Extracellular Matrix Alterations in Metastatic Processes. Int J Mol Sci. 2019;20. [PMID: 31591367 PMCID: PMC6802000 DOI: 10.3390/ijms20194947]

Novel insight into the underlying dysregulation mechanisms of immune cell-to-cell communication by analyzing multitissue single-cell atlas of two COVID-19 patients

How does SARS-CoV-2 cause lung microenvironment disturbance and inflammatory storm is still obscure. We here performed the single-cell transcriptome sequencing from lung, blood, and bone marrow of two dead COVID-19 patients and detected the cellular communication among them. Our results demonstrated that SARS-CoV-2 infection increase the frequency of cellular communication between alveolar type I cells (AT1) or alveolar type II cells (AT2) and myeloid cells triggering immune activation and inflammation microenvironment and then induce the disorder of fibroblasts, club, and ciliated cells, which may cause increased pulmonary fibrosis and mucus accumulation. Further study showed that the increase of T cells in the lungs may be mainly recruited by myeloid cells through ligands/receptors (e.g., ANXA1/FPR1, C5AR1/RPS19, and CCL5/CCR1). Interestingly, we also found that certain ligands/receptors (e.g., ANXA1/FPR1, CD74/COPA, CXCLs/CXCRs, ALOX5/ALOX5AP, CCL5/CCR1) are significantly activated and shared among lungs, blood and bone marrow of COVID-19 patients, implying that the dysregulation of ligands/receptors may lead to immune cell's activation, migration, and the inflammatory storm in different tissues of COVID-19 patients. Collectively, our study revealed a possible mechanism by which the disorder of cell communication caused by SARS-CoV-2 infection results in the lung inflammatory microenvironment and systemic immune responses across tissues in COVID-19 patients.

Flavokawain A suppresses the vasculogenic mimicry of HCC by inhibiting CXCL12 mediated EMT

BACKGROUND

Hepatocellular carcinoma has high ability of vascular invasion and metastasis. Vasculogenic mimicry (VM) is closely related to the metastasis and recurrence of hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC). According to previous research, Chloranthus henryi has anti-tumor effect, but its molecular mechanism in the treatment of HCC has not yet been stated.

PURPOSE

In our study, we aimed to investigate the effect of the extract of Chloranthus henryi in HCC and its target and molecular mechanism. We hoped to explore potential drugs for HCC treatment.

STUDY DESIGN/METHODS

In this study, we isolated a chalcone compound from Chloranthus henryi, compound 4, identified as flavokawain A (FKA). We determined the anti-HCC effect of FKA by MTT and identified the target of FKA by molecular docking and CETSA. Hepatoma cells proliferation, migration, invasion, and VM formation were examined using EDU, wound healing, transwell, vasculogenic mimicry, and IF. WB, RT-PCR, and cell transfection were used to explore the mechanism of FKA on hepatoma cells. Tissue section staining is mainly used to demonstrate the effect of FKA on HCC in vivo.

RESULTS

We confirmed that FKA can directly interact with CXCL12 and HCC proliferation, migration, invasion, and VM formation were all inhibited through reversing the EMT progress in vitro and in vivo through the PI3K/Akt/NF-κB signaling pathway. Additionally, by overexpressing and knocking down CXCL12, we got the same results.

CONCLUSION

FKA attenuated proliferation, invasion and metastatic and reversed EMT in HCC via PI3K/Akt/HIF-1α/NF-κB/Twist1 pathway by targeting CXCL12. This study proposed that FKA may be a candidate drug and prospective strategy for HCC therapy.

In vitro synergistic effect of hesperidin and doxorubicin downregulates epithelial-mesenchymal transition in highly metastatic breast cancer cells

Background

We previously reported that in highly metastatic breast cancer cells, doxorubicin (DOX) at non-toxic concentrations promoted cell migration and invasion. Hesperidin (30, 5, 9-dihydroxy-40-methoxy-7-orutinosyl flavanone) is a flavonoid glycoside isolated from citrus/lemon plant that possesses a cytotoxic effect in several cancer cells. In this study, we investigate whether DOX efficacy is enhanced by hesperidin (Hsd) and the molecular pathway involved in highly metastatic breast cancer, 4T1.

Methods

Combined cytotoxicity of Hsd and DOX was evaluated with MTT assay and was analyzed using Chou-Talalay’s method. To better understand the underlying mechanism, several factors, including apoptosis and cell cycle arrest were analyzed by flow cytometry. In addition, antimigration activity was evaluated by scratch wound healing assay, MMP-9 expression by ELISA and gelatin zymography, and Rac-1 protein level using western blot. The data on survival rate and expression level of MMP-9 and Rac-1 were obtained from Gene Expression OMNIBUS (GEO).

Results

Under MTT assay, Hsd showed a cytotoxic effect in a concentration-dependent manner with an IC50 value of 284 µM on 4T1 cells. Hsd synergistically enhanced the cytotoxic effect of DOX which seemed to correlate with an increase in apoptotic cell death, G2/M cell cycle arrest and blocked the migration of 4T1 cells. At 10 nM, doxorubicin induced lamellipodia formation, and increased the level of Rac-1 and metalloproteinase-9 (MMP-9) expression. Interestingly, combined treatment of DOX and Hsd dramatically downregulated the expression of MMP-9 and Rac-1. These results indicated that Hsd block the cell migration induced by DOX under in vitro studies.

Conclusion

These findings strongly suggest that Hsd possesses a potential synergistic effect that can be developed to enhance the anticancer efficacy of DOX and reduce the risks of chemotherapy use in highly metastatic breast cancer.

Circulating tumour cells in gastrointestinal cancers: food for thought?

Gastrointestinal (GI) cancers account for 35% of cancer-related deaths, predominantly due to their ability to spread and generate drug-tolerant metastases. Arising from different locations in the GI system, the majority of metastatic GI malignancies colonise the liver and the lungs. In this context, circulating tumour cells (CTCs) are playing a critical role in the formation of new metastases, and their presence in the blood of patients has been correlated with a poor outcome. In addition to their prognostic utility, prospective targeting of CTCs may represent a novel, yet ambitious strategy in the fight against metastasis. A better understanding of CTC biology, mechanistic underpinnings and weaknesses may facilitate the development of previously underappreciated anti-metastasis approaches. Here, along with related clinical studies, we outline a selection of the literature describing biological features of CTCs with an impact on their metastasis forming ability in different GI cancers.

cRGD-Functionalized Silk Fibroin Nanoparticles: A Strategy for Cancer Treatment with a Potent Unselective Naphthalene Diimide Derivative

Developing drug delivery systems to target cytotoxic drugs directly into tumor cells is still a compelling need with regard to reducing side effects and improving the efficacy of cancer chemotherapy. In this work, silk fibroin nanoparticles (SFNs) have been designed to load a previously described cytotoxic compound (NDI-1) that disrupts the cell cycle by specifically interacting with non-canonical secondary structures of DNA. SFNs were then functionalized on their surface with cyclic pentapeptides incorporating the Arg-Gly-Asp sequence (cRGDs) to provide active targeting toward glioma cell lines that abundantly express ανβ3 and ανβ5 integrin receptors. Cytotoxicity and selective targeting were assessed by in vitro tests on human glioma cell lines U373 (highly-expressing integrin subunits) and D384 cell lines (low-expressing integrin subunits in comparison to U373). SFNs were of nanometric size (d50 less than 100 nm), round shaped with a smooth surface, and with a negative surface charge; overall, these characteristics made them very likely to be taken up by cells. The active NDI-1 was loaded into SFNs with high encapsulation efficiency and was not released before the internalization and degradation by cells. Functionalization with cRGDs provided selectivity in cell uptake and thus cytotoxicity, with a significantly higher cytotoxic effect of NDI-1 delivered by cRGD-SFNs on U373 cells than on D384 cells. This manuscript provides an in vitro proof-of-concept of cRGD-silk fibroin nanoparticles’ active site-specific targeting of tumors, paving the way for further in vivo efficacy tests.

The Roles of Exosomes in Metastasis of Sarcoma: From Biomarkers to Therapeutic Targets

Sarcoma is a heterogeneous group of mesenchymal neoplasms with a high rate of lung metastasis. The cellular mechanisms responsible for sarcoma metastasis remain poorly understood. Furthermore, there are limited efficacious therapeutic strategies for treating metastatic sarcoma. Improved diagnostic and therapeutic modalities are of increasing importance for the treatment of sarcoma due to their high mortality in the advanced stages of the disease. Recent evidence demonstrates that the exosome, a type of extracellular vesicle released by virtually all cells in the body, is an important facilitator of intercellular communication between the cells and the surrounding environment. The exosome is gaining significant attention among the medical research community, but there is little knowledge about how the exosome affects sarcoma metastasis. In this review, we summarize the multifaceted roles of sarcoma-derived exosomes in promoting the process of metastasis via the formation of pre-metastatic niche (PMN), the regulation of immunity, angiogenesis, vascular permeability, and the migration of sarcoma cells. We also highlight the potential of exosomes as innovative diagnostic and prognostic biomarkers as well as therapeutic targets in sarcoma metastasis.

Dual drug-loaded PLGA fibrous scaffolds for effective treatment of breast cancer in situ

Advanced metastatic breast cancer remains nearly an incurable disease. In situ therapy may help patients with worse prognoses have better clinical outcomes by significantly reducing systematic toxicity. Dural-drug fibrous scaffold was created and assessed using an in-situ therapeutic strategy, simulating the preferred regimens advised by the National Comprehensive Cancer Network. DOX, a once-used chemotherapy drug is embedded into scaffolds and produces a fast release for two cycles to kill tumor cells. PTX, a hydrophobic drug is continuously injected and produces a gradual release for up to two cycles to treat long cycles. Chosen drug loading system and the designated fabrication parameter controlled the releasing profile. Drug carrier system complied with the clinical regimen. It demonstrated both in vitro and in vivo anti-proliferative effects on the breast cancer model. The dosage of an intratumoral injection to drug capsules, the local tissue toxicity could be significantly reduced. To optimized intravenous injection with dual drugs, fewer side effects and a higher survival rate were seen even in the large tumor model (450-550 mm³). Drug delivery system makes the precise accumulation of the topical drug concentration possible, simulating clinically successful therapy and possibly offering better clinical treatment options for solid tumors.

Transcriptomics and experimental validation-based approach to understand the effect and mechanism of Huangqin tang interfeience with colitis associated colorectal cancer

Context

Chronic inflammation is usually caused by persistent irritation or uncontrolled infection and is characterized by ongoing tissue damage, injury-induced cellular proliferation and tissue repair. Colitis-associated colorectal cancer (CAC) isone of the classic examples of tumors that are tightly related to chronic inflammation.

Background

To investigated the key pharmacodynamic genes of HQT interventions in CAC by using transcriptome predictions and experiments.Materials & Methods: We used the azoxymethane/dextran sodium sulfate method to induce the mice CAC model. After preventive administration of HQT to the mice model, colonic tissues were taken for transcriptome sequencing and the transcriptome results were then experimentally validated using quantitative Real-Time PCR technique.

Results

Transcriptome sequencing revealed that the effect of the mechanism of HQT on the CAC mice model maybe related to its inhibition of accelerated epithelial mesenchymal transition and induction of pyroptosis. The levels of Matrix-metalloproteinases such as MMP-2, MMP-9 were significantly reduced in CAC mice treated with HQT; The mRNA expression for Krt17, App, CD44 and WNT pathway related sites such as Lrrc15, Cldn-1, Mpc1, Agr2 which are related factors affecting the epithelial mesenchymal transition were significantly reduced in CAC mice treated with HQT; the aberrant mRNA expression of inflammasome components that drive pyroptosis, including Nlrp3, Caspase-1, ASC, GSDMD and its mediated product IL-18 have been improved.

Conclusions

Our findings provide preliminary clarification that inhibiting the progression of CAC by using HQT is effective, the mechanism of action may be relatedto the inhibition of epithelial mesenchymal transition and induction of pyroptosis during tumorigenesis.

Genomic and immune landscape Of metastatic pheochromocytoma and paraganglioma

The mechanisms triggering metastasis in pheochromocytoma/paraganglioma are unknown, hindering therapeutic options for patients with metastatic tumors (mPPGL). Herein we show by genomic profiling of a large cohort of mPPGLs that high mutational load, microsatellite instability and somatic copy-number alteration burden are associated with ATRX/TERT alterations and are suitable prognostic markers. Transcriptomic analysis defines the signaling networks involved in the acquisition of metastatic competence and establishes a gene signature related to mPPGLs, highlighting CDK1 as an additional mPPGL marker. Immunogenomics accompanied by immunohistochemistry identifies a heterogeneous ecosystem at the tumor microenvironment level, linked to the genomic subtype and tumor behavior. Specifically, we define a general immunosuppressive microenvironment in mPPGLs, the exception being PD-L1 expressing MAML3-related tumors. Our study reveals canonical markers for risk of metastasis, and suggests the usefulness of including immune parameters in clinical management for PPGL prognostication and identification of patients who might benefit from immunotherapy.

Tumor-associated macrophage-derived GDNF promotes gastric cancer liver metastasis via a GFRA1-modulated autophagy flux

PURPOSE

Liver metastasis, a lethal malignancy of gastric cancer (GC) patients, execrably impairs their prognosis. As yet, however, few studies have been designed to identify the driving molecules during its formation, except screening evidence pausing before their functions or mechanisms. Here, we aimed to survey a key driving event within the invasive margin of liver metastases.

METHODS

A metastatic GC tissue microarray was used for exploring malignant events during liver-metastasis formation, followed by assessing the expression patterns of glial cell-derived neurotrophic factor (GDNF) and GDNF family receptor alpha 1 (GFRA1). Their oncogenic functions were determined by both loss- and gain-of-function studies in vitro and in vivo, and validated by rescue experiments. Multiple cell biological studies were performed to identify the underlying mechanisms.

RESULTS

In the invasive margin, GFRA1 was identified as a pivotal molecule involved in cellular survival during liver metastasis formation, and we found that its oncogenic role depends on tumor associated macrophage (TAM)-derived GDNF. In addition, we found that the GDNF-GFRA1 axis protects tumor cells from apoptosis under metabolic stress via regulating lysosomal functions and autophagy flux, and participates in the regulation of cytosolic calcium ion signalling in a RET-independent and non-canonical way.

CONCLUSION

From our data we conclude that TAMs, homing around metastatic nests, induce the autophagy flux of GC cells and promote the development of liver metastasis via GDNF-GFRA1 signalling. This is expected to improve the comprehension of metastatic pathogenesis and to provide a novel direction of research and translational strategies for the treatment of metastatic GC patients.

Role of NAT10-mediated ac4C-modified HSP90AA1 RNA acetylation in ER stress-mediated metastasis and lenvatinib resistance in hepatocellular carcinoma

Emerging evidence showed that epigenetic regulation plays important role in the pathogenesis of HCC. N4-acetocytidine (ac4C) was an acetylation chemical modification of mRNA, and NAT10 is reported to regulate ac4C modification and enhance endoplasmic reticulum stress (ERS) in tumor metastasis. Here, we report a novel mechanism by which NAT10-mediated mRNA ac4C-modified HSP90AA1 regulates metastasis and tumor resistance in ERS of HCC. Immunohistochemical, bioinformatics analyses, and in vitro and in vivo experiments, e.g., acRIP-Seq, RNA-Seq, and double luciferase reporter experiment, were employed to investigate the effect of NAT10 on metastasis and drug resistance in HCC. The increased expression of NAT10 was associated with HCC risk and poor prognosis. Cell and animal experiments showed that NAT10 enhanced the metastasis ability and apoptosis resistance of HCC cells in ERS and ERS state. NAT10 could upregulate the modification level of HSP90AA1 mRNA ac4C, maintain the stability of HSP90AA1, and upregulate the expression of HSP90AA1, which further promotes the metastasis of ERS hepatoma cells and the resistance to apoptosis of Lenvatinib. This study proposes a novel mechanism by which NAT10-mediated mRNA ac4C modification regulates tumor metastasis. In addition, we demonstrated the regulatory effect of NAT10-HSP90AA1 on metastasis and drug resistance of ERS in HCC cells.

New thoughts and findings on invasion and metastasis of pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma (PDAC) from comparative proteomics: multi-target therapy

As one of the most aggressive malignant tumors, pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma (PDAC) ranks as the fourth cancer-related mortality in the world. The extremely low survival rate is closely related to early invasion and distant metastasis. However, effective target therapy for weakening its malignant behavior remains limited. Over the past decades, many proteins correlating with invasion and metastasis of PDAC have been discovered using proteomics. The discovery of these proteins gives us a deeper understanding of the invasive and migratory processes of PDAC. This review is a systemic integration of these proteomics findings over the past 10 years. The discovered proteins were typically associated with the glycolytic process, hypoxic microenvironment, post-translational modification, extracellular matrix, exosomes, cancer stem cells, and immune escape. Some proteins were found to have multiple functions, and, cooperation between different proteins in the invasive and metastatic processes was found. This cooperation, and not just single protein function, may play a more significant role in the poor prognosis of PDAC. Therefore, multi-target therapy against these cooperative networks should be a primary choice in the future.

SHH/GLI2-TGF-β1 feedback loop between cancer cells and tumor-associated macrophages maintains epithelial-mesenchymal transition and endoplasmic reticulum homeostasis in cholangiocarcinoma

BACKGROUND

Tumor-associated macrophages (TAMs) play a dual role in tumors. However, the factors which drive the function of TAMs in cholangiocarcinoma remain largely undefined.

METHODS

SHH signaling pathway and endoplasmic reticulum stress (ERS) indicators were detected in clinical tissues and cholangiocarcinoma cell lines. TAMs were co-cultured with cholangiocarcinoma cells under conditions of hypoxia/normoxia. Polarized TAMs were counted by flow cytometry, and TGF-β1 levels in cell supernatants were detected by ELISA. The effects of glioma-associated oncogene GLI2 on TAMs themselves and cholangiocarcinoma cells were examined by conducting interference and overexpression assays.

RESULTS

The SHH signaling pathway and ERS were both activated in tumor tissues or tumor cell lines under conditions of hypoxia. In co-culture experiments, the presence of cholangiocarcinoma cells increased the proportion of M2-polarized TAMs and the secretion of TGF-β1 by TAMs, while knockdown of SHH expression reversed those increases. Overexpression of GLI2 in TAMS or stimulation of TAMS with Hh-Ag1.5 increased their levels of TGF-β1 expression. Furthermore, under co-culture conditions, interference with GLI2 expression in TAMs reduced the tumor cell migration, invasion, and ER homeostasis induced by Hh-Ag1.5-pretreated TAMs. Under conditions of hypoxia, the presence of cholangiocarcinoma cells promoted the expression of GLI2 and TGF-β1 in Tams, and in turn, TAMs inhibited the apoptosis and promoted the migration and invasion of cholangiocarcinoma cells. In vivo, an injection of cholangiocarcinoma cells plus TAMs contributed to the growth, EMT, and ER homeostasis of tumor tissue, while an injection of TAMs with GLI2 knockdown had the opposite effects.

CONCLUSION

Cholangiocarcinoma cells regulated TAM polarization and TGF-β1 secretion via a paracrine SHH signaling pathway, and in turn, TAMs promoted the growth, EMT, and ER homeostasis of cholangiocarcinoma cells via TGF-β1.

Cell adhesion molecules and immunotherapy in advanced non-small cell lung cancer: Current process and potential application

Advanced non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) is a severe disease and still has high mortality rate after conventional treatment (e.g., surgical resection, chemotherapy, radiotherapy and targeted therapy). In NSCLC patients, cancer cells can induce immunosuppression, growth and metastasis by modulating cell adhesion molecules of both cancer cells and immune cells. Therefore, immunotherapy is increasingly concerned due to its promising anti-tumor effect and broader indication, which targets cell adhesion molecules to reverse the process. Among these therapies, immune checkpoint inhibitors (mainly anti-PD-(L)1 and anti-CTLA-4) are most successful and have been adapted as first or second line therapy in advanced NSCLC. However, drug resistance and immune-related adverse reactions restrict its further application. Further understanding of mechanism, adequate biomarkers and novel therapies are necessary to improve therapeutic effect and alleviate adverse effect.

Anti-rheumatoid arthritis effects of Xanthii Fructus by affecting the PI3K-AKT signaling pathway based on TMT-labeled quantitative proteomics

Rheumatoid arthritis is a systemic autoimmune disease characterized by chronic symmetrical multiple arthritis. Current traditional counter-therapies are expensive and have side effects. Xanthii Fructus has effects in expelling wind and cold, draining the nasal orifice, and removing wind and dampness. However, its mechanism of action against rheumatoid arthritis is unknown. In this paper, the mechanism of the anti- rheumatoid arthritis effect of Xanthii Fructus is studied by proteomics. The experimental results show that it could significantly reduce serum inflammatory factor levels, alleviate joint edema, improve vasodilation and congestion, and significantly reduce the number of inflammatory cells. Proteomics results show that the PI3K-AKT signaling pathway is the key pathway for Xanthii Fructus to treat rheumatoid arthritis. In this study, we obtained a new understanding of the mechanism of Xanthii Fructus in the treatment of rheumatoid arthritis, which provided a theoretical basis for its prevention and treatment and laid the foundation for further research.

Revisiting laminin and extracellular matrix remodeling in metastatic squamous cell carcinoma: What have we learned after more than four decades of research?

Patients with squamous cell carcinoma (SCC) have significantly lower survival upon the development of distant metastases. The extracellular matrix (ECM) is a consistent yet dynamic influence on the metastatic capacity of SCCs. The ECM encompasses a milieu of structural proteins, signaling molecules, and enzymes. Just over 40 years ago, the fibrous ECM glycoprotein laminin was identified. Roughly four decades of research have revealed a pivotal role of laminins in metastasis. However, trends in ECM alterations in some cancers have been applied broadly to all metastatic diseases, despite evidence that these characteristics vary by tumor type. We will summarize how laminins influence the SCC metastatic process exclusively. Enhanced laminin protein deposition occurs at the invasive edge of SCC tumors, which correlates with elevated levels of laminin-binding β1 integrins on SCC cells, increased MMP-3 presence, worse prognosis, and lymphatic dissemination. Although these findings are significant, gaps in knowledge of the formation of a premetastatic niche, the processes of intra- and extravasation, and the contributions of the ECM to SCC metastatic cell dormancy persist. Bridging these gaps requires novel in vitro systems and animal models that reproduce tumor-stromal interactions and spontaneous metastasis seen in the clinic. These advances will allow accurate assessment of laminins to predict responders to transforming growth factor-β inhibitors and immunotherapy, as well as potential combinatorial therapies with the standard of care. Such clinical interventions may drastically improve quality of life and patient survival by explicitly targeting SCC metastasis.

Transcriptomic study of gastrointestinal stromal tumors with liver metastasis

Introduction: GIST (gastrointestinal stromal tumor) is the most prominent mesenchymal neoplasms of the gastrointestinal tract, and liver is the most common metastasis site for GIST. The molecular mechanism leading to liver metastasis of GIST is currently unclear. Methods: With the goal of revealing the underlying mechanism, we performed whole-genome gene expression profiling on 18 pairs of RNA samples comprised of GIST tissues (with liver metastasis) and corresponding non-tumor tissues. After identifying differentially expressed gene, functional annotation and signal pathway analyses were conducted. GSE13861, datasets that compare GIST (without liver metastasis) with adjacent tissues, served as a comparison. Results: A total of 492 up-regulated genes and 629 down-regulated genes were identified as differentially expressed genes between liver metastasis tissues and non-tumor tissues. We characterized expression patterns of DEGs identified from our cohort and GSE13861 that show signatures of enrichment for functionality. In subsequent gene set enrichment analysis, differentially expressed genes were mainly enriched in Epithelial Mesenchymal Transition in both datasets. 493 genes were overlapped among our whole-genome gene expression profiling results and GSE13861, consisting 188 up-regulated genes and 305 down-regulated genes. By using CytoHubba plugin of Cytoscape, CDH1, CD34, KIT, PROM1, SOX9, FGF2, CD24, ALDH1A1, JAG1 and NES were identified as top ten hub genes in tumorigenesis and liver metastasis of GIST. higher expression levels of FGF2, JAG1, CD34, ALDH1A1 and the lower expression level of CDH1 were respectively associated with unfavorable overall survival. Meanwhile higher expression levels of CD34, FGF2, KIT, JAG1, ALDH1A were correlated with worse disease-free survival. Discussion: The present study may help to provide candidate pathways and targets for treatment of GIST and prevention methods to liver metastasis.

Targeting cancer-associated fibroblasts: Challenges, opportunities and future directions

Cancer-associated fibroblasts (CAFs) are a common cell in the tumour microenvironment with diverse tumour-promoting functions. Their presence in tumours is commonly associated with poor prognosis making them attractive therapeutic targets, particularly in the context of immunotherapy where CAFs have been shown to promote resistance to checkpoint blockade. Previous attempts to inhibit CAFs clinically have not been successful, however, in part due to a lack of understanding of CAF heterogeneity and function, with some fibroblast populations potentially being tumour suppressive. Recent single-cell transcriptomic studies have advanced our understanding of fibroblast phenotypes in normal tissues and cancers, allowing for a more precise characterisation of CAF subsets and providing opportunities to develop new therapies. Here we review recent advances in the field, focusing on the evolving area of therapeutic CAF targeting.

The Regulatory Network of Gastric Cancer Pathogenesis and Its Potential Therapeutic Active Ingredients of Traditional Chinese Medicine Based on Bioinformatics, Molecular Docking, and Molecular Dynamics Simulation

Objective. This study aims to investigate the functional gene network in gastric carcinogenesis by using bioinformatics; besides, the diagnostic utility of key genes and potential active ingredients of traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) for treatment in gastric cancer have been explored. Methods. The Cancer Genome Atlas and Gene Expression Omnibus databases have been applied to analyze the differentially expressed genes (DEGs) between gastric cancer and normal gastric tissues. Then, the DEGs underwent Gene Ontology and Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genomes enrichment analyses using the Metascape database. The STRING database and the Cytoscape software were utilized for the protein-protein interaction network of DEGs and hub genes screening. Furthermore, survival and expression analyses of hub genes were conducted using Gene Expression Profiling Interactive Analysis and Human Protein Atlas databases. By using the Comparative Toxicogenomics Database, the hub genes interconnected with active ingredients of TCM were analyzed to provide potential information for the treatment of gastric cancer. After the molecular docking of the active ingredients of TCM to specific hub gene receptor proteins, the molecular dynamics simulation GROMACS was applied to validate the conformation of the strongest binding ability in the molecular docking. Results. A total of 291 significant DEGs were found, from which 12 hub genes were screened out. Among these hub genes, the expressions of five hub genes including COL1A1, COL5A2, MMP12, SERPINE1, and VCAN were significantly correlated with the overall survival. Furthermore, four potential therapeutic active ingredients of TCM were acquired, including quercetin, resveratrol, emodin, and schizandrin B. In addition, the molecular docking results exhibited that the active ingredients of TCM formed stable binding with the hub gene targets. SERPINE1 (3UT3)-Emodin and COL1A1 (7DV6)-Quercetin were subjected to molecular dynamics simulations as conformations of continuing research significance, and both were found to be stably bound as a result of the interaction of van der Waals potentials, electrostatic, and hydrogen bonding. Conclusion. Our findings may provide novel insights and references for the screening of biomarkers, the prognostic evaluation, and the identification of potential active ingredients of TCM for gastric cancer treatment.

ECM Substrates Impact RNAi Localization at Adherens Junctions of Colon Epithelial Cells

The extracellular matrix (ECM) plays crucial roles in tissue homeostasis. Abnormalities in ECM composition are associated with pathological conditions, such as fibrosis and cancer. These ECM alterations are sensed by the epithelium and can influence its behavior through crosstalk with other mechanosensitive complexes, including the adherens junctions (AJs). We have previously shown that the AJs, through their component PLEKHA7, recruit the RNAi machinery to regulate miRNA levels and function. We have particularly shown that the junctional localization of RNAi components is critical for their function. Here, we investigated whether different ECM substrates can influence the junctional localization of RNAi complexes. To do this, we plated colon epithelial Caco2 cells on four key ECM substrates found in the colon under normal or pathogenic conditions, namely laminin, fibronectin, collagen I, and collagen IV, and we examined the subcellular distribution of PLEKHA7, and of the key RNAi components AGO2 and DROSHA. Fibronectin and collagen I negatively impacted the junctional localization of PLEKHA7, AGO2, and DROSHA when compared to laminin. Furthermore, fibronectin, collagen I, and collagen IV disrupted interactions of AGO2 and DROSHA with their essential partners GW182 and DGCR8, respectively, both at AJs and throughout the cell. Combinations of all substrates with fibronectin also negatively impacted junctional localization of PLEKHA7 and AGO2. Additionally, collagen I triggered accumulation of DROSHA at tri-cellular junctions, while both collagen I and collagen IV resulted in DROSHA accumulation at basal areas of cell-cell contact. Altogether, fibronectin and collagens I and IV, which are elevated in the stroma of fibrotic and cancerous tissues, altered localization patterns and disrupted complex formation of PLEKHA7 and RNAi components. Combined with our prior studies showing that apical junctional localization of the PLEKHA7-RNAi complex is critical for regulating tumor-suppressing miRNAs, this work points to a yet unstudied mechanism that could contribute to epithelial cell transformation.

Integrating digital pathology with transcriptomic and epigenomic tools for predicting metastatic uterine tumor aggressiveness

The incidence of new cancer cases is expected to increase significantly in the future, posing a worldwide problem. In this regard, precision oncology and its diagnostic tools are essential for developing personalized cancer treatments. Digital pathology (DP) is a particularly key strategy to study the interactions of tumor cells and the tumor microenvironment (TME), which play a crucial role in tumor initiation, progression and metastasis. The purpose of this study was to integrate data on the digital patterns of reticulin fiber scaffolding and the immune cell infiltrate, transcriptomic and epigenetic profiles in aggressive uterine adenocarcinoma (uADC), uterine leiomyosarcoma (uLMS) and their respective lung metastases, with the aim of obtaining key TME biomarkers that can help improve metastatic prediction and shed light on potential therapeutic targets. Automatized algorithms were used to analyze reticulin fiber architecture and immune infiltration in colocalized regions of interest (ROIs) of 133 invasive tumor front (ITF), 89 tumor niches and 70 target tissues in a total of six paired samples of uADC and nine of uLMS. Microdissected tissue from the ITF was employed for transcriptomic and epigenetic studies in primary and metastatic tumors. Reticulin fiber scaffolding was characterized by a large and loose reticular fiber network in uADC, while dense bundles were found in uLMS. Notably, more similarities between reticulin fibers were observed in paired uLMS then paired uADCs. Transcriptomic and multiplex immunofluorescence-based immune profiling showed a higher abundance of T and B cells in primary tumor and in metastatic uADC than uLMS. Moreover, the epigenetic signature of paired samples in uADCs showed more differences than paired samples in uLMS. Some epigenetic variation was also found between the ITF of metastatic uADC and uLMS. Altogether, our data suggest a correlation between morphological and molecular changes at the ITF and the degree of aggressiveness. The use of DP tools for characterizing reticulin scaffolding and immune cell infiltration at the ITF in paired samples together with information provided by omics analyses in a large cohort will hopefully help validate novel biomarkers of tumor aggressiveness, develop new drugs and improve patient quality of life in a much more efficient way.

Tumor Microenvironment Immunosuppression: A Roadblock to CAR T-Cell Advancement in Solid Tumors

Chimeric antigen receptor (CAR) T cells are an exciting advancement in cancer immunotherapy, with striking success in hematological cancers. However, in solid tumors, the unique immunosuppressive elements of the tumor microenvironment (TME) contribute to the failure of CAR T cells. This review discusses the cell populations, cytokine/chemokine profile, and metabolic immunosuppressive elements of the TME. This immunosuppressive TME causes CAR T-cell exhaustion and influences failure of CAR T cells to successfully infiltrate solid tumors. Recent advances in CAR T-cell development, which seek to overcome aspects of the TME immunosuppression, are also reviewed. Novel discoveries overcoming immunosuppressive limitations of the TME may lead to the success of CAR T cells in solid tumors.

SIRT2 promotes the viability, invasion and metastasis of osteosarcoma cells by inhibiting the degradation of Snail

Osteosarcomas (OS) are highly metastatic and usually lead to poor outcomes. Epithelial-mesenchymal transition (EMT) is reported to be a critical event in metastasis. SIRT2 exerts dual functions in many different tumors. However, the underlying molecular mechanisms of SIRT2 in osteosarcoma cell metastasis and the question of whether SIRT2 regulates EMT have not been fully explored. In this study, we confirmed that SIRT2 was highly-expressed in human osteosarcoma MG63 and Saos-2 cell lines. The viability, migration and invasion of osteosarcoma cells were inhibited by knockdown of SIRT2 and were enhanced by overexpression of SIRT2. Moreover, SIRT2 positively regulated EMT and upregulated the protein levels of the mesenchymal markers N-cadherin and Vimentin and the levels of MMP2 and MMP9. A xenograft mouse model showed that SIRT2 knockdown in osteosarcoma cells led to reduced tumor growth, decreased expression of mesenchymal markers and impaired lung and liver metastasis in vivo. Furthermore, we showed that SIRT2 interacted with and upregulated the protein level of the EMT-associated transcription factor Snail. SIRT2 inhibited Snail degradation via its deacetylase activity. Knockdown of Snail abrogated the promoting effects of SIRT2 on migration and invasion of osteosarcoma cells. In conclusion, SIRT2 plays a crucial role in osteosarcoma metastasis by inhibiting Snail degradation and may serve as a novel therapeutic target to manage osteosarcoma.

Inhibitory effect of phenolic extract from squirting cucumber (Ecballium elaterium (L.) A. Rich) seed oil on integrin-mediated cell adhesion, migration and angiogenesis

Integrin targeted therapies by natural bioactive compounds have attracted attention in the field of oncology and cancer treatment. This study evaluates the potential of phenolic extract from the medicinal herb Ecballium elaterium L. seed oil (PEO) to inhibit the adhesion and migration of the highly invasive human fibrosarcoma cell line HT1080. At safe concentrations (up to 40 μg mL-1), results show that PEO dose-dependently inhibits adhesion and migration of HT1080 to fibronectin (IC50 = 18 μg mL-1) and fibrinogen (IC50 = 12.86 μg mL-1). These observations were associated with the reduction of cell motility and migration velocity as revealed in the Boyden chamber and random motility using two-dimensional assays, respectively. Additional experiments using integrin blocking antibodies showed that PEO at the highest safe concentration (40 μg mL-1) competitively inhibited the attachment of HT1080 cell to anti-αvβ3 (>98%), anti-α5β1 (>86%), and to a lesser extent anti-α2 (>50%) immobilized antibodies, suggesting that αvβ3 and α5β1 integrins were selectively targeted by PEO. Moreover, PEO specifically targeted these integrins in human microvascular endothelial cells (HMEC-1) and dose-dependently blocked the in vitro tubulogenesis. In the CAM model, PEO inhibited the VEGF-induced neoangiogenesis confirming its anti-angiogenic effect. Collectively, these results indicate that PEO holds promise for the development of natural integrin-targeted therapies against fibrosarcoma.

Value of biomarkers in epithelial-mesenchymal transition models of liver cancer under different interventions: a meta-analysis

Aim: A meta-analysis was conducted to evaluate the effectiveness of crucial biomarkers in HepG2 cells during epithelial-mesenchymal transformation induced by multiple interventions. Methods: PubMed, Web of Science, Embase, China National Knowledge Infrastructure, Chinese Biomedical Literature Database, Wan Fang Data and VIP databases were systematically searched from inception to 14 June 2020, by two independent reviewers. Results: A total of 58 studies were included in the meta-analysis. E-cadherin, N-cadherin and vimentin performed well under medicinal interventions. E-cadherin worked well under genetic interventions. E-cadherin and N-cadherin also performed significantly well under tumor microenvironment interventions. Under ncRNA interventions, the expression of E-cadherin significantly changed. Conclusion: Different sets of biomarkers should be selected under various interventions based on their performance.

Nuclear Membrane Protein SUN5 Is Highly Expressed and Promotes Proliferation and Migration in Colorectal Cancer by Regulating the ERK Pathway

SUN5 was first identified as a nuclear envelope protein involved in spermatocyte division. We found that SUN5 was highly expressed in some cancers, but its function and mechanism in cancer development remain unclear. In the present study, we demonstrated that SUN5 was highly expressed in colorectal cancer (CRC) tissues and cells, as indicated by bioinformatics analysis, and SUN5 promoted cell proliferation and migration in vitro. Moreover, the overexpression of SUN5 upregulated phosphorylated ERK1/2 (pERK1/2), whereas the knockdown of SUN5 yielded the opposite results. PD0325901 decreased the level of pERK1/2 to inhibit cell proliferation and migration, which was partially reversed by SUN5 overexpression, indicating that drug resistance existed in patients with high SUN5 expression. The xenograft transplantation experiment showed that SUN5 accelerated tumor formation in vivo. Furthermore, we found that SUN5 regulated the ERK pathway via Nesprin2 mediation and promoted the nuclear translocation of pERK1/2 by interacting with Nup93. Thus, these findings indicated that highly expressed SUN5 promoted CRC proliferation and migration by regulating the ERK pathway, which may contribute to the clinical diagnosis and new treatment strategies for CRC.

Integrating transcriptomics and network analysis-based multiplexed drug repurposing to screen drug candidates for M2 macrophage-associated castration-resistant prostate cancer bone metastases

Metastatic castration-resistant prostate cancer (CRPC) has long been considered to be associated with patient mortality. Among metastatic organs, bone is the most common metastatic site, with more than 90% of advanced patients developing bone metastases (BMs) before 24 months of death. Although patients were recommended to use bone-targeted drugs represented by bisphosphonates to treat BMs of CRPC, there was no significant improvement in patient survival. In addition, the use of immunotherapy and androgen deprivation therapy is limited due to the immunosuppressed state and resistance to antiandrogen agents in patients with bone metastases. Therefore, it is still essential to develop a safe and effective therapeutic schedule for CRPC patients with BMs. To this end, we propose a multiplex drug repurposing scheme targeting differences in patient immune cell composition. The identified drug candidates were ranked from the perspective of M2 macrophages by integrating transcriptome and network-based analysis. Meanwhile, computational chemistry and clinical trials were used to generate a comprehensive drug candidate list for the BMs of CRPC by drug redundancy structure filtering. In addition to docetaxel, which has been approved for clinical trials, the list includes norethindrone, testosterone, menthol and foretinib. This study provides a new scheme for BMs of CRPC from the perspective of M2 macrophages. It is undeniable that this multiplex drug repurposing scheme specifically for immune cell-related bone metastases can be used for drug screening of any immune-related disease, helping clinicians find promising therapeutic schedules more quickly, and providing reference information for drug R&D and clinical trials.

VCAN, expressed highly in hepatitis B virus-induced hepatocellular carcinoma, is a potential biomarker for immune checkpoint inhibitors

BACKGROUND

As a proteoglycan, VCAN exists in the tumor microenvironment and regulates tumor proliferation, invasion, and metastasis, but its role in hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) has not yet been elucidated.

AIM

To investigate the expression and potential mechanism of action of VCAN in HCC.

METHODS

Based on The Cancer Genome Atlas Liver Hepatocellular Carcinoma dataset, we explored the correlation between VCAN expression and clinical features, and analyzed the prognosis of patients with high and low VCAN expression. The potential mechanism of action of VCAN was explored by Gene Ontology analysis, Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genomes analysis, and gene set enrichment analysis. We also explored immune cell infiltration, immune checkpoint gene expression, and sensitivity of immune checkpoint [programmed cell death protein 1 (PD-1)/cytotoxic T lymphocyte antigen 4 (CTLA4)] inhibitor therapy in patients with different VCAN expression. VCAN mRNA expression and VCAN methylation in peripheral blood were tested in 100 hepatitis B virus (HBV)-related patients (50 HCC and 50 liver cirrhosis).

RESULTS

VCAN was highly expressed in HCC tissues, which was associated with a poor prognosis in HCC patients. No significant difference was found in VCAN mRNA expression in blood between patients with HBV-related cirrhosis and those with HCC, but there was a significant difference in VCAN methylation between the two groups. The correlation between VCAN and infiltrations of several different tumor immune cell types (including B cells, CD8⁺ T cells, and eosinophils) was significantly different. VCAN was strongly related to immune checkpoint gene expression and tumor mutation burden, and could be a biomarker of sensitivity to immune checkpoint (PD1/CTLA4) inhibitors. In addition, VCAN mRNA expression was associated with hepatitis B e antigen, HBV DNA, white blood cells, platelets, cholesterol, and coagulation function.

CONCLUSION

High VCAN level could be a possible biomarker for poor prognosis of HCC, and its immunomodulatory mechanism in HCC warrants investigation.

Comprehensive characterization of extracellular matrix-related genes in PAAD identified a novel prognostic panel related to clinical outcomes and immune microenvironment: A silico analysis with in vivo and vitro validation

The extracellular matrix (ECM) is a vital component of the tumor microenvironment, which interplays with stromal and tumor cells to stimulate the capacity of cancer cells to proliferate, migrate, invade, and undergo angiogenesis. Nevertheless, the crucial functions of ECM-related genes (ECMGs) in pancreatic adenocarcinoma (PAAD) have not been systematically evaluated. Hence, a comprehensive evaluation of the ECMGs is required in pan-cancer, especially in PAAD. First, a pan-cancer overview of ECMGs was explored through the integration of expression profiles, prognostic values, mutation information, methylation levels, and pathway-regulation relationships. Seven ECMGs (i.e. LAMB3, LAMA3, ITGB6, ITGB4, ITGA2, LAMC2, and COL11A1) were identified to be hub genes of PAAD, which were obviously up-regulated in PAAD and considerably linked to tumor stage as well as prognosis. Subsequently, patients with PAAD were divided into 3 clusters premised on ECMG expression and ECM scores. Cluster 2 was the subtype with the best prognosis accompanied by the lowest ECM scores, further verifying ECM’s significant contribution to the pathophysiological processes of PAAD. Significant differences were observed for oncogene and tumor suppressor gene expression, immune microenvironment, and chemotherapy sensitivity across three ECM subtypes. After applying a variety of bioinformatics methods, a novel and robust ECM-associated mRNA-lncRNA-based prognostic panel (ECM-APP) was developed and validated for accurately predicting clinical outcomes of patients with PAAD. Patients with PAAD were randomly categorized into the train, internal validation, and external validation cohorts; meanwhile, each patient was allocated into high-risk (unfavorable prognosis) and low-risk (favorable prognosis) populations premised on the expression traits of ECM-related mRNAs and lncRNAs. The discrepancy in the tumor mutation burden and immune microenvironment might be responsible for the difference in prognoses across the high-risk and low-risk populations. Overall, our findings identified and validated seven ECMGs remarkably linked to the onset and progression of PAAD. ECM-based molecular classification and prognostic panel aid in the prognostic assessment and personalized intervention of patients with PAAD.

Multiscale modeling of collective cell migration elucidates the mechanism underlying tumor-stromal interactions in different spatiotemporal scales

Metastasis is the pathogenic spread of cancer cells from a primary tumor to a secondary site which happens at the late stages of cancer. It is caused by a variety of biological, chemical, and physical processes, such as molecular interactions, intercellular communications, and tissue-level activities. Complex interactions of cancer cells with their microenvironment components such as cancer associated fibroblasts (CAFs) and extracellular matrix (ECM) cause them to adopt an invasive phenotype that promotes tumor growth and migration. This paper presents a multiscale model for integrating a wide range of time and space interactions at the molecular, cellular, and tissue levels in a three-dimensional domain. The modeling procedure starts with presenting nonlinear dynamics of cancer cells and CAFs using ordinary differential equations based on TGFβ, CXCL12, and LIF signaling pathways. Unknown kinetic parameters in these models are estimated using hybrid unscented Kalman filter and the models are validated using experimental data. Then, the principal role of CAFs on metastasis is revealed by spatial-temporal modeling of circulating signals throughout the TME. At this stage, the model has evolved into a coupled ODE-PDE system that is capable of determining cancer cells' status in one of the quiescent, proliferating or migratory conditions due to certain metastasis factors and ECM characteristics. At the tissue level, we consider a force-based framework to model the cancer cell proliferation and migration as the final step towards cancer cell metastasis. The ability of the multiscale model to depict cancer cells' behavior in different levels of modeling is confirmed by comparing its outputs with the results of RT PCR and wound scratch assay techniques. Performance evaluation of the model indicates that the proposed multiscale model can pave the way for improving the efficiency of therapeutic methods in metastasis prevention.

Role of myeloid-derived suppressor cells in the formation of pre-metastatic niche

Metastasis is a complex process, which depends on the interaction between tumor cells and host organs. Driven by the primary tumor, the host organ will establish an environment suitable for the growth of tumor cells before their arrival, which is called the pre-metastasis niche. The formation of pre-metastasis niche requires the participation of a variety of cells, in which myeloid-derived suppressor cells play a very important role. They reach the host organ before the tumor cells, and promote the establishment of the pre-metastasis niche by influencing immunosuppression, vascular leakage, extracellular matrix remodeling, angiogenesis and so on. In this article, we introduced the formation of the pre-metastasis niche and discussed the important role of myeloid-derived suppressor cells. In addition, this paper also emphasized the targeting of myeloid-derived suppressor cells as a therapeutic strategy to inhibit the formation of pre-metastasis niche, which provided a research idea for curbing tumor metastasis.

miR-138-5p-mediated HOXD11 promotes cell invasion and metastasis by activating the FN1/MMP2/MMP9 pathway and predicts poor prognosis in penile squamous cell carcinoma

The presence and extent of regional lymph node and distant metastasis are the most fatal prognostic factors in penile squamous cell carcinoma (PSCC). However, the available biomarkers and detailed mechanisms underlying the metastasis of PSCC remain elusive. Here, we explored the expression landscape of HOX genes in twelve paired PSCC tissues, including primary tumors, metastatic lymph nodes and corresponding normal tissues, and highlighted that HOXD11 was indispensable in the progression of PSCC. HOXD11 was upregulated in PSCC cell lines and tumors, especially in metastatic lymph nodes. High HOXD11 expression was associated with aggressive features, such as advanced pN stages, extranodal extension, pelvic lymph node and distant metastasis, and predicted poor survival. Furthermore, tumorigenesis assays demonstrated that knockdown of HOXD11 not only inhibited the capability of cell proliferation, invasion and tumor growth but also reduced the burden of metastatic lymph nodes. Further mechanistic studies indicated that miR-138-5p was a tumor suppressor in PSCC by inhibiting the translation of HOXD11 post-transcriptionally through binding to the 3' untranslated region. Furthermore, HOXD11 activated the transcription of FN1 to decompose the extracellular matrix and to promote epithelial mesenchymal transition-like phenotype metastasis via FN1/MMP2/MMP9 pathways. Our study revealed that HOXD11 is a promising prognostic biomarker and predicts advanced disease with poor outcomes, which could serve as a potential therapeutic target for PSCC.

The extracellular matrix alteration, implication in modulation of drug resistance mechanism: friends or foes?

The extracellular matrix (ECM) is an important component of the tumor microenvironment (TME), having several important roles related to the hallmarks of cancer. In cancer, multiple components of the ECM have been shown to be altered. Although most of these alterations are represented by the increased or decreased quantity of the ECM components, changes regarding the functional alteration of a particular ECM component or of the ECM as a whole have been described. These alterations can be induced by the cancer cells directly or by the TME cells, with cancer-associated fibroblasts being of particular interest in this regard. Because the ECM has this wide array of functions in the tumor, preclinical and clinical studies have assessed the possibility of targeting the ECM, with some of them showing encouraging results. In the present review, we will highlight the most relevant ECM components presenting a comprehensive description of their physical, cellular and molecular properties which can alter the therapy response of the tumor cells. Lastly, some evidences regarding important biological processes were discussed, offering a more detailed understanding of how to modulate altered signalling pathways and to counteract drug resistance mechanisms in tumor cells.

Expression profiling of mRNA and functional network analyses of genes regulated by human papilloma virus E6 and E7 proteins in HaCaT cells

Human papillomavirus (HPV) oncogenes E6 and E7 are essential for HPV-related cancer development. Here, we developed a cell line model using lentiviruses for transfection of the HPV16 oncogenes E6 and E7 and investigated the differences in mRNA expression during cell adhesion and chemokine secretion. Subsequently, RNA sequencing (RNA-seq) analysis was performed to explore the differences in mRNA expression. Compared to levels in the control group, 2,905 differentially expressed mRNAs (1,261 downregulated and 1,644 upregulated) were identified in the HaCaT-HPV16E6E7 cell line. To predict the functions of these differentially expressed genes (DEGs) the Gene Ontology and Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genomes databases were used. Protein–protein interactions were established, and the hub gene was identified based on this network. Real-time quantitative-PCR (RT-qPCR) was conducted to confirm the levels of 14 hub genes, which were consistent with the RNA-seq data. According to this, we found that these DEGs participate in the extracellular matrix (ECM), cell adhesion, immune control, and cancer-related signaling pathways. Currently, an increasing number of clinicians depend on E6/E7mRNA results to make a comprehensive judgment of cervical precancerous lesions. In this study, 14 hub genes closely related to the expression of cell adhesion ability and chemokines were analyzed in HPV16E6E7-stably expressing cell lines, which will open up new research ideas for targeting E6E7 in the treatment of HPV-related cancers.

Crosstalk between Hypoxia and Extracellular Matrix in the Tumor Microenvironment in Breast Cancer

Even though breast cancer is the most diagnosed cancer among women, treatments are not always successful in preventing its progression. Recent studies suggest that hypoxia and the extracellular matrix (ECM) are important in altering cell metabolism and tumor metastasis. Therefore, the aim of this review is to study the crosstalk between hypoxia and the ECM and to assess their impact on breast cancer progression. The findings indicate that hypoxic signaling engages multiple mechanisms that directly contribute to ECM remodeling, ultimately increasing breast cancer aggressiveness. Second, hypoxia and the ECM cooperate to alter different aspects of cell metabolism. They mutually enhance aerobic glycolysis through upregulation of glucose transport, glycolytic enzymes, and by regulating intracellular pH. Both alter lipid and amino acid metabolism by stimulating lipid and amino acid uptake and synthesis, thereby providing the tumor with additional energy for growth and metastasis. Third, YAP/TAZ signaling is not merely regulated by the tumor microenvironment and cell metabolism, but it also regulates it primarily through its target c-Myc. Taken together, this review provides a better understanding of the crosstalk between hypoxia and the ECM in breast cancer. Additionally, it points to a role for the YAP/TAZ mechanotransduction pathway as an important link between hypoxia and the ECM in the tumor microenvironment, driving breast cancer progression.

The biomimetic extracellular matrix: a therapeutic tool for breast cancer research

A deeper knowledge of the functional versatility and dynamic nature of the ECM has improved the understanding of cancer biology. Translational Significance: This work provides an in-depth view of the importance of the ECM to develop more mimetic breast cancer models, which aim to recreate the components and architecture of tumor microenvironment. Special focus is placed on decellularized matrices derived from tissue and cell culture, both in procurement and applications, as they have achieved great success in cancer research and pharmaceutical sector. The extracellular matrix (ECM) is increasingly recognized as a master regulator of cell behavior and response to breast cancer (BC) treatment. During BC progression, the mammary gland ECM is remodeled and altered in the composition and organization. Accumulated evidence suggests that changes in the composition and mechanics of ECM, orchestrated by tumor-stromal interactions along with ECM remodeling enzymes, are actively involved in BC progression and metastasis. Understanding how specific ECM components modulate the tumorigenic process has led to an increased interest in the development of biomaterial-based biomimetic ECM models to recapitulate key tumor characteristics. The decellularized ECMs (dECMs) have emerged as a promising in vitro 3D tumor model, whose recent advances in the processing and application could become the biomaterial by excellence for BC research and the pharmaceutical industry. This review offers a detailed view of the contribution of ECM in BC progression, and highlights the application of dECM-based biomaterials as promising personalized tumor models that more accurately mimic the tumorigenic mechanisms of BC and the response to treatment. This will allow the design of targeted therapeutic approaches adapted to the specific characteristics of each tumor that will have a great impact on the precision medicine applied to BC patients.

Single-cell RNA-sequencing identifies anti-cancer immune phenotypes in the early lung metastatic niche during breast cancer

Microenvironmental changes in the early metastatic niche may be exploited to identify therapeutic targets to inhibit secondary tumor formation and improve disease outcomes. We dissected the developing lung metastatic niche in a model of metastatic, triple-negative breast cancer using single-cell RNA-sequencing. Lungs were extracted from mice at 7-, 14-, or 21 days after tumor inoculation corresponding to the pre-metastatic, micro-metastatic, and metastatic niche, respectively. The progression of the metastatic niche was marked by an increase in neutrophil infiltration (5% of cells at day 0 to 81% of cells at day 21) and signaling pathways corresponding to the hallmarks of cancer. Importantly, the pre-metastatic and early metastatic niche were composed of immune cells with an anti-cancer phenotype not traditionally associated with metastatic disease. As expected, the metastatic niche exhibited pro-cancer phenotypes. The transition from anti-cancer to pro-cancer phenotypes was directly associated with neutrophil and monocyte behaviors at these time points. Predicted metabolic, transcription factor, and receptor-ligand signaling suggested that changes in the neutrophils likely induced the transitions in the other immune cells. Conditioned medium generated by cells extracted from the pre-metastatic niche successfully inhibited tumor cell proliferation and migration in vitro and the in vivo depletion of pre-metastatic neutrophils and monocytes worsened survival outcomes, thus validating the anti-cancer phenotype of the developing niche. Genes associated with the early anti-cancer response could act as biomarkers that could serve as targets for the treatment of early metastatic disease. Such therapies have the potential to revolutionize clinical outcomes in metastatic breast cancer.

Roles of tumor-associated neutrophils in tumor metastasis and its clinical applications

Metastasis, a primary cause of death in patients with malignancies, is promoted by intrinsic changes in both tumor and non-malignant cells in the tumor microenvironment (TME). As major components of the TME, tumor-associated neutrophils (TANs) promote tumor progression and metastasis through communication with multiple growth factors, chemokines, inflammatory factors, and other immune cells, which together establish an immunosuppressive TME. In this review, we describe the potential mechanisms by which TANs participate in tumor metastasis based on recent experimental evidence. We have focused on drugs in chemotherapeutic regimens that target TANs, thereby providing a promising future for cancer immunotherapy.

The cellular and molecular mediators of metastasis to the lung

Organ-specific metastasis to secondary organs is dependent on the formation of a supportive pre-metastatic niche. This tissue-specific microenvironmental response is thought to be mediated by mutational and epigenetic changes to primary tumour cells resulting in altered cross-talk between cell types. This response is augmented through the release of tumour and stromal signalling mediators including cytokines, chemokines, exosomes and growth factors. Although researchers have elucidated some of the cancer-promoting features that are bespoke to organotropic metastasis to the lungs, it remains unclear if these are organ-specific or generic between organs. Understanding the mechanisms that mediate the metastasis-promoting synergy between the host microenvironment, immunity, and pulmonary structures may elucidate predictive, prognostic and therapeutic markers that could be targeted to reduce the metastatic burden of disease. Herein, we give an updated summary of the known cellular and molecular mechanisms that contribute to the formation of the lung pre-metastatic niche and tissue-specific metastasis.

Construction of a Novel Prognostic Signature in Lung Adenocarcinoma Based on Necroptosis-Related lncRNAs

Background: Long non-coding RNAs (lncRNAs) are drawing increasing attention as promising predictors of prognosis for lung adenocarcinoma (LUAD) patients. Necroptosis, a novel regulated mechanism of necrotic cell death, plays an important role in the biological process of cancer. The aim of this study was to identify the necroptosis-related lncRNAs (NRLRs) in a LUAD cohort and establish a necroptosis-related lncRNA signature (NRLSig) to stratify LUAD patients.

Methods: NRLRs were identified in LUAD patients from The Cancer Genome Atlas (TCGA) database using Pearson correlation analysis between necroptosis-related genes and lncRNAs. Then the NRLSig was identified using univariate Cox regression analysis and LASSO regression analysis. Assessments of the signature were performed based on survival analysis, receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curve analysis and clustering analysis. Next, a nomogram containing the NRLSig and clinical information was developed through univariate and multivariate Cox regression analysis. Further, functional enrichment analysis of the selected lncRNAs in NRLSig and the association between NRLSig and the immune infiltration were also evaluated.

Results: A 4-lncRNA signature, incorporating LINC00941, AP001453.2, AC026368.1, and AC236972.3, was identified to predict overall survival (OS) and stratify LUAD patients into different groups. Survival analysis, ROC curve analysis and clustering analysis showed good performance in the prognostic prediction of the lncRNA signature. Then, a nomogram containing the NRLSig was developed and showed satisfactory predictive accuracy, calibration and clinical usefulness. The co-expressed genes of selected NRLRs were enriched in several biological functions and signaling pathways. Finally, differences in the abundance of immune cells were investigated among the high-risk group and low-risk group divided by the NRLSig.

Conclusion: The proposed NRLSig may provide promising therapeutic targets or prognostic predictors for LUAD patients.

Curcuminoids as Modulators of EMT in Invasive Cancers: A Review of Molecular Targets With the Contribution of Malignant Mesothelioma Studies

Curcuminoids, which include natural acyclic diarylheptanoids and the synthetic analogs of curcumin, have considerable potential for fighting against all the characteristics of invasive cancers. The epithelial-to-mesenchymal transition (EMT) is a fundamental process for embryonic morphogenesis, however, the last decade has confirmed it orchestrates many features of cancer invasiveness, such as tumor cell stemness, metabolic rewiring, and drug resistance. A wealth of studies has revealed EMT in cancer is in fact driven by an increasing number of parameters, and thus understanding its complexity has now become a cornerstone for defining future therapeutic strategies dealing with cancer progression and metastasis. A specificity of curcuminoids is their ability to target multiple molecular targets, modulate several signaling pathways, modify tumor microenvironments and enhance the host’s immune response. Although the effects of curcumin on these various parameters have been the subject of many reviews, the role of curcuminoids against EMT in the context of cancer have never been reviewed so far. This review first provides an updated overview of all EMT drivers, including signaling pathways, transcription factors, non-coding RNAs (ncRNAs) and tumor microenvironment components, with a special focus on the most recent findings. Secondly, for each of these drivers the effects of curcumin/curcuminoids on specific molecular targets are analyzed. Finally, we address some common findings observed between data reported in the literature and the results of investigations we conducted on experimental malignant mesothelioma, a model of invasive cancer representing a useful tool for studies on EMT and cancer.

Copper-based metal-organic framework impedes triple-negative breast cancer metastasis via local estrogen deprivation and platelets blockade

Metastasis is one of the main causes of failure in the treatment of triple-negative breast cancer (TNBC). Abnormally estrogen level and activated platelets are the key driving forces for TNBC metastasis. Herein, an "ion/gas" bioactive nanogenerator (termed as IGBN), comprising a copper-based MOF and loaded cisplatin-arginine (Pt-Arg) prodrug is developed for metastasis-promoting tumor microenvironment reprogramming and TNBC therapy. The copper-based MOF not only serves as a drug carrier, but also specifically produces Cu2+ in tumors, which catalytic oxidizing estrogen to reduce estrogen levels in situ. Meanwhile, the rationally designed Pt-Arg prodrug reduced into cisplatin to significantly promote the generation of H2O2 in the tumor, then permitting self-augmented cascade NO gas generation by oxidizing Arg through a H2O2 self-supplied way, thus blocking platelet activation in tumor. We clarified that IGBN inhibited TNBC metastasis through local estrogen deprivation and platelets blockade, affording 88.4% inhibition of pulmonary metastasis in a 4T1 mammary adenocarcinoma model. Notably, the locally copper ion interference, NO gas therapy and cisplatin chemotherapy together resulted in an enhanced therapeutic efficacy in primary tumor ablation without significant toxicity. This "ion/gas" bioactive nanogenerator offers a robust and safe strategy for TNBC therapy.

MicroRNA-501-3p targeting TM4SF1 facilitates tumor-related behaviors of gastric cancer cells via EMT signaling pathway

BACKGROUND

Increasing evidence shows that Transmembrane 4 L6 family member 1(TM4SF1) exerts a critical role in mediating the progression of various tumors. Nevertheless, the exact mechanism of TM4SF1 in gastric cancer (GC) remains unclear.

METHODS

Bioinformatics analysis was utilized to analyze TM4SF1 expression in GC tissues. Also, MiRWalk and starBase databases were used to predict the upstream microRNAs which could regulate TM4SF1 expression. Gene set enrichment analysis (GSEA) for TM4SF1 was conducted to screen the potentially involved pathways. Dysregulation of microRNA-501-3p/TM4SF1 was implemented to investigate the regulatory roles of these genes in GC. qRT-PCR and western blot were employed to measure the expression changes of microRNA-501-3p, TM4SF1, and epithelial-mesenchymal transition (EMT) signaling pathway-associated proteins. CCK-8, colony formation, and transwell assays were introduced to examine the biological functions of GC cell lines.

RESULTS

TM4SF1 presented a significantly low level in mRNA and protein in GC cells. MicroRNA-501-3p could target TM4SF1 and reduce its expression. Cell function experiments revealed that microRNA-501-3p facilitated cell proliferation, migration, and invasion, while inhibiting cell apoptosis in GC by targeting TM4SF1. EMT-associated proteins were altered by changing microRNA-501-3p/TM4SF1 axis.

CONCLUSION

MicroRNA-501-3p regulated EMT signaling pathway by down-regulating TM4SF1 expression and therefore facilitated the malignant progression of GC, which may provide a new potential therapeutic target for the treatment of GC patients.

Downregulation of nc886 contributes to prostate cancer cell invasion and TGFβ1-induced EMT

Epithelial-to-mesenchymal transition (EMT) activation is important in cancer progression and metastasis. Evidence indicates that nc886 is a representative Pol III gene that processes microRNA products via Dicer and further downregulates its target gene transforming growth factor- β1 (TGF-β1), which is the most prominent inducer of EMT in prostate cancer (PC). Consistent with the previous literature, we found that nc886 downregulation was strongly associated with metastatic behavior and showed worse outcomes in PC patients. However, little is known about the association between nc886 and the EMT signaling pathway. We developed a PC cell model with stable overexpression of nc886 and found that nc886 changed cellular morphology and drove MET. The underlying mechanism may be related to its promotion of SNAIL protein degradation via ubiquitination, but not to its neighboring genes, TGFβ-induced protein (TGFBI) and SMAD5, which are Pol II-transcribed. TGF-β1 also override nc886 promotion of MET via transient suppression the transcription of nc886, promotion of TGFBI or increase in SMAD5 phosphorylation. Both nc886 inhibition and TGFBI activation occur regardless of their methylation status. The literature suggests that MYC inhibition by TGF-β1 is attributed to nc886 downregulation. We incidentally identified MYC-associated zinc finger protein (MAZ) as a suppressive transcription factor of TGFBI, which is controlled by TGF-β1. We elucidate a new mechanism of TGF-β1 differential control of Pol II and the transcription of its neighboring Pol III gene and identify a new EMT unit consisting of nc886 and its neighboring genes.

Manganese-Based Prussian Blue Nanocatalysts Suppress Non-Small Cell Lung Cancer Growth and Metastasis via Photothermal and Chemodynamic Therapy

Based on the safety of prussian blue (PB) in biomedical application, we prepared manganese-based prussian blue (MnPB) nanocatalysts to achieve enhanced photothermal therapy and chemodynamic therapy. And we conducted a series of experiments to explore the therapeutic effects of MnPB nanoparticles (NPs) on non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) in vivo and in vitro. For in vitro experiments, the MnPB NPs suppressed growth of A549 cells by reactive oxygen species upregulation and near-infrared irradiation. Moreover, the MnPB NPs could inhibit lung cancer metastasis through downregulating the matrix metalloproteinase (MMP)-2 and MMP-9 expression in A549 cells. And for in vivo experiments, the MnPB NPs inhibited the growth of xenografted tumor effectively and were biologically safe. Meanwhile, Mn²⁺ as a T1-weighted agent could realize magnetic resonance imaging-guided diagnosis and treatment. To sum up, the results in this study clearly demonstrated that the MnPB NPs had remarkable effects for inhibiting the growth and metastasis of NSCLC and might serve as a promising multifunctional nanoplatform for NSCLC treatment.

Active legumain promotes invasion and migration of neuroblastoma by regulating epithelial-mesenchymal transition

Neuroblastoma (NB) is a commonly occurring malignancy in children. Epithelial-mesenchymal transition (EMT) is an adaptive change in promoting tumor metastasis. As an important factor in regulating tumor metastasis, whether legumain could promote metastasis of NB by EMT is still unexplored. Legumain is the active form of prolegumain, abundant in tumor plasma. So in the current study, different forms of legumain were identified in NB. Second, correlation analysis of N-cadherin and active legumain was identified by western blot analysis. Third, legumain gene amplification or gene knockdown were proceeded to examine the effect of legumain on EMT by scratch and transwell assay; meanwhile, active mature legumain or its asparagine endopeptidase (AEP) inhibitor was also added in. Finally, legumain can be detected differently in NB cells. Changes in legumain could influence NB metastasis by regulating EMT markers (e.g., N-cadherin, vimentin, and slug). Besides, the effect of legumain on EMT by its AEP activity was proved by intervention experiment of AEP gene transfection and gene knockdown experiments or adding recombinant human legumain suspension or specific inhibitor of AEP in NB cells (p < 0.05). These results suggest that legumain can promote invasion and migration of NB by regulating EMT, and EMT of NB is regulated by AEP activity of legumain, which can be inhibited by a specific AEP inhibitor.

Feed-forward loops between metastatic cancer cells and their microenvironment-the stage of escalation

Breast cancer is the most frequent cancer among women, and metastases in distant organs are the leading cause of the cancer-related deaths. While survival of early-stage breast cancer patients has increased dramatically, the 5-year survival rate of metastatic patients has barely improved in the last 20 years. Metastases can arise up to decades after primary tumor resection, hinting at microenvironmental factors influencing the sudden outgrowth of disseminated tumor cells (DTCs). This review summarizes how the environment of the most common metastatic sites (lung, liver, bone, brain) is influenced by the primary tumor and by the varying dormancy of DTCs, with a special focus on how established metastases persist and grow in distant organs due to feed-forward loops (FFLs). We discuss in detail the importance of FFL of cancer cells with their microenvironment including the secretome, interaction with specialized tissue-specific cells, nutrients/metabolites, and that novel therapies should target not only the cancer cells but also the tumor microenvironment, which are thick as thieves.

Prognostic role of myeloid-derived tumor-associated macrophages at the tumor invasive margin in gastric cancer with liver metastasis (GCLM): a single-center retrospective study

BACKGROUND

Liver metastasis is one of the important factors leading to poor prognosis of gastric cancer. According to the classic "seed soil theory", it is speculated that the liver microenvironment at the invasion margin of gastric cancer liver metastases (GCLM) may have a crucial impact on tumor progression. However, few studies had stated the correlation between the patients' prognosis and the densities of stromal cells infiltrating into the invasive margin, where our retrospective study designed to identify the role of infiltrating macrophages on the prognosis of GCLM as a reliable supplement of predictive tumor markers.

METHODS

The material consisted of a group of 72 gastric cancer (GC) patients with liver metastasis diagnosed from February 2015 and December 2020. The CD68+, CD206+, and Clec4f+ macrophages in their specimens were counted by immunohistochemistry (IHC), and the analysis area was the invasive margin of metastatic lesions. Clinical data were collected retrospectively. Overall survival (OS) was calculated from the date of initial diagnosis to the date of last follow-up or death. Survival analyses were performed using the Kaplan-Meier method and log-rank test. Multivariate Cox regression was performed to asses impact of macrophages on OS.

RESULTS

The expression of CD206 could indicate the prognosis of patients with GCLM, and patients with high expression of CD206 had worse prognoses (P=0.0002). Univariate and multivariate analyses showed that CD206 was an independent risk factor for prognosis (HR 5.276, 95% CI: 1.730-16.089, P=0.003).

CONCLUSIONS

The CD206+ myeloid-derived tumor associated macrophages (TAMs) may predict whether patients could benefit from R1 resection of liver-metastatic lesions, which has important theoretical significance and practical value for accurately evaluating the clinical prognosis of patients with GCLM and guiding clinical treatment.

Urokinase plasminogen activator induces epithelial-mesenchymal and metastasis of pancreatic cancer through plasmin/MMP14/TGF-β axis, which is inhibited by 4-acetyl-antroquinonol B treatment

BACKGROUND

The current standard therapy for metastatic pancreatic cancer is ineffective, necessitating a new treatment approach for prognosis improvement. The urokinase-plasmin activator (uPA) is a critical factor in epithelial-mesenchymal transition (EMT) and cancer metastasis, but its underlying mechanisms in pancreatic cancer remains elusive.

METHODS

We investigated uPA expression in our pancreatic cancer cohort. A bioinformatics approach was used to further determine the role of uPA in pancreatic cancer. We employed MiaPaCa-2 and PANC-1 cell lines to investigate how uPA regulates EMT and metastasis in pancreatic cancer and present a novel approach aimed at inhibiting uPA in pancreatic cancer.

RESULTS

We observed that higher uPA mRNA expression was significantly associated with overall-poor survival and progression-free survival in pancreatic cancer. uPA was highly expressed in tumor tissue. Gene set enrichment analysis revealed a positive association between uPA mRNA expression and EMT and transforming growth factor β (TGF-β) signaling pathways. Moreover, shRNA-mediated uPA gene knockdown reduced plasmin, MMP14, and TGF-β activation, leading to the inhibition of PANC-1 cells' EMT marker expression, migration, invasion, and cell viability. Notably, 4-acetyl-antroquinonol B (4-AAQB) treatment suppressed MiaPaCa-2 and PANC-1 cell migratory and invasive abilities by inhibiting the uPA/MMP14/TGF-β axis through upregulation of miR-181d-5p. In the xenograft mouse model of orthotropic pancreatic cancer, 4-AAQB treatment has reduced tumor growth and metastasis rate by deactivating uPA and improving the survival of the mice model.

CONCLUSION

Accordingly, to extent of our knowledge and previous studies, we demonstrated that 4-AAQB is an anti Pan-Cancer drug, and may inhibit pancreatic cancer EMT and metastasis and serve as a new therapeutic approach for patients with late-stage pancreatic cancer.