Matrix metalloproteinases in stem cell regulation and cancer

Exercise affects high-fat diet-stimulated breast cancer metastasis through irisin secretion by altering cancer stem cell properties

Background

Regular physical activities reduce the growth of breast cancer, but research on the effects of steady exercise on metastasis and its mechanisms is limited. In this study, the effects of steady exercise on breast cancer metastasis and its possible mechanism were demonstrated.

Methods

Experimental metastasis was induced after 8 weeks of steady exercise using a mouse model. Furthermore, one of the myokines, irisin, was studied to elucidate the effects of metastasis-regulating protein expression, and colony and sphere formation, which are cancer stem cell properties.

Results

Low- and moderate-intensity exercise significantly reduced the number and volume of metastasized tumors. Among myokines, only irisin was significantly increased by steady exercise but decreased by a high-fat diet. In vitro studies, irisin significantly decreased the number of colonies and sphere formation. Irisin also inhibited cell migration and invasion and suppressed the malignancy of breast cancer cells by reducing the expression of vimentin, MMP-2, MMP-9, and HIF-1 and by increasing the expression of TIMP-1 and TIMP-2.

Conclusion

Steady exercise modulates myokine secretions and among them, irisin suppresses breast cancer metastasis by decreasing self-renewal properties and invasion regulating protein expressions. Thus, regular exercise may be beneficial in the prevention of breast tumor metastasis.

An overview of extracellular matrix and its remodeling in the development of cancer and metastasis with a glance at therapeutic approaches

The extracellular matrix (ECM) is an inevitable part of tissues able to provide structural support for cells depending on the purpose of tissues and organs. The dynamic characteristics of ECM let this system fluently interact with the extrinsic triggers and get stiffed, remodeled, and/or degraded ending in maintaining tissue homeostasis. ECM could serve as the platform for cancer progression. The dysregulation of biochemical and biomechanical ECM features might take participate in some pathological conditions such as aging, tissue destruction, fibrosis, and particularly cancer. Tumors can reprogram how ECM remodels by producing factors able to induce protein synthesis, matrix proteinase expression, degradation of the basement membrane, growth signals and proliferation, angiogenesis, and metastasis. Therefore, targeting the ECM components, their secretion, and their interactions with other cells or tumors could be a promising strategy in cancer therapies. The present study initially introduces the physiological functions of ECM and then discusses how tumor-dependent dysregulation of ECM could facilitate cancer progression and ends with reviewing the novel therapeutic strategies regarding ECM.

Mmp17-deficient mice exhibit heightened goblet cell effector expression in the colon and increased resistance to chronic Trichuris muris infection

Intestinal epithelial homeostasis is maintained by intrinsic and extrinsic signals. The extrinsic signals include those provided by mesenchymal cell populations that surround intestinal crypts and is further facilitated by the extracellular matrix (ECM), which is modulated by proteases such as matrix metalloproteinases (MMPs). Extrinsic signals ensure an appropriate balance between intestinal epithelial proliferation and differentiation. This study explores the role of MMP17, which is preferentially expressed by smooth muscle cells in the intestine, in intestinal homeostasis and during immunity to infection. Mice lacking MMP17 expressed high levels of goblet-cell associated genes and proteins, such as CLCA1 and RELM-β, which are normally associated with immune responses to infection. Nevertheless, Mmp17 KO mice did not have altered resistance during a bacterial Citrobacter rodentium infection. However, when challenged with a low dose of the helminth Trichuris muris, Mmp17 KO mice had increased resistance, without a clear role for an altered immune response during infection. Mechanistically, we did not find changes in traditional modulators of goblet cell effectors such as the NOTCH pathway or specific cytokines. We found MMP17 expression in smooth muscle cells as well as lamina propria cells such as macrophages. Together, our data suggest that MMP17 extrinsically alters goblet cell maturation which is sufficient to alter clearance in a helminth infection model.

Characterization and verification of MMP family members as potential biomarkers in kidney clear cell renal carcinoma

Renal cell carcinoma can arise from lesions in the renal epithelium. This particular type of cancer is prevalent in the realm of renal cancers and is associated with an unfavorable prognosis. Among these cases, over 70% are classified as kidney renal clear cell carcinoma (KIRC). Since the underlying causes of KIRC haven't been fully understood, there is an urgent need for deeper investigation into its pathogenesis. Various tools, software, and molecular analysis was used, including Search Tool for the Retrieval of Interacting Genes/Proteins (STRING), Cytoscape, University of ALabama at Birmingham CANcer data analysis Portal (UALCAN), muTarget, Gene Expression Profiling Interactive Analysis (GEPIA), OncoDB, Human Protein Atlas (HPA), cBioPortal, Kaplan-Meier (KM) plotter, Gene Set Enrichment Analysis (GSEA), Tumor IMmune Estimation Resource (TIMER), Encyclopedia of RNA Interactomes (ENCORI), DrugBank, Encyclopedia of RNA Interactomes (RT-qPCR), targeted bisulfide sequencing (bisulfide-seq), and receiver operating curve (ROC) to matrix metallopeptidase (MMP) gene family constituents, with the precise objective of identifying a small set of hub genes. These hub genes hold the potential to be harnessed as molecular biomarkers for KIRC. By performing STRING and CytoHubba analyses of the 24 MMP gene family members, MMP2 (matrix metallopeptidase 2), MMP9 (matrix metallopeptidase 9), MMP14 (matrix metallopeptidase 14), and MMP16 (matrix metallopeptidase 16) were recognized as hub genes having highest degree scores. After conducting an in-depth expression analysis of MMP2, MMP9, MMP14, and MMP16 using various The Cancer Genome Atlas (TCGA) databases and RT-qPCR techniques, these displayed a significant increase in expression at both the mRNA and protein levels within KIRC samples when compared to control samples. The impact of the over expression of MMP2, MMP9, MMP14, and MMP16 also left a distinct mark on the worst overall survival (OS) rates of KIRC patients. Furthermore, a targeted bisulfide-seq investigation unveiled a correlation between promoter hypomethylation patterns and the up-regulation of these key genes in KIRC patients. Additionally, hub genes were involved in various diverse oncogenic pathways. In conclusion, four MMP gene family members, including MMP2, MMP9, MMP14, and MMP16 may serve as therapeutic target and molecular biomarker in KIRC.

Retinoic acid alters metalloproteinase action in red deer antler stem cells

Metalloproteinases (MMP)s regulate developmental processes, control angiogenesis and wound healing, participate in the formation of immune receptors, and are expressed in stem cells. Retinoic acid (RA) is a potential modulator of these proteinases. The aim was to determine (1) MMPs' action in antler stem cells (ASCs) before and after differentiation into adipo-, osteo-, and chondrocytes and (2) the effect of RA on modifying MMP action in ASCs. Antler tissue from pedicle was collected approximately 40 days after antler casting, post mortem from healthy breeding five year old males (N = 7). The cells were isolated from the pedicle layer of periosteum after skin separation and cultured. The pluripotency of the ASCs was evaluated by mRNA expression for NANOG, SOX2, and OCT4. ASCs were stimulated with RA (100nM) and differentiated for 14 days. The MMP (1-3) and TIMP(1-3) (tissue inhibitor of MMPs) mRNA expression was determined in the ASCs, their concentrations in the ASCs and the medium after RA stimulation as well as profiles of mRNA expression for MMPs: 1-3 and TIMPs: 1-3 during differentiation of ASC to osteocytes, adipocytes and chondrocytes. RA increased MMP-3 and TIMP-3 mRNA expression and output (P < 0.05) and not influenced on MMP-1 and TIMP-1 mRNA expression and output in ASC (P > 0.05). Depending on differentiation of ASC to osteocytes, adipocytes or chondrocytes, MMPs`and TIMPs`expression profile fluctuates for all studied proteases and its inhibitors. The studies demand continuation considering the role of proteases in stem cells physiology and differentiation. The results may be relevant for the study of cellular processes during the cancerogenesis of tumor stem cells.

A Triazaspirane Derivative Inhibits Migration and Invasion in PC3 Prostate Cancer Cells

Cancer is a serious health problem due to the complexity of establishing an effective treatment. The purpose of this work was to evaluate the activity of a triazaspirane as a migration and invasion inhibitor in PC3 prostatic tumor cells through a possible negative regulation of the FAK/Src signal transduction pathway and decreased secretion of metalloproteinases 2 and 9. Molecular docking analysis was performed using Moe 2008.10 software. Migration (wound-healing assay) and invasion (Boyden chamber assay) assays were performed. In addition, the Western blot technique was used to quantify protein expression, and the zymography technique was used to observe the secretion of metalloproteinases. Molecular docking showed interactions in regions of interest of the FAK and Src proteins. Moreover, the biological activity assays demonstrated an inhibitory effect on cell migration and invasion, an important suppression of metalloproteinase secretion, and a decrease in the expression of p-FAK and p-Src proteins in treated PC3 cells. Triazaspirane-type molecules have important inhibitory effects on the mechanisms associated with metastasis in PC3 tumor cells.

Potential roles and molecular mechanisms of bioactive ingredients in Curcumae Rhizoma against breast cancer

BACKGROUND

Breast cancer is the most prevalent cancer worldwide, with high morbidity and mortality. Despite great advances in the therapeutic strategies, the survival rate in the past decades of patients with breast cancer remains unsatisfactory. Growing evidence has demonstrated that Curcumae Rhizoma, called Ezhu in Chinese, showed various pharmacological properties, including anti-bacterial, anti-oxidant, anti-inflammatory and anti-tumor activities. It has been widely used in Chinese medicine to treat many types of human cancer.

PURPOSE

To comprehensively summarize and analyze the effects of active substances in Curcumae Rhizoma on breast cancer malignant phenotypes and the underlying mechanisms, as well as discuss its medicinal value and future perspectives.

METHOD

We used "Curcumae Rhizoma" or the name of crude extracts and bioactive components in Curcumae Rhizoma in combination with "breast cancer" as key words. Studies focusing on their anti-breast cancer activities and mechanisms of action were extracted from Pubmed, Web of Science and CNKI databases up to October 2022. The Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic reviews and Meta-Analyses (PRISMA) 2020 guideline was followed.

RESULTS

Crude extracts and 7 main bioactive phytochemicals (curcumol, β-elemene, furanodiene, furanodienone, germacrone, curdione and curcumin) isolated from Curcumae Rhizoma have shown many anti-breast cancer pharmacological properties, including inhibiting cell proliferation, migration, invasion and stemness, reversing chemoresistance, and inducing cell apoptosis, cycle arrest and ferroptosis. The mechanisms of action were involved in regulating MAPK, PI3K/AKT and NF-κB signaling pathways. In vivo and clinical studies demonstrated that these compounds exhibited high anti-tumor efficacy and safety against breast cancer.

CONCLUSION

These findings provide strong evidence that Curcumae Rhizoma acts as a rich source of phytochemicals and has robust anti-breast cancer properties.

Mycochemicals against Cancer Stem Cells

Since ancient times, mushrooms have been considered valuable allies of human well-being both from a dietary and medicinal point of view. Their essential role in several traditional medicines is explained today by the discovery of the plethora of biomolecules that have shown proven efficacy for treating various diseases, including cancer. Numerous studies have already been conducted to explore the antitumoural properties of mushroom extracts against cancer. Still, very few have reported the anticancer properties of mushroom polysaccharides and mycochemicals against the specific population of cancer stem cells (CSCs). In this context, β-glucans are relevant in modulating immunological surveillance against this subpopulation of cancer cells within tumours. Small molecules, less studied despite their spread and assortment, could exhibit the same importance. In this review, we discuss several pieces of evidence of the association between β-glucans and small mycochemicals in modulating biological mechanisms which are proven to be involved with CSCs development. Experimental evidence and an in silico approach are evaluated with the hope of contributing to future strategies aimed at the direct study of the action of these mycochemicals on this subpopulation of cancer cells.

Vascular adaptation to cancer beyond angiogenesis: The role of PTEN

Cancer is a public health problem, and it needs blood vessels to grow. Knowing more about the processes of vascular adaptation to cancer improves our chances of attacking it, since the tumor for its extension needs such adaptation to satisfy its progressive demand for nutrients. The main objective of this review is to present the reader with some fundamental molecular pathways for vascular adaptation to cancer, highlighting within them the regulatory role of homologous tensin and phosphatase protein (PTEN). Hence the review describes vascular adaptation to cancer through somewhat known processes, such as angiogenesis, but emphasizes others that are much less explored, namely the changes in vascular reactivity and remodeling of the vascular wall -intima-media thickness and adjustments in the extracellular matrix- The role of PTEN in physiological and pathological vascular mechanisms in different types of cancer is deepened, as a crucial mediator in vascular adaptation to cancer, and points pending further exploration in cancer vascularization are suggested.

The Extracellular Matrix: Its Composition, Function, Remodeling, and Role in Tumorigenesis

The extracellular matrix (ECM) is a ubiquitous member of the body and is key to the maintenance of tissue and organ integrity. Initially thought to be a bystander in many cellular processes, the extracellular matrix has been shown to have diverse components that regulate and activate many cellular processes and ultimately influence cell phenotype. Importantly, the ECM's composition, architecture, and stiffness/elasticity influence cellular phenotypes. Under normal conditions and during development, the synthesized ECM constantly undergoes degradation and remodeling processes via the action of matrix proteases that maintain tissue homeostasis. In many pathological conditions including fibrosis and cancer, ECM synthesis, remodeling, and degradation is dysregulated, causing its integrity to be altered. Both physical and chemical cues from the ECM are sensed via receptors including integrins and play key roles in driving cellular proliferation and differentiation and in the progression of various diseases such as cancers. Advances in 'omics' technologies have seen an increase in studies focusing on bidirectional cell-matrix interactions, and here, we highlight the emerging knowledge on the role played by the ECM during normal development and in pathological conditions. This review summarizes current ECM-targeted therapies that can modify ECM tumors to overcome drug resistance and better cancer treatment.

Matrix Metallopeptidase-Gene Signature Predicts Stage I Lung Adenocarcinoma Survival Outcomes

Tumor recurrence poses a significant challenge to the clinical management of stage I lung adenocarcinoma after curative surgical resection. Matrix metalloproteinases (MMPs) increase expression and correlate with recurrence and metastasis in surgically resected non-small cell lung cancer. However, the impact of MMPs on survival outcome varies, and their roles in patients with stage I lung adenocarcinoma remain unclear. In two discovery cohorts, we first analyzed 226 stage I-II lung adenocarcinoma cases in the GSE31210 cohort using a clustering-based method and identified a 150-gene MMP cluster with increased expression in tumors associated with worse survival outcomes. A similar analysis was performed on 517 lung adenocarcinoma cases in the Cancer Genome Atlas cohort. A 185-gene MMP cluster was identified, which also showed increased expression in tumors and correlated with poor survival outcomes. We further streamlined from the discovery cohorts a 36-gene MMP signature significantly associated with recurrence and worse overall survival in patients with stage I lung adenocarcinoma after surgical resection. After adjusting for covariates, the high MMP-gene signature expression remained an independent risk factor. In addition, the MMP-gene signature showed enrichment in epidermal growth factor receptor wild-type lung tumors, especially for those with Kirsten rat sarcoma virus mutations. Using an independent validation cohort, we further validated the MMP-gene signature in 70 stage I lung adenocarcinoma cases. In conclusion, MMP-gene signature is a potential predictive and prognostic biomarker to stratify patients with stage I lung adenocarcinoma into subgroups based on their risk of recurrence for aiding physicians in deciding the personalized adjuvant therapeutics.

METTLing in Stem Cell and Cancer Biology

The methyltransferase-like (METTL) family is a diverse group of methyltransferases that can methylate nucleotides, proteins, and small molecules. Despite this diverse array of substrates, they all share a characteristic seven-beta-strand catalytic domain, and recent evidence suggests many also share an important role in stem cell biology. The most well characterized family members METTL3 and METTL14 dimerize to form an N6-methyladenosine (m6A) RNA methyltransferase with established roles in cancer progression. However, new mouse models indicate that METTL3/METTL14 are also important for embryonic stem cell (ESC) development and postnatal hematopoietic and neural stem cell self-renewal and differentiation. METTL1, METTL5, METTL6, METTL8, and METTL17 also have recently identified roles in ESC pluripotency and differentiation, while METTL11A/11B, METTL4, METTL7A, and METTL22 have been shown to play roles in neural, mesenchymal, bone, and hematopoietic stem cell development, respectively. Additionally, a variety of other METTL family members are translational regulators, a role that could place them as important players in the transition from stem cell quiescence to differentiation. Here we will summarize what is known about the role of METTL proteins in stem cell differentiation and highlight the connection between their growing importance in development and their established roles in oncogenesis.

Transcriptomic mapping of the metzincin landscape in human trophoblasts

The metzincin family of metalloproteases coordinates tissue developmental processes through regulation of growth factor availability, receptor signaling, and cell-cell/cell-matrix adhesion. While roles for select metzincins in controlling trophoblast functions in human placental development have been described, a comprehensive understanding of metzincin dynamics during trophoblast differentiation is lacking. To address this knowledge gap, single cell transcriptomic datasets derived from first trimester chorionic villi and decidua were used to decipher metzincin expression profiles and kinetics in diverse cell types within the utero-placental interface. Further, specific protease-substrate interactions within progenitor trophoblasts were examined to better define the progenitor niche. Within the uterine-placental compartment, 43 metzincin proteases were expressed across 15 cell-type clusters. Metzincin subgroups expressed in placental trophoblasts, placental mesenchymal cells, uterine stromal, and immune cells included multiple matrix metalloproteases (MMPs), a disintegrin and metalloproteases (ADAMs), a disintegrin and metalloproteases with thrombospondin repeats (ADAMTSs), pappalysins, and astacins. Within the trophoblast compartment, eight distinct trophoblasts states were identified: four cytotrophoblast (CTB), one syncytiotrophoblast precursor (SCTp), two column CTB (cCTB), and one extravillous trophoblast (EVT). Within these states 7 MMP, 8 ADAM, 4 ADAMTS, 2 pappalysin, and 3 astacin proteases were expressed. Cell trajectory modeling shows that expression of most (19/24) metzincins increase during EVT differentiation, though expression of select metalloproteases increase along the villous pathway. Eleven metzincins (ADAM10, -17, MMP14, -15, -19, -23B, ADAMTS1, -6, -19, TLL-1, -2) showed enrichment within CTB progenitors, and analysis of metzincin-substrate interactions identified ∼150 substrates and binding partners, including FBN2 as an ADAMTS6-specific substrate. Together, this work characterizes the metzincin landscape in human first trimester trophoblasts and establishes insight into the roles specific proteases perform within distinct trophoblast niches and across trophoblast differentiation. This resource serves as a guide for future investigations into the roles of metzincin proteases in human placental development.

Insights Into the Role of Matrix Metalloproteinases in Cancer and its Various Therapeutic Aspects: A Review

Matrix metalloproteinases (MMPs) are zinc-dependent endopeptidases that regulate the turnover of extracellular matrix (ECM) components. Gross and La Piere discovered MMPs in 1962 during an experiment on tissue samples from a tadpole’s tail. Several subtypes of MMPs have been identified, depending on their substrate specificity and localization. MMPs are involved as essential molecules in multiple and diverse physiological processes, such as reproduction, embryonic development, bone remodeling, tissue repair, and regulation of inflammatory processes. Its activity is controlled at various levels such as at transcription level, pro-peptide activation level and by the activity of a family of tissue inhibitors of metalloproteinase, endogenous inhibitors of MMPs. Cancer metastasis, which is the spread of a tumor to a distant site, is a complex process that is responsible for the majority of cancer-related death It is considered to be an indicator of cancer metastasis. During metastasis, the tumor cells have to invade the blood vessel and degrade the ECM to make a path to new loci in distant places. The degradation of blood vessels and ECM is mediated through the activity of MMPs. Hence, the MMP activity is critical to determining the metastatic potential of a cancer cell. Evasion of apoptosis is one of the hallmarks of cancer that are found to be correlated with the expression of MMPs. As a result, given the importance of MMPs in cancer, we describe the role of these multifunctional enzymes MMPs in various aspects of cancer formation and their rising possibilities as a novel therapeutic target in this review. There is also a brief discussion of various types of therapeutic components and drugs that function against MMPs.

Matrix Metalloproteinases and Stress Hormones in Lung Cancer Progression

Several matrix metalloproteinases (MMPs) and psychological stress are associated with poor cancer prognosis. The current work goal was to determine MMPs' and stress hormones' blood concentrations from lung adenocarcinoma (LAC) patients. Patients were divided into the following groups: tobacco smokers (TS), wood smoke-exposed (W), passive smokers (PS), TS exposed to wood smoke (TW), and patients with no recognizable risk factor (N). MMPs, tissue inhibitors of metalloproteinases (TIMPs), adrenaline, noradrenaline, and cortisol blood concentrations were measured by ELISA. Zymography and Western blot assays were performed to determine MMP-2 and MMP-9 active and latent forms. MMP-2, MMP-3, MMP-9, and TIMP-1 blood concentrations, and MMP-9 gelatinase activity were augmented, while MMP-12, MMP-14, and TIMP-2 were diminished in LAC patients. Cortisol was increased in LAC samples. Adrenaline concentrations were higher in W, TS, and TW, and noradrenaline was increased in W and N groups. Positive correlations were observed among cortisol and TIMP-1 (r_s = 0.392) and TIMP-2 (r_s = 0.409) in the W group and between noradrenaline and MMP-2 (r_s = 0.391) in the N group. MMPs' blood concentration increments can be considered as lung cancer progression markers. Although stress hormones were also augmented, only weak correlations were observed between them and MMPs and TIMPs.

Topical Treatment of Actinic Keratosis and Metalloproteinase Expression: A Clinico-Pathological Retrospective Study

Actinic keratosis is an intraepithelial proliferation of atypical keratinocytes that could progress into invasive squamous cell carcinoma. Most evidence suggests an important role of the dermal matrix metalloproteinases in the progression of atypical skin epithelial lesions. We evaluated the clinical efficacy of three different therapeutic modalities (a medical device containing 0.8% piroxicam cream and 50+ sunscreen, photodynamic therapy, and ingenol mebutate gel) to treat suspicious actinic keratoses, which were biopsied for histopathological examination and then analyzed for the expression of matrix metalloproteinases by immunohistochemistry. Clinical, dermoscopic, and reflectance confocal microscopy evaluations revealed a gradual decrease in all standard scores validated for actinic keratosis assessment at the end of the treatments. From a histopathological point of view, we documented the substantial restoration of normal skin architecture, while the immunohistochemical evaluation of matrix metalloproteinases showed a reduction in expression in the treated skin lesions compared to the baseline. As actinic keratoses are considered the precursors of squamous cell carcinoma, their treatment is crucial to prevent the development of a more aggressive disease. Our study monitored the evolution of actinic keratoses subjected to three different topical therapies, with the value of correlating clinical and histopathological findings. Moreover, as the matrix metalloproteinases are largely recognized factors involved in the pathogenesis and evolution of actinic keratosis to squamous cell carcinoma, the demonstration by immunohistochemistry of a reduction in their expression after the treatments adds new valuable concern to the field.

Downregulation of Fat Mass and Obesity-Related Protein in the Anterior Cingulate Cortex Participates in Anxiety- and Depression-Like Behaviors Induced by Neuropathic Pain

N6-methyladenosine (m⁶A) is the most abundant methylation modification on mRNA in mammals. Fat mass and obesity-related protein (FTO) is the main RNA m⁶A demethylase. FTO is involved in the occurrence and maintenance of neuropathic pain (NP). NP often induces mental disorders. We found that NP downregulated the expression of FTO in the anterior cingulate cortex (ACC), inhibited the expression of matrix metalloproteinase-9 (MMP-9) in the ACC, maladjusted the brain-derived neurotrophic factor precursor (proBDNF) and mature brain-derived neurotrophic factor (mBDNF) levels in the ACC, and induced anxiety- and depression-like behaviors in mice. Blocking the downregulation of FTO in the ACC induced by peripheral nerve injury could reverse the anxiety- and depression-like behaviors of mice. Contrarily, downregulation of simulated FTO induced anxiety- and depression-like behaviors in mice. After peripheral nerve injury, the binding of FTO to MMP-9 mRNA decreased and the enrichment of m⁶A on MMP-9 mRNA increased. In conclusion, downregulation of FTO in ACC by regulating MMP-9 mRNA methylation level contributes to the occurrence of anxiety- and depression-like behaviors in NP mice.

Matrix Effectors in the Pathogenesis of Keratinocyte-Derived Carcinomas

Basal cell carcinoma (BCC) and cutaneous squamous cell carcinoma (cSCC), referred to as keratinocyte carcinomas, are skin cancer with the highest incidence. BCCs, rarely metastasize; whereas, though generally not characterized by high lethality, approximately 2–4% of primary cSCCs metastasize with patients exhibiting poor prognosis. The extracellular matrix (ECM) serves as a scaffold that provides structural and biological support to cells in all human tissues. The main components of the ECM, including fibrillar proteins, proteoglycans (PGs), glycosaminoglycans (GAGs), and adhesion proteins such as fibronectin, are secreted by the cells in a tissue-specific manner, critical for the proper function of each organ. The skin compartmentalization to the epidermis and dermis compartments is based on a basement membrane (BM), a highly specialized network of ECM proteins that separate and unify the two compartments. The stiffness and assembly of BM and tensile forces affect tumor progenitors' invasion at the stratified epithelium's stromal border. Likewise, the mechanical properties of the stroma, e.g., stiffness, are directly correlated to the pathogenesis of the keratinocyte carcinomas. Since the ECM is a pool for various growth factors, cytokines, and chemokines, its' intense remodeling in the aberrant cancer tissue milieu affects biological functions, such as angiogenesis, adhesion, proliferation, or cell motility by regulating specific signaling pathways. This review discusses the structural and functional modulations of the keratinocyte carcinoma microenvironment. Furthermore, we debate how ECM remodeling affects the pathogenesis of these skin cancers.

PTEN in cancer associated fibroblasts

Decades of research have concluded that disruptions to Phosphatase and tensin homolog deleted on chromosome 10 (PTEN) have profound effects on cancer progression. However, as our understanding of the tumor stroma has evolved, we can appreciate that disruptions to tumor suppressors such as PTEN should not be studied solely in an epithelial context. Inactivation of PTEN in the stroma is associated with worse outcomes in human cancers, therefore, it is important to understand activities regulated downstream of PTEN in stromal compartments. Studies reviewed herein provide evidence for important mechanistic targets downstream of PTEN signaling in cancer-associated fibroblasts (CAFs), a major component of the tumor stroma. We also discuss the potential clinical implications for these findings.

The Impact of Obesity, Adipose Tissue, and Tumor Microenvironment on Macrophage Polarization and Metastasis

Simple Summary

The inflammatory adipose microenvironment in obesity plays a crucial role in cancer development and metastases. By focusing on adipocytes and macrophages, as well as the extracellular matrix, the cellular and molecular mechanisms that link inflammation, obesity, and cancer will be addressed by this review. After describing the tumor microenvironment and extracellular matrix, the influence of M1, M2, and tumor-associated macrophages will be explored through their origin, classification, polarization, and regulatory networks, including their potential role in angiogenesis, invasion, metastasis, and immunosuppression, with a specific focus on the roles of adipocytes in this process.

Abstract

Tumor metastasis is a major cause of death in cancer patients. It involves not only the intrinsic alterations within tumor cells, but also crosstalk between these cells and components of the tumor microenvironment (TME). Tumorigenesis is a complex and dynamic process, involving the following three main stages: initiation, progression, and metastasis. The transition between these stages depends on the changes within the extracellular matrix (ECM), in which tumor and stromal cells reside. This matrix, under the effect of growth factors, cytokines, and adipokines, can be morphologically altered, degraded, or reorganized. Many cancers evolve to form an immunosuppressive TME locally and create a pre-metastatic niche in other tissue sites. TME and pre-metastatic niches include myofibroblasts, immuno-inflammatory cells (macrophages), adipocytes, blood, and lymphatic vascular networks. Several studies have highlighted the adipocyte-macrophage interaction as a key driver of cancer progression and dissemination. The following two main classes of macrophages are distinguished: M1 (pro-inflammatory/anti-tumor) and M2 (anti-inflammatory/pro-tumor). These cells exhibit distinct microenvironment-dependent phenotypes that can promote or inhibit metastasis. On the other hand, obesity in cancer patients has been linked to a poor prognosis. In this regard, tumor-associated adipocytes modulate TME through the secretion of inflammatory mediators, which modulate and recruit tumor-associated macrophages (TAM). Hereby, this review describes the cellular and molecular mechanisms that link inflammation, obesity, and cancer. It provides a comprehensive overview of adipocytes and macrophages in the ECM as they control cancer initiation, progression, and invasion. In addition, it addresses the mechanisms of tumor anchoring and recruitment for M1, M2, and TAM macrophages, specifically highlighting their origin, classification, polarization, and regulatory networks, as well as their roles in the regulation of angiogenesis, invasion, metastasis, and immunosuppression, specifically highlighting the role of adipocytes in this process.

Gene Ontology Groups and Signaling Pathways Regulating the Process of Avian Satellite Cell Differentiation

Modern science is becoming increasingly committed to environmentally friendly solutions, mitigating the impact of the developing human civilisation on the environment. One of the leading fields aimed at sustainable agriculture is in vitro meat production. Cellular agriculture aims to provide a source of animal-free meat products, which would decrease worldwide nutritional dependency on animal husbandry, thereby reducing the significant impact of this industry on Earth’s climate. However, while some studies successfully produced lab-based meat on a small scale, scalability of this approach requires significant optimisation of the methodology in order to ensure its viability on an industrial scale. One of the methodological promises of in vitro meat production is the application of cell suspension-based bioreactors. Hence, this study focused on a complex transcriptomic comparison of adherent undifferentiated, differentiated and suspension-cultured myosatellite cells, aiming to determine the effects of different culture methods on their transcriptome. Modern next-generation sequencing (RNAseq) was used to determine the levels of transcripts in the cultures’ cell samples. Then, differential expression and pathway analyses were performed using bionformatical methods. The significantly regulated pathways included: EIF2, mTOR, GP6, integrin and HIFα signalling. Differential regulation of gene expression, as well as significant enrichment and modulation of pathway activity, suggest that suspension culture potentially promotes the ex vivo-associated loss of physiological characteristics and gain of plasticity. Therefore, it seems that suspension cultures, often considered the desired method for in vitro meat production, require further investigation to fully elucidate their effect on myosatellite cells and, therefore, possibly enable their easier scalability to ensure suitability for industrial application.

Matrix Metalloproteinases Shape the Tumor Microenvironment in Cancer Progression

Cancer progression with uncontrolled tumor growth, local invasion, and metastasis depends largely on the proteolytic activity of numerous matrix metalloproteinases (MMPs), which affect tissue integrity, immune cell recruitment, and tissue turnover by degrading extracellular matrix (ECM) components and by releasing matrikines, cell surface-bound cytokines, growth factors, or their receptors. Among the MMPs, MMP-14 is the driving force behind extracellular matrix and tissue destruction during cancer invasion and metastasis. MMP-14 also influences both intercellular as well as cell-matrix communication by regulating the activity of many plasma membrane-anchored and extracellular proteins. Cancer cells and other cells of the tumor stroma, embedded in a common extracellular matrix, interact with their matrix by means of various adhesive structures, of which particularly invadopodia are capable to remodel the matrix through spatially and temporally finely tuned proteolysis. As a deeper understanding of the underlying functional mechanisms is beneficial for the development of new prognostic and predictive markers and for targeted therapies, this review examined the current knowledge of the interplay of the various MMPs in the cancer context on the protein, subcellular, and cellular level with a focus on MMP14.

Smooth muscle-specific MMP17 (MT4-MMP) regulates the intestinal stem cell niche and regeneration after damage

Smooth muscle is an essential component of the intestine, both to maintain its structure and produce peristaltic and segmentation movements. However, very little is known about other putative roles that smooth muscle cells may have. Here, we show that smooth muscle cells may be the dominant suppliers of BMP antagonists, which are niche factors essential for intestinal stem cell maintenance. Furthermore, muscle-derived factors render epithelium reparative and fetal-like, which includes heightened YAP activity. Mechanistically, we find that the membrane-bound matrix metalloproteinase MMP17, which is exclusively expressed by smooth muscle cells, is required for intestinal epithelial repair after inflammation- or irradiation-induced injury. Furthermore, we propose that MMP17 affects intestinal epithelial reprogramming after damage indirectly by cleaving diffusible factor(s) such as the matricellular protein PERIOSTIN. Together, we identify an important signaling axis that establishes a role for smooth muscle cells as modulators of intestinal epithelial regeneration and the intestinal stem cell niche.

MiR-873-5p: A Potential Molecular Marker for Cancer Diagnosis and Prognosis

miR-873 is a microRNA located on chromosome 9p21.1. miR-873-5p and miR-873-3p are the two main members of the miR-873 family. Most studies focus on miR-873-5p, and there are a few studies on miR-873-3p. The expression level of miR-873-5p was down-regulated in 14 cancers and up-regulated in 4 cancers. miR-873-5p has many targeted genes, which have unique molecular functions such as catalytic activity, transcription regulation, and binding. miR-873-5p affects cancer development through the PIK3/AKT/mTOR, Wnt/β-Catenin, NF-κβ, and MEK/ERK signaling pathways. In addition, the target genes of miR-873-5p are closely related to the proliferation, apoptosis, migration, invasion, cell cycle, cell stemness, and glycolysis of cancer cells. The target genes of miR-873-5p are also related to the efficacy of several anti-cancer drugs. Currently, in cancer, the expression of miR-873-5p is regulated by a variety of epigenetic factors. This review summarizes the role and mechanism of miR-873-5p in human tumors shows the potential value of miR-873-5p as a molecular marker for cancer diagnosis and prognosis.

Sporadic cell death in macroscale 3D tumor grafts with high drug resistance by activating cell-ECM interactions

In the tumor microenvironment (TME), the extracellular matrix (ECM) provides a dynamic structure for cell adhesion and cancer cell motility, such as migration and invasion, as well as remodeling. Matrix metalloproteinases (MMPs) promote cancer cell motility, which contributes to inducing drug resistance and thereby acquiring aggressive features. The drug resistance-induced 3Din vitrotumor model can be an effective model for therapeutic strategies for anticancer drugs targeting aggressive cancer cells. Here, we describe highly drug-resistant multicellular tumoroids (MCTs)-ECM tumor grafts under a macroscale dense 3Din vitromodel through a combination of numerous MCTs and a collagen matrix. MCTs-ECM tumor grafts promote the high activity of MMP2 and MMP9 compared to general MCTs and induced cancer cell motility. Then, after the administration of anticancer drugs, the tumor grafts show increased drug resistance, with both the sporadic distribution of necrotic cells and the reduction of apoptotic portions, by activating cancer cell motility. MCTs-ECM tumor graft could be useful as a macroscale tumor graft model for inducing drug resistance by activating cancer cell motility and evaluating the efficacy of anticancer drugs targeting cancer with aggressive features.

3D Cancer Models: Depicting Cellular Crosstalk within the Tumour Microenvironment

The tumour microenvironment plays a critical role in tumour progression and drug resistance processes. Non-malignant cell players, such as fibroblasts, endothelial cells, immune cells and others, interact with each other and with the tumour cells, shaping the disease. Though the role of each cell type and cell communication mechanisms have been progressively studied, the complexity of this cellular network and its role in disease mechanism and therapeutic response are still being unveiled. Animal models have been mainly used, as they can represent systemic interactions and conditions, though they face recognized limitations in translational potential due to interspecies differences. In vitro 3D cancer models can surpass these limitations, by incorporating human cells, including patient-derived ones, and allowing a range of experimental designs with precise control of each tumour microenvironment element. We summarize the role of each tumour microenvironment component and review studies proposing 3D co-culture strategies of tumour cells and non-malignant cell components. Moreover, we discuss the potential of these modelling approaches to uncover potential therapeutic targets in the tumour microenvironment and assess therapeutic efficacy, current bottlenecks and perspectives.

The senescence-associated secretory phenotype: Fueling a wound that never heals

Wound healing is impaired with advanced age and certain chronic conditions, such as diabetes and obesity. Moreover, common cancer treatments, including chemotherapy and radiation, can cause unintended tissue damage and impair wound healing. Available wound care treatments are not always effective, as some wounds fail to heal or recur after treatment. Hence, a more thorough understanding of the pathophysiology of chronic, nonhealing wounds may offer new ideas for the development of effective wound care treatments. Cancers are sometimes referred to as wounds that never heal, sharing mechanisms similar to wound healing. We describe in this review how cellular senescence and the senescence-associated secretory phenotype (SASP) contribute to chronic wounds versus cancer.

Proteases Regulate Cancer Stem Cell Properties and Remodel Their Microenvironment

Proteolytic activity is perturbed in tumors and their microenvironment, and proteases also affect cancer stem cells (CSCs). CSCs are the therapy-resistant subpopulation of cancer cells with tumor-initiating capacity that reside in specialized tumor microenvironment niches. In this review, we briefly summarize the significance of proteases in regulating CSC activities with a focus on brain tumor glioblastoma. A plethora of proteases and their inhibitors participate in CSC invasiveness and affect intercellular interactions, enhancing CSC immune, irradiation, and chemotherapy resilience. Apart from their role in degrading the extracellular matrix enabling CSC migration in and out of their niches, we review the ability of proteases to modulate CSC properties, which prevents their elimination. When designing protease-oriented therapies, the multifaceted roles of proteases should be thoroughly investigated.

Inhibition of bacterial and human zinc-metalloproteases by bisphosphonate- and catechol-containing compounds

Compounds containg catechol or bisphosphonate were tested as inhibitors of the zinc metalloproteases, thermolysin (TLN), pseudolysin (PLN) and aureolysin (ALN) which are bacterial virulence factors, and the human matrix metalloproteases MMP-9 and -14. Inhibition of virulence is a putative strategy in the development of antibacterial drugs, but the inhibitors should not interfere with human enzymes. Docking indicated that the inhibitors bound MMP-9 and MMP-14 with the phenyl, biphenyl, chlorophenyl, nitrophenyl or methoxyphenyl ringsystem in the S₁'-subpocket, while these ringsystems entered the S₂'- or S₁ -subpockets or a region involving amino acids in the S₁'- and S₂'-subpockets of the bacterial enzymes. An arginine conserved among the bacterial enzymes seemed to hinder entrance deeply into the S₁'-subpocket. Only the bisphosphonate containing compound RC2 bound stronger to PLN and TLN than to MMP-9 and MMP-14. Docking indicated that the reason was that the conserved arginine (R203 in TLN and R198 in PLN) interacts with phosphate groups of RC2.

ECM Remodeling in Squamous Cell Carcinoma of the Aerodigestive Tract: Pathways for Cancer Dissemination and Emerging Biomarkers

Squamous cell carcinomas (SCC) include a number of different types of tumors developing in the skin, in hollow organs, as well as the upper aerodigestive tract (UADT) including the head and neck region and the esophagus which will be dealt with in this review. These tumors are often refractory to current therapeutic approaches with poor patient outcome. The most important prognostic determinant of SCC tumors is the presence of distant metastasis, significantly correlating with low patient survival rates. Rapidly emerging evidence indicate that the extracellular matrix (ECM) composition and remodeling profoundly affect SSC metastatic dissemination. In this review, we will summarize the current knowledge on the role of ECM and its remodeling enzymes in affecting the growth and dissemination of UADT SCC. Taken together, these published evidence suggest that a thorough analysis of the ECM composition in the UADT SCC microenvironment may help disclosing the mechanism of resistance to the treatments and help defining possible targets for clinical intervention.

ECM Remodeling in Squamous Cell Carcinoma of the Aerodigestive Tract: Pathways for Cancer Dissemination and Emerging Biomarkers

Simple Summary

Local and distant metastasis of patients affected by squamous cell carcinoma of the upper aerodigestive tract predicts poor prognosis. In the latest years, the introduction of new therapeutic approaches, including targeted and immune therapies, has improved the overall survival. However, a large number of these patients do not benefit from these treatments. Thus, the identification of suitable prognostic and predictive biomarkers, as well as the discovery of new therapeutic targets have emerged as a crucial clinical need. In this context, the extracellular matrix represents a suitable target for the development of such therapeutic tools. In fact, the extracellular matrix is composed by complex molecules able to interact with a plethora of receptors and growth factors, thus modulating the dynamic crosstalk between cancer cells and the tumor microenvironment. In this review, we summarize the current knowledge of the role of the extracellular matrix in affecting squamous cell carcinoma growth and dissemination. Despite extracellular matrix is known to affect the development of many cancer types, only a restricted number of these molecules have been recognized to impact on squamous cell carcinoma progression. Thus, we consider that a thorough analysis of these molecules may be key to develop new potential therapeutic targets/biomarkers.

Abstract

Squamous cell carcinomas (SCC) include a number of different types of tumors developing in the skin, in hollow organs, as well as the upper aerodigestive tract (UADT) including the head and neck region and the esophagus which will be dealt with in this review. These tumors are often refractory to current therapeutic approaches with poor patient outcome. The most important prognostic determinant of SCC tumors is the presence of distant metastasis, significantly correlating with low patient survival rates. Rapidly emerging evidence indicate that the extracellular matrix (ECM) composition and remodeling profoundly affect SSC metastatic dissemination. In this review, we will summarize the current knowledge on the role of ECM and its remodeling enzymes in affecting the growth and dissemination of UADT SCC. Taken together, these published evidence suggest that a thorough analysis of the ECM composition in the UADT SCC microenvironment may help disclosing the mechanism of resistance to the treatments and help defining possible targets for clinical intervention.

Expression of Drosophila Matrix Metalloproteinases in Cultured Cell Lines Alters Neural and Glial Cell Morphology

Matrix metalloproteinases (MMPs) are zinc- and calcium- dependent endopeptidases that play pivotal roles in many biological processes. The expression of several MMPs in the central nervous system (CNS) have been shown to change in response to injury and various neurological/neurodegenerative disorders. While extracellular MMPs degrade the extracellular matrix (ECM) and regulate cell surface receptor signaling, the intracellular functions of MMPs or their roles in CNS disorders is unclear. Around 23 different MMPs are found in the human genome with overlapping function, making analysis of the intracellular role of human MMPs a daunting task. However, the fruit fly Drosophila melanogaster genome encodes only two MMPs: dMMP1 and dMMP2. To better understand the intracellular role of MMPs in the CNS, we expressed Green Fluorescent Protein (GFP)- tagged dMMPs in SH-SY5Y neuroblastoma cells and C6 glioblastoma cell lines. Lipofection of GFP-dMMPs in SH-SY5Y cells enhanced nuclear rupture and reduced cell viability (coupled with increased apoptosis) as compared to GFP alone. In non-liposomal transfection experiments, dMMP1 localizes to both the cytoplasm and the nucleus whereas dMMP2 had predominantly cytoplasmic localization in both neural and glial cell lines. Cytoplasmic localization demonstrated co-localization of dMMPs with cytoskeleton proteins which suggests a possible role of dMMPs in cell morphology. This was further supported by transient dMMP expression experiments that showed that dMMPs significantly increased neurite formation and length in neuronal cell lines. Inhibition of endogenous MMPs decreased neurite formation, length and βIII Tubulin protein levels in differentiated SH-SY5Y cells. Further, transient expression experiments showed similar changes in glial cell morphology, wherein dMMP expression increased glial process formation and process length. Interestingly, C6 cells expressing dMMPs had a glia-like appearance, suggesting MMPs may be involved in intracellular glial differentiation. Inhibition or suppression of endogenous MMPs in C6 cells increased process formation, increased process length, modulated GFAP protein expression, and induced distinct glial-like phenotypes. Taken together, our results strongly support the intracellular role that dMMPs can play in apoptosis, cytoskeleton remodeling, and cell differentiation. Our studies further reinforce the use of Drosophila MMPs to dissect out the precise mechanisms whereby they exert their intracellular roles in CNS disorders.

Inflammatory Regulation by TNF-α-Activated Adipose-Derived Stem Cells in the Human Bladder Cancer Microenvironment

Mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs), such as adipose-derived stem cells (ADSCs), have the most impressive ability to reduce inflammation through paracrine growth factors and cytokines that participate in inflammation. Tumor necrosis factor (TNF)-α bioactivity is a prerequisite in several inflammatory and autoimmune disease models. This study investigated the effects of TNF-α stimulate on ADSCs in the tumor microenvironment. The RNAseq analysis and cytokines assay demonstrated that TNF-α stimulated ADSCs proliferation and pro-inflammatory genes that correlated to leukocytes differentiation were upregulated. We found that upregulation of TLR2 or PTGS2 toward to IRF7 gene-associated with immunomodulatory and antitumor pathway under TNF-α treatment. In TNF-α-treated ADSCs cultured with the bladder cancer (BC) cell medium, the results showed that apoptosis ratio and OCT-4 and TLR2 genes which maintained the self-renewal ability of stem cells were decreased. Furthermore, the cell survival regulation genes including TRAF1, NF-kB, and IRF7 were upregulated in TNF-α-treated ADSCs. Additionally, these genes have not been upregulated in BC cell medium. A parallel study showed that tumor progressing genes were downregulated in TNF-α-treated ADSCs. Hence, the study suggests that TNF-α enhances the immunomodulatory potential of ADSCs during tumorigenesis and provides insight into highly efficacious MSC-based therapeutic options for BC.

The matrix in cancer

The extracellular matrix is a fundamental, core component of all tissues and organs, and is essential for the existence of multicellular organisms. From the earliest stages of organism development until death, it regulates and fine-tunes every cellular process in the body. In cancer, the extracellular matrix is altered at the biochemical, biomechanical, architectural and topographical levels, and recent years have seen an exponential increase in the study and recognition of the importance of the matrix in solid tumours. Coupled with the advancement of new technologies to study various elements of the matrix and cell-matrix interactions, we are also beginning to see the deployment of matrix-centric, stromal targeting cancer therapies. This Review touches on many of the facets of matrix biology in solid cancers, including breast, pancreatic and lung cancer, with the aim of highlighting some of the emerging interactions of the matrix and influences that the matrix has on tumour onset, progression and metastatic dissemination, before summarizing the ongoing work in the field aimed at developing therapies to co-target the matrix in cancer and cancer metastasis.

The Tumor Proteolytic Landscape: A Challenging Frontier in Cancer Diagnosis and Therapy

In recent decades, dysregulation of proteases and atypical proteolysis have become increasingly recognized as important hallmarks of cancer, driving community-wide efforts to explore the proteolytic landscape of oncologic disease. With more than 100 proteases currently associated with different aspects of cancer development and progression, there is a clear impetus to harness their potential in the context of oncology. Advances in the protease field have yielded technologies enabling sensitive protease detection in various settings, paving the way towards diagnostic profiling of disease-related protease activity patterns. Methods including activity-based probes and substrates, antibodies, and various nanosystems that generate reporter signals, i.e., for PET or MRI, after interaction with the target protease have shown potential for clinical translation. Nevertheless, these technologies are costly, not easily multiplexed, and require advanced imaging technologies. While the current clinical applications of protease-responsive technologies in oncologic settings are still limited, emerging technologies and protease sensors are poised to enable comprehensive exploration of the tumor proteolytic landscape as a diagnostic and therapeutic frontier. This review aims to give an overview of the most relevant classes of proteases as indicators for tumor diagnosis, current approaches to detect and monitor their activity in vivo, and associated therapeutic applications.

GBP5 drives malignancy of glioblastoma via the Src/ERK1/2/MMP3 pathway

Guanylate binding proteins (GBPs), a family of interferon-inducible large GTPase, play a pivotal role in cell-autonomous immunity and tumor malignant transformation. Glioblastoma (GBM) is the most prevalent and lethal primary brain tumor in adults. Here we show that GBP5 was highly expressed in GBM cell lines and in clinical samples, especially in the mesenchymal subtype. The expression levels of GBP5 were negatively correlated with the prognosis of GBM patients. Overexpression of GBP5 promoted the proliferation, migration, and invasion of GBM cells in vitro and in vivo. In contrast, silencing GBP5 by RNA interference exhibited the opposite effects. Consequently, targeting GBP5 in GBM cells resulted in impaired tumor growth and prolonged survival time of mice with GBM tumors. We further identified that the Src/ERK1/2/MMP3 axis was essential for GBP5-promoted GBM aggressiveness. These findings suggest that GBP5 may represent a novel target for GBM intervention.

Tissue engineered platforms for studying primary and metastatic neoplasm behavior in bone

Cancer is the second leading cause of death in the United States, claiming more than 560,000 lives each year. Osteosarcoma (OS) is the most common primary malignant tumor of bone in children and young adults, while bone is a common site of metastasis for tumors initiating from other tissues. The heterogeneity, continual evolution, and complexity of this disease at different stages of tumor progression drives a critical need for physiologically relevant models that capture the dynamic cancer microenvironment and advance chemotherapy techniques. Monolayer cultures have been favored for cell-based research for decades due to their simplicity and scalability. However, the nature of these models makes it impossible to fully describe the biomechanical and biochemical cues present in 3-dimensional (3D) microenvironments, such as ECM stiffness, degradability, surface topography, and adhesivity. Biomaterials have emerged as valuable tools to model the behavior of various cancers by creating highly tunable 3D systems for studying neoplasm behavior, screening chemotherapeutic drugs, and developing novel treatment delivery techniques. This review highlights the recent application of biomaterials toward the development of tumor models, details methods for their tunability, and discusses the clinical and therapeutic applications of these systems.

FOLFOX Therapy Induces Feedback Upregulation of CD44v6 through YB-1 to Maintain Stemness in Colon Initiating Cells

Cancer initiating cells (CICs) drive tumor formation and drug-resistance, but how they develop drug-resistance characteristics is not well understood. In this study, we demonstrate that chemotherapeutic agent FOLFOX, commonly used for drug-resistant/metastatic colorectal cancer (CRC) treatment, induces overexpression of CD44v6, MDR1, and oncogenic transcription/translation factor Y-box-binding protein-1 (YB-1). Our study revealed that CD44v6, a receptor for hyaluronan, increased the YB-1 expression through PGE2/EP1-mTOR pathway. Deleting CD44v6, and YB-1 by the CRISPR/Cas9 system attenuates the in vitro and in vivo tumor growth of CICs from FOLFOX resistant cells. The results of DNA:CD44v6 immunoprecipitated complexes by ChIP (chromatin-immunoprecipitation) assay showed that CD44v6 maintained the stemness traits by promoting several antiapoptotic and stemness genes, including cyclin-D1,BCL2,FZD1,GINS-1, and MMP9. Further, computer-based analysis of the clones obtained from the DNA:CD44v6 complex revealed the presence of various consensus binding sites for core stemness-associated transcription factors “CTOS” (c-Myc, TWIST1, OCT4, and SOX2). Simultaneous expressions of CD44v6 and CTOS in CD44v6 knockout CICs reverted differentiated CD44v6-knockout CICs into CICs. Finally, this study for the first time describes a positive feedback loop that couples YB-1 induction and CD44 alternative splicing to sustain the MDR1 and CD44v6 expressions, and CD44v6 is required for the reversion of differentiated tumor cells into CICs.

Matrix metalloproteinases in keratinocyte carcinomas

The incidence of cutaneous keratinocyte-derived cancers is increasing globally. Basal cell carcinoma (BCC) is the most common malignancy worldwide, and cutaneous squamous cell carcinoma (cSCC) is the most common metastatic skin cancer. BCC can be classified into subtypes based on the histology, and these subtypes are classified further into low- and high-risk tumors. There is an increasing need to identify new therapeutic strategies for the treatment of unresectable and metastatic cSCC, and for aggressive BCC variants such as infiltrating, basosquamous or morpheaform BCCs. The most important risk factor for BCC and cSCC is solar UV radiation, which causes genetic and epigenetic alterations in keratinocytes. Similar gene mutations are noted already in sun-exposed normal skin emphasizing the role of the alterations in the tumor microenvironment in the progression of cSCC. Early events in cSCC progression are alterations in the composition of basement membrane and dermal extracellular matrix induced by influx of microbes, inflammatory cells and activated stromal fibroblasts. Activated fibroblasts promote inflammation and produce growth factors and proteolytic enzymes, including matrix metalloproteinases (MMPs). Transforming growth factor-β produced by tumor cells and fibroblasts induces the expression of MMPs by cSCC cells and promotes their invasion. Fibroblast-derived keratinocyte growth factor suppresses the malignant phenotype of cSCC cells by inhibiting the expression of several MMPs. These findings emphasize the importance of interplay of tumor and stromal cells in the progression of cSCC and BCC and suggest tumor microenvironment as a therapeutic target in cSCC and aggressive subtypes of BCC.

The tumor suppressor Zinc finger protein 471 suppresses breast cancer growth and metastasis through inhibiting AKT and Wnt/β-catenin signaling

Background

Zinc-finger protein 471 (ZNF471) is a member of the Krüppel-associated box domain zinc finger protein (KRAB-ZFP) family. ZNF471 is methylated in squamous cell carcinomas of tongue, stomach and esophageal. However, its role in breast carcinogenesis remains elusive. Here, we studied its expression, functions, and molecular mechanisms in breast cancer.

Methods

We examined ZNF471 expression by RT-PCR and qPCR. Methylation-specific PCR determined its promoter methylation. Its biological functions and related molecular mechanisms were assessed by CCK-8, clonogenicity, wound healing, Transwell, nude mice tumorigenicity, flow cytometry, BrdU-ELISA, immunohistochemistry and Western blot assays.

Results

ZNF471 was significantly downregulated in breast cell lines and tissues due to its promoter CpG methylation, compared with normal mammary epithelial cells and paired surgical-margin tissues. Ectopic expression of ZNF471 substantially inhibited breast tumor cell growth in vitro and in vivo, arrested cell cycle at S phase, and promoted cell apoptosis, as well as suppressed metastasis. Further knockdown of ZNF471 verified its tumor-suppressive effects. We also found that ZNF471 exerted its tumor-suppressive functions through suppressing epithelial-mesenchymal transition, tumor cell stemness and AKT and Wnt/β-catenin signaling.

Conclusions

ZNF471 functions as a tumor suppressor that was epigenetically inactivated in breast cancer. Its inhibition of AKT and Wnt/β-catenin signaling pathways is one of the mechanisms underlying its anti-cancer effects.

Anticancer effects of Poncirus fructus on hepatocellular carcinoma through regulation of apoptosis, migration, and invasion

Poncirus fructus (PF) is a phytochemical compound extracted from the dry, immature fruits of Poncirus trifoliate. PF is traditionally used to treat gastrointestinal disorders, allergies, and inflammatory disease. In East Asia, PF is also known for its anticancer properties. There are numerous reports on the anticancer and anti-inflammatory effects of PF in a wide range of cancers and gastrointestinal diseases, respectively. However, the role of PF in inducing apoptosis and suppressing the invasiveness of hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) remains unclear. This study investigated the ability of PF to induce apoptosis and inhibit the invasiveness and migratory ability of HCC cell lines (Hep3B and Huh7). Wound healing, Transwell migration and invasion, and colony-formation assays, as well as flow cytometry, were used to analyze cell proliferation, migration, invasion, and apoptosis. Epithelial-mesenchymal transition (EMT)-related and apoptotic proteins were assessed by western blotting. The mitochondrial membrane potential of the Hep3B and Huh7 cells was observed with tetramethylrhodamine ethyl ester. The reactive oxygen species (ROS) level was determined by dihydroethidium (DHE) staining. PF treatment significantly decreased the proliferation of Hep3B and Huh7 cells in a dose-dependent manner, reduced the mitochondrial membrane potential, increased ROS levels, decreased the protein levels of Bcl-2, and increased the protein levels of Bax and cleaved caspase-3 and 9, suggesting that PF mediated HCC apoptosis via a mitochondrial pathway. Our findings showed that PF prevented HCC cell migration and invasion by inhibiting the EMT process and downregulating MMP-2 and MMP-9 activities. The results suggest the potential anticancer effects of PF by inhibiting proliferation, inducing apoptosis, and reducing the invasion and migration of HCC cells.

Apatinib Inhibits the Invasion and Metastasis of Liver Cancer Cells by Downregulating MMP-Related Proteins via Regulation of the NF-κB Signaling Pathway

Objective

We aimed to investigate whether apatinib has an inhibitory effect on the invasion and metastasis of liver cancer in vitro.

Methods

The anti-invasion and antimetastasis effects of apatinib in HepG2, Hep3B,Huh7 and SMMC-7721 liver cancer cell lines were tested by the wound-healing and transwell invasion assays. Real-time PCR and Western blot were used to detect the influence of apatinib on the gene expression of MMPs, TIMPs, and constituents of the NF-κB signaling pathway in Hep3B and HepG2 liver cell lines.

Results

Apatinib has a significant inhibitory effect on the metastasis and invasion of liver cancer cells. The expression levels of MMP-1, MMP-2, MMP-3, MMP-7, MMP-9, MMP-10, MMP-11, and MMP-16 were downregulated, while the expression levels of TIMP-3 and TIMP-4 were upregulated by apatinib treatment at both the mRNA and protein levels. The phosphorylation of IκBα and NF-κB p65 was significantly reduced compared with that in the control group.

Conclusions

Apatinib inhibits the invasion and metastasis of human liver cancer cells by downregulating the expression of MMP-related genes. This may be achieved by inhibiting the activation of the NF-κB signaling pathway.

Tracking Osteoarthritis Progress through Cationic Nanoprobe-Enhanced Photoacoustic Imaging of Cartilage

A major obstacle in osteoarthritis (OA) theranostics is the lack of a timely and accurate monitoring method. It is hypothesized that the loss of anionic glycosaminoglycans (GAGs) in articular cartilage reflects the progression of OA. Thus, this study investigated the feasibility of photoacoustic imaging (PAI) applied for monitoring the in vivo course of OA progression via GAG-targeted cationic nanoprobes. The nanoprobes were synthesized through electrostatic attraction between poly-l-Lysine and melanin (PLL-MNPs). Cartilage explants with different concentrations of GAGs incubated with PLL-MNPs to test the relationship between GAGs content and PA signal intensity. GAG activity was then evaluated in vivo in destabilization of the medial meniscus (DMM) surgically-induced mouse model. To track OA progression over time, mice were imaged consistently for 10 weeks after OA-inducing surgery. X-ray was used to verify the superiority of PAI in detecting OA. The correlation between PAI data and histologic results was also analyzed. In vitro study demonstrated the ability of PLL-MNPs in sensitively detecting different GAGs concentrations. In vivo PAI exhibited significantly lower signal intensity from OA knees compared to normal knees. More importantly, PA signal intensity showed serial reduction over the course of OA, while X-ray showed visible joint destruction until 6 weeks. A decrease in GAGs content was confirmed by histologic examinations; moreover, histologic findings were well correlated with PAI results. Therefore, using cationic nanoprobe-enhanced PAI to detect the changes in GAG contents provides sensitive and consistent visualization of OA development. This approach will further facilitate OA theranostics and clinical translation. STATEMENT OF SIGNIFICANCE: The study of in vivo monitoring osteoarthritis (OA) is of high significance to tracking the trajectory of OA development and therapeutic monitoring. Here, we developed a cartilage-targeted cationic nanoprobe, poly-l-Lysine-melanin nanoparticles (PLL-MNPs), enhancing photoacoustic imaging (PAI) to monitor the progression of OA. The in vitro study demonstrated the ability of PLL-MNPs to detect different concentrations of GAGs with high sensitivity. We found that the contents of GAGs in vivo steadily decreased from the development of OA initial-stage to the end-point of our investigation via PAI; it reflected the course of OA in living subjects with high sensitivity. These results allow for further development in various aspects of OA research. It has potential for clinical translation and has a great impact on personalized medicine.

ASAP-SML: An antibody sequence analysis pipeline using statistical testing and machine learning

Antibodies are capable of potently and specifically binding individual antigens and, in some cases, disrupting their functions. The key challenge in generating antibody-based inhibitors is the lack of fundamental information relating sequences of antibodies to their unique properties as inhibitors. We develop a pipeline, Antibody Sequence Analysis Pipeline using Statistical testing and Machine Learning (ASAP-SML), to identify features that distinguish one set of antibody sequences from antibody sequences in a reference set. The pipeline extracts feature fingerprints from sequences. The fingerprints represent germline, CDR canonical structure, isoelectric point and frequent positional motifs. Machine learning and statistical significance testing techniques are applied to antibody sequences and extracted feature fingerprints to identify distinguishing feature values and combinations thereof. To demonstrate how it works, we applied the pipeline on sets of antibody sequences known to bind or inhibit the activities of matrix metalloproteinases (MMPs), a family of zinc-dependent enzymes that promote cancer progression and undesired inflammation under pathological conditions, against reference datasets that do not bind or inhibit MMPs. ASAP-SML identifies features and combinations of feature values found in the MMP-targeting sets that are distinct from those in the reference sets.

Anti-Tumor Mechanisms of Novel 3-(4-Substituted Benzyl)-5-Isopropil-5- Phenylhydantoin Derivatives in Human Colon Cancer Cell Line

BACKGROUND

Hydantoin and its newly synthesized derivatives have recently become a focus of interest due to their numerous biological activities and newly emerging beneficial effects in different pathological conditions, including cancer.

OBJECTIVE

The aim of this study was to evaluate the possible anti-tumor mechanisms of a series of newly synthesized 3-(4-substituted benzyl)-5-isopropyl-5-phenylhydantoin derivatives in different aspects of cell physiology of human colon cancer cell line, HCT-116.

METHODS

The increasing concentrations of derivatives (0.01µM up to 100µM) were applied to cells during 24h, 48h, and 72h after which the evaluation of proliferation, apoptosis, oxidative/anti-oxidative status, nitrite production, and migration/invasion potential of treated cells was performed.

RESULTS

All tested compounds expressed the dose- and time-dependent anti-proliferative and pro-apoptotic activities against HCT-116 cells. The investigated derivatives induced a decrease in levels of oxidative stress parameters and an increase in levels of nitrite production by treated cells suggesting their significant antioxidative effects. The cell migration index and expression level of tumor invasion-promoting metalloproteinase- 9 (MMP-9) gene were significantly decreased after treatment with the tested hydantoin derivatives implicating their inhibitory role in colon cancer cell motility and invasion processes. The mRNA level of cyclooxygenase-2 (COX-2) gene as a pro-inflammatory gene related to colorectal carcinogenesis was reduced compared to values in the non-treated control cells indicating the significant anti-inflammatory/anti-tumor effects of these compounds.

CONCLUSION

The obtained results show the significant anti-tumor potential of tested derivatives, especially 3- benzyl-5-isopropyl-5-phenylhydantoin and 3-(4-chlorobenzyl)-5-isopropyl-5-phenylhydantoin, suggesting their potential usage in the development of more effective chemotherapies.

Novel Therapeutic Strategies for Ovarian Cancer Stem Cells

Ovarian cancer (OC) is one of the most lethal gynecologic malignancies. Due to the lack of specific symptoms and screening methods, this disease is usually diagnosed only at an advanced and metastatic stage. The gold-standard treatment for OC patients consists of debulking surgery followed by taxane combined with platinum-based chemotherapy. Most patients show complete clinical remission after first-line therapy, but the majority of them ultimately relapse, developing radio- and chemoresistant tumors. It is now proposed that the cause of recurrence and reduced therapy efficacy is the presence of small populations of cancer stem cells (CSCs). These cells are usually resistant against conventional cancer therapies and for this reason, effective targeted therapies for the complete eradication of CSCs are urgently needed. In this review article, we highlight the mechanisms of CSC therapy resistance, epithelial-to-mesenchymal transition, stemness, and novel therapeutic strategies for ovarian CSCs.

Effect and Molecular Mechanisms of Traditional Chinese Medicine on Tumor Targeting Tumor-Associated Macrophages

Traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) has been used as a significant cancer treatment method for many years in China. It has been demonstrated that TCM could assist in inhibiting the growth of tumors and prolonging the survival rates of cancer patients. Although the mechanism of TCM are still not clear, accumulating evidence has shown that they may be related to the tumor microenvironment (TME). Tumor-associated macrophages (TAMs) play a significant role in TME and are polarized to two phenotypes, M1 (classically activated) and M2 (alternatively activated) TAMs. The two different phenotypes of TAMs play converse roles in the TME and M2-polarized tumor-associated macrophages (M2-TAMs) always lead to poor prognosis in cancer patients compared to M1-polarized tumor-associated macrophages (M1-TAMs). In this review, the potential correlation between TCM and TAMs (especially the M2 phenotype) in tumor progression and promising TCM strategies targeting TAMs in cancer are discussed.

miR-873-5p Inhibits Cell Migration and Invasion of Papillary Thyroid Cancer via Regulation of CXCL16

Aim

Papillary thyroid cancer (PTC) is the most common type of thyroid cancer with an increasing morbidity. MicroRNAs (miRNAs) play the pivotal roles in PTC occurrence and development. The aim of this study was to investigate the biological functions of miR-873-5p and its underlying molecular mechanisms in PTC.

Methods

Reverse transcription-quantitative polymerase chain reaction (RT-qPCR) analysis was performed to detect miR-873-5p expressions in PTC tissues and cell lines. The target gene of miR-873-5p was predicted by TargetScan and confirmed by dual-luciferase reporter assay. Furthermore, cell proliferation, migration and invasion were assessed by CCK-8, wound healing assay and transwell assay, respectively. Additionally, the expressions of CXCL16, MMP1, MMP9 and MMP13 were measured by RT-qPCR and Western blot methods, and p65, Rel-B and their phosphorylation levels were examined by Western blot.

Results

We found that miR-873-5p expression was downregulated in PTC tissues and cell lines. Moreover, CXCL16 was identified as a target of miR-873-5p, and its expression was upregulated in PTC tissues and cells at both mRNA and protein levels. Functionally, overexpression of miR-873-5p inhibited PTC cell proliferation, migration and invasion, while co-transfection of CXCL16 overexpression plasmid reversed the anti-tumor behaviors induced by miR-873-5p. In addition, miR-873-5p overexpression suppressed the phosphorylation of p65 and Rel-B, and decreased the mRNA and protein expression of MMP1, MMP9 and MMP13, while overexpression of CXCL16 partially abrogated the effects of miR-873-5p.

Conclusion

MiR-873-5p functions as a tumor suppressor in PTC by inhibiting the proliferation, migration and invasion of the PTC cells via targeting CXCL16. These findings might provide a potential novel target for the therapy of PTC.

MOSClip: multi-omic and survival pathway analysis for the identification of survival associated gene and modules

Survival analyses of gene expression data has been a useful and widely used approach in clinical applications. But, in complex diseases, such as cancer, the identification of survival-associated cell processes - rather than single genes - provides more informative results because the efficacy of survival prediction increases when multiple prognostic features are combined to enlarge the possibility of having druggable targets. Moreover, genome-wide screening in molecular medicine has rapidly grown, providing not only gene expression but also multi-omic measurements such as DNA mutations, methylation, expression, and copy number data. In cancer, virtually all these aberrations can contribute in synergy to pathological processes, and their measurements can improve a patient’s outcome and help in diagnosis and treatment decisions. Here, we present MOSClip, an R package implementing a new topological pathway analysis tool able to integrate multi-omic data and look for survival-associated gene modules. MOSClip tests the survival association of dimensionality-reduced multi-omic data using multivariate models, providing graphical devices for management, browsing and interpretation of results. Using simulated data we evaluated MOSClip performance in terms of false positives and false negatives in different settings, while the TCGA ovarian cancer dataset is used as a case study to highlight MOSClip’s potential.