Upregulation of Tiam1 contributes to cervical cancer disease progression and indicates poor survival outcome

miR-590-5p/Tiam1-mediated glucose metabolism promotes malignant evolution of pancreatic cancer by regulating SLC2A3 stability

BACKGROUND

T lymphoma invasion and metastasis 1 (Tiam1) is a tumor related gene that specifically activates Rho-like GTPases Rac1 and plays a critical role in the progression of various malignancies. Glycolysis plays an important role in cancer progression, it is crucial for supplying energy and producing metabolic end products, which can maintain the survival of tumor cells. As yet, however, the mechanism of Tiam1 in glycolysis reprogramming of pancreatic cancer (PC) remains to be clarified. Here, we investigated the functional role of Tiam1 in PC cell proliferation, metastasis and glycolysis reprogramming. It is expected to provide a new direction for clinical treatment.

METHODS

The clinical relevance of Tiam1 was evaluated in 66 patients with PC, the effect of Tiam1 on cell proliferation was detected via 5-Ethynyl-2'-deoxyuridine (EdU) and colony formation. The ability of cell migration was detected by the wound healing and Transwell. Quantitative real time polymerase chain reaction (qRT-PCR) and luciferase reporter gene experiments clarify the regulatory relationship of miR-590-5p inhibiting Tiam1. Detection of the molecular mechanism of Tiam1 regulating glucose metabolism reprogramming in PC by glucose metabolism kit. RNA sequencing and Co-Immunoprecipitation (CoIP) have identified glucose transporter protein 3 (SLC2A3) as a key downstream target gene for miR-590-5p/Tiam1.

RESULTS

We found that Tiam1 expression increased in PC tissues and was associated with lymph node metastasis. The silencing or exogenous overexpression of Tiam1 significantly altered the proliferation, invasion, and angiogenesis of PC cells through glucose metabolism pathway. In addition, Tiam1 could interact with the crucial SLC2A3 and promote the evolution of PC in a SLC2A3-dependent manner. Moreover, miR-590-5p was found to exacerbate the PC cell proliferation, migration and invasion by targeting Tiam1. Furthermore, the reversing effects on proliferation, migration and invasion were found in PC cells with miR-590-5p/Tiam1 overexpression after applying glucose metabolism inhibition.

CONCLUSIONS

Our findings demonstrate the critical role of Tiam1 in PC development and the miR-590-5p/Tiam1/SLC2A3 signaling pathway may serve as a target for new PC therapeutic strategies.

The long non-coding RNA NEAT1 promotes the progression of human ovarian cancer through targeting miR-214-3p and regulating angiogenesis

BACKGROUND

Angiogenesis and metastasis contributes substantially to the poor outcome of patients with ovarian cancer. We aimed to explore the role and mechanisms of the long non-coding RNA NEAT1 (nuclear enriched abundant transcript 1) in regulating angiogenesis and metastasis of human ovarian cancer. NEAT1 expression in human ovarian cancer tissues and cell lines including SKOV-3 and A2780 was investigated through in situ hybridization. Gene knockdown and overexpressing were achieved through lentivirus infection, transfection of plasmids or microRNA mimics. Cell viability was measured with the cell counting kit-8 assay, while apoptosis was determined by flow cytometry. Cell migration and invasion were evaluated by transwell experiments, and protein expression was determined by western blot assays or immunohistochemistry. Duo-luciferase reporter assay was employed to confirm the interaction between NEAT1 and target microRNA. In vivo tumor growth was evaluated in nude mice with xenografted SKOV-3/A2780 cells, and blood vessel formation in tumor was examined by histological staining.

RESULTS

NEAT1 was highly expressed in ovarian cancer tissues of patients and cell lines. MiR-214-3p was identified as a sponging target of NEAT1, and they antagonizedeach other in a reciprocal manner. NEAT1-overexpressing SKOV-3 and A2780 cells had significantly increased proliferation, reduced apoptosis, and augmented abilities of migration and invasion, while cells with NEAT1-knockdown displayed markedly attenuated traits of malignancies. Additionally, the levels of NEAT1 appeared to be positively correlated with the expression levels of angiogenesis-related molecules, including Semaphorin 4D (Sema4D), Sema4D receptor Plexin B1, T-lymphoma invasion and metastasis-inducing protein-1 (Tiam1), and Rho-like GTPases Rac1/2/3. In the xenograft mouse model, more NEAT1 expression resulted in faster in vivo tumor growth, more blood vessel formation in tumor tissues, as well as higher expression levels of angiogenesis-related molecules and CD31.

CONCLUSIONS

NEAT1 promotes angiogenesis and metastasis in human ovarian cancer. NEAT1 and miR-214-3p are promising targets for developing therapeutics to treat human ovarian cancer.

ALKBH5 inhibits thyroid cancer progression by promoting ferroptosis through TIAM1-Nrf2/HO-1 axis

As a critical catalytic subunit of N6-methyladenosine (m6A) modification in messenger RNA, ALKBH5 has been reported to affect the progression of numerous tumors. However, the functions and mechanisms of ALKBH5 in thyroid cancer remain largely unknown. Relative mRNA and protein levels in thyroid cancer tissues and cells were detected by qRT-PCR and western blot, respectively. The proliferation and viability were evaluated using colony formation and CCK-8 assays. Intracellular iron level was measured by an iron colorimetric assay kit. ROS level was determined using CellRox Green reagent. TIAM1 mRNA m6A level was detected by MeRIP. Xenograft tumor growth was performed to examine the role of ALKBH5 in thyroid tumor growth in vivo. ALKBH5 was decreased in thyroid cancer tissues and cells. ALKBH5 overexpression inhibited thyroid cancer cell proliferation and increased the levels of Fe²⁺ and ROS and reduced the proteins expression of GPX4 and SLC7A11. Furthermore, overexpression of ALKBH5 inhibited TIAM1 expression by m6A modification, and overexpression of TIAM1 reversed the regulatory of oe-ALKBH5 on cell proliferation and ferroptosis in thyroid cancer. In addition, TIAM1 was elevated in thyroid cancer, and TIAM1 knockdown repressed thyroid cancer cell proliferation and promoted ferroptosis through regulating Nrf2/HO-1 axis. In addition, in vivo evidences also showed that ALKBH5 suppressed thyroid cancer progression by decreasing the m6A level of TIAM1. Our findings suggested that ALKBH5 inhibited thyroid cancer progression by inducing ferroptosis through m6A-TIAM1-Nrf2/HO-1 axis, suggesting ALKBH5 might be a potential target molecule for the treatment and diagnosis of thyroid cancer.

Inhibition of carnitine palmitoyl transferase 1A-induced fatty acid oxidation suppresses cell progression in gastric cancer

BACKGROUND

Gastric cancer (GC) has a high rate of metastasis which thereason leading to death. Carnitine palmitoyl transferase 1a (CPT1A) has been reported to play a critical obstacle to various types of cancer progression, which is an attractive focus in anti-cancer therapy. However, the underlying molecular mechanisms of CPT1A involved in GC have not been clarified clear.

METHODS

To determine the expression of CPT1A in human GC tissues and cells and illustrate whether it is correlated with the clinical pathologic characteristics and prognosis in GC patients. Its roles and potential mechanisms in regulating tumor growth and invasion were evaluated by CPT1A knockdown/overexpression of GC cells in vitro.

RESULTS

Marked upregulation of CPT1A protein expression was observed in GC cells and tissues, which was associated with grade, pathological stage, lymph node metastasis and poor prognosis in patients with GC. CPT1A overexpression also promoted the proliferation, invasion, EMT process of GC cells. In addition, CPT1A upregulation activated GC cell fatty acid oxidation (FAO) via increasing NADP⁺/NADPH ratio, whereas inhibiting of FAO abolished the effects of CPT1A on GC cell proliferation and migration.

CONCLUSION

Our results examine that CPT1A-mediated FAO activation increases GC cell proliferation and migration, supporting that CPT1A is a useful prognostic biomarker and an attractive focus for GC.

Rho GTPases in Gynecologic Cancers: In-Depth Analysis toward the Paradigm Change from Reactive to Predictive, Preventive, and Personalized Medical Approach Benefiting the Patient and Healthcare

Rho guanosine triphospatases (GTPases) resemble a conserved family of GTP-binding proteins regulating actin cytoskeleton dynamics and several signaling pathways central for the cell. Rho GTPases create a so-called Ras-superfamily of GTPases subdivided into subgroups comprising at least 20 members. Rho GTPases play a key regulatory role in gene expression, cell cycle control and proliferation, epithelial cell polarity, cell migration, survival, and apoptosis, among others. They also have tissue-related functions including angiogenesis being involved in inflammatory and wound healing processes. Contextually, any abnormality in the Rho GTPase function may result in severe consequences at molecular, cellular, and tissue levels. Rho GTPases also play a key role in tumorigenesis and metastatic disease. Corresponding mechanisms include a number of targets such as kinases and scaffold/adaptor-like proteins initiating GTPases-related signaling cascades. The accumulated evidence demonstrates the oncogenic relevance of Rho GTPases for several solid malignancies including breast, liver, bladder, melanoma, testicular, lung, central nervous system (CNS), head and neck, cervical, and ovarian cancers. Furthermore, Rho GTPases play a crucial role in the development of radio- and chemoresistance e.g. under cisplatin-based cancer treatment. This article provides an in-depth overview on the role of Rho GTPases in gynecological cancers, highlights relevant signaling pathways and pathomechanisms, and sheds light on their involvement in tumor progression, metastatic spread, and radio/chemo resistance. In addition, insights into a spectrum of novel biomarkers and innovative approaches based on the paradigm shift from reactive to predictive, preventive, and personalized medicine are provided.

Targeting Rac and Cdc42 GEFs in Metastatic Cancer

The Rho family GTPases Rho, Rac, and Cdc42 have emerged as key players in cancer metastasis, due to their essential roles in regulating cell division and actin cytoskeletal rearrangements; and thus, cell growth, migration/invasion, polarity, and adhesion. This review will focus on the close homologs Rac and Cdc42, which have been established as drivers of metastasis and therapy resistance in multiple cancer types. Rac and Cdc42 are often dysregulated in cancer due to hyperactivation by guanine nucleotide exchange factors (GEFs), belonging to both the diffuse B-cell lymphoma (Dbl) and dedicator of cytokinesis (DOCK) families. Rac/Cdc42 GEFs are activated by a myriad of oncogenic cell surface receptors, such as growth factor receptors, G-protein coupled receptors, cytokine receptors, and integrins; consequently, a number of Rac/Cdc42 GEFs have been implicated in metastatic cancer. Hence, inhibiting GEF-mediated Rac/Cdc42 activation represents a promising strategy for targeted metastatic cancer therapy. Herein, we focus on the role of oncogenic Rac/Cdc42 GEFs and discuss the recent advancements in the development of Rac and Cdc42 GEF-interacting inhibitors as targeted therapy for metastatic cancer, as well as their potential for overcoming cancer therapy resistance.

Tiam1 high expression is associated with poor prognosis in solid cancers: A meta-analysis

BACKGROUND

A number of studies have attempted to determine the prognostic value of T-cell lymphoma invasion and metastasis-inducing factor 1 (Tiam1) in patients with solid cancers, but the reported results were of inconsistency. Thus, we performed a systematic review and meta-analysis to exhaustively evaluate the prognostic role of Tiam1 expression in patients with solid cancers.

METHODS

We retrieved literature published in between 1994 and April 22th, 2019 through searching PubMed, Web of Science and China national knowledge infrastructure (CNKI). Hazard ratios (HRs) coupled with 95% confidence intervals (95% CIs) were used to assess the relationship of Tiam1 expression and overall survival (OS), and disease-free survival (DFS).

RESULTS

A total of 2647 patients with solid cancers in 20 studies were enrolled in our meta-analysis eventually. The pooled results showed that Tiam1 high expression was closely correlated with poor OS (HR = 2.17, 95% CI: 1.80-2.61, P = .000) and DFS (pooled HR = 1.95, 95% CI = 1.58-2.40, P = .000). Moreover, our subgroup analysis and sensitivity analysis demonstrated the reliability and stability of our pooled results.

CONCLUSION

In conclusion, this meta-analysis confirmed that Tiam1 higher expression positively correlated with OS and DFS, suggesting that Tiam1 may act as a valuable prognostic predictor and therapeutic target for patients with solid cancers. Nevertheless, in future more homogeneous and prospective studies should be performed to further support our findings.

High Tiam1 expression predicts positive lymphatic metastasis and worse survival in patients with malignant solid tumors: a systematic review and meta-analysis

Background

Many studies have explored the prognostic value of T-cell lymphoma invasion and metastasis inducing factor 1 (Tiam1) and its association with lymphatic metastasis in malignant solid tumors, but the conclusions remain controversial. Therefore, we performed a meta-analysis to systematically assess the prognostic value of Tiam1 expression and its association with lymphatic metastasis in malignant solid tumors.

Methods

We searched eligible studies in PubMed, Web of Science and EMBASE databases (from inception up to October 2018). The combined HR with 95% CI was used to estimate the prognostic value of Tiam1 expression. The correlation between Tiam1 expression and lymphatic metastasis was assessed using the combined odds ratio (OR) with 95% CI.

Results

A total of 17 studies with 2,228 patients with solid tumors were included in this meta-analysis. The overall estimated results showed that high Tiam1 expression was significantly associated with shorter overall survival (HR= 2.08, 95% CI: 1.62-2.68, P<0.01), and disease-free survival (HR = 1.86, 95% CI: 1.49-2.32, P<0.01). Besides, we also found that there was a close relationship between high Tiam1 expression and positive lymphatic metastasis (OR=2.63; 95% CI: 1.79-3.84, P<0.01).

Conclusion

High Tiam1 expression was significantly associated with shorter survival and positive lymphatic metastasis in patients with malignant solid tumors. Therefore, Tiam1 may be a promising prognostic biomarker and an effective therapeutic target for malignant solid tumors.

Paip1 Indicated Poor Prognosis in Cervical Cancer and Promoted Cervical Carcinogenesis

Purpose

This study was aimed to investigate the role of poly(A)-binding protein-interacting protein 1 (Paip1) in cervical carcinogenesis.

Materials and Methods

The expression of Paip1 in normal cervical epithelial tissues and cervical cancer (CC) tissues were detected by immunohistochemistry. In vivo and in vitro assays were performed to validate effect of Paip1 on CC progression.

Results

Paip1 was found to be up-regulated in CC, which was linked with shorter survival. Knockdown of Paip1 inhibited cell growth, induced apoptosis and cell cycle arrest in CC cells, whereas its overexpression reversed these effects. The in vivo tumor model confirmed the pro-tumor role of Paip1 in CC growth.

Conclusion

Altogether, the investigation demonstrated the clinical significance of Paip1 expression, which prompted that the up-regulated of Paip1 can presumably be a potential prognostic and progression marker for CC.