Human antigen R is positively associated with malignant aggressiveness via upregulation of cell proliferation, migration, and vascular endothelial growth factors and cyclooxygenase-2 in prostate cancer

ELAVL1 regulates glycolysis in nasopharyngeal carcinoma cells through the HMGB3/β-catenin axis

BACKGROUND

The role of ELAVL1 in the progression of various tumors has been demonstrated. Our research aims to investigate how ELAVL1 controls the glycolytic process in nasopharyngeal carcinoma cells through the HMGB3/β-catenin pathway.

METHODS

The expression of ELAVL1 was detected in clinical tumor samples and nasopharyngeal carcinoma cell lines. A subcutaneous tumor model was established in nude mice to investigate the role of ELAVL1 in tumor progression. The relationship between HMGB3 and ELAVL1 was validated by RNA pull down and RIP assays. TOPFlash/FOPFlash reporter assay was used to detect β-catenin activity. Assay kits were utilized to measure glucose consumption, lactate production, and G6PD activity in nasopharyngeal carcinoma cells. Western blot was conducted to detect the expression of glycolysis-related proteins. The glycolytic capacity was analyzed through extracellular acidification rate (ECAR).

RESULTS

In both clinical samples and nasopharyngeal carcinoma cell lines, the expression levels of ELAVL1 mRNA and protein were found to be upregulated. Knockdown of ELAVL1 significantly inhibited the in vivo proliferation of nasopharyngeal carcinoma and suppressed the glycolytic capacity of nasopharyngeal carcinoma cells. ELAVL1 interacts with HMGB3, leading to an increase in the stability of HMGB3 mRNA. Overexpression of HMGB3 elevated the reduced β-catenin activity caused by sh-ELAVL1 and reversed the inhibitory effect of sh-ELAVL1 on cellular glycolytic capacity. Treatment with β-catenin inhibitor (FH535) effectively suppressed the promotion of glycolytic capacity induced by HMGB3 overexpression.

CONCLUSIONS

ELAVL1 promotes glycolysis in nasopharyngeal carcinoma cells by interacting with HMGB3 to stabilize HMGB3 mRNA, thereby activating β-catenin pathway. Therefore, targeting the ELAVL1-HMGB3-β-catenin axis has the potential to be a novel approach for treating nasopharyngeal carcinoma.

CRM1 regulates androgen receptor stability and impacts DNA repair pathways in prostate cancer, independent of the androgen receptor

Among the known nuclear exportins, CRM1 is the most studied prototype. Dysregulation of CRM1 occurs in many cancers, hence, understanding the role of CRM1 in cancer can help in developing synergistic therapeutics. The study investigates how CRM1 affects prostate cancer growth and survival. It examines the role of CRM1 in regulating androgen receptor (AR) and DNA repair in prostate cancer. Our findings reveal that CRM1 influences AR mRNA and protein stability, leading to a loss of AR protein upon CRM1 inhibition. Furthermore, it highlights the involvement of HSP90 alpha, a known AR chaperone, in the CRM1-dependent regulation of AR protein stability. The combination of CRM1 inhibition with an HSP90 inhibitor demonstrates potent effects on decreasing prostate cancer cell growth and survival. The study further explores the influence of CRM1 on DNA repair proteins and proposes a strategy of combining CRM1 inhibitors with DNA repair pathway inhibitors to decrease prostate cancer growth. Overall, the findings suggest that CRM1 plays a crucial role in prostate cancer growth, and a combination of inhibitors targeting CRM1 and DNA repair pathways could be a promising therapeutic strategy.

Deletion of the mRNA stability factor ELAVL1 (HuR) in pancreatic cancer cells disrupts the tumor microenvironment integrity

Stromal cells promote extensive fibrosis in pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma (PDAC), which is associated with poor prognosis and therapeutic resistance. We report here for the first time that loss of the RNA-binding protein human antigen R (HuR, ELAVL1) in PDAC cells leads to reprogramming of the tumor microenvironment. In multiple in vivo models, CRISPR deletion of ELAVL1 in PDAC cells resulted in a decrease of collagen deposition, accompanied by a decrease of stromal markers (i.e. podoplanin, α-smooth muscle actin, desmin). RNA-sequencing data showed that HuR plays a role in cell-cell communication. Accordingly, cytokine arrays identified that HuR regulates the secretion of signaling molecules involved in stromal activation and extracellular matrix organization [i.e. platelet-derived growth factor AA (PDGFAA) and pentraxin 3]. Ribonucleoprotein immunoprecipitation analysis and transcription inhibition studies validated PDGFA mRNA as a novel HuR target. These data suggest that tumor-intrinsic HuR supports extrinsic activation of the stroma to produce collagen and desmoplasia through regulating signaling molecules (e.g. PDGFAA). HuR-deficient PDAC in vivo tumors with an altered tumor microenvironment are more sensitive to the standard of care gemcitabine, as compared to HuR-proficient tumors. Taken together, we identified a novel role of tumor-intrinsic HuR in its ability to modify the surrounding tumor microenvironment and regulate PDGFAA.

Infectivity-Enhanced, Conditionally Replicative Adenovirus for COX-2-Expressing Castration-Resistant Prostate Cancer

BACKGROUND

The development of conditionally replicative adenoviruses (CRAds) for castration-resistant prostate cancer (CRPC), particularly neuroendocrine prostate cancer (NEPC), has two major obstacles: choice of control element and poor infectivity. We applied fiber-modification-based infectivity enhancement and an androgen-independent promoter (cyclooxynegase-2, COX-2) to overcome these issues.

METHODS

The properties of the COX-2 promoter and the effect of fiber modification were tested in two CRPC cell lines (Du-145 and PC3). Fiber-modified COX-2 CRAds were tested in vitro for cytocidal effect as well as in vivo for antitumor effect with subcutaneous CRPC xenografts.

RESULTS

In both CRPC cell lines, the COX-2 promoter showed high activity, and Ad5/Ad3 fiber modification significantly enhanced adenoviral infectivity. COX-2 CRAds showed a potent cytocidal effect in CRPC cells with remarkable augmentation by fiber modification. In vivo, COX-2 CRAds showed an antitumor effect in Du-145 while only Ad5/Ad3 CRAd showed the strongest antitumor effect in PC3.

CONCLUSION

COX-2 promoter-based, infectivity-enhanced CRAds showed a potent antitumor effect in CRPC/NEPC cells.

SOCS7/HuR/FOXM1 signaling axis inhibited high-grade serous ovarian carcinoma progression

Background

High-grade serous ovarian carcinoma (HGSOC) is clinically dominant and accounts for ~ 80% deaths in all types of ovarian cancer. The delayed diagnosis, rapid development, and wide dissemination of HGSOC collectively contribute to its high mortality rate and poor prognosis in the patients. Suppressors of cytokine signaling 7 (SOCS7) can regulate cytokine signaling and participate in cell cycle arrest and regulation of cell proliferation, which might also be involved in carcinogenesis. Here, we designated to investigate the functions and mechanisms of SOCS7 in HGSOC.

Methods

The clinical correlation between SOCS7 and HGSOC was examined by both bioinformatics and analysis of tissue samples in patients. Gain/Loss-of-function examinations were carried out to assess the effectiveness of SOCS7 in cell viability, cell cycle, and tumor growth of HGSOC. Furthermore, the underlying mechanisms were explored by identifying the downstream proteins and their interactions via proteomics analysis and immunoprecipitation.

Results

The expression of SOCS7, which was decreased in HGSOC tissues, was correlated with the clinical pathologic characteristics and overall survival of HGSOC patients. SOCS7 acted as a HGSOC suppressor by inhibiting cancer cell viability and tumor growth in vivo. The anti-HGSOC mechanism involves SOCS7’s regulatory effect on HuR by mediating its ubiquitination, the regulation of FOXM1 mRNA by HuR, as well as the interplays among these three clinically relevant factors.

Conclusions

The SOCS7 correlates with HGSOC and suppresses its tumorigenesis through regulating HuR and FOXM1, which also suggests that SOCS7 is a prospective biomarker for the clinical management of ovarian cancer, especially HGSOC.

Supplementary Information

The online version contains supplementary material available at 10.1186/s13046-022-02395-1.

The RNA-binding protein HuR in human cancer: A friend or foe?

The RNA-binding proteins (RBPs) are critical trans factors that associate with specific cis elements present in mRNAs whose stability and translation are subject to regulation. The RBP Hu antigen R (HuR) is overexpressed in a wide variety of human cancers and serves as a prognostic factor of poor clinical outcome. HuR promotes tumorigenesis by interacting with a subset of oncogenic mRNAs implicated in different cancer hallmarks, and resistance to therapy. Reduction of HuR levels in cancer cells leads to tumor regression in mouse xenograft models. These findings prompt a working model whereby cancer cells use HuR, a master switch of multiple oncogenic mRNAs, to drive drug resistance and promote cell survival and metastasis, thus rendering the tumor cells with high cytoplasmic HuR more progressive and resistant to therapy. This review summarizes the roles of HuR in cancer and other diseases, therapeutic potential of HuR inhibition, and the current status of drug discovery on HuR.

Roles of Embryonic Lethal Abnormal Vision-Like RNA Binding Proteins in Cancer and Beyond

Embryonic lethal abnormal vision-like (ELAVL) proteins are RNA binding proteins that were originally discovered as indispensable regulators of the development and functioning of the nervous system. Subsequent studies have shown that ELAVL proteins not only exist in the nervous system, but also have regulatory effects in other tissues. ELAVL proteins have attracted attention as potential therapeutic targets because they stabilize multiple mRNAs by binding within the 3′-untranslated region and thus promote the development of tumors, including hepatocellular carcinoma, pancreatic cancer, ovarian cancer, breast cancer, colorectal carcinoma and lung cancer. Previous studies have focused on these important relationships with downstream mRNAs, but emerging studies suggest that ELAVL proteins also interact with non-coding RNAs. In this review, we will summarize the relationship of the ELAVL protein family with mRNA and non-coding RNA and the roles of ELAVL protein family members in a variety of physiological and pathological processes.

The androgen receptor messenger RNA: what do we know?

The Androgen Receptor (AR), transcriptionally activated by its ligands, testosterone and dihydrotestosterone (DHT), is widely expressed in cells and tissues, influencing normal biology and disease states. The protein product of the AR gene is involved in the regulation of numerous biological functions, including the development and maintenance of the normal prostate gland and of the cardiovascular, musculoskeletal and immune systems. Androgen signalling, mediated by AR protein, plays a crucial role in the development of prostate cancer (PCa), and is presumed to be involved in other cancers including those of the breast, bladder, liver and kidney. Significant research and reviews have focused on AR protein function; however, inadequate research and literature exist to define the function of AR mRNA in normal and cancer cells. The AR mRNA transcript is nearly 11 Kb long and contains a long 3’ untranslated region (UTR), suggesting its biological role in post-transcriptional regulation, consequently affecting the overall functions of both normal and cancer cells. Research has demonstrated that many biological activities, including RNA stability, translation, cellular trafficking and localization, are associated with the 3’ UTRs of mRNAs. In this review, we describe the potential role of the AR 3’ UTR and summarize RNA-binding proteins (RBPs) that interact with the AR mRNA to regulate post-transcriptional metabolism. We highlight the importance of AR mRNA as a critical modulator of carcinogenesis and its important role in developing therapy-resistant prostate cancer.

Human antigen R promotes angiogenesis of endothelial cells cultured with adipose stem cells derived exosomes via overexpression of vascular endothelial growth factor in vitro

Recent studies showed that exosomes obtained from adipose-derived stem cells (ADSCs) could improve the angiogenesis of fat grafts via overexpression of vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF). Human antigen R (HuR) promotes the expression of VEGF in many cancers, but the effect of HuR in normal endothelial cells in the presence of ADSC-derived exosomes remains unclear. We aimed to investigate the effect of HuR on the expression of VEGF and angiogenesis of human umbilical vein endothelial cells (HUVECs) cultured with ADSCs-derived exosomes. The HuR-overexpressed HUVECs (HuR-HUVECs) were cocultured with ADSCs-derived exosomes. qRT-PCR and Western blotting were performed to examine the stability and expression of VEGF-A mRNA and protein. The proliferation, migration, and proangiogenic capacity of HuR-HUVECs were evaluated using cell counting kit-8 (CCK-8), scratch wound healing, and Matrigel tube formation assay. qRT-PCR showed that HuR-HUVECs had higher expression and slower attenuation of VEGF-A mRNA. Western blotting confirmed higher expression of VEGF-A in HuR-HUVECs. CCK-8, scratch wound healing, and Matrigel tube formation assay demonstrated an increased proangiogenic effect in HuR-HUVECs. HuR promotes angiogenesis of HUVECs cocultured with ADSCs-derived exosomes via stabilization and overexpression of VEGF in vitro. The HuR/VEGF pathway is an important regulatory mechanism of angiogenesis in endothelial cells.

CMTM5 inhibits the development of prostate cancer via the EGFR/PI3K/AKT signaling pathway

Prostate cancer (PCa) endangers the life and health of older men. Most PCa cases develop into castration-resistant PCa (CRPC) within 2 years. At present, the molecular mechanisms of the occurrence and development of PCa and its transformation to CRPC remain unknown. The present study aimed to investigate the role of CKLF-like Marvel transmembrane domain containing family member 5 (CMTM5) in PCa and its molecular mechanism in vitro. PCa tissues and paired adjacent normal prostate tissues from 70 patients were collected to examine the expression levels of CMTM5 and EGFR via immunohistochemistry, reverse transcription-quantitative PCR and western blotting. Then, CMTM5-overexpressing DU145 cells were constructed, and CMTM5 expression in these transfected cells and vector control cells was examined via western blotting. Cell Counting Kit-8 and plate clone formation assays were used to evaluate the proliferation and colony number of CMTM5-overexpressing cells and vector control cells. Then, cell migration and invasion were assessed using wound healing assay, Transwell assay and immunofluorescence analysis with DAPI staining. The effect of CMTM5 on apoptosis and its underlying molecular mechanism were examined using western blotting and flow cytometry. The results demonstrated that CMTM5 expression in PCa tissues and cell lines was significantly downregulated, while EFGR expression was significantly upregulated. The proportion of high CMTM5 expression in PCa tissues was significantly lower compared with that in normal prostate tissues. By contrast, the proportion of high EGFR expression in PCa tissues was significantly increased compared with that in normal prostate tissues. Moreover, CMTM5 overexpression significantly inhibited cell proliferation, migration and invasion, and promoted cell apoptosis compared with vector control cells in vitro. Furthermore, the regulation of PCa by CMTM5 was associated with the downregulation of PI3K/AKT and its downstream Bcl-2 expression, as well as the upregulation of Bax expression. In conclusion, CMTM5 may be an effective tumor suppressor gene for PCa, especially for castration-resistant PCa, by downregulating EGFR and PI3K/AKT signaling pathway components.

Pathological significance and prognostic role of LATS2 in prostate cancer

BACKGROUND

Large tumor suppressor 2 (LATS2) is an important regulator of the Hippo pathway and it plays crucial roles in cell survival and behaviors. Herein, we evaluated the pathological roles of LATS2 in prostate cancer (PC), for which very little information is available.

METHODS

Cell proliferation, migration, and invasion in response to the siRNA-mediated knockdown (KD) LATS2 expression were evaluated in two PC cell lines (LNCaP and PC3). The expression of LATS2 in specimens from 204 PC patients was investigated immunohistochemically, and the relationships between its expression and clinicopathological features, proliferation index (PI; measured using an anti-KI-67 antibody), and biochemical recurrence (BCR) were investigated.

RESULTS

KD of LATS2 increased the growth, migration, and invasion in LNCaP cells and only increased migration in PC3 cells. The expression of LATS2 was negatively associated with the grade group, T, N, M stage, and PI. In addition, the expression of LATS2 was a useful predictor of the histological effects of neoadjuvant hormonal therapy and BCR-free survival periods. A multivariate analysis model including clinicopathological features showed that negative expression of LATS2 had a significantly higher risk of BCR (odds ratio = 2.95, P < 0.001).

CONCLUSIONS

LATS2 acts as a tumor suppressor in PC. LATS2 expression is a useful predictor for BCR. LATS2-related activities are possibly dependent on the androgen-dependency of PC cells. Therefore, we suggest that LATS2 could be a potential therapeutic target and a useful predictor for outcome in patients with PC.

MiR-155 regulates neutrophil extracellular trap formation and lung injury in abdominal sepsis

Neutrophil extracellular traps (NETs)-mediated tissue damage is a hallmark in abdominal sepsis. Under certain conditions, microRNAs (miRs) can regulate protein expression and cellular functions. The aim of this study was to investigate the role of miR-155 in sepsis-induced NET formation, lung inflammation, and tissue damage. Abdominal sepsis was induced in wild-type (WT) C57BL/6 and miR-155 gene-deficient mice by cecal ligation and puncture (CLP). The amount of DNA-histone complex formation as well as myeloperoxidase (MPO) and citrullinated histone 3 in neutrophils isolated from bone marrow were examined by ELISA and flow cytometry. NETs were detected by electron microscopy in the septic lung. Levels of PAD4 and citrullinated histone 3 were determined by Western blot in the blood neutrophils. Lung levels of MPO, CXC chemokines, and plasma levels of DNA-histone complexes and CXC chemokines were quantified. In vitro studies revealed that neutrophils from miR-155 gene-deficient mice had less NETs forming ability than WT neutrophils. In the miR-155 gene-deficient mice, CLP yielded much less NETs in the lung tissue compared with WT control. CLP-induced PAD4 levels, histone 3 citrullination, edema, MPO activity, and neutrophil recruitment in the lung were markedly reduced in the mice lacking miR-155. Furthermore, tissue and plasma levels of CXCL1 and CXCL2 were significantly lower in the miR-155 gene-deficient mice compared with WT after induction of abdominal sepsis. Taken together, our findings suggest that miR-155 regulates pulmonary formation of NETs in abdominal sepsis via PAD4 up-regulation and histone 3 citrullination. Thus, targeting miR-155 could be a useful target to reduce pulmonary damage in abdominal sepsis.

Long Noncoding RNA VESTAR Regulates Lymphangiogenesis and Lymph Node Metastasis of Esophageal Squamous Cell Carcinoma by Enhancing VEGFC mRNA Stability

Lymph node metastasis is one of the most malignant clinical features in patients with esophageal squamous cell carcinoma (ESCC). Understanding the mechanism of lymph node metastasis will provide treatment strategies for patients with ESCC. Long noncoding RNAs (lncRNA) play a critical role in the development and progression of human cancers. However, the role and mechanism of lncRNAs in lymph node metastasis remain largely unknown. Here we show that VEGFC mRNA stability-associated long noncoding RNA (VESTAR) is involved in lymph node metastasis of ESCC. VESTAR was overexpressed in ESCC tissues and was predictive of poor prognosis in patients with ESCC. In ESCC, NXF1 and SRSF3 facilitated nuclear export of VESTAR to the cytoplasm, which was associated with lymph node metastasis. Depletion of VESTAR inhibited ESCC-associated lymphangiogenesis and lymphatic metastasis. Mechanistically, VESTAR directly bound and stabilized VEGFC mRNA. VESTAR also interacted with HuR, a positive regulator of VEGFC mRNA stability, and increased HuR binding to VEGFC mRNA. Our study reveals a novel lncRNA-guided mechanism of lymph node metastasis in ESCC and may provide a potential target for treatment of ESCC lymphatic metastasis. SIGNIFICANCE: These findings illustrate the lncRNA-guided regulation of VEGFC mRNA stability via direct RNA-RNA interactions, highlighting a therapeutic target for patients with ESCC with lymphatic metastasis.

Present Status, Limitations and Future Directions of Treatment Strategies Using Fucoidan-Based Therapies in Bladder Cancer

Bladder cancer (BC) is a common urological cancer, with poor prognosis for advanced/metastatic stages. Various intensive treatments, including radical cystectomy, chemotherapy, immune therapy, and radiotherapy are commonly used for these patients. However, these treatments often cause complications and adverse events. Therefore, researchers are exploring the efficacy of natural product-based treatment strategies in BC patients. Fucoidan, derived from marine brown algae, is recognized as a multi-functional and safe substrate, and has been reported to have anti-cancer effects in various types of malignancies. Additionally, in vivo and in vitro studies have reported the protective effects of fucoidan against cancer-related cachexia and chemotherapeutic agent-induced adverse events. In this review, we have introduced the anti-cancer effects of fucoidan extracts in BC and highlighted its molecular mechanisms. We have also shown the anti-cancer effects of fucoidan therapy with conventional chemotherapeutic agents and new treatment strategies using fucoidan-based nanoparticles in various malignancies. Moreover, apart from the improvement of anti-cancer effects by fucoidan, its protective effects against cancer-related disorders and cisplatin-induced toxicities have been introduced. However, the available information is insufficient to conclude the clinical usefulness of fucoidan-based treatments in BC patients. Therefore, we have indicated the aspects that need to be considered regarding fucoidan-based treatments and future directions for the treatment of BC.

Emerging impact of the long noncoding RNA MIR22HG on proliferation and apoptosis in multiple human cancers

An increasing number of studies have shown that long noncoding RNAs (lncRNAs) play important roles in diverse cellular processes, including proliferation, apoptosis, migration, invasion, chromatin remodeling, metabolism and immune escape. Clinically, the expression of MIR22HG is increased in many human tumors (colorectal cancer, gastric cancer, hepatocellular carcinoma, lung cancer, and thyroid carcinoma), while in others (esophageal adenocarcinoma and glioblastoma), it is significantly decreased. Moreover, MIR22HG has been reported to function as a competitive endogenous RNA (ceRNA), be involved in signaling pathways, interact with proteins and interplay with miRNAs as a host gene to participate in tumorigenesis and tumor progression. In this review, we describe the biological functions of MIR22HG, reveal its underlying mechanisms for cancer regulation, and highlight the potential role of MIR22HG as a novel cancer prognostic biomarker and therapeutic target that can increase the efficacy of immunotherapy and targeted therapy for cancer treatment.

Pathological roles of c-Met in bladder cancer: Association with cyclooxygenase-2, heme oxygenase-1, vascular endothelial growth factor-A and programmed death ligand 1

c-Met is a receptor tyrosine kinase that binds a specific ligand, namely hepatocyte growth factor (HGF). The HGF/c-Met system is important for malignant aggressiveness in various types of cancer, including bladder cancer (BC). However, although phosphorylation is the essential step required for biological activation of c-Met, pathological roles of phosphorylated c-Met at the clinical and molecular levels in patients with BC are not fully understood. In the present study, the expression levels of c-Met and the phosphorylation of two of its tyrosine residues (pY1234/pY1235 and pY1349) were immunohistochemically examined in 185 BC tissues. The associations between these expression levels and cancer cell invasion, metastasis, and cyclooxygenase-2 (COX-2), heme oxygenase-1 (HO-1), VEGF-A and programmed death ligand 1 (PD-L1) levels were investigated. c-Met was associated with muscle invasion (P=0.021), as well as the expression levels of HO-1 (P=0.028) and PD-L1 (P<0.001), whereas pY1349 c-Met was associated with muscle invasion (P=0.003), metastasis (P=0.025), and COX-2 (P=0.017), HO-1 (P=0.031) and PD-L1 (P=0.001) expression. By contrast, pY1234/1235 c-Met was associated with muscle invasion and metastasis (P=0.006 and P=0.012, respectively), but not with the panel of cancer-associated molecules. Furthermore, COX-2 and PD-L1 expression were associated with muscle invasion and metastasis, respectively (P=0.045 and P=0.036, respectively). Hence, c-Met serves important roles in muscle invasion by regulating HO-1 and PD-L1, whereas its phosphorylation at Y1349 is associated with muscle invasion and metastasis via the regulation of COX-2, HO-1 and PD-L1 in patients with BC. Furthermore, phosphorylation at Y1234/1235 may lead to muscle invasion and metastasis via alternate mechanisms associated with c-Met and pY1349 c-Met.

GRK2-Dependent HuR Phosphorylation Regulates HIF1α Activation under Hypoxia or Adrenergic Stress

Adaptation to hypoxia is a common feature in solid tumors orchestrated by oxygen-dependent and independent upregulation of the hypoxia-inducible factor-1α (HIF-1α). We unveiled that G protein-coupled receptor kinase (GRK2), known to be overexpressed in certain tumors, fosters this hypoxic pathway via phosphorylation of the mRNA-binding protein HuR, a central HIF-1α modulator. GRK2-mediated HuR phosphorylation increases the total levels and cytoplasmic shuttling of HuR in response to hypoxia, and GRK2-phosphodefective HuR mutants show defective cytosolic accumulation and lower binding to HIF-1α mRNA in hypoxic Hela cells. Interestingly, enhanced GRK2 and HuR expression correlate in luminal breast cancer patients. GRK2 also promotes the HuR/HIF-1α axis and VEGF-C accumulation in normoxic MCF7 breast luminal cancer cells and is required for the induction of HuR/HIF1-α in response to adrenergic stress. Our results point to a relevant role of the GRK2/HuR/HIF-1α module in the adaptation of malignant cells to tumor microenvironment-related stresses.

Beta-blockers and glioma: a systematic review of preclinical studies and clinical results

Given the median survival of 15 months after diagnosis, novel treatment strategies are needed for glioblastoma. Beta-blockers have been demonstrated to inhibit angiogenesis and tumor cell proliferation in various cancer types. The aim of this study was to systematically review the evidence on the effect of beta-blockers on glioma growth. A systematic literature search was performed in the PubMed, Embase, Google Scholar, Web of Science, and Cochrane Central to identify all relevant studies. Preclinical studies concerning the pharmacodynamic effects of beta-blockers on glioma growth and proliferation were included, as well as clinical studies that studied the effect of beta-blockers on patient outcomes according to PRISMA guidelines. Among the 980 citations, 10 preclinical studies and 1 clinical study were included after title/abstract and full-text screening. The following potential mechanisms were identified: reduction of glioma cell proliferation (n = 9), decrease of glioma cell migration (n = 2), increase of drug sensitivity (n = 1), induction of glioma cell death (n = 1). Beta-blockers affect glioma proliferation by inducing a brief reduction of cAMP and a temporary cell cycle arrest in vitro. Contrasting results were observed concerning glioma cell migration. The identified clinical study did not find an association between beta-blockers and survival in glioma patients. Although preclinical studies provide scarce evidence for the use of beta-blockers in glioma, they identified potential pathways for targeting glioma. Future studies are needed to clarify the effect of beta-blockers on clinical endpoints including survival outcomes in glioma patients to scrutinize the value of beta-blockers in glioma care.

Increased expression of the RNA-binding motif protein 47 predicts poor prognosis in non-small-cell lung cancer

Lung cancer is the leading cause of cancer-associated mortality worldwide. In China, in particular, lung cancer mortality has markedly increased and is likely to continue to rise. RNA-binding proteins are pivotal to the development and progression of a variety of cancer types, including non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC). RNA-binding motif protein 47 (RBM47) has been found to act as a tumor suppressor in breast cancer and NSCLC. However, to the best of our knowledge, RBM47 expression in NSCLC tissues has yet to be investigated. Analysis via the online database, Gene Expression Omnibus, revealed that RBM47 was upregulated in NSCLC and associated with pathological type, suggesting that RBM47 may play different roles in lung adenocarcinoma and lung squamous cell carcinoma. In the present study, the expression of RBM47 was examined by immunohistochemistry in 175 pairs of tumor and adjacent non-cancerous tissues resected from patients with NSCLC. The results indicated that the expression of RBM47 was significantly increased in NSCLC samples compared with that in the matched non-cancerous samples. Furthermore, RBM47 expression was higher in Xuanwei compared with that in non-Xuanwei NSCLC, suggesting that RBM47 is a more sensitive biomarker in Xuanwei NSCLC, and that it may serve as a candidate therapeutic target. In addition, RBM47 expression was associated with the pathological type, however not with the age, sex, lymph node metastasis, pT stage or pathological Tumor-Node-Metastasis stage of the patients. The increased expression level of RBM47 may indicate a worse overall survival rate for patients with NSCLC. In addition, multivariate survival analysis showed that the Xuanwei area is associated with poor prognosis for patients with NSCLC. In conclusion, the present study revealed that the upregulation of RBM47 accelerated the malignant progression of NSCLC, indicating that RBM47 may be a potential biomarker for NSCLC progression and a therapeutic target for NSCLC.

MiR-155 Regulates PAD4-Dependent Formation of Neutrophil Extracellular Traps

Accumulating data suggest that neutrophil extracellular traps (NETs) exert a key function in several diseases. Peptidylarginine deiminase 4 (PAD4) regulates NET formation via citrullination of histones. The aim of this study was to examine the role of miR-155 in controlling PAD4-dependent generation of NETs. Bone marrow neutrophils were stimulated with PMA and MIP-2. Pre-incubation of neutrophils with translational inhibitors (cycloheximide or puromycin) markedly decreased NET formation induced by PMA or MIP-2. Neutrophil transfection with a mimic miR-155 increased PMA-induced PAD4 mRNA expression and NET formation. In contrast, transfection with an antagomiR-155 decreased induction of PAD4 mRNA and NETs in response to PMA challenge. Bioinformatical examination of PAD4 revealed a potential binding site in AU-rich elements at the 3′-UTR region. MiR-155 binding to PAD4 was examined by use of target site blockers and RNA immunoprecipitation, revealing that miR-155 regulation of PAD4 mRNA is mediated via AU-rich elements in the 3′-UTR region. In conclusion, our findings demonstrate that miR-155 positively regulates neutrophil expression of PAD4 and expulsion of extracellular traps. Thus, our novel results indicate that targeting miR-155 might be useful to inhibit exaggerated NET generation in inflammatory diseases.

Stage-specific embryonic antigen-4 is a histological marker reflecting the malignant behavior of prostate cancer

Stage-specific embryonic antigen-4 (SSEA-4), a specific marker for pluripotent stem cells, plays an important role in the malignant behavior of several cancers. Here, SSEA-4 expression was evaluated by immunohistochemistry using monoclonal antibody RM1 specific to SSEA-4 in 181 and 117 prostate cancer (PC) specimens obtained by biopsy and radical prostatectomy (RP), respectively. The relationships between SSEA-4 expression in cancer cells or the presence of SSEA-4-positive tumor-infiltrating immune cells (TICs) and clinicopathological parameters were analyzed. SSEA-4 expression in cancer cells was significantly associated with Gleason score, local progression, and lymph node and distant metastasis. In RP specimens, high SSEA-4 expression in cancer cells and the presence of SSEA-4-positive TICs were significant predictors of pT3, i.e., invasion and worse biochemical recurrence (BCR) after RP, respectively, in univariate analysis. In contrast, combination of high SSEA-4 expression in cancer cells and the presence of SSEA-4-positive TICs was an independent predictor for pT3 and BCR in multivariate analysis. Biologically this combination was also independently associated with suppression of apoptosis. Thus, the co-expression of SSEA-4 in cancer cells and TICs may have crucial roles in the malignant aggressiveness and prognosis of PC. Invasive potential and suppression of apoptosis may be linked to SSEA-4 expression.

Identification of differentially expressed genes in the development of osteosarcoma using RNA-seq

Objective

Osteosarcoma (OS) is a malignant bone tumor with high morbidity in young adults and adolescents. This study aimed to discover potential early diagnosis biomarkers in OS.

Results

In total, 111 differentially expressed genes (DEGs) were identified in primary OS compared with normal controls and 235 DEGs were identified in metastatic OS compared with primary OS. AURKB and PPP2R2B were the significantly up-regulated and down-regulated hub proteins, respectively, in the PPI protein-protein network (PPI) network of primary OS. ISG15 and BTRC were the significantly up-regulated and down-regulated hub proteins, respectively, in the network of metastatic OS. The DEGs in metastatic OS compared with primary OS were significantly enriched in the arachidonic acid metabolism, malaria, and chemokine signaling pathways. Finally, we employed quantitative real-time polymerase chain reaction (qRT-PCR) to validate the expression levels of candidate DEGs and the results indicated that our bioinformatics approach was acceptable.

Materials and Methods

The mRNA expression profiling of 20 subjects was obtained through high-throughput RNA-sequencing. DEGs were identified between primary OS and normal Control, and between primary OS and metastatic OS, respectively. Functional annotation and PPI networks were used to obtain insights into the functions of DEGs. qRT-PCR was performed to detect the expression levels of dysregulated genes in OS.

Conclusions

Our work might provide groundwork for the further exploration of tumorigenesis and metastasis mechanisms of OS.

Pathological significance and prognostic significance of FES expression in bladder cancer vary according to tumor grade

Purpose

The feline sarcoma oncogene protein (FES) is a non-receptor tyrosine kinase implicated in both oncogenesis and tumor suppression. Here, cancer cell lines and human tissues were employed to clarify the pathological and prognostic significance of FES in bladder cancer.

Methods

The relationship between FES expression and cancer aggressiveness was investigated using 3 cell lines (T24: corresponding to grade 3, 5637: corresponding to grade 2, and RT4: corresponding to grade 1) and 203 tissues derived from human bladder malignancies. Proliferation, invasion, and migration of cancer cells were assessed following the knockdown (KD) of FES expression by the siRNA method. Relationships between FES expression and pathological features, aggressiveness, and outcome were investigated.

Results

FES-KD inhibited the proliferation, migration, and invasion of T24 cells but not of RT4 cells and 5637 cells. Considering all patients, FES expression demonstrated a negative relationship with grade but no association with muscle invasion or cancer cell proliferation. However, it was positively correlated with pT stage and cell proliferation in high-grade tumors (p = 0.002); no such association was found for low-grade tumors. In addition, elevated FES expression was a negative prognostic indicator of metastasis after radical surgery for patients with high-grade tumors (p = 0.021) but not for those with low-grade malignancies.

Conclusions

FES appeared to act as a suppressor of carcinogenesis, being associated with low tumor grade in the overall patient group. However, its expression correlated with cancer aggressiveness and poor outcome in high-grade bladder cancer. FES, therefore, represents a potential therapeutic target and useful prognostic factor for such patients.

Emerging role of HuR in inflammatory response in kidney diseases

Human antigen R (HuR) is a member of the embryonic lethal abnormal vision (ELAV) family which can bind to the A/U rich elements in 3' un-translated region of mRNA and regulate mRNA splicing, transportation, and stability. Unlike other members of the ELAV family, HuR is ubiquitously expressed. Early studies mainly focused on HuR function in malignant diseases. As researches proceed, more and more proofs demonstrate its relationship with inflammation. Since most kidney diseases involve pathological changes of inflammation, HuR is now suggested to play a pivotal role in glomerular nephropathy, tubular ischemia-reperfusion damage, renal fibrosis and even renal tumors. By regulating the mRNAs of target genes, HuR is causally linked to the onset and progression of kidney diseases. Reports on this topic are steadily increasing, however, the detailed function and mechanism of action of HuR are still not well understood. The aim of this review article is to summarize the present understanding of the role of HuR in inflammation in kidney diseases, and we anticipate that future research will ultimately elucidate the therapeutic value of this novel target.

Cyclooxygenase-2 expression is positively associated with lymph node metastasis in nasopharyngeal carcinoma

BACKGROUND

Accumulating evidence has demonstrated that cyclooxygenase-2 (COX-2) is involved in head and neck cancers, especially in nasopharyngeal carcinoma (NPC). However, the association between COX-2 expression and lymph node metastasis in NPC remains uncertain. This systematic review and meta-analysis meta-analysis investigated the relationship between COX-2 expression and lymph node metastasis and other signs of disease progression in NPC.

METHODS

Previously published studies assessing COX-2 expression and lymph node metastasis in NPC were identified in four English databases and three Chinese ones (Pubmed, Embase, Cochrane Database of Systematic Reviews, Web of Science, China National Knowledge Infrastructure, Wanfang, Vip Journal Integration Platform) up to November 2016. Quality of all eligible studies was assessed using the Newcastle-Ottawa Quality Assessment Scale (NOS). Pooled odds ratios (OR) and their 95% confidence intervals (95%CI) were calculated with fixed-effects or random-effects model to evaluate the effects of COX-2 expression on lymph node metastasis.

RESULTS

A total of 27 studies with 1797 NPC patients met the inclusion criteria. The expression of COX-2 was significantly higher in patients with nasopharyngeal carcinoma than those without the carcinoma, with a combined OR of 21.17 (95%CI = 15.02-29.85, I2 = 35.1%, Pheterogeneity = 0.070). A statistically significant association between COX-2 expression and lymph node metastasis in NPC patients, with an OR of 4.44 (95%CI = 3.46-5.70, I2 = 38.3%, Pheterogeneity = 0.024), and with other indicators of disease progression. Subgroup analyses based on COX-2 assay and staging criteria of TNM showed no significant heterogeneity.

CONCLUSIONS

The results suggest that expression of COX-2 is associated with lymph node metastasis and disease progression in NPC, indicating a potential role in evaluation of prognosis and in treatment decisions. COX-2 inhibitors have potential in the treatment of NPC that should be further investigated.

Changes in Lymphangiogenesis and Vascular Endothelial Growth Factor Expression by Neo-Adjuvant Hormonal Therapy in Prostate Cancer Patients

BACKGROUND

The anti-cancer mechanism of neo-adjuvant hormonal therapy (NHT) is not well understood. Lymphangiogenesis plays an important role in cancer progression and is regulated by a complex mechanism that includes vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) signaling. However, there is little information regarding relationship between lymphangiogenesis and androgen deprivation. The aim of this study was to clarify changes in lymphangiogenesis and VEGF expression induced by androgen deprivation in prostate cancer in vivo and in vitro.

METHODS

Patients who had undergone a radical prostatectomy were enrolled in the study (NHT, n = 60 and non-NHT, n = 64). Lymph vessels were identified by D2-40 immunoreactivity and lymph vessel density and lymph vessel area (LVD and LVA, respectively) were measured from micrographs. The expression of VEGF-A, -B, -C, and -D was evaluated by immunohistochemistry. The prognostic value of LVD and LVA for biochemical recurrence was also investigated.

RESULTS

Mean LVD ± SD was higher in the NHT than in the non-NHT group (11.3 ± 3.0 vs. 7.1 ± 3.4 per high power field; P < 0.001). LVA was larger in the NHT than in the non-NHT group (512.8 ± 174.9 vs. 202.7 ± 72.8 µm² ; P < 0.001). VEGF-A expression was lower whereas VEGF-C and -D levels were higher in the NHT than in the non-NHT group. VEGF-B expression in specimens with NHT was lower than that in biopsy specimens at diagnosis. These results were confirmed by in vitro studies used androgen-sensitive prostate cancer cell line. LVA was found to be an independent predictor of biochemical recurrence in patients who received NHT.

CONCLUSIONS

Our results demonstrate that NHT stimulates lymphangiogenesis via upregulation of VEGF-C and -D, which may increase LVA and affect the outcome of prostate cancer patients. This findings were supported by in vitro data of prostate cancer cell. Prostate 77:255-262, 2017. © 2016 The Authors. The Prostate Published by Wiley Periodicals, Inc.

Human antigen R as a predictive marker for response to gemcitabine-based chemotherapy in advanced cisplatin-resistant urothelial cancer

In patients with advanced urothelial cancer (UC), a combination of cisplatin (CDDP) and gemcitabine (GEM) is the most commonly used first-line systematic chemotherapy regimen. Although no standard regime for the treatment of CDDP-resistant UC has been established, GEM-based regimens are frequently used in these patients. In other types of cancer, human antigen R (HuR) status in cancer cells is closely associated with patient response to GEM. The aim of the present study was to establish the predictive potential of HuR expression for disease progression and survival in patients with UC who were treated with GEM-based regimens as a first or second-line chemotherapy. A total of 50 patients with advanced UC were enrolled in the current study. As first-line chemotherapy, methotrexate, vinblastine, epirubicin and CDDP (MVEC) combination therapy and GEM and CDDP combination therapy were administered in 34 (68.0%) and 16 patients (32.0%), respectively. Following progression, 45 patients (90.0%) were treated with combined GEM and paclitaxel therapy, and 5 patients (10.0%) were treated with GEM monotherapy. Cytoplasmic and nuclear HuR expression was evaluated using immunohistochemical techniques. The associations between HuR expression levels and local tumor response and treatment outcomes were analyzed. In first-line chemotherapy, no anticancer effects were observed to be significantly associated with nuclear or cytoplasmic HuR expression. In second-line chemotherapy nuclear HuR expression also exhibited no significant association with anticancer effects; however, the local tumor response was significantly improved if positive cytoplasmic HuR expression was present (P=0.002). Multivariate analyses revealed that cytoplasmic HuR expression levels were a significant predictive marker for longer OS (hazard ratio, 0.22; 95% confidence interval, 0.09-0.56; P=0.001). No significant association was observed between nuclear HuR expression levels and the overall survival. Therefore, cytoplasmic HuR expression is a significant predictive marker of response to GEM-based chemotherapy in patients with CDDP-resistant UC. Despite the limitations of a small and retrospective study, the results of the present study may facilitate the development of novel treatment strategies and provide a focus for additional basic and clinical studies.