Laminin-derived peptide AG73 regulates migration, invasion, and protease activity of human oral squamous cell carcinoma cells through syndecan-1 and β1 integrin

The role of laminins in cancer pathobiology: a comprehensive review

Laminins (LMs) are a family of heterotrimeric glycoproteins that form the structural foundation of basement membranes (BM). By acting as molecular bridges between cells and the extracellular matrix (ECM) through integrins and other surface receptors, they regulate key cellular signals that influence cell behavior and tissue architecture. Despite their physiological importance, our understanding of the role of LMs in cancer pathobiology remains fragmented. In this article, we review the diverse functions of LMs in promoting cancer cell proliferation, adhesion, and migration-critical steps in cancer metastasis. Beyond their direct effects on tumor cells, LMs influence stromal interactions and modulate tumor microenvironment dynamics, affecting processes such as angiogenesis, immune cell infiltration, cancer-associated fibroblast activation, and immune evasion. Understanding the complex roles of LMs in cancer biology, as well as their differential expression patterns in malignancies, could provide new diagnostic tools for predicting disease outcomes and pave the way for innovative therapeutic strategies, such as targeting LM-receptor interactions or modulating ECM dynamics to impede tumor growth and metastasis.

Potential Therapeutic Significance of Laminin in Head and Neck Squamous Carcinomas

Simple Summary

Head and neck cancers (HNC) account for approximately 500,000 new cases of tumors annually worldwide and are represented by upper aerodigestive tract malignant neoplasms, which particularly arise in oral cavity, larynx, and pharynx tissues. Thus, due to the biological diversity between the upper aerodigestive organs, and to the heterogeneity of risk factors associated with their malignant transformation, HNC behavior, and prognosis seem to strongly vary according to the tumor site. However, despite to the heterogeneity which characterizes head and neck tumors, squamous cell carcinomas (SCC) represent the predominant histopathologic HNC subtype. In this sense, it has been reported that SCC tumor biology is strongly associated with deregulations within the extracellular matrix compartment. Accordingly, it has been shown that laminin plays a remarkable role in the regulation of crucial events associated with head and neck squamous cell carcinomas (HNSCC) progression, which opens the possibility that laminin may represent a convergence point in HNSCC natural history.

Abstract

Head and neck squamous cell carcinomas (HNSCC) are among the most common and lethal tumors worldwide, occurring mostly in oral cavity, pharynx, and larynx tissues. The squamous epithelia homeostasis is supported by the extracellular matrix (ECM), and alterations in this compartment are crucial for cancer development and progression. Laminin is a fundamental component of ECM, where it represents one of the main components of basement membrane (BM), and data supporting its contribution to HNSCC genesis and progression has been vastly explored in oral cavity squamous cell carcinoma. Laminin subtypes 111 (LN-111) and 332 (LN-332) are the main isoforms associated with malignant transformation, contributing to proliferation, adhesion, migration, invasion, and metastasis, due to its involvement in the regulation of several pathways associated with HNSCC carcinogenesis, including the activation of the EGFR/MAPK signaling pathway. Therefore, it draws attention to the possibility that laminin may represent a convergence point in HNSCC natural history, and an attractive potential therapeutic target for these tumors.

Laminin-derived peptide C16 regulates Tks expression and reactive oxygen species generation in human prostate cancer cells

Laminin peptides influence cancer biology. We investigated the role of a laminin-derived peptide C16 regulating invadopodia molecules in human prostate cancer cells (DU145). C16 augmented invadopodia activity of DU145 cells, and stimulated expression Tks4, Tks5, cortactin, and membrane-type matrix metalloproteinase 1. Reactive oxygen species generation is also related to invadopodia formation. This prompted us to address whether C16 would induce reactive oxygen species generation in DU145 cells. Quantitative fluorescence and flow cytometry showed that the peptide C16 increased reactive oxygen species in DU145 cells. Furthermore, significant colocalization between Tks5 and reactive oxygen species was observed in C16-treated cells. Results suggested that the peptide C16 increased Tks5 and reactive oxygen species in prostate cancer cells. The role of C16 increasing Tks and reactive oxygen species are novel findings on invadopodia activity.

Phosphorylation mapping of laminin α1-chain: Kinases in association with active sites

Laminin-111 is a trimeric glycoprotein of the extracellular matrix (ECM) that holds a significant role in cell adhesion, migration and differentiation. Laminin-111 is the most studied laminin isoform, composed of three chains; α1, β1 and γ1. Phosphorylation is the most common eukaryotic post - translational modification and has regulatory effect on protein function. Using bioinformatic tools we computationally predicted all the possible phosphorylation sites on human laminin α1-chain sequence (LAMA1) according to kinases binding motifs. Thus, we predicted, for the first time, the possibly responsible kinases for fifteen of the nineteen already published experimentally observed phosphorylated residues in LAMA1. Searching the literature extensively, we recorded all the known functional sites (active sites) in LAMA1. We combined the experimentally observed and predicted phosphorylated residues as well as the active sites in LAMA1, generating an analytic phosphorylation map of human laminin α1-chain, which is useful for further analysis. Our results indicated fourteen kinases that might be important for the phosphorylation of human laminin α1-chain, out of which three kinases with reported ecto-phosphorylation activity (PKA, PKC and CKII) were suggested to have a more significant role. Six cancer associated-active sites were correlated with kinases, three out which were correlated with only the above ecto - kinases.

The Laminin-α1 Chain-Derived Peptide, AG73, Binds to Syndecans on MDA-231 Breast Cancer Cells and Alters Filopodium Formation

Breast cancer is one of the most common forms of cancer affecting women in the United States, second only to skin cancers. Although treatments have been developed to combat primary breast cancer, metastasis remains a leading cause of death. An early step of metastasis is cancer cell invasion through the basement membrane. However, this process is not yet well understood. AG73, a synthetic laminin-α1 chain peptide, plays an important role in cell adhesion and has previously been linked to migration, invasion, and metastasis. Thus, we aimed to identify the binding partner of AG73 on breast cancer cells that could mediate cancer progression. We performed adhesion assays using MCF10A, T47D, SUM1315, and MDA-231 breast cell lines and found that AG73 binds to syndecans (Sdcs) 1, 2, and 4. This interaction was inhibited when we silenced Sdcs 1 and/or 4 in MDA-231 cells, indicating the importance of these receptors in this relationship. Through actin staining, we found that silencing of Sdc 1, 2, and 4 expression in MDA-231 cells exhibits a decrease in the length and number of filopodia bound to AG73. Expression of mouse Sdcs 1, 2, and 4 in MDA-231 cells provides rescue in filopodia, and overexpression of Sdcs 1 and 2 leads to increased filopodium length and number. Our findings demonstrate an intrinsic interaction between AG73 in the tumor environment and the Sdcs on breast cancer cells in supporting tumor cell adhesion and invasion through filopodia, an important step in cancer metastasis.

Laminin-111 peptide C16 regulates invadopodia activity of malignant cells through β1 integrin, Src and ERK 1/2

Laminin peptides influence tumor behavior. In this study, we addressed whether laminin peptide C16 (KAFDITYVRLKF, γ1 chain) would increase invadopodia activity of cells from squamous cell carcinoma (CAL27) and fibrosarcoma (HT1080). We found that C16 stimulates invadopodia activity over time in both cell lines. Rhodamine-conjugated C16 decorates the edge of cells, suggesting a possible binding to membrane receptors. Flow cytometry showed that C16 increases activated β1 integrin, and β1 integrin miRNA-mediated depletion diminishes C16-induced invadopodia activity in both cell lines. C16 stimulates Src and ERK 1/2 phosphorylation, and ERK 1/2 inhibition decreases peptide-induced invadopodia activity. C16 also increases cortactin phosphorylation in both cells lines. Based on our findings, we propose that C16 regulates invadopodia activity over time of squamous carcinoma and fibrosarcoma cells, probably through β1 integrin, Src and ERK 1/2 signaling pathways.

A robust vitronectin-derived peptide for the scalable long-term expansion and neuronal differentiation of human pluripotent stem cell (hPSC)-derived neural progenitor cells (hNPCs)

Despite therapeutic advances, neurodegenerative diseases and disorders remain some of the leading causes of mortality and morbidity in the United States. Therefore, cell-based therapies to replace lost or damaged neurons and supporting cells of the central nervous system (CNS) are of great therapeutic interest. To that end, human pluripotent stem cell (hPSC) derived neural progenitor cells (hNPCs) and their neuronal derivatives could provide the cellular 'raw material' needed for regenerative medicine therapies for a variety of CNS disorders. In addition, hNPCs derived from patient-specific hPSCs could be used to elucidate the underlying mechanisms of neurodegenerative diseases and identify potential drug candidates. However, the scientific and clinical application of hNPCs requires the development of robust, defined, and scalable substrates for their long-term expansion and neuronal differentiation. In this study, we rationally designed a vitronectin-derived peptide (VDP) that served as an adhesive growth substrate for the long-term expansion of several hNPC lines. Moreover, VDP-coated surfaces allowed for the directed neuronal differentiation of hNPC at levels similar to cells differentiated on traditional extracellular matrix protein-based substrates. Overall, the ability of VDP to support the long-term expansion and directed neuronal differentiation of hNPCs will significantly advance the future translational application of these cells in treating injuries, disorders, and diseases of the CNS.

The tissue-engineered human cornea as a model to study expression of matrix metalloproteinases during corneal wound healing

Corneal injuries remain a major cause of consultation in the ophthalmology clinics worldwide. Repair of corneal wounds is a complex mechanism that involves cell death, migration, proliferation, differentiation, and extracellular matrix (ECM) remodeling. In the present study, we used a tissue-engineered, two-layers (epithelium and stroma) human cornea as a biomaterial to study both the cellular and molecular mechanisms of wound healing. Gene profiling on microarrays revealed important alterations in the pattern of genes expressed by tissue-engineered corneas in response to wound healing. Expression of many MMPs-encoding genes was shown by microarray and qPCR analyses to increase in the migrating epithelium of wounded corneas. Many of these enzymes were converted into their enzymatically active form as wound closure proceeded. In addition, expression of MMPs by human corneal epithelial cells (HCECs) was affected both by the stromal fibroblasts and the collagen-enriched ECM they produce. Most of all, results from mass spectrometry analyses provided evidence that a fully stratified epithelium is required for proper synthesis and organization of the ECM on which the epithelial cells adhere. In conclusion, and because of the many characteristics it shares with the native cornea, this human two layers corneal substitute may prove particularly useful to decipher the mechanistic details of corneal wound healing.

Proteoglycan-based diversification of disease outcome in head and neck cancer patients identifies NG2/CSPG4 and syndecan-2 as unique relapse and overall survival predicting factors

Background

Tumour relapse is recognized to be the prime fatal burden in patients affected by head and neck squamous cell carcinoma (HNSCC), but no discrete molecular trait has yet been identified to make reliable early predictions of tumour recurrence. Expression of cell surface proteoglycans (PGs) is frequently altered in carcinomas and several of them are gradually emerging as key prognostic factors.

Methods

A PG expression analysis at both mRNA and protein level, was pursued on primary lesions derived from 173 HNSCC patients from whom full clinical history and 2 years post-surgical follow-up was accessible. Gene and protein expression data were correlated with clinical traits and previously proposed tumour relapse markers to stratify high-risk patient subgroups.

Results

HNSCC lesions were indeed found to exhibit a widely aberrant PG expression pattern characterized by a variable expression of all PGs and a characteristic de novo transcription/translation of GPC2, GPC5 and NG2/CSPG4 respectively in 36%, 72% and 71% on 119 cases. Importantly, expression of NG2/CSPG4, on neoplastic cells and in the intralesional stroma (Hazard Ratio [HR], 6.76, p = 0.017) was strongly associated with loco-regional relapse, whereas stromal enrichment of SDC2 (HR, 7.652, p = 0.007) was independently tied to lymphnodal infiltration and disease-related death. Conversely, down-regulated SDC1 transcript (HR, 0.232, p = 0.013) uniquely correlated with formation of distant metastases. Altered expression of PGs significantly correlated with the above disease outcomes when either considered alone or in association with well-established predictors of poor prognosis (i.e. T classification, previous occurrence of precancerous lesions and lymphnodal metastasis). Combined alteration of all three PGs was found to be a reliable predictor of shorter survival.

Conclusions

An unprecedented PG-based prognostic portrait is unveiled that incisively diversifies disease course in HNSCC patients beyond the currently known clinical and molecular biomarkers.

Electronic supplementary material

The online version of this article (doi:10.1186/s12885-015-1336-4) contains supplementary material, which is available to authorized users.

Regression of Walker 256 carcinosarcoma in vasopressin-deficient Brattleboro rats is accompanied by a changed laminin pattern

Walker 256 carcinosarcoma is a transplantable model of rat carcinoma that originally appeared spontaneously in mammary glands. The growth rate of Walker 256 carcinosarcoma in vasopressin-deficient Brattleboro rats is lower than in WAG rats and their congenic hybrids with normal vasopressin levels. Study of tumor proteins detected essential alterations. Tumor regression starting at the 14th day in Brattleboro rats was accompanied by changes in the laminin pattern. At the 21st day, the concentration of α-chains became twice as low, while β-chains of laminin showed a sixfold increase compared to the initial equimolar correlation of bands. Congenic hybrids having one active copy of the vasopressin gene to provide a physiological level of hormone against the genetic background of Brattleboro rats show the same laminin alterations as WAG rats. They demonstrated a similar moderate increase of γ-chains and threefold growth of α- and β-chains of laminin in tumor tissue. It is supposed that vasopressin may be involved in the regulation of relevant local stimuli to trigger renovation of the laminin composition in a course of growing Walker 256 carcinosarcoma.

Advances in the molecular functions of syndecan-1 (SDC1/CD138) in the pathogenesis of malignancies

Syndecan-1 (SDC1, synd, CD138) is the most widely studied member of four structurally related cell surface heparan sulfate proteoglycans (HSPG). Although SDC1 has been implicated in a wide range of biological functions, its altered expression often produces malignant phenotypes, which arise from increased cell proliferation and cell growth, cell survival, cell invasion and metastasis, and angiogenesis. Recent studies revealed much about the underlying molecular roles of SDC1 in these processes. The changes in SDC1 expression also have a direct impact on the clinical course of cancers, as evident by its prognostic significance. Accumulating evidence suggest that SDC1 is involved in stimulation of cancer stem cells (CSC) or tumor initiating cells (TIC) and this may affect disease relapse, and resistance to therapy. This review discusses the progress on the pro-tumorigenic role(s) of SDC1 and how these roles may impact the clinical aspect of the disease. Also discussed, are the current strategies for targeting SDC1 or its related signaling.

Exogenous endothelin-1 induces cell migration and matrix metalloproteinase expression in U251 human glioblastoma multiforme

Glioblastoma multiforme (GBM) is the most common and lethal type of primary brain tumor characterized by its rapid infiltration to surrounding tissues during the early stages. The fast spreading of GBM obscures the initiation of the tumor mass making the treatment outcome undesirable. Endothelin-1 is known as a secretory protein presented in various types of brain cells, which has been indicated as a factor for cancer pathology. The aim of the present study was to investigate the molecular mechanism of cell migration in GBM. We found that various malignant glioma cells expressed higher amounts of endothelin-1, ETA, and ETB receptors than nonmalignant human astrocytes. The application of endothelin-1 enhanced the migratory activity in human U251 glioma cells corresponding to increased expression of matrix metalloproteinase (MMP)-9 and MMP-13. The endothelin-1-induced cell migration was attenuated by MMP-9 and MMP-13 inhibitors and inhibitors of mitogen-activated protein (MAP) kinase and PI3 kinase/Akt. Furthermore, the elevated levels of phosphate c-Jun accumulation in the nucleus and activator protein-1 (AP-1)-DNA binding activity were also found in endothelin-1 treated glioma cells. In migration-prone sublines, cells with greater migration ability showed higher endothelin-1, ETB receptor, and MMP expressions. These results indicate that endothelin-1 activates MAP kinase and AP-1 signaling, resulting in enhanced MMP-9 and MMP-13 expressions and cell migration in GBM.

EMMPRIN/CD147-encriched membrane vesicles released from malignant human testicular germ cells increase MMP production through tumor-stroma interaction

BACKGROUND

Elevated levels of EMMPRIN/CD147 in cancer tissues have been correlated with tumor progression but the regulation of its expression is not yet understood. Here, the regulation of EMMPRIN expression was investigated in testicular germ cell tumor (TGCTs) cell lines.

METHODS

EMMPRIN expression in seminoma JKT-1 and embryonal carcinoma NT2/D1 cell lines was determined by Western blot, immunofluorescence and qRT-PCR. Membrane vesicles (MVs) secreted from these cells, treated or not with EMMPRIN siRNA, were isolated by differential centrifugations of their conditioned medium. MMP-2 was analyzed by zymography and qRT-PCR.

RESULTS

The more aggressive embryonic carcinoma NT2/D1 cells expressed more EMMPRIN mRNA than the seminoma JKT-1 cells, but surprisingly contained less EMMPRIN protein, as determined by immunoblotting and immunostaining. The protein/mRNA discrepancy was not due to accelerated protein degradation in NT2/D1 cells, but by the secretion of EMMPRIN within MVs, as the vesicles released from NT2/D1 contained considerably more EMMPRIN than those released from JKT-1. EMMPRIN-containing MVs obtained from NT2/D1, but not from EMMPRIN-siRNA treated NT2/D1, increased MMP-2 production in fibroblasts to a greater extent than those from JKT-1 cells.

CONCLUSION AND GENERAL SIGNIFICANCE

The data presented show that the more aggressive embryonic carcinoma cells synthesize more EMMPRIN than seminoma cells, but which they preferentially target to secreted MVs, unlike seminoma cells which retain EMMPRIN within the cell membrane. This cellular event points to a mechanism by which EMMPRIN expressed by malignant testicular cells can exert its MMP inducing effect on distant cells within the tumor microenvironment to promote tumor invasion. This article is part of a Special Issue entitled Matrix-mediated cell behaviour and properties.

Glial cell line-derived neurotrophic factor induces cell migration in human oral squamous cell carcinoma

OBJECTIVES

Perineural invasion is a prominent clinical feature of various cancers, which causes difficulty in curative resection. Glial cell-derived neurotrophic factor (GDNF), a potent neurotrophic factor, plays an important role in the invasive and metastatic behavior of various cancers. The aim of this study was to examine the role of GDNF on oral squamous cell carcinoma.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

GDNF expression in tissue samples was analyzed by immunohistochemistry. Transwell assay, zymography, Western blot, reverse transcription-PCR, and electrophoretic mobility shift assay (EMSA) were carried out to assess the effects of GDNF on oral cancer cells.

RESULTS

Human oral cancer tissues showed higher GDNF expression than that in normal tissues. We also found that application of human GDNF enhanced the cell migration ability of human oral cancers. Moreover, treatment with GDNF increased matrix metalloproteinase (MMP)-9 and MMP-13 expression in oral cancer. Inhibition of MMP-9 and MMP-13 in oral cancer cells by pharmacological inhibitors or neutralizing antibodies reduced GDNF-enhanced cell migration. Moreover, transfection with siRNA against MMP-13 inhibited GDNF-enhanced cell migration. Treatment with GDNF also increased ERK, p38 and JNK phosphorylation, and AP-1 DNA binding activity in human oral cancer cells. Inhibition of MAP kinase or AP-1 also reduced GDNF-induced oral cancer cell migration. In migration-prone sublines, oral cancer cells showed a higher migration ability than that of the original oral cancer cells. Surprisingly, the enhancement of cell migratory activity in migration-prone sublines was reduced by a GDNF-neutralizing antibody. Importantly, migration-prone sublines of oral cancer revealed higher GDNF expression.

CONCLUSION

These results indicate a regulatory effect on cell migration by GDNF in oral squamous cancer.

Laminin-111-derived peptides and cancer

Laminin-111 is a large trimeric basement membrane glycoprotein with many active sites. In particular, four peptides active in tumor malignancy studies have been identified in laminin-111 using a systematic peptide screening method followed by various assays. Two of the peptides (IKVAV and AG73) are found on the α1 chain, one (YIGSR) of the β1 chain and one (C16) on the γ1 chain. The four peptides have distinct activities and receptors. Since three of the peptides (IKVAV, AG73 and C16) strongly promote tumor growth, this may explain the potent effects laminin-111 has on malignant cells. The peptide, YIGSR, decreases tumor growth and experimental metastasis via a 32/67 kD receptor while IKVAV increases tumor growth, angiogenesis and protease activity via integrin receptors. AG73 increases tumor growth and metastases via syndecan receptors. C16 increases tumor growth and angiogenesis via integrins. Identification of such sites on laminin-111 will have use in defining strategies to develop therapeutics for cancer.

The pivotal role of integrin β1 in metastasis of head and neck squamous cell carcinoma

PURPOSE

This study aimed to understand the prognostic value of integrin β1 expression in head and neck squamous cell carcinoma (HNSCC) and the mechanism underlying its association with metastatic HNSCC.

EXPERIMENTAL DESIGN

Archival HNSCC tissues including 99 nonmetastatic primary tumors and 101 metastatic primary tumors were examined for the association of integrin β1 expression with metastasis and disease prognosis by appropriate statistical methods. Fluorescence-activated cell sorting was used to separate the integrin β1(high/+) cell population from the integrin β1(low/-) population in HNSCC cell lines. These two populations and integrin β1 shRNA knockdown HNSCC cells were examined for the effect of integrin β1 on invasion in vitro and on lymph node and lung metastases in a xenograft mouse model. Expression and activation of matrix metalloproteinases (MMP) were examined by zymography.

RESULTS

Statistical analysis showed that integrin β1 expression was significantly higher in the metastatic primary tumors than in the nonmetastatic tumors (42.6% vs. 24.8%, P < 0.0001 and P < 0.0001 by univariate and multivariate analyses, respectively). In patients with lymph node metastasis, integrin β1 expression was inversely correlated with overall survival (P = 0.035). The integrin β1 knockdown or integrin β1(low/-) HNSCC cells showed a significant reduction in lymph node and lung metastases in vivo (P < 0.001 and P < 0.05, respectively). Significantly reduced Matrigel invasion capability was also found in integrin β1 knockdown or integrin β1(low/-) HNSCC cells (P < 0.01). Finally, zymography results showed integrin β1-affected HNSCC invasion by regulating MMP-2 activation.

CONCLUSION

These findings indicate that integrin β1 has a major impact on HNSCC prognosis through its regulation of metastasis.

EMMPRIN/CD147 up-regulates urokinase-type plasminogen activator: implications in oral tumor progression

Backgrounds

An elevated level of EMMPRIN in cancer tissues have been correlated with tumor invasion in numerous cancers including oral cavity and larynx. Although EMMPRIN's effect has been generally attributed to its MMP inducing activity, we have previously demonstrated in breast cancer model that EMMPRIN can also enhance invasion by upregulating uPA. In this study, the role of EMMPRIN in regulating uPA and invasion was investigated in oral squamous cell carcinoma (OSCC) progression.

Methods

Precancerous and invasive oral tumoral tissues were used as well as the corresponding cell lines, DOK and SCC-9 respectively. The paracrine regulation of uPA by EMMPRIN was investigated by treating culture cells with EMMPRIN-enriched membrane vesicles. UPA expression was analyzed by qPCR and immunostaining and the consequence on the invasion capacity was studied using modified Boyden chamber assay, in the presence or absence of EMMPRIN blocking antibody, the uPA inhibitor amiloride or the MMP inhibitor marimastat.

Results

OSCC tumors were shown to express more EMMPRIN and uPA compared to dysplastic lesions. The corresponding cell models, SCC-9 and DOK cells, displayed similar expression pattern. In both cell types EMMPRIN upregulated the expression of uPA as well as that of MMP-2 and MMP-9. EMMPRIN treatment led to a significant increase in cell invasion both in the invasive SCC-9 and in the less invasive dysplastic DOK cells, in an MMP and uPA dependent manner.

Conclusions

Our results suggest that the upregulation of uPA contributes to EMMPRIN's effect in promoting oral tumor invasion.