Up regulation of ICAM-1 gene expression inhibits tumour growth and liver metastasis in colorectal carcinoma

Tissue-derived exosome proteomics identifies promising diagnostic biomarkers for esophageal cancer

Esophageal cancer (EC) is a fatal digestive disease with a poor prognosis and frequent lymphatic metastases. Nevertheless, reliable biomarkers for EC diagnosis are currently unavailable. Accordingly, we have performed a comparative proteomics analysis on cancer and paracancer tissue-derived exosomes from eight pairs of EC patients using label-free quantification proteomics profiling and have analyzed the differentially expressed proteins through bioinformatics. Furthermore, nano-flow cytometry (NanoFCM) was used to validate the candidate proteins from plasma-derived exosomes in 122 EC patients. Of the 803 differentially expressed proteins discovered in cancer and paracancer tissue-derived exosomes, 686 were up-regulated and 117 were down-regulated. Intercellular adhesion molecule-1 (CD54) was identified as an up-regulated candidate for further investigation, and its high expression in cancer tissues of EC patients was validated using immunohistochemistry, real-time quantitative PCR (RT-qPCR), and western blot analyses. In addition, plasma-derived exosome NanoFCM data from 122 EC patients concurred with our proteomic analysis. The receiver operating characteristic (ROC) analysis demonstrated that the AUC, sensitivity, and specificity values for CD54 were 0.702, 66.13%, and 71.31%, respectively, for EC diagnosis. Small interference (si)RNA was employed to silence the CD54 gene in EC cells. A series of assays, including cell counting kit-8, adhesion, wound healing, and Matrigel invasion, were performed to investigate EC viability, adhesive, migratory, and invasive abilities, respectively. The results showed that CD54 promoted EC proliferation, migration, and invasion. Collectively, tissue-derived exosomal proteomics strongly demonstrates that CD54 is a promising biomarker for EC diagnosis and a key molecule for EC development.

Docking Studies, Cytotoxicity Evaluation and Interactions of Binuclear Copper(II) Complexes with S-Isoalkyl Derivatives of Thiosalicylic Acid with Some Relevant Biomolecules

The numerous side effects of platinum based chemotherapy has led to the design of new therapeutics with platinum replaced by another transition metal. Here, we investigated the interactions of previously reported copper(II) complexes containing S-isoalkyl derivatives, the salicylic acid with guanosine-5'-monophosphate and calf thymus DNA (CT-DNA) and their antitumor effects, in a colon carcinoma model. All three copper(II) complexes exhibited an affinity for binding to CT-DNA, but there was no indication of intercalation or the displacement of ethidium bromide. Molecular docking studies revealed a significant affinity of the complexes for binding to the minor groove of B-form DNA, which coincided with DNA elongation, and a higher affinity for binding to Z-form DNA, supporting the hypothesis that the complex binding to CT-DNA induces a local transition from B-form to Z-form DNA. These complexes show a moderate, but selective cytotoxic effect toward colon cancer cells in vitro. Binuclear complex of copper(II) with S-isoamyl derivative of thiosalicylic acid showed the highest cytotoxic effect, arrested tumor cells in the G2/M phase of the cell cycle, and significantly reduced the expression of inflammatory molecules pro-IL-1β, TNF-α, ICAM-1, and VCAM-1 in the tissue of primary heterotopic murine colon cancer, which was accompanied by a significantly reduced tumor growth and metastases in the lung and liver.

CX3CL1 induces cell migration and invasion through ICAM-1 expression in oral squamous cell carcinoma cells

Human oral squamous cell carcinoma (OSCC) has been associated with a relatively low survival rate over the years and is characterized by a poor prognosis. C-X3-C motif chemokine ligand 1 (CX3CL1) has been involved in advanced migratory cells. Overexpressed CX3CL1 promotes several cellular responses related to cancer metastasis, including cell movement, migration and invasion in tumour cells. However, CX3CL1 controls the migration ability, and its molecular mechanism in OSCC remains unknown. The present study confirmed that CX3CL1 increased cell movement, migration and invasion. The CX3CL1-induced cell motility is upregulated through intercellular adhesion molecule-1 (ICAM-1) expression in OSCC cells. These effects were significantly suppressed when OSCC cells were pre-treated with CX3CR1 monoclonal antibody (mAb) and small-interfering RNA (siRNA). The CX3CL1-CX3CR1 axis activates promoted PLCβ/PKCα/c-Src phosphorylation. Furthermore, CX3CL1 enhanced activator protein-1 (AP-1) activity. The CX3CR1 mAb and PLCβ, PKCα, c-Src inhibitors reduced CX3CL1-induced c-Jun phosphorylation, c-Jun translocation into the nucleus and c-Jun binding to the ICAM-1 promoter. The present results reveal that CX3CL1 induces the migration of OSCC cells by promoting ICAM-1 expression through the CX3CR1 and the PLCβ/PKCα/c-Src signal pathway, suggesting that CX3CL1-CX3CR1-mediated signalling is correlated with tumour motility and appealed to be a precursor for prognosis in human OSCC.

Proteomic and single-cell landscape reveals novel pathogenic mechanisms of HBV-infected intrahepatic cholangiocarcinoma

Despite the epidemiological association between intrahepatic cholangiocarcinoma (ICC) and hepatitis B virus (HBV) infection, little is known about the relevant oncogenic effects. A cohort of 32 HBV-infected ICC and 89 non-HBV-ICC patients were characterized using whole-exome sequencing, proteomic analysis, and single-cell RNA sequencing. Proteomic analysis revealed decreased cell-cell junction levels in HBV-ICC patients. The cell-cell junction level had an inverse relationship with the epithelial-mesenchymal transition (EMT) program in ICC patients. Analysis of the immune landscape found that more CD8 T cells and Th2 cells were present in HBV-ICC patients. Single-cell analysis indicated that transforming growth factor beta signaling-related EMT program changes increased in tumor cells of HBV-ICC patients. Moreover, ICAM1⁺ tumor-associated macrophages are correlated with a poor prognosis and contributed to the EMT in HBV-ICC patients. Our findings provide new insights into the behavior of HBV-infected ICC driven by various pathogenic mechanisms involving decreased cell junction levels and increased progression of the EMT program.

Roles of intercellular cell adhesion molecule-1 (ICAM-1) in colorectal cancer: expression, functions, prognosis, tumorigenesis, polymorphisms and therapeutic implications

Colorectal cancer (CRC) is a major global health problem and one of the major causes of cancer-related death worldwide. It is very important to understand the pathogenesis of CRC for early diagnosis, prevention strategies and identification of new therapeutic targets. Intercellular adhesion molecule-1 (ICAM-1, CD54) displays an important role in the the pathogenesis of CRC. It is a cell surface glycoprotein of the immunoglobulin (Ig) superfamily and plays an essential role in cell-cell, cell-extracellular matrix interaction, cell signaling and immune process. It is also expressed by tumor cells and modulates their functions, including apoptosis, cell motility, invasion and angiogenesis. The interaction between ICAM-1 and its ligand may facilitate adhesion of tumor cells to the vascular endothelium and subsequently in the promotion of metastasis. ICAM-1 expression determines malignant potential of cancer. In this review, we will discuss the expression, function, prognosis, tumorigenesis, polymorphisms and therapeutic implications of ICAM-1 in CRC.

ST6Gal1: Oncogenic signaling pathways and targets

The Golgi-sialyltransferase ST6Gal1 (βgalactosidase α2,6 sialyltransferase 1), adds the negatively charged sugar, sialic acid, to the terminal galactose of N-glycosylated proteins. Upregulation of ST6Gal1 is observed in many malignancies, and a large body of research has determined that ST6Gal1-mediated α2,6 sialylation impacts cancer hallmarks. ST6Gal1 affects oncogenic behaviors including sustained proliferation, enhanced self-renewal, epithelial-to-mesenchymal transition, invasion, and chemoresistance. However, there are relatively few ST6GaL1 related signaling pathways that are well-established to mediate these biologies: greater delineation of specific targets and signaling mechanisms that are orchestrated by ST6Gal1 is needed. The aim of this review is to provide a summary of our current understanding of select oncogenic signaling pathways and targets affected by ST6Gal1.

ICAM-1 promotes cancer progression by regulating SRC activity as an adapter protein in colorectal cancer

Colorectal cancer (CRC) has a 5-year survival rate of <10%, as it can metastasize to the lungs and liver. Anticancer drugs and targeted therapies used to treat metastatic colorectal cancer have insufficient therapeutic efficacy and are associated with complications. Therefore, research to develop new targeted therapeutics is necessary. Here, we present a novel discovery that intracellular adhesion molecule-1 (ICAM-1) is a potential therapeutic target to enhance therapeutic effectiveness for CRC. ICAM-1 is an important regulator of cell-cell interactions and recent studies have shown that it promotes malignancy in several carcinomas. However, little is known about its effect on CRC. Therefore, we conducted a study to define the mechanism by which ICAM-1 acts. ICAM-1 is phosphorylated by tyrosine-protein kinase Met (c-MET), and phosphorylated ICAM-1 can interact with SRC to increase SRC activity. Consequently, ICAM-1 may further accelerate SRC signaling, promoting the malignant potential of cancer. In addition, treatment with antibodies targeting ICAM-1 showed excellent therapeutic effects in reducing metastasis and angiogenesis. These findings suggest for the first time that ICAM-1 is an important adapter protein capable of mediating the c-MET-SRC signaling axis. Therefore, ICAM-1 can be used as a novel therapeutic target and a metastatic marker for CRC.

Breast Cancer and Anaesthesia: Genetic Influence

Breast cancer is the leading cause of mortality in women. It is a heterogeneous disease with a high degree of inter-subject variability even in patients with the same type of tumor, with individualized medicine having acquired significant relevance in this field. The clinical and morphological heterogeneity of the different types of breast tumors has led to a diversity of staging and classification systems. Thus, these tumors show wide variability in genetic expression and prognostic biomarkers. Surgical treatment is essential in the management of these patients. However, the perioperative period has been found to significantly influence survival and cancer recurrence. There is growing interest in the pro-tumoral effect of different anaesthetic and analgesic agents used intraoperatively and their relationship with metastatic progression. There is cumulative evidence of the influence of anaesthetic techniques on the physiopathological mechanisms of survival and growth of the residual neoplastic cells released during surgery. Prospective randomized clinical trials are needed to obtain quality evidence on the relationship between cancer and anaesthesia. This document summarizes the evidence currently available about the effects of the anaesthetic agents and techniques used in primary cancer surgery and long-term oncologic outcomes, and the biomolecular mechanisms involved in their interaction.

Evaluation of ICAM-1 rs5498 and rs3093030 Polymorphisms in Chinese Patients with Colorectal Cancer

Colorectal cancer (CRC) is a common cancer threatening human health. Intercellular adhesion molecule-1 (ICAM-1, CD54) displays a key role in carcinogenesis and previous studies have suggested that ICAM-1 single-nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) are predicted to increase the risk of CRC. However, the relationship of ICAM-1 SNPs with CRC susceptibility was controversial. We conducted a case-control study to clarify the association of ICAM-1 SNPs (rs5498 and rs3093030) with the CRC risk. A total of 1003 CRC patients and 1303 controls were recruited to determine ICAM-1 SNPs (rs5498 and rs3093030) by SNPscan method. In the case-control study, we found that ICAM-1 rs5498 polymorphism did not influence CRC risk (AG vs. AA: adjusted p = 0.179; GG vs. AA: adjusted p = 0.281, AG+GG vs. AA: adjusted p = 0.398; GG vs. AA+AG: adjusted p = 0.153), and ICAM-1 rs3093030 polymorphism did not influence CRC risk (CT vs. CC: adjusted p = 0.841; TT vs. CC: adjusted p = 0.175, CT+TT vs. CC: adjusted p = 0.574 and TT vs. CC+TT: adjusted p = 0.180). In a subgroup of age >61, ICAM-1 rs5498 decreased the risk of CRC (p = 0.047). Multivariate analysis revealed that smoking (p = 0.002; odds ratio [OR]: 1.76, 95% confidence interval [CI]: 1.18-2.63), alcohol intake (p < 0.001; OR: 1.99, 95% CI: 1.31-3.05), and body mass index <24 (p < 0.001; OR: 1.55, 95% CI: 1.06-2.26) increased the risk of CRC. Our findings showed that ICAM-1 rs3093030 was not correlated with the susceptibility of CRC, and ICAM-1 rs5498 increased the risk of CRC in the subgroup of age ≥61. In the future, larger and ethnically homogeneous populations are needed to confirm our results.

Adaptogenic flower buds exert cancer preventive effects by enhancing the SCFA-producers, strengthening the epithelial tight junction complex and immune responses

Microbiome therapy has attracted a keen interest from both research and business sectors. Our lab has been applying this "second genome" platform to assess the functionality of herbal medicines with fulfilling results. In this study, we applied this platform to assess the potential cancer-preventive effects of three selected adaptogenic plants. The flower buds from these plants were used to constitute Preparations SL and FSP according to the receipts of two commonly consumed Chinese medicinal decoctions for gastrointestinal discomfort. Preparation SL contains Sophorae japonica and Lonicerae Japonicae, and Preparation FSP contains Sophorae japonica and Gardenia Jasminoides. SL and FSP extracts significantly (p < 0.001) lowered the polyp burden, as well as the expressions of oncogenic signaling molecules, such as MAPK/ERK, PI3K/AKT, and STAT3 in Apc^Min/+ mice. The inflamed gut was alleviated by shifting M1 to M2 macrophage phenotypes and the associated immune cytokines. The other remarkable change was on the extracellular tight junction protein complex, where the occludin, ZO-1, ICAM-1, E-cadherin were significantly (p < 0.05) upregulated while the N-cadherin and β-catenin were downregulated in the treated mice. The above physiological changes in the gut epithelial barrier were companied with the changes in gut microbiome. The 16S Sequencing data revealed a marked decrease in the potential pathogens (especially Helicobacter species and hydrogen sulfide producing-bacteria) and the increase in beneficial bacteria (especially for species from the genera of Akkermansia, Barnesiella, Coprococcus, Lachnoclostridium, and Ruminococcus). The majority of which were the short-chain fatty acids (SCFAs) producers. Meanwhile SCFAs-sensing G protein-coupled receptors (GPCRs), including GPR41, GPR43, and GPR109a were also significantly upregulated. In a recent report, we proved that the bacteria-derived SCFAs plays an essential role to the anti-cancer effects of the mushroom polysaccharides and saponins in Apc^Min/+ mice. In this study, we further demonstrated that butyrate treatment could enhance the extracellular tight junction protein complex as effective as the treatments with SL and FSP to the Apc^Min/+ mice. Our findings provide strong evidence of the vital role of the SCFA-producers and their metabolites to the cancer-preventive properties of the SL and FSP preparations.

Cell Adhesion Molecules and Their Roles and Regulation in the Immune and Tumor Microenvironment

The immune system and cancer have a complex relationship with the immune system playing a dual role in tumor development. The effector cells of the immune system can recognize and kill malignant cells while immune system-mediated inflammation can also promote tumor growth and regulatory cells suppress the anti-tumor responses. In the center of all anti-tumor responses is the ability of the immune cells to migrate to the tumor site and to interact with each other and with the malignant cells. Cell adhesion molecules including receptors of the immunoglobulin superfamily and integrins are of crucial importance in mediating these processes. Particularly integrins play a vital role in regulating all aspects of immune cell function including immune cell trafficking into tissues, effector cell activation and proliferation and the formation of the immunological synapse between immune cells or between immune cell and the target cell both during homeostasis and during inflammation and cancer. In this review we discuss the molecular mechanisms regulating integrin function and the role of integrins and other cell adhesion molecules in immune responses and in the tumor microenvironment. We also describe how malignant cells can utilize cell adhesion molecules to promote tumor growth and metastases and how these molecules could be targeted in cancer immunotherapy.

Actin stabilizer TAGLN2 potentiates adoptive T cell therapy by boosting the inside-out costimulation via lymphocyte function-associated antigen-1

Correct temporal and spatial control of actin dynamics is essential for the cytotoxic T cell effector function against tumor cells. However, little is known whether actin engineering in tumor-targeted T cells can enhance their antitumor responses, thereby potentiating the adoptive T cell therapy. Here, we report that TAGLN2, a 22-KDa actin-stabilizing protein which is physically associated with lymphocyte function-associated antigen-1 (LFA-1), potentiates the OTI TCR CD8⁺ T cells to kill the intercellular adhesion molecule-1 (ICAM-1)-positive/OVA-presenting E0771 cells, but not ICAM-1-negative OVA-B16F10 cells, suggesting an 'inside-out' activation of LFA-1, which causes more efficient immunological synapse formation between T cells and tumor cells. Notably, recombinant TAGLN2 fused with the protein transduction domain (TG2P) overcame the disadvantages of viral gene delivery, leading to a significant reduction in tumor growth in mice. TG2P also potentiated the CD19-targeted, chimeric antigen receptor (CAR)-modified T cells to kill Raji B-lymphoma cells. Our findings indicate that activating the TAGLN2-actin-LFA-1 axis is an effective strategy to potentiate the adoptive T-cell immunotherapy.

ICAM1 expression is induced by proinflammatory cytokines and associated with TLS formation in aggressive breast cancer subtypes

Intratumoral formation of tertiary lymphoid structures (TLS) within the tumor microenvironment is considered to be a consequence of antigen challenge during anti-tumor responses. Intracellular adhesion molecule 1 (ICAM1) has been implicated in a variety of immune and inflammatory responses, in addition to associate with triple negative breast cancer (TNBC). In this study, we detected TLS in the aggressive tumor phenotypes TNBC, HER2+ and luminal B, whereas the TLS negative group contained solely tumors of the luminal A subtype. We show that ICAM1 is exclusively expressed in TNBC and HER2 enriched subtypes known to be associated with inflammation and the formation of TLS. Furthermore, cell from normal mammary epithelium and breast cancer cell lines expressed ICAM1 upon stimulation with the proinflammatory cytokines TNFα, IL1β and IFNγ. ICAM1 overexpression was induced in MCF7, MDA-MB-468 and SK-BR-3 cells regardless of hormone receptor status. Taken together, our findings show that ICAM1 is expressed in aggressive subtypes of breast cancer and its expression is inducible by well-known proinflammatory cytokines. ICAM1 may be an attractive molecular target for TNBC, but further investigations elucidating the role of ICAM1 in targeted therapies have to take into consideration selective subtypes of breast cancer.

Induction of Proteases in Peritoneal Carcinomatosis, the Role of ICAM-1/CD43 Interaction

Introduction

The development of peritoneal metastases is a significant clinical issue in the treatment of abdominal cancers and is associated with poor prognosis. We have previously shown that ICAM-1-CD43 interaction plays a significant role in tumor adhesion. However, an invasive phenotype is critical to establish tumor progression via cell associated and secreted proteases including matrix metalloproteinases. High metalloproteinases level significantly enhanced metastasis phenotype on tumors, a detrimental effect on surgical outcome. We investigated the role of direct and indirect signaling between the mesothelium and the tumor cells in enhancing tumor invasion and possible therapeutic intervention.

Methods

Mesothelial cells were enzymatically derived from human omental tissue and implanted in 24 wells plates. Colorectal cancer cells were then introduced and allowed a direct and an indirect contact with the mesothelial layer. Anti-ICAM antibodies, anti-CD43 antibodies, and heparin were used to block MMP production. Gelatin zymography was performed on the supernatant to detect MMPs activity.

Results

MMP production was observed in mesothelial and tumor cells. Direct contact between cell types enhanced MMP9 and 2 (p < 0.05). Indirect contact also stimulate MMPs but at a lower degree. ICAM-1 blocking antibodies attenuated MMP production in direct contact to that observed in the indirect. Heparin introduction achieved a similar outcome.

Conclusions

ICAM-1-CD43 interaction plays a vital role in tumor cells-peritoneum adhesion and invasion, which is manifested by the increased production of MMPs leading to tumor invasion and peritoneal loco-regional. Blocking this interaction with heparin can provide a new therapeutic option.

Role of LFA-1 and ICAM-1 in Cancer

The lymphocyte function-associated antigen-1 (LFA-1) (also known as CD11a/CD18 and α_Lβ₂), is just one of many integrins in the human body, but its significance is derived from its exclusive presence in leukocytes. In this review, we summarize the studies relating LFA-1 and its major ligand ICAM-1 (or CD54) with cancer, through the function of lymphocytes and myeloid cells on tumor cells. We consider how LFA-1 mediates the interaction of leukocytes with tumors and the role of ICAM-1 in tumor dynamics, which can be independent of its interaction with LFA-1. We also offer a more detailed examination of the role of LFA-1 within B-cell chronic lymphocytic leukemia. Finally, we discuss the role that exosomes harboring LFA-1 play in tumor growth and metastasis.

Nerve/glial antigen (NG) 2 is a crucial regulator of intercellular adhesion molecule (ICAM)-1 expression

The proteoglycan nerve/glial antigen (NG) 2 is expressed on multiple cell types and mediates cell proliferation and migration. However, little is known about its function in gene regulation. In this study, we demonstrate that in pericytes and glioblastoma cells intercellular adhesion molecule (ICAM)-1, an essential protein for leukocyte adhesion and transmigration, underlies a NG2-dependent expression. As shown by flow cytometry, Western blot analysis and quantitative real-time polymerase chain reaction (qRT-PCR), silencing of NG2 in human placenta-derived pericytes increased the expression of ICAM-1. Pathway analyses revealed that this is mediated by extracellular-regulated-kinases (ERK) 1/2 signaling. Moreover, leukocyte adhesion to NG2 siRNA-treated pericytes was significantly enhanced when compared to scrambled (scr) siRNA-treated control cells. In vivo, we detected increased ICAM-1 protein levels in the retina of mice lacking NG2 expression. To exclude that this novel mechanism is pericyte-specific, we additionally analyzed the expression of ICAM-1 in dependency of NG2 in two glioblastoma cell lines. We found that A1207 and M059K cells exhibit an inverse expression pattern of NG2 and ICAM-1. Finally, downregulation of NG2 in A1207 cells significantly increased ICAM-1 expression. Taken together, these findings indicate that NG2 may represent a promising target for the modulation of ICAM-1-mediated immune responses.

Expression profiling of adhesion proteins during prenatal and postnatal liver development in rats

Culturing of primary hepatocytes and stem cell-derived hepatocytes faces a major issue of dedifferentiation due to absence of cell–cell adhesion and 3D structures. One of the possible ways to eliminate the problem of dedifferentiation is mimicking the expression pattern of adhesion proteins during the normal developmental process of liver cells. The purpose of this study was to evaluate the expression pattern of some key adhesion proteins, namely, E-cadherin, N-cadherin, epithelial CAM (EpCAM), intracellular CAM (ICAM), collagen 1α1, α-actinin, β-catenin and vimentin, in the liver tissue during prenatal and postnatal stages. Furthermore, differences in their expression between prenatal, early postnatal and adult stages were highlighted. Wistar rats were used to isolate livers at prenatal Day 14 and 17 as well as on postnatal Day 1, 3, 7 and 14. The liver from adult rats was used as control. Both conventional and real-time quantitative polymerase chain reactions (PCRs) were performed. For most of the adhesion proteins such as E-cadherin, N-cadherin, EpCAM, ICAM, collagen 1α1 and α-actinin, low expression was observed around prenatal Day 14 and an increasing expression was observed in the postnatal period. Moreover, β-catenin and vimentin showed higher expression in the early prenatal period, which decreased gradually in the postnatal period, but still this low expression was considerably higher than that in the adult control rats. This basic knowledge of the regulation of expression of adhesion proteins during different developmental stages indicates their vital role in liver development. This pattern can be further studied and imitated under in vitro conditions to achieve better cell–cell interactions.

Celecoxib increases lung cancer cell lysis by lymphokine-activated killer cells via upregulation of ICAM-1

The antitumorigenic mechanism of the selective cyclooxygenase-2 (COX-2) inhibitor celecoxib is still a matter of debate. Using lung cancer cell lines (A549, H460) and metastatic cells derived from a lung cancer patient, the present study investigates the impact of celecoxib on the expression of intercellular adhesion molecule 1 (ICAM-1) and cancer cell lysis by lymphokine-activated killer (LAK) cells. Celecoxib, but not other structurally related selective COX-2 inhibitors (i.e., etoricoxib, rofecoxib, valdecoxib), was found to cause a substantial upregulation of ICAM-1 protein levels. Likewise, ICAM-1 mRNA expression was increased by celecoxib. Celecoxib enhanced the susceptibility of cancer cells to be lysed by LAK cells with the respective effect being reversed by a neutralizing ICAM-1 antibody. In addition, enhanced killing of celecoxib-treated cancer cells was reversed by preincubation of LAK cells with an antibody to lymphocyte function associated antigen 1 (LFA-1), suggesting intercellular ICAM-1/LFA-1 crosslink as crucial event within this process. Finally, celecoxib elicited no significant increase of LAK cell-mediated lysis of non-tumor bronchial epithelial cells, BEAS-2B, associated with a far less ICAM-1 induction as compared to cancer cells. Altogether, our data demonstrate celecoxib-induced upregulation of ICAM-1 on lung cancer cells to be responsible for intercellular ICAM-1/LFA-1 crosslink that confers increased cancer cell lysis by LAK cells. These findings provide proof for a novel antitumorigenic mechanism of celecoxib.

Heme oxygenase-1 promotes tumor progression and metastasis of colorectal carcinoma cells by inhibiting antitumor immunity

Heme oxygenase-1 (HO-1) is upregulated in colorectal carcinoma (CRC) cells. However, the role of HO-1 in the metastatic potential of CRC remains to be elucidated. In this study, we investigated the potential of HO-1 to control the antitumor immunity of CRC. Intercellular adhesion molecule-1 (ICAM-1) plays an important role in the immune surveillance system. Hemin-induced HO-1 expression suppressed the expression of ICAM-1 in human CRC cells. HO-1 regulated ICAM-1 expression via tristetraprolin, an mRNA-binding protein, at the posttranscriptional level in CRC cells. The upregulated HO-1 expression in CRC cells markedly decreased the adhesion of peripheral blood mononuclear lymphocytes (PBMLs) to CRC cells and PBML-mediated cytotoxicity against CRC cells. Production of CXCL10, an effector T cell-recruiting chemokine, was significantly reduced by the increased HO-1 expression. The expression of the CXCL10 receptor, CXCR3, decreased significantly in PBMLs that adhered to CRC cells. HO-1 expression correlated negatively, although nonsignificantly, with ICAM-1 and CXCL10 expression in xenograft tumors. Taken together, our data suggest that HO-1 expression is functionally linked to the mediation of tumor progression and metastasis of CRC cells by inhibiting antitumor immunity.

IL-18 Is Involved in Eosinophil-Mediated Tumoricidal Activity against a Colon Carcinoma Cell Line by Upregulating LFA-1 and ICAM-1

Eosinophils are multifunctional leukocytes that are involved in innate and adaptive immune responses through the expression of various receptors and mediators. Previously, we showed that human eosinophils and T cells shared cytotoxic activities against tumor cells that involved the γ-δ TCR and cell-cell contact. In this study, we investigated the molecules involved in eosinophil-tumor cell interactions. Given the role of IL-18 in cell adhesion and in protecting against colon cancer, we evaluated its role in eosinophil-mediated cytotoxicity against Colo-205, a human colon carcinoma cell line. We found that human eosinophils exerted dose- and time-dependent tumoricidal activity against Colo-205 cells. Neutralization of IL-18 significantly reduced eosinophil-mediated Colo-205 apoptosis and inhibited cell-cell adhesion. Moreover, addition of rIL-18 led to upregulation of CD11a and ICAM-1 adhesion molecules, which were involved in the contact between eosinophils and Colo-205 cells. Our results indicated that IL-18 was involved in the eosinophil-mediated death of Colo-205 by facilitating contact between effector and target cells. These data underscored the involvement of an additional mediator in eosinophil-mediated antitumor cytotoxicity. Our findings support existing evidence that eosinophils could play a beneficial role in the context of colon cancer.

Impacts of ICAM-1 gene polymorphisms on urothelial cell carcinoma susceptibility and clinicopathologic characteristics in Taiwan

Intercellular adhesion molecule (ICAM)-1, a cell adhesion molecule, is reportedly overexpressed in several cancers and may contribute to tumorgenesis and metastasis. The current study explored the effect of ICAM-1 gene polymorphisms on the susceptibility of developing urothelial cell carcinoma (UCC) and the clinicopathological status. A total of 558 participants, including 279 healthy people and 279 patients with UCC, were recruited for this study. Four single-nucleotide polymorphisms of the ICAM-1 gene were assessed by a real-time polymerase chain reaction with the TaqMan assay. After adjusting for other covariants, the individuals carrying at least one G allele at ICAM-1 rs5498 had a 1.603-fold risk of developing UCC than did wild-type (AA) carriers. Furthermore, UCC patients who carried at least one G allele at rs5498 had a higher invasive stage risk (p < 0.05) than did patients carrying the wild-type allele. In conclusion, the rs5498 polymorphic genotypes of ICAM-1 might contribute to the prediction of susceptibility to and pathological development of UCC. This is the first study to provide insight into risk factors associated with ICAM-1 variants in carcinogenesis of UCC in Taiwan.

E2F1 renders prostate cancer cell resistant to ICAM-1 mediated antitumor immunity by NF-κB modulation

Background

E2F1 is the gatekeeper of the cell cycle controlling an analogous balance between proliferation and cell death. E2F1 expression is elevated in advanced prostate cancer. However, it is still unclear that the roles and mechanisms of E2F1 on prostate cancers.

Methods

Targeted knockdown by interferon RNA was applied on two prostate cancer and Hela cell lines to examine the inverse correlation expression of E2F1 and ICAM-1. ICAM-1 promoter reporter and ChIP assays were used for analysis of the molecular basis of transcriptional regulation of E2F1 on ICAM-1. Co-IP assays were employed for testing the protein interaction between E2F1 and NF-κB. Tumor xenograft mice model with E2F1 and ICAM-1-knockdown prostate cancer cells were used to investigate the effects of E2F1 and ICAM-1 on antitumor immunity.

Results

E2F1 knockdown by a specific short hairpin RNA increased gene transcription and protein expression of ICAM-1. By using wild type and a series of mutant ICAM-1 promoter luciferase constructs, the NF-κB binding sites were found to be important for E2F1 regulation of ICAM-1 promoter. Targeted knockdown of E2F1 did not affect expression and phosphorylation of NF-κB and IκBα, but facilitated NF-κB binding to the ICAM-1 promoter, subsequently induced ICAM-1 transcription and production in prostate carcinoma cells. Furthermore, knockdown of E2F1 inhibited tumor growth of prostate cancer in vivo through increasing the susceptibility of tumor cells to ICAM-1-mediated anti-tumor immunity including enhancement of monocyte adhesion, leucocytes infiltration, as well as cytotoxicity against tumor cells.

Conclusions

E2F1 knockdown inhibited prostate tumor growth in vitro and in vivo through sensitizing tumor cells to ICAM-1 mediated anti-immunity by NF-κB modulation, highlighting the potential of E2F1 as a therapeutic target.

Combined effects of icam-1 single-nucleotide polymorphisms and environmental carcinogens on oral cancer susceptibility and clinicopathologic development

BACKGROUND

In Taiwan, oral cancer has causally been associated with environmental carcinogens. Intercellular adhesion molecule (ICAM)-1, a cell adhesion molecule with a key role in inflammation and immunosurveillance, was implicated in carcinogenesis by facilitating instability in the tumor environment. The current study explored the combined effect of ICAM-1 gene polymorphisms and exposure to environmental carcinogens on the susceptibility of developing oral squamous cell carcinoma (OSCC) and the clinicopathological characteristics of the tumors.

METHODOLOGY AND PRINCIPAL FINDINGS

Four single-nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) of the ICAM-1 gene from 595 patients with oral cancer and 561 non-cancer controls were analyzed by a real-time PCR. We found that the ICAM-1 rs5498 polymorphism and the TAGG or TACG haplotype of 4 ICAM-1 SNPs (rs3093030, rs5491, rs281432, and rs5498) combined were associated with oral-cancer susceptibility. Among 727 smokers, ICAM-1 polymorphisms carriers with the betel-nut chewing habit had a 27.49-36.23-fold greater risk of having oral cancer compared to ICAM-1 wild-type (WT) carriers without the betel-nut chewing habit. Among 549 betel-nut chewers, ICAM-1 polymorphisms carriers who smoked had a 9.93-14.27-fold greater risk of having oral cancer compared to those who carried the WT but did not smoke. Finally, patients with oral cancer who had at least 1 T allele of ICAM-1 rs5491 or 1 G allele of rs281432 were at lower risk of developing an advanced clinical stage (III/IV) (p<0.05), compared to those patients with AA or CC homozygotes.

CONCLUSIONS

Our results suggest that the ICAM-1 rs5498 SNP and either of 2 haplotypes of 4 SNPs combined have potential predictive significance in oral carcinogenesis. Gene-environment interactions of ICAM-1 polymorphisms, smoking, and betel-nut chewing might alter oral-cancer susceptibility. ICAM-1 rs5491 and rs281432 may be applied as factors to predict the clinical stage in OSCC patients.

Intercellular adhesion molecule-1 (ICAM-1) expression correlates with oral cancer progression and induces macrophage/cancer cell adhesion

Intercellular adhesion molecule-1 (ICAM-1) is a transmembrane glycoprotein in the immunoglobulin superfamily, which plays an important role in cell adhesion and signal transduction. Although ICAM-1 is believed to play a role in several malignancies, it is still uncertain whether or not ICAM-1 expression contributes to cancer progression. In this study, we performed clinicopathological and cell biological analyses of ICAM-1 expression in oral squamous cell carcinoma (SCC). First, we examined the ICAM-1 expression in tongue SCC immunohistochemically, and revealed that ICAM-1 was expressed predominantly at the invasive front area of tongue SCC. ICAM-1 expression at the invasive front area was correlated with invasion, lymph node metastasis and increased blood and lymphatic vessel density of the tongue SCC. The relationship between ICAM-1 expression and clinicopathological factors were consistent with the increased proliferation, invasion and cytokine-production activities of ICAM-1-transfected SCC cells. Second, we analyzed the relationship between macrophages and ICAM-1-expressing tongue SCC cells because ICAM-1 is known to act as a ligand for adhesion of immune cells. Increased ICAM-1 expression in tongue SCC was correlated with increased macrophage infiltration within SCC nests. Moreover, macrophage/SCC-cell adhesion through ICAM-1 molecule was revealed using an in vitro cell adhesion and blockade assay. These findings indicate that ICAM-1 plays an important role in tongue SCC progression, which may result from the SCC-cell activity, angiogenic activity, lymphangiogenic activity and macrophage/SCC-cell adhesion.

Genetic and epigenetic changes in human prostate cancer

Acquired or inherited genetic alterations either alone or in combination with epigenetic alterations are associated with prostate carcinogenesis and its progression toward advance metastatic or castration-resistant disease. A major objective of translational cancer research in post-genome era is to discover the repertoire of genetic and epigenetic variations associated with prostate cancer. Genome-wide association studies have been at least partially successful in identifying potential germline polymorphisms and allelic imbalances such as microsatellite instability and loss of heterozygosity associated with prostate cancer susceptibility. Epigenetic mechanisms such as DNA hyper- or hypomethylation and histone modifications are reversible genetic alterations which allow stable inheritance of cellular phenotypes without any changes in the DNA sequence or quantity. Epigenetic modifications can potentially be used for the molecular classification, detection, and risk assessment in prostate cancer. Chemical inhibitors of DNA methyltransferases and histone deacetylases have been used in different clinical trials and hold promise as novel chemotherapeutics to be effective alone or in combination with other therapeutic interventions in prostate cancer.

Polymorphisms of the ICAM-1 exon 6 (E469K) are associated with differentiation of colorectal cancer

Background

Genetic factors are thought to play a role in development for colorectal carcinogenesis. ICAM-1 is a polymorphic gene, thus, the present study investigated the relationship between the polymorphisms of ICAM-1 and the susceptibility and phenotypical characteristics of colorectal cancer (CRC).

Methods

The polymorphisms at ICAM-1 exon 4 (G241R) and exon 6 (E469K) were detected by PCR with sequence-specific primers. The relationship between specific genotypes of ICAM-1 and differentiation of CRC was evaluated by the histological grade.

Results

We showed only GG genotype of ICAM-1 individuals in either CRC or normal controls. The KK genotype of ICAM-1 K469E was found more frequently than in the controls (P < 0.05). Patients with well-differentiated CRC displayed the KK more frequently than those of poor differentiation (P < 0.05).

Conclusion

The findings indicate that polymorphisms of G241R are rare in Chinese population and that KK genotype of ICAM-1 K469E is significantly associated with well differentiation of CRC.

Revisiting the seed and soil in cancer metastasis

Metastasis remains the overwhelming cause of death for cancer patients. During metastasis, cancer cells will leave the primary tumor, intravasate into the bloodstream, arrest at a distant organ, and eventually develop into gross lesions at the secondary sites. This intricate process is influenced by innumerable factors and complex cellular interactions described in 1889 by Stephen Paget as the seed and soil hypothesis. In this review, we revisit this seed and soil hypothesis with an emerging understanding of the cancer cell (i.e. seed) and its microenvironment (i.e. soil). We will provide background to suggest that a critical outcome of the seed-soil interaction is resistance of the stresses that would otherwise impede metastasis.

The tumorigenicity diversification in human embryonic kidney 293 cell line cultured in vitro

The Human Embryonic Kidney (HEK) 293 cell line is widely used in research work such as vaccine production, adenovirus and adeno-associated viral vectors, and gene therapy. However, little attention was drawn to the passage level of 293 cells. We first claim that the tumorigenicity of the HEK 293 cell line reached 100% when the passage exceeded 65, whereas using low-passage (<52) HEK 293 cell line no tumor could be induced under the same condition. Results from nude mice assay, tumor tissue histological examination, primary culture, PCR and isoenzyme analysis showed that the tumor in nude mice could only be induced by viable high-passage 293 cells. This suggests that more attention should be paid to the passage level of the HEK 293 cell line, especially for vaccine production but the low-passage HEK 293 cell line should be acceptable to regulatory authorities for recombinant virus vector, vaccines, and gene therapy. Meanwhile, we also find that high-passage HEK 293 can be employed as a highly malignant tumor model as its tumorigenicity increases significantly.

Endocan expression and relationship with survival in human non-small cell lung cancer

PURPOSE

We evaluated the expression of endocan, a soluble lung- and kidney-selective endothelial cell-specific dermatan sulfate proteoglycan, in non-small cell lung tumors compared with normal lung and studied the significance of high levels of circulating endocan in patients with non-small cell lung cancer.

MATERIAL AND METHODS

Endocan and vascular endothelial growth factor mRNA expression were evaluated by semiquantitative PCR in tumoral and nontumoral lung tissue samples from a first series of 24 patients submitted to curative surgery. Relationships between survival, time to tumor progression, and serum levels of endocan were evaluated in a second series of 30 previously untreated patients addressed for staging.

RESULTS

In non-small cell lung cancers, endocan mRNA was overexpressed compared with control lung. Immunohistochemistry shows that endocan was expressed only by tumor endothelium in all cases, especially in the periphery of the tumors, with no differences between adenocarcinoma and squamous cell carcinoma. Endocan and vascular endothelial growth factor mRNA expression was positively correlated in lung tumors. Serum endocan levels, as well as tumor, node, and metastasis status, were correlated with both survival and time to tumor progression. However, endocan serum level was not an independent prognostic factor due to its correlation with the presence of metastasis.

CONCLUSION

Endocan is overexpressed in non-small cell lung tumors compared with healthy lung and probably represents a response of tumoral endothelium to proangiogenic growth factor stimulation. Circulating levels of endocan might reflect tumor angiogenic stimulation and present prognostic significance.

Inhibition by tyroserleutide (YSL) on the invasion and adhesion of the mouse melanoma cell

Tyroserleutide (YSL) is an active, low-molecular-weight polypeptide, comprised of three amino acids, that has shown antitumor effects on human hepatocarcinoma BEL-7402 in vitro and in vivo. In this study, we evaluated the inhibition of YSL on invasion and adhesion of the mouse B16-F10 melanoma cell line by injecting B16-F10 cells into the tail veins of C57BL/6 mice to establish an experimental lung metastasis model. YSL inhibited B16-F10 cell metastasis to lung, reducing the number and area of metastasis lesions. When we treated B16-F10 cells with YSL (0.01, 0.1, 1, 10, or 100 microg/mL) in vitro, we found that YSL inhibited the proliferation of B16-F10 cells with a 28.11% rate of inhibition. YSL significantly decreased the adhesiveness of B16-F10 cells to Matrigel with a 29.15% inhibition rate; YSL also significantly inhibited the invasion of B16-F10 cells, producing an inhibition of 35.31%. By analyses with Western blot and real-time RT-PCR, we found that YSL markedly inhibited the expression of ICAM-1 in B16-F10 cells. These data suggest that YSL inhibits the growth, invasion, and adhesion of B16-F10 cells.

Gastrin-releasing peptide mediates its morphogenic properties in human colon cancer by upregulating intracellular adhesion protein-1 (ICAM-1) via focal adhesion kinase

Gastrin-releasing peptide (GRP) and its receptor (GRPR) act as morphogens when expressed in colorectal cancer (CRC), promoting the assumption of a better differentiated phenotype by regulating cell motility in the context of remodeling and retarding tumor cell metastasis by enhancing cell-matrix attachment. Although we have shown that these processes are mediated by focal adhesion kinase (FAK), the downstream target(s) of GRP-induced FAK activation are not known. Since osteoblast differentiation is mediated by FAK-initiated upregulation of ICAM-1 (Nakayamada S, Okada Y, Saito K, Tamura M, Tanaka Y. J Biol Chem 278: 45368-45374, 2003), we determined whether GRP-induced activation of FAK alters ICAM-1 expression in CRC and, if so, determined the contribution of ICAM-1 to mediating GRP's morphogenic properties. Caco-2 and HT-29 cells variably express GRP/GRPR. These cells only express ICAM-1 when GRPR are present. In human CRC, GRPR and ICAM-1 are only expressed by better differentiated tumor cells, with ICAM-1 located at the basolateral membrane. ICAM-1 expression was only observed subsequent to GRPR signaling via FAK. To study the effect of ICAM-1 expression on tumor cell motility, CRC cells expressing GRP, GRPR, and ICAM-1 were cultured in the presence and absence of GRPR antagonist or monoclonal antibody to ICAM-1. CRC cells engaged in directed motility in the context of remodeling and were highly adherent to the extracellular matrix, only in the absence of antagonist or ICAM-1 antibody. These data indicate that GRP upregulation of ICAM-1 via FAK promotes tumor cell motility and attachment to the extracellular matrix.

ICAM gene cluster SNPs and prostate cancer risk in African Americans

Intercellular adhesion molecules (ICAMs) are known to be involved in various human cancers. An ICAM gene cluster lying within a 26 kb region on chromosome 19p13.2, and containing ICAM1, ICAM4, and ICAM5 has recently been identified as harboring a breast and prostate cancer susceptibility locus in two populations of European ancestry from Germany and Australia. The objective of this study was to confirm the ICAM association with prostate cancer in a sample of African American prostate cancer cases (N = 286) and controls (N = 391). Six single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) within the three ICAM genes were genotyped. To control for potential population stratification an ancestry-adjusted association analysis was performed. We found that ICAM1 SNPs, -9A/C (rs5490) and K469E (rs5498) were associated with prostate cancer risk in men with a family history of prostate cancer (P = 0.008). Specifically, increased risk was observed for individuals who possessed the CC genotype of the -9 A/C variant (odds ratio = 2.5; 95% CI = 1.0-6.3) and at least one G allele of non-synonymous K469E variant (odds ratio = 1.8; 95% CI = 1.2-3.1). Strong linkage disequilibrium was observed across the ICAM region (P < 0.001). A common haplotype within the ICAM gene cluster, harboring the -9A/C variant was significantly associated with prostate cancer (P = 0.03), mainly due to men with family history (P = 0.01). Our results replicate previous findings of association of the ICAM gene cluster with prostate cancer and suggest that common genetic variation within ICAM1 and not ICAM5 may be an important risk factor for prostate cancer.

The epigenetic progenitor origin of human cancer

Cancer is widely perceived as a heterogeneous group of disorders with markedly different biological properties, which are caused by a series of clonally selected genetic changes in key tumour-suppressor genes and oncogenes. However, recent data suggest that cancer has a fundamentally common basis that is grounded in a polyclonal epigenetic disruption of stem/progenitor cells, mediated by 'tumour-progenitor genes'. Furthermore, tumour cell heterogeneity is due in part to epigenetic variation in progenitor cells, and epigenetic plasticity together with genetic lesions drives tumour progression. This crucial early role for epigenetic alterations in cancer is in addition to epigenetic alterations that can substitute for genetic variation later in tumour progression. Therefore, non-neoplastic but epigenetically disrupted stem/progenitor cells might be a crucial target for cancer risk assessment and chemoprevention.