eEF1A2 promotes cell migration, invasion and metastasis in pancreatic cancer by upregulating MMP-9 expression through Akt activation. Clin Exp Metastasis. 2013;30:933-944. [PMID: 23739844 DOI: 10.1007/s10585-013-9593-6]

Identification of anoikis-related gene signatures and construction of the prognosis model in prostate cancer

Background

One of the primary reasons for tumor invasion and metastasis is anoikis resistance. Biochemical recurrence (BCR) of prostate cancer (PCa) serves as a harbinger of its distant metastasis. However, the role of anoikis in PCa biochemical recurrence has not been fully elucidated.

Methods

Differential expression analysis was used to identify anoikis-related genes based on the TCGA and GeneCards databases. Prognostic models were constructed utilizing LASSO regression, univariate and multivariate Cox regression analyses. Moreover, Gene Expression Omnibus datasets (GSE70770 and GSE46602) were applied as validation cohorts. Gene Ontology, KEGG and GSVA were utilized to explore biological pathways and molecular mechanisms. Further, immune profiles were assessed using CIBERSORT, ssGSEA, and TIDE, while anti-cancer drugs sensitivity was analyzed by GDSC database. In addition, gene expressions in the model were examined using online databases (Human Protein Atlas and Tumor Immune Single-Cell Hub).

Results

113 differentially expressed anoikis-related genes were found. Four genes (EEF1A2, RET, FOSL1, PCA3) were selected for constructing a prognostic model. Using the findings from the Cox regression analysis, we grouped patients into groups of high and low risk. The high-risk group exhibited a poorer prognosis, with a maximum AUC of 0.897. Moreover, larger percentage of immune infiltration of memory B cells, CD8 Tcells, neutrophils, and M1 macrophages were observed in the high-risk group than those in the low-risk group, whereas the percentage of activated mast cells and dendritic cells in the high-risk group were lower. An increased TIDE score was founded in the high-risk group, suggesting reduced effectiveness of ICI therapy. Additionally, the IC50 results for chemotherapy drugs indicated that the low-risk group was more sensitive to most of the drugs. Finally, the genes EEF1A2, RET, and FOSL1 were expressed in PCa cases based on HPA website. The TISCH database suggested that these four ARGs might contribute to the tumor microenvironment of PCa.

Conclusion

We created a risk model utilizing four ARGs that effectively predicts the risk of BCR in PCa patients. This study lays the groundwork for risk stratification and predicting survival outcomes in PCa patients with BCR.

High expression of eukaryotic elongation factor 1-alpha-2 in lung adenocarcinoma is associated with poor prognosis

Eukaryotic elongation factor 1 alpha 2 (eEF1A2) encodes an isoform of the alpha subunit of the elongation factor 1 complex and is responsible for the enzymatic delivery of aminoacyl tRNA to the ribosome. Our proteomic analysis has identified eEF1A2 as one of the proteins expressed during malignant progression from adenocarcinoma in situ (AIS) to early invasive lung adenocarcinoma. The expression level of eEF1A2 in 175 lung adenocarcinomas was examined by immunohistochemical staining in relation to patient prognosis and clinicopathological factors. Quantitative PCR analysis and fluorescence in situ hybridization (FISH) were performed to evaluate the amplification of the eEF1A2 gene. Relatively high expression of eEF1A2 was observed in invasive adenocarcinoma (39/144 cases) relative to minimally invasive adenocarcinoma (1/10 cases) or AIS (0/21 cases). Among invasive adenocarcinomas, solid-type adenocarcinoma (15/32 cases, 47%) showed higher expression than other histological subtypes (23/92, 25%). Patients with eEF1A2-positive tumors had a significantly poorer prognosis than those with eEF1A2-negative tumors. Of the five tumors that were eEF1A2-positive, two cases showed amplified genomic eEF1A2 DNA, which was confirmed by both qPCR and FISH. These findings indicate that eEF1A2 overexpression occurs in the course of malignant transformation of lung adenocarcinomas and is partly due to eEF1A2 gene amplification.

The eEF1A protein in cancer: Clinical significance, oncogenic mechanisms, and targeted therapeutic strategies

Eukaryotic elongation factor 1A (eEF1A) is among the most abundant proteins in eukaryotic cells. Evolutionarily conserved across species, eEF1A is in charge of translation elongation for protein biosynthesis as well as a plethora of non-translational moonlighting functions for cellular homeostasis. In malignant cells, however, eEF1A becomes a pleiotropic driver of cancer progression via a broad diversity of pathways, which are not limited to hyperactive translational output. In the past decades, mounting studies have demonstrated the causal link between eEF1A and carcinogenesis, gaining deeper insights into its multifaceted mechanisms and corroborating its value as a prognostic marker in various cancers. On the other hand, an increasing number of natural and synthetic compounds were discovered as anticancer eEF1A-targeting inhibitors. Among them, plitidepsin was approved for the treatment of multiple myeloma whereas metarrestin was currently under clinical development. Despite significant achievements in these two interrelated fields, hitherto there lacks a systematic examination of the eEF1A protein in the context of cancer research. Therefore, the present work aims to delineate its clinical implications, molecular oncogenic mechanisms, and targeted therapeutic strategies as reflected in the ever expanding body of literature, so as to deepen mechanistic understanding of eEF1A-involved tumorigenesis and inspire the development of eEF1A-targeted chemotherapeutics and biologics.

Discovery of a nitroaromatic nannocystin with potent in vivo anticancer activity against colorectal cancer by targeting AKT1

The development of targeted chemotherapeutic agents against colorectal cancer (CRC), one of the most common cancers with a high mortality rate, is in a constant need. Nannocystins are a family of myxobacterial secondary metabolites featuring a 21-membered depsipeptide ring. The in vitro anti-CRC activity of natural and synthetic nannocystins was well documented, but little is known about their in vivo efficacy and if positive, the underlying mechanism of action. In this study we synthesized a nitroaromatic nannocystin through improved preparation of a key fragment, and characterized its in vitro activity and in vivo efficacy against CRC. We first described the total synthesis of compounds 2-4 featuring Heck macrocyclization to forge their 21-membered macrocycle. In a panel of 7 cancer cell lines from different tissues, compound 4 inhibited the cell viability with IC values of 1-6 nM. In particular, compound 4 (1, 2, 4 nM) inhibited the proliferation of CRC cell lines (HCT8, HCT116 and LoVo) in both concentration and time dependent manners. Furthermore, compound 4 concentration-dependently inhibited the colony formation and migration of CRC cell lines. Moreover, compound 4 induced cell cycle arrest at sub-G1 phase, apoptosis and cellular senescence in CRC cell lines. In three patient-derived CRC organoids, compound 4 inhibited the PDO with IC values of 3.68, 28.93 and 11.81 nM, respectively. In a patient-derived xenograft mouse model, injection of compound 4 (4, 8 mg/kg, i.p.) every other day for 12 times dose-dependently inhibited the tumor growth without significant change in body weight. We conducted RNA-sequencing, molecular docking and cellular thermal shift assay to elucidate the anti-CRC mechanisms of compound 4, and revealed that it exerted its anti-CRC effect at least in part by targeting AKT1.

Protein translation: biological processes and therapeutic strategies for human diseases

Protein translation is a tightly regulated cellular process that is essential for gene expression and protein synthesis. The deregulation of this process is increasingly recognized as a critical factor in the pathogenesis of various human diseases. In this review, we discuss how deregulated translation can lead to aberrant protein synthesis, altered cellular functions, and disease progression. We explore the key mechanisms contributing to the deregulation of protein translation, including functional alterations in translation factors, tRNA, mRNA, and ribosome function. Deregulated translation leads to abnormal protein expression, disrupted cellular signaling, and perturbed cellular functions- all of which contribute to disease pathogenesis. The development of ribosome profiling techniques along with mass spectrometry-based proteomics, mRNA sequencing and single-cell approaches have opened new avenues for detecting diseases related to translation errors. Importantly, we highlight recent advances in therapies targeting translation-related disorders and their potential applications in neurodegenerative diseases, cancer, infectious diseases, and cardiovascular diseases. Moreover, the growing interest lies in targeted therapies aimed at restoring precise control over translation in diseased cells is discussed. In conclusion, this comprehensive review underscores the critical role of protein translation in disease and its potential as a therapeutic target. Advancements in understanding the molecular mechanisms of protein translation deregulation, coupled with the development of targeted therapies, offer promising avenues for improving disease outcomes in various human diseases. Additionally, it will unlock doors to the possibility of precision medicine by offering personalized therapies and a deeper understanding of the molecular underpinnings of diseases in the future.

A pan-cancer analysis of the prognosis and immune infiltration of eEF1A2 and its potential function in thyroid carcinoma

Purpose

Eukaryotic translation elongation factor 1α2 (eEF1A2) promotes tumour progression in various cancers. We performed a pan-cancer analysis of eEF1A2 and explored its role in thyroid carcinoma (THCA).

Methods

Databases from The Cancer Genome Atlas (TCGA), the University of Alabama at Birmingham Cancer data analysis Portal (UALCAN), and the Human Protein Atlas (HPA) were used to investigate the differential expression of eEF1A2 in pan-cancer. The pathological stage, prognostic characteristics, tumour microenvironment (TME), tumour mutational burden (TMB), and microsatellite instability (MSI) were analysed in diverse tumours with different expression levels of eEF1A2. The expression levels in papillary thyroid carcinoma (PTC) and its specific role in cell proliferation, migration, invasion, and cell glycolysis in PTC cells were verified by quantitative real time polymerase chain reaction (qRT-PCR), immunohistochemistry, cell counting kit-8, colony formation, wound healing, Transwell assay, and lactate acid and glucose assays.Results:eEF1A2 was differentially expressed in various malignant tumour tissues compared to control tissues and was associated with poor pathological stage and prognosis in most types of tumours. Moreover, eEF1A2 expression closely correlated with the infiltration of immunosuppressive cells, TMB, and MSI in some tumour types. Expression of eEF1A2 in PTC is higher than the para-carcinoma, and eEF1A2 downregulation suppressed TPC-1 and BCPAP cell proliferation, migration, invasion, and glycolysis.

Conclusion

Our study suggests that the expression of eEF1A2 is related to the prognosis and immune infiltration of some tumours and may be a predictor of prognosis and immunotherapy. eEF1A2 could promote malignant behaviour of PTC cells.

EEF1A2 promotes HIF1A mediated breast cancer angiogenesis in normoxia and participates in a positive feedback loop with HIF1A in hypoxia

BACKGROUND

The eukaryotic elongation factor, EEF1A2, has been identified as an oncogene in various solid tumors. Here, we have identified a novel function of EEF1A2 in angiogenesis.

METHODS

Chick chorioallantoic membrane, tubulogenesis, aortic ring, Matrigel plug, and skin wound healing assays established EEF1A2's role in angiogenesis.

RESULT

Higher EEF1A2 levels in breast cancer cells enhanced cell growth, movement, blood vessel function, and tubule formation in HUVECs, as confirmed by ex-ovo and in-vivo tests. The overexpression of EEF1A2 could be counteracted by Plitidepsin. Under normoxic conditions, EEF1A2 triggered HIF1A expression via ERK-Myc and mTOR signaling in TNBC and ER/PR positive cells. Hypoxia induced the expression of EEF1A2, leading to a positive feedback loop between EEF1A2 and HIF1A. Luciferase assay and EMSA confirmed HIF1A binding on the EEF1A2 promoter, which induced its transcription. RT-PCR and polysome profiling validated that EEF1A2 affected VEGF transcription and translation positively. This led to increased VEGF release from breast cancer cells, activating ERK and PI3K-AKT signaling in endothelial cells. Breast cancer tissues with elevated EEF1A2 showed higher microvessel density.

CONCLUSION

EEF1A2 exhibits angiogenic potential in both normoxic and hypoxic conditions, underscoring its dual role in promoting EMT and angiogenesis, rendering it a promising target for cancer therapy.

Uncovering Evolutionary Adaptations in Common Warthogs through Genomic Analyses

In the Suidae family, warthogs show significant survival adaptability and trait specificity. This study offers a comparative genomic analysis between the warthog and other Suidae species, including the Luchuan pig, Duroc pig, and Red River hog. By integrating the four genomes with sequences from the other four species, we identified 8868 single-copy orthologous genes. Based on 8868 orthologous protein sequences, phylogenetic assessments highlighted divergence timelines and unique evolutionary branches within suid species. Warthogs exist on different evolutionary branches compared to DRCs and LCs, with a divergence time preceding that of DRC and LC. Contraction and expansion analyses of warthog gene families have been conducted to elucidate the mechanisms of their evolutionary adaptations. Using GO, KEGG, and MGI databases, warthogs showed a preference for expansion in sensory genes and contraction in metabolic genes, underscoring phenotypic diversity and adaptive evolution direction. Associating genes with the QTLdb-pigSS11 database revealed links between gene families and immunity traits. The overlap of olfactory genes in immune-related QTL regions highlighted their importance in evolutionary adaptations. This work highlights the unique evolutionary strategies and adaptive mechanisms of warthogs, guiding future research into the distinct adaptability and disease resistance in pigs, particularly focusing on traits such as resistance to African Swine Fever Virus.

Oncogenic activation of EEF1A2 expression: a journey from a putative to an established oncogene

Protein synthesis via translation is a central process involving several essential proteins called translation factors. Although traditionally described as cellular "housekeepers," multiple studies have now supported that protein initiation and elongation factors regulate cell growth, apoptosis, and tumorigenesis. One such translation factor is eukaryotic elongation factor 1 alpha 2 (EEF1A2), a member of the eukaryotic elongation factor family, which has a canonical role in the delivery of aminoacyl-tRNA to the A-site of the ribosome in a guanosine 5'-triphosphate (GTP)-dependent manner. EEF1A2 differs from its closely related isoform, EEF1A1, in tissue distribution. While EEF1A1 is present ubiquitously, EEF1A2 replaces it in specialized tissues. The reason why certain specialized tissues need to essentially switch EEF1A1 expression altogether with EEF1A2 remains to be answered. Abnormal "switch on" of the EEF1A2 gene in normal tissues is witnessed and is seen as a cause of oncogenic transformation in a wide variety of solid tumors. This review presents the journey of finding increased expression of EEF1A2 in multiple cancers, establishing molecular mechanism, and exploring it as a target for cancer therapy. More precisely, we have compiled studies in seven types of cancers that have reported EEF1A2 overexpression. We have discussed the effect of aberrant EEF1A2 expression on the oncogenic properties of cells, signaling pathways, and interacting partners of EEF1A2. More importantly, in the last part, we have discussed the unique potential of EEF1A2 as a therapeutic target. This review article gives an up-to-date account of EEF1A2 as an oncogene and can draw the attention of the scientific community, attracting more research.

Molecular and metabolic regulation of immunosuppression in metastatic pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma

Immunosuppression is a hallmark of pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma (PDAC), contributing to early metastasis and poor patient survival. Compared to the localized tumors, current standard-of-care therapies have failed to improve the survival of patients with metastatic PDAC, that necessecitates exploration of novel therapeutic approaches. While immunotherapies such as immune checkpoint blockade (ICB) and therapeutic vaccines have emerged as promising treatment modalities in certain cancers, limited responses have been achieved in PDAC. Therefore, specific mechanisms regulating the poor response to immunotherapy must be explored. The immunosuppressive microenvironment driven by oncogenic mutations, tumor secretome, non-coding RNAs, and tumor microbiome persists throughout PDAC progression, allowing neoplastic cells to grow locally and metastasize distantly. The metastatic cells escaping the host immune surveillance are unique in molecular, immunological, and metabolic characteristics. Following chemokine and exosomal guidance, these cells metastasize to the organ-specific pre-metastatic niches (PMNs) constituted by local resident cells, stromal fibroblasts, and suppressive immune cells, such as the metastasis-associated macrophages, neutrophils, and myeloid-derived suppressor cells. The metastatic immune microenvironment differs from primary tumors in stromal and immune cell composition, functionality, and metabolism. Thus far, multiple molecular and metabolic pathways, distinct from primary tumors, have been identified that dampen immune effector functions, confounding the immunotherapy response in metastatic PDAC. This review describes major immunoregulatory pathways that contribute to the metastatic progression and limit immunotherapy outcomes in PDAC. Overall, we highlight the therapeutic vulnerabilities attributable to immunosuppressive factors and discuss whether targeting these molecular and immunological "hot spots" could improve the outcomes of PDAC immunotherapies.

eEF1A2 siRNA Suppresses MPP+-Induced Activation of Akt and mTOR and Potentiates Caspase-3 Activation in a Parkinson’s Disease Model

The tissue-specific protein eEF1A2 has been linked to the development of neurological disorders. The role of eEF1A2 in the pathogenesis of Parkinson’s disease (PD) has yet to be investigated. The aim of this study was to determine the potential neuroprotective effects of eEF1A2 in an MPP+ model of PD. Differentiated SH-SY5Y cells were transfected with eEF1A2 siRNA, followed by MPP+ exposure. The expression of p-Akt1 and p-mTORC1 was determined using Western blotting. The expression of p53, Bax, Bcl-2, and caspase-3 was evaluated using qRT-PCR. Cleaved caspase-3 levels and Annexin V/propidium iodide flow cytometry were used to determine apoptosis. The effects of PI3K inhibition were examined. The results showed that eEF1A2 siRNA significantly reduced the eEF1A2 expression induced by MPP+. MPP+ treatment activated Akt1 and mTORC1; however, eEF1A2 knockdown suppressed this activation. In eEF1A2-knockdown cells, MPP+ treatment increased the expression of p53 and caspase-3 mRNA levels as well as increased apoptotic cell death when compared to MPP+ treatment alone. In cells exposed to MPP+, upstream inhibition of the Akt/mTOR pathway, by either LY294002 or wortmannin, inhibited the phosphorylation of Akt1 and mTORC1. Both PI3K inhibitors increased eEF1A2 expression in cells, whether or not they were also treated with MPP+. In conclusion, eEF1A2 may function as a neuroprotective factor against MPP+, in part by regulating the Akt/mTOR pathway upstream.

EEF1A2 accelerates the protein translation of chemokine in rat myocardial cells induced by ischemia-reperfusion

How to reduce the damage caused by myocardial ischemia-reperfusion (IR) in a timely manner to save patients' lives is still a great clinical challenge. Although dexmedetomidine (DEX) has been reported to protect the myocardium, the regulatory mechanism of gene translation responding to IR injury and DEX protection is poorly understood. In this study, IR rat model with DEX and the antagonist yohimbine (YOH) pretreatment were established, and RNA sequencing was carried out to seek the important regulators in differential expressed genes. A series of cytokines and chemokine as well as eukaryotic translation elongation factor 1 alpha 2 (EEF1A2) were induced by IR compared to control and compromised by DEX pretreatment compared to IR, then reversed by YOH. Immunoprecipitation was conducted to identify that peroxiredoxin 1 (PRDX1) interacted with EEF1A2 and contributed to the recruitment of EEF1A2 on mRNA molecules of cytokines and chemokine. Knockdown of PRDX1 could weaken the enhancive effect of EEF1A2 for gene translation of IL6, CXCL2 and CXCL11 under the IR condition, and indeed reduce cell apoptosis of cardiomyocytes. We also determined that the RNA motif "USCAGDCU" at 5' UTR could be particularly recognized by PRDX1. Destruction of this motif at the 5' UTR of IL6, CXCL2 and CXCL11 by CRISPR-CAS9 could result in the loss occupancies of EEF1A2 and PRDX1 on the mRNA of these three genes. Our observations showed the importance of PRDX1 in the reasonable control of cytokine and chemokine expression to prevent excessive inflammatory response to cell damage.

Analysis of eEF1A2 gene expression and copy number in cervical carcinoma

OBJECTIVE

To explore and analyze the expression of eukaryotic translation elongation factor 1 alpha 2 (eEF1A2) gene in cervical cancer tissues, its relationship with patient survival, gene mutations, and changes in copy number in cervical cancer and chronic cervicitis tissues.

METHODS

The expression of the eEF1A2 gene in cervical cancer and its relationship with patient survival were analyzed using gene expression profile interactive analysis. Changes in eEF1A2 expression in cervical cancer tissues were analyzed using cBioPortal, a portal for cancer genomics analysis. The eEF1A2 copy number in cervical cancer tissues and chronic cervicitis tissues was determined by real-time fluorescence quantitative polymerase chain reaction. The relationship between the expression of eEF1A2 protein and the clinical stage, pathological grade, and patient survival of cervical cancer was analyzed by the database: The Human Protein Atlas, an integrated repository portal for tumor-immune system interactions.

RESULTS

Gene expression profile interactive analysis database analysis showed no significant differences in the expression of eEF1A2 between cervical cancer and normal cervical tissues (P > .05). The eEF1A2 gene expression level was not correlated with the survival of cervical cancer patients (P > .05). Analysis of the cBioPortal database showed that 18 of 297 cervical cancer patients had eEF1A2 gene changes, including missense mutation, splice mutation, amplification, and messenger RNA increase. There was no significant difference in eEF1A2 gene copy number between cervical cancer and chronic cervicitis (P > .05). The Human Protein Atlas and an integrated repository portal for tumor-immune system interactions database analysis of immunohistochemical data showed that eEF1A2 protein expression was no significant difference in clinical stage, pathological grade and patient survival of cervical cancer (P > .05).

CONCLUSION

The eEF1A2 gene was mutated in cervical cancer tissues. The eEF1A2 gene copy number was not associated with changes in the expression of the eEF1A2 gene in cervical cancer tissues.

Oxidative Stress and AKT-Associated Angiogenesis in a Zebrafish Model and Its Potential Application for Withanolides

Oxidative stress and the AKT serine/threonine kinase (AKT) signaling pathway are essential regulators in cellular migration, metastasis, and angiogenesis. More than 300 withanolides were discovered from the plant family Solanaceae, exhibiting diverse functions. Notably, the relationship between oxidative stress, AKT signaling, and angiogenesis in withanolide treatments lacks comprehensive understanding. Here, we summarize connecting evidence related to oxidative stress, AKT signaling, and angiogenesis in the zebrafish model. A convenient vertebrate model monitored the in vivo effects of developmental and tumor xenograft angiogenesis using zebrafish embryos. The oxidative stress and AKT-signaling-modulating abilities of withanolides were highlighted in cancer treatments, which indicated that further assessments of their angiogenesis-modulating potential are necessary in the future. Moreover, targeting AKT for inhibiting AKT and its AKT signaling shows the potential for anti-migration and anti-angiogenesis purposes for future application to withanolides. This particularly holds for investigating the anti-angiogenetic effects mediated by the oxidative stress and AKT signaling pathways in withanolide-based cancer therapy in the future.

Functions and Regulation of Translation Elongation Factors

Translation elongation is a key step of protein synthesis, during which the nascent polypeptide chain extends by one amino acid residue during one elongation cycle. More and more data revealed that the elongation is a key regulatory node for translational control in health and disease. During elongation, elongation factor Tu (EF-Tu, eEF1A in eukaryotes) is used to deliver aminoacyl-tRNA (aa-tRNA) to the A-site of the ribosome, and elongation factor G (EF-G, EF2 in eukaryotes and archaea) is used to facilitate the translocation of the tRNA₂-mRNA complex on the ribosome. Other elongation factors, such as EF-Ts/eEF1B, EF-P/eIF5A, EF4, eEF3, SelB/EFsec, TetO/Tet(M), RelA and BipA, have been found to affect the overall rate of elongation. Here, we made a systematic review on the canonical and non-canonical functions and regulation of these elongation factors. In particular, we discussed the close link between translational factors and human diseases, and clarified how post-translational modifications control the activity of translational factors in tumors.

[EEFSEC knockdown inhibits proliferation, migration and invasion of prostate cancer cells in vitro]

OBJECTIVE

To investigate the role of selenocysteine-tRNA specific eukaryotic elongation factor (EEFSEC) in regulating the proliferation, migration, and invasion of human prostate cancer 22Rv1 cells.

METHODS

We detected EEFSEC mRNA expression levels in human normal prostate cell line RWPE1 and human prostate cancer cell lines 22Rv1, LNCaP, Vcap and PC-3 using qRT-PCR and EEFSEC protein expression in surgical specimens of prostate cancer and adjacent tissues using Western blotting. 22Rv1 cells were infected with a lentiviral vector carrying EEFSEC shRNA or a control lentivirus and the interference efficiency was determined using Western blotting. XTT assay was used to assess the changes in the viability of the infected cells, and Transwell chamber assay was used to examine the changes in cell migration and invasion. The effect of EEFSEC knockdown on cell cycle progression was determined with flow cytometry and by detecting the expressions of cell cycle proteins using qRT-PCR.

RESULTS

EEFSEC was significantly upregulated in prostate cancer cells (P < 0.05), and a high expression of EEFSEC was associated with a poor prognosis of the patients with prostate cancer. In 22Rv1 cells, EEFSEC knockdown significantly suppressed the proliferation (P < 0.001), migration (P < 0.001) and invasion (P < 0.001) of the cells, resulted in cell cycle arrest in G₀/G₁ phase, obviously inhibited the expression of C-myc and CCNB1, and significantly increased the expression of p15.

CONCLUSION

EEFSEC knockdown can inhibit the proliferation, migration, and invasion of prostate cancer cells in vitro possibly by down-regulating the expression of C-myc.

Methyltransferase like 13 mediates the translation of Snail in head and neck squamous cell carcinoma

Methyltransferase like 13 (METTL13), a kind of methyltransferase, is implicated in protein binding and synthesis. The upregulation of METTL13 has been reported in a variety of tumors. However, little was known about its potential function in head and neck squamous cell carcinoma (HNSCC) so far. In this study, we found that METTL13 was significantly upregulated in HNSCC at both mRNA and protein level. Increased METTL13 was negatively associated with clinical prognosis. And METTL13 markedly affected HNSCC cellular phenotypes in vivo and vitro. Further mechanism study revealed that METTL13 could regulate EMT signaling pathway by mediating enhancing translation efficiency of Snail, the key transcription factor in EMT, hence regulating the progression of EMT. Furthermore, Snail was verified to mediate METTL13-induced HNSCC cell malignant phenotypes. Altogether, our study had revealed the oncogenic role of METTL13 in HNSCC, and provided a potential therapeutic strategy.

Safety Assessments of Nickel Boride Nanoparticles on the Human Pulmonary Alveolar Cells by Using Cell Viability and Gene Expression Analyses

Nickel boride is generally used in the steel industry as a melting accelerator due to its feature of creating a protective and stable attribute at high temperatures. It is also used to improve the hardenability of the steel with boron addition in the production. Thus, safety studies and biocompatibility analysis of nickel boride should be performed comprehensively to understand the limitations of use in various areas. In the present study, nickel boride nanoparticles (Ni₂B NPs) were synthesized by a single-step method and molecule characterizations were performed via the use of X-ray diffraction analysis (XRD), transmission electron microscopy (TEM), scanning electron microscopy (SEM), and energy dispersive X-ray (EDX) analyses. Cytotoxicity properties of Ni₂B NPs were identified on human pulmonary alveolar epithelial cells (HPAEpiC) by using 3-(4,5-dimethylthiazol-2-yl)-2,5-diphenyltetrazolium bromide (MTT), neutral red (NR), and lactate dehydrogenase (LDH) assays. Illumina human ht-12 v4.0 whole-genome microarray analysis was conducted to investigate NiB₂ NPs effects on gene expression regulations of HPAEpiC cells. The database for annotation, visualization, and integrated discovery (DAVID) analysis was performed to reveal the relationship between Ni₂B NP application and cellular pathway alterations. According to cytotoxicity analysis, the IC₅₀ value for Ni₂B NP application was found as 81.99 mg/L concentration. Microarray analysis of Ni₂B NP application was shown for the first time that 693 gene expression changes (FC ≥ 2) occurred significantly over 40.000 gene probes and Ni₂B NPs were observed to affect microtubule regulation, centrosome organization, and phosphoprotein synthesis.

EEF1A2 interacts with HSP90AB1 to promote lung adenocarcinoma metastasis via enhancing TGF-β/SMAD signalling

BACKGROUND

Eukaryotic protein translation elongation factor 1α2 (EEF1A2) is an oncogene that promotes the progression of breast and pancreatic cancer. In this study, we aimed to elucidate the oncogenic function of EEF1A2 in the metastasis of lung adenocarcinoma (LUAD).

METHODS

Immunohistochemistry and western blot were used to study EEF1A2 expression levels in LUAD tissues and cells, respectively. The role of EEF1A2 in LUAD progression were investigated in vitro and in vivo. We identified potential EEF1A2-binding proteins by liquid chromatography-electrospray mass spectrometry (LC-MS)/MS. Protein-protein interactions were determined by immunofluorescence and co-immunoprecipitation (Co-IP).

RESULTS

In this study, we report that EEF1A2 mediates the epithelial-mesenchymal transformation (EMT), to promote the metastasis of LUAD cells in vitro and in vivo. Moreover, EEF1A2 interacts with HSP90AB1 to increase TGFβ Receptor (TβR)-I, and TβRII expression, followed by enhanced SMAD3 and pSMAD3 expression and nuclear localisation, which promotes the EMT of LUAD cells. Overexpression of EEF1A2 in cancer tissues is associated with poor prognosis and short survival of patients with LUAD.

CONCLUSIONS

These findings underscore the molecular functions of EEF1A2 in LUAD metastasis and indicate that EEF1A2 represents a promising target in the treatment of aggressive LUAD.

Identification of loci associated with susceptibility to bovine paratuberculosis and with the dysregulation of the MECOM, eEF1A2, and U1 spliceosomal RNA expression

Although genome-wide association studies have identified single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) associated with the susceptibility to Mycobacterium avium subsp. paratuberculosis (MAP) infection, only a few functional mutations for bovine paratuberculosis (PTB) have been characterized. Expression quantitative trait loci (eQTLs) are genetic variants typically located in gene regulatory regions that alter gene expression in an allele-specific manner. eQTLs can be considered as functional links between genomic variants, gene expression, and ultimately phenotype. In the current study, peripheral blood (PB) and ileocecal valve (ICV) gene expression was quantified by RNA-Seq from fourteen Holstein cattle with no lesions and with PTB-associated histopathological lesions in gut tissues. Genotypes were generated from the Illumina LD EuroG10K BeadChip. The associations between gene expression levels (normalized read counts) and genetic variants were analyzed by a linear regression analysis using R Matrix eQTL 2.2. This approach allowed the identification of 192 and 48 cis-eQTLs associated with the expression of 145 and 43 genes in the PB and ICV samples, respectively. To investigate potential relationships between these cis-eQTLs and MAP infection, a case–control study was performed using the genotypes for all the identified cis-eQTLs and phenotypical data (histopathology, ELISA for MAP-antibodies detection, tissue PCR, and bacteriological culture) of 986 culled cows. Our results suggested that the heterozygous genotype in the cis-eQTL-rs43744169 (T/C) was associated with the up-regulation of the MDS1 and EVI1 complex (MECOM) expression, with positive ELISA, PCR, and bacteriological culture results, and with increased risk of progression to clinical PTB. As supporting evidence, the presence of the minor allele was associated with higher MECOM levels in plasma samples from infected cows and with increased MAP survival in an ex-vivo macrophage killing assay. Moreover, the presence of the two minor alleles in the cis-eQTL-rs110345285 (C/C) was associated with the dysregulation of the eukaryotic elongation factor 1-α2 (eEF1A2) expression and with increased ELISA (OD) values. Finally, the presence of the minor allele in the cis-eQTL rs109859270 (C/T) was associated with the up-regulation of the U1 spliceosomal RNA expression and with an increased risk of progression to clinical PTB. The introduction of these novel functional variants into marker-assisted breeding programs is expected to have a relevant effect on PTB control.

Effect of activation of the Akt/mTOR signaling pathway by EEF1A2 on the biological behavior of osteosarcoma

Background

Osteosarcoma (OS) is a common bone cancer in children and adolescents which causes a large number of cancer-related deaths. Eukaryotic Translation Elongation Factor 1 Alpha 2 (EEF1A2) has been revealed to have carcinogenic properties and promote tumor progression in many cancers. We want to investigate the biological function and mechanism of EEF1A2 in OS.

Methods

The expression of EEF1A2 in OS was investigated using the Gene Expression Omnibus (GEO) database and quantitative reverse transcription polymerase chain reaction (qRT-PCR). The biological function of EEF1A2 in OS was studied using cell counting kit-8 (CCK8) assay, 5-ethynyl-2’-deoxyuridine (EdU) assay, Transwell assay, and OS of xenograft nude mice model. Real-time fluorescence quantitative PCR was used to detect the expression level of EEF1A2 mRNA in OS tissues and cell lines. Western blot was used to detect the phosphorylation level of Akt and mTOR

Results

There was high expression of EEF1A2 in OS, which was closely related to the Enneking stage and tumor size of OS. In vitro, EEF1A2 promoted the proliferation, migration, and invasion of OS cells; in vivo, EEF1A2 promoted the growth of OS tumors. The mechanism study showed that EEF1A2 can promote protein kinase B (Akt) and mammalian target of rapamycin (mTOR) phosphorylation, thereby activating the Akt/mTOR signaling pathway in OS.

Conclusion

There is high expression of EEF1A2 in OS, which can promote the proliferation, migration, and invasion of OS cells in vitro and the growth of OS tumors in vivo via activation of the Akt/mTOR signaling pathway.

Dimethylation of eEF1A at Lysine 55 Plays a Key Role in the Regulation of eEF1A2 on Malignant Cell Functions of Acute Myeloid Leukemia

OBJECTIVE

This study aimed to explore whether eukaryotic translation elongation factor 1 alpha 2 affected cell proliferation, migration, and apoptosis via regulating the dimethylation of eukaryotic translation elongation factor 1 alpha at lysine 55 in acute myeloid leukemia.

METHODS

The expressions of eukaryotic translation elongation factor 1 alpha 2 and dimethylation of eukaryotic translation elongation factor 1 alpha at lysine 55 in acute myeloid leukemia cell lines and human normal bone marrow mononuclear cells (as control) were assessed. Control CRISPR-Cas9 lentivirus, eukaryotic translation elongation factor 1 alpha 2 knockout CRISPR-Cas9 lentivirus, vector plasmid, eukaryotic translation elongation factor 1 alpha 2 wild type overexpression plasmid, and eukaryotic translation elongation factor 1 alpha 2 with a K55R substitution overexpression plasmid were transfected into AML-193 and Kasumi-1 cells combined or alone, and were accordingly divided into 4 groups (Sgcontrol + vector group, SgeEF1A2 + vector group, SgeEF1A2 + eEF1A2_WT group, and SgeEFIA2 + eEF1A2_K55R group).

RESULTS

Eukaryotic translation elongation factor 1 alpha 2 and dimethylation of eukaryotic translation elongation factor 1 alpha at lysine 55 expressions were higher in AML-193, Kasumi-1, and KG-1 cell lines compared to the control. In AML-193 and Kasumi-1 cells, the knockout and compensated experiments revealed that eukaryotic translation elongation factor 1 alpha 2 promoted cell proliferation and migration but repressed apoptosis. Additionally, the knockout of eukaryotic translation elongation factor 1 alpha 2 decreased dimethylation of eukaryotic translation elongation factor 1 alpha at lysine 55 expression, meanwhile, eukaryotic translation elongation factor 1 alpha 2 wild type overexpression enhanced while eukaryotic translation elongation factor 1 alpha 2 with a K55R substitution overexpression did not influence the dimethylation of eukaryotic translation elongation factor 1 alpha at lysine 55 expression. Furthermore, eukaryotic translation elongation factor 1 alpha 2 wild type overexpression promoted cell proliferation, enhanced migration, and decreased apoptosis, but eukaryotic translation elongation factor 1 alpha 2 with a K55R substitution overexpression did not influence these cellular functions in AML-193 and Kasumi-1 cells, suggesting the implication of dimethylation of eukaryotic translation elongation factor 1 alpha at lysine 55 in eukaryotic translation elongation factor 1 alpha 2 mediated oncogenesis of acute myeloid leukemia.

CONCLUSION

Eukaryotic translation elongation factor 1 alpha 2 and its dimethylated product may serve as therapeutic targets, and these findings may provide support for exploring novel strategies in acute myeloid leukemia treatment.

An Au-Se nanoprobe for the evaluation of the invasive potential of breast cancer cells via imaging the sequential activation of uPA and MMP-2

Urokinase-type plasminogen activator (uPA) has been shown to activate matrix metalloproteinase-2 (MMP-2) that leads to the migration and invasion of breast cancer cells. Overexpressed uPA and MMP-2 are regarded as signs of malignant tumors in clinical practice. Therefore, real-time monitoring of the sequential activation of these two signal molecules may have important implications for the evaluation of the invasive potential and tumor progression of breast cancer. However, due to the complicated intracellular environment, visualizing the dynamic changes of protein expression levels in living cells with a noninvasive method is still a great challenge. Here, a novel gold-selenium (Au-Se) fluorescent nanoprobe with excellent selectivity and strong anti-interference capability was designed for the simultaneous in situ imaging of uPA and MMP-2 and real-time monitoring of their changes in living cells. The imaging results demonstrated that the nanoprobe achieved a better prevention of glutathione interference compared to the conventional Au-S nanoprobe, thus it could be applied to actually reflect the expression level of uPA and MMP-2 in different breast cancer cells. Furthermore, the Au-Se nanoprobe could visually present the activation process of the two signal molecules, which play a dual role of insuring the invasiveness evaluation of breast cancer cells. Overall, our work offers a visual biomarker detection method for the judgment of the degree of breast cancer malignancy, and also provides an effective strategy to investigate the relationships among signal molecules of other signaling pathways in the future.

Molecular mediators of peritoneal metastasis in pancreatic cancer

Pancreatic cancer is the third leading cause of cancer death in the USA, and pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma (PDA) constitutes 85% of pancreatic cancer diagnoses. PDA frequently metastasizes to the peritoneum, but effective treatment of peritoneal metastasis remains a clinical challenge. Despite this unmet need, understanding of the biological mechanisms that contribute to development and progression of PDA peritoneal metastasis is sparse. By contrast, a vast number of studies have investigated mechanisms of peritoneal metastasis in ovarian and gastric cancers. Here, we contrast similarities and differences between peritoneal metastasis in PDA as compared with those in gastric and ovarian cancer by outlining molecular mediators involved in each step of the peritoneal metastasis cascade. This review aims to provide mechanistic insights that could be translated into effective targeted therapies for patients with peritoneal metastasis from PDA.

Expression pattern of EEF1A2 in brain tumors: Histological analysis and functional role as a promoter of EMT

AIMS

Glioblastomas are highly aggressive brain tumors with a very poor survival rate. EEF1A2, the proto-oncogenic isoform of the EEF1A translation factor family, has been found to be overexpressed and promoting tumorigenesis in multiple cancers. Interestingly, recent studies reported reduced expression of this protein in brain tumors, drawing our attention to find the functional role and mechanism of this protein in brain tumor progression.

MAIN METHODS

Using representative cell line as models, the role of EEF1A2 in cell proliferation, migration and invasion were assessed using MTS assay, scratch wound-healing assay, transwell migration and invasion assay, respectively. Activation of key signaling pathways was assessed using western blots and real-time PCR. Finally, using immunohistochemistry we checked the protein levels of EEF1A2 in CNS tumors.

KEY FINDINGS

EEF1A2 was found to increase the proliferative, migratory and invasive properties of cell lines of both glial and neuronal origin. PI3K activation directly correlated with EEF1A2 levels. Protein levels of key EMT markers viz. Twist, Snail, and Slug were increased upon ectopic EEF1A2 expression. Furthermore, EEF1A2 was found to affect the expression levels of key inflammatory cytokines, growth factors and matrix metalloproteases. IHC analysis showed that EEF1A2 is upregulated in tumor tissues compared to normal tissue.

SIGNIFICANCE

EEF1A2 acts as an oncogene in both neuronal and glial cells and triggers an EMT program via PI3K pathway. However, it shows enhanced expression in neuronal cells of the brain than the glial cells, which could explain the previously reported anomaly.

Elevated levels of eEF1A2 protein expression in triple negative breast cancer relate with poor prognosis

Eukaryotic elongation factor 1 alpha 2 (eEF1A2) is a translation factor selectively expressed by heart, skeletal muscle, nervous system and some specialized cells. Its ectopic expression relates with tumorigenesis in several types of human cancer. No data are available about the role of eEF1A2 in Triple Negative Breast Cancers (TNBC). This study investigated the relation between eEF1A2 protein levels and the prognosis of TNBC. A total of 84 TNBC diagnosed in the period 2002-2011 were included in the study. eEF1A2 protein level was measured in formalin-fixed paraffin-embedded tissues by immunohistochemistry in a semi-quantitative manner (sum of the percentage of positive cells x staining intensity) on a scale from 0 to 300. Cox regression assessed the association between eEF1A2 levels and disease-free survival (DFS) and breast cancer-specific survival (BCSS). Elevated values of eEF1A2 were associated with older age at diagnosis (p = 0.003), and androgen receptors positivity (p = 0.002). At univariate Cox analysis, eEF1A2 levels were not significantly associated with DFS and BCSS (p = 0.11 and p = 0.08, respectively) whereas adjusting for stage of disease, elevated levels of eEF1A2 protein resulted associated with poor prognosis (HR = 1.05, 95% CI: 1.01-1.11, p = 0.04 and HR = 1.07, 95% CI: 1.01-1.14, p = 0.03 for DFS and BCSS, respectively). This trend was confirmed analyzing negative versus positive samples by using categorized scores. Our data showed a negative prognostic role of eEF1A2 protein in TNBC, sustaining further investigations to confirm this result by wider and independent cohorts of patients.

Pharmacokinetic evaluation of the PNC disassembler metarrestin in wild-type and Pdx1-Cre;LSL-KrasG12D/+;Tp53R172H/+ (KPC) mice, a genetically engineered model of pancreatic cancer

PURPOSE

Metarrestin is a first-in-class small molecule clinical candidate capable of disrupting the perinucleolar compartment, a subnuclear structure unique to metastatic cancer cells. This study aims to define the pharmacokinetic (PK) profile of metarrestin and the pharmacokinetic/pharmacodynamic relationship of metarrestin-regulated markers.

METHODS

PK studies included the administration of single or multiple dose of metarrestin at 3, 10, or 25 mg/kg via intravenous (IV) injection, gavage (PO) or with chow to wild-type C57BL/6 mice and KPC mice bearing autochthonous pancreatic tumors. Metarrestin concentrations were analyzed by UPLC-MS/MS. Pharmacodynamic assays included mRNA expression profiling by RNA-seq and qRT-PCR for KPC mice.

RESULTS

Metarrestin had a moderate plasma clearance of 48 mL/min/kg and a large volume of distribution of 17 L/kg at 3 mg/kg IV in C57BL/6 mice. The oral bioavailability after single-dose (SD) treatment was > 80%. In KPC mice treated with SD 25 mg/kg PO, plasma AUC0-∞ of 14400 ng h/mL, Cmax of 810 ng/mL and half-life (t1/2) of 8.5 h were observed. At 24 h after SD of 25 mg/kg PO, the intratumor concentration of metarrestin was high with a mean value of 6.2 µg/g tissue (or 13 µM), well above the cell-based IC50 of 0.4 µM. At multiple dose (MD) 25 mg/kg/day PO in KPC mice, mean tissue/plasma AUC0-24h ratio for tumor, spleen and liver was 37, 30 and 31, respectively. There was a good linear relationship of dosage to AUC0-24h and C24h. AUC0-24h MD to AUC0-24h SD ratios ranged from two for liver to five for tumor indicating additional accumulation in tumors. Dose-dependent normalization of FOXA1 and FOXO6 mRNA expression was observed in KPC tumors.

CONCLUSIONS

Metarrestin is an effective therapeutic candidate with a favorable PK profile achieving excellent intratumor tissue levels in a disease with known poor drug delivery.

Cancer Stem Cells: Emergent Nature of Tumor Emergency

A functional analysis of 167 genes overexpressed in Krebs-2 tumor initiating cells was performed. In the first part of the study, the genes were analyzed for their belonging to one or more of the three groups, which represent the three major phenotypic manifestation of malignancy of cancer cells, namely (1) proliferative self-sufficiency, (2) invasive growth and metastasis, and (3) multiple drug resistance. 96 genes out of 167 were identified as possible contributors to at least one of these fundamental properties. It was also found that substantial part of these genes are also known as genes responsible for formation and/or maintenance of the stemness of normal pluri-/multipotent stem cells. These results suggest that the malignancy is simply the ability to maintain the stem cell specific genes expression profile, and, as a consequence, the stemness itself regardless of the controlling effect of stem niches. In the second part of the study, three stress factors combined into the single concept of "generalized cellular stress," which are assumed to activate the expression of these genes, were defined. In addition, possible mechanisms for such activation were identified. The data obtained suggest the existence of a mechanism for the de novo formation of a pluripotent/stem phenotype in the subpopulation of "committed" tumor cells.

Meta-analysis of gene expression and integrin-associated signaling pathways in papillary renal cell carcinoma subtypes

Papillary renal cell carcinoma (PRCC) is the second most common renal cell carcinoma (RCC) that can be further subdivided into type 1 (PRCC1) and type 2 (PRCC2) RCCs based on histological and genetic features. PRCC2 is often more aggressive than PRCC1. While integrin-associated protein complexes mediate tumorigenesis and metastases in many types of cancers it is not known whether integrin-mediated signaling impacts PRCC and differs between PRCC1 and PRCC2. In this study, we combined the analysis of five PRCC gene expression datasets derived from Gene Expression Omnibus (GEO) and The Cancer Genome Atlas (TCGA) by using integrative bioinformatics pipelines. We found 1475 differentially expressed genes among which 37 genes were associated with integrin pathways. In comparison with PRCC1, PRCC2 cases showed upregulated expression of α5-integrin (ITGA5) whereas the expression of α6- (ITGA6) and β8-integrins (ITGB8) was downregulated. Because PRCC2 occurs more frequently in men, the meta-analysis was extended to explore the gender effects. This analysis revealed 8 genes but none of them was related to integrin pathways suggesting that other mechanisms than integrin-mediated signaling underlie the observed gender differences in the pathogenicity of PRCC2.

The expression profile and prognostic significance of eukaryotic translation elongation factors in different cancers

Eukaryotic translation factors, especially initiation factors have garnered much attention with regards to their role in the onset and progression of different cancers. However, the expression levels and prognostic significance of translation elongation factors remain poorly explored in different cancers. In this study, we have investigated the mRNA transcript levels of seven translation elongation factors in different cancer types using Oncomine and TCGA databases. Furthermore, we have identified the prognostic significance of these factors using Kaplan-Meier Plotter and SurvExpress databases. We observed altered expression levels of all the elongation factors in different cancers. Higher expression of EEF1A2, EEF1B2, EEF1G, EEF1D, EEF1E1 and EEF2 was observed in most of the cancer types, whereas reverse trend was observed for EEF1A1. Overexpression of many factors predicted poor prognosis in breast (EEF1D, EEF1E1, EEF2) and lung cancer (EEF1A2, EEF1B2, EEF1G, EEF1E1). However, we didn’t see any common correlation of expression levels of elongation factors with survival outcomes across cancer types. Cancer subtype stratification showed association of survival outcomes and expression levels of elongation factors in specific sub-types of breast, lung and gastric cancer. Most interestingly, we observed a reciprocal relationship between the expression levels of the two EEF1A isoforms viz. EEF1A1 and EEF1A2, in most of the cancer types. Our results suggest that translation elongation factors can have a role in tumorigenesis and affect survival in cancer specific manner. Elongation factors have potential to serve as biomarkers and therapeutic drug targets, yet further study is required. Reciprocal relationship of differential expression between EEF1A isoforms observed in multiple cancer types indicates opposing roles in cancer and needs further investigation.

GOLPH2, a gene downstream of ras signaling, promotes the progression of pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma

Various studies have previously demonstrated that Golgi protein-73 (GOLPH2) is overexpressed in tumorigenesis, which has been observed in hepatocellular carcinoma and prostate cancer. However, the expression levels and specific functions of GOLPH2 in the progression of pancreatic cancer remain to be elucidated. The present study aimed to investigate the expression of GOLPH2 in pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma (PDAC) tissues and examined the effects of GOLPH2 on the growth and migration of pancreatic cancer cells. In the present study, the mRNA levels of GOLPH2 in PDAC cancer tissues were examined using RT‑qPCR. The effects of GOLPH2 on the growth and migration of cancer cells were examined using crystal violet and Boyden chamber assays. The study demonstrated that the expression of GOLPH2 mRNA and protein was elevated in PDAC clinical tissues. The growth and motility of the PDAC cells was enhanced following overexpression of GOLPH2, whereas downregulating the expression of GOLPH2 impaired the growth, motility and tumorigenesis. Furthermore, GOLPH2 was observed to interact with protein kinase B (Akt), which subsequently increased the activity of Akt. In addition, GOLPH2 was revealed as a downstream gene of Ras signaling and promoted the transformation of normal pancreatic cells. The results of the present study revealed the important functions of GOLPH2 in PDAC, and suggest that GOLPH2 may act as a promising therapeutic target for the treatment of PDAC in the future.

The EEF1A2 gene expression as risk predictor in localized prostate cancer

Background

Besides clinical stage and Gleason score, risk-stratification of prostate cancer in the pretherapeutic setting mainly relies on the serum PSA level. Yet, this is associated with many uncertainties. With regard to therapy decision-making, additional markers are needed to allow an exact risk prediction. Eukaryotic translation elongation factor 1 alpha 2 (EEF1A2) was previously suggested as driver of tumor progression and potential biomarker. In the present study its functional and prognostic relevance in prostate cancer was investigated.

Methods

EEF1A2 expression was analyzed in two cohorts of patients (n = 40 and n = 59) with localized PCa. Additionally data from two large expression dataset (MSKCC, Cell, 2010 with n = 131 localized, n = 19 metastatic PCa and TCGA provisional data, n = 499) of PCa patients were reanalyzed. The expression of EEF1A2 was correlated with histopathology features and biochemical recurrence (BCR). To evaluate the influence of EEF1A2 on proliferation and migration of metastatic PC3 cells, siRNA interference was used. Statistical significance was tested with t-test, Mann-Whitney-test, Pearson correlation and log-rank test.

Results

qRT-PCR revealed EEF1A2 to be significantly overexpressed in PCa tissue, with an increase according to tumor stage in one cohort (p = 0.0443). In silico analyses in the MSKCC cohort confirmed the overexpression of EEF1A2 in localized PCa with high Gleason score (p = 0.0142) and in metastatic lesions (p = 0.0038). Patients with EEF1A2 overexpression had a significantly shorter BCR-free survival (p = 0.0028). EEF1A2 expression was not correlated with serum PSA levels. Similar results were seen in the TCGA cohort, where EEF1A2 overexpression only occurred in tumors with Gleason 7 or higher. Patients with elevated EEF1A2 expression had a significantly shorter BCR-free survival (p = 0.043). EEF1A2 knockdown significantly impaired the migration, but not the proliferation of metastatic PC3 cells.

Conclusion

The overexpression of EEF1A2 is a frequent event in localized PCa and is associated with histopathology features and a shorter biochemical recurrence-free survival. Due to its independence from serum PSA levels, EEF1A2 could serve as valuable biomarker in risk-stratification of localized PCa.

A signal-based method for finding driver modules of breast cancer metastasis to the lung

Tumor metastasis is mainly caused by somatic genomic alterations (SGAs) that perturb pathways regulating metastasis-relevant activities and thus help the primary tumor to adapt to the new microenvironment. Identifying drivers of metastasis, i.e. SGAs, sheds light on the metastasis mechanism and provides guidance for targeted therapy. In this paper, we introduce a novel method to search for SGAs driving breast cancer metastasis to the lung. First, we search for transcriptomic modules with genes that are differentially expressed in breast cell lines with strong metastatic activities to the lung and co-expressed in a large number of breast tumors. Then, for each transcriptomic module, we search for a set of SGA genes (driver modules) such that genes in each driver module carry a common signal regulating the transcriptomic module. Evaluations indicate that many genes in driver modules are indeed related to metastasis, and our methods have identified many new driver candidates. We further choose two novel metastatic driver genes, BCL2L11 and CDH9, for in vitro verification. The wound healing assay reveals that inhibiting either BCL2L11 or CDH9 will enhance the migration of cell lines, which provides evidence that these two genes are suppressors of tumor metastasis.

Comparison of the ability of mammalian eEF1A1 and its oncogenic variant eEF1A2 to interact with actin and calmodulin

The question as to why a protein exerts oncogenic properties is answered mainly by well-established ideas that these proteins interfere with cellular signaling pathways. However, the knowledge about structural and functional peculiarities of the oncoproteins causing these effects is far from comprehensive. The 97.5% homologous tissue-specific A1 and A2 isoforms of mammalian translation elongation factor eEF1A represent an interesting model to study a difference between protein variants of a family that differ in oncogenic potential. We propose that the different oncogenic impact of A1 and A2 might be explained by differences in their ability to communicate with their respective cellular partners. Here we probed this hypothesis by studying the interaction of eEF1A with two known partners - calmodulin and actin. Indeed, an inability of the A2 isoform to interact with calmodulin is shown, while calmodulin is capable of binding A1 and interferes with its tRNA-binding and actin-bundling activities in vitro. Both A1 and A2 variants revealed actin-bundling activity; however, the form of bundles formed in the presence of A1 or A2 was distinctly different. Thus, a potential inability of A2 to be controlled by Ca2+-mediated regulatory systems is revealed.

Isoorientin induces apoptosis, decreases invasiveness, and downregulates VEGF secretion by activating AMPK signaling in pancreatic cancer cells

Isoorientin (or homoorientin) is a flavone, which is a chemical flavonoid-like compound, and a 6-C-glucoside of luteolin. Isoorientin has been demonstrated to have anti-cancer activities against various tumors, but its effects on pancreatic cancer (PC) have not been studied in detail. In this study, we aim to investigate whether isoorientin has potential anti-PC effects and its underlying mechanism. In PC, isoorientin strongly inhibited the survival of the cells, induced cell apoptosis, and decreased its malignancy by reversing the expression of epithelial-mesenchymal transition and matrix metalloproteinase and decreased vascular endothelial growth factor expression. Meanwhile, we investigated the activity of the AMP-activated protein kinase (AMPK) signaling pathway after isoorientin treatment, which was forcefully activated by isoorientin, as expected. In addition, in the PC cells that were transfected with lentivirus to interfere with the expression of the gene PRKAA1, there were no differences in the apoptosis rate and the expression of malignancy biomarkers in the tumors of the isoorientin-treated and untreated groups. Thus, we demonstrated that isoorientin has potential antitumor effects via the AMPK signaling pathway, and isoorientin merits further investigation.

Serum MMP7, MMP10 and MMP12 level as negative prognostic markers in colon cancer patients

Background

Matrixmetalloproteinases (MMPs) comprise a family of zinc-dependent endopeptidases which are involved in angiogenesis, tumor invasion and metastatic formation. Up to date, the prognostic relevance of MMPs in serum of patients with colon cancer remains unknown. Thus, we wanted to assess an expression pattern of MMPs in a homogenous cohort of colon cancer patients to assess their potential as prognostic biomarkers.

Methods

Differences in the expression pattern of MMP7, MMP10 and MMP12 in 78 serum specimens of patients with an adenocarcinoma of the colon and serum specimens of a healthy control group were assessed using Luminex-100 technologies. Subsequently, we correlated these results with histopathological and clinical data of the patients.

Results

Luminex based expression analysis revealed a significant overexpression of MMP7 and an overexpression of MMP10 and MMP12 in the sera of colon cancer patients compared to the healthy control group. Patients with vascular invasion showed a significantly higher MMP12 expression than V0-staged patients. Moreover overexpression of MMP7, MMP10 and MMP12 in colon cancer patients´ sera displayed a significantly impaired overall survival. Multivariate analysis revealed high MMP10 serum levels to be an independent adverse prognostic marker in colon cancer patients.

Conclusions

Expression patterns of MMP7, MMP10 and MMP12 in colon cancer patients´ sera are different compared to serum specimens of healthy individuals. Furthermore, overexpression of MMP7, MMP10 and MMP12 in colon cancer patients´ sera correlates with a dismal prognosis and may help to stratify patients into different risk groups.

Electronic supplementary material

The online version of this article (doi:10.1186/s12885-016-2515-7) contains supplementary material, which is available to authorized users.

Eukaryotic elongation factor-1α 2 knockdown inhibits hepatocarcinogenesis by suppressing PI3K/Akt/NF-κB signaling

AIM: To assess the impact of eukaryotic elongation factor 1 alpha 2 (eEF1A2) on hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) cell proliferation, apoptosis, migration and invasion, and determine the underlying mechanisms.

METHODS: eEF1A2 levels were detected in 62 HCC tissue samples and paired pericarcinomatous specimens, and the human HCC cell lines SK-HEP-1, HepG2 and BEF-7402, by real-time PCR and immunohistochemistry. Experimental groups included eEF1A2 silencing in BEL-7402 cells with lentivirus eEF1A2-shRNA (KD group) and eEF1A2 overexpression in SK-HEP-1 cells with eEF1A2 plasmid (OE group). Non-transfected cells (control group) and lentivirus-based empty vector transfected cells (NC group) were considered control groups. Cell proliferation (MTT and colony formation assays), apoptosis (Annexin V-APC assay), cell cycle (DNA ploidy assay), and migration and invasion (Transwell assays) were assessed. Protein levels of PI3K/Akt/NF-κB signaling effectors were evaluated by Western blot.

RESULTS: eEF1A2 mRNA and protein levels were significantly higher in HCC cancer tissue samples than in paired pericarcinomatous and normal specimens. SK-HEP-1 cells showed lower eEF1A2 mRNA levels; HepG2 and BEL-7402 cells showed higher eEF1A2 mRNA levels, with BEL-7402 cells displaying the highest amount. Efficient eEF1A2 silencing resulted in reduced cell proliferation, migration and invasion, increased apoptosis, and induced cell cycle arrest. The PI3K/Akt/NF-κB signaling pathway was notably inhibited. Inversely, eEF1A2 overexpression resulted in promoted cell proliferation, migration and invasion.

CONCLUSION: eEF1A2, highly expressed in HCC, is a potential oncogene. Its silencing significantly decreases HCC tumorigenesis, likely by inhibiting PI3K/Akt/NF-κB signaling.

Overexpression of PDZK1IP1, EEF1A2 and RPL41 genes in intrahepatic cholangiocarcinoma

Intrahepatic cholangiocarcinoma (iCCA) is an aggressive malignancy in the liver, which is associated with a poor prognosis. However, the molecular pathogenesis of iCCA remains unclear. RNA-Seq for tumor and para-tumor sample pairs enables the characterization of changes in the gene expression profiles of patients with iCCA. The present study analyzed RNA‑Seq data of seven iCCA para‑tumor and tumor sample pairs. Differential gene expression analysis demonstrated significant upregulation of PDZK1IP1, EEF1A2 and RPL41 (ENSG00000279483) genes in the iCCA samples when compared with the matched para‑tumor samples. Furthermore, genes associated with the immune system, metabolism and metabolic energy were significantly downregulated in the iCCA tumor tissues, indicating that this is involved in the pathogenesis of iCCA. The present study aimed to elucidate the gene expression patterns associated with the tumorigenesis of iCCA by comparing tumor and normal tissues, in order to isolate novel diagnostic factors for iCCA.

Blood expression of matrix metalloproteinases 8 and 9 and of their inducers S100A8 and S100A9 supports diagnosis and prognosis of PDAC-associated diabetes mellitus

BACKGROUND

Based on the knowledge that matrix metalloproteinases (MMPs) and S100A8/A9 synergistically work in causing PDAC-associated type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM), we verified whether tissue and blood MMP8, MMP9, S100A8 and S100A9 expression might help in distinguishing PDAC among diabetics.

METHODS

Relative quantification of MMP8, MMP9, S100A8 and S100A9 mRNA was performed in tissues obtained from 8 PDAC, 4 chronic pancreatitis (ChrPa), 4 non-PDAC tumors and in PBMCs obtained from 30 controls, 43 T2DM, 41 ChrPa, 91 PDAC and 33 pancreatic-biliary tract tumors.

RESULTS

T2DM was observed in PDAC (66%), in pancreatic-biliary tract tumors (64%) and in ChrPa (70%). In diabetics, with or without PDAC, MMP9 tissue expression was increased (p<0.05). Both MMPs increased in PDAC and MMP9 increased also in pancreatic-biliary tract tumors PBMCs. In diabetics, MMP9 was independently associated with PDAC (p=0.025), but failed to enhance CA 19-9 discriminant efficacy. A highly reduced S100A9 expression, found in 7 PDAC, was significantly correlated with a reduced overall survival (p=0.015).

CONCLUSIONS

An increased expression of tissue and blood MMP9 reflects the presence of PDAC-associated diabetes mellitus. This finding fits with the hypothesized role of MMPs as part of the complex network linking cancer to diabetes.

Luteolin decreases invasiveness, deactivates STAT3 signaling, and reverses interleukin-6 induced epithelial-mesenchymal transition and matrix metalloproteinase secretion of pancreatic cancer cells

Luteolin, a flavone, has been shown to exhibit anticancer properties. Here, we investigated whether luteolin affects epithelial–mesenchymal transition (EMT) and invasiveness of pancreatic cancer cell lines and their underlying mechanism. Pancreatic cancer cell lines PANC-1 and SW1990 were used in our study, and their EMT characters, matrix metalloproteinase (MMP) expression level, invasiveness, and signal transducer and activator of transcription 3 (STAT3) activity were determined after luteolin treatment. We also treated pancreatic cancer cells with interleukin-6 (IL-6) to see whether IL-6-induced activation of STAT3, EMT, and MMP secretion was affected by luteolin. We found that luteolin inhibits EMT and MMP2, MMP7, and MMP9 expression in a dose-dependent manner, similar to STAT3 signaling. Through Transwell assay, we found that invasiveness of pancreatic cancer cells was inhibited by luteolin. EMT characters and MMP secretion increase with STAT3 activity after IL-6 treatment and these effects, caused by IL-6, were inhibited by luteolin. We concluded that luteolin inhibits invasiveness of pancreatic cancer cells, and we speculated that luteolin inhibits EMT and MMP secretion likely through deactivation of STAT3 signaling. Luteolin has potential antitumor effects and merits further investigation.

The eEF1A Proteins: At the Crossroads of Oncogenesis, Apoptosis, and Viral Infections

Eukaryotic translation elongation factors 1 alpha, eEF1A1 and eEF1A2, are not only translation factors but also pleiotropic proteins that are highly expressed in human tumors, including breast cancer, ovarian cancer, and lung cancer. eEF1A1 modulates cytoskeleton, exhibits chaperone-like activity and also controls cell proliferation and cell death. In contrast, eEF1A2 protein favors oncogenesis as shown by the fact that overexpression of eEF1A2 leads to cellular transformation and gives rise to tumors in nude mice. The eEF1A2 protein stimulates the phospholipid signaling and activates the Akt-dependent cell migration and actin remodeling that ultimately favors tumorigenesis. In contrast, inactivation of eEF1A proteins leads to immunodeficiency, neural and muscular defects, and favors apoptosis. Finally, eEF1A proteins interact with several viral proteins resulting in enhanced viral replication, decreased apoptosis, and increased cellular transformation. This review summarizes the recent findings on eEF1A proteins indicating that eEF1A proteins play a critical role in numerous human diseases through enhancement of oncogenesis, blockade of apoptosis, and increased viral pathogenesis.

miR-663 attenuates tumor growth and invasiveness by targeting eEF1A2 in pancreatic cancer

Background

miR-663 is associated with many important biologic processes, such as the evolution, development, viral infection, inflammatory response, and carcinogenesis among vertebrates. However, the molecular function and mechanism of miR-663 in pancreatic cancer growth and invasion is still unclear.

Methods

Western blot and real-time PCR were used to study the expression level of eEF1A2 protein and miR-663 in pancreatic cancer tissues and cell lines. The Pearson χ² test was used to determine the correlation between miR-663 expression and clinicopathologic features of patients. Patients’ survival was analyzed using the Kaplan–Meier method, using the log-rank test for comparison. The biological function of miR-663 was examined by measuring cell growth, cell invasion and apoptosis analysis in vitro and in vivo. miR-663 target gene and signaling pathway was identified by luciferase activity assay and western blot.

Results

We found that, in pancreatic cancer, eEF1A2 was significantly upregulated but miR-663 was significantly downregulated. Further results showed that the expression level of eEF1A2 and miR-663 was strongly associated with TNM stage and node metastasis status of the patients. miR-663 and eEF1A2 were inversely correlated with each other, and the changes in the expression levels of each can also predict the survival of patients with pancreatic cancer. We identified miR-663 as a tumor attenuate molecular that attenuated the proliferation and invasion of pancreatic cancer cells both in vitro and in vivo. Finally, we confirmed that the expression of eEF1A2 can partially restore the pro-apoptotic and anti-invasion functions of miR-663.

Conclusions

miR-663 attenuated the proliferation and invasion of pancreatic cells both in vitro and in vivo by directly targeting eEF1A2. miR-663 and eEF1A2 might be potential targets for the treatment of pancreatic cancer in the future.

Biodegradable nanoparticle-mediated K-ras down regulation for pancreatic cancer gene therapy

Biodegradable nanoparticle-mediated K-ras siRNA delivery has shown inhibition of cell proliferation, migration and invasion in pancreatic cancer cells.

Knockdown of OCT4 suppresses the growth and invasion of pancreatic cancer cells through inhibition of the AKT pathway

Octamer‑binding transcription factor 4 (OCT4) is one of the factors associated with self‑renewal and differentiation in cancer stem cells, and is crucial for the progression of various types of human malignancy. However, the expression and function of OCT4 in human pancreatic cancer has not been fully elucidated. The purpose of the present study was to investigate the function and molecular mechanisms of OCT4 in pancreatic cancer cells. The clinical significance of OCT4 expression was assessed by an immunohistochemical assay using a tissue microarray procedure in pancreatic cancer tissues and cells with different degrees of differentiation. A loss‑of‑function approach was used to examine the effects of a lentivirus‑mediated OCT4 small hairpin RNA vector on biological behaviors, including cell proliferative activity and invasive potential. The results demonstrated that the expression levels of OCT4 protein in cancer tissues were significantly elevated compared with those in adjacent non‑cancerous tissues (65.0 vs. 42.5%; P=0.005), which was correlated with tumor differentiation (P=0.008). The knockdown of OCT4 inhibited the proliferation and invasion of pancreatic cancer cells (Panc‑1) expressing high levels of OCT4, accompanied with decreased expression of AKT, proliferating cell nuclear antigen (PCNA) and matrix metalloproteinase‑2 (MMP‑2). In conclusion, the present study reveals that the increased expression of OCT4 is correlated with the differentiation of pancreatic cancer, while knockdown of OCT4 suppresses the growth and invasion of pancreatic cancer cells through inhibition of AKT pathway‑mediated PCNA and MMP‑2 expression, suggesting that OCT4 might serve as a potential therapeutic target for the treatment of pancreatic cancer.

Up-regulation of eEF1A2 promotes proliferation and inhibits apoptosis in prostate cancer

BACKGROUND

eEF1A2 is a protein translation factor involved in protein synthesis, which possesses important function roles in cancer development. This study aims at investigating the expression pattern of eEF1A2 in prostate cancer and its potential role in prostate cancer development.

METHODS

We examined the expression level of eEF1A2 in 30 pairs of prostate cancer tissues by using RT-PCR and immunohistochemical staining (IHC). Then we applied siRNA specifically targeting eEF1A2 to down-regulate its expression in DU-145 and PC-3 cells. Flow cytometer was used to explore apoptosis and Western-blot was used to detect the pathway proteins of apoptosis.

RESULTS

Our results showed that the expression level of eEF1A2 in prostate cancer tissues was significantly higher compared to their corresponding normal tissues. Reduction of eEF1A2 expression in DU-145 and PC-3 cells led to a dramatic inhibition of proliferation accompanied with enhanced apoptosis rate. Western blot revealed that apoptosis pathway proteins (caspase3, BAD, BAX, PUMA) were significantly up-regulated after suppression of eEF1A2. More importantly, the levels of eEF1A2 and caspase3 were inversely correlated in prostate cancer tissues.

CONCLUSION

Our data suggests that eEF1A2 plays an important role in prostate cancer development, especially in inhibiting apoptosis. So eEF1A2 might serve as a potential therapeutic target in prostate cancer.