Inhibition of CTHRC-1 by its specific monoclonal antibody attenuates cervical cancer cell metastasis

The role of collagen triple helix repeat containing 1 (CTHRC1) in cancer development and progression

INTRODUCTION

Collagen triple helix repeat containing 1 (CTHRC1) is a protein that has been implicated in pro-migratory pathways, arterial tissue-repair processes, and inhibition of collagen deposition via the regulation of multiple signaling cascades. Studies have also demonstrated an upregulation of CTHRC1 in multiple cancers where it has been linked to enhanced proliferation, invasion, and metastasis. However, the understanding of the exact role and mechanisms of CTHRC1 in cancer is far from complete.

AREAS COVERED

This review focuses on analyzing the role of CTHRC1 in cancer as well as its associations with clinicopathologies and cancer-related processes and signaling. We have also summarized the available literature information regarding the role of CTHRC1 in tumor microenvironment and immune signaling. Finally, we have discussed the mechanisms associated with CTHRC1 regulations, and opportunities and challenges regarding the development of CTHRC1 as a potential target for cancer management.

EXPERT OPINION

CTHRC1 is a multifaceted protein with critical roles in cancer progression and other pathological conditions. Its association with lower overall survival in various cancers, and impact on the tumor immune microenvironment make it an intriguing target for further research and potential therapeutic interventions in cancer.

Let-7c-5p Inhibits Cell Proliferation and Migration and Promotes Apoptosis via the CTHRC1/AKT/ERK Pathway in Esophageal Squamous Cell Carcinoma

PURPOSE

Let-7c-5p has been identified as a tumor suppressor in various malignancies; however, its function and mechanism in esophageal squamous cell carcinoma (ESCC) remain unclear. Here, we explored the role and potential molecular mechanism of let-7c-5p in ESCC.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

mRNA and protein expression levels were detected by quantitative real time-polymerase chain reaction (qRT-PCR) and Western blotting. The cell counting kit-8 (CCK-8) assay was used to assess cell proliferation. Flow cytometry analysis was used to detect cell apoptosis, and cell migration was measured by wound healing assay and Transwell assays. The dual-luciferase reporter assay was used to verify the targeting relationship between let-7c-5p and CTHRC1. The tumor xenograft model was constructed to further verify the effect of let-7c-5p on the growth of ESCC in vivo.

RESULTS

We found that let-7c-5p expression was downregulated in ESCC tissue and cell lines, and its reduced expression was correlated with TNM staging and lymph node metastasis. Next, we found that let-7c-5p can be used to discriminate ESCC patients from normal control subjects by receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curve analysis. Subsequently, we observed that let-7c-5p overexpression inhibited proliferation and migration and promoted apoptosis, while let-7c-5p down-regulation promoted proliferation and migration and inhibited apoptosis of TE-1 and KYSE150 cells. Furthermore, let-7c-5p overexpression inhibited tumor growth, while let-7c-5p inhibition promoted tumor growth in xenograft models. In addition, we confirmed that CTHRC1 was a direct target gene of let-7c-5p. Then, we found that let-7c-5p level was negatively correlated with CTHRC1 and negatively regulated expression of CTHRC1 in ESCC. Moreover, we confirmed that let-7c-5p upregulation significantly reduced the phosphorylation of AKT and ERK by directly inhibiting CTHRC1, while let-7c-5p downregulation showed the opposite effect.

CONCLUSION

Our findings indicate that let-7c-5p is markedly downregulated in ESCC and suppresses proliferation and migration and promotes apoptosis of ESCC cells by inhibiting the AKT and ERK signaling pathways through negatively regulating CTHRC1. Therefore, these results suggest that let-7c-5p may represent a novel biomarker and therapeutic target for ESCC.

Metal-Organic Framework Nanoparticle-Based Biomineralization: A New Strategy toward Cancer Treatment

Cancer treatment using functional proteins, DNA/RNA, or complex bio-entities is important in both preclinical and clinical studies. With the help of nano-delivery systems, these biomacromolecules can enrich cancer tissues to match the clinical requirements. Biomineralization via a self-assembly process has been widely applied to provide biomacromolecules exoskeletal-like protection for immune shielding and preservation of bioactivity. Advanced metal-organic framework nanoparticles (MOFs) are excellent supporting matrices due to the low toxicity of polycarboxylic acids and metals, high encapsulation efficiency, and moderate synthetic conditions. In this review, we study MOFs-based biomineralization for cancer treatment and summarize the unique properties of MOF hybrids. We also evaluate the outlook of potential cancer treatment applications for MOFs-based biomineralization. This strategy likely opens new research orientations for cancer theranostics.