Emerging roles for IL-11 signaling in cancer development and progression: Focus on breast cancer

Osteoporosis: Emerging targets on the classical signaling pathways of bone formation

Osteoporosis is a multifaceted skeletal disorder characterized by reduced bone mass and structural deterioration, posing a significant public health challenge, particularly in the elderly population. Treatment strategies for osteoporosis primarily focus on inhibiting bone resorption and promoting bone formation. However, the effectiveness and limitations of current therapeutic approaches underscore the need for innovative methods. This review explores emerging molecular targets within crucial signaling pathways, including wingless/integrated (WNT), bone morphogenetic protein (BMP), hedgehog (HH), and Notch signaling pathway, to understand their roles in osteogenesis regulation. The identification of crosstalk targets between these pathways further enhances our comprehension of the intricate bone metabolism cycle. In summary, unraveling the molecular complexity of osteoporosis provides insights into potential therapeutic targets beyond conventional methods, offering a promising avenue for the development of new anabolic drugs.

Harnessing the regenerative potential of interleukin11 to enhance heart repair

Balancing between regenerative processes and fibrosis is crucial for heart repair, yet strategies regulating this balance remain a barrier to developing therapies. While Interleukin11 (IL11) is known as a fibrotic factor, its contribution to heart regeneration is poorly understood. We uncovered that il11a, an Il11 homolog in zebrafish, can trigger robust regenerative programs in zebrafish hearts, including cardiomyocytes proliferation and coronary expansion, even in the absence of injury. However, prolonged il11a induction in uninjured hearts causes persistent fibroblast emergence, resulting in fibrosis. While deciphering the regenerative and fibrotic effects of il11a, we found that il11-dependent fibrosis, but not regeneration, is mediated through ERK activity, suggesting to potentially uncouple il11a dual effects on regeneration and fibrosis. To harness the il11a's regenerative ability, we devised a combinatorial treatment through il11a induction with ERK inhibition. This approach enhances cardiomyocyte proliferation with mitigated fibrosis, achieving a balance between regenerative processes and fibrosis. Thus, we unveil the mechanistic insights into regenerative il11 roles, offering therapeutic avenues to foster cardiac repair without exacerbating fibrosis.

Molecular characterization of the craniosynostosis-associated interleukin-11 receptor variants p.T306_S308dup and p.E364_V368del

Interleukin-11 (IL-11) is a member of the IL-6 family of cytokines and is an important factor for bone homeostasis. IL-11 binds to and signals via the membrane-bound IL-11 receptor (IL-11R, classic signaling) or soluble forms of the IL-11R (sIL-11R, trans-signaling). Mutations in the IL11RA gene, which encodes the IL-11R, are associated with craniosynostosis, a human condition in which one or several of the sutures close prematurely, resulting in malformation of the skull. The biological mechanisms of how mutations within the IL-11R are linked to craniosynostosis are mostly unexplored. In this study, we analyze two variants of the IL-11R described in craniosynostosis patients: p.T306_S308dup, which results in a duplication of three amino-acid residues within the membrane-proximal fibronectin type III domain, and p.E364_V368del, which results in a deletion of five amino-acid residues in the so-called stalk region adjacent to the plasma membrane. The stalk region connects the three extracellular domains to the transmembrane and intracellular region of the IL-11R and contains cleavage sites for different proteases that generate sIL-11R variants. Using a combination of bioinformatics and different biochemical, molecular, and cell biology methods, we show that the IL-11R-T306_S308dup variant does not mature correctly, is intracellularly retained, and does not reach the cell surface. In contrast, the IL-11R-E364_V368del variant is fully biologically active and processed normally by proteases, thus allowing classic and trans-signaling of IL-11. Our results provide evidence that mutations within the IL11RA gene may not be causative for craniosynostosis and suggest that other regulatory mechanism(s) are involved but remain to be identified.

Exploring the role of interleukin 11 in cancer progression, patient survival, and therapeutic insights

BACKGROUND

The Interleukin (IL)-11 gene, which is one of the members of the cytokine family, has an oncogenic role in some cancers. The main goal of this study is to analyze IL-11 expression level in 14 prevalent cancers and highlights its role in patients' survival, drug resistance, and sensitivities. Also, an association of this gene with metastasis and inflammation pathways has been investigated.

METHODS AND RESULTS

Using the cancer genome atlas (TCGA) data, the level of IL-11 expression and its role in prognosis and survival rate were evaluated in 13 common cancers. Then, confirming the obtained in-silico outcomes, the relative expression level of this gene in colorectal cancer (CRC) samples and their adjusted tissues were assayed by the RT-qPCR method. Furthermore, to examine the association between IL-11 expression and drug resistance and sensitivity, PharmacoGX data was applied. The co-expression network was used to recognize the pathways in which IL-11 was involved. The results from the TCGA dataset indicated that the expression level of IL-11 increased significantly in 13 prevalence cancers compared to the control groups. Interestingly, this enhanced expression level is associated with a high rate of mortality in patients with bladder, stomach, colorectal, and endometrial cancers. Also, the co-expression network analysis showed a strong correlation between IL-11 and the genes of metastasis pathway and the genes related to the inflammation process. Finally, regarding drug sensitivity, IL-11 expression level can be introduced as a remarkable biomarker for cancer detection due to area under curve (AUC).

CONCLUSION

Altered expression of the IL-11 gene is observed in 13 common cancers and is associated with prognosis and mortality rate in patients. Moreover, this gene can be considered a prognostic biomarker in different types of cancer, such as CRC.

Bone-fat linkage via interleukin-11 in response to mechanical loading

Positive regulators of bone formation, such as mechanical loading and PTH, stimulate and negative regulators, such as aging and glucocorticoid excess, suppress IL-11 gene transcription in osteoblastic cells. Signal transduction from mechanical loading and PTH stimulation involves two pathways: one is Ca2+-ERK-CREB pathway which facilitates binding of ∆FosB/JunD to the AP-1 site to enhance IL-11 gene transcription, and the other is Smad1/5 phosphorylation that promotes IL-11 gene transcription via SBE binding and complex formation with ∆FosB/JunD. The increased IL-11 suppresses Sost expression via IL-11Rα-STAT1/3-HDAC4/5 pathway and enhances Wnt signaling in the bone to stimulate bone formation. Thus, IL-11 mediates stimulatory and inhibitory signals of bone formation by affecting Wnt signaling. Physiologically important stimulation of bone formation is exercise-induced mechanical loading, but exercise simultaneously requires energy source for muscle contraction. Exercise-induced stimulation of IL-11 expression in the bone increases the secretion of IL-11 from the bone. The increased circulating IL-11 acts like a hormone to enhance adipolysis as an energy source with a reduction in adipogenic differentiation via a suppression of Dkk1/2 expression in the adipose tissue. Such bone-fat linkage can be a mechanism whereby exercise increases bone mass and, at the same time, maintains energy supply from the adipose tissue.

Interleukin-11/IL-11 Receptor Promotes Glioblastoma Cell Proliferation, Epithelial-Mesenchymal Transition, and Invasion

Glioblastoma is highly proliferative and invasive. However, the regulatory cytokine networks that promote glioblastoma cell proliferation and invasion into other areas of the brain are not fully defined. In the present study, we define a critical role for the IL-11/IL-11Rα signalling axis in glioblastoma proliferation, epithelial to mesenchymal transition, and invasion. We identified enhanced IL-11/IL-11Rα expression correlated with reduced overall survival in glioblastoma patients using TCGA datasets. Proteomic analysis of glioblastoma cell lines overexpressing IL-11Rα displayed a proteome that favoured enhanced proliferation and invasion. These cells also displayed greater proliferation and migration, while the knockdown of IL-11Rα reversed these tumourigenic characteristics. In addition, these IL-11Rα overexpressing cells displayed enhanced invasion in transwell invasion assays and in 3D spheroid invasion assays, while knockdown of IL-11Rα resulted in reduced invasion. Furthermore, IL-11Rα-overexpressing cells displayed a more mesenchymal-like phenotype compared to parental cells and expressed greater levels of the mesenchymal marker Vimentin. Overall, our study identified that the IL-11/IL-11Rα pathway promotes glioblastoma cell proliferation, EMT, and invasion.

Identification and functional characterization of Interleukin-11 in goldfish (Carassius auratus L.)

Interleukin-11 (IL-11) is a versatile cytokine that modulates cellular differentiation and proliferation in various cell types and tissues. In this study, IL-11 gene from goldfish (Carassius auratus L.) has been identified and characterized. Goldfish IL-11 (gfIL-11) has an open reading frame (ORF) that spans 591 base pairs (bp). The ORF encodes a precursor protein consisting of 196 amino acids (aa), which includes a 26 aa signal peptide and a conserved domain belonging to the IL-11 superfamily. Based on phylogenetic analysis, gfIL-11 was found to be closely related to other IL-11 homologues identified in various fish species. The gfIL-11 transcript exhibited varied expression levels across all the analyzed tissues, with the highest expression observed in the gill and spleen. Treatment of goldfish head kidney leukocytes (HKLs) with LPS and live Aeromonas hydrophila, increased gfIL-11 mRNA expression level. Recombinant gfIL-11 protein (rgIL-11) induced a dose-dependent production of TNF-α and IFNγ from goldfish HKLs. Furthermore, the administration of rgIL-11 to goldfish HKLs triggered an increase in the expression of various transcription factors such as MafB, cJun, GATA2, and Egr1, which play a vital role in the differentiation of myeloid precursors into macrophages and monocytes. Our findings provide evidence that IL-11 is a crucial cytokine that promotes cell proliferation, immune response, and differentiation across various hematopoietic lineages and stages of goldfish.

Facts and Hopes on Neutralization of Protumor Inflammatory Mediators in Cancer Immunotherapy

In cancer pathogenesis, soluble mediators are responsible for a type of inflammation that favors the progression of tumors. The mechanisms chiefly involve changes in the cellular composition of the tumor tissue stroma and in the functional modulation of myeloid and lymphoid leukocytes. Active immunosuppression, proangiogenesis, changes in leukocyte traffic, extracellular matrix remodeling, and alterations in tumor-antigen presentation are the main mechanisms linked to the inflammation that fosters tumor growth and metastasis. Soluble inflammatory mediators and their receptors are amenable to various types of inhibitors that can be combined with other immunotherapy approaches. The main proinflammatory targets which can be interfered with at present and which are under preclinical and clinical development are IL1β, IL6, the CXCR1/2 chemokine axis, TNFα, VEGF, leukemia inhibitory factor, CCL2, IL35, and prostaglandins. In many instances, the corresponding neutralizing agents are already clinically available and can be repurposed as a result of their use in other areas of medicine such as autoimmune diseases and chronic inflammatory conditions.

The interleukin-11 receptor variant p.W307R results in craniosynostosis in humans

Craniosynostosis is characterized by the premature fusion and ossification of one or more of the sutures of the calvaria, often resulting in abnormal features of the face and the skull. In cases in which growth of the brain supersedes available space within the skull, developmental delay or cognitive impairment can occur. A complex interplay of different cell types and multiple signaling pathways are required for correct craniofacial development. In this study, we report on two siblings with craniosynostosis and a homozygous missense pathogenic variant within the IL11RA gene (c.919 T > C; p.W307R). The patients present with craniosynostosis, exophthalmos, delayed tooth eruption, mild platybasia, and a basilar invagination. The p.W307R variant is located within the arginine-tryptophan-zipper within the D3 domain of the IL-11R, a structural element known to be important for the stability of the cytokine receptor. Expression of IL-11R-W307R in cells shows impaired maturation of the IL-11R, no transport to the cell surface and intracellular retention. Accordingly, cells stably expressing IL-11R-W307R do not respond when stimulated with IL-11, arguing for a loss-of-function mutation. In summary, the IL-11R-W307R variant, reported here for the first time to our knowledge, is most likely the causative variant underlying craniosynostosis in these patients.

Non-cell-autonomous cancer progression from chromosomal instability

Chromosomal instability (CIN) is a driver of cancer metastasis1-4, yet the extent to which this effect depends on the immune system remains unknown. Using ContactTracing-a newly developed, validated and benchmarked tool to infer the nature and conditional dependence of cell-cell interactions from single-cell transcriptomic data-we show that CIN-induced chronic activation of the cGAS-STING pathway promotes downstream signal re-wiring in cancer cells, leading to a pro-metastatic tumour microenvironment. This re-wiring is manifested by type I interferon tachyphylaxis selectively downstream of STING and a corresponding increase in cancer cell-derived endoplasmic reticulum (ER) stress response. Reversal of CIN, depletion of cancer cell STING or inhibition of ER stress response signalling abrogates CIN-dependent effects on the tumour microenvironment and suppresses metastasis in immune competent, but not severely immune compromised, settings. Treatment with STING inhibitors reduces CIN-driven metastasis in melanoma, breast and colorectal cancers in a manner dependent on tumour cell-intrinsic STING. Finally, we show that CIN and pervasive cGAS activation in micronuclei are associated with ER stress signalling, immune suppression and metastasis in human triple-negative breast cancer, highlighting a viable strategy to identify and therapeutically intervene in tumours spurred by CIN-induced inflammation.

Roles and mechanism of IL-11 in vascular diseases

Vascular diseases are the leading cause of morbidity and mortality worldwide. Therefore, effective treatment strategies that can reduce the risk of vascular diseases are urgently needed. The relationship between Interleukin-11 (IL-11) and development of vascular diseases has gained increasing attention. IL-11, a target for therapeutic research, was initially thought to participate in stimulating platelet production. Additional research concluded that IL-11 is effective in treating several vascular diseases. However, the function and mechanism of IL-11 in these diseases remain unknown. This review summarizes IL-11 expression, function, and signal transduction mechanism. This study also focuses on the role of IL-11 in coronary artery disease, hypertension, pulmonary hypertension, cerebrovascular disease, aortic disease, and other vascular diseases and its potential as a therapeutic target. Consequently, this study provides new insight into the clinical diagnosis and treatment of vascular diseases.

The Interleukin-11/IL-11 Receptor Promotes Glioblastoma Survival and Invasion under Glucose-Starved Conditions through Enhanced Glutaminolysis

Glioblastoma cells adapt to changes in glucose availability through metabolic plasticity allowing for cell survival and continued progression in low-glucose concentrations. However, the regulatory cytokine networks that govern the ability to survive in glucose-starved conditions are not fully defined. In the present study, we define a critical role for the IL-11/IL-11Rα signalling axis in glioblastoma survival, proliferation and invasion when cells are starved of glucose. We identified enhanced IL-11/IL-11Rα expression correlated with reduced overall survival in glioblastoma patients. Glioblastoma cell lines over-expressing IL-11Rα displayed greater survival, proliferation, migration and invasion in glucose-free conditions compared to their low-IL-11Rα-expressing counterparts, while knockdown of IL-11Rα reversed these pro-tumorigenic characteristics. In addition, these IL-11Rα-over-expressing cells displayed enhanced glutamine oxidation and glutamate production compared to their low-IL-11Rα-expressing counterparts, while knockdown of IL-11Rα or the pharmacological inhibition of several members of the glutaminolysis pathway resulted in reduced survival (enhanced apoptosis) and reduced migration and invasion. Furthermore, IL-11Rα expression in glioblastoma patient samples correlated with enhanced gene expression of the glutaminolysis pathway genes GLUD1, GSS and c-Myc. Overall, our study identified that the IL-11/IL-11Rα pathway promotes glioblastoma cell survival and enhances cell migration and invasion in environments of glucose starvation via glutaminolysis.

Head and Neck Cancer Immunotherapy: Molecular Biological Aspects of Preclinical and Clinical Research

Breakthrough research in the field of immune checkpoint inhibitors and the development of a human papilloma virus vaccine triggered a plethora of research in the field of cancer immunotherapy. Both had significant effects on the treatment of head and neck squamous cell carcinoma. The advent of preclinical models and multidisciplinary approaches including bioinformatics, genetic engineering, clinical oncology, and immunology helped in the development of tumour-infiltrating lymphocytes (TILs) and chimeric antigen receptor (CAR) T-cell therapy. Here, we discuss different immunotherapies such as adoptive T-cell transfer, immune checkpoint inhibitors, interleukins, and cancer vaccines for the treatment of head and neck cancer. This review showcases the intrinsic relation between the understanding and implementation of basic biology and clinical practice. We also address potential limitations of each immunotherapy approach and the advantages of personalized immunotherapy. Overall, the aim of this review is to encourage further research in the field of immunotherapy for head and neck cancer.

Interleukin-11 (IL11) inhibits myogenic differentiation of C2C12 cells through activation of extracellular signal-regulated kinase (ERK)

Cancer-associated cachexia (CAC) is a multifactorial wasting syndrome characterized by loss of skeletal muscle. Interleukin-11 (IL11), one of the IL6 family cytokines, is highly expressed in various types of cancer including cancers frequently associated with cachexia. However, the impact of IL11 on muscle metabolism remains to be determined. Since one of the mechanisms of muscle wasting in cachexia is defective muscle regeneration due to impaired myogenic differentiation, we examined the effect of IL11 on the differentiation of C2C12 mouse myoblasts. Treatment of C2C12 cells with recombinant mouse IL11 resulted in decreased myotube formation. In addition, IL11 treatment reduced the protein and mRNA levels of myosin heavy chain (MHC), a marker of myogenic differentiation. Moreover, the levels of myogenic regulatory factors including myogenin and Mrf4 were significantly reduced by IL11 treatment. IL11 treatment increased the number of BrdU-positive cells and the level of phosphorylated retinoblastoma (Rb) protein, while the levels of p21^Waf1 and p27^Kip1 were reduced by IL11 treatment in differentiating C2C12 cells, suggesting that IL11 interferes with cell cycle exit during the early stages of myogenic differentiation. Consistent with this, IL11 treatment at the late stage of differentiation did not affect myotube formation and MHC expression. IL11 treatment resulted in an activation of ERK, STAT3, and AKT in differentiating C2C12 cells. However, only ERK inhibitors including PD98059 and U0126 were able to ameliorate the suppressive effect of IL11 on the expression of MHC and myogenin. Additionally, pretreatment with PD98059 and U0126 resulted in improved myotube formation and reduced BrdU staining in IL11-treated cells. Together, our results suggest that IL11 inhibits myogenic differentiation through delayed cell cycle exit in an ERK-dependent manner. To our knowledge, this study is the first to demonstrate an inhibitory role of IL11 in myogenic differentiation and identifies the previously unrecognized role of IL11 as a possible mediator of CAC.

Somatic Mutations Alter Interleukin Signaling Pathways in Grade II Invasive Breast Cancer Patients: An Egyptian Experience

This study aimed to investigate the impact of somatic mutations on various interleukin signaling pathways associated with grade II invasive breast cancer (BC) in Egyptian patients to broaden our understanding of their role in promoting carcinogenesis. Fifty-five grade II invasive BC patients were included in this study. Data for somatic mutations in 45 BC patients were already available from a previous study. Data for somatic mutations of 10 new BC patients were included in the current study. Somatic mutations were identified using targeted next-generation sequencing (NGS) to study their involvement in interleukin signaling pathways. For pathway analysis, we used ingenuity variant analysis (IVA) to identify the most significantly altered pathways. We identified somatic mutations in components of the interleukin-2, interleukin-6, and inter-leukin-7 signaling pathways, including mutations in JAK1, JAK2, JAK3, SOCS1, IL7R, MCL1, BCL2, MTOR, and IL6ST genes. Interestingly, six mutations which were likely to be novel deleterious were identified: two in the SCH1 gene, two in the IL2 gene, and one in each of the IL7R and JUN genes. According to IVA analysis, interleukin 2, interleukin 6, and interleukin 7 signaling pathways were the most altered in 34.5%, 29%, and 23.6% of our BC group, respectively. Our multigene panel sequencing analysis reveals that our BC patients have altered interleukin signaling pathways. So, these results highlight the prominent role of interleukins in the carcinogenesis process and suggest its potential role as promising candidates for personalized therapy in Egyptian patients.

Osteoblast/osteocyte-derived interleukin-11 regulates osteogenesis and systemic adipogenesis

Exercise results in mechanical loading of the bone and stimulates energy expenditure in the adipose tissue. It is therefore likely that the bone secretes factors to communicate with adipose tissue in response to mechanical loading. Interleukin (IL)-11 is known to be expressed in the bone, it is upregulated by mechanical loading, enhances osteogenesis and suppresses adipogenesis. Here, we show that systemic IL-11 deletion (IL-11^-/-) results in reduced bone mass, suppressed bone formation response to mechanical loading, enhanced expression of Wnt inhibitors, and suppressed Wnt signaling. At the same time, the enhancement of bone resorption by mechanical unloading was unaffected. Unexpectedly, IL-11^-/- mice have increased systemic adiposity and glucose intolerance. Osteoblast/osteocyte-specific IL-11 deletion in osteocalcin-Cre;IL-11^fl/fl mice have reduced serum IL-11 levels, blunted bone formation under mechanical loading, and increased systemic adiposity similar to IL-11^-/- mice. Adipocyte-specific IL-11 deletion in adiponectin-Cre;IL-11^fl/fl did not exhibit any abnormalities. We demonstrate that osteoblast/osteocyte-derived IL-11 controls both osteogenesis and systemic adiposity in response to mechanical loading, an important insight for our understanding of osteoporosis and metabolic syndromes.

Identification of Age-Associated Transcriptomic Changes Linked to Immunotherapy Response in Primary Melanoma

Melanoma is a lethal form of skin cancer. Immunotherapeutic agents such as anti-PD-1 (pembrolizumab and nivolumab) and anti-CTLA-4 (ipilimumab) have revolutionized melanoma treatment; however, drug resistance is rapidly acquired. Several studies have reported an increase in melanoma rates in older patients. Thus, the impact of ageing on transcriptional profiles of melanoma and response to immunotherapy is essential to understand. In this study, the bioinformatic analysis of RNA seq data of old and young melanoma patients receiving immunotherapy identifies the significant upregulation of extra-cellular matrix and cellular adhesion genes in young cohorts, while genes involved in cell proliferation, inflammation, non-canonical Wnt signaling and tyrosine kinase receptor ROR2 are significantly upregulated in the old cohort. Several Treg signature genes as well as transcription factors that are associated with dysfunctional T cell tumor infiltration are differentially expressed. The differential expression of several genes involved in oxidative phosphorylation, glycolysis and glutamine metabolism is also observed. Taken together, this study provides novel findings on the impact of ageing on transcriptional changes in melanoma, and novel therapeutic targets for future studies.

Role of Interleukins and New Perspectives in Mechanisms of Resistance to Chemotherapy in Gastric Cancer

Gastric cancer (GC) is the fourth most common cancer in the world in terms of incidence and second in terms of mortality. Chemotherapy is the main treatment for GC. The greatest challenge and major cause of GC treatment failure is resistance to chemotherapy. As such, research is ongoing into molecular evaluation, investigating mechanisms, and screening therapeutic targets. Several mechanisms related to both the tumor cells and the tumor microenvironment (TME) are involved in resistance to chemotherapy. TME promotes the secretion of various inflammatory cytokines. Recent studies have revealed that inflammatory cytokines affect not only tumor growth, but also chemoresistance. Cytokines in TME can be detected in blood circulation and TME cells. Inflammatory cytokines could serve as potential biomarkers in the assessment of chemoresistance and influence the management of therapeutics in GC. This review presents recent data concerning research on inflammatory cytokines involved in the mechanisms of chemoresistance and provides new clues in GC treatment.

The roles and therapeutic applications of cytokines in endometrial cancer

Endometrial cancer (EC) is a common gynecological cancer globally and the most frequent gynecologic malignancy in industrialized countries. Patients are typically diagnosed when the disease is still restricted to the uterus. 5-year overall survival ranges from 70 % to 90 % in patients without metastatic disease; however, the metastatic form of the disease affects 16 % of EC patients, with a 5-year survival rate of 16.8 %. The immune system can detect abnormal cells as non-self in the early stages of carcinogenesis, producing the appropriate pro-inflammatory environment to eliminate cancer cells. In a second phase, cancer cells use various immune-editing systems to alter the profile of the immune response from pro to anti-inflammatory, resulting in immune escape. The directors of this immune switching mechanism are cytokines. Studies have reported the increased expression of several pro-and anti-inflammatory cytokines in EC tissues and cell lines, including Interleukin (IL)- 6, IL-8, IL-31, IL-33, IL-10, TGF-β, VEGF, and IL-1Ra. Immune cells producing these cytokines have also been reported to be present in EC tissues. Therefore, in this study, we aimed to show the possible mechanisms of the mentioned cytokines on EC progression, as well as the most current and prospective advancements in cytokine-based therapeutic applications.

Mutational Analysis of Interleukin-11 and its Consequences on Cancer and COVID-19 Related Cytokine Storm -An Extensive Molecular Dynamics Study

Background:

Interleukin-11 is a pleiotropic cytokine that is known to play an important role in the progression of various forms of cancer by modulating the survival and proliferation of tumour cells. IL11 also demonstrates a structural homology to IL6, the predominant cytokine involved in COVID-19. This makes IL11 a potential therapeutic target in both diseases.

Objective:

This study aimed to evaluate the impact of the two-point mutations, R135E and R190E, on the stability of IL11 and their effect on the binding affinity of IL11 with its receptor IL11Rα. It is a molecular level analysis based on the existing experimental validation.

Method:

Computer-aided drug designing techniques, such as molecular modelling, molecular docking, and molecular dynamics simulations, were employed to determine the consequential effects of the two-point mutations.

Results:

Our analysis revealed that the two mutations led to a decrease in the overall stability of IL11. This was evident by the increased atomic fluctuations in the mutated regions as well as the corresponding elevation in the deviations seen through RMSD and Rg values. It was also accompanied by a loss in the secondary structural organisation in the mutated proteins. Moreover, mutation R135E led to an increase in the binding affinity of IL11 with IL11Rα and the formation of a more stable complex in comparison to the wild-type protein with its receptor.

CONCLUSION:

Mutation R190E led to the formation of a less stable complex than the wild-type, which suggests a decrease in the binding affinity between IL11 and IL11Rα.

Inflammatory bowel disease-related colorectal cancer: Past, present and future perspectives

Inflammatory bowel disease-related colorectal cancer (IBD-CRC) is one of the most serious complications of IBD contributing to significant mortality in this cohort of patients. IBD is often associated with diet and lifestyle-related gut microbial dysbiosis, the interaction of genetic and environmental factors, leading to chronic gut inflammation. According to the “common ground hypothesis”, microbial dysbiosis and intestinal barrier impairment are at the core of the chronic inflammatory process associated with IBD-CRC. Among the many underlying factors known to increase the risk of IBD-CRC, perhaps the most important factor is chronic persistent inflammation. The persistent inflammation in the colon results in increased proliferation of cells necessary for repair but this also increases the risk of dysplastic changes due to chromosomal and microsatellite instability. Multiple pathways have been identified, regulated by many positive and negative factors involved in the development of cancer, which in this case follows the ‘inflammation-dysplasia-carcinoma’ sequence. Strategies to lower this risk are extremely important to reduce morbidity and mortality due to IBD-CRC, among which colonoscopic surveillance is the most widely accepted and implemented modality, forming part of many national and international guidelines. However, the effectiveness of surveillance in IBD has been a topic of much debate in recent years for multiple reasons — cost-benefit to health systems, resource requirements, and also because of studies showing conflicting long-term data. Our review provides a comprehensive overview of past, present, and future perspectives of IBD-CRC. We explore and analyse evidence from studies over decades and current best practices followed globally. In the future directions section, we cover emerging novel endoscopic techniques and artificial intelligence that could play an important role in managing the risk of IBD-CRC.

STAT3 Signaling in Breast Cancer: Multicellular Actions and Therapeutic Potential

Simple Summary

Many signaling pathways are overactive in breast cancer, and among them is the STAT3 signaling pathway. STAT3 is activated by secreted factors within the breast tumor, many of which are elevated and correlate to advanced disease and poor survival outcomes. This review examines how STAT3 signaling is activated in breast cancer by the proinflammatory, gp130 cytokines, interleukins 6 and 11. We evaluate how this signaling cascade functions in the various cells of the tumor microenvironment to drive disease progression and metastasis. We discuss how our understanding of these processes may lead to the development of novel therapeutics to tackle advanced disease.

Abstract

Interleukin (IL)-6 family cytokines, such as IL-6 and IL-11, are defined by the shared use of the gp130 receptor for the downstream activation of STAT3 signaling and the activation of genes which contribute to the “hallmarks of cancer”, including proliferation, survival, invasion and metastasis. Increased expression of these cytokines, or the ligand-specific receptors IL-6R and IL-11RA, in breast tumors positively correlate to disease progression and poorer patient outcome. In this review, we examine evidence from pre-clinical studies that correlate enhanced IL-6 and IL-11 mediated gp130/STAT3 signaling to the progression of breast cancer. Key processes by which the IL-6 family cytokines contribute to the heterogeneous nature of breast cancer, immune evasion and metastatic potential, are discussed. We examine the latest research into the therapeutic targeting of IL-6 family cytokines that inhibit STAT3 transcriptional activity as a potential breast cancer treatment, including current clinical trials. The importance of the IL-6 family of cytokines in cellular processes that promote the development and progression of breast cancer warrants further understanding of the molecular basis for its actions to help guide the development of future therapeutic targets.

DGUOK-AS1 acts as a tumorpromoter through regulatingmiR-204-5p/IL-11 axis in breast cancer

Breast cancer is one of the most lethal malignancies among women; however, the underlying molecular mechanism involved in the progression and metastasis of breast cancer remains unclear. Numerous studies have confirmed that long noncoding RNAs are abnormally expressed in breast cancer and play crucial roles in cell proliferation and metastasis. In the study, we evaluated the functional role and detailed mechanism of DGUOK-AS1 in breast cancer progression and metastasis. DGUOK-AS1 knockdown suppressed proliferation, migration, and invasion of breast cancer cells in vitro and in vivo. Mechanistically, miR-204-5p was identified as an inhibitory target of DGUOK-AS1, which served as a tumor suppressor in breast cancer. Significantly, we found that the ectopic expression of miR-204-5p could counteract DGUOK-AS1-mediated promotion of cell proliferation and metastasis in breast cancer. Moreover, IL-11 was found to be the downstream target of miR-204-5p, and DGUOK-AS1 could protect IL-11 from miR-204-5p-mediated degradation. DGUOK-AS1 overexpression promoted breast cancer cell migration, angiogenesis, and macrophage migration, mediating by the increased secretion of IL-11, which was extremely important for cancer progression. Collectively, our studies reveal that DGUOK-AS1/miR-204-5p/IL-11 axis plays a significant role in the progression and metastasis of breast cancer, and DGUOK-AS1 might be a novel biomarker and therapeutic target for breast cancer.

Lower melanoma pulmonary metastatic burden in obese mice: role of FGF-21

Obesity is a risk factor for malignant melanoma. The lungs are main target organs for metastization and their immune response is a key modulator of this mechanism. The concept that the metastatic potential of some types of cancer is reduced or inhibited by obesity, known as the obesity paradox, drives major concerns on the prognosis of metastasized patients. The aim of this study was to investigate how high-fat diet (HFD)-induced obesity affects melanoma metastization. C57Bl6/J mice were fed with HFD or standard diet for 180 days and inoculated intravenously with B16F10 melanoma cells. Upon 21 days of inoculation, lung tissue of overweight and lean mice was assessed for histology and immunohistochemistry assays. Adipokine antibody arrays were performed in mice serum. In vitro RAW 264.7 macrophage cultures were established and incubated with FGF-21 and/or lipopolysaccharide (LPS). Conditioned media was added to B16F10 cells for viability quantification. HFD-fed mice presented a reduced number of metastases with lower proliferative rates. The high content of inflammatory foci observed in noninoculated obese mice was significantly decreased upon B16F10 inoculation, concurrent with a slight fibrosis reduction. Plasma levels of fibroblast growth factor-21 (FGF-21), an endocrine regulator, were elevated in noninoculated HFD mice and the expression of FGF receptor 1 (FGFR-1) was significantly upregulated after inoculation. FGF-21 reduced melanoma viability in LPS-stimulated macrophages. Altogether, these findings suggest that higher amounts of FGF-21 are able to counterbalance the proinflammatory effects associated with obesity, protecting the lungs from melanoma metastization.

Estrogen receptor variant ERα46 and insulin receptor drive in primary breast cancer cells growth effects and interleukin 11 induction prompting the motility of cancer-associated fibroblasts

Among the prognostic and predictive biomarkers of breast cancer (BC), the role of estrogen receptor (ER)α wild-type has been acknowledged, although the action of certain ERα splice variants has not been elucidated. Insulin/insulin receptor (IR) axis has also been involved in the progression and metastasis of BC. For instance, hyperinsulinemia, which is often associated with obesity and type 2 diabetes, may be a risk factor for BC. Similarly, an aberrant expression of IR or its hyperactivation may correlate with aggressive BC phenotypes. In the present study, we have shown that a novel naturally immortalized BC cell line (named BCAHC-1) is characterized by a unique expression of 46 kDa ERα splice variant (ERα46) along with IR. Moreover, we have shown that a multifaceted crosstalk between ERα46 and IR occurs in BCAHC-1 cells upon estrogen and insulin exposure for growth and pulmonary metastasis. Through high-throughput RNA sequencing analysis, we have also found that the cytokine interleukin-11 (IL11) is the main factor linking BCAHC-1 cells to breast cancer-associated fibroblasts (CAFs). In particular, we have found that IL11 induced by estrogens and insulin in BCAHC-1 cells regulates pro-tumorigenic genes of the "extracellular matrix organization" signaling pathway, such as ICAM-1 and ITGA5, and promotes both migratory and invasive features in breast CAFs. Overall, our results may open a new scientific avenue to identify additional prognostic and therapeutic targets in BC.

A Pilot Study To Establish an In Vitro Model To Study Premature Intestinal Epithelium and Gut Microbiota Interactions

Intestinal microbiota has emerged as an important player in the health and disease of preterm infants. The interactions between intestinal flora and epithelium can lead to local injury and systemic diseases. A suitable in vitro cell model is needed to enhance our understanding of these interactions. In this study, we exposed fetal epithelial cell cultures (FHs-74 int cells, human, ATCC CCL 241) to sterile fecal filtrates derived from stool collected from preterm infants at <2 and at 3 to 4 weeks of age. We measured the cytokine levels from the culture media after 4, 24, and 48 h of exposure to the fecal filtrates. We analyzed the 16S rRNA V4 gene data of the fecal samples and transcriptome sequencing (RNA-seq) data from the fetal epithelial cells after 48 h of exposure to the same fecal filtrates. The results showed correlations between inflammatory responses (both cytokine levels and gene expression) and the Proteobacteria-to-Firmicutes ratio and between fecal bacterial genera and epithelial apoptosis-related genes. Our in vitro cell model can be further developed and applied to study how the epithelium responds to different microbial flora from preterm infants. Combining immature epithelial cells and preterm infant stool samples into one model allows us to investigate disease processes in preterm infants in a way that had not been previously reported.

IMPORTANCE The gut bacterial flora influences the development of the immune system and long-term health outcomes in preterm infants. Studies of the mechanistic interactions between the gut bacteria and mucosal barrier are limited to clinical observations, animal models, and in vitro cell culture models for this vulnerable population. Most in vitro cell culture models of microbe-host interactions use single organisms or adult origin cell lines. Our study is innovative and significant in that we expose immature epithelial cells derived from fetal tissues to fecal filtrates from eight stool samples from four preterm infants to study the role of intestinal epithelial cells. In addition, we analyzed epithelial gene expression to examine multiple cellular processes simultaneously. This model can be developed into patient-derived two- or three-dimensional cell cultures exposed to their own fecal material to allow better prediction of patient physiological responses to support the growing field of precision medicine.

The IL6-like Cytokine Family: Role and Biomarker Potential in Breast Cancer

IL6-like cytokines are a family of regulators with a complex, pleiotropic role in both the healthy organism, where they regulate immunity and homeostasis, and in different diseases, including cancer. Here we summarise how these cytokines exert their effect through the shared signal transducer IL6ST (gp130) and we review the extensive evidence on the role that different members of this family play in breast cancer. Additionally, we discuss how the different cytokines, their related receptors and downstream effectors, as well as specific polymorphisms in these molecules, can serve as predictive or prognostic biomarkers with the potential for clinical application in breast cancer. Lastly, we also discuss how our increasing understanding of this complex signalling axis presents promising opportunities for the development or repurposing of therapeutic strategies against cancer and, specifically, breast neoplasms.

DNA Methylation of TGFβ Target Genes: Epigenetic Control of TGFβ Functional Duality in Liver Cancer

Transforming growth factor beta (TGFβ) plays a key role in liver carcinogenesis. However, its action is complex, since TGFβ exhibits tumor-suppressive or oncogenic properties, depending on the tumor stage. At an early stage TGFβ exhibits cytostatic features, but at a later stage it promotes cell growth and metastasis, as a potent inducer of epithelial to mesenchymal transition (EMT). Here, we evaluated DNA methylation as a possible molecular mechanism switching TGFβ activity toward tumor progression in hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC). We report that decitabine, a demethylating agent already used in the clinic for the treatment of several cancers, greatly impairs the transcriptional response of SNU449 HCC cells to TGFβ. Importantly, decitabine was shown to induce the expression of EMT-related transcription factors (e.g., SNAI1/2, ZEB1/2). We also report that the promoter of SNAI1 was hypomethylated in poor-prognosis human HCC, i.e., associated with high grade, high AFP level, metastasis and recurrence. Altogether, the data highlight an epigenetic control of several effectors of the TGFβ pathway in human HCC possibly involved in switching its action toward EMT and tumor progression. Thus, we conclude that epidrugs should be carefully evaluated for the treatment of HCC, as they may activate tumor promoting pathways.

Emerging roles for IL-6 family cytokines as positive and negative regulators of ectopic lymphoid structures

IL-6 family cytokines display broad effects in haematopoietic and non-haematopoietic cells that regulate immune homeostasis, host defence, haematopoiesis, development, reproduction and wound healing. Dysregulation of these activities places this cytokine family as important mediators of autoimmunity, chronic inflammation and cancer. In this regard, ectopic lymphoid structures (ELS) are a pathological hallmark of many tissues affected by chronic disease. These inducible lymphoid aggregates form compartmentalised T cell and B cell zones, germinal centres, follicular dendritic cell networks and high endothelial venules, which are defining qualities of peripheral lymphoid organs. Accordingly, ELS can support local antigen-specific responses to self-antigens, alloantigens, pathogens and tumours. ELS often correlate with severe disease progression in autoimmune conditions, while tumour-associated ELS are associated with enhanced anti-tumour immunity and a favourable prognosis in cancer. Here, we discuss emerging roles for IL-6 family cytokines as regulators of ELS development, maintenance and activity and consider how modulation of these activities has the potential to aid the successful treatment of autoimmune conditions and cancers where ELS feature.

Interleukin-11 (IL-11) receptor cleavage by the rhomboid protease RHBDL2 induces IL-11 trans-signaling

Interleukin-11 (IL-11) is a pleiotropic cytokine with both pro- and anti-inflammatory properties. It activates its target cells via binding to the membrane-bound IL-11 receptor (IL-11R), which then recruits a homodimer of the ubiquitously expressed, signal-transducing receptor gp130. Besides this classic signaling pathway, IL-11 can also bind to soluble forms of the IL-11R (sIL-11R), and IL-11/sIL-11R complexes activate cells via the induction of gp130 homodimerization (trans-signaling). We have previously reported that the metalloprotease ADAM10 cleaves the membrane-bound IL-11R and thereby generates sIL-11R. In this study, we identify the rhomboid intramembrane protease RHBDL2 as a so far unrecognized alternative sheddase that can efficiently trigger IL-11R secretion. We determine the cleavage site used by RHBDL2, which is located in the extracellular part of the receptor in close proximity to the plasma membrane, between Ala-370 and Ser-371. Furthermore, we identify critical amino acid residues within the transmembrane helix that are required for IL-11R proteolysis. We also show that ectopically expressed RHBDL2 is able to cleave the IL-11R within the early secretory pathway and not only at the plasma membrane, indicating that its subcellular localization plays a central role in controlling its activity. Moreover, RHBDL2-derived sIL-11R is biologically active and able to perform IL-11 trans-signaling. Finally, we show that the human mutation IL-11R-A370V does not impede IL-11 classic signaling, but prevents RHBDL2-mediated IL-11R cleavage.

The HIF target MAFF promotes tumor invasion and metastasis through IL11 and STAT3 signaling

Hypoxia plays a critical role in tumor progression including invasion and metastasis. To determine critical genes regulated by hypoxia that promote invasion and metastasis, we screen fifty hypoxia inducible genes for their effects on invasion. In this study, we identify v-maf musculoaponeurotic fibrosarcoma oncogene homolog F (MAFF) as a potent regulator of tumor invasion without affecting cell viability. MAFF expression is elevated in metastatic breast cancer patients and is specifically correlated with hypoxic tumors. Combined ChIP- and RNA-sequencing identifies IL11 as a direct transcriptional target of the heterodimer between MAFF and BACH1, which leads to activation of STAT3 signaling. Inhibition of IL11 results in similar levels of metastatic suppression as inhibition of MAFF. This study demonstrates the oncogenic role of MAFF as an activator of the IL11/STAT3 pathways in breast cancer.

Hypoxia plays a critical role in tumor progression including invasion and metastasis. Here, the authors screened several hypoxia inducible genes and identified the oncogenic role of MAFF in breast cancer metastasis and that it activates IL11/STAT3 pathway.

The Analysis of Inflammation-Related Proteins in a Cargo of Exosomes Derived from the Serum of Uveal Melanoma Patients Reveals Potential Biomarkers of Disease Progression

Simple Summary

Uveal melanoma (UM) is the most common intraocular tumour in adults with a poor prognosis and extremely high mortality rate due to the development of metastatic disease. Despite good knowledge of the histological and genetic background of metastases formation, there is still a lack of specific biomarkers which would allow early detection of UM progression. Due to their unique molecular cargo consisting of proteins and nucleic acids, exosomes have been widely studied as carriers of biomarkers for cancer development and progression. In this study, we analyzed the inflammation-related protein cargo of exosomes derived from the serum of primary and metastatic UM patients and healthy donors using multiplex immunoassay technology. We showed a significant correlation between the disease stage and the concentration of inflammation-related proteins from exosomal cargo. Based on the obtained results, we propose the panel of exosomal proteins for early detection of uveal melanoma progression into metastatic disease.

Abstract

Background: Uveal melanoma (UM) is the most common intraocular tumour in adults with a poor prognosis and extremely high mortality rate due to the development of metastatic disease. However, despite relatively good knowledge about the histological and genetic risk factors for metastasis development, there is no specific biomarker that would allow early detection of UM progression. Recently, exosomes and their molecular cargo have been widely studied in the search for potential biomarkers in several cancers. The purpose of this study was to analyze the inflammation-related protein cargo of exosomes derived from the serum of primary and metastatic UM patients and healthy donors. Methods: The exosomes were isolated from the serum of primary and metastatic UM patients and healthy donors. Using multiplex immunoassay technology, we analyzed the concentration of 37 inflammation-related proteins in obtained exosomes. Results: The analysis of protein cargo showed several molecules related to inflammation, such as interferon-gamma, interleukin 2, 22 and 12(p40), Pentraxin-3, TNFSF13B and TNFSF8 which were significantly enriched in metastatic UM exosomes. We showed a significant correlation between the disease stage and the concentration of these inflammation-related proteins from exosomal cargo. Conclusions: Based on the obtained results, we propose the panel of exosomal proteins for early detection of uveal melanoma progression into metastatic disease.

The site of breast cancer metastases dictates their clonal composition and reversible transcriptomic profile

Intratumoral heterogeneity is a driver of breast cancer progression, but the nature of the clonal interactive network involved in this process remains unclear. Here, we optimized the use of optical barcoding to visualize and characterize 31 cancer subclones in vivo. By mapping the clonal composition of thousands of metastases in two clinically relevant sites, the lungs and liver, we found that metastases were highly polyclonal in lungs but not in the liver. Furthermore, the transcriptome of the subclones varied according to their metastatic niche. We also identified a reversible niche-driven signature that was conserved in lung and liver metastases collected during patient autopsies. Among this signature, we found that the tumor necrosis factor-α pathway was up-regulated in lung compared to liver metastases, and inhibition of this pathway affected metastasis diversity. These results highlight that the cellular and molecular heterogeneity observed in metastases is largely dictated by the tumor microenvironment.

Analyzing the influence of IL18 in regulation of YAP1 in breast oncogenesis using cBioportal

Background

Yes‐associated protein 1 (YAP1) is responsible for tumor growth, progression and metastasis. The mechanisms controlling the generation and relative ratio of the functional YAP1 and other co‐factors are not well‐understood. Various literature reported that co‐factors like cytokines significantly influence signaling pathways to introduce epithelial immunity and regeneration, which later helps increase cancer‐related phenotypes. Among various cytokines, IL‐18 has emerged as a major player in inflammation and progression of different types of cancers. Till now, much information has not been known about the role of YAP1 in tumor aggressiveness and immune evasion in breast cancer with respect to IL‐18.

Aim

We aimed to explore the effect of YAP1 in tumor aggressiveness and immune evasion in breast invasive carcinoma and metastatic breast cancer in the context of Interleukin‐18 (IL‐18) in silico.

Methods and Results

We used publicly available data generated by The Cancer Genome Atlas (TCGA) Research Network through cBioportal web platform. Kaplan–Meier method was used to determine the overall survival and comparison between curves were made using Log‐Rank test. The p values were determined by Fisher's exact test with the null hypothesis. Correlation plots were analyzed by comparison with gene copy numbers from the GISTIC2.0, available through cBioportal.

Our analyses suggest that IL‐18 influences YAP1 expression in breast oncogenesis via Interferon‐gamma (IFN‐γ) production. Patients having a higher expression of IL‐18 possess a better prognosis and higher YAP1 expression with lower IL18 drives to poor clinical results in breast cancer.

Conclusion

This can provide new approaches to better understand the relation between YAP1 and IL‐18 in breast cancer progression by performing in vitro and in vivo studies. Also, IL‐18 can be considered as a potential target for tumor treatment in YAP1 overexpressed breast carcinoma.

The Signal Transducer IL6ST (gp130) as a Predictive and Prognostic Biomarker in Breast Cancer

Novel biomarkers are needed to continue to improve breast cancer clinical management and outcome. IL6-like cytokines, whose pleiotropic functions include roles in many hallmarks of malignancy, rely on the signal transducer IL6ST (gp130) for all their signalling. To date, 10 separate independent studies based on the analysis of clinical breast cancer samples have identified IL6ST as a predictor. Consistent findings suggest that IL6ST is a positive prognostic factor and is associated with ER status. Interestingly, these studies include 4 multigene signatures (EndoPredict, EER4, IRSN-23 and 42GC) that incorporate IL6ST to predict risk of recurrence or outcome from endocrine or chemotherapy. Here we review the existing evidence on the promising predictive and prognostic value of IL6ST. We also discuss how this potential could be further translated into clinical practice beyond the EndoPredict tool, which is already available in the clinic. The most promising route to further exploit IL6ST's promising predicting power will likely be through additional hybrid multifactor signatures that allow for more robust stratification of ER+ breast tumours into discrete groups with distinct outcomes, thus enabling greater refinement of the treatment-selection process.

Clinical value of serum and exhaled breath condensate inflammatory factor IL-11 levels in non-small cell lung cancer: Clinical value of IL-11 in non-small cell lung cancer

OBJECTIVE

Our study aimed to observe and evaluate the clinical value of interleukin (IL)-11 in the serum and exhaled breath condensate of patients with non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC).

METHODS

A total of 91 patients with NSCLC and 72 healthy volunteers were included in this study. IL-11 concentration was determined by ELISA, and the relationship between IL-11 expression in serum and exhaled breath condensate specimens, and the clinicopathological characteristics of patients with NSCLC were analyzed. The relationship between serum IL-11 expression and traditional tumor markers and inflammation indicators of NSCLC was also analyzed. The correlation between serum IL-11 and exhaled breath condensate IL-11 level was determined. The receiver operating characteristic curve was used to evaluate the diagnostic value of IL-11 and carcinoembryonic antigen single and combined detection for NSCLC. The published data from online databases were used to analyze the relationship between the expression of IL-11 and the prognosis of NSCLC.

RESULTS

IL-11 concentration in serum and exhaled breath condensate specimens of patients with NSCLC were significantly increased. IL-11 expression was positively correlated with lymph node metastasis, distant metastasis, tumor node metastasis stage, and tumor differentiation degree of NSCLC. The expression of IL-11 in serum was positively correlated with that in exhaled breath condensate specimens. IL-11 expression was closely related to that of neutrophil-to-lymphocyte ratio and carcinoembryonic antigen. The combination of serum IL-11 with exhaled breath condensate IL-11 and carcinoembryonic antigen showed significantly higher diagnostic value than any one marker alone. Besides, the high IL-11 expression was closely related to the poor prognosis of NSCLC.

CONCLUSION

IL-11 can be used as a potential diagnostic and prognostic biomarker for NSCLC.

Interleukin 11 (IL-11): Role(s) in Breast Cancer Bone Metastases

Bone metastases represent the main problem related to the progression of breast cancer, as they are the main cause of death for these patients. Unfortunately, to date, bone metastases are incurable and represent the main challenge for the researcher. Chemokines and cytokines affect different stages of the metastatic process, and in bone metastases, interleukin (IL) -6, IL-8, IL-1β, and IL-11 participate in the interaction between cancer cells and bone cells. This review focuses on IL-11, a pleiotropic cytokine that, in addition to its well-known effects on several tissues, also mediates certain signals in cancer cells. In particular, as IL-11 works on bone remodeling, it plays a relevant role in the osteolytic vicious cycle of bone resorption and tumour growth, which characterizes bone metastasis. IL-11 appears as a candidate for anti-metastatic therapy. Even if different therapeutic approaches have considered IL-11 and the downstream-activated gp130 signaling pathways activated downstream of gp130, further studies are needed to decipher the contribution of the different cytokines and their mechanisms of action in breast cancer progression to define therapeutic strategies.

IL-11 mediates the Radioresistance of Cervical Cancer Cells via the PI3K/Akt Signaling Pathway

Cervical cancer is one of the most common malignant tumors in the female reproductive system. Radioresistance remains a significant factor that limits the efficacy of radiotherapy for cervical cancer. Interleukin-11 (IL-11) has been reported to be upregulated in various types of human cancer and correlate with clinical stage and poor survival. However, the exact effects and mechanisms of IL-11 in the radioresistance of cervical cancer have not yet been defined. In this research, TCGA databases revealed that IL-11 expression was upregulated in cervical cancer tissues and was associated with clinical stages and poor prognosis in cervical cancer patients. We discovered that IL-11 concentration was significantly upregulated in radioresistant cervical cancer cells. Knocking down IL-11 in Hela cells could reduce clonogenic survival rate, decrease cell viability, induce G2/M phase block, and facilitate cell apoptosis. In contrast, Exogeneous IL-11 in C33A cells could upregulate clonogenic survival rate, increase cell viability, curb G2/M phase block, and cell apoptosis. Mechanistic investigations showed that radioresistance conferred by IL-11 was attributed to the activation of the PI3K/Akt signaling pathway. Altogether, our results demonstrate that IL-11 might be involved in radioresistance, and IL-11 may be a potent radiosensitization target for cervical cancer therapy.

Increased Interleukin-11 and Stress-Related Gene Expression in Human Endothelial and Bronchial Epithelial Cells Exposed to Silver Nanoparticles

This article aimed to identify and distinguish the various responses to silver nanoparticles (NPs) of endothelial and epithelial cells. We also assessed the significantly increased gene expression levels, as shown by microarray analysis. We evaluated the median lethal dose of NPs in each cell line and found that each value was different. We also confirmed the toxicity of 5 nm silver NPs. Meanwhile, cell death was not observed in cells exposed to 100 nm silver NPs at a high concentration. We verified that 5 nm silver NPs affected the variation in gene expression in cells through microarray analysis and observed a noticeable increase in interleukin (IL)-8 and IL-11 gene expression in early stages. This study showed noticeable variation in the expression of oxidative stress-related genes in early stages. Microarray results showed considerable variation in cell death-, apoptosis-, and cell survival-related gene expression. Of note, IL-11 gene expression was particularly increased following the exposure of endothelial and epithelial cells to 5 nm silver NPs. In conclusion, this study demonstrated that intracellular genes specifically responded to silver NPs in respiratory epithelial cells and endothelial cells. Among cytokine genes, IL-11 expression was noticeably increased. Additionally, we confirmed that NP toxicity was affected by NP size and dose.

Emerging roles for the IL-6 family of cytokines in pancreatic cancer

Pancreatic cancer has one of the poorest prognoses of all malignancies, with little improvement in clinical outcome over the past 40 years. Pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma is responsible for the vast majority of pancreatic cancer cases, and is characterised by the presence of a dense stroma that impacts therapeutic efficacy and drives pro-tumorigenic programs. More specifically, the inflammatory nature of the tumour microenvironment is thought to underlie the loss of anti-tumour immunity and development of resistance to current treatments. Inflammatory pathways are largely mediated by the expression of, and signalling through, cytokines, chemokines, and other cellular messengers. In recent years, there has been much attention focused on dual targeting of cancer cells and the tumour microenvironment. Here we review our current understanding of the role of IL-6, and the broader IL-6 cytokine family, in pancreatic cancer, including their contribution to pancreatic inflammation and various roles in pancreatic cancer pathogenesis. We also summarise potential opportunities for therapeutic targeting of these pathways as an avenue towards combating poor patient outcomes.

miR-495 and miR-5688 are down-regulated in non-small cell lung cancer under hypoxia to maintain interleukin-11 expression

Background

Hypoxia is a hallmark of cancer and is associated with poor prognosis. However, the molecular mechanism by which hypoxia promotes tumor progression remains unclear. MicroRNAs dysregulation has been shown to play a critical role in the tumor and tumor microenvironment. Here, we investigated the roles of miR‐495 and miR‐5688 in human non‐small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) and their underlying mechanism.

Methods

The expression levels of miR‐495 and miR‐5688 in human NSCLC tissue specimens were measured by quantitative real‐time polymerase chain reaction (qRT‐PCR). Deferoxamine (DFO) was used to determine whether the regulation of miR‐495 and miR‐5688 under hypoxia was dependent on hypoxia‐inducible factor 1‐alpha (HIF‐1α). Furthermore, the functions of miR‐495 and miR‐5688 in tumor progression were evaluated using colony formation, 3‐(4,5‐dimethylthiazol‐2‐yl)‐5‐(3‐carboxymethoxyphenyl)‐2‐(4‐sulfophenyl)‐2H‐tetrazolium (MTS), wound healing, transwell assays, and xenograft model. Two algorithms, PicTAR and Targetscan, were used to predict the target gene of these two miRNAs, and dual‐luciferase reporter assay was conducted to confirm the target. The unpaired two‐tailed t test, Pearson correlation analysis, and Fisher's exact probability test were performed for statistical analyses.

Results

Two miRNAs, miR‐495 and miR‐5688, were found to participate in NSCLC progression under hypoxia. They were down‐regulated in NSCLC tissues compared with normal tissues. We determined that hypoxia led to the down‐regulation of miR‐495 and miR‐5688 in NSCLC cells, which was independent of HIF‐1α and cellular metabolic energy. In addition, miR‐495 and miR‐5688 suppressed cell proliferation, migration, and invasion in vitro. The NSCLC xenograft model showed that miR‐495 and miR‐5688 inhibited tumor formation in vivo. Interestingly, we found that miR‐495 and miR‐5688 had the same target, interleukin‐11 (IL‐11). Recombinant human IL‐11 counteracted the effects of miR‐495 and miR‐5688 on NSCLC cells, suggesting that miR‐495 and miR‐5688 executed their tumor suppressive role by repressing IL‐11 expression.

Conclusion

We found that hypoxia down‐regulated the expression levels of miR‐495 and miR‐5688 in NSCLC to enhance IL‐11 expression and tumor progression, indicating that the miR‐495/miR‐5688/IL‐11 axis may serve as a therapeutic target and potential biomarker for NSCLC.

Structural Understanding of Interleukin 6 Family Cytokine Signaling and Targeted Therapies: Focus on Interleukin 11

Cytokines are small signaling proteins that have central roles in inflammation and cell survival. In the half-century since the discovery of the first cytokines, the interferons, over fifty cytokines have been identified. Amongst these is interleukin (IL)-6, the first and prototypical member of the IL-6 family of cytokines, nearly all of which utilize the common signaling receptor, gp130. In the last decade, there have been numerous advances in our understanding of the structural mechanisms of IL-6 family signaling, particularly for IL-6 itself. However, our understanding of the detailed structural mechanisms underlying signaling by most IL-6 family members remains limited. With the emergence of new roles for IL-6 family cytokines in disease and, in particular, roles of IL-11 in cardiovascular disease, lung disease, and cancer, there is an emerging need to develop therapeutics that can progress to clinical use. Here we outline our current knowledge of the structural mechanism of signaling by the IL-6 family of cytokines. We discuss how this knowledge allows us to understand the mechanism of action of currently available inhibitors targeting IL-6 family cytokine signaling, and most importantly how it allows for improved opportunities to pharmacologically disrupt cytokine signaling. We focus specifically on the need to develop and understand inhibitors that disrupt IL-11 signaling.

ASR488, a novel small molecule, activates an mRNA binding protein, CPEB1, and inhibits the growth of bladder cancer

Due to a lack of mechanistic insights, muscle-invasive bladder cancer (MIBC) remains incurable and is one of the most lethal types of cancer in the United States. The present study investigated changes in the molecular signatures of MIBC cells (TCCSUP and HT1376) after treatment with a novel small molecule, ASR488, to gain knowledge of the mechanisms that inhibited MIBC cell growth. ASR488 treatment initiated apoptotic signaling in MIBC cells. Pathway enrichment analysis was used to analyze the changes in function of differentially expressed genes. Gene Ontology analysis, as well as Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genomes analysis, was also performed. These analyses along with reactome pathway enrichment analyses indicated that the genes upregulated in the ASR488-treated cells are involved in focal adhesion, neurotrophin signaling, p53 signaling, endoplasmic reticulum functioning in terms of protein processing, and pathways related to bladder cancer. The genes downregulated in ASR488-treated MIBC cells were mainly involved in DNA replication, mismatch repair, RNA degradation, nucleotide excision repair and TGFβ signaling (P<0.05). Furthermore, reverse transcription-quantitative PCR analysis revealed an increase in transcripts of the most upregulated genes in ASR 488-treated MIBC cells: CPEB1 (36-fold), IL11 (30-fold), SFN (20.12-fold) and CYP4F11 (15.8-fold). In conclusion, the analysis of biological functions of the most differentially expressed genes revealed possible mechanisms that may be associated with the aggressiveness of MIBC.

Novel module and hub genes of distinctive breast cancer associated fibroblasts identified by weighted gene co-expression network analysis

BACKGROUND

As abundant and heterogeneous stromal cells in tumor microenvironment, carcinoma-associated fibroblasts (CAFs) are critically involved in cancer progression.

METHODS

To identify co-expression module and hub genes of distinctive breast CAFs, weighted gene co-expression network analysis (WGCNA) was conducted based on the expression array results of CAFs from seven chemo-sensitive breast cancer (BC) patients and seven chemo-resistant ones before neo-adjuvant chemotherapy.

RESULTS

A total of 4916 genes were included in WGCNA, and 12 modules were determined. Module-trait assay showed that the blue module (cor = 0.97, P < 0.001) was associated with CAF-related chemo-resistance, which was enriched mainly as "inflammatory response", "interferon-gamma-mediated signaling" and "NIK/NF-kappaB signaling" pathways. Moreover, CXCL8, CXCL10, CXCL11, PLSCR1, RIPK2 and USP18 were found to be potentially associated with chemo-resistance related to CAFs and prognosis of BC.

CONCLUSIONS

Our current data offered valuable insights into the molecular mechanisms of distinctive breast CAFs, which was beneficial for revealing how chemo-resistance of BC was initiated.

Molecular and immunological characterizations of interleukin-11 in large yellow croaker (Larimichthys crocea)

Interleukin (IL)-11 is a multifunctional cytokine that exerts a series of important immunomodulatory effects and exists in many tissues and cells. A 1106-bp nucleotide sequence representing the complete cDNA of IL-11 was obtained from large yellow croaker (Larimichthys crocea), containing an open reading frame (ORF) of 603 bp encoding for 200 amino acids (aa). The predicted LcIL-11 protein included a 12aa signal peptide and a conserved IL-11 domain. The polypeptide sequence identities between LcIL-11 and its counterparts in mammals and other fish are from 84% to 92% with known fish IL-11a and 22%-27% with fish IL-11b. LcIL-11 mRNA existed in most tissues with the most predominant expression in the gill. After immune challenge, the expression levels of LcIL-11 were induced largely in vivo and in vitro, with the peak-value of 32 times as much as the control in the liver at 24 h after Vibrio parahaemolyticus injection (p < 0.05) and the greatest value of 13.9 times as much as the control in LCK cells at 12 h after poly I:C stimulation (p < 0.05). Furthermore, the overexpression vector pcDNA3.1-LcIL-11 was constructed and transfected to LCK cells. Our results showed that the transcriptional expression levels of tumor necrosis factor (TNF)-α and myxovirus resistant protein (Mx) significantly up-regulated in LCK cells after LcIL-11 overexpression (p < 0.05). However, no significant changes of IL-1β, janus kinase (JAK)2 and signal transducers and activators of transcription (STAT)5 was detected. Our finding indicated that LcIL-11 might enhance TNF-α and antiviral protein Mx expression in large yellow croaker.

Repurposing the selective estrogen receptor modulator bazedoxifene to suppress gastrointestinal cancer growth

Excessive signaling through gp130, the shared receptor for the interleukin (IL)6 family of cytokines, is a common hallmark in solid malignancies and promotes their progression. Here, we established the in vivo utility of bazedoxifene, a steroid analog clinically approved for the treatment of osteoporosis, to suppress gp130‐dependent tumor growth of the gastrointestinal epithelium. Bazedoxifene administration reduced gastric tumor burden in gp130^Y757F mice, where tumors arise exclusively through excessive gp130/STAT3 signaling in response to the IL6 family cytokine IL11. Likewise, in mouse models of sporadic colon and intestinal cancers, which arise from oncogenic mutations in the tumor suppressor gene Apc and the associated β‐catenin/canonical WNT pathway, bazedoxifene treatment reduces tumor burden. Consistent with the proposed orthogonal tumor‐promoting activity of IL11‐dependent gp130/STAT3 signaling, tumors of bazedoxifene‐treated Apc‐mutant mice retain excessive nuclear accumulation of β‐catenin and aberrant WNT pathway activation. Likewise, bazedoxifene treatment of human colon cancer cells harboring mutant APC did not reduce aberrant canonical WNT signaling, but suppressed IL11‐dependent STAT3 signaling. Our findings provide compelling proof of concept to support the repurposing of bazedoxifene for the treatment of gastrointestinal cancers in which IL11 plays a tumor‐promoting role.

Interleukin-11 regulates the fate of adipose-derived mesenchymal stem cells via STAT3 signalling pathways

Objective

Adipose‐derived mesenchymal stem cells (ADSCs) offer great promise as cell therapy for ischaemic diseases. Due to their poor survival in the ischaemic environment, the therapeutic efficacy of ADSCs is still relatively low. Interleukin‐11 (IL‐11) has been shown to play a key role in promoting cell proliferation and protecting cells from oxidative stress injury. The aim of this study was to determine whether IL‐11 could improve therapeutic efficacy of ADSCs in ischaemic diseases.

Methods and Results

ADSCs were prepared from inguinal subcutaneous adipose tissue and exposed to hypoxic environment. The protein expression of IL‐11 was decreased after hypoxic treatment. In addition, ADSCs viability was increased after IL‐11 treatment under hypoxia. Moreover, IL‐11 enhanced ADSCs viability in a dose‐dependent manner under normoxia. Importantly, IL‐11 promoted ADSCs proliferation and migration and protected ADSCs against hydrogen peroxide‐induced cellular death. Notably, IL‐11 enhanced ADSCs proliferation and migration, also promoted cell survival and apoptosis resistance by STAT3 signalling. In vivo, mice were subjected to limb ischaemia and treated with IL‐11 overexpression ADSCs and control ADSCs. IL‐11 overexpression ADSCs improved perfusion recovery in the ischaemic muscles.

Conclusions

We provide the evidence that IL‐11 promoted ADSCs proliferation, stimulated ADSCs migration and attenuated ADSCs apoptosis by activation of STAT3 signalling. These results suggest that IL‐11 facilitated ADSCs engraftment in ischaemic tissue, thereby enhanced ADSCs therapeutic efficacy.

[The role of interleukin-11 in osteosarcoma]

Osteosarcoma is an often highly malignant mesenchymal tumor. By definition, osteosarcoma cells are able to form osteoid, which can mature into tumor bone. Osteosarcoma metastasizes preferentially to the lung. In Europe, the incidence is between 2 and 5 new diagnoses per 1,000,000 people per year. The underlying mechanisms for osteosarcoma formation are not well understood. However, previous radiotherapy or exposition to nuclear radiation increase the risk of osteosarcoma. Patients are usually treated with a neoadjuvant chemotherapy, followed by complete surgical resection of the tumor and post-surgical chemotherapy, which leads to a five-year survival rate of approximately 70% for all stages. Scientific publications in recent years have shown that expression of the cell surface protein interleukin-11 receptor (IL-11R) correlates with a worse prognosis for patients. The IL-11R is activated by its ligand, the cytokine IL-11. IL-11 activates several intracellular signaling cascades within its target cells and is known to be an important regulator of bone homeostasis. Patients with dysfunctional IL-11 signaling display different forms of craniosynostosis. IL-11 induces proliferation of osteosarcoma cell lines in vitro, and the IL-11 signaling cascade was further used to reduce tumor growth and lung metastasis in preclinical mouse models of primary intratibial osteosarcoma. This article gives a comprehensive overview of the frequency, classification, and etiology of osteosarcoma and describes the basic biology of the cytokine IL-11. Furthermore, it summarizes current knowledge about the functional role of IL-11 in osteosarcoma and lists possible therapeutic opportunities.