Extracellular matrix protein ITGBL1 promotes ovarian cancer cell migration and adhesion through Wnt/PCP signaling and FAK/SRC pathway

Defining the Role of Metastasis-Initiating Cells in Promoting Carcinogenesis in Ovarian Cancer

Ovarian cancer is the deadliest gynecological malignancy with a high prevalence of transcoelomic metastasis. Metastasis is a multi-step process and only a small percentage of cancer cells, metastasis-initiating cells (MICs), have the capacity to finally establish metastatic lesions. These MICs maintain a certain level of stemness that allows them to differentiate into other cell types with distinct transcriptomic profiles and swiftly adapt to external stresses. Furthermore, they can coordinate with the microenvironment, through reciprocal interactions, to invade and establish metastases. Therefore, identifying, characterizing, and targeting MICs is a promising strategy to counter the spread of ovarian cancer. In this review, we provided an overview of OC MICs in the context of characterization, identification through cell surface markers, and their interactions with the metastatic niche to promote metastatic colonization.

Uncovering the immune microenvironment and molecular subtypes of hepatitis B-related liver cirrhosis and developing stable a diagnostic differential model by machine learning and artificial neural networks

Background: Hepatitis B-related liver cirrhosis (HBV-LC) is a common clinical disease that evolves from chronic hepatitis B (CHB). The development of cirrhosis can be suppressed by pharmacological treatment. When CHB progresses to HBV-LC, the patient's quality of life decreases dramatically and drug therapy is ineffective. Liver transplantation is the most effective treatment, but the lack of donor required for transplantation, the high cost of the procedure and post-transplant rejection make this method unsuitable for most patients. Methods: The aim of this study was to find potential diagnostic biomarkers associated with HBV-LC by bioinformatics analysis and to classify HBV-LC into specific subtypes by consensus clustering. This will provide a new perspective for early diagnosis, clinical treatment and prevention of HCC in HBV-LC patients. Two study-relevant datasets, GSE114783 and GSE84044, were retrieved from the GEO database. We screened HBV-LC for feature genes using differential analysis, weighted gene co-expression network analysis (WGCNA), and three machine learning algorithms including least absolute shrinkage and selection operator (LASSO), support vector machine recursive feature elimination (SVM-RFE), and random forest (RF) for a total of five methods. After that, we constructed an artificial neural network (ANN) model. A cohort consisting of GSE123932, GSE121248 and GSE119322 was used for external validation. To better predict the risk of HBV-LC development, we also built a nomogram model. And multiple enrichment analyses of genes and samples were performed to understand the biological processes in which they were significantly enriched. And the different subtypes of HBV-LC were analyzed using the Immune infiltration approach. Results: Using the data downloaded from GEO, we developed an ANN model and nomogram based on six feature genes. And consensus clustering of HBV-LC classified them into two subtypes, C1 and C2, and it was hypothesized that patients with subtype C2 might have milder clinical symptoms by immune infiltration analysis. Conclusion: The ANN model and column line graphs constructed with six feature genes showed excellent predictive power, providing a new perspective for early diagnosis and possible treatment of HBV-LC. The delineation of HBV-LC subtypes will facilitate the development of future clinical treatment of HBV-LC.

A comprehensive analysis of potential gastric cancer prognostic biomarker ITGBL1 associated with immune infiltration and epithelial-mesenchymal transition

Background

Integrin, beta-like 1 (ITGBL1) is involved in a variety of human malignancies. However, the information on the involvement of ITGBL1 in gastric carcinoma (GC) is limited. Hence, this study aimed further to explore the functions and mechanisms of ITGBL1 in GC.

Methods

First, multiple bioinformatics databases, including Oncomine, Tumor Immune Estimation Resource, UALCAN, and Kaplan–Meier Plotter, were used to predict the expression level and prognostic value of ITGBL1, as well as its association with immune infiltration and epithelial–mesenchymal transition (EMT) in GC. Quantitative reverse transcription–polymerase chain reaction and immunohistochemical analysis were used to detect the expression of ITGBL1 in both GC tissues and cells. Then, targeted silencing of ITGBL1 in GC cells was further used to examine the biological functions of ITGBL1.

Results

These databases revealed that ITGBL1 was overexpressed and affected the overall survival in GC. Besides, the expression of ITGBL1 positively correlated with immune-infiltrating cells and EMT-related markers. Subsequently, molecular biology experiments verified these predictions. In GC tissues and cells, ITGBL1 was notably overexpressed. Loss-of-function studies showed that the knockdown of ITGBL1 significantly suppressed migration and invasion but promoted apoptosis in MGC803 GC cells. Furthermore, the inhibition of ITGBL1 resulted in remarkably increased protein expression levels of cadherin 1, while the expression of Vimentin, Snail, and transforming growth factor-β1 was downregulated, indicating the initiation and progression of GC caused by ITGBL1 partly via inducing EMT.

Conclusions

To sum up, the findings indicated that ITGBL1 acted as a valuable oncogenic factor in GC.

Integrin β-like 1 protein (ITGBL1) promotes cell migration by preferentially inhibiting integrin-ECM binding at the trailing edge

Background

Cell migration is a basic cellular behavior involved in multiple phenomena in the human body such as embryonic development, wound healing, immune reactions, and cancer metastasis. For proper cell migration, integrin and the ECM binding complex must be disassembled for the retraction of trailing edges.

Objective

Integrin must be differentially regulated at leading edges or trailing edges during cell migration. Previously, we showed that ITGBL1 was a secreted protein and inhibits integrin activity. Therefore, we examined the function of ITGBL1 on the retraction of trailing edges during cell migration.

Methods

To examined the function of ITGBL1 on cell migration, we knocked-down or overexpressed ITGBL1 by using ITGBL1 siRNA or ITGBL1 plasmid DNA in human chondrocytes or ATDC5 cells. We then characterized cellular migration and directionality by performing wound healing assays. Also, to analyze leading-edge formation and trailing-edge retraction, we labeled cell membranes with membrane-GFP and performed live imaging of migrating cells and. Finally, we specifically detected active forms of integrin, FAK and Vinculin using specific antibodies upon ITGBL1 depletion or overexpression.

Result

In this study, ITGBL1 preferentially inhibited integrin activity at the trailing edges to promote cell migration. ITGBL1-depleted cells showed increased focal adhesions at the membranous traces of trailing edges to prevent the retraction of trailing edges. In contrast, overexpression of ITGBL1 upregulated directional cell migration by promoting focal adhesion disassembly at the trailing edges.

Conclusion

ITGBL1 facilitates directional cell migration by promoting disassembly of the trailing edge focal adhesion complex.

Supplementary Information

The online version contains supplementary material available at 10.1007/s13258-021-01204-x.

Screening differentially expressed genes between endometriosis and ovarian cancer to find new biomarkers for endometriosis

AIM

Endometriosis is one of the most common reproductive system diseases, but the mechanisms of disease progression are still unclear. Due to its high recurrence rate, searching for potential therapeutic biomarkers involved in the pathogenesis of endometriosis is an urgent issue.

METHODS

Due to the similarities between endometriosis and ovarian cancer, four endometriosis datasets and one ovarian cancer dataset were downloaded from Gene Expression Omnibus (GEO) database. Differentially expressed genes (DEGs) were identified, followed by gene ontology (GO), Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genomes (KEGG) pathway and protein-protein interaction (PPI) analyses. Then, we validated gene expression and performed survival analysis with ovarian serous cystadenocarcinoma (OV) datasets in TCGA/GTEx database, and searched for potential drugs in the Drug-Gene Interaction Database. Finally, we explored the miRNAs of key genes to find biomarkers associated with the recurrence of endometriosis.

RESULTS

In total, 104 DEGs were identified in the endometriosis datasets, and the main enriched GO functions included cell adhesion, extracellular exosome and actin binding. Fifty DEGs were identified between endometriosis and ovarian cancer datasets including 11 consistently regulated genes, and nine DEGs with significant expression in TCGA/GTEx. Only IGHM had both significant expression and an association with survival, three module DEGs and two significantly expressed DEGs had drug associations, and 10 DEGs had druggability.

CONCLUSIONS

ITGA7, ITGBL1 and SORBS1 may help us understand the invasive nature of endometriosis, and IGHM might be related to recurrence; moreover, these genes all may be potential therapeutic targets.KEY MESSAGEThis manuscript used a bioinformatics approach to find target genes for the treatment of endometriosis.This manuscript used a new approach to find target genes by drawing on common characteristics between ovarian cancer and endometriosis.We screened relevant therapeutic agents for target genes in the drug database, and performed histological validation of target genes with both expression and survival analysis difference in cancer databases.

Serum Levels of ITGBL1 as an Early Diagnostic Biomarker for Hepatocellular Carcinoma with Hepatitis B Virus Infection

Purpose

Early diagnostic biomarkers of hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) are needed to distinguish hepatitis B virus (HBV) associated HCC (HBV-HCC) patients from at-risk patients. We assessed the diagnostic values of serum Integrin beta-like 1 (ITGBL1) for early-stage HBV-HCC.

Patients and Methods

We recruited 716 participators including 299 in the training and 417 in the validation stage, (HBV-HCC, chronic hepatitis B (CHB), HBV‐related liver cirrhosis (HBV-LC), and healthy controls) between 2017 and 2020 from three centers. Serum ITGBL1 was measured by ELISA. Receiver operating characteristic (ROC) was used to calculate diagnostic accuracy.

Results

The serum levels of ITGBL1 in HBV-HCC patients were significantly lower than those in CHB and HBV-LC patients. This result was confirmed in the follow-up patients who progressed from HBV-LC to HCC. The optimum diagnostic cutoff value of serum ITGBL1 was 47.93ng/mL for detection of early-stage HBV-HCC. The serum ITGBL1 has higher diagnostic accuracy than AFP20 in differentiating the early-stage HBV-HCC from the at-risk patients (area under curve [AUC] 0.787 vs 0.638, p<0.05). For AFP-negative (<20ng/mL) HBV-HCC patients, serum ITGBL1 maintained diagnostic accuracy (training cohort: AUC 0.756, 95% confidence interval [CI] 0.683–0.819, sensitivity 68.18%, and specificity 68.85%; validation cohort: 0.744, 0.686–0.796, 81.13%, and 55.88%). Combination ITGBL1 with AFP20 significantly increased diagnostic accuracy in differentiating the HBV-HCC from at-risk patients (AUC 0.840; 0.868) than ITGBL1 (AUC 0.773, p<0.05; 0.732, p<0.0001) or AFP20 (AUC 0.705, p<0.0001; 0.773, p<0.0001) alone.

Conclusion

The serum level of ITGBL1 improved identification of AFP-negative HBV-HCC patients, and increased diagnostic accuracy with AFP20 together in the early detection of HBV-HCC.

Collagen molecular phenotypic switch between non-neoplastic and neoplastic canine mammary tissues

In spite of major advances over the past several decades in diagnosis and treatment, breast cancer remains a global cause of morbidity and premature death for both human and veterinary patients. Due to multiple shared clinicopathological features, dogs provide an excellent model of human breast cancer, thus, a comparative oncology approach may advance our understanding of breast cancer biology and improve patient outcomes. Despite an increasing awareness of the critical role of fibrillar collagens in breast cancer biology, tumor-permissive collagen features are still ill-defined. Here, we characterize the molecular and morphological phenotypes of type I collagen in canine mammary gland tumors. Canine mammary carcinoma samples contained longer collagen fibers as well as a greater population of wider fibers compared to non-neoplastic and adenoma samples. Furthermore, the total number of collagen cross-links enriched in the stable hydroxylysine-aldehyde derived cross-links was significantly increased in neoplastic mammary gland samples compared to non-neoplastic mammary gland tissue. The mass spectrometric analyses of type I collagen revealed that in malignant mammary tumor samples, lysine residues, in particular those in the telopeptides, were markedly over-hydroxylated in comparison to non-neoplastic mammary tissue. The extent of glycosylation of hydroxylysine residues was comparable among the groups. Consistent with these data, expression levels of genes encoding lysyl hydroxylase 2 (LH2) and its molecular chaperone FK506-binding protein 65 were both significantly increased in neoplastic samples. These alterations likely lead to an increase in the LH2-mediated stable collagen cross-links in mammary carcinoma that may promote tumor cell metastasis in these patients.

Hypoxia-induced PLOD1 overexpression contributes to the malignant phenotype of glioblastoma via NF-κB signaling

Procollagen lysyl hydroxylase 1 (PLOD1) is highly expressed in malignant tumors such as esophageal squamous cell carcinoma, gastric cancer, and colorectal cancer. Bioinformatics analysis revealed that PLOD1 is associated with the progression of GBM, particularly the most malignant mesenchymal subtype (MES). Moreover, in the TCGA and CGGA datasets, the mean survival time of patients with high PLOD1 expression was significantly shorter than that of patients with low expression. The clinical samples confirmed this result. Therefore, we aimed to investigate the effect of PLOD1 on the development of mesenchymal GBM in vitro and in vivo and its possible mechanisms. Molecular experiments were conducted on the patient-derived glioma stem cells and found that PLOD1 expressed higher in tumor tissues and cancer cell lines of patients with GBM, especially in the MES. PLOD1 also enhanced tumor viability, proliferation, migration, and promoted MES transition while inhibited apoptosis. Tumor xenograft results also indicated that PLOD1 overexpression significantly promotes malignant behavior of tumors. Mechanistically, bioinformatics analysis further revealed that PLOD1 expression was closely associated with the NF-κB signaling pathway. Besides, we also found that hypoxic environments also enhanced the tumor-promoting effects of PLOD1. In conclusion, overexpression of PLOD1 may be an important factor in the enhanced invasiveness and MES transition of GBM. Thus, PLOD1 is a potential treatment target for mesenchymal GBM or even all GBM.

The Crosstalk between FAK and Wnt Signaling Pathways in Cancer and Its Therapeutic Implication

Focal adhesion kinase (FAK) and Wnt signaling pathways are important contributors to tumorigenesis in several cancers. While most results come from studies investigating these pathways individually, there is increasing evidence of a functional crosstalk between both signaling pathways during development and tumor progression. A number of FAK-Wnt interactions are described, suggesting an intricate, context-specific, and cell type-dependent relationship. During development for instance, FAK acts mainly upstream of Wnt signaling; and although in intestinal homeostasis and mucosal regeneration Wnt seems to function upstream of FAK signaling, FAK activates the Wnt/β-catenin signaling pathway during APC-driven intestinal tumorigenesis. In breast, lung, and pancreatic cancers, FAK is reported to modulate the Wnt signaling pathway, while in prostate cancer, FAK is downstream of Wnt. In malignant mesothelioma, FAK and Wnt show an antagonistic relationship: Inhibiting FAK signaling activates the Wnt pathway and vice versa. As the identification of effective Wnt inhibitors to translate in the clinical setting remains an outstanding challenge, further understanding of the functional interaction between Wnt and FAK could reveal new therapeutic opportunities and approaches greatly needed in clinical oncology. In this review, we summarize some of the most relevant interactions between FAK and Wnt in different cancers, address the current landscape of Wnt- and FAK-targeted therapies in different clinical trials, and discuss the rationale for targeting the FAK-Wnt crosstalk, along with the possible translational implications.

The Wnt Signalling Pathway: A Tailored Target in Cancer

Cancer is one of the greatest public health challenges. According to the World Health Organization (WHO), 9.6 million cancer deaths have been reported in 2018. The most common cancers include lung, breast, colorectal, prostate, skin (non-melanoma) and stomach cancer. The unbalance of physiological signalling pathways due to the acquisition of mutations in tumour cells is considered the most common cancer driver. The Wingless-related integration site (Wnt)/β-catenin pathway is crucial for tissue development and homeostasis in all animal species and its dysregulation is one of the most relevant events linked to cancer development and dissemination. The canonical and the non-canonical Wnt/β-catenin pathways are known to control both physiological and pathological processes, including cancer. Herein, the impact of the Wnt/β-catenin cascade in driving cancers from different origin has been examined. Finally, based on the impact of Extracellular Vesicles (EVs) on tumour growth, invasion and chemoresistance, and their role as tumour diagnostic and prognostic tools, an overview of the current knowledge linking EVs to the Wnt/β-catenin pathway is also discussed.

Evaluation of the Role of ITGBL1 in Ovarian Cancer

In our previous microarray study we identified two subgroups of high-grade serous ovarian cancers with distinct gene expression and survival. Among differentially expressed genes was an Integrin beta-like 1 (ITGBL1), coding for a poorly characterized protein comprised of ten EGF-like repeats. Here, we have analyzed the influence of ITGBL1 on the phenotype of ovarian cancer (OC) cells. We analyzed expression of four putative ITGBL1 mRNA isoforms in five OC cell lines. OAW42 and SKOV3, having the lowest level of any ITGBL1 mRNA, were chosen to produce ITGBL1-overexpressing variants. In these cells, abundant ITGBL1 mRNA expression could be detected by RT-PCR. Immunodetection was successful only in the culture media, suggesting that ITGBL1 is efficiently secreted. We found that ITGBL1 overexpression affected cellular adhesion, migration and invasiveness, while it had no effect on proliferation rate and the cell cycle. ITGBL1-overexpressing cells were significantly more resistant to cisplatin and paclitaxel, major drugs used in OC treatment. Global gene expression analysis revealed that signaling pathways affected by ITGBL1 overexpression were mostly those related to extracellular matrix organization and function, integrin signaling, focal adhesion, cellular communication and motility; these results were consistent with the findings of our functional studies. Overall, our results indicate that higher expression of ITGBL1 in OC is associated with features that may worsen clinical course of the disease.

ITGBL1 promotes cell migration and invasion through stimulating the TGF-β signalling pathway in hepatocellular carcinoma

Objectives

Integrin beta‐like 1 (ITGBL1) is involved in the migration and invasion of several cancers; however, its roles in the development and progression of hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) remain largely unknown.

Materials and methods

Immunohistochemistry staining was used to investigate the expression pattern of ITGBL1 and its prognostic values in HCC patients. The transwell, wound‐healing assays, xenograft and orthotopic mouse models were employed to determine the effects of ITGBL1 on HCC cell migration and invasion in vitro and in vivo. The biological mechanisms involved in cell migration and invasion caused by ITGBL1 were determined with Western blotting and RT‐PCR methods.

Results

ITGBL1 expression was significantly increased in HCC tissues compared to adjacent normal tissues. Patients with higher ITGBL1 expression were associated with more reduced overall survival. ITGBL1 overexpression promoted migration and invasion in SMMC‐7721 and HepG2 cells in vitro and in vivo, whereas knockdown or knockout ITGBL1 in CSQT‐2 cells significantly reduced cell migration and invasion abilities. In SMMC‐7721 cells, ITGBL1 overexpression stimulated TGF‐β/Smads signalling pathway, along with the KRT17 and genes involved in the epithelial‐mesenchymal transition (EMT). In contrast, ITGBL1 knockout inhibited the TGF‐β/Smads signalling pathway in CSQT‐2 cells.

Conclusions

These findings suggested that ITGBL1 promoted migration and invasion in HCC cells by stimulating the TGF‐β/Smads signalling pathway. ITGBL1 could be a promising prognostic biomarker, as well as a potential therapeutic target in HCC.

Upregulation of ITGBL1 predicts poor prognosis and promotes chemoresistance in ovarian cancer

BACKGROUND

Ovarian cancer remains one of the most lethal malignancies in women and the unfavorable prognosis and frequent recurrence are mainly due to the chemoresistance. However, the main mechanism underlying chemoresistance is still elusive.

OBJECTIVE

To determine the role and biological function of ITGBL1 in ovarian cancer chemoresistance.

METHODS

Immunohistochemical staining was used to determine the expression of ITGBL1 in ovarian cancer tissues. The association between ITGBL1 expression and clinicopathological features and survival was determined. Functional analysis including cell viability, apoptosis assays were performed after chemo drugs treatment to confirm the role of ITGBL1 in chemoresistance. In vivo tumor growth assay was used to detect the chemosensitivity of tumor cells. Western blot was used to detect the expression of indicated proteins.

RESULTS

We noticed that ITGBL1 expression was significantly upregulated in ovarian cancer tissues compared to that in adjacent non-cancer tissues and high expression of ITGBL1 was significantly associated with lymph node invasion and advanced FIGO stage. More importantly, high ITGBL1 was an independent prognostic factor of ovarian cancer. Further experiments demonstrated that ITGBL1 promoted tumor cell resistant to chemo drugs both in vitro and in vivo. Mechanically, we found that ITGBL1 could activate PI3K/Akt signaling and using PI3K/Akt inhibitor could abrogate ITGBL1 induced chemoresistance.

CONCLUSIONS

Our findings indicate that upregulation of ITGBL1 has important clinical significance and drives chemoresistance in ovarian cancer. Detection and depletion of ITGBL1 might be the potential approaches for diagnosis and therapy for ovarian cancer patients.

Regulatory Mechanism of ITGBL1 in the Metastasis of Colorectal Cancer

Integrin, beta-like 1 (ITGBL1) protein is located in the extracellular matrix (ECM) and involved in the development and metastasis of many tumors. However, the regulatory mechanism of ITGBL1 in colorectal cancer (CRC) remains unclear. This study was to analyze the expression profile of CRC and to identify the expression change of ITGBL1 gene at different stages of CRC. Survival analysis showed that ITGBL1 was related to the metastasis of CRC, and CRC patients with a high expression of ITGBL1 had earlier metastasis. Gene Set Enrichment Analysis (GSEA) indicated the relationship between ITGBL1 expression and molecular events of CRC. The results indicated that a high expression of ITGBL1 was linked to Wnt signaling pathway, cell polarity, and tissue development, while a low expression of ITGBL1 was related to cellular respiration, electron transfer chain, and oxidative phosphorylation. With the expression profiles from interstitial and parenchyma CRC tissues, a comparison was made to determine the difference between high/low expression of ITGBL1 and Wnt signaling pathway, respectively, and further confirmed the close relation between ITGBL1 and Wnt signaling pathway. To determine the relation, an interaction network of ITGBL1 and Wnt signaling proteins was constructed. It was found that β-catenin interacted with multiple extracellular Wnt signals and could bind to ITGBL1. As a result, the regulatory mechanism of ITGBL1 in CRC is related to extracellular Wnt signals and may affect extracellular Wnt signals via β-catenin.

Primary tumors release ITGBL1-rich extracellular vesicles to promote distal metastatic tumor growth through fibroblast-niche formation

Tumor metastasis is a hallmark of cancer. Metastatic cancer cells often reside in distal tissues and organs in their dormant state. Mechanisms underlying the pre-metastatic niche formation are poorly understood. Here we show that in a colorectal cancer (CRC) model, primary tumors release integrin beta-like 1 (ITGBL1)-rich extracellular vesicles (EVs) to the circulation to activate resident fibroblasts in remote organs. The activated fibroblasts induce the pre-metastatic niche formation and promote metastatic cancer growth by secreting pro-inflammatory cytokine, such as IL-6 and IL-8. Mechanistically, the primary CRC-derived ITGBL1-enriched EVs stimulate the TNFAIP3-mediated NF-κB signaling pathway to activate fibroblasts. Consequently, the activated fibroblasts produce high levels of pro-inflammatory cytokines to promote metastatic cancer growth. These findings uncover a tumor-stromal interaction in the metastatic tumor microenvironment and an intimate signaling communication between primary tumors and metastases through the ITGBL1-loaded EVs. Targeting the EVs-ITGBL1-CAFs-TNFAIP3-NF-κB signaling axis provides an attractive approach for treating metastatic diseases.

Migration dynamics of ovarian epithelial cells on micro-fabricated image-based models of normal and malignant stroma

A profound remodeling of the collagen in the extracellular matrix (ECM) occurs in human ovarian cancer but it is unknown how this affects migration dynamics and ultimately tumor growth. Here, we investigate the influence of collagen morphology on ovarian cell migration through the use of second harmonic generation (SHG) image-based models of ovarian tumors. The scaffolds are fabricated by multiphoton excited (MPE) polymerization, where the process is akin to 3D printing except it achieves much greater resolution (∼0.5 µm) and utilizes collagen and collagen analogs. We used this technique to create scaffolds with complex 3D submicron features representing the collagen fiber morphology in normal stroma, high risk stroma, benign tumors, and high grade ovarian tumors. We found the highly aligned malignant stromal structure promoted enhanced motility and also increased cell and f-Actin alignment relative to the other tissues. However, using models based on fiber crimping characteristics, we found cells seeded on linear fibers based on normal stromal models yielded the highest degree of alignment but least motility. These results show that both the fiber properties themselves and as well as their overall alignment govern the resulting migration dynamics. These models cannot be synthesized by other conventional fabrication methods and we suggest the MPE image-based fabrication method will enable a variety of studies in cancer biology. STATEMENT OF SIGNIFICANCE: The extracellular matrix collagen in ovarian cancer is highly remodeled but the consequences on cell function remain unknown. It is important to understand the operative cell matrix interactions, as this could lead to better prognostics and better prediction of therapeutic efficacy. We probe migration dynamics using high resolution (∼0.5 µm) multiphoton excited fabrication to synthesize scaffolds whose designs are derived directly from Second Harmonic Generation microscope images of the collagen in normal ovarian tissues as well as benign and malignant tumors. Collectively our results show the importance of the matrix morphology (fiber shape and alignment) on driving cell motility, cell shape and f-Actin alignment. These collagen-based models have complex fiber morphology and cannot be created by conventional fabrication technologies.

ITGBL1 modulates integrin activity to promote cartilage formation and protect against arthritis

Developing and mature chondrocytes constantly interact with and remodel the surrounding extracellular matrix (ECM). Recent research indicates that integrin-ECM interaction is differentially regulated during cartilage formation (chondrogenesis). Integrin signaling is also a key source of the catabolic reactions responsible for joint destruction in both rheumatoid arthritis and osteoarthritis. However, we do not understand how chondrocytes dynamically regulate integrin signaling in such an ECM-rich environment. Here, we found that developing chondrocytes express integrin-β-like 1 (Itgbl1) at specific stages, inhibiting integrin signaling and promoting chondrogenesis. Unlike cytosolic integrin inhibitors, ITGBL1 is secreted and physically interacts with integrins to down-regulate activity. We observed that Itgbl1 expression was strongly reduced in the damaged articular cartilage of patients with osteoarthritis (OA). Ectopic expression of Itgbl1 protected joint cartilage against OA development in the destabilization of the medial meniscus-induced OA mouse model. Our results reveal ITGBL1 signaling as an underlying mechanism of protection against destructive cartilage disorders and suggest the potential therapeutic utility of targeting ITGBL1 to modulate integrin signaling in human disease.

Identification of differentially expressed genes and preliminary validations in cardiac pathological remodeling induced by transverse aortic constriction

Cardiac remodeling predisposes to heart failure if the burden is unresolved, and heart failure is an important cause of mortality in humans. The aim of the present study was to identify the key genes involved in cardiac pathological remodeling induced by pressure overload. Gene expression profiles of the GSE5500, GSE18224, GSE36074 and GSE56348 datasets were downloaded from the Gene Expression Omnibus database. Differentially expressed genes (DEGs), defined as |log2FC|>1 (FC, fold change) and an adjusted P‑value of <0.05, were screened using the R software with the limma package. Gene ontology enrichment analysis was performed and a protein‑protein interaction (PPI) network of the DEGs was constructed. A cardiac remodeling model induced by transverse aortic constriction (TAC) was established. Furthermore, consistent DEGs were further validated using reverse transcription‑quantitative polymerase chain reaction (RT‑PCR) analysis, western blotting and immunohistochemistry in the ventricular tissue samples after TAC or sham operation. A total of 24 common DEGs were identified (23 significantly upregulated and 1 downregulated), of which 9 genes had been previously confirmed to be directly involved in cardiac remodeling. Hence, the level of expression of the other 15 genes was detected in subsequent studies via RT‑PCR. Based on the results of the PPI network analysis and RT‑PCR, we further detected the protein levels of Itgbl1 and Asporin, which were consistent with the results of bioinformatics analysis and RT‑PCR. The expression of Itgbl1, Aspn, Fstl1, Mfap5, Col8a1, Ltbp2, Mfap4, Pamr1, Cnksr1, Aqp8, Meox1, Gdf15 and Srpx was found to be upregulated in a mouse model of cardiac remodeling, while that of Retnla was downregulated. Therefore, the present study identified the key genes implicated in cardiac remodeling, aiming to provide new insight into the underlying mechanism.

ITGBL1 promotes EMT, invasion and migration by activating NF-κB signaling pathway in prostate cancer

Background: Integrin beta-like 1 (ITGBL1) was extensively demonstrated to contribute the metastasis and progression in a variety of cancers. However, its role of ITGBL1 in prostate cancer (PCa) is still not reported.

Methods: Reverse transcription-quantitative polymerase chain reaction (RT-qPCR) and western blot were performed to detect ITGBL1 expression in PCa tissues and cell lines. Immunohistochemical (IHC) staining of ITGBL1 in 174 PCa tissues was performed. The influence of ITGL1 expression in PCa cells epithelial-mesenchymal transition (EMT), migration and invasion was investigated. Notably, the possible mechanisms underlying the action of ITGBL1 in vivo and vitro assays were explored.

Results: We analyzed PCa dataset from The Cancer Genome Atlas (TCGA) and found that ITGBL1 was upregulated in PCa tissues. Overexpression of ITGBL1 is positively associated with the progression and lymph node metastasis in PCa patients. Furthermore, upregulating ITGBL1 enhanced the invasion, migration abilities and EMT in PCa cells. Conversely, downregulating ITGBL1 exhibited an opposite effect. Our findings further demonstrated that ITGBL1 promoted invasion and migration via activating NF-κB signaling in PCa cells.

Conclusion: Therefore, our results identify a novel metastasis-related gene in PCa, which will help to develop a novel therapeutic strategy in metastatic PCa.

Comparative gene array analyses of severe elastic fiber defects in late embryonic and newborn mouse aorta

Elastic fibers provide reversible elasticity to the large arteries and are assembled during development when hemodynamic forces are increasing. Mutations in elastic fiber genes are associated with cardiovascular disease. Mice lacking expression of the elastic fiber genes elastin ( Eln-/-), fibulin-4 ( Efemp2-/-), or lysyl oxidase ( Lox-/-) die at birth with severe cardiovascular malformations. All three genetic knockout models have elastic fiber defects, aortic wall thickening, and arterial tortuosity. However, Eln-/- mice develop arterial stenoses, while Efemp2-/- and Lox-/- mice develop ascending aortic aneurysms. We performed comparative gene array analyses of these three genetic models for two vascular locations and developmental stages to determine differentially expressed genes and pathways that may explain the common and divergent phenotypes. We first examined arterial morphology and wall structure in newborn mice to confirm that the lack of elastin, fibulin-4, or lysyl oxidase expression provided the expected phenotypes. We then compared gene expression levels for each genetic model by three-way ANOVA for genotype, vascular location, and developmental stage. We found three genes upregulated by genotype in all three models, Col8a1, Igfbp2, and Thbs1, indicative of a common response to severe elastic fiber defects in developing mouse aorta. Genes that are differentially regulated by vascular location or developmental stage in all three models suggest mechanisms for location or stage-specific disease pathology. Comparison of signaling pathways enriched in all three models shows upregulation of integrins and matrix proteins involved in early wound healing, but not of mature matrix molecules such as elastic fiber proteins or fibrillar collagens.

Hypermethylation of ITGBL1 is associated with poor prognosis in acute myeloid leukemia

The current study was aimed to investigate integrin beta-like 1 (ITGBL1) methylation pattern and its clinical relevance in patients with acute myeloid leukemia (AML). Real-time methylation-specific polymerase chain reaction (PCR; RQ-MSP) and bisulfite sequencing PCR (BSP) were performed to detect the methylation of ITGBL1 promoter. Real-time quantitative PCR (RT-qPCR) was performed to analyze ITGBL1 transcript level. The results showed that ITGBL1 methylation level in 131 patients with AML was significantly higher than 29 controls (p < 0.001). The ITGBL1-hypermethylated group tended to have a higher bone marrow (BM) blasts ( p = 0.076). Meanwhile, ITGBL1-hypermethylated patients tended to have a lower complete remission (CR) rate ( p = 0.102). ITGBL1-hypermethylated patients had significantly shorter overall survival (OS) and leukemia-free survival (LFS) than ITGBL1 hypomethylated patients in whole AML cohort ( p = 0.009 and 0.043, respectively) and patients with nonacute promyelocytic leukemia (APL ; p = 0.023 and 0.039, respectively). Multivariate analysis confirmed that the ITGBL1 methylation served as an independent prognostic factor in both patients with whole-cohort AML ( p = 0.030) and patients with non-APL ( p = 0.020). Furthermore, the ITGBL1 methylation level was significantly decreased in follow-up AML patients who achieved complete remission after induction therapy ( P = 0.001). ITGBL1 methylation negatively correlated with ITGBL1 expression in patients with AML ( R = -0.328, p = 0.008). Moreover, demethylation of ITGBL1 could increase the ITGBL1 expression in the K562 leukemic cell line ( p < 0.05). In conclusion, the ITGBL1 hypermethylation is a potential biomarker for predicting prognosis and monitoring disease status in patients with AML.

Identification of Potential Key Genes Associated With the Pathogenesis and Prognosis of Gastric Cancer Based on Integrated Bioinformatics Analysis

Background and Objective: Despite striking advances in multimodality management, gastric cancer (GC) remains the third cause of cancer mortality globally and identifying novel diagnostic and prognostic biomarkers is urgently demanded. The study aimed to identify potential key genes associated with the pathogenesis and prognosis of GC.

Methods: Differentially expressed genes between GC and normal gastric tissue samples were screened by an integrated analysis of multiple gene expression profile datasets. Key genes related to the pathogenesis and prognosis of GC were identified by employing protein–protein interaction network and Cox proportional hazards model analyses.

Results: We identified nine hub genes (TOP2A, COL1A1, COL1A2, NDC80, COL3A1, CDKN3, CEP55, TPX2, and TIMP1) which might be tightly correlated with the pathogenesis of GC. A prognostic gene signature consisted of CST2, AADAC, SERPINE1, COL8A1, SMPD3, ASPN, ITGBL1, MAP7D2, and PLEKHS1 was constructed with a good performance in predicting overall survivals.

Conclusion: The findings of this study would provide some directive significance for further investigating the diagnostic and prognostic biomarkers to facilitate the molecular targeting therapy of GC.

Roles of PLODs in Collagen Synthesis and Cancer Progression

Collagen is the major component of extracellular matrix. Collagen cross-link and deposition depend on lysyl hydroxylation, which is catalyzed by procollagen-lysine, 2-oxoglutarate 5-dioxygenase (PLOD). Aberrant lysyl hydroxylation and collagen cross-link contributes to the progression of many collagen-related diseases, such as fibrosis and cancer. Three lysyl hydroxylases (LH1, LH2, and LH3) are identified, encoded by PLOD1, PLOD2, and PLOD3 genes. Expression of PLODs is regulated by multiple cytokines, transcription factors and microRNAs. Dysregulation of PLODs promotes cancer progression and metastasis, suggesting that targeting PLODs is potential strategy for cancer treatment. Here, we summarize the recent progress in the investigation of function and regulation of PLODs in normal tissue development and disease progression, especially in cancer.

ITGBL1 promotes migration, invasion and predicts a poor prognosis in colorectal cancer

Colorectal cancer (CRC) is one of the most common malignancies worldwide; its progression and prognosis are associated with oncogenes. The present study aimed to identify differentially expressed genes (DEGs) and explore the role and potential mechanism of integrin subunit β like 1 (ITGBL1) in CRC. The microarray dataset GSE41258 was used to screen DEGs involved in CRC. Survival analysis was performed to predict the prognosis of CRC patients. To validate ITGBL1 expression, immunohistochemistry, quantitative real-time PCR and western blotting were performed in CRC tissues and cells. Subsequently, the effects of ITGBL1 were evaluated through colony formation, cell proliferation, migration and invasion assays. Finally, we took advantage of Gene Ontology (GO) analysis and Gene Set Enrichment Analysis (GSEA) to explore potential function and mechanism of ITGBL1 in CRC. In our study, 182 primary CRC tissues and 54 normal colon tissues were contained in GSE41258 dataset. A total of 318 DEGs were screened, among which ITGBL1 was found to be significantly up-regulated in CRC, and its high expression was associated with shortened survival of CRC patients. Moreover, knockdown of ITGBL1 promoted CRC cell proliferation, migration and invasion. Finally, GO analysis revealed that ITGBL1 was associated with cell adhesion. GSEA indicated that ITGBL1 was enriched in ECM receptor interaction and focal adhesion. In conclusion, a novel oncogene ITGBL1 was identified and demonstrated to be associated with the progression and prognosis of CRC, which might be a potential therapeutic target and prognostic biomarker for CRC patients.

Downregulated miR-23b-3p expression acts as a predictor of hepatocellular carcinoma progression: A study based on public data and RT-qPCR verification

Mounting evidence has shown that miR-23b-3p, which is associated with cell proliferation, invasion, and apoptosis, acts as a biomarker for diagnosis and outcomes in numerous cancers. However, the clinicopathological implication of miR-23b-3p in hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) remains unclear. Our study evaluated the role of miR-23b-3p in HCC and investigated its potential application as a marker for preliminary diagnosis and therapy in HCC. High-throughput data from the NCBI Gene Expression Omnibus (GEO) and The Cancer Genome Atlas (TCGA) were collected and analyzed. One hundred and one tissue sections of HCC were paired with adjacent non-cancerous HCC as further supplements. miR-23b-3p expression was detected using quantitative real-time PCR. Additionally, the relationship between miR-23b-3p expression and HCC progression and Time-to-recurrence (months) was explored. Ten algorithms were applied to predict the prospective target genes of miR-23b-3p. Next, we conducted bioinformatics analysis for further study. miR-23b-3p expression was pronouncedly decreased in HCC tissues in contrast with their paired adjacent non-cancerous HCC (P<0.001) with RT-qPCR. In total, 405 targets, acquired with consistent prediction from at least five databases, were used for the bioinformatics analysis. According to the Gene Ontology (GO) analysis, all targets were classified into biological processes, cellular components and molecular functions. In the pathway analysis, targets of miR-23b-3p were primarily enriched in the signaling pathways of renal cell carcinoma, hepatitis B and pancreatic cancer (corrected P-value <0.05). In the protein-protein interaction (PPI) network for miR-23b-3p, a total of 8 targets, including SRC, AKT1, EGFR, CTNNB1, BCL2, SMAD3, PTEN and KDM6A, were located in the key nodes with high degree (>35). In conclusion, this study provides impressive illumination of the potential role of miR-23b-3p in HCC tumorigenesis and progression. Furthermore, miR-23b-3p may act as a predictor of HCC and could be a new treatment target.

Molecular analyses of prostate tumors for diagnosis of malignancy on fine-needle aspiration biopsies

Prostate cancer (PCa) is a common cancer and remains the second-leading cause of cancer-associated mortality in men, but diagnosis of PCa remains a main clinical challenge. To investigate the involvement of differentially expressing genes in PCa with deregulated pathways to allow earlier diagnosis of the disease, transcriptomic analyses of differential expression genes in fine-needle aspiration (FNA) biopsies helped to discriminate PCa from benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH). We identified 255 genes that were deregulated in prostate tumors compared with BPH tissues. qRT-PCR was conducted to examine the expression levels of the four genes in FNA biopsies and confirmed that ITGBL1 was significantly up-regulated and HOXA7, KRT15 and TGM4 were down-regulated in the PCa compared to the BPH, with a sensitivity of 87.1% and a specificity of 87.8%; the area under the receiver operating characteristic curve was estimated at 0.94, which was significantly improved compared with PSA alone (AUC = 0.82). Moreover, the increased expression of ITGBL1 correlated with total cholesterol, triglyceride and PSA. Our results demonstrated that transcriptomic analyses in FNA biopsies could facilitate rapid identification of potential targets for therapy and diagnosis of PCa.

ITGBL1 Predicts a Poor Prognosis and Correlates EMT Phenotype in Gastric Cancer

Integrin, beta-like 1 (ITGBL1), a β-integrin-related extracellular matrix protein, was found more commonly up-regulated in gastric cancer (GC) by screening and analyzing Gene Expression Omnibus (GEO) and Oncomine databases, reminding us to explore its prognostic significance in GC. In our current study, we observed that ITGBL1 expression was significantly up-regulated in GC compared with normal controls in clinical specimens. In addition, elevated ITGBL1 expression was positively correlated with patients' tumor-node-metastasis (TNM) stage and distant metastasis. Kaplan-Meier analysis indicated that high ITGBL1 expression was significantly associated with shorter survival times in GC patients. Multivariate Cox regression analysis confirmed ITGBL1 expression as an independent prognostic factor in GC. Gene set enrichment analysis (GSEA) of multiple GEO datasets revealed a close relationship between ITGBL1 expression and the KRAS/epithelial-mesenchymal transition (EMT) signaling pathway. In conclusion, these data provide evidences that ITGBL1 is a potential predictor and may be involved in cancer cell invasion and metastasis via inducing EMT, and the ITGBL1-related pathways may represent a novel therapeutic strategy for treatment of GC.

Wnt signaling pathway regulates differentiation of chicken embryonic stem cells into spermatogonial stem cells via Wnt5a

In this study, we investigated the mechanism of signaling pathway-mediated differentiation of embryonic stem cells (ESCs) into spermatogonial stem cells (SSCs) in chicken. The Wnt signaling pathway was identified based on previous RNA Sequencing results and was proven a crucial signaling pathway that participates in the differentiation of ESCs into SSCs. In retinoic acid (RA) induction experiments in vitro, we found that Wnt signaling expression was inhibited by Wnt5a-shRNA, resulting in decreased expression of corresponding marker genes in SSCs, C-kit, Cvh, integrin α6 and integrin β1, but it was significantly promoted by RA treatment. Immunofluorescence assay showed that percentage of C-kit, Cvh, and integrin α6 and integrin β1-positive cells in RA treatment group and Wnt5a overexpression group was significantly higher than that in Wnt5a signaling interference group. Results of fluorescence-activated cell sorting analysis (FACS) also showed that proportion of germ-like cells was reduced by 14.3% (from 18.3% to 4.0%) at day 4 and 15.4% (from 18.6% to 3.2%) at day 12 after transfection, respectively. In experiments in vivo, shRNA-Wnt5a was stably expressed in fertilized chicken embryos and significantly reduced germ cell formation by 11.3% (from 21.7% to 10.4%) and 3.7% (6.4% from 10.1%). Results of quantitative PCR (qRT-PCR) and western blot assays showed that the expression of some specific germ cell marker genes, integrin α6 and integrin β1, was significantly suppressed following Wnt5a signaling interference in vivo. Taken together, our study suggests that Wnt signaling pathway could regulate positively the differentiation of chicken ESCs into SSCs through Wnt5a.

PLOD2 in cancer research

Collagen is not only the most abundant protein providing the scaffold for assembly of the extracellular matrix (ECM), but also considered to be the "highway" for cancer cell migration and invasion depending on the different collagen organizations. The accumulation of stabilized collagen is enhanced by different covalent collagen cross-links, lysyl hydroxylases 2 (encoded by the PLOD2 gene) is the key enzyme mediating the formation of the stabilized collagen cross-link. Interestingly, PLOD2 is overexpressed in different cancers and closely related to a poor prognosis. To the best of our knowledge, only the mechanisms of PLOD2 regulated by HIF-1α, TGF-β and microRNA-26a/b have been elaborated. In addition, several pharmacologic inhibitors of PLOD2 have been confirmed to have an anti-metastasis effect. However, there have been no reviews about PLOD2 in cancer research published thus far. In brief, this review about PLOD2 will describe the function, regulatory mechanism, and the inhibitors of PLOD2 in cancer, suggesting the credible clinical evaluation of a prognostic signature in pathological examination and the possible development of therapeutic strategies targeting PLOD2 in the future.