A nonsynonymous polymorphism in IL23R gene is associated with risk of gastric cancer in a Chinese population

TGF-β promotes pericyte-myofibroblast transition in subretinal fibrosis through the Smad2/3 and Akt/mTOR pathways

Subretinal fibrosis remains a major obstacle to the management of neovascular age-related macular degeneration. Choroidal pericytes were found to be a significant source of subretinal fibrosis, but the underlying mechanisms of pericyte-myofibroblast transition (PMT) remain largely unknown. The goal of this study was to explore the role and potential mechanisms by which PMT contributes to subretinal fibrosis. Choroidal neovascularization (CNV) was induced by laser photocoagulation in transgenic mice with the collagen1α1-green fluorescent protein (Col1α1-GFP) reporter, and recombinant adeno-associated virus 2 (rAAV2)-mediated TGF-β2 (rAAV2-TGF-β2) was administered intravitreally to further induce PMT. Primary mouse choroidal GFP-positive pericytes were treated with TGF-β2 in combination with siRNAs targeting Smad2/3, the Akt inhibitor MK2206 or the mTOR inhibitor rapamycin to examine cell proliferation, migration, and differentiation into myofibroblasts. The involvement of the Akt/mTOR pathway in PMT in subretinal fibrosis was further investigated in vivo. Intraocular TGF-β2 overexpression induced GFP-positive pericyte infiltration and PMT in subretinal fibrosis, which was mimicked in vitro. Knockdown of Smad2/3 or inhibition of Akt/mTOR decreased cell proliferation, PMT and migration in primary mouse pericytes. Combined inhibition of Smad2/3 and mTOR showed synergistic effects on attenuating α-smooth muscle actin (α-SMA) expression and cell proliferation. In mice with laser-induced CNV, the administration of the Akt/mTOR inhibitors suppressed pericyte proliferation and alleviated the severity of subretinal fibrosis. Our results showed that PMT plays a pivotal role in subretinal fibrosis, which was induced by TGF-β2 through the Smad2/3 and Akt/mTOR pathways. Thus, inhibiting PMT may be a novel strategy for the treatment of subretinal fibrosis.

The identification of a new cell type that plays a crucial role in causing fibrosis under the retina could improve treatment of eye disease. Effective treatments exist for diseases that cause impairment and loss of vision in elderly people, but success can be limited by the development of subretinal fibrosis. Jingfa Zhang at Shanghai Jiao Tong University, China, and co-workers used mice with laser-induced retinal damage to explore how subretinal fibrosis may result from transition of pericytes, multi-functional cells in the capillaries, into myofibroblasts, cells associated with fibrosis. The overexpression of a growth factor called TGF-β2 induced pericytes to infiltrate the subretinal area and pericyte-myofibroblast transition via two signalling pathways. Inhibiting these pathways may help to treat subretinal fibrosis, and one option is the use of inhibitors of AKT/mTOR which may slow the ageing process.

Current status and relevance of single nucleotide polymorphisms in IL-6-/IL-12-type cytokine receptors

Cytokines control immune related events and are critically involved in a plethora of patho-physiological processes including autoimmunity and cancer development. In rare cases, single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) or single nucleotide variations (SNVs) in cytokine receptors eventually cause detrimental ligand-independent, constitutive activation of signal transduction. Most SNPs have, however, no or only marginal influences on gene expression, protein stability, localization and function and thereby only slightly affecting pathogenesis probability. The SNP database (dbSNP) is an archive for a broad collection of polymorphisms in which SNPs are categorized and marked with a locus accession number "reference SNP" (rs). Here, we engineered an algorithm to directly align dbSNP information to DNA and protein sequence information to clearly illustrate a genetic SNP landscape exemplified for all tall cytokine receptors of the IL-6/IL-12 family, including IL-23R, IL-12Rβ1, IL-12Rβ2, gp130, LIFR, OSMR and WSX-1. This information was complemented by a comprehensive literature summary and structural insights of relevant disease-causing SNPs in cytokine/cytokine receptor interfaces. In summary, we present a general strategy with potential to apply to other cytokine receptor networks.

mTOR regulates GPVI-mediated platelet activation

Background

Due to mTOR (mammalian/mechanistic target of rapamycin) gene-loss mice die during embryonic development, the role of mTOR in platelets has not been evaluated using gene knockout technology.

Methods

A mouse model with megakaryocyte/platelet-specific deletion of mTOR was established, and be used to evaluate the role of mTOR in platelet activation and thrombus formation.

Results

mTOR^−/− platelets were deficient in thrombus formation when grown on low-concentration collagen-coated surfaces; however, no deficiency in thrombus formation was observed when mTOR^−/− platelets were perfused on higher concentration collagen-coated surfaces. In FeCl₃-induced mouse mesenteric arteriole thrombosis models, wild-type (WT) and mTOR^−/− mice displayed significantly different responses to low-extent injury with respect to the ratio of occluded mice, especially within the first 40 min. Additionally, mTOR^−/− platelets displayed reduced aggregation and dense granule secretion (ATP release) in response to low doses of the glycoprotein VI (GPVI) agonist collagen related peptide (CRP) and the protease-activated receptor-4 (PAR4) agonist GYPGKF-NH₂; these deficiencies were overcame by stimulation with higher concentration agonists, suggesting dose dependence of the response. At low doses of GPVI or PAR agonist, the activation of α_IIbβ₃ in mTOR^−/− platelets was reduced. Moreover, stimulation of mTOR^−/− platelets with low-dose CRP attenuated the phosphorylation of S6K1, S6 and Akt Ser473, and increased the phosphorylation of PKCδ Thr505 and PKCε Ser729. Using isoform-specific inhibitors of PKCs (δ, ɛ, and α/β), we established that PKCδ/ɛ, and especially PKCδ but not PKCα/β or PKCθ, may be involved in low-dose GPVI-mediated/mTOR-dependent signaling.

Conclusion

These observations indicate that mTOR plays an important role in GPVI-dependent platelet activation and thrombus formation.

Rs-1884444 G/T variant in IL-23 receptor is likely to modify risk of bladder urothelial carcinoma by regulating IL-23/IL-17 inflammatory pathway

Bladder urothelial carcinoma (BUC) is a chronic relapsing urological malignancy, which poses a serious threat to human life. Non-resolving chronic-inflammation at the neoplastic site is associated consistently with inducing tumor-progression and poor patient outcomes. Interleukin 23 receptor (IL-23R) is a key element in T-helper 17 cell-mediated inflammatory process, that plays a critical role in orchestrating tumor-promoting inflammation. Therefore, we hypothesized that potentially functional genetic variant rs1884444 G/T of IL-23R may modify BUC risk. To validate this hypothesis, our findings demonstrated that the rs1884444 G/T variant was significantly associated with a reduced risk of BUC compared to controls observed under allelic (T vs. G) and dominant (GT + TT vs. GG) models (P < 0.05). In addition, the frequency of the T-allele has dropped to very low values in the case of high-grades and invasive-tumors (P < 0.05). Thus, T-allele has emerged as a reliable genetic marker for good prognosis of BUC. In tumorgenesis, the binding-affinity of the receptor seemed to be distorted by the effect of the non-conservative G/T variation, which in turn caused the IL-23/IL-17 pathway to be disabled. This was recognized by low levels of IL-23 and IL-17 in the serum of patients, under the influence of all the tested genetic models (P < 0.01). Results also indicated that the level of the receptor-bearing immune cells could be altered in response to the G/T protective effect. For example, the median counts of T-helper CD4⁺ cells and CD56⁺ natural killers increased significantly in conjunction with the decrease in the median count of CD14⁺ tumor-associated-macrophages under the dominant model. Nevertheless, the causative link between this subtle polymorphism and the immune-surveillance against BUC needs further in-depth investigation. Overall, we concluded that the rs-1884444 G/T variant is highly-associated with a reduction in the BUC risk, which may occur via deregulation of the IL-23/IL-17 pathway.

GDC-0349 inhibits non-small cell lung cancer cell growth

Non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) is a leading cause of cancer-related human mortality with a clear need for new therapeutic intervention. GDC-0349 is a potent and selective ATP-competitive mTOR inhibitor. In A549 cells and primary human NSCLC cells, GDC-0349 inhibited cell growth, proliferation, cell cycle progression, migration and invasion, while inducing significant apoptosis activation. Although GDC-0349 blocked Akt-mTORC1/2 activation in NSCLC cells, it also exerted cytotoxicity in Akt1-knockout A549 cells. Furthermore, restoring Akt-mTOR activation by a constitutively-active Akt1 only partially attenuated GDC-0349-induced A549 cell apoptosis, indicating the existence of Akt-mTOR-independent mechanisms. In NSCLC cells GDC-0349 induced sphingosine kinase 1 (SphK1) inhibition, ceramide accumulation, JNK activation and oxidative injury. Conversely, N-acetylcysteine, the JNK inhibitor and sphingosine 1-phosphate alleviated GDC-0349-induced NSCLC cell apoptosis. In vivo, daily oral administration of GDC-0349 potently inhibited NSCLC xenograft growth in mice. Akt-mTOR in-activation, SphK1 inhibition, JNK activation and oxidative stress were detected in NSCLC xenograft tissues with GDC-0349 administration. In summary, GDC-0349 inhibits NSCLC cell growth via Akt-mTOR-dependent and Akt-mTOR-independent mechanisms.

IL-12 and IL-23-Close Relatives with Structural Homologies but Distinct Immunological Functions

Cytokines of the IL-12 family show structural similarities but have distinct functions in the immune system. Prominent members of this cytokine family are the pro-inflammatory cytokines IL-12 and IL-23. These two cytokines share cytokine subunits and receptor chains but have different functions in autoimmune diseases, cancer and infections. Accordingly, structural knowledge about receptor complex formation is essential for the development of new therapeutic strategies preventing and/or inhibiting cytokine:receptor interaction. In addition, intracellular signaling cascades can be targeted to inhibit cytokine-mediated effects. Single nucleotide polymorphisms can lead to alteration in the amino acid sequence and thereby influencing protein functions or protein–protein interactions. To understand the biology of IL-12 and IL-23 and to establish efficient targeting strategies structural knowledge about cytokines and respective receptors is crucial. A highly efficient therapy might be a combination of different drugs targeting extracellular cytokine:receptor assembly and intracellular signaling pathways.

Suppression of CXCL-1 Could Restore Necroptotic Pathway in Chronic Lymphocytic Leukemia

Purpose

To clarify the role of different cytokines and selenite in the defective necroptotic pathway of chronic lymphocytic leukemia (CLL).

Patients and Methods

We randomly collected the peripheral blood samples of 11 untreated CLL patients and 10 healthy volunteers, and then separated B lymphocytes from peripheral blood. Then, real-time polymerase chain reaction (PCR), enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) and Western Blot were performed to detect the expression of different cytokines, including CXC-motif chemokine ligand 1 (CXCL-1). Finally, we used flow cytometry to analyze the percentage of surviving cells to figure out whether CLL cells or normal B lymphocytes underwent necroptosis.

Results

1) The high expression of CXCL-1 was seen in CLL cells compared with normal B lymphocytes (p = 0.0001, adjusted p =0.0012); 2) The downregulation of CXCL-1 was shown in normal B lymphocytes after induction by TNF-α and z-VAD; 3) CLL cells could restore necroptosis induced by TNF-α and z-VAD after knockdown of CXCL-1; 4) The transcriptional and translational expression of LEF-1 were downregulated after the knockdown of CXCL-1 in CLL cells; 5. 3.2μM selenite could help CLL cells restore necroptosis (p = 0.0102) and inhibit the transcriptional and translational expression of CXCL-1.

Conclusion

CXCL-1 played an important role in the defective necroptosis of CLL cells and regulated the expression of LEF-1. Selenite could inhibit the expression of CXCL-1 and help CLL cells restore necroptosis together with TNF-α and z-VAD. Selenite might be the potential medication of CLL in the future.

MicroRNA binding site polymorphism in inflammatory genes associated with colorectal cancer: literature review and bioinformatics analysis

Inflammation, among environmental risk factors, is one of the most important contributors to colorectal cancer (CRC) development. In this way, studies revealed that the incidence of CRC in inflammatory bowel disease patients is up to 60% higher than the general population. MicroRNAs (miRNAs), small noncoding RNA molecules, have attracted excessive attention due to their fundamental role in various aspects of cellular biology, such as inflammation by binding to the 3'-untranslated regions (3'-UTR) of pro and anti-inflammatory genes. Based on multiple previous studies, SNPs at 3'-UTR can affect miRNA recognition elements by changing the thermodynamic features and secondary structure. This effect can be categorized, based on the number of changes, into four groups, including break, decrease, create, and enhance. In this paper, we will focus on functional variants in miRNA binding sites in inflammatory genes, which can modulate the risk of CRC by both investigating previous studies, regarding miRSNPs in inflammatory genes associated with CRC and recruiting in silico prediction algorithms to report putative miRSNPs in 176 inflammatory genes. In our analysis, we achieved 110 miRSNPs in 3'-UTR of 67 genes that seem good targets for future researches.

LncRNA FOXD3-AS1 Mediates AKT Pathway to Promote Growth and Invasion in Hepatocellular Carcinoma Through Regulating RICTOR

Background: Hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) has high morbidity and mortality, but current therapeutic methods cannot effectively improve patient's prognosis. FOXD3-AS1, a new identified long noncoding RNA, is dysregulated in several cancers and functions as a carcinogenic or tumor-suppressor factor. However, the function of FOXD3-AS1 in HCC has not been reported. Materials and Methods: Quantitative real time-polymerase chain reaction was applied to evaluate the expression of FOXD3-AS1 in HCC tissues and cell lines. miRDB and TargetScan websites were utilized to predict the interaction network of FOXD3-AS1 as a competing endogenous RNA. The interaction was confirmed by luciferase reporter assay and RNA binding protein immunoprecipitation (RIP) assay. The effect of FOXD3-AS1 on HCC cells (Huh6) were measured by cell counting kit (CCK)-8, BrdU cell proliferation assay, Transwell invasion assay, and wound healing assay. Results: FOXD3-AS1 was overexpressed in HCC, and HCC patients with the high level of FOXD3-AS1 had a poor prognosis. In addition, FOXD3-AS1 knockdown considerably inhibited the proliferation, migration, and invasion of Huh6 cells. Besides, FOXD3-AS1 functioned as a sponge of miR-335, and RICTOR was a direct target gene of miR-335. Furthermore, FOXD3-AS1 could enhance the level of RICTOR through sponging miR-335. Moreover, the knockdown of FOXD3-AS1 could competitively bind with miR-335 to suppress RICTOR expression, thereby inhibiting the growth of Huh6 cells through the deactivation of AKT signaling pathway. Conclusions: FOXD3-AS1 is crucial for the tumorigenesis and progression of HCC. The interaction among FOXD3-AS1, miR-335, and RICTOR provides a novel insight for understanding the molecular mechanism of HCC, and FOXD3-AS1, miR-335, and RICTOR can be regarded as the potential targets for HCC treatment.

Polymorphisms of genes encoding cytokines predict the risk of high-grade bladder cancer and outcomes of BCG immunotherapy

Introduction

The present study investigated the association of cytokines genes polymorphisms (IL-2, IL-8 and IL-18) and polymorphisms in genes encoding molecules related to the differentiation of Th17 subpopulation (IL-17 and IL-23R) with the risk of bladder cancer (BC) and response to BCG immunotherapy.

Material and methods

Altogether, 175 BC patients treated with BCG due to high-grade non-muscle invasive tumors and 207 healthy individuals were genotyped for the following polymorphisms: IL-17A-197G>A (rs2275913); IL-17F+7488T>C (rs763780); IL-23Rc.309C>A (rs10889677);IL-23Rc.1142G>A (rs11209026); IL-2-330T>G (rs2069762), IL-8-251A>T (rs4073), and IL-18-137G>C (rs187238) using the TaqMan SNP genotyping assays.

Results

The IL-23Rc.-309C>A[A] allele was associated with the risk of BC (OR: 1.42, p = 0.03). Moreover, heterozygocities for IL-17A-197G>A[GA] and IL-18-137G>C[GC] increased the risk of BC, as compared to both homozygotes (OR: 1.67, p = 0.01 and OR: 1.84, p = 0.008, respectively). The IL-18-137G>C[GC] heterozygous patients had the highest risk of tumor recurrence and progression, and the worst recurrence-free and progression-free survival. Homozygous IL-17A-197G>A[GG] patients presented the best recurrence-free survival, while IL-17A-197G>A[AA] patients had 1.8-fold higher risk of recurrence.

Conclusions

The present study highlighted the importance of IL-17, IL-18, and IL-23R gene polymorphisms for BC susceptibility and BCG immunotherapy outcomes. It may help to identify appropriate candidates for early radical treatment.

Targeting mTORC1/2 with OSI-027 inhibits proliferation and migration of keloid keratinocytes

Keloid is a dermal proliferative disorder characterized by the excessive proliferation and migration of keratinocytes and fibroblasts. Over-activation of the serine/threonine protein kinase, mammalian target of rapamycin (mTOR), plays a pivotal role in the process. Here, we show that both mTOR complex 1 (mTORC1) and mTOR complex 2 (mTORC2) were hyper-activated in keloid-derived primary keratinocytes. Further, OSI-027, an mTOR kinase inhibitor, potently inhibited proliferation and migration of keloid keratinocytes. At the molecular level, OSI-027 disrupted the assembly of mTORC1 (mTOR-Raptor) and mTORC2 (mTOR-Rictor-mLST8). Further, OSI-027 almost completely blocked the phosphorylation of the mTORC1 substrates, S6K1, S6 and 4EBP1, and the mTORC2 substrate, AKT, at Ser-473. The OSI-027 treatment of keloid keratinocytes showed more effectively inhibited cell proliferation and migration compared to the mTORC1 inhibitor, rapamycin. Moreover, restoring mTORC1 activation by the introduction of the constitutively active S6K1 only partly alleviated OSI-027-induced inhibition of keloid keratinocytes. Notably, mTOR2 inhibition by Rictor siRNAs also inhibited keloid keratinocyte proliferation and migration, but less efficiently than OSI-027. Together, our results imply that concurrent targeting of mTORC1/2 by OSI-027 potently inhibits the proliferation and the migration of keloid keratinocytes. Thus, OSI-027 may have translational value for the treatment of keloid.

Inhibition of interleukin-12 and/or interleukin-23 for the treatment of psoriasis: What is the evidence for an effect on malignancy?

Immune cells and cytokines play an important role in the pathogenesis of psoriasis. Interleukin-12 (IL-12) and IL-23 promote cellular responses mediated by T cells, which contribute to an inflammatory loop responsible for the induction and maintenance of psoriatic plaques. Antibodies that inhibit IL-12/23 or IL-23 are key treatment options for patients with psoriasis. IL-12 and IL-23 also play a key role in immune responses to infections and tumors. A growing body of information from clinical trials, cohort studies, postmarketing reports, genetic studies and animal models provides insights into the potential biological relationships between IL-12/23 inhibition and malignancies. We summarize this information in tables and provide some context for the interpretation of these data with the goal of informing dermatologists who are using IL-12/23 or IL-23 inhibitors to treat patients with psoriasis.

Could the inhibition of IL-17 or IL-18 be a potential therapeutic opportunity for gastric cancer?

Chronic inflammation is recognized as a key tumor-promoting factor in a number of epithelial cancers, including gastric cancer (GC). The production of pro-inflammatory cytokines in the tumor microenvironment by both the innate and the adaptive immune response can activate signaling pathways that are associated with increased cell survival and proliferation of cancer cells. Among the cytokines that have most commonly been linked to inflammation-associated cancers, are the Th17 cell-associated cytokines IL-17A, IL-23, IL-22, and the IL-1 family members IL-1β and IL-18. However, whether their contribution to inflammation-associated cancers is universal, or specific to individual types of cancers, remains to be elucidated. This review will explore our current understanding of the known roles of these cytokines in gastritis and discuss how their therapeutic inhibition may be useful for GC.

Genetic polymorphisms in TNIP1 increase the risk of gastric carcinoma

The distribution and levels of TNIP1 in malignant and normal gastric mucosa are different, but it is not known whether TNIP1 polymorphisms are related to gastric carcinogenesis. To assess the association between four TNIP1 SNPs (rs3792792, rs4958881, rs7708392, rs10036748) and carcinogenesis, we used Sequenom Mass-ARRAY technology to determine the genotypes of 302 gastric carcinoma patients and 300 healthy controls in a Northwest Chinese Han population. These data were then compared using the Chi-square test/Fisher's exact test, genetic model analysis, and haplotype analysis. Odds ratios (OR) and 95% confidence intervals (CI) were used to evaluate the correlation. We observed that patients with the "G" allele of rs7708392 and the "C" allele of rs10036748 showed an increased risk of gastric carcinoma (OR= 1.335, 95%CI: 1.021-1.745, P= 0.035; OR= 1.358, 95%CI: 1.039-1.774, P= 0.025, respectively). Conversely, the haplotype "CT" of TNIP1 (rs7708392-rs10036748) may act as a genetic protective factor for gastric carcinoma (adjusted OR= 0.731, 95%CI: 0.552-0.970, P= 0.030). Our results are the first to suggest that genetic variation in TNIP1 gene is associated with gastric carcinoma, though, this finding must be confirmed in other populations with larger sample size.

Mechanically-sensitive miRNAs bias human mesenchymal stem cell fate via mTOR signalling

Mechanotransduction is a strong driver of mesenchymal stem cell (MSC) fate. In vitro, variations in matrix mechanics invoke changes in MSC proliferation, migration and differentiation. However, when incorporating MSCs within injectable, inherently soft hydrogels, this dominance over MSC response substantially limits our ability to couple the ease of application of hydrogels with efficiently directed MSC differentiation, especially in the case of bone generation. Here, we identify differential miRNA expression in response to varying hydrogel stiffness and RhoA activity. We show that modulation of miR-100-5p and miR-143-3p can be used to bias MSC fate and provide mechanistic insight by demonstrating convergence on mTOR signalling. By modulating these mechanosensitive miRNAs, we can enhance osteogenesis in a soft 3D hydrogel. The outcomes of this study provide new understanding of the mechanisms regulating MSC mechanotransduction and differentiation, but also a novel strategy with which to drive MSC fate and significantly impact MSC-based tissue-engineering applications.

Mesenchymal stem cell (MSC) fate can be mechanically regulated by substrate stiffness but this is difficult to control in a 3D hydrogel. Here the authors identify miRNAs that change expression in response to substrate stiffness and RhoA signalling and show that they can bias MSC fate in a 3D soft hydrogel.

Genetic polymorphisms of IL-23R (rs7517847) and LEP (rs7799039) among Egyptian patients with hepatocellular carcinoma

BACKGROUND

Genetic polymorphisms of IL-23 R (rs7517847) and LEP (rs7799039) have been stated to be associated with various types of human cancers. The purpose of this work is to test the association of these genetic polymorphisms with hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) among Egyptian patients.

SUBJECTS AND METHODS

This study involved 150 unrelated Egyptian HCC patients in addition to 100 healthy controls from the same locality. DNA was genotyped for these genetic polymorphisms using the PCR-RFLP technique.

RESULTS

The frequency of the IL-23 R (rs7517847) G and LEP (rs7799039) G alleles were significantly higher among HCC patients compared to controls (p = .004 and .02). However, HCC patients with the IL-23 R GG and LEP GG genotypes showed no significant difference compared to others regarding their clinical and laboratory markers.

CONCLUSIONS

IL-23 R (rs7517847) and LEP (rs7799039) polymorphisms were associated with an increased risk but not affecting the clinical presentation of HCC among Egyptian patients.

Haplotype of non-synonymous mutations within IL-23R is associated with susceptibility to severe malaria anemia in a P. falciparum holoendemic transmission area of Kenya

Background

Improved understanding of the molecular mechanisms involved in pediatric severe malarial anemia (SMA) pathogenesis is a crucial step in the design of novel therapeutics. Identification of host genetic susceptibility factors in immune regulatory genes offers an important tool for deciphering malaria pathogenesis. The IL-23/IL-17 immune pathway is important for both immunity and erythropoiesis via its effects through IL-23 receptors (IL-23R). However, the impact of IL-23R variants on SMA has not been fully elucidated.

Methods

Since variation within the coding region of IL-23R may influence the pathogenesis of SMA, the association between IL-23R rs1884444 (G/T), rs7530511 (C/T), and SMA (Hb < 6.0 g/dL) was examined in children (n = 369, aged 6–36 months) with P. falciparum malaria in a holoendemic P. falciparum transmission area.

Results

Logistic regression analysis, controlling for confounding factor of anemia, revealed that individual genotypes of IL-23R rs1884444 (G/T) [GT; OR = 1.34, 95% CI = 0.78–2.31, P = 0.304 and TT; OR = 2.02, 95% CI = 0.53–7.74, P = 0.286] and IL-23R rs7530511 (C/T) [CT; OR = 2.6, 95% CI = 0.59–11.86, P = 0.202 and TT; OR = 1.66, 95% CI = 0.84–3.27, P = 0.142] were not associated with susceptibility to SMA. However, carriage of IL-23R rs1884444T/rs7530511T (TT) haplotype, consisting of both mutant alleles, was associated with increased susceptibility to SMA (OR = 1.12, 95% CI = 1.07–4.19, P = 0.030).

Conclusion

Results presented here demonstrate that a haplotype of non-synonymous IL-23R variants increase susceptibility to SMA in children of a holoendemic P. falciparum transmission area.

Electronic supplementary material

The online version of this article (doi:10.1186/s12879-017-2404-y) contains supplementary material, which is available to authorized users.

Interleukins 17 and 23 in patients with gastric neoplasms

Recently there has been heightened interest in the potential significance of interleukin (IL)-17 and IL-23 in the development/progression of human malignancies. Here, we analyzed the systemic levels of these cytokines in 75 patients with different types of gastric neoplasms (carcinoma, gastrointestinal stromal tumors, neuroendocrine neoplasms, and lymphomas) and 42 healthy volunteers. We found that patients with all types of gastric neoplasms have significantly lower IL-23 levels. However, in comparison to the levels in healthy individuals, IL-17 concentrations were lower only in patients with types of gastric neoplasms other than carcinoma. Interestingly, IL-17 levels significantly differed between patients with early and advanced gastric carcinoma. No significant associations were detected between the systemic levels of examined interleukins and TNM staging. However, peripheral levels of IL-23 were correlated with the absolute numbers of circulating populations of bone marrow-derived mesenchymal and very small embryonic/epiblast-like stem cells in patients with gastric carcinoma. ROC curve analyses demonstrated that systemic levels of IL-17 seem to meet basic criteria for consideration as a helpful diagnostic marker in the detection of gastric carcinoma. In conclusion, our study provides translational evidence confirming the clinical significance of IL-17 and IL-23 in the pathogenesis of different types of gastric neoplasms in humans.

14-3-3 Proteins regulate Akt Thr308 phosphorylation in intestinal epithelial cells

Akt activation has been associated with proliferation, differentiation, survival and death of epithelial cells. Phosphorylation of Thr308 of Akt by phosphoinositide-dependent kinase 1 (PDK1) is critical for optimal stimulation of its kinase activity. However, the mechanism(s) regulating this process remain elusive. Here, we report that 14-3-3 proteins control Akt Thr308 phosphorylation during intestinal inflammation. Mechanistically, we found that IFNγ and TNFα treatment induce degradation of the PDK1 inhibitor, 14-3-3η, in intestinal epithelial cells. This mechanism requires association of 14-3-3ζ with raptor in a process that triggers autophagy and leads to 14-3-3η degradation. Notably, inhibition of 14-3-3 function by the chemical inhibitor BV02 induces uncontrolled Akt activation, nuclear Akt accumulation and ultimately intestinal epithelial cell death. Our results suggest that 14-3-3 proteins control Akt activation and regulate its biological functions, thereby providing a new mechanistic link between cell survival and apoptosis of intestinal epithelial cells during inflammation.

Association of IL-23R Polymorphisms (rs6682925, rs10889677, rs1884444) With Cancer Risk: A PRISMA-Compliant Meta-Analysis

Although interleukin (IL)-23 receptor (IL-23R) plays an important role in the pathogenesis of multiple cancers, its association with cancer risk is inconsistent across different studies. We therefore conducted a meta-analysis with the aim of resolving the relationship among the 3 common polymorphisms of IL-23R (rs6682925, rs10889677, rs1884444) and cancer risk.Case-control studies evaluating the association between IL-23R polymorphisms (rs6682925, rs10889677, rs1884444) and cancer risk were searched in the PubMed, Web of Science, and CNKI databases.Data were included in the meta-analysis if they were from original studies adopting a case-control design investigating the association between IL-23R polymorphisms and risk of any cancer; all cancer cases must have been confirmed by histology or pathology, and controls selected from noncancer individuals. Case-only studies and review papers were excluded.Odds ratios (ORs) and 95% confidence intervals (CIs) were used to evaluate the relationship of IL-23R polymorphisms (rs6682925, rs10889677, rs1884444) with cancer risk. A random-effects model or fixed-effects model was used depending on the heterogeneity of the data.Ultimately, 15 studies, involving 8784 cancer patients and 10,321 cancer-free controls, were included in our meta-analysis. In the overall analysis, the rs10889677 polymorphism was associated with breast cancer (BC) under the allelic, homozygous, dominant, and heterozygous models. Rs1884444 polymorphism was relevant to hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) under the homozygous, recessive, and allelic models. However, no evidence of a relationship between IL-23R polymorphisms (rs6682925, rs10889677, rs1884444) and cancer risk was found in the overall population.Our meta-analysis provides no evidence supporting a global association of IL-23R polymorphisms (rs6682925, rs10889677, rs1884444) with the risk of cancer. However, rs10889677 may be associated with BC susceptibility and rs1884444 had association with HCC risk. Further large and well-designed studies are warranted to confirm this finding.

The Antipancreatic Cancer Activity of OSI-027, a Potent and Selective Inhibitor of mTORC1 and mTORC2

In the present study, we investigated the potential activity of OSI-027, a potent and selective mammalian target of rapamycin (mTOR) complex 1/2 (mTORC1/2) dual inhibitor, against pancreatic cancer cells both in vitro and in vivo. We demonstrated that OSI-027 inhibited survival and growth of both primary and transformed (PANC-1 and MIA PaCa-2 lines) human pancreatic cancer cells. Meanwhile, OSI-027 induced caspase-dependent apoptotic death of the pancreatic cancer cells. On the other hand, caspase inhibitors alleviated cytotoxicity by OSI-027. At the molecular level, OSI-027 treatment blocked mTORC1 and mTORC2 activation simultaneously, without affecting ERK-mitogen-activated protein kinase activation. Importantly, OSI-027 activated cytoprotective autophagy in the above cancer cells. Whereas pharmacological blockage of autophagy or siRNA knockdown of Beclin-1 significantly enhanced the OSI-027-induced activity against pancreatic cancer cells. Specifically, a relatively low dose of OSI-027 sensitized gemcitabine-induced pancreatic cancer cell death in vitro. Further, administration of OSI-027 or together with gemcitabine dramatically inhibited PANC-1 xenograft growth in severe combined immunodeficiency mice, leading to significant mice survival improvement. In summary, the preclinical results of this study suggest that targeting mTORC1/2 synchronously by OSI-027 could be further investigated as a valuable treatment for pancreatic cancer.

Association of interleukin-23 receptor gene polymorphisms with risk of bladder cancer in Chinese

To assess whether polymorphisms of the interleukin-23 receptor (IL23R) gene are associated with bladder transitional cell carcinoma because chronic inflammation contributes to bladder cancer and the IL23R is known to be critically involved in the carcinogenesis of various malignant tumors. 226 patients with bladder cancer and 270 age-matched controls were involved in the study. Polymerase chain reaction-restriction fragment length polymorphism was used for genotyping. Genotype distribution and allelic frequencies between patients and controls were compared. In all three single nucleotide polymorphisms of IL23R studied, the distribution of genotype and allele frequencies of rs10889677 differed significantly between patients and controls. The frequency of allele C of rs10889677 was significantly increased in cases compared with controls (0.2898 vs. 0.1833, odds ratio 1.818, 95 % confidence interval 1.349-2.449). The result indicates that IL23R may play an important role in the susceptibility of bladder cancer in Chinese population.

Insights into IL-23 biology: From structure to function

Interleukin (IL-)23 is a central cytokine controlling TH17 development. Overshooting IL-23 signaling contribute to autoimmune diseases. Moreover, GWAS studies have identified several SNPs within the IL-23 receptor, which are associated with autoimmune diseases. IL-23 is a member of the IL-12-type cytokine family and consists of IL-23p19 and p40. Within the IL-12 family, IL-12 and IL-23 share the p40 cytokine subunit and the IL-12Rβ1 as one chain of the receptor complex. For signaling, IL-23 triggers heterodimerization of IL-12Rβ1 and the IL-23R. Subsequently, signal transduction pathways including JAK/STAT, MAPK and PI3K are activated. Most studies have investigated the biological relevance of IL-23 in the development of TH17 cells and autoimmunity, whereas less is known about the molecular context of IL-23 biology. Therefore, we focused on IL-23 receptor complex assembly, signal transduction and functional relevance of IL-23R SNPs in the context of IL-23-inhibitory principles.

Involvement of IL17A, IL17F and IL23R Polymorphisms in Colorectal Cancer Therapy

IL23/IL17 pathway plays an important role in the development of inflammatory bowel diseases (IBD). In general, the genes encoding the cytokines are genetically polymorphic and polymorphisms in genes IL23R and IL17 have been proved to be associated with its susceptibility to inflammatory diseases as well as cancer including colorectal cancer. Moreover, it has been shown that these interleukins are involved in anti-tumor or pro-tumor effects of various cancers. Previously, we showed that there is a significant association between IL17A, IL17F and IL23R polymorphisms as well as the occurrence of colorectal cancer and the clinical features of the disease. The purpose of the present work is to investigate an association between IL17A, IL17F and IL23R polymorphisms in 102 Tunisian patients with colorectal cancer treatment. The association was analyzed by statistical tools. We found that patients with mutated genotypes of IL17A G197A SNP could be a risk factor for the inefficiency of chemotherapy and radiotherapy. Unlike IL17F variant, patients with wild type genotypes require surgery and adjuvant chemotherapy. On the one hand, we found no evidence that supports a significant association between IL23R polymorphism and the combined genotypes of these three genes and the colorectal cancer treatment. On the other hand, we showed that there is an important interaction between IL17A/IL17F polymorphisms and the stage of the disease as well as its treatment. Finally, patients with IL17F wild type genotype highlighted that there is a valid longer OS without all treatments and with radiotherapy and a neoadjuvant chemotherapy. In contrast, we observed that there are no relationships between IL17A, IL23R and the survival of these patients neither with nor without the treatment. Our results suggest that polymorphisms in IL17A and IL17F genes may be a predictive source of colorectal cancer therapy type. Therefore, IL17F may serve as an independent prognostic factor for overall survival in patients with colorectal cancer.

IL-12-and IL-23 in health and disease

Interleukin (IL)-12 and IL-23 play important roles in the development of experimental autoimmune disease models and numerous afflictions affecting humans. Preclinical data over the last 20 years combined with successful clinical trials has identified a clear relationship between IL-12, IL-23 and the generation of pathogenic T helper cells capable of orchestrating tissue inflammation. Observations made in the clinic have shown that IL-12p40, a common subunit shared by IL-12 and IL-23, is critical to pathologies associated with psoriasis, inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) and tumor growth. These advancements have set in motion the development of a number of potential therapeutics aimed at manipulating IL-12/23 signaling pathways in both mice and humans. This review will discuss a brief history of the understanding and expansion of the IL-12 cytokine family, some difficulties associated with preclinical data interpretation and finally the medicinal interventions that have been developed to combat IL-12/23-driven autoimmune disorders.

Functional polymorphisms in interleukin-23 receptor and susceptibility to esophageal squamous cell carcinoma in Chinese population

BACKGROUND

As a key element in the T-helper 17 (Th17) cell-mediated inflammatory process, interleukin-23 receptor (IL-23R) plays a crucial role in the pathogenesis of cancer. Single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) in IL-23R have been frequently studied in several previous case-control cancer studies, but its association with esophageal squamous cell carcinoma (ESCC) in Chinese population has not been investigated. This study examined whether genetic polymorphisms in IL-23R were associated with ESCC susceptibility.

METHODS

A hospital-based case-control study of 684 ESCC patients and 1064 healthy controls was performed to assess the association between four previous reported IL-23R genotypes (rs6682925, rs6683039, rs1884444 and rs10889677) and ESCC risk. The results revealed that the C allele of the rs10889677A>C polymorphism in the 3'UTR of IL-23R gene was inversely associated with the risk of ESCC.

RESULTS

The rs10889677AC genotype had significantly decreased cancer risk (odds ratio [OR]  = 0.85, 95% confidence interval [CI]  = 0.69-1.01) compared to subjects homozygous carriers of rs10889677AA, the risk decreased even further in those carrying rs10889677CC genotype (OR = 0.64, 95% CI = 0.44-0.93). No significant association was found between the other three polymorphisms and the risk of ESCC.

CONCLUSION

These findings indicated that rs10889677A>C polymorphism in IL-23R may play a protective role in mediating the risk of ESCC.

Acquired resistance to temsirolimus in human renal cell carcinoma cells is mediated by the constitutive activation of signal transduction pathways through mTORC2

BACKGROUND

The objective of this study was to characterise the mechanism underlying acquired resistance to temsirolimus, an inhibitor of mammalian target of rapamycin (mTOR), in renal cell carcinoma (RCC).

METHODS

A parental human RCC cell line, ACHN (ACHN/P), was continuously exposed to increasing doses of up to 20 μM of temsirolimus, and a cell line resistant to temsirolimus (ACHN/R), showing a sixfold higher IC50 than that of ACHN/P, was developed.

RESULTS

Following treatment with temsirolimus, phosphorylation of S6 kinase in ACHN/P was markedly inhibited, whereas there was no detectable expression of phosphorylated S6 in ACHN/R before and after temsirolimus treatment. However, AKT and p44/42 mitogen-activated protein kinase (MAPK) were constitutively phosphorylated even after temsirolimus treatment in ACHN/R, but not in ACHN/P. There was no significant difference between the sensitivities of ACHN/P and ACHN/R to KU0063794, a dual inhibitor of mTOR complex 1 (mTORC1) and mTORC2. Similar sensitivities to temsirolimus in ACHN/P and ACHN/R could be achieved by additional treatment with specific inhibitors of AKT- and MAPK-signaling pathways.

CONCLUSION

The activation of signal transduction pathways via mTORC2, but not via mTORC1, may have an important role in the acquisition of a resistant phenotype to temsirolimus in RCC.

Interleukin-23 receptor genetic variants contribute to susceptibility of multiple cancers

AIM

Interleukin-23 (IL-23) and IL-23 receptor (IL23R) play an important role during the T-helper 17 (Th17) cell-mediated inflammatory process as well as pathogenesis of multiple cancers. Several IL-23R single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs), especially rs6682925, rs10889677 and rs1884444 polymorphisms, are considered to have significant impacts on susceptibility of multiple cancers. A number of case-control studies have explored the role these genetic polymorphisms in development of carcinogenesis, but the conclusions are inconsistent. Therefore, we conducted this meta-analysis to systematically investigate the associations between the three genetic variants and multiple cancer risk.

METHODS

A total of ten studies are eligible (12,211 patients and 14,650 controls). Pooled odds ratios (ORs) and the 95% confidence interval (95% CI) were appropriately calculated using either fixed-effect model or random-effect model.

RESULTS

Significant associations between rs6682925 or rs10889677 polymorphism and cancer risk were found (OR=1.11, 95% CI=1.03-1.21, P=0.007; or OR=0.85, 95% CI=0.71-0.92, P=0.001). However, there was no such association between rs1884444 genotypes and cancer susceptibility (P>0.05).

CONCLUSION

These findings reveal that the IL-23R rs6682925 and rs10889677 genetic variants play a more important part in pathogenesis of multiple cancers.

A balance of interleukin-12 and -23 in cancer

Interleukin (IL)-12 and IL-23 share the IL-12p40 molecule. IL-12 promotes T helper (Th)1 immunity and IL-23 promotes Th17 immunity, and it has recently become apparent that the balance between IL-12 and IL-23 is important in carcinogenesis. A series of studies demonstrated that, where tumor initiation, growth, and metastasis are concerned, IL-12 may act independently of interferon (IFN)-γ, and IL-23 independently of IL-17A. This review explores the activity of IL-23 in carcinogenesis. In the context of the tumor-inhibitory effects of IL-12, and tumor-promoting effects of IL-23, we discuss the use of anti-IL-12p/23 monoclonal antibodies (mAbs) in autoimmune inflammatory disorders and the alternative specific neutralization of IL-23.

IL-23R is Epigenetically Regulated and Modulated by Chemotherapy in Non-Small Cell Lung Cancer

The Interleukin-23 (IL-23)/IL-23R signaling axis is an important inflammatory pathway, involved in the stimulation and regulation of the T helper (Th) 17 lymphocytes, resulting in the production of IL-17. Aside from auto-immunity, this cytokine has also been linked to carcinogenesis and polymorphisms in the IL-23R gene are associated with an increased risk for the development of a number of different cancers. Activation of the IL-23 pathway results in the up-regulation of STAT3 and it is thought that the pathological consequences associated with this are in part due to the production of IL-17. We have previously identified IL-23A as pro-proliferative and epigenetically regulated in non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC). The current study aims to evaluate IL-23R in greater detail in NSCLC. We demonstrate that IL-23R is expressed and epigenetically regulated in NSCLC through histone post-translation modifications and CpG island methylation. In addition, Gemcitabine treatment, a chemotherapy drug used in the treatment of NSCLC, resulted in the up-regulation of the IL-23R. Furthermore, Apilimod (STA 5326), a small molecule which blocks the expression of IL-23 and IL-12, reduced the proliferative capacity of NSCLC cells, particularly in the adenocarcinoma (A549) sub-type. Apilimod is currently undergoing investigation in a number of clinical trials for the treatment of auto-immune conditions such as Crohn’s disease and Rheumatoid Arthritis. Our results may have implications for treating NSCLC patients with Gemcitabine or epigenetic targeted therapies. However, Apilimod may possibly provide a new treatment avenue for NSCLC patients. Work is currently ongoing to further delineate the IL-23/IL-23R axis in this disease.

Potentially functional polymorphism in IL-23 receptor and risk of acute myeloid leukemia in a Chinese population

The interleukin-23 (IL-23) and its receptor (IL-23R) mediate the direct antitumor activities in human hematologic malignancies including pediatric acute leukemia. Two potentially functional genetic variants (IL-23R rs1884444 T>G and rs6682925 T>C) have been found to contribute to solid cancer susceptibility. In this study, we conducted a case-control study including 545 acute myeloid leukemia (AML) patients and 1,146 cancer-free controls in a Chinese population to assess the association between these two SNPs and the risk of AML. We found that IL-23R rs1884444 TG/GG and rs6682925 TC/CC variant genotypes were associated with significantly increased risk of AML [rs1884444: adjusted odds ratio (OR) = 1.28, 95% confidence interval (CI) = 1.01–1.62; rs6682925: adjusted OR = 1.30, 95%CI = 1.01–1.67], compared to their corresponding wild-type homozygotes, respectively. These findings indicated that genetic variants in IL-23R may contribute to AML risk in our Chinese population.

IL-23R polymorphisms, HBV infection, and risk of hepatocellular carcinoma in a high-risk Chinese population

BACKGROUND

The interleukin-23 receptor (IL-23R) plays an important role in the T-helper 17 cell-mediated inflammatory process and is also involved in tumor immune surveillance, which may be linked to carcinogenesis in hepatitis B virus (HBV)-related hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC). In this study, we hypothesized that potentially functional genetic variants of the IL-23R gene may modify HCC risk.

METHODS

We genotyped two single-nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) of IL-23R, rs6682925 and rs1884444, in a case-control study of 837 HCC cases, 899 HBV surface antigen (HBsAg)-positive controls, and 743 HBsAg-negative controls. A reporter gene assay was performed to evaluate the functional relevance of the rs6682925 SNP located at the promoter region of the IL-23R gene.

RESULTS

We found that the two SNPs were associated with the risk of HCC when compared with both the HBsAg-positive and -negative controls. When compared with all controls, IL-23R rs6682925 and rs1884444 both increased the HCC risk in a recessive genetic model [rs6682925 CC vs. TT/TC: odds ratio (OR) 1.35, 95 % confidence interval (CI) 1.07-1.70; rs1884444 GG vs. TT/TG: OR 1.36, 95 % CI 1.05-1.77]. Furthermore, the variant C allele of rs6682925 in the promoter region of IL-23R was associated with increased reporter gene activity.

CONCLUSIONS

These findings indicate that genetic variants in IL-23R may contribute to HCC development.

A miRNA binding site single-nucleotide polymorphism in the 3'-UTR region of the IL23R gene is associated with breast cancer

Background

Research into the etiology of breast cancer has recently focused on the role of the immunity and inflammation. Interleukin-23 and its receptor (IL23R) guide T cells towards the Th17 phenotype. IL23R single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) have been shown to be associated with digestive system cancers. To evaluate the influences of IL23R gene polymorphisms on the risk of sporadic breast cancer, a case-control study was conducted in Chinese Han women.

Methodology and Principal Findings

We genotyped two tag SNPs (rs10889677 in the 3′-UTR region and nonsynonymous variants rs1884444 in exon 2) in IL23R gene of 491 breast cancer patients and 502 matched healthy controls. The genotypes were determined using the SNaPshot technique. The differences in the genotypic distribution between breast cancer patients and healthy controls were analyzed with the Chi-square test for trends. For rs10889677 in IL23R, the frequencies of the AA genotype and the A allele were statistical significant higher in breast cancer patients than in controls (P = 0.0084 and P = 0.0171, respectively), whereas the C allele was associated with an earlier age of breast cancer onset (50.6 years for AA, 48.7 years for AC and 46.0 years for CC (P = 0.0114)) in case-only study. The clinical features analysis demonstrated significant associations between rs1884444 in IL23R and human epidermal growth factor receptor 2 (Her-2) and tumor size status.

Conclusions and Significance

Our results suggest that a miRNA binding site SNP in the 3′-UTR region of the IL23R gene may be associated with the risk of breast cancer and contribute to the early development of breast cancer in Chinese women.

Functional genetic variations in the IL-23 receptor gene are associated with risk of breast, lung and nasopharyngeal cancer in Chinese populations

Interleukin-23 receptor (IL-23R) is a key element in the T-helper 17 cell-mediated inflammatory process, which plays an important role in the pathogenesis of cancer. In this study, we examined whether genetic polymorphisms in IL-23R are associated with cancer risk in 4936 cancer patients and 5664 control subjects from eastern and southern Chinese populations. We found that the C allele of the rs10889677A>C polymorphism in the 3'-untranslated region of IL-23R was inversely associated with risk of multiple types of cancer, including breast cancer, lung cancer and nasopharyngeal carcinoma. Healthy controls who harbored the rs10889677C allele had significantly decreased cancer risk (odds ratio = 0.74, 95% confidence interval = 0.71-0.78) compared with those who harbored the rs10889677A allele. Biochemical analysis demonstrated that the rs10889677A allele disrupted the binding site for the microRNA miR-let-7f, thereby increasing the transcription of the IL-23R in vitro and in vivo. Furthermore, cancer-free individuals carrying the rs10889677CC homozygous genotype had a lower proportion of regulatory T cells (Tregs) and a higher T-cell proliferation rate upon stimulation with concanavalin A than individuals carrying the rs10889677AA homozygous genotype. Our findings indicate that the IL-23R rs10889677A>C polymorphism may influence T-cell proliferation, resulting in changes in the levels of Tregs in vivo and modifying cancer susceptibility.

The class I PI3K/Akt pathway is critical for cancer cell survival in dogs and offers an opportunity for therapeutic intervention

BACKGROUND

Using novel small-molecular inhibitors, we explored the feasibility of the class I PI3K/Akt/mTORC1 signaling pathway as a therapeutic target in canine oncology either by using pathway inhibitors alone, in combination or combined with conventional chemotherapeutic drugs in vitro.

RESULTS

We demonstrate that growth and survival of the cell lines tested are predominantly dependent on class I PI3K/Akt signaling rather than mTORC1 signaling. In addition, the newly developed inhibitors ZSTK474 and KP372-1 which selectively target pan-class I PI3K and Akt, respectively, and Rapamycin which has been well-established as highly specific mTOR inhibitor, decrease viability of canine cancer cell lines. All inhibitors demonstrated inhibition of phosphorylation of pathway members. Annexin V staining demonstrated that KP372-1 is a potent inducer of apoptosis whereas ZSTK474 and Rapamycin are weaker inducers of apoptosis. Simultaneous inhibition of class I PI3K and mTORC1 by ZSTK474 combined with Rapamycin additively or synergistically reduced cell viability whereas responses to the PI3K pathway inhibitors in combination with conventional drug Doxorubicin were cell line-dependent.

CONCLUSION

This study highlighted the importance of class I PI3K/Akt axis signaling in canine tumour cells and identifies it as a promising therapeutic target.

Genetic variability in IL23R and risk of colorectal adenoma and colorectal cancer

Inflammatory processes, including, specifically, the inflammatory conditions Crohn's disease (CD) and ulcerative colitis (UC) predispose to colorectal cancer. Interleukin-23 is involved in pro-inflammatory signaling; genetic variation in the interleukin-23 receptor (IL23R) has been consistently associated with CD and UC risk. In three case-control studies of colorectal adenoma (n=485 cases/578 controls), colon cancer (n=1424 cases/1780 controls) and rectal cancer (n=583 cases/775 controls), we investigated associations with 18 candidate and tagSNPs in IL23R. The three studies used an identical Illumina GoldenGate assay, allowing thorough investigation across stages and locations of colorectal neoplasia. We further explored associations with molecular cancer subtypes (MSI+, CIMP+, KRAS2mut, TP53mut). In this comprehensive study of genetic variability in IL23R across the spectrum of colorectal carcinogenesis, as well as within colon and rectal tumor molecular subtypes, we observed associations between SNPs in IL23R and risk of rectal cancer: the 88413 C>A (rs10889675) and 69450 C>A (rs7542081) polymorphisms were associated with decreased rectal cancer risk overall (p-trend=0.04 and 0.05 respectively), and specifically with rectal tumors bearing a TP53 mutation (88413 CA/AA vs. CC OR: 0.66; 95% CI: 0.46-94; 69450 CA/AA vs. CC OR: 0.60; 95% CI: 0.37-0.98). However, none of associations remained statistically significant after correction for multiple testing. These data provide some evidence that genetic variability in IL23R may contribute to rectal cancer risk and should be evaluated in additional studies.

Potentially functional polymorphisms in IL-23 receptor and risk of esophageal cancer in a Chinese population

Interleukin-23 (IL-23)/IL-23 receptor (IL-23R) is essential for Th17 cell-mediated immune response, involved in autoimmune diseases and cancer pathogenesis. Two potentially functional genetic single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs; IL-23R rs6682925 T>C and rs1884444 T>G) were found to contribute to cancer susceptibility. In our study, we conducted a case-control study including 1,645 patients with esophageal cancer and 1,694 cancer-free controls in a Chinese population to assess the association between the two SNPs and the risk of esophageal cancer. We found that IL-23R rs6682925 TC/CC and rs1884444 TG/GG variant genotypes were associated with significantly increased risk of esophageal cancer [rs1884444: adjusted odds ratio (OR) = 1.16, 95% confidence intervals (CIs) =1.01-1.33; rs6682925: adjusted OR = 1.23, 95% CIs = 1.07-1.42], compared to their corresponding wild-type homozygotes. Furthermore, the increased risks associated with the two SNPs were independent from smoking and alcohol drinking status. These findings indicated that genetic variants in IL-23R may contribute to esophageal cancer risk in our Chinese population.

Interleukin-23 receptor polymorphism as a risk factor for oral cancer susceptibility

BACKGROUND

The purpose of this study was to evaluate the influence of genetic polymorphisms of interleukin (IL)-23 and the IL-23 receptor (IL-23R) on the susceptibility to oral cancer.

METHODS

Polymerase chain reaction-restriction fragment length polymorphism (PCR-RFLP) was used to measure polymorphisms of these genes in 240 controls and 240 patients with oral cancer.

RESULTS

Individuals with at least 1 varied C allele of rs10889677 (IL-23R polymorphism) had a 1.553-fold risk (95% confidence interval [CI], 1.073-2.241) of developing oral cancer compared with patients with the wild-type A/A homozygote. Patients with oral cancer with at least 1 varied C allele of rs10889677 had a 1.931-fold risk of tumor lymph node metastasis compared with patients with the C/C homozygote.

CONCLUSION

The varied C allele of the IL-23R gene may be considered a factor contributing to increased susceptibility and may be a predictive factor for tumor lymph node metastasis in Taiwanese with oral cancer.

L-threonine regulates G1/S phase transition of mouse embryonic stem cells via PI3K/Akt, MAPKs, and mTORC pathways

Although amino acids can function as signaling molecules in the regulation of many cellular processes, mechanisms surrounding L-threonine involvement in embryonic stem cell (ESC) functions have not been explored. Thus, we investigated the effect of L-threonine on regulation of mouse (m)ESC self-renewal and related signaling pathways. In L-threonine-depleted mESC culture media mRNA of self-renewal marker genes, [(3)H]thymidine incorporation, expression of c-Myc, Oct4, and cyclins protein was attenuated. In addition, resupplying L-threonine (500 μM) after depletion restores/maintains the mESC proliferation. Disruption of the lipid raft/caveolae microdomain through treatment with methyl-β-cyclodextrin or transfection with caveolin-1 specific small interfering RNA blocked L-threonine-induced proliferation of mESCs. Addition of L-threonine induced phosphorylation of Akt, ERK, p38, JNK/SAPK, and mTOR in a time-dependent manner. This activity was blocked by LY 294002 (PI3K inhibitor), wortmannin (PI3K inhibitor), or an Akt inhibitor. L-threonine-induced activation of mTOR, p70S6K, and 4E-BP1 as well as cyclins and Oct4 were blocked by PD 98059 (ERK inhibitor), SB 203580 (p38 inhibitor) or SP 600125 (JNK inhibitor). Furthermore, L-threonine induced phosphorylation of raptor and rictor binding to mTOR was completely inhibited by 24 h treatment with rapamycin (mTOR inhibitor); however, a 10 min treatment with rapamycin only partially inhibited rictor phosphorylation. L-threonine induced translocation of rictor from the membrane to the cytosol/nuclear, which blocked by pretreatment with rapamycin. In addition, rapamycin blocked L-threonine-induced increases in mRNA expressions of trophoectoderm and mesoderm marker genes and mESC proliferation. In conclusion, L-threonine stimulated ESC G(1)/S transition through lipid raft/caveolae-dependent PI3K/Akt, MAPKs, mTOR, p70S6K, and 4E-BP1 signaling pathways.

Rapamycin reverses hypertrophic cardiomyopathy in a mouse model of LEOPARD syndrome-associated PTPN11 mutation

LEOPARD syndrome (LS) is an autosomal dominant "RASopathy" that manifests with congenital heart disease. Nearly all cases of LS are caused by catalytically inactivating mutations in the protein tyrosine phosphatase (PTP), non-receptor type 11 (PTPN11) gene that encodes the SH2 domain-containing PTP-2 (SHP2). RASopathies typically affect components of the RAS/MAPK pathway, yet it remains unclear how PTPN11 mutations alter cellular signaling to produce LS phenotypes. We therefore generated knockin mice harboring the Ptpn11 mutation Y279C, one of the most common LS alleles. Ptpn11(Y279C/+) (LS/+) mice recapitulated the human disorder, with short stature, craniofacial dysmorphia, and morphologic, histologic, echocardiographic, and molecular evidence of hypertrophic cardiomyopathy (HCM). Heart and/or cardiomyocyte lysates from LS/+ mice showed enhanced binding of Shp2 to Irs1, decreased Shp2 catalytic activity, and abrogated agonist-evoked Erk/Mapk signaling. LS/+ mice also exhibited increased basal and agonist-induced Akt and mTor activity. The cardiac defects in LS/+ mice were completely reversed by treatment with rapamycin, an inhibitor of mTOR. Our results demonstrate that LS mutations have dominant-negative effects in vivo, identify enhanced mTOR activity as critical for causing LS-associated HCM, and suggest that TOR inhibitors be considered for treatment of HCM in LS patients.