PSMD7 downregulation induces apoptosis and suppresses tumorigenesis of esophageal squamous cell carcinoma via the mTOR/p70S6K pathway

Deubiquitinase PSMD7 facilitates pancreatic cancer progression through activating Nocth1 pathway via modifying SOX2 degradation

BACKGROUND

Ubiquitination is a critical post-translational modification which can be reversed with an enzyme family known as deubiquitinating enzymes (DUBs). It has been reported that dysregulation of deubiquitination leads to carcinogenesis. As a member of the DUBs family, proteasome 26 S subunit non-ATPase 7 (PSMD7) serves as an underlying tumour-promoting factor in multiple cancers. However, the clinical significance and biological functions of PSMD7 in pancreatic cancer (PC) remain unclear.

RESULTS

In this study, we first reported frequent overexpression of PSMD7 in PC tissues, and high levels of PSMD7 were markedly linked to shorter survival and a malignant phenotype in PC patients. An array of in vitro and in vivo gain/loss-of-function tests revealed that PSMD7 facilitates the progression of PC cells. Additionally, we found that PSMD7 promotes PC cell progression by activating the Notch homolog 1 (Notch1) signalling. Interestingly, in PC cells, the inhibitory effect of PSMD7 knockdown on cellular processes was comparable to that observed upon Notch1 knockdown. Mechanistically, PSMD7 deubiquitinated and stabilised sex determining region Y (SRY)-box 2 (SOX2), a key mediator of Notch1 signalling. The stabilisation of SOX2, mediated by PSMD7, dramatically increased SOX2 protein levels, subsequently activating the Notch1 pathway. Finally, restoration of SOX2 expression abrogated the PSMD7-silenced antitumour effect.

CONCLUSIONS

Taken together, our work identifies and validates PSMD7 as a promoter of PC progression through augmentation of the Notch1 signalling pathway mediated by SOX2. This finding suggests that PSMD7 holds promise as a potential therapeutic target for the management of this refractory disease.

Deubiquitinating enzyme PSMD7 promotes bladder cancer development: Involvement of RAB1A stabilization

BACKGROUND

Proteasome 26S subunit, non-ATPase 7 (PSMD7) is a deubiquitinating enzyme that is involved in the stability of ubiquitinated proteins and participates in the development of multiple types of cancer. The roles of PSMD7 and its potential mechanisms in bladder cancer (BC) remain elusive.

METHODS

In this study, we identified that PSMD7 was overexpressed in BC tissues based on gene expression omnibus (GEO) database and TNMplot web. To investigate the functional role of PSMD7, two BC cell lines, T24 and 5637, were selected. The cells were transfected with vectors containing short hairpin RNAs against PSMD7 or plasmids containing full-length PSMD7 to knockdown or overexpress PSMD7.

RESULTS

Our results revealed that silencing PSMD7 inhibited cell proliferation, cycle progression, migration, invasion, and promoted cell apoptosis, whereas PSMD7 overexpression led to the opposite effects in the BC cells. Mechanically, PSMD7 influenced the protein expression but not the mRNA expression of the Ras-related protein Rab-1 A (RAB1A). PSMD7 combined with RAB1A and negatively regulated its ubiquitination, indicating that PSMD7 enhanced the stability of RAB1A through post-transcriptional modification. Moreover, the rescue experiment demonstrated that RAB1A was an important downstream effector molecule of PSMD7. Besides, the negative regulation of silencing PSMD7 on tumor growth was confirmed in mice.

CONCLUSIONS

Our study substantiated a novel mechanism by which PSMD7 stabilized RAB1A to accelerate the progression of BC.

PSMD13 inhibits NF-κB pathway by targeting TAK1 for K63-linked ubiquitination in miiuy croaker (Miichthys miiuy)

ransforming growth factor-β activated kinase (TAK) 1 is an adaptor molecular in the TLR-mediated NF-κB pathway which has been implicated in the regulation of a wide range of physiological and pathological processes. Proteasome 26S subunit, non-ATPases (PSMD) 13 is essential for the structural maintenance and function of the 26S proteasome. However, the mechanism of PSMD13 in innate immune regulation is not clear. In this study, the expression of PSMD13 mRNA was significantly increased under Vibrio harveyi stimulation, and PSMD13 inhibited the NF-κB pathway by targeting TAK1. Mechanically, PSMD13 significantly inhibited the K63-linked ubiquitination of TAK1, thereby inhibiting the expression of TAK1. Moreover, this discovery enriches the research of the PSMD family regulating the innate immune response and provides a new idea for the study of the mammalian innate immune regulation mechanism.

Ubiquitin-Specific Proteases (USPs) and Metabolic Disorders

Ubiquitination and deubiquitination are reversible processes that modify the characteristics of target proteins, including stability, intracellular localization, and enzymatic activity. Ubiquitin-specific proteases (USPs) constitute the largest deubiquitinating enzyme family. To date, accumulating evidence indicates that several USPs positively and negatively affect metabolic diseases. USP22 in pancreatic β-cells, USP2 in adipose tissue macrophages, USP9X, 20, and 33 in myocytes, USP4, 7, 10, and 18 in hepatocytes, and USP2 in hypothalamus improve hyperglycemia, whereas USP19 in adipocytes, USP21 in myocytes, and USP2, 14, and 20 in hepatocytes promote hyperglycemia. In contrast, USP1, 5, 9X, 14, 15, 22, 36, and 48 modulate the progression of diabetic nephropathy, neuropathy, and/or retinopathy. USP4, 10, and 18 in hepatocytes ameliorates non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD), while hepatic USP2, 11, 14, 19, and 20 exacerbate it. The roles of USP7 and 22 in hepatic disorders are controversial. USP9X, 14, 17, and 20 in vascular cells are postulated to be determinants of atherosclerosis. Moreover, mutations in the Usp8 and Usp48 loci in pituitary tumors cause Cushing syndrome. This review summarizes the current knowledge about the modulatory roles of USPs in energy metabolic disorders.

Research on Mechanism of miR-488-5p Carried with Magnetic Carbon Nanotubes in Restraining Lymphatic Metastasis in Cervical Cancer Through Induction of mTOR/P70S6K Signaling Pathway

This study intends to discuss mechanism of miR-488-5p carried with magnetic carbon nanotubes (MAGCNTs) in restraining lymphatic metastasis in cervical cancer through induction of mTOR/P70S6K signaling pathway. Fifty female rats were randomly divided into five sets, which included control set, miR-488-5p set, empty carrier set, set of miR-488-5p carrier and inhibitor set. The MAGCNTs were prepared and characterized. Condition and quantity of lymphatic metastasis in cervical cancer, miR-488-5p expression and protein expression of factors related with mTOR/P70S6K signaling transduction pathway were observed. Quantity of lymphatic metastasis in the control set was highest, while quantity of lymphatic metastasis in the set of miR-488-5p and carrier were lowest. Expressions of miR-488-5p in of the miR-488-5p and carrier sets were highest and lowest in the control set, and mTOR/P70S6K expression was reversed. miR-488-5p was carried with multi-walled carbon nanotubes (MWCNTs) and entered into cells more rapidly. There was over expression of miR-488-5p and activity of mTOR/P70S6K signaling pathway was restrained. The information conduction was slowed down, and therefore, the lymphatic metastasis in the cervical cancer was restrained.

The angiogenic genes predict prognosis and immune characteristics in esophageal squamous cell carcinoma: Evidence from multi-omics and experimental verification

Esophageal squamous cell carcinomas (ESCC) is an aggressive disease with five-year overall survival (OS) <15%. The main cause is metastasis rather than local tumor, and angiogenesis plays an important role. Angiogenesis has a significant impact on tumor metastasis, treatment and prognosis. However, the expression pattern of angiogenic genes, its effect on treatment and its relationship with prognosis in ESCC have not been systematically reported. We performed the first and most comprehensive multi-omics analysis of angiogenic genes in patients with ESCC and identified four angiogenic phenotypes that vary in outcome, tumor characteristics, and immune landscape. These subtypes provide not only patient outcomes but also key information that will help to identify immune blocking therapy. In addition, angiogenesis intensity score (AIS) was proposed to quantify tumor angiogenesis ability, and its accuracy as a predictor of prognosis and immunotherapy was verified by external cohort and corresponding cell lines. Our study provides clinicians with guidance for individualized immune checkpoint blocking therapy and anti-angiogenic therapy for ESCC.

HTR1A Inhibits the Progression of Triple-Negative Breast Cancer via TGF-β Canonical and Noncanonical Pathways

Triple-negative breast cancer is the most aggressive subtype of breast cancer and the incidence of depression in breast cancer patients is high, which leading to worse survival and increased risk of recurrence. The effect of antidepressants on breast cancer patients remains contradictory, which might be due to variations in antidepression targets. Therefore, there is significant value to explore the antitumor potential of antidepressants and discover new therapeutic targets for breast patients. The authors screen antidepressant-related oncogenes or suppressors by using siRNAs. After combining functional experiments with online database analysis, 5-hydroxytryptamine receptor 1A (HTR1A is selected with antitumor potential in breast cancer cells in vivo and in vitro. RNA-seq analysis and coimmunoprecipitation assays indicate that HTR1A interacts with TRIM21 and PSMD7 to inhibit the degradation of TβRII through the ubiquitin-proteasome pathway, thereby inhibiting the transforming growth factor-β (TGF-β) canonical and noncanonical pathway. In addition, HTR1A is an independent predictive factor for breast cancer patients. The combined treatment of HTR1A agonists with demethylation drugs may significantly improve patient survival. It is of great significance to clarify the function and mechanism of the depression-related gene HTR1A in breast cancer, which might provide a new approach for triple-negative breast cancer patients.

Transcriptional activation of Proteasome 26S non-ATPase subunit 7 by forkhead box P3 participates in gastric cancer cell proliferation and apoptosis

Proteasome 26S non-ATPase subunit 7 (PSMD7) and forkhead box P3 (FOXP3) have been found to be both upregulated in gastric cancer tissues. FOXP3 was also predicted to have binding sites on PSMD7 promoter. Thus, this study investigated the relationship between PSMD7 and FOXP3 and their roles in gastric cancer. Bioinformatic databases predicted PSMD7 expression in non-cancerous gastric tissue and gastric cancer tissue, as well as the correlation between PSMD7 and the overall/disease free survival. PSMD7 expression in non-cancerous gastric tissue or cells and gastric cancer tissue or cells was detected by qPCR and Western blot. After PSMD7 downregulation by siRNA interference, cell viability, colony-forming capacity and cell apoptosis were analyzed with cell counting kit-8 assay, colony formation assay and terminal deoxynucleotidyl transferasemediated dUTP nick end-labeling. Proliferation and apoptosis markers were assayed by qPCR and Western blot. Dual-luciferase reporter and chromatin immunoprecipitation assays were performed to look at the binding relationship between FOXP3 and PSMD7 promoter. Cell proliferation and apoptosis were examined again after co-transfection of PSMD7 siRNA plasmid and FOXP3 overexpression plasmid. PSMD7 expression was much higher in gastric cancer tissue and cell lines. Interference with PSMD7 decreased gastric cancer cell viability, inhibited their proliferation and colony formation and promoted cell apoptosis. FOXP3 was found to bind to PSMD7 promoter and activate PSMD7 expression. Overexpression of FOXP3 could rescue the effects of PSMD7 knockdown on gastric cancer cells. PSMD7 is involved in the proliferation and apoptosis of gastric cancer cells and can be transcriptionally regulated by FOXP3.

Deubiquitinase PSMD7 promotes the proliferation, invasion, and cisplatin resistance of gastric cancer cells by stabilizing RAD23B

Ubiquitination, a crucial post-translational modification, controls substrate degradation and can be reversed by deubiquitinases (DUBs). An increasing number of studies are showing that DUBs regulate the malignant behavior and chemotherapy resistance of gastric cancer (GC) by stabilizing various proteins. However, the expression level and biological function of the DUB, proteasome 26S subunit, non-ATPase 7 (PSMD7), in GC remains unknown. Herein, we report for the first time that PSMD7 is frequently overexpressed in GC tissues. Elevated levels of PSMD7 were also detected in GC cell lines. Notably, the upregulation of PSMD7 closely correlated with malignant clinical parameters and reduced the survival of GC patients. Functionally, we found that PSMD7 knockdown consistently suppressed the proliferation, migration, and invasion of AGS and SGC-7901 cells. Ectopic expression of PSMD7 facilitated GC cell proliferation and mobility. Based on protein-protein interaction prediction, RAD23 homolog B (RAD23B) protein was identified as a candidate substrate of PSMD7. PSMD7 positively regulated the abundance of RAD23B and xeroderma pigmentosum, complementation group C (XPC) protein in GC cells. The interaction between PSMD7 and RAD23B was confirmed using protein immunoprecipitation. PSMD7 knockdown enhanced the ubiquitination and degradation of RAD23B protein in GC cells. PSMD7 promoted cell viability, apoptosis resistance, and DNA damage repair in GC cells upon cisplatin (DDP) treatment. Moreover, PSMD7 silencing inhibited tumor growth and enhanced the sensitivity of GC cells to DDP treatment in mice. In summary, PSMD7 was highly expressed in GC and contributed to the malignant behavior and DDP resistance of tumor cells by stabilizing RAD23B.

Alternative RNA Splicing-The Trojan Horse of Cancer Cells in Chemotherapy

Almost all transcribed human genes undergo alternative RNA splicing, which increases the diversity of the coding and non-coding cellular landscape. The resultant gene products might have distinctly different and, in some cases, even opposite functions. Therefore, the abnormal regulation of alternative splicing plays a crucial role in malignant transformation, development, and progression, a fact supported by the distinct splicing profiles identified in both healthy and tumor cells. Drug resistance, resulting in treatment failure, still remains a major challenge for current cancer therapy. Furthermore, tumor cells often take advantage of aberrant RNA splicing to overcome the toxicity of the administered chemotherapeutic agents. Thus, deciphering the alternative RNA splicing variants in tumor cells would provide opportunities for designing novel therapeutics combating cancer more efficiently. In the present review, we provide a comprehensive outline of the recent findings in alternative splicing in the most common neoplasms, including lung, breast, prostate, head and neck, glioma, colon, and blood malignancies. Molecular mechanisms developed by cancer cells to promote oncogenesis as well as to evade anticancer drug treatment and the subsequent chemotherapy failure are also discussed. Taken together, these findings offer novel opportunities for future studies and the development of targeted therapy for cancer-specific splicing variants.

PSMD7 downregulation suppresses lung cancer progression by regulating the p53 pathway

Lung cancer is the second most common cancer in both men and women. The deubiquitinase PSMD7, as a core component of the 26S proteasome, is critical for the degradation of ubiquitinated proteins in the proteasome. Currently, PSMD7 expression and its roles in the progression of lung cancer remain largely unknown. In this study, we assessed PSMD7 expression and investigated the underlying molecular events by which PSMD7 regulates tumor progression in non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC). The results showed that PSMD7 is more highly expressed in NSCLC tissues than in adjacent noncancerous tissues. PSMD7 expression was also closely associated with lymph node invasion and the laterality of the tumor in lung adenocarcinoma (LUAD). A high PSMD7 level predicted poor overall survival (OS) and disease-free survival (DFS) in LUAD patients, and PSMD7 knockdown significantly reduced cell proliferation and induced G0/G1-phase cell cycle arrest, cell senescence and apoptosis. PSMD7 knockdown inhibited expression of a set of proteins regulating cell cycle progression. Depletion of PSMD7 increased p53 levels and induced p21 and puma expression in a p53-dependent manner. Importantly, knockdown of PSMD7 markedly inhibited LUAD tumor growth in a xenograft mouse model. Taken together, these findings indicate that PSMD7 may serve as a valuable prognostic indicator and potential therapeutic target in LUAD.

Identification of PSMD7 as a prognostic factor correlated with immune infiltration in head and neck squamous cell carcinoma

BACKGROUND

Recurrent locally advanced or metastatic head and neck squamous cell carcinoma (HNSCC) is associated with dismal prognosis because of its highly invasive behavior and resistance to conventional intensive chemotherapy. The identification of effective markers for early diagnosis and prognosis is important for reducing mortality and ensuring that therapy for HNSCC is effective. Proteasome 26S subunit, non-ATPase 7 (PSMD7) is an ATP-independent component of the 19S regulatory subunit. The prognostic value of PSMD7 and the association with immune infiltration in HNSCC remains unclear.

METHODS

The Sangerbox, Oncomine, UALCAN and Human Protein Atlas (HPA) databases were used to examine PSMD7 expression profiles in HNSCC. The CVCDAP was used to analysis the association of PSMD7 with the prognosis of patients with HNSCC. The mechanism was investigated with gene set enrichment analysis (GSEA). The association between expression of PSMD7 and immune infiltration in HNSCC was investigated using the Tumor Immune Estimation Resource (TIMER), TISIDB database and CIBERSORT algorithm.

RESULTS

PSMD7 expression was significantly up-regulated in HNSCC compared with relative normal tissues. In addition, up-regulated PSMD7 expression was associated with various clinicopathological parameters. High expression of PSMD7 suggested inferior survival of HNSCC patients. GSEA and CERES score indicated that PSMD7 was closely correlated with tumor-related signaling pathways and cell survival. Functional analyses revealed that PSMD7 was positively correlated with various infiltration levels. Moreover, PSMD7 influenced the prognosis of HNSCC patients partially via immune infiltration.

CONCLUSION

Our findings suggest that PSMD7 is associated poor prognosis in patients with HNSCC and plays an important role in tumor-related immune infiltration.

Screening Study on the Anti-Angiogenic Effects of Traditional Chinese Medicine - Part II: Wild Chrysanthemum

Background and Aims: Part 2 of our ongoing research with anti-angiogenic effects focuses on Wild chrysanthemum; a heat-clearing and detoxicating Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM). We screened six heat-clearing and detoxicating TCM and noticed that wild chrysanthemum has a potent anti-angiogenic effect in zebrafish. This study aims to determine the genetic mechanisms underlying the anti-angiogenic effects of wild chrysanthemum.

Methods:Wild chrysanthemum was decocted, concentrated, sieved and desiccated to attain the water extract. 200μg/mL wild chrysanthemum water extract (WCWE) was diluted in 0.1% dimethyl sulfoxide (DMSO) and given to zebrafish via fish water. 48h post-fertilization (hpf) fli1a-EGFP transgenic zebrafish were used to assay angiogenesis. mRNA-seq, qRT-PCR assay and a parallel reaction monitor (PRM) were carried out to reveal the underlying mechanisms.

Results: WCWE showed a significant anti-angiogenic effect in zebrafish. The results of mRNA-seq showed that there were 1119 genes up-regulated and 1332 genes down-regulated by WCWE. The bioinformatic analysis based on mRNA-seq demonstrated that the proteasome signaling pathway was significantly down-regulated. The results of the qRT-PCR assay were consistent with those of the mRNA-seq assay. The results of the PRM assay showed that nine proteins involved in proteasome signaling and the protein expression level of ctnnb2 were significantly down-regulated. The results of the KEGG pathway analysis based on PRM assay demonstrated that WCWE may have an inhibitory action on the regulatory particle of the proteasome.

Conclusion:Wild chrysanthemum has a significant anti-angiogenic effect in zebrafish and it may have an inhibitory action on the regulatory particle of the proteasome. The mechanisms underlying the anti-angiogenic effects of wild chrysanthemum may be related to the down-regulation of proteasome/β-catenin signaling in zebrafish.

Deubiquitinase PSMD7 regulates cell fate and is associated with disease progression in breast cancer

Breast cancer is the most common malignant tumor and the leading cause of cancer-related death in women. The ubiquitin-proteasome system regulates the stability of most proteins controlling various biological processes in human cells. PSMD7, as a core component of the 26S proteasome, is critical for the degradation of ubiquitinated proteins in the proteasome. Currently, PSMD7 expression and its roles in the progression of breast cancer remain largely unknown. In this study, we assessed the level of PSMD7 in breast cancer tissues and investigated the underlying molecular events by which PSMD7 could play a role in tumor progression. The results showed that the PSMD7 level was significantly upregulated in breast cancer tissues. PSMD7 expression was closely associated with tumor subtype, tumor size, lymph node invasion, and TNM stage. A high PSMD7 level predicted poor overall survival (OS) and disease-free survival (DFS) in breast cancer patients. Furthermore, univariate Cox regression analysis indicated that lymph node invasion, distant metastasis, and PSMD7 expression were associated with OS and DFS. Multivariate regression analysis indicated that PSMD7 was an independent predictor of OS (HR=1.310, 95% CI=1.038-1.652). Importantly, PSMD7 knockdown induced cell cycle arrest in the G0/G1 phase, leading to cell senescence and apoptosis. PSMD7 knockdown inhibited the expression of key cell cycle-related proteins and promoted the stability of p21 and p27 in breast cancer cells. PSMD7 may be a valuable prognostic indicator and potential therapeutic target for breast cancer.

Plasma-Derived Extracellular Vesicles Convey Protein Signatures that Reflect Pathophysiology in Lung and Pancreatic Adenocarcinomas

Using a combination of mass-spectrometry and aptamer array-based proteomics, we characterized the protein features of circulating extracellular vesicles (EVs) in the context of lung (LUAD) and pancreatic ductal (PDAC) adenocarcinomas. We profiled EVs isolated from conditioned media of LUAD and PDAC cell lines to identify EV-associated protein cargoes released by these cancer cell types. Analysis of the resulting data identified LUAD and PDAC specific and pan-adenocarcinoma EV protein signatures. Bioinformatic analyses confirmed enrichment of proteins annotated to vesicle-associated processes and intracellular compartments, as well as representation of cancer hallmark functions and processes. Analysis of upstream regulator networks indicated significant enrichment of TP53, MYC, TGFB1 and KRAS-driven network effectors (p = 1.69 × 10^-77-2.93 × 10^-49) manifest in the adenocarcinoma sEV protein cargoes. We extended these findings by profiling the proteome of EVs isolated from lung (N = 15) and pancreatic ductal (N = 6) adenocarcinoma patient plasmas obtained at time of diagnosis, along with EVs derived from matched healthy controls (N = 21). Exploration of these proteomic data revealed abundant protein features in the plasma EVs with capacity to distinguish LUAD and PDAC cases from controls, including features yielding higher performance in the plasma EV isolates relative to unfractionated plasmas.

A proteomic study of resistance to Brown Ring disease in the Manila clam, Ruditapes philippinarum

Marine mollusk aquaculture has more than doubled over the past twenty years, accounting for over 15% of total aquaculture production in 2016. Infectious disease is one of the main limiting factors to the development of mollusk aquaculture, and the difficulties inherent to combating pathogens through antibiotic therapies or disinfection have led to extensive research on host defense mechanisms and host-pathogen relationships. It has become increasingly clear that characterizing the functional profiles of response to a disease is an essential step in understanding resistance mechanisms and moving towards more effective disease control. The Manila clam, Ruditapes philippinarum, is a main cultured bivalve species of economic importance which is affected by Brown Ring disease (BRD), an infection induced by the bacterium Vibrio tapetis. In this study, juvenile Manila clams were subjected to a 28-day controlled challenge with Vibrio tapetis, and visual and molecular diagnoses were carried out to distinguish two extreme phenotypes within the experimental clams: uninfected ("RES", resistant) and infected ("DIS", diseased) post-challenge. Total protein extractions were carried out for resistant and diseased clams, and proteins were identified using LC-MS/MS. Protein sequences were matched against a reference transcriptome of the Manila clam, and protein intensities based on label-free quantification were compared to reveal 49 significantly accumulated proteins in resistant and diseased clams. Proteins with known roles in pathogen recognition, lysosome trafficking, and various aspects of the energy metabolism were more abundant in diseased clams, whereas those with roles in redox homeostasis and protein recycling were more abundant in resistant clams. Overall, the comparison of the proteomic profiles of resistant and diseased clams after a month-long controlled challenge to induce the onset of Brown Ring disease suggests that redox homeostasis and maintenance of protein structure by chaperone proteins may play important and interrelated roles in resistance to infection by Vibrio tapetis in the Manila clam.

Upregulation of deubiquitinase PSMD14 in lung adenocarcinoma (LUAD) and its prognostic significance

PSMD14 is a 19S-proteasome-associated deubiquitinating enzyme that facilitates protein degradation by the 20S proteasome core particle. Although accumulating evidence indicates that PSMD14 has emerged as a critical oncogenic factor by promoting tumor growth, the expression and function of PSMD14 in non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) remain largely unknown. In this study, we assessed PSMD14 expression and correlated it with clinical-pathological features and patient survival in NSCLC. We also determined the roles of PSMD14 in the regulation of lung adenocarcinoma (LUAD) cell growth. The results showed that PSMD14 expression was significantly upregulated in human NSCLC tissues compared with adjacent non-cancerous tissues. The PSMD14 level was associated with tumor size, lymph node invasion, and TNM stage in LUAD patients. Importantly, high PSMD14 expression was associated with poor overall survival (OS) and disease-free survival (DFS) in LUAD patients. Further, knockdown of PSMD14 significantly inhibited cell growth and caused G1 arrest and cellular senescence by increasing p21 stability in LUAD cells. PSMD14 knockdown also promoted cell apoptosis by increasing cleaved caspase-3 levels in H1299 cells. PSMD14 may serve as a potential prognostic marker and therapeutic target for LUAD patients.

Knockdown of USP14 inhibits PDGF-BB-induced vascular smooth muscle cell dedifferentiation via inhibiting mTOR/P70S6K signaling pathway

Atherosclerosis is a chronic progressive cardiovascular disease, which may result in many clinical consequences. Ubiquitin-specific protease 14 (USP14), a member of the USP family, has been found to be involved in cardiovascular disease. In the present study, we aimed to explore the role of USP14 in atherosclerosis. The results showed that USP14 expression was markedly increased in atherosclerotic tissues as compared to control tissues. Then we next examined the role of USP14 in primary human aortic smooth muscle cells (HASMCs) in response to PDGF-BB stimulation. The results demonstrated that PDGF-BB induced the USP14 expression in a dose- and time-dependent manner. Knockdown of USP14 in HASMCs suppressed PDGF-BB-induced proliferation and migration of HASMCs. The expressions of VSMCs markers including α-SMA, calponin and SM-MHC were markedly increased by knockdown of USP14, indicating that USP14 knockdown suppressed phenotypic modulation of HASMCs. However, USP14 overexpression exhibited the opposite effects. Furthermore, PDGF-BB-induced phosphorylation of mTOR and P70S6K in HASMCs was prevented by knockdown of USP14. In addition, MHY-1485, an activator of mTOR signaling, reversed the effects of USP14 knockdown on PDGF-BB-induced HASMCs. These data suggested that knockdown of USP14 prevented PDGF-BB-induced proliferation, migration, and phenotypic modulation of HASMCs via inhibiting the mTOR/P70S6K signaling pathway.

Atherosclerosis is a chronic progressive cardiovascular disease, which may result in many clinical consequences.