PAI-1, a target gene of miR-143, regulates invasion and metastasis by upregulating MMP-13 expression of human osteosarcoma

Vitexicarpin Induces Apoptosis and Inhibits Metastatic Properties via the AKT-PRAS40 Pathway in Human Osteosarcoma

Osteosarcoma, which has poor prognosis after metastasis, is the most common type of bone cancer in children and adolescents. Therefore, plant-derived bioactive compounds are being actively developed for cancer therapy. Artemisia apiacea Hance ex Walp. is a traditional medicinal plant native to Eastern Asia, including China, Japan, and Korea. Vitexicarpin (Vitex), derived from A. apiacea, has demonstrated analgesic, anti-inflammatory, antitumour, and immunoregulatory properties; however, there are no published studies on Vitex isolated from the aerial parts of A. apiacea. Thus, this study aimed to evaluate the antitumour activity of Vitex against human osteosarcoma cells. In the present study, Vitex (>99% purity) isolated from A. apiacea induced significant cell death in human osteosarcoma MG63 cells in a dose- and time-dependent manner; cell death was mediated by apoptosis, as evidenced by the appearance of cleaved-PARP, cleaved-caspase 3, anti-apoptotic proteins (Survivin and Bcl-2), pro-apoptotic proteins (Bax), and cell cycle-related proteins (Cyclin D1, Cdk4, and Cdk6). Additionally, a human phosphokinase array proteome profiler revealed that Vitex suppressed AKT-dependent downstream kinases. Further, Vitex reduced the phosphorylation of PRAS40, which is associated with autophagy and metastasis, induced autophagosome formation, and suppressed programmed cell death and necroptosis. Furthermore, Vitex induced antimetastatic activity by suppressing the migration and invasion of MMP13, which is the primary protease that degrades type I collagen for tumour-induced osteolysis in bone tissues and preferential metastasis sites. Taken together, our results suggest that Vitex is an attractive target for treating human osteosarcoma.

Serpine1 mRNA confers mesenchymal characteristics to the cell and promotes CD8+ T cells exclusion from colon adenocarcinomas

Serine protease inhibitor clade E member 1 (SERPINE1) inhibits extracellular matrix proteolysis and cell detachment. However, SERPINE1 expression also promotes tumor progression and plays a crucial role in metastasis. Here, we solve this apparent paradox and report that Serpine1 mRNA per se, independent of its protein-coding function, confers mesenchymal properties to the cell, promoting migration, invasiveness, and resistance to anoikis and increasing glycolytic activity by sequestering miRNAs. Expression of Serpine1 mRNA upregulates the expression of the TRA2B splicing factor without affecting its mRNA levels. Through transcriptional profiling, we found that Serpine1 mRNA expression downregulates through TRA2B the expression of genes involved in the immune response. Analysis of human colon tumor samples showed an inverse correlation between SERPINE1 mRNA expression and CD8+ T cell infiltration, unveiling the potential value of SERPINE1 mRNA as a promising therapeutic target for colon tumors.

Selenium enhances photodynamic therapy of C-phycocyanin against lung cancer via dual regulation of cytotoxicity and antioxidant activity

As a natural photosensitizer, phycocyanin (PC) has high efficiency and uses low-intensity irradiation. To enhance the photodynamic therapy (PDT) of PC, we extract selenium-enriched phycocyanin (Se-PC) from Se-enriched Spirulina platensis and examine the synergistic effect of PC combined with selenium against lung tumors. In vitro experiments reveal that Se-PC PDT more efficiently reduce the survival rate of mouse lung cancer cells (LLC cell line) than PC PDT treatment by increasing the level of ROS and decreasing the level of GPx4, which is confirmed by the Chou-Talalay assay. In vivo imaging system analysis reveal that tumor volume is more markedly decreased in both the Se-PC PDT and PC PDT plus Na 2SeO 3 groups than in the PC PDT group, with inhibition rates reaching 90.4%, 68.3% and 53.1%, respectively, after irradiation with 100 J/cm 2 laser light at 630 nm. In normal tissues, Se-PC promotes the synthesis of antioxidant enzymes and the immune response by the IL-6/TNF-α pathway against tumor proliferation and metastasis. Using Se-PC as a photosensitizer in tumors, apoptosis and pyroptosis are the primary types of cell death switched by Caspases-1/3/9, which is confirmed by TEM. Based on the transcriptome analysis, Se-PC PDT treatment inhibits angiogenesis, regulates inflammation by the HIF-1, NF-κB and TGF-β signaling pathways and dilutes tumor metabolism by reducing the synthesis of glucose transporters and transferrin. Compared to PC PDT, Se-PC increases the expression levels of some chemokines in the tumor niche, which recruits inflammatory cells to enhance the immune response. Our study may provide evidence for Se-PC as an effective photosensitizer to treat lung cancer.

PBMC MicroRNAs: Promising Biomarkers for the Differential Diagnosis of COVID-19 Patients with Abnormal Coagulation Indices

MicroRNAs, or miRNAs, may involve in coagulation and inflammation pathways caused by severe Coronavirus disease (COVID-19). Accordingly, this attempt was made to explore the behavior of peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMCs) miRNAs as effective biomarkers to diagnose COVID-19 patients with normal and abnormal coagulation indices. We selected the targeted miRNAs (miR-19a-3p, miR-223-3p, miR-143-5p, miR-494-3p and miR-301a-5p) according to previous reports, whose PBMC levels were then determined by real-time PCR. Receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curve was obtained to clarify the diagnostic potency of studied miRNAs. The differentially expressed miRNA profiles and corresponding biological activities were predicted in accordance with bioinformatics data. Targeted miRNAs' expression profiles displayed a significant difference between COVID-19 subjects with normal and abnormal coagulation indices. Moreover, the average miR-223-3p level expressed in COVID-19 cases with normal coagulation indices was significantly lower than that in healthy controls. Based on data from ROC analysis, miR-223-3p and miR-494-3p are promising biomarkers to distinguish the COVID-19 cases with normal or abnormal coagulation indices. Bioinformatics data highlighted the prominent role of selected miRNAs in the inflammation and TGF-beta signaling pathway. The differences existed in the expression profiles of selected miRNAs between the groups introduced miR-494-3p and miR-223-3p as potent biomarkers to prognosis the incidence of COVID-19.

Posttranscriptional Regulation of the Plasminogen Activation System by Non-Coding RNA in Cancer

Various species of non-coding RNAs (ncRNAs) may act as functional molecules regulating diverse biological processes. In cancer cell biology, ncRNAs include RNAs that regulate the expression of oncogenes and tumor suppressor genes through various mechanisms. The urokinase (uPA)-mediated plasminogen activation system (PAS) includes uPA, its inhibitors PAI-1 and PAI-2 and its specific cellular receptor uPAR; their increased expression represents a negative prognostic factor in several cancers. Here, we will briefly describe the main uPA-mediated PAS components and ncRNA species; then, we will review more recent evidence of the roles that ncRNAs may play in regulating the expression and functions of uPA-mediated PAS components in cancer.

Profiling of Multiple Matrix Metalloproteinases Activities in the Progression of Osteosarcoma by Peptide Microarray-Based Fluorescence Assay on Polymer Brush-Coated Zinc Oxide Nanorod Substrate

Peptide microarray provides the ability to miniaturize, parallelize, and automate high-throughput screening substrate specificities of enzymes, profiling of multiple enzyme activities, discovery of disease biomarkers, and development of drugs. Matrix metalloproteinases (MMPs) are demonstrated as important biomarkers of tumor invasion and metastasis. Herein, a peptide microarray-based fluorescence assay is proposed to profile multiple MMPs (MMP-1, MMP-2, MMP-3, MMP-7, MMP-9, and MMP-13) activities in the culture medium of four human osteosarcoma (OS) cells and in the progression of OS by using the mouse-bearing xenograft OSs including U-2OS and Saos-2 human. This method has excellent selectivity and sensitivity, which enables to detect the activities of cellular secreted MMP-1, MMP-2, MMP-3, MMP-7, MMP-9, and MMP-13 with limit of detection downs to 10 pM, 30 pM, 113 pM, 13 pM, 93 pM, and 12 pM, respectively. Furthermore, it is demonstrated that the activity pattern of MMPs is serum closely relevant to the disease progression and type of tumor.

miR-141-3p Promotes the Cisplatin Sensitivity of Osteosarcoma Cell through Targeting the Glutaminase [GLS]-Mediated Glutamine Metabolism

AIMS

This study aimed to evaluate the roles and molecular targets of miRNA-141-3p in the cisplatin sensitivity of osteosarcoma.

BACKGROUND

Osteosarcoma is one of the most common-type bone tumors, occurring mainly in children and adolescents. Cancer cells display dysregulated cellular metabolism, such as the abnormally elevated glutamine metabolism.

OBJECTIVE

Non-coding RNA miRNA-141-3p has been reported to act as a tumor suppressor in osteosarcoma. Currently, the precise molecular mechanisms for the miR- 141-3p-mediated chemosensitivity through regulating glutamine metabolism remain unclear.

METHODS

We collected thirty paired OS tumors and their adjacent normal tissues. The osteosarcoma cell lines [Saos-2] and normal osteoblast cells, hFOB1.19, were used for in vitro experiments. RT-qPCR and Western blot were applied for gene expression detections. Targets of miR-141-3p were predicted from starBase. The MTT and flow cytometric assays were performed to determine cell growth and apoptosis rates. The cellular glutamine metabolism was monitored by glutamine uptake assay and the glutaminase [GLS] activity assay.

RESULTS

We reported that miR-141-3p were significantly downregulated in osteosarcoma tissues and cells. Overexpression of miR-141-3p suppressed OS cell growth and sensitized OS cells to cisplatin. In addition, glutamine metabolism was significantly increased in osteosarcoma. We characterized that GLS played oncogenic roles in osteosarcoma and validated GLS was a direct target of miR-141-3p in OS cells. Rescue experiments consistently demonstrated that miR-141-3p-promoted cisplatin sensitivity was achieved by targeting GLS directly.

CONCLUSION

Overall, our findings revealed new molecular mechanisms of the miR-141- 3p-modulated cisplatin sensitization through targeting the GLS-glutamine metabolism pathway. This study will contribute to developing new therapeutic approaches for the treatments of chemoresistant osteosarcoma.

m6A-Related lncRNAs Predict Overall Survival of Patients and Regulate the Tumor Immune Microenvironment in Osteosarcoma

Background

m6A-related lncRNAs have demonstrated great potential tumor diagnostic and therapeutic targets. The goal of this work was to find m6A-regulated lncRNAs in osteosarcoma patients.

Method

The Cancer Genome Atlas (TCGA) database was used to retrieve RNA sequencing and medical information from osteosarcoma sufferers. The Pearson's correlation test was used to identify the m6A-related lncRNAs. A risk model was built using univariate and multivariable Cox regression analysis. Kaplan–Meier survival analysis and receiver functional requirements were used to assess the risk model's performance (ROC). By using the CIBERSORT method, the associations between the relative risks and different immune cell infiltration were investigated. Lastly, the bioactivities of high-risk and low-risk subgroups were investigated using Gene Set Enrichment Analysis (GSEA).

Result

A total of 531 m6A-related lncRNAs were obtained from TCGA. Seven lncRNAs have demonstrated prognostic values. A total of 88 OS patients were separated into cluster 1, cluster 2, and cluster 3. The overall survival rate of OS patients in cluster 3 was more favorable than that of those in cluster 1 and cluster 2. The average Stromal score was much higher in cluster 1 than in cluster 2 and cluster 3 (P < 0.05). The expression levels of lncRNAs used in the construction of the risk prediction model in the high-risk group were generally lower than those in the low-risk group. Analysis of patient survival indicated that the survival of the low-risk group was higher than that of the high-risk group (P < 0.0001) and the area under the curve (AUC) of the ROC curve was 0.719. Using the CIBERSORT algorithm, the results revealed that Macrophages M0, Macrophages M2, and T cells CD4 memory resting accounted for a large proportion of immune cell infiltration. By GSEA analysis, our results implied that the high-risk group was mainly involved in unfolded protein response, DNA repair signaling, and epithelial-mesenchymal transition signaling pathway and glycolysis pathway; meanwhile, the low-risk group was mainly involved in estrogen response early and KRAS signaling pathway.

Conclusion

Our investigation showed that m6A-related lncRNAs remained tightly connected to the immunological microenvironment of osteosarcoma tumors, potentially influencing carcinogenesis and development. The immune microenvironment and immune-related biochemical pathways can be changed by regulating the transcription of M6A modulators or lncRNAs. In addition, we looked for risk-related signaling of m6A-related lncRNAs in osteosarcomas and built and validated the risk prediction system. The findings of our current analysis will facilitate the assessment of outcomes and the development of immunotherapies for sufferers of osteosarcomas.

Hsa_circ_0001982 promotes the proliferation, invasion, and multidrug resistance of osteosarcoma cells

Background

Osteosarcoma (OS) is the most common bone cancer mostly seen in people aged 10–25 years. This research aims to clarify the function of hsa_circ_0001982 in osteosarcoma (OS) and its effect on drug resistance, preliminarily exploring its mechanism.

Methods

The expression of hsa_circ_0001982 and miR‐143 in OS clinical tissues and cells was detected by real‐time fluorescence quantitative polymerase chain reaction (qRT‐PCR), MTT, colony formation assay, and transwell assay assessed cell proliferation, colony formation, migration, and invasion, respectively. The targeted relationship of hsa_circ_0001982 and miR‐143 was verified by a dual‐luciferase reporter assay.

Result

The expression of hsa_circ_0001982 was significantly increased in OS tissues and cells (MG63), as in well as chemoresistant OS tissues and cells (MG63/Dox). Overexpression of hsa_circ_0001982 promoted proliferation, colony formation, migration, invasion, and multidrug resistance in MG63 cells. By contrast, knockdown of hsa_circ_0001982 markedly reduced the resistance of MG63/Dox cells to doxorubicin (IC50 evidently reduced). Bioinformatic prediction showed that miR‐143 was a target miRNA of hsa_circ_0001982, and a dual‐luciferase reporter assay proved this. Further experiments revealed that miR‐143 expression was notably downregulated in OS tissues, chemoresistant OS tissues, and MG63/Dox cells. Moreover, miR‐143 was negatively correlated with hsa_circ_0001982 in OS cells and tissues.

Conclusion

The regulation of malignant behaviors such as proliferation, invasion, migration, and multidrug resistance of OS cells by hsa_circ_0001982 may be achieved by targeting miR‐143. Moreover, hsa_circ_0001982 is a potential target for early diagnosis and targeted therapy of OS.

MicroRNA-143 expression inhibits the growth and the invasion of osteosarcoma

Background

Osteosarcoma (OS) is a common malignant tumor, which occurs in the metaphysis of the long diaphysis from mesenchymal tissue. Previous studies have indicated that expression of microRNA-143 (miR-143) could affect cancer cell proliferation, migration and invasion. The present research was performed to figure out whethermiR-143 expression inhibits the growth and the invasion of OS.

Methods

We conducted a literature search in the electronic databases of Medline, Embase, Web of Science, and the Cochrane Library, SinoMed, WanFang, China national knowledge infrastructure (CNKI) until January 2022. We used Review Manager 5.3 software to conduct our research.

Results

Twelve eligible articles were included, 5 articles were reported outcomes about mice, 11 articles were reported outcomes about human. The results of mice demonstrated that the miR-143 group had significantly better results in tumor volume, tumor weight and survival rate. The results of human demonstrated that the high level of miR-143 group had significantly better results in the 3-year, 4-year, and 5-year survival rate, lung metastasis and tumor grade.

Conclusions

MiR-143 has potentially important value in the treatment and prognosis of OS. However, more reliable animal and clinical trials are needed before miR-143 based therapies can be transferred from animal studies to human applications.

SIX5-activated LINC01468 promotes lung adenocarcinoma progression by recruiting SERBP1 to regulate SERPINE1 mRNA stability and recruiting USP5 to facilitate PAI1 protein deubiquitylation

Increasing research has uncovered the involvement of long noncoding RNAs (lncRNAs) in the progression of multiple cancers including lung adenocarcinoma (LUAD). RT-qPCR and western blot were done to measure RNAs and proteins. Functional assays assessed LUAD cell biological behaviors under knockdown or overexpression of LINC01468, SIX5, SERBP1 or SERPINE1, and the specific function of those genes in regulating LUAD progression was evaluated via animal experiments. Supported by bioinformatics analysis, the interaction among genes was verified via mechanism assays. Upregulation of LINC01468 in LUAD tissues and cells as well as its association with poor clinical outcome was predicted. LINC01468, transcriptionally activated by SIX5, could strengthen proliferative, migratory and invasive abilities of LUAD cells. The oncogenic role of LINC01468 was further validated via animal experiments. SIX5 was a positive transcription regulator of LINC01468 and could exacerbate LUAD cell malignant behaviors. LINC01468 could recruit SERBP1 to enhance SERPINE1 mRNA stability and interact with USP5 to affect PAI1 protein ubiquitination. The oncogenic role of SERBP1 and SERPINE1 was also confirmed. Rescue experiments finally verified LINC01468 modulated proliferation, migration and invasion of LUAD cells via upregulation of SERPINE1. Our observations could contribute to deeper understanding of LUAD.

Cancer-Associated Fibroblasts: Mechanisms of Tumor Progression and Novel Therapeutic Targets

Simple Summary

The tumor microenvironment plays an important role in determining the biological behavior of several of the more aggressive malignancies. Among the various cell types evident in the tumor “field”, cancer-associated fibroblasts (CAFs) are a heterogenous collection of activated fibroblasts secreting a wide repertoire of factors that regulate tumor development and progression, inflammation, drug resistance, metastasis and recurrence. Insensitivity to chemotherapeutics and metastatic spread are the major contributors to cancer patient mortality. This review discusses the complex interactions between CAFs and the various populations of normal and neoplastic cells that interact within the dynamic confines of the tumor microenvironment with a focus on the involved pathways and genes.

Abstract

Cancer-associated fibroblasts (CAFs) are a heterogenous population of stromal cells found in solid malignancies that coexist with the growing tumor mass and other immune/nonimmune cellular elements. In certain neoplasms (e.g., desmoplastic tumors), CAFs are the prominent mesenchymal cell type in the tumor microenvironment, where their presence and abundance signal a poor prognosis in multiple cancers. CAFs play a major role in the progression of various malignancies by remodeling the supporting stromal matrix into a dense, fibrotic structure while secreting factors that lead to the acquisition of cancer stem-like characteristics and promoting tumor cell survival, reduced sensitivity to chemotherapeutics, aggressive growth and metastasis. Tumors with high stromal fibrotic signatures are more likely to be associated with drug resistance and eventual relapse. Clarifying the molecular basis for such multidirectional crosstalk among the various normal and neoplastic cell types present in the tumor microenvironment may yield novel targets and new opportunities for therapeutic intervention. This review highlights the most recent concepts regarding the complexity of CAF biology including CAF heterogeneity, functionality in drug resistance, contribution to a progressively fibrotic tumor stroma, the involved signaling pathways and the participating genes.

The anti-cancer role of microRNA-143 in papillary thyroid carcinoma by targeting high mobility group AT-hook 2

Papillary thyroid carcinoma (PTC), a common thyroid cancer (TC) subtype, rapidly increases in occurrence. MicroRNAs (miRNAs), which are non-coding small RNAs, have been demonstrated to play a role in cancer pathogenic mechanisms. Although miR-143 is involved in suppressing certain malignant tumor progression, its biological role is unknown in PTC. The present study found that miR-143 levels were strongly lower in PTC patient samples and cell lines, implying that miR-143 may play a biological role in PTC. Down-regulation of miR-143 resulted in the increased expression of HMGA2. Furthermore, HMGA2 was found to be a direct target of miR-143. A dual-luciferase assay confirmed a direct binding site for miR-143 was confirmed on HMGA2 using a dual-luciferase assay. Next, over-expression of miR-143 suppressed PTC cell growth as analyzed by MTT, clone formation, and Ki-67 immunofluorescence staining assays. miR-143 mimics transfection downregulated the expression of PCNA, CDK4, CDK1, and Cyclin E1. In addition, wound healing and trans-well assays revealed that miR-143 up-regulation inhibited PTC cells invasion and migration. Co-transfection of HMGA2 expression vector restored HMGA2 expression and rescued PTC cells proliferation capability in miR-143 mimics transfected PTC cells, indicating that miR-143 inhibited PTC cells proliferation via HMGA2. These observations were also obtained in xenografts experiments in nude mice. Altogether, our study shed light on miR-143ʹs anti-cancer biological functions in PTC progression through targeting HMGA2, suggesting that restoration of miR-143 could be a potential therapeutic approach for PTC treatment.

Research Progress of Exosome-Loaded miRNA in Osteosarcoma

Currently, although the improvement of surgical techniques and the development of chemotherapy drugs have brought a certain degree of development to the treatment of osteosarcoma, the treatment of osteosarcoma has many shortcomings, and its treatment is limited. MiRNAs and exosomes can be used as diagnostic tools, and they play an important role in the occurrence and chemotherapy resistance of osteosarcoma. Therefore, providing a new method for the treatment of osteosarcoma is the key to solving this problem. To systematically summarize the research status of exoskeleton drug-loaded miRNA in osteosarcoma, we identified and evaluated 208 studies and found that exosome-carrying miRNA can be used as an index for the diagnosis and prognosis of osteosarcoma and share a certain relationship with chemosensitivity. In addition, exosomes can also be used as a carrier of genetic drugs able to regulate the progression of osteosarcoma. Based on the above findings, we propose suggestions for the future development of this field, aiming to bring new ideas for the early diagnosis and treatment of osteosarcoma.

Periostin promotes the proliferation and metastasis of osteosarcoma by increasing cell survival and activates the PI3K/Akt pathway

Background

Silencing of the periostin gene (POSTN) can inhibit the biological process of several different cancers, and this inhibition may be related to down-regulation of PI3K/AKT signaling. However, the effect of POSTN on the progression, proliferation, and invasion of osteosarcoma (OS) remain unclear.

Methods

We used the Gene Expression Omnibus (GEO) database to screen datasets on in situ OS and lung metastases to identify core genes and potential pathways. We used additional bioinformatics tools to identify protein–protein interactions (PPIs) and gene networks, and selected the top seven genes whose expression had the strongest correlations with other genes.

Results

The results indicated that POSTN was a major hub gene. Subsequent analysis of gene expression profiles showed that POSTN was highly expressed in 262 cases with sarcoma and expression was closely related to poor prognosis. We also performed enrichment analysis to identify differentially expressed genes and used real-time PCR, western blotting, and immunohistochemistry analyses to measure POSTN expression in cells and tissues. Transfection of a POSTN-shRNA plasmid into cultured OS cells (Saos-2) effectively inhibited the proliferation, invasion, and migration of these cells. Taken together, our results suggest that POSTN may play a role in promoting the proliferation and metastasis of OS by activation of the PI3K/Akt signaling pathway.

Conclusions

Our results provide a preliminary characterization of the mechanism by which POSTN may regulate the migration and invasion of OS cells and also provide a theoretical basis for identifying biomarkers that have potential use for the diagnosis and treatment of OS.

Osteosarcoma and Metastasis

Osteosarcoma is the most common primary bone malignancy in adolescents. Its high propensity to metastasize is the leading cause for treatment failure and poor prognosis. Although the research of osteosarcoma has greatly expanded in the past decades, the knowledge and new therapy strategies targeting metastatic progression remain sparse. The prognosis of patients with metastasis is still unsatisfactory. There is resonating urgency for a thorough and deeper understanding of molecular mechanisms underlying osteosarcoma to develop innovative therapies targeting metastasis. Toward the goal of elaborating the characteristics and biological behavior of metastatic osteosarcoma, it is essential to combine the diverse investigations that are performed at molecular, cellular, and animal levels from basic research to clinical translation spanning chemical, physical sciences, and biology. This review focuses on the metastatic process, regulatory networks involving key molecules and signaling pathways, the role of microenvironment, osteoclast, angiogenesis, metabolism, immunity, and noncoding RNAs in osteosarcoma metastasis. The aim of this review is to provide an overview of current research advances, with the hope to discovery druggable targets and promising therapy strategies for osteosarcoma metastasis and thus to overcome this clinical impasse.

Identification of N6-methylandenosine related LncRNAs biomarkers associated with the overall survival of osteosarcoma

PURPOSE

Osteosarcoma (OS) is a differentiation disease caused by the genetic and epigenetic differentiation of mesenchymal stem cells into osteoblasts. OS is a common, highly malignant tumor in children and adolescents. Fifteen to 20 % of the patients find distant metastases at their first visit. The purpose of our study was to identify biomarkers for tracking the prognosis and treatment of OS to improve the survival rate of patients.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

In this study, which was based on Therapeutically Applicable Research to Generate Effective Treatments (TARGET), we searched for m6A related lncRNAs in OS. We constructed a network between lncRNA and m6A, and built an OS prognostic risk model.

RESULTS

We identified 14,581 lncRNAs by using the dataset from TARGET. We obtained 111 m6A-related lncRNAs through a Pearson correlation analysis. A network was built between lncRNA and m6A genes. Eight m6A-related lncRNAs associated with survival were identified through a univariate Cox analysis. A selection operator (LASSO) Cox regression was used to construct a prognostic risk model with six genes (RP11-286E11.1, LINC01426, AC010127.3, DLGAP1-AS2, RP4-657D16.3, AC002398.11) obtained through least absolute shrinkage. We also discovered upregulated levels of DLGAP1-AS2 and m6A methylation in osteosarcoma tissues/cells compared with normal tissues/osteoblasts cells.

CONCLUSION

We constructed a risk score prognosis model of m6A-related lncRNAs (RP11-286E11.1, LINC01426, AC010127.3, DLGAP1-AS2, RP4-657D16.3, AC002398.11) using the dataset downloaded from TRAGET. We verified the value of the model by dividing all samples into test groups and training groups. However, the role of m6A-related lncRNAs in osteosarcoma needs to be further researched by cell and in vivo studies.

Identification of Conserved Pappalysin 1-Derived Circular RNA-Mediated Competing Endogenous RNA in Osteosarcoma

The etiology of osteosarcoma (OS) is complex and not fully understood till now. This study aimed to identify the miRNAs, circRNAs, and genes (mRNAs) that are differentially expressed in OS cell lines to investigate the mechanism of circRNA-associated competing endogenous RNAs (ceRNAs) in OS. Microarray datasets reporting mRNA (GSE70414), miRNA (GSE70367), and circRNA changes (GSE96964) in human OS cell lines were downloaded, differentially expressed (DE) RNAs were identified, and DEmRNAs were used for the annotation of Gene Ontology (GO) biological processes (BP), and Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genomes (KEGG) pathways. The mechanisms of DEcircRNA-mediated ceRNAs were identified in a step-by-step process. A total of 326 DEmRNAs, 45 DEmiRNAs, and 110 DEcircRNAs were identified from 3 datasets. The DEmRNAs were associated with GO BP terms, including cholesterol biosynthetic process, angiogenesis, extracellular matrix organization and KEGG pathways, including p53 signaling pathway and biosynthesis of antibiotics. The final ceRNA network consisted of 8 DEcircRNAs, including 5 pappalysin (PAPPA) 1-derived DEcircRNAs (hsa_circ_0005456, hsa_circ_0088209, hsa_circ_0002052, hsa_circ_0088214 and has_circ_0008792, all downregulated), 3 DEmiRNAs (hsa-miR-760, hsa-miR-4665-5p and hsa-miR-4539, all upregulated), and downregulated genes (including MMP13 and HMOX1). The ceRNA regulation network of OS was built, which played important roles in the pathogenesis of OS and might be of great importance in therapy.

Identification of potential micro-messenger RNAs (miRNA-mRNA) interaction network of osteosarcoma

Osteosarcoma (OS) is the most common primary malignant tumor in children and adolescents. Numerous studies have reported the importance of miRNA in OS. The purpose of this study is to predict potential biomarkers and new therapeutic targets for OS diagnosis and prognosis by analyzing miRNAs of OS plasma samples from the Gene Expression Omnibus (GEO) database.

Data-sets were downloaded from the GEO and analyzed using R software. Different expressions of miRNAs (DE-miRNAs) in plasma and mRNAs (DE-mRNAs) in OS patients were identified. Funrich was used to predict the transcription factors and target genes of miRNAs. By comparing the target mRNAs and DE-mRNAs, the intersection mRNAs were identified. The intersection mRNAs were imported to perform Gene Ontology (GO) functional annotation and Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genomes (KEGG) pathway enrichment analysis. MiRNA-mRNA regulatory network and a protein-protein interaction (PPI) network were constructed by using Cytoscape. Finally, a total of 164 DE-miRNAs, 256 DE-mRNAs, and 76 intersection mRNAs were identified. The top 10 TF of up- and down-regulated DE-miRNAs were also predicted. In addition, GO and KEGG analyses further revealed the intersection mRNAs. By constructing the miRNA–mRNA networks, we found miR-30d-5p, miR-17-5p, miR-98-5p, miR-301a-3p, and miR-30e-5p were the central hubs. COL1A1, COL1A2, MMP2, CDH11, COL4A1 etc. were predicted to be the key mRNA by constructing the PPI networks. Through a comprehensive bioinformatics analysis of miRNAs and mRNAs in OS, we explored the potential effective biomarkers and novel therapeutic targets for the diagnosis and prognosis of OS.

MicroRNAs: The Link between the Metabolic Syndrome and Oncogenesis

Metabolic syndrome (MetS) represents a cluster of disorders that increase the risk of a plethora of conditions, in particular type two diabetes, cardiovascular diseases, and certain types of cancers. MetS is a complex entity characterized by a chronic inflammatory state that implies dysregulations of adipokins and proinflammatory cytokins together with hormonal and growth factors imbalances. Of great interest is the implication of microRNA (miRNA, miR), non-coding RNA, in cancer genesis, progression, and metastasis. The adipose tissue serves as an important source of miRs, which represent a novel class of adipokines, that play a crucial role in carcinogenesis. Altered miRs secretion in the adipose tissue, in the context of MetS, might explain their implication in the oncogenesis. The interplay between miRs expressed in adipose tissue, their dysregulation and cancer pathogenesis are still intriguing, taking into consideration the fact that miRNAs show both carcinogenic and tumor suppressor effects. The aim of our review was to discuss the latest publications concerning the implication of miRs dysregulation in MetS and their significance in tumoral signaling pathways. Furthermore, we emphasized the role of miRNAs as potential target therapies and their implication in cancer progression and metastasis.

Tgf-β1 transcriptionally promotes 90K expression: possible implications for cancer progression

The 90K protein, also known as Mac-2 BP or LGALS3BP, can activate the immune response in part by increasing major histocompatibility (MHC) class I levels. In studies on a non-immune cell model, the rat FRTL-5 cell line, we observed that transforming growth factor (TGF)-β1, like γ-interferon (IFN), increased 90K levels, despite its immunosuppressive functions and the ability to decrease MHC class I. To explain this paradoxical result, we investigated the mechanisms involved in the TGF-β1 regulation of 90K expression with the aim to demonstrate that TGF-β1 utilizes different molecular pathways to regulate the two genes. We found that TGF-β1 was able to increase the binding of Upstream Stimulatory Factors, USF1 and USF2, to an E-box element, CANNTG, at -1926 to -1921 bp, upstream of the interferon response element (IRE) in the 90K promoter. Thyrotropin (TSH) suppressed constitutive and γ-IFN-induced 90K expression by decreasing USF binding to the E-box. TGF-β1 was able to overcome TSH suppression at the transcriptional level by increasing USF binding to the E-box. We suggest that the ability of TGF-β1 to increase 90K did not result in an increase in MHC class I because of a separate suppressive action of TGF-β1 directly on the MHC class I gene. We propose that the increased levels of 90K may play a role, rather than in immune response, in the context of the TGF-β1-induced changing of the cellular microenvironment that predisposes to cell motility and cancer progression. Consistently, analyzing the publicly available cancer patient data sets cBioPortal, we found that 90K expression directly correlated with TGF-β1 and USFs and that high levels of 90K were significantly associated with increased mortality in patients affected by different types of cancer.

Cancer-Associated Fibroblast-Induced Resistance to Chemotherapy and Radiotherapy in Gastrointestinal Cancers

In the past few decades, the role of cancer-associated fibroblasts (CAFs) in resistance to therapies for gastrointestinal (GI) cancers has emerged. Clinical studies focusing on GI cancers have revealed that the high expression of CAF-related molecules within tumors is significantly correlated with unfavorable therapeutic outcomes; however, the exact mechanisms whereby CAFs enhance resistance to chemotherapy and radiotherapy in GI cancers remain unclear. The cells of origin of CAFs in GI cancers include normal resident fibroblasts, mesenchymal stem cells, endothelial cells, pericytes, and even epithelial cells. CAFs accumulated within GI cancers produce cytokines, chemokines, and growth factors involved in resistance to therapies. CAF-derived exosomes can be engaged in stroma-related resistance to treatments, and several non-coding RNAs, such as miR-92a, miR-106b, CCAL, and H19, are present in CAF-derived exosomes and transferred to GI cancer cells. The CAF-induced desmoplastic reaction interferes with drug delivery to GI cancer cells, evoking resistance to chemotherapy. However, due to the heterogeneity of CAFs in GI cancers, identifying the exact mechanism underlying CAF-induced resistance may be difficult. Recent advancements in single-cell "omics" technologies could offer clues for revealing the specific subtypes and biomarkers related to resistance.

Long Non-Coding RNA HCG11 Aggravates Osteosarcoma Carcinogenesis via Regulating the microRNA-579/MMP13 Axis

Background

Previous studies have suggested that long non-coding RNAs (lncRNAs) were involved in tumorigenesis of various human carcinomas, including osteosarcoma (OS). However, the expression and specific role of lncRNA HLA complex group 11 (HCG11) in OS remain unknown. The current study aimed at revealing the role of lncRNA HCG11 and its related mechanism in OS.

Methods

lncRNA HCG11 expression was verified with RT-qPCR followed by sub-localization determination. LncRNA-microRNA (miRNA) and miRNA–mRNA interactions were predicted by online bioinformatics websites. Validation was performed using dual-luciferase reporter gene assays, and gain- and loss-of-function experiments. The effects of lncRNA HCG11, miR-579 and matrix metalloproteinase 13 (MMP13) on the proliferation, migration and invasion, epithelial-mesenchymal transition (EMT) of OS cells were detected using cell counting kit-8 (CCK-8), Transwell assays and Western blot analysis.

Results

LncRNA HCG11 overexpression was observed in OS tissues and cell lines. Downregulation of lncRNA HCG11/MMP13 or overexpression of miR-579 blocked the progression of OS cells. LncRNA HCG11, which is located in the cytoplasm, promoted MMP13 expression through sponging miR-579.

Conclusion

LncRNA HCG11 might be beneficial for OS aggravation via sponging miR-579 and facilitating MMP13 expression, which represents a candidate biomarker and target for OS therapy.

Adipocyte-Derived Leptin Promotes PAI-1 -Mediated Breast Cancer Metastasis in a STAT3/miR-34a Dependent Manner

Simple Summary

Although adipocytes affect the metastatic behavior of cancer cells, the underlying molecular mechanisms remain largely elusive. Thereby, we sought to screen for the signaling pathways responsible for adipocyte-induced motility of breast cancer cells by employing a breast cancer cell/adipocyte coculture system. Our study revealed that adipocyte coculture stimulated PAI-1 expression in breast cancer cells to potentiate cell motility. Furthermore, we obtained evidence that adipocytes secreted leptin to activate OBR in breast cancer cells, which phosphorylated STAT3 to promote the transcription of PAI-1 and repress the expression of miR-34a as the negative regulator of PAI-1. Our study provides new evidence for the involvement of adipocytes in breast cancer evolution, which advances the evolving roles of stromal cells in tumor pathogenesis.

Abstract

The crosstalk between cancer cells and adipocytes is critical for breast cancer progression. However, the molecular mechanisms underlying these interactions have not been fully characterized. In the present study, plasminogen activator inhibitor-1 (PAI-1) was found to be a critical effector of the metastatic behavior of breast cancer cells upon adipocyte coculture. Loss-of-function studies indicated that silencing PAI-1 suppressed cancer cell migration. Furthermore, we found that PAI-1 was closely related to the epithelial-mesenchymal transition (EMT) process in breast cancer patients. A loss-of-function study and a mammary orthotopic implantation metastasis model showed that PAI-1 promoted breast cancer metastasis by affecting the EMT process. In addition, we revealed that leptin/OBR mediated the regulation of PAI-1 through the interactions between adipocytes and breast cancer cells. Mechanistically, we elucidated that leptin/OBR further activated STAT3 to promote PAI-1 expression via miR-34a–dependent and miR-34a–independent mechanisms in breast cancer cells. In conclusion, our study suggests that targeting PAI-1 and interfering with its upstream regulators may benefit breast cancer patients.

Long noncoding RNA MAFG-AS1 facilitates bladder cancer tumorigenesis via regulation of miR-143-3p/SERPINE1 axis

Background

Numerous studies have shown that long noncoding RNAs (lncRNAs) act as key regulators of bladder cancer progression. While lncRNA MAFG-AS1 has been confirmed as an oncogenic molecule in various cancers and tumorigenesis, in present study, we investigated its function and role in the tumorigenesis of bladder cancer.

Methods

The expression of MAFG-AS1, miR-143-3p and SERPINE1 in bladder cancer tissues was detected by qRT-PCR methods. The relationship between MAFG-AS1 expression and clinicopathologic characteristics of bladder cancer was analyzed. The effects of MAFG-AS1 depletion on cell proliferation, migration, invasion and apoptosis were investigated. The binding relationship of MAFG-AS1, miR-143-3p and SERPINE1 was examined by luciferase reporter analysis and RNA immunoprecipitation (RIP) assay.

Results

MAFG-AS1 was upregulated in bladder cancer tissues and cell lines. High MAFG-AS1 expression was associated with bladder cancer histological grade, TNM stage and lymph node metastasis, and patients with high expression showed poor overall survival. Cell function experiments showed that MAFG-AS1 silencing markedly suppressed bladder cancer cell proliferation, migration, invasion and increased cell apoptosis. Moreover, our results demonstrated that MAFG-AS1 functioned as a competing endogenous RNA for miR-143-3p to modulate SERPINE1 levels. Further analysis showed that miR-143-3p inhibition or SERPINE1 overexpression alleviated the suppressive effects of MAFG-AS1 silencing on malignant features.

Conclusions

Our findings indicated that MAFG-AS1 facilitates tumorigenesis via regulation of the miR-143-3p/SERPINE1 axis and also provides a novel insight into tumorigenesis and identify a promising therapeutic target for bladder cancer.

Mitochondrial Respiratory Defect Enhances Hepatoma Cell Invasiveness via STAT3/NFE2L1/STX12 Axis

Simple Summary

Mitochondria are essential organelles responsible for aerobic ATP production in eukaryotes. However, many solid tumor cells harbor an impaired mitochondrial ATP production system: oxidative phosphorylation (OXPHOS). The aim of this study was to elucidate the involvement of the mitochondrial OXPHOS defect in cancer cell activity, especially focusing on hepatoma cell invasiveness. We demonstrated that NADH:Ubiquinone Oxidoreductase Subunit A9 (NDUFA9) depletion was an upstream driver of the OXPHOS defect and nuclear factor-erythroid 2 like 1 (NFE2L1) upregulation in HCC tumors. NFE2L1 is the key transcription factor to enhance hepatoma cell invasiveness via STX12 expression. Our study presents a novel mitochondrial dysfunction-mediated retrograde signaling pathway and the resulting transcriptomic reprogramming in liver cancer progression, providing the NDUFA9/NFE2L1/STX12 axis as a key prognostic marker of aggressive liver cancer with mitochondrial defects.

Abstract

Mitochondrial respiratory defects have been implicated in cancer progression and metastasis, but how they control tumor cell aggressiveness remains unclear. Here, we demonstrate that a mitochondrial respiratory defect induces nuclear factor-erythroid 2 like 1 (NFE2L1) expression at the transcriptional level via reactive oxygen species (ROS)-mediated STAT3 activation. We identified syntaxin 12 (STX12) as an effective downstream target of NFE2L1 by performing cDNA microarray analysis after the overexpression and depletion of NFE2L1 in hepatoma cells. Bioinformatics analysis of The Cancer Genome Atlas Liver Hepatocellular carcinoma (TCGA-LIHC) open database (n = 371) also revealed a significant positive association (r = 0.3, p = 2.49 × 10⁻⁹) between NFE2L1 and STX12 expression. We further demonstrated that STX12 is upregulated through the ROS/STAT3/NFE2L1 axis and is a key downstream effector of NFE2L1 in modulating hepatoma cell invasiveness. In addition, gene enrichment analysis of TCGA-LIHC also showed that epithelial–mesenchymal transition (EMT)-related core genes are significantly upregulated in tumors co-expressing NFE2L1 and STX12. The positive association between NFE2L1 and STX12 expression was validated by immunohistochemistry of the hepatocellular carcinoma tissue array. Finally, higher EMT gene enrichment and worse overall survival (p = 0.043) were observed in the NFE2L1 and STX12 co-expression group with mitochondrial defect, as indicated by low NDUFA9 expression. Collectively, our results indicate that NFE2L1 is a key mitochondrial retrograde signaling-mediated primary gene product enhancing hepatoma cell invasiveness via STX12 expression and promoting liver cancer progression.

The role of extracelluar matrix in osteosarcoma progression and metastasis

Osteosarcoma (OS) is the most common primary bone malignancy and responsible for considerable morbidity and mortality due to its high rates of pulmonary metastasis. Although neoadjuvant chemotherapy has improved 5-year survival rates for patients with localized OS from 20% to over 65%, outcomes for those with metastasis remain dismal. In addition, therapeutic regimens have not significantly improved patient outcomes over the past four decades, and metastases remains a primary cause of death and obstacle in curative therapy. These limitations in care have given rise to numerous works focused on mechanisms and novel targets of OS pathogenesis, including tumor niche factors. OS is notable for its hallmark production of rich extracellular matrix (ECM) of osteoid that goes beyond simple physiological growth support. The aberrant signaling and structural components of the ECM are rich promoters of OS development, and very recent works have shown the specific pathogenic phenotypes induced by these macromolecules. Here we summarize the current developments outlining how the ECM contributes to OS progression and metastasis with supporting mechanisms. We also illustrate the potential of tumorigenic ECM elements as prognostic biomarkers and therapeutic targets in the evolving clinical management of OS.

Down-Regulation of Ribosomal Protein RPS21 Inhibits Invasive Behavior of Osteosarcoma Cells Through the Inactivation of MAPK Pathway

Objective

The goal of our present study was to explore the expression level, biological function, and underlying molecular mechanism of ribosomal protein s21 (RPS21) in human osteosarcoma (OS).

Methods

Firstly, we evaluated the expression of RPS21 in OS tissue samples based on the Gene Expression Omnibus (GEO) datasets and also measured the RPS21 expression of OS cell lines (MG63, and U2OS) by quantitative real-time polymerase chain reaction (qRT-PCR). siRNA interference method was used to reduce the expression of RSP21 in the OS cells. Cell Counting Kit-8 (CCK-8), colony formation, wound-healing, and transwell assays were conducted to measure the proliferation, migration, and invasion of OS cells. The mitogen-activated protein kinase (MAPK) pathway-related proteins levels were examined by Western blot.

Results

Our analyses showed that the expression of RPS21 was significantly increased in OS, compared with normal samples. Upregulation of RPS21 was associated with worse outcomes of OS patients. Knockdown of RPS21 suppressed OS cell proliferation, colony-forming ability, migration, and invasion capacities. Moreover, down-regulation of RPS21 inactivated the MAPK signaling pathway.

Conclusion

RPS21 plays an oncogenic candidate in OS development via regulating the activity of MAPK pathway; therefore, it may serve as a novel therapeutic target for OS treatment.

Increased DEF6 expression is correlated with metastasis and poor prognosis in human osteosarcoma

Metastasis is the primary cause of high mortality in patients with osteosarcoma (OS). However, the molecular mechanisms underlying the regulation of metastatic disease are yet to be determined. Differentially expressed in FDCP 6 homolog (DEF6) has been demonstrated to be correlated with the metastatic behavior of several cancers, such as breast, ovarian and colorectal cancers. However, the role of DEF6 in OS remains unknown. Accordingly, the current study aimed to investigate the relationship between DEF6 expression and the malignant behavior of OS. The results revealed that high levels of DEF6 in OS tissues were associated with advanced clinical stage and metastases. Furthermore, immunohistochemistry results predicted a poor prognosis in 58 human OS specimens. Additionally, DEF6 expression was reported to be upregulated in human OS cell lines compared with a normal osteoblast cell line. small interfering RNA transfection, cell proliferation and colony formation assays, wound healing assays and Transwell assays were performed. DEF6 was not identified to be a major driver of OS cell proliferation, but it significantly contributed to metastatic potential in vitro. In addition, bioinformatics, western blotting and immunohistochemistry results indicated that MMP9 expression was positively correlated with DEF6 expression in human OS. To summarize, the results revealed that increased levels of DEF6 were associated with metastasis and poor prognosis in human OS and that DEF6 expression is positively correlated with MMP9 expression. The results indicated that DEF6 may serve as a potential antimetastatic target for OS.

The anti-neoplastic effect of doxycycline in osteosarcoma as a metalloproteinase (MMP) inhibitor: a systematic review

Background

Osteosarcoma is a very aggressive primary bone tumour, affecting mainly young populations. Most cases diagnosed have distant macro- and micro-metastases at the time of diagnosis. Surgical resection with neoadjuvant and adjuvant therapies improves the overall and disease-free survival of patients. Doxycycline, a synthetic tetracycline, has been found to act either as an antibiotic drug or as a chemotherapeutic agent. Its anti-neoplastic role has been found to be significant, in vitro and in vivo laboratory trials, in various types of cancer, such as prostate, intestinal, central neural system cancers and osteosarcoma. Inhibition of metalloproteinases (MMPs) in different stages of tumour expansion is the most well-understood mechanism. MMPs are secreted molecules from various normal cells, such as fibroblasts, leucocytes and vascular smooth muscles, as well as from cells with high proliferative potential, such as tumour cells. In osteosarcoma, MMPs have been found to be overexpressed. MMPs help osteosarcoma cells survive, grow and produce metastases in distant sites, mainly in the lungs. Doxycycline blocks extracellular matrix and basic membrane degradation by suppressing MMP function. As a consequence, osteosarcoma cells lose their ability to invade and metastasize. Additionally, doxycycline eliminates the secretion of vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) and deprives the supply of circulating nutrients by its anti-angiogenesis action. The aim of this review is to evaluate doxycycline’s action against osteosarcoma cells as an MMP-inhibitor and interpret its usage as a chemotherapeutic agent.

Methods

We checked PubMed and Google Scholar for recently published data, on the tumour-supportive role of MMPs and VEGF in osteosarcoma cells. We further studied published experimental trials on the role of doxycycline as a tumour-suppressive agent via MMPs and VEGF inhibition.

Results

MMPs and VEGF have been found to play a fundamental role in osteosarcoma cells survival and high aggressiveness by in vitro, in vivo and clinical trials. Nevertheless, doxycycline has proved its tumour-suppressive effect by in vivo experimental trials in various cancers but not yet in osteosarcoma.

Conclusion

Doxycycline remains a promising chemotherapeutic agent against osteosarcoma via MMP inhibition, showing the need for further in vivo and clinical trials to be carried out in the future.

PAI1 is a Marker of Bad Prognosis in Rectal Cancer but Predicts a Better Response to Treatment with PIM Inhibitor AZD1208

Colorectal cancer (CRC) is the third most common cancer worldwide. The standard treatment in locally advanced rectal cancer is preoperative radiation alone or in combination with chemotherapy, followed by adjuvant chemotherapy. Rectal cancer is highly lethal, with only 20% of patients showing a complete remission (by RECIST) after standard treatment, although they commonly show local or systemic relapse likely due to its late detection and high chemotherapy resistance, among other reasons. Here, we explored the role of PAI1 (Serpin E1) in rectal cancer through the analyses of public patient databases, our own cohort of locally advanced rectal cancer patients and a panel of CRC cell lines. We showed that PAI1 expression is upregulated in rectal tumors, which is associated with decreased overall survival and increased metastasis and invasion in advanced rectal tumors. Accordingly, PAI1 expression is correlated with the expression of (Epithelial-to-Mesenchymal Transition) EMT-associated genes and genes encoding drug targets, including the tyrosine kinases PDGFRb, PDGFRa and FYN, the serine/threonine kinase PIM1 and BRAF. In addition, we demonstrate that cells expressing PAI1 protein are more sensitive to the PIM inhibitor AZD1208, suggesting that PAI1 could be used to predict response to treatment with PIM inhibitors and to complement radiotherapy in rectal tumors.

Therapeutics targeting the fibrinolytic system

The function of the fibrinolytic system was first identified to dissolve fibrin to maintain vascular patency. Connections between the fibrinolytic system and many other physiological and pathological processes have been well established. Dysregulation of the fibrinolytic system is closely associated with multiple pathological conditions, including thrombosis, inflammation, cancer progression, and neuropathies. Thus, molecules in the fibrinolytic system are potent therapeutic and diagnostic targets. This review summarizes the currently used agents targeting this system and the development of novel therapeutic strategies in experimental studies. Future directions for the development of modulators of the fibrinolytic system are also discussed.

The fibrinolytic system was originally identified to dissolve blood clots, and is shown to have important roles in other pathological processes, including cancer progression, inflammation, and thrombosis. Molecules or therapeutics targeting fibrinolytic system have been successfully used in the clinical treatments of cancer and thrombotic diseases. The clinical studies and experimental models targeting fibrinolytic system are reviewed by Haili Lin at Sanming First Hosipital, Mingdong Huang at Fuzhou University in China, and Peng Xu at A*STAR in Singapore to demonstrate fibrinolytic system as novel therapeutic targets. As an example, the inhibition of fibrinolytic system protein can be used to suppress cancer prolifieration and metastasis. This review also discusses the potential therapeutic effects of inhibitiors of fibrinolytic system on inflammatory disorders.

miRNA signatures in childhood sarcomas and their clinical implications

Progresses in multimodal treatments have significantly improved the outcomes for childhood cancer. Nonetheless, for about one-third of patients with Ewing sarcoma, rhabdomyosarcoma, or osteosarcoma steady remission has remained intangible. Thus, new biomarkers to improve early diagnosis and the development of precision-targeted medicine remain imperative. Over the last decade, remarkable progress has been made in the basic understanding of miRNAs function and in interpreting the contribution of their dysregulation to cancer development and progression. On this basis, this review focuses on what has been learned about the pivotal roles of miRNAs in the regulation of key genes implicated in childhood sarcomas.

Exosomes Derived from miR-143-Overexpressing MSCs Inhibit Cell Migration and Invasion in Human Prostate Cancer by Downregulating TFF3

Exosomes are membrane-enclosed nanovesicles that shuttle active cargoes, such as mRNAs and microRNAs (miRNAs), between different cells. Mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) are able to migrate to the tumor sites and exert complex functions over tumor progress. We investigated the effect of human bone marrow-derived MSC (BMSC)-derived exosomal miR-143 on prostate cancer. During the co-culture experiments, we disrupted exosome secretion by the inhibitor GW4869 and overexpressed exosomal miR-143 using miR-143 plasmid. miR-143 was involved in the progression of prostate cancer via trefoil factor 3 (TFF3). Moreover, miR-143 was downregulated while TFF3 was upregulated in prostate cancer cells and tissues, and miR-143 was found to specifically inhibit TFF3 expression. Human MSC-derived exosomes enriched miR-143 and transferred miR-143 to prostate cancer cells. Furthermore, elevated miR-143 or exosome-miR-143 or silencing TFF3 inhibited the expression of TFF3, proliferating cell nuclear antigen (PCNA), matrix metalloproteinase (MMP)-2, and MMP-9 and PC3 cell proliferation, migration, invasion, and tumor growth, whereas it promoted apoptosis. In conclusion, hMSC-derived exosomal miR-143 directly and negatively targets TFF3 to suppress prostate cancer.

Exosomes derived from induced vascular progenitor cells promote angiogenesis in vitro and in an in vivo rat hindlimb ischemia model

Induced vascular progenitor cells (iVPCs) were created as an ideal cell type for regenerative medicine and have been reported to positively promote collateral blood flow and improve cardiac function in a rat model of myocardial ischemia. Exosomes have emerged as a novel biomedicine that mimics the function of the donor cells. We investigated the angiogenic activity of exosomes from iPVCs (iVPC-Exo) as a cell-free therapeutic approach for ischemia. Exosomes from iVPCs and rat aortic endothelial cells (RAECs) were isolated using a combination of ultrafiltration and size-exclusion chromatography. Nanoparticle tracking analysis revealed that exosome isolates fell within the exosomal diameter (<150 nm). These exosomes contained known markers Alix and TSG101, and their morphology was validated using transmission electron microscopy. When compared with RAECs, iVPCs significantly increased the secretion of exosomes. Cardiac microvascular endothelial cells and aortic ring explants were pretreated with RAEC-Exo or iVPC-Exo, and basal medium was used as a control. iVPC-Exo exerted an in vitro angiogenic effect on the proliferation, tube formation, and migration of endothelial cells and stimulated microvessel sprouting in an ex vivo aortic ring assay. Additionally, iVPC-Exo increased blood perfusion in a hindlimb ischemia model. Proangiogenic proteins (pentraxin-3 and insulin-like growth factor-binding protein-3) and microRNAs (-143-3p, -291b, and -20b-5p) were found to be enriched in iVPC-Exo, which may mediate iVPC-Exo induced vascular growth. Our findings demonstrate that treatment with iVPC-Exo promotes angiogenesis in vitro, ex vivo, and in vivo. Collectively, these findings indicate a novel cell-free approach for therapeutic angiogenesis.NEW & NOTEWORTHY The results of this work demonstrate exosomes as a novel physiological mechanism by which induced vascular progenitor cells exert their angiogenic effect. Moreover, angiogenic cargo of proteins and microRNAs may define the biological contributors in activating endothelial cells to form a new capillary plexus for ischemic vascular diseases.

TGF-β1-stimulation of matrix metalloproteinase-13 expression by down-regulation of miR-203a-5p in rat osteoblasts

Transforming growth factor-beta1 (TGF-β1) is a pleiotropic and ubiquitous cytokine involved in bone development and bone remodeling. Matrix metalloproteinase-13 (MMP13) plays a role in the degradation of the extracellular matrix (ECM), and the regulation of this gene is critical in bone remodeling. We previously reported that TGF-β1 stimulates MMP13 expression in rat osteoblasts. Recently, studies have examined the regulation of bone metabolism by microRNAs (miRNAs) to determine their therapeutic potential in osteogenesis. Here, we assessed the effect of TGF-β1 on down-regulation of miRNAs that target MMP13 and stimulation of MMP13 expression in osteoblasts. We used in silico analysis and identified 11 specific miRNAs which directly target rat MMP13. Among these miRNAs, miR-203a-5p expression was significantly decreased by TGF-β1-treatment in rat osteoblasts. Transient transfection of a miR-203a-5p mimic into rat osteoblasts reduced MMP13 expression. A luciferase reporter assay confirmed a direct targeting of miR-miR-203a-5p with the 3' untranslated regions of the MMP13 gene. Hence, we suggest that TGF-β1 stimulated down-regulation of miR-203a-5p, resulting in the stimulation of MMP13 expression in rat osteoblasts. Thus, identification of the role of miR-203a-5p via TGF-β1 and MMP13 in bone remodeling indicated its potential as a biomarker or therapeutic agent for treating bone and bone-related diseases.

Tumor-secreted PAI-1 promotes breast cancer metastasis via the induction of adipocyte-derived collagen remodeling

Background

Breast cancer cells recruit surrounding stromal cells, such as cancer-associated fibroblasts (CAFs), to remodel collagen and promote tumor metastasis. Adipocytes are the most abundant stromal partners in breast tissue, local invasion of breast cancer leads to the proximity of cancer cells and adipocytes, which respond to generate cancer-associated adipocytes (CAAs). These cells exhibit enhanced secretion of extracellular matrix related proteins, including collagens. However, the role of adipocyte-derived collagen on breast cancer progression still remains unclear.

Methods

Adipocytes were cocultured with breast cancer cells for 3D collagen invasion and collagen organization exploration. Breast cancer cells and adipose tissue co- implanted mouse model, clinical breast cancer samples analysis were used to study the crosstalk between adipose and breast cancer cells in vivo. A combination of proteomics, enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay, loss of function assay, qPCR, western blot, database analysis and chromatin immunoprecipitation assays were performed to study the mechanism mediated the activation of PLOD2 in adipocytes.

Results

It was found that CAAs remodeled collagen alignment during crosstalk with breast cancer cells in vitro and in vivo, which further promoted breast cancer metastasis. Tumor-derived PAI-1 was required to activate the expression of the intracellular enzyme procollagen-lysine, 2-oxoglutarate 5-dioxygenase 2 (PLOD2) in CAAs. Pharmacologic blockade of PAI-1 or PLOD2 disrupted the collagen reorganization in CAAs. Mechanistically, it was observed that PI3K/AKT pathway was activated in adipocytes upon co-culturing with breast cancer cells or treatment with recombinant PAI-1, which could promote the translocation of transcription factor FOXP1 into the nucleus and further enhanced the promoter activity of PLOD2 in CAAs. In addition, collagen reorganization at the tumor-adipose periphery, as well as the positive relevance between PAI-1 and PLOD2 in invasive breast carcinoma were confirmed in clinical specimens of breast cancer.

Conclusion

In summary, our findings revealed a new stromal collagen network that favors tumor invasion and metastasis establish between breast cancer cells and surrounding adipocytes at the tumor invasive front, and identified PLOD2 as a therapeutic target for metastatic breast cancer treatment.

Electronic supplementary material

The online version of this article (10.1186/s12964-019-0373-z) contains supplementary material, which is available to authorized users.

Anticancer Effects of Constituents of Herbs Targeting Osteosarcoma

Osteosarcoma is a rare primary malignancy of bone that is prone to early metastasis. Resection surgery and chemotherapeutic regimens are current standard treatments for osteosarcoma. However, the long-term survival rate of patients with osteosarcoma is low due to a high risk of metastasis. Hence, a new approach is urgently needed to improve the treatment of osteosarcoma. Compared with chemotherapy, natural active constituents isolated from herbs exhibit less adverse effects and better anti-tumor effects. This study aimed to summarize the anticancer effects of constituents of herbs on the progression and metastasis of osteosarcoma cells. It showed that many constituents of herbs inhibited osteosarcoma by targeting proliferation, matrix metalloproteinases, integrin and cadherin, and angiogenesis. The findings might be beneficial for the development of new drugs and treatment strategies.

Extracellular Nanovesicles Secreted by Human Osteosarcoma Cells Promote Angiogenesis

Angiogenesis involves a number of different players among which extracellular nanovesicles (EVs) have recently been proposed as an efficient cargo of pro-angiogenic mediators. Angiogenesis plays a key role in osteosarcoma (OS) development and progression. Acidity is a hallmark of malignancy in a variety of cancers, including sarcomas, as a result of an increased energetic metabolism. The aim of this study was to investigate the role of EVs derived from osteosarcoma cells on angiogenesis and whether extracellular acidity, generated by tumor metabolism, could influence EVs activity. For this purpose, we purified and characterized EVs from OS cells maintained at either acidic or neutral pH. The ability of EVs to induce angiogenesis was assessed in vitro by endothelial cell tube formation and in vivo using chicken chorioallantoic membrane. Our findings demonstrated that EVs derived from osteosarcoma cells maintained either in acidic or neutral conditions induced angiogenesis. The results showed that miRNA and protein content of EVs cargo are correlated with pro-angiogenic activity and this activity is increased by the acidity of tumor microenvironment. This study provides evidence that EVs released by human osteosarcoma cells act as carriers of active angiogenic stimuli that are able to promote endothelial cell functions relevant to angiogenesis.

Pathological and therapeutic aspects of matrix metalloproteinases: Implications in osteosarcoma

Osteosarcoma (OS) is one of the most common malignant bone tumors in children and adolescents, and the eighth leading form of childhood cancer. Matrix metalloproteinases (MMPs) are proteolytic enzymes implicated in certain cancers including OS. In this review, we discuss the mechanism of actions of MMPs in progression of OS, and the therapeutic use of MMPs inhibitors in the treatment of OS with subsequent clinical studies and future management. The expression of MMPs is upregulated in cancer cells by a variety of cytokines and growth factors, and upregulation of MMPs induces degradation of the extracellular matrix that contributes to cell proliferation by releasing growth factors. MMPs promote the detachment and migration of endothelial cells, cross the basement membrane as well as invade the surrounding lymphatic vessels and causes cancer metastasis. The use of selective MMP inhibitors with limited side effects might be promising therapeutic strategy in the treatment of OS. More clinical trials are necessary to evaluate the role of selective MMPs inhibitors in the prevention and treatment of OS along with their assessment of toxicity.

MicroRNA-Based Diagnosis and Treatment of Metastatic Human Osteosarcoma

Osteosarcoma is a malignant tumor of the bones that commonly occurs in young individuals. The 5-year survival rate of osteosarcoma patients is 60-70%. Metastasis to the lungs leads to death in 30-40% of osteosarcoma patients. Therefore, the development of effective strategies for early detection and treatment of this disease are important to improve the survival of osteosarcoma patients. However, metastatic markers for osteosarcoma and molecules that might be targeted for the treatment of metastatic osteosarcoma have not been identified yet. Therefore, the mechanism of metastasis to the lungs needs to be explored from a novel viewpoint. Recently, the aberrant expression of microRNAs (miRNAs) has been reported to be involved in the carcinogenesis and cancer progression of many cancers. Furthermore, miRNAs in the blood have been reported to show an aberrant expression unique to several cancers. Therefore, miRNAs are gaining attention as potential diagnostic markers for cancers. On the other hand, normalizing the dysregulated expression of miRNAs in cancer cells has been shown to alter the phenotype of cancer cells, and thus treatment strategies targeting miRNAs are also being considered. This review summarizes the abnormality of miRNA expression associated with the metastasis of osteosarcoma and describes the present situation and issues regarding the early diagnosis and development of treatment strategies for metastatic osteosarcoma based on the current understanding of this disease.

Plasminogen Activator Inhibitor 1 as a Poor Prognostic Indicator in Resectable Pancreatic Ductal Adenocarcinoma

Background

Plasminogen activator inhibitor 1 (PAI-1) was previously established to impact several phenotypes in many kinds of cancer, including pancreatic cancer. However, its prognostic significance in pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma (PDAC) needs support of further evidence. This study was designed to address the issue.

Methods

PAI-1 expression was detected by tissue microarray-based immunohistochemical staining in formalin-fixed paraffin-embedded specimens from 93 PDAC patients with surgical resection from September 2004 to December 2008. Its relationships with clinicopathologic variables and tumor-specific survival (TSS) were further evaluated using Chi-square, Kaplan-Meier, log-rank, as well as Cox regression analyses.

Results

Expression of PAI-1 was much higher in tumor than that in nontumor tissues, based on comparison of all samples and 74 matched ones (95 [47.5, 180] vs. 80 [45, 95], Z = -2.439, P = 0.015 and 100 [46.9, 182.5] vs. 80 [45, 95], Z = -2.594, P = 0.009, respectively). In addition, tumoral PAI-1 expression was positively associated with N stage (22/35 for N1 vs. 21/51 for N0, χ² = 3.903, P = 0.048). Univariate analyses showed that TSS of patients with high PAI-1 tumors was significantly poorer than that of those with low PAI-1 tumors (log rank value = 19.00, P < 0.0001). In multivariate Cox regression test, PAI-1 expression was identified as an independent predictor for long-term prognosis of resectable PDAC (hazard ratio = 2.559, 95% confidence interval = 1.499-4.367, P = 0.001).

Conclusion

These results suggest that expression of PAI-1 is upregulated in PDAC and might serve as a poor prognostic indicator.

Long non-coding RNA Taurine upregulated gene 1 promotes osteosarcoma cell metastasis by mediating HIF-1α via miR-143-5p

Early aggressive metastasis of osteosarcoma (OS) leads to rapid progression and poor prognosis. Increasing evidence has demonstrated that long non-coding RNAs (lncRNAs) could serve as crucial regulators to modulate tumour metastasis. In this study, we reported the critical role of lncRNA TUG1 in determining OS metastasis. TUG1 was significantly upregulated in OS tissues and associated with tumour size, distant metastasis, TNM stage, and overall and recurrence-free survival, which further indicated poor prognosis. Furthermore, CAFs-derived TGF-β could upregulate TUG1 expression, and the crosstalk between CAFs and OS cells induced TUG1 to promote OS cell metastasis. Dysregulated TUG1 expression could act as an miRNA “sponge” to competitively protect the HIF-1α mRNA 3′UTR from miR-143-5p. Our study emphasised the effects of TUG1 in OS and demonstrated a novel axis by which TUG1 regulated OS cell metastasis, angiogenesis, and proliferation in vivo and in vitro. Collectively, TUG1 might be a prognostic indicator for OS and could be a therapeutic target for OS.

Association between tissue inhibitor of metalloproteinase (TIMP) genetic polymorphisms and primary ovarian insufficiency (POI)

BACKGROUND

Until now, an association between tissue inhibitor of metalloproteinase (TIMP) polymorphisms and primary ovarian insufficiency (POI) has not been identified. The aim of our study was to investigate whether the TIMP polymorphisms TIMP1T > C (rs4898), TIMP1G > A (rs6609533), TIMP2G > C (rs8179090), TIMP2G > A (rs2277698), TIMP3G > A (rs135029), and TIMP4T > C (rs3755724), which regulate matrix metalloproteinases (MMPs), confer a risk for primary ovarian insufficiency (POI) in Korean women (further studies would be required to evaluate the associations between TIMP polymorphisms and POI in other populations).

METHODS

We genotyped 137 POI patients and 236 controls for the single nucleotide polymorphism sites using PCR-RFLP analysis. Differences in the frequencies of the TIMP1T > C (rs4898), TIMP1G > A (rs6609533), TIMP2G > C (rs8179090), TIMP2G > A (rs2277698), TIMP3G > A (rs135029), and TIMP4T > C (rs3755724) genotypes between patients and controls were compared, and odds ratios and 95% confidence intervals were determined to measure of the strength of the association between the genotypes and POI.

RESULTS

The TIMP1T > C (rs4898), TIMP1G > A (rs6609533), TIMP2G > C (rs8179090), TIMP2G > A (rs2277698), TIMP3G > A (rs135029), and TIMP4T > C (rs3755724) genotypes, but especially the TIMP2 genotypes, were found more frequently in POI patients than in control subjects. Among the four TIMP loci, the TIMP1T > C (rs4898), TIMP1G > A (rs6609533), TIMP2G > C (rs8179090), TIMP2G > A (rs2277698), TIMP3G > A (rs135029), and TIMP4T > C (rs3755724) haplotypes were identified more frequently in POI patients than in control subjects and conferred susceptibility to POI (P <0.0001).

CONCLUSIONS

The TIMP2G > C (rs8179090) and G > A (rs2277698) alleles were strongly associated with POI. Our data suggest that the minor TIMP2 alleles may increase POI risk in Korean women.

Plasminogen activator inhibitor-1 is involved in interleukin-1β-induced matrix metalloproteinase expression in murine chondrocytes

Objectives: Interleukin (IL)-1β and matrix metalloproteinases (MMPs) play important roles in the pathogenesis of osteoarthritis. On the other hand, plasminogen activator inhibitor-1 (PAI-1), an inhibitor of fibrinolysis, exerts functions in the pathogenesis of various diseases. However, the functional roles of PAI-1 in the chondrocytes have been still remained unknown.Methods: In the present study, we investigated the roles of PAI-1 in the effects of IL-1β on the chondrocytes using wild-type and PAI-1-deficient mice.Results: IL-1β significantly elevated PAI-1 mRNA levels in the chondrocytes from wild-type mice. PAI-1 deficiency significantly blunted the mRNA levels of TGF-β and IL-6 enhanced by IL-1β in murine chondrocytes. Moreover, PAI-1 deficiency significantly decreased the mRNA levels of MMP-13, -3 and -9 as well as MMP-13 activity enhanced by IL-1β in the chondrocytes. In addition, PAI-1 deficiency significantly reversed type II collagen mRNA levels suppressed by IL-1β in the chondrocytes. On the other hand, active PAI-1 treatment significantly enhanced the mRNA levels of MMP-13, -3 and -9 as well as decreased type II collagen mRNA levels in the chondrocytes from wild-type mice.Conclusion: We first demonstrated that PAI-1 is involved in MMP expression enhanced by IL-1β in murine chondrocytes. PAI-1 might be crucial for the cartilage matrix degradation and the impaired chondrogenesis by IL-1β in mice.

Micro-RNAs as critical regulators of matrix metalloproteinases in cancer

Metastasis is known to be one of the important factors associated with cancer-related deaths worldwide. Several cellular and molecular targets are involved in the metastasis process. Among these targets, matrix metalloproteinases (MMPs) play central roles in promoting cancer metastasis. MMPs could contribute toward tumor growth, angiogenesis, migration, and invasion via degradation of the extracellular matrix and activation of pre-pro-growth factors. Therefore, identification of various cellular and molecular pathways that affect MMPs could contribute toward a better understanding of the metastatic pathways involved in various tumors. Micro-RNAs are important targets that could affect MMPs. Multiple lines of evidence have indicated that deregulation of various micro-RNAs, including miR-9, Let-7, miR-10b, and miR-15b, affects metastasis of tumor cells via targeting MMPs.