Advances in the molecular functions of syndecan-1 (SDC1/CD138) in the pathogenesis of malignancies

MicroRNAs as the critical regulators of epithelial mesenchymal transition in pancreatic tumor cells

Pancreatic cancer (PC), as one of the main endocrine and digestive systems malignancies has the highest cancer related mortality in the world. Lack of the evident clinical symptoms and appropriate diagnostic markers in the early stages of tumor progression are the main reasons of the high mortality rate among PC patients. Therefore, it is necessary to investigate the molecular pathways involved in the PC progression, in order to introduce novel early diagnostic methods. Epithelial mesenchymal transition (EMT) is a critical cellular process associated with pancreatic tumor cells invasion and distant metastasis. MicroRNAs (miRNAs) are also important regulators of EMT process. In the present review, we discussed the role of miRNAs in regulation of EMT process during PC progression. It has been reported that the miRNAs mainly regulate the EMT process in pancreatic tumor cells through the regulation of EMT-specific transcription factors and several signaling pathways such as WNT, NOTCH, TGF-β, JAK/STAT, and PI3K/AKT. Considering the high stability of miRNAs in body fluids and their role in regulation of EMT process, they can be introduced as the non-invasive diagnostic markers in the early stages of malignant pancreatic tumors. This review paves the way to introduce a non-invasive EMT based panel marker for the early tumor detection among PC patients.

Urine-derived exosomes and their role in modulating uroepithelial cells to prevent hypospadias

PURPOSE

Urethral hypospadias, a common congenital malformation in males, is closely linked with disruptions in uroepithelial cell (UEC) processes. Evidence exists reporting that urine-derived exosomes (Urine-Exos) enhance UEC proliferation and regeneration, suggesting a potential role in preventing hypospadias. However, the specific influence of Urine-Exos on urethral hypospadias and the molecular mechanisms involved are not fully understood. This study focuses on investigating the capability of Urine-Exos to mitigate urethral hypospadias and aims to uncover the underlying molecular mechanisms.

METHODS

Bioinformatics analysis was performed to identify key gene targets in Urine-Exos potentially involved in hypospadias. Subsequent in vitro and in vivo experiments were conducted to validate the regulatory effects of Urine-Exos on hypospadias.

RESULTS

Bioinformatics screening revealed syndecan-1 (SDC1) as a potential pivotal gene for the prevention of hypospadias. In vitro experiments demonstrated that Urine-Exos enhanced the proliferation and migration of UECs by transferring SDC1 and inhibiting cell apoptosis. Notably, Urine-Exos upregulated β-catenin expression through SDC1 transfer, further promoting UEC proliferation and migration. These findings were confirmed in a congenital hypospadias rat model induced by di(2-ethylhexyl) phthalate (DEHP).

CONCLUSION

This study reveals the therapeutic potential of Urine-Exos in hypospadias, mediated by the SDC1/β-catenin axis. Urine-Exos promote UEC proliferation and migration, thereby inhibiting the progression of hypospadias. These findings offer new insights and potential therapeutic targets for the management of congenital malformations.

Syndecans and diabetic complications: A narrative review

Syndecan (SDC) is a member of the heparan sulfate proteoglycan (HSPG) family. It appears to play a role in the aetiology of diabetic complications, with decreased levels of SDCs being reported in the kidney, retina, and cardiac muscle in models of diabetes mellitus (DM). The reduced levels of SDCs may play an important role in the development of albuminuria in DM. Some studies have provided the evidence supporting the mechanisms underlying the role of SDCs in DM. However, SDCs and the molecular mechanisms involved are complex and need to be further elucidated. This review focuses on the underlying molecular mechanisms of SDCs that are involved in the development and progression of the complications of DM, which may help in developing new strategies to prevent and treat these complications.

Targeted therapy for multiple myeloma: an overview on CD138-based strategies

Multiple myeloma (MM) is an incurable hematological disease characterized by the uncontrolled growth of plasma cells primarily in the bone marrow. Although its treatment consists of the administration of combined therapy regimens mainly based on immunomodulators and proteosome inhibitors, MM remains incurable, and most patients suffer from relapsed/refractory disease with poor prognosis and survival. The robust results achieved by immunotherapy targeting MM-associated antigens CD38 and CD319 (also known as SLAMF7) have drawn attention to the development of new immune-based strategies and different innovative compounds in the treatment of MM, including new monoclonal antibodies, antibody-drug conjugates, recombinant proteins, synthetic peptides, and adaptive cellular therapies. In this context, Syndecan1 (CD138 or SDC1), a transmembrane heparan sulfate proteoglycan that is upregulated in malignant plasma cells, has gained increasing attention in the panorama of MM target antigens, since its key role in MM tumorigenesis, progression and aggressiveness has been largely reported. Here, our aim is to provide an overview of the most important aspects of MM disease and to investigate the molecular functions of CD138 in physiologic and malignant cell states. In addition, we will shed light on the CD138-based therapeutic approaches currently being tested in preclinical and/or clinical phases in MM and discuss their properties, mechanisms of action and clinical applications.

Clinical/prognostic significance of Syndecan-1 expression in invasive breast carcinoma with distant metastasis and its correlation with tumor immunity

OBJECTIVE

Breast Cancer (BC) is the most common malignant tumor for women in the world. 90% of BC-associated deaths are attributed to distant metastasis (DM). Therefore, there is an urgent need for a novel molecular target for the treatment of distant metastatic breast cancer (DMBC). Syndecan-1 (SDC-1) is a cell surface heparan sulfate proteoglycan (HSPG). This study aims to study the expression patterns of SDC-1 in invasive breast carcinoma (IBC) with DM and to analyze its relationship with different clinicopathologic features, stromal tumor infiltrating lymphocytes (sTILs) status and the clinical outcomes.

METHODS

A total of 50 DM breast cancer and 100 non-distant metastasis (non-DM) breast cancer patients in West China Hospital, Sichuan University from January 1, 2011 to December 31, 2011 were collected. Immunohistochemical (IHC) method was used to detect the expression of SDC-1, estrogen receptor (ER), progesterone receptor (PR), human epidermal growth factor receptor-2 (HER2), and Ki-67 in 150 specimens of patients with IBC. STILs were used to evaluate immune cells in the stromal tissue within the tumor. Various clinicopathologic characteristics were retrospectively analyzed, and follow-up information were collected for prognosis analyses. The expression pattern difference of SDC-1 in the DM group and the non-DM group and its correlation with clinicopathologic characteristics of IBC were analyzed.

RESULTS

Compared with the non-DM group, SDC-1 had higher cytoplasmic (90.0%) and stromal diffuse (70.0%) expressions and lower stromal peritumoral (18.0%) expression in the DM group. SDC-1 cytoplasmic expression was significantly associated with HER2-positive and high Ki-67 index in DM group, and with high histological grade and lymph node (LN) metastasis in non-DM group (P < 0.05). Compared with the non-DM group, the membranous expression of SDC-1 in the DM group was related to higher histological grade and T stage, higher frequency of LN involvement. Meanwhile, the expression pattern of SDC-1 in tumor stroma was associated with sTILs status (P < 0.05). The different combinations of SDC-1 staining patterns were correlated with clinicopathological features, biomarkers and sTILs status between DM group and non-DM group.There was no significant difference in overall survival between DMBC with different expression patterns of SDC-1.

CONCLUSION

The cytoplasmic and stromal expressions of SDC-1 in the primary lesion of IBC are closely associated with DM, and the stromal expression of SDC-1 is correlated with tumor immune microenvironment. SDC-1 is expected to be a potential new marker for predicting the risk of DM in IBC.

Dynamic interplay between sortilin and syndecan-1 contributes to prostate cancer progression

Prostate cancer (PCa) development and progression relies on the programming of glucose and lipid metabolism, and this involves alterations in androgen receptor expression and signalling. Defining the molecular mechanism that underpins this metabolic programming will have direct significance for patients with PCa who have a poor prognosis. Here we show that there is a dynamic balance between sortilin and syndecan-1, that reports on different metabolic phenotypes. Using tissue microarrays, we demonstrated by immunohistochemistry that sortilin was highly expressed in low-grade cancer, while syndecan-1 was upregulated in high-grade disease. Mechanistic studies in prostate cell lines revealed that in androgen-sensitive LNCaP cells, sortilin enhanced glucose metabolism by regulating GLUT1 and GLUT4, while binding progranulin and lipoprotein lipase (LPL) to limit lipid metabolism. In contrast, in androgen-insensitive PC3 cells, syndecan-1 was upregulated, interacted with LPL and colocalised with β3 integrin to promote lipid metabolism. In addition, androgen-deprived LNCaP cells had decreased expression of sortilin and reduced glucose-metabolism, but increased syndecan-1 expression, facilitating interactions with LPL and possibly β3 integrin. We report a hitherto unappreciated molecular mechanism for PCa, which may have significance for disease progression and how androgen-deprivation therapy might promote castration-resistant PCa.

Non-Professional Phagocytosis Increases in Melanoma Cells and Tissues with Increasing E-Cadherin Expression

Non-professional phagocytosis in cancer has been increasingly studied in recent decades. In malignant melanoma metastasis, cell-in-cell structures have been described as a sign of cell cannibalism. To date, only low rates of cell-in-cell structures have been described in patients with malignant melanoma. To investigate these findings further, we examined twelve primary melanoma cell lines in both adherent and suspended co-incubation for evidence of engulfment. In addition, 88 malignant melanoma biopsies and 16 healthy tissue samples were evaluated. E-cadherin levels were determined in the cell lines and tissues. All primary melanoma cell lines were capable of phagocytosis, and phagocytosis increased when cells were in suspension during co-incubation. Cell-in-cell structures were also detected in most of the tissue samples. Early T stages and increasingly advanced N and M stages have correspondingly lower rates of cell-in-cell structures. Non-professional phagocytosis was also present in normal skin tissue. Non-professional phagocytosis appears to be a ubiquitous mechanism in malignant melanoma. The absence of phagocytosis in metastases may be one reason for the high rate of metastasis in malignant melanoma.

Targeting plasma cells in systemic autoimmune rheumatic diseases - Promises and pitfalls

Plasma cells are the antibody secretors of the immune system. Continuous antibody secretion over years can provide long-term immune protection but could also be held responsible for long-lasting autoimmunity in case of self-reactive plasma cells. Systemic autoimmune rheumatic diseases (ARD) affect multiple organ systems and are associated with a plethora of different autoantibodies. Two prototypic systemic ARDs are systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) and Sjögren's disease (SjD). Both diseases are characterized by B-cell hyperactivity and the production of autoantibodies against nuclear antigens. Analogues to other immune cells, different subsets of plasma cells have been described. Plasma cell subsets are often defined dependent on their current state of maturation, that also depend on the precursor B-cell subset from which they derived. But, a universal definition of plasma cell subsets is not available so far. Furthermore, the ability for long-term survival and effector functions may differ, potentially in a disease-specific manner. Characterization of plasma cell subsets and their specificity in individual patients can help to choose a suitable targeting approach for either a broad or more selective plasma cell depletion. Targeting plasma cells in systemic ARDs is currently challenging because of side effects or varying depletion efficacies in the tissue. Recent developments, however, like antigen-specific targeting and CAR-T-cell therapy might open up major benefits for patients beyond current treatment options.

Identification of prognostic hub genes and therapeutic targets for selenium deficiency in chicks model through transcriptome profiling

Selenium deficiency is a prevalent micronutrient deficiency that poses a major health concern worldwide. This study aimed to shed light on the molecular mechanisms underlying selenium deficiency using a chick model. Chickens were divided into control and selenium deficient groups. Plasma samples were collected to measure selenium concentration and transcriptome analyse were performed on oviduct samples. The results showed that selenium deficiency led to a significant reduction in plasma selenium levels and altered the expression of 10,266 differentially expressed genes (DEGs). These DEGs primarily regulated signal transduction and cell motility. The molecular function includes GTPase regulatory activity, and KEGG pathway analysis showed that they were mainly involved in the signal transduction. By using Cytoscape and CancerGeneNet tool, we identified 8 modules and 10 hub genes (FRK, JUN, PTPRC, ACTA2, MST1R, SDC4, SDC1, CXCL12, MX1 and EZR) associated with receptor tyrosine kinase pathway, Wnt and mTOR signaling pathways that may be closely related to cancer. These hub genes could be served as precise diagnostic and prognostic candidate biomarkers of selenium deficiency and potential targets for treatment strategies in both animals and humans. This study sheds light on the molecular basis of selenium deficiency and its potential impact on public health.

Potential roles of lncRNA-XIST/miRNAs/mRNAs in human cancer cells

Long non-coding RNAs (lncRNAs) are non-coding RNAs that contain more than 200 nucleotides but do not code for proteins. In tumorigenesis, lncRNAs can have both oncogenic and tumor-suppressive properties. X inactive-specific transcript (XIST) is a known lncRNA that has been implicated in X chromosome silencing in female cells. Dysregulation of XIST is associated with an increased risk of various cancers. Therefore, XIST can be a beneficial prognostic biomarker for human malignancies. In this review, we attempt to summarize the emerging roles of XIST in human cancers.

Proteoglycans Determine the Dynamic Landscape of EMT and Cancer Cell Stemness

Proteoglycans (PGs) are pivotal components of extracellular matrices, involved in a variety of processes such as migration, invasion, morphogenesis, differentiation, drug resistance, and epithelial-to-mesenchymal transition (EMT). Cellular plasticity is a crucial intermediate phenotypic state acquired by cancer cells, which can modulate EMT and the generation of cancer stem cells (CSCs). PGs affect cell plasticity, stemness, and EMT, altering the cellular shape and functions. PGs control these functions, either by direct activation of signaling cascades, acting as co-receptors, or through regulation of the availability of biological compounds such as growth factors and cytokines. Differential expression of microRNAs is also associated with the expression of PGs and their interplay is implicated in the fine tuning of cancer cell phenotype and potential. This review summarizes the involvement of PGs in the regulation of EMT and stemness of cancer cells and highlights the molecular mechanisms.

CD138 Is Expressed in Different Entities of Salivary Gland Cancer and Their Lymph Node Metastases and Therefore Represents a Potential Therapeutic Target

Advanced salivary gland carcinomas (SGC) often lack therapeutic options. Agents targeting CD138 have recently shown promising results in clinical trials for multiple myeloma and a preclinical trial for triple-negative breast cancer. Immunohistochemistry for CD138 was performed for all patients who had undergone primary surgery for SGC with curative intent. Findings were validated using matrix-assisted laser desorption/ionization mass spectrometry (MALDI-MS) imaging. Overall, 111 primary SGC and 13 lymph node metastases from salivary duct carcinomas (SaDu) were evaluated. CD138 expression was found in 60% of all SGC with differing expression across entities (p < 0.01). A mean of 25.2% of the tumor cells in mucoepidermoid carcinoma (MuEp) were positive, followed by epithelial-myoepithelial carcinoma (20.9%), acinic cell carcinoma (16.0%), and SaDu (15.2%). High-/intermediate-grade MuEp showed CD138 expression in a mean of 34.8% of tumor cells. For SaDu, lymph node metastases showed CD138 expression in a mean of 31.2% of tumor cells which correlated with CD138 expression in their primaries (p = 0.01; Spearman’s ρ = 0.71). MALDI-MS imaging confirmed the presence of the CD138 protein in SGC. No significant association was found between clinicopathological data, including progression-free survival (p = 0.50) and CD138 expression. CD138 is expressed in the cell membrane of different entities of SGC and SaDu lymph node metastases and therefore represents a potential target for CD138 targeting drugs.

Signaling Pathways Associated with Chronic Wound Progression: A Systems Biology Approach

Previously we have shown that several oxidative stress-driven pathways in cutaneous chronic wounds are dysregulated in the first 48 h post-wounding. Here, we performed an RNASeq analysis of tissues collected up to day 20 after wounding, when we have determined full chronicity is established. Weighted Gene Correlation Network Analysis was performed in R segregating the genes into 14 modules. Genes in the modules significantly correlated (p < 0.05) to early and full chronicity were used for pathway analysis using pathfindR. In early chronicity, we observed enrichment of several pathways. Dysregulation of Ephrin/Eph signaling leads to growth cone collapse and impairs neuronal regeneration. Adra2b and Adra2a overexpression in early and full chronicity, respectively, decreased cAMP production and impaired re-epithelialization and granulation tissue formation. Several pathways involving a Smooth-muscle-actin (Acta1) were also enriched with Acta1 overexpression contributing to impaired angiogenesis. During full chronicity, the ‘JAK-STAT’ pathway was suppressed undermining host defenses against infection. Wnt signaling was also suppressed, impairing re-epithelialization and granulation tissue formation. Biomarkers of cancer such as overexpression of SDC1 and constitutive activation of ErbB2/HER2 were also identified. In conclusion, we show that during progression to full chronicity, numerous signaling pathways are dysregulated, including some related to carcinogenesis, suggesting that chronic wounds behave much like cancer. Experimental verification in vivo could identify candidates for treatment of chronic wounds.

Plasma syndecan‐1 concentration as a biomarker for endothelial glycocalyx degradation in septic adult horses

BACKGROUND

Limited information is available regarding endothelial glycocalyx degradation during sepsis in horses. Plasma syndecan-1 concentrations are increased in consequence of sepsis in other species and have been useful for prognostication.

OBJECTIVES

To determine whether plasma syndecan-1 levels are increased in adult horses affected with sepsis.

STUDY DESIGN

Retrospective cohort study.

METHODS

Adult horses were assigned to one of three groups based on results of physical and laboratory examinations, clinical diagnosis, and results of previously described SIRS classification: Group 1 horses included healthy, nonseptic horses; Group 2 included horses in which clinical illness was identified but that were not considered to be septic; Group 3 included horses with a clinical diagnosis of sepsis. Plasma syndecan-1 concentration was determined in blood obtained at admission into the hospital for each horse, using an equine specific ELISA. Data were analysed using ANOVA and linear regression (p ≤ 0.05).

RESULTS

One hundred and ninety-one horses were included and divided into three groups. Scores for SIRS were highest for Group 3 horses and lowest in Groups 1 and 2. Plasma syndecan-1 concentrations in Group 3 horses (50.73 ± 84.24 μg/ml; n = 42) were greater than those for Group 1 (15.69 ± 11.28 μg/ml; n = 66) and Group 2 (16.88 ± 15.30 μg/ml; n = 83). There was no difference regarding syndecan concentrations between Groups 1 and 2.

MAIN LIMITATIONS

Retrospective study design, solitary time point of measurement for each patient, and lack of a widely accepted consensus regarding definitive diagnosis of sepsis in adult horses.

CONCLUSIONS

Circulating plasma levels of syndecan-1, a biochemical marker of endothelial glycocalyx damage, are increased in septic adult horses.

Development of a prognostic signature based on immune-related genes and the correlation with immune microenvironment in breast cancer

Breast cancer (BC) is an inflammatory tumor caused by a variety of pathological factors, and is still the most common malignant tumor in women. Immune-related genes (IRGs) play a prominent role in the oncogenesis and progression of BC, and are of tumor-specific expression patterns that would benefit the prognosis evaluation. However, there were no systematic studies concerning the possibilities of IRGs in BC prognosis. In this study, the Cancer Genome Atlas (TCGA) database was used to integrate the expression profiles of IRG with the overall survival (OS) rate of 1039 breast cancer patients. The Cox regression analysis was used to predict the survival-related IRGs in BC. Then, we successfully screened a total of 6 IRGs, including PSME2, ULBP2, IGHE, SCG2, SDC1, and SSTR1, and accordingly constructed a prognosis prediction model of BC. Based on the IRG-related model, the BC patients were divided into high- and low-risk groups, and the association between the prognostic model and tumor immune microenvironment (TME) was further explored. The prognostic model reflected the infiltration of various immune cells. Moreover, the low-risk group was found to be with higher immunophenoscore and distinct mutation signatures compared with the high-risk group. The histological validation showed that SDC1, as well as M2 macrophage biomarker CD206, were both of higher abundance in BC samples of high-risk patients, compared with those of low-risk patients. Our results identify the clinically significant IRGs and demonstrate the importance of the IRG-based immune prognostic model in BC monitoring, prognosis prediction, and therapy.

Development and Validation of a Prognostic Classifier Based on Lipid Metabolism-Related Genes for Breast Cancer

Background

The changes of lipid metabolism have been implicated in the development of many tumors, but its role in breast invasive carcinoma (BRCA) remains to be fully established. Here, we attempted to ascertain the prognostic value of lipid metabolism-related genes in BRCA.

Methods

We obtained RNA expression data and clinical information for BRCA and normal samples from public databases and downloaded a lipid metabolism-related gene set. Ingenuity Pathway Analysis (IPA) was applied to identify the potential pathways and functions of Differentially Expressed Genes (DEGs) related to lipid metabolism. Subsequently, univariate and multivariate Cox regression analyses were utilized to construct the prognostic gene signature. Functional enrichment analysis of prognostic genes was achieved by the Gene Ontology (GO) and Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genomes (KEGG). Kaplan-Meier analysis, Receiver Operating Characteristic (ROC) curves, clinical follow-up results were employed to assess the prognostic potency. Potential compounds targeting prognostic genes were screened by Connectivity Map (CMap) database and a prognostic gene-drug interaction network was constructed using Comparative Toxicogenomics Database (CTD). Furthermore, we separately validated the selected marker genes in BRCA samples and human breast cancer cell lines (MCF-7, MDA-MB-231).

Results

IPA and functional enrichment analysis demonstrated that the 162 lipid metabolism-related DEGs we obtained were involved in many lipid metabolism and BRCA pathological signatures. The prognostic classifier we constructed comprising SDC1 and SORBS1 can serve as an independent prognostic marker for BRCA. CMap filtered 37 potential compounds against prognostic genes, of which 16 compounds could target both two prognostic genes were identified by CTD. The functions of the two prognostic genes in breast cancer cells were verified by cell function experiments.

Conclusion

Within this study, we identified a novel prognostic classifier based on two lipid metabolism-related genes: SDC1 and SORBS1. This result highlighted a new perspective on the metabolic exploration of BRCA.

Weighted Gene Co-Expression Network Analysis (WGCNA) Reveals the Functions of Syndecan-1 to Regulate Immune Infiltration by Influenced T Cells in Glioma

Our previous studies shown that syndecan-1 (SDC1) may be a novel class of biomarkers for the diagnosis and treatment of glioma, but its specific roles and the in-depth molecular mechanism remain elusive. Here, we used Estimation of STromal and Immune cells in Malignant Tumor tissues using Expression data (ESTIMATE) algorithms and single-sample Gene Set Enrichment Analysis (ssGSEA) algorithms to evaluate the immune score of tumor samples and quantify the relative infiltration of immune cells in the tumor microenvironment (TME), respectively, in different data sets obtained from the Chinese Glioma Genome Atlas and The Cancer Gene Atlas. Next, we calculate the correlation of the immune score and immune cells with SDC1, respectively. To identify the specific process regulated by SDC1, the differentially expressed genes (DEGs) analysis between the high and low expression of SDC1 of glioma samples were used to discover the hub genes through Weighted Gene Coexpression Network Analysis (WGCNA). Gene Ontology (GO) and Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genomes (KEGG) analysis revealed cardinal biological processes and pathways involved in genes and tumor grade correlation and survival analysis verified its significance in glioma. The results show that SDC1 is associated with the immune infiltration of glioma in the TME, especially activated CD4+T cells and CD8+T cells. The three data sets filter 8,887 DEGs, the genes in the blue modules were selected as hub genes in WGCNA. GO and KEGG analysis found eight genes in the blue modules involved in antigen processing and presentation in T cells in glioma. Kaplan–Meier estimator and log-rank test statistic determined that the introduced genes are associated with poor prognosis in glioma. Protein–protein network interaction analysis showed that SDC1 may regulate antigen processing and presentation through CTSL or CD4 in glioma. Finally, this study provided insights and clues for the next research direction of SDC1 and identified the key pathways and genes that might participate in the immune escape of glioma. These results might provide a new insight on the study of immune infiltration of glioma in the future.

Midkine promotes metastasis and therapeutic resistance via mTOR/RPS6 in uveal melanoma

Uveal melanoma is a rare form of melanoma that originates in the eye, exerts widespread therapeutic resistance and displays an inherent propensity for hepatic metastases. Since metastatic disease is characterized by poor survival, there is an unmet clinical need to identify new therapeutic targets in uveal melanoma. Here, we show that the pleiotropic cytokine midkine is expressed in uveal melanoma. Midkine expression in primary uveal melanoma significantly correlates with poor survival and is elevated in patients that develop metastatic disease. Monosomy 3 and histopathological staging parameters are associated with midkine expression. In addition, we demonstrate that midkine promotes survival, migration across a barrier of hepatic sinusoid endothelial cells and resistance to AKT/mTOR inhibition. Furthermore, midkine is secreted and mediates mTOR activation by maintaining phosphorylation of the mTOR target RPS6 in uveal melanoma cells. Therefore, midkine is identified as a uveal melanoma cell survival factor that drives metastasis and therapeutic resistance, and could be exploited as a biomarker as well as a new therapeutic target. Implications: Midkine is identified as a survival factor that drives liver metastasis and therapeutic resistance in melanoma of the eye.

The evolving status of immunotherapies in multiple myeloma: the future role of bispecific antibodies

Treatment outcomes in multiple myeloma (MM) have improved dramatically over the past 10 years. However, patients with high-risk disease such as those with Stage III disease by the Revised International Staging System, the presence of adverse cytogenetics, or who are refractory to proteosome inhibitors, immunomodulatory drugs and monoclonal antibodies may have dismal outcomes. These patients represent an urgent ongoing need in MM. One of the hallmarks of MM is immune dysfunction and a tumour-permissive immune microenvironment. Ameliorating the immune-paresis could lead to improved outcomes. The role of immunotherapies has been growing at an exponential pace with numerous agents under development in clinical trials. In the present review, we provide an overview of immunotherapies in MM, focussing on bispecific antibodies (BsAbs). We review efficacy outcomes from the published clinical trials and consider the important safety aspects of these therapies, in particular the risk of cytokine-release syndrome and immune effector cell-associated neurotoxicity syndrome, and how these compare with patients receiving chimeric antigen receptor T cells. We discuss the MM epitopes being targeted by BsAbs, either in clinical or preclinical stages, and we consider where these therapies might best fit within the future ever-changing paradigm of MM treatment.

HDAC3 Downregulation Improves Cerebral Ischemic Injury via Regulation of the SDC1-Dependent JAK1/STAT3 Signaling Pathway Through miR-19a Upregulation

Histone deacetylase (HDAC) inhibitors can protect the brain from ischemic injury. This study aimed to identify the regulation of HDAC3 in cerebral ischemic injury. Middle cerebral artery occlusion (MCAO) was performed to establish a mouse model with cerebral ischemic injury, in which expression of HDAC3 and miR-19a was evaluated using RT-qPCR. In MCAO mice with silencing of HDAC3, infarct volume was determined using 2,3,5-triphenyl tetrazolium chloride (TTC) staining, and serum levels of TNF-α, IL-6, and IL-8 were measured using ELISA. An in vitro model was constructed in human umbilical vein endothelial cells (HUVECs) with oxygen-glucose deprivation/reoxygenation (OGD/R), followed by gain- and loss-of-function experiments. Relationships among miR-19a, HDAC3, and syndecan-1 (SDC1) were explored using RIP, ChIP, and dual-luciferase reporter assays. The expression of HDAC3, SDC1, JAK1, and STAT3 along with the extent of JAK1 and STAT3 phosphorylation was measured by Western blot analysis. HUVEC viability, apoptosis, and angiogenesis were assessed by CCK-8, flow cytometry, and angiogenesis assays in vitro separately. We found elevated HDAC3 and downregulated miR-19a expression in the MCAO mice. Decreased TNF-α, IL-6, and IL-8 serum levels were observed in response to silencing of HDAC3. HDAC3 inhibited the expression of miR-19a, which in turn targeted SDC1, leading to JAK1/STAT3 signaling pathway activation. HDAC3 overexpression or miR-19a inhibition repressed HUVEC viability and angiogenesis but enhanced HUVEC apoptosis. Our data unraveled the mechanism whereby HDAC3 inhibition ameliorated cerebral ischemic injury by activating the JAK1/STAT3 signaling pathway through miR-19a-mediated SDC1 inhibition.

Bispecific T Cell Engagers for the Treatment of Multiple Myeloma: Achievements and Challenges

MM is the second most common hematological malignancy and represents approximately 20% of deaths from hematopoietic cancers. The advent of novel agents has changed the therapeutic landscape of MM treatment; however, MM remains incurable. T cell-based immunotherapy such as BTCEs is a promising modality for the treatment of MM. This review article discusses the advancements and future directions of BTCE treatments for MM.

Expression dynamics of vascular endothelial markers: endoglin and syndecan-1 in predicting dengue disease outcome

Plasma leakage is a hallmark process in dengue viral (DENV) infection that occurs due to the loss of vascular integrity in endothelial cells. Endoglin (ENG) and Syndecan-1 (SDC-1) are released by activated endothelial cells; however, the complete dynamics of its expression at the gene and protein levels during the course of DENV infection remains unknown. In the present study, we quantified the mRNA and soluble protein levels of ENG and SDC-1 in dengue cases during febrile, defervescence, and convalescence stages in Dengue without Warning Sign (DWOW-15), Dengue with Warning Sign (DWW-22), and Severe Dengue cases (SD-10) compared to nondengue Other Febrile Illness (OFI-10) and healthy control (HC-8). Respective protein and mRNA levels along with clinical characters were further analyzed for their efficacy in predicting disease outcomes using Support Vector Machine (SVM). We observed a steady and significant (P ≤ 0.01) increase in the levels of protein and mRNA of both the ENG and SDC-1 towards defervescence which is considered a critical phase in both severe and non-severe dengue cases. Importantly during the critical phase, the levels were significantly higher (P ≤ 0.001) in SD cases compared to DWW, DWOW, and OFI controls. However, at the time of admission (febrile), no such significant changes were observed within dengue, OFI, and healthy controls. SVM analysis revealed that the serum levels of ENG and SDC-1 along with other clinical symptoms could predict the disease severity with 100% accuracy. Based on the results we have proposed a mechanism on how ENG and SDC-1 could be involved in vascular dysfunction rather than just being a biomarker.

What Are the Potential Roles of Nuclear Perlecan and Other Heparan Sulphate Proteoglycans in the Normal and Malignant Phenotype

The recent discovery of nuclear and perinuclear perlecan in annulus fibrosus and nucleus pulposus cells and its known matrix stabilizing properties in tissues introduces the possibility that perlecan may also have intracellular stabilizing or regulatory roles through interactions with nuclear envelope or cytoskeletal proteins or roles in nucleosomal-chromatin organization that may regulate transcriptional factors and modulate gene expression. The nucleus is a mechano-sensor organelle, and sophisticated dynamic mechanoresponsive cytoskeletal and nuclear envelope components support and protect the nucleus, allowing it to perceive and respond to mechano-stimulation. This review speculates on the potential roles of perlecan in the nucleus based on what is already known about nuclear heparan sulphate proteoglycans. Perlecan is frequently found in the nuclei of tumour cells; however, its specific role in these diseased tissues is largely unknown. The aim of this review is to highlight probable roles for this intriguing interactive regulatory proteoglycan in the nucleus of normal and malignant cell types.

A panel of selected serum protein biomarkers for the detection of aggressive prostate cancer

Background: Current PSA-based tests used to detect prostate cancer (PCa) lack sufficient specificity, leading to significant overdetection and overtreatment. Our previous studies showed that serum fucosylated PSA (Fuc-PSA) and soluble TEK receptor tyrosine kinase (Tie-2) had the ability to predict aggressive (AG) PCa. Additional biomarkers are needed to address this significant clinical problem. Methods: A comprehensive Pubmed search followed by multiplex immunoassays identified candidate biomarkers associated with AG PCa. Subsequently, multiplex and lectin-based immunoassays were applied to a case-control set of sera from subjects with AG PCa, low risk PCa, and non-PCa (biopsy negative). These candidate biomarkers were further evaluated for their ability as panels to complement the prostate health index (phi) in detecting AG PCa. Results: When combined through logistic regression, two panel of biomarkers achieved the best performance: 1) phi, Fuc-PSA, SDC1, and GDF-15 for the detection of AG from low risk PCa and 2) phi, Fuc-PSA, SDC1, and Tie-2 for the detection of AG from low risk PCa and non-PCa, with noticeable improvements in ROC analysis over phi alone (AUCs: 0.942 vs 0.872, and 0.934 vs 0.898, respectively). At a fixed sensitivity of 95%, the panels improved specificity with statistical significance in detecting AG from low risk PCa (76.0% vs 56%, p=0.029), and from low risk PCa and non-PCa (78.2% vs 65.5%, p=0.010). Conclusions: Multivariate panels of serum biomarkers identified in this study demonstrated clinically meaningful improvement over the performance of phi, and warrant further clinical validation, which may contribute to the management of PCa.

Biology of the Heparanase-Heparan Sulfate Axis and Its Role in Disease Pathogenesis

Cell surface proteoglycans are important constituents of the glycocalyx and participate in cell-cell and cell-extracellular matrix (ECM) interactions, enzyme activation and inhibition, and multiple signaling routes, thereby regulating cell proliferation, survival, adhesion, migration, and differentiation. Heparanase, the sole mammalian heparan sulfate degrading endoglycosidase, acts as an "activator" of HS proteoglycans, thus regulating tissue hemostasis. Heparanase is a multifaceted enzyme that together with heparan sulfate, primarily syndecan-1, drives signal transduction, immune cell activation, exosome formation, autophagy, and gene transcription via enzymatic and nonenzymatic activities. An important feature is the ability of heparanase to stimulate syndecan-1 shedding, thereby impacting cell behavior both locally and distally from its cell of origin. Heparanase releases a myriad of HS-bound growth factors, cytokines, and chemokines that are sequestered by heparan sulfate in the glycocalyx and ECM. Collectively, the heparan sulfate-heparanase axis plays pivotal roles in creating a permissive environment for cell proliferation, differentiation, and function, often resulting in the pathogenesis of diseases such as cancer, inflammation, endotheliitis, kidney dysfunction, tissue fibrosis, and viral infection.

circCEP128 Knockdown Suppresses Bladder Cancer Progression via Regulating microRNA-515-5p/SDC1 Axis

Background

Dysregulation of circular RNAs (circRNAs) is associated with bladder cancer progression. Nevertheless, the mechanisms of circRNA centrosomal protein 128 (circCEP128) underlying bladder cancer progression remain poorly understood.

Methods

The levels of circCEP128, microRNA-515-5p (miR-515-5p) and syndecan-1 (SDC1) were determined via reverse transcription-quantitative polymerase chain reaction or Western blot. The effects of circCEP128, miR-515-5p and SDC1 on bladder cancer progression were investigated via MTT and colony formation assays, flow cytometry and transwell analysis and subcutaneous xenograft experiments. The interactions between miR-515-5p and circCEP128 or SDC1 were examined through bioinformatics prediction and luciferase reporter assay.

Results

circCEP128 and SDC1 were highly expressed and miR-515-5p was low expressed in bladder cancer tissues and cells. circCEP128 knockdown hindered cell proliferation, migration and invasion and promoted cell apoptosis in bladder cancer. circCEP128 loss increased miR-515-5p expression through direct interaction in bladder cancer cells. MiR-515-5p depletion mitigated the influences of circCEP128 knockdown on bladder cancer cell phenotypes. SDC1 was a direct target of miR-515-5p. circCEP128 positively regulated SDC1 expression via miR-515-5p. MiR-515-5p restrained the malignant progression of bladder cancer cells by decreasing SDC1 expression. circCEP128 knockdown hindered the growth of bladder cancer xenograft tumors by up-regulating miR-515-5p and down-regulating SDC1.

Conclusion

circCEP128 knockdown hampered the tumorigenesis and progression of bladder cancer by regulating miR-515-5p/SDC1 axis in vitro and in vivo, deepening our understanding on the molecular mechanisms of circCEP128 in bladder cancer.

Prognostic Implication of the Expression Level of PECAM-1 in Non-small Cell Lung Cancer

Background: Lung cancer is a malignant disease that threatens human health. Hence, it is crucial to identify effective prognostic factors and treatment targets. Single-cell RNA sequencing can quantify the expression profiles of transcripts in individual cells. Methods: GSE117570 profiles were downloaded from the Gene Expression Omnibus database. Key ligand-receptor genes in the tumor and the normal groups were screened to identify integrated differentially expressed genes (DEGs) from the GSE118370 and The Cancer Genome Atlas Lung Adenocarcinoma databases. DEGs associated with more ligand-receptor pairs were selected as candidate DEGs for Gene Ontology (GO) functional annotation, Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genomes (KEGG) pathway analysis, and survival analysis. In addition, we conducted validation immunohistochemical experiments on postoperative specimens of 30 patients with lung cancer. Results: A total of 18 candidate DEGs were identified from the tumor and the normal groups. The analysis of the GO biological process revealed that these DEGs were mainly enriched in wound healing, in response to wounding, cell migration, cell motility, and regulation of cell motility, while the KEGG pathway analysis found that these DEGs were mainly enriched in proteoglycans in cancer, bladder cancer, malaria, tyrosine kinase inhibitor resistance in Epidermal Growth Factor Receptor (EGFR), and the ERBB signaling pathway. Survival analysis showed that a high, rather than a low, expression of platelet endothelial cell adhesion molecule-1 (PECAM-1) was associated with improved survival. Similarly, in postoperative patients with lung cancer, we found that the overall survival of the PECAM-1 high-expression group shows a better trend than the PECAM-1 low-expression group (p = 0.172). Conclusions: The candidate DEGs identified in this study may play some important roles in the occurrence and development of lung cancer, especially PECAM-1, which may present potential prognostic biomarkers for the outcome.

Syndecan-1 Overexpressing Mesothelioma Cells Inhibit Proliferation, Wound Healing, and Tube Formation of Endothelial Cells

Simple Summary

The transmembrane proteoglycan syndecan-1 (SDC-1) is an important mediator of cell-matrix interactions. The heparan sulfate side-chains of SDC-1 can bind to a multitude of growth factors, cytokines, and chemokines, thereby regulating a plethora of physiological and pathological processes, including angiogenesis. The extracellular region of SDC-1 can be released from the cell surface by the action of sheddases including matrix metalloproteinase-7 and 9, resulting in a soluble protein that is still active and can act as a competitive activator or inhibitor of the cell surface receptor. Accelerated shedding and loss of cell surface SDC-1 is associated with epithelial to mesenchymal transition (EMT) and achievement of a more invasive phenotype in malignant mesothelioma (MM). Transfection with SDC-1 reverts the morphology in epithelioid direction and inhibits the proliferation and migration of MM cells. This study aimed to investigate the role of SDC-1 in angiogenesis. We demonstrate that overexpression and silencing of SDC-1 alters the secretion of angiogenic proteins in MM cells. Upon SDC-1 overexpression, several factors collectively inhibit the proliferation, wound closure, and tube formation of endothelial cells, whereas SDC-1 silencing only affects wound healing.

Abstract

Malignant mesothelioma (MM) is an aggressive tumor of the serosal cavities. Angiogenesis is important for mesothelioma progression, but so far, anti-angiogenic agents have not improved patient survival. Our hypothesis is that better understanding of the regulation of angiogenesis in this tumor would largely improve the success of such a therapy. Syndecan-1 (SDC-1) is a transmembrane heparan sulfate proteoglycan that acts as a co-receptor in various cellular processes including angiogenesis. In MM, the expression of SDC-1 is generally low but when present, SDC-1 associates to epithelioid differentiation, inhibition of tumor cell migration and favorable prognosis, meanwhile SDC-1 decrease deteriorates the prognosis. In the present study, we studied the effect of SDC-1 overexpression and silencing on MM cells ability to secrete angiogenic factors and monitored the downstream effect of SDC-1 modulation on endothelial cells proliferation, wound healing, and tube formation. This was done by adding conditioned medium from SDC-1 transfected and SDC-1 silenced mesothelioma cells to endothelial cells. Moreover, we investigated the interplay and molecular functional changes in angiogenesis in a co-culture system and characterized the soluble angiogenesis-related factors secreted to the conditioned media. We demonstrated that SDC-1 over-expression inhibited the proliferation, wound healing, and tube formation of endothelial cells. This effect was mediated by a multitude of angiogenic factors comprising angiopoietin-1 (Fold change ± SD: 0.65 ± 0.07), FGF-4 (1.45 ± 0.04), HGF (1.33 ± 0.07), NRG1-β1 (1.35 ± 0.08), TSP-1 (0.8 ± 0.02), TIMP-1 (0.89 ± 0.01) and TGF-β1 (1.35 ± 0.01). SDC-1 silencing increased IL8 (1.33 ± 0.06), promoted wound closure, but did not influence the tube formation of endothelial cells. Pleural effusions from mesothelioma patients showed that Vascular Endothelial Growth Factor (VEGF) levels correlate to soluble SDC-1 levels and have prognostic value. In conclusion, SDC-1 over-expression affects the angiogenic factor secretion of mesothelioma cells and thereby inhibits endothelial cells proliferation, tube formation, and wound healing. VEGF could be used in prognostic evaluation of mesothelioma patients together with SDC-1.

Expression of syndecan-1 in oral cavity squamous cell carcinoma

Syndecan-1 (SDC1) belongs to heparan sulfate proteoglycans which may interact with different growth factors, cytokines, morphogens and promote tumor growth and invasion. The aim of the present study was to assess the immunohistochemical expression of syndecan-1 in oral squamous cell carcinoma (OSCC) and oral cysts. Evaluation of the staining pattern with the clinico-histological characteristics of patients was performed. A total of 42 OSCC and 23 oral cysts tissue samples were examined. Statistical tests were used for the significance analysis. The positive expression of syndecan-1 was significantly higher in OSCC compared to cyst located in the oral cavity. Moreover, the results indicate that the intensity of the expression correlated with grading score (p = 0.046). The data indicate that syndecan-1 is altered in OSCC and its excessive amount relates in a predictive manner to neoplastic transformation. As such, SDC1 expression may be used as an adjunctive biomarker in molecular diagnostics of oral squamous cell carcinoma.

Heparanase-enhanced Shedding of Syndecan-1 and Its Role in Driving Disease Pathogenesis and Progression

Both heparanase and syndecan-1 are known to be present and active in disease pathobiology. An important feature of syndecan-1 related to its role in pathologies is that it can be shed from the surface of cells as an intact ectodomain composed of the extracellular core protein and attached heparan sulfate and chondroitin sulfate chains. Shed syndecan-1 remains functional and impacts cell behavior both locally and distally from its cell of origin. Shedding of syndecan-1 is initiated by a variety of stimuli and accomplished predominantly by the action of matrix metalloproteinases. The accessibility of these proteases to the core protein of syndecan-1 is enhanced, and shedding facilitated, when the heparan sulfate chains of syndecan-1 have been shortened by the enzymatic activity of heparanase. Interestingly, heparanase also enhances shedding by upregulating the expression of matrix metalloproteinases. Recent studies have revealed that heparanase-induced syndecan-1 shedding contributes to the pathogenesis and progression of cancer and viral infection, as well as other septic and non-septic inflammatory states. This review discusses the heparanase/shed syndecan-1 axis in disease pathogenesis and progression, the potential of targeting this axis therapeutically, and the possibility that this axis is widespread and of influence in many diseases.

Syndecan-1 Promotes Hepatocyte-Like Differentiation of Hepatoma Cells Targeting Ets-1 and AP-1

Syndecan-1 is a transmembrane heparan sulfate proteoglycan which is indispensable in the structural and functional integrity of epithelia. Normal hepatocytes display strong cell surface expression of syndecan-1; however, upon malignant transformation, they may lose it from their cell surfaces. In this study, we demonstrate that re-expression of full-length or ectodomain-deleted syndecan-1 in hepatocellular carcinoma cells downregulates phosphorylation of ERK1/2 and p38, with the truncated form exerting an even stronger effect than the full-length protein. Furthermore, overexpression of syndecan-1 in hepatoma cells is associated with a shift of heparan sulfate structure toward a highly sulfated type specific for normal liver. As a result, cell proliferation and proteolytic shedding of syndecan-1 from the cell surface are restrained, which facilitates redifferentiation of hepatoma cells to a more hepatocyte-like phenotype. Our results highlight the importance of syndecan-1 in the formation and maintenance of differentiated epithelial characteristics in hepatocytes partly via the HGF/ERK/Ets-1 signal transduction pathway. Downregulation of Ets-1 expression alone, however, was not sufficient to replicate the phenotype of syndecan-1 overexpressing cells, indicating the need for additional molecular mechanisms. Accordingly, a reporter gene assay revealed the inhibition of Ets-1 as well as AP-1 transcription factor-induced promoter activation, presumably an effect of the heparan sulfate switch.

Evaluation of the Diagnostic and Prognostic Value of Syndecan-1 in Acute Leukemia Patients

Syndecan-1 (also known as SDC-1 or CD138) is a transmembrane proteoglycan that is expressed in many hematological and solid tumors and affects the prognosis of those cancers. We conducted this study to investigate the prognostic role of syndecan-1 in acute leukemia. Forty cases of de novo acute leukemia patients, 24 with acute myeloid leukemia (AML) and 16 with acute lymphoblastic leukemia (ALL), presented at the Oncology Center of Mansoura University, Mansoura, Egypt, with a follow-up period of 26 months. Syndecan-1 was determined in serum and leukocytes by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA). The results from acute leukemia patients were compared with those of 15 healthy subjects. We observed that soluble syndecan-1 was higher in AML (median, 160.60 ng/ml) compared with ALL (median, 76.10 ng/ml) and healthy controls (median, 30.95 ng/ml). There was a significant correlation between syndecan-1 either in leukocytes or soluble form and response to treatment in patients with AML (p = 0.02 and p = 0.04, respectively), but these correlations were not statistically significant for ALL cases. Finally, there was a significant correlation between the soluble syndecan-1 level and overall survival in AML cases (p = 0.04), but the correlation was not significant for ALL cases. In conclusion, syndecan-1 is a useful biomarker for AML but not for ALL.

Targeted-Alpha-Therapy Combining Astatine-211 and anti-CD138 Antibody in A Preclinical Syngeneic Mouse Model of Multiple Myeloma Minimal Residual Disease

Simple Summary

Multiple myeloma is a cancer that remains incurable. Among the many therapies under evaluation, antibodies can be used as vehicles to target and deliver toxic radiation to the tumour cells. Our objective was therefore to investigate the potential of targeted alpha therapy, combining an anti-CD138 mAb with astatine-211, to destroy the residual cells responsible for relapse. We have shown in a mouse model that mimics human disease, that destroying multiple myeloma cells is feasible with low toxicity by injecting an anti-CD138 mAb coupled with astatine-211. This approach could eradicate residual cells after initial treatment and thus prevent recurrence.

Abstract

Despite therapeutic progress in recent years with the introduction of targeted therapies (daratumumab, elotuzumab), multiple myeloma remains an incurable cancer. The question is therefore to investigate the potential of targeted alpha therapy, combining an anti-CD138 antibody with astatine-211, to destroy the residual cells that cause relapses. A preclinical syngeneic mouse model, consisting of IV injection of 1 million of 5T33 cells in a KaLwRij C57/BL6 mouse, was treated 10 days later with an anti-mCD138 antibody, called 9E7.4, radiolabeled with astatine-211. Four activities of the ²¹¹At-9E7.4 radioimmunoconjugate were tested in two independent experiments: 370 kBq (n = 16), 555 kBq (n = 10), 740 kBq (n = 17) and 1100 kBq (n = 6). An isotype control was also tested at 555 kBq (n = 10). Biodistribution, survival rate, hematological parameters, enzymatic hepatic toxicity, histological examination and organ dosimetry were considered. The survival median of untreated mice was 45 days after engraftment. While the activity of 1100 kBq was highly toxic, the activity of 740 kBq offered the best efficacy with 65% of overall survival 150 days after the treatment with no evident sign of toxicity. This work demonstrates the pertinence of treating minimal residual disease of multiple myeloma with an anti-CD138 antibody coupled to astatine-211.

ITGB3-mediated uptake of small extracellular vesicles facilitates intercellular communication in breast cancer cells

Metastasis, the spread of malignant cells from a primary tumour to distant sites, causes 90% of cancer-related deaths. The integrin ITGB3 has been previously described to play an essential role in breast cancer metastasis, but the precise mechanisms remain undefined. We have now uncovered essential and thus far unknown roles of ITGB3 in vesicle uptake. The functional requirement for ITGB3 derives from its interactions with heparan sulfate proteoglycans (HSPGs) and the process of integrin endocytosis, allowing the capture of extracellular vesicles and their endocytosis-mediated internalization. Key for the function of ITGB3 is the interaction and activation of focal adhesion kinase (FAK), which is required for endocytosis of these vesicles. Thus, ITGB3 has a central role in intracellular communication via extracellular vesicles, proposed to be critical for cancer metastasis.

Anchorage independence altered vasculogenic phenotype of melanoma cells through downregulation in aminopeptidase N /syndecan-1/integrin β4 axis

The detachment of tumor cells from extracellular matrix and survival under anchorage-independence were recognized as the initial step of tumor metastasis. Previously we had demonstrated that anchorage-independence altered gene expressions and showed characteristics of cell invasiveness loss, enhanced chemosensitivity, and enhanced subcutaneous tumor formation. However, whether it affected histological phenotypes in tumor tissues remained unclear. Melanoma metastases were generated in nude mice using adherent or suspended melanoma cells. Examination of melanoma metastases revealed histological features of extensive vascular structures in adherent cell-derived tumors, while not seen in suspended cell-derived tumors. Quantitative proteomic analysis at adherent, suspended, and re-attached melanoma cells suggested that aminopeptidase N was potentially downregulated upon cell suspension or reattachment. Downregulation of aminopeptidase N by gene-specific shRNAs showed reduced cell invasiveness and enhanced subcutaneous tumor formation that was consistent with previous observations. Experiments by suppression or overexpression of aminopeptidase N expression demonstrated that aminopeptidase N regulated syndecan-1 and integrin β4 expression through PKCδ pathway. Histological analysis at melanoma metastases further suggested that CD31⁺/aminopeptidase N⁺/syndecan-1⁺/integrin β4⁺ phenotypes were associated with vascular structures. In summary, we suggested the expression axis of aminopeptidase N/syndecan-1/integrin β4 in melanoma cells was suppressed by detachment stress, which diminished vascular phenotypes of melanoma metastases.

The FGF/FGFR system in the physiopathology of the prostate gland

Fibroblast growth factors (FGFs) are a family of proteins possessing paracrine, autocrine, or endocrine functions in a variety of biological processes, including embryonic development, angiogenesis, tissue homeostasis, wound repair, and cancer. Canonical FGFs bind and activate tyrosine kinase FGF receptors (FGFRs), triggering intracellular signaling cascades that mediate their biological activity. Experimental evidence indicates that FGFs play a complex role in the physiopathology of the prostate gland that ranges from essential functions during embryonic development to modulation of neoplastic transformation. The use of ligand- and receptor-deleted mouse models has highlighted the requirement for FGF signaling in the normal development of the prostate gland. In adult prostate, the maintenance of a functional FGF/FGFR signaling axis is critical for organ homeostasis and function, as its disruption leads to prostate hyperplasia and may contribute to cancer progression and metastatic dissemination. Dissection of the molecular landscape modulated by the FGF family will facilitate ongoing translational efforts directed toward prostate cancer therapy.

Overview of anti-BCMA CAR-T immunotherapy for multiple myeloma and relapsed/refractory multiple myeloma

Multiple myeloma (MM) is a haematological malignancy caused by malignant proliferation of plasma cells in bone marrow. In recent years, MM patients are commonly treated with chemotherapy, autologous stem cell transplantation, protease inhibitors, immunomodulatory drugs and monoclonal antibodies, however most patients eventually relapse. Therefore, more effective therapies are highly needed. Anti-BCMA CAR-T therapy, a novel and efficacious method for treating MM and relapsed/refractory multiple myeloma (RRMM), has been designed and applied in clinics. The CAR-T can specifically recognize the targeted molecule B cell maturation antigen (BCMA) and kill MM cells expressing BCMA and several clinical trials have revealed high response rates in the therapy. Herein, we summarize the developments, the current design and clinical trials, the side effects of anti-BCMA CAR-T therapy and comparison of it with other CAR-T therapies.

Bispecific Antibodies for Multiple Myeloma: A Review of Targets, Drugs, Clinical Trials, and Future Directions

Multiple myeloma (MM) is a plasma cell malignancy and the second most common hematological neoplasm in adults, comprising 1.8% of all cancers. With an annual incidence of ~30,770 cases in the United States, MM has a high mortality rate, leading to 12,770 deaths per year. MM is a genetically complex, highly heterogeneous malignancy, with significant inter- and intra-patient clonal variability. Recent years have witnessed dramatic improvements in the diagnostics, classification, and treatment of MM. However, patients with high-risk disease have not yet benefited from therapeutic advances. High-risk patients are often primary refractory to treatment or relapse early, ultimately resulting in progression toward aggressive end-stage MM, with associated extramedullary disease or plasma cell leukemia. Therefore, novel treatment modalities are needed to improve the outcomes of these patients. Bispecific antibodies (BsAbs) are immunotherapeutics that simultaneously target and thereby redirect effector immune cells to tumor cells. BsAbs have shown high efficacy in B cell malignancies, including refractory/relapsed acute lymphoblastic leukemia. Various BsAbs targeting MM-specific antigens such as B cell maturation antigen (BCMA), CD38, and CD138 are currently in pre-clinical and clinical development, with promising results. In this review, we outline these advances, focusing on BsAb drugs, their targets, and their potential to improve survival, especially for high-risk MM patients. In combination with current treatment strategies, BsAbs may pave the way toward a cure for MM.

L19-IL2 Immunocytokine in Combination with the Anti-Syndecan-1 46F2SIP Antibody Format: A New Targeted Treatment Approach in an Ovarian Carcinoma Model

Epithelial ovarian cancer (EOC) is the fifth most common cancer affecting the female population. At present, different targeted treatment approaches may improve currently employed therapies leading either to the delay of tumor recurrence or to disease stabilization. In this study we show that syndecan-1 (SDC1) and tumor angiogenic-associated B-fibronectin isoform (B-FN) are involved in EOC progression and we describe the prominent role of SDC1 in the vasculogenic mimicry (VM) process. We also investigate a possible employment of L19-IL2, an immunocytokine specific for B-FN, and anti-SDC1 46F2SIP (small immuno protein) antibody in combination therapy in a human ovarian carcinoma model. A tumor growth reduction of 78% was obtained in the 46F2SIP/L19-IL2-treated group compared to the control group. We observed that combined treatment was effective in modulation of epithelial-mesenchymal transition (EMT) markers, loss of stemness properties of tumor cells, and in alleviating hypoxia. These effects correlated with reduction of VM structures in tumors from treated mice. Interestingly, the improved pericyte coverage in vascular structures suggested that combined therapy could be efficacious in induction of vessel normalization. These data could pave the way for a possible use of L19-IL2 combined with 46F2SIP antibody as a novel therapeutic strategy in EOC.

Syndecan-1 facilitates breast cancer metastasis to the brain

PURPOSE

Although survival rates for patients with localized breast cancer have increased, patients with metastatic breast cancer still have poor prognosis. Understanding key factors involved in promoting breast cancer metastasis is imperative for better treatments. In this study, we investigated the role of syndecan-1 (Sdc1) in breast cancer metastasis.

METHODS

To assess the role of Sdc1 in breast cancer metastasis, we silenced Sdc1 expression in the triple-negative breast cancer human MDA-MB-231 cell line and overexpressed it in the mouse mammary carcinoma 4T1 cell line. Intracardiac injections were performed in an experimental mouse metastasis model using both cell lines. In vitro transwell blood-brain barrier (BBB) and brain section adhesion assays were utilized to specifically investigate how Sdc1 facilitates brain metastasis. A cytokine array was performed to evaluate differences in the breast cancer cell secretome when Sdc1 is silenced.

RESULTS

Silencing expression of Sdc1 in breast cancer cells significantly reduced metastasis to the brain. Conversely, overexpression of Sdc1 increased metastasis to the brain. We found that silencing of Sdc1 expression had no effect on attachment of breast cancer cells to brain endothelial cells or astrocytes, but migration across the BBB was reduced as well as adhesion to the perivascular regions of the brain. Loss of Sdc1 also led to changes in breast cancer cell-secreted cytokines/chemokines, which may influence the BBB.

CONCLUSIONS

Taken together, our study demonstrates a role for Sdc1 in promoting breast cancer metastasis to the brain. These findings suggest that Sdc1 supports breast cancer cell migration across the BBB through regulation of cytokines, which may modulate the BBB. Further elucidating this mechanism will allow for the development of therapeutic strategies to combat brain metastasis.

New SDC function prediction based on protein-protein interaction using bioinformatics tools

The precise roles for SDC have been complex to specify. Assigning and reanalyzing protein and peptide identification to novel protein functions is one of the most important challenges in postgenomic era. Here, we provide SDC molecular description to support, contextualize and reanalyze the corresponding protein-protein interaction (PPI). From SDC-1 data mining, we discuss the potential of bioinformatics tools to predict new biological rules of SDC. Using these methods, we have assembled new possibilities for SDC biology from PPI data, once, the understanding of biology complexity cannot be capture from one simple question.

Systematic expression analysis of ligand-receptor pairs reveals important cell-to-cell interactions inside glioma

Background

Glioma is the most commonly diagnosed malignant and aggressive brain cancer in adults. Traditional researches mainly explored the expression profile of glioma at cell-population level, but ignored the heterogeneity and interactions of among glioma cells.

Methods

Here, we firstly analyzed the single-cell RNA-seq (scRNA-seq) data of 6341 glioma cells using manifold learning and identified neoplastic and healthy cells infiltrating in tumor microenvironment. We systematically revealed cell-to-cell interactions inside gliomas based on corresponding scRNA-seq and TCGA RNA-seq data.

Results

A total of 16 significantly correlated autocrine ligand-receptor signal pairs inside neoplastic cells were identified based on the scRNA-seq and TCGA data of glioma. Furthermore, we explored the intercellular communications between cancer stem-like cells (CSCs) and macrophages, and identified 66 ligand-receptor pairs, some of which could significantly affect prognostic outcomes. An efficient machine learning model was constructed to accurately predict the prognosis of glioma patients based on the ligand-receptor interactions.

Conclusion

Collectively, our study not only reveals functionally important cell-to-cell interactions inside glioma, but also detects potentially prognostic markers for predicting the survival of glioma patients.

Electronic supplementary material

The online version of this article (10.1186/s12964-019-0363-1) contains supplementary material, which is available to authorized users.

Prognostic and clinical significance of syndecan-1 expression in breast cancer: A systematic review and meta-analysis

BACKGROUND

The prognostic value of syndecan-1 (SDC1, also called CD138) in breast cancer remains controversial. Therefore, we performed a meta-analysis to assess the clinical significance of SDC1 expression in breast cancer.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

Various databases were searched to evaluate possible correlations between SDC1 protein or mRNA expression and prognostic significance in breast cancer. Pooled hazard ratios (HRs) and odds ratios (ORs) with 95% confidence intervals (CIs) were applied to perform a quantitative meta-analysis.

RESULTS

A total of 1305 breast cancer patients from 9 eligible studies were included in this meta-analysis. Significant associations between elevated SDC1 protein expression and poor disease-free survival (DFS) (HR = 1.55, 95% CI: 1.12-2.14; P = 0.007) and overall survival (OS) (HR = 2.08, 95% CI: 1.61-2.69; P < 0.001) were observed. In addition, enhanced SDC1 protein expression correlated with negative estrogen receptor (ER) expression (OR, 2.38; 95% CI, 1.64-3.44; P < 0.001) and positive human epidermal growth factor receptor 2 (HER2) expression (OR, 1.77; 95% CI, 1.14-2.76; P = 0.01). However, increased SDC1 protein expression did not correlate with relapse-free survival (RFS) (HR = 0.33, 95% CI: 0.03-3.13; P = 0.33). There were no additional significant correlations observed between SDC1 protein expression and other clinical factors, including tumor size, lymph node involvement, nuclear grade, and progesterone receptor (PR) expression.

CONCLUSION

The results of this meta-analysis demonstrate that increased SDC1 protein expression in breast cancer is significantly associated with worse prognosis in terms of DFS and OS, and an aggressive phenotype is associated with negative ER expression and positive HER2 expression.

Anti-cancer Therapies Employing IL-2 Cytokine Tumor Targeting: Contribution of Innate, Adaptive and Immunosuppressive Cells in the Anti-tumor Efficacy

Antibody-cytokine fusion proteins (immunocytokine) exert a potent anti-cancer effect; indeed, they target the immunosuppressive tumor microenvironment (TME) due to a specific anti-tumor antibody linked to immune activating cytokines. Once bound to the target tumor, the interleukin-2 (IL-2) immunocytokines composed of either full antibody or single chain Fv conjugated to IL-2 can promote the in situ recruitment and activation of natural killer (NK) cells and cytotoxic CD8⁺ T lymphocytes (CTL). This recruitment induces a TME switch toward a classical T helper 1 (Th1) anti-tumor immune response, supported by the cross-talk between NK and dendritic cells (DC). Furthermore, some IL-2 immunocytokines have been largely shown to trigger tumor cell killing by antibody dependent cellular cytotoxicity (ADCC), through Fcγ receptors engagement. The modulation of the TME can be also achieved with immunocytokines conjugated with a mutated form of IL-2 that impairs regulatory T (Treg) cell proliferation and activity. Preclinical animal models and more recently phase I/II clinical trials have shown that IL-2 immunocytokines can avoid the severe toxicities of the systemic administration of high doses of soluble IL-2 maintaining the potent anti-tumor effect of this cytokine. Also, very promising results have been reported using IL-2 immunocytokines delivered in combination with other immunocytokines, chemo-, radio-, anti-angiogenic therapies, and blockade of immune checkpoints. Here, we summarize and discuss the most relevant reported studies with a focus on: (a) the effects of IL-2 immunocytokines on innate and adaptive anti-tumor immune cell responses as well as immunosuppressive Treg cells and (b) the approaches to circumvent IL-2-mediated severe toxic side effects.

Comparison of Syndecan-1 Immunohistochemical Expression in Lobular and Ductal Breast Carcinoma with Nodal Metastases

Syndecan-1 (Sdc1) is a transmembrane heparan sulfate proteoglycan, an extracellular matrix receptor involved in intercellular communication, proliferation, angiogenesis, and metastasis. This study determined and compared Sdc1 expression in the tumor cells and stroma of 30 invasive lobular and 30 invasive ductal breast carcinomas (ILCs/IDCs), also in the axillary node metastases of ductal type, and correlated it with clinical and tumor parameters. Sdc1 was expressed in the epithelium of 90% carcinoma of both histological types. Also, it was most frequently expressed in their tumor stroma, but in ILC, stromal expression was negative in 40%. Sdc1 was expressed in 86.7% of the metastatic epithelium of IDC nodal metastases (in even 50% as high expression), while the nodal stroma was negative in 46.7%. Primary IDC showed a negative correlation between epithelial Sdc1 and progesterone receptors (PRs), whereas ILC showed a positive correlation between stromal Sdc1 and histological gradus. In the metastatic epithelium, Sdc1 was negatively correlated with a patient's age, estrogen receptors (ERs), and PRs in the primary tumors, while the stroma of metastases demonstrated a positive correlation with the focus number in primary tumors and a negative correlation with PRs in primary tumors. This research revealed identical overall epithelial Sdc1 expression in both breast carcinomas with no statistically significant difference in its stromal expression and confirmed the role of Sdc1 in the progression of both tumor types and in the development of ductal carcinoma's metastatic potential.

MicroRNA-494 acts as a tumor suppressor in pancreatic cancer, inhibiting epithelial-mesenchymal transition, migration and invasion by binding to SDC1

Pancreatic cancer (PC) is the fourth most common cause of cancer‑related mortality in the industrialized world. Emerging evidence indicates that a variety of microRNAs (miRNAs or miRs) are involved in the development of PC. The aim of the present study was to elucidate the mechanisms through which miR‑494 affects the epithelial‑mesenchymal transition (EMT) and invasion of PC cells by binding to syndecan 1 (SDC1). PC tissues and pancreatitis tissues were collected, and the regulatory effects of miR‑494 on SDC1 were validated using bioinformatics analysis and a dual‑luciferase report gene assay. The cell line with the highest SDC1 expression was selected for use in the following experiments. The role of miR‑494 in EMT was assessed by measuring the expression of SDC1, E‑cadherin and vimentin. Cell proliferation was assessed using a cell counting kit (CCK)‑8 assay, migration was measured using a scratch test, invasion was assessed with a Transwell assay and apoptosis was detected by flow cytometry. Finally, a xenograft tumor model was constructed in nude mice to observe tumor growth in vivo. We found that SDC1 protein expression was significantly higher in the PC tissues. SDC1 was verified as a target gene of miR‑494. The SW1990 cell line was selected for use in further experiments as it had the lowest miR‑494 expression and the highest SDC1 expression. Our results also demonstrated that miR‑494 overexpression and SDC1 silencing significantly decreased the mRNA and protein expression of SDC1 and vimentin in SW1990 cells, while it increased E‑cadherin expression and apoptosis, and inhibited cell growth, migration, invasion and tumor growth. On the whole, the findings of this study demonstrated that miR‑494 is able to downregulate SDC1 expression, thereby inhibiting the progression of PC. These findings reveal a novel mechanism through which miR‑494 affects the development of PC and may thus provide a basis for the application of miR‑494 in pancreatic oncology.

Syndecan-1 knockdown inhibits glioma cell proliferation and invasion by deregulating a c-src/FAK-associated signaling pathway

Recent studies have shown that increased syndecan-1 (SDC1) expression in human glioma is associated with higher tumor grades and poor prognoses, but its oncogenic functions and the underlying molecular mechanisms remain unknown. Here, we examined SDC1 expression in datasets from The Cancer Genome Atlas and the National Center for Biotechnology Information Gene Expression Omnibus. Elevated SDC1 expression in glioma was closely associated with increases in tumor progression and shorter survival. We also examined SDC1 expression and evaluated the effects of stable SDC1 knockdown in glioma cell lines. SDC1 knockdown attenuated proliferation and invasion by glioma cells and markedly decreased PCNA and MMP-9 mRNA and protein expression. In a xenograft model, SDC1 knockdown suppressed the tumorigenic effects of U87 cells in vivo. SDC1 knockdown decreased phosphorylation of the c-src/FAK complex and its downstream signaling molecules, Erk, Akt and p38 MAPK. These results suggest that SDC1 may be a novel therapeutic target in the treatment of glioma.

Recombinant erythropoietin acutely decreases renal perfusion and decouples the renin-angiotensin-aldosterone system

The effect of recombinant erythropoietin (rhEPO) on renal and systemic hemodynamics was evaluated in a randomized double-blinded, cross-over study. Sixteen healthy subjects were tested with placebo, or low-dose rhEPO for 2 weeks, or high-dose rhEPO for 3 days. Subjects refrained from excessive salt intake, according to instructions from a dietitian. Renal clearance studies were done for measurements of renal plasma flow, glomerular filtration rate (GFR) and the segmentel tubular handling of sodium and water (lithium clearance). rhEPO increased arterial blood pressure, total peripheral resistance, and renal vascular resistance, and decreased renal plasma flow in the high-dose rhEPO intervention and tended to decrease GFR. In spite of the decrease in renal perfusion, rhEPO tended to decrease reabsorption of sodium and water in the proximal tubule and induced a prompt decrease in circulating levels of renin and aldosterone, independent of changes in red blood cell mass, blood volumes, and blood pressure. We also found changes in biomarkers showing evidence that rhEPO induced a prothrombotic state. Our results suggest that rhEPO causes a direct downregulation in proximal tubular reabsorption that seems to decouple the activity of the renin-angiotensin-aldosterone system from changes in renal hemodynamics. This may serve as a negative feed-back mechanism on endogenous synthesis of EPO when circulating levels of EPO are high. These results demonstrates for the first time in humans a direct effect of rhEPO on renal hemodynamics and a decoupling of the renin-angiotensin-aldosterone system.