The expression of DAMP proteins HSP70 and cancer-testis antigen SPAG9 in peripheral blood of patients with HCC and lung cancer

Extracellular vesicles in cancer cachexia: deciphering pathogenic roles and exploring therapeutic horizons

Cancer cachexia (CC) is a debilitating syndrome that affects 50-80% of cancer patients, varying in incidence by cancer type and significantly diminishing their quality of life. This multifactorial syndrome is characterized by muscle and fat loss, systemic inflammation, and metabolic imbalance. Extracellular vesicles (EVs), including exosomes and microvesicles, play a crucial role in the progression of CC. These vesicles, produced by cancer cells and others within the tumor environment, facilitate intercellular communication by transferring proteins, lipids, and nucleic acids. A comprehensive review of the literature from databases such as PubMed, Scopus, and Web of Science reveals insights into the formation, release, and uptake of EVs in CC, underscoring their potential as diagnostic and prognostic biomarkers. The review also explores therapeutic strategies targeting EVs, which include modifying their release and content, utilizing them for drug delivery, genetically altering their contents, and inhibiting key cachexia pathways. Understanding the role of EVs in CC opens new avenues for diagnostic and therapeutic approaches, potentially mitigating the syndrome's impact on patient survival and quality of life.

The Role of Extracellular Heat Shock Proteins in Cardiovascular Diseases

In the early 1960s, heat shock proteins (HSPs) were first identified as vital intracellular proteinaceous components that help in stress physiology and reprogram the cellular responses to enable the organism's survival. By the early 1990s, HSPs were detected in extracellular spaces and found to activate gamma-delta T-lymphocytes. Subsequent investigations identified their association with varied disease conditions, including autoimmune disorders, diabetes, cancer, hepatic, pancreatic, and renal disorders, and cachexia. In cardiology, extracellular HSPs play a definite, but still unclear, role in atherosclerosis, acute coronary syndromes, and heart failure. The possibility of HSP-targeted novel molecular therapeutics has generated much interest and hope in recent years. In this review, we discuss the role of Extracellular Heat Shock Proteins (Ec-HSPs) in various disease states, with a particular focus on cardiovascular diseases.

Chloroquine attenuates chronic hypoxia-induced testicular damage via suppressing endoplasmic reticulum stress and apoptosis in experimental rat model

Chronic hypoxia negatively affects male fertility by causing pathological changes in male reproductive system. However, underlying mechanisms of this damage are unknown. Chloroquine (CLQ) is an anti-inflammatory agent which is widely used in the treatment of inflammation-related diseases such as malaria and rheumatoid arthritis. This study aimed to investigate the therapeutic effects of CLQ in the hypoxia-induced testicular damage via assessment of hypoxic response, endoplasmic reticulum stress and apoptosis. For this purpose, 32 Wistar albino rats were divided into 4 groups as Control (given %20-21 O₂ , no treatment), CLQ (given 50 mg/kg and %20-21 O₂ for 28 days), HX (given %10 O₂ for 28 days) and HX + CLQ (given 50 mg/kg and %10 O₂ for 28 days). After experiment, blood samples and testicular tissues were taken. Histopathological evaluation was performed on testicular tissues and HIF1-α, HSP70, HSP90 and GADD153 expression levels were detected via immunohistochemistry. Moreover, apoptotic cells were detected via TUNEL staining and serum testosterone levels were determined by ELISA assay. Histopathological changes, apoptotic cell numbers and HIF1-α, HSP70, HSP90 and GADD153 expressions significantly increased in HX group (p < 0.05). Moreover, serum testosterone levels decreased in this group (p > 0.05). However, CLQ exerted a strong ameliorative effect on all parameters in HX + CLQ group. According to our results, we suggested that CLQ can be considered as an alternative protective agent for eliminating the negative effects of hypoxic conditions on male fertility. This article is protected by copyright. All rights reserved.

Cancer/Testis Antigens as Biomarker and Target for the Diagnosis, Prognosis, and Therapy of Lung Cancer

Lung cancer is the leading type of malignant tumour among cancer-caused death worldwide, and the 5-year survival rate of lung cancer patients is only 18%. Various oncogenes are abnormally overexpressed in lung cancer, including cancer/testis antigens (CTAs), which are restrictively expressed in the male testis but are hardly expressed in other normal tissues, if at all. CTAs are aberrantly overexpressed in various types of cancer, with more than 60 CTAs abnormally overexpressed in lung cancer. Overexpression of oncogenic CTAs drives the initiation, metastasis and progression of lung cancer, and is closely associated with poor prognosis in cancer patients. Several CTAs, such as XAGE, SPAG9 and AKAP4, have been considered as biomarkers for the diagnosis and prognostic prediction of lung cancer. More interestingly, due to the high immunogenicity and specificity of CTAs in cancer, several CTAs, including CT45, BCAP31 and ACTL8, have been targeted for developing novel therapeutics against cancer. CTA-based vaccines, chimeric antigen receptor-modified T cells (CAR-T) and small molecules have been used in lung cancer treatment in pre-clinical and early clinical trials, with encouraging results being obtained. However, there are still many hurdles to be overcome before these therapeutics can be routinely used in clinical lung cancer therapy. This review summarises the recent rapid progress in oncogenic CTAs, focusing on CTAs as biomarkers for lung cancer diagnosis and prognostic prediction, and as targets for novel anti-cancer drug discovery and lung cancer therapy. We also identify challenges and opportunities in CTA-based cancer diagnosis and treatment. Finally, we provide perspectives on the mechanisms of oncogenic CTAs in lung cancer development, and we also suggest CTAs as a new platform for lung cancer diagnosis, prognostic prediction, and novel anti-cancer drug discovery.

Ag/Au Bimetallic Nanoparticles Trigger Different Cell Death Pathways and Affect Damage Associated Molecular Pattern Release in Human Cell Lines

Simple Summary

Apoptosis is the goal of several therapeutic strategies for cancer. However, the apoptotic pathway is not always functional in many cancers and thus, alternative ways to destroy cancer cells are required. In this context, we investigated whether nanoparticles composed of a gold and silver alloy (AgAu NPs) can induce other programmed cell death pathways. These include necroptosis and pyroptosis, while their effects on the release of molecules that serve as danger signals, the damage associated molecular patterns (DAMPs) were also investigated. Our findings suggest that MDA-MB-231 cells, one of the cancer cell lines tested, experience mixed cell death (several cell death pathways are activated), while a second cell line, HCT116 cells, releases DAMPS. This is important, since necroptosis and pyroptosis have promising anticancer effects, while DAMPs trigger inflammation and current knowledge suggests a rather beneficial role in cancer.

Abstract

Apoptosis induction is a common therapeutic approach. However, many cancer cells are resistant to apoptotic death and alternative cell death pathways including pyroptosis and necroptosis need to be triggered. At the same time, danger signals that include HMGB1 and HSP70 can be secreted/released by damaged cancer cells that boost antitumor immunity. We studied the cytotoxic effects of AgAu NPs, Ag NPs and Au NPs with regard to the programmed cell death (apoptosis, necroptosis, pyroptosis) and the secretion/release of HSP70 and HMGB1. Cancer cell lines were incubated with 30, 40 and 50 μg/mL of AgAu NPs, Ag NPs and Au NPs. Cytotoxicity was estimated using the MTS assay, and mRNA fold change of CASP1, CASP3, BCL-2, ZPB1, HMGB1, HSP70, CXCL8, CSF1, CCL20, NLRP3, IL-1β and IL-18 was used to investigate the associated programmed cell death. Extracellular levels of HMGB1 and IL-1β were investigated using the ELISA technique. The nanoparticles showed a dose dependent toxicity. Pyroptosis was triggered for LNCaP and MDA-MB-231 cells, and necroptosis for MDA-MB-231 cells. HCT116 cells experience apoptotic death and show increased levels of extracellular HMGB1. Our results suggest that in a manner dependent of the cellular microenvironment, AgAu NPs trigger mixed programmed cell death in P53 deficient MDA-MB-231 cells, while they also trigger IL-1β release in MDA-MB-231 and LNCaP cells and release of HMGB1 in HCT116 cells.

Ameliorating cancer cachexia by inhibiting cancer cell release of Hsp70 and Hsp90 with omeprazole

BACKGROUND

Cancer cachexia, characterized by muscle and fat tissue wasting, is a major determinant of cancer-related mortality without established treatment. Recent animal data revealed that cancer cells induce muscle wasting by releasing Hsp70 and Hsp90 as surface proteins on extracellular vesicles (EVs). Here, we test a therapeutic strategy for ameliorating cancer cachexia by inhibiting the release of Hsp70 and Hsp90 using proton pump inhibitor omeprazole.

METHODS

Omeprazole effect on Hsp70/90 release through EVs by Lewis lung carcinoma (LLC) cells in vitro, serum levels of Hsp70/90 and Hsp70/90-carrying EVs in LLC tumour-bearing mice, and LLC-induced muscle protein degradation pathways in C2C12 myotubes and mice were determined. Omeprazole effect on endolysosomal pH and Rab27b expression in LLC cells were analysed.

RESULTS

Omeprazole treatment of LLC cells inhibited Hsp70/90 and Hsp70/90-carrying EV release in a dose-dependent manner (1 to 10 μM) and attenuated the catabolic activity of LLC cell-conditioned medium on C2C12 myotubes. Systemic omeprazole administration to LLC tumour-bearing mice (5 mg/kg/day subcutaneously) for 2 weeks blocked elevation of serum Hsp70, Hsp90, and Hsp70/90-carrying EVs, abrogated skeletal muscle catabolism, and prevented loss of muscle function as well as muscle and epididymal fat mass without altering tumour growth. Consequently, median survival increased by 23.3%. Mechanistically, omeprazole increased cancer cell endolysosomal pH level dose-dependently (0.1 to 1 μM) by inhibiting vacuolar H⁺ -ATPase. Further, omeprazole suppressed the highly elevated expression of Rab27b, a key regulator of EV release, in LLC cells.

CONCLUSIONS

Omeprazole ameliorates cancer cachexia by inhibiting cancer cell release of Hsp70 and Hsp90.

HSP70 promotes tumor progression by stabilizing Skp2 expression in gastric cancer cells

Gastric cancer (GC) has one of the highest tumor incidences worldwide. Heat shock protein 70 (HSP70) is highly expressed and plays a critical role in the occurrence, progression, metastasis, poor prognosis, and drug resistance of GC. However, the underlying mechanisms of HSP70 are not clear. To explore the regulatory role of HSP70 in GC, we performed cell counting kit-8 (CCK-8) and EdU staining assays to assess cell proliferation; immunohistochemistry and western blot analyses to assess protein expression; coimmunoprecipitation (Co-IP) assays to assess interactions between two proteins; and immunofluorescence to assess protein expression and localization. HSP70 was highly expressed in clinical samples from patients with GC and indicated a poor prognosis. HSP70 inhibition enhanced the sensitivity of GC cells to thermochemotherapy. Furthermore, we found that S phase kinase-associated protein 2 (Skp2) was highly expressed in GC and correlated with HSP70 in array data from The Cancer Genome Atlas (TCGA). Importantly, HSP70 inhibition promoted Skp2 degradation. Skp2 overexpression abrogated HSP70 inhibition-induced cell cycle arrest, suggesting that the role of HSP70 in GC depends on Skp2 expression. Our results illustrate a possible regulatory mechanism of HSP70 and may provide a therapeutic strategy for overcoming resistance to thermochemotherapy.

Immunodiagnostic Biomarkers for Hepatocellular Carcinoma (HCC): The First Step in Detection and Treatment

Hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) exerts huge effects on the health burden of the world because of its high mortality and poor prognosis. HCC is often clinically detected late in patients. If HCC could be detected and treated earlier, the survival rate of patients will be greatly improved. Therefore, identifying specific biomarkers is urgent and important for HCC. The liver is also recognized as an immune organ. The occurrence of HCC is related to exacerbation of immune tolerance and/or immunosurveillance escape. The host immune system plays an important role in the recognition and targeting of tumor cells in cancer immunotherapy, as can be seen from the clinical success of immune checkpoint inhibitors and chimeric antigen receptor (CAR) T cells. Thus, there is a pressing medical need to discover immunodiagnostic biomarkers specific to HCC for understanding the pathological mechanisms of HCC, especially for immunotherapy targets. We have reviewed the existing literature to summarize the immunodiagnostic markers of HCC, including autoantibodies against tumor-associated antigens (TAAs) and exosomes, to provide new insights into HCC and early detection of this deadly cancer.

Increased plasma levels of damage-associated molecular patterns during systemic anticancer therapy in patients with advanced lung cancer

Background

Immunogenic cell death (ICD) characterized by the release of damage-associated molecular patterns (DAMPs) from dying cancer cells may contribute to the synergistic antitumor effect of cytotoxic chemotherapy combined with an immune checkpoint inhibitor. The kinetics of circulating DAMP levels in cancer patients have remained largely uncharacterized, however.

Methods

We evaluated the possible effects of various systemic anticancer therapy modalities on the kinetics of plasma DAMP concentrations in a prospective observational study of patients with advanced lung cancer. The plasma concentrations of high-mobility group box 1 (HMGB1), calreticulin (CRT), heat shock protein 70 (HSP70), annexin A1, and histone H3 were thus determined in 121 such patients at four time points during the first cycle of treatment.

Results

The mean of the maximum fold change in HMGB1, HSP70, or annexin A1 concentration observed during treatment was significantly greater than the corresponding baseline value (P<0.005). The maximum fold changes in HMGB1 and CRT concentrations tended to be associated with clinical response as evaluated by RECIST criteria, although the changes in the levels of these two DAMPs were not correlated, suggestive of differential induction mechanisms. Among the various treatment modalities administered, platinum-based combination or single-agent chemotherapy tended to elicit robust increases in the concentrations of HMGB1 and CRT.

Conclusions

Serial monitoring of plasma revealed that systemic anticancer therapy increased the circulating levels of HMGB1 and CRT and that these changes tended to be associated with clinical response, suggesting that agents capable of releasing these DAMPs into plasma might induce ICD in advanced lung cancer patients.

Interactions between tumor-derived proteins and Toll-like receptors

Damage-associated molecular patterns (DAMPs) are danger signals (or alarmins) alerting immune cells through pattern recognition receptors (PRRs) to begin defense activity. Moreover, DAMPs are host biomolecules that can initiate a noninflammatory response to infection, and pathogen-associated molecular pattern (PAMPs) perpetuate the inflammatory response to infection. Many DAMPs are proteins that have defined intracellular functions and are released from dying cells after tissue injury or chemo-/radiotherapy. In the tumor microenvironment, DAMPs can be ligands for Toll-like receptors (TLRs) expressed on immune cells and induce cytokine production and T-cell activation. Moreover, DAMPs released from tumor cells can directly activate tumor-expressed TLRs that induce chemoresistance, migration, invasion, and metastasis. Furthermore, DAMP-induced chronic inflammation in the tumor microenvironment causes an increase in immunosuppressive populations, such as M2 macrophages, myeloid-derived suppressor cells (MDSCs), and regulatory T cells (Tregs). Therefore, regulation of DAMP proteins can reduce excessive inflammation to create an immunogenic tumor microenvironment. Here, we review tumor-derived DAMP proteins as ligands of TLRs and discuss their association with immune cells, tumors, and the composition of the tumor microenvironment.

Tumor cells killed by radiotherapy or chemotherapy release signaling molecules that stimulate both immune response and tumor aggressiveness; regulating these molecules could improve treatment efficacy. Tae Heung Kang, Yeong-Min Park, and co-workers at Konkuk University, Seoul, South Korea, have reviewed the role of damage-associated molecular patterns (DAMPs) in immunity and cancer. These signaling molecules act as danger signals, activating immune cells by binding to specific receptors. However, tumor cells have the same receptors, and DAMPs binding triggers chemoresistance and increases invasiveness. The researchers report that although DAMPs can trigger a helpful immune response, they can also cause chronic inflammation, which in turn promotes an immune suppression response, allowing tumors to escape immune detection. Improving our understanding of the functions of different DAMPs could improve our ability to boost the immune response and decrease tumor aggressiveness.

Association of Plasma Heat Shock Protein 70 with Disease Severity, Smoking and Lung Function of Patients with Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease

Extracellular heat shock protein 70 (eHsp70) might modulate immune responses in chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD). The aim of the study was to explore eHsp70 concentration in stable COPD, its association with disease severity and smoking status as well as its diagnostic performance in COPD assessment. Plasma samples were collected from 137 COPD patients and 95 healthy individuals, and concentration of eHsp70 was assessed by commercially available enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) kit (Enzo Life Science, Farmingdale, NY, USA). COPD patients were subdivided regarding airflow obstruction severity and symptoms severity according to the Global Initiative for COPD (GOLD) guidelines. eHsp70 concentration increased in COPD patients when compared to controls and increased with the severity of airflow limitation as well as symptoms burden and exacerbation history. eHsp70 concentration did not differ among COPD patients based on smoking status, yet it increased in healthy smokers compared to healthy nonsmokers. In addition, eHsp70 negatively correlated with lung function parameters forced expiratory volume in one second (FEV1) and FEV1/ forced vital capacity (FVC), and positively with COPD multicomponent indices BODCAT (BMI, airflow obstruction, dyspnea, CAT score), BODEx (BMI, airflow obstruction, dyspnea, previous exacerbations), CODEx (Charlson's comorbidity index, airflow obstruction, dyspnea, previous exacerbations) and DOSE (dyspnea, airflow obstruction, smoking status, previous exacerbations) With great predictive value (OR = 7.63) obtained from univariate logistic regression, eHsp70 correctly classified 76% of cases. eHsp70 is associated with COPD prediction and disease severity and might have the potential for becoming an additional biomarker in COPD assessment.

Intravenous Immunoglobulin G Suppresses Heat Shock Protein (HSP)-70 Expression and Enhances the Activity of HSP90 and Proteasome Inhibitors

Intravenous immunoglobulin G (IVIgG) is approved for primary immunodeficiency syndromes but may induce anti-cancer effects, and while this has been attributed to its anti-inflammatory properties, IgG against specific tumor targets may play a role. We evaluated IVIgG alone, and with a Heat shock protein (HSP)-90 or proteasome inhibitor, using multiple myeloma and mantle cell lymphoma (MCL) cells in vitro, and with the proteasome inhibitor bortezomib in vivo. IVIgG inhibited the growth of all cell lines tested, induced G₁ cell cycle arrest, and suppressed pro-tumor cytokines including Interleukin (IL)-6, IL-8, and IL-10. Genomic and proteomic studies showed that IVIgG reduced tumor cell HSP70-1 levels by suppressing the ability of extracellular HSP70-1 to stimulate endogenous HSP70-1 promoter activity, and reduced extracellular vesicle uptake. Preparations of IVIgG were found to contain high titers of anti-HSP70-1 IgG, and recombinant HSP70-1 reduced the efficacy of IVIgG to suppress HSP70-1 levels. Combining IVIgG with the HSP90 inhibitor AUY922 produced superior cell growth inhibition and correlated with HSP70-1 suppression. Also, IVIgG with bortezomib or carfilzomib was superior to each single agent, and enhanced bortezomib's activity in bortezomib-resistant myeloma cells. Moreover, IVIgG reduced transfer of extracellular vesicles (EVs) to cells, and blocked transfer of bortezomib resistance through EVs. Finally, IVIgG with bortezomib were superior to the single agents in an in vivo myeloma model. These studies support the possibility that anti-HSP70-1 IgG contained in IVIgG can inhibit myeloma and MCL growth by interfering with a novel mechanism involving uptake of exogenous HSP70-1 which then induces its own promoter.

LncRNA NEAT1 enhances the resistance of anaplastic thyroid carcinoma cells to cisplatin by sponging miR‑9‑5p and regulating SPAG9 expression

Anaplastic thyroid carcinoma (ATC) has a poor prognosis due to its resistance to all conventional treatments. The long non-coding RNA (lncRNA) nuclear paraspeckle assembly transcript 1 (NEAT1) serves a critical role in cancer chemoresistance; however, whether NEAT1 is associated with chemoresistance of ATC remains unclear. In the present study, reverse transcription-quantitative PCR assays were performed to detect the expression levels of NEAT1, microRNA (miR)-9-5p and sperm-associated antigen 9 (SPAG9). Western blot analysis was conducted to assess the protein expression levels of p62, microtubule-associated proteins 1A/1B light chain 3B and SPAG9. Cell proliferation was detected using the Cell Counting kit-8 assay, and cell apoptosis was determined by flow cytometry. Dual-luciferase reporter and RNA immunoprecipitation assays were performed to verify the interaction between NEAT1 and miR-9-5p, or miR-9-5p and SPAG9. Furthermore, an animal model was used to investigate the regulatory effects of NEAT1 on cisplatin (DDP)-resistance in tumors in vivo. The present results demonstrated that NEAT1 was upregulated in ATC tissues and cell lines, and NEAT1 silencing resulted in decreased DDP-resistance of ATC cells. In addition, NEAT1 suppressed miR-9-5p expression by binding to miR-9-5p and SPAG9 was a direct target of miR-9-5p. miR-9-5p overexpression sensitized ATC cells to DDP. Notably, NEAT1 silencing exerted its inhibitory effect on DDP-resistance of ATC via the miR-9-5p/SPAG9 axis in vitro and in vivo. In conclusion, the present study demonstrated that NEAT1 silencing ameliorated DDP-resistance of ATC, at least in part by reducing miR-9-5p sponging and regulating SPAG5 expression; therefore, NEAT1 may be considered a potential therapeutic target of ATC.

Cancer Takes a Toll on Skeletal Muscle by Releasing Heat Shock Proteins-An Emerging Mechanism of Cancer-Induced Cachexia

Cancer-associated cachexia (cancer cachexia) is a major contributor to the modality and mortality of a wide variety of solid tumors. It is estimated that cachexia inflicts approximately ~60% of all cancer patients and is the immediate cause of ~30% of all cancer-related death. However, there is no established treatment of this disorder due to the poor understanding of its underlying etiology. The key manifestations of cancer cachexia are systemic inflammation and progressive loss of skeletal muscle mass and function (muscle wasting). A number of inflammatory cytokines and members of the TGFβ superfamily that promote muscle protein degradation have been implicated as mediators of muscle wasting. However, clinical trials targeting some of the identified mediators have not yielded satisfactory results. Thus, the root cause of the muscle wasting associated with cancer cachexia remains to be identified. This review focuses on recent progress of laboratory studies in the understanding of the molecular mechanisms of cancer cachexia that centers on the role of systemic activation of Toll-like receptor 4 (TLR4) by cancer-released Hsp70 and Hsp90 in the development and progression of muscle wasting, and the downstream signaling pathways that activate muscle protein degradation through the ubiquitin-proteasome and the autophagy-lysosome pathways in response to TLR4 activation. Verification of these findings in humans could lead to etiology-based therapies of cancer cachexia by targeting multiple steps in this signaling cascade.

Increased heat shock protein 70 (Hsp70) serum levels and low NK cell counts after radiotherapy - potential markers for predicting breast cancer recurrence?

BACKGROUND

Breast cancer is the most common invasive tumor in women worldwide and the second cause of cancer-related deaths. After breast conserving surgery the tumor bed gets irradiated. Radiation-induced tumor cell death has been found to be associated with the release of damage-associated molecular patterns (DAMPs) including free Hsp70 that can stimulate inflammatory immune responses. Therefore, Hsp70 serum levels as well as the composition of lymphocyte subpopulations have been measured in breast cancer patients during therapy and in the follow-up period as potential predictors for clinical outcome.

METHODS

The serum of 40 breast cancer patients, who received a breast-conserving surgery and adjuvant radiotherapy (RT) was examined for soluble, free Hsp70 using the R&D Human HSP70 DuoSet and lipHsp70 ELISA. Lymphocyte subpopulations and total lymphocyte counts were analysed by multiparameter flow cytometry in the peripheral blood. Blood samples were collected before (t1), after 30 Gy (t2) and 60 Gy (t3), 6 weeks (t4), 6 months (t5) and 1 year (t6) after RT. Clinical responses were assessed regularly up to 5 years after RT.

RESULTS

Patients who developed a contralateral recurrence or metastases within the first 2 years after RT had significantly higher serum Hsp70 values at the end of RT (t3; p = 0.03) up to 6 weeks after RT (t4; p = 0.007) compared to patients who either remained disease-free or developed a secondary endometrial carcinoma. Clinicopathological parameters such as age, tumor size, grading and TNM-stage of the resected tumors, adjuvant chemotherapy and irradiation dose did not affect serum Hsp70 levels. Elevated free Hsp70 levels might be indicative for a chronic inflammatory response which could support tumor recurrence. Lymphocyte subpopulation analysis revealed lower NK cell counts after RT in recurrence/metastases patients as compared to disease-free patients. In contrast, no significant changes were observed in the proportion of T and B cells.

CONCLUSION

Longitudinal elevated serum levels of free Hsp70 up to 6 weeks after RT and dropping NK cell counts might be predictive for an unfavourable prognosis in patients with breast cancer.

The Origin of a Coastal Indigenous Horse Breed in China Revealed by Genome-Wide SNP Data

The Jinjiang horse is a unique Chinese indigenous horse breed distributed in the southern coastal areas, but the ancestry of Jinjiang horses is not well understood. Here, we used Equine SNP70 Bead Array technology to genotype 301 horses representing 10 Chinese indigenous horse breeds, and we integrated the published genotyped data of 352 individuals from 14 foreign horse breeds to study the relationships between Jinjiang horses and horse breeds from around the world. Principal component analysis (PCA), linkage disequilibrium (LD), runs of homozygosity (ROH) analysis, and ancestry estimating methods were conducted to study the population relationships and the ancestral sources and genetic structure of Jinjiang horses. The results showed that there is no close relationship between foreign horse breeds and Jinjiang horses, and Jinjiang horses shared a similar genetic background with Baise horses. TreeMix analysis revealed that there was gene flow from Chakouyi horses to Jinjiang horses. The ancestry analysis showed that Baise horses and Chakouyi horses are the most closely related ancestors of Jinjiang horses. In conclusion, our results showed that Jinjiang horses have a native origin and that Baise horses and Chakouyi horses were key ancestral sources of Jinjiang horses. The study also suggested that ancient trade activities and the migration of human beings had important effects on indigenous horse breeds in China.

Sperm associated antigen 9 (SPAG9) a promising therapeutic target of ovarian carcinoma

SPAG9 is a novel tumor associated antigen, expressed in variety of malignancies. However, its role in ovarian cancer remains unexplored. SPAG9 expression was validated in ovarian cancer cells by real time PCR and Western blot. SPAG9 involvement in cell cycle, DNA damage, apoptosis, paclitaxel sensitivity and epithelial- mesenchymal transition (EMT) was investigated employing RNA interference approach. Combinatorial effect of SPAG9 ablation and paclitaxel treatment was evaluated in in vitro. Quantitative PCR and Western blot analysis revealed SPAG9 expression in A10, SKOV-3 and Caov3 compared to normal ovarian epithelial cells. SPAG9 ablation resulted in reduced cellular proliferation, colony forming ability and enhanced cytotoxicity of chemotherapeutic agent paclitaxel. Effect of ablation of SPAG9 on cell cycle revealed S phase arrest and showed decreased expression of CDK1, CDK2, CDK4, CDK6, cyclin B1, cyclin D1, cyclin E and increased expression of tumor suppressor p21. Ablation of SPAG9 also resulted in increased apoptosis with increased expression of various pro- apoptotic molecules including BAD, BID, PUMA, caspase 3, caspase 7, caspase 8 and cytochrome C. Decreased expression of mesenchymal markers and increased expression of epithelial markers was found in SPAG9 ablated cells. Combinatorial effect of SPAG9 ablation and paclitaxel treatment was evaluated in in vitro assays which showed that ablation of SPAG9 resulted in increased paclitaxel sensitivity and caused enhanced cell death. In vivo ovarian cancer xenograft studies showed that ablation of SPAG9 resulted in significant reduction in tumor growth. Present study revealed therapeutic potential of SPAG9 in ovarian cancer.

Tumor induces muscle wasting in mice through releasing extracellular Hsp70 and Hsp90

Cachexia, characterized by muscle wasting, is a major contributor to cancer-related mortality. However, the key cachexins that mediate cancer-induced muscle wasting remain elusive. Here, we show that tumor-released extracellular Hsp70 and Hsp90 are responsible for tumor’s capacity to induce muscle wasting. We detected high-level constitutive release of Hsp70 and Hsp90 associated with extracellular vesicles (EVs) from diverse cachexia-inducing tumor cells, resulting in elevated serum levels in mice. Neutralizing extracellular Hsp70/90 or silencing Hsp70/90 expression in tumor cells abrogates tumor-induced muscle catabolism and wasting in cultured myotubes and in mice. Conversely, administration of recombinant Hsp70 and Hsp90 recapitulates the catabolic effects of tumor. In addition, tumor-released Hsp70/90-expressing EVs are necessary and sufficient for tumor-induced muscle wasting. Further, Hsp70 and Hsp90 induce muscle catabolism by activating TLR4, and are responsible for elevation of circulating cytokines. These findings identify tumor-released circulating Hsp70 and Hsp90 as key cachexins causing muscle wasting in mice.

Cachexia affects many cancer patients causing weight loss and increasing mortality. Here, the authors identify extracellular Hsp70 and Hsp90, either in soluble form or secreted as part of exosomes from tumor cells, to be responsible for tumor induction of cachexia.