Analysis of HGF, MACC1, C-met and apoptosis-related genes in cervical carcinoma mice

IFN-γ affects pancreatic cancer properties by MACC1-AS1/MACC1 axis via AKT/mTOR signaling pathway

BACKGROUND

Metastasis-related in colon cancer 1 (MACC1) is highly expressed in a variety of solid tumours, but its role in pancreatic cancer (PC) remains unknown. Interferon gamma (IFN-γ) affecting MACC1 expression was explored as the potential mechanism following its intervention.

METHODS

Expressions of MACC1 treated with IFN-γ gradient were confirmed by quantitative real-time PCR (qRT-PCR) and western blot (WB). Proliferation, migration, and invasion abilities of PC cells treated with IFN-γ were analysed by CCK8, EDU, colony formation, Transwell (with or without matrix gel) and wound-healing assays. Expression of antisense long non-coding RNA of MACC1, MACC1-AS1, and proteins of AKT/mTOR pathway, (pho-)AKT, and (pho-)mTOR was also assessed by qRT-PCR and WB. SiRNA kit and lentiviral fluid were conducted for transient expression of MACC1 and stable expression of MACC1-AS1, respectively. Rescue assays of cells overexpressing MACC1-AS1 and of cells silencing MACC1 were performed and cellular properties and proteins were assessed by the above-mentioned assays as well.

RESULTS

IFN-γ inhibited MACC1 expression in a time- and dose-dependent manner; 100 ng/mL IFN-γ generally caused downregulation of most significant (p ≤ 0.05). In vitro experiments revealed that IFN-γ decreased cellular proliferation, migration, and invasion abilities and downregulated the expression of pho-AKT and pho-mTOR (p ≤ 0.05). Conversely, overexpression of MACC1-AS1 upregulated pho-AKT and pho-mTOR proteins, and reversed cellular properties (p ≤ 0.05). Rescue assays alleviated the above changes of pho-AKT/ mTOR and cellular properties.

CONCLUSION

IFN-γ affected PC properties by MACC1-AS1/MACC1 axis via AKT/mTOR signaling pathway, which provides novel insight for candidate targets for treating PC.

Overexpression of metastasis-associated in colon cancer 1 in retinoblastoma

INTRODUCTION

Metastasis-associated in colon cancer 1 (MACC1), one of the prognostic markers for colonic and other tumours was noted to be overexpressed in retinoblastoma (Rb) Y79 cancer stem cells. This prompted us to evaluate its expression in primary Rb tumour and serum samples with clinicopathologic correlation. The interacting partner, c-MET was also evaluated in primary tumour tissues to explore the activation of MACC1 signaling.

METHODOLOGY

This study was done following institutional review board approval from participating institutes. Semiquantitative gene expression for MACC1 was evaluated using formalin-fixed paraffin-embedded sections and unfixed tumour samples from primary Rb cases (n = 44). Immunolocalization for MACC1 was assessed in primary Rb tumours (n = 22), bone marrow aspirates with metastasis (n = 3), and c-MET expression was also assessed in Rb tumours (n = 17). Serum MACC1 levels were analysed using enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay in samples collected from Rb patients undergoing enucleation (n = 31), Rb patients with proven clinical metastasis (n = 3), and compared to appropriate controls. Clinicopathologic correlation of MACC1 expression was analysed using the medical records with specific reference to histologic risk factors (HRF) for metastasis and differentiation.

RESULTS

High expression of MACC1 gene was noted in all the tumour samples (n = 44), more so in cases with versus without HRF (p < 0.0001). In cases with HRF, MACC1 and c-MET showed diffuse nuclear and cytoplasmic staining whereas it was predominantly cytoplasmic in cases without HRF. Mean immunoreactivity score of MACC1 and c-MET tissue immunolocalization revealed that cases with HRF showed significantly higher expression compared to cases without HRF (p < 0.05). Unlike the findings in colonic tumours, serum levels of MACC1 were lower in patients compared to normal controls.

CONCLUSION

Overexpression of MACC1 and c-MET in retinoblastoma tissues, specifically those with risk factors for metastasis, suggests its role in proliferation and possibly in invasion. However, the current data do not support it to be a clinical prognostic marker in retinoblastoma tumours. The inverse serum expression is an intriguing finding, which warrants further studies especially in retinoblastoma.

MicroRNA-877 is downregulated in cervical cancer and directly targets MACC1 to inhibit cell proliferation and invasion

Previously, a number of microRNAs (miRNAs) have been reported to be dysregulated in cervical cancer, and dysregulated miRNAs may play crucial roles in the development and progression of cervical cancer. Hence, investigating the detailed roles of miRNAs that are aberrantly expressed in cervical cancer and the underlying molecular mechanisms is essential for early diagnosis and effective therapeutic approaches. miRNA-877 (miR-877) was found to be downregulated in hepatocellular carcinoma and renal cell carcinoma, and function as a tumor-suppressive miRNA. However, how miR-877 exerts an effect in cervical cancer progression and its underlying molecular mechanisms remains to be elucidated. In the current study, reverse transcription-quantitative PCR was performed to determine miR-877 expression in cervical cancer tissues and cell lines. The effects of miR-877 overexpression on cervical cancer cell proliferation and invasion were evaluated using MTT and Transwell cell invasion assays. In the present study, miR-877 was significantly downregulated in cervical cancer tissues and cell lines, and the decreased expression levels of miR-877 were significantly associated with increased International Federation of Gynecology and Obstetric stage as well as increased lymph node metastasis in patients with cervical cancer. Upregulation of miR-877 using miR-877 mimics resulted in the decreased proliferation and invasion of cervical cancer cells. Metastasis-associated in colon cancer-1 (MACC1) was assessed using bioinformatics analyses to determine whether it could be a potential target gene of miR-877, and the results were confirmed using a luciferase reporter assay. Furthermore, MACC1 was markedly upregulated in cervical cancer tissues, and its level was negatively correlated with the miR-877 level. Overexpression of miR-877 resulted in decreased expression levels of MACC1 in cervical cancer cells at both the mRNA and protein levels. In addition, the functional effects of MACC1 knockdown were similar to those induced by upregulated miR-877 in cervical cancer cells. MACC1 restored miR-877 overexpression-mediated suppression of cervical cancer cell proliferation and invasion. In conclusion, miR-877 may play an antitumor role in cervical cancer by directly targeting MACC1, which suggests that this miRNA may be a promising therapeutic target for the treatment of patients with such an aggressive gynecological cancer.

Decoding and targeting the molecular basis of MACC1-driven metastatic spread: Lessons from big data mining and clinical-experimental approaches

Metastasis remains the key issue impacting cancer patient survival and failure or success of cancer therapies. Metastatic spread is a complex process including dissemination of single cells or collective cell migration, penetration of the blood or lymphatic vessels and seeding at a distant organ site. Hundreds of genes involved in metastasis have been identified in studies across numerous cancer types. Here, we analyzed how the metastasis-associated gene MACC1 cooperates with other genes in metastatic spread and how these coactions could be exploited by combination therapies: We performed (i) a MACC1 correlation analysis across 33 cancer types in the mRNA expression data of TCGA and (ii) a comprehensive literature search on reported MACC1 combinations and regulation mechanisms. The key genes MET, HGF and MMP7 reported together with MACC1 showed significant positive correlations with MACC1 in more than half of the cancer types included in the big data analysis. However, ten other genes also reported together with MACC1 in the literature showed significant positive correlations with MACC1 in only a minority of 5 to 15 cancer types. To uncover transcriptional regulation mechanisms that are activated simultaneously with MACC1, we isolated pan-cancer consensus lists of 1306 positively and 590 negatively MACC1-correlating genes from the TCGA data and analyzed each of these lists for sharing transcription factor binding motifs in the promotor region. In these lists, binding sites for the transcription factors TELF1, ETS2, ETV4, TEAD1, FOXO4, NFE2L1, ELK1, SP1 and NFE2L2 were significantly enriched, but none of them except SP1 was reported in combination with MACC1 in the literature. Thus, while some of the results of the big data analysis were in line with the reported experimental results, hypotheses on new genes involved in MACC1-driven metastasis formation could be generated and warrant experimental validation. Furthermore, the results of the big data analysis can help to prioritize cancer types for experimental studies and testing of combination therapies.

MACC1-the first decade of a key metastasis molecule from gene discovery to clinical translation

Deciphering the paths to metastasis and identifying key molecules driving this process is one important issue for understanding and treatment of cancer. Such a key driver molecule is Metastasis Associated in Colon Cancer 1 (MACC1). A decade long research on this evolutionarily conserved molecule with features of a transcription factor as well as an adapter protein for versatile protein-protein interactions has shown that it has manifold properties driving tumors to their metastatic stage. MACC1 transcriptionally regulates genes involved in epithelial-mesenchymal transition (EMT), including those which are able to directly induce metastasis like c-MET, impacts tumor cell migration and invasion, and induces metastasis in solid cancers. MACC1 has proven as a valuable biomarker for prognosis of metastasis formation linked to patient survival and gives promise to also act as a predictive marker for individualized therapies in a broad variety of cancers. This review discusses the many features of MACC1 in the context of the hallmarks of cancer and the potential of this molecule as biomarker and novel therapeutic target for restriction and prevention of metastasis.

MicroRNA‑485 targets MACC1 and inhibits cervical cancer cell proliferation and invasion

A large body of evidence has indicated that microRNAs (miRNAs/miRs) have essential roles in the development and progression of cervical cancer. Thus, miRNAs with dysregulated expression are potential biomarkers for cervical cancer diagnosis and prognosis. In the present study, expression levels of miR‑485 were detected in cervical cancer tissues and cell lines. The effects of miR‑485 overexpression on the proliferation and invasion of cervical cancer cells were determined with Cell Counting kit‑8 and Transwell invasion assays. The mechanisms underlying the action of miR‑485 in cervical cancer were investigated using bioinformatics analysis, a luciferase reporter assay, reverse transcription‑quantitative polymerase chain reaction and western blot analysis. In addition, the association between miR‑485 and metastasis associated in colon cancer‑1 (MACC1) in cervical cancer tissues was examined. The present study demonstrated that miR‑485 expression was significantly downregulated in cervical cancer tissues and cell lines. Reduced miR‑485 expression in patients with cervical cancer was correlated with International Federation of Gynecology and Obstetrics stage and lymph node metastasis. Furthermore, restored expression of miR‑485 significantly reduced cervical cancer cell proliferation and invasion. MACC1 was identified as a direct target gene of miR‑485 in cervical cancer. MACC1 expression was significantly upregulated in cervical cancer specimens and was inversely correlated with miR‑485 expression. Additionally, the restored expression of MACC1 eliminated the suppressive effects of miR‑485 overexpression on the proliferation and invasion of cervical cancer cells. Notably, the upregulation of miR‑485 suppressed the MET proto‑oncogene, receptor tyrosine kinase (Met)/RAC‑α serine/threonine‑protein kinase (AKT) signaling pathway. These results demonstrated that miR‑485 may perform its tumor suppressive function in cervical cancer by directly targeting MACC1 and inhibiting the Met/AKT signaling pathway. Therefore, the miR‑485/MACC1 axis may be a novel and effective therapeutic target in cervical cancer.

Hydroxycamptothecin mediates antiproliferative effects through apoptosis and autophagy in A549 cells

Hydroxycamptothecin (HCPT) represents a new generation of anticancer drugs, with almost no side effects when used for the treatment of a number of types of cancer. Autophagy is becoming recognized as an important biological mechanism in human cancer, including lung cancer. However, the involvement of autophagy in the antiproliferative effects of HCPT on lung cancer remains unclear. In the present study, A549 cells, an accepted model of non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) cells, were employed. It was demonstrated that HCPT was able to suppress proliferation and induce apoptosis and autophagy in A549 cells. The molecular mechanism underlying HCPT-induced cell death was attributed to apoptosis and autophagy. Furthermore, it was demonstrated that an autophagy inhibitor, 3-methyladenine, accelerated HCPT-induced cell death in A549 cells. The results of the present study may lead to a deeper understanding of the molecular mechanism by which HCPT regulates NSCLC A549 cells. These results highlight the potential use of autophagy inhibitors in combination with traditional chemotherapy drugs for the treatment of lung cancer.

MACC1 regulates Fas mediated apoptosis through STAT1/3 - Mcl-1 signaling in solid cancers

MACC1 was identified as a novel player in cancer progression and metastasis, but its role in death receptor-mediated apoptosis is still unexplored. We show that MACC1 knockdown sensitizes cancer cells to death receptor-mediated apoptosis. For the first time, we provide evidence for STAT signaling as a MACC1 target. MACC1 knockdown drastically reduced STAT1/3 activating phosphorylation, thereby regulating the expression of its apoptosis targets Mcl-1 and Fas. STAT signaling inhibition by the JAK1/2 inhibitor ruxolitinib mimicked MACC1 knockdown-mediated molecular signatures and apoptosis sensitization to Fas activation. Despite the increased Fas expression, the reduced Mcl-1 expression was instrumental in apoptosis sensitization. This reduced Mcl-1-mediated apoptosis sensitization was Bax and Bak dependent. MACC1 knockdown also increased TRAIL-induced apoptosis. MACC1 overexpression enhanced STAT1/3 phosphorylation and increased Mcl-1 expression, which was abrogated by ruxolitinib. The central role of Mcl-1 was strengthened by the resistance of Mcl-1 overexpressing cells to apoptosis induction. The clinical relevance of Mcl-1 regulation by MACC1 was supported by their positive expression correlation in patient-derived tumors. Altogether, we reveal a novel death receptor-mediated apoptosis regulatory mechanism by MACC1 in solid cancers through modulation of the STAT1/3-Mcl-1 axis.

The potential therapeutic applications and prognostic significance of metastasis-associated in colon cancer-1 (MACC1) in cancers

The metastasis-associated in colon cancer-1 (MACC1) gene was identified in 2009. Expression of MACC1 was found to be significantly upregulated in primary and metastatic colon carcinomas compared to normal tissues or adenomas. The induction of MACC1 occurs at the crucial step of transition from a benign to a malignant phenotype.

The aim of this review was to summarise current results of non-clinical and clinical studies on the role of MACC1 in the carcinogenesis and progression of cancer, as well its potential therapeutic and prognostic significance.

The gene encoding the HGF receptor MET is a transcriptional target of MACC1. In addition to promoting the proliferation, invasion, and migration of colon cancer cells in cell culture and tumour growth and metastasis in mouse models, MACC1 also contributes to carcinogenesis and progression of colorectal cancer through the β-catenin signalling pathway and mesenchymal-epithelial transition.

MACC1 knockdown with si/sh RNA was investigated in cell lines of different types of cancer. MACC1 is a promising therapeutic target for antitumour and antimetastatic intervention strategies for cancers. Here, it is presented as a potential independent prognostic indicator of reduced overall survival as well as of the occurrence of distant metastasis in patients with different types of cancer.

MACC1 Induces Tumor Progression in Transgenic Mice and Colorectal Cancer Patients via Increased Pluripotency Markers Nanog and Oct4

PURPOSE

We have previously identified the gene MACC1 as a strong prognostic biomarker for colorectal cancer metastasis and patient survival. Here, we report for the first time the generation of transgenic mouse models for MACC1.

EXPERIMENTAL DESIGN

We generated mice with transgenic overexpression of MACC1 in the intestine driven by the villin promoter (vil-MACC1) and crossed them with Apc(Min) mice (vil-MACC1/Apc(Min)).

RESULTS

vil-MACC1/Apc(Min) mice significantly increased the total number of tumors (P = 0.0056). This was particularly apparent in large tumors (≥3-mm diameter; P = 0.0024). A detailed histopathologic analysis of these lesions demonstrated that the tumors from the vil-MACC1/Apc(Min) mice had a more invasive phenotype and, consequently, showed a significantly reduced survival time than Apc(Min) mice (P = 0.03). Molecular analysis revealed an increased Wnt and pluripotency signaling in the tumors of vil-MACC1/Apc(Min) mice. Specifically, we observed a prominent upregulation of the pluripotency markers Oct4 and Nanog in these tumors compared with Apc(Min) controls. Finally, we could also validate that Oct4 and Nanog are regulated by MACC1 in vitro and strongly correlate with MACC1 levels in a cohort of 60 tumors of colorectal cancer patients (r = 0.7005 and r = 0.6808, respectively; P > 0.0001 and P > 0.0002, respectively).

CONCLUSIONS

We provide proof of principle that MACC1-induced tumor progression in colorectal cancer acts, at least in part, via the newly discovered MACC1/Nanog/Oct4 axis. These findings might have important implications for the design of novel therapeutic intervention strategies to restrict tumor progression. Clin Cancer Res; 22(11); 2812-24. ©2016 AACR.

Roles of c-Met and RON kinases in tumor progression and their potential as therapeutic targets

c-Met and receptor originated from nantes (RON) are structurally related transmembrane phosphotyrosine kinase receptors. c-Met and RON show increased expression or activity in a variety of tumors leading to tumor progression and may play a role in acquired resistance to therapy. Although often co-expressed, the distinct functional roles of c-Met and RON are not fully understood. c-Met and RON form both activated homodimers and heterodimers with themselves and other families of phosphotyrosine kinase receptors. Inhibitors for c-Met and RON including small molecular weigh kinase inhibitors and neutralizing antibodies are in pre-clinical investigation and clinical trials. Several of the tyrosine kinase inhibitors have activity against both c-Met and RON kinases whereas the antibodies generally are target specific. As with many targeted agents used to treat solid tumors, it is likely that c-Met/RON inhibitors will have greater benefit when used in combination with chemotherapy or other targeted agents. A careful analysis of c-Met/RON expression or activity and a better elucidation of how they influence cell signaling will be useful in predicting which tumors respond best to these inhibitors as well as determining which agents can be used with these inhibitors for combined therapy.