MREG suppresses thyroid cancer cell invasion and proliferation by inhibiting Akt-mTOR signaling

Effects of temporal IFNγ exposure on macrophage phenotype and secretory profile: exploring GMP-Compliant production of a novel subtype of regulatory macrophages (MregIFNγ0) for potential cell therapeutic applications

BACKGROUND

Macrophages are involved in tissue homeostasis, angiogenesis and immunomodulation. Proangiogenic and anti-inflammatory macrophages (regulatory macrophages, Mreg) can be differentiated in-vitro from CD14+ monocytes by using a defined cell culture medium and a stimulus of IFNγ.

AIM OF THE STUDY

To scrutinize the potential impact of temporal IFNγ exposure on macrophage differentiation as such exposure may lead to the emergence of a distinct and novel macrophage subtype.

METHODS

Differentiation of human CD14+ monocytes to Mreg was performed using a GMP compliant protocol and administration of IFNγ on day 6. Monocytes from the same donor were in parallel differentiated to MregIFNγ0 using the identical protocol but with administration of IFNγ on day 0. Cell characterization was performed using brightfield microscopy, automated and metabolic cell analysis, transmission electron microscopy, flow cytometry, qPCR and secretome profiling.

RESULTS

Mreg and MregIFNγ0 showed no differences in cell size and volume. However, phenotypically MregIFNγ0 exhibited fewer intracellular vesicles/vacuoles but larger pseudopodia-like extensions. MregIFNγ0 revealed reduced expression of IDO and PD-L1 (P < 0.01 for both). They were positive for CD80, CD14, CD16 and CD38 (P < 0.0001vs. Mreg for all), while the majority of MregIFNγ0 did not express CD206, CD56, and CD103 on their cell surface (P < 0.01 vs. Mreg for all). In terms of their secretomes, MregIFNγ0 differed significantly from Mreg. MregIFNγ0 media exhibited reduced levels of ENA-78, Osteopontin and Serpin E1, while the amounts of MIG (CXCL9) and IP10 were increased.

CONCLUSION

Exposing CD14+ monocytes to an alternatively timed IFNγ stimulation results in a novel macrophage subtype which possess additional M1-like features (MregIFNγ0). MregIFNγ0 may therefore have the potential to serve as cellular therapeutics for clinical applications beyond those covered by M2-like Mreg, including immunomodulation and tumor treatment.

Single-cell analysis reveals landscape of endometrial cancer response to estrogen and identification of early diagnostic markers

BACKGROUND

The development of endometrial cancer (EC) is closely related to the abnormal activation of the estrogen signaling pathway. Effective diagnostic markers are important for the early detection and treatment of EC.

METHOD

We downloaded single-cell RNA sequencing (scRNA-seq) and spatial transcriptome (ST) data of EC from public databases. Enrichment scores were calculated for EC cell subpopulations using the "AddModuleScore" function and the AUCell package, respectively. Six predictive models were constructed, including logistic regression (LR), Gaussian naive Bayes (GaussianNB), k-nearest neighbor (KNN), support vector machine (SVM), extreme gradient boosting (XGB), and neural network (NK). Subsequently, receiver-operating characteristics with areas under the curves (AUCs) were used to assess the robustness of the predictive model.

RESULT

We classified EC cell coaggregation into six cell clusters, of which the epithelial, fibroblast and endothelial cell clusters had higher estrogen signaling pathway activity. We founded the epithelial cell subtype Epi cluster1, the fibroblast cell subtype Fib cluster3, and the endothelial cell subtype Endo cluster3 all showed early activation levels of estrogen response. Based on EC cell subtypes, estrogen-responsive early genes, and genes encoding Stage I and para-cancer differentially expressed proteins in EC patients, a total of 24 early diagnostic markers were identified. The AUCs values of all six classifiers were higher than 0.95, which indicates that the early diagnostic markers we screened have superior robustness across different classification algorithms.

CONCLUSION

Our study elucidates the potential biological mechanism of EC response to estrogen at single-cell resolution, which provides a new direction for early diagnosis of EC.

Identification of microtubule-associated biomarkers in diffuse large B-cell lymphoma and prognosis prediction

Background: Diffuse large B-cell lymphoma (DLBCL) is a genetically heterogeneous disease with a complicated prognosis. Even though various prognostic evaluations have been applied currently, they usually only use the clinical factors that overlook the molecular underlying DLBCL progression. Therefore, more accurate prognostic assessment needs further exploration. In the present study, we constructed a novel prognostic model based on microtubule associated genes (MAGs). Methods: A total of 33 normal controls and 1360 DLBCL samples containing gene-expression from the Gene Expression Omnibus (GEO) database were included. Subsequently, the univariate Cox, the least absolute shrinkage and selection operator (LASSO), and multivariate Cox regression analysis were used to select the best prognosis related genes into the MAGs model. To validate the model, Kaplan-Meier curve, and nomogram were analyzed. Results: A risk score model based on fourteen candidate MAGs (CCDC78, CD300LG, CTAG2, DYNLL2, MAPKAPK2, MREG, NME8, PGK2, RALBP1, SIGLEC1, SLC1A1, SLC39A12, TMEM63A, and WRAP73) was established. The K-M curve presented that the high-risk patients had a significantly inferior overall survival (OS) time compared to low-risk patients in training and validation datasets. Furthermore, knocking-out TMEM63A, a key gene belonging to the MAGs model, inhibited cell proliferation noticeably. Conclusion: The novel MAGs prognostic model has a well predictive capability, which may as a supplement for the current assessments. Furthermore, candidate TMEM63A gene has therapeutic target potentially in DLBCL.

E2F1-induced microRNA-224-5p expression is associated with hepatocellular carcinoma cell migration, invasion and epithelial-mesenchymal transition via MREG

MicroRNA (miR)-224-5p has been reported to be associated with multiple types of cancer. However, its biological role and underlying mechanism in hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) has yet to be fully elucidated. The aim of the present study was to investigate whether miR-224-5p mRNA expression level was increased in hepatocellular carcinoma and whether it was associated with poor prognosis. Decreased mRNA expression level of miR-224-5p was shown to suppress liver cancer cell migration, invasion and epithelial-mesenchymal transition (EMT). Mechanistically, E2F1 was found to regulate miR-224-5p expression by binding to its promoter region. Melanoregulin (MREG) was identified as the direct target of miR-224-5p by searching the TargetScan, miRDB and StarBase databases. Overexpression of MREG could attenuate liver cancer cell migration, invasion and EMT. Rescue experiments further confirmed that MREG was associated with the regulation of miR-224-5p in liver cancer. In addition, the E2F1/miR-224-5p axis was shown to promote liver cancer cell migration, invasion and EMT by regulating MREG expression. These results suggested that E2F1-induced upregulation of miR-224-5p may serve an important role in MREG-induced liver cancer cell migration, invasion and EMT, and highlights the regulatory function of miR-224-5p in liver cancer. Therefore, the E2F1/miR-224-5p/MREG axis may provide a theoretical basis for the clinical treatment of hepatocellular carcinoma.

Whole Transcriptome Data Analysis Reveals Prognostic Signature Genes for Overall Survival Prediction in Diffuse Large B Cell Lymphoma

Background

With the improvement of clinical treatment outcomes in diffuse large B cell lymphoma (DLBCL), the high rate of relapse in DLBCL patients is still an established barrier, as the therapeutic strategy selection based on potential targets remains unsatisfactory. Therefore, there is an urgent need in further exploration of prognostic biomarkers so as to improve the prognosis of DLBCL.

Methods

The univariable and multivariable Cox regression models were employed to screen out gene signatures for DLBCL overall survival (OS) prediction. The differential expression analysis was used to identify representative genes in high-risk and low-risk groups, respectively, where student t test and fold change were implemented. The functional difference between the high-risk and low-risk groups was identified by the gene set enrichment analysis.

Results

We conducted a systematic data analysis to screen the candidate genes significantly associated with OS of DLBCL in three NCBI Gene Expression Omnibus (GEO) datasets. To construct a prognostic model, five genes (CEBPA, CYP27A1, LST1, MREG, and TARP) were then screened and tested using the multivariable Cox model and the stepwise regression method. Kaplan–Meier curve confirmed the good predictive performance of this five-gene Cox model. Thereafter, the prognostic model and the expression levels of the five genes were validated by means of an independent dataset. High expression levels of these five genes were significantly associated with favorable prognosis in DLBCL, both in training and validation datasets. Additionally, further analysis revealed the independent value and superiority of this prognostic model in risk prediction. Functional enrichment analysis revealed some vital pathways responsible for unfavorable outcome and potential therapeutic targets in DLBCL.

Conclusion

We developed a five-gene Cox model for the clinical outcome prediction of DLBCL patients. Meanwhile, potential drug selection using this model can help clinicians to improve the clinical practice for the benefit of patients.

Up-regulated ANP32E promotes the thyroid carcinoma cell proliferation and migration via activating AKT/mTOR/HK2-mediated glycolysis

Thyroid cancer (THCA) is one of the most common endocrine tumors and keeps rapidly increasing worldwide. Acidic nuclear phosphoprotein 32 family member E (ANP32E) is a H2A.Z histone chaperone that regulates the expression of various genes. It has been shown that ANP32E promotes breast cancer development, whereas its role in THCA remains unknown. In this study, we found that ANP32E was significantly overexpressed in THCA tissues. Down-regulation of ANP32E inhibited the growth, cell cycle progression, DNA synthesis, glycolysis, migration and increased apoptosis in K1 and TPC-1 cells. Opposite results were observed in ANP32E-overexpressing THCA cells. At the molecular level, ANP32E up-regulated MMP9 and MMP13, and activated AKT/mTOR/HK2 signaling in THCA cells. Positive correlation between ANP32E and HK2 was found in THCA tissues. Importantly, silencing of HK2 repressed glycolysis. Inhibition of AKT/mTOR reduced cell proliferation, cell cycle progression and migration in THCA cells. Our findings suggest that ANP32E promotes THCA cell proliferation and migration via potentiating AKT/mTOR/HK2-mediated glycolysis.

Downregulated long noncoding RNA LINC00313 inhibits the epithelial-mesenchymal transition, invasion, and migration of thyroid cancer cells through inhibiting the methylation of ALX4

Thyroid cancer represents one of the prevalent endocrine cancer with relatively high incidence rate around the world, accompanied by unchanged fatality rate. We probe into the specific role of LINC00313 in mediation of cellular processes of thyroid cancer including proliferation, migration, and invasion through the methylation of aristaless-like homeobox 4 (ALX4). Thyroid cancer-related long noncoding RNAs (lncRNAs) and genes were analyzed by microarray-based analysis. The antitumor effect of LINC00313 was examined with the gain- and loss-of-function experiments. In addition, the binding of LINC00313 and the promoter region of ALX4, and the interaction of LINC00313 with methylation-related proteins were detected. Later, xenograft tumors in nude mice were induced expecting to dig out the modulatory function of LINC00313 in tumor growth of thyroid carcinoma. The microarray-based analysis manifested that LINC00313 was overexpressed, whereas ALX4 was downregulated in thyroid cancer, the results of which were also verified in thyroid cancer tissues. Besides, our results demonstrated that LINC00313 bound to the ALX4 promoter region, and LINC00313 recruited DNMT1 and DNMT3B proteins to promote the methylation of ALX4 promoter region, thus suppressing the ALX4 expression. Finally, the downregulation of LINC00313 and upregulation of ALX4 repressed the AKT/mTOR signaling axis, thus inhibiting proliferative, migratory, invasive abilities as well as epithelial-to-mesenchymal transition (EMT) of thyroid cancer cells. Collectively, downregulated LINC00313 suppresses cell proliferation, migration, as well as invasion of thyroid cancer by inhibiting the methylation of ALX4 and increasing its expression by inactivation of the AKT/mTOR signaling pathway.

Exogenous Hydrogen Sulfide Regulates the Growth of Human Thyroid Carcinoma Cells

Hydrogen sulfide (H₂S) is involved in the development and progression of many types of cancer. However, the effect and mechanism of H₂S on the growth of human thyroid carcinoma cells remain unknown. In the present study, we found that the proliferation, viability, migration, and invasion of human thyroid carcinoma cells were enhanced by 25–50 μM NaHS (an H₂S donor) and inhibited by 200 μM NaHS. However, H₂S showed no obvious effects on the proliferation, viability, and migration of human normal thyroid cells. Administration of 50 μM NaHS increased the expression levels of CBS, SQR, and TST, while 200 μM NaHS showed reverse effects in human thyroid carcinoma cells. After treatment with 25-50 μM NaHS, the ROS levels were decreased and the protein levels of p-PI3K, p-AKT, p-mTOR, H-RAS, p-RAF, p-MEK1/2, and p-ERK1/2 were increased, whereas 200 μM NaHS exerted opposite effects in human thyroid carcinoma cells. Furthermore, 1.4-2.8 mg/kg/day NaHS promoted the tumor growth and blood vessel formation in human thyroid carcinoma xenograft tumors, while 11.2 mg/kg/day NaHS inhibited the tumor growth and angiogenesis. In conclusion, our results demonstrate that exogenous H₂S regulates the growth of human thyroid carcinoma cells through ROS/PI3K/Akt/mTOR and RAS/RAF/MEK/ERK signaling pathways. Novel H₂S-releasing donors/drugs can be designed and applied for the treatment of thyroid cancer.

Exogenous H2 S exerts biphasic effects on porcine mammary epithelial cells proliferation through PI3K/Akt-mTOR signaling pathway

This study aimed to investigate the effects of exogenous H₂ S on the proliferation of porcine mammary gland epithelial cells (PMECs) and explore the underlying mechanisms. We found that exposure of PMECs to NaHS, at concentrations ranging from 10 to 200 µM, stimulated cell proliferation. However, high concentration of NaHS (600 µM) inhibited PMECs proliferation. Accordingly, 10 µM NaHS significantly increased the percentage of cells undergoing DNA replication, elevated the mRNA and/or protein expression of Cyclin A2, Cyclin D1/3, Cyclin E2 and PCNA, and decreased p21 mRNA expression. In contrast, 600 µM NaHS elicited the opposite effects to that of 10 µM NaHS. In addition, PI3 K/Akt and mTOR signaling pathways were activated or inhibited in response to 10 or 600 µM NaHS, respectively. Furthermore, the promotion of PMECs proliferation, the change of proliferative genes expression, and the activation of mTOR signaling pathway induced by 10 µM NaHS were effectively blocked by PI3 K inhibitor Wortmannin. Similarly, inhibition of mTOR with Rapamycin totally abolished the 10 µM NaHS-induced stimulation of PMECs proliferation and alteration of proliferative genes expression, with no influence on PI3 K/Akt signaling pathway. Moreover, constitutive activation of Akt pathway via transfection of Akt-CA completely eliminated the inhibition of PMECs proliferation and mTOR signaling pathway, and the change of proliferative genes expression induced by 600 µM NaHS. In conclusion, our findings provided evidence that exogenous H₂ S supplied by NaHS exerted biphasic effects on PMECs proliferation, with stimulation at lower doses and suppression at high dose, through the intracellular PI3 K/Akt-mTOR signaling pathway.

Effect of CLIP3 Upregulation on Astrocyte Proliferation and Subsequent Glial Scar Formation in the Rat Spinal Cord via STAT3 Pathway After Injury

Spinal cord injury (SCI) is a devastating event resulting in neuron degeneration and permanent paralysis through inflammatory cytokine overproduction and glial scar formation. Presently, the endogenous molecular mechanisms coordinating glial scar formation in the injured spinal cord remain elusive. Signal transducer and activator of transcription 3 (STAT3) is a well-known transcription factor particularly involving in cell proliferation and inflammation in the lesion site following SCI. Meanwhile, CAP-Gly domain containing linker protein 3(CLIP3), a vital cytoplasmic protein, has been confirmed to providing an optimal conduit for intracellular signal transduction and interacting with STAT3 with mass spectrometry analysis. In this study, we aimed to identify the expression of CLIP3 in the spinal cord as well as its role in mediating astrocyte activation and glial scar formation after SCI by establishing an acute traumatic SCI model in male adult rats. Western blot analysis revealed that CLIP3 increased gradually after injury, reached a peak at day 3. The immunohistochemistry staining showed the same result in white matter. With double immunofluorescence staining, we found that CLIP3 was expressed in glial cells and significant changes of CLIP3 expression occurred in astrocytes during the pathological process. Statistical analysis demonstrated there was a correlation between the number of positive cells stained by CLIP3 and STAT3 in the spinal cord after SCI. Co-immunoprecipitation further indicated that CLIP3 interacted with STAT3 in the injured spinal cord. Taken together, our study clearly suggested that CLIP3 played an essential role in astrocyte activation, associating with the STAT3 pathway activation induced by SCI.

Simvastatin inhibits the development of radioresistant esophageal cancer cells by increasing the radiosensitivity and reversing EMT process via the PTEN-PI3K/AKT pathway

Acquired radioresistance compromises the efficacy of radiotherapy for carcinomas including esophageal cancer (EC), thus resulting in recurrence and poor survival. Recent research corroborated radiosensitive function of simvastatin in stem-like breast cancer cells. However, its role in EC radioresistance remains poorly elucidated. Here, we developed a radioresistant EC cell line Ec9706-R with higher resistance to irradiation relative to control Ec9706 cells. Intriguingly, Ec9706-R cells exhibited epithelial-mesenchymal transition (EMT) characteristics with high invasion and migration ability. Simvastatin sensitized radioresistance of Ec9706-R cells and suppressed cell proliferation, but aggravated radiation-induced apoptosis and caspase-3 activity. Furthermore, simvastatin reversed EMT and inhibited cell invasion and migration of Ec9706-R cells. Mechanism assay confirmed the activation of PI3K/AKT pathway after radiation, which was inhibited by simvastatin. After restoring this pathway by its activator, IGF-1, simvastatin-mediated radiosensitivity and EMT reversion were abrogated. Further assay substantiated the PTEN suppression after irradiation, which was elevated following simvastatin pre-treatment. Moreover, PTEN cessation attenuated the inhibitory effect of simvastatin on PI3K/AKT activation, and subsequently antagonized simvastatin-induced radiosensitivity and EMT reversion. Additionally, simvastatin aggravated radiation-mediated Ec9706-R tumor growth inhibition. Together, simvastatin inhibits the development of Ec9706-R cells by increasing radiosensitivity and reversing EMT via PTEN-PI3K/AKT pathway, implying a promising strategy against EC radioresistance.