WISP-1 increases MMP-2 expression and cell motility in human chondrosarcoma cells

An overview of CCN4 (WISP1) role in human diseases

CCN4 (cellular communication network factor 4), a highly conserved, secreted cysteine-rich matricellular protein is emerging as a key player in the development and progression of numerous disease pathologies, including cancer, fibrosis, metabolic and inflammatory disorders. Over the past two decades, extensive research on CCN4 and its family members uncovered their diverse cellular mechanisms and biological functions, including but not limited to cell proliferation, migration, invasion, angiogenesis, wound healing, repair, and apoptosis. Recent studies have demonstrated that aberrant CCN4 expression and/or associated downstream signaling is key to a vast array of pathophysiological etiology, suggesting that CCN4 could be utilized not only as a non-invasive diagnostic or prognostic marker, but also as a promising therapeutic target. The cognate receptor of CCN4 remains elusive till date, which limits understanding of the mechanistic insights on CCN4 driven disease pathologies. However, as therapeutic agents directed against CCN4 begin to make their way into the clinic, that may start to change. Also, the pathophysiological significance of CCN4 remains underexplored, hence further research is needed to shed more light on its disease and/or tissue specific functions to better understand its clinical translational benefit. This review highlights the compelling evidence of overlapping and/or diverse functional and mechanisms regulated by CCN4, in addition to addressing the challenges, study limitations and knowledge gaps on CCN4 biology and its therapeutic potential.

WISP-1 Regulates Cardiac Fibrosis by Promoting Cardiac Fibroblasts' Activation and Collagen Processing

Hypertension induces cardiac fibrotic remodelling characterised by the phenotypic switching of cardiac fibroblasts (CFs) and collagen deposition. We tested the hypothesis that Wnt1-inducible signalling pathway protein-1 (WISP-1) promotes CFs' phenotypic switch, type I collagen synthesis, and in vivo fibrotic remodelling. The treatment of human CFs (HCFs, n = 16) with WISP-1 (500 ng/mL) induced a phenotypic switch (α-smooth muscle actin-positive) and type I procollagen cleavage to an intermediate form of collagen (pC-collagen) in conditioned media after 24h, facilitating collagen maturation. WISP-1-induced collagen processing was mediated by Akt phosphorylation via integrin β1, and disintegrin and metalloproteinase with thrombospondin motifs 2 (ADAMTS-2). WISP-1 wild-type (WISP-1+/+) mice and WISP-1 knockout (WISP-1-/-) mice (n = 5-7) were subcutaneously infused with angiotensin II (AngII, 1000 ng/kg/min) for 28 days. Immunohistochemistry revealed the deletion of WISP-1 attenuated type I collagen deposition in the coronary artery perivascular area compared to WISP-1+/+ mice after a 28-day AngII infusion, and therefore, the deletion of WISP-1 attenuated AngII-induced cardiac fibrosis in vivo. Collectively, our findings demonstrated WISP-1 is a critical mediator in cardiac fibrotic remodelling, by promoting CFs' activation via the integrin β1-Akt signalling pathway, and induced collagen processing and maturation via ADAMTS-2. Thereby, the modulation of WISP-1 levels could provide potential therapeutic targets in clinical treatment.

WISP1 induces the expression of macrophage migration inhibitory factor in human lung fibroblasts through Src kinases and EGFR-activated signaling pathways

Wnt1-inducible signaling protein 1 (WISP1/CCN4) is a secreted matricellular protein that is implicated in lung and airway remodeling. The macrophage migration inhibitory factor (MIF) is a pleiotropic cytokine that has been associated with chronic lung diseases. In this study, we aimed to investigate the WISP1 signaling pathway and its ability to induce the expression of MIF in primary cultures of fibroblasts from normal human lungs (HLFs). Our results showed that WISP1 significantly stimulated the expression of MIF in a concentration- and time-dependent fashion. In WISP1-induced expression of MIF, αvβ5-integrin and chondroitin sulfate proteoglycans as well as Src tyrosine kinases, MAP kinases, phosphatidylinositol 3-kinase/Akt, PKC, and NF-κB were involved. WISP1-induced expression of MIF was attenuated in the presence of the Src kinase inhibitor PP2 or the MIF tautomerase activity inhibitor ISO-1. Moreover, WISP1 significantly increased the phosphorylation and activation of EGF receptor (EGFR) through transactivation by Src kinases. WISP1 also induced the expression of MIF receptor CD74 and coreceptor CD44, through which MIF exerts its effects on HLFs. In addition, it was found that MIF induced its own expression, as well as its receptors CD74/CD44, acting in an autocrine manner. Finally, WISP1-induced MIF promoted the expression of cyclooxygenase 2, prostaglandin E2, IL-6, and matrix metalloproteinase-2 demonstrating the regulatory role of WISP1-MIF axis in lung inflammation and remodeling involving mainly integrin αvβ5, Src kinases, PKC, NF-κB, and EGFR. The specific signaling pathways involved in WISP1-induced expression of MIF may prove to be excellent candidates for novel targets to control inflammation in chronic lung diseases.NEW & NOTEWORTHY The present study demonstrates for the first time that Wnt1-inducible signaling protein 1 (WISP1) regulates migration inhibitory factor (MIF) expression and activity and identifies the main signaling pathways involved. The newly discovered WISP1-MIF axis may drive lung inflammation and could result in the design of novel targeted therapies in inflammatory lung diseases.

Nuak kinase signaling in development and disease of the central nervous system

Protein kinases represent important signaling hubs for a variety of biological functions. Many kinases are traditionally studied for their roles in cancer cell biology, but recent advances in neuroscience research show repurposed kinase function to be important for nervous system development and function. Two members of the AMP-activated protein kinase (AMPK) related family, NUAK1 and NUAK2, have drawn attention in neuroscience due to their mutations in autism spectrum disorder (ASD), attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD), schizophrenia, and intellectual disability (ID). Furthermore, Nuak kinases have also been implicated in tauopathy and other disorders of aging. This review highlights what is known about the Nuak kinases in nervous system development and disease and explores the possibility of Nuak kinases as targets for therapeutic innovation.

WNT1-inducible signalling pathway protein 1 stabilizes atherosclerotic plaques in apolipoprotein-E-deficient mice via the focal adhesion kinase/mitogen-activated extracellular signal-regulated kinase/extracellular signal-regulated kinase pathway

BACKGROUND

The migration, proliferation and apoptosis of vascular smooth muscle cells (VSMCs) are critical for plaque stability. WNT-inducible signalling pathway protein-1 (WISP1), a member of the CCN family of extracellular matrix proteins, can expedite the migration and proliferation of VSMCs. However, its underlying mechanism and relationship with atherosclerosis remain elusive. The relationship between WISP1 and apoptosis of VSMCs has not been determined previously.

METHOD

In the study, we aimed to investigate the relationship between WISP1 and plaque stability and its related mechanism.ApoE-/- mice were divided following groups: the null lentivirus (NC), lentivirus WISP1 (IvWISP1) and WISP1-shRNA (shWISP1) groups. Immunofluorescence, Oil Red O and Masson's staining of the carotid arteries were performed. Transwell wound healing assay, CCK8 assay, and TdT-mediated dUTP nick-end labeling (TUNEL) staining were performed using VSMCs. The levels of WISP1, P38, C-Jun N-terminal kinase, extracellular signal-regulated kinase (ERK), mitogen-activated extracellular signal-regulated kinase (MEK), focal adhesion kinase (FAK), phosphatidylinositol 3-kinase (PI3K), Akt (also known as PKB, protein kinase B), mammalian target of rapamycin (mTOR), cleaved caspase3, Bcl2 and Bax were detected by western blotting.

RESULTS

The relative area of lipids and monocytes/macrophages in the shWISP1 group increased compared with that of the NC group. However, the relative area of smooth muscle cell and collagen in the IvWISP1 group increased compared with that in the NC group. Therefore, WISP1 could stabilize atherosclerotic plaques. Besides, WISP1 accelerate the migration and proliferation of VSMCs via integrin α5β1 and FAK/MEK/ERK signalling pathways. In addition, WISP1 can inhibit the apoptosis of VSMCs via the PI3K/Akt/mTOR pathway.

CONCLUSION

WISP1 not only inhibits the apoptosis of VSMCs via the PI3K/Akt/mTOR pathway but also enhances the migration and proliferation of VSMCs via the integrin α5β1 and FAK/MEK/ERK pathways. Therefore, WISP1 could enhance the stability of atherosclerotic plaques.

WISP-3 Stimulates VEGF-C-Dependent Lymphangiogenesis in Human Chondrosarcoma Cells by Inhibiting miR-196a-3p Synthesis

Chondrosarcoma is a malignant bone tumor with high metastatic potential. Lymphangiogenesis is a critical biological step in cancer metastasis. WNT1-inducible signaling pathway protein 3 (WISP-3) regulates angiogenesis and facilitates chondrosarcoma metastasis, but the role of WISP-3 in chondrosarcoma lymphangiogenesis is unclear. In this study, incubation of chondrosarcoma cells with WISP-3 increased the production of VEGF-C, an important lymphangiogenic factor. Conditioned medium from WISP-3-treated chondrosarcoma cells significantly enhanced lymphatic endothelial cell tube formation. WISP-3-induced stimulation of VEGF-C-dependent lymphangiogenesis inhibited miR-196a-3p synthesis in the ERK, JNK, and p38 signaling pathways. This evidence suggests that the WISP-3/VEGF-C axis is worth targeting in the treatment of lymphangiogenesis in human chondrosarcoma.

Visfatin Promotes the Metastatic Potential of Chondrosarcoma Cells by Stimulating AP-1-Dependent MMP-2 Production in the MAPK Pathway

Chondrosarcoma is a malignant bone tumor that is characterized by high metastatic potential and marked resistance to radiation and chemotherapy. The knowledge that adipokines facilitate the initiation, progression, metastasis, and treatment resistance of various tumors has driven several in vitro and in vivo investigations into the effects of adipokines resistin, leptin, and adiponectin upon the development and progression of chondrosarcomas. Another adipokine, visfatin, is known to regulate tumor progression and metastasis, although how this molecule may affect chondrosarcoma metastasis is unclear. Here, we found that visfatin facilitated cellular migration via matrix metalloproteinase-2 (MMP-2) production in human chondrosarcoma cells and overexpression of visfatin enhanced lung metastasis in a mouse model of chondrosarcoma. Visfatin-induced stimulation of MMP-2 synthesis and activation of the AP-1 transcription factor facilitated chondrosarcoma cell migration via the ERK, p38, and JNK signaling pathways. This evidence suggests that visfatin is worth targeting in the treatment of metastatic chondrosarcoma.

CCN proteins in the musculoskeletal system: current understanding and challenges in physiology and pathology

The acronym for the CCN family was recently revised to represent “cellular communication network”. These six, small, cysteine-enriched and evolutionarily conserved proteins are secreted matricellular proteins, that convey and modulate intercellular communication by interacting with structural proteins, signalling factors and cell surface receptors. Their role in the development and physiology of musculoskeletal system, constituted by connective tissues where cells are interspersed in the cellular matrix, has been broadly studied. Previous research has highlighted a crucial balance of CCN proteins in mesenchymal stem cell commitment and a pivotal role for CCN1, CCN2 and their alter ego CCN3 in chondrogenesis and osteogenesis; CCN4 plays a minor role and the role of CCN5 and CCN6 is still unclear. CCN proteins also participate in osteoclastogenesis and myogenesis. In adult life, CCN proteins serve as mechanosensory proteins in the musculoskeletal system providing a steady response to environmental stimuli and participating in fracture healing. Substantial evidence also supports the involvement of CCN proteins in inflammatory pathologies, such as osteoarthritis and rheumatoid arthritis, as well as in cancers affecting the musculoskeletal system and bone metastasis. These matricellular proteins indeed show involvement in inflammation and cancer, thus representing intriguing therapeutic targets. This review discusses the current understanding of CCN proteins in the musculoskeletal system as well as the controversies and challenges associated with their multiple and complex roles, and it aims to link the dispersed knowledge in an effort to stimulate and guide readers to an area that the writers consider to have significant impact and relevant potentialities.

CCN Family Proteins in Cancer: Insight Into Their Structures and Coordination Role in Tumor Microenvironment

The crosstalk between tumor cells and the tumor microenvironment (TME), triggers a variety of critical signaling pathways and promotes the malignant progression of cancer. The success rate of cancer therapy through targeting single molecule of this crosstalk may be extremely low, whereas co-targeting multiple components could be complicated design and likely to have more side effects. The six members of cellular communication network (CCN) family proteins are scaffolding proteins that may govern the TME, and several studies have shown targeted therapy of CCN family proteins may be effective for the treatment of cancer. CCN protein family shares similar structures, and they mutually reinforce and neutralize each other to serve various roles that are tightly regulated in a spatiotemporal manner by the TME. Here, we review the current knowledge on the structures and roles of CCN proteins in different types of cancer. We also analyze CCN mRNA expression, and reasons for its diverse relationship to prognosis in different cancers. In this review, we conclude that the discrepant functions of CCN proteins in different types of cancer are attributed to diverse TME and CCN truncated isoforms, and speculate that targeting CCN proteins to rebalance the TME could be a potent anti-cancer strategy.

Antimetastatic Potential of Rhodomyrtone on Human Chondrosarcoma SW1353 Cells

Chondrosarcoma is primary bone cancer, with the forceful capacity to cause local invasion and distant metastasis, and has a poor prognosis. Cancer metastasis is a complication of most cancers; it is one of the leading causes of cancer-related death. Rhodomyrtone is a pure compound that has been shown to induce apoptosis and antimetastasis in skin cancer. However, the inhibitory effect of rhodomyrtone on human chondrosarcoma cell metastasis is largely unknown. Effect of rhodomyrtone on cell viability in SW1353 cell was determined by MTT assay. Antimigration, anti-invasion, and antiadhesion were carried out to investigate the antimetastatic potential of rhodomyrtone on SW1353 cells. Gelatin zymography was performed to determine matrix metalloproteinase-2 (MMP-2) and MMP-9 activities. The effect of rhodomyrtone on the underlying mechanisms was performed by Western blot analysis. The results demonstrated that rhodomyrtone reduced cell viability of SW1353 cells at the low concentration (<3 μg/mL); cell viability was >80%. Rhodomyrtone at the subcytotoxic concentrations (0.5, 1.5, and 3 μg/mL) significantly inhibited cell migration, invasion, and adhesion of SW1353 cells in a dose-dependent fashion. Protein expression of integrin αv, integrin β3, and the downstream migratory proteins including focal adhesion kinase (FAK) and the phosphorylation of serine/threonine AKT, Ras, RhoA, Rac1, and Cdc42 were inhibited after treatment with rhodomyrtone. Moreover, we found that rhodomyrtone decreased the protein level of MMP-2 and MMP-9 as well as the enzyme activity in SW1353 cells. Meanwhile, tissue inhibitor of metalloproteinase-1 (TIMP-1) and TIMP-2 expression was increased in a dose-dependent fashion. Besides, rhodomyrtone dramatically inhibited the expression of growth factor receptor-bound protein-2 (GRB2) and the phosphorylated form of extracellular signal regulation kinase1/2 (ERK1/2) and c-Jun N-terminal kinase1/2 (JNK1/2). These results indicated that rhodomyrtone inhibited SW1353 cell migration, invasion, and metastasis by suppressing integrin αvβ3/FAK/AKT/small Rho GTPases pathway as well as downregulation of MMP-2/9 via ERK and JNK signal inhibition. These findings indicate that rhodomyrtone possessed the antimetastasis activity that may be used for antimetastasis therapy in the future.

Cell Communication Network Factor 4 (CCN4/WISP1) Shifts Melanoma Cells from a Fragile Proliferative State to a Resilient Metastatic State

Introduction

Cellular communication network factor 4 (CCN4/WISP1) is a secreted matricellular protein that stimulates metastasis in multiple malignancies but has an unclear impact on phenotypic changes in melanoma. Recent data using cells edited via a double-nickase CRISPR/Cas9 approach suggest that CCN4/WISP1 stimulates invasion and metastasis of melanoma cells. While these data also suggest that loss of CCN4/WISP1 increases cell proliferative, the CRISPR approach used may be an alternative explanation rather than the loss of gene function.

Methods

To test whether CCN4/WISP1 also influences the proliferative phenotype of melanoma cells, we used mouse melanoma models and knocked out Ccn4 using a homology-directed repair CRISPR/Cas9 system to generate pools of Ccn4-knockout cells. The resulting edited cell pools were compared to parental cell lines using an ensemble of in vitro and in vivo assays.

Results

In vitro assays using knockout pools supported previous findings that CCN4/WISP1 promoted an epithelial-mesenchymal-like transition in melanoma cells and stimulated invasion and metastasis. While Ccn4 knockout also enhanced cell growth in optimal 2D culture conditions, the knockout suppressed certain cell survival signaling pathways and rendered cells less resistant to stress conditions. Tumor cell growth assays at sub-optimal conditions in vitro, quantitative analysis of tumor growth assays in vivo, and transcriptomics analysis of human melanoma cell lines were also used to quantify changes in phenotype and generalize the findings.

Conclusions

In addition to stimulating invasion and metastasis of melanoma cells, the results suggested that CCN4/WISP1 repressed cell growth and simultaneously enhanced cell survival.

WNT1-inducible signaling pathway protein 1 (WISP1/CCN4) stimulates melanoma invasion and metastasis by promoting the epithelial-mesenchymal transition

Besides intrinsic changes, malignant cells also release soluble signals that reshape their microenvironment. Among these signals is WNT1-inducible signaling pathway protein 1 (WISP1), a secreted matricellular protein whose expression is elevated in several cancers, including melanoma, and is associated with reduced survival of patients diagnosed with primary melanoma. Here, we found that WISP1 knockout increases cell proliferation and represses wound healing, migration, and invasion of mouse and human melanoma cells in multiple in vitro assays. Metastasis assays revealed that WISP1 knockout represses tumor metastasis of B16F10 and YUMM1.7 melanoma cells in both C57BL/6Ncrl and NOD-scid IL2Rγ^null (NSG) mice. WT B16F10 cells having an invasion phenotype in a transwell assay possessed a gene expression signature similar to that observed in the epithelial-mesenchymal transition (EMT), including E-cadherin repression and fibronectin and N-cadherin induction. Upon WISP1 knockout, expression of these EMT signature genes went in the opposite direction in both mouse and human cell lines, and EMT-associated gene expression was restored upon exposure to media containing WISP1 or to recombinant WISP1 protein. In vivo, Wisp1 knockout-associated metastasis repression was reversed by the reintroduction of either WISP1 or snail family transcriptional repressor 1 (SNAI1). Experiments testing EMT gene activation and inhibition with recombinant WISP1 or kinase inhibitors in B16F10 and YUMM1.7 cells suggested that WISP1 activates AKT Ser/Thr kinase and that MEK/ERK signaling pathways shift melanoma cells from proliferation to invasion. Our results indicate that WISP1 present within the tumor microenvironment stimulates melanoma invasion and metastasis by promoting an EMT-like process.

The emerging role of WISP proteins in tumorigenesis and cancer therapy

Accumulated evidence has demonstrated that WNT1 inducible signaling pathway protein (WISP) genes, which belong to members of the CCN growth factor family, play a pivotal role in tumorigenesis and progression of a broad spectrum of human cancers. Mounting studies have identified that WISP proteins (WISP1-3) exert different biological functions in various human malignancies. Emerging evidence indicates that WISP proteins are critically involved in cell proliferation, apoptosis, invasion and metastasis in cancers. Because the understanding of a direct function of WISP proteins in cancer development and progression has begun to emerge, in this review article, we describe the physiological function of WISP proteins in a variety of human cancers. Moreover, we highlight the current understanding of how the WISP protein is involved in tumorigenesis and cancer progression. Furthermore, we discuss that targeting WISP proteins could be a promising strategy for the treatment of human cancers. Hence, the regulation of WISP proteins could improve treatments for cancer patients.

Glucose suppresses IL-1β-induced MMP-1 expression through the FAK, MEK, ERK, and AP-1 signaling pathways

Osteoarthritis (OA) commonly affects the synovial joint and is characterized by degradation of articular cartilage. Increased matrix metalloproteinase (MMP) activity plays a major role in this degradation. Dextrose (D-glucose) prolotherapy has shown promising activity in the treatment of different musculoskeletal disorders, including OA. However, little is known about the role of glucose on MMP inhibition in OA therapy. We found that stimulating chondrocytes with the proinflammatory cytokine interleukin-1β (IL-1β) increased the expression of MMP-1, MMP-3, and MMP-13. Glucose reduced this increase in MMP-1 expression, but had no effect upon MMP-3 or MMP-13 expression. Analyses using a focal adhesion kinase (FAK) inhibitor, MEK inhibitors (U0126 and PD98059), an ERK inhibitor, AP-1 inhibitors (curcumin and tanshinone), or siRNAs demonstrated that the FAK, MEK, ERK, and AP-1 pathways mediate IL-1β-induced increases in MMP-1 expression. Glucose antagonized IL-1β-promoted phosphorylation of FAK, MEK, ERK, and c-Jun. Thus, glucose decreased IL-1β-induced MMP-1 expression through the FAK, MEK, ERK, and AP-1 signaling cascades. These findings may provide a better understanding of the mechanisms of prolotherapy on inhibiting MMP expression.

The role of CCN4/WISP-1 in the cancerous phenotype

CCN proteins are secreted into the extracellular environment where they interact with both components of the extracellular matrix and with cell surface receptors to regulate cellular function. Through these interactions, CCNs act as extracellular ligands to activate intracellular signal transduction pathways. CCN4/WISP-1, like other CCNs, plays multiple physiologic roles in development and also participates in pathogenesis. CCN4 is of particular interest with respect to cancer, showing promise as a biomarker or prognostic factor as well as a potential therapeutic target. This review focuses on recent work addressing the role of CCN4 in cancer. While CCN4 has been identified as an oncogene in a number of cancers, where it enhances cell migration and promoting epithelial-mesenchymal transition, there are other cancers where CCN4 appears to play an inhibitory role. The mechanisms underlying these differences in cellular response have not yet been delineated, but are an active area of investigation. The expression and activities of CCN4 splice variants are likewise an emerging area for study. CCN4 acts as an autocrine factor that regulates the cancer cells from which it is secreted. However, CCN4 is also a paracrine factor that is secreted by stromal fibroblasts, and can affect the function of vascular endothelial cells. In summary, current evidence is abundant in regard to establishing potential roles for CCN4 in oncogenesis, but much remains to be learned about the functions of this fascinating protein as both an autocrine and paracrine regulator in the tumor microenvironment.

WISP1/CCN4 aggravates cartilage degeneration in experimental osteoarthritis

OBJECTIVE

Increased Wisp1 expression was previously reported in experimental and human osteoarthritis (OA). Moreover, adenoviral overexpression of Wisp1 in naïve mouse knee joints resulted in early OA-like cartilage lesions. Here, we determined how the matricellular protein WISP1 is involved in the pathology that occurs in the complex osteoarthritic environment with aging and experimental OA in wild type (WT) and Wisp1^-/- mice.

METHODS

WT and Wisp1^-/- mice were aged or experimental OA was induced with intraarticular collagenase injection, destabilization of the medial meniscus (DMM) or anterior cruciate ligament transection (ACLT). Joint pathology was assessed using histology and microCT. Protease expression was evaluated with qRT-PCR and activity was determined by immunohistochemical staining of the aggrecan neoepitope NITEGE. Protease expression in human end-stage OA synovial tissue was determined with qRT-PCR after stimulation with WISP1.

RESULTS

With aging, spontaneous cartilage degeneration in Wisp1^-/- was not decreased compared to their WT controls. However, we observed significantly decreased cartilage degeneration in Wisp1^-/- mice after induction of three independent experimental OA models. While the degree of osteophyte formation was comparable between WT and Wisp1^-/- mice, increased cortical thickness and reduced trabecular spacing was observed in Wisp1^-/- mice. In addition, we observed decreased MMP3/9 and ADAMTS4/5 expression in Wisp1^-/- mice, which was accompanied by decreased levels of NITEGE. In line with this, stimulation of human OA synovium with WISP1 increased the expression of various proteases.

CONCLUSIONS

WISP1 plays an aggravating role in the development of post-traumatic experimental OA.

The Effect of Pyrroloquinoline Quinone on the Expression of WISP1 in Traumatic Brain Injury

WISP1, as a member of the CCN4 protein family, has cell protective effects of promoting cell proliferation and inhibiting cell apoptosis. Although some studies have confirmed that WISP1 is concerned with colon cancer and lung cancer, there is little report about the influence of WISP1 in traumatic brain injury. Here, we found that the expression of WISP1 mRNA and protein decreased at 3 d and then increased at 5 d after traumatic brain injury (TBI). Meanwhile, immunofluorescence demonstrated that there was little colocation of WISP1 with GFAP, Iba1, and WISP1 colocalized with NeuN partly. WISP1 colocalized with LC3, but there was little of colocation about WISP1 with cleaved caspase-3. Subsequent study displayed that the expression of β-catenin protein was identical to that of WISP1 after TBI. WISP1 was mainly located in cytoplasm of PC12 or SHSY5Y cells. Compared with the negative control group, WISP1 expression reduced obviously in SHSY5Y cells transfected with WISP1 si-RNA. CCK-8 assay showed that pyrroloquinoline quinone (PQQ) had little influence on viability of PC12 and SHSY5Y cells. These results suggested that WISP1 played a protective role after traumatic brain injury in rats, and this effect might be relative to autophagy caused by traumatic brain injury.

The impact of human adipose tissue-derived stem cells on breast cancer cells: implications for cell-assisted lipotransfers in breast reconstruction

BACKGROUND

In this study we evaluated the interactions of human adipose tissue-derived stem cells (ADSCs) and different human breast cancer cell lines (BRCAs) with regard to the safety of cell-assisted lipotransfers for breast reconstruction and a thereby unintended co-localization of ADSCs and BRCAs.

METHODS

ADSCs were co-cultured with five different human BRCAs (MCF-7, MDA-MB-231, SK-BR-3, ZR-75-30, and EVSA-T) and primary BRCAs from one patient in a transwell system, and cell-cell-interactions were analyzed by assessing doubling time, migration and invasion, angiogenesis, quantitative real-time polymerase chain reaction (PCR) of more than 300 tumor-associated genes, and multiplex protein assays of 20 chemokines and growth factors and eight matrix metalloproteinases (MMPs). Results of co-culture were compared to those of the respective monoculture.

RESULTS

Quantitative real-time PCR revealed remarkable changes in the expression of multiple tumor-associated genes in co-culture compared to monocultures of both ADSCs and BRCAs. Concomitantly, the concentration of several tumor-associated proteins, such as cytokines and MMPs, were strongly increased in co-culture. Furthermore, exclusively in co-culture with ADSCs, the different BRCAs were exposed to several important tumor-modulating proteins, such as CCL2, HGF, or interleukins. Co-culture did not significantly affect cellular proliferation of either ADSCs or BRCAs (p > 0.05). The migration of MCF-7 and MDA-MB-231 BRCAs was significantly increased in co-culture with ADSCs by a mean of 11% and 23%, respectively (p = 0.04 and 0.012), as well as that of ADSCs in co-culture with MDA-MB-231, ZR-75-30, and EVSA-T (+11-15%, p = 0.035-0.045). Co-culture with MDA-MB-231, SK-BR-3, and EVSA-T BRCAs significantly increased the invasive behavior of ADSCs by a mean of 24-41% (p = 0.014-0.039). There were no significant differences in the in vitro invasive properties of BRCAs in co-culture compared to monoculture. An in vitro angiogenesis assay revealed an increased tube formation of conditioned media from co-cultured BRCAs and ADSCs compared to the respective monocultures.

CONCLUSION

This study further elucidates the possible interactions of primary human ADSCs with human BRCAs, pointing towards a potential increased oncological risk which should not be neglected when considering a clinical use of cell-assisted lipoaspirates in breast reconstruction.

WISP-1 promotes VEGF-C-dependent lymphangiogenesis by inhibiting miR-300 in human oral squamous cell carcinoma cells

Oral squamous cell carcinoma (OSCC), which accounts for nearly 90% of head and neck cancers, is characterized by a poor prognosis and a low survival rate. Vascular endothelial growth factor-C (VEGF-C) has been implicated in lymphangiogenesis and is correlated with cancer metastasis. WNT1-inducible signaling pathway protein-1 (WISP)-1/CCN4 is an extracellular matrix-related protein that belongs to the CCN family and stimulates many biological functions. Our previous studies showed that WISP-1 plays an important role in OSCC migration and angiogenesis. However, the effect of WISP-1 on VEGF-C regulation and lymphangiogenesis in OSCC is poorly understood. Here, we showed a correlation between WISP-1 and VEGF-C in tissue specimens from patients with OSCC. To examine the lymphangiogenic effect of WISP-1, we used human lymphatic endothelial cells (LECs) to mimic lymphatic vessel formation. The results showed that conditioned media from WISP-1-treated OSCC cells promoted tube formation and cell migration in LECs. We also found that WISP-1-induced VEGF-C is mediated via the integrin αvβ3/integrin-linked kinase (ILK)/Akt signaling pathway. In addition, the expression of microRNA-300 (miR-300) was inhibited by WISP-1 via the integrin αvβ3/ILK/Akt cascade. Collectively, these results reveal the detailed mechanism by which WISP-1 promotes lymphangiogenesis via upregulation of VEGF-C expression in OSCC. Therefore, WISP-1 could serve as therapeutic target to prevent metastasis and lymphangiogenesis in OSCC.

WISP-1 overexpression upregulates cell proliferation in human salivary gland carcinomas via regulating MMP-2 expression

BACKGROUND

WISP-1 is a member of the CCN family of growth factors and has been reported to play an important role in tumorigenesis by triggering downstream events via integrin signaling. However, little is known about the role of WISP-1 in proliferation of salivary gland carcinoma (SGC) cells.

METHODS

In this study, we investigated the WISP-1 expression in SGC tissues via immunohistochemical staining, Western blotting assay, and real-time quantitative polymerase chain reaction method, and then evaluated the regulatory role of WISP-1 in the growth of SGC A-253 cells. In addition, the role of MMP-2 in the WISP-1-mediated growth regulation was also investigated.

RESULTS

It was demonstrated that the WISP-1 expression was upregulated at both mRNA and protein levels in 15 of 21 SGC tumor tissues, compared to the non-tumor tissues (five of 21), associated with the lymph node dissection and bone invasion. The in vitro CCK-8 assay and colony-forming assay demonstrated that the exogenous WISP-1 treatment or the WISP-1 overexpression promoted the growth of A-253 cells. In addition, we confirmed that the WISP-1 overexpression upregulated the MMP-2 expression in A-253 cells with the gain-of-function and loss-of-function strategies, and that the MMP-2 knockdown attenuated the WISP-1-mediated growth promotion of A-253 cells.

CONCLUSION

We found that WISP-1 was overexpressed in the human SGCs, and the WISP-1 overexpression promoted the salivary gland cell proliferation via upregulating MMP-2 expression. Our study recognized the oncogenic role of WISP-1 in human SGCs, which could serve as a potential target for anticancer therapy.

Fractionated irradiation-induced EMT-like phenotype conferred radioresistance in esophageal squamous cell carcinoma

The efficacy of radiotherapy, one major treatment modality for esophageal squamous cell carcinoma (ESCC) is severely attenuated by radioresistance. Epithelial-to-mesenchymal transition (EMT) is a cellular process that determines therapy response and tumor progression. However, whether EMT is induced by ionizing radiation and involved in tumor radioresistance has been less studied in ESCC. Using multiple fractionated irradiation, the radioresistant esophageal squamous cancer cell line KYSE-150R had been established from its parental cell line KYSE-150. We found KYSE-150R displayed a significant EMT phenotype with an elongated spindle shape and down-regulated epithelial marker E-cadherin and up-regulated mesenchymal marker N-cadherin in comparison with KYSE-150. Furthermore, KYSE-150R also possessed some stemness-like properties characterized by density-dependent growth promotion and strong capability for sphere formation and tumorigenesis in NOD-SCID mice. Mechanical studies have revealed that WISP1, a secreted matricellular protein, is highly expressed in KYSE-150R and mediates EMT-associated radioresistance both in ESCC cells and in xenograft tumor models. Moreover, WISP1 has been demonstrated to be closely associated with the EMT phenotype observed in ESCC patients and to be an independent prognosis factor of ESCC patients treated with radiotherapy. Our study highlighted WISP1 as an attractive target to reverse EMT-associated radioresistance in ESCC and can be used as an independent prognostic factor of patients treated with radiotherapy.

Wnt2 and WISP-1/CCN4 Induce Intimal Thickening via Promotion of Smooth Muscle Cell Migration

OBJECTIVE

Increased vascular smooth muscle cell (VSMC) migration leads to intimal thickening which acts as a soil for atherosclersosis, as well as causing coronary artery restenosis after stenting and vein graft failure. Investigating factors involved in VSMC migration may enable us to reduce intimal thickening and improve patient outcomes. In this study, we determined whether Wnt proteins regulate VSMC migration and thereby intimal thickening.

APPROACH AND RESULTS

Wnt2 mRNA and protein expression were specifically increased in migrating mouse aortic VSMCs. Moreover, VSMC migration was induced by recombinant Wnt2 in vitro. Addition of recombinant Wnt2 protein increased Wnt1-inducible signaling pathway protein-1 (WISP-1) mRNA by ≈1.7-fold, via β-catenin/T-cell factor signaling, whereas silencing RNA knockdown of Wnt-2 reduced WISP-1 mRNA by ≈65%. Treatment with rWISP-1 significantly increased VSMC migration by ≈1.5-fold, whereas WISP-1 silencing RNA knockdown reduced migration by ≈40%. Wnt2 and WISP-1 effects were integrin-dependent and not additive, indicating that Wnt2 promoted VSMC migration via WISP-1. Additionally, Wnt2 and WISP-1 were significantly increased and colocated in human coronary arteries with intimal thickening. Reduced Wnt2 and WISP-1 levels in mouse carotid arteries from Wnt2(+/-) and WISP-1(-/-) mice, respectively, significantly suppressed intimal thickening in response to carotid artery ligation. In contrast, elevation of plasma WISP-1 via an adenovirus encoding WISP-1 significantly increased intimal thickening by ≈1.5-fold compared with mice receiving control virus.

CONCLUSIONS

Upregulation of Wnt2 expression enhanced WISP-1 and promoted VSMC migration and thereby intimal thickening. As novel regulators of VSMC migration and intimal thickening, Wnt2 or WISP-1 may provide a potential therapy for restenosis and vein graft failure.

Impact and mechanism of non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs combined with chemotherapeutic drugs on human lung cancer-nude mouse transplanted tumors

The present study aimed to investigate the impact of indomethacin treatment combined with oxaliplatin treatment on the expression of cluster of differentiation 44 variant 6 (CD44v6), matrix metalloproteinase-2 (MMP-2) and survivin in human lung cancer-nude mouse transplanted tumors. The human lung adenocarcinoma (A549)-nude mouse transplanted tumor model was established, and the mice were divided into a control group, an indomethacin treatment group, an oxaliplatin treatment group and an indomethacin-oxaliplatin combination treatment group. The tumor inhibition rate was calculated following sacrificing of the mice. Immunohistochemical staining and fluorescence reverse transcription-quantitative polymerase chain reaction were utilized to detect the protein and messenger (m)RNA expression of CD44v6, MMP-2 and survivin. The tumor inhibition rates of the indomethacin group, the oxaliplatin group and the combination group were 26.67, 47.70 and 68.88%, respectively. The protein and mRNA expression levels of CD44v6, MMP-2 and survivin in the transplanted tumors of each treatment group were reduced compared with the control group (P<0.05), and those of the combination group were lower compared with the single-drug treatment groups (P<0.05). Survivin and MMP-2, MMP-2 and CD44v6, and MMP-2 and CD44v6 all exhibited linear positive correlation. The present study provides evidence that the administration of indomethacin alone, or in combination with oxaliplatin, may significantly inhibit the growth of lung cancer-nude mouse transplanted tumors and the expression of CD44v6, MMP-2 and survivin inside the tumor. The combination of non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs with chemotherapeutic drugs may improve the antitumor effects.

MECHANICAL VENTILATION AUGMENTS POLY(I:C)INDUCED LUNG INJURY VIA A WISP1-INTEGRIN β3 DEPENDENT PATHWAY IN MICE

Mechanical ventilation can improve hypoxemia, but can also cause the so-called ventilator-induced lung injury (VILI). Polyinosinic-polycytidylic acid (poly(I:C)), an analogue of natural double strand RNA virus, can induce lung inflammation. The purpose of this study was to determine whether moderate tidal volume mechanical ventilation (MTV) augments Poly(I:C)-induced lung injury, and if so, the mechanism responsible for it. Poly(I:C) (2μg/g) were instilled intratracheally in C57BL/6J wide type (WT) mice. They were then randomized to MTV (10ml/kg tidal volume) or spontaneous breath. Lung tissues and bronchoalveolar lavage fluid (BALF) were collected 4h later for various measurements. Our results showed that MTV did not cause significant injury in normal lungs, but augmented Poly(I:C)-induced lung injury. The expression level of WNT-induced secreted protein 1 (WISP1) was consistent with lung injury, and the amplification of lung injury by MTV can be alleviated by anti-WISP1 antibody treatment. MTV further increased Poly(I:C)-induced integrin β3 expression in the lung. And co-immunoprecipitation (Co-IP) results suggested there was an interaction between WISP1 and β3. WISP1 significantly increased Poly(I:C)-induced TNF-α production in macrophages isolated from WT mice but not in macrophages isolated from β3 knock-out mice. Co-treatment with WISP1 and Poly(I:C) markedly increased the phosphorylation of extracellular signal-related kinase (ERK) in macrophages. Pretreating macrophages with an ERK inhibitor, U0126, dose-dependently antagonized WISP's synergistic effect on Poly(I:C)-induced TNF-α release. In conclusion, MTV exaggerates Poly(I:C)-induced lung injury in a WISP1 and integrin β3 dependent manner, involving, at least part, the activation of the ERK pathway. The WISP1-integrin β3 pathway could be an important target for novel therapy.

Dual effect of WISP-1 in diverse pathological processes

Wnt-1 inducible signaling pathway-1 (WISP-1), also known as CCN-4, belongs to the connective tissue growth factor (CTGF) family. WISP-1 is primarily expressed in embryonic stem cells and is involved in adult organ development. WISP-1 participates in many cellular processes, including proliferation, differentiation, apoptosis and adhesion. In addition, WISP-1 plays an important role in diverse pathophysiological processes, such as embryonic development, inflammation, injury repairs and cancers. Recent studies showed that WISP-1 was highly correlated with tumor progression and malignant transformation, whereas it played an oncogenic role in colorectal cancer, cholangiocarcinoma, hepatocellular carcinoma and breast cancer. However, interestingly, WISP-1 exerts a tumor-suppressing role in lung and prostate cancers. WISP-1 promotes cell proliferation, adhesion, motility, invasion, metastasis and epithelial-to-mesenchymal transition via particular signaling pathways. In this review, we discussed the structure, expression profile, functions, clinical significance and potential mechanisms of WISP-1 in cancer and non-neoplastic diseases.

Resistin promotes tumor metastasis by down-regulation of miR-519d through the AMPK/p38 signaling pathway in human chondrosarcoma cells

Resistin is a recently discovered adipocyte-secreting adipokine, which may play a critical role in modulating cancer pathogenesis. Chondrosarcoma is a highly malignant tumor known to frequently metastasize; however, the role of resistin in the metastasis of human chondrosarcoma is largely unknown. Here, we found that the expression of resistin was higher in chondrosarcoma biopsy tissues than in normal cartilage. Moreover, treatment with resistin increased matrix metalloproteinase (MMP)-2 expression and promoted cell migration in human chondrosarcoma cells. Co-transfection with microRNA (miR)-519d mimic resulted in reversed resistin-mediated cell migration and MMP-2 expression. Additionally, AMP-activated protein kinase (AMPK) and p38 inhibitors or siRNAs reduced the resistin-increased cell migration and miR-519d suppression, and inhibition of resistin expression resulted in suppression of MMP-2 expression and lung metastasis in vivo. Taken together, our results indicate that resistin promotes chondrosarcoma metastasis and MMP-2 expression through activation of the AMPK/p38 signaling pathway and down-regulation of miR-519d expression. Therefore, resistin may represent a potential novel molecular therapeutic target in chondrosarcoma metastasis.

Osteoblast-derived WNT-induced secreted protein 1 increases VCAM-1 expression and enhances prostate cancer metastasis by down-regulating miR-126

Bone metastases of prostate cancer (PCa) may cause intractable pain. Wnt-induced secreted protein-1 (WISP-1) belongs to the CCN family (CTGF/CYR61/NOV) that plays a key role in bone formation. We found that osteoblast-conditioned medium (OBCM) stimulates migration and vascular cell adhesion molecule-1 (VCAM-1) expression in human PCa (PC3 and DU145) cells. Osteoblast transfection with WISP-1 shRNA reduced OBCM-mediated PCa migration and VCAM-1 expression. Stimulation of PCa with OBCM or WISP-1 elevated focal adhesion kinase (FAK) and p38 phosphorylation. Either FAK and p38 inhibitors or siRNA abolished osteoblast-derived WISP-1-induced migration and VCAM-1 expression. Osteoblast-derived WISP-1 inhibited miR-126 expression. Moreover, miR-216 mimic reversed the WISP-1-enhanced migration and VCAM-1 expression. This study suggests that osteoblast-derived WISP-1 promotes migration and VCAM-1 expression in human PCa cells by down-regulating miR-126 expression via αvβ1 integrin, FAK, and p38 signaling pathways. Thus, WISP-1 may be a new molecular therapeutic target in PCa bone metastasis.

CTGF increases matrix metalloproteinases expression and subsequently promotes tumor metastasis in human osteosarcoma through down-regulating miR-519d

Osteosarcoma, the most common primary malignant bone tumor, shows potent capacity for local invasion and distant metastasis. Connective tissue growth factor (CTGF/CCN2), a secreted protein, binds to integrins, modulates invasive behavior of certain human cancer cells. Effect of CTGF in metastasis of human osteosarcoma is unknown. We found overexpression of CTGF increasing matrix metalloproteinases (MMPs)-2 and MMP-3 expression as well as promoting cell migration. MicroRNA (miRNA) analysis of CTGF-overexpressed osteosarcoma versus control cells probed mechanisms of CTGF-mediated promotion of migration. Among miRNAs regulated by CTGF, miR-519d was most downregulated after CTGF treatment. Co-transfection with miR-519d mimic reversed CTGF-mediated MMPs expression and cell migration. Also, MEK and ERK inhibitors or mutants reduced CTGF-increased cell migration and miR-519d suppression. By contrast, knockdown of CTGF diminished lung metastasis in vivo. Clinical samples indicate CTGF expression as linked with clinical stage and tumor metastasis. Taken together, data show CTGF elevating MMPs expression and subsequently promoting tumor metastasis in human osteosarcoma, down-regulating miR-519d via MEK and ERK pathways, making CTGF a new molecular therapeutic target in osteosarcoma metastasis.

CCN4/WISP1 (WNT1 inducible signaling pathway protein 1): a focus on its role in cancer

The matricellular protein WISP1 is a member of the CCN protein family. It is induced by WNT1 and is a downstream target of β-catenin. WISP1 is expressed during embryonic development, wound healing and tissue repair. Aberrant WISP1 expression is associated with various pathologies including osteoarthritis, fibrosis and cancer. Its role in tumor progression and clinical outcome makes WISP1 an emerging candidate for the detection and treatment of tumors.

Preparation of microspheres encapsulating a recombinant TIMP-1 adenovirus and their inhibition of proliferation of hepatocellular carcinoma cells

OBJECTIVE

The study aim was to prepare poly-DL-lactide-poly (PELA) microspheres encapsulating recombinant tissue inhibitors of metalloproteinase-1 (TIMP-1) in an adenovirus to investigate its inhibition on the proliferation of hepatocellular carcinoma cells HepG2.

METHODS

Microspheres were prepared by encapsulating the recombinant TIMP-1 adenovirus into biodegradable PELA. The particle size, viral load, encapsulation efficiency and in-vitro release were measured. Microspheres were used to infect HepG2 cells, then infection efficiency was examined under a fluorescent microscope and ultrastructural changes assessed by TEM. Expression of TIMP-1 mRNA in HepG2 cells was examined by semi-quantitative RT-PCR and proliferation by MTT and cell growth curve assays.

RESULTS

We successfully prepared microspheres encapsulating recombinant TIMP-1 adenovirus with a diameter of 1.965μm, an encapsulation efficiency of 60.0%, a viral load of 10.5?108/mg and approximate 60% of virus release within 120 h, the total releasing time of which was longer than 240 h. The microspheres were confirmed to be non-toxic with blank microspheres. Infected HepG2 cells could stably maintain in-vitro expression of TIMP-1, with significantly effects on biological behaviour.

CONCLUSION

PELA microspheres encapsulating a recombinant TIMP-1 adenovirus can markedly inhibit the proliferation of HepG2 cells, which provides an experimental basis for polymer/chemistry-based gene therapy of hepatocellular carcinomas.

Genetics of breast cancer bone metastasis: a sequential multistep pattern

Bone metastasis accounts for the vast majority of breast cancer (BC) metastases, and is related to a high rate of morbidity and mortality. A number of seminal studies have uncovered gene expression signatures involved in BC development and bone metastasis; each of them points at a distinct step of the 'invasion-metastasis cascade'. In this review, we provide most recently discovered functions of sets of genes that are selected from widely accepted gene signatures that are implicate in BC progression and bone metastasis. We propose a possible sequential pattern of gene expression that may lead a benign primary breast tumor to get aggressiveness and progress toward bone metastasis. A panel of genes which primarily deal with features like DNA replication, survival, proliferation, then, angiogenesis, migration, and invasion has been identified. TGF-β, FGF, NFκB, WNT, PI3K, and JAK-STAT signaling pathways, as the key pathways involved in breast cancer development and metastasis, are evidently regulated by several genes in all three signatures. Epithelial to mesenchymal transition that is also an important mechanism in cancer stem cell generation and metastasis is evidently regulated by these genes. This review provides a comprehensive insight regarding breast cancer bone metastasis that may lead to a better understanding of the disease and take step toward better treatments.

Alterations of gene expression and protein synthesis in co-cultured adipose tissue-derived stem cells and squamous cell-carcinoma cells: consequences for clinical applications

Introduction

This is the first study evaluating the interactions of human adipose tissue derived stem cells (ADSCs) and human squamous cell carcinoma cells (SCCs), with regard to a prospective cell-based skin regenerative therapy and a thereby unintended co-localization of ADSCs and SCCs.

Methods

ADSCs were co-cultured with A431-SCCs and primary SCCs (pSCCs) in a transwell system, and cell-cell interactions were analyzed by assessing doubling time, migration and invasion, angiogenesis, quantitative real time PCR of 229 tumor associated genes, and multiplex protein assays of 20 chemokines and growth factors and eight matrix metalloproteinases (MMPS). Results of co-culture were compared to those of the respective mono-culture.

Results

ADSCs’ proliferation on the plate was significantly increased when co-cultured with A431-SCCs (P = 0.038). PSCCs and ADSCs significantly decreased their proliferation in co-culture if cultured on the plate (P <0.001 and P = 0.03). The migration of pSCC was significantly increased in co-culture (P = 0.009), as well as that of ADSCs in A431-SCC-co-culture (P = 0.012). The invasive behavior of pSCCs and A431-SCCs was significantly increased in co-culture by a mean of 33% and 35%, respectively (P = 0.038 and P <0.001). Furthermore, conditioned media from co-cultured ADSC-A431-SCCs and co-cultured ADSCs-pSCCs induced tube formation in an angiogenesis assay in vitro.

In A431-SCC-co-culture 36 genes were up- and 6 were down-regulated in ADSCs, in A431-SCCs 14 genes were up- and 8 genes were down-regulated. In pSCCs-co-culture 36 genes were up-regulated in ADSCs, two were down-regulated, one gene was up-regulated in pSCC, and three genes were down-regulated. Protein expression analysis revealed that three proteins were exclusively produced in co-culture (CXCL9, IL-1b, and MMP-7). In A431-SCC-co-culture the concentration of 17 proteins was significantly increased compared to the ADSCs mono-culture (2.8- to 357-fold), and 15 proteins were expressed more highly (2.8- to 1,527-fold) compared to the A431-SCCs mono-culture. In pSCC-co-culture the concentration of 10 proteins was increased compared to ADSCs-mono-culture (2.5- to 77-fold) and that of 15 proteins was increased compared to pSCC mono-culture (2.6- to 480-fold).

Conclusions

This is the first study evaluating the possible interactions of primary human ADSCs with human SCCs, pointing towards a doubtlessly increased oncological risk, which should not be neglected when considering a clinical use of isolated human ADSCs in skin regenerative therapies.

The CCN family proteins: modulators of bone development and novel targets in bone-associated tumors

The CCN family of proteins is composed of six extracellular matrix-associated proteins that play crucial roles in skeletal development, wound healing, fibrosis, and cancer. Members of the CCN family share four conserved cysteine-rich modular domains that trigger signal transduction in cell adhesion, migration, proliferation, differentiation, and survival through direct binding to specific integrin receptors and heparan sulfate proteoglycans. In the present review, we discuss the roles of the CCN family proteins in regulating resident cells of the bone microenvironment. In vertebrate development, the CCN family plays a critical role in osteo/chondrogenesis and vasculo/angiogenesis. These effects are regulated through signaling via integrins, bone morphogenetic protein, vascular endothelial growth factor, Wnt, and Notch via direct binding to CCN family proteins. Due to the important roles of CCN family proteins in skeletal development, abnormal expression of CCN proteins is related to the tumorigenesis of primary bone tumors such as osteosarcoma, Ewing sarcoma, and chondrosarcoma. Additionally, emerging studies have suggested that CCN proteins may affect progression of secondary metastatic bone tumors by moderating the bone microenvironment. CCN proteins could therefore serve as potential therapeutic targets for drug development against primary and metastatic bone tumors.

Novel strategies for the treatment of chondrosarcomas: targeting integrins

Chondrosarcomas are a heterogeneous group of malignant bone tumors that are characterized by the production of cartilaginous extracellular matrix. They are the second most frequently occurring type of bone malignancy. Surgical resection remains the primary mode of treatment for chondrosarcomas, since conventional chemotherapy and radiotherapy are largely ineffective. Treatment of patients with high-grade chondrosarcomas is particularly challenging, owing to the lack of effective adjuvant therapies. Integrins are cell surface adhesion molecules that regulate a variety of cellular functions. They have been implicated in the initiation, progression, and metastasis of solid tumors. Deregulation of integrin expression and/or signaling has been identified in many chondrosarcomas. Therefore, the development of new drugs that can selectively target regulators of integrin gene expression and ligand-integrin signaling might hold great promise for the treatment of these cancers. In this review, we provide an overview of the current understanding of how growth factors, chemokines/cytokines, and other inflammation-related molecules can control the expression of specific integrins to promote cell migration. We also review the roles of specific subtypes of integrins and their signaling mechanisms, and discuss how these might be involved in tumor growth and metastasis. Finally, novel therapeutic strategies for targeting these molecules will be discussed.

Apoptosis signal-regulating kinase 1 is involved in WISP-1-promoted cell motility in human oral squamous cell carcinoma cells

Oral squamous cell carcinoma (OSCC) has a tendency to migrate and metastasize. WNT1-inducible signaling pathway protein 1 (WISP-1) is a cysteine-rich protein that belongs to the Cyr61, CTGF, Nov (CCN) family of matrix cellular proteins. The effect of WISP-1 on human OSCC cells, however, is unknown. Here, we showed that WISP-1 increased cell migration and intercellular adhesion molecule-1 (ICAM-1) expression in OSCC cells. Pretreatment of cells with integrin αvβ3 monoclonal antibody (mAb) significantly abolished WISP-1–induced cell migration and ICAM-1 expression. On the other hand, WISP-1–mediated cell motility and ICAM-1 upregulation were attenuated by ASK1, JNK, and p38 inhibitor. Furthermore, WISP-1 also enhanced activator protein 1 (AP-1) activation, and the integrin αvβ3 mAb, and ASK1, JNK, and p38 inhibitors reduced WISP-1–mediated AP-1 activation. Moreover, WISP-1 and ICAM-1 expression correlated with the tumor stage of patients with OSCC. Our results indicate that WISP-1 enhances the migration of OSCC cells by increasing ICAM-1 expression through the αvβ3 integrin receptor and the ASK1, JNK/p38, and AP-1 signal transduction pathways.

The regulation and function of the NUAK family

AMP-activated protein kinase (AMPK) is a critical regulator of cellular and whole-body energy homeostasis. Twelve AMPK-related kinases (ARKs; BRSK1, BRSK2, NUAK1, NUAK2, QIK, QSK, SIK, MARK1, MARK2, MARK3, MARK4, and MELK) have been identified recently. These kinases show a similar structural organization, including an N-terminal catalytic domain, followed by a ubiquitin-associated domain and a C-terminal spacer sequence, which in some cases also contains a kinase-associated domain 1. Eleven of the ARKs are phosphorylated and activated by the master upstream kinase liver kinase B1. However, most of these ARKs are largely unknown, and the NUAK family seems to have different regulations and functions. This review contains a brief discussion of the NUAK family including the specific characteristics of NUAK1 and NUAK2.

AMP-activated protein kinase activation mediates CCL3-induced cell migration and matrix metalloproteinase-2 expression in human chondrosarcoma

Chemokine (C-C motif) ligand 3 (CCL3), also known as macrophage inflammatory protein-1α, is a cytokine involved in inflammation and activation of polymorphonuclear leukocytes. CCL3 has been detected in infiltrating cells and tumor cells. Chondrosarcoma is a highly malignant tumor that causes distant metastasis. However, the effect of CCL3 on human chondrosarcoma metastasis is still unknown. Here, we found that CCL3 increased cellular migration and expression of matrix metalloproteinase (MMP)-2 in human chondrosarcoma cells. Pre-treatment of cells with the MMP-2 inhibitor or transfection with MMP-2 specific siRNA abolished CCL3-induced cell migration. CCL3 has been reported to exert its effects through activation of its specific receptor, CC chemokine receptor 5 (CCR5). The CCR5 and AMP-activated protein kinase (AMPK) inhibitor or siRNA also attenuated CCL3-upregulated cell motility and MMP-2 expression. CCL3-induced expression of MMP-2 and migration were also inhibited by specific inhibitors, and inactive mutants of AMPK, p38 mitogen activated protein kinase (p38 or p38-MAPK), and nuclear factor κB (NF-κB) cascades. On the other hand, CCL3 treatment demonstrably activated AMPK, p38, and NF-κB signaling pathways. Furthermore, the expression levels of CCL3, CCR5, and MMP-2 were correlated in human chondrosarcoma specimens. Taken together, our results indicate that CCL3 enhances the migratory ability of human chondrosarcoma cells by increasing MMP-2 expression via the CCR5, AMPK, p38, and NF-κB pathways.

WISP1/CCN4: a potential target for inhibiting prostate cancer growth and spread to bone

Prostate cancer (PC) is a leading cause of death in men however the factors that regulate its progression and eventual metastasis to bone remain unclear. Here we show that WISP1/CCN4 expression in prostate cancer tissues was up-regulated in early stages of the disease and, further, that it correlated with increased circulating levels of WISP1 in the sera of patients at early stages of the disease. WISP1 was also elevated in the mouse prostate cancer model TRAMP in the hypoplastic diseased tissue that develops prior to advanced carcinoma formation. When the ability of anti-WISP1 antibodies to reduce the spread of PC3-Luc cells to distant sites was tested it showed that twice weekly injections of anti-WISP1 antibodies reduced the number and overall size of distant tumors developed after intracardiac (IC) injection of PC3-Luc cells in mice. The ability of antibodies against WISP1 to inhibit growth of PC3-Luc cancer cells in mice was also evaluated and showed that twice weekly injections of anti-WISP1 antibodies reduced local tumor growth when examined in xenografts. To better understand the mechanism of action, the migration of PC3-Luc cells through membranes with or without a Matrigel™ barrier showed the cells were attracted to WISP1, and that this attraction was inhibited by treatment with anti-WISP1 antibodies. We also show the expression of WISP1 at the bone-tumor interface and in the stroma of early grade cancers suggested WISP1 expression is well placed to play roles in both fostering growth of the cancer and its spread to bone. In summary, the up-regulation of WISP1 in the early stages of cancer development coupled with its ability to inhibit spread and growth of prostate cancer cells makes it both a potential target and an accessible diagnostic marker for prostate cancer.

Apoptosis signal-regulating kinase 1 is involved in brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF)-enhanced cell motility and matrix metalloproteinase 1 expression in human chondrosarcoma cells

Chondrosarcoma is the primary malignancy of bone that is characterized by a potent capacity to invade locally and cause distant metastasis, and is therefore associated with poor prognoses. Chondrosarcoma further shows a predilection for metastasis to the lungs. The brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF) is a small molecule in the neurotrophin family of growth factors that is associated with the disease status and outcome of cancers. However, the effect of BDNF on cell motility in human chondrosarcoma cells is mostly unknown. Here, we found that human chondrosarcoma cell lines had significantly higher cell motility and BDNF expression compared to normal chondrocytes. We also found that BDNF increased cell motility and expression of matrix metalloproteinase-1 (MMP-1) in human chondrosarcoma cells. BDNF-mediated cell motility and MMP-1 up-regulation were attenuated by Trk inhibitor (K252a), ASK1 inhibitor (thioredoxin), JNK inhibitor (SP600125), and p38 inhibitor (SB203580). Furthermore, BDNF also promoted Sp1 activation. Our results indicate that BDNF enhances the migration and invasion activity of chondrosarcoma cells by increasing MMP-1 expression through a signal transduction pathway that involves the TrkB receptor, ASK1, JNK/p38, and Sp1. BDNF thus represents a promising new target for treating chondrosarcoma metastasis.

Gene expression patterns of hemizygous and heterozygous KIT mutations suggest distinct oncogenic pathways: a study in NIH3T3 cell lines and GIST samples

Objective

Most gain of function mutations of tyrosine kinase receptors in human tumours are hemizygous. Gastrointestinal stromal tumours (GIST) with homozygous mutations have a worse prognosis. We aimed to identify genes differentially regulated by hemizygous and heterozygous KIT mutations.

Materials and Methods

Expression of 94 genes and 384 miRNA was analysed with low density arrays in five NIH3T3 cell lines expressing the full-length human KIT cDNA wild-type (WT), hemizygous KIT mutation with del557-558 (D6) or del564-581 (D54) and heterozygous WT/D6 or WT/D54. Expression of 5 of these genes and 384 miRNA was then analysed in GISTs samples.

Results

Unsupervised and supervised hierarchical clustering of the mRNA and miRNA profiles showed that heterozygous mutants clustered with KIT WT expressing cells while hemizygous mutants were distinct. Among hemizygous cells, D6 and D54 expressing cells clustered separately. Most deregulated genes have been reported as potentially implicated in cancer and severals, as ANXA8 and FBN1, are highlighted by both, mRNA and miRNA analyses. MiRNA and mRNA analyses in GISTs samples confirmed that their expressions varied according to the mutation of the alleles. Interestingly, RGS16, a membrane protein of the regulator of G protein family, correlate with the subcellular localization of KIT mutants and might be responsible for regulation of the PI3K/AKT signalling pathway.

Conclusion

Patterns of mRNA and miRNA expression in cells and tumours depend on heterozygous/hemizygous status of KIT mutations, and deletion/presence of TYR568 & TYR570 residues. Thus each mutation of KIT may drive specific oncogenic pathways.

Role of β-catenin-regulated CCN matricellular proteins in epithelial repair after inflammatory lung injury

Repair of the lung epithelium after injury is integral to the pathogenesis and outcomes of diverse inflammatory lung diseases. We previously reported that β-catenin signaling promotes epithelial repair after inflammatory injury, but the β-catenin target genes that mediate this effect are unknown. Herein, we examined which β-catenin transcriptional coactivators and target genes promote epithelial repair after inflammatory injury. Transmigration of human neutrophils across cultured monolayers of human lung epithelial cells resulted in a fall in transepithelial resistance and the formation of discrete areas of epithelial denudation ("microinjury"), which repaired via cell spreading by 96 h. In mice treated with intratracheal (i.t.) LPS or keratinocyte chemokine, neutrophil emigration was associated with increased permeability of the lung epithelium, as determined by increased bronchoalveolar lavage (BAL) fluid albumin concentration, which decreased over 3-6 days. Activation of β-catenin/p300-dependent gene expression using the compound ICG-001 accelerated epithelial repair in vitro and in murine models. Neutrophil transmigration induced epithelial expression of the β-catenin/p300 target genes Wnt-induced secreted protein (WISP) 1 and cysteine-rich (Cyr) 61, as determined by real-time PCR (qPCR) and immunostaining. Purified neutrophil elastase induced WISP1 upregulation in lung epithelial cells, as determined by qPCR. WISP1 expression increased in murine lungs after i.t. LPS, as determined by ELISA of the BAL fluid and qPCR of whole lung extracts. Finally, recombinant WISP1 and Cyr61 accelerated repair, and Cyr61-neutralizing antibodies delayed repair of the injured epithelium in vitro. We conclude that β-catenin/p300-dependent expression of WISP1 and Cyr61 is critical for epithelial repair and represents a potential therapeutic target to promote epithelial repair after inflammatory injury.

HGF and c-Met interaction promotes migration in human chondrosarcoma cells

Chondrosarcoma is a type of highly malignant tumor with a potent capacity for local invasion and causing distant metastasis. Chondrosarcoma shows a predilection for metastasis to the lungs. Hepatocyte growth factor (HGF) has been demonstrated to stimulate cancer proliferation, migration, and metastasis. However, the effect of HGF on migration activity of human chondrosarcoma cells is not well known. Here, we found that human chondrosarcoma tissues demonstrated significant expression of HGF, which was higher than that in normal cartilage. We also found that HGF increased the migration and expression of matrix metalloproteinase (MMP)-2 in human chondrosarcoma cells. c-Met inhibitor and siRNA reduced HGF-increased cell migration and MMP-2 expression. HGF treatment resulted in activation of the phosphatidylinositol 3'-kinase (PI3K)/Akt/PKCδ/NF-κB pathway, and HGF-induced expression of MMP-2 and cell migration was inhibited by specific inhibitors or siRNA-knockdown of PI3K, Akt, PKCδ, and NF-κB cascades. Taken together, our results indicated that HGF enhances migration of chondrosarcoma cells by increasing MMP-2 expression through the c-Met receptor/PI3K/Akt/PKCδ/NF-κB signal transduction pathway.

WISP1 (CCN4) autoregulates its expression and nuclear trafficking of β-catenin during oxidant stress with limited effects upon neuronal autophagy

Wnt1 inducible signaling pathway protein 1 (WISP1/CCN4) is a CCN family member more broadly identified with development and tumorigenesis. However, recent studies have shed new light and enthusiasm on WISP1 as a novel target directed against toxic cell degeneration. Here we show WISP1 prevents apoptotic degeneration in primary neurons during oxidant stress through the activation of protein kinase B (Akt1), the post-translational maintenance of β-catenin integrity that is consistent with inhibition of glycogen synthase kinase-3β (GSK-3β), and the subcellular trafficking of β- catenin to foster its translocation to the nucleus. Interestingly, WISP1 autoregulates its expression through the promotion of β-catenin activity and may employ β-catenin to have a limited control over autophagy, but neuronal injury during oxidant stress as a result of autophagy appears portioned to a small population of neurons without significant impact upon overall cell survival. New strategies that target WISP1, its autoregulation, and the pathways responsible for neuronal cell injury may bring forth new insight for the treatment of neurodegenerative disorders.

Chemotherapeutic agents enhance cell migration and epithelial-to-mesenchymal transition through transient up-regulation of tNOX (ENOX2) protein

BACKGROUND

Tumor-associated NADH oxidase (tNOX; ENOX2) is a growth-related protein expressed in transformed cells. High concentrations of numerous chemotherapeutic agents have shown to inhibit tNOX activity and protein levels leading to a reduction in cell growth while little is known for the effects of low concentrations of chemotherapeutic agents on tNOX expression.

METHODS

Effects of chemotherapeutic agents on cell function were evaluated with traditional in vitro assays and the xCELLigence System. Western blot analyses were used to study protein expression profiles of the epithelial-to-mesenchymal transition.

RESULTS

We showed that doxorubicin treatment transiently up-regulates tNOX expression in human lung carcinoma A549 cells in association with enhanced cell migration. Similar results were observed in tamoxifen-exposed A549 cells. Furthermore, protein marker analyses revealed that the enhanced migration induced by tamoxifen was correlated with epithelial-to-mesenchymal transition, as evidenced by down-regulation of epithelial markers and up-regulation of mesenchymal markers. Importantly, tNOX overexpression enhanced cell migration, confirming the essential role of tNOX in cell migration.

CONCLUSIONS

Based on these findings, we conclude that doxorubicin and tamoxifen induce a transient up-regulation of tNOX expression, leading to enhanced cell migration and EMT.

GENERAL SIGNIFICANCE

These findings establish an essential role for tNOX in cell migration and survival and may provide a rational framework for the further development of tNOX inhibitors as a novel class of antitumor agents.