A novel compound RY10-4 induces apoptosis and inhibits invasion via inhibiting STAT3 through ERK-, p38-dependent pathways in human lung adenocarcinoma A549 cells

Anti-Cancer Potential of Isoflavone-Enriched Fraction from Traditional Thai Fermented Soybean against Hela Cervical Cancer Cells

Cervical cancer is a leading cause of gynecological malignancies and cancer-related deaths among women worldwide. This study investigates the anti-cancer activity of Thua Nao, a Thai fermented soybean, against HeLa cervical carcinoma cells, and explores its underlying mechanisms. Our findings reveal that the ethyl acetate fraction of Thua Nao (TN-EA) exhibits strong anti-cancer potential against HeLa cells. High-performance liquid chromatography (HPLC) analysis identified genistein and daidzein as the major isoflavones in TN-EA responsible for its anti-cancer activity. TN-EA and genistein reduced cell proliferation and induced G2/M phase arrest, while daidzein induced G1 arrest. These responses were associated with the downregulation of cell cycle regulators, including Cyclin B1, cycle 25C (Cdc25C), and phosphorylated cyclin-dependent kinase 1 (CDK-1), and the upregulation of the cell cycle inhibitor p21. Moreover, TN-EA and its active isoflavones promoted apoptosis in HeLa cells through the intrinsic pathway, evidenced by increased levels of cleaved Poly (ADP-ribose) polymerase (PARP) and caspase-3, loss of mitochondrial membrane potential, and the downregulation of anti-apoptotic proteins B-cell leukemia/lymphoma 2 (Bcl-2), B-cell lymphoma-extra-large (Bcl-xL), cellular inhibitor of apoptosis proteins 1 (cIAP), and survivin. Additionally, TN-EA and its active isoflavones effectively reduced cell invasion and migration by downregulating extracellular matrix degradation enzymes, including Membrane type 1-matrix metalloproteinase (MT1-MMP), urokinase-type plasminogen activator (uPA), and urokinase-type plasminogen activator receptor (uPAR), and reduced the levels of the mesenchymal marker N-cadherin. At the molecular level, TN-EA suppressed STAT3 activation via the regulation of JNK and Erk1/2 signaling pathways, leading to reduced proliferation and invasion of HeLa cells.

Green Synthesis of a Novel Silver Nanoparticle Conjugated with Thelypteris glandulosolanosa (Raqui-Raqui): Preliminary Characterization and Anticancer Activity

In the last decade, the green synthesis of nanoparticles has had a prominent role in scientific research for industrial and biomedical applications. In this current study, silver nitrate (AgNO3) was reduced and stabilized with an aqueous extract of Thelypteris glandulosolanosa (Raqui-raqui), forming silver nanoparticles (AgNPs-RR). UV-vis spectrophotometry, dynamic light scattering (DLS), and scanning transmission electron microscopy (STEM) were utilized to analyze the structures of AgNPs-RR. The results from this analysis showed a characteristic peak at 420 nm and a mean hydrodynamic size equal to 39.16 nm, while the STEM revealed a size distribution of 6.64–51.00 nm with an average diameter of 31.45 nm. Cellular cytotoxicity assays using MCF-7 (ATCC® HTB-22™, mammary gland breast), A549 (ATCC® CCL-185, lung epithelial carcinoma), and L929 (ATCC® CCL-1, subcutaneous connective tissue of Mus musculus) demonstrated over 42.70% of MCF-7, 59.24% of A549, and 8.80% of L929 cells had cell death after 48 h showing that this nanoparticle is more selective to disrupt neoplastic than non-cancerous cells and may be further developed into an effective strategy for breast and lung cancer treatment. These results demonstrate that the nanoparticle surfaces developed are complex, have lower contact angles, and have excellent scratch and wear resistance.

Autologous hematopoietic stem cell transplantation restores the suppressive capacity of regulatory B cells in systemic sclerosis patients

OBJECTIVES

The rationale of autologous hematopoietic stem cell transplantation (AHSCT) for autoimmune diseases is that high-dose immunosuppression eradicates autoreactive T and B cells, and the infused autologous hematopoietic stem cells promote reconstitution of a naive and self-tolerant immune system. The aim of this study was to evaluate the reconstitution of different B cell subsets, both quantitatively and functionally, in systemic sclerosis (SSc) patients treated with AHSCT.

METHODS

Peripheral blood was harvested from twenty-two SSc patients before transplantation and at 30, 60, 120, 180 and 360 days post-AHSCT. Immunophenotyping of B cell subsets, B cell cytokine production, signaling pathways, and suppressive capacity of regulatory B cells (Bregs) were assessed by flow cytometry.

RESULTS

Naïve B cell frequencies increased from 60 to 360 days post-AHSCT, compared to pre-transplantation. Conversely, memory B cell frequencies decreased during the same period. Plasma cell frequencies transiently decreased at 60 days post-AHSCT. IL-10-producing Bregs CD19+CD24hiCD38hi and CD19+CD24hiCD27+ frequencies increased at 180 days. Moreover, the phosphorylation of ERK1/2 and p38MAPK proteins increased in B cells reconstituted post-AHSCT. Notably, CD19+CD24hiCD38hi Bregs recovered their ability to suppress production of Th1 cytokines by CD4+ T cells at 360 days post-AHSCT. Finally, IL-6 and TGF-β1-producing B cells decreased following AHSCT.

CONCLUSION

Taken together, these results suggest improvements in immunoregulatory and anti-fibrotic mechanisms after AHSCT for SSc, which may contribute to reestablishment of self-tolerance and clinical remission.

Overexpression of LINC00152 correlates with poor patient survival and knockdown impairs cell proliferation in lung cancer

We employed RNA sequencing analysis to reveal dysregulated lncRNAs in lung cancer utilizing 461 lung adenocarcinomas and 156 normal lung tissues from 3 separate cohorts. We found that LINC00152 was highly overexpressed in lung tumors as compared to their adjacent normal tissues. Patients with high LINC00152 expression demonstrate a significantly poorer survival than those with low expression. We verified the diagnostic/prognostic potential of LINC00152 expression in an independent cohort of lung tumor tissues using quantitative RT-PCR. After knockdown of LINC00152 using siRNAs in lung cancer cell lines, both cell proliferation and colony formation were decreased. Cell fractionation and qRT-PCR analysis indicated that LINC00152 is found mainly in the cytoplasm. Treatment with Trichostatin A in cell lines having low LINC00152 expression indicated that histone acetylation may be one mechanism underlying LINC00152 overexpression in NSCLC. Western blot analyses indicated that p38a, STAT1, STAT3, CREB1, CCNE1 and c-MYC proteins were decreased after LINC00152 siRNA treatment. Our study indicates LINC00152 plays an important role in lung tumor growth and is potentially a diagnostic/prognostic marker. Further characterization of LINC00152 in regulating its target proteins may provide a novel therapeutic target of lung cancer.

Synthesis, characterization and in vitro and in vivo photodynamic activities of a gallium(iii) tris(ethoxycarbonyl)corrole

A gallium(iii) tris(ethoxycarbonyl)corrole is a highly effective photosensitizer against A549 cancer cells via p38 MAPK signaling cascade pathways.

ATR-Chk1 signaling inhibition as a therapeutic strategy to enhance cisplatin chemosensitivity in urothelial bladder cancer

DNA damage responses contribute to cisplatin resistance; however, therapeutic strategies to overcome cisplatin resistance have not yet been established. Here, we demonstrate that inhibition of ATR-Chk1 pathway with the potent inhibitor WYC0209 sensitizes bladder cancer cells to cisplatin. In the clinical microarray profile, high ATR expression is associated with poor prognosis in bladder cancer patients who receive chemotherapy. We show that pharmacological and genetic suppressing of ATR sensitized cells to cisplatin. Treatment with WYC0209 or siATR increased levels of cisplatin-DNA adducts, concomitant with decreased levels of p-glycoprotein expression. Additionally, Combinations of cisplatin and WYC0209 show synergistic activity against bladder cancer. Ultimately, WYC0209 enhanced the anti-tumor effects of cisplatin and suppressed p-glycoprotein expression in bladder cancer xenografts. These results indicate that inhibiting ATR-Chk1 activation with WYC0209 suppresses p-glycoprotein expression and increases cisplatin activity in bladder cancer. Our findings collectively suggest that ATR-Chk1 is a target for improving the efficacy of cisplatin in bladder cancer.

ITF promotes migration of intestinal epithelial cells through crosstalk between the ERK and JAK/STAT3 pathways

Intestinal trefoil factor (ITF), a member of the trefoil factor family, is a “Super-protective factor” for intestinal mucosal protection. This study was designed to explore the mechanism by which ITF promotes intestinal epithelial cell migration. Intestinal epithelial cells were treated with the human ITF (hITF). Phospho-ERK, phospho-STAT3 Tyr⁷⁰⁵, and phospho-STAT3 Ser⁷²⁷ levels were detected at different time points by western blot. To assess the potential crosstalk between the ERK and JAK/STAT3 pathways, HT-29 cells were treated with the MEK-inhibitor, U0126, and phosphor-STAT3 levels were evaluated. Conversely, cells were treated with the JAK-inhibitor, AG490, and ERK-activity was evaluated. Transwell assay was performed to investigate the effect of the crosstalk on the cell motility. MMP-2 and MMP-9 transcription was analyzed by quantitative real-time PCR. E-cadherin degradation was detected by immunofluorescence. Our results indicate that hITF simultaneously activated the ERK and JAK/STAT3 pathways and a crosstalk was detected between the two pathways. hITF increased cell migration. This effect was abolished by U0126 and AG490 treatment. hITF increased MMP2 and MMP9 mRNA levels and E-cadherin degradation and U0126 and AG490 abolished this effect of hITF. In conclusion, the hITF-induced crosstalk between the ERK and JAK/STAT3 pathways is associated with intestinal epithelial cell migration.

JNK1/2 expression and modulation of STAT3 signaling in oral cancer

Mitogen-activated protein kinases (MAPKs) are a family of protein kinases that link extracellular stimuli with intracellular responses and participate in numerous cellular processes such as growth, proliferation, differentiation, inflammation and apoptosis. Persistent activation of signal transducer and activator of transcription 3 (STAT3), which is accompanied by increases in STAT3 tyrosine phosphorylation, is associated with cell proliferation, differentiation and apoptosis in oral squamous cell carcinoma (OSCC). The role and significance of the activation of MAPKs, particularly of c-Jun N-terminal kinase (JNK), on STAT3 signaling in OSCC have not been thoroughly investigated. The present study examines the effects of JNK1/2 modulation on STAT3 signaling and cellular activities in OSCC cells. The expression levels of STAT3 [total, tyrosine phosphorylated (p-Tyr) and serine phosphorylated (p-Ser)], JNK, c-Jun and cyclin D1 were assessed in the OSCC cell lines SCC25 and SCC9. Inhibition of JNK1/2 was achieved by pharmacological agents (SP600125) and by small interfering RNA (siRNA) silencing, while JNK1/2 was induced by active MAPK kinase 7. Cell proliferation and viability rates were also evaluated. Inhibition of JNK1/2 with either SP600125 treatment or specific siRNA silencing resulted in decreased levels of p-Ser STAT3 and increased levels of p-Tyr STAT3 and cyclin D1 in both cell lines. Furthermore, JNK1/2 inhibition resulted in a dose-dependent increase in cell growth and viability in both cell lines. Opposite results were observed with JNK1/2 induction in both cell lines. The present results are supportive of a potential tumor suppressive role of JNK1/2 signaling in OSCC, which may be mediated through negative crosstalk with the oncogenic STAT3 signaling pathway. The possible therapeutic implications of JNK1/2 inhibition for patients with OSCC require to be investigated.

RY10-4 Inhibits the Proliferation of Human Hepatocellular Cancer HepG2 Cells by Inducing Apoptosis In Vitro and In Vivo

This study aimed to investigate the anti-tumor activity of RY10-4, a small molecular that was designed and synthesized based on the structure of protoapigenone. A previous screening study showed that RY10-4 possessed anti-proliferative effects against HepG2 human hepatocellular carcinoma cells. However, the full range of RY10-4 anti-cancer effects on liver tumors and the underlying mechanisms have not been identified. Herein, employing flow cytometry, and Western blot analysis, we demonstrate that RY10-4 can induce cell cycle arrest, intracellular reactive oxygen species (ROS) production and apoptosis in HepG2 cells. In HepG2 cell xenograft tumor model, RY10-4 significantly inhibited the growth of tumors and induced apoptosis in tumor cells, with little side effects. Moreover, RY10-4 caused the suppression of STAT3 activation, which may be involved the apoptosis induction. In addition, RY10-4 inhibited the proliferation of Hep3B and HuH-7 human hepatocellular carcinoma cells in a concentration-dependent manner. Taken together, our results suggest that RY10-4 has a great potential to develop as chemotherapeutic agent for liver cancer.

Prognostic value of tissue inhibitor of metalloproteinase-2 expression in patients with non-small cell lung cancer: a systematic review and meta-analysis

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVES

Tissue inhibitor of metalloproteinase-2 (TIMP-2) is a small secretory glycoprotein with anti-matrix metalloproteinase activity. Data on the value of TIMP-2 as a prognostic factor in non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) are discordant and remain controversial. A systematic review and meta-analysis was performed to explore this issue.

METHODS

We identified the relevant literature by searching the PubMed, EMBASE, Web of Science, China National Knowledge Infrastructure, SinoMed, and Wanfang Data databases (search terms: "non-small cell lung cancer" or "NSCLC" or "Lung Carcinoma, Non-Small-Cell", "Tissue Inhibitor of Metalloproteinase-2" or "TIMP-2", and "prognosis" or "prognostic" or "survive") for updates prior to March 1, 2014. The pooled hazard ratio (HR) of overall survival with a 95% confidence interval (95% CI) was used to evaluate the strength of the association between positive TIMP-2 expression and survival in patients with NSCLC.

RESULTS

We included 12 studies in our systematic review; five studies involving 399 patients with NSCLC were meta-analyzed. The pooled HR of all included patients was 0.57 (95% CI: 0.43-0.77), and the HRs of subgroup analysis according to stage (I-IV), testing method (immunohistochemistry) and high TIMP-2 expression percentage (<50%) were 0.63 (95% CI: 0.43-0.92), 0.55 (95% CI: 0.41-0.74), and 0.50 (95% CI: 0.28-0.88), respectively. These data suggested that high TIMP-2 expression is associated with favorable prognosis in NSCLC. The meta-analysis did not reveal heterogeneity or publication bias.

CONCLUSIONS

TIMP-2 expression indicates favorable prognosis in patients with NSCLC; as a protective factor, it could help predict outcome and may guide clinical therapy in the future.

Tension Force Downregulates Matrix Metalloproteinase Expression and Upregulates the Expression of Their Inhibitors through MAPK Signaling Pathways in MC3T3-E1 cells

OBJECTIVE

Matrix metalloproteinases (MMPs), produced by osteoblasts, catalyze the turnover of extracellular matrix (ECM) molecules in osteoid, and the regulation of MMP activity depends on interactions between MMPs and tissue inhibitors of metalloproteinases (TIMPs). We focused on the degradation process of ECM in osteoid that was exposed to mechanical strain, and conducted an in vitro study using MC3T3-E1 osteoblastic cells to examine the effects of tension force (TF) on the expression of MMPs and TIMPs, and activation of mitogen-activated protein kinase (MAPK) pathways.

DESIGN

Cells were incubated on flexible-bottomed culture plates and stimulated with or without cyclic TF for 24 hours. The expression of MMPs and TIMPs was examined at mRNA and protein levels by real-time RT-PCR and Western blotting, respectively. The phosphorylation of extracellular signal-regulated kinase (ERK) 1/2, p38 MAPK, and stress-activated protein kinases/c-jun N-terminal kinases (SAPK/JNK) were examined by Western blotting.

RESULTS

TF decreased the expression of MMP-1, -3, -13 and phosphorylated ERK1/2. In contrast, TF increased the expression of TIMP-2, -3 and phosphorylated SAPK/JNK. The expression of MMP-2, -14, TIMP-1, -4 and phosphorylated p38 MAPK was unaffected by TF. MMP-1, -3 and -13 expression decreased in cells treated with the ERK inhibitor PD98059 compared with untreated control cells. The JNK inhibitor SP600125 inhibited the TF-induced upregulation of TIMP-2 and -3.

CONCLUSIONS

The results suggest that TF suppresses the degradation process that occurs during ECM turnover in osteoid via decreased production of MMP-1, -3 and -13, and increased production of TIMP-2 and -3 through the MAPK signaling pathways in osteoblasts.

On comparing heterogeneity across biomarkers

Microscopy reveals complex patterns of cellular heterogeneity that can be biologically informative. However, a limitation of microscopy is that only a small number of biomarkers can typically be monitored simultaneously. Thus, a natural question is whether additional biomarkers provide a deeper characterization of the distribution of cellular states in a population. How much information about a cell's phenotypic state in one biomarker is gained by knowing its state in another biomarker? Here, we describe a framework for comparing phenotypic states across biomarkers. Our approach overcomes the current limitation of microscopy by not requiring costaining biomarkers on the same cells; instead, we require staining of biomarkers (possibly separately) on a common collection of phenotypically diverse cell lines. We evaluate our approach on two image datasets: 33 oncogenically diverse lung cancer cell lines stained with 7 biomarkers, and 49 less diverse subclones of one lung cancer cell line stained with 12 biomarkers. We first validate our method by comparing it to the "gold standard" of costaining. We then apply our approach to all pairs of biomarkers and use it to identify biomarkers that yield similar patterns of heterogeneity. The results presented in this work suggest that many biomarkers provide redundant information about heterogeneity. Thus, our approach provides a practical guide for selecting independently informative biomarkers and, more generally, will yield insights into both the connectivity of biological networks and the complexity of the state space of biological systems.