IL-6, IL-8, MMP-2, MMP-9 are overexpressed in Fanconi anemia cells through a NF-κB/TNF-α dependent mechanism

Advanced Analysis and Validation of a microRNA Signature for Fanconi Anemia

Some years ago, we reported the generation of a Fanconi anemia (FA) microRNA signature. This study aims to develop an analytical strategy to select a smaller and more reliable set of molecules that could be tested for potential benefits for the FA phenotype, elucidate its biochemical and molecular mechanisms, address experimental activity, and evaluate its possible impact on FA therapy. In silico analyses of the data obtained in the original study were thoroughly processed and anenrichment analysis was employed to identify the classes of genes that are over-represented in the FA-miRNA population under study. Primary bone marrow mononuclear cells (MNCs) from sixFA patients and sixhealthy donors as control samples were employed in the study. RNAs containing the small RNA fractions were reverse-transcribed and real-time PCR was performed in triplicate using the specific primers. Experiments were performed in triplicate.The in-silico analysis reported six miRNAs as likely contributors to the complex pathological spectrum of FA. Among these, three miRNAs were validated by real-time PCR. Primary bone marrow mononuclear cells (MNCs) reported a significant reduction in the expression level of miRNA-1246 and miRNA-206 in the FA samples in comparison to controls.This study highlights several biochemical pathways as culprits in the phenotypic manifestations and the pathophysiological mechanisms acting in FA. A relatively low number of miRNAs appear involved in all these different phenotypes, demonstrating the extreme plasticity of the gene expression modulation. This study further highlights miR-206 as a pivotal player in regulatory functions and signaling in the bone marrow mesenchymal stem cell (BMSC) process in FA. Due to this evidence, the activity of miR-206 in FA deserves specific experimental scrutiny. The results, here presented, might be relevant in the management of FA.

Hypermethylation and low expression of FANCC involved in multi-walled carbon nanotube-induced toxicity on ARPE-19 cells

Multi-walled carbon nanotube (MWCNT) exposure was observed to cause damages on the viability of ocular cells, however, the underlying mechanisms remain not well understood. Epigenetic alterations that regulate gene expression have been identified as a major responsiveness to environmental challenge. Thus, the aim of this study was to screen methylation-regulated genes involved in MWCNT exposure. The Illumina Human Methylation 850 K array was employed to determine the genome-wide DNA methylation profile of human retinal pigment epithelial cell line (ARPE-19) exposed to 50% inhibition concentration of MWCNTs (100 μg/ml) for 24 h or without (n = 3 for each group). Then, the transcriptome data obtained by high-throughput RNA sequencing previously were integrated with DNA methylome to identify the overlapped genes. As a result, the integrative bioinformatics analysis identified that compared with controls, FA complementation group C (FANCC) was hypermethylated and downregulated in MWCNT-exposed ARPE-19 cells. Quantitative real-time polymerase chain reaction analysis confirmed the mRNA expression level of FANCC was significantly decreased following MWCNT treatment and the addition of DNA methylation inhibitor 5-Aza-deoxycytidine (10 μM) reversed this decrease. Pyrosequencing analysis further validated the hypermethylation status at the 5'-untranslated promoter region of FANCC (cg14583550) in MWCNT-exposed ARPE-19 cells. Protein-protein interaction network and function analyses predicted that FANCC may contribute to MWCNT-induced cytotoxicity by interacting with heat shock protein 90 beta family member 1 and then upregulating cytokine interleukin-6 and apoptosis biomarker caspase 3. In conclusion, the present study links the epigenetic modification of FANCC with the pathogenesis of MWCNT-induced retinal toxicity.

Inhibiting KLRB1 expression is associated with impairing cancer immunity and leading to cancer progression and poor prognosis in breast invasive carcinoma patients

BACKGROUND

The association between Killer cell lectin like receptor B1 (KLRB1) and cancer has been reported, but the roles of KLRB1 in breast invasive carcinoma (BRCA) has not been fully revealed.

METHODS

Our study utilized the Cancer Genome Atlas (TCGA), Kaplan-Meier (K-M) Plotter, and TIMER databases to investigate the expression and clinical relevance of KLRB1 in BRCA and to explore its roles and mechanism in BRCA progression using gene set enrichment analysis, CCK-8, migration, apoptosis, and western blotting. We examined the relationship between KLRB1 expression and the BRCA immune microenvironment, using data from TCGA, and Gene Expression Profiling Interactive Analysis (GEPIA) databases and validated these findings in K-M Plotter databases.

RESULTS

A significant decrease of KLRB1 expression was observed in BRCA patients. BRCA patients with low KLRB1 levels were associated with older age, advanced disease stage, HER2-positivity, poor prognosis, and a decreased survival probability compared to the high-expression group. Increased KLRB1 expression levels were correlated with inhibition of breast cancer cell proliferation, migration, and invasion, as well as promotion of cell apoptosis, possible through regulation of the NF-κB, PI3K/AKT, and TNF signaling pathways. Moreover, the study also indicated that decreased KLRB1 expression correlated with tumor purity, immune score, and immune cell infiltration (B cells, CD8+ T cells, CD4+ T cells, neutrophils, dendritic cells, among others), cell markers, and immunotherapy.

CONCLUSION

Decreased KLRB1 expression in BRCA is associated with poor prognosis and immune microenvironment. This study also highlights KLRB1 as a potential molecular marker for poor prognosis in BRCA patients, and therefore, it may provide clinical implications for the management of patients with BRCA.

The Molecular and Genetic Mechanisms of Inherited Bone Marrow Failure Syndromes: The Role of Inflammatory Cytokines in Their Pathogenesis

Inherited bone marrow failure syndromes (IBMFSs) include Fanconi anemia, Diamond-Blackfan anemia, Shwachman-Diamond syndrome, dyskeratosis congenita, severe congenital neutropenia, and other rare entities such as GATA2 deficiency and SAMD9/9L mutations. The IBMFS monogenic disorders were first recognized by their phenotype. Exome sequencing has validated their classification, with clusters of gene mutations affecting DNA damage response (Fanconi anemia), ribosome structure (Diamond-Blackfan anemia), ribosome assembly (Shwachman-Diamond syndrome), or telomere maintenance/stability (dyskeratosis congenita). The pathogenetic mechanisms of IBMFSs remain to be characterized fully, but an overarching hypothesis states that different stresses elicit TP53-dependent growth arrest and apoptosis of hematopoietic stem, progenitor, and precursor cells. Here, we review the IBMFSs and propose a role for pro-inflammatory cytokines, such as TGF-β, IL-1β, and IFN-α, in mediating the cytopenias. We suggest a pathogenic role for cytokines in the transformation to myeloid neoplasia and hypothesize a role for anti-inflammatory therapies.

Inflammatory Mediators in Oral Cancer: Pathogenic Mechanisms and Diagnostic Potential

Approximately 15% of cancers are attributable to the inflammatory process, and growing evidence supports an association between oral squamous cell carcinoma (OSCC) and chronic inflammation. Different oral inflammatory conditions, such as oral lichen planus (OLP), submucous fibrosis, and oral discoid lupus, are all predisposing for the development of OSCC. The microenvironment of these conditions contains various transcription factors and inflammatory mediators with the ability to induce proliferation, epithelial-to-mesenchymal transition (EMT), and invasion of genetically predisposed lesions, thereby promoting tumor development. In this review, we will focus on the main inflammatory molecules and transcription factors activated in OSCC, with emphasis on their translational potential.

Study on the mechanism of Salvia miltiorrhiza polysaccharides in relieving liver injury of broilers induced by florfenicol

In order to explore the transcriptomics and proteomics targets and pathways of Salvia miltiorrhiza polysaccharides (SMPs) alleviating florfenicol (FFC)-induced liver injury in broilers, 60 1-day-old broilers were randomly divided into 3 groups: control group ( GP1) was fed tap water, FFC model (GP2) was given tap water containing FFC 0.15 g/L, and SMPs treatment group (GP3) was given tap water containing FFC 0.15 g/L and SMPs 5 g/L. Starting from 1 day of age, the drug was administered continuously for 5 days. On the 6th day, blood was collected from the heart and the liver was taken. Then 3 chickens were randomly taken from each group, and their liver tissues were aseptically removed and placed in an enzyme-free tube. Using high-throughput mRNA sequencing and TMT-labeled quantitative proteomics technology, the transcriptome and proteome of the three groups of broiler liver were analyzed, respectively. The results of the study showed that the liver tissue morphology of the chicks in the GP1 and GP3 groups was complete and there were no obvious necrotic cells in the liver cells. The liver tissue cells in the GP2 group showed obvious damage, the intercellular space increased, and the liver cells showed extensive vacuolation and steatosis. Compared with the GP1 group, the daily gain of chicks in the GP2 group was significantly reduced (P < 0.0 5 or P < 0.01). Compared with the GP2 group, the GP3 group significantly increased the daily gain of chicks (P <0.0 5 or P <0.01). Compared with the GP1 group, the serum levels of ALT, AST, liver LPO, ROS, and IL-6 in the GP2 group were significantly increased (P < 0.0 5 or P < 0.01), and the contents of T-AOC, GSH-PX, IL-4, and IL-10 in the liver were significantly decreased (P < 0.0 5 or P < 0.01). After SMPs treatment, the serum levels of ALT, AST, liver LPO, ROS, and IL-6 were significantly reduced (P < 0.0 5 or P < 0.01), and the contents of T-AOC, GSH-PX, IL-4, and IL-10 in the liver were significantly increased (P < 0.0 5 or P < 0.01). There were 380 mRNA and 178 protein differentially expressed between GP2 group and GP3 group. Part of DEGs was randomly selected for QPCR verification, and the expression results of randomly selected FABP1, SLC16A1, GPT2, AACS, and other genes were verified by QPCR to be consistent with the sequencing results, which demonstrated the accuracy of transcriptation-associated proteomics sequencing. The results showed that SMPs could alleviate the oxidative stress and inflammatory damage caused by FFC in the liver of chicken and restore the normal function of the liver. SMPs may alleviate the liver damage caused by FFC by regulating the drug metabolism-cytochrome P450, PPAR signaling pathway, MAPK signaling pathway, glutathione metabolism, and other pathways.

Global miRNA expression of bone marrow mesenchymal stem/stromal cells derived from Fanconi anemia patients

Fanconi anemia (FA) is a rare genetic disorder characterized by genomic instability, developmental defects, and bone marrow (BM) failure. Hematopoietic stem cells (HSCs) in BM interact with the mesenchymal stem/stromal cells (MSCs); and this partly sustains the tissue homeostasis. MicroRNAs (miRNAs) can play a critical role during these interactions possibly via paracrine mechanisms. This is the first study addressing the miRNA profile of FA BM-MSCs obtained before and after BM transplantation (preBMT and postBMT, respectively). Non-coding RNA expression profiling and quality control analyses were performed in Donors (n = 13), FA preBMT (n = 11), and FA postBMT (n = 6) BM-MSCs using GeneChip miRNA 2.0 Array. Six Donor-FA preBMT pairs were used to identify a differentially expressed miRNA expression signature containing 50 miRNAs, which exhibited a strong correlation with the signature obtained from unpaired samples. Five miRNAs (hsa-miR-146a-5p, hsa-miR-148b-3p, hsa-miR-187-3p, hsa-miR-196b-5p, and hsa-miR-25-3p) significantly downregulated in both the paired and unpaired analyses were used to generate the BM-MSCs' miRNA-BM mononuclear mRNA networks upon integration of a public dataset (GSE16334; studying Donor versus FA samples). Functionally enriched KEGG pathways included cellular senescence, miRNAs, and pathways in cancer. Here, we showed that hsa-miR-146a-5p and hsa-miR-874-3p were rescued upon BMT (n = 3 triplets). The decrease in miR-146a-5p was also validated using RT-qPCR and emerged as a strong candidate as a modulator of BM mRNAs in FA patients.

Beneficial Effects of Ursolic Acid and Its Derivatives-Focus on Potential Biochemical Mechanisms in Cardiovascular Conditions

Ursolic acid (UA) is a natural pentacyclic triterpenoid found in a number of plants such as apples, thyme, oregano, hawthorn and others. Several in vitro and in vivo studies have presented its anti-inflammatory and anti-apoptotic properties. The inhibition of NF-κB-mediated inflammatory pathways and the increased scavenging of reactive oxygen species (ROS) in numerous ways seem to be the most beneficial effects of UA. In mice and rats, administration of UA appears to slow down the development of cardiovascular diseases (CVDs), especially atherosclerosis and cardiac fibrosis. Upregulation of endothelial-type nitric oxide synthase (eNOS) and cystathionine-λ-lyase (CSE) by UA may suggest its vasorelaxant property. Inhibition of metalloproteinases activity by UA may contribute to better outcomes in aneurysms management. UA influence on lipid and glucose metabolism remains inconsistent, and additional studies are essential to verify its efficacy. Furthermore, UA derivatives appear to have a beneficial impact on the cardiovascular system. This review aims to summarize recent findings on beneficial effects of UA that may make it a promising candidate for clinical trials for the management of CVDs.

Radiation-Induced Overexpression of TGFβ and PODXL Contributes to Colorectal Cancer Cell Radioresistance through Enhanced Motility

The primary cause of colorectal cancer (CRC) recurrence is increased distant metastasis after radiotherapy, so there is a need for targeted therapeutic approaches to reduce the metastatic-relapse risk. Dysregulation of the cell-surface glycoprotein podocalyxin-like protein (PODXL) plays an important role in promoting cancer-cell motility and is associated with poor prognoses for many malignancy types. We found that CRC cells exposed to radiation demonstrated increased TGFβ and PODXL expressions, resulting in increased migration and invasiveness due to increased extracellular matrix deposition. In addition, both TGFβ and PODXL were highly expressed in tissue samples from radiotherapy-treated CRC patients compared to those from patients without this treatment. However, it is unclear whether TGFβ and PODXL interactions are involved in cancer-progression resistance after radiation exposure in CRC. Here, using CRC cells, we showed that silencing PODXL blocked radiation-induced cell migration and invasiveness. Cell treatment with galunisertib (a TGFβ-pathway inhibitor) also led to reduced viability and migration, suggesting that its clinical use may enhance the cytotoxic effects of radiation and lead to the effective inhibition of CRC progression. Overall, the results demonstrate that downregulation of TGFβ and its-mediated PODXL may provide potential therapeutic targets for patients with radiotherapy-resistant CRC.

Identification of the Key Role of NF-κB Signaling Pathway in the Treatment of Osteoarthritis With Bushen Zhuangjin Decoction, a Verification Based on Network Pharmacology Approach

This study aimed to identify whether the NF-κB signaling pathway plays a key role in the treatment of osteoarthritis (OA) with Bushen Zhuangjin Decoction (BZD) based on a typical network pharmacology approach (NPA). Four sequential experiments were performed: 1) conventional high-performance liquid chromatography (HPLC), 2) preliminary observation of the therapeutic effects of BZD, 3) NPA using three OA-related gene expression profiles, and 4) verification of the key pathway identified by NPA. Only one HPLC-verified compound (paeoniflorin) was identified from the candidate compounds discovered by NPA. The genes verified in the preliminary observation were also identified by NPA. NPA identified a key role for the NF-κB signaling pathway in the treatment of OA with BZD, which was confirmed by conventional western blot analysis. This study identified and verified NF-κB signaling pathway as the most important inflammatory signaling pathway involved in the mechanisms of BZD for treating OA by comparing the NPA results with conventional methods. Our findings also indicate that NPA is a powerful tool for exploring the molecular targets of complex herbal formulations, such as BZD.

Enhanced DNA damage response through RAD50 in triple negative breast cancer resistant and cancer stem-like cells contributes to chemoresistance

A growing body of evidence supports the notion that cancer resistance is driven by a small subset of cancer stem cells (CSC), responsible for tumor initiation, growth, and metastasis. Both CSC and chemoresistant cancer cells may share common qualities to activate a series of self-defense mechanisms against chemotherapeutic drugs. Here, we aimed to identify proteins in chemoresistant triple-negative breast cancer (TNBC) cells and corresponding CSC-like spheroid cells that may contribute to their resistance. We have identified several candidate proteins representing the subfamilies of DNA damage response (DDR) system, the ATP-binding cassette, and the 26S proteasome degradation machinery. We have also demonstrated that both cell types exhibit enhanced DDR when compared to corresponding parental counterparts, and identified RAD50 as one of the major contributors in the resistance phenotype. Finally, we have provided evidence that depleting or blocking RAD50 within the Mre11-Rad50-NBS1 (MRN) complex resensitizes CSC and chemoresistant TNBC cells to chemotherapeutic drugs.

Fanconi anemia A protein participates in nucleolar homeostasis maintenance and ribosome biogenesis

Fanconi anemia (FA), the most common inherited bone marrow failure and leukemia predisposition syndrome, is generally attributed to alterations in DNA damage responses due to the loss of function of the DNA repair and replication rescue activities of the FANC pathway. Here, we report that FANCA deficiency, whose inactivation has been identified in two-thirds of FA patients, is associated with nucleolar homeostasis loss, mislocalization of key nucleolar proteins, including nucleolin (NCL) and nucleophosmin 1 (NPM1), as well as alterations in ribosome biogenesis and protein synthesis. FANCA coimmunoprecipitates with NCL and NPM1 in a FANCcore complex-independent manner and, unique among the FANCcore complex proteins, associates with ribosomal subunits, influencing the stoichiometry of the translational machineries. In conclusion, we have identified unexpected nucleolar and translational consequences specifically associated with FANCA deficiency that appears to be involved in both DNA damage and nucleolar stress responses, challenging current hypothesis on FA physiopathology.

Identification of metabolic changes leading to cancer susceptibility in Fanconi anemia cells

Fanconi anemia (FA) is a chromosomal instability disorder of bone marrow associated with aplastic anemia, congenital abnormalities and a high risk of malignancies. The identification of more than two dozen FA genes has revealed a plethora of interacting proteins that are mainly involved in repair of DNA interstrand crosslinks (ICLs). Other important findings associated with FA are inflammation, oxidative stress response, mitochondrial dysfunction and mitophagy. In this work, we performed quantitative proteomic and metabolomic analyses on defective FA cells and identified a number of metabolic abnormalities associated with cancer. In particular, an increased de novo purine biosynthesis, a high concentration of fumarate, and an accumulation of purinosomal clusters were found. This was in parallel with decreased OXPHOS and altered glycolysis. On the whole, our results indicate an association between the need for nitrogenous bases upon impaired DDR in FA cells with a subsequent increase in purine metabolism and a potential role in oncogenesis.

Role of Matrix Metalloproteinases in Angiogenesis and Cancer

During angiogenesis, new vessels emerge from existing endothelial lined vessels to promote the degradation of the vascular basement membrane and remodel the extracellular matrix (ECM), followed by endothelial cell migration, and proliferation and the new generation of matrix components. Matrix metalloproteinases (MMPs) participate in the disruption, tumor neovascularization, and subsequent metastasis while tissue inhibitors of metalloproteinases (TIMPs) downregulate the activity of these MMPs. Then, the angiogenic response can be directly or indirectly mediated by MMPs through the modulation of the balance between pro- and anti-angiogenic factors. This review analyzes recent knowledge on MMPs and their participation in angiogenesis.

Prothymosin alpha and its mimetic hexapeptide improve delayed tissue plasminogen activator-induced brain damage following cerebral ischemia

Tissue plasminogen activator (tPA) administration beyond 4.5 h of stroke symptoms is beneficial for patients but has an increased risk of cerebral hemorrhage. Thus, increasing the therapeutic window of tPA is important for stroke recovery. We previously showed that prothymosin alpha (ProTα) or its mimetic hexapeptide (P6Q) has anti-ischemic activity. Here, we examined the beneficial effects of ProTα or P6Q against delayed tPA-induced brain damage following middle cerebral artery occlusion (MCAO) or photochemically induced thrombosis in mice. Brain hemorrhage was observed by tPA administration during reperfusion at 4.5 and 6 h after MCAO. Co-administration of ProTα with tPA at 4.5 h inhibited hemorrhage and motor dysfunction 2-4 days, but not 7 days after MCAO. ProTα administration at 2 and 4.5 h after MCAO significantly inhibited tPA (4.5 h)-induced motor dysfunction and death more than 7 days. Administration of tPA caused the loss of tight junction proteins, zona occulden-1 and occludin, and up-regulation of matrix metalloproteinase-2/9, in a ProTα-reversible manner. P6Q administration abolished tPA (4.5 h)-induced hemorrhage and reversed tPA (6 h)-induced vascular damage and matrix metalloproteinase-2 and 9 up-regulation. Twice administrations of P6Q at 2 h alone and 6 h with tPA significantly improved motor dysfunction more than 7 days. In photochemically induced thrombosis ischemia, similar vascular leakage and neuronal damage (infarction and motor dysfunction) by late tPA (4.5 or 6 h) were also inhibited by P6Q. Thus, these studies suggest that co-administration with ProTα or P6Q would be beneficial to inhibit delayed tPA-induced hemorrhagic mechanisms in acute ischemic stroke.

IL-12-mediated transcriptional regulation of matrix metalloproteinases

Matrix metalloproteinases (MMPs) are extracellular matrix (ECM) remodelling enzymes involved in developmental processes, tissue remodelling and repair, inflammatory and immune diseases and cancer. In a recent issue of Bioscience Reports (vol. 37, issue 6, BSR20170973), Liu and colleagues investigated the expression of MMPs such as MMP-1 (interstitial collagenase), MMP-3 (stromelysin 1) and MMP-13 (collagenase 3) in human periodontal ligament fibroblasts (hPDLFs) regulated by interleukin-12 (IL-12), a cytokine implicated in inflammatory and immune responses. They showed that IL-12 activates canonical nuclear factor-κB (NF-κB) signalling leading to increased expression of MMP-1, MMP-3 and MMP-13, and to a smaller reduction in the expression of MMP-2 (gelatinase A) and MMP-9 (gelatinase B) at both mRNA and protein levels, with corresponding changes in the secreted levels of these ECM-remodelling and immune regulatory metalloproteinases. While canonical NF-κB signalling regulates these MMPs, it also interacts with additional factors to determine whether some of these MMPs are induced or downregulated, in response to IL-12. Here, we comment on the possible mechanisms of IL-12-mediated transcriptional regulation of MMPs.

Ursolic acid prevents angiotensin II-induced abdominal aortic aneurysm in apolipoprotein E-knockout mice

BACKGROUND AND AIMS

Abdominal aortic aneurysms (AAA) is a chronic inflammatory disease in which signal transducer and activator of transcription 3 (STAT3), and disintegrin and metalloproteinase 17 (ADAM17) play important roles. However, it remains unclear whether ursolic acid (UA), a natural pentacyclic triterpenoid carboxylic acid, can have an impact on STAT3 and ADAM17 and hence influence the formation of AAA. The objective of this study was to characterize the potential effect of UA on the pathogenesis of AAA and on STAT3 and ADAM17.

METHODS

Male ApoE-/- mice were infused with angiotensin II (AngII) (1000 ng/kg/min) for 4 weeks to induce AAAs. Daily intragastric gavage with 100 mg/kg UA or tap water containing Tween 80 as controls was provided. Immunohistochemistry, cell viability assay, colony formation, wound healing assay, and Western blot were used to explore the potential effect of UA on AAA.

RESULTS

UA decreased the incidence of AngII-induced AAA in mice. UA alleviated the degradation of elastin fibers and inflammation and decreased the expression of MMP2, MMP9, ADAM17 and phospho-STAT3 (pSTAT3) in aorta of mice induced with AngII. UA inhibited the constitutive and stimuli-induced (AngII and tumor necrosis factor-α) expression of MMP2, MMP9, ADAM17 and pSTAT3 in vascular smooth muscle cells (VSMCs). Furthermore, UA decreased cell viability, and suppressed colony formation and wound healing in vitro.

CONCLUSIONS

We demonstrated that UA ameliorated the severity of AAA and exhibited an inhibitory effect on the expression of pSTAT3 and ADAM17. UA might emerge as a promising agent contributing to the prevention or treatment of AAA.

Complement C1q stimulates the progression of hepatocellular tumor through the activation of discoidin domain receptor 1

C1q is known to perform several functions in addition to the role it plays in complement activation. C1q contains a collagen-like portion and DDR1 (discoidin domain receptor 1) is a well-known collagen receptor. Accordingly, we hypothesized C1q might be a novel ligand of DDR1. This study shows for the first time C1q directly induces the activation and upregulation of DDR1, and that this leads to enhanced migration and invasion of HepG2 cells. In addition, C1q was found to induce the activations of mitogen-activated protein kinases (MAPKs) and phosphoinositide 3-kinase (PI3K)/Akt signaling, and to increase the expressions of matrix metalloproteinases (MMP2 and 9). Our results reveal a relationship between C1q and DDR1 and suggest C1q-induced DDR1 activation signaling may be involved in the progression of hepatocellular carcinoma.

Simultaneous stimulation with tumor necrosis factor-α and transforming growth factor-β1 induces epithelial-mesenchymal transition in colon cancer cells via the NF-κB pathway

Epithelial-mesenchymal transition (EMT) is critical in the progression of numerous types of carcinoma, and endows invasive and metastatic properties upon cancer cells. The tumor microenvironment facilitates tumor metastasis to distant organs. Various signaling pathways contribute to this process. In the present study, SW480 colon adenocarcinoma cells were treated with transforming growth factor-β1 (TGF-β1; 10 ng/ml) and tumor necrosis factor-α (TNF-α; 20 ng/ml), alone or in combination, for 72 h, and EMT was assessed using immunofluorescence, western blot analysis and migration assays. The functions of p38 mitogen-activated protein kinase, extracellular signal-regulated kinase (ERK) and nuclear factor-κB (NF-κB) pathways in EMT were examined. It was demonstrated that the cooperation of TGF-β1 and TNF-α signaling promoted the morphological conversion of the SW480 cells from an epithelial to a mesenchymal phenotype. Furthermore, simultaneous exposure to TNF-α and TGF-β1 downregulated the expression of E-cadherin (an epithelial marker) and increased the expression of N-cadherin and vimentin (mesenchymal markers). Additionally, the migratory capacity of the SW480 cells increased. The inhibition of p38 and ERK signaling exhibited no effect on EMT, whereas the inhibition of inhibitor of NF-κB kinase subunit β blocked the EMT induced by TGF-β1 and TNF-α. In conclusion, the results of the present study demonstrated that TNF-α and TGF-β1 synergistically promoted EMT in SW480 cells via the NF-κB pathway, independent of p38 activation and ERK1/2 signaling. These results suggest a novel function of TGF-β1 and TNF-α during EMT in colon carcinoma and, thus, provide insights into potential therapeutic interventions.

Arsenic and/or copper caused inflammatory response via activation of inducible nitric oxide synthase pathway and triggered heat shock protein responses in testis tissues of chicken

The aim of this study is to investigate the effects of arsenic (As) and copper (Cu) on the inflammatory response, and the protective roles of heat shock proteins (Hsps) in chicken testes. Seventy-two 1-day-old male Hy-line chickens were treated with 30 mg/kg feed of arsenic trioxide (As₂O₃) and/or 300 mg/kg feed of copper sulfate (CuSO₄) for 4, 8, and 12 weeks. The histological changes, inducible nitric oxide synthase (iNOS) activity, and the expressions of Hsps and inflammatory cytokines were detected. The results showed that slight histology changes were obvious in the testis tissue exposure to treatment groups. The activity and the protein level of iNOS were increased compared to the control group. The mRNA levels of proinflammatory cytokines and inflammatory factors were increased as a whole. However, anti-inflammatory cytokines were inhibited. The mRNA and protein levels of Hsp60, Hsp70, and Hsp90 were upregulated. These results suggested that sub-chronic exposure to As and/or Cu induced testicular poisoning in chickens. Increased Hsps tried to protect chicken testis tissues from tissues damage caused by inflammation. In conclusion, testicular poisoning induced by As and/or Cu caused inflammatory response and heat shock protein response in chicken testis tissues.

Epithelial-mesenchymal transition in cancer: Role of the IL-8/IL-8R axis

Epithelial-mesenchymal transition (EMT) is a biological process that is associated with cancer metastasis and invasion. In cancer, EMT promotes cell motility, invasion and distant metastasis. Interleukin (IL)-8 is highly expressed in tumors and may induce EMT. The IL-8/IL-8R axis has a vital role in EMT in carcinoma, which is regulated by several signaling pathways, including the transforming growth factor β-spleen associated tyrosine kinase/Src-AKT/extracellular signal-regulated kinase, p38/Jun N-terminal kinase-activating transcription factor-2, phosphoinositide 3-kinase/AKT, nuclear factor-κB and Wnt signaling pathways. Blocking the IL-8/IL-8R signaling pathway may be a novel strategy to reduce metastasis and improve patient survival rates. This review will cover IL-8-IL-8R signaling pathway in tumor epithelial-mesenchymal transition.

Inhibition of MMP-2-mediated cellular invasion by NF-κB inhibitor DHMEQ in 3D culture of breast carcinoma MDA-MB-231 cells: A model for early phase of metastasis

The three-dimensional (3D) culture of cancer cells provides an environmental condition closely related to the condition in vivo. It would especially be an ideal model for the early phase of metastasis, including the detachment and invasion of cancer cells from the primary tumor. In one hand, dehydroxymethylepoxyquinomicin (DHMEQ), an NF-κB inhibitor, is known to inhibit cancer progression and late phase metastasis in animal experiments. In the present research, we studied the inhibitory activity on the 3D invasion of breast carcinoma cells. Breast carcinoma MDA-MB-231 cells showed the most active invasion from spheroid among the cell lines tested. DHMEQ inhibited the 3D invasion of cells at the 3D-nontoxic concentrations. The PCR array analysis using RNA isolated from the 3D on-top cultured cells indicated that matrix metalloproteinase (MMP)-2 expression is lowered by DHMEQ. Knockdown of MMP-2 and an MMP inhibitor, GM6001, both inhibited the invasion. DHMEQ was shown to inhibit the promoter activity of MMP-2 in the reporter assay. Thus, DHMEQ was shown to inhibit NF-κB/MMP-2-dependent cellular invasion in 3D-cultured MDA-MB-231 cells, suggesting that DHMEQ would inhibit the early phase of metastasis.

Impaired mitophagy in Fanconi anemia is dependent on mitochondrial fission

Fanconi anemia (FA) is a rare genetic disorder associated with bone-marrow failure, genome instability and cancer predisposition. Recently, we and others have demonstrated dysfunctional mitochondria with morphological alterations in FA cells accompanied by high reactive oxygen species (ROS) levels. Mitochondrial morphology is regulated by continuous fusion and fission events and the misbalance between these two is often accompanied by autophagy. Here, we provide evidence of impaired autophagy in FA. We demonstrate that FA cells have increased number of autophagic (presumably mitophagic) events and accumulate dysfunctional mitochondria due to an impaired ability to degrade them. Moreover, mitochondrial fission accompanied by oxidative stress (OS) is a prerequisite condition for mitophagy in FA and blocking this pathway may release autophagic machinery to clear dysfunctional mitochondria.

Enhancement of active MMP release and invasive activity of lymph node metastatic tongue cancer cells by elevated signaling via the TNF-α-TNFR1-NF-κB pathway and a possible involvement of angiopoietin-like 4 in lung metastasis

To study the role of TNF-α in tongue cancer metastasis, we made highly metastatic cells from a human oral squamous cell carcinoma cell line (SAS) by repeating the passage in which the cells were injected into a nude mouse tongue and harvested from metastasized cervical lymph nodes. Cancer cells after 5 passages (GSAS/N5) increased invasive activity 7-fold in a TNF-α receptor 1 (TNFR1)-dependent manner and enhanced mRNA expression of TNF-α and TNFR1. In the highly metastatic cells, NF-κB activation was upregulated via elevated phosphorylation of Akt and Ikkα/β in the signaling pathway and secretion of TNF-α, active MMP-2 and MMP-9 increased. Suppression of increase of TNF-α mRNA expression and MMP secretion by NF-κB inhibitor NBD peptide suggested a positive feedback loop in GSAS/N5 cells; TNF-α activates NF-κB and activated NF-κB induces further TNF-α secretion, leading to increase of active MMP release and promotion of invasion and metastasis of the cells. GSAS/N5 cells that had been injected into the nude mouse tongue and harvested from metastasized lungs multiplied angiopoietin-like 4 (angptl4) expression with enhanced migration activity, which indicated a possible involvement of angptl4 in lung metastasis of the cells. These results suggest that TNF-α and angptl4 promote metastasis of the oral cancer cells, thus, these molecules may be therapeutic targets for patients with tongue cancer.

DNA Repair and Cytokines: TGF-β, IL-6, and Thrombopoietin as Different Biomarkers of Radioresistance

Double strand breaks (DSBs) induced by radiotherapy are highly cytotoxic lesions, leading to chromosomal aberrations and cell death. Ataxia-telangiectasia-mutated (ATM)-dependent DNA-damage response, non-homologous end joining, and homologous recombination pathways coordinately contribute to repairing DSBs in higher eukaryotes. It is known that the expression of DSB repair genes is increased in tumors, which is one of the main reasons for radioresistance. The inhibition of DSB repair pathways may be useful to increase tumor cell radiosensitivity and may target stem cell-like cancer cells, known to be the most radioresistant tumor components. Commonly overexpressed in neoplastic cells, cytokines confer radioresistance by promoting proliferation, survival, invasion, and angiogenesis. Unfortunately, tumor irradiation increases the expression of various cytokines displaying these effects, including transforming growth factor-beta and interleukin-6. Recently, the capabilities of these cytokines to support DNA repair pathways and the ATM-dependent DNA response have been demonstrated. Thrombopoietin, essential for megakaryopoiesis and very important for hematopoietic stem cell (HSC) homeostasis, has also been found to promote DNA repair in a highly selective manner. These findings reveal a novel mechanism underlying cytokine-related radioresistance, which may be clinically relevant. Therapies targeting specific cytokines may be used to improve radiosensitivity. Specific inhibitors may be chosen in consideration of different tumor microenvironments. Thrombopoietin may be useful in fending off irradiation-induced loss of HSCs.

ROMO1 regulates RedOx states and serves as an inducer of NF-κB-driven EMT factors in Fanconi anemia

Fanconi anemia (FA) is a rare genetic disorder associated with a bone-marrow failure, genome instability, hypersensitivity to DNA crosslinking agents and a predisposition to cancer. Mutations have been documented in 16 FA genes that participate in the FA-BRCA DNA repair pathway, a fundamental pathway in the development of the disease and the presentation of its symptoms. Besides the well-established role of FA genes in DNA damage and repair pathways, recent reports have revealed an overproduction of epithelial to mesenchymal transition (EMT) factors via a NF-κB-dependent mechanism that results in the proliferation of neighboring tumor cells and FA cells have also been shown to possess damaged mitochondria, accompanied by altered RedOx pathways. This study has focused on reactive oxygen species Modulator-1 (ROMO1), an oncomarker and mitochondrial membrane protein, which is known to be associated with cancer growth and in the modulation of RedOx states in some cancer models. Here, we reveal the role of ROMO1 and demonstrate its link in regulating RedOx states and in the activation of NF-κB-dependent EMT factors in FA.