Intracellular calprotectin (S100A8/A9) controls epithelial differentiation and caspase-mediated cleavage of EGFR in head and neck squamous cell carcinoma

Uncovering the antidepressant active ingredients and related molecular mechanisms of Xiaoyao Pill using integrated pharmacological strategy

PURPOSE

To investigate antidepressant active ingredients of XYP (Xiaoyao Pill), while predicting its primary pharmacodynamic material basis and underlying mechanisms of action.

METHODS

UPLC-Q-TOF-MS/MS was used to identify the active ingredients of XYP. In addition, based on the analysis of components, network pharmacology and molecular docking were used to investigate potential therapeutic targets and possible signaling pathways of XYP in the treatment of depression.

RESULTS

A total of 102 chemical components, 10 prototype components and 16 metabolites absorbed in the brain were identified in XYP. Network pharmacology analysis showed that these compounds shared 420 common targets with depression, TP53, EGFR, PTGS2, ESR1, PPARG and other 68 targets were considered as core targets, mainly enriched in PI3K-Akt and MAPK signaling pathways. GO analysis unveiled associated apoptosis and inflammatory response. Molecular docking revealed that paeoniflorin, liquiritin, and atractylenolide III were found to have the highest binding energy to TP53, ESR1 and PPARG.

CONCLUSION

These findings suggested that XYP may exert antidepressant effects through atractylenolide III, paeoniflorin, saikosaponin D, liquiritin, formononetin, affecting the PIK3/AKT signaling pathway. This lays the foundation for the research on the quality standards and clinical rational application of traditional Chinese medicine formulas.

Survival prediction in patients with head and neck squamous cell carcinoma and novel mechanistic insights of S100A8/A9

BACKGROUND

S100A8/A9, an innate immune protein, significantly regulates inflammatory processes and immune responses. While S100A8/A9 has been linked to various diseases, its association with head and neck squamous cell carcinoma (HNSCC) remains unclear.

METHODS

Samples from the Cancer Genome Atlas (TCGA) were categorized into groups with low and high expression of S100A8/A9. R software, Sangerbox, UALCAN, GEPIA2, STRING, Cytoscape, TCGC Data Portal, miRcode, OncomiR and ENCORI databases were used to comprehensively study the expression, interactome and mutational profiles of S100A8/A9 and associated mechanism in HNSCC.

RESULTS

The proteins S100A8/A9 were found to be associated with processes of 'epithelium development', 'regulating pluripotency of stem cells' and 'regulation of immune system'. The most frequent mutation observed in the S100A8 protein was E93K (3/37, MU4401889), while for the S100A9 protein, it was R10C (4/37, MU4633862). Furthermore, the group expressing high levels of S100A8/A9 showed increased infiltration by dendritic cells and neutrophils, but decreased infiltration by M2 macrophages, compared to the group with low S100A8/A9 expression. S100A8/A9 was also found to interact with a variety of mRNA transcripts, several of which were involved in initiation and progression of HNSCC. Through LASSO-Cox method, 20 genes (CALML5, MSX1, FZD3, STC2, SLC2A3, TMEM198B, DYNC1I1, SPHK2, ALMS1.IT1, SPPL2B, PDGFA, BCORL1, TEX101, SGCE, DNAJC12, RRN3P1, HOXB9, TMEM150C, METTL7B and PSPN) were screening to construct a prognostic model to distinguish favorable and poor prognosis of HNSCC patients. Besides, our prognostic model was also validated in GSE41613 cohort.

CONCLUSIONS

S100A8/A9 may be a promising marker for the diagnostic and prognostic assessment of the HNSCC patients. Based on these insights, we have devised a new classification model for HNSCC, which has the potential to enhance the management and personalized treatment of HNSCC patients. The model should also be further optimized through the expansion of sample size and implemented experimental studies in future research.

Gingerol acts as a potent radiosensitizer in head and neck squamous cell carcinoma

Treatment options for advanced head and neck squamous cell carcinoma (HNSCC) are limited and often cause severe toxicity and debilitating long-term impacts. Developing effective and safer treatments is warranted. Several plant extracts have shown their effectiveness, but a comprehensive comparison between plant extracts in HNSCC has not been reported. Our aim was to investigate the effect of different plant extracts on the proliferation and viability of HNSCC cell lines. In addition, we investigated the efficacy of combining cytotoxic plant extracts with radiation. Since RT is a cornerstone in the treatment and management of HNSCC, it is desirable to enhance its efficacy through combination with cytotoxic agents that have minimal side effects. HNSCC cell lines were treated with various plant extracts at different concentrations. MTT assays were performed to identify the most potent anti-tumor plant extract. Colony-formation assays were performed to determine the radiosensitization effect. To investigate the effect on migration, transwell migration assays were performed. Annexin V staining was performed to analyze cell apoptosis. 6-gingerol resulted in the most significant dose-dependent inhibition in all cell lines compared to other plant extracts. Colony-formation assays showed a significant radiosensitizing effect when 6-gingerol was combined with radiation. In addition, the combination of 6-gingerol with radiation resulted in a significant decrease in HNSCC cell migration. Mechanistically, Annexin V staining showed that the combination of 6-gingerol and RT induces a synergistic apoptotic effect in MOC1, MOC2 and SCC9 cells compared to RT alone. In conclusion, 6-gingerol enhances the effect of radiation in HNSCC cell lines and could be a suitable candidate for combination therapy in HNSCC.

Role of innate host defense proteins in oral cancerogenesis

It is nowadays well accepted that chronic inflammation plays a pivotal role in tumor initiation and progression. Under this aspect, the oral cavity is predestined to examine this connection because periodontitis is a highly prevalent chronic inflammatory disease and oral squamous cell carcinomas are the most common oral malignant lesions. In this review, we describe how particular molecules of the human innate host defense system may participate as molecular links between these two important chronic noncommunicable diseases (NCDs). Specific focus is directed toward antimicrobial polypeptides, such as the cathelicidin LL-37 and human defensins, as well as S100 proteins and alarmins. We report in which way these peptides and proteins are able to initiate and support oral tumorigenesis, showing direct mechanisms by binding to growth-stimulating cell surface receptors and/or indirect effects, for example, inducing tumor-promoting genes. Finally, bacterial challenges with impact on oral cancerogenesis are briefly addressed.

S100A8/A9 promotes endometrial fibrosis via regulating RAGE/JAK2/STAT3 signaling pathway

Intrauterine adhesion (IUA) is characterized by endometrial fibrosis. S100A8/A9 plays an important role in inflammation and fibroblast activation. However, the role of S100A8/A9 in IUA remains unclear. In this study, we collect normal and IUA endometrium to verify the expression of S100A8/A9. Human endometrial stromal cells (hEnSCs) are isolated to evaluate fibrosis progression after S100A8/A9 treatment. A porcine IUA model is established by electrocautery injury to confirm the therapeutic effect of menstrual blood-derived stromal cells (MenSCs) on IUA. Our study reveals increased S100A8/A9 expression in IUA endometrium. S100A8/A9 significantly enhances hEnSCs proliferation and upregulates fibrosis-related and inflammation-associated markers. Furthermore, S100A8/A9 induces hEnSCs fibrosis through the RAGE-JAK2-STAT3 pathway. Transplantation of MenSCs in a porcine IUA model notably enhances angiogenesis, mitigates endometrial fibrosis and downregulates S100A8/A9 expression. In summary, S100A8/A9 induces hEnSCs fibrosis via the RAGE-JAK2-STAT3 pathway, and MenSCs exhibit marked effects on endometrial restoration in the porcine IUA model.

S100 proteins in head and neck squamous cell carcinoma (Review)

The most common tumor affecting the head and neck is head and neck squamous cell carcinoma (HNSCC). The characteristics of HNSCC include a rapid onset, a lack of early diagnosis, drug resistance, relapse and systemic adverse effects, leading to inadequate prevention, diagnosis and treatment. Notably, previous research suggests that there is an association between S100 proteins and HNSCC. S100A8, S100A9 and S100A14 interfere with tumor cell proliferation by blocking the cell cycle. The present review discusses this association. S100A4 enhances cancer stem cell properties, and interacts with actin and tropomyosin to promote tumor cell migration. S100A1, S100A8, S100A9, S100A10, S100A14 and S100P are involved in the initiation and progression of HNSCC via Hippo, nuclear factor κB, phosphatidylinositol kinase/protein kinase B/mammalian target of rapamycin and other signaling pathways. In addition, certain long non-coding RNAs and microRNAs are involved in regulating the expression of S100 proteins in HNSCC. Reducing the expression of certain members of the S100 protein family may enhance the chemosensitivity of HNSCC. Collectively, it is suggested that S100 proteins may function as markers and targets for the prevention, diagnosis and treatment of HNSCC.

Expression of S100A9 in adamantinomatous craniopharyngioma and its association with wet keratin formation

Wet keratin is a hallmark of adamantinomatous craniopharyngioma (ACP), which is frequently infiltrated by inflammatory cells. S100 calcium-binding protein A9 (S100A9) has been confirmed to play a decisive role in the development of inflammation. However, the relationship between wet keratin (keratin nodules) and S100A9 in ACP is poorly understood. The objective of the present study was to explore the expression of S100A9 in ACP and its association with wet keratin formation. Immunohistochemistry and immunofluorescence were used to detect the expression of S100A9, β-catenin and Ki67 in 46 cases of ACP. A total of three online databases were used to analyze S100A9 gene expression and protein data. The results revealed that S100A9 was primarily expressed in wet keratin and some intratumoral and peritumoral cells, and its expression in wet keratin was upregulated in the high inflammation group (P=1.800x10^-3). In addition, S100A9 was correlated with the degree of inflammation (r=0.6; P=7.412x10^-3) and the percentage of Ki67-positive cells (r=0.37; P=1.000x10^-2). In addition, a significant correlation was noted between the area of wet keratin and the degree of inflammation (r=0.51; P=2.500x10^-4). In conclusion, the present study showed that S100A9 was upregulated in ACP and may be closely associated with wet keratin formation and the infiltration of inflammatory cells in ACP.

S100A8 and S100A9 in Cancer

S100A8 and S100A9 are Ca²⁺ binding proteins that belong to the S100 family. Primarily expressed in neutrophils and monocytes, S100A8 and S100A9 play critical roles in modulating various inflammatory responses and inflammation-associated diseases. Forming a common heterodimer structure S100A8/A9, S100A8 and S100A9 are widely reported to participate in multiple signaling pathways in tumor cells. Meanwhile, S100A8/A9, S100A8, and S100A9, mainly as promoters, contribute to tumor development, growth and metastasis by interfering with tumor metabolism and the microenvironment. In recent years, the potential of S100A8/A9, S100A9, and S100A8 as tumor diagnostic or prognostic biomarkers has also been demonstrated. In addition, an increasing number of potential therapies targeting S100A8/A9 and related signaling pathways have emerged. In this review, we will first expound on the characteristics of S100A8/A9, S100A9, and S100A8 in-depth, focus on their interactions with tumor cells and microenvironments, and then discuss their clinical applications as biomarkers and therapeutic targets. We also highlight current limitations and look into the future of S100A8/A9 targeted anti-cancer therapy.

MiR-455-5p suppresses PDZK1IP1 to promote the motility of oral squamous cell carcinoma and accelerate clinical cancer invasion by regulating partial epithelial-to-mesenchymal transition

BACKGROUND

Lymph node and distant metastasis contribute to poor outcomes in patients with oral squamous cell carcinoma (OSCC). The mechanisms regulating cancer migration and invasion play a key role in OSCC.

METHODS

We determined migration and invasion ability of OSCC by wound-healing assay, two-chamber transwell invasion assay and cell mobility tracking and evaluated tumor metastasis in vivo. Western blot (WB), qRT-PCR, RNA-seq, dual-luciferase reporter assays and nuclear/cytoplasmic fractionation were performed to investigate the potential mechanism. Immunohistochimical (IHC) staining determined vimentin and PDZK1IP1 expression in OSCC tissues.

RESULTS AND CONCLUSION

In this study, we determined that miR-455-5p was associated with lymph node metastasis and clinical invasion, leading to poor outcomes in patients with OSCC. MiR-455-5p promoted oral cancer cell migration and invasion and induced epithelial-to-mesenchymal transition (EMT). We also identified a new biomarker, PDZK1IP1 (MAP17), that was targeted by miR-455-5p. PDZK1IP1 knockdown led to migration, metastasis, EMT, and increased transforming growth factor-β signaling in OSCC. In addition, miR-455-5p overexpression and PDZK1IP1 inhibition promoted collective OSCC cell migration. According to data from the Cancer Genome Atlas database and the NCKU-OrCA-40TN data set, miR-455-5p and PDZK1IP1 are positively and negatively correlated, respectively, with partial EMT score. High miR-455-5p expression was associated with high vimentin levels and low MAP17 H-scores. The patients with low MAP17 expression had higher rates of disease recurrence than did patients with high MAP17 expression, especially for patients with clinical invasion risk factors and low MAP17 expression. These results suggest that miR-455-5p suppresses PDZK1IP1 expression and mediates OSCC progression. MiR-455-5p and PDZK1IP1 may therefore serve as key biomarkers and be involved in regulating partial EMT in OSCC cells. PDZK1IP1 expression may also serve as an independent factor that impacts outcomes in patients with clinical risk factors for recurrence.

Intracellular calprotectin (S100A8/A9) facilitates DNA damage responses and promotes apoptosis in head and neck squamous cell carcinoma

OBJECTIVES

In head and neck squamous cell carcinoma (HNSCC), poor prognosis and low survival rates are associated with downregulated calprotectin. Calprotectin (S100A8/A9) inhibits cancer cell migration and invasion and facilitates G2/M cell cycle arrest. We investigated whether S100A8/A9 regulates DNA damage responses (DDR) and apoptosis in HNSCC after chemoradiation.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

Human HNSCC cases in TCGA were analyzed for relationships between S100A8/A9 and expression of apoptosis-related genes. Next, S100A8/A9-expressing and non-expressing carcinoma lines (two different lineages) were exposed to genotoxic agents and assessed for 53BP1 and γH2AX expression and percent of viable/dead cells. Finally, S100A8/A9-wild-type and S100A8/A9null C57BL/6j mice were treated with 4-NQO to induce oral dysplastic and carcinomatous lesions, which were compared for levels of 53BP1.

RESULTS

In S100A8/A9-high HNSCC tumors, apoptosis-related caspase family member genes were upregulated, whereas genes limiting apoptosis were significantly downregulated based on TCGA analyses. After X-irradiation or camptothecin treatment, S100A8/A9-expressing carcinoma cells (i.e., TR146 and KB-S100A8/A9) showed significantly higher 53BP1 and γH2AX expression, DNA fragmentation, proportions of dead cells, and greater sensitivity to cisplatin than wild-type KB or TR146-S100A8/A9-KD cells. Interestingly, KB-S100A8/A9Δ113-114 cells showed similar 53BP1 and γH2AX levels to S100A8/A9-negative KB and KB-EGFP cells. After 4-NQO treatment, 53BP1 expression in oral lesions was significantly greater in calprotectin+/+ than S100A8/A9null mice.

CONCLUSIONS

In HNSCC cells, intracellular calprotectin is strongly suggested to potentiate DDR and promote apoptosis in response to genotoxic agents. Hence, patients with S100A8/A9-high HNSCC may encounter more favorable outcomes because more tumor cells enter apoptosis with increased sensitivity to chemoradiation therapy.

Small molecules as modulators of regulated cell death against ischemia/reperfusion injury

Ischemia/reperfusion (IR) injury contributes to disability and mortality worldwide. Due to the complicated mechanisms and lack of proper therapeutic targets, few interventions are available that specifically target the pathogenesis of IR injury. Regulated cell death (RCD) of endothelial and parenchymal cells is recognized as the promising intervening target. Recent advances in IR injury suggest that small molecules exhibit beneficial effects on various RCD against IR injury, including apoptosis, necroptosis, autophagy, ferroptosis, pyroptosis, and parthanatos. Here, we describe the mechanisms behind these novel promising therapeutic targets and explain the machinery powering the small molecules. These small molecules exert protection by targeting endothelial or parenchymal cells to alleviate IR injury. Therapies of the ideal combination of small molecules targeting multiple cell types have shown potent synergetic therapeutic effects, laying the foundation for novel strategies to attenuate IR injury.

Regulation of zinc-dependent enzymes by metal carrier proteins

Zn²⁺ ions are essential in many physiological processes, including enzyme catalysis, protein structural stabilization, and the regulation of many proteins. The affinities of proteins for Zn²⁺ ions span several orders of magnitude, with catalytic Zn²⁺ ions generally held more tightly than structural or regulatory ones. Metal carrier proteins, most of which are not specific for Zn²⁺, bind these ions with a broad range of affinities that overlap those of catalytic, structural, and regulatory Zn²⁺ ions and are thought to be responsible for distributing the metal through most cells, tissues, and fluid compartments. While little is known about how many proteins obtain or release these ions, there is now considerable experimental evidence suggesting that metal carrier proteins may be responsible for transferring metals to and from some Zn²⁺-dependent proteins, thus serving as a major regulatory factor for them. In this review, the biological roles of Zn²⁺ and structures of Zn²⁺ binding sites are examined, and experimental evidence demonstrating the direct participation of metal carrier proteins in enzyme regulation is discussed. Mechanisms of metal ion transfer are also offered, and the potential physiological significance of this phenomenon is explored.

Calprotectin: from biomarker to biological function

The incidence of inflammatory bowel diseases (IBD) emerged with Westernisation of dietary habits worldwide. Crohn's disease and ulcerative colitis are chronic debilitating conditions that afflict individuals with substantial morbidity and challenge healthcare systems across the globe. Since identification and characterisation of calprotectin (CP) in the 1980s, faecal CP emerged as significantly validated, non-invasive biomarker that allows evaluation of gut inflammation. Faecal CP discriminates between inflammatory and non-inflammatory diseases of the gut and portraits the disease course of human IBD. Recent studies revealed insights into biological functions of the CP subunits S100A8 and S100A9 during orchestration of an inflammatory response at mucosal surfaces across organ systems. In this review, we summarise longitudinal evidence for the evolution of CP from biomarker to rheostat of mucosal inflammation and suggest an algorithm for the interpretation of faecal CP in daily clinical practice. We propose that mechanistic insights into the biological function of CP in the gut and beyond may facilitate interpretation of current assays and guide patient-tailored medical therapy in IBD, a concept warranting controlled clinical trials.

S100A8 and S100A9, both transcriptionally regulated by PU.1, promote epithelial-mesenchymal transformation (EMT) and invasive growth of dermal keratinocytes during scar formation post burn

S100 calcium-binding protein A8 (S100A8) and S100A9 are small molecular weight calcium-binding regulatory proteins that have been involved in multiple chronic inflammatory diseases. However, the role of S100A8 and S100A9 in keratinocytes in wounded skin and how they are regulated during this process are still unclear. Here, we found that S100A8 and S100A9 were both upregulated in burn-wounded skins in vivo and thermal-stimulated epidermal keratinocytes in vitro, accompanied by increased levels of epithelial-mesenchymal transition (EMT). Then, we demonstrated that upregulation of S100A8 and S100A9 alone or together enhanced characteristics of EMT in normal keratinocytes, manifested by excessive proliferation rate, abnormal ability of cell invasion, and high expression levels of EMT marker proteins. The transcription factor PU box-binding protein (PU.1) bound to the promoter regions and transcriptionally promoted the expression of S100A8 and S100A9 both in the human and mice, and it had strong positive correlations with both S100A8 and S100A9 protein levels in burned skin in vivo. Moreover, PU.1 positively regulated expression of S100A8 and S100A9 in a dose-dependent manner, and enhanced EMT of keratinocytes in vitro. Finally, through the burn mouse model, we found that PU.1-/- mice displayed a lower ability of scar formation, manifested by smaller scar volume, thickness, and collagen content, which could be enhanced by S100A8 and S100A9. In conclusion, PU.1 transcriptionally promotes expression of S100A8 and S100A9, thus positively regulating epithelial-mesenchymal transformation (EMT) and invasive growth of dermal keratinocytes during scar formation post burn.

Effect of photodynamic therapy on expression of HRAS, NRAS and caspase 3 genes at mRNA levels, apoptosis of head and neck squamous cell carcinoma cell line

OBJECTIVES

This study aimed to assess the effect of photodynamic therapy (PDT) on expression of CASP3, NRAS and HRAS genes at mRNA levels, and apoptosis of head and neck squamous cell carcinoma (HNSCC) cell line.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

In order to complete the present in vitro study, HNSCC cell line (NCBI C196 HN5) purchased from Pasteur Institute. Cells were divided into four groups; Group 1: photodynamic treatment (laser + methylene blue (MB) as photosensitizer), group 2: MB, group 3: laser (with 660 nm wavelength), and group 4: control (without any treatment). To determine the optimal concentration of MB, in a pilot study, toxicity of MB in different concentration was assessed using MTT assay. Cells in group 1, 2 and 3 was treated at optimal concentration of MB (1.6 μg/mL). Gene expression at mRNA levels was assessed after 24 h incubation, using real-time (qRT)-PCR. The expression of BAX and BCL2 genes at the mRNA levels was analyzed to evaluate apoptosis. 2^-ΔΔCt values of BCL2, BAX, CASP3, NRAS, and HRAS in groups was analyzed using ANOVA. Tukey's HSD and Games Howell test was used to compare between two groups.

RESULTS

Over-expression of BAX (p < 0.001), CASP3 (p < 0.001) and down-regulation of BCL2 (p = 0.004), HRAS (p = 0.023) and NRAS (p = 0.045) were noted in group 1 (PDT), compared with the control group. Treatment by laser alone induce down-regulation of CASP3 (p < 0.05), BAX (p < 0.05), BCL2 (p > 0.05), HRAS (p > 0.05) and NRAS (p > 0.05).

CONCLUSION

PDT caused down-regulation of NRAS, HRAS and BCL2 and over-expression of CASP3 and BAX genes at mRNA levels in HNSCC cell line. The present study raises the possibility that the role of MB on BCL2 down-regulation and BAX and CASP3 over-expression was higher than laser alone while it seems that laser alone was more effective than MB in HRAS and NRAS down-regulation.