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Qaisar R, Karim A, Iqbal MS, Ahmad F, Hussain MA. Tracking the Plasma C-Terminal Agrin Fragment as a Biomarker of Neuromuscular Decline in 18- to 87-Year-Old Men. Mol Diagn Ther 2024; 28:611-620. [PMID: 38961032 DOI: 10.1007/s40291-024-00724-y] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 06/12/2024] [Indexed: 07/05/2024]
Abstract
OBJECTIVES Plasma C-terminal agrin-fragment-22 (CAF22), a breakdown product of neuromuscular junction, is a potential biomarker of muscle loss. However, its levels from adolescence to octogenarians are unknown. METHODS We evaluated young (18-34 years, n = 203), middle-aged (35-59 years, n = 163), and old men (60-87 years, n = 143) for CAF22, handgrip strength (HGS), appendicular skeletal-mass index (ASMI), and gait speed. RESULTS We found an age-associated increase in CAF22 from young (100.9 ± 29 pmol) to middle-aged (128.3 ± 38.7 pmol) and older men (171.5 ± 35.5 pmol) (all p<0.05). This was accompanied by a gradual reduction in HGS (37.7 ± 6.1 kg, 30.2 ± 5.2 kg, and 26.6 ± 4.7 kg, for young, middle-aged, and old men, respectively), ASMI (8.02 ± 1.02 kg/m2, 7.65 ± 0.92 kg/m2, 6.87 ± 0.93 kg/m2, for young, middle-aged, and old men, respectively), and gait speed (1.29 ± 0.24 m/s, 1.05 ± 0.16 m/s, and 0.81 ± 0.13 m/s, for young, middle-aged, and old men, respectively). After adjustment for age, we found negative regressions of CAF22 with HGS (- 0.0574, p < 0.001) and gait speed (- 0.0162, p < 0.001) in the cumulative cohort. The receiver operating characteristics analysis revealed significant efficacy of plasma CAF22 in diagnosing muscle weakness (HGS < 27 kg) (middle-aged men; AUC = 0.731, 95% CI = 0.629-0.831, p < 0.001, Older men; AUC = 0.816, 95% CI = 0.761-0.833, p < 0.001), and low gait speed (0.8 m/s) (middle-aged men; AUC = 0.737, 95% CI = 0.602-0.871, p < 0.001, older men; AUC = 0.829, 95% CI = 0.772-0.886, p < 0.001), and a modest efficacy in diagnosing sarcopenia (middle-aged men; AUC = 0.701, 95% CI = 0.536-0.865, p = 0.032, older men; AUC = 0.822, 95% CI = 0.759-0.884, p < 0.001) in middle-aged and older men. CONCLUSION Altogether, CAF22 increases with advancing age and may be a reliable marker of muscle weakness and low gait speed.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rizwan Qaisar
- Department of Basic Medical Sciences, College of Medicine, University of Sharjah, Sharjah, United Arab Emirates.
- Space Medicine Research Group, Sharjah Institute for Medical and Health Sciences, University of Sharjah, 27272, Sharjah, United Arab Emirates.
- Cardiovascular Research Group, Sharjah Institute for Medical and Health Sciences, University of Sharjah, 27272, Sharjah, United Arab Emirates.
| | - Asima Karim
- Department of Basic Medical Sciences, College of Medicine, University of Sharjah, Sharjah, United Arab Emirates
| | - M Shahid Iqbal
- Department of Neurology and Stroke Medicine, Rehman Medical Institute, Peshawar, 25124, Pakistan
| | - Firdos Ahmad
- Department of Basic Medical Sciences, College of Medicine, University of Sharjah, Sharjah, United Arab Emirates
- Space Medicine Research Group, Sharjah Institute for Medical and Health Sciences, University of Sharjah, 27272, Sharjah, United Arab Emirates
- Cardiovascular Research Group, Sharjah Institute for Medical and Health Sciences, University of Sharjah, 27272, Sharjah, United Arab Emirates
| | - M Azhar Hussain
- Department of Finance and Economics, College of Business Administration, University of Sharjah, 27272, Sharjah, United Arab Emirates
- Department of Social Sciences and Business, Roskilde University, 4000, Roskilde, Denmark
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Pratt J, Motanova E, Pessanha L, Narici M, Boreham C, De Vito G. Plasma C-terminal agrin fragment concentrations across adulthood: Reference values and associations with skeletal muscle health. J Cachexia Sarcopenia Muscle 2024; 15:1501-1510. [PMID: 38845597 PMCID: PMC11294022 DOI: 10.1002/jcsm.13507] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/15/2024] [Revised: 03/20/2024] [Accepted: 04/10/2024] [Indexed: 08/03/2024] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Increasing interest surrounds the utility of blood-based biomarkers for diagnosing sarcopenia. C-terminal agrin fragment (CAF), a marker of neuromuscular junction stability, is amongst the most promising candidates; however, a dearth of reference data impedes the incorporation of its use in public health settings. This study aimed to establish reference values for plasma CAF concentrations across adulthood in a large, well-characterized cohort of healthy adults; and comprehensively examine the association between plasma CAF levels and skeletal muscle health. METHODS One thousand people aged between 18 and 87 years took part in this study (mean age = 50.4 years; 51% females). Body composition and muscle strength were examined using DXA and hand dynamometry. Plasma CAF concentrations were measured, in duplicate, using commercially available ELISA kits. Sarcopenia and individual sarcopenia signatures [low skeletal muscle index (SMI) only/low grip strength only] were classified using the EWGSOP2 algorithm. RESULTS Detailed reference CAF values, according to sex and age, are presented. A significant but modest age-related increase in plasma CAF concentration was observed (P = 0.018). Across adulthood, CAF concentrations were negatively associated with grip strength and SMI (both P < 0.001). In people ≥50 years old, CAF concentrations were 22.6% higher in those with sarcopenia (P < 0.001), 11.3% higher in those with low SMI (P = 0.006) and 9.6% higher in those with low grip strength (P = 0.0034), compared with controls. People in the highest CAF concentration quartile, had 3.25 greater odds for sarcopenia (95% CI = 1.41-7.49, P = 0.005), 2.76 greater odds for low SMI (95% CI = 1.24-5.22, P = 0.012), and 2.56 greater odds for low grip strength (95% CI = 1.07-5.57, P = 0.037), compared with those in the lowest quartile. People with a CAF Z-score ≥2 had 9.52 greater odds for sarcopenia (95% CI = 3.01-30.05, P < 0.001) compared with a Z-score <1. Plasma CAF concentration had an acceptable level of diagnostic accuracy for sarcopenia (AUC = 0.772, 95% CI = 0.733-0.807, P < 0.001). CONCLUSIONS The reference values presented herein may guide the clinical interpretation of circulating CAF and help identify people at risk of poor skeletal muscle outcomes for inclusion in therapeutic interventions. Our findings add clarity to existing data, demonstrating a robust relationship between circulating CAF and skeletal muscle integrity in the largest adult cohort to date, and support the use of CAF as an accessible, cost-effective screening tool for sarcopenia. However, further research into the prognostic utility of plasma CAF, and the establishment of normative data from other populations, are urgently needed if routine CAF screening is to be embedded into public healthcare settings.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jedd Pratt
- Department of Sport and Exercise SciencesManchester Metropolitan University Institute of SportManchesterUK
- Institute for Sport and HealthUniversity College DublinDublinIreland
| | - Evgeniia Motanova
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, CIR‐Myo Myology Centre, Neuromuscular Physiology LaboratoryUniversity of PadovaPaduaItaly
| | - Ludmilla Pessanha
- Conway Institute of Biomolecular and Biomedical ResearchUniversity College DublinDublinIreland
| | - Marco Narici
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, CIR‐Myo Myology Centre, Neuromuscular Physiology LaboratoryUniversity of PadovaPaduaItaly
| | - Colin Boreham
- Institute for Sport and HealthUniversity College DublinDublinIreland
| | - Giuseppe De Vito
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, CIR‐Myo Myology Centre, Neuromuscular Physiology LaboratoryUniversity of PadovaPaduaItaly
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Hosseini ST, Nemati F. Identification of GUCA2A and COL3A1 as prognostic biomarkers in colorectal cancer by integrating analysis of RNA-Seq data and qRT-PCR validation. Sci Rep 2023; 13:17086. [PMID: 37816854 PMCID: PMC10564945 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-023-44459-y] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/23/2023] [Accepted: 10/09/2023] [Indexed: 10/12/2023] Open
Abstract
By 2030, it is anticipated that there will be 2.2 million new instances of colorectal cancer worldwide, along with 1.1 million yearly deaths. Therefore, it is critical to develop novel biomarkers that could help in CRC early detection. We performed an integrated analysis of four RNA-Seq data sets and TCGA datasets in this study to find novel biomarkers for diagnostic, prediction, and as potential therapeutic for this malignancy, as well as to determine the molecular mechanisms of CRC carcinogenesis. Four RNA-Seq datasets of colorectal cancer were downloaded from the Sequence Read Archive (SRA) database. The metaSeq package was used to integrate differentially expressed genes (DEGs). The protein-protein interaction (PPI) network of the DEGs was constructed using the string platform, and hub genes were identified using the cytoscape software. The gene ontology and KEGG pathway enrichment analysis were performed using enrichR package. Gene diagnostic sensitivity and its association to clinicopathological characteristics were demonstrated by statistical approaches. By using qRT-PCR, GUCA2A and COL3A1 were examined in colon cancer and rectal cancer. We identified 5037 differentially expressed genes, including (4752 upregulated, 285 downregulated) across the studies between CRC and normal tissues. Gene ontology and KEGG pathway analyses showed that the highest proportion of up-regulated DEGs was involved in RNA binding and RNA transport. Integral component of plasma membrane and mineral absorption pathways were identified as containing down-regulated DEGs. Similar expression patterns for GUCA2A and COL3A1 were seen in qRT-PCR and integrated RNA-Seq analysis. Additionally, this study demonstrated that GUCA2A and COL3A1 may play a significant role in the development of CRC.
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Affiliation(s)
- Seyed Taleb Hosseini
- Department of Biology, Faculty of Basic Sciences, Qaemshahr Branch, Islamic Azad University, Mazandaran, Iran
- Young Researchers and Elite Club, Qaemshahr Branch, Islamic Azad University, Mazandaran, Iran
| | - Farkhondeh Nemati
- Department of Biology, Faculty of Basic Sciences, Qaemshahr Branch, Islamic Azad University, Mazandaran, Iran.
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Kamiya K, Tachiki T, Sato Y, Kouda K, Kajita E, Tamaki J, Kagamimori S, Iki M. Association between the 110-kDa C-terminal agrin fragment and skeletal muscle decline among community-dwelling older women. J Cachexia Sarcopenia Muscle 2023; 14:2253-2263. [PMID: 37562951 PMCID: PMC10570065 DOI: 10.1002/jcsm.13309] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/08/2022] [Revised: 06/14/2023] [Accepted: 07/11/2023] [Indexed: 08/12/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND C-terminal agrin fragment (CAF) is a biomarker for neuromuscular junction degradation. This study aimed to investigate whether 110-kDa CAF (CAF110) was associated with the presence and incidence of low muscle mass and strength. METHODS This cross-sectional retrospective cohort study comprised women aged ≥65 years. We measured muscle mass using a dual-energy X-ray absorptiometry scanner, hand-grip strength, and blood sampling between 2011 and 2012. A follow-up study with the same measurements was conducted between 2015 and 2017. Low muscle mass and strength were defined as an appendicular skeletal muscle mass index <5.4 kg/m2 and hand-grip strength <18 kg, respectively. The CAF110 level was measured using enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay kits. RESULTS In total, 515 women (74.3 ± 6.3 years) were included in this cross-sectional analysis. Of these, 101 (19.6%) and 128 (24.9%) women presented with low muscle mass and strength, respectively. For low muscle mass, the odds ratios (ORs) of the middle and highest CAF110 tertile groups, compared with the lowest group, were 1.93 (95% confidence interval: 1.09-3.43; P = 0.024) and 2.15 (1.22-3.80; P = 0.008), respectively. After adjusting for age, the ORs remained significant: 1.98 (1.11-3.52; P = 0.020) and 2.27 (1.28-4.03; P = 0.005), respectively. Low muscle strength ORs of all the CAF110 tertile groups were not significant. In the longitudinal analysis, 292 and 289 women were assessed for incidents of low muscle mass and strength, respectively. Of those, 34 (11.6%) and 20 (6.9%) women exhibited low muscle mass and strength, respectively. For incident low muscle mass, the crude OR of the CAF110 ≥ the median value group was marginally higher than that of the CAF110 < median value group (median [interquartile range]: 1.98 [0.94-4.17] (P = 0.072). After adjusting for age and baseline muscle mass, the OR was 2.22 [0.97-5.06] (P = 0.058). All low muscle strength ORs of the median categories of CAF110 were not significant. CONCLUSIONS CAF110 was not associated with low muscle strength. However, CAF110 may be a potential marker for the incidence of low muscle mass.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kuniyasu Kamiya
- Department of Hygiene and Public Health, Faculty of MedicineOsaka Medical and Pharmaceutical UniversityTakatsukiJapan
| | | | - Yuho Sato
- Department of Human LifeJin‐ai UniversityEchizenJapan
| | - Katsuyasu Kouda
- Department of Hygiene and Public HealthKansai Medical UniversityHirakataJapan
| | - Etsuko Kajita
- Faculty of NursingChukyo Gakuin UniversityMizunamiJapan
| | - Junko Tamaki
- Department of Hygiene and Public Health, Faculty of MedicineOsaka Medical and Pharmaceutical UniversityTakatsukiJapan
| | | | - Masayuki Iki
- Department of Public HealthKindai University Faculty of MedicineOsaka‐SayamaJapan
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Monti E, Sarto F, Sartori R, Zanchettin G, Löfler S, Kern H, Narici MV, Zampieri S. C-terminal agrin fragment as a biomarker of muscle wasting and weakness: a narrative review. J Cachexia Sarcopenia Muscle 2023; 14:730-744. [PMID: 36772862 PMCID: PMC10067498 DOI: 10.1002/jcsm.13189] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/21/2022] [Revised: 11/30/2022] [Accepted: 01/16/2023] [Indexed: 02/12/2023] Open
Abstract
Ageing is accompanied by an inexorable loss of muscle mass and functionality and represents a major risk factor for numerous diseases such as cancer, diabetes and cardiovascular and pulmonary diseases. This progressive loss of muscle mass and function may also result in the insurgence of a clinical syndrome termed sarcopenia, exacerbated by inactivity and disease. Sarcopenia and muscle weakness yield the risk of falls and injuries, heavily impacting on health and social costs. Thus, screening, monitoring and prevention of conditions inducing muscle wasting and weakness are essential to improve life quality in the ageing modern society. To this aim, the reliability of easily accessible and non-invasive blood-derived biomarkers is being evaluated. C-terminal agrin fragment (CAF) has been widely investigated as a neuromuscular junction (NMJ)-related biomarker of muscle dysfunction. This narrative review summarizes and critically discusses, for the first time, the studies measuring CAF concentration in young and older, healthy and diseased individuals, cross-sectionally and in response to inactivity and physical exercise, providing possible explanations behind the discrepancies observed in the literature. To identify the studies investigating CAF in the above-mentioned conditions, all the publications found in PubMed, written in English and measuring this biomarker in blood from 2013 (when CAF was firstly measured in human serum) to 2022 were included in this review. CAF increases with age and in sarcopenic individuals when compared with age-matched, non-sarcopenic peers. In addition, CAF was found to be higher than controls in other muscle wasting conditions, such as diabetes, COPD, chronic heart failure and stroke, and in pancreatic and colorectal cancer cachectic patients. As agrin is also expressed in kidney glomeruli, chronic kidney disease and transplantation were shown to have a profound impact on CAF independently from muscle wasting. CAF concentration raises following inactivity and seems to be lowered or maintained by exercise training. Finally, CAF was reported to be cross-sectionally correlated to appendicular lean mass, handgrip and gait speed; whether longitudinal changes in CAF are associated with those in muscle mass or performance following physical exercise is still controversial. CAF seems a reliable marker to assess muscle wasting in ageing and disease, also correlating with measurements of appendicular lean mass and muscle function. Future research should aim at enlarging sample size and accurately reporting the medical history of each patient, to normalize for any condition, including chronic kidney disease, that may influence the circulating concentration of this biomarker.
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Affiliation(s)
- Elena Monti
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, University of Padova, Padova, Italy.,Baxter Laboratory for Stem Cell Biology, Department of Microbiology and Immunology, Stanford School of Medicine, Stanford, CA, USA
| | - Fabio Sarto
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, University of Padova, Padova, Italy
| | - Roberta Sartori
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, University of Padova, Padova, Italy.,Veneto Institute of Molecular Medicine, Padova, Italy
| | - Gianpietro Zanchettin
- Department of Surgery, Oncology, and Gastroenterology, University of Padova, Padova, Italy
| | - Stefan Löfler
- Ludwig Boltzmann Institute for Rehabilitation Research, Wien, Austria.,Centre of Active Ageing, Sankt Poelten, Austria
| | - Helmut Kern
- Ludwig Boltzmann Institute for Rehabilitation Research, Wien, Austria.,Centre of Active Ageing, Sankt Poelten, Austria
| | - Marco Vincenzo Narici
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, University of Padova, Padova, Italy.,CIR-MYO Myology Center, University of Padova, Padova, Italy
| | - Sandra Zampieri
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, University of Padova, Padova, Italy.,Department of Surgery, Oncology, and Gastroenterology, University of Padova, Padova, Italy.,Ludwig Boltzmann Institute for Rehabilitation Research, Wien, Austria.,Centre of Active Ageing, Sankt Poelten, Austria.,CIR-MYO Myology Center, University of Padova, Padova, Italy
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Non-HLA Antibodies in Kidney Transplantation: Immunity and Genetic Insights. Biomedicines 2022; 10:biomedicines10071506. [PMID: 35884811 PMCID: PMC9312985 DOI: 10.3390/biomedicines10071506] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/31/2022] [Revised: 06/22/2022] [Accepted: 06/24/2022] [Indexed: 11/27/2022] Open
Abstract
The polymorphic human leukocyte antigen (HLA) system has been considered the main target for alloimmunity, but the non-HLA antibodies and autoimmunity have gained importance in kidney transplantation (KT). Apart from the endothelial injury, secondary self-antigen exposure and the presence of polymorphic alloantigens, respectively, auto- and allo- non-HLA antibodies shared common steps in their development, such as: antigen recognition via indirect pathway by recipient antigen presenting cells, autoreactive T cell activation, autoreactive B cell activation, T helper 17 cell differentiation, loss of self-tolerance and epitope spreading phenomena. Both alloimmunity and autoimmunity play a synergic role in the formation of non-HLA antibodies, and the emergence of transcriptomics and genome-wide evaluation techniques has led to important progress in understanding the mechanistic features. Among them, non-HLA mismatches between donors and recipients provide valuable information regarding the role of genetics in non-HLA antibody immunity and development.
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Ghatak S, Mehrabi SF, Mehdawi LM, Satapathy SR, Sjölander A. Identification of a Novel Five-Gene Signature as a Prognostic and Diagnostic Biomarker in Colorectal Cancers. Int J Mol Sci 2022; 23:ijms23020793. [PMID: 35054980 PMCID: PMC8776147 DOI: 10.3390/ijms23020793] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/10/2021] [Revised: 01/03/2022] [Accepted: 01/08/2022] [Indexed: 01/05/2023] Open
Abstract
Colorectal cancer (CRC) is one of the leading causes of cancer-related mortality worldwide. The current TNM (Tumor, Node, and Metastasis) classification approach is suboptimal in determining the prognosis of CRC patients. The prognosis for CRC is affected by a variety of features that are present at the initial diagnosis. Herein, we performed a systematic exploration and established a novel five-panel gene signature as a prognostic and early diagnosis biomarker after performing differential gene expression analyses in five independent in silico CRCs cohort and independently validating it in one clinical cohort, using immunohistochemistry. Four genes (BDNF, PTGS2, GSK3B, and CTNNB1) were significantly upregulated and one gene (HPGD) was significantly downregulated in primary tumor tissues compared with adjacent normal tissues throughout all the five in silico datasets. The univariate CoxPH analysis yielded a five-gene signature that accurately predicted overall survival (OS) and recurrence-free survival (RFS) in the in silico training (AUC = 0.73 and 0.69, respectively) and one independent in silico validation cohort (AUC = 0.69 and 0.74, respectively). This five-gene signature demonstrated significant associations with poor OS in independent clinical validation cohorts of colon cancer (CC) patients (AUC = 0.82). Intriguingly, a risk stratification model comprising of the five-gene signature together with TNM stage and gender status achieved an even superior AUC of 0.89 in the clinical cohorts. On the other hand, the circulating mRNA expression of the upregulated four-gene signature achieved a robust AUC = 0.83 with high sensitivity and specificity as a diagnosis marker in plasma from CRC patients. We have identified a novel, five-gene signature as an independent predictor of OS, which in combination with TNM stage and gender offers an easy-to-translate and facile assay for the personalized risk-assessment in CRC patients.
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ECM Remodeling in Squamous Cell Carcinoma of the Aerodigestive Tract: Pathways for Cancer Dissemination and Emerging Biomarkers. Cancers (Basel) 2021. [DOI: 10.3390/cancers13112759
expr 955442319 + 839973387] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 03/16/2023] Open
Abstract
Squamous cell carcinomas (SCC) include a number of different types of tumors developing in the skin, in hollow organs, as well as the upper aerodigestive tract (UADT) including the head and neck region and the esophagus which will be dealt with in this review. These tumors are often refractory to current therapeutic approaches with poor patient outcome. The most important prognostic determinant of SCC tumors is the presence of distant metastasis, significantly correlating with low patient survival rates. Rapidly emerging evidence indicate that the extracellular matrix (ECM) composition and remodeling profoundly affect SSC metastatic dissemination. In this review, we will summarize the current knowledge on the role of ECM and its remodeling enzymes in affecting the growth and dissemination of UADT SCC. Taken together, these published evidence suggest that a thorough analysis of the ECM composition in the UADT SCC microenvironment may help disclosing the mechanism of resistance to the treatments and help defining possible targets for clinical intervention.
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ECM Remodeling in Squamous Cell Carcinoma of the Aerodigestive Tract: Pathways for Cancer Dissemination and Emerging Biomarkers. Cancers (Basel) 2021; 13:cancers13112759. [PMID: 34199373 PMCID: PMC8199582 DOI: 10.3390/cancers13112759] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/31/2021] [Revised: 05/27/2021] [Accepted: 05/28/2021] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
Simple Summary Local and distant metastasis of patients affected by squamous cell carcinoma of the upper aerodigestive tract predicts poor prognosis. In the latest years, the introduction of new therapeutic approaches, including targeted and immune therapies, has improved the overall survival. However, a large number of these patients do not benefit from these treatments. Thus, the identification of suitable prognostic and predictive biomarkers, as well as the discovery of new therapeutic targets have emerged as a crucial clinical need. In this context, the extracellular matrix represents a suitable target for the development of such therapeutic tools. In fact, the extracellular matrix is composed by complex molecules able to interact with a plethora of receptors and growth factors, thus modulating the dynamic crosstalk between cancer cells and the tumor microenvironment. In this review, we summarize the current knowledge of the role of the extracellular matrix in affecting squamous cell carcinoma growth and dissemination. Despite extracellular matrix is known to affect the development of many cancer types, only a restricted number of these molecules have been recognized to impact on squamous cell carcinoma progression. Thus, we consider that a thorough analysis of these molecules may be key to develop new potential therapeutic targets/biomarkers. Abstract Squamous cell carcinomas (SCC) include a number of different types of tumors developing in the skin, in hollow organs, as well as the upper aerodigestive tract (UADT) including the head and neck region and the esophagus which will be dealt with in this review. These tumors are often refractory to current therapeutic approaches with poor patient outcome. The most important prognostic determinant of SCC tumors is the presence of distant metastasis, significantly correlating with low patient survival rates. Rapidly emerging evidence indicate that the extracellular matrix (ECM) composition and remodeling profoundly affect SSC metastatic dissemination. In this review, we will summarize the current knowledge on the role of ECM and its remodeling enzymes in affecting the growth and dissemination of UADT SCC. Taken together, these published evidence suggest that a thorough analysis of the ECM composition in the UADT SCC microenvironment may help disclosing the mechanism of resistance to the treatments and help defining possible targets for clinical intervention.
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Lorenz G, Hettwer S, McCallum W, Angermann S, Wen M, Schmaderer C, Heemann U, Roos M, Renders L, Steubl D. Plasma C-terminal agrin fragment and rapid kidney function decline in chronic kidney disease patients. Medicine (Baltimore) 2019; 98:e15597. [PMID: 31083248 PMCID: PMC6531159 DOI: 10.1097/md.0000000000015597] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/12/2018] [Revised: 04/05/2019] [Accepted: 04/16/2019] [Indexed: 11/27/2022] Open
Abstract
C-terminal agrin fragment (tCAF) is a promising biomarker for glomerular filtration. Data regarding biomarkers that have the ability to predict rapid progression of chronic kidney disease (CKD) are sparse but necessary in order to identify patients at high risk for rapid progression. This study addresses the value of tCAF as a predictor of rapid kidney function decline in CKD patients.We measured plasma tCAF in a retrospective observational cohort study of 277 prevalent CKD patients stage I-V. Using multivariable Cox proportional hazards regression analysis, we evaluated the association of tCAF with end-stage-renal-disease (ESRD), ≥30%-decline of estimated glomerular filtration rate (eGFR) and the composite endpoint of both, adjusting for eGFR, age, systolic blood pressure, proteinuria and diabetes.The median age was 58 [interquartile range 47, 71] years, 36% were female. Median tCAF level was 822 [594, 1232] pM, eGFR was 32 [19, 48] ml/min/1.73 m. tCAF was correlated to eGFR and proteinuria (r = -0.76 and r = 0.49, P < .001 resp.). During a follow-up of 57.1 [42.9, 71.9] weeks, 36 (13%) patients developed ESRD and 13 (5%) had an eGFR decline of ≥30% (composite endpoint: 49 (18%)). In multivariable analysis, each 100 pM higher tCAF was independently associated with ESRD (hazard ratio (HR) 1.05 (95%-CI 1.02-1.08)), ≥30% eGFR decline (HR 1.10 (1.03-1.18)) and the composite endpoint (HR 1.07 (1.04-1.1)).Plasma tCAF may identify CKD patients at risk for rapid kidney function decline independent of eGFR and other risk factors for eGFR loss such as proteinuria.
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Affiliation(s)
- Georg Lorenz
- Technische Universität München, Fakultät für Medizin, Klinikum rechts der Isar, Abteilung für Nephrologie, Munich, Germany
| | | | - Wendy McCallum
- Division of Nephrology, Tufts Medical Center, Boston, MA
| | - Susanne Angermann
- Technische Universität München, Fakultät für Medizin, Klinikum rechts der Isar, Abteilung für Nephrologie, Munich, Germany
| | - Ming Wen
- Technische Universität München, Fakultät für Medizin, Klinikum rechts der Isar, Abteilung für Nephrologie, Munich, Germany
| | - Christoph Schmaderer
- Technische Universität München, Fakultät für Medizin, Klinikum rechts der Isar, Abteilung für Nephrologie, Munich, Germany
| | - Uwe Heemann
- Technische Universität München, Fakultät für Medizin, Klinikum rechts der Isar, Abteilung für Nephrologie, Munich, Germany
| | - Marcel Roos
- Technische Universität München, Fakultät für Medizin, Klinikum rechts der Isar, Abteilung für Nephrologie, Munich, Germany
| | - Lutz Renders
- Technische Universität München, Fakultät für Medizin, Klinikum rechts der Isar, Abteilung für Nephrologie, Munich, Germany
| | - Dominik Steubl
- Technische Universität München, Fakultät für Medizin, Klinikum rechts der Isar, Abteilung für Nephrologie, Munich, Germany
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Cardoso AL, Fernandes A, Aguilar-Pimentel JA, de Angelis MH, Guedes JR, Brito MA, Ortolano S, Pani G, Athanasopoulou S, Gonos ES, Schosserer M, Grillari J, Peterson P, Tuna BG, Dogan S, Meyer A, van Os R, Trendelenburg AU. Towards frailty biomarkers: Candidates from genes and pathways regulated in aging and age-related diseases. Ageing Res Rev 2018; 47:214-277. [PMID: 30071357 DOI: 10.1016/j.arr.2018.07.004] [Citation(s) in RCA: 288] [Impact Index Per Article: 48.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/06/2018] [Revised: 07/08/2018] [Accepted: 07/10/2018] [Indexed: 12/12/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE Use of the frailty index to measure an accumulation of deficits has been proven a valuable method for identifying elderly people at risk for increased vulnerability, disease, injury, and mortality. However, complementary molecular frailty biomarkers or ideally biomarker panels have not yet been identified. We conducted a systematic search to identify biomarker candidates for a frailty biomarker panel. METHODS Gene expression databases were searched (http://genomics.senescence.info/genes including GenAge, AnAge, LongevityMap, CellAge, DrugAge, Digital Aging Atlas) to identify genes regulated in aging, longevity, and age-related diseases with a focus on secreted factors or molecules detectable in body fluids as potential frailty biomarkers. Factors broadly expressed, related to several "hallmark of aging" pathways as well as used or predicted as biomarkers in other disease settings, particularly age-related pathologies, were identified. This set of biomarkers was further expanded according to the expertise and experience of the authors. In the next step, biomarkers were assigned to six "hallmark of aging" pathways, namely (1) inflammation, (2) mitochondria and apoptosis, (3) calcium homeostasis, (4) fibrosis, (5) NMJ (neuromuscular junction) and neurons, (6) cytoskeleton and hormones, or (7) other principles and an extensive literature search was performed for each candidate to explore their potential and priority as frailty biomarkers. RESULTS A total of 44 markers were evaluated in the seven categories listed above, and 19 were awarded a high priority score, 22 identified as medium priority and three were low priority. In each category high and medium priority markers were identified. CONCLUSION Biomarker panels for frailty would be of high value and better than single markers. Based on our search we would propose a core panel of frailty biomarkers consisting of (1) CXCL10 (C-X-C motif chemokine ligand 10), IL-6 (interleukin 6), CX3CL1 (C-X3-C motif chemokine ligand 1), (2) GDF15 (growth differentiation factor 15), FNDC5 (fibronectin type III domain containing 5), vimentin (VIM), (3) regucalcin (RGN/SMP30), calreticulin, (4) PLAU (plasminogen activator, urokinase), AGT (angiotensinogen), (5) BDNF (brain derived neurotrophic factor), progranulin (PGRN), (6) α-klotho (KL), FGF23 (fibroblast growth factor 23), FGF21, leptin (LEP), (7) miRNA (micro Ribonucleic acid) panel (to be further defined), AHCY (adenosylhomocysteinase) and KRT18 (keratin 18). An expanded panel would also include (1) pentraxin (PTX3), sVCAM/ICAM (soluble vascular cell adhesion molecule 1/Intercellular adhesion molecule 1), defensin α, (2) APP (amyloid beta precursor protein), LDH (lactate dehydrogenase), (3) S100B (S100 calcium binding protein B), (4) TGFβ (transforming growth factor beta), PAI-1 (plasminogen activator inhibitor 1), TGM2 (transglutaminase 2), (5) sRAGE (soluble receptor for advanced glycosylation end products), HMGB1 (high mobility group box 1), C3/C1Q (complement factor 3/1Q), ST2 (Interleukin 1 receptor like 1), agrin (AGRN), (6) IGF-1 (insulin-like growth factor 1), resistin (RETN), adiponectin (ADIPOQ), ghrelin (GHRL), growth hormone (GH), (7) microparticle panel (to be further defined), GpnmB (glycoprotein nonmetastatic melanoma protein B) and lactoferrin (LTF). We believe that these predicted panels need to be experimentally explored in animal models and frail cohorts in order to ascertain their diagnostic, prognostic and therapeutic potential.
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Agrin has a pathological role in the progression of oral cancer. Br J Cancer 2018; 118:1628-1638. [PMID: 29872149 PMCID: PMC6008410 DOI: 10.1038/s41416-018-0135-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 21] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/15/2018] [Revised: 04/26/2018] [Accepted: 05/09/2018] [Indexed: 12/27/2022] Open
Abstract
Background The extracellular matrix modulates the hallmarks of cancer. Here we examined the role of agrin—a member of this matrix—in progression of oral squamous cell carcinoma (OSCC). Methods We evaluated the immunohistochemical expression of agrin in OSCC and dysplasias. Benign lesions were used as control. In subsequent experiments, we investigated whether the silencing of agrin interferes with tumour expansion both in vitro as well as in vivo. To gain insights into the role of agrin, we identified its protein network (interactome) using mass spectrometry-based proteomics and bioinformatics. Finally, we evaluated the clinical relevance of agrin interactome. Results Agrin was elevated in malignant and premalignant lesions. Further, we show that agrin silencing interferes with cancer cell motility, proliferation, invasion, colony and tumour spheroid formation, and it also reduces the phosphorylation of FAK, ERK and cyclin D1 proteins in OSCC cells. In orthotopic model, agrin silencing reduces tumour aggressiveness, like vascular and neural invasion. From a clinical perspective, agrin contextual hubs predict a poor clinical prognosis related with overall survival. Conclusions Altogether, our results demonstrate that agrin is a histological marker for the progression of oral cancer and is a strong therapeutic target candidate for both premalignant and OSCC lesions.
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Li T, Shao Y, Fu L, Xie Y, Zhu L, Sun W, Yu R, Xiao B, Guo J. Plasma circular RNA profiling of patients with gastric cancer and their droplet digital RT-PCR detection. J Mol Med (Berl) 2017; 96:85-96. [PMID: 29098316 DOI: 10.1007/s00109-017-1600-y] [Citation(s) in RCA: 191] [Impact Index Per Article: 27.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/25/2017] [Revised: 08/27/2017] [Accepted: 10/05/2017] [Indexed: 12/12/2022]
Abstract
To observe the diagnostic values of circular RNAs (circRNAs), their expression profiles between gastric cancer patients' plasma and healthy controls were first assessed by circRNA microarray. Then, circRNA levels were measured by reverse transcription quantitative polymerase chain reaction (RT-qPCR) and RT-droplet digital PCR (RT-ddPCR), respectively. A total of 343 differentially expressed circRNAs were found. The top 10 elevated circRNAs in patients were hsa_circ_0088300, hsa_circ_0075825, hsa_circ_0019172, hsa_circ_0000220, hsa_circ_0035277, hsa_circ_0000301, hsa_circ_0000189, hsa_circ_0090080, hsa_circ_0001888, and hsa_circ_0001874. The top 10 reduced circRNAs were hsa_circ_0004771, hsa_circ_0001190, hsa_circ_0061276, hsa_circ_0092337, hsa_circ_0058495, hsa_circ_0061274, hsa_circ_0075829, hsa_circ_0080845, hsa_circ_0001006, and hsa_circ_0003764. In cancer and dysplasia tissues, hsa_circ_0001017 and hsa_circ_0061276 were downregulated. Their levels were significantly associated with distal metastasis. The area under receiver operating characteristic curve in combinative use was 0.966 with 95.5% sensitivity and 95.7% specificity. Patients with low plasma hsa_circ_0001017 or hsa_circ_0061276 had a much shorter overall survival than those with high levels. Patients whose plasma hsa_circ_0001017 or hsa_circ_0061276 levels recovered to normal after operation had a longer disease-free survival. Finally, the in vitro model indicated gastric cancer cells secreting circRNAs into plasma. In conclusion, RT-ddPCR is a potent non-invasive and absolute quantification method for simultaneous detection of multiple circRNAs. Hsa_circ_0001017 and hsa_circ_0061276 are new potential biomarkers for gastric cancer. KEY MESSAGE A total of 343 circRNAs are differentially expressed between gastric cancer patients' plasma and healthy controls. Hsa_circ_0001017 and hsa_circ_0061276 are downregulated in gastric cancer tissues. The RT-ddPCR is a potent method for simultaneous detection of multiple circRNAs in plasma. Hsa_circ_0001017 and hsa_circ_0061276 are potential biomarkers for gastric cancer.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tianwen Li
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, and Zhejiang Key Laboratory of Pathophysiology, Medical School, Ningbo University, Ningbo, 315211, China
| | - Yongfu Shao
- Department of Gastroenterology, the Affiliated Hospital of Medical School of, Ningbo University, Ningbo, 315020, China
| | - Liyun Fu
- Department of Hepatology, Ningbo No. 2 Hospital and the Affiliated Hospital, Medical School, Ningbo University, Ningbo, 315010, China
| | - Yi Xie
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, and Zhejiang Key Laboratory of Pathophysiology, Medical School, Ningbo University, Ningbo, 315211, China
| | - Linwen Zhu
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, and Zhejiang Key Laboratory of Pathophysiology, Medical School, Ningbo University, Ningbo, 315211, China
| | - Weiliang Sun
- Ningbo Yinzhou People's Hospital and the Affiliated Hospital, Medical School, Ningbo University, Ningbo, 315040, China
| | - Rui Yu
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, and Zhejiang Key Laboratory of Pathophysiology, Medical School, Ningbo University, Ningbo, 315211, China
| | - Bingxiu Xiao
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, and Zhejiang Key Laboratory of Pathophysiology, Medical School, Ningbo University, Ningbo, 315211, China
| | - Junming Guo
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, and Zhejiang Key Laboratory of Pathophysiology, Medical School, Ningbo University, Ningbo, 315211, China.
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Gagliano-Jucá T, Storer TW, Pencina KM, Travison TG, Li Z, Huang G, Hettwer S, Dahinden P, Bhasin S, Basaria S. Testosterone does not affect agrin cleavage in mobility-limited older men despite improvement in physical function. Andrology 2017; 6:29-36. [DOI: 10.1111/andr.12424] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/03/2017] [Revised: 06/29/2017] [Accepted: 08/03/2017] [Indexed: 12/27/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- T. Gagliano-Jucá
- Research Program in Men's Health: Aging and Metabolism; Brigham and Women's Hospital; Harvard Medical School; Boston MA USA
| | - T. W. Storer
- Research Program in Men's Health: Aging and Metabolism; Brigham and Women's Hospital; Harvard Medical School; Boston MA USA
| | - K. M. Pencina
- Research Program in Men's Health: Aging and Metabolism; Brigham and Women's Hospital; Harvard Medical School; Boston MA USA
| | | | - Z. Li
- Research Program in Men's Health: Aging and Metabolism; Brigham and Women's Hospital; Harvard Medical School; Boston MA USA
| | - G. Huang
- Research Program in Men's Health: Aging and Metabolism; Brigham and Women's Hospital; Harvard Medical School; Boston MA USA
| | | | | | - S. Bhasin
- Research Program in Men's Health: Aging and Metabolism; Brigham and Women's Hospital; Harvard Medical School; Boston MA USA
| | - S. Basaria
- Research Program in Men's Health: Aging and Metabolism; Brigham and Women's Hospital; Harvard Medical School; Boston MA USA
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