FSCN1 predicts survival and is regulated by a PI3K-dependent mechanism in renal cell carcinoma

TIMEAS, a promising method for the stratification of testicular germ cell tumor patients with distinct immune microenvironment, clinical outcome and sensitivity to frontline therapies

PURPOSE

With the heterogeneous genetic background, prognosis prediction and therapeutic targets for testicular germ cell tumors (TGCTs) are still unclear. We defined the tumor immune microenvironment activation status (TIMEAS).

METHODS

We collected a total of 314 TGCT patients from four cohorts, including a 48-case microarray. A nonnegative matrix factorization algorithm was applied to identify the "immune factor", derived the top 150 weighted genes to divide patients into immune and non-immune classes, and further separated the immune class into activated and exhausted subgroups by nearest template prediction. Tumor mutant burden, gene mutation, and copy number alteration were compared with our recently developed package "MOVICS". A random forest algorithm was performed to establish a prediction model with fewer genes. Immunohistochemistry staining was performed to identify TIMEAS in the microarray.

RESULTS

We constructed the TIMEAS in the TCGA-TGCT cohort and further validated it in the GSE3218 and GSE99420 cohorts. The immune class contained the activated status of T-lymphocytes, B-lymphocytes, and macrophages, while Treg cells and the WNT/TGFβ signature were more activated in the immune-suppressed subgroup. Patients in the immune-exhausted subgroup had the worst prognosis, and 22.9% of patients in the immune-activated subgroup had KRAS mutations, which might stimulate the response of the immune system and lead to a favorable prognosis. The immune-exhausted group benefited more from chemotherapy, while the immune-activated subgroup responded well to anti-PD-1/PD-L1 therapy. FSCN1 was validated as the target of the immune-exhausted microenvironment by immunohistochemistry.

CONCLUSION

TIMEAS classification can separate TGCT patients; patients in the immune-activated subgroup could benefit more from anti-PD-L1 immunotherapy, and those in the immune-exhausted subgroup are more suitable for chemotherapy.

FSCN1 has a potential indication for the prognosis and regulates the migration of HNSCC

BACKGROUND

The study of molecular markers for diagnosis and prognosis is of great clinical significance for HNSCC patients. In this study, we proposed that FSCN1 has a potential indication for prognosis and is essential for the migration of HNSCC.

METHODS

We analyzed the expression and survival association of FSCN1 in HNSCC using TCGA data. We compared the expression of FSCN1 in tumors from primary and metastasis HNSCC patients using QPCR, western blotting, and immunochemistry staining. We determined the migration velocity of multiple HNSCC cell lines using a chemotaxis migration assay. We analyzed the correlation between FSCN1 expression and HNSCC cell migration. We also test the effect of FSCN1 knockdown and overexpression on HNSCC cell migration.

RESULTS

FSCN1 was overexpressed in HNSCC than pair normal tissues and metastasis HNSCC than primary HNSCC. FSCN1 expression was associated with significantly poorer overall survival of HNSCC patients. FSCN1 was potentially associated with immune cell infiltration and migration-associated genes. FSCN1 level was correlated with the migration in HNSCC cell lines. Knockdown of FSCN1 reduced the migration and the overexpression of FSCN1 promoted the migration of HNSCC cell lines.

CONCLUSION

FSCN1 is a potential prognostic marker and a critical biomolecule for the migration of HNSCC.

FSCN1 induced PTPRF-dependent tumor microenvironment inflammatory reprogramming promotes lung adenocarcinoma progression via regulating macrophagic glycolysis

PURPOSE

Macrophages (MΦs) play a dual role in the promotion and suppression of lung adenocarcinoma (LUAD), the function of which is influenced by the metabolic status. The role of protein tyrosine phosphatase receptor type F (PTPRF) in cancer has not been elucidated, and its role in MΦs remains to be seen.

METHODS

The Seahorse XFe 96 Cell Flow Analyzer detected glucose metabolism in tumor cells and macrophages. The expressions of FSCN1, M-CSF, IL4, PTPRF and IGF1 in macrophages were detected by Western blotting and qRT-PCR. Binding of FSCN1 and IGF1R was detected by co-immunoprecipitation. The tumor status in animals was observed using the IVIS Lumina III imaging system.

RESULTS

We found that Fascin Actin-Bundling Protein 1 (FSCN1) activates the PI3K-AKT and JAK-STAT signaling pathways in LUAD cells via binding to IGF-1R, thereby promoting the secretion of cytokines such as IL4 and M-CSF. IL4 and M-CSF promote the expression of PTPRF in MΦs, leading to M2 polarization of MΦs by increasing glucose intake and lactate production. In return, M2-type MΦs act on LUAD cells by secreting cytokines such as IGF-1, CCL2, and IL10, which ultimately promote tumor progression. In vivo experiments proved that the knockdown of FSCN1 in A549 cells and PTPRF in MΦs greatly reduced LUAD proliferative and metastatic capacity, which was consistent with the in vitro findings.

CONCLUSIONS

This study investigated the reprogramming effects of FSCN1 and PTPRF on inflammatory cytokines in the LUAD microenvironment, revealing potential mechanisms by which FSCN1 and PTPRF promote tumor progression and providing a new experimental basis for LUAD treatment.

From Bowen disease to cutaneous squamous cell carcinoma: eight markers were verified from transcriptomic and proteomic analyses

Background

Bowen's disease is a cutaneous squamous cell carcinoma (CSCC) in situ. If left untreated, BD may progress to invasive CSCC. CSCC is one of the most common cutaneous carcinoma in the elderly and the advanced, metastasis CSCC usually have a poor outcomes. However, the mechanisms of invasion and metastasis from Bowen’s disease to CSCC is complicated and still unclear.

Objectives

The aim of this study was to explore the biomarkers and molecular alterations in Bowen’s disease development process via analyzing the proteomics changes in tissues of CSCC, Bowen disease and healthy skin.

Methods

A total of 7 individuals with CSCC (5 for proteomics study and 2 for validation), 7 individuals with Bowen disease (5 for proteomics study and 2 for validation) and 7 healthy controls (5 for proteomics study and 2 for validation) presented to the Department of Dermatology, Yijishan Hospital, the First Affiliated Hospital of Wannan Medical College between January 2021 and December 2021 were enrolled. The proteomics analysis was performed to screen differentially expressed proteins/gens (DEPs/DEGs) in the lesions of CSCC, Bowen disease and healthy skin tissues. The transcriptomic data (GSE32628) of CSCC was selected and downloaded from the GEO database. The common DEGs in our proteomics results and GSE32628 between CSCC and healthy skin tissues were selected. And then, the common DEGs which significantly up or down-regulated between CSCC and Bowen disease in our proteomics results were further screened to identify using Western blot methods in the validation group. CSCC A431 cells were transfected with SERPINB1 small interfering RNA (si-SERPINB1) or small interfering RNA negative control (si-NC). To explore the effect of SERPINB1 silencing on migration and invasion ability of A431 cells.

Results

A total of 501 proteins were differentially expressed between the CSCC and healthy skin tissues, with 332 up-regulated and 169 down-regulated at least 1.5-fold with a P value < 0.05. These DEPs involved multiple biological functions such as protein binding process, immune, inflammation, ribosome, protein digestion and absorption, ECM-receptor interaction, focal adhesion, PI3K-Akt signaling pathway and others. A total of 20 common DEGs (COL3A1, LUM, TNC, COL1A1, ALDH3A2, FSCN1, SERPINB4, SERPINB1, CD36, COL4A1, CSTB, GPX3, S100A7, ACTN1, SERPINB3, S100A8, RAB31, STAT1, SPRR1B, S100A9) between CSCC and healthy skin tissues in GSE32628 and our proteomics results were found. Besides, the proteins of TNC, FSCN1, SERPINB1, ACTN1 and RAB31 in CSCC were significantly up-regulated, while COL3A1, COL1A1 and CD36 were significantly down-regulated relative to Bowen disease in proteomics results. These proteins were mainly involved in multiple pathways, including Focal adhesion, ECM-receptor interaction, Human papillomavirus infection, PI3K-Akt signaling pathway, PPAR signaling pathway, AMPK signaling pathway and others. These eight proteins were selected for further validation. According to the Western blotting analysis, when compared with the Bowen disease and healthy skin tissues, we found that the relative expression levels of TNC, FSCN1, SERPINB1, ACTN1 and RAB31 in the CSCC were significantly increased, while COL1A1 and CD36 were significantly decreased, and the differences were statistically significant (P < 0.05). Furthermore, the relative expression levels of TNC, FSCN1, SERPINB1 in the Bowen disease were also significantly increased, while the COL3A1 were also significantly decreased relative to the healthy control. SERPINB1 siRNA inhibited the expression of SERPINB1 at mRNA and protein levels in the A431 cells. After interfering with the expression of SERPINB1, the migration and invasion ability in the A431 cells were significantly decreased (P < 0.05).

Conclusions

This study highlights that eight proteins, TNC, FSCN1, SERPINB1, ACTN1, RAB31, COL3A1, COL1A1, CD36, were significantly associated with the mechanisms of invasion and metastasis in Bowen’s disease.

Supplementary Information

The online version contains supplementary material available at 10.1186/s12967-022-03622-1.

Comparative Analysis of Transcriptional Responses to Genotoxic and Non-Genotoxic Agents in the Blood Cell Model TK6 and the Liver Model HepaRG

Transcript signatures are a promising approach to identify and classify genotoxic and non-genotoxic compounds and are of interest as biomarkers or for future regulatory application. Not much data, however, is yet available about the concordance of transcriptional responses in different cell types or tissues. Here, we analyzed transcriptomic responses to selected genotoxic food contaminants in the human p53-competent lymphoblastoid cell line TK6 using RNA sequencing. Responses to treatment with five genotoxins, as well as with four non-genotoxic liver toxicants, were compared with previously published gene expression data from the human liver cell model HepaRG. A significant overlap of the transcriptomic changes upon genotoxic stress was detectable in TK6 cells, whereas the comparison with the HepaRG model revealed considerable differences, which was confirmed by bioinformatic data mining for cellular upstream regulators or pathways. Taken together, the study presents a transcriptomic signature for genotoxin exposure in the human TK6 blood cell model. The data demonstrate that responses in different cell models have considerable variations. Detection of a transcriptomic genotoxin signature in blood cells indicates that gene expression analyses of blood samples might be a valuable approach to also estimate responses to toxic exposure in target organs such as the liver.

Integrative Bioinformatics Analysis Demonstrates the Prognostic Value of Chromatin Accessibility Biomarkers in Clear Cell Renal Cell Carcinoma

Clear cell renal cell carcinoma (ccRCC) accounts for 75%–85% of renal cell carcinoma (RCC) and has a poor 5-year survival rate. In recent years, medical advancement has promoted the understanding of the histopathological and molecular characterization of ccRCC; however, the carcinogenesis and molecular mechanisms of ccRCC remain unclear. Chromatin accessibility is an essential determinant of cellular phenotype. This study aimed to explore the potential role of chromatin accessibility in the development and progression of ccRCC. By the combination of open-access genome-wide chromatin accessibility profiles and gene expression profiles in ccRCC, we obtained a total of 13,474 crucial peaks, corresponding to 5,120 crucial genes and 9,185 differentially expressed genes. Moreover, two potential function modules (P2 and G4) that contained 129 upregulated genes were identified via the weighted gene co-expression network analysis (WGCNA). Furthermore, we obtained five independent predictors (FSCN1, SLC17A9, ANKRD13B, ADCY2, and MAPT), and a prognostic model was established based on these genes through the least absolute shrinkage and selection operator-proportional hazards model (LASSO-Cox) analysis. This model can stratify the ccRCC samples into a high-risk and a low-risk group, from which the patients have distinct prognosis. Further analysis demonstrated a completely different immune cell infiltration pattern between these two risk groups. This study also suggested that mast cell resting is associated with the prognosis of ccRCC and could be a target of immunotherapy. Overall, this study indicated that chromatin accessibility plays an essential role in ccRCC. The five prognostic chromatin accessibility biomarkers and the prognostic immune cells can provide a new direction for the treatment of ccRCC.

The role of fascin in carcinogenesis and embryo implantation

The cytoskeleton, with its actin bundling proteins, plays crucial roles in a host of cellular function, such as cancer metastasis, antigen presentation and trophoblast migration and invasion, as a result of cytoskeletal remodeling. A key player in cytoskeletal remodeling is fascin. Upregulation of fascin induces the transition of epithelial phenotypes to mesenchymal phenotypes through complex interaction with transcription factors. Fascin expression also regulates mitochondrial F-actin to promote oxidative phosphorylation (OXPHOS) in some cancer cells. Trophoblast cells, on the other hand, exhibit similar physiological functions, involving the upregulation of genes crucial for its migration and invasion. Owing to the similar tumor-like characteristics among cancer and trophoblats, we review recent studies on fascin in relation to cancer and trophoblast cell biology; and based on existing evidence, link fascin to the establishment of the maternal-fetal interface.

Fascin in Gynecological Cancers: An Update of the Literature

Simple Summary

Fascin, an actin-binding protein, is upregulated in different types of human cancers. It is reportedly responsible for increasing the invasive and metastatic ability of cancer cells by reducing cell–cell adhesions. This review provides a brief overview of fascin and its interactions with other genes and oncoviruses to induce the onset and progression of cancer.

Abstract

Fascin is an actin-binding protein that is encoded by the FSCN1 gene (located on chromosome 7). It triggers membrane projections and stimulates cell motility in cancer cells. Fascin overexpression has been described in different types of human cancers in which its expression correlated with tumor growth, migration, invasion, and metastasis. Moreover, overexpression of fascin was found in oncovirus-infected cells, such as human papillomaviruses (HPVs) and Epstein-Barr virus (EBV), disrupting the cell–cell adhesion and enhancing cancer progression. Based on these findings, several studies reported fascin as a potential biomarker and a therapeutic target in various cancers. This review provides a brief overview of the FSCN1 role in various cancers with emphasis on gynecological malignancies. We also discuss fascin interactions with other genes and oncoviruses through which it might induce cancer development and progression.

Fascin actin-bundling protein 1 in human cancer: promising biomarker or therapeutic target?

Fascin actin-bundling protein 1 (FSCN1) is a highly conserved actin-bundling protein that cross links F-actin microfilaments into tight, parallel bundles. Elevated FSCN1 levels have been reported in many types of human cancers and have been correlated with aggressive clinical progression, poor prognosis, and survival outcomes. The overexpression of FSCN1 in cancer cells has been associated with tumor growth, migration, invasion, and metastasis. Currently, FSCN1 is recognized as a candidate biomarker for multiple cancer types and as a potential therapeutic target. The aim of this study was to provide a brief overview of the FSCN1 gene and protein structure and elucidate on its actin-bundling activity and physiological functions. The main focus was on the role of FSCN1 and its upregulatory mechanisms and significance in cancer cells. Up-to-date studies on FSCN1 as a novel biomarker and therapeutic target for human cancers are reviewed. It is shown that FSCN1 is an unusual biomarker and a potential therapeutic target for cancer.

MicroRNA‑145‑5p suppresses fascin to inhibit the invasion and migration of cervical carcinoma cells

MicroRNAs (miRs) can affect the progression of cervical cancer (CC). The present study investigated the function of miR-145-5p in CC and demonstrated its association with fascin (FSCN1). The expression levels of miR-145-5p in CC tissues and cell lines were analyzed using reverse transcription-quantitative PCR, and its direct targets were explored using a luciferase reporter assay. The viability, migration and invasion of HeLa cells transfected with small interfering FSCN1 or with miR-145-5p mimics and inhibitors were analyzed using Cell Counting Kit-8 and Transwell assays. The expression levels of FSCN1 mRNA and protein were investigated using reverse transcription PCR and western blotting. miR-145-5p was downregulated in CC tissues and cell lines. Moreover, overexpression of miR-145-5p inhibited the migration, invasion and viability of HeLa cells. miR-145-5p directly targeted FSCN1, which regulated the suppressive functions of miR-145-5p in CC cells. Overall, miR-145-5p is a tumor suppressor gene and a promising target for CC treatment.

Identification of the fatty acid synthase interaction network via iTRAQ-based proteomics indicates the potential molecular mechanisms of liver cancer metastasis

Background

Fatty acid synthase (FASN) is highly expressed in various types of cancer and has an important role in carcinogenesis and metastasis. To clarify the mechanisms of FASN in liver cancer invasion and metastasis, the FASN protein interaction network in liver cancer was identified by targeted proteomic analysis.

Methods

Wound healing and Transwell assays was performed to observe the effect of FASN during migration and invasion in liver cancer. Isobaric tags for relative and absolute quantitation (iTRAQ)-based mass spectrometry were used to identify proteins interacting with FASN in HepG2 cells. Differential expressed proteins were validated by co-immunoprecipitation, western blot analyses and confocal microscopy. Western blot and reverse transcription-quantitative polymerase chain reaction (RT-qPCR) were performed to demonstrate the mechanism of FASN regulating metastasis.

Results

FASN knockdown inhibited migration and invasion of HepG2 and SMMC7721 cells. A total of, 79 proteins interacting with FASN were identified. Additionally, gene ontology term enrichment analysis indicated that the majority of biological regulation and cellular processes that the FASN-interacting proteins were associated with. Co-precipitation and co-localization of FASN with fascin actin-bundling protein 1 (FSCN1), signal-induced proliferation-associated 1 (SIPA1), spectrin β, non-erythrocytic 1 (SPTBN1) and CD59 were evaluated. Knockdown of FASN in liver cancer reduced the expression of FSCN1, SIPA1, SPTBN1 and CD59. Furthermore, inhibition of FASN, FSCN1 or SPTBN1 expression in liver cancer resulted in alterations of epithelial–mesenchymal transition (EMT)-associated markers E-cadherin, N-cadherin, vimentin and transcription factors, Snail and Twist, at the mRNA level, and changes in matrix metallopeptidase (MMP)-2 and MMP-9 protein expression.

Conclusion

The results suggested that the FASN-interacting protein network produced by iTRAQ-based proteomic analyses may be involved in regulating invasion and metastasis in liver cancer by influencing EMT and the function of MMPs.

MiR-326: Promising Biomarker for Cancer

MicroRNAs (miRNAs) are small non-coding and highly conserved RNAs that act in biological processes including cell proliferation, invasion, apoptosis, metabolism, signal transduction, and tumorigenesis. The previously identified miRNA-326 (miR-326) has been reported to participate in cellular apoptosis, tumor growth, cell invasion, embryonic development, immunomodulation, chemotherapy resistance, and oncogenesis. This review presents a detailed overview of what is known about the effects of miR-326 on cell invasion, metastasis, drug resistance, proliferation, apoptosis, and its involvement in signaling pathways.

Methionine Promotes Milk Protein and Fat Synthesis and Cell Proliferation via the SNAT2-PI3K Signaling Pathway in Bovine Mammary Epithelial Cells

Methionine (Met) plays a critical regulatory role in milk production, however, the molecular mechanism of action of Met is largely unknown. This study therefore aimed to investigate the influence of Met on milk synthesis in and proliferation of bovine mammary epithelial cells (BMECs) and explore the underlying mechanism. BMECs cultured in fetal bovine serum (FBS) free Dulbecco's modified eagle's medium (DMEM)/F-12 medium were treated with Met (0, 0.3, 0.6, 0.9, and 1.2 mM). Results showed that Met (0.6 mM) significantly increased milk protein and fat synthesis and cell proliferation. Met stimulation also increased mTOR phosphorylation and protein expression of SREBP-1c and Cyclin D1. Gene function study approaches further revealed that SNAT2 is a key regulator of these signaling pathways. PI3K inhibition experiments demonstrated that SNAT2 stimulates these pathways through regulating PI3K activity, and SNAT2 inhibition experiments further revealed that SNAT2 is required for Met to activate PI3K. Furthermore, immunofluorescence observation detected that Met stimulates SNAT2 cytoplasmic expression. Collectively, these findings demonstrate that Met positively regulates milk protein and fat synthesis and cell proliferation via the SNAT2-PI3K signaling pathway in BMECs.