-regulatory factors and remained on the colicomentum for 3 weeks. Within an 11-week period, four intraperitoneal hiPSC-MSC injections (1x107 cells/injection) into acute myocardial infarction (AMI) model rats significantly increased the left ventricular ejection fraction, left ventricular fractional shortening and angiogenesis and significantly reduced scar size and the extent of apoptosis in the infarcted area compared with that of the control PBS injection. Symptoms of hiPSC-MSC-induced immune reaction or tumour formation were not observed over the course of the experiment in the hiSPC-MSC treated rats. In conclusion, the CHIR99021 and TGF-β combined induction was a rapid and effective method to obtain MSC-like cells from hiPSCs and multiple high dose intraperitoneal injections of hiPSC-derived MSCs were safe and effective at restoring cardiac function in an AMI rat model.

Vulvo-vaginal epithelial tumors in mares: A preliminary investigation on epithelial-mesenchymal transition and tumor-immune microenvironment

Vulvo-vaginal epithelial tumors are uncommon in mares, and data on the epithelial-to-mesenchymal transition (EMT) and the tumor-immune microenvironment (TIME) are still lacking. This is a study investigating the equus caballus papillomavirus type 2 (EcPV2) infection state as well as the EMT process and the tumor microenvironment in vulvo-vaginal preneoplastic/ benign (8/22) or malignant (14/22) epithelial lesions in mares. To do this, histopathological, immunohistochemical, transcriptomic, in situ hybridization, and correlation analyses were carried out. Immunohistochemistry quantification showed that cytoplasmic E-cadherin and β-catenin expression as well as nuclear β-catenin expression were features of malignant lesions, while benign/preneoplastic lesions were mainly characterized by membranous E-cadherin and β-catenin expression. Despite this, there were no differences between benign and malignant equine vulvo-vaginal lesions in the expression of downstream genes involved in the canonical and noncanonical wnt/β-catenin pathways. In addition, malignant lesions were characterized by a lower number of cells with cytoplasmic cytokeratin expression as well as a slightly higher cytoplasmic vimentin immunolabeling. The TIME of malignant lesions was characterized by more numerous CD204+ M2-polarized macrophages. Altogether, our results support the hypothesis that some actors in TIME such as CD204+ M2-polarized macrophages may favor the EMT process in equine vulvo-vaginal malignant lesions providing new insights for future investigations in the field of equine EcPV2-induced genital neoplastic lesions.

Microfluidic-SERS Technologies for CTC: A Perspective on Clinical Translation

Enumeration and phenotypic profiling of circulating tumor cells (CTCs) provide critical information for clinical diagnosis and treatment monitoring in cancer. To achieve this goal, an integrated system is needed to efficiently isolate CTCs from patient samples and sensitively evaluate their phenotypes. Such integration would comprise a high-throughput single-cell processing unit for the isolation and manipulation of CTCs and a sensitive and multiplexed quantitation unit to detect clinically relevant signals from these cells. Surface-enhanced Raman scattering (SERS) has been used as an analytical method for molecular profiling and in vitro cancer diagnosis. More recently, its multiplexing capability and power to create distinct molecular signatures against their targets have garnered attention. Here, we share our insights into the combined power of microfluidics and SERS in realizing CTC isolation, enumeration, and detection from a clinical translation perspective. We highlight the key operational factors in CTC microfluidic processing and SERS detection from patient samples. We further discuss microfluidic-SERS integration and its clinical utility as a paradigm shift in clinical CTC-based cancer diagnosis and prognostication. Finally, we summarize the challenges and attempt to look forward to what lies ahead of us in potentially translating the technique into real clinical applications.

Single-cell omics identifies inflammatory signaling as a trans-differentiation trigger in mouse embryos

Trans-differentiation represents a direct lineage conversion; however, insufficient characterization of this process hinders its potential applications. Here, to explore a potential universal principal for trans-differentiation, we performed single-cell transcriptomic analysis of endothelial-to-hematopoietic transition (EHT), endothelial-to-mesenchymal transition, and epithelial-to-mesenchymal transition in mouse embryos. We applied three scoring indexes of entropies, cell-type signature transcription factor expression, and critical transition signals to show common features underpinning the fate plasticity of transition states. Cross-model comparison identified inflammatory-featured transition states and a common trigger role of interleukin-33 in promoting fate conversions. Multimodal profiling (integrative transcriptomic and chromatin accessibility analysis) demonstrated the inflammatory regulation of hematopoietic specification. Furthermore, multimodal omics and fate-mapping analyses showed that endothelium-specific Spi1, as an inflammatory effector, governs appropriate chromatin accessibility and transcriptional programs to safeguard EHT. Overall, our study employs single-cell omics to identify critical transition states/signals and the common trigger role of inflammatory signaling in developmental-stress-induced fate conversions.

Switch of ELF3 and ATF4 transcriptional axis programs the amino acid insufficiency-linked epithelial-to-mesenchymal transition

Epithelial-to-mesenchymal transition (EMT) that endows cancer cells with increased invasive and migratory capacity enables cancer dissemination and metastasis. This process is tightly associated with metabolic reprogramming acquired for rewiring cell status and signaling pathways for survival in dietary insufficiency conditions. However, it remains largely unclear how transcription factor (TF)-mediated transcriptional programs are modulated during the EMT process. Here, we reveal that depletion of a key epithelial TF, ELF3 (E74-like factor-3), triggers a transforming growth factor β (TGF-β) signaling activation-like mesenchymal transcriptomic profile and metastatic features linked to the aminoacyl-tRNA biogenesis pathway. Moreover, the transcriptome alterations elicited by ELF3 depletion perfectly resemble an ATF4-dependent weak response to amino acid starvation. Intriguingly, we observe an exclusive enrichment of ELF3 and ATF4 in epithelial and TGF-β-induced or ELF3-depletion-elicited mesenchymal enhancers, respectively, with rare co-binding on altered enhancers. We also find that the upregulation of aminoacyl-tRNA synthetases and some mesenchymal genes upon amino acid deprivation is diminished in ATF4-depleted cells. In sum, the loss of ELF3 binding on epithelial enhancers and the gain of ATF4 binding on the enhancers of mesenchymal factors and amino acid deprivation responsive genes facilitate the loss of epithelial cell features and the gain of TGF-β-signaling-associated mesenchymal signatures, which further promote lung cancer cell metastasis.

Pharmacological induction of chromatin remodeling drives chemosensitization in triple-negative breast cancer

Targeted therapies have improved outcomes for certain cancer subtypes, but cytotoxic chemotherapy remains a mainstay for triple-negative breast cancer (TNBC). The epithelial-to-mesenchymal transition (EMT) is a developmental program co-opted by cancer cells that promotes metastasis and chemoresistance. There are no therapeutic strategies specifically targeting mesenchymal-like cancer cells. We report that the US Food and Drug Administration (FDA)-approved chemotherapeutic eribulin induces ZEB1-SWI/SNF-directed chromatin remodeling to reverse EMT that curtails the metastatic propensity of TNBC preclinical models. Eribulin induces mesenchymal-to-epithelial transition (MET) in primary TNBC in patients, but conventional chemotherapy does not. In the treatment-naive setting, but not after acquired resistance to other agents, eribulin sensitizes TNBC cells to subsequent treatment with other chemotherapeutics. These findings provide an epigenetic mechanism of action of eribulin, supporting its use early in the disease process for MET induction to prevent metastatic progression and chemoresistance. These findings warrant prospective clinical evaluation of the chemosensitizing effects of eribulin in the treatment-naive setting.

PROM2 upregulation promotes cancer cell migration and confers a poor prognosis in lung squamous cell carcinoma

Lung squamous cell carcinoma (LUSC) remains a difficult-to-treat disease with a poor prognosis. While prominin-1 (PROM1/CD-133) is largely investigated in a variety of malignancies, the role of prominin-2 (PROM2), the other member of the prominin family, has not been studied in LUSC. Transcriptomic data derived from matched tumor and adjacent non-tumorous lung tissues of LUSC patients were employed to conduct an in-depth analysis of the genetic and epigenetic regulation of prominin genes within LUSC, utilizing bioinformatic approaches. Furthermore, cellular behavior experiments were executed to discern the biological functions of PROM2. It was observed that PROM2, in contrast to PROM1, exhibited significant upregulation and overexpression at both the mRNA and protein levels in LUSC, and this upregulation was correlated with shortened patient survival. Transcriptomic analysis unveiled DNA methylation as an epigenetic regulatory mechanism associated with PROM2 expression. Notably, two transcription factors, CBFB and NRIP1, were identified as potential regulators of PROM2 expression. Subsequent in vitro investigations demonstrated that knocking down PROM2 led to the inhibition of cancer cell migration and the epithelial-to-mesenchymal transition (EMT). In summary, the pronounced upregulation of PROM2 in LUSC patients was linked to an unfavorable prognosis, possibly attributable to its influence on cancer cell migration and EMT. These findings suggest that PROM2 could serve as a promising diagnostic biomarker and therapeutic target in the management of LUSC. Consequently, further research into the mechanistic aspects and potential therapeutic interventions targeting PROM2 is warranted in the clinical context.

The Suppression of the Epithelial to Mesenchymal Transition in Prostate Cancer through the Targeting of MYO6 Using MiR-145-5p

Aberrant expression of miR-145-5p has been observed in prostate cancer where is has been suggested to play a tumor suppressor role. In other cancers, miR-145-5p acts as an inhibitor of epithelial-to-mesenchymal transition (EMT), a key molecular process for tumor progression. However, the interaction between miR-145-5p and EMT remains to be elucidated in prostate cancer. In this paper the link between miR-145-5p and EMT in prostate cancer was investigated using a combination of in silico and in vitro analyses. miR-145-5p expression was significantly lower in prostate cancer cell lines compared to normal prostate cells. Bioinformatic analysis of The Cancer Genome Atlas prostate adenocarcinoma (TCGA PRAD) data showed significant downregulation of miR-145-5p in prostate cancer, correlating with disease progression. Functional enrichment analysis significantly associated miR-145-5p and its target genes with EMT. MYO6, an EMT-associated gene, was identified and validated as a novel target of miR-145-5p in prostate cancer cells. In vitro manipulation of miR-145-5p levels significantly altered cell proliferation, clonogenicity, migration and expression of EMT-associated markers. Additional TCGA PRAD analysis suggested miR-145-5p tumor expression may be useful predictor of disease recurrence. In summary, this is the first study to report that miR-145-5p may inhibit EMT by targeting MYO6 in prostate cancer cells. The findings suggest miR-145-5p could be a useful diagnostic and prognostic biomarker for prostate cancer.

Intestinal Fibrogenesis in Inflammatory Bowel Diseases: Exploring the Potential Role of Gut Microbiota Metabolites as Modulators

Fibrosis, sustained by the transformation of intestinal epithelial cells into fibroblasts (epithelial-to-mesenchymal transition, EMT), has been extensively studied in recent decades, with the molecular basis well-documented in various diseases, including inflammatory bowel diseases (IBDs). However, the factors influencing these pathways remain unclear. In recent years, the role of the gut microbiota in health and disease has garnered significant attention. Evidence suggests that an imbalanced or dysregulated microbiota, along with environmental and genetic factors, may contribute to the development of IBDs. Notably, microbes produce various metabolites that interact with host receptors and associated signaling pathways, influencing physiological and pathological changes. This review aims to present recent evidence highlighting the emerging role of the most studied metabolites as potential modulators of molecular pathways implicated in intestinal fibrosis and EMT in IBDs. These studies provide a deeper understanding of intestinal inflammation and fibrosis, elucidating the molecular basis of the microbiota role in IBDs, paving the way for future treatments.

Endolysosomal two-pore channel 2 plays opposing roles in primary and metastatic malignant melanoma cells

The ion channel two-pore channel 2 (TPC2), localised on the membranes of acidic organelles such as endo-lysosomes and melanosomes, has been shown to play a role in pathologies including cancer, and it is differently expressed in primary versus metastatic melanoma cells. Whether TPC2 plays a pro- or anti-oncogenic role in different tumour conditions is a relevant open question which we have explored in melanoma at different stages of tumour progression. The behaviour of primary melanoma cell line B16F0 and its metastatic subline B16F10 were compared in response to TPC2 modulation by silencing (by small interfering RNA), knock-out (by CRISPR/Cas9) and overexpression (by mCherry-TPC2 transfected plasmid). TPC2 silencing increased cell migration, epithelial-to-mesenchymal transition and autophagy in the metastatic samples, but abated them in the silenced primary ones. Interestingly, while TPC2 inactivation failed to affect markers of proliferation in both samples, it strongly enhanced the migratory behaviour of the metastatic cells, again suggesting that in the more aggressive phenotype TPC2 plays a specific antimetastatic role. In line with this, overexpression of TPC2 in B16F10 cells resulted in phenotype rescue, that is, a decrease in migratory ability, thus collectively resuming traits of the B16F0 primary cell line. Our research shows a novel role of TPC2 in melanoma cells that is intriguingly different in initial versus late stages of cancer progression.

miR-204 suppresses cancer stemness and enhances osimertinib sensitivity in non-small cell lung cancer by targeting CD44

Osimertinib is an effective treatment option for patients with advanced non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) with EGFR activation or T790M resistance mutations; however, acquired resistance to osimertinib can still develop. This study explored novel miRNA-mRNA regulatory mechanisms that contribute to osimertinib resistance in lung cancer. We found that miR-204 expression in osimertinib-resistant lung cancer cells was markedly reduced compared to that in osimertinib-sensitive parental cells. miR-204 expression levels in cancer cells isolated from treatment-naive pleural effusions were significantly higher than those in cells with acquired resistance to osimertinib. miR-204 enhanced the sensitivity of lung cancer cells to osimertinib and suppressed spheroid formation, migration, and invasion of lung cancer cells. Increased miR-204 expression in osimertinib-resistant cells reversed resistance to osimertinib and enhanced osimertinib-induced apoptosis by upregulating BIM expression levels and activating caspases. Restoration of CD44 (the direct downstream target gene of miR-204) expression reversed the effects of miR-204 on osimertinib sensitivity, recovered cancer stem cell and mesenchymal markers, and suppressed E-cadherin expression. The study demonstrates that miR-204 reduced cancer stemness and epithelial-to-mesenchymal transition, thus overcoming osimertinib resistance in lung cancer by inhibiting the CD44 signaling pathway.

Functional requirement of alternative splicing in epithelial-mesenchymal transition of pancreatic circulating tumor

Circulating tumor cells (CTCs) that undergo epithelial-to-mesenchymal transition (EMT) can provide valuable information regarding metastasis and potential therapies. However, current studies on the EMT overlook alternative splicing. Here, we used single-cell full-length transcriptome data and mRNA sequencing of CTCs to identify stage-specific alternative splicing of partial EMT and mesenchymal states during pancreatic cancer metastasis. We classified definitive tumor and normal epithelial cells via genetic aberrations and demonstrated dynamic changes in the epithelial-mesenchymal continuum in both epithelial cancer cells and CTCs. We provide the landscape of alternative splicing in CTCs at different stages of EMT, uncovering cell-type-specific splicing patterns and splicing events in cell surface proteins suitable for therapies. We show that MBNL1 governs cell fate through alternative splicing independently of changes in gene expression and affects the splicing pattern during EMT. We found a high frequency of events that contained multiple premature termination codons and were enriched with C and G nucleotides in close proximity, which influence the likelihood of stop codon readthrough and expand the range of potential therapeutic targets. Our study provides insights into the EMT transcriptome's dynamic changes and identifies potential diagnostic and therapeutic targets in pancreatic cancer.

Circ-OMAC drives metastasis in oral squamous cell carcinoma

OBJECTIVES

Accumulating studies have proved that the circular RNAs (circRNAs) play vital roles in human cancers. However, few circRNAs have been elucidated with lymph node metastasis. This study demonstrated that circ-oral cancer metastasis-associated circRNA (circ-OMAC) is required to regulate the oral squamous cell carcinoma (OSCC) metastasis.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

The circ-OMAC were detected by circRNA-sequencing and further verified by in situ hybridization (ISH). The role of circ-OMAC was assessed by transwell assay and wound healing assay. Mechanistically, circ-OMAC regulated OSCC metastasis by initiating the epithelial-to-mesenchymal transition (EMT) signaling pathway.

RESULTS

Our findings suggested that circ-OMAC was aberrantly elevated in the metastatic lymph nodes as compared to primary OSCC tissues. OSCC patients with high levels of circ-OMAC were prone to a poor prognosis. By developing functional assays, we confirmed that circ-OMAC promotes metastasis of OSCC cells via initiation of EMT pathways.

CONCLUSIONS

We provide new insights whereby Circ-OMAC as an oncogene is a potential therapeutic target and prognostic marker in oral cancer.

Alteration of DNA methyltransferases by eribulin elicits broad DNA methylation changes with potential therapeutic implications for triple-negative breast cancer

Background: Triple-negative breast cancer (TNBC) is an aggressive disease with limited treatment options. Eribulin, a chemotherapeutic drug, induces epigenetic changes in cancer cells, suggesting a unique mechanism of action. Materials & methods: MDA-MB 231 cells were treated with eribulin and paclitaxel, and the samples from 53 patients treated with neoadjuvant eribulin were compared with those from 14 patients who received the standard-of-care treatment using immunohistochemistry. Results: Eribulin treatment caused significant DNA methylation changes in drug-tolerant persister TNBC cells, and it also elicited changes in the expression levels of epigenetic modifiers (DNMT1, TET1, DNMT3A/B) in vitro and in primary TNBC tumors. Conclusion: These findings provide new insights into eribulin's mechanism of action and potential biomarkers for predicting TNBC treatment response.

Tumor cell stemness in gastrointestinal cancer: regulation and targeted therapy

The cancer stem cells are a rare group of self-renewable cancer cells capable of the initiation, progression, metastasis and recurrence of tumors, and also a key contributor to the therapeutic resistance. Thus, understanding the molecular mechanism of tumor stemness regulation, especially in the gastrointestinal (GI) cancers, is of great importance for targeting CSC and designing novel therapeutic strategies. This review aims to elucidate current advancements in the understanding of CSC regulation, including CSC biomarkers, signaling pathways, and non-coding RNAs. We will also provide a comprehensive view on how the tumor microenvironment (TME) display an overall tumor-promoting effect, including the recruitment and impact of cancer-associated fibroblasts (CAFs), the establishment of an immunosuppressive milieu, and the induction of angiogenesis and hypoxia. Lastly, this review consolidates mainstream novel therapeutic interventions targeting CSC stemness regulation.

miR-557 inhibits hepatocellular carcinoma progression through Wnt/β-catenin signaling pathway by targeting RAB10

Accumulating evidence suggests that aberrant miRNAs participate in carcinogenesis and progression of hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC). Abnormal miR-557 expression is reported to interfere with the progression of several human cancers. However, the potential roles of miR-557 in HCC remain largely unknown. In the current study, we found that miR-557 was down-regulated in HCC tissues and cell lines, and was closely related to recurrence and metastasis of HCC. Notably, overexpression of miR-557 inhibited proliferation, migration, invasion, epithelial-to-mesenchymal transition (EMT) progression, blocked cells in G0/G1 phase of MHCC-97H cells in vitro, and suppressed tumor growth in vivo. However, loss of miR-557 facilitated these parameters in Huh7 cells both in vitro and in vivo. Moreover, RAB10 was identified as a direct downstream target of miR-557 through its 3'-UTR. Furthermore, RAB10 re-expression or knockdown partially abolished the effects of miR-557 on proliferation, migration, invasion, and EMT progression of HCC cells. Mechanistically, overexpression of miR-557 suppressed Wnt/β-catenin signaling by inhibiting GSK-3β phosphorylation, increasing β-catenin phosphorylation, and decreasing β-catenin transport to the nucleus, while knockdown of miR-557 activated Wnt/β-catenin signaling. Moreover, the TOP/FOP-Flash reporter assays showed that miR-557 overexpression or knockdown significantly suppressed or activated Wnt signaling activity, respectively. Additionally, low expression of miR-557 and high expression of RAB10 in HCC tissues was closely associated with tumor size, degree of differentiation, TNM stage and poor prognosis in HCC patients. Taken together, these results demonstrate that miR-557 blocks the progression of HCC via the Wnt/β-catenin pathway by targeting RAB10.

Stratification of Colorectal Patients Based on Survival Analysis Shows the Value of Consensus Molecular Subtypes and Reveals the CBLL1 Gene as a Biomarker of CMS2 Tumours

The consensus molecular subtypes (CMSs) classification of colorectal cancer (CRC) is a system for patient stratification that can be potentially applied to therapeutic decisions. Hakai (CBLL1) is an E3 ubiquitin-ligase that induces the ubiquitination and degradation of E-cadherin, inducing epithelial-to-mesenchymal transition (EMT), tumour progression and metastasis. Using bioinformatic methods, we have analysed CBLL1 expression on a large integrated cohort of primary tumour samples from CRC patients. The cohort included survival data and was divided into consensus molecular subtypes. Colon cancer tumourspheres were used to analyse the expression of stem cancer cells markers via RT-PCR and Western blotting. We show that CBLL1 gene expression is specifically associated with canonical subtype CMS2. WNT target genes LGR5 and c-MYC show a similar association with CMS2 as CBLL1. These mRNA levels are highly upregulated in cancer tumourspheres, while CBLL1 silencing shows a clear reduction in tumoursphere size and in stem cell biomarkers. Importantly, CMS2 patients with high CBLL1 expression displayed worse overall survival (OS), which is similar to that associated with CMS4 tumours. Our findings reveal CBLL1 as a specific biomarker for CMS2 and the potential of using CMS2 with high CBLL1 expression to stratify patients with poor OS.

Functional Enrichment Analysis of Tumor Microenvironment-Driven Molecular Alterations That Facilitate Epithelial-to-Mesenchymal Transition and Distant Metastasis

Nowadays, hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) is the second leading cause of cancer deaths, and identifying the effective factors in causing this disease can play an important role in its prevention and treatment. Tumors provide effective agents for invasion and metastasis to other organs by establishing appropriate communication between cancer cells and the microenvironment. Epithelial-to-mesenchymal transition (EMT) can be mentioned as one of the effective phenomena in tumor invasion and metastasis. Several factors are involved in inducing this phenomenon in the tumor microenvironment, which helps the tumor survive and migrate to other places. It can be effective to identify these factors in the use of appropriate treatment strategies and greater patient survival. This study investigated the molecular differences between tumor border cells and tumor core cells or internal tumor cells in HCC for specific EMT genes. Expression of NOTCH1, ID1, and LST1 genes showed a significant increase at the HCC tumor border. Targeting these genes can be considered as a useful therapeutic strategy to prevent distant metastasis in HCC patients.

Alveolar epithelial-to-mesenchymal transition in scleroderma interstitial lung disease: Technical challenges, available evidence and therapeutic perspectives

The alveolar epithelial-to-mesenchymal transition is the process of transformation of differentiated epithelial cells into mesenchymal-like cells through functional and morphological changes. A partial epithelial-to-mesenchymal transition process can indirectly contribute to lung fibrosis through a paracrine stimulation of the surrounding cells, while a finalized process could also directly enhance the pool of pulmonary fibroblasts and the extracellular matrix deposition. The direct demonstration of alveolar epithelial-to-mesenchymal transition in scleroderma-related interstitial lung disease is challenging due to technical pitfalls and the limited availability of lung tissue samples. Similarly, any inference on epithelial-to-mesenchymal transition occurrence driven from preclinical models should consider the limitations of cell cultures and animal models. Notwithstanding, while the occurrence or the relevance of this phenomenon in scleroderma-related interstitial lung disease have not been directly and conclusively demonstrated until now, pre-clinical and clinical evidence supports the potential role of epithelial-to-mesenchymal transition in the development and progression of lung fibrosis. Evidence consolidation on scleroderma-related interstitial lung disease epithelial-to-mesenchymal transition would pave the way for new therapeutic opportunities to prevent, slow or even reverse lung fibrosis, drawing lessons from current research lines in neoplastic epithelial-to-mesenchymal transition.

SSPH I, A Novel Anti-cancer Saponin, Inhibits EMT and Invasion and Migration of NSCLC by Suppressing MAPK/ERK1/2 and PI3K/AKT/mTOR Signaling Pathways

BACKGROUND

Saponin of Schizocapsa plantaginea Hance I (SSPH I)，a bioactive saponin found in Schizocapsa plantaginea, exhibits significant anti-proliferation and antimetastasis in lung cancer.

OBJECTIVE

To explore the anti-metastatic effects of SSPH I on non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) with emphasis on epithelial-mesenchymal transition (EMT) both in vitro and vivo.

METHODS

The effects of SSPH I at the concentrations of 0, 0.875,1.75, and 3.5 μM on A549 and PC9 lung cancer cells were evaluated using colony formation assay, CCK-8 assay, transwell assay and wound-healing assay. The actin cytoskeleton reorganization of PC9 and A549 cells was detected using the FITC-phalloidin fluorescence staining assay. The proteins related to EMT (N-cadherin, E-cadherin and vimentin), p- PI3K, p- AKT, p- mTOR and p- ERK1/2 were detected by Western blotting. A mouse model of lung cancer metastasis was established by utilizing 95-D cells, and the mice were treated with SSPH I by gavage.

RESULTS

The results suggested that SSPH I significantly inhibited the migration and invasion of NSCLC cells under a non-cytotoxic concentration. Furthermore, SSPH I at a non-toxic concentration of 0.875 μM inhibited F-actin cytoskeleton organization. Importantly, attenuation of EMT was observed in A549 cells with upregulation in the expression of epithelial cell marker E-cadherin and downregulation of the mesenchymal cell markers vimentin as well as Ncadherin. Mechanistic studies revealed that SSPH I inhibited MAPK/ERK1/2 and PI3K/AKT/mTOR signaling pathways.

CONCLUSION

SSPH I inhibited EMT, migration, and invasion of NSCLC cells by suppressing MAPK/ERK1/2 and PI3K/AKT/mTOR signaling pathways, suggesting that the natural compound SSPH I could be used for inhibiting metastasis of NSCLC.

Differentiation States of Phenotypic Transition of Melanoma Cells Are Revealed by 3D Cell Cultures

Melanoma is characterized by high metastatic potential favored by the epithelial-to-mesenchymal transition (EMT), leading melanoma cells to exhibit a spectrum of typical EMT markers. This study aimed to analyze the expression of EMT markers in A375 and BLM melanoma cell lines cultured in 2D monolayers and 3D spheroids using morphological and molecular methods. The expression of EMT markers was strongly affected by 3D arrangement and revealed a hybrid phenotype for the two cell lines. Indeed, although E-cadherin was almost undetectable in both A375 and BLM cells, cortical actin was detected in A375 2D monolayers and 3D spheroids and was strongly expressed in BLM 3D spheroids. The mesenchymal marker N-cadherin was significantly up-regulated in A375 3D spheroids while undetectable in BLM cells, but vimentin was similarly expressed in both cell lines at the gene and protein levels. This pattern suggests that A375 cells exhibit a more undifferentiated/mesenchymal phenotype, while BLM cells have more melanocytic/differentiated characteristics. Accordingly, the Zeb1 and 2, Slug, Snail and Twist gene expression analyses showed that they were differentially expressed in 2D monolayers compared to 3D spheroids, supporting this view. Furthermore, A375 cells are characterized by a greater invasive potential, strongly influenced by 3D arrangement, compared to the BLM cell line, as evaluated by SDS-zymography and TIMPs gene expression analysis. Finally, TGF-β1, a master controller of EMT, and lysyl oxidase (LOX), involved in melanoma progression, were strongly up-regulated by 3D arrangement in the metastatic BLM cells alone, likely playing a role in the metastatic phases of melanoma progression. Overall, these findings suggest that A375 and BLM cells possess a hybrid/intermediate phenotype in relation to the expression of EMT markers. The former is characterized by a more mesenchymal/undifferentiated phenotype, while the latter shows a more melanocytic/differentiated phenotype. Our results contribute to the characterization of the role of EMT in melanoma cells and confirm that a 3D cell culture model could provide deeper insight into our understanding of the biology of melanoma.

Matrix-based molecular mechanisms, targeting and diagnostics in oral squamous cell carcinoma

Oral squamous cell carcinoma (OSCC) is a head and neck cancer (HNC) with a high mortality rate. OSCC is developed in the oral cavity and it is triggered by many etiologic factors and can metastasize both regionally and distantly. Recent research advances in OSCC improved our understanding on the molecular mechanisms involved in and the initiation of OSCC metastasis. The key roles of the extracellular matrix (ECM) in OSCC are an emerging area of intensive research as the ECM macromolecular network is actively involved in events that regulate cellular morphological and functional properties, transcription and cell signaling mechanisms in invasion and metastasis. The provisional matrix that is formed by cancer cells is profoundly different in composition and functions as compared with the matrix of normal tissue. Fibroblasts are mainly responsible for matrix production and remodeling, but in cancer, the tumor matrix in the tumor microenvironment (TME) also originates from cancer cells. Even though extensive research has been conducted on the role of ECM in regulating cancer pathogenesis, its role in modulating OSCC is less elucidated since there are several issues yet to be fully understood. This critical review is focused on recent research as to present and discuss on the involvement of ECM macromolecular effectors (i.e., proteoglycans, integrins, matrix metalloproteinases) in OSCC development and progression.

SETD2 loss in renal epithelial cells drives epithelial-to-mesenchymal transition in a TGF-β-independent manner

Histone-lysine N-methyltransferase SETD2 (SETD2), the sole histone methyltransferase that catalyzes trimethylation of lysine 36 on histone H3 (H3K36me3), is often mutated in clear cell renal cell carcinoma (ccRCC). SETD2 mutation and/or loss of H3K36me3 is linked to metastasis and poor outcome in ccRCC patients. Epithelial-to-mesenchymal transition (EMT) is a major pathway that drives invasion and metastasis in various cancer types. Here, using novel kidney epithelial cell lines isogenic for SETD2, we discovered that SETD2 inactivation drives EMT and promotes migration, invasion, and stemness in a transforming growth factor-beta-independent manner. This newly identified EMT program is triggered in part through secreted factors, including cytokines and growth factors, and through transcriptional reprogramming. RNA-seq and assay for transposase-accessible chromatin sequencing uncovered key transcription factors upregulated upon SETD2 loss, including SOX2, POU2F2 (OCT2), and PRRX1, that could individually drive EMT and stemness phenotypes in SETD2 wild-type (WT) cells. Public expression data from SETD2 WT/mutant ccRCC support the EMT transcriptional signatures derived from cell line models. In summary, our studies reveal that SETD2 is a key regulator of EMT phenotypes through cell-intrinsic and cell-extrinsic mechanisms that help explain the association between SETD2 loss and ccRCC metastasis.

Signaling mechanisms that direct cell fate specification and morphogenesis in human embryonic stem cells-based models of human gastrulation

During mammalian gastrulation, a mass of pluripotent cells surrounded by extraembryonic tissues differentiates into germ layers, mesoderm, endoderm, and ectoderm. The three germ layers are then organized into a body plan with organ rudiments via morphogenetic gastrulation movements of emboly, epiboly, convergence, and extension. Emboly is the most conserved gastrulation movement, whereby mesodermal and endodermal progenitors undergo epithelial-to-mesenchymal transition (EMT) and move via a blastopore/primitive streak beneath the ectoderm. Decades of embryologic, genetic, and molecular studies in invertebrates and vertebrates, delineated a BMP > WNT > NODAL signaling cascade underlying mesoderm and endoderm specification. Advances have been made in the research animals in understanding the cellular and molecular mechanisms underlying gastrulation morphogenesis. In contrast, little is known about human gastrulation, which occurs in utero during the third week of gestation and its investigations face ethical and methodological limitations. This is changing with the unprecedented progress in modeling aspects of human development, using human pluripotent stem cells (hPSCs), including embryonic stem cells (hESC)-based embryo-like models (SCEMs). In one approach, hESCs of various pluripotency are aggregated to self-assemble into structures that resemble pre-implantation or post-implantation embryo-like structures that progress to early gastrulation, and some even reach segmentation and neurulation stages. Another approach entails coaxing hESCs with biochemical signals to generate germ layers and model aspects of gastrulation morphogenesis, such as EMT. Here, we review the recent advances in understanding signaling cascades that direct germ layers specification and the early stages of gastrulation morphogenesis in these models. We discuss outstanding questions, challenges, and opportunities for this promising area of developmental biology.

Targeting Fatty Acid Amide Hydrolase Counteracts the Epithelial-to-Mesenchymal Transition in Keratinocyte-Derived Tumors

The endocannabinoid system regulates physiological processes, and the modulation of endogenous endocannabinoid (eCB) levels is an attractive tool to contrast the development of pathological skin conditions including cancers. Inhibiting FAAH (fatty acid amide hydrolase), the degradation enzyme of the endocannabinoid anandamide (AEA) leads to the increase in AEA levels, thus enhancing its biological effects. Here, we evaluated the anticancer property of the FAAH inhibitor URB597, investigating its potential to counteract epithelial-to-mesenchymal transition (EMT), a process crucially involved in tumor progression. The effects of the compound were determined in primary human keratinocytes, ex vivo skin explants, and the squamous carcinoma cell line A431. Our results demonstrate that URB597 is able to hinder the EMT process by downregulating mesenchymal markers and reducing migratory potential. These effects are associated with the dampening of the AKT/STAT3 signal pathways and reduced release of pro-inflammatory cytokines and tumorigenic lipid species. The ability of URB597 to contrast the EMT process provides insight into effective approaches that may also include the use of FAAH inhibitors for the treatment of skin cancers.

The Nexus of Inflammation-Induced Epithelial-Mesenchymal Transition and Lung Cancer Progression: A Roadmap to Pentacyclic Triterpenoid-Based Therapies

Lung cancer is the leading cause of cancer-related death worldwide. Its high mortality is partly due to chronic inflammation that accompanies the disease and stimulates cancer progression. In this review, we analyzed recent studies and highlighted the role of the epithelial-mesenchymal transition (EMT) as a link between inflammation and lung cancer. In the inflammatory tumor microenvironment (iTME), fibroblasts, macrophages, granulocytes, and lymphocytes produce inflammatory mediators, some of which can induce EMT. This leads to increased invasiveness of tumor cells and self-renewal of cancer stem cells (CSCs), which are associated with metastasis and tumor recurrence, respectively. Based on published data, we propose that inflammation-induced EMT may be a potential therapeutic target for the treatment of lung cancer. This prospect is partially realized in the development of EMT inhibitors based on pentacyclic triterpenoids (PTs), described in the second part of our study. PTs reduce the metastatic potential and stemness of tumor cells, making PTs promising candidates for lung cancer therapy. We emphasize that the high diversity of molecular mechanisms underlying inflammation-induced EMT far exceeds those that have been implicated in drug development. Therefore, analysis of information on the relationship between the iTME and EMT is of great interest and may provide ideas for novel treatment approaches for lung cancer.

Stationary-to-migratory transition in glioblastoma stem-like cells driven by a fatty acid-binding protein 7-RXRα neurogenic pathway

BACKGROUND

Glioblastoma (GBM) stem-like cells (GSCs) are crucial drivers of treatment resistance and tumor recurrence. While the concept of "migrating" cancer stem cells was proposed a decade ago, the roles and underlying mechanisms of the heterogeneous populations of GSCs remain poorly defined.

METHODS

Cell migration using GBM cell lines and patient-derived GSCs was examined using Transwell inserts and the scratch assay. Single-cell RNA sequencing data analysis were used to map GSC drivers to specific GBM cell populations. Xenografted mice were used to model the role of brain-type fatty acid-binding protein 7 (FABP7) in GBM infiltration and expansion. The mechanism by which FABP7 and its fatty acid ligands promote GSC migration was examined by gel shift and luciferase gene reporter assays.

RESULTS

A subpopulation of FABP7-expressing migratory GSCs was identified, with FABP7 upregulating SOX2, a key modulator for GBM stemness and plasticity, and ZEB1, a prominent factor in GBM epithelial-mesenchymal transition and invasiveness. Our data indicate that GSC migration is driven by nuclear FABP7 through activation of RXRα, a nuclear receptor activated by polyunsaturated fatty acids (PUFAs).

CONCLUSION

Infiltrative progression in GBM is driven by migratory GSCs through activation of a PUFA-FABP7-RXRα neurogenic pathway.

Exploring the Role of the Gut and Intratumoral Microbiomes in Tumor Progression and Metastasis

Cancer cell dissemination involves invasion, migration, resistance to stressors in the circulation, extravasation, colonization, and other functions responsible for macroscopic metastases. By enhancing invasiveness, motility, and intravasation, the epithelial-to-mesenchymal transition (EMT) process promotes the generation of circulating tumor cells and their collective migration. Preclinical and clinical studies have documented intensive crosstalk between the gut microbiome, host organism, and immune system. According to the findings, polymorphic microbes might play diverse roles in tumorigenesis, cancer progression, and therapy response. Microbial imbalances and changes in the levels of bacterial metabolites and toxins promote cancer progression via EMT and angiogenesis. In contrast, a favorable microbial composition, together with microbiota-derived metabolites, such as short-chain fatty acids (SCFAs), can attenuate the processes of tumor initiation, disease progression, and the formation of distant metastases. In this review, we highlight the role of the intratumoral and gut microbiomes in cancer cell invasion, migration, and metastatic ability and outline the potential options for microbiota modulation. As shown in murine models, probiotics inhibited tumor development, reduced tumor volume, and suppressed angiogenesis and metastasis. Moreover, modulation of an unfavorable microbiome might improve efficacy and reduce treatment-related toxicities, bringing clinical benefit to patients with metastatic cancer.

Potential Roles of Activin in Head and Neck Squamous Cell Carcinoma Progression and Mortality

BACKGROUND/AIM

Activin, a member of the TGF-β super family of cytokines, is involved in head and neck squamous cell carcinoma (HNSCC). This study examined the constituents of the activin axis in order to further elucidate the role of activin A in HNSCC progression.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

Immunohistochemistry (IHC), reverse transcription polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR), MTT, and matrigel invasion assays, in addition to analysis of the tumor cancer genome atlas (TCGA), were employed.

RESULTS

IHC in HNSCC and oral leukoplakia (OPL) lesions demonstrated increased expression of the inhibin subunit βA (INHBA) (p<0.0001), as well as activin receptor type IB (ACVR1B) (p<0.0032) compared to normal mucosa. TCGA analysis revealed increased INHBA expression was associated with lymph node positive tumors (p=0.024), decreased overall survival (p=0.0167), and decreased promoter methylation (p<0.0001). Concomitant up-regulated expression of gene pathways strongly correlated with INHBA expression demonstrated further deleterious effects on survival (p<0.0148).

CONCLUSION

Activin may be an important component of early carcinogenesis in OPL and HNSCC with unfavorable effects on clinical end-points such as survival.

IFNγ Transcribed by IRF1 in CD4+ Effector Memory T Cells Promotes Senescence-Associated Pulmonary Fibrosis

Physiologically aged lungs are prone to senescence-associated pulmonary diseases (SAPD). This study aimed to determine the mechanism and subtype of aged T cells affecting alveolar type II epithelial (AT2) cells, which promote the pathogenesis of senescence-associated pulmonary fibrosis (SAPF). Cell proportions, the relationship between SAPD and T cells, and the aging- and senescence-associated secretory phenotype (SASP) of T cells between young and aged mice were analyzed using lung single-cell transcriptomics. SAPD was monitored by markers of AT2 cells and found to be induced by T cells. Furthermore, IFNγ signaling pathways were activated and cell senescence, SASP, and T cell activation were shown in aged lungs. Physiological aging led to pulmonary dysfunction and TGF-β1/IL-11/MEK/ERK (TIME) signaling-mediated SAPF, which was induced by senescence and SASP of aged T cells. Especially, IFNγ was produced by the accumulated CD4+ effector memory T (TEM) cells in the aged lung. This study also found that physiological aging increased pulmonary CD4+ TEM cells, IFNγ was produced mainly by CD4+ TEM cells, and pulmonary cells had increased responsiveness to IFNγ signaling. Specific regulon activity was increased in T cell subclusters. IFNγ transcriptionally regulated by IRF1 in CD4+ TEM cells promoted the epithelial-to-mesenchymal transition by activating TIME signaling and cell senescence of AT2 cells with aging. Accumulated IRF1+CD4+ TEM produced IFNγ in lung with aging and anti-IRF1 primary antibody treatment inhibited the expression of IFNγ. Aging might drive T cell differentiation toward helper T cells with developmental trajectories and enhance cell interactions of pulmonary T cells with other surrounding cells. Thus, IFNγ transcribed by IRF1 in CD4+ effector memory T cells promotes SAPF. IFNγ produced by CD4+ TEM cells in physiologically aged lungs could be a therapeutic target for preventing SAPF.

RNA-Binding Motif Protein RBM47 Promotes Invasiveness of Glioblastoma Through Activation of Epithelial-to-Mesenchymal Transition Program

Background: RNA-binding motif proteins (RBMs) have been widely implicated in the tumorigenesis of multiple human cancers but rarely investigated in glioblastoma (GBM). Methods: The expression level of RBM47 and its correlation with prognosis of GBM were examined using bioinformatics, quantitative reverse transcription PCR, and Western blot analysis. The colony formation assay and Cell Counting Kit-8 assay were used to determine the biological role of RBM47 in GBM. To measure invasiveness we used the wound healing assay and transwell assay. The regulatory relationship between RBM47 and the epithelial-to-mesenchymal transition (EMT) was examined by Western blot analysis and bioinformatic analysis. Results: Through integrative analysis of clinical proteomic and genomic tumor datasets, we found that RBM47 is significantly upregulated in GBM mesenchymal subtype, and its high expression is correlated with poor prognosis. In in vitro biological experiments, we observed a significant inhibitory effect of RBM47 knockdown on colony formation and cell growth using GBM cell lines. Conversely, overexpression of RBM47 restored and accelerated these processes. Moreover, in vitro, wound healing assays demonstrated the role of RBM46 in promoting and cell migration and invasion. Mechanistically, RBM47 enhances invasive capacity through the activation of the EMT program. In RBM47-knockdown cells, the expression levels of Vimentin and CD44 were suppressed, and the level of E-cadherin was increased. Conclusions: Taken together our results demonstrate the tumor promoting characteristics of RBM46 and suggest that it could be used both as a therapeutic target and prognostically.

Comparative Analysis of miRNA and EMT Markers in Metastatic Colorectal Cancer

Colorectal cancer (CRC) is the fourth most commonly diagnosed malignant condition in the world. Micro RNAs (miRNAs) as well as epithelial to mesenchymal transition (EMT) play an important role in the pathogenesis of CRC. We performed a comparative analysis of the expression of selected miRNA genes and EMT markers in bioptic samples from patients (n = 45) with primary CRC or metastatic (m)CRC to the regional lymph node using reverse transcription-quantitative PCR and IHC staining. Results: Out of all miRNA analyzed, the miR-17 expression was most significantly different and associated with lower risk of CRC spread to the lymph node. In addition, significant relationships were found between the tumor side localization and several miRNAs expressions (miR-9, miR-29b, miR-19a, miR-19b, miR-21, miR-106a, miR-20a and miR-17). In addition, of the examined EMT markers, only VEGFA expression correlated with tumor progression (tumor grade G2). In the examined set of patient samples and their matched healthy tissue, several specific molecular markers (miRNAs associated with EMT and tumor progression) were identified with a promising prognostic potential. Their further examination in larger patient cohorts is planned to validate the present data.

Cellular Plasticity in Mammary Gland Development and Breast Cancer

Cellular plasticity is a phenomenon where cells adopt different identities during development and tissue homeostasis as a response to physiological and pathological conditions. This review provides a general introduction to processes by which cells change their identity as well as the current definition of cellular plasticity in the field of mammary gland biology. Following a synopsis of the evolving model of the hierarchical development of mammary epithelial cell lineages, we discuss changes in cell identity during normal mammary gland development with particular emphasis on the effect of the gestation cycle on the emergence of new cellular states. Next, we summarize known mechanisms that promote the plasticity of epithelial lineages in the normal mammary gland and highlight the importance of the microenvironment and extracellular matrix. A discourse of cellular reprogramming during the early stages of mammary tumorigenesis that follows focuses on the origin of basal-like breast cancers from luminal progenitors and oncogenic signaling networks that orchestrate diverse developmental trajectories of transforming epithelial cells. In addition to the epithelial-to-mesenchymal transition, we highlight events of cellular reprogramming during breast cancer progression in the context of intrinsic molecular subtype switching and the genesis of the claudin-low breast cancer subtype, which represents the far end of the spectrum of epithelial cell plasticity. In the final section, we will discuss recent advances in the design of genetically engineered models to gain insight into the dynamic processes that promote cellular plasticity during mammary gland development and tumorigenesis in vivo.

Development of a Novel and Simple Anti-Metastatic Cancer Treatment Targeting Vasohibin-2

Vasohibin-2 (VASH2), a homologue of vasohibin-1 (VASH1), is overexpressed in various cancer cells and promotes tumor progression. We therefore regard VASH2 as a molecular target for cancer treatment. Here we applied vaccine technology to develop a therapy against VASH2. We selected two amino acid sequences of VASH2 protein; the MTG and RRR peptides, which contain possible B cell epitopes. These sequences are identical between the human and murine VASH2 proteins and distinct from those of the VASH1 protein. We conjugated these peptides with the carrier protein keyhole limpet hemocyanin, mixed with an adjuvant, and injected subcutaneously twice at a 2-week interval in mice. Both vaccines increased antibodies against the antigen peptide; however, only the MTG peptide vaccine increased antibodies that recognized the recombinant VASH2 protein. When Lewis lung cancer (LLC) cells were subcutaneously inoculated, tumors isolated from mice immunized with the MTG peptide vaccine showed a significant decrease in the expression of epithelial-to-mesenchymal transition (EMT) markers. EMT is responsible for cancer cell invasion and metastasis. When the LLC cells were injected into the tail vein, the MTG peptide vaccine inhibited lung metastasis. Moreover, the MTG peptide vaccine inhibited the metastasis of pancreatic cancer cells to the liver in an orthotopic mouse model, and there was a significant inverse correlation between the ELISA titer and metastasis inhibition. Therefore, we propose that the MTG peptide vaccine is a novel anti-metastatic cancer treatment that targets VASH2 and can be applied even in the most malignant and highly metastatic pancreatic cancer.

De-Suppression of Mesenchymal Cell Identities and Variable Phenotypic Outcomes Associated with Knockout of Bbs1

Bardet-Biedl syndrome (BBS) is an archetypal ciliopathy caused by dysfunction of primary cilia. BBS affects multiple tissues, including the kidney, eye and hypothalamic satiety response. Understanding pan-tissue mechanisms of pathogenesis versus those which are tissue-specific, as well as gauging their associated inter-individual variation owing to genetic background and stochastic processes, is of paramount importance in syndromology. The BBSome is a membrane-trafficking and intraflagellar transport (IFT) adaptor protein complex formed by eight BBS proteins, including BBS1, which is the most commonly mutated gene in BBS. To investigate disease pathogenesis, we generated a series of clonal renal collecting duct IMCD3 cell lines carrying defined biallelic nonsense or frameshift mutations in Bbs1, as well as a panel of matching wild-type CRISPR control clones. Using a phenotypic screen and an unbiased multi-omics approach, we note significant clonal variability for all assays, emphasising the importance of analysing panels of genetically defined clones. Our results suggest that BBS1 is required for the suppression of mesenchymal cell identities as the IMCD3 cell passage number increases. This was associated with a failure to express epithelial cell markers and tight junction formation, which was variable amongst clones. Transcriptomic analysis of hypothalamic preparations from BBS mutant mice, as well as BBS patient fibroblasts, suggested that dysregulation of epithelial-to-mesenchymal transition (EMT) genes is a general predisposing feature of BBS across tissues. Collectively, this work suggests that the dynamic stability of the BBSome is essential for the suppression of mesenchymal cell identities as epithelial cells differentiate.

Canonical Wnt and TGF-β/BMP signaling enhance melanocyte regeneration but suppress invasiveness, migration, and proliferation of melanoma cells

Melanoma is the deadliest form of skin cancer and develops from the melanocytes that are responsible for the pigmentation of the skin. The skin is also a highly regenerative organ, harboring a pool of undifferentiated melanocyte stem cells that proliferate and differentiate into mature melanocytes during regenerative processes in the adult. Melanoma and melanocyte regeneration share remarkable cellular features, including activation of cell proliferation and migration. Yet, melanoma considerably differs from the regenerating melanocytes with respect to abnormal proliferation, invasive growth, and metastasis. Thus, it is likely that at the cellular level, melanoma resembles early stages of melanocyte regeneration with increased proliferation but separates from the later melanocyte regeneration stages due to reduced proliferation and enhanced differentiation. Here, by exploiting the zebrafish melanocytes that can efficiently regenerate and be induced to undergo malignant melanoma, we unravel the transcriptome profiles of the regenerating melanocytes during early and late regeneration and the melanocytic nevi and malignant melanoma. Our global comparison of the gene expression profiles of melanocyte regeneration and nevi/melanoma uncovers the opposite regulation of a substantial number of genes related to Wnt signaling and transforming growth factor beta (TGF-β)/(bone morphogenetic protein) BMP signaling pathways between regeneration and cancer. Functional activation of canonical Wnt or TGF-β/BMP pathways during melanocyte regeneration promoted melanocyte regeneration but potently suppressed the invasiveness, migration, and proliferation of human melanoma cells in vitro and in vivo. Therefore, the opposite regulation of signaling mechanisms between melanocyte regeneration and melanoma can be exploited to stop tumor growth and develop new anti-cancer therapies.

Myricetin suppresses TGF-β-induced epithelial-to-mesenchymal transition in ovarian cancer

Background: Ovarian cancer (OC) is the second most common gynecological malignancy and has a high mortality rate. The current chemotherapeutic drugs have the disadvantages of drug resistance and side effects. Myricetin, a kind of natural compound, has the advantages of easy extraction, low price, and fewer side effects. Multiple studies have demonstrated the anti-cancer properties of myricetin. However, its impact on OC is still unknown and needs further investigation. Therefore, this study aimed to elucidate the mechanism by which myricetin suppresses transforming growth factor-β (TGF-β) -induced epithelial-to-mesenchymal transition (EMT) in OC through in vivo and in vitro experiments. Methods: In vitro experiments were conducted to evaluate the effects of myricetin on cell proliferation and apoptosis using CCK8 assay, plate clonal formation assay, and flow cytometry. Western blot was employed to evaluate the expression levels of caspase-3, PARP, and the MAPK/ERK and PI3K/AKT signaling pathways. Wound healing, transwell, western blot and immunofluorescence assay were used to detect TGF-β-induced cell migration, invasion, EMT and the levels of Smad3, MAPK/ERK, PI3K/AKT signaling pathways. Additionally, a mouse xenograft model was established to verify the effects of myricetin on OC in vivo. Results: Myricetin inhibited OC proliferation through MAPK/ERK and PI3K/AKT signaling pathways. Flow cytometry and western blot analyses demonstrated that myricetin promoted apoptosis by increasing the expression of cleaved-PARP and cleaved-caspase-3 and the ratio of Bax/Bcl-2 in OC. Furthermore, myricetin suppressed the TGF-β-induced migration and invasion by transwell and wound healing assays. Mechanistically, western blot indicated that myricetin reversed TGF-β-induced metastasis through Smad3, MAPK/ERK and PI3K/AKT signaling pathway. In vivo, myricetin significantly repressed OC progression and liver and lung metastasis. Conclusion: Myricetin exhibited inhibitory effects on OC progression and metastasis both in vivo and in vitro. And it also reversed TGF-β-induced EMT through the classical and non-classical Smad signaling pathways.

The platinum coordination complex inhibits cell invasion-migration and epithelial-to-mesenchymal transition by altering the TGF-β-SMAD pathway in colorectal cancer

Introduction: There is a steady increase in colorectal cancer (CRC) incidences worldwide; at diagnosis, about 20 percent of cases show metastases. The transforming growth factor-beta (TGF-β) signaling pathway is one of the critical pathways that influence the expression of cadherins allowing the epithelial-to-mesenchymal transition (EMT), which is involved in the progression of the normal colorectal epithelium to adenoma and metastatic carcinoma. The current study aimed to investigate the impact of a novel coordination complex of platinum (salicylaldiminato) PT(II) complex with dimethyl propylene linkage (PT-complex) on TGF-β and EMT markers involved in the invasion and migration of the human HT-29 and SW620 CRC cell lines. Methods: Functional study and wound healing assay showed PT-complex significantly reduced cell motility and the migration and invasion of CRC cell lines compared to the untreated control. Western blot performed in the presence and absence of TGF-β demonstrated that PT-complex significantly regulated the TGF-β-mediated altered expressions of EMT markers. Results and Discussion: PT-complex attenuated the migration and invasion by upregulating the protein expression of EMT-suppressing factor E-cadherin and suppressing EMT-inducing factors such as N-Cadherin and Vimentin. Moreover, PT-complex significantly suppressed the activation of SMAD3 in both CRC cell lines. Further, the microarray data analysis revealed differential expression of genes related to invasion and migration. In conclusion, besides displaying antiproliferative activity, the PT complex can decrease the metastasis of CRC cell lines by modulating TGF-β-regulated EMT markers. These findings provide new insight into TGF-β/SMAD signaling as the molecular mechanism involved in the antitumoral properties of novel PT-complex.

Molecular mechanisms of TWIST1-regulated transcription in EMT and cancer metastasis

TWIST1 induces epithelial-to-mesenchymal transition (EMT) to drive cancer metastasis. It is yet unclear what determines TWIST1 functions to activate or repress transcription. We found that the TWIST1 N-terminus antagonizes TWIST1-regulated gene expression, cancer growth and metastasis. TWIST1 interacts with both the NuRD complex and the NuA4/TIP60 complex (TIP60-Com) via its N-terminus. Non-acetylated TWIST1-K73/76 selectively interacts with and recruits NuRD to repress epithelial target gene transcription. Diacetylated TWIST1-acK73/76 binds BRD8, a component of TIP60-Com that also binds histone H4-acK5/8, to recruit TIP60-Com to activate mesenchymal target genes and MYC. Knockdown of BRD8 abolishes TWIST1 and TIP60-Com interaction and TIP60-Com recruitment to TWIST1-activated genes, resulting in decreasing TWIST1-activated target gene expression and cancer metastasis. Both TWIST1/NuRD and TWIST1/TIP60-Com complexes are required for TWIST1 to promote EMT, proliferation, and metastasis at full capacity. Therefore, the diacetylation status of TWIST1-K73/76 dictates whether TWIST1 interacts either with NuRD to repress epithelial genes, or with TIP60-Com to activate mesenchymal genes and MYC. Since BRD8 is essential for TWIST1-acK73/76 and TIP60-Com interaction, targeting BRD8 could be a means to inhibit TWIST1-activated gene expression.

Transcriptional subtypes of glottic cancer characterized by differential activation of canonical oncogenic programming

BACKGROUND

There is a paucity of data concerning molecular heterogeneity among glottic squamous cell carcinoma, and the clinical implications thereof.

METHODS

Data corresponding to glottic squamous cell carcinoma were derived from The Cancer Genome Atlas. The Onco-GPS computational methodology was levied to derive four patterns of transcriptional activity and three functional subtypes of glottic cancer.

RESULTS

Thirty glottic cancer samples stratified to three distinct oncogenic states (S0-S2) based on a Onco-GPS model containing four transcriptional components (F0-F3). Membership in S2 and association with transcriptional component F0 conveyed an invasive phenotype, with transcriptional activity strongly reflecting EMT programming (including TGF-B and NF-KB signaling). S2 membership also correlated with inferior disease-specific survival (HR 9.027, 95% CI 1.021-79.767), and higher incidences of extracapsular spread and perineural invasion.

CONCLUSIONS

We present a functional taxonomy of glottic cancer, with subtypes demonstrating differential upregulation of canonical oncogenic networks and survival implications.

ENAH-202 promotes cancer progression in oral squamous cell carcinoma by regulating ZNF502/VIM axis

BACKGROUND

We aimed to demonstrate the regulatory effect of long non-coding RNA (lncRNA) ENAH-202 on oral squamous cell carcinoma (OSCC) development as well as its molecular mechanism.

METHODS

We detected ENAH-202 expression in OSCC tissues and cell lines by quantitative real-time PCR (qPCR). The biological function of ENAH-202 was assessed in vitro and in vivo using CCK-8, colony formation assays, transwell assays, xenograft formation, and tail vein injection. The further molecular mechanism by which ENAH-202 promoted OSCC progression was identified using RNA pull-down, LS-MS/MS analysis, RNA immunoprecipitation (RIP), and chromatin immunoprecipitation (ChIP) assays.

RESULTS

ENAH-202 was significantly upregulated in OSCC tissues and cells. ENAH-202 promoted OSCC cell proliferation, migration, and invasion in vitro and in vivo. The expression of enabled homolog (ENAH) and epithelial-to-mesenchymal transition (EMT)-related proteins was changed with the expression of ENAH-202. Moreover, ENAH-202 promoted the transcription of Vimentin (VIM) by binding with ZNF502, which can help ENAH-202 promote OSCC progression.

CONCLUSIONS

ENAH-202 facilitated OSCC cell proliferation and metastasis by regulating ZNF502/VIM axis, which played an important role in OSCC progression.

Mapping Genetic Susceptibility to Stenosis in the Proximal Airway

OBJECTIVES

Recent translational scientific efforts in subglottic stenosis (SGS) support a disease model where epithelial alterations facilitate microbiome displacement, dysregulated immune activation, and localized fibrosis. Yet despite recent advances, the genetic basis of SGS remains poorly understood. We sought to identify candidate risk genes associated with an SGS phenotype, investigate their biological function, and identify the cell types enriched for their expression.

METHODS

The Online Mendelian Inheritance in Man (OMIM) database was queried for single gene variants associated with an SGS phenotype. The functional intersections and molecular roles of the identified genes were explored using pathway enrichment analysis (PEA) computational methods. Cellular localization of the candidate risk genes was measured via transcriptional quantification in an established single cell RNA sequencing (scRNA-seq) atlas of the proximal airway.

RESULTS

Twenty genes associated with SGS phenotype were identified. PEA resulted in 24 significantly enriched terms including "cellular response to TGF-β," "epithelial-to-mesenchymal transition," and "adherens junctions." Mapping the 20 candidate risk genes to the scRNA-seq atlas found 3 (15%) genes were enriched in epithelial cells, 3 (15%) in fibroblasts, and 3 (15%) in endothelial cells. 11 (55%) genes were expressed ubiquitously among tissue types. Interestingly, immune cells were not significantly enriched for candidate risk genes.

CONCLUSION

We identify and provide biologic context for 20 genes associated with fibrotic disease of the proximal airway and form the foundation for future detailed genetic study.

LEVEL OF EVIDENCE

N/A Laryngoscope, 133:3049-3056, 2023.

The mesodermal and myogenic specification of hESCs depend on ZEB1 and are inhibited by ZEB2

Human embryonic stem cells (hESCs) can differentiate into any cell lineage. Here, we report that ZEB1 and ZEB2 promote and inhibit mesodermal-to-myogenic specification of hESCs, respectively. Knockdown and/or overexpression experiments of ZEB1, ZEB2, or PAX7 in hESCs indicate that ZEB1 is required for hESC Nodal/Activin-mediated mesodermal specification and PAX7+ human myogenic progenitor (hMuP) generation, while ZEB2 inhibits these processes. ZEB1 downregulation induces neural markers, while ZEB2 downregulation induces mesodermal/myogenic markers. Mechanistically, ZEB1 binds to and transcriptionally activates the PAX7 promoter, while ZEB2 binds to and activates the promoter of the neural OTX2 marker. Transplanting ZEB1 or ZEB2 knocked down hMuPs into the muscles of a muscular dystrophy mouse model, showing that hMuP engraftment and generation of dystrophin-positive myofibers depend on ZEB1 and are inhibited by ZEB2. The mouse model results suggest that ZEB1 expression and/or downregulating ZEB2 in hESCs may also enhance hESC regenerative capacity for human muscular dystrophy therapy.

Evening Primrose Extract Modulates TYMS Expression via SP1 Transcription Factor in Malignant Pleural Mesothelioma

PURPOSE

To determine the mechanism of EPE in downregulating TYMS in MPM cancer.

METHODS

The TYMS mRNA expression with epithelial-to-mesenchymal transition biomarkers and nuclear factor SP1 was assessed using the GEO database in a data set of MPM patients (GSE51024). Invasive MPM cell lines were in vitro models for the investigation of TYMS expression after EPE treatment. The tyms promoter SP1 binding sequences were determined using Genomatix v 3.4 software Electrophoretic mobility shift and dual-luciferase reporter assays revealed specific SP1 motifs in the interaction of EPE and reference compounds. Chromatin immunoprecipitation and Re-ChIP were used for the co-occupancy study.

RESULTS

In MPM patients, a positive correlation of overexpressed TYMS with mesenchymal TWIST1, FN1 and N-cadherin was observed. EPE and its major components, gallic and ellagic acid (GA and EA, respectively), downregulated TYMS in invasive MPM cells by interacting with particular SP1 motifs on the tyms promoter. The luciferase constructs confirmed the occupation of two SP1 regulatory regions critical for the promotion of TYMS expression. Both EPE and reference standards influenced SP1 translocation into the nucleus.

CONCLUSION

EPE components reduced TYMS expression by occupation of SP1 motifs on the tyms promoter and reversed the EMT phenotype of invasive MPM cells. Further in-depth analysis of the molecular docking of polyphenol compounds with SP1 regulatory motifs is required.

An Increase in HSF1 Expression Directs Human Mammary Epithelial Cells toward a Mesenchymal Phenotype

HSF1 is a well-known heat shock protein expression regulator in response to stress. It also regulates processes important for growth, development or tumorigenesis. We studied the HSF1 influence on the phenotype of non-tumorigenic human mammary epithelial (MCF10A and MCF12A) and several triple-negative breast cancer cell lines. MCF10A and MCF12A differ in terms of HSF1 levels, morphology, growth in Matrigel, expression of epithelial (CDH1) and mesenchymal (VIM) markers (MCF10A are epithelial cells; MCF12A resemble mesenchymal cells). HSF1 down-regulation led to a reduced proliferation rate and spheroid formation in Matrigel by MCF10A cells. However, it did not affect MCF12A proliferation but led to CDH1 up-regulation and the formation of better organized spheroids. HSF1 overexpression in MCF10A resulted in reduced CDH1 and increased VIM expression and the acquisition of elongated fibroblast-like morphology. The above-mentioned results suggest that elevated levels of HSF1 may direct mammary epithelial cells toward a mesenchymal phenotype, while a lowering of HSF1 could reverse the mesenchymal phenotype to an epithelial one. Therefore, HSF1 may be involved in the remodeling of mammary gland architecture over the female lifetime. Moreover, HSF1 levels positively correlated with the invasive phenotype of triple-negative breast cancer cells, and their growth was inhibited by the HSF1 inhibitor DTHIB.

Combined Biomarker System Predicts Prognosis in Patients with Metastatic Oral Squamous Cell Carcinoma

BACKGROUND

Metastatic oral squamous cell carcinoma (OSCC) is associated with poor patient prognosis. Metastasis is a complex process involving various proteins, tumor cell alterations, including changes attributable to the epithelial-to-mesenchymal transition (EMT) process, and interactions with the tumor microenvironment (TME). In this study, we investigate a combined protein marker system consisting of connexin 43 (Cx43), EMMPRIN (CD147), E-cadherin, and vimentin, with a focus on their roles in the invasive metastatic progression of OSCC and their potential utility in predicting prognosis.

METHODS

We conducted an immunohistochemical analysis to assess the protein expression profiles of Cx43, EMMPRIN, E-cadherin, and vimentin using tissue samples obtained from 24 OSCC patients. The metastatic process was mapped through different regions of interest (ROIs), including adjacent healthy oral mucosa (OM), center of primary OSCC, invasive front (IF), and local cervical lymph node metastases (LNM). The primary clinical endpoints were disease-free survival (DFS) and overall survival (OS).

RESULTS

Substantial changes in the expression profiles of the different marker proteins were observed among the different ROIs, with all p-values < 0.05, signifying statistical significance. Multivariable Cox regression analysis results showed a significant effect of increased EMMPRIN expression toward the IF on DFS (p = 0.019) and OS (p = 0.023). Furthermore, the combined predictive analysis showed a significant predictive value of the marker system for DFS (p = 0.0017) and OS (p = 0.00044).

CONCLUSIONS

The combined marker system exhibited a significant ability to predict patient prognosis. An increase in EMMPRIN expression toward the IF showed the strongest effect and could be an interesting new antimetastatic therapy approach.

Activin A/ACVR2A axis inhibits epithelial-to-mesenchymal transition in colon cancer by activating SMAD2

Colorectal cancer is one of the most common malignancies worldwide. Liver metastasis is the major direct cause of colorectal cancer-related deaths. Although radical resection is the most effective treatment for colorectal cancer liver metastasis, several patients are not eligible for surgery. Therefore, there is a need to develop novel treatments based on the understanding of the biological mechanisms underlying liver metastasis in colorectal cancer. This study demonstrated that activin A/ACVR2A inhibits colon cancer cell migration and invasion, as well as suppresses the epithelial-to-mesenchymal transition of mouse colon cancer cells. This finding has been further validated in animal experiments. Mechanistic studies revealed that activin A binds to Smad2 (instead of Smad3) and activates its transcription. Analysis of the paired clinical samples further confirmed that the expression levels of ACVR2A and SMAD2 were the highest in adjacent healthy tissues, followed by primary colon cancer tissues and liver metastasis tissues, suggesting that ACVR2A downregulation may promote colon cancer metastasis. Bioinformatics analysis and clinical studies demonstrated that ACVR2A downregulation was significantly associated with liver metastasis and poor disease-free and progression-free survival of patients with colon cancer. These results suggest that the activin A/ACVR2A axis promotes colon cancer metastasis by selectively activating SMAD2. Thus, targeting ACVR2A is a potential novel therapeutic strategy to prevent colon cancer metastasis.