High extracellular matrix metalloproteinase inducer/CD147 expression is strongly and independently associated with poor prognosis in colorectal cancer. Hum Pathol. 2012;43:1471-1481. [PMID: 22417846 DOI: 10.1016/j.humpath.2011.10.023]

Regulation of Traction Force through the Direct Binding of Basigin and Calpain 4

Traction force and mechanosensing (the ability to sense mechanical attributes of the environment) are two important factors used by a cell to modify behavior during migration. Previously it was determined that the calpain small subunit, calpain 4, regulates the production of traction force independent of its proteolytic holoenzyme. A proteolytic enzyme is formed by calpain4 binding to either of its catalytic partners, calpain 1 and 2. To further understand how calpain 4 regulates traction force, we used two-hybrid analysis to identify more components of the traction pathway. We discovered that basigin, an integral membrane protein and a documented matrix-metalloprotease (MMP) inducer binds to calpain 4 in two-hybrid and pull-down assays. Traction force was deficient when basigin was silenced in MEF cells, and defective in substrate adhesion strength. Consistent with Capn4 ^-/- MEF cells, the cells deficient in basigin responded to localized stimuli. Together these results implicate basigin in the pathway in which calpain 4 regulates traction force independent of the catalytic large subunits.

BSG (CD147) Serum Level and Genetic Variants Are Associated with Overall Survival in Acute Myeloid Leukaemia

Basigin (BSG, CD147) is a multifunctional protein involved in cancer cell survival, mostly by controlling lactate transport through its interaction with monocarboxylate transporters (MCTs) such as MCT1. Previous studies have found that single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) in the gene coding for BSG and MCT1, as well as levels of the soluble form of BSG (sBSG), are potential biomarkers in various diseases. The goal of this study was to confirm BSG and MCT1 RNA overexpression in AML cell lines, as well as to analyse soluble BSG levels and selected BSG/MCT1 genetic variants as potential biomarkers in AML patients. We found that BSG and MCT1 were overexpressed in most AML cell lines. Soluble BSG was increased in AML patients compared to healthy controls, and correlated with various clinical parameters. High soluble BSG was associated with worse overall survival, higher bone marrow blast percentage, and higher white blood cell count. BSG SNPs rs4919859 and rs4682, as well as MCT1 SNP rs1049434, were also associated with overall survival of AML patients. In conclusion, this study confirms the importance of BSG/MCT1 in AML, and suggests that soluble BSG and BSG/MCT1 genetic variants may act as potential AML biomarkers.

Highly expressed tumoral emmprin and stromal CD73 predict a poor prognosis for external auditory canal carcinoma

Squamous cell carcinoma of the external auditory canal (SCC-EAC) is rare and has a poor prognosis. The SCC-EAC cases with high-grade tumor budding (TB) or poorly differentiated clusters (PDCs) are associated with shorter survival than those with low-grade TB or PDCs. Extracellular matrix metalloproteinase inducer (emmprin) is a protein expressed in tumor cells that stimulates the production of MMP-2 by stromal fibroblasts to facilitate tumor invasion. Recently, we reported that emmprin forms a complex with CD73 to regulate MMP-2 production from fibroblasts in vitro. Here, we examined the association of emmprin and CD73 expression with TB or PDCs as well as with survival in 34 biopsy specimens of SCC-EAC patients. High tumoral emmprin expression was associated with high-grade TB, whereas high stromal CD73 expression was associated with high-grade PDCs. Furthermore, concurrent elevated expression of tumoral emmprin and stromal CD73 was determined to be an independent poor prognostic factor. In immunoprecipitation analyses, complex formation between emmprin and CD73 was demonstrated in vitro. Production of MMP-2 from fibroblasts was more abundant when cocultured with tumor cells than from fibroblasts cultured alone. Furthermore, MMP-2 production was reduced by the transfection of CD73 siRNA in fibroblasts cocultured with tumor cells. The colocalization of emmprin and CD73 was enhanced in not only the peripheral cells of the tumor cell clusters that interact with fibroblasts but also in the cells of intratumor clusters. Overall, this study provides novel insights into the roles of emmprin, CD73, and MMP-2 in tumor invasiveness.

CD147 Is a Promising Target of Tumor Progression and a Prognostic Biomarker

Microenvironment plays a crucial role in tumor development and progression. Cancer cells modulate the tumor microenvironment, which also contribute to resistance to therapy. Identifying biomarkers involved in tumorigenesis and cancer progression represents a great challenge for cancer diagnosis and therapeutic strategy development. CD147 is a glycoprotein involved in the regulation of the tumor microenvironment and cancer progression by several mechanisms—in particular, by the control of glycolysis and also by its well-known ability to induce proteinases leading to matrix degradation, tumor cell invasion, metastasis and angiogenesis. Accumulating evidence has demonstrated the role of CD147 expression in tumor progression and prognosis, suggesting it as a relevant tumor biomarker for cancer diagnosis and prognosis, as well as validating its potential as a promising therapeutic target in cancers.

Identification and analyses of natural compounds as potential inhibitors of TRAF6-Basigin interactions in melanoma using structure-based virtual screening and molecular dynamics simulations

The interaction of the proteins, tumor necrosis factor receptor-associated factor6 (TRAF6) and Basigin (CD147), is known to be associated with the over-expression of matrix metalloproteinases (MMPs) in melanoma cells. MMPs are known to be responsible for melanoma metastasis. Hence, the TRAF6-Basigin complex can act as a potential therapeutic target. In previous studies, amino acid residues Lys340, Lys 384, Glu417 and Glu511 of TRAF6 were identified as the most vital residues on the basis of their contributions to interaction energy, relative solvent accessibility and electrostatic interactions in the TRAF6-Basigin protein-protein interaction (PPI) scheme. In our current work, we performed structure-based virtual screenings of some natural compounds obtained from ZINC database (n = 14509) to search for molecules which can act as inhibitors against the formation of TRAF6-Basigin complex. Three potential inhibitors were identified which were observed to make intermolecular interactions with Lys384 and Glu511 of TRAF6. Molecular dynamics simulation results suggested the substantial pharmacological importance of the ligand molecules as it was observed that there was total destabilization of TRAF6-Basigin complex upon binding of the molecule ZINC02578057. From our studies, we could conclude that the ligands termed as ZINC49048033, ZINC02578057 and ZINC72320240 could have great potentials to act as inhibitors to prevent melanoma metastasis.

Mechanistic Insights into Colorectal Cancer Phenomics from Fundamental and Organotypic Model Studies

Colorectal cancer (CRC) diagnosis and prognostic stratification are based on histopathologic assessment of cell or nuclear pleomorphism, aberrant mitotic figures, altered glandular architecture, and other phenomic abnormalities. This complexity is driven by oncogenic perturbation of tightly coordinated spatiotemporal signaling to disrupt multiple scales of tissue organization. This review clarifies molecular and cellular mechanisms underlying common CRC histologic features and helps understand how the CRC genome controls core aspects of tumor aggressiveness. It further explores a spatiotemporal framework for CRC phenomics based on regulation of living cells in fundamental and organotypic model systems. The review also discusses tissue homeostasis, considers distinct classes of oncogenic perturbations, and evolution of cellular or multicellular cancer phenotypes. It further explores the molecular controls of cribriform, micropapillary, and high-grade CRC morphology in organotypic culture models and assesses relevant translational studies. In addition, the review delves into complexities of morphologic plasticity whereby a single molecular signature generates heterogeneous cancer phenotypes, and, conversely, morphologically homogeneous tumors show substantive molecular diversity. Principles outlined may aid mechanistic interpretation of omics data in a setting of cancer pathology, provide insight into CRC consensus molecular subtypes, and better define principles for CRC prognostic stratification.

Prognostic role of extracellular matrix metalloproteinase inducer/CD147 in gastrointestinal cancer: a meta-analysis of related studies

The prognostic role of Extracellular matrix metalloproteinase inducer (EMMPRIN/ CD147) in gastrointestinal cancer remains controversial. We systematically reviewed the evidence of assessment of CD147 expression in gastrointestinal cancer to help clarify this issue. Pubmed, Embase, Cochrane Library and Web of Science databases were searched to identify eligible studies to evaluate the association of CD147 expression and disease-free and overall survival of gastrointestinal cancer. Hazard ratios (HRs) were pooled to estimate the effect. CD147 overexpression was significantly correlated with poor disease-free survival (HR 2.38, 95% CI 1.43–3.97) and overall survival (HR 1.64, 95% CI 1.25–2.14) of cancer patients. Furthermore, CD147 overexpression was significantly association with TNM stage (TIII/TIV vs TI/TII: OR 3.60, 95% CI 1.85–7.01), the depth of invasion (T3/T4 vs T1/T2: OR 2.04, 95% CI 1.25–3.33), lymph node metastasis (positive vs negative: 2.35, 95% CI 1.14–4.86), distant metastasis (positive vs negative: OR 4.78, 95% CI 1.43–16.00). Our analyses demonstrate that CD147 was effectively predictive of worse prognosis in gastrointestinal cancer. Moreover, Identifying CD147 may help identify new drug targets for cancer therapy.

The clinicopathological significance and prognostic value of EMMPRIN overexpression in cancers: evidence from 39 cohort studies

Extracellular matrix metalloproteinase inducer (EMMPRIN) has been reported to be associated with tumor formation and invasion in many studies. However, the clinicopathological significance and prognosis of EMMPRIN in cancer patients remains inconclusive. Therefore, we conducted a meta-analysis to assess the predictive potential of EMMPRIN in various cancers. By searching Pubmed, Cochrane library database and web of science comprehensively, 39studies with 5739 cases were included in our meta-analysis. The results indicated that EMMPRIN overexpression was significantly associated with poor outcome of cancers (HR=2.46, 95% CI: 2.21-2.75, P<0.0001). In addition, a significant relation was found between EMMPRIN overexpression and clinicopathological features, such as tumor stage (T3+T4/ T1+T2, OR=1.87, 95% CI:1.64-2.12, P<0.0001), tumor differentiation (poor/ well+ moderate, OR=1.09, 95% CI:1.60-2.23, P<0.0001), clinical stage (III+IV /I +II, OR=1.96, 95% CI:1.69-2.27, P<0.0001) and nodal metastasis (positive/negative, OR=2.37, 95% CI:1.93-2.90, P<0.0001). However, the expression of EMMRIN was not significantly associated with tumor stage in cervical cancer (OR=1.35, 95%CI: 0.73-2.48, P=0.33). In conclusion, EMMPRIN overxepression is significantly associated with clinicopathological characteristics and prognosis of cancers. Thus, EMMPRIN may be regarded as a promising bio-marker in predicting the clinical outcome of patients in cancers and could be used as the therapeutic target during clinical practices.

TRAF6 regulates melanoma invasion and metastasis through ubiquitination of Basigin

TRAF6 plays a crucial role in the regulation of the innate and adaptive immune responses. Although studies have shown that TRAF6 has oncogenic activity, the role of TRAF6 in melanoma is unclear. Here, we report that TRAF6 is overexpressed in primary as well as metastatic melanoma tumors and melanoma cell lines. Knockdown of TRAF6 with shRNA significantly suppressed malignant phenotypes including cell proliferation, anchorage-independent cell growth and metastasis in vitro and in vivo. Notably, we demonstrated that Basigin (BSG)/CD147, a critical molecule for cancer cell invasion and metastasis, is a novel interacting partner of TRAF6. Furthermore, depletion of TRAF6 by shRNA reduced the recruitment of BSG to the plasma membrane and K63-linked ubiquitination, in turn, which impaired BSG-dependent MMP9 induction. Taken together, our findings indicate that TRAF6 is involved in regulating melanoma invasion and metastasis, suggesting that TRAF6 may be a potential target for therapy or chemo-prevention in melanoma.

CD147/EMMPRIN overexpression and prognosis in cancer: A systematic review and meta-analysis

CD147/EMMPRIN (extracellular matrix metalloproteinase inducer) plays an important role in tumor progression and a number of studies have suggested that it is an indicator of tumor prognosis. This current meta-analysis systematically reevaluated the predictive potential of CD147/EMMPRIN in various cancers. We searched PubMed and Embase databases to screen the literature. Fixed-effect and random-effect meta-analytical techniques were used to correlate CD147 expression with outcome measures. A total of 53 studies that included 68 datasets were eligible for inclusion in the final analysis. We found a significant association between CD147/EMMPRIN overexpression and adverse tumor outcomes, such as overall survival, disease-specific survival, progression-free survival, metastasis-free survival or recurrence-free survival, irrespective of the model analysis. In addition, CD147/EMMPRIN overexpression predicted a high risk for chemotherapy drugs resistance. CD147/EMMPRIN is a central player in tumor progression and predicts a poor prognosis, including in patients who have received chemo-radiotherapy. Our results provide the evidence that CD147/EMMPRIN could be a potential therapeutic target for cancers.

Significance of glycolytic metabolism-related protein expression in colorectal cancer, lymph node and hepatic metastasis

Background

Colorectal cancer (CRC) is one of the most common malignancies and a leading cause of cancer death worldwide. Most cancer cells display high rates of glycolysis with production of lactic acid, which is then exported to the microenvironment by monocarboxylate transporters (MCTs). The main aim of this study was to evaluate the significance of MCT expression in a comprehensive series of primary CRC cases, lymph node and hepatic metastasis.

Methods

Expressions of MCT1, MCT4, CD147 and GLUT1 were studied in human samples of CRC, lymph node and hepatic metastasis, by immunohistochemistry.

Results

All proteins were overexpressed in primary CRC, lymph node and hepatic metastasis, when compared with non-neoplastic tissue, with exception of MCT1 in lymph node and hepatic metastasis. MCT1 and MCT4 expressions were associated with CD147 and GLUT1 in primary CRC. These markers were associated with clinical pathological features, reflecting the putative role of these metabolism-related proteins in the CRC setting.

Conclusion

These findings provide additional evidence for the pivotal role of MCTs in CRC maintenance and progression, and support the use of MCTs as biomarkers and potential therapeutic targets in primary and metastatic CRC.

Combination of VP3 and CD147-knockdown enhance apoptosis and tumor growth delay index in colorectal tumor allograft

BACKGROUND

Cancer therapies that kill cancer cells without affecting normal cells is the ultimate mode of treating cancers. The VP3, an avian virus-derived protein, can specifically initiate cell death through several signal transduction pathways leading to apoptosis. In cancer, chemoresistance and cell survivability implicate the cell surface protein, CD147.

METHODS

In this study, transfection of VP3 and silencing of CD147 genes was achieved through the treatment of tumors with pVIVO1-GFP/VP3 (VP3), psiRNA-CD147/2 (shCD147/2), and their combination of CT26 colon cancer cell-induced in mice. The effectiveness of tumor-treatment was ascertained by electrophoresis, TUNEL assay, and flow cytometry analysis. While histopathological and biochemical analysis were used as toxic side effect identification.

RESULTS

The tumor growth delay index (TGDI) after treatment with VP3, shCD147/2, and their combination treatments increased by 1.3-, 1.2-, 2.0- and 2.3-fold respectively, over untreated control. The VP3-shCD147/2 combination treatment was more efficacious then either VP3 or shCD147/2 alone in the retardation of mouse CT26 colorectal cell tumor allograft.

CONCLUSION

The antitumor effect of the combination treatment is the result of synergistic effects of VP3 and shCD147/2 on the tumor cells resulting in apoptosis. Thus, the study shows that combination of VP3 and shCD147/2 treatment can be developed into a potential approach for anticolorectal cancer treatment regimen.

EMMPRIN regulates tumor growth and metastasis by recruiting bone marrow-derived cells through paracrine signaling of SDF-1 and VEGF

EMMPRIN, a cell adhesion molecule highly expressed in a variety of tumors, is associated with poor prognosis in cancer patients. Mechanistically, EMMPRIN has been characterized to contribute to tumor development and progression by controlling the expression of MMPs and VEGF. In the present study, by using fluorescently labeled bone marrow-derived cells (BMDCs), we found that the down-regulation of EMMPRIN expression in cancer cells reduces tumor growth and metastasis, and is associated with the reduced recruitment of BMDCs. Further protein profiling studies suggest that EMMPRIN controls BMDC recruitment through regulating the secretion of soluble factors, notably, VEGF and SDF-1. We demonstrate that the expression and secretion of SDF-1 in tumor cells are regulated by EMMPRIN. This study reveals a novel mechanism by which EMMPRIN promotes tumor growth and metastasis by recruitment of BMDCs through controlling secretion and paracrine signaling of SDF-1 and VEGF.

Gene therapy for colorectal cancer by adenovirus-mediated siRNA targeting CD147 based on loss of the IGF2 imprinting system

Colorectal cancer (CRC) is one of the most common malignant tumors worldwide. Loss of imprinting (LOI) of the insulin-like growth factor 2 (IGF2) gene is an epigenetic abnormality phenomenon in CRC. Recently observed association of CRC with cluster of differentiation 147 (CD147) could provide a novel approach for gene therapy. In the present study, we investigated the feasibility of using adenovirus‑mediated siRNA targeting CD147 based on the IGF2 LOI system for targeted gene therapy of CRC. A novel adenovirus-mediated siRNA targeting CD147, rAd-H19-CD147mirsh, which was driven by the IGF2 imprinting system, was constructed. The results showed that the EGFP expression was detected only in the IGF2 LOI cell lines (HT-29 and HCT-8), but that no EGFP was produced in cell lines with maintenance of imprinting (MOI) (HCT116). Moreover, rAd-H19-CD147mirsh significantly inhibited the expression of CD147, decreased cell viability and invasive ability, and increased sensitivity to chemotherapeutic drugs only in the LOI cell lines in vitro. Furthermore, mice bearing HT-29 xenografted tumors, which received intratumoral administration of the rAd-H19-CD147mirsh, showed significantly reduced tumor growth and enhanced survival. We conclude that recombinant adenovirus-mediated siRNA targeting CD147 based on the IGF2 LOI system inhibited the growth of the LOI cells in vitro and in vivo, which would provide a novel approach for targeted CRC gene therapy.

CD147 expression predicts biochemical recurrence after prostatectomy independent of histologic and pathologic features

BACKGROUND

CD147 is an MMP-inducing protein often implicated in cancer progression. The purpose of this study was to investigate the expression of CD147 in prostate cancer (PCa) progression and the prognostic ability of CD147 in predicting biochemical recurrence after prostatectomy.

METHODS

Plasma membrane-localized CD147 protein expression was quantified in patient samples using immunohistochemistry and multispectral imaging, and expression was compared to clinico-pathological features (pathologic stage, Gleason score, tumor volume, preoperative PSA, lymph node status, surgical margins, biochemical recurrence status). CD147 specificity and expression were confirmed with immunoblotting of prostate cell lines, and CD147 mRNA expression was evaluated in public expression microarray datasets of patient prostate tumors.

RESULTS

Expression of CD147 protein was significantly decreased in localized tumors (pT2; p = 0.02) and aggressive PCa (≥pT3; p = 0.004), and metastases (p = 0.001) compared to benign prostatic tissue. Decreased CD147 was associated with advanced pathologic stage (p = 0.009) and high Gleason score (p = 0.02), and low CD147 expression predicted biochemical recurrence (HR 0.55; 95 % CI 0.31-0.97; p = 0.04) independent of clinico-pathologic features. Immunoblot bands were detected at 44 kDa and 66 kDa, representing non-glycosylated and glycosylated forms of CD147 protein, and CD147 expression was lower in tumorigenic T10 cells than non-tumorigenic BPH-1 cells (p = 0.02). Decreased CD147 mRNA expression was associated with increased Gleason score and pathologic stage in patient tumors but is not associated with recurrence status.

CONCLUSIONS

Membrane-associated CD147 expression is significantly decreased in PCa compared to non-malignant prostate tissue and is associated with tumor progression, and low CD147 expression predicts biochemical recurrence after prostatectomy independent of pathologic stage, Gleason score, lymph node status, surgical margins, and tumor volume in multivariable analysis.

The role of EMMPRIN in T cell biology and immunological diseases

Review on EMMPRIN in numerous immunological/inflammatory disease conditions and its complex roles in T cell biology.

EMMPRIN (CD147), originally described as an inducer of the expression of MMPs, has gained attention in its involvement in various immunologic diseases, such that anti‐EMMPRIN antibodies are considered as potential therapeutic medications. Given that MMPs are involved in the pathogenesis of various disease states, it is relevant that targeting an upstream inducer would make for an effective therapeutic strategy. Additionally, EMMPRIN is now appreciated to have multiple roles apart from MMP induction, including in cellular functions, such as migration, adhesion, invasion, energy metabolism, as well as T cell activation and proliferation. Here, we review what is known about EMMPRIN in numerous immunologic/inflammatory disease conditions with a particular focus on its complex roles in T cell biology.

Intracellular Acidosis Promotes Mitochondrial Apoptosis Pathway: Role of EMMPRIN Down-regulation via Specific Single-chain Fv Intrabody

Extracellular matrix metalloproteinase inducer (EMMPRIN) is a human leukocyte surface molecule that is enriched on the surface of many cancer cells, and it plays an important role in proliferation and metastasis. In this study, we utilized the chimeric adenoviral vector Ad5/F35 carrying gene encoding scFv against EMMPRIN (scFv-M6-1B9) to down-regulate EMMPRIN cell surface expression and investigated programmed cell death response in colorectal cancer (CRC) cell, Caco-2. The scFv-M6-1B9 intrabody exhibits robust activity in reducing EMMPRIN cell surface expression. This approach led to the inducing of apoptosis, which was relative to the increasing of apoptotic bodies in sub-G1 peak, phosphatidylserine externalization, as well as TUNEL-positive cells. In addition, real-time RT-PCR and western blotting analysis indicated that apoptosis was enhanced through the mitochondrial pathway, a marked reduction of Bcl-2, leading to the translocation of cytochrome c and also the dramatic activation of caspase-3. Moreover, carcinoembryonic antigen (CEA), a tumor marker for CRC, was found to have significantly diminished in both secreted protein and mRNA levels. In conclusion, these findings suggest that EMMPRIN down-regulation by scFv-M6-1B9 intrabody has great potential in enhancing the efficacy of apoptosis induction through the mitochondrial pathway and in effecting a decline in the CEA level. Thus, its benefits could be applied to project the future prospects for targeted gene therapy and therapeutic application in monitoring colorectal cancer.

EMMPRIN expression in oral squamous cell carcinomas: correlation with tumor proliferation and patient survival

The aim of our study was to explore the clinicopathological and prognostic significance of extracellular matrix metalloproteinase inducer (EMMPRIN) expression in oral squamous cell carcinomas (OSCC), and its relation with the proliferative tumor status of OSCC. We examined EMMPRIN and Ki-67 proteins expression by immunohistochemistry in 74 cases with OSCC. Statistical analysis was conducted to examine their clinicopathological and prognostic significance in OSCC. EMMPRIN membrane expression was observed in all cases, with both membrane and cytoplasmic tumor expression in 61 cases (82.4%). EMMPRIN overexpression was observed in 56 cases (75.7%). Moderately or poorly differentiated tumors showed EMMPRIN overexpression more frequently than well-differentiated tumors (P = 0.002). Overexpression of EMMPRIN was correlated with high Ki-67 expression (P = 0.004). In the multivariate analysis, EMMPRIN overexpression reveals an adverse independent prognostic value for cancer-specific survival (CSS) (P = 0.034). Our results reveal that EMMPRIN protein is overexpressed in more than two-thirds of OSCC cases, especially in high proliferative and less differentiated tumors. The independent value of EMMPRIN overexpression in CSS suggests that this protein could be used as an important biological prognostic marker for patients with OSCC. Moreover, the high expression of EMMPRIN makes it a possible therapeutic target in OSCC patients.

Natural history of hepatic metastases from colorectal cancer - pathobiological pathways with clinical significance

Colorectal cancer hepatic metastases represent the final stage of a multi-step biological process. This process starts with a series of mutations in colonic epithelial cells, continues with their detachment from the large intestine, dissemination through the blood and/or lymphatic circulation, attachment to the hepatic sinusoids and interactions with the sinusoidal cells, such as sinusoidal endothelial cells, Kupffer cells, stellate cells and pit cells. The metastatic sequence terminates with colorectal cancer cell invasion, adaptation and colonisation of the hepatic parenchyma. All these events, termed the colorectal cancer invasion-metastasis cascade, include multiple molecular pathways, intercellular interactions and expression of a plethora of chemokines and growth factors, and adhesion molecules, such as the selectins, the integrins or the cadherins, as well as enzymes including matrix metalloproteinases. This review aims to present recent advances that provide insights into these cell-biological events and emphasizes those that may be amenable to therapeutic targeting.

Renal cell neoplasias: reversion-inducing cysteine-rich protein with Kazal motifs discriminates tumor subtypes, while extracellular matrix metalloproteinase inducer indicates prognosis

Background

Matrix metalloproteinases can promote invasion and metastasis, which are very frequent in renal cell carcinoma even at the time of diagnosis. Knowing the reversion-inducing cysteine-rich protein with Kazal motifs (RECK) as an inhibitor of matrix metalloproteinases and the extracellular matrix metalloproteinase inducer (EMMPRIN) protein as inducer, we aimed to determine their expression, localization and possible antagonistic action in the pathogenesis and progression of renal cell tumors in a retrospective study.

Methods

Tumor and adjacent normal tissues of 395 nephrectomized patients were immunostained for RECK and EMMPRIN on a tissue microarray.

Results

RECK strongly decreased in renal cell carcinoma compared to normal counterparts (Wilcoxon signed rank test, P < 0.001), and it discriminated tumor entities showing the highest expression in oncocytomas. EMMPRIN, however, could be significantly correlated to pT stage and Fuhrman grading (Spearman’s correlation coefficient r_s = 0.289 and r_s = 0.382, respectively). Higher expression of EMMPRIN was associated with decreased overall survival in Kaplan-Meier analysis (P < 0.001), and the EMMPRIN level could independently predict survival for cases without metastasis and involvement of lymph nodes. Decreased RECK expression was confirmed by Western blotting in tissue of eight normal/tumor matches of patients after radical nephrectomy, whereas the EMMPRIN pattern appeared to be heterogeneous.

Conclusions

We propose RECK down regulation in renal cell carcinoma to be an early event that facilitates tumor formation and progression. EMMPRIN, however, as a prognostic tumor marker, increases only when aggressiveness is proceeding and could add an additional step to invasive properties of renal cell carcinoma.

Downregulation of CD147 expression by RNA interference inhibits HT29 cell proliferation, invasion and tumorigenicity in vitro and in vivo

We investigated the effect of CD147 silencing on HT29 cell proliferation and invasion. We constructed a novel short hairpin RNA (shRNA) expression vector pYr-mir30-shRNA. The plasmid was transferred to HT29 cells. The expression of CD147, MCT1 (lactate transporters monocarboxylate transporter 1) and MCT4 (lactate transporters monocarboxylate transporter 4) were monitored by quantitative PCR and western blotting, respectively. The MMP-2 (matrix metalloproteinase-2) and MMP-9 (matrix metalloproteinase-9) activities were determined by gelatin zymography assay, while the intracellular lactate concentration was determined by the lactic acid assay kit. WST-8 assay was used to determine the HT29 cell proliferation and the chemosensitivity. Invasion assay was used to determine the invasion of HT29 cells. In addition, we established a colorectal cancer model, and detected CD147 expression in vivo. The results showed that the expression of CD147 and MCT1 was significantly reduced at both mRNA and protein levels, and also the activity of MMP-2 and MMP-9 was reduced. The proliferation and invasion were decreased, but chemosensitivity to cisplatin was increased. In vivo, the CD147 expression was also significantly decreased, and reduced the tumor growth after CD147 gene silencing. The results demonstrated that silencing of CD147 expression inhibited the proliferation and invasion, suggesting CD147 silencing might be an adjuvant gene therapy strategy to chemotherapy.

Prognostic significance of CD147 in patients with glioblastoma

CD147, also known as extracellular matrix metalloproteinase inducer, is a widely distributed cell surface glycoprotein that belongs to the immunoglobulin superfamily. CD147 has been proved to be enriched on the surface of many tumor cells, promoting tumor growth, invasion and metastasis by its stimulation effect on adjacent fibroblasts to produce matrix metalloproteinases. In this study, we aimed to explore the expression pattern of CD147 in glioblastoma (GBM) and investigate whether it could be used to assess subsequent prognosis of patients. For that, we recruited a total of 206 patients with pathologically confirmed GBM and 36 normal control brain tissue specimens. The expression of CD147 in GBM and normal tissues was investigated by immunohistochemistry assay. Genetic factors including MGMT and IDH1 mutation were also investigated to justify the prognostic significance of CD147. Results showed that CD147 expression was increased in GBM compared with that in normal tissues. Kaplan-Meier analysis showed that increased CD147 expression was associated with poor overall survival of patients with GBM. Moreover, Cox's proportional hazards model revealed that CD147 expression was an independent and significant prognostic marker of overall survival in GBM patients. These results proved that CD147 expression was relatively abundant in GBM and can be potentially used to predict prognosis and treatment response in GBM patients.

Basigin-2 is the predominant basigin isoform that promotes tumor cell migration and invasion and correlates with poor prognosis in epithelial ovarian cancer

Background

Basigin, which has four isoforms, has been demonstrated to be involved in progression of various human cancers. The aim of this study was to examine the prognostic value of basigin-2 protein expression in epithelial ovarian cancer. Furthermore, the function of basigin-2 in ovarian cancer was further investigated in cell culture models.

Methods

Immunohistochemistry staining was performed to investigate basigin-2 expression in a total of 146 ovarian tissue specimens. Kaplan Meier analysis and Cox proportional hazards model were applied to assess the relationship between basigin-2 and progression-free survival (PFS) and overall survival (OS). Real-time PCR, RT-PCR and western blot were used to explore basigin-2, basigin-3 and basigin-4 expression in ovarian cancer cell lines and tissues. To evaluate possible contributions of basigin-2 to MMP secretion and cell migration and invasion, the overexpression vectors pcDNA3.1-basigin-2 and basigin-2 siRNA were transfected into HO-8910 and HO-8910 PM cells respectively.

Results

High basigin-2 expression was associated with lymph-vascular space involvement, lymph node metastasis and poor prognosis of epithelial ovarian cancer. Multivariate analyses indicated that basigin-2 positivity was an independent prognostic factor for PFS (P = 0.006) and OS (P = 0.019), respectively. Overexpression of basigin-2 increased the secretion of MMP-2/9 and cancer cell migration and invasion of HO-8910 cells, whereas knockdown of basigin-2 reduced active MMP-2/9 production, migration and invasion of HO-8910 PM cells.

Conclusions

The expression of basigin-2 might be an independent prognostic marker and basigin-2 inhibition would be a potential strategy for epithelial ovarian cancer patients, especially in inhibiting and preventing cancer cell invasion and metastasis.

Evaluation of (89)Zr-labeled human anti-CD147 monoclonal antibody as a positron emission tomography probe in a mouse model of pancreatic cancer

Introduction

Pancreatic cancer is an aggressive cancer and its prognosis remains poor. Therefore, additional effective therapy is required to augment and/or complement current therapy. CD147, high expression in pancreatic cancer, is involved in the metastatic process and is considered a good candidate for targeted therapy. CD147-specfic imaging could be useful for selection of appropriate patients. Therefore, we evaluated the potential of a fully human anti-CD147 monoclonal antibody 059-053 as a new positron emission tomography (PET) probe for pancreatic cancer.

Methods

CD147 expression was evaluated in four pancreatic cancer cell lines (MIA Paca-2, PANC-1, BxPC-3, and AsPC-1) and a mouse cell line A4 as a negative control. Cell binding, competitive inhibition and internalization assays were conducted with ¹²⁵I-, ⁶⁷Ga-, or ⁸⁹Zr-labeled 059-053. In vivo biodistribution of ¹²⁵I- or ⁸⁹Zr-labeled 059-053 was conducted in mice bearing MIA Paca-2 and A4 tumors. PET imaging with [⁸⁹Zr]059-053 was conducted in subcutaneous and orthotopic tumor mouse models.

Results

Among four pancreatic cancer cell lines, MIA Paca-2 cells showed the highest expression of CD147, while A4 cells had no expression. Immunohistochemical staining showed that MIA Paca-2 xenografts also highly expressed CD147 in vivo. Radiolabeled 059-053 specifically bound to MIA Paca-2 cells with high affinity, but not to A4. [⁸⁹Zr]059-053 uptake in MIA Paca-2 tumors increased with time from 11.0±1.3% injected dose per gram (ID/g) at day 1 to 16.9±3.2% ID/g at day 6, while [¹²⁵I]059-053 uptake was relatively low and decreased with time, suggesting that 059-053 was internalized into tumor cells in vivo and ¹²⁵I was released from the cells. PET with [⁸⁹Zr]059-053 clearly visualized subcutaneous and orthotopic tumors.

Conclusion

[⁸⁹Zr]059-053 is a promising PET probe for imaging CD147 expression in pancreatic cancer and has the potential to select appropriate patients with CD147-expressing tumors who could gain benefit from anti-CD147 therapy.

EMMPRIN is an independent negative prognostic factor for patients with astrocytic glioma

Extracellular matrix metalloproteinase inducer (EMMPRIN), also known as CD147, is a member of the immunoglobulin superfamily that is present on the surface of tumor cells and stimulates adjacent fibroblasts to produce matrix metalloproteinases (MMPs). It has been proved to be associated with tumor invasion and metastasis in various human malignancies. In our study, the protein expression level of EMMPRIN in 306 cases of astrocytic glioma is investigated by immunohistochemistry assay. Statistical analysis was utilized to evaluate the association of EMMPRIN with clinicopathological characteristics and prognosis of patients. It was proved that EMMPRIN protein expression was increased in glioma compared with that in normal brain tissue. Moreover, EMMPRIN immunohistochemical staining was correlated with WHO grade and Karnofsky performance score for strong positive EMMPRIN staining is more frequently detected in glioma of advanced grade or low KPS score. It is also demonstrated that EMMPRIN could be an independent negative prognostic factor in glioma for patients with glioma of strong EMMPRIN staining tend to have high risk of death. These results proved that EMMPRIN is associated with prognosis of glioma, which may also suggest the potential role of EMMPRIN in glioma management.

EMMPRIN/CD147 expression is associated with disease-free survival of patients with colorectal cancer

EMMPRIN/CD147 has been proved to be associated with tumor invasion and metastasis in various human malignancies. In the present study, we investigated the expression of CD147 and its association with disease-free survival of colorectal cancer patients. CD147 expression was investigated in 328 cases of colorectal cancer by immunohistochemistry assay. Statistical analysis was utilized to evaluate the association of CD147 expression with disease-free survival of colorectal cancer patients. CD147 expression was proved to be increased in colorectal cancer (P < 0.001) and related to tumor invasion (P < 0.001), metastasis (P < 0.001), and TNM stage (P < 0.001). Kaplan-Meier showed CD147 was associated with disease-free survival of patients with colorectal cancer for patients with higher CD147 expression tend to have shorter disease-free survival (P < 0.001). Multivariate analysis also proved CD147 to be an independent prognostic factor for disease-free survival of colorectal cancer patients (P < 0.05). These results suggested the potential role of CD147 in relapse of human colorectal cancer. It might be a novel molecular marker to predict relapse of patients with colorectal cancer.