Lung Cancer Genomics in the Era of Accelerated Targeted Drug Development

Role of novel cancer gene SLITRK3 to activate NTRK3 in squamous cell lung cancer

The development of targeted therapies that inhibit cancer-driving oncogenes has improved outcomes of patients diagnosed with lung adenocarcinoma (LUAD). In contrast, patients diagnosed with lung squamous cell carcinoma (LUSC) suffer worse survival outcomes and lack effective targeted treatment options. Identification of molecular drivers of LUSC to support development of targeted treatments is urgently needed. Addressing this need, the current report introduces the novel cancer gene SLIT- and NTRK-like family member 3 (SLITRK3) and its role in activating the neurotrophic receptor tyrosine kinase 3 (NTRK3) in LUSC cells. Multiple genome-wide data sets from patient samples were produced by us or downloaded from public databases to analyze tumor gene copy number aberrations, mRNA expression and associated survival outcomes. An accompanying mechanistic study employed LUSC cell lines and multiple methods, including in situ immunofluorescence, sphere-formation assay, and fluorescence-activated cell sorting analysis of the CD133-positive cell fraction. Altogether, the results indicate that gene amplification and consequent high expression of SLITRK3 in LUSC is associated with worse outcomes and induces SLITRK3-dependent activation of NTRK3 to promote a cancer stem cell phenotype that is inhibited by existing NTRK-targeted inhibitors. Based on a recent literature search, this is the first report of a mechanistic role for SLITRK3 in cancer.

Prognostic Significance of EDIL3 Expression and Correlation with Mesenchymal Phenotype and Microvessel Density in Lung Adenocarcinoma

We examined the prognostic significance of Epidermal Growth Factor-like repeats and Discoidin I-Like Domains 3 (EDIL3) expression and its correlations with mesenchymal phenotype and microvessel density in non-small cell lung carcinoma (NSCLC). A total of 268 NSCLC specimens were evaluated retrospectively by immunohistochemical staining for EDIL3, EMT markers (e-cadherin, β-catenin, and vimentin), and CD31 to measure microvessel density. EDIL3, e-cadherin, β-catenin, and vimentin were expressed in 16%, 22.8%, 3.7%, and 10.1% of the specimens, respectively. The mRNA level of EDIL3 in tumor was correlated with the level of EDIL3 protein expression using immunohistochemistry. In lung adenocarcinoma patients, EDIL3 expression was significantly correlated with low e-cadherin expression, high vimentin expression, and increased microvessel density (P < 0.001, P = 0.001, and P = 0.023, respectively). In lung squamous cell carcinoma patients, EDIL3 expression was significantly correlated with low e-cadherin expression and high vimentin expression (P = 0.021 and P = 0.002, respectively). In lung adenocarcinoma patients, EDIL3 was an independent prognostic factor for overall survival in a multivariate analysis (hazard ratio: 2.552, P = 0.004). EDIL3 is significantly correlated with mesenchymal phenotype, angiogenesis, and tumor progression in lung adenocarcinoma.

Gut Microbiota-Mediated Personalized Treatment of Hyperlipidemia Using Berberine

Nitroreductases (NRs) are bacterial enzymes that reduce nitro-containing compounds. We have previously reported that NR of intestinal bacteria is a key factor promoting berberine (BBR) intestinal absorption. We show here that feeding hamsters with high fat diet (HFD) caused an increase in blood lipids and NR activity in the intestine. The elevation of fecal NR by HFD was due to the increase in either the fraction of NR-producing bacteria or their activity in the intestine. When given orally, BBR bioavailability in the HFD-fed hamsters was higher than that in those fed with normal chow (by +72%, *P<0.05). BBR (100 mg/kg/day, orally) decreased blood lipids in the HFD-fed hamsters (**P<0.01) but not in those fed with normal diet. Clinical studies indicated that patients with hyperlipidemia had higher fecal NR activity than that in the healthy individuals (**P<0.01). Similarly, after oral administration, the blood level of BBR in hyperlipidemic patients was higher than that in healthy individuals (*P<0.05). Correlation analysis revealed a positive relationship between blood BBR and fecal NR activity (r=0.703). Thus, the fecal NR activity might serve as a biomarker in the personalized treatment of hyperlipidemia using BBR.

Combination of celecoxib and PD184161 exerts synergistic inhibitory effects on gallbladder cancer cell proliferation

Cyclooxygenase-2 (COX-2) and extracellular signal-regulated kinase 1/2 (ERK1/2) may serve as potential targets in various types of cancer; however, the roles of these proteins in gallbladder carcinoma (GBC) have not been reported previously. In the present study, the expression levels of COX-2 and phospho (p)-ERK1/2 in GBC were examined and the biological activities of celecoxib and PD184161 (specific inhibitors of COX-2 and p-ERK1/2, respectively) on the proliferation, cell cycle and apoptosis of the GBC-SD and NOZ human GBC cell lines were evaluated by a series of in vitro and in vivo studies. COX-2 and p-ERK1/2 protein expression levels were found to be significantly elevated in GBC tissues as well as in GBC-SD and NOZ cells. Treatments with celecoxib and PD184161 significantly inhibited GBC-SD and NOZ cell growth in a concentration-dependent manner, and their combination produced a synergistic inhibitory effect. In addition, celecoxib and PD184161 significantly inhibited tumor growth in xenograft nude mice. Celecoxib treatment led to G1 arrest via the upregulation of p21 and p27 expression in GBC-SD and NOZ cells, whereas PD184161 did not affect cell cycle distribution. The combination of celecoxib and PD184161 was able to promote cell apoptosis by triggering a collapse of mitochondrial membrane potential and activating caspase-3-mediated apoptosis. In conclusion, COX-2 and p-ERK1/2 protein may serve as potential targets for GBC chemotherapy, and the combination of celecoxib and PD184161 could significantly inhibit GBC cell growth, induce cell G1 arrest and trigger cell apoptosis of GBC cells.