Increased expression levels of S100A4 associated with hypoxia-induced invasion and metastasis in esophageal squamous cell cancer

P4HA2: A link between tumor-intrinsic hypoxia, partial EMT and collective migration

Epithelial-to-mesenchymal transition (EMT), a well-established phenomenon studied across pan-cancer types, has long been known to be a major player in driving tumor invasion and metastasis. Recent studies have highlighted the importance of partial EMT phenotypes in metastasis. Initially thought as a transitional state between epithelial and mesenchymal phenotypic states, partial EMT state is now widely recognized as a key driver of intra-tumoral heterogeneity and phenotypic plasticity, further accelerating tumor metastasis and therapeutic resistance. However, how tumor microenvironment regulates partial EMT phenotypes remains unclear. We have developed unique size-controlled three-dimensional microtumor models that recapitulate tumor-intrinsic hypoxia and the emergence of collectively migrating cells. In this study, we further interrogate these microtumor models to understand how tumor-intrinsic hypoxia regulates partial EMT and collective migration in hypoxic large microtumors fabricated from T47D breast cancer cells. We compared global gene expression profiles of hypoxic, migratory microtumors to that of non-hypoxic, non-migratory microtumors at early and late time-points. Using our microtumor models, we identified unique gene signatures for tumor-intrinsic hypoxia (early versus late), partial EMT and migration (pre-migratory versus migratory phenotype). Through differential gene expression analysis between the microtumor models with an overlap of hypoxia, partial EMT and migration signatures, we identified prolyl 4-hydroxylase subunit 2 (P4HA2), a hypoxia responsive gene, as a central regulator common to hypoxia, partial EMT and collective migration. Further, the inhibition of P4HA2 significantly blocked collective migration in hypoxic microtumors. Thus, using the integrated computational-experimental analysis, we identify the key role of P4HA2 in tumor-intrinsic hypoxia-driven partial EMT and collective migration.

A functional role of S100A4/non-muscle myosin IIA axis for pro-tumorigenic vascular functions in glioblastoma

BACKGROUND

Glioblastoma (GBM) is the most aggressive form of brain tumor and has vascular-rich features. The S100A4/non-muscle myosin IIA (NMIIA) axis contributes to aggressive phenotypes in a variety of human malignancies, but little is known about its involvement in GBM tumorigenesis. Herein, we examined the role of the S100A4/NMIIA axis during tumor progression and vasculogenesis in GBM.

METHODS

We performed immunohistochemistry for S100A4, NMIIA, and two hypoxic markers, hypoxia-inducible factor-1α (HIF-1α) and carbonic anhydrase 9 (CA9), in samples from 94 GBM cases. The functional impact of S100A4 knockdown and hypoxia were also assessed using a GBM cell line.

RESULTS

In clinical GBM samples, overexpression of S100A4 and NMIIA was observed in both non-pseudopalisading (Ps) and Ps (-associated) perinecrotic lesions, consistent with stabilization of HIF-1α and CA9. CD34(+) microvascular densities (MVDs) and the interaction of S100A4 and NMIIA were significantly higher in non-Ps perinecrotic lesions compared to those in Ps perinecrotic areas. In non-Ps perinecrotic lesions, S100A4(+)/HIF-1α(-) GBM cells were recruited to the surface of preexisting host vessels in the vascular-rich areas. Elevated vascular endothelial growth factor A (VEGFA) mRNA expression was found in S100A4(+)/HIF-1α(+) GBM cells adjacent to the vascular-rich areas. In addition, GBM patients with high S100A4 protein expression had significantly worse OS and PFS than did patients with low S100A4 expression. Knockdown of S100A4 in the GBM cell line KS-1 decreased migration capability, concomitant with decreased Slug expression; the opposite effects were elicited by blebbistatin-dependent inhibition of NMIIA.

CONCLUSION

S100A4(+)/HIF-1α(-) GBM cells are recruited to (and migrate along) preexisting vessels through inhibition of NMIIA activity. This is likely stimulated by extracellular VEGF that is released by S100A4(+)/HIF-1α(+) tumor cells in non-Ps perinecrotic lesions. In turn, these events engender tumor progression via acceleration of pro-tumorigenic vascular functions. Video abstract.

Hypoxia and the Receptor for Advanced Glycation End Products (RAGE) Signaling in Cancer

Hypoxia is characterized by an inadequate supply of oxygen to tissues, and hypoxic regions are commonly found in solid tumors. The cellular response to hypoxic conditions is mediated through the activation of hypoxia-inducible factors (HIFs) that control the expression of a large number of target genes. Recent studies have shown that the receptor for advanced glycation end products (RAGE) participates in hypoxia-dependent cellular adaptation. We review recent evidence on the role of RAGE signaling in tumor biology under hypoxic conditions.

Clinicopathological and prognostic value of S100A4 expression in non-small cell lung cancer: a meta-analysis

Background: Numerous published studies have shown that S100A4 is frequently overexpressed in various human cancers. However, the association between S100A4 expression and prognosis or clinicopathological parameters in non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) remains unclear. Therefore, a meta-analysis was performed to identify the significance of S100A4 in NSCLC.

Methods: Systematic literature search was conducted using PubMed, Embase, Web of Science, the Cochrane Library, the Chinese National Knowledge Infrastructure database (CNKI), and the Wanfang database to obtain relevant articles. A combined hazard ratio (HR) and its corresponding 95% confidence interval (CI) were used to evaluate the association between S100A4 expression and prognosis in NSCLC patients. Pooled odds ratio (OR) and 95% CI were calculated to assess the association between S100A4 expression and clinicopathological features in NSCLC.

Results: NSCLC patients with overexpression of S100A4 had a worse prognosis than patients with low expression of S100A4 (HR = 1.77, 95% CI: 1.55–2.02, P<0.001). Additionally, overexpression of S100A4 was significantly correlated to patients’ age (OR = 0.67, 95% CI: 0.49–0.91, P=0.010), tumor differentiation (OR = 2.20, 95% CI: 1.69–2.85, P<0.001), lymph node metastasis (LNM) (OR = 3.70, 95% CI: 2.25–6.06, P<0.001), Tumor-Node-Metastasis (TNM) stage (OR = 3.08, 95% CI: 2.10–4.53, P<0.001), and pathological subtype (OR = 1.77, 95% CI: 1.09–2.88, P=0.020). However, there was no association between S100A4 expression and other clinicopathological features in NSCLC, including gender, tumor size, and smoking.

Conclusion: S100A4 overexpression was associated with tumor progression and poor prognosis in NSCLC patients. Hence, S100A4 might serve as a potential prognostic biomarker in NSCLC.

S100 family members: potential therapeutic target in patients with hepatocellular carcinoma: A STROBE study

Proteins in S100 family exhibit different expressions patterns and perform different cytological functions, playing substantial roles in certain cancers, carcinogenesis, and disease progression. However, the expression and role of S100 family members in the prognosis of hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) remains unclear. To investigate the effect of S100 family members for the prognosis of liver cancer, we assessed overall survival (OS) using a Kaplan-Meier plotter (KM plotter) in liver cancer patients with different situation. Our results showed that 15 members of the S100 family exhibited high levels of expression and these levels were correlated with OS in liver cancer patients. The higher expression of S100A5, S100A7, S100A7A, S100A12, S100Z, and S100G was reflected with better survival in liver cancer patients. However, worse prognosis was related to higher levels of expression of S100A2, S100A6, S100A8, S100A9, S100A10, S100A11, S10013, S100A14, and S100P. We then evaluated the prognostic values of S100 family members expression for evaluating different stages of AJCC-T, vascular invasion, alcohol consumption, and the presence of hepatitis virus in liver cancer patients. Lastly, we studied the prognostic values of S100 family members expression for patients after sorafenib treatment. In conclusion, our findings show that the proteins of S100 family members exhibit differential expression and may be useful as targets for liver cancer, facilitating novel diagnostic and therapeutic strategies in cancer.

PIMT Binding to C-Terminal Ala459 of CAIX Is Involved in Inside-Out Signaling Necessary for Its Catalytic Activity

Human carbonic anhydrase IX (CAIX), a unique member of the α carbonic anhydrase family, is a transmembrane glycoprotein with high enzymatic activity by which CAIX contributes to tumorigenesis through pH regulation. Due to its aberrant expression, CAIX is considered to be a marker of tumor hypoxia and a poor prognostic factor of several human cancers. Hypoxia-activated catalytic function of CAIX is dependent on posttranslational modification of its short intracellular domain. In this work, we have identified that C-terminal Ala459 residue, which is common across CAIX of various species as well as additional transmembrane isoforms, plays an important role in CAIX activation and in pH regulation. Moreover, structure prediction I-TASSER analysis revealed involvement of Ala459 in potential ligand binding. Using tandem mass spectrometry, Protein-L-isoaspartyl methyltransferase (PIMT) was identified as a novel interacting partner, further confirmed by an in vitro pulldown assay and an in situ proximity ligation assay. Indeed, suppression of PIMT led to increased alkalinization of culture media of C33a cells constitutively expressing CAIX in hypoxia. We suggest that binding of PIMT represents a novel intracellular signal required for enzymatic activity of CAIX with a potential unidentified downstream function.

Application of neck anastomotic muscle flap embedded in 3-incision radical resection of oesophageal carcinoma: A protocol for systematic review and meta analysis

BACKGROUND

Oesophageal cancer is one of the most common malignant tumors and has been identified as one of the leading causes of cancer death worldwide. Surgery is considered to be the optimal treatment for patients with resectable oesophageal cancer. Oesophagectomy for oesophageal cancer can significantly extend the survival period of patients and provide a potential opportunity for a cure. However, there is still controversy regarding application of neck anastomotic muscle flap embedded. This systematic review and meta-analysis will be performed to determine whether the application of neck anastomotic muscle flap embedded would benefit patients more.

METHODS

We will search PubMed, Web of Science, Embase, Cancerlit, the Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials, and Google Scholar databases for relevant clinical trials published in any language before October 1, 2020. Randomized controlled trials (RCTs), quasi-RCTs, propensity score-matched comparative studies, and prospective cohort studies of interest, published or unpublished, that meet the inclusion criteria will be included. Subgroup analysis of the type of operation, tumor pathological stage, and ethnicity will be performed. INPLASY registration number: INPLASY202080059.

RESULTS

The results of this study will be published in a peer-reviewed journal.

CONCLUSION

As far as we know, this study will be the first meta-analysis to compare the efficacy of the application of neck anastomotic muscle flap embedded in 3-incision radical resection of oesophageal carcinoma. Due to the nature of the disease and intervention methods, RCTs may be inadequate, and we will carefully consider inclusion in high-quality, non-RCTs, but this may result in high heterogeneity and affect the reliability of the results.

Right versus left thoracic approach oesophagectomy for oesophageal cancer: a systematic review and meta-analysis protocol

INTRODUCTION

Oesophageal cancer is one of the most common malignant tumours and has been identified as one of the leading causes of cancer death worldwide. Surgery is considered to be the optimal treatment for patients with resectable oesophageal cancer. Oesophagectomy for oesophageal cancer can significantly extend the survival period of patients and provide a potential opportunity for a cure. However, there is still controversy regarding which thoracic approach (right or left) during oesophagectomy for oesophageal cancer can lead to better surgical outcomes globally. This systematic review and meta-analysis will be performed to determine which thoracic approach during oesophagectomy will achieve longer patient survival and will be more beneficial for patients.

METHODS AND ANALYSIS

We will search PubMed, Web of Science, Embase, Cancerlit, the Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials and Google Scholar databases for relevant clinical trials published in any language before 1 October 2019. Randomised controlled trials (RCTs), quasi-RCTs, propensity score-matched comparative studies and prospective cohort studies of interest, published or unpublished, that meet the inclusion criteria will be included. Subgroup analysis of the type of operation, tumour pathological stage and ethnicity will be performed.

PROSPERO REGISTRATION NUMBER

CRD42019124133.

ETHICS AND DISSEMINATION

Because this study will be based on published or unpublished records and studies, there is no need for ethics approval. The results of the study will be published in a peer-reviewed journal.

Expression of metastasis related genes S100A4 and MMP-9 in pancreatic cancer cells treated with metformin

AIM

To investigate the expression of metastasis related genes S100A4 and matrix metalloproteinase (MMP)-9 in pancreatic cancer cell lines BxPC-3 and AsPC-1 treated with metformin.

METHODS

Cells were incubated with metformin at different concentrations for 24, 48, or 72 h. Then, cell viability was measured by MTT assay, and IC₅₀ values were calculated. The two cell lines were then treated with metformin at IC₅₀ concentrations for 48 h, and RT-PCR was used to detect the expression of S100A4 and MMP-9 mRNAs.

RESULTS

Cell viability was apparently inhibited by metformin in both cell lines, and the inhibitory effect showed a time- and dose-dependent manner. The IC₅₀ values for BxPC-3 cells at 24, 48, and 72 h were 12.13 mmol/L, 10.43 mmol/L, and 9.55 mmol/L, respectively, and the corresponding values for AsPC-1 cells were 23.45 mmol/L, 15.44 mmol/L, and 11.30 mmol/L. After treatment with metformin for 48 h, the expression of S100A4 and MMP-9 mRNAs in the two cell lines was significantly decreased compared with control cells (P < 0.01).

CONCLUSION

Metformin inhibits pancreatic cancer cell growth in a time- and dose-dependent manner. Metformin may exert anti-metastasis effects by decreasing the expression of S100A4 and MMP-9 in pancreatic cancer cell lines.

Proteomic analysis indicates the importance of TPM3 in esophageal squamous cell carcinoma invasion and metastasis

Numerous esophageal squamous cell carcinoma (ESCC) patients exhibit tumor recurrence following radical resection. Invasion and metastasis are key factors in poor prognosis following esophagectomy. In the present study, two-dimensional gel electrophoresis (2-DE) and matrix-assisted laser desorption/ionization time-of-flight mass spectrometry were used to define patterns of protein expression in ESCC tissues at different pathological stages. The expression levels of identified proteins were determined by immunohistochemistry and western blotting. A total of fifteen protein spots with >2-fold differences were observed when comparing results of 2-DE for stage III and stage I ESCC tissue sample. A total of 12 proteins were identified by mass spectrometry analysis and database searches. The results of immunohistochemistry and western blotting demonstrated expression levels of tropomyosin 3 (TPM3) were higher in stage III ESCC tissue compared with stage I (P<0.05). The findings of the present study identified twelve proteins, which are closely associated with ESCC invasion and metastasis, apoptosis and cell signal transduction. Furthermore, the overexpression of TPM3 may be important in ESCC invasion and metastasis.

Impact of S100A4 Expression on Clinicopathological Characteristics and Prognosis in Pancreatic Cancer: A Meta-Analysis

BACKGROUND

The small Ca(2+)-binding protein S100A4 is identified as a metastasis-associated or metastasis-inducing protein in various types of cancer. The goal of this meta-analysis was to evaluate the relationship between S100A4 expression and clinicopathological characteristics and prognosis of patients with pancreatic cancer.

METHODS

A comprehensive literature search was carried out in the electronic databases PubMed and Chinese CNKI. Only the studies reporting the correlation between S100A4 expression and clinicopathological characteristics or overall survival (OS) of patients with pancreatic cancer are enrolled. Extracted data was analyzed using the RevMan 5.3 software to calculate the pooled relative risks (95% confidence interval, CI) for statistical analyses.

RESULTS

Seven studies including a total of 474 patients were enrolled into this meta-analysis. Negative expression of S100A4 was significantly associated with higher 3-year OS rate (RR = 3.92, 95% CI = 2.24-6.87, P < 0.0001), compared to S100A4-positive cases. Moreover, negative expression of S100A4 was also related to N0 stage for lymph node metastasis (RR = 2.15, 95% CI = 1.60-2.88, P < 0.0001). However, S100A4 expression was not significantly correlated with histological types and distant metastasis status.

CONCLUSION

S100A4 expression represents a potential marker for lymph node metastasis of pancreatic cancer and a potential unfavorable factor for prognosis of patients with this disease.

Metadherin is required for the proliferation, migration, and invasion of esophageal squamous cell carcinoma and its meta-analysis

Metadherin (MTDH) was found to be highly expressed in various squamous cell carcinomas (SCCs); however, meta-analysis evaluating the association of MTDH in SCC has not been performed. The purpose of this study was to explore the biological functions of MTDH in esophageal squamous cell carcinoma (ESCC) and to meta-analyze the association between MTDH and SCC. Immunohistochemistry was performed to examine MTDH expression using an ESCC tissue array consisting of 86 ESCC and 78 paired normal adjacent tissues (NATs). MTDH was significantly overexpressed in ESCC tissues compared with NATs and was significantly associated with lymph node metastasis, differentiation, and prognosis. Knockdown of MTDH using an MTDH-short hairpin RNA plasmid caused cell cycle arrest at the G0/G1 phase and induced apoptosis of EC9706 cells. Knockdown of MTDH suppressed the proliferation, invasion, and migration of ESCC cells. Furthermore, meta-analysis revealed that overexpression of MTDH was significantly associated with the lymph node metastasis, advanced clinical stage, and T classification of tissues in SCC, suggesting that MTDH might be used as a potential therapeutic target in the lymph node metastasis of ESCC.

S100A4 participates in epithelial-mesenchymal transition in breast cancer via targeting MMP2

Numerous studies have shown that S100A4 acquires its metastasis-promoting effects via inducing epithelial-mesenchymal transition (EMT). However, its role and mechanism in EMT in breast cancer had not been clearly elucidated. Herein, we showed that the knockdown of S100A4 expression in breast cancer cell lines, MDA-MB-231 and MDA-MB-468, inhibited not only cell invasion ability greatly, but also the occurrence of EMT significantly. In addition, S100A4 knockdown could also decrease the expression of MMP2, a promoter and a mediator of the EMT processes in cancer. Above all, restoring the expression of MMP2 in MDA-MB-231 and MDA-MB-468 could not only rescue the invasion ability inhibited by knockdown of S100A4, but also reverse the EMT suppressed by knockdown of S100A4. In summary, our results indicated that S100A4 could promote the invasion ability of breast cancer cells via EMT, more importantly, it could participate in EMT via regulating MMP2 in breast cancer. Therefore, S100A4 could be a candidate biomarker for defining breast cancer metastasis and useful target for therapy.