SIGIRR/TIR8, an important regulator of TLR4 and IL-1R-mediated NF-κB activation, predicts biochemical recurrence after prostatectomy in low-grade prostate carcinomas

Investigating the Role of SNAI1 and ZEB1 Expression in Prostate Cancer Progression and Immune Modulation of the Tumor Microenvironment

Prostate cancer (PCa) is an immunologically cold tumor and the molecular processes that underlie this behavior are poorly understood. In this study, we investigated a primary cohort of intermediate-risk PCa (n = 51) using two NanoString profiling panels designed to study cancer progression and immune response. We identified differentially expressed genes (DEGs) and pathways associated with biochemical recurrence (BCR) and clinical risk. Confirmatory analysis was performed using the TCGA-PRAD cohort. Noteworthy DEGs included collagens such as COL1A1, COL1A2, and COL3A1. Changes in the distribution of collagens may influence the immune activity in the tumor microenvironment (TME). In addition, immune-related DEGs such as THY1, IRF5, and HLA-DRA were also identified. Enrichment analysis highlighted pathways such as those associated with angiogenesis, TGF-beta, UV response, and EMT. Among the 39 significant DEGs, 11 (28%) were identified as EMT target genes for ZEB1 using the Harmonizome database. Elevated ZEB1 expression correlated with reduced BCR risk. Immune landscape analysis revealed that ZEB1 was associated with increased immunosuppressive cell types in the TME, such as naïve B cells and M2 macrophages. Increased expression of both ZEB1 and SNAI1 was associated with elevated immune checkpoint expression. In the future, modulation of EMT could be beneficial for overcoming immunotherapy resistance in a cold tumor, such as PCa.

IL-1R8 expression in DLBCL regulates NK cell recruitment and influences patient prognosis

The precise biological function of Interleukin-1 receptor 8 (IL-1R8) in diffuse large B-cell lymphoma (DLBCL) is still not well understood. Our goal is to decipher the profile of IL-1R8 expression status in DLBCL and to explore how IL-1R8 is involved in DLBCL progression. Utilizing a tissue microarray consisting of 70 samples of DLBCL tumors alongside 15 samples of tonsillitis, our investigation revealed a parallel expression profile of IL-1R8 between the tumor tissues and tonsillitis samples (p > 0.05). Nevertheless, an intriguing association emerged, as heightened expression of IL-1R8 correlated significantly with unfavorable survival outcomes in patients with DLBCL (p < 0.05). The status of IL-1R8 expression did not directly regulate proliferation (p > 0.05) and apoptosis (p > 0.05) in DLBCL cells via CCK8 and apoptotic assays. Subsequent chemotaxis analysis indicated that natural killer (NK) cell recruitment could be suppressed by IL-1R8 signaling in DLBCL, at least partially through CXCL1 inhibition (p < 0.05). The status of IL-1R8 expression in tumor tissues exhibited a negative correlation with the density of CD57+ NK cell infiltration (p < 0.05), while it did not demonstrate a significant association with CD3+ T cells (p > 0.05), CD68+ macrophages (p > 0.05), or S-100+ dendritic cells (p > 0.05). In line with this observation, elevated levels of NK cell infiltration demonstrated a significant positive correlation with improved overall survival (OS) among patients diagnosed with DLBCL (p < 0.05). Our data suggests the immuno-regulating potential of IL-1R8 through NK cell recruitment in DLBCL, providing novel insights into future immuno-modulating therapies.

Novel Gene Signatures Predictive of Patient Recurrence-Free Survival and Castration Resistance in Prostate Cancer

Simple Summary

Molecular signatures predictive of recurrence-free survival (RFS) and castration resistance are critical for treatment decision-making in prostate cancer (PCa), but the robustness of current signatures is limited. This study aims to identify castration-resistant PCa (CRPC)-associated genes and develop robust RFS and CRPC signatures. Among 287 genes differentially expressed between localized CRPC and hormone-sensitive PCa (HSPC) samples, 6 genes constituted a signature (CRPC-derived prognosis signature, CRPCPS) that predicted RFS. Moreover, a 3-gene panel derived from the 6 CRPCPS genes was capable of distinguishing CRPC from HSPC. The CRPCPS predicted RFS in 5/9 cohorts in the multivariate analysis and maintained prognostic in patients stratified by tumor stage, Gleason score, and lymph node metastasis status. It also predicted overall survival and metastasis-free survival. Notably, the signature was validated in another six independent cohorts. These findings suggest that these two signatures could be robust tools for predicting RFS and CRPC in clinical practice.

Abstract

Molecular signatures predictive of recurrence-free survival (RFS) and castration resistance are critical for treatment decision-making in prostate cancer (PCa), but the robustness of current signatures is limited. Here, we applied the Robust Rank Aggregation (RRA) method to PCa transcriptome profiles and identified 287 genes differentially expressed between localized castration-resistant PCa (CRPC) and hormone-sensitive PCa (HSPC). Least absolute shrinkage and selection operator (LASSO) and stepwise Cox regression analyses of the 287 genes developed a 6-gene signature predictive of RFS in PCa. This signature included NPEPL1, VWF, LMO7, ALDH2, NUAK1, and TPT1, and was named CRPC-derived prognosis signature (CRPCPS). Interestingly, three of these 6 genes constituted another signature capable of distinguishing CRPC from HSPC. The CRPCPS predicted RFS in 5/9 cohorts in the multivariate analysis and remained valid in patients stratified by tumor stage, Gleason score, and lymph node status. The signature also predicted overall survival and metastasis-free survival. The signature’s robustness was demonstrated by the C-index (0.55–0.74) and the calibration plot in all nine cohorts and the 3-, 5-, and 8-year area under the receiver operating characteristic curve (0.67–0.77) in three cohorts. The nomogram analyses demonstrated CRPCPS’ clinical applicability. The CRPCPS thus appears useful for RFS prediction in PCa.

Negative Effects of SIGIRR on TRAF6 Ubiquitination in Acute Lung Injury In Vitro

In this study, the effects of single immunoglobin IL-1 receptor-related protein (SIGIRR) on tumor necrosis factor- (TNF-) receptor-associated factor 6 (TRAF6) ubiquitination in acute lung injury (ALI) were evaluated in both alveolar epithelial cells and alveolar macrophage cells in vitro. Our results found that SIGIRR negatively regulated TRAF6 ubiquitination and such SIGIRR inhibition could enhance the TRAF6 expression in both alveolar epithelial cells (AECs) and alveolar macrophage cells (AMCs). SIGIRR knockdown may increase NF-κB activity via TRAF6 regulation by the classical but not the nonclassical NF-κB signaling pathway. Such modulation between TRAF6 and SIGIRR could affect cytokine secretion and exacerbate the immune response; the IL-8, NFKB1, and NFKBIA mRNA levels were reduced after SIGIRR overexpression. The current study reveals the molecular mechanisms of the negative regulatory roles of SIGIRR on the innate immune response related to the LPS/TLR-4 signaling pathway and provides evidence for strategies to clinically treat inflammatory diseases.

Hyperspectral and multispectral imaging in digital and computational pathology: a systematic review [Invited]

Hyperspectral imaging (HSI) and multispectral imaging (MSI) technologies have the potential to transform the fields of digital and computational pathology. Traditional digitized histopathological slides are imaged with RGB imaging. Utilizing HSI/MSI, spectral information across wavelengths within and beyond the visual range can complement spatial information for the creation of computer-aided diagnostic tools for both stained and unstained histological specimens. In this systematic review, we summarize the methods and uses of HSI/MSI for staining and color correction, immunohistochemistry, autofluorescence, and histopathological diagnostic research. Studies include hematology, breast cancer, head and neck cancer, skin cancer, and diseases of central nervous, gastrointestinal, and genitourinary systems. The use of HSI/MSI suggest an improvement in the detection of diseases and clinical practice compared with traditional RGB analysis, and brings new opportunities in histological analysis of samples, such as digital staining or alleviating the inter-laboratory variability of digitized samples. Nevertheless, the number of studies in this field is currently limited, and more research is needed to confirm the advantages of this technology compared to conventional imagery.

Molecular Biomarkers in Localized Prostate Cancer: ASCO Guideline

PURPOSE

This guideline provides recommendations for available tissue-based prostate cancer biomarkers geared toward patient selection for active surveillance, identification of clinically significant disease, choice of postprostatectomy adjuvant versus salvage radiotherapy, and to address emerging questions such as the relative value of tissue biomarkers compared with magnetic resonance imaging.

METHODS

An ASCO multidisciplinary Expert Panel, with representatives from the European Association of Urology, American Urological Association, and the College of American Pathologists, conducted a systematic literature review of localized prostate cancer biomarker studies between January 2013 and January 2019. Numerous tissue-based molecular biomarkers were evaluated for their prognostic capabilities and potential for improving management decisions. Here, the Panel makes recommendations regarding the clinical use and indications of these biomarkers.

RESULTS

Of 555 studies identified, 77 were selected for inclusion plus 32 additional references selected by the Expert Panel. Few biomarkers had rigorous testing involving multiple cohorts and only 5 of these tests are commercially available currently: Oncotype Dx Prostate, Prolaris, Decipher, Decipher PORTOS, and ProMark. With various degrees of value and validation, multiple biomarkers have been shown to refine risk stratification and can be considered for select men to improve management decisions. There is a paucity of prospective studies assessing short- and long-term outcomes of patients when these markers are integrated into clinical decision making.

RECOMMENDATIONS

Tissue-based molecular biomarkers (evaluating the sample with the highest volume of the highest Gleason pattern) may improve risk stratification when added to standard clinical parameters, but the Expert Panel endorses their use only in situations in which the assay results, when considered as a whole with routine clinical factors, are likely to affect a clinical decision. These assays are not recommended for routine use as they have not been prospectively tested or shown to improve long-term outcomes-for example, quality of life, need for treatment, or survival. Additional information is available at www.asco.org/genitourinary-cancer-guidelines.

mTOR inhibitors for treatment of low-risk prostate cancer

Prostate cancer incidence increases with age; along with many other cancers, it could be considered a disease of aging. Prostate cancer screening has led to a significant proportion of men diagnosed with low-grade, low-stage prostate cancer who are now more likely to choose an active surveillance strategy rather than definitive treatments. Definitive treatment, such as surgery and radiation therapy, is useful for high-grade disease; however, because of the low long-term risk of progression of a low-grade disease and side effects of surgery and radiation, these treatments are less commonly used for low-grade disease. While five alpha reductase inhibitors have been shown to reduce the risk of cancer detection on subsequent biopsies for men on active surveillance, no medications have been proven to prevent progression to high-grade disease. mTOR pathways have long been known to influence prostate cancer and are targets in various prostate cancer patient populations. Low-dose mTOR inhibition with rapamycin has shown promise in pre-clinical models of prostate cancer and appear to affect cellular senescence and immunomodulation in the aging population. We hypothesize that low-dose mTOR inhibition could reduce progression of low-grade prostate cancer patients, allowing them to remain on active surveillance.

Paeoniflorin inhibits glioblastoma growth in vivo and in vitro: a role for the Triad3A-dependent ubiquitin proteasome pathway in TLR4 degradation

Background

Paeoniflorin, a polyphenolic compound derived from Radix Paeoniae Alba (Paeonia lactiflora), has exhibited anticancer activity in various human cancers, including glioblastoma. However, the mechanisms underlying the effects of this compound have not been fully elucidated. Toll-like receptor 4 (TLR4) plays an important role in the regulation of cancer cell proliferation and progression, and high TLR4 expression in glioblastoma specimens is associated with a poor prognosis. The present study aimed to investigate whether paeoniflorin suppresses glioblastoma via inhibition of TLR4 expression.

Methods

CCK-8 experiments and clone formation assay were performed to detect the cell proliferation. Western blotting was used to analyze protein expression levels. Detection of Triad3A binding with TLR4 was assessed by the immunoprecipitation. Orthotopic xenograft mouse model was used to evaluate the effect of paeoniflorin in vivo. MST was used to analyze the interaction between paeoniflorin and TLR4 protein.

Results

In our study, we found that paeoniflorin effectively inhibited glioblastoma growth and suppressed TLR4 protein levels, as well its downstream effectors both in vivo and in vitro. Moreover, when overexpressed TLR4 in glioblastoma abolished the effects of paeoniflorin on cell proliferation, migration, and invasion. Furthermore, we found that paeoniflorin decreased TLR4 protein through ubiquitination proteasome pathway (UPP)-mediated degradation in glioblastoma cells. Mechanistically, paeoniflorin promoted Triad3A to conjugate with TLR4, resulting in degradation. In addition, Triad3A-shRNA abolished paeoniflorin-enhanced UPP-mediated TLR4 degradation. Finally, we found that paeoniflorin could directly bind with TLR4 protein as assessed by MST assay.

Conclusion

Our study is the first to identify a novel mechanism for the antitumor activity of paeoniflorin, specifically: it decreases tumor growth by directly targeting TLR4 and modulating the TLR4/Triad3A-dependent axis, leading to TLR4 protein degradation and inhibition of glioblastoma cell progression in vitro and in vivo. Our current findings indicate that paeoniflorin is a potential glioblastoma therapeutic agent due to its Triad3A-dependent ubiquitin degradation of TLR4.

High IL-1R8 expression in breast tumors promotes tumor growth and contributes to impaired antitumor immunity

Tumors develop numerous strategies to fine-tune inflammation and avoid detection and eradication by the immune system. The identification of mechanisms leading to local immune dysregulation is critical to improve cancer therapy. We here demonstrate that Interleukin-1 receptor 8 (IL-1R8 - previously known as SIGIRR/TIR8), a negative regulator of Toll-Like and Interleukin-1 Receptor family signaling, is up-regulated during breast epithelial cell transformation and in primary breast tumors. IL-1R8 expression in transformed breast epithelial cells reduced IL-1-dependent NF-κB activation and production of pro-inflammatory cytokines, inhibited NK cell activation and favored M2-like macrophage polarization. In a murine breast cancer model (MMTV-neu), IL-1R8-deficiency reduced tumor growth and metastasis and was associated with increased mobilization and activation of immune cells, such as NK cells and CD8+ T cells. Finally, immune-gene signature analysis in clinical specimens revealed that high IL-1R8 expression is associated with impaired innate immune sensing and T-cell exclusion from the tumor microenvironment. Our results indicate that high IL-1R8 expression acts as a novel immunomodulatory mechanism leading to dysregulated immunity with important implications for breast cancer immunotherapy.