High-Throughput MicroRNA Profiling of Vitreoretinal Lymphoma: Vitreous and Serum MicroRNA Profiles Distinct from Uveitis

Purpose: Vitreoretinal lymphoma (VRL) is a non-Hodgkin lymphoma of the diffuse large B cell type (DLBCL), which is an aggressive cancer causing central nervous system related mortality. The pathogenesis of VRL is largely unknown. The role of microRNAs (miRNAs) has recently acquired remarkable importance in the pathogenesis of many diseases including cancers. Furthermore, miRNAs have shown promise as diagnostic and prognostic markers of cancers. In this study, we aimed to identify differentially expressed miRNAs and pathways in the vitreous and serum of patients with VRL and to investigate the pathogenesis of the disease. Materials and Methods: Vitreous and serum samples were obtained from 14 patients with VRL and from controls comprising 40 patients with uveitis, 12 with macular hole, 14 with epiretinal membrane, 12 healthy individuals. The expression levels of 2565 miRNAs in serum and vitreous samples were analyzed. Results: Expression of the miRNAs correlated significantly with the extracellular matrix (ECM) ‒receptor interaction pathway in VRL. Analyses showed that miR-326 was a key driver of B-cell proliferation, and miR-6513-3p could discriminate VRL from uveitis. MiR-1236-3p correlated with vitreous interleukin (IL)-10 concentrations. Machine learning analysis identified miR-361-3p expression as a discriminator between VRL and uveitis. Conclusions: Our findings demonstrate that aberrant microRNA expression in VRL may affect the expression of genes in a variety of cancer-related pathways. The altered serum miRNAs may discriminate VRL from uveitis, and serum miR-6513-3p has the potential to serve as an auxiliary tool for the diagnosis of VRL.

miR-27a ameliorates chemoresistance of breast cancer cells by disruption of reactive oxygen species homeostasis and impairment of autophagy

In patients with breast cancer, primary chemotherapy often fails due to survival of chemoresistant breast cancer stem cells (BCSCs) which results in recurrence and metastasis of the tumor. However, the factors determining the chemoresistance of BCSCs have remained to be investigated. Here, we profiled a series of differentially expressed microRNAs (miRNAs) between parental adherent breast cancer cells and BCSC-mimicking mammosphere-derived cancer cells, and identified hsa-miR-27a as a negative regulator for survival and chemoresistance of BCSCs. In the mammosphere, we found that the expression of hsa-miR-27a was downregulated, and ectopic overexpression of hsa-miR-27a reduced both number and size of mammospheres. In addition, overexpression of hsa-miR-27a sensitized breast cancer cells to anticancer drugs by downregulation of genes essential for detoxification of reactive oxygen species (ROS) and impairment of autophagy. Therefore, enhancing the hsa-miR-27a signaling pathway can be a potential therapeutic modality for breast cancer.

Cytohistology of morule in cribriform-morular variant of papillary thyroid carcinoma

INTRODUCTION

Cribriform-morular variant (CMV) is a rare variant of papillary thyroid carcinoma. It frequently occurs in association with familial adenomatous polyposis (FAP), although some cases are sporadic. Herein, we report a case of CMV and analyse morule cytohistology.

CASE REPORT

The patient was a 47-year-old woman with no familial history of FAP. A 3.0-cm unifocal mass was identified in the left thyroidal lobe. Fine-needle aspiration cytology revealed papillary clusters of atypical cells with nuclear grooves, which was suspected to be conventional papillary thyroid carcinoma. Histologically, the tumour comprised a papillary and cribriform growth of atypical cells with cytoplasmic accumulation and nuclear translocation of b-catenin. In addition, frequent morule formation was identified.

DISCUSSION

In this case, we performed morule analysis through correlative light and electron microscopy (CLEM), and revealed its ultrastructure. Although CMV is a rare form of thyroid carcinoma, it should be considered along with its distinct clinicopathological characteristics.

Spin structure and spin Hall magnetoresistance of epitaxial thin films of the insulating non-collinear antiferromagnet SmFeO3

We report a combined study of imaging the antiferromagnetic (AFM) spin structure and measuring the spin Hall magnetoresistance (SMR) in epitaxial thin films of the insulating non-collinear antiferromagnet SmFeO₃. X-ray magnetic linear dichroism photoemission electron microscopy measurements reveal that the AFM spins of the SmFeO₃(1 1 0) align in the plane of the film. Angularly dependent magnetoresistance measurements show that SmFeO₃/Ta bilayers exhibit a positive SMR, in contrast to the negative SMR expected in previously studied collinear AFMs. The SMR amplitude increases linearly with increasing external magnetic field at higher magnetic fields, suggesting that field-induced canting of the AFM spins plays an important role. In contrast, around the coercive field, no detectable SMR signal is observed, indicating that the SMR of the AFM and canting magnetization components cancel out. Below 50 K, the SMR amplitude increases sizably by a factor of two as compared to room temperature, which likely correlates with the long-range ordering of the Sm ions. Our results show that the SMR is a sensitive technique for non-equilibrium spin systems of non-collinear AFMs.

P6441New continuous glucose monitoring reveals hypoglycemia risk in both diabetic and nondiabetic patients with acute myocardial infarction

Background

There has been growing evidence that the glucose fluctuation is an important contributing factor to the development of coronary artery disease. However, whether large glucose fluctuation, especially hypoglycemia, may be associated with acute myocardial infarction (AMI) remains largely unknown.

Aim

As new continuous glucose monitoring (CGM) has recently become available to evaluate glucose fluctuation from immediately after an emergency visit, this study sought to investigate glucose fluctuation and the occurrence of hypoglycemia in patients with AMI.

Methods

In this prospective study, 93 consecutive patients with AMI from April 2017 to November 2018 were enrolled. Subcutaneous interstitial glucose levels were monitored from emergency room to discharge using the CGM System. Based on the CGM data, 24-h mean glucose levels, the time in hyperglycemia and hypoglycemia and the occurrence of hypoglycemia, defined as less than 70 mg/dL, were measured, and the mean amplitude of glycemic excursions (MAGE) were calculated.

Results

The majority of patients [n=57, 61% (non-DM)] did not have diabetes and 36 patients had diabetes (DM). The occurrence of hypoglycemia within 24 hours after admission was observed in 49 patients [DM: n=11 (30.6%), non-DM: n=38 (66.7%)]. MAGE within 24 hours after admission were 100±47 in DM patients and 67±20 in non-DM patients. The mean time in hypoglycemia within 24 hours after admission was 148 minutes [DM: 100±260 minutes, non-DM: 178±287 minutes]. The occurrence of hypoglycemia during a hospital stay (mean 11.5 days) was detected in 76 patients [DM: n=28 (77.8%), non-DM: n=48 (84.2%)].

Representative case of hypoglycemia

Conclusion

Not only in DM patients but also in non-DM patients with AMI, large glucose fluctuation and high incidence of hypoglycemia were observed using new CGM system. Further investigations should address the rationale for the early detection and control of glucose fluctuation for AMI patients.

First autopsy analysis of the efficacy of intra-operative additional photodynamic therapy for patients with glioblastoma

The study aim to demonstrate the therapeutic tissue depth of photodynamic therapy (PDT) using the photosensitizer talaporfin sodium and semiconductor laser for malignant glioma from an autopsy finding. Three patients diagnosed with glioblastoma by pre-operative imaging (1 newly diagnosed patient and 2 patients with recurrence) were treated with intra-operative additional PDT and adjuvant therapy such as post-operative radiotherapy or chemotherapy. All three patients died of brain stem dysfunction owing to cerebrospinal fluid dissemination or direct invasion of the tumor cells from 13, 18, or 20 months after PDT. Antemortem magnetic resonance images demonstrated no tumor recurrence in the site of PDT, and autopsy was performed for the pathological analysis. Macroscopic observation demonstrated no tumor recurrence in two patients, but one patient demonstrated tumor recurrence in the therapeutic depth of PDT. Microscopic analysis demonstrated histopathological changes reaching depths of 9, 11, and 18 mm (mean: 12.7 mm) from the surface of the cavity of tumor resection, suggesting the therapeutic tissue depth of PDT to be in this range. This region demonstrated glial scarring with infiltration of T lymphocytes and macrophages, with slight degeneration of small vessel walls. However, viable tumor tissues were observed beyond or around the therapeutic tissue depth of PDT in two patients. PDT for glioblastoma prevented early local recurrence, which suggests the possibility that activation of the immune mechanisms was involved. The therapeutic tissue depth was suggested to be 9-18 mm from the surface of the cavity of tumor resection; however, the viable tumor tissues were demonstrated beyond this therapeutic range.

rAAV6-mediated miR-29b delivery suppresses renal fibrosis

BACKGROUND

Previous studies showed that microRNA-29b (miR-29b) inhibits renal fibrosis. Therefore, miR-29b replacement therapy represents a promising approach for treating renal fibrosis. However, an efficient method of kidney-targeted miRNA delivery has yet to be established. Recombinant adeno-associated virus (rAAV) vectors have great potential for clinical application. For kidney-targeted gene delivery, the most suitable AAV serotype has yet to be established. Here, we identified the most suitable AAV serotype for kidney-targeted gene delivery and determined that AAV-mediated miR-29b delivery can suppress renal fibrosis in vivo.

METHOD

To determine which AAV serotype is suitable for kidney cells, GFP-positive cells were identified by flow cytometry after the infection of rAAV serotype 1-9 vectors containing the EGFP gene. Next, we injected rAAV vectors into the renal pelvis to determine transduction efficiency in vivo. GFP expression was measured seven days after injecting rAAV serotype 1-9 vectors carrying the EGFP gene. Finally, we investigated whether rAAV6-mediated miR-29b delivery can suppress renal fibrosis in UUO mouse model.

RESULTS

We found that rAAV6 vector is the most suitable for targeting kidney cells regardless of animal species in vitro and rAAV6 is the most suitable vector for kidney-targeted in vivo gene delivery in mice. Intra-renal pelvic injection of rAAV vectors can transduce genes into kidney TECs. Furthermore, rAAV6-mediated miR-29b delivery attenuated renal fibrosis in UUO model by suppressing Snail1 expression.

CONCLUSION

Our study has revealed that rAAV6 is the most suitable serotype for kidney-targeted gene delivery and rAAV6-mediated miR-29b delivery into kidney TECs can suppress established renal fibrosis.

Therapeutic potential of PLK1 inhibition in triple-negative breast cancer

Triple negative breast cancer (TNBC) is responsible for significant number of breast cancer-associated deaths because of lacking of successful molecular-targeted therapy. To explore a therapeutic target for TNBC, we performed a siRNA-mediated knockdown screening and identified Polo-like kinase 1 (PLK1) as a potential therapeutic target for TNBC. Knockdown of PLK1 as well as a small compound inhibitor for PLK1, BI-2536, induced G2/M arrest and created polyploid cell population, shown by increased DNA content and nuclear size. Inhibition of PLK1 eventually triggered apoptosis in multiple TNBC cell lines. In addition, we confirmed that PLK1 was significantly overexpressed in the tissues from TNBC patients compared with the tissues of normal mammary glands and benign breast tumors. Our data indicated that PLK1 plays a pivotal role in the regulation of mitosis of TNBC cells. Although future in vivo studies are warranted, targeting PLK1 by a selective inhibitor such as BI-2536 can be an attractive molecular-targeted therapy for TNBC.

[AI Application on the Pathology-From Diagnosis Assisting Tool to Prediction Tool]

The use of AI in pathology has just begun. Since the pathological image contains a lot of information, it is a situation seeking what kind of contribution of pathology can be made by AI. In addition to outlining its flow, we outline our approach by dividing it into the fields of diagnosis aid, research, recurrence and treatment effect prediction.

Abstract A66: Analysis of dendritic cell derived exosomes that suppressed tumor growth

Immunotherapy is expected as the fourth cancer therapy subsequently to the three pillars of cancer treatment which are surgery, radiation, and chemotherapy. Cancer immunotherapy enhances existing antitumor responses and includes the use of antibodies, lymphocytes and cytokines. Dendritic cells (DCs)-based immunotherapy is one of the cancer immunotherapies. Because DCs play a key role for immune reactions to activate T cells against cancer cells by cancer antigen presentation at cellular membrane, DCs have been used in clinical trials as cellular mediators for therapeutic vaccination of patients with cancer. The cells such as DCs and cancer cells secrete exosomes which are nano-sized extracellular microvesicles. It has reported that the exosomes released from peptide-vaccinated DCs are responsible for the persistence of antigen presentation. On the other hands, cancer cells derived exosomes play an immunosuppressive. So, we considered that whether DCs-derived exosomes could induce suppress cancer cells and more effective response of immune system against cancer with control for the cancer cells-derived exosomes. Luciferase gene transfferd-3LL cells (murine lung cancer cell line derived C57BL/6) were injected to C57BL/6J mice by intraperitoneal administration. And then, DCs, DCs-exosomes or 3LL-exosmes were weekly administrated to lung cancer bearing mice. The exosomes derived from DCs decreased lung cancer cell growth, on the other hand, lung cancer derived-exosomes increased in compared with DCs, DCs-exosomes and non-treated. For cancer immunotherapy, DC-exosomes and controlled cancer-exosomes play important roles. Currently, we are going on analyze immunosuppressive molecules possessing cancer cell-derived exosomes, and immune activation molecules in DCs-exosomes.

Citation Format: Masakatsu Takanashi, Katsuko Sudo, Shinobu Ueda, Shinichiro Ohno, Masahiko Kuroda. Analysis of dendritic cell derived exosomes that suppressed tumor growth [abstract]. In: Proceedings of the AACR Special Conference on Tumor Immunology and Immunotherapy; 2017 Oct 1-4; Boston, MA. Philadelphia (PA): AACR; Cancer Immunol Res 2018;6(9 Suppl):Abstract nr A66.

Overexpression of miR‑221 and miR‑222 in the cancer stroma is associated with malignant potential in colorectal cancer

The cancer stroma is important in cancer development, however, whether the aberrant expression of microRNAs (miRNAs) in the cancer stroma is associated with cancer progression remains to be fully elucidated. The aim of the present study was to identify the miRNAs associated with liver metastasis in the cancer stroma of human colorectal cancer (CRC). Using laser capture microdissection, cancer stroma was obtained from the primary lesion of six patients with CRC with liver metastasis (CRCwLM) and six patients with CRC without liver metastasis (CRCwoLM), and miRNA microarray analysis was performed. Candidate miRNA expression status in the stroma was validated by reverse transcription‑quantitative polymerase chain reaction (RT‑qPCR) analysis in 40 CRC cases (wLM, n=20; woLM, n=20), and the association between miRNA expression and clinicopathological factors was assessed in 101 advanced CRC samples. The localization of candidate miRNAs in CRCs was analyzed using in situ hybridization analysis (ISH). The microarray analysis identified six miRNAs with expression differing between the CRCwLM and CRCwoLM cancer stroma. Validation using RT‑qPCR analysis of the stroma showed that the expression levels of miR‑221 and miR‑222 in the cancer stroma were significantly higher in CRCwLM than in CRCwoLM. The RT‑qPCR analysis of 101 CRC samples showed that a high expression level of miR‑221 or miR‑222 in the cancer stroma was associated with liver metastasis, distant metastasis, and shorter overall survival rate of patients with CRC (P<0.05). Increased levels of miR‑221 and miR‑222 were observed in cancer cells and in fibroblasts in the stromal tissue in the ISH analysis. The results suggested that the overexpression of miR‑221 and miR‑222 in the cancer stroma is associated with the metastatic activity and malignant potential in patients with CRC.

Abstract 4433: Upregulation of BLU tumor suppressor gene by miR-34a

miR-34a is down-regulated in several tumor tissues and well known as strong tumor suppresser miRNA. However, the mechanisms of tumor suppression by miR-34a remain unclear. To elucidate the mechanisms of tumor suppression by miR-34a, we performed microarray analysis of miR-34a transfected cells. Interestingly, we found that the number of up-regulated genes was larger than down-regulated genes by the transfection of miR-34a. The tumor suppresser BLU (ZMYND10) is strongly up-regulated by miR-34a that primarily expressed in the normal lung and down-regulated in non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC). Therefore, we investigated the possibility that miR-34a inhibits lung cancer development through inducing BLU expression. It was recently reported that miRNA also regulate transcription in the nucleus through binding to the lncRNA from promoter locus. Because, the predicted two binding sites of miR-34a are located in the BLU promoter locus, we searched the lncRNA expressed from the BLU promoter locus. As a result, we identified the lncRNA from the BLU promoter and siRNA against the lncRNA also induced BLU expression. These results suggest that miR-34a induced tumor suppresser BLU through the binding to the promoter-associated lncRNA.

Citation Format: Shinichiro Ohno, Yoshihiro Sambu, Keiki Oikawa, Yoshitaka Naito, Yuichirou Harada, Masahiko Kuroda. Upregulation of BLU tumor suppressor gene by miR-34a [abstract]. In: Proceedings of the American Association for Cancer Research Annual Meeting 2018; 2018 Apr 14-18; Chicago, IL. Philadelphia (PA): AACR; Cancer Res 2018;78(13 Suppl):Abstract nr 4433.

Tooth Loss in Problem-oriented, Irregular, and Regular Attenders at Dental Offices

The aim of this retrospective study was to compare number of teeth lost among regular attenders (RAs), irregular attenders (IRAs), and problem-oriented attenders (POAs) at dental offices over a 10-yr observation period. Information on tooth loss was obtained from general practitioners. Patients were divided into 3 groups based on appointment adherence. A total of 1,886 teeth were lost in 1,400 patients. The mean number of teeth lost in men was 2.2±2.6 per patient over 10 yr in POAs, 1.2±1.7 in IRAs, and 1.5±1.5 in RAs. This number was significantly lower in IRAs (p = 0.011) or RAs (p=0.012) than in POAs. When the dependent variable was defined as "a patient with at least 2 or more extracted teeth", the independent variables showed the following correlations with tooth loss: IRAs (OR: 0.54; 95%CI: 0.35-0.84), RAs (OR: 0.65; 95%CI: 0.47-0.89), man (OR: 1.43; 95%CI: 1.11-1.83), hypertension (OR: 1.38; 95%CI: 1.04-1.85), 20-25 present teeth (OR: 2.41; 95%CI: 1.81-3.22), and 1-19 present teeth (OR: 3.75; 95%CI: 2.73-5.16). The risk of tooth loss showed a 0.65-fold increase in RAs undergoing maintenance compared with POAs. Motivating patients to visit the dentist more regularly and undergo maintenance is important. The present results may be of use to dental professionals in providing patients with detailed information on potential tooth loss and associated risk factors with the aim of achieving such a change in behavior.

Duration from Initial Symptoms to Diagnosis of Vertical Root Fracture in Dental Offices

Diagnosing vertical root fracture (VRF) is difficult. Here, we retrospectively investigated the duration from initial symptoms to a definite diagnosis of VRF in dental offices. Data were collected on patients with VRF between July 2013 and June 2015. Initial symptoms were ascertained from clinical records. The focus was on the maxillary second premolars and mesial roots of the mandibular first molars, where VRF is most frequent. All VRF in the bilateral dentition was analyzed. Only cases in which the buccal-lingual plane of the root was fractured were included. Data from 31 dental offices revealed a total of 39 VRFs in the maxillary second premolars and 43 in the mandibular mesial roots of the first molars. The patients comprised 42 males and 40 females, and the average age was 59.7±11.6 years at initial onset of symptoms. The mean duration from initial symptoms to a definite diagnosis in the maxillary second premolars was 18.3±22.5 months, while that in the mandibular first molars was 16.1±17.8 months. The cumulative diagnostic rate was 48.7% at 12 months and 79.5% at 24 months in the maxillary second premolars, and 38.1% at 12 months and 86.0% at 24 months in the mandibular first molars. No significant difference was observed between tooth type. If VRF is suspected, doctors should explain the risks of tooth extraction and begin considering treatment options. The present results revealed that 80% of VRFs were diagnosed within 2 years of initial onset of symptoms.

Expression level of microRNA-200c is associated with cell morphology in vitro and histological differentiation through regulation of ZEB1/2 and E-cadherin in gastric carcinoma

Scirrhous type gastric cancer is characterized by diffuse infiltration of poorly differentiated adenocarcinoma cells and poor prognosis. Although association of poorly differentiated histology with reduction in E-cadherin expression, as well as association of microRNA (miR)-200c with E-cadherin through regulation of ZEB1/2, has been reported, participation of miR-200c in gastric carcinogenesis is not fully understood. We used 6 cell lines originating from gastric cancers, and investigated levels of miR-200c along with its target mRNAs ZEB1/2 and E-cadherin by qRT-PCR. ZEB1 and E-cadherin protein expression was also assessed via western blotting. Furthermore, we investigated the expression levels of miR-200c by in situ hybridization, along with the expression of ZEB1 and E-cadherin by immunohistochemistry, in 97 gastric adenocarcinoma tissues. Inverse correlation between miR-200c and ZEB1 levels were obtained by qRT-PCR in cell lines (P<0.05). Cell lines with low miR-200c and high ZEB1 exhibited low E-cadherin expression in both qRT-PCR and western blotting, and exhibited spindle-shaped morphology, in contrast to round cell morphology in those cell lines with high miR-200c levels. Inverse correlations were also obtained between miR-200c and ZEB1 as well as between ZEB1 and E-cadherin levels in tissue samples (P<0.001). Cancer tissues with low miR-200c, high ZEB1, and low E-cadherin expression were associated with poorly differentiated histology, in contrast to tubular form in cancers with high miR-200c expression levels (P<0.001). Our data revealed that downregulation of miR-200c primarily regulated cell morphology by downregulation of E-cadherin through upregulation of ZEB1, leading to poorly differentiated histology in gastric cancer.

miR-125b-1 and miR-378a are predictive biomarkers for the efficacy of vaccine treatment against colorectal cancer

Many clinical trials of peptide vaccines have been conducted. However, these vaccines have provided clinical benefits in only a small fraction of patients. The purpose of the present study was to explore microRNAs (miRNAs) as novel predictive biomarkers for the efficacy of vaccine treatment against colorectal cancer. First, we carried out microarray analysis of pretreatment cancer tissues in a phase I study, in which peptide vaccines alone were given. Candidate miRNAs were selected by comparison of the better prognosis group with the poorer prognosis group. Next, we conducted microarray analysis of cancer tissues in a phase II study, in which peptide vaccines combined with chemotherapy were given. Candidate miRNAs were further selected by a similar comparison of prognosis. Subsequently, we carried out reverse‐transcription PCR analysis of phase II cases, separating cancer tissues into cancer cells and stromal tissue using laser capture microdissection. Treatment effect in relation to overall survival (OS) and miRNA expression was analyzed. Three miRNA predictors were negatively associated with OS: miR‐125b‐1 in cancer cells (P = 0.040), and miR‐378a in both cancer cells (P = 0.009) and stromal cells (P < 0.001). Multivariate analysis showed that expression of miR‐378a in stromal cells was the best among the three predictors (HR, 2.730; 95% CI, 1.027–7.585; P = 0.044). In conclusion, miR‐125b‐1 and miR‐378a expression might be considered as novel biomarkers to predict the efficacy of vaccine treatment against colorectal cancer.

Enhanced biomass production of duckweeds by inoculating a plant growth-promoting bacterium, Acinetobacter calcoaceticus P23, in sterile medium and non-sterile environmental waters

Duckweed offers the promise of a co-benefit culture combining water purification with biomass production. Acinetobacter calcoaceticus P23 is a plant growth-promoting bacterium isolated from a duckweed, Lemna aequinoctialis. This study quantified its growth-promoting effect on three duckweeds (L. aoukikusa, L. minor, and Spirodela polyrhiza) in sterile Hoagland solution and evaluated its usefulness in duckweed culture under non-sterile conditions. P23 promoted growth of three duckweeds in sterile Hoagland solution at low to high nutrient concentrations (1.25-10 mg NO₃-N/L and 0.25-2.0 mg PO₄-P/L). It increased the biomass production of L. aequinoctialis 3.8-4.3-fold, of L. minor 2.3-3.3-fold, and of S. polyrhiza 1.4-1.5-fold after 7 days compared with noninoculated controls. P23 also increased the biomass production of L. minor 2.4-fold in pond water and 1.7-fold in secondary effluent of a sewage treatment plant under non-sterile conditions at laboratory-scale experiments. P23 rescued L. minor from growth inhibition caused by microorganisms indigenous to the pond water. The results demonstrate that the use of P23 in duckweed culture can improve the efficiency of duckweed biomass production, and a positive effect of P23 on duckweed-based wastewater treatment can be assumed.