Fibronectin induces MMP2 expression in human prostate cancer cells

Superior Induced Pluripotent Stem Cell Generation through Phactr3-Driven Mechanomodulation of Both Early and Late Phases of Cell Reprogramming

Human cell reprogramming traditionally involves time-intensive, multistage, costly tissue culture polystyrene-based cell culture practices that ultimately produce low numbers of reprogrammed cells of variable quality. Previous studies have shown that very soft 2- and 3-dimensional hydrogel substrates/matrices (of stiffnesses ≤ 1 kPa) can drive ~2× improvements in human cell reprogramming outcomes. Unfortunately, these similarly complex multistage protocols lack intrinsic scalability, and, furthermore, the associated underlying molecular mechanisms remain to be fully elucidated, limiting the potential to further maximize reprogramming outcomes. In screening the largest range of polyacrylamide (pAAm) hydrogels of varying stiffness to date (1 kPa to 1.3 MPa), we have found that a medium stiffness gel (~100 kPa) increased the overall number of reprogrammed cells by up to 10-fold (10×), accelerated reprogramming kinetics, improved both early and late phases of reprogramming, and produced induced pluripotent stem cells (iPSCs) having more naïve characteristics and lower remnant transgene expression, compared to the gold standard tissue culture polystyrene practice. Functionalization of these pAAm hydrogels with poly-l-dopamine enabled, for the first-time, continuous, single-step reprogramming of fibroblasts to iPSCs on hydrogel substrates (noting that even the tissue culture polystyrene practice is a 2-stage process). Comparative RNA sequencing analyses coupled with experimental validation revealed that a novel reprogramming regulator, protein phosphatase and actin regulator 3, up-regulated under the gel condition at a very early time point, was responsible for the observed enhanced reprogramming outcomes. This study provides a novel culture protocol and substrate for continuous hydrogel-based cell reprogramming and previously unattained clarity of the underlying mechanisms via which substrate stiffness modulates reprogramming kinetics and iPSC quality outcomes.

FN1 mediated activation of aspartate metabolism promotes the progression of triple-negative and luminal a breast cancer

BACKGROUND

Breast cancer (BC) is regarded as one of the most common cancers diagnosed among the female population and has an extremely high mortality rate. It is known that Fibronectin 1 (FN1) drives the occurrence and development of a variety of cancers through metabolic reprogramming. Aspartic acid is considered to be an important substrate for nucleotide synthesis. However, the regulatory mechanism between FN1 and aspartate metabolism is currently unclear.

METHODS

We used RNA sequencing (RNA seq) and liquid chromatography-mass spectrometry to analyze the tumor tissues and paracancerous tissues of patients. MCF7 and MDA-MB-231 cells were used to explore the effects of FN1-regulated aspartic acid metabolism on cell survival, invasion, migration and tumor growth. We used PCR, Western blot, immunocytochemistry and immunofluorescence techniques to study it.

RESULTS

We found that FN1 was highly expressed in tumor tissues, especially in Lumina A and TNBC subtypes, and was associated with poor prognosis. In vivo and in vitro experiments showed that silencing FN1 inhibits the activation of the YAP1/Hippo pathway by enhancing YAP1 phosphorylation, down-regulates SLC1A3-mediated aspartate uptake and utilization by tumor cells, inhibits BC cell proliferation, invasion and migration, and promotes apoptosis. In addition, inhibition of FN1 combined with the YAP1 inhibitor or SLC1A3 inhibitor can effectively inhibit tumor growth, of which inhibition of FN1 combined with the YAP1 inhibitor is more effective.

CONCLUSION

Targeting the "FN1/YAP1/SLC1A3/Aspartate metabolism" regulatory axis provides a new target for BC diagnosis and treatment. This study also revealed that intratumoral metabolic heterogeneity plays an important role in the progression of different subtypes of breast cancer.

Nanomedicine Strategies for Targeting Tumor Stroma

The tumor stroma, or the microenvironment surrounding solid tumors, can significantly impact the effectiveness of cancer therapies. The tumor microenvironment is characterized by high interstitial pressure, a consequence of leaky vasculature, and dense stroma created by excessive deposition of various macromolecules such as collagen, fibronectin, and hyaluronic acid (HA). In addition, non-cancerous cells such as cancer-associated fibroblasts (CAFs) and the extracellular matrix (ECM) itself can promote tumor growth. In recent years, there has been increased interest in combining standard cancer treatments with stromal-targeting strategies or stromal modulators to improve therapeutic outcomes. Furthermore, the use of nanomedicine, which can improve the delivery and retention of drugs in the tumor, has been proposed to target the stroma. This review focuses on how different stromal components contribute to tumor progression and impede chemotherapeutic delivery. Additionally, this review highlights recent advancements in nanomedicine-based stromal modulation and discusses potential future directions for developing more effective stroma-targeted cancer therapies.

Alginate-Based 3D A549 Cell Culture Model to Study Paracoccidioides Infection

A three-dimensional (3D) lung aggregate model based on sodium alginate scaffolds was developed to study the interactions between Paracoccidioides brasiliensis (Pb) and lung epithelial cells. The suitability of the 3D aggregate as an infection model was examined using cell viability (cytotoxicity), metabolic activity, and proliferation assays. Several studies exemplify the similarity between 3D cell cultures and living organisms, which can generate complementary data due to the greater complexity observed in these designed models, compared to 2D cell cultures. A 3D cell culture system of human A549 lung cell line plus sodium alginate was used to create the scaffolds that were infected with Pb18. Our results showed low cytotoxicity, evidence of increased cell density (indicative of cell proliferation), and the maintenance of cell viability for seven days. The confocal analysis revealed viable yeast within the 3D scaffold, as demonstrated in the solid BHI Agar medium cultivation. Moreover, when ECM proteins were added to the alginate scaffolds, the number of retrieved fungi was significantly higher. Our results highlight that this 3D model may be promising for in vitro studies of host-pathogen interactions.

Fibronectin Modulates the Expression of miRNAs in Prostate Cancer Cell Lines

Prostate cancer (PCa) is a significant cause of cancer-related deaths among men and companion animals, such as dogs. However, despite its high mortality and incidence rates, the molecular mechanisms underlying this disease remain to be fully elucidated. Among the many factors involved in prostate carcinogenesis, the extracellular matrix (ECM) plays a crucial role. This ECM in the prostate is composed mainly of collagen fibers, reticular fibers, elastic fibers, proteoglycans and glycoproteins, such as fibronectin. Fibronectin is a glycoprotein whose dysregulation has been implicated in the development of multiple types of cancer, and it has been associated with cell migration, invasion, and metastasis. Furthermore, our research group has previously shown that fibronectin induces transcriptional changes by modulating the expression of protein coding genes in LNCaP cells. However, potential changes at the post-transcriptional level are still not well understood. This study investigated the impact of exposure to fibronectin on the expression of a key class of regulatory RNAs, the microRNAs (miRNAs), in prostate cancer cell lines LNCaP and PC-3. Five mammalian miRNAs (miR-21, miR-29b, miR-125b, miR-221, and miR-222) were differentially expressed after fibronectin exposure in prostate cell lines. The expression profile of hundreds of mRNAs predicted to be targeted by these miRNAs was analyzed using publicly available RNA-Sequencing data (GSE64025, GSE68645, GSE29155). Also, protein-protein interaction networks and enrichment analysis were performed to gain insights into miRNA biological functions. Altogether, these functional analyzes revealed that fibronectin exposure impacts the expression of miRNAs potentially involved in PCa causing changes in critical signaling pathways such as PI3K-AKT, and response to cell division, death, proliferation, and migration. The relationship here demonstrated between fibronectin exposure and altered miRNA expression improves the comprehension of PCa in both men and other animals, such as dogs, which naturally develop prostate cancer.

Hexokinases 2 promoted cell motility and distant metastasis by elevating fibronectin through Akt1/p-Akt1 in cervical cancer cells

Background

Hexokinases 2 (HK2) is a member of the hexokinases, linking with malignant tumor growth and distant metastasis. However, evidence regarding the potential role of HK2 in regulating cell motility and tumor metastasis during the cervical cancer malignant progression remains limited.

Methods

In vitro migration and invasion assay, in vivo metastasis experiments were performed to detect the effective of HK2 on regulating cell motility and tumor metastasis in cervical cancer cells. RNA-Seq was performed to explore the potential molecules that participate in HK2-mediated cell motility and tumor metastasis in cervical cancer cells. The correlation between HK2 and Akt1, p-Akt1, FN1 expression in cervical cancer cells and human squamous cervical carcinoma (SCC) samples was verified in this study.

Results

In this study, cervical cancer cells with exogenous HK2 expression exhibited enhanced cell motility and distant metastasis. Transcriptome sequencing analysis revealed that fibronectin (FN1) was significantly increased in HK2-overexpressing HeLa cells, and the PI3K/Akt signaling pathway was identified by KEGG pathway enrichment analysis. Further studies demonstrated that this promotion of cell motility by HK2 was probably a result of it inducing FN1, MMP2 and MMP9 expression by activating Akt1 in cervical cancer cells. Additionally, HK2 expression was altered with the changing of Akt1/p-Akt1 expression, implying that HK2 expression is also modulated by Akt1/p-Akt1. Moreover, the positive correlation between HK2 and Akt1, p-Akt1, FN1 expression in human squamous cervical carcinoma (SCC) samples was verified by using Pearson correlation analysis.

Conclusions

This study demonstrated that HK2 could activate Akt1 in cervical cancer cells, subsequently enhancing cell motility and tumor metastasis by inducing FN1, MMP2 and MMP9 expression. There likely exists an interactive regulatory mechanism between HK2 and Akt1 during the malignant process of cervical cancer.

Supplementary Information

The online version contains supplementary material available at 10.1186/s12935-021-02312-0.

Protective Role of 4-(4-Hydroxy-3-methoxyphenyl)-2-Butanone on Prostatic Cells Hyperplasia of Rats and Human, 5α-reductase Inhibition Pathway

BACKGROUND

Prostate gland is an exocrine gland that could be affected by various pathological conditions. Benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH) is an age-dependent medical condition caused by increased activity of 5α-reductase enzyme (5α-R). Medical treatment by finasteride is considered during treatment, but it has unavoidable side effects. Hence, there is an increasing need to use natural ingredients for BPH treatment. Gingerol oil (ginger extract) is transferred by heating into zingerone. Recent studies reported the effect of zingerone on prostate cancer cells.

AIMS AND OBJECTIVES

The aim of the present research is to investigate the protective effect of zingerone against BPH.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

Sixty male Albino Wistar rats were divided into three groups: control group, prostatic hyperplasia group treated with saline, and prostatic hyperplasia group treated with zingerone (PH-Z-G). At day 28, all rats were sacrificed, epididymis and prostate samples were collected for histopathological examination and Western blotting for androgen receptors (ARs) proteins and steroid 5 alpha-reductase 1 (SRD5A1). Human RWPE-1 prostatic cell line was assessed for viability and cycle after treated with zingerone 500 μg/day for 10 days.

RESULTS

PH-S group showed significant (P < 0.05) thickening of connective tissue septa associated with narrowing of acinar lumen. PH-Z group showed regain of the normal histological feature. SRD5A1 and AR expression was significantly (P < 0.05) reduced in PH-Z group in comparison with PH-S group. Cell line proliferation was significantly reduced after application of zingerone with G2/M cell cycle arrest.

CONCLUSION

Our results showed that natural herbal zingerone decreased the prostatic tissue levels of (5α reductase and AR) in rat BPH model, which could be a promising herbal medicine for BPH treatment. Further human clinical trials are required.

Review of novel tissue-based biomarkers for prostate cancer: towards personalised and targeted medicine

Background:

Prostate cancer is the most commonly diagnosed cancer in men and responsible for about 10% of all cancer mortality in both Canadian and American men. Currently, serum PSA level is the most commonly used test for the detection of prostate cancer, though the levels can also be elevated in benign conditions, has limited specificity and has a high rate of overdiagnosis and treatment of indolent disease. Consequently, in recent years, several investigations have been conducted to identify novel cancer biomarkers capable of both effective screening and diagnosis, as well as assisting to shift the diagnostic and treatment paradigm of prostate cancer towards more patient-specific and targeted medicine. The goal of this narrative review paper is to describe eleven novel and promising tissue-based biomarkers for prostate cancer capable to account for individual patient variabilities and have the potential for risk assessment, early detection and diagnosis, identification of patients who will benefit from a particular treatment and monitoring patient response to treatment.

Materials and methods:

We searched several databases from August to December 2020 for relevant studies published in English between 2000 and 2020 and reporting on tissue-based biomarkers for screening and early diagnosis, treatment and monitoring of prostate cancer.

Conclusions:

Emerging prostate cancer biomarkers have the potential to guide clinical decision-making since they have the potential to detect the disease early, measure the risk of developing the disease and the risk of progression, provide accurate information of patient response to a specific treatment and are capable of informing clinicians about the likely outcome of a cancer diagnosis independent of the treatment received. Therefore, the future holds promise for personalised and targeted medicine from prevention to diagnosis and treatment that considers the individual patient’s variabilities in the management of prostate cancer.

Material properties of disulfide-crosslinked hyaluronic acid hydrogels influence prostate cancer cell growth and metabolism

Cells reside in vivo within three dimensional environments in which they interact with extracellular matrices (ECMs) that play an integral role in maintaining tissue homeostasis and preventing tumour growth. Thus, tissue culture approaches that more faithfully reproduce these interactions with the ECM are needed to study cancer development and progression. Many materials exist for modeling tissue environments, and the effects of differing mechanical, physical, and biochemical properties of such materials on cell behaviour are often intricately coupled and difficult to tease apart. Here, an optimized protocol was developed to generate low reaction volume disulfide-crosslinked hyaluronic acid (HA) hydrogels for use in cell culture applications to relate the properties of ECM materials to cell signalling and behaviour. Mechanically, HA hydrogels are comparable to other soft hydrogel materials such as Matrigel and agarose or to tissues lacking type I collagen and other fibrillar ECM components. The diffusion of soluble materials in these hydrogels is affected by unique mass transfer properties. Specifically, HA hydrogel concentration affects the diffusion of anionic particles above 500 kDa, whereas diffusion of smaller particles appears unimpeded by HA content, likely reflecting hydrogel pore size. The HA hydrogels have a strong exclusion effect that limits the movement of proteins into and out of the material once fully formed. Such mass transfer properties have interesting implications for cell culture, as they ultimately affect access to nutrients and the distribution of signalling molecules, affecting nutrient sensing and metabolic activity. The use of disulfide-crosslinked HA hydrogels for the culture of the model prostate cancer cell lines PC3 and LNCaP reveals correlations of protein activation linked to metabolic flux, which parallel and can thus potentially provide insights into cell survival mechanisms in response to starvation that occurs in cancer cell microenvironments.

Circulating Tumor Cell Migration Requires Fibronectin Acting through Integrin B1 or SLUG

Fibronectin (FN1) is an extracellular matrix protein gaining increasing attention for its multifaceted roles in cancer progression. Using our recently established circulating tumor cell (CTC) lines, we had demonstrated increased FN1 expression and enhanced migration in CTC lines, in comparison to primary tumor cell lines. Whether increased FN1 expression is directly required for CTC migration, and the specific role of FN1’s regulation of integrin B1 (ITGB1) and SLUG (SNAI2) in CTC migration remains unclear. Here, for the first time, we report that the knockdown of FN1, ITGB1, or SLUG expression in CTCs leads to a significant decrease in CTC migration. Knocking down two or all three of these proteins simultaneously did not further inhibit migration. We observed a corresponding increase in CTC migration when recombinant FN1 was added to CTCs. This effect was significantly impeded by prior knockdown of ITGB1 or SLUG. Using knock down experiments and western blotting analysis, we confirmed FN1’s regulation of ITGB1 and SLUG to occur via two separate, independent pathways. Consequently, we can conclude that FN1-dependent enhanced migration of CTCs requires downstream signaling through either ITGB1 or SLUG and that FN1 regulation of ITGB1 and SLUG may have important implications for cancer progression and metastasis.

Identification of the hub genes RUNX2 and FN1 in gastric cancer

Background

This study identified key genes in gastric cancer (GC) based on the mRNA microarray GSE19826 from the Gene Expression Omnibus (GEO) database and preliminarily explored the relationships among the key genes.

Methods

Differentially expressed genes (DEGs) were obtained using the GEO2R tool. The functions and pathway enrichment of the DEGs were analyzed using the Enrichr database. Protein–protein interactions (PPIs) were established by STRING. A lentiviral vector was constructed to silence RUNX2 expression in MGC-803 cells. The expression levels of RUNX2 and FN1 were measured. The influences of RUNX2 and FN1 on overall survival (OS) were determined using the Kaplan–Meier plotter online tool.

Results

In total, 69 upregulated and 65 downregulated genes were identified. Based on the PPI network of the DEGs, 20 genes were considered hub genes. RUNX2 silencing significantly downregulated the FN1 expression in MGC-803 cells. High expression of RUNX2 and low expression of FN1 were associated with long survival time in diffuse, poorly differentiated, and lymph node-positive GC.

Conclusion

High RUNX2 and FN1 expression were associated with poor OS in patients with GC. RUNX2 can negatively regulate the secretion of FN1, and both genes may serve as promising targets for GC treatment.

Exosomal circRNA-100338 promotes hepatocellular carcinoma metastasis via enhancing invasiveness and angiogenesis

Background

Exosomes play crucial roles in regulating the crosstalk between normal and cancer cells in the tumor microenvironment, and in regulating cancer proliferation, migration and invasion through their cargo molecules.

Methods

We analyzed the pro-invasiveness of exosomal circRNA-100,338 in HCC using the transwell invasion assay. The co-culture of human umbilical vein endothelial cells (HUVEC) and exosomes derived from HCC cell lines were used to evaluate the impact of HCC derived exosomes on HUVEC. Nude mice models were used to validate the findings in vitro. Clinically, quantitative RT-PCR was used to quantify the expression of serum exosomal circRNA-100,338 in HCC patients at both pre-surgery within one week and post-surgery within three weeks.

Results

We aim to investigate the pro-invasive role of exosomal circRNA-100,338 in HCC metastasis. We for the first time demonstrated that circRNA-100,338 was highly expressed in both highly metastatic HCC cells and their secreted exosomes. The transwell invasion assay showed that the overexpression or knockdown of exosomal circRNA-100,338 significantly enhanced or reduced the invasive abilities of HCC cells. Subsequently, in vitro and in vivo assays showed that exosomal circRNA-100,338 affected the cell proliferation, angiogenesis, permeability, and vasculogenic mimicry (VM) formation ability of human umbilical vein endothelial cells (HUVEC), and tumor metastasis. Furthermore, we also observed that the persistent high expression of exosomal circRNA-100,338 in serum of HCC patients who underwent curative hepatectomy may be a risk indicator of pulmonary metastasis and poor survival.

Conclusions

Our findings indicated that metastatic ability of HCC cells could be enhanced by transferring exosomal circRNA-100,338 to recipient HUVECs, which could affect proangiogenic activity by regulating angiogenesis.

Profile of Matrix-Remodeling Proteinases in Osteoarthritis: Impact of Fibronectin

The extracellular matrix (ECM) is a complex and specialized three-dimensional macromolecular network, present in nearly all tissues, that also interacts with cell surface receptors on joint resident cells. Changes in the composition and physical properties of the ECM lead to the development of many diseases, including osteoarthritis (OA). OA is a chronic degenerative rheumatic disease characterized by a progressive loss of synovial joint function as a consequence of the degradation of articular cartilage, also associated with alterations in the synovial membrane and subchondral bone. During OA, ECM-degrading enzymes, including urokinase-type plasminogen activator (uPA), matrix metalloproteinases (MMPs), and a disintegrin and metalloproteinase with thrombospondin motifs (ADAMTSs), cleave ECM components, such as fibronectin (Fn), generating fibronectin fragments (Fn-fs) with catabolic properties. In turn, Fn-fs promote activation of these proteinases, establishing a degradative and inflammatory feedback loop. Thus, the aim of this review is to update the contribution of ECM-degrading proteinases to the physiopathology of OA as well as their modulation by Fn-fs.

Long noncoding RNA lnc-ABCA12-3 promotes cell migration, invasion, and proliferation by regulating fibronectin 1 in esophageal squamous cell carcinoma

Long noncoding RNAs (lncRNAs) have been shown to play important roles in human cancers, including esophageal squamous cell carcinoma (ESCC). We previously demonstrated that a novel lncRNA, lnc-ABCA12-3, was overexpressed in ESCC tissues. However, the exact function of lnc-ABCA12-3 is unknown. In the current study, we aimed to evaluate the expression of lnc-ABCA12-3 in ESCC and to explore the potential mechanism of lnc-ABCA12-3 in cell migration, invasion, and proliferation. We showed that lnc-ABCA12-3 was upregulated in ESCC tumor tissues and cell lines. The increased expression of lnc-ABCA12-3 was positively associated with advanced tumor-node-metastasis stages and poor prognosis. The knockdown of lnc-ABCA12-3 inhibited the cell migration, invasion, and proliferation abilities of KYSE-510 and Eca-109 cells. We also found that fibronectin 1 (FN1) was upregulated in ESCC tumor tissues. The expression of FN1 messenger RNA was positively correlated with the expression of lnc-ABCA12-3 in ESCC tumor tissues. After lnc-ABCA12-3 knockdown, the expression of FN1 was downregulated. In addition, the overexpression of FN1 restored the abilities of cell migration, invasion and proliferation in Eca-109 cells. Further studies indicated that lnc-ABCA12-3 acted as a competing endogenous RNA for miR-200b-3p to regulate FN1 expression. In conclusion, these results suggest that lnc-ABCA12-3 is a novel oncogene in tumorigenesis and that its high expression is related to a poor prognosis for patients with ESCC. lnc-ABCA12-3 promotes cell migration, invasion, and proliferation via the regulation of FN1 in ESCC. Our data suggest that lnc-ABCA12-3 might serve as a potential prognostic biomarker and therapeutic target for ESCC.

Clinical correlation of opposing molecular signatures in head and neck squamous cell carcinoma

Background

The concept of head and neck cancers (HNSCC) having unique molecular signatures is well accepted but relating this to clinical presentation and disease behaviour is essential for patient benefit. Currently the clinical significance of HNSCC molecular subtypes is uncertain therefore personalisation of HNSCC treatment is not yet possible.

Methods

We performed meta-analysis on 8 microarray studies and identified six significantly up- (PLAU, FN1, CDCA5) and down-regulated (CRNN, CLEC3B and DUOX1) genes which were subsequently quantified by RT-qPCR in 100 HNSCC patient margin and core tumour samples.

Results

Retrospective correlation with sociodemographic and clinicopathological patient details identified two subgroups of opposing molecular signature (+q6 and -q6) that correlated to two recognised high-risk HNSCC populations in the UK. The +q6 group were older, male, and excessive alcohol users whilst the –q6 group were younger, female, paan-chewers and predominantly Bangladeshi. Additionally, all patients with tumour recurrence were in the latter subgroup.

Conclusions

We provide the first evidence linking distinct molecular signatures in HNSCC with clinical presentations. Prospective trials are required to determine the correlation between these distinct genotypes and disease progression or treatment response. This is an important step towards the ultimate goal of improving outcomes by utilising personalised molecular-signature-guided treatments for HNSCC patients.

Fibronectin promotes cervical cancer tumorigenesis through activating FAK signaling pathway

Cervical cancer is a cancer arising from the cervix, and it is the fourth most common cause of death in women. Overexpression of fibronectin 1 (FN1) was observed in many tumors and associated with the survival and metastasis of cancer cells. However, the mechanism by which FN1 promotes cervical cancer cell viability, migration, adhesion, and invasion, and inhibits cell apoptosis through focal adhesion kinase (FAK) signaling pathway remains to be investigated. Our results demonstrated that FN1 was upregulated in patients with cervical cancer and higher FN1 expression correlated with a poor prognosis for patients with cervical cancer. FN1 knockdown by small interfering RNA (siRNA) inhibited SiHa cell viability, migration, invasion, and adhesion, and promoted cell apoptosis. FN1 overexpression in CaSki cell promoted cell viability, migration, invasion, and adhesion, and inhibited cell apoptosis. Further, phosphorylation of FAK, a main downstream signaling molecule of FN1, and the protein expression of Bcl-2/Bax, matrix metalloproteinase 2 (MMP-2), matrix metalloproteinase 9 (MMP-9), and N-cadherin was upregulated in CaSki cells with FN1 overexpression, but caspase-3 protein expression was downregulated. The FAK phosphorylation inhibitor PF573228 inhibited FN1 overexpression-induced expression of those proteins in CaSki cells with FN1 overexpression. In vivo experiment demonstrated that FN1 knockdown significantly inhibited FN1 expression, phosphorylation of FAK, and tumor growth in xenograft from the nude mice. These results suggest that FN1 regulates the viability, apoptosis, migration, invasion, and adhesion of cervical cancer cells through the FAK signaling pathway and is a potential therapeutic target in the treatment of cervical cancer.

HOXC6 promotes migration, invasion and proliferation of esophageal squamous cell carcinoma cells via modulating expression of genes involved in malignant phenotypes

Background

HOXC6 is a member of the HOX gene family. The elevated expression of this gene occurs in prostate and breast cancers. However, the role of HOXC6 in esophageal squamous cell carcinoma (ESCC) remains largely uninvestigated.

Methods

The expression of HOXC6 was examined by immunohistochemistry, quantitative real-time PCR and immunoblotting assays. The lentivirus-mediated expression of HOXC6 was verified at mRNA and protein levels. Wound healing and Matrigel assays were performed to assess the effect of HOXC6 on the migration and invasion of cancer cells. The growth curving, CCK8, and colony formation assays were utilized to access the proliferation capacities. RNA-seq was performed to evaluate the downstream targets of HOXC6. Bioinformatic tool was used to analyze the gene expression.

Results

HOXC6 was highly expressed in ESCC tissues. HOXC6 overexpression promoted the migration, invasion, and proliferation of both Eca109 and TE10 cells. There were 2,155 up-regulated and 759 down-regulated genes in Eca109-HOXC6 cells and 95 up-regulated and 47 down-regulated genes in TE10-HOXC6 cells compared with the results of control. Interestingly, there were only 20 common genes, including 17 up-regulated and three down-regulated genes with similar changes upon HOXC6 transfection in both cell lines. HOXC6 activated several crucial genes implicated in the malignant phenotype of cancer cells.

Discussion

HOXC6 is highly expressed in ESCC and promotes malignant phenotype of ESCC cells. HOXC6 can be used as a new therapeutic target of ESCC.

Jam3 promotes migration and suppresses apoptosis of renal carcinoma cell lines

As a common type of renal cancer, renal cell carcinoma (RCC) has a high annual mortality rate. The incidence of RCC has been increasing in China and worldwide. A large number cases of RCC are diagnosed at late stages, often with local and/or systematic metastasis. Surgical resection of RCC is only suitable for a small number of patients with early stage tumors, and thus, novel therapeutic methods are required. Junctional adhesion molecule 3 (Jam3) is a member of the junctional adhesion molecule family, which has been linked to epithelial and cancer cell proliferation. The present study investigated whether the Jam3 gene affected RCC growth via proliferation and apoptosis. The expression and biological function of Jam3 in renal carcinoma cells was investigated. The mRNA and protein levels of Jam3 were examined by reverse transcription‑polymerase chain reaction and western blot analyses. The role of Jam3 in the migration and apoptosis of renal carcinoma cells was determined using small interfering RNA, wound‑healing assays, flow cytometry, and cell migration assays. In the cell migration assays, E‑cadherin, N‑cadherin, integrin β1, and matrix metalloproteinase (MMP)‑2 proteins were detected by western blot analysis. It was shown that the expression of Jam3 was significantly elevated in human renal carcinoma cells compared with that in renal tubular epithelial cells. The knockdown of Jam3 inhibited renal carcinoma cell migration and promoted renal carcinoma cell apoptosis. It also increased the protein levels of E‑cadherin and reduced the protein levels of N‑cadherin, integrin β1 and MMP‑2. The inhibition of Jam3 promoted migration and suppressed apoptosis of renal carcinoma cells via regulation of the expression of E‑cadherin, N‑cadherin, integrin β1 and MMP‑2. Therefore, Jam3 was suggested as a novel target gene for the diagnosis and treatment of RCC.

Basement membrane extract attenuates the more malignant gene expression profile accentuated by fibronectin in prostate cancer cells

Prostate cancer (PCa) has high mortality rates, with most of the deaths resulting from the development of metastasis. Fibronectin (FN) plays key roles in cell adhesion and affects the migratory behavior of cells. In the tumor microenvironment and also in the blood plasma during metastasis, FN displays increased expression, however its role in prostate cancer remains poorly understood. This study aimed to unveil the specific roles of FN as a soluble component, alone or in combination with a complex basement membrane. To investigate the impact of FN in neoplastic prostate cells, we evaluated the gene expression of LNCaP cells by RT-qPCR after exposure to soluble FN (25 µg/mL) either alone or in combination with a basement membrane. When FN was the predominant matrix element, such as in blood plasma, PCa tumor cells increased their expression of genes related to an invasive behavior and resistance to apoptosis, including CDH2, ITGA5, AKT1, and BCL2. However, the combined presence of FN and a complex basement membrane had the opposite effect on LNCaP cells, in which the expression levels of CDH2, ITGA5, AKT1, and BCL2 were reduced. Hierarchical clustering analysis with LNCaP and RWPE-1 cells showed that LNCaP cells exposed to an enriched extracellular matrix displayed an expression pattern more similar to that shown by RWPE-1 cells, a cell line that illustrates characteristics of the normal prostate epithelium. These findings provide the groundwork for future studies addressing the role of FN in tumor growth, particularly in the context of cancer evolution/progression from a solid primary tumor to a transitory circulating state.

The effects of platelet gel on cultured human retinal pigment epithelial (hRPE) cells

The positive role of platelet gel (PG) in tissue regeneration is well known, however, other characteristics of PG still remain to be determined. We investigated cellular and molecular changes in cultured human retinal pigment epithelial (hRPE) cells when treated with different concentrations of PG named PG1, PG2, and PG3. hRPE cells were isolated from donor eyes of two newborn children, within 24 hours after their death. The cells were treated with three concentrations of PG for 7 days: 3 × 104/ml (PG1), 6 × 104/ml (PG2), and 9 × 104/ml (PG3). Fetal bovine serum was used as a control. Immunocytochemistry was performed with anti-RPE65 (H-85), anti-Cytokeratin 8/18 (NCL-5D3), and anti-PAX6 antibody. We used MTT assay to determine cell viability. Gene expressions of PAX6, MMP2, RPE65, ACTA2, MKI67, MMP9, and KDR were analyzed using real-time PCR. A significant increase in viability was observed for PG3-treated cells compared to control (p = 0.044) and compared to PG1 group (p = 0.027), on day 7. Cellular elongation together with dendritiform extensions were observed in PG-treated cells on days 1 and 3, while epithelioid morphology was observed on day 7. All cells were immunoreactive for RPE65, cytokeratin 8/18, and PAX6. No significant change was observed in the expression of MKI67 and PAX6, but the expressions of MMP2, MMP9, ACTA2, and KDR were significantly higher in PG2-treated cells compared to controls (p < 0.05). Our results indicate that increased concentration of PG and extended exposure time have positive effects on viability of hRPE cells. PG may be useful for hRPE cell encapsulation in retinal cell replacement therapy.

SATB1 plays an oncogenic role in esophageal cancer by up-regulation of FN1 and PDGFRB

Esophageal cancer is a highly aggressive malignancy with very poor overall prognosis. Given the strong clinical relevance of SATB1 in esophagus cancer and other cancers suggested by previous studies, the exact function of SATB1 in esophagus cancer development is still unknown. Here we showed that the knockdown of SATB1 in esophageal cancer cell lines diminished the cell proliferation, survival and invasion. Whole genome transcriptome analysis of SATB1 knockdown cells revealed the different gene expression profiles between TE-1 cells and MDA-MB-231 cells. Network analysis and functional experiments further identified FN1 and PDGFRB to be key downstream genes regulated by SATB1 in esophageal cancer cells. Importantly, FN1 and PDGFRB were found to be highly expressed in human esophageal cancer. In summary, we provided the first molecular evidence that SATB1 played an oncogenic role in esophageal cancer by up-regulation of FN1 and PDGFRB.

Do the expressions of epithelial-mesenchymal transition proteins, periostin, integrin-α4 and fibronectin correlate with clinico-pathological features and prognosis of metastatic castration-resistant prostate cancer?

Development of metastatic castration-resistant prostate cancer is a result of the lack of an apoptotic response by the tumor cells and loss of the ability to stick to adjacent cells through epithelial-mesenchymal transition. Although there are several strongly recommended biomarkers for determining prognosis of metastatic castration-resistant prostate cancer, only few of them may help decide the selection of the optimal treatment option. The mode of treatment sequencing in metastatic castration-resistant prostate cancer will be based on the individual characteristics of the patient. In this study, we aimed to explain the correlation between the expression characteristics of periostin, integrin-α4, and fibronectin in metastatic castration-resistant prostate cancer patients and their clinico-pathological data comprising Gleason score, PSA levels, and metastatic sites in the process of epithelial-mesenchymal transition. We evaluated by using Western blotting, periostin, integrin-α4, and fibronectin expressions in peripheral blood samples of metastatic castration-resistant prostate cancer patients ( n = 40), benign prostatic hyperplasia patients ( n = 20), and the healthy control group ( n = 20). Associations between changes in the protein expressions and clinico-pathological parameters were also analyzed in the metastatic castration-resistant prostate cancer group. When comparing BPH and healthy groups with the metastatic castration-resistant prostate cancer group, a reduced expression of integrin-α4 was found in metastatic patients, albeit being statistically insignificant ( P > 0.05). Protein expressions of periostin and fibronectin in the metastatic castration-resistant prostate cancer group were higher than those in the BPH and heathy groups ( P < 0.001). Increased periostin expression in metastatic patients was significantly associated with bone metastasis ( P < 0.05). Elevated periostin and fibronectin levels in metastatic castration-resistant prostate cancer patients may be appropriate targets of therapeutic intervention in the future. Impact statement Prostate cancer is the third most common cancer in the world and the most common cancer among men. Development of metastatic castration-resistant prostate cancer (mCRPC) is a result of the lack of an apoptotic response by the tumor cells and loss of the ability to stick to adjacent cells through epithelial-mesenchymal transition (EMT). The present study analyzes for the first time the expressions of EMT marker proteins - periostin, integrin α4, fibronectin - in mCRPC and in benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH) with the aim to determine the clinical relevance of changes in these three proteins vis-a-vis the PCa aggressive phenotype. In doing so, it sheds light on the molecular mechanism underlying the disease. We concluded that elevated periostin and fibronectin levels in mCRPC patients may be appropriate targets of therapeutic intervention in the future; hence, adopting methods that target these proteins may help treat prostate cancer effectively.

Sirtuin 7: a new marker of aggressiveness in prostate cancer

Predictive biomarkers for advanced prostate cancer (PCa) are still missing. The sirtuin 7 (SIRT7) has been linked to tumorogenesis but its role in prostate cancer is poorly documented. To determine if SIRT7 can be a biomarker for aggressive prostate cancer and plays a role in PCa aggressiveness. We analyzed the expression of SIRT7 by immunohistochemistry in 57 patients comparing healthy with adjacent cancer tissue. SIRT7 levels were significantly elevated in tumors and its expression was positively associated with the grade. We also demonstrated that the knock down of SIRT7 decreased the migration of DU145 and PC3 cells (two androgen-independent prostate cancer cell lines) whereas the overexpression of the native protein but not the mutated form increased the cell migration and the invasion of the poorly aggressive prostate cancer cell line LNCaP. Finally, we also showed that SIRT7 overexpression induced the resistance to docetaxel. Our results demonstrate that SIRT7 promotes prostate cancer cell aggressiveness and chemoresistance and suggest that SIRT7 is a good predictive biomarker of PCa aggressiveness.

Curcumin inhibits the survival and metastasis of prostate cancer cells via the Notch-1 signaling pathway

Prostate cancer is one of the most common malignancies in men, and it urgently demands precise interventions that target the signaling pathways implicated in its initiation, progression, and metastasis. The Notch-1 signaling pathway is closely associated with the pathophysiology of prostate cancer. This study investigated the antitumor effects and mechanisms of curcumin, which is a well-known natural compound from curcuminoids, in prostate cancer cells. Viability, proliferation, and migration were analyzed in two prostate cancer cell lines, DU145 and PC3, after curcumin treatment. Whether the Notch-1 signaling pathway is involved in the antitumor effects of curcumin was examined. Curcumin inhibited the survival and proliferation of PC3 and DU145 cells in a dose- and time-dependent manner and inhibited DU145 migration. Curcumin did not affect the expression of Notch-1 or its active product NICD, but it did inhibit the expression of MT1-MMP and MMP2 proteins in DU145 cells. We found that curcumin inhibited the DNA-binding ability of NICD in DU145 cells. In conclusion, curcumin inhibited the survival and metastasis of prostate cancer cells via the Notch-1 signaling pathway.

Morphological and immunohistochemical identification of epithelial-to-mesenchymal transition in clinical prostate cancer

Epithelial-to-mesenchymal transition (EMT) is a process known to be associated with aggressive tumor behavior, metastasis and treatment resistance. It is characterized by coincidental upregulation of mesenchymal markers such as vimentin, fibronectin and N-cadherin concurrent with E-cadherin downregulation. Studies on EMT are generally performed in cell lines and mouse models, while the histopathological and phenotypical properties in clinical prostate cancer (PCa) are still unclear.

The objective of this study was to identify EMT in PCa patients. We demonstrated that N-cadherin, vimentin and fibronectin were generally not co-expressed in corresponding tumor regions. Immunofluorescent double stainings confirmed that co-expression of mesenchymal markers was uncommon, as we found no prostate cancer cells that co-expressed N-cadherin with fibronectin and only rare (<1%) cells that co-expressed N-cadherin with vimentin. Downregulation of E-cadherin was demonstrated in all N-cadherin positive tumor cells, but not in vimentin or fibronectin positive tumor cells. We further analyzed N-cadherin expression in morphologically distinct PCa growth patterns in a radical prostatectomy cohort (n = 77) and found that N-cadherin is preferentially expressed in ill-defined Gleason grade 4 PCa. In conclusion, we demonstrate that N-cadherin is the most reliable marker for EMT in clinical PCa and is preferentially expressed in ill-defined Gleason grade 4 growth pattern.

CCL5 secreted by tumor associated macrophages may be a new target in treatment of gastric cancer

AIM

To investigate the role of CCL5 secreted by tumor associated macrophages (TAMs) in gastric cancer, and to explore how CCL5/CCR5 axis modulates phenotypes of gastric cancer cells.

METHODS

Expression of CCL5 and TAM surface marker CD68 in gastric cancer tissues was examined using SP immunohistochemistry. Serum CCL5 levels of patients were assessed using ELISA. Cross-analyses of CCL5 and CD68 expression with clinicopathological data were done. Correlation between CCL5 and CD68 in gastric cancer tissues was also studied. In vitro functional characterization of CCL5 in gastric cancer was done in co-culture of AGS and THP-1 derived macrophages using MTS assay, plate clone formation assay, and transwell experiment. Expression of chemokines and its receptors were detected by RT-PCR, while Stat3 phosphorylation and downstream target proteins were studied using western blot.

RESULTS

CCL5 and CD68 were both highly expressed in tissues gastric cancer, of which the expressions were positively correlated with each other, and of clinical importance, were associated with the depth of invasion, lymph node metastasis, TNM staging and tumor differentiation. Serum CCL5 was also elevated in patients with gastric cancer comparing to healthy volunteers. Co-culture of AGS cells with THP-1 derived macrophages increased cell proliferation, clone forming ability as well as migration of AGS cells. Migration of AGS cells across transwell membrane was also enhanced by increasing exogenous CCL5. Meanwhile, mRNA expression of CCL5, MMP2, MMP9, and CCR5 was also highly expressed in the cells. Stat3 signaling as reflected by its phosphorylation was also increased in AGS cells upon co-culture with THP-1 derived macrophages.

CONCLUSION

CCL5 secreted by TAMs may promote the proliferation, invasion and metastasis of gastric cancer cells, in which Stat3 signaling pathway is likely to play an important role. The correlation of CCL5 with clinicopathological parameters suggested CCL5 holds promise as important molecular marker of gastric cancer staging and disease progression.

MiR-324-5p Suppresses Hepatocellular Carcinoma Cell Invasion by Counteracting ECM Degradation through Post-Transcriptionally Downregulating ETS1 and SP1

Hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) is one of the common malignancies, which is highly metastatic and the third common cause of cancer deaths in the world. The invasion and metastasis of cancer cells is a multistep and complex process which is mainly initiated by extracellular matrix (ECM) degradation. Aberrant expression of microRNA has been investigated in HCC and shown to play essential roles during HCC progression. In the present study, we found that microRNA-324-5p (miR-324-5p) was downregulated in both HCC cell lines and tissues. Ectopic miR-324-5p led to the reduction of HCC cells invasive and metastatic capacity, whereas inhibition of miR-324-5p promoted the invasion of HCC cells. Matrix metalloproteinase 2 (MMP2) and MMP9, the major regulators of ECM degradation, were found to be downregulated by ectopic miR-324-5p, while upregulated by miR-324-5p inhibitor. E26 transformation-specific 1 (ETS1) and Specificity protein 1 (SP1), both of which could modulate MMP2 and MMP9 expression and activity, were presented as the direct targets of and downregulated by miR-324-5p. Downregulation of ETS1 and SP1 mediated the inhibitory function of miR-324-5p on HCC migration and invasion. Our study demonstrates that miR-324-5p suppresses hepatocellular carcinoma cell invasion and might provide new clues to invasive HCC therapy.

A combination of desmopressin and docetaxel inhibit cell proliferation and invasion mediated by urokinase-type plasminogen activator (uPA) in human prostate cancer cells

BACKGROUND

This study was designed to assess the effectiveness of a combination treatment using both desmopressin and docetaxel in prostate cancer treatment. Desmopressin is a well-known synthetic analogue of the antidiuretic hormone vasopressin. It has recently been demonstrated to inhibit tumor progression and metastasis in in vivo models. Docetaxel is widely used for the treatment of castration resistant prostate cancer (CRPC) patients. However, durable responses have been uncommon to date. In this study, we investigated the anti-tumor effect of desmopressin in combination with docetaxel in vitro and in vivo.

METHODS

Two prostate cancer cells (PC3, LNCaP) were treated with different concentrations of desmopressin alone, docetaxel alone, and a combination of desmopressin and docetaxel. Cell proliferation was determined by MTS assay. The anti-invasive and anti-migration potential of desmopressin and in combination with docetaxel were examined by wound healing assay, migration chamber assay, and matrigel invasion assay.

RESULTS

The combination of desmopressin and docetaxel resulted in a significant inhibition of PC3 and LNCaP cell proliferation (p < 0.01). Additionally, cell migration and invasion were also inhibited by the combination when compared to that of either treatment alone in PC3 cells (p < 0.01). The anti-tumor effect of this combination treatment was associated with down-regulation of both urokinase-type plasminogen activator (uPA) and matrix metalloproteinase (MMP-2 and MMP-9) in PC3 cells.

CONCLUSIONS

We are the first to elucidate the anti-tumor and anti-metastatic potential of desmopressin in combination with docetaxel in a prostate cancer model via the uPA-MMP pathway. Our finding could potentially contribute to the therapeutic profile of desmopressin and enhance the efficacy of docetaxel based treatment for CRPC.

Urolithin A causes p21 up-regulation in prostate cancer cells

PURPOSE

Walnuts contain several bioactive compounds, including pedunculagin, a polyphenol metabolized by microbiota to form urolithins, namely urolithin A (UA). The aim of this study was to determine gene expression changes in prostate cancer cells after incubation with UA.

METHODS

We performed a genomic analysis to study the effect of UA on LNCaP prostate cells. Cells were incubated with 40 µM UA for 24 h, and RNA was extracted and hybridized to Affymetrix Human Genome U219 array. Microarray results were analyzed using GeneSpring v13 software. Differentially expressed genes (p < 0.05, fold change > 2) were used to perform biological association networks. Cell cycle was analyzed by flow cytometry and apoptosis measured by the rhodamine method and by caspases 3 and 7 activation. Cell viability was determined by MTT assay.

RESULTS

We identified two nodes, FN-1 and CDKN1A, among the differentially expressed genes upon UA treatment. CDKN1A was validated, its mRNA and protein levels were significantly up-regulated, and the promoter activation measured by luciferase. Cell cycle analysis showed an increase in G1-phase, and we also observed an induction of apoptosis and caspases 3 and 7 activation upon UA treatment.

CONCLUSION

Our results indicate a potential role of UA as a chemopreventive agent for prostate cancer.

Silibinin inhibits fibronectin induced motility, invasiveness and survival in human prostate carcinoma PC3 cells via targeting integrin signaling

Prostate cancer (PCA) is the 2nd leading cause of cancer-related deaths among men in the United States. Preventing or inhibiting metastasis-related events through non-toxic agents could be a useful approach for lowering high mortality among PCA patients. We have earlier reported that natural flavonoid silibinin possesses strong anti-metastatic efficacy against PCA however, mechanism/s of its action still remains largely unknown. One of the major events during metastasis is the replacement of cell-cell interaction with integrins-based cell-matrix interaction that controls motility, invasiveness and survival of cancer cells. Accordingly, here we examined silibinin effect on advanced human PCA PC3 cells' interaction with extracellular matrix component fibronectin. Silibinin (50-200 μM) treatment significantly decreased the fibronectin (5 μg/ml)-induced motile morphology via targeting actin cytoskeleton organization in PC3 cells. Silibinin also decreased the fibronectin-induced cell proliferation and motility but significantly increased cell death in PC3 cells. Silibinin also inhibited the PC3 cells invasiveness in Transwell invasion assays with fibronectin or cancer associated fibroblasts (CAFs) serving as chemoattractant. Importantly, PC3-luc cells cultured on fibronectin showed rapid dissemination and localized in lungs following tail vein injection in athymic male nude mice; however, in silibinin-treated PC3-luc cells, dissemination and lung localization was largely compromised. Molecular analyses revealed that silibinin treatment modulated the fibronectin-induced expression of integrins (α5, αV, β1 and β3), actin-remodeling (FAK, Src, GTPases, ARP2 and cortactin), apoptosis (cPARP and cleaved caspase 3), EMT (E-cadherin and β-catenin), and cell survival (survivin and Akt) related signaling molecules in PC3 cells. Furthermore, PC3-xenograft tissue analyses confirmed the inhibitory effect of silibinin on fibronectin and integrins expression. Together, these results showed that silibinin targets PCA cells' interaction with fibronectin and inhibits their motility, invasiveness and survival; thus further supporting silibinin use in PCA intervention including its metastatic progression.

Inhibition of Ovarian Epithelial Carcinoma Tumorigenesis and Progression by microRNA 106b Mediated through the RhoC Pathway

Epithelial ovarian cancer (EOC) is the most lethal of the gynecological malignancies. Exploring the molecular mechanisms and major factors of invasion and metastasis could have great significance for the treatment and prognosis of EOC. Studies have demonstrated that microRNA 106b (miR-106b) may be a promising therapeutic target for inhibiting breast cancer bone metastasis, but the role of miR-106b in EOC is largely unknown. In this work, miRNA-106b expression was quantified in various ovarian tissues and tumors. Ovarian carcinoma cell lines were transfected with miR-106b, after which, cell phenotype and expression of relevant molecules was assayed. Dual-luciferase reporter assays and xenograft mouse models were also used to investigate miR-106b and its target gene. MiR-106b mRNA expression was found to be significantly higher in normal ovarian tissues and benign tumors than in ovarian carcinomas and borderline tumors (p < 0.01), and was negatively associated with differentiation (Well vs. Por & Mod) and the International Federation of Gynecology and Obstetrics (FIGO) staging (stage I/II vs. stage III/IV) in ovarian carcinoma (p < 0.05). MiR-106b transfection reduced cell proliferation; promoted G1 or S arrest and apoptosis (p < 0.05); suppressed cell migration and invasion (p < 0.05); reduced Ras homolog gene family member C (RhoC), P70 ribosomal S6 kinase (P70S6K), Bcl-xL, Matrix metallopeptidase 2 (MMP2), MMP9 mRNA and protein expression; and induced p53 expression (p < 0.05). Dual-luciferase reporter assays indicated that miR-106b directly targets RhoC by binding its 3’UTR. MiR-106b transfection also suppressed tumor development and RhoC expression in vivo in xenograft mouse models. This is the first demonstration that miR-106b may inhibit tumorigenesis and progression of EOC by targeting RhoC. The involvement of miR-106b-mediated RhoC downregulation in EOC aggression may give extended insights into molecular mechanisms underlying cancer aggression. Approaches aimed at overexpressing miR-106b may serve as promising therapeutic strategies for treating EOC patients.

MicroRNA-490-3P targets CDK1 and inhibits ovarian epithelial carcinoma tumorigenesis and progression

The expression of microRNA-490-3P has been reported to regulate hepatocellular carcinoma cell proliferation, migration and invasion, and its overexpression significantly inhibits A549 lung cancer cell proliferation. Here, we demonstrated for the first time that miR-490 mRNA expression was significantly lower in ovarian carcinoma and borderline tumors compared to benign tumors, and lower in metastatic ovarian carcinoma (omentum) than primary ovarian carcinoma, and was negatively associated with differentiation and International Federation of Gynecology and Obstetrics (FIGO) staging. MiR-490-3P overexpression promoted G1/S or G2/M arrest and apoptosis; reduced cell proliferation, migration and invasion; reduced CDK1, Bcl-xL, MMP2/9, CCND1, SMARCD1 mRNA or protein expression; and induced P53 expression. Dual-luciferase reporter assay indicated miR-490-3P directly targeted CDK1. In vivo studies showed that miR-490-3P transfection suppressed tumor development and CDK1, Bcl-xL, MMP2/9 expression while inducing P53 expression. These findings indicate that miR-490-3P may target CDK1 and inhibit ovarian epithelial carcinoma tumorigenesis and progression.

Cadmium exposure inhibits MMP2 and MMP9 activities in the prostate and testis

Matrix metalloproteinases (MMPs) are zinc (Zn(2+)) and calcium (Ca(2+)) dependant endopeptidases, capable of degradation of numerous components of the extracellular matrix. Cadmium (Cd(2+)) is a well known environmental contaminant which could impair the activity of MMPs. In this sense, this study was conducted to evaluate if Cd(2+) intake inhibits these endopeptidases activities at the rat prostate and testicles and if it directly inhibits the activity of MMP2 and MMP9 at gelatinolytic assays when present in the incubation buffer. To investigate this hypothesis, Wistar rats (5 weeks old), were given tap water (untreated, n = 9), or 15 ppm CdCl2 diluted in drinking water, during 10 weeks (n = 9) and 20 weeks (n = 9). The animals were euthanized and their ventral prostate, dorsal prostate, and testicles were removed. These tissue samples were processed for protein extraction and subjected to gelatin zymography evaluation. Additionally, we performed an experiment of gelatin zymography in which 5 μM or 2 mM cadmium chloride (CdCl2) was directly dissolved at the incubation buffer, using the prostatic tissue samples from untreated animals that exhibited the highest MMP2 and MMP9 activities in the previous experiment. We have found that CdCl2 intake in the drinking water led to the inhibition of 35% and 30% of MMP2 and MMP9 (p < 0.05) at the ventral prostate and testis, respectively, in Cd(2+) treated animals when compared to controls. Moreover, the activities of the referred enzymes were 80% and 100% inhibited by 5 μM and 2 mM of CdCl2, respectively, even in the presence of 10 mM of CaCl2 within the incubation buffer solution. These important findings demonstrate that environmental cadmium contamination may deregulate the natural balance in the extracellular matrix turnover, through MMPs downregulation, which could contribute to the toxic effects observed in prostatic and testicular tissue after its exposure.

CXCL12 Modulates Prostate Cancer Cell Adhesion by Altering the Levels or Activities of β1-Containing Integrins

The mechanisms by which prostate cancer (PCa) cell adhesion and migration are controlled during metastasis are not well understood. Here, we studied the effect of CXCL12 in PCa cell adhesion and spreading in DU145 and PC3 cell lines using as substrates collagen I, fibronectin (FN), and their recombinant fragments. CXCL12 treatment increased β1 integrin-dependent PC3 cell adhesion on FN which correlated with increased focal adhesion kinase activation. However neither α5β1 nor α4β1 subunits were involved in this adhesion. By contrast, CXCL12 decreased DU145 adhesion and spreading on FN by downregulating α5 and β1 integrin expression. To demonstrate the clinical relevance of CXCL12 in PCa, we measured CXCL12 levels in plasma by using ELISA and found that the chemokine is elevated in PCa patients when compared to controls. The high concentration of CXCL12 in patients suffering from PCa in comparison to those with benign disease or healthy individuals implicates CXCL12 as a potential biomarker for PCa. In addition these data show that CXCL12 may be crucial in controlling PCa cell adhesion on fibronectin and collagen I, possibly via crosstalk with integrin receptors and/or altering the expression levels of integrin subunits.

Metalloproteinase Inhibition Protects against Reductions in Circulating Adrenomedullin during Lead-induced Acute Hypertension

Intoxication with lead (Pb) results in increased blood pressure by mechanisms involving matrix metalloproteinases (MMPs). Recent findings have revealed that MMP type two (MMP-2) seems to cleave vasoactive peptides. This study examined whether MMP-2 and MMP-9 levels/activities increase after acute intoxication with low lead concentrations and whether these changes were associated with increases in blood pressure and circulating endothelin-1 or with reductions in circulating adrenomedullin and calcitonin gene-related peptide (CGRP). Here, we expand previous findings and examine whether doxycycline (a MMPs inhibitor) affects these alterations. Wistar rats received intraperitoneally (i.p.) 1st dose 8 μg/100 g of lead (or sodium) acetate, a subsequent dose of 0.1 μg/100 g to cover daily loss and treatment with doxycycline (30 mg/kg/day) or water by gavage for 7 days. Similar whole-blood lead levels (9 μg/dL) were found in lead-exposed rats treated with either doxycycline or water. Lead-induced increases in systolic blood pressure (from 143 ± 2 to 167 ± 3 mmHg) and gelatin zymography of plasma samples showed that lead increased MMP-9 (but not MMP-2) levels. Both lead-induced increased MMP-9 activity and hypertension were blunted by doxycycline. Doxycycline also prevented lead-induced reductions in circulating adrenomedullin. No significant changes in plasma levels of endothelin-1 or CGRP were found. Lead-induced decreases in nitric oxide markers and antioxidant status were not prevented by doxycycline. In conclusion, acute lead exposure increases blood pressure and MMP-9 activity, which were blunted by doxycycline. These findings suggest that MMP-9 may contribute with lead-induced hypertension by cleaving the vasodilatory peptide adrenomedullin, thereby inhibiting adrenomedullin-dependent lowering of blood pressure.

Pedrosa F, Souza EM, Costa FF, Klassen G. Fibronectin affects transient MMP2 gene expression through DNA demethylation changes in non-invasive breast cancer cell lines

Metastasis accounts for more than 90% of cancer deaths. Cells from primary solid tumors may invade adjacent tissues and migrate to distant sites where they establish new colonies. The tumor microenvironment is now recognized as an important participant in the signaling that induces cancer cell migration. An essential process for metastasis is extracellular matrix (ECM) degradation by metalloproteases (MMPs), which allows tumor cells to invade local tissues and to reach blood vessels. The members of this protein family include gelatinase A, or MMP-2, which is responsible for the degradation of type IV collagen, the most abundant component of the basal membrane, that separates epithelial cells in the stroma. It is known that fibronectin is capable of promoting the expression of MMP-2 in MCF7 breast cancer cells in culture. In addition, it was already shown that the MMP2 gene expression is regulated by epigenetic mechanisms. In this work, we showed that fibronectin was able to induce MMP2 expression by 30% decrease in its promoter methylation. In addition, a histone marker for an open chromatin conformation was significantly increased. These results indicate a new role for fibronectin in the communication between cancer cells and the ECM, promoting epigenetic modifications.

Decreased expression of the long non-coding RNA FENDRR is associated with poor prognosis in gastric cancer and FENDRR regulates gastric cancer cell metastasis by affecting fibronectin1 expression

BACKGROUND

FENDRR is a long non-coding RNAs (lncRNA) that binds to polycomb repressive complexe 2 (PRC2) to epigenetically regulate the expression of its target gene. The clinical role of FENDRR in carcinomas remains yet to be found.

METHOD

Real-time polymerase chain reaction (PCR) was used to examine FENDRR expression in gastric cancer cell lines/tissues compared with normal epithelial cells/adjacent non-tumorous tissues. Cell proliferation assays, Wound healing assays, and in vitro and in vivo invasion and migration assays were performed to detect the biological effects of FENDRR in gastric cancer cells. Real-time PCR, western-blot and immunohistochemistry were used to evaluate the mRNA and protein expression of fibronectin1 (FN1). Secreted matrix metalloproteinase (MMP) activities were detected and characterized using gelatin zymography assay.

RESULTS

FENDRR was downregulated in gastric cancer cell lines and cancerous tissues, as compared with normal gastric epithelial cells and adjacent noncancerous tissue samples. Low FENDRR expression was correlated with deeper tumor invasion (p < 0.001), higher tumor stage (p = 0.001), and lymphatic metastasis (p = 0.007). Univariate and multivariate analyses indicated that low FENDRR expression predicted poor prognosis. Histone deacetylation was involved in the downregulation of FENDRR in gastric cancer cells. FENDER overexpression suppressed invasion and migration by gastric cancer cells in vitro, by downregulating FN1 and MMP2/MMP9 expression.

CONCLUSION

Low expression of the lncRNA FENDRR occurs in gastric cancer and is associated with poor prognosis. Thus, FENDRR plays an important role in the progression and metastasis of gastric cancer.

Roles of matrix metalloproteinases and their natural inhibitors in prostate cancer progression

Matrix metalloproteinases (MMPs), a group of zinc-dependent endopeptidases involved in the degradation of the extracellular matrix, play an important role in tissue remodeling associated with various physiological processes such as morphogenesis, angiogenesis, and tissue repair, as well as pathological processes including cirrhosis, arthritis and cancer. The MMPs are well established as mediators of tumor invasion and metastasis by breaking down connective tissue barriers. Although there has been a vast amount of literature on the role of MMPs in invasion, metastasis and angiogenesis of various cancers, the role of these endopeptidases in prostate cancer progression has not been systematically reviewed. This overview summarizes findings on the tissue and blood expression of MMPs, their function, regulation and prognostic implication in human prostate cancer, with a focus on MMP-2, -7, -9, MT1-MMP and tissue inhibitor of metalloproteinase 1 (TIMP-1). This review also summarizes the efficacy and failure of early-generation matrix metalloproteinase inhibitors (MMPIs) in the treatment of metastatic prostate cancer and highlights the lessons and challenges for next generation MMPIs.

Expression of natriuretic peptide receptor-A in esophageal squamous cell carcinomas and the relationship with tumor invasion and migration

BACKGROUND

The natriuretic peptide receptor-A (NPRA) has been investigated as a receptor of natriuretic peptides in the cardiovascular system. In this study, however, we analyze the expression status of NPRA and the relationship with tumor invasion in esophageal squamous cell carcinoma (ESCC) for the first time.

METHODS

Western blots were used to examine the expression status of protein in human ESCC cell lines. Then, we used immunohistochemistry to detect the expression of NPRA in 45 ESCC specimens and 40 corresponding nontumor tissues. The clinical data were analyzed through statistical methods. Sh-RNA-NPRA was transfected into Eca109 cells to detect the relationship between NPRA and cell invasion through transwell assays.

RESULTS

In esophageal squamous cells, the expression of NPRA was strongly detected in the cytoplasm, while undetectable or very weak in the nucleus. The positive rates of NPRA in cancer tissues are significantly higher than that in nontumor tissues (P<0.05). Clinicopathological analyses revealed that increased NPRA expression correlated with differentiation and TNM stage (P<0.05), while it showed no statistically significant association with age, gender, and lymph node metastasis. In analysis of prognosis, we found that highly.Transwell assays showed that NPRA promoted Eca109 cell migration and invasion in vitro and may be involved in MMP2 and MMP9 activation.

CONCLUSIONS

NPRA protein is highly expressed in ESCC tissues and could promote Eca109 cell migration and invasion in vitro.

Finasteride inhibits human prostate cancer cell invasion through MMP2 and MMP9 downregulation

Introduction

The use of the 5-alpha reductase inhibitors (5-ARIs) finasteride and dutasteride for prostate cancer prevention is still under debate. The FDA recently concluded that the increased prevalence of high-grade tumors among 5-ARI-treated patients must not be neglected, and they decided to disallow the use of 5-ARIs for prostate cancer prevention. This study was conducted to verify the effects of finasteride on prostate cell migration and invasion and the related enzymes/proteins in normal human and tumoral prostatic cell lines.

Materials and Methods

RWPE-1, LNCaP, PC3 and DU145 cells were cultivated to 60% confluence and exposed for different periods to either 10 µM or 50 µM finasteride that was diluted in culture medium. The conditioned media were collected and concentrated, and MMP2 and MMP9 activities and TIMP-1 and TIMP-2 protein expression were determined. Cell viability, migration and invasion were analyzed, and the remaining cell extracts were submitted to androgen receptor (AR) detection by western blotting techniques. Experiments were carried out in triplicate.

Results

Cell viability was not significantly affected by finasteride exposure. Finasteride significantly downregulated MMP2 and MMP9 activities in RWPE-1 and PC3 cells and MMP2 in DU145 cells. TIMP-2 expression in RWPE-1 cells was upregulated after exposure. The cell invasion of all four tested cell lines was inhibited by exposure to 50 µM of finasteride, and migration inhibition only occurred for RWPE-1 and LNCaP cells. AR was expressed by LNCaP, RWPE-1 and PC3 cells.

Conclusions

Although the debate on the higher incidence of high-grade prostate cancer among 5-ARI-treated patients remains, our findings indicate that finasteride may attenuate tumor aggressiveness and invasion, which could vary depending on the androgen responsiveness of a patient’s prostate cells.

Urokinase plasminogen activator system in synovial fibroblasts from osteoarthritis patients: modulation by inflammatory mediators and neuropeptides

Plasminogen activators are specific proteolytic enzymes implicated in a variety of basic biological processes. The expression of the urokinase plasminogen activator system components is increased in some human diseases, including osteoarthritis. We sought to study the effect of two components of the inflamed synovial microenvironment on this system, IL-1β and fibronectin fragments, elucidating whether corticotropin-releasing factor (CRF) and vasoactive intestinal peptide (VIP) neuropeptides modulate it, and analyzing the physiological consequences in joint destruction by measuring matrix metalloproteinases-9 and metalloproteinases-13 levels in osteoarthritis fibroblast-like synoviocytes. We showed that IL-1β and fibronectin fragments stimulated urokinase system contributing to the perpetuation of the destructive cascade in joint. VIP modulated, even at constitutive level, this system, also counteracting the effect of both inflammatory stimuli. However, CRF seemed to be ineffective in controlling the production of these proteinases. Moreover, VIP was able to reduce the constitutive expression of matrix metalloproteinase-13 and the levels of both matrix metalloproteinases after stimulation with the pro-inflammatory stimuli. Our results suggest that the presence of early and later inflammatory mediators, such as IL-1β and fibronectin fragments, increases the urokinase system and the matrix metalloproteinases levels. Whereas CRF did not affect this system, VIP counteracts these actions supporting its therapeutic potential for the treatment of osteoarthritis.

Effect of traditional Chinese medicine (Xiaochaihu Tang) on the expression of MMP-2 and MMP-9 in rats with endometriosis

The aim of this study was to explore the effect of a traditional Chinese medicine (Xiaochaihu Tang, XCHT) on the expression of matrix metalloproteinase-2 (MMP-2) and MMP-9 in rats with endometriosis (EMs). A total of 48 specific-pathogen-free (SPF) female Sprague-Dawley (SD) rats were randomly divided into control (n=8) and EMs (n=40) groups. The EMs model was established using a surgical procedure. At 21 days, the rats with EMs were screened and divided into four subgroups (n=8): the model control, low-dose (7.5 g/kg) XCHT-treated, high-dose (15 g/kg) XCHT-treated and gestrinone-treated (0.5 mg/kg) groups. Following 21 days of treatment, the rats were sacrificed. Reverse transcription-polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR) and western blotting were used to examine the mRNA and protein levels of MMP-2 and MMP-9 in the endometrium. The expression levels of MMP-2 and MMP-9 were significantly increased in the rats with EMs compared with those in normal rats. Moreover, XCHT was able to significantly inhibit the expression of MMP-2 and MMP-9 compared with that in the model control group. In conclusion, XCHT was able to decrease the expression of MMP-2 and MMP-9 in the ectopic endometrium. The present results may provide a potential theoretical basis for the therapy of EMs.

SOX2 targets fibronectin 1 to promote cell migration and invasion in ovarian cancer: new molecular leads for therapeutic intervention

Abstract Ovarian cancer ranks as the second most common tumor of the female reproductive system, with a large burden on global public health. Therefore, the identification of novel molecular targets and diagnostics is an urgent need for many women affected by this disease. To this end, the human transcription factor SOX2 is involved in a wide range of pathophysiological roles, such as the maintenance of stem cell characteristics and carcinogenesis. To date, in most studies, SOX2 has been shown to promote the development of cancer, although its inhibitory roles in cancer have also been reported. However, to the best of our knowledge, the role of SOX2, specifically in ovarian cancer cells, has not been examined in detail. In this article, we report, for the first time, that SOX2 promotes migration, invasion, and clonal formation of ovarian cancer cells. We further observed that SOX2 targeted FN1, a key gene that regulates cell migration in ovarian cancer. Our findings collectively suggest that the SOX2-FN1 axis is a key pathway in mediating the migration and invasion of ovarian cancer cells. This pathway offers crucial molecular insights and promises to develop putative candidate therapeutic interventions in women with ovarian cancer.

Impact of MMP-3 and TIMP-3 gene polymorphisms on prostate cancer susceptibility in North Indian cohort

PURPOSE

Matrix metalloproteinases (MMPs) have been implicated in progression and metastases of different tumors. The balance between the MMPs and their natural inhibitors (tissue inhibitors of matrix metalloproteinases; TIMP) seem to be an important factor related to its role. The purpose of this study was to evaluate polymorphisms in the MMP-3 and TIMP-3 genes for their associations with prostate cancer (PCa) risk in North Indians.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

Genotypes were determined by PCR-RFLP (Polymerase Chain Reaction Restriction Fragment Length Polymorphism) method in 150 PCa patients and 200 age matched controls of similar ethnicity.

RESULTS

We found significant association in the MMP-3(1171)5A/6A and TIMP-3 (1298) C/T polymorphism with PCa risk. Variant genotype (5A/5A) of MMP-3(1171)5A/6A polymorphism had a high PCa risk (p=0.037, OR=3.52, 95%CI=1.08-11.5). Individuals with TIMP-3 (1298) CT genotype as well as T allele showed reduced risk of PCa (p<0.001; OR=0.31; 95%CI=0.18-0.52, and p=0.001; OR=0.49; 95%CI=0.32-0.75). This effect was even more evident in case of T allele carrier (CT+TT) (p<0.001; OR=0.36; 95%CI=0.22-0.59). Overall no significant association was observed statistically in MMP-3 and TIMP-3 with any of the grading stages and smoking habits in PCa. Haplotype analysis of MMP-3 showed that A-5A-A was associated with three folds (OR=3.06; 95%CI=1.71-5.47; p<0.001) increased risk in PCa patients.

CONCLUSION

This is the first reported association between polymorphisms in the MMP-3 and TIMP-3 gene and PCa risk and supports the hypothesis that the protease/antiprotease balance has an important role. Due to the small sample size further investigations need to be done to prove a statistical significant correlation between the MMP/TIMP expression and clinicopathological parameters.

Tissue-engineered blood vessel substitute by reconstruction of endothelium using mesenchymal stem cells induced by platelet growth factors

BACKGROUND

Cardiovascular diseases remain leaders as the major causes of mortality in Western society. Restoration of the circulation through construction of bypass surgical treatment is regarded as the gold standard treatment of peripheral vascular diseases, and grafts are necessary for this purpose. The great saphenous vein is often not available and synthetic grafts have their limitations. Therefore, new techniques to produce alternative grafts have been developed and, in this sense, tissue engineering is a promising alternative to provide biocompatible grafts. This study objective was to reconstruct the endothelium layer of decellularized vein scaffolds, using mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) and growth factors obtained from platelets.

METHODS

Fifteen nonpregnant female adult rabbits were used for all experiments. Adipose tissue and vena cava were obtained and subjected to MSCs isolation and tissue decellularization, respectively. MSCs were subjected to differentiation using endothelial inductor growth factor (EIGF) obtained from human platelet lysates. Immunofluorescence, histological and immunohistochemical analyses were employed for the final characterization of the obtained blood vessel substitute.

RESULTS

The scaffolds were successfully decellularized with sodium dodecyl sulfate. MSCs actively adhered at the scaffolds, and through stimulation with EIGF were differentiated into functional endothelial cells, secreting significantly higher quantities of von Willebrand factor (0.85 μg/mL; P < .05) than cells cultivated under the same conditions, without EIGF (0.085 μg/mL). Cells with evident morphologic characteristics of endothelium were seen at the lumen of the scaffolds. These cells also stained positive for fascin protein, which is highly expressed by differentiated endothelial cells.

CONCLUSIONS

Taken together, the use of decellularized bioscaffold and subcutaneous MSCs seems to be a potential approach to obtain bioengineered blood vessels, in the presence of EIGF supplementation.