Expression of matrix metalloproteinases-2, -8, -13, -26, and tissue inhibitors of metalloproteinase-1 in human osteosarcoma

The adhesion-GPCR ADGRF5 fuels breast cancer progression by suppressing the MMP8-mediated antitumorigenic effects

ADGRF5 (GPR116) has been identified as a facilitator of breast cancer cell migration and metastasis, yet the underlying mechanisms remain largely elusive. Our current study reveals that the absence of ADGRF5 in breast cancer cells impairs extracellular matrix (ECM)-associated cell motility and impedes in vivo tumor growth. This correlates with heightened expression of matrix metalloproteinase 8 (MMP8), a well-characterized antitumorigenic MMP, and a shift in the polarization of tumor-associated neutrophils (TANs) towards the antitumor N1 phenotype in the tumor microenvironment (TME). Mechanistically, ADGRF5 inhibits ERK1/2 activity by enhancing RhoA activation, leading to decreased phosphorylation of C/EBPβ at Thr235, hindering its nuclear translocation and subsequent activation. Crucially, two C/EBPβ binding motifs essential for MMP8 transcription are identified within its promoter region. Consequently, ADGRF5 silencing fosters MMP8 expression and CXCL8 secretion, attracting increased infiltration of TANs; simultaneously, MMP8 plays a role in decorin cleavage, which leads to trapped-inactivation of TGF-β in the TME, thereby polarizing TANs towards the antitumor N1 neutrophil phenotype and mitigating TGF-β-enhanced cell motility in breast cancer. Our findings reveal a novel connection between ADGRF5, an adhesion G protein-coupled receptor, and the orchestration of the TME, which dictates malignancy progression. Overall, the data underscore ADGRF5 as a promising therapeutic target for breast cancer intervention.

Augmented drug resistance of osteosarcoma cells within decalcified bone matrix scaffold: The role of glutamine metabolism

Due to the lack of a precise in vitro model that can mimic the nature microenvironment in osteosarcoma, the understanding of its resistance to chemical drugs remains limited. Here, we report a novel three-dimensional model of osteosarcoma constructed by seeding tumor cells (MG-63 and MNNG/HOS Cl no. 5) within demineralized bone matrix scaffolds. Demineralized bone matrix scaffolds retain the original components of the natural bone matrix (hydroxyapatite and collagen type I), and possess good biocompatibility allowing osteosarcoma cells to proliferate and aggregate into clusters within the pores. Growing within the scaffold conferred elevated resistance to doxorubicin on MG-63 and MNNG/HOS Cl no. 5 cell lines as compared to two-dimensional cultures. Transcriptomic analysis showed an increased enrichment for drug resistance genes along with enhanced glutamine metabolism in osteosarcoma cells in demineralized bone matrix scaffolds. Inhibition of glutamine metabolism resulted in a decrease in drug resistance of osteosarcoma, which could be restored by α-ketoglutarate supplementation. Overall, our study suggests that microenvironmental cues in demineralized bone matrix scaffolds can enhance osteosarcoma drug responses and that targeting glutamine metabolism may be a strategy for treating osteosarcoma drug resistance.

ALDOA coordinates PDE3A through the β-catenin/ID3 axis to stimulate cancer metastasis and M2 polarization in lung cancer with EGFR mutations

Lung cancer has a high incidence rate and requires more effective treatment strategies and drug options for clinical patients. EGFR is a common genetic alteration event in lung cancer that affects patient survival and drug strategy. Our study discovered aberrant aldolase A (ALDOA) expression and dysfunction in lung cancer patients with EGFR mutations. In addition to investigating relevant metabolic processes like glucose uptake, lactate production, and ATPase activity, we examined multi-omics profiles (transcriptomics, proteomics, and pull-down assays). It was observed that phosphodiesterase 3A (PDE3A) enzyme and ALDOA exhibit correlation, and furthermore, they impact M2 macrophage polarization through β-catenin and downstream ID3. In addition to demonstrating the aforementioned mechanism of action, our experiments discovered that the PDE3 inhibitor trequinsin has a substantial impact on lung cancer cell lines with EGFR mutants. The trequinsin medication was found to decrease the M2 macrophage polarization status and several cancer phenotypes, in addition to transduction. These findings have potential prognostic and therapeutic applications for clinical patients with EGFR mutation and lung cancer.

Importance of Metalloproteinase Enzyme Group in Selected Skeletal System Diseases

Bone tissue is a dynamic structure that is involved in maintaining the homeostasis of the body due to its multidirectional functions, such as its protective, endocrine, or immunological role. Specialized cells and the extracellular matrix (ECM) are responsible for the remodeling of specific bone structures, which alters the biomechanical properties of the tissue. Imbalances in bone-forming elements lead to the formation and progression of bone diseases. The most important family of enzymes responsible for bone ECM remodeling are matrix metalloproteinases (MMPs)-enzymes physiologically present in the body's tissues and cells. The activity of MMPs is maintained in a state of balance; disruption of their activity is associated with the progression of many groups of diseases, including those of the skeletal system. This review summarizes the current understanding of the role of MMPs in bone physiology and the pathophysiology of bone tissue and describes their role in specific skeletal disorders. Additionally, this work collects data on the potential of MMPs as bio-markers for specific skeletal diseases.

Disease specific urinary biomarkers in the central nervous system

Urinary biomarkers can diagnose and monitor pathophysiologic conditions in the central nervous system (CNS). However, focus is often on single diseases, with limited data on discriminatory capability of this approach in a general setting. Here, we demonstrate that different classes of CNS disease exhibit distinct biomarker patterns, evidence of disease-specific "fingerprinting." Urine from 218 patients with pathology-confirmed tumors or cerebrovascular disease, controls (n = 33) were collected. ELISA and/or bead-based multiplexing quantified levels of 21 putative urinary biomarkers. Analysis identified biomarkers capable of distinguishing each disease from controls and other diseases. Mann-Whitney U tests identified biomarkers with differential expression between disease types and controls (P ≤ 0.001). Subsequent receiver-operating characteristic (ROC) analyses revealed distinguishing biomarkers with high sensitivity and specificity. Areas under the curve (AUCs) ranged 0.8563-1.000 (P values ≤ 0.0003), sensitivities ranged 80.00-100.00%, and specificities ranged 80.95-100.00%. These data demonstrate proof-of-principle evidence that disease-specific urinary biomarker signatures exist. In contrast to non-specific responses to ischemia or injury, these results suggest that urinary biomarkers accurately reflect unique biological processes distinct to different diseases. This work can be used to generate disease-specific panels for enhancing diagnosis, assisting less-invasive follow-up and herald utility by revealing putative disease-specific therapeutic targets.

Multifunctional nanoparticles for the treatment and diagnosis of osteosarcoma

Osteosarcoma (OS) is a common primary malignant bone tumor in adolescents. Currently, the commonly used treatment strategies for OS include surgery, chemotherapy and radiotherapy. However, these methods have some problems that cannot be ignored, such as postoperative sequelae and severe side effects. Therefore, in recent years, researchers have been looking for other means to improve the treatment or diagnosis effect of OS and increase the overall survival rate of patients. With the development of nanotechnology, nanoparticles (NPs) have presented excellent properties in improving the therapeutic efficacy of drugs for OS. Nanotechnology makes it possible for NPs to combine various functional molecules and drugs to achieve multiple therapeutic effects. This review presents the important properties of multifunctional NPs for the treatment and diagnosis of OS and focuses on the research progress of common NPs applied for drug or gene delivery, phototherapy and diagnosis of OS, such as carbon-based quantum dots, metal, chitosan and liposome NPs. Finally, the promising prospects and challenges of developing multifunctional NPs with enhanced efficacy are discussed, which lays the foundation and direction for improving the future therapeutic and diagnostic methods of OS.

TIMP1 represses sorafenib-triggered ferroptosis in colorectal cancer cells by activating the PI3K/Akt signaling pathway

BACKGROUND

Ferroptosis is involved in the drug resistance mechanisms of some tumors. The present study aimed to explore the role of tissue inhibitor of matrix metalloprotease 1 (TIMP1) in sorafenib-triggered ferroptosis in colorectal cancer (CRC).

METHODS

HCT-8 CRC cell lines were generated that were sorafenib-resistant or that under- or overexpressed TIMP1. The levels of reactive oxygen species (ROS), iron, and malondialdehyde (MDA) were compared across the different cell lines. The half-maximal inhibitory concentration of sorafenib against the different lines was determined based on cell viability. Expression of ferroptosis-related genes and the corresponding proteins was determined by quantitative RT-PCR or western blotting.

RESULTS

TIMP1 overexpression induced sorafenib resistance in HCT-8 cells. TIMP1 knockdown repressed the activation of the PI3K/Akt pathway and reduced levels of glutathione peroxidase 4 (GPX4), enhancing sorafenib-induced ferroptosis. This led to accumulation of ROS, iron, and MDA. Giving sorafenib and the GPX4 inhibitor RSL3 to sorafenib-resistant HCT-8 cells induced ferroptosis, leading to elevated levels of iron and lipid peroxides, ultimately reducing cell viability. TIMP1 depletion in CRC cells enhances sorafenib-triggered ferroptosis by reducing PI3K/Akt axis signal transduction.

CONCLUSION

The combination of sorafenib and GPX4 inhibitors such as RSL3 may be a promising therapy against CRC.

Global scientific trends on matrix metalloproteinase and osteosarcoma: A bibliometric and visualized analysis

Objective

This study aimed to identify author, country, institutional, and journal collaborations and their impacts, assess the knowledge base, identify existing trends, and uncover emerging topics related to the role of Metalloproteinase in osteosarcoma.

Methods

945 Articles and reviews associated with the role of Metalloproteinase in osteosarcoma were obtained from the WoSCC and analyzed by Citespace and Vosviewer.

Results

The main aspects of research on the role of MMP in OS are invasion and metastasis. The latest hotspots were found to be the mechanism of MMP promoting invasion and metastasis, lung metastasis, and antitumor activity. Notably, invasion, metastasis, and antitumor activity were potentially turning points in the MMP-OS field. In the future, the primary research hotspot in the field of MMP-OS may be to study the mechanism, explore their role in the OS lung metastasis, and determine their role in the cancer therapy process.

Conclusion

This study thus offers a comprehensive overview of the MMP-OS-related field using bibliometrics and visual methods, which will provide a valuable reference for researchers interested in the field of MMP-OS.

MicroRNAs and osteosarcoma: Potential targets for inhibiting metastasis and increasing chemosensitivity

Osteosarcoma (OS) is the third most common cancer in young adults after lymphoma and brain cancer. Metastasis, like other cellular events, is dependent on signaling pathways; a series of changes in some proteins and signaling pathways pave the way for OS cells to invade and migrate. Ezrin, TGF-β, Notch, RUNX2, matrix metalloproteinases (MMPs), Wnt/β-catenin, and phosphoinositide 3-kinase (PI3K)/AKT are among the most important of these proteins and signaling pathways. Despite the improvements in treating OS, the overall survival of patients suffering from the metastatic disease has not experienced any significant change after surgical treatments and chemotherapy and 5-years overall survival in patients with metastatic OS is about 20%. Studies have shown that overexpression or inhibition of some microRNAs (miRNAs) has significant effects in limiting the invasion and migration of OS cells. The results of these studies highlight the potential of the clinical application of some miRNA mimics and miRNA inhibitors (antagomiRs) to inhibit OS metastasis in the future. In addition, some studies have shown that miRNAs are associated with the most important drug resistance mechanisms in OS, and some miRNAs are highly effective targets to increase chemosensitivity. The results of these studies suggest that miRNA mimics and antagomiRs may be helpful to increase the efficacy of conventional chemotherapy drugs in the treatment of metastatic OS. In this article, we discussed the role of various signaling pathways and the involved miRNAs in the metastasis of OS, attempting to provide a comprehensive review of the literature on OS metastasis and chemosensitivity.

STAT3 and its targeting inhibitors in osteosarcoma

Signal transducer and activator of transcription 3 (STAT3) is one of seven STAT family members involved with the regulation of cellular growth, differentiation and survival. STAT proteins are conserved among eukaryotes and are important for biological functions of embryogenesis, immunity, haematopoiesis and cell migration. STAT3 is widely expressed and located in the cytoplasm in an inactive form. STAT3 is rapidly and transiently activated by tyrosine phosphorylation by a range of signalling pathways, including cytokines from the IL‐6 family and growth factors, such as EGF and PDGF. STAT3 activation and subsequent dimer formation initiates nuclear translocation of STAT3 for the regulation of target gene transcription. Four STAT3 isoforms have been identified, which have distinct biological functions. STAT3 is considered a proto‐oncogene and constitutive activation of STAT3 is implicated in the development of various cancers, including multiple myeloma, leukaemia and lymphomas. In this review, we focus on recent progress on STAT3 and osteosarcoma (OS). Notably, STAT3 is overexpressed and associated with the poor prognosis of OS. Constitutive activation of STAT3 in OS appears to upregulate the expression of target oncogenes, leading to OS cell transformation, proliferation, tumour formation, invasion, metastasis, immune evasion and drug resistance. Taken together, STAT3 is a target for cancer therapy, and STAT3 inhibitors represent potential therapeutic candidates for the treatment of OS.

Role of microRNAs in the crosstalk between osteosarcoma cells and the tumour microenvironment

Osteosarcoma (OS) is the most common primary bone tumour, with a peak incidence in adolescents, and the five-year survival rate of patients with metastasis or recurrence is much lower than that of patients without metastasis and recurrence. OS is initiated and develops in a complex tumour microenvironment (TME) that contains many different components, such as osteoblasts, osteoclasts, mesenchymal stem cells, fibroblasts, immune cells, extracellular matrix (ECM), extracellular vesicles, and cytokines. The extensive interaction between OS and the TME underlies OS progression. Therefore, rather than targeting OS cells, targeting the key factors in the TME may yield novel therapeutic approaches. MicroRNAs (miRNAs) play multiple roles in the biological behaviours of OS, and recent studies have implied that miRNAs are involved in mediating the communication between OS cells and the surrounding TME. Here, we review the TME landscape and the miRNA dysregulation of OS, describe the role of the altered TME in OS development and highlight the role of miRNA in the crosstalk between OS cells and the TME.

The role of extracelluar matrix in osteosarcoma progression and metastasis

Osteosarcoma (OS) is the most common primary bone malignancy and responsible for considerable morbidity and mortality due to its high rates of pulmonary metastasis. Although neoadjuvant chemotherapy has improved 5-year survival rates for patients with localized OS from 20% to over 65%, outcomes for those with metastasis remain dismal. In addition, therapeutic regimens have not significantly improved patient outcomes over the past four decades, and metastases remains a primary cause of death and obstacle in curative therapy. These limitations in care have given rise to numerous works focused on mechanisms and novel targets of OS pathogenesis, including tumor niche factors. OS is notable for its hallmark production of rich extracellular matrix (ECM) of osteoid that goes beyond simple physiological growth support. The aberrant signaling and structural components of the ECM are rich promoters of OS development, and very recent works have shown the specific pathogenic phenotypes induced by these macromolecules. Here we summarize the current developments outlining how the ECM contributes to OS progression and metastasis with supporting mechanisms. We also illustrate the potential of tumorigenic ECM elements as prognostic biomarkers and therapeutic targets in the evolving clinical management of OS.

7-Methoxy-1-Tetralone Induces Apoptosis, Suppresses Cell Proliferation and Migration in Hepatocellular Carcinoma via Regulating c-Met, p-AKT, NF-κB, MMP2, and MMP9 Expression

This study aimed to determine the anti-proliferative and anti-migratory effects of 7-methoxy-1-tetralone (MT) in hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) cells. MTT assay assessed HCC cell viability; cell apoptosis of HCC cells was determined by flow cytometry; wound healing assay evaluated HCC cell migratory ability; protein expression levels were assessed using western blot assay; the in vivo antitumor effects of MT were tested in BALB/c nude mice and the pathological changes within the tumor tissues were evaluated by immunohistochemistry. MT treatment significantly suppressed the cell proliferative and migratory potentials of HepG2 cells, and induced HepG2 cell apoptosis. The western blot assay showed that MT treatment caused a suppression on c-Met, phosphorylated AKT (p-AKT), NF-κB, matrix metallopeptidase 2 (MMP2)/MMP9 protein levels in HepG2 cells. Further in vivo animal studies deciphered that MT treatment suppressed tumor growth of HepG2 cells in the nude mice, but had no effect on the body weight and the organ index of liver and spleen. Further immunohistochemistry analysis of the dissected tumor tissues showed that MT treatment significantly suppressed the protein expression levels of NF-κB, MMP9, MMP2, and p-AKT. In summary, the present study demonstrated the anti-tumor effects of MT on the HCC, and MT suppressed HCC progression possibly via regulating proliferation- and migration-related mediators including c-Met, p-AKT, NF-κB, MMP2, and MMP9 in HepG2 cells.

Osteomimetic matrix components alter cell migration and drug response in a 3D tumour-engineered osteosarcoma model

Osteosarcoma management continues to lack the appropriate prognostic tools to assign personalised treatment. This leaves non-responders to standard care vulnerable to recurring disease and pulmonary metastases. Developing 3D in vitro disease models to serve as a test bed for personalised treatment is a promising approach to address this issue. This study describes the generation of 3D osteosarcoma models termed "tumouroids", which are geometrically compartmentalised to reproduce the bone cancer mass and its surrounding. Although the tumour microenvironment impacts osteosarcoma in many ways, this model focussed on interrogating the influence of a biomimetic matrix on tumour cell behaviour. The 3D matrix was supplemented with the bone-marrow proteins laminin, fibronectin and NuOss® bone granules. This led to increased invasion of osteosarcoma cell aggregates from within the bone-like matrix into the surrounding acellular bone marrow-like ECM. The presence of bone granules also yielded an atypical molecular profile of osteosarcoma cells, suggesting malignant metabolic reprogramming. Changes include decreased MMP-9 (p < 0.05) and increased PTEN (p < 0.05), MCP-1 (p < 0.01) and MCT-4 (p < 0.05) gene expression. This complex 3D biomimetic composition also changed cellular responses to doxorubicin, a common chemotherapeutic agent used to treat osteosarcoma, and reproduced key issues of in vivo treatment like drug penetrance and doxorubicin-induced bone toxicity. This work highlights the importance of a biomimetic matrix in 3D osteosarcoma models for both basic and translational research. STATEMENT OF SIGNIFICANCE: This study describes the generation of 3D osteosarcoma models termed "tumouroids", which are geometrically compartmentalised to reproduce the bone cancer mass and its environment. Utilising this novel model, specific parameters of osteosarcoma growth and invasion were investigated. Osteosarcoma cell lines proliferate at a slower rate, exhibit malignant metabolic reprogramming, and respond to drug intervention at lower concentrations of doxorubicin hydrochloride in matrix-complex compared to basic tumouroids. As such, this study provides evidence that the tumour microenvironment impacts osteosarcoma in many ways. The osteosarcoma tumouroid described herein may form the basis of a personalised-medicine strategy, which will allow the testing of drug effectiveness similar to that used for antibiotic selection for pathogenic bacteria.

The Role of MMP8 in Cancer: A Systematic Review

Matrix metalloproteinases (MMPs) have traditionally been considered as tumor promoting enzymes as they degrade extracellular matrix components, thus increasing the invasion of cancer cells. It has become evident, however, that MMPs can also cleave and alter the function of various non-matrix bioactive molecules, leading to both tumor promoting and suppressive effects. We applied systematic review guidelines to study MMP8 in cancer including the use of MMP8 as a prognostic factor or as a target/anti-target in cancer treatment, and its molecular mechanisms. A total of 171 articles met the inclusion criteria. The collective evidence reveals that in breast, skin and oral tongue cancer, MMP8 inhibits cancer cell invasion and proliferation, and protects patients from metastasis via cleavage of non-structural substrates. Conversely, in liver and gastric cancers, high levels of MMP8 worsen the prognosis. Expression and genetic alterations of MMP8 can be used as a prognostic factor by examination of the tumor and serum/plasma. We conclude, that MMP8 has differing effects on cancers depending on their tissue of origin. The use of MMP8 as a prognostic factor alone, or with other factors, seems to have potential. The molecular mechanisms of MMP8 in cancer further emphasize its role as an important regulator of bioactive molecules.

Cloning and characteristic of MMP1 gene from Hyriopsis cumingii and collagen hydrolytic activity of its recombinant protein

Matrix metalloproteinases (MMPs) play an essential role in a variety of biological processes including wound healing, inflammation, cell invasion, angiogenesis and immune defense. In this study, a putative MMP1 cDNA was cloned and characterized from Hyriopsis cumingii (designated as HcMMP1). The cDNA was 1822 bp in length and encoded a putative protein of 510 amino acids, with a predicted molecular mass of 58.28 kDa and an isoelectric point (pI) of 9.27. HcMMP1 contained all prototype MMPs family signatures, such as signal peptide, prodomain, catalytic center, hinge region, and hemopexin like domain. Quantitative real time-PCR (qRT-PCR) revealed that in mussels HcMMP1 mRNA was expressed in all tissues tested, and the transcriptional expression levels were significantly up-regulated in hepatopancreas and hemocytes after Aeromonas hydrophila, peptidoglycan stimulations and in mantle after wounding. Moreover, the recombination HcMMP1 protein, successfully expressed in Escherichia coli, was purified by affinity chromatography with the concentration of final yield at 0.3 mg/mL. The recombinase had an essentially hydrolytic activity toward rat type I collagen, mouse II and IV collagen after renaturation.

N-α-acetyltransferase 10 protein promotes metastasis by stabilizing matrix metalloproteinase-2 protein in human osteosarcomas

N-α-Acetyltransferase 10 protein (Naa10p) mediates N-terminal acetylation of nascent proteins. Oncogenic or tumor suppressive roles of Naa10p were reported in cancers. Here, we report an oncogenic role of Naa10p in promoting metastasis of osteosarcomas. Higher NAA10 transcripts were observed in metastatic osteosarcoma tissues compared to non-metastatic tissues and were also correlated with a worse prognosis of patients. Knockdown and overexpression of Naa10p in osteosarcoma cells respectively led to decreased and increased cell migratory/invasive abilities. Re-expression of Naa10p, but not an enzymatically inactive mutant, relieved suppression of the invasive ability in vitro and metastasis in vivo imposed by Naa10p-knockdown. According to protease array screening, we identified that matrix metalloproteinase (MMP)-2 was responsible for the Naa10p-induced invasive phenotype. Naa10p was directly associated with MMP-2 protein through its acetyltransferase domain and maintained MMP-2 protein stability via NatA complex activity. MMP-2 expression levels were also significantly correlated with Naa10p levels in osteosarcoma tissues. These results reveal a novel function of Naa10p in the regulation of cell invasiveness by preventing MMP-2 protein degradation that is crucial during osteosarcoma metastasis.

Relapse in dermatofibrosarcoma protuberans: A histological and molecular analysis

BACKGROUND

Dermatofibrosarcoma protuberans (DFSP) is a rare low grade tumor with a locally aggressive behavior and low metastatic potential.

OBJECTIVES

To evaluate the factors that are associated with relapse in DFSP. Methods Retrospective analysis of medical records from 61 patients with dermatofibrosarcoma. Fluorescence in situ hybridization was used to detect translocations.

RESULTS

Of 61 patients, 6 experienced a relapse. No patient with resection margins greater than 3 cm had a recurrence. One relapse was observed in a patient treated with at least 2 cm margins and 4 relapses occurred in 16 patients whose margins were below 2 cm (P = 0.018). The frequency of translocations was 77.8%. The recurrence rate was lower in patients with translocation, but this difference was not significant. Immunohistochemical markers did not correlate with recurrence rates, but greater FasL expression was associated with recurrence in patients with margins smaller than 3 cm.

CONCLUSIONS

Surgical margins smaller than than 2 cm are related to higher recurrences in dermatofibrosarcomas. In this analysis a 2 cm margin was acceptable for treatment. Between all the immunohistochemical markers analyzed, only FasL was associated with a higher recurrence rate in patients with margins smaller than 3 cm.

Expression of MMP-9 decreases metastatic potential of Chondrosarcoma: an immunohistochemical study

Background

Chondrosarcoma is the second most common primary malignant bone tumor. Because of their heterogeneity, with differences in invasive and metastatic behavior, it is important to identify biological markers that will allow for a more accurate estimation of prognosis in patients with these tumors.

Matrix metalloproteinases (MMP) play a crucial role in tumor progression, invasion and metastasis. The mechanism of tumor progression dependent of MMPs is complex and influences malignant transformation, angiogenesis and tumor growth at the primary and metastatic sites. The purpose of this study was to investigate immunohistochemicaly the influence of MMP-1, MMP-3, MMP-9 and MMP-13 expression on prognostic parameter in chondrosarcoma.

Methods

We investigated tissue samples of 28 patients with chondrosarcoma. Immunohistochemical staining to evaluate the expression of MMP-1, MMP-3, MMP-9 and MMP-13 was performed. Subsequently, the expression level was correlated with metastatic potential, histological grading and overall survival in patients with this neoplasm.

Results

In consideration of semi quantitative scoring 64% of chondrosarcoma were scored as positive for MMP-1, 46% for MMP-3, 61% for MMP-9. The specimens had shown no expression of MMP-13. High expression of MMP-9 was associated with better histological differentiation, decreased metastatic potential and favourable overall survival. No correlation was found for expression of MMP-1, MMP-3 or MMP-13.

Conclusions

MMP-1, MMP-3 and MMP-9 are expressed in chondrosarcoma. Our findings suggest that the expression of MMP-9 is associated with clinical outcome parameters in chondrosarcoma.

High expression of MMP9 in glioma affects cell proliferation and is associated with patient survival rates

Human gliomas are a heterogeneous group of primary malignant brain tumors, which most commonly occur in the central nervous system of children and adults. Previous studies have suggested a prognostic role of matrix metalloproteinase 9 (MMP9) in glioma, however, the frequency and significance of the protein expression of MMP9 in glioma remain to be fully elucidated. In the present study, the expression of MMP9 was detected by reverse transcription-quantitative polymerase chain reaction (qPCR), western blotting and immunohistochemical staining. MTT and colony-forming assays were used to detect the role of MMP9 in the proliferation of glioma cells. MMP9 copy numbers in glioma were examined using qPCR. The results indicated that the expression level of MMP9 was significantly increased in glioma and was associated with World Health Organization (WHO) glioma grades. The high expression of MMP9 in tissues was an independent predictor of survival rates in patients with WHO grade III tumors. The overexpression of MMP9 promoted cell growth and induced a significant increase in clonogenic potential in U87 glioblastoma cell lines. These experimental data suggested that the overexpression of MMP9 in glioblastoma cells may occur primarily through an increase in gene copy number. The results of the present study suggested that the overexpression of MMP9 may be necessary for the transition to the more aggressive phenotype typical of WHO grade III gliomas, suggesting the likely involvement of the MMP9 gene in gliomagenesis and disease progression.

Celastrol negatively regulates cell invasion and migration ability of human osteosarcoma via downregulation of the PI3K/Akt/NF-κB signaling pathway in vitro

Osteosarcoma (OS) is a primary malignant tumor of the bone, with a tendency to metastasize early. Despite the advances in treatment options, more than 30% of patients develop distant metastases, and the prognosis of these patients with metastases is extremely poor. Celastrol has been demonstrated to manifest multiple pharmacological activities, including induction of apoptosis in numerous types of cancer cell lines. Our previous studies have also suggested that Celastrol is capable of inducing apoptosis of human osteosarcoma cells via the mitochondrial-dependent pathway. The purpose of this study was to investigate the effects of Celastrol on the migration and invasion of human osteosarcoma U-2OS cells in vitro. Cell migration and invasion were investigated using wound healing and Boyden chamber Transwell assays. We observed that Celastrol suppressed cell invasion and migration in human osteosarcoma U-2OS cells. Furthermore, protein expression levels of phosphorylated phosphatidylinositol 3-kinase (PI3K), Akt, inhibitor of κB kinase α/β, inhibitor of κB α, nuclear factor-κB (NF-κB subunit p65) and matrix metalloproteinase (MMP)-2 and -9 were measured by western blot analysis. We observed that the PI3K/Akt/NF-κB signaling pathway was inhibited following Celastrol treatment. In addition, the expression levels of MMP-2 and -9 proteins were also reduced significantly following Celastrol treatment. Therefore, we confirmed that Celastrol suppressed osteosarcoma U-2OS cell metastasis via downregulation of the PI3K/Akt/NF-κB signaling pathway in vitro.

TM4SF1 Promotes Proliferation, Invasion, and Metastasis in Human Liver Cancer Cells

Transmembrane 4 superfamily member 1 (TM4SF1) is a member of tetraspanin family, which mediates signal transduction events regulating cell development, activation, growth and motility. Our previous studies showed that TM4SF1 is highly expressed in liver cancer. HepG2 cells were transfected with TM4SFl siRNA and TM4SF1-expressing plasmids and their biological functions were analyzed in vitro and in vivo. HepG2 cells overexpressing TM4SF1 showed reduced apoptosis and increased cell migration in vitro and enhanced tumor growth and metastasis in vivo, whereas siRNA-mediated silencing of TM4SF1 had the opposite effect. TM4SF1 exerts its effect by regulating a few apoptosis- and migration-related genes including caspase-3, caspase-9, MMP-2, MMP-9 and VEGF. These results indicate that TM4SF1 is associated with liver tumor growth and progression, suggesting that TM4SF1 may be a potential target for treatment of liver cancer in future.

Elevated ratio of MMP2/MMP9 activity is associated with poor response to chemotherapy in osteosarcoma

Background

Matrix metalloproteinases (MMPs) are crucially involved in the regulation of multiple stages of cancer progression. Elevated MMP levels have been associated with the development of metastases and poor prognosis in several types of cancer. However, the role of MMPs in osteosarcoma and their prognostic value is still unclear. Available data are conflicting, most likely due to different technical approaches. We hypothesized that in contrast to total mRNA or protein levels frequently analyzed in previous studies the enzymatic activities of MMPs and their inhibitors the tissue inhibitors of matrix metalloproteinases (TIMPs) are closer related to their biological functions. We therefore aimed to evaluate the reliability of different zymography techniques for the quantification of MMP and TIMP activities in osteosarcoma biopsies in order to investigate their distribution, possible regulation and prognostic value.

Methods

All analyses were done using cryo-conserved osteosarcoma pretreatment biopsies (n = 18). Gene and protein expression of MMPs and TIMPs were analyzed by RT-qPCR and western blot analysis, respectively. Overall MMP activity was analyzed by in situ zymography, individual MMP activities were analyzed by gelatin zymography. Reverse zymography was used to detect and quantify TIMP activities.

Results

Strong overall MMP activities could be detected in osteosarcoma pretreatment biopsies with MMP2 and MMP9 as predominant active MMPs. In contrast to total RNA or protein expression MMP2 and MMP9 activities showed significant quantitative differences between good and poor responders. While MMP9 activity was high in the good responder group and significantly decreased in the poor responder group, MMP2 activity showed a reverse distribution. Likewise, significant differences were detected concerning the activity of TIMPs resulting in a negative correlation of TIMP1 activity with MMP2 activity (p = 0.044) and negative correlations of TIMP2 and TIMP3 with MMP9 activity (p = 0.007 and p = 0.006).

Conclusion

In contrast to mRNA or protein levels MMP and TIMP activities showed significant differences between the analyzed good and poor responder groups. A shift from MMP9 to predominant MMP2 activity is associated with poor response to chemotherapy suggesting that the ratio of MMP2/MMP9 activity might be a valuable and easily accessible marker to predict the response to chemotherapy in osteosarcoma.

PAI-1, a target gene of miR-143, regulates invasion and metastasis by upregulating MMP-13 expression of human osteosarcoma

Despite recent improvements in the therapy for osteosarcoma, 30–40% of osteosarcoma patients die of this disease, mainly due to its lung metastasis. We have previously reported that intravenous injection of miR‐143 significantly suppresses lung metastasis of human osteosarcoma cells (143B) in a mouse model. In this study, we examined the biological role and mechanism of miR‐143 in the metastasis of human osteosarcoma cells. We identified plasminogen activator inhibitor‐1 (PAI‐1) as a direct target gene of miR‐143. To determine the role of PAI‐1 in human osteosarcoma cells, siRNA was transfected into 143B cells for knockdown of PAI‐1 expression. An in vitro study showed that downregulation of PAI‐1 suppressed cell invasion activity, but not proliferation. Moreover, injection of PAI‐1 siRNA into a primary lesion in the osteosarcoma mouse model inhibited lung metastasis compared to control siRNA‐injected mice, without influencing the proliferative activity of the tumor cells. Subsequent examination using 143B cells revealed that knockdown of PAI‐1 expression resulted in downregulation of the expression and secretion of matrix metalloproteinase‐13 (MMP‐13), which is also a target gene of miR‐143 and a proteolytic enzyme that regulates tumor‐induced osteolysis. Immunohistochemical analysis using clinical samples showed that higher miR‐143 expressing cases showed poor expression of PAI‐1 in the primary tumor cells. All such cases belonged to the lung metastasis‐negative group. Moreover, the frequency of lung metastasis‐positive cases was significantly higher in PAI‐1 and MMP‐13 double‐positive cases than in PAI‐1 or MMP‐13 single‐positive or double‐negative cases (P < 0.05). These results indicated that PAI‐1, a target gene of miR‐143, regulates invasion and lung metastasis via enhancement of MMP‐13 expression and secretion in human osteosarcoma cells, suggesting that these molecules could be potential therapeutic target genes for preventing lung metastasis in osteosarcoma patients.

Matrix metalloproteinase 9 expression and survival of patients with osteosarcoma: a meta-analysis

Several studies have evaluated the effect of matrix metalloproteinase-9 (MMP-9) expression on the overall survival of patients with osteosarcoma, but the results remain conflicting. To examine the prognostic significance of MMP-9 expression in osteosarcoma risk, we conducted this meta-analysis to systematically review the published studies. We searched the commonly used electronic databases updated to September 2013 for relevant studies which evaluated the correction between MMP-9 expression and survival of patients with osteosarcoma. Overall, a total of eight studies including 437 cases were screened out. No significant heterogeneity was observed between studies. The MMP-9 was expressed in 73.9% (323/437) of cases, and the results showed that MMP-9 expression was associated with increased mortality rate of osteosarcoma during the follow-up (risk ratio = 2.79, 95% confidence interval, CI = 1.96-3.97, P < 0.00001). By ethnicity analysis, a significant correction was also found between MMP-9 expression and osteosarcoma risk among Asian and non-Asian population (P < 0.001), indicating that MMP-9 was an indicator of prognosis of osteosarcoma. In conclusion, this meta-analysis indicated that MMP-9 expression might be a biomarker of poor prognosis for patients with osteosarcoma. However, the prognostic value of MMP-9 on survival of osteosarcoma patients still needs further large-scale trials to be clarified.

Prognostic value of tumor suppressors in osteosarcoma before and after neoadjuvant chemotherapy

Background

Primary bone cancers are among the deadliest cancer types in adolescents, with osteosarcomas being the most prevalent form. Osteosarcomas are commonly treated with multi-drug neoadjuvant chemotherapy and therapy success as well as patient survival is affected by the presence of tumor suppressors. In order to assess the prognostic value of tumor-suppressive biomarkers, primary osteosarcoma tissues were analyzed prior to and after neoadjuvant chemotherapy.

Methods

We constructed a tissue microarray from high grade osteosarcoma samples, consisting of 48 chemotherapy naïve biopsies (BXs) and 47 tumor resections (RXs) after neoadjuvant chemotherapy. We performed immunohistochemical stainings of P53, P16, maspin, PTEN, BMI1 and Ki67, characterized the subcellular localization and related staining outcome with chemotherapy response and overall survival. Binary logistic regression analysis was used to analyze chemotherapy response and Kaplan-Meier-analysis as well as the Cox proportional hazards model was applied for analysis of patient survival.

Results

No significant associations between biomarker expression in BXs and patient survival or chemotherapy response were detected. In univariate analysis, positive immunohistochemistry of P53 (P = 0.008) and P16 (P16; P = 0.033) in RXs was significantly associated with poor survival prognosis. In addition, presence of P16 in RXs was associated with poor survival in multivariate regression analysis (P = 0.003; HR = 0.067) while absence of P16 was associated with good chemotherapy response (P = 0.004; OR = 74.076). Presence of PTEN on tumor RXs was significantly associated with an improved survival prognosis (P = 0.022).

Conclusions

Positive immunohistochemistry (IHC) of P16 and P53 in RXs was indicative for poor overall patient survival whereas positive IHC of PTEN was prognostic for good overall patient survival. In addition, we found that P16 might be a marker of osteosarcoma chemotherapy resistance. Therefore, our study supports the use of tumor RXs to assess the prognostic value of biomarkers.

Electronic supplementary material

The online version of this article (doi:10.1186/s12885-015-1397-4) contains supplementary material, which is available to authorized users.

CTGF increases matrix metalloproteinases expression and subsequently promotes tumor metastasis in human osteosarcoma through down-regulating miR-519d

Osteosarcoma, the most common primary malignant bone tumor, shows potent capacity for local invasion and distant metastasis. Connective tissue growth factor (CTGF/CCN2), a secreted protein, binds to integrins, modulates invasive behavior of certain human cancer cells. Effect of CTGF in metastasis of human osteosarcoma is unknown. We found overexpression of CTGF increasing matrix metalloproteinases (MMPs)-2 and MMP-3 expression as well as promoting cell migration. MicroRNA (miRNA) analysis of CTGF-overexpressed osteosarcoma versus control cells probed mechanisms of CTGF-mediated promotion of migration. Among miRNAs regulated by CTGF, miR-519d was most downregulated after CTGF treatment. Co-transfection with miR-519d mimic reversed CTGF-mediated MMPs expression and cell migration. Also, MEK and ERK inhibitors or mutants reduced CTGF-increased cell migration and miR-519d suppression. By contrast, knockdown of CTGF diminished lung metastasis in vivo. Clinical samples indicate CTGF expression as linked with clinical stage and tumor metastasis. Taken together, data show CTGF elevating MMPs expression and subsequently promoting tumor metastasis in human osteosarcoma, down-regulating miR-519d via MEK and ERK pathways, making CTGF a new molecular therapeutic target in osteosarcoma metastasis.

Pleiotropic functions of the tumor- and metastasis-suppressing matrix metalloproteinase-8 in mammary cancer in MMTV-PyMT transgenic mice

INTRODUCTION

Matrix metalloproteinase-8 (MMP-8; neutrophil collagenase) is an important regulator of innate immunity that has oncosuppressive actions in numerous tumor types.

METHODS

We have intercrossed Mmp8-null mice with the Polyoma virus middle T oncogene-driven (MMTV-PyMT) mouse model of mammary cancer to explore the effects of loss of MMP-8 on the incidence and progression of mammary carcinomas.

RESULTS

In this aggressive mouse model of breast cancer, loss of MMP-8 accelerated tumor onset even further, such that 90% of MMTV-PyMT; Mmp8-null female mice were tumor-bearing at the time of weaning. Throughout the 14 weeks of the model, tumor burden increased in homozygous Mmp8-null mice compared to Mmp8-wild-type and -heterozygote animals. Likewise, lung metastasis dramatically increased in the MMTV-PyMT; Mmp8-null mice. Immunohistochemistry revealed that tumors in wild-type, Mmp8-heterozygotes and -null animals had similar vascular density at 8 weeks, but at 10 weeks Mmp8-wild-type tumors had a lower vascularity than their heterozygote and null counterparts. No differences in macrophage infiltration were apparent throughout primary tumor development, though at 10 weeks a drop in neutrophil infiltrates was observed in Mmp8-wild-type tumors. Using quantitative real-time RT-PCR, we tracked the expression of the entire Mmp and Timp gene families, observing a significant decrease in Mmp3 expression in Mmp8-null tumors compared to wild-type and heterozygotes throughout the time course of the model, which was confirmed at the protein level.

CONCLUSIONS

These findings provide novel insight into the suppressive action of MMP-8 on mammary tumorigenesis and metastasis, and indicate that the loss of MMP-8 likely has pleiotropic effects on innate immunity and angiogenesis that are reflected in changes in the protease web.

The crude extract of Corni Fructus inhibits the migration and invasion of U-2 OS human osteosarcoma cells through the inhibition of matrix metalloproteinase-2/-9 by MAPK signaling

Osteosarcoma is the most common primary malignancy of the bone cancers. In the Chinese population, the crude extract of Corni Fructus (CECF) has been used as Traditional Chinese medicine to treat several different diseases for hundreds of years. In the present study, effects of CECF on inhibition of migration and invasion in U-2 OS human osteosarcoma cells were examined. CECF significantly inhibited migration and invasion of U-2 OS human osteosarcoma cells. We also found that CECF inhibited activities of matrix metalloproteinases-2 (MMP-2) and matrix metalloproteinases-9 (MMP-9). CECF decreased protein levels of FAK, PKC, SOS1, MKK7, MEKK3, GRB2, NF-κB p65, COX-2, HIF-1α, PI3K, Rho A, ROCK-1, IRE-1α, p-JNK1/2, p-ERK1/2, p-p38, Ras, p-PERK, MMP-2, MMP-9, and VEGF in U-2 OS cells. Results of this study indicate that CECF may have potential as a novel anticancer agent for the treatment of osteosarcoma by inhibiting migration and invasion of cancer cells.

Significance of MTA1 in the molecular characterization of osteosarcoma

Osteosarcoma is the most common malignant bone tumor in children and characterized by aggressive biologic behavior of metastatic propensity to the lung. Change of treatment paradigm brings survival benefit; however, 5-year survival rate is still low in patients having metastastatic foci at diagnosis for a few decades. Metastasis-associated protein (MTA) family is a group of ubiquitously expressed coregulators, which influences on tumor invasiveness or metastasis. MTA1 has been investigated in various cancers including osteosarcoma, and its overexpression is associated with high-risk features of cancers. In this review, we described various molecular studies of osteosarcoma, especially associated with MTA1.

Deguelin inhibits the migration and invasion of U-2 OS human osteosarcoma cells via the inhibition of matrix metalloproteinase-2/-9 in vitro

Osteosarcoma is the most common malignant primary bone tumor in children and young adults and lung metastasis is the main cause of death in those patients. Deguelin, a naturally occurring rotenoid, is known to be an Akt inhibitor and to exhibit cytotoxic effects, including antiproliferative and anticarcinogenic activities, in several cancers. In the present study, we determined if deguelin would inhibit migration and invasion in U-2 OS human osteosarcoma cells. Deguelin significantly inhibited migration and invasion of U-2 OS human osteosarcoma cells which was associated with a reduction of activities of matrix metalloproteinases-2 (MMP-2) and matrix metalloproteinases-9 (MMP-9). Furthermore, results from western blotting indicated that deguelin decreased the cell proliferation and cell growth-associated protein levels, such as SOS1, PKC, Ras, PI3K, p-AKT(Ser473), IRE-1α, MEKK3, iNOS, COX2, p-ERK1/2, p-JNK1/2, p-p38; the cell motility and focal adhesion-associated protein levels, such as Rho A, FAK, ROCK-1; the invasion-associated protein levels, such as TIMP1, uPA, MMP-2. MMP-9, MMP-13, MMP-1 and VEGF in U-2 OS cells. Confocal microscopy revealed that deguelin reduced NF-κB p65, Rho A and ROCK-1 protein levels in cytosol. MMP-7, MMP-9 and Rho A mRNA levels were suppressed by deguelin. These in vitro results provide evidence that deguelin may have potential as a novel anti-cancer agent for the treatment of osteosarcoma and provides the rationale for in vivo studies in animal models.

Possible contribution of aminopeptidase N (APN/CD13) to migration and invasion of human osteosarcoma cell lines

Osteosarcoma is the most common primary malignancy of the bone. Aminopeptidase N (APN/CD13), a Zn+2-dependent ectopeptidase localized on the cell surface, is widely considered to influence the invasion mechanism. This study explores the potential involvement of APN in migration and invasion of human osteosarcoma cells in vitro using inhi-bitors and activators of APN. Cells treated with APN inhibitor bestatin displayed decreased migration and invasion in a Boyden chamber Transwell assay. Western blotting revealed reduced levels of mitogen-activated protein kinase (MAPK) and phosphatidylinositol 3-kinase (PI3K) pathway proteins, reduced phosphorylation of p38, ERK1/2 and JNK and decreased levels of NF-κB. Bestatin treatment also lowered APN, matrix metalloproteinase (MMP)-2 and -9 enzymatic activity and their mRNA expression. Reduced MMP-2 and -9 protein levels were also observed. By comparison, cells treated with cytokine interleukin-6 (IL-6), a stimulator of APN, displayed increased migration and invasion. Western blotting revealed increased levels of MAPK and PI3K pathway proteins, phosphorylated p38, ERK1/2 and JNK, and NF-κB. IL-6 treatment also increased APN and MMP-2 and -9 enzymatic activity. An increase of APN, MMP-2 and -9 mRNA levels, and MMP-2 and -9 protein levels was also observed. Together these experiments reveal potential enzymatic and signalling roles for APN in osteosarcoma and establish a starting point for an in-depth analysis of the role of APN in regulating invasiveness. A deeper knowledge about the regulatory mechanisms of APN may contribute to the development of anti-metastatic therapies.

Matrix metalloproteinase-8 promoter gene polymorphisms in Mexican women with ovarian cancer

Increased levels of matrix metalloproteinase-8 (MMP-8) have been associated with tumor grade and stage in ovarian cancer. Also, it has been reported that higher concentrations of this enzyme in fluid from malignant ovarian cysts compared with benign ovarian cysts. However, no genetic analysis has been conducted yet to assess the contribution of MMP-8 polymorphisms in ovarian cancer. Thus, this study was performed to investigate the frequencies of MMP-8 genotypes in Mexican women with ovarian cancer. MMP-8 promoter genotypes were examined in 35 malignant ovarian tumors, 51 benign tumors, and 37 normal ovary tissues. Two single nucleotide polymorphisms were selected and characterized using polymerase chain reaction-restriction fragment length polymorphism analysis. The chi-square test was used to calculate statistical significance. Haplotype analysis was performed using the SNPstats web tool. Of the two polymorphisms, only the MMP-8 -799 T/T genotype was significantly associated with an increased risk of ovarian cancer (OR 3.78, 95 % CI 1.18-12.13). The Kaplan-Meier analysis for this polymorphism showed that patients with the T/T genetic variant had a tendency toward significant worse overall survival compared with patients with the C/C + C/T genotypes. Haplotype analysis revealed no significant differences in haplotype distribution between benign ovarian tumors, malignant ovarian cancer, and controls. This study suggests that MMP-8 promoter gene polymorphism -799 T/T is significantly associated with an increased risk of ovarian cancer in Mexican women.

Expression of the lysyl oxidase propeptide in hepatocellular carcinoma and its clinical relevance

Lysyl oxidase is an important extracellular matrix remodeling enzyme and plays critical roles in tumor progression and development. Its tumor-suppressor activity has been shown to depend on the propeptide region. Previous studies have reported that the expression levels of lysyl oxidase propeptide (LOX-PP) are associated with cancer of the breast, pancreas, lung, prostate and gastrointestinal system. However, to date, the exact effects and molecular mechanisms of LOX-PP in hepatocellular carcinoma progression are still unclear. The present study aimed to investigate the expression and clinical significance of LOX-PP in human hepatocellular carcinoma. First, 42 cases of hepatocellular carcinoma and corresponding adjacent non-cancerous tissues (ANCTs) were collected, and the expression of LOX-PP in these samples was assessed by immunohistochemistry (IHC). The clinicopathological characteristics of all patients were recorded. Next, in in vitro studies, recombinant adenovirus LOX (ad-LOX-PP) was used to infect hepatocellular carcinoma cell lines to determine the function of LOX-PP. To determine whether ad-LOX-PP affects hepatocellular carcinoma cell survival, cell viability was examined by CCK-8 assay, and cell cycle progression was assessed by flow cytometry. We also investigated the effects of LOX-PP on the expression of cell cycle regulators (cyclin D1 and cyclin E) by western blot analysis. The migration and invasion capacities of hepatocellular carcinoma cells were observed by wound-healing and tranwell invasion assays. To further investigate how LOX-PP affects migration levels of matrix metallopeptidase (MMP)-2 and MMP-9 were assessed by western blot analysis. Additionally, markers of the PI3K and MAPK signaling pathway were detected to further confirm the mechanisms of LOX-PP. As a result, reduced expression of LOX-PP was found in hepatocellular carcinoma tissues, when compared with that in the ANCTs (15 vs. 83%, P<0.01), and its expression was associated with tumor stage and distant metastasis (each P<0.05). Proliferation in hepatocellular carcinoma cells was significantly decreased in the ad-LOX-PP group as indicated by CCK-8 assay. LOX-PP significantly reduced the expression of Ki-67, while prominent increases in the rate of apoptosis and cell cycle arrest were observed. Similarly, cell migration was significantly inhibited in the ad-LOX-PP group as evidenced by transwell invasion and wound-healing assays. The expression levels of MMP-2 and MMP-9 were attenuated in the ad-LOX-PP group, suggesting that LOX-PP inhibits hepatocellular carcinoma cell migration via down-regulation of MMPs expression. When LOX-PP expression was potentiated by an adenovirus containing LOX-PP, the expression of p-ERK was significantly downregulated, indicating that LOX-PP inhibits hepatocellular carcinoma cell proliferation and induces its apoptosis probably through downregulation of the MAPK/ERK pathway.

Pigment epithelium-derived factor as a natural matrix metalloproteinase inhibitor: a comparison with classical matrix metalloproteinase inhibitors used for cancer treatment

OBJECTIVES

In the 1990s, the discovery of the important role of matrix metalloproteinases (MMPs) in cancer angiogenesis, growth and metastasis galvanised research efforts to search for ways to inhibit these MMPs. To date, this has resulted in the investigation of approximately 50 MMPIs which have undergone various phases of clinical trials. However, despite a large body of research being devoted to discovery and development of MMPIs, results have largely not been supportive of this approach to anticancer treatment.

KEY FINDINGS

The reasons for the general failure of these drugs in clinical trials include various unwanted side-effects, the use of healthy volunteers to provide drug dosages which did not correctly reflect dosages for cancer patients, and the exclusion of patients with early stage cancer in clinical trials despite MMPs being determined to be critical for the angiogenic switch, a process associated with early tumour growth. In contrast, a naturally-occurring endogenous protein and a non-functional serine protease inhibitor (serpin), pigment epithelium-derived factor (PEDF), has been proposed for cancer therapy partly due to its ability to regulate specific MMPs central to cancer progression.

SUMMARY

PEDF has been found to specifically downregulate membrane-type I matrix metalloproteinase (MT1-MMP) and furthermore, potentially matrix metalloproteinase-2 (MMP-2), two of the most commonly implicated MMPs in neoplasia.

Impact of vascular endothelial growth factor expression on overall survival in patients with osteosarcoma: a meta-analysis

Osteosarcoma is the most common primary malignant bone tumor of childhood. Vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) expression has been implicated in tumor development and progression of osteosarcoma, but previous studies investigating the impact of VEGF expression on overall survival in patients with osteosarcoma report conflicting findings. A meta-analysis of published studies was performed. The pooled hazard ratio (HR) with its 95% confidence interval (95% CI) was used to assess the impact of VEGF expression on overall survival in patients with osteosarcoma. Nine studies with a total of 432 osteosarcoma patients were included into this meta-analysis. There was no between-study heterogeneity among those nine studies (I (2) = 0.0%). Overall, high VEGF expression was obviously associated with poorer overall survival (HR = 1.68, 95% CI 1.33-2.12, P < 0.001). Sensitivity analysis performed by excluding single study in turns showed the pooled estimate was stable. Egger's test also did not suggest evidence for publication bias (P = 0.216). Therefore, this meta-analysis suggests that VEGF expression has an important impact on overall survival in patients with osteosarcoma and high VEGF expression is associated with poorer overall survival.

The secreted protein ANGPTL2 promotes metastasis of osteosarcoma cells through integrin α5β1, p38 MAPK, and matrix metalloproteinases

The tumor microenvironment can enhance the invasive capacity of tumor cells. We showed that expression of angiopoietin-like protein 2 (ANGPTL2) in osteosarcoma (OS) cell lines increased and the methylation of its promoter decreased with time when grown as xenografts in mice compared with culture. Compared with cells grown in normal culture conditions, the expression of genes encoding DNA demethylation-related enzymes increased in tumor cells implanted into mice or grown in hypoxic, serum-starved culture conditions. ANGPTL2 expression in OS cell lines correlated with increased tumor metastasis and decreased animal survival by promoting tumor cell intravasation mediated by the integrin α5β1, p38 mitogen-activated protein kinase, and matrix metalloproteinases. The tolloid-like 1 (TLL1) protease cleaved ANGPTL2 into fragments in vitro that did not enhance tumor progression when overexpressed in xenografts. Expression of TLL1 was weak in OS patient tumors, suggesting that ANGPTL2 may not be efficiently cleaved upon secretion from OS cells. These findings demonstrate that preventing ANGPTL2 signaling stimulated by the tumor microenvironment could inhibit tumor cell migration and metastasis.

Downregulation of ERK signaling impairs U2OS osteosarcoma cell migration in collagen matrix by suppressing MMP9 production

The present study investigated the role of extracellular signal-regulated kinase (ERK) activation in the migratory phenotype of human U2OS osteosarcoma (OS) cells in a collagen matrix. The activation of ERK was inhibited by PD98059, a specific inhibitor of ERK kinase. Additionally, no significant differences were observed in the adhesion and proliferation of the cells with or without PD98059 treatment in collagen-coated dishes. The migratory capacity of the U2OS cells was then examined in non-coated and collagen-coated dishes, and the results depicted that collagen I enhanced the migration of the U2OS cells, the effect of which was significantly blocked by the treatment of the cells with PD98059. Furthermore, enhanced gene and protein expression of matrix metalloproteinase 9 (MMP9), but not MMP2, was observed to be involved in the enhanced migratory phenotype of the U20S cells in the collagen-coated plates. This effect was partially abolished by the treatment of the cells in the collagen-coated dishes with ERK inhibitor. Collectively, the data demonstrate that ERK signaling is important for the migration of U2OS cells through the extracellular matrix (ECM), which is comprised mostly of collagen, by enhancing MMP9 production. These results may contribute to the regulation of MMP9 production in metastatic OS.

A standardized extract from Paeonia lactiflora and Astragalus membranaceus induces apoptosis and inhibits the proliferation, migration and invasion of human hepatoma cell lines

Paeonia lactiflora and Astragalus membranaceus are two traditional Chinese medicines, which are commonly used in Chinese herb prescription to treat liver diseases. The protective effects of the extract prepared from the roots of Paeonia lactiflora and Astragalus membranaceus (PAE) on liver fibrosis have been demonstrated in previous studies. However, its effect on hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) has not been investigated to date. In this study, the effects of PAE on the apoptosis, proliferation, migration and invasion of the human hepatoma cell lines HepG2 and SMMC-7721 were investigated. Our data demonstrated that treatment with PAE (50-200 mg/l) caused an inhibitory effect on the proliferation of the hepatoma cell lines HepG2 and SMMC-7721. Furthermore, PAE induced apoptosis of HepG2 cells and SMMC-7721 cells, which was demonstrated by PI staining. In addition, immunocytochemistry and western blotting showed that PAE significantly decreased the expression of Bcl-2, while the expression of Bax and cleaved caspase-3 in HepG2 cells and SMMC-7721 cells was significantly increased after treatment with PAE. These results clearly demonstrated that PAE induced hepatoma cell apoptosis through increasing the Bax-to-Bcl-2 ratio and upregulating the activation of caspase-3. In addition, the results of wound healing assay and Matrigel invasion assay showed that PAE displayed inhibitory activity on the migration and invasion of HCC cells. Taken together, the present data provides evidence that PAE is a potent antineoplastic drug candidate for the treatment of HCC.

Expression level and glycan dynamics determine the net effects of TIMP-1 on cancer progression

Tissue inhibitor of metalloproteinases (TIMPs; TIMP-1, -2, -3 and -4) are endogenous inhibitor for matrix metalloproteinases (MMPs) that are responsible for remodeling the extracellular matrix (ECM) and involved in migration, invasion and metastasis of tumor cells. Unlike under normal conditions, the imbalance between MMPs and TIMPs is associated with various diseased states. Among TIMPs, TIMP-1, a 184-residue protein, is the only N-linked glycoprotein with glycosylation sites at N30 and N78. The structural analysis of the catalytic domain of human stromelysin-1 (MMP-3) and human TIMP-1 suggests new possibilities of the role of TIMP-1 glycan moieties as a tuner for the proteolytic activities by MMPs. Because the TIMP-1 glycosylation participate in the interaction, aberrant glycosylation of TIMP-1 presumably affects the interaction, thereby leading to pathogenic dysfunction in cancer cells. TIMP-1 has not only the cell proliferation activities but also anti-oncogenic properties. Cancer cells appear to utilize these bilateral aspects of TIMP-1 for cancer progression; an elevated TIMP-1 level exerts to cancer development via MMP-independent pathway during the early phase of tumor formation, whereas it is the aberrant glycosylation of TIMP-1 that overcome the high anti-proteolytic burden. The aberrant glycosylation of TIMP-1 can thus be used as staging and/or prognostic biomarker in colon cancer. [BMB Reports 2012; 45(11): 623-628]

B7-H3 is overexpressed in patients suffering osteosarcoma and associated with tumor aggressiveness and metastasis

B7-H3 is a member of the B7-family of co-stimulatory molecules, which has been shown to be broadly expressed in various tumor tissues, and which plays an important role in adaptive immune responses. The role of B7-H3 in osteosarcoma, however, remains unknown. In this study we used immunohistochemistry to analyze B7-H3 expression in 61 primary osteosarcoma tissues with case-matched adjacent normal tissues, and 37 osteochondroma and 20 bone fibrous dysplasia tissues. B7-H3 expression was expressed in 91.8% (56/61) of the osteosarcoma lesions, and the intensity of B7-H3 expression in osteosarcoma was significantly increased compared with adjacent normal tissues, osteochondroma and bone fibrous dysplasia tissues (p<0.001). Patients with high tumor B7-H3 levels had a significantly shorter survival time and recurrence time than patients with low tumor B7-H3 levels (p<0.001). Moreover, tumor B7-H3 expression inversely correlated with the number of tumor-infiltrating CD8⁺ T cells (p<0.05). In vitro, increasing expression of B7-H3 promotes osteosarcoma cell invasion, at least in part by upregulating matrix metalloproteinase-2 (MMP-2). In conclusion, our study provides the first evidence of B7-H3 expression in osteosarcoma cells as a potential mechanism controlling tumor immunity and invasive malignancy, and which is correlated with patients’ survival and metastasis.

Matrix Metalloproteinase 1 promotes tumor formation and lung metastasis in an intratibial injection osteosarcoma mouse model

Proteolytic degradation of the extracellular matrix (ECM) is an important process during tumor invasion. Matrix Metalloproteinase 1 (MMP-1) is one of the proteases that degrade collagen type I, a major component of bone ECM. In the present study, the biological relevance of MMP-1 in osteosarcoma (OS) tumor growth and metastasis was investigated in vitro and in vivo. Human OS cells in primary culture expressed MMP-1 encoding mRNA at considerably higher levels than normal human bone cells. In addition, MMP-1 mRNA and protein expression in the highly metastatic human osteosarcoma 143-B cell line was remarkably higher than in the non-metastatic parental HOS cell line. Stable shRNA-mediated downregulation of MMP-1 in 143-B cells impaired adhesion to collagen I and anchorage-independent growth, reflected by a reduced ability to grow in soft agar. Upon intratibial injection into SCID mice, 143-B cells with shRNA-downregulated MMP-1 expression formed smaller primary tumors and significantly lower numbers of lung micro- and macrometastases than control cells. Conversely, HOS cells stably overexpressing MMP-1 showed an enhanced adhesion capability to collagen I and accelerated anchorage-independent growth compared to empty vector-transduced control cells. Furthermore, and most importantly, individual MMP-1 overexpression in HOS cells enabled the formation of osteolytic primary tumors and lung metastasis while the HOS control cells did not develop any tumors or metastases after intratibial injection. The findings of the present study reveal an important role of MMP-1 in OS primary tumor and metastasis formation to the lung, the major organ of OS metastasis.

Overexpression and β-1,6-N-acetylglucosaminylation-initiated aberrant glycosylation of TIMP-1: a "double whammy" strategy in colon cancer progression

There has been ongoing debate over whether tissue inhibitor of metalloproteinase-1 (TIMP-1) is pro- or anti-oncogenic. We confirmed that TIMP-1 reinforced cell proliferation in an αvβ3 integrin-dependent manner and conferred resistance against cytotoxicity triggered by TNF-α and IL-2 in WiDr colon cancer cells. The cell-proliferative effects of TIMP-1 contributed to clonogenicity and tumor growth during the onset and early phase of tumor formation in vivo and in vitro. However, mass-produced TIMP-1 impeded further tumor growth by tightly inhibiting the activities of collagenases, which are critical for tumor growth and malignant transformation. Tumor cells could overcome this impasse by overexpression of N-acetylglucosaminyltransferase V, which deteriorates TIMP-1 into an aberrant glycoform. The aberrant glycoform of TIMP-1 was responsible for the mitigated inhibition of collagenases. The outbalanced activities of collagenases can degrade the basement membrane and the interstitial matrix, which act as a physical barrier for tumor growth and progression more efficiently. The concomitant overexpression of TIMP-1 and N-acetylglucosaminyltransferase V enabled WiDr cells to show a higher tumor growth rate as well as more malignant behaviors in a three-dimensional culture system.