TGF-β1-induced expression of Id-1 is associated with tumor progression in gastric cancer. Med Oncol. 2014;31:19. [PMID: 24861919 DOI: 10.1007/s12032-014-0019-3]

Umbilical cord blood plasma-derived exosomes as a novel therapy to reverse liver fibrosis

Background

Cirrhosis is a chronic liver disease whereby scar tissue replaces healthy liver parenchyma, leading to disruption of the liver architecture and hepatic dysfunction. Currently, there is no effective disease-modifying therapy for liver fibrosis. Recently, our group demonstrated that human umbilical cord blood (UCB) plasma possesses therapeutic effects in a rat model of acute liver failure.

Methods

In the current study, we tested whether exosomes (Exo) existed in UCB plasma and if they produced any antifibrotic benefits in a liver fibrosis model.

Results

Our results showed that UCB-Exo improved liver function and increased matrix metalloproteinase/tissue inhibitor of metalloproteinase degradation to reduce the degree of fibrosis. Moreover, UCB-Exo were found to suppress hepatic stellate cell (HSC) activity in vitro. These effects were associated with suppression of transforming growth factor-β/inhibitor of DNA binding 1 signaling.

Conclusions

These results further support that UCB-Exo have antifibrotic effects in mice with liver fibrosis and activated HSCs and may herald a new cell-free antifibrotic therapy.

A Negative Feedback Loop Between NAMPT and TGF-β Signaling Pathway in Colorectal Cancer Cells

Background

Nicotinamide phosphoribosyltransferase (NAMPT) and the transforming growth factor-β (TGF-β) signaling pathway play important roles in colorectal tumorigenesis and progress. However, the underlying regulatory mechanisms between NAMPT and TGF-β signaling in colorectal cancer (CRC) remain poorly understood.

Methods

Public data were extracted from the Oncomine database and the PrognoScan database to investigate the mRNA expression and the prognostic value of NAMPT, respectively, in CRC. Western blot tests were performed to detect Smad2, Smad3, p-Smad2, p-Smad3, Smad4 expression in CRC cells transfected with human NAMPT-siRNA or NAMPT-overexpressing plasmid. TGF-β1 concentrations in culture supernatants were assayed using ELISA kits. The effect of TGF-β1 on NAMPT expression was evaluated by quantitative real-time PCR and Western blot. The dual-luciferase reporter assay was employed to confirm the binding of miR-1-3p to NAMPT 3ʹ-UTR. Subsequently, NAMPT levels in HCT116 cells transfected with the mimics and inhibitors of miR-1-3p were detected by quantitative real-time PCR and Western blot.

Results

NAMPT was overexpressed in human CRC and was correlated with short overall survival. NAMPT increased the protein expression levels of components in the TGF-β signaling pathway including Smad2, Smad3, and Smad4. Moreover, NAMPT promoted TGF-β1 secretion. Intriguingly, the TGF-β1 treatment down-regulated NAMPT expression at mRNA and protein levels in CRC cells which were partly through the up-regulation of miR-1-3p that directly bound to the NAMPT 3ʹ-UTR. These outcomes demonstrated that NAMPT was a downstream target of miR-1-3p and there was a negative association between NAMPT and miR-1-3p in CRC.

Conclusion

There is a negative feedback loop between NAMPT and the TGF-β signaling pathway in CRC cells, providing new insight into the mechanism underlying the regulatory pathways in CRC.

Permissive State of EMT: The Role of Immune Cell Compartment

The Epithelial to Mesenchymal Transition (EMT) type 3 is a reversible dynamic process recognized as a major determinant of the metastatic event, although many questions regarding its role throughout this process remain unanswered. The ability of cancer cells to migrate and colonize distant organs is a key aspect of tumor progression and evolution, requiring constant tumor cells and tumor microenvironment (TME) changes, as well as constant changes affecting the cross-talk between the two aforementioned compartments. Alterations affecting tumor cells, such as transcription factors, trans-membrane receptors, chromatin remodeling complexes and metabolic pathways, leading to the disappearance of the epithelial phenotype and concomitant gaining of the undifferentiated mesenchymal phenotype are undoubtedly major players of the EMT process. However, several lines of evidence point out toward a more critical role of TME composition in creating an “EMT-permissive state.” The “EMT-permissive state” consists in changes affecting physical and biochemical properties (i.e., stiffness and/or hypoxia) as well as changes of the TME cellular component (i.e., immune-cell, blood vessel, lymphatic vessels, fibroblasts, and fat cells) that favor and induce the epithelial mesenchymal transition. In this mini review, we will discuss the role of the tumor microenvironment cellular component that are involved in supporting the EMT, with particular emphasis on the immune-inflammatory cells component.

Milk lactoperoxidase decreases ID1 and ID3 expression in human oral squamous cell carcinoma cell lines

Milk consumption may modify the risk of squamous cell carcinoma. The role of milk to modulate the gene expression in oral squamous cell carcinoma cells has not been investigated so far. Here, HSC2 oral squamous carcinoma cells were exposed to an aqueous fraction of human milk and a whole-genome array was performed. Among the genes that were significantly reduced by human and cow milk were the DNA-binding protein inhibitor 1 (ID1), ID3 and Distal-Less Homeobox 2 (DLX2) in HSC2 cells. Also, in TR146 oral squamous carcinoma cells, there was a tendency towards a decreased gene expression. Upon size fractionation, lactoperoxidase but not lactoferrin and osteopontin was identified to reduce ID1 and ID3 in HSC2 cells. Dairy products and hypoallergenic infant formula failed to decrease the respective genes. These data suggest that milk can reduce the expression of transcription factors in oral squamous carcinoma cells.

Oligometastatic Gastroesophageal Adenocarcinoma: Molecular Pathophysiology and Current Therapeutic Approach

Gastric and esophageal cancers are dreaded malignancies, with a majority of patients presenting in either a locally advanced or metastatic state. Global incidences are rising and the overall prognosis remains poor. The concept of oligometastasis has been established for other tumor entities and is also proposed for upper gastrointestinal tract cancers. This review article explores metastasis mechanisms on the molecular level, specific to esophageal and gastric adenocarcinoma. Existing data and recent studies that deal with upper gastrointestinal tumors in the oligometastatic state are reviewed. Furthermore, current therapeutic targets in gastroesophageal cancers are presented and discussed. Finally, a perspective about future diagnostic and therapeutic strategies is given.

Serine arginine protein kinase 1 (SRPK1): a moonlighting protein with theranostic ability in cancer prevention

Serine/arginine protein kinase 1 (SRPK1); a versatile functional moonlighting protein involved in varied cellular activities comprised of cell cycle progression, innate immune response, chromatin reorganization, negative and positive regulation of viral genome replication, protein amino acid phosphorylation, regulation of numerous mRNA-processing pathways, germ cell development as well as inflammation due to acquaintances with many transcription factors and signaling pathways. Several diseases including cancer have been associated with dysregulation of SRPK1. The function of SRPK1 in cancer is contradictory and inexplicable because it acts as both tumor suppressor and promoter based on the type of cell and locale. Over expression of SRPK1 including its role has been recently narrated and associated with several cancers, which includes, lung, glioma, prostate and breast via dysregulated signals from the Akt/eIF4E/HIF-1/VEGF, Erk or MAPK, PI3K/AKT/mTOR, TGF-β, and Wnt/β-catenin signaling pathways. Therefore, SRPK1 has occurred as a promising and possible curative target in cancer. In recent years, few natural and synthetic SRPK1 inhibitors have been discovered. This review emphasizes and highlights the complicated connections between SRPK1 and oncogenic signaling circuits together with the possibility of aiming SRPK1 in the treatment of cancer.

Evaluation of Effects of TGF-β1 Inhibition on Gastric Cancer in Nude Mice by Diffusion Kurtosis Imaging and In-Line X-ray Phase Contrast Imaging With Sequential Histology

Background

Accurate and complete response evaluation after treatment is important to implement individualized therapy for gastric cancer.

Purpose

To investigate the effectiveness of diffusion kurtosis imaging (DKI) and in‐line X‐ray phase contrast imaging (ILXPCI) in the assessment of the therapeutic efficacy by transforming growth factor beta 1 (TGF‐β1) inhibition.

Study Type

Prospective animal study.

Animal Model

Thirty nude mice subcutaneous xenotransplantation tumor model of gastric cancer for DKI and 10 peritoneal metastasis nude mice model for ILXPCI.

Field Strength/Sequence

Examinations before and serially at 7, 14, 21, and 28 days after TGF‐β1 inhibition treatment were performed at 3T MRI including T₂‐weighted imaging (T₂WI) and DKI with five b values of 0, 500, 1000, 1500, 2000 s/mm²; ILXPCI examinations were performed at 14 days after treatment.

Assessment

DKI parameters (apparent diffusion coefficient [ADC], diffusivity [D] and kurtosis [K]) were calculated by two experienced radiologists after postprocessing.

Statistical Tests

For the differences in all the parameters between the baseline and each timepoint for both the treated and the control mice, the Mann–Whitney test was used. The Spearman correlation test was used to evaluate correlations among the DKI parameters and corresponding pathologic necrosis fraction (NF).

Results

ADC, D, and K values were significantly different between the two groups after treatment (P < 0.05). Serial measurements in the treated group showed that the ADC, D, and K values were significantly different at 7, 14, 21, and 28 days compared with baseline (P < 0.05). There were significant correlations between DKI parameters and NF (ADC, r = 0.865, P < 0.001; D, r = 0.802, P < 0.001; K, r = –0.944, P < 0.001). The ILXPCI results in the treated group showed a stronger absorption area than the control group.

Data Conclusion

DKI may be used to evaluate the complete course therapeutic effects of gastric cancer induced by TGF‐β1 inhibition, and the ILXPCI technique will improve the tumor microstructure resolution.

Level of Evidence: 1

Technical Efficacy: Stage 4

J. Magn. Reson. Imaging 2019;49:1553–1564.

Id-1 promotes migration and invasion of non-small cell lung cancer cells through activating NF-κB signaling pathway

Background

Numerous studies have shown that Id-1 (Inhibitor of differentiation 1) is upregulated in several cancers and associated with tumor malignant characters. However, the clinical significance and biological role of Id-1 in non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) remains unclear.

Methods

We used RT-PCR, Western blot and Immunohistochemistry to measure Id-1 expression in NSCLC tissues and matched adjacent noncancerous tissues. The expression pattern of Id-1 in NSCLC tissues was determined by scoring system of immunohistochemical analysis. The Kaplan-Meier method was used to calculate the survival curve, and log-rank test to determine statistical significance. The Id-1 gene was overexpressed or downreuglated with Lentiviral vectors in NSCLC cells. And, the migration ability of NSCLC cells was tested in a Transwell Boyden Chamber.

Results

We found that Id-1 is generally expressed higher in NSCLC tissues compared with matched adjacent noncancerous tissues. We also found that high Id-1 expression in tumor tissues is significantly correlated with tumor progression and poor survival in NSCLC patients. Furthermore, our experimental data revealed that knockdown of Id-1 significantly suppressed the proliferation, migration and invasion of NSCLC cells, whereas ectopic expression of Id-1 promoted the malignant phenotype of NSCLC cells. Mechanistic study showed that NF-κB signaling pathway contributed to the effects of Id-1 in NSCLC cells. Moreover, blocking the NF-κB pathway significantly inhibited the tumor-promoting actions of Id-1 in NSCLC cells.

Conclusions

We identified a tumorigenic role of Id-1 in NSCLC and provided a novel therapeutic target for NSCLC patients.

CCR7 enhances TGF-β1-induced epithelial-mesenchymal transition and is associated with lymph node metastasis and poor overall survival in gastric cancer

CCR7 is a G protein-coupled chemokine receptor. In this study, we used immunohistochemistry with tissue microarrays to measure CCR7 expression in tumor specimens from 122 patients with gastric cancer. We show that CCR7 expression is associated with lymph node metastasis (P = 0.022) and overall survival (OS; P = 0.025), and is an independent factor associated with poorer overall survival (P = 0.032). The CCR7 mechanism was predicted based on bioinformatic analysis and verified in gastric cancer cell lines and primary tumor samples. The data show that CCR7 contributes to TGF-β1-induced epithelial-mesenchymal transition (EMT) and that the effects of TGF-β1 are inhibited by a CCR7 neutralizing antibody or a NF-κB inhibitor. Increased TGF-β1 expression was accompanied by nuclear localization of NF-κB-p65 and higher levels of the mesenchymal marker vimentin in human gastric cancer samples. We conclude that the CCR7 axis mediates TGF-β1-induced EMT via crosstalk with NF-κB signaling, facilitating lymph node metastasis and poorer overall survival in patients with gastric cancer. These findings suggest CCR7 is a novel prognostic indicator and a potential target for gastric cancer therapy.

Inflammatory microenvironment contributes to epithelial-mesenchymal transition in gastric cancer

Gastric cancer (GC) is the fifth most common malignancy in the world. The major cause of GC is chronic infection with Helicobacter pylori (H. pylori). Infection with H. pylori leads to an active inflammatory microenvironment that is maintained by immune cells such as T cells, macrophages, natural killer cells, among other cells. Immune cell dysfunction allows the initiation and accumulation of mutations in GC cells, inducing aberrant proliferation and protection from apoptosis. Meanwhile, immune cells can secrete certain signals, including cytokines, and chemokines, to alter intracellular signaling pathways in GC cells. Thus, GC cells obtain the ability to metastasize to lymph nodes by undergoing the epithelial-mesenchymal transition (EMT), whereby epithelial cells lose their epithelial attributes and acquire a mesenchymal cell phenotype. Metastasis is a leading cause of death for GC patients, and the involved mechanisms are still under investigation. In this review, we summarize the current research on how the inflammatory environment affects GC initiation and metastasis via EMT.

Regulatory T Cells: Molecular Actions on Effector Cells in Immune Regulation

T regulatory cells play a key role in the control of the immune response, both in health and during illness. While the mechanisms through which T regulatory cells exert their function have been extensively described, their molecular effects on effector cells have received little attention. Thus, this revision is aimed at summarizing our current knowledge on those regulation mechanisms on the target cells from a molecular perspective.

Elevated Levels of SET and MYND Domain-Containing Protein 3 Are Correlated with Overexpression of Transforming Growth Factor-β1 in Gastric Cancer

BACKGROUND

The aim of this study was to investigate the messenger RNA and protein expressions of SET and MYND domain-containing protein 3 (SMYD3) and transforming growth factor-β1 (TGF-β1) in gastric cancer (GC) and to explore the correlations between these proteins and the biologic behavior of GC.

STUDY DESIGN

Expressions of SMYD3 and TGF-β1 were detected by real-time quantitative reverse transcription polymerase chain reaction and Western blot in GC tissues and adjacent nontumor tissues. In addition, SMYD3 and TGF-β1 expressions were analyzed by immunohistochemistry in formalin-fixed samples from 166 GC patients.

RESULTS

The messenger RNA and protein expression levels of SMYD3 and TGF-β1 in GC tissues were significantly higher than those in adjacent nontumor tissues. A significantly positive correlation was found between SMYD3 expression and TGF-β1 expression in GC tissues. In addition, the size of the primary tumor and lymph node metastasis were identified as the independently relative factors of SMYD3 expression in GC tissues, and lymph node metastasis was identified as the independently relative factor of TGF-β1 expression. Multivariate analysis demonstrated that the degree of differentiation, serosal invasion, lymph node metastasis, SMYD3 expression, and TGF-β1 expression were the independent prognostic indicators for GC. Transforming growth factor-β1 expression was one of the optimal prognostic predictors of patients identified using the Cox regression with Akaike Information Criterion value calculation.

CONCLUSIONS

SET and MYND domain-containing protein 3 expression and TGF-β1 expression in GC tissues were significantly and positively correlated. High expression levels of SMYD3 and TGF-β1 can indicate poor prognoses for GC patients.