IL-4-induced Stat6 activities affect apoptosis and gene expression in breast cancer cells

IL-4 Downregulates PD-L1 Level Via SOCS1 Upregulation-Induced JNK Deactivation to Enhance Antitumor Immunity in In Vitro Colorectal Cancer

Interleukin-4 (IL-4) controls cell growth and immune system regulation in tumorigenesis and can inhibit the growth of colon cancer cell lines, but the possible mechanism is unclear. In this study, we investigated the possible mechanism of IL-4 in colorectal cancer (CRC) through in vitro experiments. CRC cells received treatment with IL-4 (50 ng/mL), investigating the suppressor of cytokine signaling 1 (SOCS1)-related mechanism underlying the role of IL-4 in the progression and immunosuppression of CRC. The malignant processes of CRC cells and CD8+T cell-mediated immune response in CRC cells were determined by CCK-8, Transwell, wound healing, and flow cytometry assays. Programmed death ligand 1 (PD-L1), SOCS1 expressions, and c-Jun N-terminal kinase (JNK) activation in CRC cells were analyzed by quantitative reverse transcription polymerase chain reaction and/or Western blot. IL-4 repressed the malignant processes, yet promoted the apoptosis of CRC cells. Besides, IL-4 downregulated PD-L1 level, upregulated SOCS1 level, and restrained JNK activation in CRC cells, while enhancing CRC cell-killing effect of CD8+T cells. IL-4-induced effects on the aforementioned malignant processes of CRC cells and the killing effect of CD8+T cells toward CRC cells were all reversed when SOCS1 was knocked down in the CRC cells. IL-4 downregulates PD-L1 level via SOCS1 upregulation-induced JNK deactivation to enhance antitumor immunity in in vitro CRC. The study provides a theoretical basis for the clinical application of IL-4 in antitumor immunity in CRC.

Interplay between signal transducers and activators of transcription (STAT) proteins and cancer: involvement, therapeutic and prognostic perspective

Signal transducers and activators of transcription or STAT are proteins that consist of various transcription factors that are responsible for activating genes regarding cell proliferation, differentiation, and apoptosis. They commonly activate several cytokine, growth, or hormone factors via the JAK-STAT signaling pathway by tyrosine phosphorylation which are responsible for giving rise to numerous immune responses. Mutations within the Janus-Kinases (JAKs) or the STATs can set off the commencement of various malfunctions of the immune system of the body; carcinogenesis being an inevitable outcome. STATs are known to act as both oncogenes and tumor suppressor genes which makes it a hot topic of investigation. Various STATs related mechanisms are currently being investigated to analyze its potential of serving as a therapeutic base for numerous immune diseases and cancer; a deeper understanding of the molecular mechanisms involved in the signaling pathways can contribute to the same. This review will throw light upon each STAT member in causing cancer malignancies by affecting subsequent signaling pathways and its genetic and epigenetic associations as well as various inhibitors that could be used to target these pathways thereby devising new treatment options. The review will also focus upon the therapeutic advances made in cancers that most commonly affect people and discuss how STAT genes are identified as prognostic markers.

STAT family of transcription factors in breast cancer: Pathogenesis and therapeutic opportunities and challenges

Breast cancer is the most commonly diagnosed cancer and second-leading cause of cancer deaths in women. Breast cancer stem cells (BCSCs) promote metastasis and therapeutic resistance contributing to tumor relapse. Through activating genes important for BCSCs, transcription factors contribute to breast cancer metastasis and therapeutic resistance, including the signal transducer and activator of transcription (STAT) family of transcription factors. The STAT family consists of six major isoforms, STAT1, STAT2, STAT3, STAT4, STAT5, and STAT6. Canonical STAT signaling is activated by the binding of an extracellular ligand to a cell-surface receptor followed by STAT phosphorylation, leading to STAT nuclear translocation and transactivation of target genes. It is important to note that STAT transcription factors exhibit diverse effects in breast cancer; some are either pro- or anti-tumorigenic while others maintain dual, context-dependent roles. Among the STAT transcription factors, STAT3 is the most widely studied STAT protein in breast cancer for its critical roles in promoting BCSCs, breast cancer cell proliferation, invasion, angiogenesis, metastasis, and immune evasion. Consequently, there have been substantial efforts in developing cancer therapeutics to target breast cancer with dysregulated STAT3 signaling. In this comprehensive review, we will summarize the diverse roles that each STAT family member plays in breast cancer pathobiology, as well as, the opportunities and challenges in pharmacologically targeting STAT proteins and their upstream activators in the context of breast cancer treatment.

Hematopoietic Prostaglandin D2 Synthase Controls Tfh/Th2 Communication and Limits Tfh Antitumor Effects

T follicular helper (Tfh) cells are a subset of CD4+ T cells essential in immunity and have a role in helping B cells produce antibodies against pathogens. However, their role during cancer progression remains unknown. The mechanism of action of Tfh cells remains elusive because contradictory data have been reported on their protumor or antitumor responses in human and murine tumors. Like Tfh cells, Th2 cells are also involved in humoral immunity and are regularly associated with tumor progression and poor prognosis, mainly through their secretion of IL4. Here, we showed that Tfh cells expressed hematopoietic prostaglandin D2 (PGD2) synthase in a pSTAT1/pSTAT3-dependent manner. Tfh cells produced PGD2, which led to recruitment of Th2 cells via the PGD2 receptor chemoattractant receptor homologous molecule expressed on Th type 2 cells (CRTH2) and increased their effector functions. This cross-talk between Tfh and Th2 cells promoted IL4-dependent tumor growth. Correlation between Th2 cells, Tfh cells, and hematopoietic PGD2 synthase was observed in different human cancers and associated with outcome. This study provides evidence that Tfh/Th2 cross-talk through PGD2 limits the antitumor effects of Tfh cells and, therefore, could serve as a therapeutic target.

Basophils as a potential therapeutic target in cancer

Basophils, which are considered as redundant relatives of mast cells and the rarest granulocytes in peripheral circulation, have been neglected by researchers in the past decades. Previous studies have revealed their vital roles in allergic diseases and parasitic infections. Intriguingly, recent studies even reported that basophils might be associated with cancer development, as activated basophils synthesize and release a variety of cytokines and chemokines in response to cancers. However, it is still subject to debate whether basophils function as tumor-protecting or tumor-promoting components; the answer may depend on the tumor biology and the microenvironment. Herein, we reviewed the role of basophils in cancers, and highlighted some potential and promising therapeutic strategies.

Involvement of IL-4, IL-13 and Their Receptors in Pancreatic Cancer

Interleukin (IL)-4 and IL-13 are known as pleiotropic Th2 cytokines with a wide range of biological properties and functions especially in immune responses. In addition, increasing activities have also been determined in oncogenesis and tumor progression of several malignancies. It is now generally accepted that IL-4 and IL-13 can exert effects on epithelial tumor cells through corresponding receptors. Type II IL-4 receptor (IL-4Rα/IL-13Rα1), predominantly expressed in non-hematopoietic cells, is identified to be the main target for both IL-4 and IL-13 in tumors. Moreover, IL-13 can also signal by binding to the IL-13Rα2 receptor. Structural similarity due to the use of the same receptor complex generated in response to IL-4/IL-13 results in overlapping but also distinct signaling pathways and functions. The aim of this review was to summarize knowledge about IL-4 and IL-13 and their receptors in pancreatic cancer in order understand the implication of IL-4 and IL-13 and their receptors for pancreatic tumorigenesis and progression and for developing possible new diagnostic and therapeutic targets.

The roles of post-translational modifications and coactivators of STAT6 signaling in tumor growth and progression

Signal transducers and activators of transcription 6 (STAT6) are highly expressed in various tumors and associated with tumorigenesis, immunosuppression, proliferation, metastasis and poor prognosis in human cancers. In response to IL-4/13, STAT6 is phosphorylated, dimerizes and triggers transcriptional regulation after recruitment of coactivators to transcriptosome, such as CBP/p300, SRC-1, PARP-14 and PSF. Post-translational modifications, including phosphorylation, ubiquitination, ADP-ribosylation and acetylation, have been explored for molecular mechanisms of STAT6 in tumor development and management. STAT6 has been developed as a specific biomarker for distinguishing and diagnosing tumor phenotypes, although it is observed to be frequently mutated in metastatic tumors. In this article, we focus mainly on the structural characteristics of STAT6 and its role in tumor growth and progression.

Combined p53- and PTEN-deficiency activates expression of mesenchyme homeobox 1 (MEOX1) required for growth of triple-negative breast cancer

Triple-negative breast cancer (TNBC) is an aggressive cancer subtype for which effective therapies are unavailable. TNBC has a high frequency of tumor protein p53 (Tp53/p53)- and phosphatase and tensin homolog (PTEN) deficiencies, and combined p53- and PTEN-deficiency is associated with poor prognosis and poor response to anticancer therapies. In this study, we discovered that combined p53- and PTEN-deficiency in TNBC activates expression of the transcription factor mesenchyme homeobox 1 (MEOX1). We found that MEOX1 is expressed only in TNBC cells with frequent deficiencies in p53 and PTEN, and that its expression is undetectable in luminal A, luminal B, and HER2+ subtypes, as well as in normal breast cells with wild-type (WT) p53 and PTEN. Notably, siRNA knockdown of both p53 and PTEN activated MEOX1 expression in breast cancer cells, whereas individual knockdowns of either p53 or PTEN had only minimal effects on MEOX1 expression. MEOX1 knockdown abolished cell proliferation of p53- and PTEN-deficient TNBC in vitro and inhibited tumor growth in vivo, but had no effect on the proliferation of luminal and HER2+ cancer cells and normal breast cells. RNA-Seq and immunoblotting analyses showed that MEOX1 knockdown decreased expression of tyrosine kinase 2 (TYK2), signal transducer and activator of transcription 5B (STAT5B), and STAT6 in p53- and PTEN-deficient TNBC cells. These results reveal the effects of combined p53- and PTEN-deficiency on MEOX1 expression and TNBC cell proliferation, suggesting that MEOX1 may serve as a potential therapeutic target for managing p53- and PTEN-deficient TNBC.

Use of STAT6 Phosphorylation Inhibitor and Trimethylglycine as New Adjuvant Therapies for 5-Fluorouracil in Colitis-Associated Tumorigenesis

Colorectal cancer (CRC) is one of the most widespread and deadly types of neoplasia around the world, where the inflammatory microenvironment has critical importance in the process of tumor growth, metastasis, and drug resistance. Despite its limited effectiveness, 5-fluorouracil (5-FU) is the main drug utilized for CRC treatment. The combination of 5-FU with other agents modestly increases its effectiveness in patients. Here, we evaluated the anti-inflammatory Trimethylglycine and the Signal transducer and activator of transcription (STAT6) inhibitor AS1517499, as possible adjuvants to 5-FU in already established cancers, using a model of colitis-associated colon cancer (CAC). We found that these adjuvant therapies induced a remarkable reduction of tumor growth when administrated together with 5-FU, correlating with a reduction in STAT6-phosphorylation. This reduction upgraded the effect of 5-FU by increasing both levels of apoptosis and markers of cell adhesion such as E-cadherin, whereas decreased epithelial-mesenchymal transition markers were associated with aggressive phenotypes and drug resistance, such as β-catenin nuclear translocation and Zinc finger protein SNAI1 (SNAI1). Additionally, Il-10, Tgf-β, and Il-17a, critical pro-tumorigenic cytokines, were downmodulated in the colon by these adjuvant therapies. In vitro assays on human colon cancer cells showed that Trimethylglycine also reduced STAT6-phosphorylation. Our study is relatively unique in focusing on the effects of the combined administration of AS1517499 and Trimethylglycine together with 5-FU on already established CAC which synergizes to markedly reduce the colon tumor load. Together, these data point to STAT6 as a valuable target for adjuvant therapy in colon cancer.

Integrated Bioinformatics Data Analysis Reveals Prognostic Significance Of SIDT1 In Triple-Negative Breast Cancer

Background

Triple-negative breast cancer (TNBC) is a heterogeneous disease with a worse prognosis. However, current therapies have rarely improved the outcome of patients with TNBC. Here we sought to identify novel biomarkers or targets for TNBC.

Materials and methods

Patients GSE76275 clinic traits and their corresponding mRNA profiles for 198 TNBC and 67 non-TNBC were obtained from the GEO database. Weighted gene co-expression network analysis (WGCNA) of the GSE76275 keyed out hub genes, and the differentially expressed genes (DEGs) were identified with the cut-off of adjusted P (adj. P) <0.01 and |log2 fold-change (FC)| > 1.5. The hub - DEGs overlapping genes, as key genes, were considered for further study using Kaplan-Meier plotter online analysis. Subsequently, Breast Cancer Gene-Expression Miner v4.0 and tissue microarray analysis were applied to determine the transcriptional and translational levels of every key gene. Following plasmid transfection for overexpression, the proliferation of TNBC cells was determined by CCK8 and colony formation assay. Moreover, xenograft tumor models were canvassed to investigate their effect upon in vivo tumor growth.

Results

Four genes (SIDT1, ANKRD30A, GPR160, and CA12) were found to be associated with relapse-free survival (RFS) in TNBC through WGCNA and DEGs integrated analysis. Patients with a higher level of SIDT1 had significantly better RFS compared to those with lower levels. The transcriptional and translational levels of SIDT1 were validated as downregulated in patients with triple-negative status, negative estrogen receptor (ER), progesterone receptor (PR), and human epidermal growth factor receptor 2 (HER2). Furthermore, SIDT1 inhibited proliferation of breast cancer cells (MDA-MB-231 and MDA-MB-468) and xenograft studies demonstrated that SIDT1 can suppress tumor growth in vivo.

Conclusion

This study suggests that SIDT1 may play a crucial role in TNBC progression and has the potential as a prognostic biomarker of TNBC.

IL-4 and IL-17A Cooperatively Promote Hydrogen Peroxide Production, Oxidative DNA Damage, and Upregulation of Dual Oxidase 2 in Human Colon and Pancreatic Cancer Cells

Dual oxidase 2 (DUOX2) generates H₂O₂ that plays a critical role in both host defense and chronic inflammation. Previously, we demonstrated that the proinflammatory mediators IFN-γ and LPS enhance expression of DUOX2 and its maturation factor DUOXA2 through STAT1- and NF-κB‒mediated signaling in human pancreatic cancer cells. Using a panel of colon and pancreatic cancer cell lines, we now report the induction of DUOX2/DUOXA2 mRNA and protein expression by the T_H2 cytokine IL-4. IL-4 activated STAT6 signaling that, when silenced, significantly decreased induction of DUOX2. Furthermore, the T_H17 cytokine IL-17A combined synergistically with IL-4 to increase DUOX2 expression in both colon and pancreatic cancer cells mediated, at least in part, by signaling through NF-κB. The upregulation of DUOX2 was associated with a significant increase in the production of extracellular H₂O₂ and DNA damage-as indicated by the accumulation of 8-oxo-dG and γH2AX-which was suppressed by the NADPH oxidase inhibitor diphenylene iodonium and a DUOX2-specific small interfering RNA. The clinical relevance of these experiments is suggested by immunohistochemical, microarray, and quantitative RT-PCR studies of human colon and pancreatic tumors demonstrating significantly higher DUOX2, IL-4R, and IL-17RA expression in tumors than in adjacent normal tissues; in pancreatic adenocarcinoma, increased DUOX2 expression is adversely associated with overall patient survival. These data suggest a functional association between DUOX2-mediated H₂O₂ production and induced DNA damage in gastrointestinal malignancies.

Functions of Group 2 Innate Lymphoid Cells in Tumor Microenvironment

Innate lymphoid cells (ILCs), defined as a heterogeneous population of lymphocytes, have received much attention over recent years. They can be categorized into three subsets according to the expression profiles of transcription factors and differing levels of cytokine production. These cells are widely distributed in human organs and tissues, especially in mucosal tissue. The ILCs are involved in various physiological and pathological processes, including inflammation, worm expulsion, autoimmune disease and tumor progression, many of which have been investigated and clarified in recent studies. In the tumor microenvironment, group 2 innate lymphoid cells (ILC2s) have been proved to be able to either promote or inhibit tumor progression by producing different cytokines, recruiting diverse types of immune cells, expressing immunosuppressive molecules and by regulating the expression of certain inflammatory factors. This review summarizes recent research progress on the immunomodulatory functions of ILC2s in the tumor microenvironment and puts forward some perspectives for future study.

STAT6 knockdown using multiple siRNA sequences inhibits proliferation and induces apoptosis of human colorectal and breast cancer cell lines

The transcription factor STAT6 is strongly expressed in various tumours and is most highly expressed in human malignant lymphomas and pancreatic, colorectal, prostate and breast cancers. STAT6 is associated with cancer cell proliferation, an increased malignancy and poor prognosis. Thus, techniques aimed at reducing or blocking STAT6 expression may be useful in treating STAT6^high cancers. Among these cancers, colorectal and breast cancers represent two of the most common worldwide and their incidence is increasing every year. In 2018, colorectal and breast cancers represented 10.2% and 11.6% of all new cases of cancer diagnosed, respectively. In this study, four proprietary STAT6 specific small interfering RNA (siRNA) sequences were tested in vitro using the human colon adenocarcinoma cell line, HT-29, and the breast/duct carcinoma cell line, ZR-75-1. Decreases in STAT6 mRNA and protein levels were analysed to confirm the transfection was successful and STAT6 knockdown effects were measured by analysing cell proliferation and apoptosis. Results showed that 100nM siRNA concentration was the most effective and, although all individual sequences were capable of significantly inhibiting cell proliferation, STAT6 siRNA sequences 1 and 4 had the largest effects. STAT6 silencing also significantly induced apoptotic events. In conclusion, these results demonstrate that STAT6 siRNA sequences are capable of inhibiting proliferation of and inducing apoptosis of HT-29 colorectal cancer cells and ZR-75-1 breast cancer cells, halving the number of cancer cells in a short period of time. These experiments will be repeated in other STAT6^high cancers in vitro, and animal studies in immunocompromised mice have been planned using xenografts of STAT6-expressing human colorectal and breast cancer cells. The STAT6 siRNA sequences therefore represent a potential treatment for STAT6^high colorectal and breast cancers and a wide variety of other STAT6-expressing cancers.

Neuronal IL-4Rα modulates neuronal apoptosis and cell viability during the acute phases of cerebral ischemia

Ischemic stroke caused by an embolus or local thrombosis results in neural tissue damage (an infarct) in the territory of the occluded cerebral artery. Decades of studies have increased our understanding of the molecular events during cerebral infarction; however, translation of these discoveries to druggable targets for ischemic stroke treatment has been largely disappointing. Interleukin-4 (IL-4) is a multifunctional cytokine that exerts its cellular activities via the interleukin-4 receptor α (IL-4Rα). This cytokine receptor complex is associated with diverse immune and inflammatory responses. Recent studies have suggested a role of the cytokine IL-4 in long-term ischemic stroke recovery, involving immune cell activity. In contrast, the role of the receptor, IL-4Rα especially in the acute phase of infarction is unclear. In this study, we determined that IL-4Rα is expressed on neurons and that during the early phases of cerebral infarction (24 h) levels of this receptor are increased to regulate cellular apoptosis factors through activation of STAT6. In this context, we show a neuroprotective role for IL-4Rα in an in vivo surgical model of cerebral ischemia and in ex vivo brain slice explants, using both genetic knockout of this receptor and RNAi-mediated gene knockdown. IL-4Rα may therefore represent a novel target and pathway for therapeutic development in ischemic stroke.

High expression of IL-4R enhances proliferation and invasion of hepatocellular carcinoma cells

OBJECTIVE

In this study, we aimed to investigate the expression and function of interleukin-4 receptor (IL-4R) in hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC).

METHODS

We collected 40 pairs of human HCC and adjacent normal tissue specimens and examined the expression levels of IL-4R. After IL-4R knockdown in HCC cell lines, cell proliferation and invasion ability were examined. Cell cycle and apoptosis were analyzed by flow cytometry. The activity of multiple signaling pathways was examined by Western blot.

RESULTS

IL-4R was overexpressed in HCC tumors compared with adjacent normal control tissues and was associated with tumor differentiation status. IL-4R knockdown resulted in enhanced apoptosis, impaired proliferation and reduced invasion of HCC cells. Furthermore, IL-4R knockdown abolished IL-4-induced activation of the Janus Kinase 1 (JAK1)/signal transducer and activator of transcription 6 (STAT6) and JUN N-terminal kinase (JNK)/extracellular signal-regulated kinase 1/2 (ERK1/2) signaling pathways.

CONCLUSIONS

IL-4R plays an important role in regulating HCC cell survival and metastasis, and regulates the activity of the JAK1/STAT6 and JNK/ERK1/2 signaling pathways. We therefore suggest that IL-4/IL-4R may be a new therapeutic target for HCC.

Genome-wide identification of key modulators of gene-gene interaction networks in breast cancer

Background

With the advances in high-throughput gene profiling technologies, a large volume of gene interaction maps has been constructed. A higher-level layer of gene-gene interaction, namely modulate gene interaction, is composed of gene pairs of which interaction strengths are modulated by (i.e., dependent on) the expression level of a key modulator gene. Systematic investigations into the modulation by estrogen receptor (ER), the best-known modulator gene, have revealed the functional and prognostic significance in breast cancer. However, a genome-wide identification of key modulator genes that may further unveil the landscape of modulated gene interaction is still lacking.

Results

We proposed a systematic workflow to screen for key modulators based on genome-wide gene expression profiles. We designed four modularity parameters to measure the ability of a putative modulator to perturb gene interaction networks. Applying the method to a dataset of 286 breast tumors, we comprehensively characterized the modularity parameters and identified a total of 973 key modulator genes. The modularity of these modulators was verified in three independent breast cancer datasets. ESR1, the encoding gene of ER, appeared in the list, and abundant novel modulators were illuminated. For instance, a prognostic predictor of breast cancer, SFRP1, was found the second modulator. Functional annotation analysis of the 973 modulators revealed involvements in ER-related cellular processes as well as immune- and tumor-associated functions.

Conclusions

Here we present, as far as we know, the first comprehensive analysis of key modulator genes on a genome-wide scale. The validity of filtering parameters as well as the conservativity of modulators among cohorts were corroborated. Our data bring new insights into the modulated layer of gene-gene interaction and provide candidates for further biological investigations.

Tumor-related interleukins: old validated targets for new anti-cancer drug development

In-depth knowledge of cancer molecular and cellular mechanisms have revealed a strong regulation of cancer development and progression by the inflammation which orchestrates the tumor microenvironment. Immune cells, residents or recruited, in the inflammation milieu can have rather contrasting effects during cancer development. Accumulated clinical and experimental data support the notion that acute inflammation could exert an immunoprotective effect leading to tumor eradication. However, chronic immune response promotes tumor growth and invasion. These reactions are mediated by soluble mediators or cytokines produced by either host immune cells or tumor cells themselves. Herein, we provide an overview of the current understanding of the role of the best-validated cytokines involved in tumor progression, IL-1, IL-4 and IL-6; in addition to IL-2 cytokines family, which is known to promote tumor eradication by immune cells. Furthermore, we summarize the clinical attempts to block or bolster the effect of these tumor-related interleukins in anti-cancer therapy development.

The transcriptional STAT3 is a potential target, whereas transcriptional STAT5A/5B/6 are new biomarkers for prognosis in human breast carcinoma

Signal Transducer and Activators of Transcription (STAT) is a set of transcription factors, involved in diverse cellular functions. Evidences from cell lines, mouse models and human tissues implicate these transcription factors in the oncogenesis of breast cancer. However, the diverse expression patterns and prognostic values of 7 STATs remain to be elucidated. In the current study, we mined the transcriptional and survival data of STATs in patients with breast carcinoma (BC) through ONCOMINE, bc-GenExMiner, Kaplan-Meier Plotter and cBioPortal. It was found that STAT1/2 were up-regulated, whereas STAT3/4/5A/5B were down-regulated in BC patients compared with the normal tissues. The expressions of STAT5A/5B/6 were correlated with decreased levels of histological differentiation. In survival analyses through the Kaplan-Meier plotter database, high transcription levels of STAT2/4/5A/5B/6 were associated with better relapse-free survival (RFS) in all BC patients. Conversely, high STAT3 predicted shorter RFS in BC patients, suggesting that STAT3 is potential targets for precision therapy to BC patients. These data also provided STAT5A/5B/6 as new biomarker for BC prognosis.

High throughput screening of cytokines, chemokines and matrix metalloproteinases in wound fluid induced by mammary surgery

Objective

To clarify the composition of wound fluid (WF) and investigate the impact of WF on breast cancer cell lines.

Methods

The proliferation and migration of WF-treated breast cancer cells MDA-MB-231 and MCF-7 were assessed with colony formation test, MTT cell proliferation test and scratch wound test. The quantitative profiles of WF were analyzed using Bio-Plex Pro kits.

Results

The proliferation and migration of WF-treated breast cancer cells were significantly higher than that of untreated cells. Fifteen cytokines, 29 chemokines and 9 matrix metalloproteinases (MMPs) were assessed in WF. The concentrations of these factors were influenced by post-surgery days, neoadjuvant chemotherapy (NAC), TNM stage, pathological type and molecular subtype. The WF harvested from patients underwent NAC showed significant higher profiles of interleukin-1β (IL-1β), IL-4, IL-6, IL-17F, IL-21, IL-23, IL-25, IL-31, Interferon γ (IFNγ), CD40 ligand (CD40L), tumor necrosis factor α (TNFα), CXCL1, CXCL2, CXCL5, CCL3, CCL7 and CCL20.

Conclusions

Surgery-induced WF promotes the proliferation and migration of breast cancer cells. The composition of WF is influenced by various clinical features and provides potential therapeutic targets to control local recurrence and tumor progression.

Blocking Interleukin-4 Receptor α Using Polyethylene Glycol Functionalized Superparamagnetic Iron Oxide Nanocarriers to Inhibit Breast Cancer Cell Proliferation

Purpose

The specific targeting of interleukin-4 receptor α (IL4Rα) receptor offers a promising therapeutic approach for inhibition of tumor cell progression in breast cancer patients. In the current study, the in vitro efficacy of superparamagnetic iron oxide nanoparticles conjugated with anti-IL4Rα blocking antibodies (SPION-IL4Rα) via polyethylene glycol polymers was evaluated in 4T1 breast cancer cells.

Materials and Methods

Cell viability, reactive oxygen species generation, and apoptosis frequency were assessed in vitro in 4T1 cancer cell lines following exposure to SPION-IL4Rα alone or combined with doxorubicin. In addition, immunofluorescence assessments and fluorimetrywere performed to confirm the specific targeting and interaction of the developed nanocarriers with IL4Rα receptors in breast cancer cells.

Results

Blocking of IL4Rα receptors caused a significant decrease in cell viability and induced apoptosis in 4T1 cells. In addition, combined treatment with SPION-IL4Rα+doxorubicin caused significant increases in cell death, apoptosis, and oxidative stress compared to either SPION-IL4Rα or doxorubicin alone, indicating the enhanced therapeutic efficacy of this combination. The decrease in fluorescence intensity upon immunofluorescence and fluorimetry assays combined with increased viability and decreased apoptosis following the blocking of IL4Rα receptors confirmed the successful binding of the synthesized nanocarriers to the target sites on murine 4T1 breast cancerous cells.

Conclusion

These results suggest that SPION-IL4Rα nanocarriers might be used for successfulreduction of tumor growth and inhibition of progression of metastasis in vivo.

The receptor NLRP3 is a transcriptional regulator of TH2 differentiation

The receptor NLRP3 is involved in the formation of the NLRP3 inflammasome that activates caspase-1 and mediates the release of interleukin 1β (IL-1β) and IL-18. Whether NLRP3 can shape immunological function independently of inflammasomes is unclear. We found that NLRP3 expression in CD4(+) T cells specifically supported a T helper type 2 (TH2) transcriptional program in a cell-intrinsic manner. NLRP3, but not the inflammasome adaptor ASC or caspase-1, positively regulated a TH2 program. In TH2 cells, NLRP3 bound the Il4 promoter and transactivated it in conjunction with the transcription factor IRF4. Nlrp3-deficient TH2 cells supported melanoma tumor growth in an IL-4-dependent manner and also promoted asthma-like symptoms. Our results demonstrate the ability of NLRP3 to act as a key transcription factor in TH2 differentiation.

Lessons from immunology: IL4R directly promotes mammary tumor metastasis

Interleukin-4 (IL4), a Th2 cytokine, signals through IL4 receptors (IL4Rs) to regulate increased lymphocyte proliferation and survival. We have recently discovered that IL4 also promotes these phenotypes in mammary cancer cells expressing IL4Rs to enhance their metastatic ability. Targeting IL4/IL4R signaling on cancer cells themselves may limit metastatic disease.

Profiling of alternative polyadenylation sites in luminal B breast cancer using the SAPAS method

Breast cancer (BC) is a leading cause of cancer-related mortality in females and is recognized as a molecularly heterogeneous disease. Previous studies have suggested that alternative messenger RNA (mRNA) processing, particularly alternative polyadenylation [poly(A)] (APA), can be a powerful molecular biomarker with prognostic potential. Therefore, in the present study, we profiled APA sites in the luminal B subtype of BC by sequencing APA sites (SAPAS) method, in order to assess the relation of these APA site-switching events to the recognized molecular subtypes of BC, and to discover novel candidate genes and pathways in BC. Through comprehensive analysis, the trend of APA site-switching events in the 3' untranslated regions (3'UTRs) in the luminal B subtype of BC were found to be the same as that in MCF7 cell lines. Among the genes involved in the events, a significantly greater number of genes was found with shortened 3'UTRs in the samples, which were samples of primary cancer with relatively low proliferation. These findings may provide novel information for the clinical diagnosis and prognosis on a molecular level. Several potential biomarkers with significantly differential tandem 3'UTRs and expression were found and validated. The related biological progresses and pathways involved were partly confirmed by other studies. In conclusion, this study provides new insight into the diagnosis and prognosis of BC from the APA site profile aspect.

Dendritic cells, inflammation, and breast cancer

Solid tumors are well known for their genomic heterogeneity. Although some aspects of this derive from so-called driver mutations, it is now clear that tumor cells possess a seemingly limitless capacity to evade cell death pathway activation, maintain essential survival programming, and initiate resistance networks that block efficacy of cytotoxic and targeted therapy. Given this amazing survival capability, how then to design approaches for effective eradication of malignant cells? Also present within all solid tumors is a diverse assemblage of genomically stable immune cell types. Whereas some of these possess documented activities that foster tumor progression, others possess inherent activities that when favored lead to rapid tumor cell elimination. This review focuses on aspects of dendritic cell biology in solid tumors, especially breast cancers, which point to dendritic cells as a tractable tool to exploit for immune-based therapies.

IL4 receptor ILR4α regulates metastatic colonization by mammary tumors through multiple signaling pathways

IL4, a cytokine produced mainly by immune cells, may promote the growth of epithelial tumors by mediating increased proliferation and survival. Here, we show that the type II IL4 receptor (IL4R) is expressed and activated in human breast cancer and mouse models of breast cancer. In metastatic mouse breast cancer cells, RNAi-mediated silencing of IL4Rα, a component of the IL4R, was sufficient to attenuate growth at metastatic sites. Similar results were obtained with control tumor cells in IL4-deficient mice. Decreased metastatic capacity of IL4Rα "knockdown" cells was attributed, in part, to reductions in proliferation and survival of breast cancer cells. In addition, we observed an overall increase in immune infiltrates within IL4Rα knockdown tumors, indicating that enhanced clearance of knockdown tumor cells could also contribute to the reduction in knockdown tumor size. Pharmacologic investigations suggested that IL4-induced cancer cell colonization was mediated, in part, by activation of Erk1/2, Akt, and mTOR. Reduced levels of pAkt and pErk1/2 in IL4Rα knockdown tumor metastases were associated with limited outgrowth, supporting roles for Akt and Erk activation in mediating the tumor-promoting effects of IL4Rα. Collectively, our results offer a preclinical proof-of-concept for targeting IL4/IL4Rα signaling as a therapeutic strategy to limit breast cancer metastasis.

Reprogramming tumor-infiltrating dendritic cells for CD103+ CD8+ mucosal T-cell differentiation and breast cancer rejection

Our studies showed that tumor-infiltrating dendritic cells (DC) in breast cancer drive inflammatory Th2 (iTh2) cells and protumor inflammation. Here, we show that intratumoral delivery of the β-glucan curdlan, a ligand of dectin-1, blocks the generation of iTh2 cells and prevents breast cancer progression in vivo. Curdlan reprograms tumor-infiltrating DCs via the ligation of dectin-1, enabling the DCs to become resistant to cancer-derived thymic stromal lymphopoietin (TSLP), to produce IL-12p70, and to favor the generation of Th1 cells. DCs activated via dectin-1, but not those activated with TLR-7/8 ligand or poly I:C, induce CD8+ T cells to express CD103 (αE integrin), a ligand for cancer cells, E-cadherin. Generation of these mucosal CD8+ T cells is regulated by DC-derived integrin αvβ8 and TGF-β activation in a dectin-1-dependent fashion. These CD103+ CD8+ mucosal T cells accumulate in the tumors, thereby increasing cancer necrosis and inhibiting cancer progression in vivo in a humanized mouse model of breast cancer. Importantly, CD103+ CD8+ mucosal T cells elicited by reprogrammed DCs can reject established cancer. Thus, reprogramming tumor-infiltrating DCs represents a new strategy for cancer rejection.

STAT signaling in different breast cancer sub-types

This review summarizes information on expression of Signal Transducer and Activator of Transcription (STAT)s 1, 2, 3, 4, 5a/b and 6 in cancer cells from different human breast cancer sub-types. STAT proteins, especially STATs 1, 3 and 5a/b are expressed in some but not all cancers from all of the different major breast cancer sub-types. However, well-designed studies comparing expression patterns at the protein level in cancer and surrounding stromal cells are still needed to fully examine links with prognosis and therapeutic response. Moreover, it is not yet known if distinct expression patterns of STAT proteins could have dissimilar impacts in different sub-types, especially between the luminal A and B ER+ sub-types and the different TNBC sub-types. Recent data indicating that STAT 5 can be activated secondary to a therapeutic intervention and mediate resistance suggests that expression patterns should not only be examined in pre-treatment but also post-treatment samples from different sub-types.

Integrity of the LXXLL motif in Stat6 is required for the inhibition of breast cancer cell growth and enhancement of differentiation in the context of progesterone

Background

Progesterone is essential for the proliferation and differentiation of mammary gland epithelium. Studies of breast cancer cells have demonstrated a biphasic progesterone response consisting of an initial proliferative burst followed by sustained growth arrest. However, the transcriptional factors acting with the progesterone receptor (PR) to mediate the effects of progesterone on mammary cell growth and differentiation remain to be determined. Recently, it was demonstrated that signal transducer and activator of transcription 6 (Stat6) is a cell growth suppressor. Similar to progesterone-bound PR, Stat6 acts by inducing the expression of the G1 cyclin-dependent kinase inhibitors p21 and p27. The possible interaction between Stat6 and progesterone pathways in mammary cells was therefore investigated in the present study.

Methods

ChIP and luciferase were assayed to determine whether Stat6 induces p21 and p27 expression by recruitment at the proximal Sp1-binding sites of the gene promoters. Immunoprecipitation and Western blotting were performed to investigate the interaction between Stat6 and PR-B. The cellular DNA content and cell cycle distribution in breast cancer cells were analyzed by FACS.

Results

We found that Stat6 interacts with progesterone-activated PR in T47D cells. Stat6 synergizes with progesterone-bound PR to transactivate the p21 and p27 gene promoters at the proximal Sp1-binding sites. Moreover, Stat6 overexpression and knockdown, respectively, increased or prevented the induction of p21 and p27 gene expression by progesterone. Stat6 knockdown also abolished the inhibitory effects of progesterone on pRB phosphorylation, G1/S cell cycle progression, and cell proliferation. In addition, knockdown of Stat6 expression prevented the induction of breast cell differentiation markers, previously identified as progesterone target genes. Finally, Stat6 gene expression levels increased following progesterone treatment, indicating a positive auto-regulatory loop between PR and Stat6.

Conclusions

Taken together, these data identify Stat6 as a coactivator of PR mediating the growth-inhibitory and differentiation effects of progesterone on breast cancer cells.

Interleukin-4 induces senescence in human renal carcinoma cell lines through STAT6 and p38 MAPK

Interleukin (IL)-4, originally identified as a lymphocyte growth factor, can directly inhibit growth of certain tumor cell types. We reported previously that IL-4 induced cell cycle arrest in G1 phase through an increase in p21(WAF1/CIP1) expression in human renal cell carcinoma (RCC) cell lines. In the present study, we investigated the underlying mechanism of IL-4-induced growth inhibition. In four of six human RCC cell lines, including Caki-1, A498, SNU482, and SNU228, IL-4 induced cellular senescence as demonstrated by enlarged and flattened morphology, increased granularity, and senescence-associated-β-galactosidase (SA-β-gal) staining. Signal tranducer and activator of transcription 6 (STAT6) and p38 MAPK were found to mediate IL-4-induced growth inhibition and cellular senescence. Both of these molecules were activated by 10 min after IL-4 treatment, and inhibition of their activity or expression prevented growth suppression and cellular senescence induced by IL-4. Inhibiting or silencing either STAT6 or p38 MAPK alone partially reduced the effect of IL-4, whereas inhibiting or silencing both molecules exerted an additive effect and almost completely abrogated the effect of IL-4. Thus STAT6 and p38 MAPK appeared to independently mediate IL-4-induced growth inhibition and cellular senescence. The p21(WAF1/CIP1) up-regulation that accompanied growth inhibition and cellular senescence by IL-4 was also attenuated additively when p38 MAPK and STAT6 were silenced. Taken together, these results show that IL-4 induces cellular senescence through independent signaling pathways involving STAT6 and p38 MAPK in some human RCC cell lines.

IRS1 is highly expressed in localized breast tumors and regulates the sensitivity of breast cancer cells to chemotherapy, while IRS2 is highly expressed in invasive breast tumors

Insulin receptor substrate (IRS) proteins have been shown to play an important role in breast cancer by differentially regulating cancer cell survival, proliferation, and motility. Furthermore, the IL-4-induced tyrosine phosphorylation of the transcription factor STAT6 was shown to protect breast cancer cells from apoptosis. Here, we analyzed human breast cancer tissues for the expression of IRS1, IRS2, STAT6, and tyrosine phosphorylated STAT6 (pSTAT6). We found that IRS1 and pSTAT6 were both highly expressed in ductal carcinoma in situ (DCIS). On the other hand, IRS2 expression was low in DCIS, but increased significantly in relation to tumor invasiveness. We utilized cell lines with disparate IRS1 expression, MDA-MB-231, MCF7, and MCF7 cells with depleted IRS1 due to shRNA lentiviral infection, to examine the role of IRS1 and IRS2 in the responsiveness of breast cancer cells to chemotherapy. We report that high IRS1 sensitized MCF7 cells to specific chemotherapeutic agents. These results suggest that high IRS1 with low IRS2 expression may predict the effectiveness of specific types of chemotherapy in breast cancer.

Neutralizing tumor-promoting chronic inflammation: a magic bullet?

There have been substantial advances in cancer diagnostics and therapies in the past decade. Besides chemotherapeutic agents and radiation therapy, approaches now include targeting cancer cell-intrinsic mediators linked to genetic aberrations in cancer cells, in addition to cancer cell-extrinsic pathways, especially those regulating vascular programming of solid tumors. More recently, immunotherapeutics have entered the clinic largely on the basis of the recognition that several immune cell subsets, when chronically activated, foster tumor development. Here, we discuss clinical and experimental studies delineating protumorigenic roles for immune cell subsets that are players in cancer-associated inflammation. Some of these cells can be targeted to reprogram their function, leading to resolution, or at least neutralization, of cancer-promoting chronic inflammation, thereby facilitating cancer rejection.

Cytokine stimulation of epithelial cancer cells: the similar and divergent functions of IL-4 and IL-13

The Th2 cytokines interleukin (IL)-4 and -13 are acknowledged regulators of lymphocyte proliferation and activation. They have also been well studied in the regulation of various myeloid-derived populations in tumor biology. It has become clear, however, that both cytokines can have direct effects on epithelial tumor cells expressing appropriate receptors. Changes in tumor proliferation, survival, and metastatic capability have all been ascribed to IL-4 and/or IL-13 action. Here, we evaluate the evidence to support direct tumor-promoting roles of these cytokines. We also identify the questions that should be addressed before proceeding with therapeutic approaches based on neutralization of IL-4 or IL-13 pathways.

Stat6 cooperates with Sp1 in controlling breast cancer cell proliferation by modulating the expression of p21(Cip1/WAF1) and p27 (Kip1)

BACKGROUND

The signal transducer and activator of transcription 6 (Stat6), a member of the family of DNA-binding proteins, has been identified as a critical cell differentiation modulator in breast cancer cells. As of yet, the mechanisms underlying this function have remained largely unknown. To further elucidate the role of Stat6 in breast cancer development, we investigated the consequences of exogenous Stat6 expression.

METHODS

Proliferation assays and flow cytometry assays were conducted to evaluate the putative role of Stat6 on cell proliferation. To this end, we produced synchronized cells after a double thymidine block, as confirmed by FACS analysis. mRNA levels of Stat6 were measured by RNase protection analysis. To confirm the interaction among proteins, we employed GST pull-down assays and immunoprecipitation assays. Luciferase assays and ChIP assays were used to assess the transcriptional activity.

RESULTS

Compared to control breast cancer cells, we found that exogenous Stat6 expression plays a critical role in controlling cell proliferation. Also in different breast tumor cell lines, endogenous Stat6 expression was found to be positively related to a lower proliferation rate. Interestingly, in human breast cancer cells Stat6 functions in G1/S cell cycle progression, and the growth-inhibitory effect of Stat6 was shown to be mediated by induction of the G1 cyclin-dependent kinase inhibitors p21(Cip1/WAF1) (p21) and p27(Kip1) (p27). Simultaneously, G1-related cyclin/cyclin-dependent kinase activities and pRB phosphorylation were markedly reduced, and cell cycle progression was blocked in the G1 phase. Stat6 knockdown resulted in enhanced cell proliferation and a decrease in p21 and p27 mRNA levels in the steroid-responsive and non-responsive T-47D and MDA-MB-231 cell lines, respectively. In addition, the stimulatory effect of Stat6 on p21 and p27 gene transcription was found to be associated with interaction of Stat6 with the transcription factor Sp1 at the proximal Sp1-binding sites in their respective promoters.

CONCLUSIONS

Together, these results identify Stat6 as an important cell differentiation regulatory protein functioning, at least in part, by interacting with Sp1 to activate the p21 and p27 gene promoters in breast cancer cells.

An important role of interleukin-10 in counteracting excessive immune response in HT-29 cells exposed to Clostridium butyricum

Background

Clostridium butyricum has become increasingly important in preventing and treating intestinal inflammation. In the intestine it may increase the resistance of the gut to pathogen invasion via inducing the secretion of anti-inflammatory cytokines. Interleukin 10 (IL-10) plays a central role in preventing certain inflammatory diseases by down-regulating inflammatory cascades. In a previous study, we observed that the level of IL-10 mRNA was modulated by C. butyricum. The aim of this study was to investigate whether C. butyricum achieves its beneficial effects through IL-10.

Results

We treated HT-29 cells with anti-IL-10 (IL-10 antibody) or siIL-10 (IL-10 small interfering RNA) to disrupt IL-10. In both cases, the effects of C. butyricum-induced NF-κB activation and IL-8 expression were enhanced. We also found that neutralization or knockdown of IL-10 could induce apoptosis and necrosis of HT-29 cells treated with C. butyricum compared with control cells.

Conclusions

These findings show that IL-10 serves an important role in C. butyricum-mediated immune protection, and in host recognition of C. butyricum.

The multiple facets of thymic stromal lymphopoietin (TSLP) during allergic inflammation and beyond

Originally shown to promote the growth and activation of B cells, TSLP is now known to have wide-ranging impacts on hematopoietic and nonhematopoietic cell lineages, including DCs, basophils, eosinophils, mast cells, CD4(+), CD8(+), and NK T cells, B cells, and epithelial cells. Whereas the role of TSLP in the promotion of TH2 responses has been studied extensively in the context of lung- and skin-specific allergic disorders, it is becoming increasingly clear that TSLP may impact multiple disease states within multiple organ systems, including the blockade of TH1/TH17 responses and the promotion of cancer and autoimmunity. This review will highlight recent advances in the understanding of TSLP signal transduction, as well as the role of TSLP in allergy, autoimmunity, and cancer. Importantly, these insights into the multifaceted roles of TSLP could potentially allow for novel, therapeutic manipulations of these disorders.

MiR-135a functions as a selective killer of malignant glioma

Glioma is the most common and fatal primary brain tumor. Thus far, therapeutic strategies to efficiently and specifically antagonize glioma are limited and poorly developed. Here we report that glia-enriched miR-135a, a microRNA that is dramatically downregulated in malignant glioma and correlated with the pathological grading, is capable of inducing mitochondria-dependent apoptosis of malignant glioma by regulating various genes including STAT6, SMAD5 and BMPR2, as well as affecting the signaling pathway downstream. Moreover, this lethal effect is selectively towards malignant glioma cells, but not neurons and glial cells, through a novel mechanism. Our findings suggest an important role of miR-135a in glioma etiology and provide a potential candidate for malignant glioma therapy.

Stat6 activity-related Th2 cytokine profile and tumor growth advantage of human colorectal cancer cells in vitro and in vivo

Signal transducer and activator of transcription 6 (Stat6) is critical in Th2 polarization of immune cells and active Stat6 activity has been suggested in anti-tumor immunity in animal models. The present study aims at investigating the impact of natural Stat6 activity on tumor microenvironment in human colorectal cancer cells in vitro and in vivo. Using colorectal cancer cell lines HT-29 and Caco-2 whose IL-4/Stat6 activities were known and nude mice as a model, we examined correlative relationships between Stat6 activities and gene expression profiles together with cellular behaviors in vitro and in vivo. HT-29 cells carrying active Stat6 signaling displayed spontaneous expression profiles favoring Th2 cytokines, cell cycle promotion, anti-apoptosis and pro-metastasis with increased mRNA levels of IL-4, IL-13, GATA-3, CDK4, CD44v6 and S100A4 using RT-PCR. In contrast, Caco-2 cells carrying defective Stat6 signaling exhibited spontaneous expression profiles favoring Th1 and Th17 cytokines, cell cycle inhibition, pro-apoptosis and anti-metastasis with elevated mRNA expression of IFNγ, TNFα, IL-12A, IL-17, IL-23, T-bet, CDKN1A, CDKNIB, CDKN2A and NM23-H1. Xenograft tumors of Stat6-active HT-29 cells showed a growth advantage over those of Stat6-defective Caco-2 cells. Furthermore, mice bearing HT-29 tumors expressed increased levels of Th2 cytokines IL-4 and IL-5 in the blood and pro-growth and/or pro-metastasis proteins CDK4 and CD44v6 in the tumor. To the contrary, mice bearing Caco-2 tumors expressed heightened levels of Th1 cytokines IFNγ and TNF in the blood and pro-apoptosis and anti-metastatic proteins p53 and p27(kip1) in the tumor. Colorectal cancer cells carrying active Stat6 signaling may create a microenvironment favoring Th2 cytokines and promoting expression of genes related to pro-growth, pro-metastasis and anti-apoptosis, which leads to a tumor growth advantage in vivo. These findings may imply why Stat6 pathway is constitutively activated in a number of human malignancies.

Essential role of Stat3 in PI3K-induced oncogenic transformation

Cells transformed by the p110α-H1047R mutant of PI3K show increased tyrosine phosphorylation of Stat3. This activation of Stat3 is important for the transformation process, because a dominant-negative mutant of Stat3 interferes with PI3K-induced oncogenesis. GDC-0941, a specific inhibitor of PI3K reduces the level of Stat3 phosphorylation. The effect of PI3K on Stat3 appears to be mediated by a member of the Tec kinase family. The Tec kinase inhibitor LFM-A13 blocks Stat3 phosphorylation in H1047R-transformed cells. The Janus kinase inhibitor AG490 and the Src kinase inhibitor Src-1, as well as rapamycin, have no effect on Stat3 phosphorylation in H1047R-transformed cells. The H1047R-transformed cells also release a factor that induces Stat3 phosphorylation in normal cells with possible effects on the cellular microenvironment. In some human tumor cell lines, the enhanced phosphorylation of Stat3 is inhibited by both PI3K and by Tec kinase inhibitors, suggesting that the link between PI3K and Stat3 is significant in human cancer.

Thymic stromal lymphopoietin fosters human breast tumor growth by promoting type 2 inflammation

The human breast tumor microenvironment can display features of T helper type 2 (Th2) inflammation, and Th2 inflammation can promote tumor development. However, the molecular and cellular mechanisms contributing to Th2 inflammation in breast tumors remain unclear. Here, we show that human breast cancer cells produce thymic stromal lymphopoietin (TSLP). Breast tumor supernatants, in a TSLP-dependent manner, induce expression of OX40L on dendritic cells (DCs). OX40L(+) DCs are found in primary breast tumor infiltrates. OX40L(+) DCs drive development of inflammatory Th2 cells producing interleukin-13 and tumor necrosis factor in vitro. Antibodies neutralizing TSLP or OX40L inhibit breast tumor growth and interleukin-13 production in a xenograft model. Thus, breast cancer cell-derived TSLP contributes to the inflammatory Th2 microenvironment conducive to breast tumor development by inducing OX40L expression on DCs.

Toxoplasma rhoptry protein 16 (ROP16) subverts host function by direct tyrosine phosphorylation of STAT6

The obligate intracellular parasite, Toxoplasma gondii, modulates host immunity in a variety of highly specific ways. Previous work revealed a polymorphic, injected parasite factor, ROP16, to be a key virulence determinant and regulator of host cell transcription. These properties were shown to be partially mediated by dysregulation of the host transcription factors STAT3 and STAT6, but the molecular mechanisms underlying this phenotype were unclear. Here, we use a Type I Toxoplasma strain deficient in ROP16 to show that ROP16 induces not only sustained activation but also an extremely rapid (within 1 min) initial activation of STAT6. Using recombinant wild-type and kinase-deficient ROP16, we demonstrate in vitro that ROP16 has intrinsic tyrosine kinase activity and is capable of directly phosphorylating the key tyrosine residue for STAT6 activation, Tyr(641). Furthermore, ROP16 co-immunoprecipitates with STAT6 from infected cells. Taken together, these data strongly suggest that STAT6 is a direct substrate for ROP16 in vivo.

Signal transducer and activator of transcription 6 (STAT6) is a novel interactor of annexin A2 in prostate cancer cells

Annexin A2 (AnxA2) is a multifunctional Ca(2+)-dependent phospholipid-binding protein, and its overexpression is implicated in malignant transformation of several cancers. In prostate cancer, however, the expression of AnxA2 is lost in prostate intraepithelial neoplasia and reappears in the high-grade tumors, suggesting a complex regulation of AnxA2 in the prostate microenvironment. Since a majority of the biological functions of AnxA2 are mediated by its interaction with other proteins, we performed a yeast two-hybrid assay to search for novel interactors of AnxA2. Our studies revealed that signal transducer and activator of transcription 6 (STAT6), a member of the STAT family of transcription factors, is a binding partner of AnxA2. We confirmed AnxA2-STAT6 interaction by in vitro co-immunoprecipitation and fluorescence resonance energy transfer (FRET) studies and demonstrated that AnxA2 interacts with phosphorylated STAT6. Furthermore, chromatin immunoprecipitation (ChIP) assay revealed that AnxA2 is associated with the STAT6 DNA-binding complex, and luciferase reporter assays demonstrated that AnxA2 upregulates the activity of STAT6. Upon interleukin-4 treatment, AnxA2 stabilizes the cytosolic levels of phosphorylated STAT6 and promotes its nuclear entry. These findings suggest that AnxA2-STAT6 interactions could have potential implications in prostate cancer progression. This report is the first to demonstrate the interaction of AnxA2 with STAT6 and suggests a possible mechanism by which AnxA2 contributes to the metastatic processes of prostate cancer.

Differential IL-4/Stat6 activities correlate with differential expression of regulatory genes SOCS-1, SHP-1, and PP2A in colon cancer cells

PURPOSE

To investigate potential differences in the expression of Stat6 regulatory genes that may influence IL-4/Stat6 activities (phenotypes) in colon cancer cells.

METHODS

RT-PCR method was employed to examine the constitutive mRNA expression of Stat6 negative regulators SOCS-1 and SHP-1, and positive regulator PP2A in colon cancer cell lines HT-29 and Caco-2. Stat6 protein expression and nuclear phosphorylation were detected using Western blotting.

RESULTS

Caco-2 cells carrying inactive Stat6(null) phenotype showed normal constitutive expression of Stat6 but decreased phosphorylation of nuclear Stat6 compared with HT-29 cells carrying active Stat6(high) phenotype. Stat6(null) Caco-2 cells expressed increased levels of mRNA and protein of SOCS-1 and SHP-1, and decreased mRNA expression of PPP2CA and PPP2CB, encoding two critical subunits of PP2A.

CONCLUSIONS

Constitutively increased expression of Stat6 negative regulators SOCS-1 and SHP-1, together with decreased expression of positive regulator PP2A, may play a role in forming the inactive Stat6(null) phenotype in colon cancer cells.

IL-4/Stat6 activities correlate with apoptosis and metastasis in colon cancer cells

IL-4-induced Stat6 signaling is active in a variety of cell types and plays a role in cell proliferation/growth and resistance to apoptosis. Using EMSA, we identified differential IL-4/Stat6 activities in colorectal cancer cell lines, HT-29 being active Stat6(high) phenotype and Caco-2 being defective Stat6(null) phenotype, respectively. Active Stat6(high) HT-29 cells exhibited resistance to apoptosis by flowcytometry and aggressive metastasis by Transwell assay compared with defective Stat6(null) Caco-2 cells. Comparing one another using RT-PCR, Stat6(high) HT-29 cells expressed more mRNA of anti-apoptotic and pro-metastatic genes Survivin, MDM2, and TMPRSS4, while Stat6(null) Caco-2 cells expressed more mRNA of pro-apoptotic and anti-metastatic genes BAX, CAV1, and P53, respectively. This is the first study describing correlations of IL-4/Stat6 activities with apoptosis and metastasis in colon cancer. These findings, together with the observation of constitutive Stat6 activation in many human malignancies, suggest that Stat6 activities could be a biomarker for cancer cell's invasive/metastatic capability.