Overexpression of maelstrom promotes bladder urothelial carcinoma cell aggressiveness by epigenetically downregulating MTSS1 through DNMT3B

We have recently identified and characterized a novel oncogene, maelstrom (MAEL) from 1q24, in the pathogenesis of hepatocellular carcinoma. In this study, MAEL was investigated for its oncogenic role in urothelial carcinoma of the bladder (UCB) tumorigenesis/aggressiveness and underlying molecular mechanisms. Here, we report that overexpression of MAEL in UCB is important in the acquisition of an aggressive and/or poor prognostic phenotype. In UCB cell lines, knockdown of MAEL by short hairpin RNA is sufficient to inhibit cell growth, invasiveness/metastasis and suppressed epithelial-mesenchymal transition (EMT), whereas ectopic overexpression of MAEL promoted cell growth, invasive and/or metastatic capacity and enhanced EMT both in vitro and in vivo. We further demonstrate that MAEL could induce UCB cell EMT by downregulating a critical downstream target, the metastasis suppressor 1 (MTSS1) gene, ultimately leading to an increased invasiveness of cancer cells. Notably, overexpression of MAEL in UCB cells substantially enhanced the enrichment of DNA methyltrans-ferase (DNMT)3B and histone deacetylase (HDAC)1/2 on the promoter of the MTSS1, and thereby epigenetically suppressing the MTSS1 transcription. Downregulation of MTSS1 by MAEL in UCB cells is partially dependent on DNMT3B. Furthermore, we identify that beside the gene amplification of MAEL, miR-186 is a key negative regulator of MAEL and downregulation of miR-186 is another important mechanism for MAEL overexpression in UCBs. These data suggest that overexpression of MAEL, caused by gene amplification and/or decreased miR-186, has a critical oncogenic role in UCB pathogenesis by downregulation of MTSS1, and MAEL could be used as a novel prognostic marker and/or effective therapeutic target for human UCB.

HGF/Met and FOXM1 form a positive feedback loop and render pancreatic cancer cells resistance to Met inhibition and aggressive phenotypes

Purpose

Hepatocyte growth factor (HGF)/Met signaling plays critical roles in pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma (PDA) development and progression and is considered a potential therapeutic target for this disease. However, the mechanism of aberrant activation of HGF/Met signaling and resistance to Met inhibition in PDA remains unclear.

Experimental Design

The mechanistic role of cross-talk between Forkhead box M1 (FOXM1) and HGF/Met signaling in promotion of PDA growth and resistance to Met inhibition was examined using cell culture, molecular biology and mouse models; and the relevance of our experimental and mechanistic findings were validated using human PDA tissues.

Results

Met was markedly overexpressed in both PDA cell lines and pancreatic tumor specimens, and the expression of Met correlated directly with that of FOXM1 in human tumor specimens. Mechanistically, FOXM1 bound to the promoter region of the Met gene and transcriptionally increased the expression of Met. Increased expression of FOXM1 enhanced the activation of HGF/Met signaling and its downstream pathways, including RAS/extracellular signal-regulated kinase 1/2, phosphoinositide 3-kinase/AKT, and signal transducer and activator of transcription 3. Furthermore, activation of HGF/Met signaling increased the expression and transcriptional activity of FOXM1, and the cross-talk between FOXM1 and HGF/Met signaling promoted PDA growth and resistance to Met inhibition.

Conclusions

Collectively, our findings identified a positive feedback loop formed by FOXM1 and HGF/Met and revealed that this loop is a potentially effective therapeutic target for PDA.

Ion source research and development at University of Jyväskylä: Studies of different plasma processes and towards the higher beam intensities

Several ion source related research and development projects are in progress at the Department of Physics, University of Jyväskylä (JYFL). The work can be divided into investigation of the ion source plasma and development of ion sources, ion beams, and diagnostics. The investigation covers the Electron Cyclotron Resonance Ion Source (ECRIS) plasma instabilities, vacuum ultraviolet (VUV) and visible light emission, photon induced electron emission, and the development of plasma diagnostics. The ion source development covers the work performed for radiofrequency-driven negative ion source, RADIS, beam line upgrade of the JYFL 14 GHz ECRIS, and the development of a new room-temperature-magnet 18 GHz ECRIS, HIISI.

High intensity high charge state ion beam production with an evaporative cooling magnet ECRIS

LECR4 (Lanzhou ECR ion source No. 4) is a room temperature electron cyclotron resonance ion source, designed to produce high current, high charge state ion beams for the SSC-LINAC injector (a new injector for sector separated cyclotron) at the Institute of Modern Physics. LECR4 also serves as a PoP machine for the application of evaporative cooling technology in accelerator field. To achieve those goals, LECR4 ECR ion source has been optimized for the operation at 18 GHz. During 2014, LECR4 ion source was commissioned at 18 GHz microwave of 1.6 kW. To further study the influence of injection stage to the production of medium and high charge state ion beams, in March 2015, the injection stage with pumping system was installed, and some optimum results were produced, such as 560 eμA of O(7+), 620 eμA of Ar(11+), 430 eμA of Ar(12+), 430 eμA of Xe(20+), and so on. The comparison will be discussed in the paper.

CT angiography of the lower extremity and coronary arteries using 256-section CT: a preliminary study

AIM

To investigate the possible use of a 256-section computed tomography (CT) prospective electrocardiography (ECG)-gated wide volume scanning protocol for combined angiography of the lower extremity and coronary arteries, after a single injection of contrast medium, in patients with lower extremity peripheral arterial disease (PAD).

MATERIALS AND METHODS

Thirty-four patients with suspected PAD underwent CT angiography (CTA) with a prospective ECG-gated protocol that covered the level of the tracheal bifurcation to the foot sole. Digital subtraction angiography (DSA) of the lower extremity arteries was performed on patients requiring therapeutic intervention. Image quality and stenosis of the coronary and lower extremity arteries were assessed.

RESULTS

A total of 93.1% of the coronary segments were adequate for diagnosis. 17 (50%) patients showed coronary artery stenosis ≥50%. A total of 95.8% of the lower extremity arterial segments were adequate for diagnosis. Twenty-eight patients with severe lower extremity arterial stenosis or occlusion underwent DSA. The sensitivity, specificity, positive predictive value, negative predictive value, and accuracy of CTA for the detection of significant lower arterial stenosis (≥50%) was 94.8%, 97.2%, 95.3%, 96.9%, and 96.3%, respectively.

CONCLUSION

Using the prospective ECG-gated wide volume CTA protocol, images of the coronary and lower extremity arteries suitable for diagnosis can be acquired simultaneously after a single injection of contrast agent. In addition to accurately diagnosing PAD, combined angiography may be used to screen for coronary heart disease in patients with PAD.

Does shoulder impingement syndrome affect the shoulder kinematics and associated muscle activity in archers?

BACKGROUND

Archery related injuries, such as shoulder impingement syndrome are caused by repeated motion of the shoulder. The aim of this study was to analyze differences in the shoulder kinematics and the associated muscle activity between archers with shoulder impingement and uninjured archery players.

METHODS

Thirty male archers, who were divided into an impingement group and an uninjured group, were included in this study. The angle of scapular elevation, shoulder joint abduction, horizontal extension, and elbow joint flexion as well as the electromyographic activity of the upper trapezius, lower trapezius, deltoid middle, deltoid posterior, biceps brachii, and triceps brachii muscles at the point of stabilization during shooting were measured. Variables differing between impingement and uninjured groups were identified, and a stepwise regression analysis was performed to identify a combination of variables that effectively impingement syndrome.

RESULTS

The results indicated that the angle of scapular elevation was significantly greater than that uninjured group (P<0.05). The angle of horizontal extension in the impingement group was significantly smaller than that in the uninjured group (P<0.05). The angle of elbow flexion in the impingement group was significantly smaller than that in the uninjured group (P<0.05). The levels of upper trapezius and deltoid middle muscle activity were significantly higher in the impingement group, while the level of lower trapezius muscle activity was significantly lower (P<0.05) when compared to the uninjured group. The impingement group had a greater angle of scapular elevation, smaller angle of horizontal extension, smaller angle of elbow flexion, higher the levels of upper trapezius, lower the levels of lower trapezius, higher deltoid middle muscle activity and higher UT/LT ratio (all differences were significant). A logistic model for predicting impingement syndrome showed that UT/LT ratio was significantly related impingement syndrome (P<0.05).

CONCLUSION

The authors concluded that archers with shoulder impingement syndrome exhibit different kinematics and muscle activity compared to uninjured archers. Therefore, in order to prevent shoulder joint impingement during archery, training is necessary what can make lower trapezius muscle activity increased to decrease the UT/LT ratio.

Inhibition of human positive cofactor 4 radiosensitizes human esophageal squmaous cell carcinoma cells by suppressing XLF-mediated nonhomologous end joining

Radiotherapy has the widest application to esophageal squamous cell carcinoma (ESCC) patients. Factors associated with DNA damage repair have been shown to function in cell radiosensitivity. Human positive cofactor 4 (PC4) has a role in nonhomologous end joining (NHEJ) and is involved in DNA damage repair. However, the clinical significance and biological role of PC4 in cancer progression and cancer cellular responses to chemoradiotherapy (CRT) remain largely unknown. The aim of the present study was to investigate the potential roles of PC4 in the radiosensitivity of ESCC. In this study, we showed that knockdown of PC4 substantially increased ESCC cell sensitivity to ionizing radiation (IR) both in vitro and in vivo and enhanced radiation-induced apoptosis and mitotic catastrophe (MC). Importantly, we demonstrated that silencing of PC4 suppressed NHEJ by downregulating the expression of XLF in ESCC cells, whereas reconstituting the expression of XLF protein in the PC4-knockdown ESCC cells restored NHEJ activity and radioresistance. Moreover, high expression of PC4 positively correlated with ESCC resistance to CRT and was an independent predictor for short disease-specific survival of ESCC patients in both of our cohorts. These findings suggest that PC4 protects ESCC cells from IR-induced death by enhancing the NHEJ-promoting activity of XLF and could be used as a novel radiosensitivity predictor and a promising therapeutic target for ESCCs.

Restoration of miR-101 suppresses lung tumorigenesis through inhibition of DNMT3a-dependent DNA methylation

The deregulation of miR-101 and DNMT3a has been implicated in the pathogenesis of multiple tumor types, but whether and how miR-101 silencing and DNMT3a overexpression contribute to lung tumorigenesis remain elusive. Here we show that miR-101 downregulation associates with DNMT3a overexpression in lung cancer cell lines and patient tissues. Ectopic miR-101 expression remarkably abrogated the DNMT3a 3′-UTR luciferase activity corresponding to the miR-101 binding site and caused an attenuated expression of endogenous DNMT3a, which led to a reduction of global DNA methylation and the re-expression of tumor suppressor CDH1 via its promoter DNA hypomethylation. Functionally, restoration of miR-101 expression suppressed lung cancer cell clonability and migration, which recapitulated the DNMT3a knockdown effects. Interestingly, miR-101 synergized with decitabine to downregulate DNMT3a and to reduce DNA methylation. Importantly, ectopic miR-101 expression was sufficient to trigger in vivo lung tumor regression and the blockage of metastasis. Consistent with these phenotypes, examination of xenograft tumors disclosed an increase of miR-101, a decrease of DNMT3a and the subsequent DNA demethylation. These findings support that the loss or suppression of miR-101 function accelerates lung tumorigenesis through DNMT3a-dependent DNA methylation, and suggest that miR-101-DNMT3a axis may have therapeutic value in treating refractory lung cancer.

MiR-29c mediates epithelial-to-mesenchymal transition in human colorectal carcinoma metastasis via PTP4A and GNA13 regulation of β-catenin signaling

BACKGROUND

Distant metastasis is the major cause of cancer-related death, and epithelial-to-mesenchymal transition (EMT) has a critical role in this process. Accumulating evidence indicates that EMT can be regulated by microRNAs (miRNAs). miR-29c has been implicated as a tumor suppressor in several human cancers. However, the role of miR-29c in the progression of colorectal cancer (CRC) metastasis remains largely unknown.

PATIENTS AND METHODS

The expression of miR-29c was examined by qRT-PCR in a cohort of primary CRC (PC) and distant liver metastasis (LM) tissues. A series of in vivo and in vitro assays were carried out in order to elucidate the functions of miR-29c and the molecular mechanisms underlying the pathogenesis of metastatic CRC.

RESULTS

miR-29c was markedly downregulated in PCs with distant metastasis and determined to be an independent predictor of shortened patient survival. But LM tissues showed higher levels of miR-29c than that in PC tissues. In CRC cells, miR-29c dramatically suppressed cell migration and invasion abilities in vitro and cancer metastasis in vivo. In addition, miR-29c inhibited EMT and negatively regulated Wnt/β-catenin signaling pathway. Guanine nucleotide binding protein alpha13 (GNA13) and protein tyrosine phosphatase type IVA (PTP4A) were identified as direct targets of miR-29c, which acted through ERK/GSK3β/β-catenin and AKT/GSK3β/β-catenin pathways, respectively, to regulate EMT. Furthermore, significant associations between miR-29c, its target genes (GNA13 and PTP4A) and EMT markers were validated in both PC and LM tissues.

CONCLUSION

Our findings highlight the important role of miR-29c in regulating CRC EMT via GSK-3β/β-catenin signaling by targeting GNA13 and PTP4A and provide new insights into the metastatic basis of CRC.

A novel star-shaped poly(carboxylic acid) for resin-modified glass-ionomer restoratives

We have developed a novel glass-ionomer cement (GIC) system composed of photo-curable star-shaped poly(acrylic acid-co-itaconic acid)s. These polyacids were synthesized via a chain-transfer radical polymerization using a newly synthesized multi-arm chain-transfer agent. The star-shaped polyacids showed significantly lower viscosities in water as compared to the linear polyacids. Due to the lower viscosities, the molecular weight (MW) of the polyacids can be significantly increased for enhancing the mechanical strengths while keeping the ease of mixing and handling. The effects of MW, GM-tethering ratio, P/L ratio, and aging on the compressive properties of the experimental cements were significant. The light-cured experimental cements showed significantly improved mechanical strengths i.e. 49% in yield strength, 41% in modulus, 25% in CS, 20% in DTS, and 36% in FS, higher than commercial Fuji II LC. After aging in water for 1 month, the compressive strength of the novel light-cured experimental cement reached 343 MPa, which was 34% and 42% higher than Fuji II and Fuji II LC, respectively. This one-month aged experimental cement was also 23% higher than itself after one day aging, indicating that aging in water can significantly enhance salt-bridge formation for this novel star-shaped polyacid-comprised GIC.

EIF5A2 predicts outcome in localised invasive bladder cancer and promotes bladder cancer cell aggressiveness in vitro and in vivo

BACKGROUND

EIF5A2, eukaryotic translation initiation factor 5A2, is associated with several human cancers. In this study, we investigated the role of EIF5A2 in the metastatic potential of localised invasive bladder cancer (BC) and its underlying molecular mechanisms were explored.

METHODS

The expression pattern of EIF5A2 in localised invasive BC was determined by immunohistochemistry. In addition, the function of EIF5A2 in BC and its underlying mechanisms were elucidated with a series of in vitro and in vivo assays.

RESULTS

Overexpression of EIF5A2 was an independent predictor for poor metastasis-free survival of localised invasive BC patients treated with radical cystectomy. Knockdown of EIF5A2 inhibited BC cell migratory and invasive capacities in vitro and metastatic potential in vivo and reversed epithelial-mesenchymal transition (EMT), whereas overexpression of EIF5A2 promoted BC cells motility and invasiveness in vitro and metastatic potential in vivo and induced EMT. In addition, we found that EIF5A2 might activate TGF-β1 expression to induce EMT and drive aggressiveness in BC cells. EIF5A2 stabilized STAT3 and stimulated nuclear localisation of STAT3, which resulted in increasing enrichment of STAT3 onto TGF-β1 promoter to enhance the transcription of TGF-β1.

CONCLUSIONS

EIF5A2 overexpression predicts tumour metastatic potential in patients with localised invasive BC treated with radical cystectomy. Furthermore, EIF5A2 elevated TGF-β1 expression through STAT3 to induce EMT and promotes aggressiveness in BC.

Longikaurin A, a natural ent-kaurane, induces G2/M phase arrest via downregulation of Skp2 and apoptosis induction through ROS/JNK/c-Jun pathway in hepatocellular carcinoma cells

Hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) is the most common form of primary liver cancer, and is also highly resistant to conventional chemotherapy treatments. In this study, we report that Longikaurin A (LK-A), an ent-kaurane diterpenoid isolated from the plant Isodon ternifolius, induced cell cycle arrest and apoptosis in human HCC cell lines. LK-A also suppressed tumor growth in SMMC-7721 xenograft models, without inducing any notable major organ-related toxicity. LK-A treatment led to reduced expression of the proto-oncogene S phase kinase-associated protein 2 (Skp2) in SMMC-7721 cells. Lower Skp2 levels correlated with increased expression of p21 and p-cdc2 (Try15), and a corresponding decrease in protein levels of Cyclin B1 and cdc2. Overexpression of Skp2 significantly inhibited LK-A-induced cell cycle arrest in SMMC-7721 cells, suggesting that LK-A may target Skp2 to arrest cells at the G2/M phase. LK-A also induced reactive oxygen species (ROS) production and apoptosis in SMMC-7721 cells. LK-A induced phosphorylation of c-Jun N-terminal kinase (JNK), but not extracellular signal-regulated kinase and P38 MAP kinase. Treatment with, the JNK inhibitor SP600125 prevented LK-A-induced apoptosis in SMMC-7721 cells. Moreover, the antioxidant N-acetylcysteine prevented phosphorylation of both JNK and c-Jun. Taken together, these data indicate that LK-A induces cell cycle arrest and apoptosis in cancer cells by dampening Skp2 expression, and thereby activating the ROS/JNK/c-Jun signaling pathways. LK-A is therefore a potential lead compound for development of antitumor drugs targeting HCC.

Production of high intensity 48Ca for the 88-Inch Cyclotron and other updates

Recently the Versatile ECR for NUclear Science (VENUS) ion source was engaged in a 60-day long campaign to deliver high intensity (48)Ca(11+) beam to the 88-Inch Cyclotron. As the first long term use of VENUS for multi-week heavy-element research, new methods were developed to maximize oven to target efficiency. First, the tuning parameters of VENUS for injection into the cyclotron proved to be very different than those used to tune VENUS for maximum beam output of the desired charge state immediately following its bending magnet. Second, helium with no oxygen support gas was used to maximize the efficiency. The performance of VENUS and its low temperature oven used to produce the stable requested 75 eμA of (48)Ca(11+) beam current was impressive. The consumption of (48)Ca in VENUS using the low temperature oven was checked roughly weekly, and was found to be on average 0.27 mg/h with an ionization efficiency into the 11+ charge state of 5.0%. No degradation in performance was noted over time. In addition, with the successful operation of VENUS the 88-Inch cyclotron was able to extract a record 2 pμA of (48)Ca(11+), with a VENUS output beam current of 219 eμA. The paper describes the characteristics of the VENUS tune used for maximum transport efficiency into the cyclotron as well as ongoing efforts to improve the transport efficiency from VENUS into the cyclotron. In addition, we briefly present details regarding the recent successful repair of the cryostat vacuum system.

Progress of superconducting electron cyclotron resonance ion sources at Institute of Modern Physics (IMP)

Superconducting ECR ion sources can produce intense highly charged ion beams for the application in heavy ion accelerators. Superconducting Electron Resonance ion source with Advanced Design (SECRAL) is one of the few fully superconducting ECR ion sources that has been successfully built and put into routine operation for years. With enormous efforts and R&D work, promising results have been achieved with the ion source. Heated by the microwave power from a 7 kW/24 GHz gyrotron microwave generator, very intense highly charged gaseous ion beams have been produced, such as 455 eμA Xe(27+), 236 eμA Xe(30+), and 64 eμA Xe(35+). Since heavy metallic ion beams are being more and more attractive and important for many accelerator projects globally, intensive studies have been made to produce highly charged heavy metal ion beams, such as those from bismuth and uranium. Recently, 420 eμA Bi(30+) and 202 eμA U(33+) have been produced with SECRAL source. This paper will present the latest results with SECRAL, and the operation status will be discussed as well. An introduction of recently started SECRAL II project will also be given in the presentation.

Pine oil effects on chemical and thermal injury in mice and cultured mouse dorsal root ganglion neurons

A commercial resin-based pine oil (PO) derived from Pinus palustris and Pinus elliottii was the major focus of this investigation. Extracts of pine resins, needles, and bark are folk medicines commonly used to treat skin ailments, including burns. The American Burn Association estimates that 500,000 people with burn injuries receive medical treatment each year; one-half of US burn victims are children, most with scald burns. This systematic study was initiated as follow-up to personal anecdotal evidence acquired over more than 10 years by MH Bhattacharyya regarding PO's efficacy for treating burns. The results demonstrate that PO counteracted dermal inflammation in both a mouse ear model of contact irritant-induced dermal inflammation and a second degree scald burn to the mouse paw. Furthermore, PO significantly counteracted the tactile allodynia and soft tissue injury caused by the scald burn. In mouse dorsal root ganglion neuronal cultures, PO added to the medium blocked adenosine triphosphate-activated, but not capsaicin-activated, pain pathways, demonstrating specificity. These results together support the hypothesis that a pine-oil-based treatment can be developed to provide effective in-home care for second degree burns.

Identification of forensically important beetles (Coleoptera: Histeridae) in China based on 16S rRNA and Cyt b

Exact identification of an insect sample is usually the first essential step in a forensic entomological analysis. However, the morphological similarity of beetles in the level of species usually poses a challenge for forensic scientists within their routine work. As a supplementary to traditional morphological method, molecular genetics identification turns out to be simple and time-saving. A molecular identification method involving a 288-bp segment of the 16S ribosomal RNA (16S rRNA) gene and a 334-bp segment of the cytochrome b (Cyt b) gene from 23 histerid beetles specimens, collected from 7 locations in 6 Chinese provinces, was evaluated. The 16S rRNA and Cyt b genes are sequenced to examine the ability of the region, resolve species identities and enrich the local databases. The monophyletic branches of the phylogenetic tree showed the potential of the markers in identifying beetles within families. Combined analysis is a more accurate approach for species identication than independent analysis.

Evolutionary and Ecological Dynamics of Transboundary Disease Caused by H5N1 Virus in Southeast Asia

Southeast Asia has been the breeding ground for many emerging diseases in the past decade, and it is in this region that new genetic variants of HPAI H5N1 viruses have been emerging. Cross-border movement of animals accelerates the spread of H5N1, and the changing environmental conditions also exert strong selective pressure on the viruses. The transboundary zoonotic diseases caused by H5N1 pose a serious and continual threat to global economy and public health. Here, we divided the H5N1 viruses isolated in Southeast Asia during 2003-2009 into four groups according to their phylogenetic relationships among HA gene sequences. Molecular evolution analysis suggests populations in expansion rather than a positive selection for group 2 and group 3, yet group 4 is under strong positive selection. Site 193 was found to be a potential glycosylation site and located in receptor-binding domain. Note that site 193 tends to appear in avian isolates instead of human strains. Population dynamics analysis reveals that the effective population size of infections in Southeast Asia has undergone three obvious increases, and the results are consistent with the epidemiological analysis. Ecological and phylogeographical analyses show that agro-ecological environments, migratory birds, domestic waterfowl, especially free-ranging ducks, are crucial in the occurrence, maintenance and spread of H5N1 virus. The epidemiological links between Indonesia and Suphanburi observed suggest that viruses in Indonesia were originated from multiple introductions.