EFEMP1 expression promotes angiogenesis and accelerates the growth of cervical cancer in vivo

Protective effects of PDGF-AB/BB against cellular senescence in human intervertebral disc

Cellular senescence, characterized by a permanent state of cell cycle arrest and a secretory phenotype contributing to inflammation and tissue deterioration, has emerged as a target for age-related interventions. Accumulation of senescent cells is closely linked with intervertebral disc (IVD) degeneration, a prevalent age-dependent chronic disorder causing low back pain. Previous studies have highlighted that platelet-derived growth factor (PDGF) mitigated IVD degeneration through anti-apoptosis, anti-inflammation, and pro-anabolism. However, its impact on IVD cell senescence remains elusive. In this study, human NP and AF cells derived from aged, degenerated IVDs were treated with recombinant human (rh) PDGF-AB/BB for 5 days and changes of transcriptome profiling were examined through mRNA sequencing. NP and AF cells demonstrated similar but distinct responses to the treatment. However, the effects of PDGF-AB and BB on human IVD cells were comparable. Specifically, PDGF-AB/BB treatment resulted in downregulation of gene clusters related to neurogenesis and response to mechanical stimulus in AF cells while the downregulated genes in NP cells were mainly associated with metabolic pathways. In both NP and AF cells, PDGF-AB and BB treatment upregulated the expression of genes involved in cell cycle regulation, mesenchymal cell differentiation, and response to reduced oxygen levels, while downregulating the expression of genes related to senescence associated phenotype, including oxidative stress, reactive oxygen species (ROS), and mitochondria dysfunction. Network analysis revealed that PDGFRA and IL6 were the top hub genes in treated NP cells. Furthermore, in irradiation-induced senescent NP cells, PDGFRA gene expression was significantly reduced compared to non-irradiated cells. However, rhPDGF-AB/BB treatment increased PDGFRA expression and mitigated the senescence progression through increased cell population in the S phase, reduced SA-β-Gal activity, and decreased expression of senescence related regulators including P21, P16, IL6, and NF-κB. Our findings reveal a novel anti-senescence role of PDGF in the IVD, demonstrating its ability to alleviate the senescent phenotype and protect against the progression of senescence. This makes it a promising candidate for preventing or treating IVD degeneration by targeting cellular senescence.

Biomarkers Identification in the Microenvironment of Oral Squamous Cell Carcinoma: A Systematic Review of Proteomic Studies

An important determinant for oral squamous cell carcinoma (OSCC) onset and outcome is the composition of the tumor microenvironment (TME). Thus, the study of the interactions occurring among cancer cells, immune cells, and cancer-associated fibroblasts within the TME could facilitate the understanding of the mechanisms underlying OSCC development and progression, as well as of its sensitivity or resistance to the therapy. In this context, it must be highlighted that the characterization of TME proteins is enabled by proteomic methodologies, particularly mass spectrometry (MS). Aiming to identify TME protein markers employable for diagnosing and prognosticating OSCC, we have retrieved a total of 119 articles spanning 2001 to 2023, of which 17 have passed the selection process, satisfying all its criteria. We have found a total of 570 proteins detected by MS-based proteomics in the TME of OSCC; among them, 542 are identified by a single study, while 28 are cited by two or more studies. These 28 proteins participate in extracellular matrix remodeling and/or energy metabolism. Here, we propose them as markers that could be used to characterize the TME of OSCC for diagnostic/prognostic purposes. Noteworthy, most of the 28 individuated proteins share one feature: being modulated by the hypoxia that is present in the proliferating OSCC mass.

Identification and validation of basement membrane-related genes predicting prognosis and immune infiltration associated with bladder cancer

Bladder cancer (BC) is fatal during muscle invasion and treatment progress is limited. In this study, we aimed to construct and validate basement membrane (BM)-associated gene prognosis to predict BC progression and tumor immune infiltration correlation. We choreographed BM-related genes in the Cancer Genome Atlas (TCGA) database using COX regression and least absolute shrinkage and selection operator (LASSO) analysis, and the predictive value of BM-related genes was further validated by the GSE32548, GSE129845, and immunohistochemistry staining. All analyses were performed with R-version 4.2.2, and its appropriate packages. Three genes were identified to construct a gene signature to predictive of BC prognosis. We divided the TCGA database into 2 groups, and patients in the high-risk group had worse overall survival (OS) than those in the low-risk group. In GSE32548, we confirmed that patients in the high-risk group had a poorer prognosis compared to those in the low-risk group in terms of OS. Immunohistochemical staining of EPEMP1, GPC2, and ITGA3 showed significantly higher expression at the protein level in BC tissues than in normal tissues. The Spearman analysis showed risk score was positively correlated with B cell naïve, Macrophages M2, and Mast cells resting. stromal score, immune score, and ESTIMATE scores were significantly higher in the high-risk group. drugs sensitivity analysis showed IC50 of Cisplatin, Gemcitabine, and Methotrexate in the high-risk group was significantly higher than that in the low-risk group. We identified 3 prognostic genes from a novel perspective of BM genes as effective risk stratification tools for BC patients.

Antiangiogenic Potential of an Olive Oil Extract: Insights from a Proteomic Study

Extra virgin olive oil (EVOO), a staple of the Mediterranean diet, is rich in phenolic compounds recognized for their potent bioactive effects, including anticancer and anti-inflammatory properties. However, its effects on vascular health remain relatively unexplored. In this study, we examined the impact of a "picual" EVOO extract from Jaén, Spain, on endothelial cells. Proteomic analysis revealed the modulation of angiogenesis-related processes. In subsequent in vitro experiments, the EVOO extract inhibited endothelial cell migration, adhesion, invasion, ECM degradation, and tube formation while inducing apoptosis. These results provide robust evidence of the extract's antiangiogenic potential. Our findings highlight the potential of EVOO extracts in mitigating angiogenesis-related pathologies, such as cancer, macular degeneration, and diabetic retinopathy.

Genetic, Epigenetic and Transcriptome Alterations in Liposarcoma for Target Therapy Selection

Liposarcoma (LPS) is one of the most common adult soft-tissue sarcomas (STS), characterized by a high diversity of histopathological features as well as to a lesser extent by a spectrum of molecular abnormalities. Current targeted therapies for STS do not include a wide range of drugs and surgical resection is the mainstay of treatment for localized disease in all subtypes, while many LPS patients initially present with or ultimately progress to advanced disease that is either unresectable, metastatic or both. The understanding of the molecular characteristics of liposarcoma subtypes is becoming an important option for the detection of new potential targets and development novel, biology-driven therapies for this disease. Innovative therapies have been introduced and they are currently part of preclinical and clinical studies. In this review, we provide an analysis of the molecular genetics of liposarcoma followed by a discussion of the specific epigenetic changes in these malignancies. Then, we summarize the peculiarities of the key signaling cascades involved in the pathogenesis of the disease and possible novel therapeutic approaches based on a better understanding of subtype-specific disease biology. Although heterogeneity in liposarcoma genetics and phenotype as well as the associated development of resistance to therapy make difficult the introduction of novel therapeutic targets into the clinic, recently a number of targeted therapy drugs were proposed for LPS treatment. The most promising results were shown for CDK4/6 and MDM2 inhibitors as well as for the multi-kinase inhibitors anlotinib and sunitinib.

Genetic Contributions to Biliary Atresia: A Developmental Cholangiopathy

Biliary atresia (BA) is the most prevalent serious liver disease of infancy and childhood, and the principal indication for liver transplantation in pediatrics. BA is best considered as an idiopathic panbiliary cholangiopathy characterized by obstruction of bile flow and consequent cholestasis presenting during fetal and perinatal periods. While several etiologies have been proposed, each has significant drawbacks that have limited understanding of disease progression and the development of effective treatments. Recently, modern genetic analyses have uncovered gene variants contributing to BA, thereby shifting the paradigm for explaining the BA phenotype from an acquired etiology (e.g., virus, toxin) to one that results from genetically altered cholangiocyte development and function. Herein we review recently reported genetic contributions to BA, highlighting the enhanced representation of variants in biological pathways involving ciliary function, cytoskeletal structure, and inflammation. Finally, we blend these findings as a new framework for understanding the resultant BA phenotype as a developmental cholangiopathy.

Changes in the Extracellular Matrix in Endometrial and Cervical Cancer: A Systematic Review

Endometrial and cervical cancers are the two most common gynaecological malignancies and among the leading causes of death worldwide. The extracellular matrix (ECM) is an important component of the cellular microenvironment and plays an important role in developing and regulating normal tissues and homeostasis. The pathological dynamics of the ECM contribute to several different processes such as endometriosis, infertility, cancer, and metastasis. Identifying changes in components of ECM is crucial for understanding the mechanisms of cancer development and its progression. We performed a systematic analysis of publications on the topic of changes in the extracellular matrix in cervical and endometrial cancer. The findings of this systematic review show that matrix metalloproteinases (MMP) play an important role impacting tumour growth in both types of cancer. MMPs degrade various specific substrates (collagen, elastin, fibronectin, aggrecan, fibulin, laminin, tenascin, vitronectin, versican, nidogen) and play a crucial role in the basal membrane degradation and ECM components. Similar types of MMPs were found to be increased in both cancers, namely, MMP-1, MMP-2, MMP-9, and MMP-11. Elevated concentrations of MMP-2 and MMP-9 were correlated with the FIGO stage and are associated with poor prognosis in endometrial cancer, whereas in cervical cancer, elevated concentrations of MMP-9 have been associated with a better outcome. Elevated ADAMTS levels were found in cervical cancer tissues. Elevated disintegrin and metalloproteinase with thrombospondin motifs (ADAMTS) levels were also found in endometrial cancer, but their role is still unclear. Following these findings, this review reports on tissue inhibitors of ECM enzymes, MMPs, and ADAMTS. The present review demonstrates changes in the extracellular matrix in cervical and endometrial cancers and compared their effect on cancer development, progression, and patient prognosis.

The extracellular matrix protein fibulin-3/EFEMP1 promotes pleural mesothelioma growth by activation of PI3K/Akt signaling

Malignant pleural mesothelioma (MPM) is an aggressive tumor with poor prognosis and limited therapeutic options. The extracellular matrix protein fibulin-3/EFEMP1 accumulates in the pleural effusions of MPM patients and has been proposed as a prognostic biomarker of these tumors. However, it is entirely unknown whether fibulin-3 plays a functional role on MPM growth and progression. Here, we demonstrate that fibulin-3 is upregulated in MPM tissue, promotes the malignant behavior of MPM cells, and can be targeted to reduce tumor progression. Overexpression of fibulin-3 increased the viability, clonogenic capacity and invasion of mesothelial cells, whereas fibulin-3 knockdown decreased these phenotypic traits as well as chemoresistance in MPM cells. At the molecular level, fibulin-3 activated PI3K/Akt signaling and increased the expression of a PI3K-dependent gene signature associated with cell adhesion, motility, and invasion. These pro-tumoral effects of fibulin-3 on MPM cells were disrupted by PI3K inhibition as well as by a novel, function-blocking, anti-fibulin-3 chimeric antibody. Anti-fibulin-3 antibody therapy tested in two orthotopic models of MPM inhibited fibulin-3 signaling, resulting in decreased tumor cell proliferation, reduced tumor growth, and extended animal survival. Taken together, these results demonstrate for the first time that fibulin-3 is not only a prognostic factor of MPM but also a relevant molecular target in these tumors. Further development of anti-fibulin-3 approaches are proposed to increase early detection and therapeutic impact against MPM.

Effect of Skeletal Paracrine Signals on the Proliferation of Interzone Cells

OBJECTIVE

Articular cartilage in mammals has limited intrinsic capacity to repair structural defects, a fact that contributes to the chronic and progressive nature of osteoarthritis. In contrast, Mexican axolotl salamanders have demonstrated the remarkable ability to spontaneously and completely repair large joint cartilage lesions, a healing process that involves interzone cells in the intraarticular space. Furthermore, interzone tissue transplanted into skeletal defects in the axolotl salamander demonstrates a multi-differentiation potential. Cellular and molecular mechanisms of this repair process remain unclear. The objective of this study was to examine whether paracrine mitogenic signals are an important variable in the interaction between interzone cells and the skeletal microenvironment.

DESIGN

The paracrine regulation of the proliferation of equine interzone cells was evaluated in an in vitro co-culture system. Cell viability and proliferation were measured in equine fetal interzone cells after exposure to conditioned medium from skeletal and nonskeletal primary cell lines. Steady-state expression was determined for genes encoding 37 putative mitogens secreted by cells that generated the conditioned medium.

RESULTS

All experimental groups of conditioned media elicited a mitogenic response in interzone cells. Fetal anlage chondrocytes (P < 0.0001) and dermal fibroblasts (P < 0.0001) conditioned medium showed a significantly higher mitogenic potential compared with interzone cells. Conditioned medium from bone marrow-derived cells elicited a significantly higher proliferative response relative to that from young adult articular chondrocytes (P < 0.0001) or dermal fibroblasts (P < 0.0001). Sixteen genes had expression patterns consistent with the functional proliferation assays.

CONCLUSIONS

The results indicate a mitogenic effect of skeletal paracrine signals on interzone cells.

Comprehensive proteomic analysis reveals distinct functional modules associated with skull base and supratentorial meningiomas and perturbations in collagen pathway components

Meningiomas are brain tumors that originate from the meninges and has been primarily classified into three grades by the current WHO guidelines. Although widely prevalent and can be managed by surgery there are instances when the tumors are located in difficult regions. This results in considerable challenges for complete surgical resection and further clinical management. While the genetic signature of the skull base tumors is now known to be different from the non-skull base tumors, there is a lack of information at the functional aspects of these tumors at the proteomic level. Thus, the current study thereby aims to obtain mechanistic insights between the two radiologically distinct groups of meningiomas, namely the skull base & supratentorial (non-skull base-NSB) regions. We have employed a comprehensive mass spectrometry-based label-free quantitative proteomic analysis in Skull base and supratentorial meningiomas. Further, we have used an Artificial Neural Networking employing a sparse Multilayer perceptron (MLP) architecture to predict protein concordance. A patient-derived spectral library has been employed for a novel peptide-level validation of proteins that are specific to the radiological regions using the SRM assay based targeted proteomics approach. The comprehensive proteomics enabled the identification of nearly 4000 proteins with high confidence (1%FDR ≥ 2 unique peptides) among which 170 proteins were differentially abundant in Skull base vs Supratentorial tumors (p-value ≤0.05). In silico analysis enabled mapping of the major alterations and hinted towards an overall perturbation of extracellular matrix and collagen biosynthesis components in the non-skull base meningiomas and a prominent perturbation of molecular trafficking in the skull base meningiomas. Therefore, this study has yielded novel insights into the functional association of the proteins that are differentially abundant in the two radiological subgroups. SIGNIFICANCE: In the current study, we have performed label-free proteomic analysis on fresh frozen tissue of 14 Supratentorial (NSB) and 7 Skull base meningiomas to assess perturbations in the global proteome, we have further employed an in-depth in silico analysis to map the pathways that have enabled functional mapping of the differentially abundant proteins in the Skull base and Supratentorial tumors. The findings from the above were also subjected to a machine learning-based neural networking to find out the proteins that have the most concordance of occurrence to determine the most influential proteins of the network. We further validated the differential abundance of identified protein markers in a larger patient cohort of Skull base and Supratentorial employing targeted proteomics approach to validate key protein candidates emerging from ours and other recent studies. The previous studies that have explored the skull base and convexity meningiomas have been able to reveal alterations in the genetic mutations in these tumor types. However, there are not many studies that have explored the functional aspects of these tumors, especially at the proteome level. We have attempted for the first time to map the functional modules associated with altered proteins in these tumors and have been able to identify that there is a possibility that the Skull base meningiomas to be considerably different from the Non-skull base (NSB) tumors in terms of the perturbed pathways. Our study employed global as well as targeted proteomics to examine the proteomic alterations in these two tumor groups. The study indicates that proteins that were more abundant in Skull base tumors were part of molecular transport components, non-skull base proteins majorly mapped to the components of extracellular matrix remodeling pathways. In conclusion, this study substantiates the distinction in the proteomic signatures in the skull base and supratentorial meningiomas paving way for further investigation of the identified markers for determining if some of these proteins can be used for therapeutic interventions for cases that pose considerable challenges for complete resection.

EFEMP1 Overexpression Contributes to Neovascularization in Age-Related Macular Degeneration

Purpose: Age-related macular degeneration (AMD) is one of the leading causes of blindness, and choroidal neovascularization (CNV) in AMD can lead to serious visual impairment. Gene expression profiling of human ocular tissues have a great potential to reveal the pathophysiology of AMD. This study aimed to identify novel molecular biomarkers and gene expression signatures of AMD. Methods: We analyzed transcriptome profiles in retinal-choroid tissues derived from donor patients with AMD in comparison with those from healthy controls using a publicly available dataset (GSE29801). We focused on the EFEMP1 gene, which was found to be differentially upregulated in AMD, especially in wet AMD eyes. Serological validation analysis was carried out to verify the expression of EFEMP1 in 39 wet AMD patients and 39 age- and gender-matched cataract controls, using an enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA). We then investigated the role of EFEMP1 in angiogenesis through in vitro experiments involving EFEMP1 overexpression (OE) and knockdown in human umbilical vein endothelial cells (HUVECs). Results: An increase in EFEMP1 expression was observed in the retinal-choroid tissues of eyes with AMD, which was more significant in wet AMD than in dry AMD. In addition, there was a significant increase in serum fibulin-3 (EFEMP1 encoded protein) concentration in patients with wet AMD compared with that in the controls. Tube formation and proliferation of EFEMP1-OE HUVECs increased significantly, whereas those of EFEMP1 knockdown HUVECs decreased significantly compared with those of the control. Additional extracellular fibulin-3 treatments did not increase tube formation and proliferation of wildtype and EFEMP1 knockdown HUVECs, indicating that the proangiogenic properties of EFEMP1 are of cell origin. We also found that vascular endothelial growth factor expression in HUVECs was upregulated by EFEMP1 overexpression and downregulated by EFEMP1 knockdown. Conclusion: Our findings demonstrate EFEMP1 as a novel biomarker for CNV in AMD, providing a new target for the development of wet AMD-directed pharmaceuticals and diagnostics.

Fibulin-3 affects vascular endothelial function and is regulated by angiotensin II

OBJECTIVE

The aim of the present study was to investigate the effect of fibulin-3 on vascular endothelial function, and to explore the relevant underlying mechanism with regard to the involvement of angiotensin II (AngII).

METHODS

One hundred and eight patients with essential hypertension (EH) and 31 controls were included to measure the flow-mediated dilatation (FMD). Serum fibulin-3 and AngII were examined using enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) and radioimmunoassay. Stable transfection of fibulin-3 was conducted on human umbilical vein endothelial cells (HUVECs) and SV40T-transformed HUVECs (PUMC-HUVEC-T1 cells). Cell counting kit-8 assay, cell cycle assay, wound healing assay, Transwell assay, apoptosis assay, and tube formation assay were subsequently performed. The expression of angiogenesis-associated genes [endothelial nitric oxide synthase (eNOS) and vascular endothelial growth factor A (VEGFA)] were measured by western blot analysis. HUVECs and PUMC-HUVEC-T1 cells were treated with AngII, and with or without an inhibitor of nuclear factor κB (NF-κB), BAY 11-7082. Pro-inflammatory cytokines [interleukin-6 (IL-6) and tumor necrosis factor-α (TNF-α)] were detected by ELISA. The expression levels of fibulin-3 and p65 were then measured by western blotting.

RESULTS

Lower levels of serum fibulin-3 were accompanied by poorer FMD and higher levels of serum AngII in patients with EH. Fibulin-3 overexpression promoted cell proliferation, migration, and angiogenesis, but led to an inhibition of apoptosis. By contrast, fibulin-3 downregulation inhibited cell proliferation, migration and angiogenesis, but promoted apoptosis. AngII induced inflammation and inhibited the expression of fibulin-3. BAY 11-7082 eliminated the inhibitory effect of AngII on fibulin-3.

CONCLUSIONS

Taken together, the results of the present study have shown that serum fibulin-3 may be a predictor of vascular endothelial function in patients with EH. Fibulin-3 gene may also have a beneficial role in repairing the vascular endothelium. Furthermore, the results also suggested that fibulin-3 gene was suppressed by AngII via the NF-κB signaling pathway.

miR-9-Mediated Inhibition of EFEMP1 Contributes to the Acquisition of Pro-Tumoral Properties in Normal Fibroblasts

Tumor growth and invasion occurs through a dynamic interaction between cancer and stromal cells, which support an aggressive niche. MicroRNAs are thought to act as tumor messengers to “corrupt” stromal cells. We previously demonstrated that miR-9, a known metastamiR, is released by triple negative breast cancer (TNBC) cells to enhance the transition of normal fibroblasts (NFs) into cancer-associated fibroblast (CAF)-like cells. EGF containing fibulin extracellular matrix protein 1 (EFEMP1), which encodes for the ECM glycoprotein fibulin-3, emerged as a miR-9 putative target upon miRNA’s exogenous upmodulation in NFs. Here we explored the impact of EFEMP1 downmodulation on fibroblast’s acquisition of CAF-like features, and how this phenotype influences neoplastic cells to gain chemoresistance. Indeed, upon miR-9 overexpression in NFs, EFEMP1 resulted downmodulated, both at RNA and protein levels. The luciferase reporter assay showed that miR-9 directly targets EFEMP1 and its silencing recapitulates miR-9-induced pro-tumoral phenotype in fibroblasts. In particular, EFEMP1 siRNA-transfected (si-EFEMP1) fibroblasts have an increased ability to migrate and invade. Moreover, TNBC cells conditioned with the supernatant of NFs transfected with miR-9 or si-EFEMP1 became more resistant to cisplatin. Overall, our results demonstrate that miR-9/EFEMP1 axis is crucial for the conversion of NFs to CAF-like cells under TNBC signaling.

Identification of genes associated with gastric cancer survival and construction of a nomogram to improve risk stratification for patients with gastric cancer

The present study aimed to identify genes associated with gastric cancer survival and improve risk stratification for patients with gastric cancer. Transcriptomic and clinicopathological data from 443 gastric cancer samples were retrieved from The Cancer Genome Atlas database. The DESeq R package was applied to screen for differentially expressed genes between Tumor-Node-Metastasis (TNM) stage (I vs. IV) and histological grade (G3 vs. G1 and G2). A total of seven genes were common to both comparisons; spondin 1 (SPON1); thrombospondin 4 (THBS4); Sushi, Von Willebrand factor type A, EGF and pentraxin domain containing 1 (SVEP1); prickle planar cell polarity protein 1 (PRICKLE1); ATP binding cassette subfamily A member 8 (ABCA8); Slit guidance ligand 2 (SLIT2); and EGF containing fibulin extracellular matrix protein 1 (EFEMP1), were selected as candidate survival-associated genes for further analysis. The prognostic value of these genes was assessed according to a literature review and Kaplan-Meier survival analysis. In addition, a multivariate Cox regression analysis revealed PRICKLE1 expression to be an independent prognostic factor for patients with gastric cancer. Furthermore, a predictive nomogram was generated using PRICKLE1 expression, patient age and TNM stage to assess overall survival (OS) rate at 1, 3 and 5 years, with an internal concordance index of 0.65. External validation was conducted in an independent cohort of 59 patients with gastric cancer, and high consistency between the predicted and observed results for OS was exhibited. Overall, the current findings suggest that PRICKLE1 expression may serve as an independent prognostic factor that can be integrated with age and TNM stage in a nomogram able to predict OS rate in patients with gastric cancer.

Fibroblastic Reticular Cells Control Conduit Matrix Deposition during Lymph Node Expansion

Lymph nodes (LNs) act as filters, constantly sampling peripheral cues. This is facilitated by the conduit network, a tubular structure of aligned extracellular matrix (ECM) fibrils ensheathed by fibroblastic reticular cells (FRCs). LNs undergo rapid 3- to 5-fold expansion during adaptive immune responses, but these ECM-rich structures are not permanently damaged. Whether conduit flow or filtering function is affected during LN expansion is unknown. Here, we show that conduits are partially disrupted during acute LN expansion, but FRC-FRC contacts remain connected. We reveal that polarized FRCs deposit ECM basolaterally using LL5-β and that ECM production is regulated at transcriptional and secretory levels by the C-type lectin CLEC-2, expressed by dendritic cells. Inflamed LNs maintain conduit size exclusion, and flow is disrupted but persists, indicating the robustness of this structure despite rapid tissue expansion. We show how dynamic communication between peripheral tissues and LNs provides a mechanism to prevent inflammation-induced fibrosis in lymphoid tissue.

Epidermal growth factor-containing fibulin-like extracellular matrix protein 1 (EFEMP1) suppressed the growth of hepatocellular carcinoma cells by promoting Semaphorin 3B(SEMA3B)

AIM

Epidermal growth factor-containing fibulin-like extracellular matrix protein 1(EFEMP1) has been found to be involved in the occurrence and development of many cancers. The relationship between EFEMP1 and the development of hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) and the molecular mechanism are not fully understood.

METHODS

Real-time polymerase chain reaction (PCR) and tissue microarray were used to detect the expression of EFEMP1 in HCC cell lines and tissue. Methylation-specific PCR assay was used to measure the methylation level of EFEMP1 in HCC cell lines and tissue. To study the function of EFEMP1 on cell function, Huh7 and HepG2 were infected with lentiviral particles expressing EFEMP1. MTT assay and colony formation assay were used to examine the effect of EFEMP1 on cell proliferation. Annexin-VAPC/7-AAD double were used to detect the effect of EFEMP1 on cell apoptosis. To further detect the effect of EFEMP1 on the development of HCC in vivo, we performed the tumor formation experiment in nude mice. Gene chip was used to detect the expression profile of Huh7 and HepG2 overexpressing EFEMP1. To further screen out the differences, GO analysis and pathway analysis were performed. To study the effects of SEMA3B, specific siRNA was used to inhibit the expression of SEMA3B. Chi-squared test and rank sum test were used to analyze the relationship between EFEMP1 expression and HCC clinical characteristic.

RESULTS

The study found that the expression of EFEMP1 was significantly decreased in HCC cell lines and HCC tissues. The expression level of EFEMP1 was related to the TNM (the extent of the tumor, the extent of spread to the lymph nodes, the presence of metastasis) stage and the prognosis of patients with HCC. The decrease of protein expression suggested that the patient prognosis was worse, and the protein level of EFEMP1 may be an independent factor in the prognosis of HCC patients. Promoter methylation may be one of the reasons for EFEMP1 inhibition. EFEMP1 could inhibit the proliferation of HCC cells and promoted the apoptosis of HCC cells to regulate the development of HCC. And EFEMP1 promoted the apoptosis of HCC cells mainly through the mitochondrial apoptosis pathway. EFEMP1 may inhibit the proliferation of HCC cells through the SEMA3B gene in the Axon guidance pathway.

CONCLUSION

In summary, our research revealed the regulation of EFEMP1 on cell proliferation and apoptosis in HCC. EFEMP1 may suppress the growth of HCC cells by promoting SEMA3B.

Fibulin-3 knockdown inhibits cervical cancer cell growth and metastasis in vitro and in vivo

To explore the function of fibulin-3 in cervical carcinoma malignant cell growth and metastasis, fibulin-3 expression in normal cervical tissue, cervical intraepithelial neoplasia (CIN), and cervical carcinoma were evaluated by immunohistochemistry. Quantitative real-time-polymerase chain reaction, western blotting, and immunocytochemistry were performed to assess the expression of fibulin-3 at mRNA and protein levels in different invasive clone sublines. Fibulin-3 shRNA and fibulin-3 cDNA were used to transfect the strongly and weakly invasive clone sublines. Using in vitro and in vivo functional assays, we investigated the effects of down-regulating and up-regulating fibulin-3 expression on the proliferation and invasion of different clone sublines. Epithelial mesenchymal transition (EMT) and its signaling pathways PI3K/AKT and ERK were studied carefully in lentiviral transfection systems. Fibulin-3 was upregulated in cervical carcinoma, and its overexpression was significantly related with malignant phenotype and poor prognosis of cervical carcinoma. Fibulin-3 promoted cervical cancer cell invasive capabilities by eliciting EMT and activating the PI3K-Akt-mTOR signal transduction pathway. Fibulin-3 could facilitate the process of cervical cancer development. The results presented here will help develop novel prognostic factors and possible therapeutic options for patients with cervical cancer.

EFEMP1 promotes ovarian cancer cell growth, invasion and metastasis via activated the AKT pathway

EFEMP1, a kind of extracellular matrix (ECM) protein, has been suggested to correlate with the development of different types of carcinoma. However, its functions in ovarian cancer remain unclear. In our study, we performed cDNA microarray analysis and identified EFEMP1 dramatically elevated in the highly invasive subclone, compared with the low invasive subclone. Lentivirus transfection experiments were constructed afterwards. The results demonstrated that knockdown of EFEMP1 significantly inhibited ovarian cancer cell proliferation and induced cell cycle arrest at the G1/G0 phase. We also found that decreased the activity of phospho-AKT could suppress cell invasion and metastasis. Meanwhile, the increased phospho-AKT activity induced by the overexpression of EFEMP1 had significantly enhanced the abilities of ovarian cancer cells to invade and migrate. In addition, the vivo nude mice model confirmed that EFEMP1 was tightly correlated with the development of tumor. The results of RT² Profiler EMT PCR array further indicated that decreased EFEMP1 suppressed epithelial-to-mesenchymal transition (EMT). Collectively, by activating AKT signaling pathway, EFEMP1 contributed to ovarian cancer invasion and metastasis as a positive regulator. Overall, EFEMP1 had showed the potential use in the development of new therapeutic strategies for ovarian cancer.

EFEMP1 is repressed by estrogen and inhibits the epithelial-mesenchymal transition via Wnt/β-catenin signaling in endometrial carcinoma

Epidermal growth factor-containing fibulin-like extracellular matrix protein 1 (EFEMP1) acted as a tumor suppressor in endometrial carcinoma (EC). However, the correlation between EFEMP1 and estrogen is unknown. Here, we reported that the expression of EFEMP1 was conversely associated with ERα in endometrial carcinoma tissues. In endometrial carcinoma cells, estrogen/ERα signaling significantly suppressed the expression of EFEMP1. Moreover, chromatin immunoprecipitation (CHIP) and dual-luciferase reporter assays demonstrate that estrogen/ERα bound to the estrogen response element (ERE) located in EFEMP1 promoter and repressed its expression. Besides, in vitro and in vivo, EFEMP1 could remarkably suppress the expression of epithelial-mesenchymal transition (EMT) markers such as Vimentin, Snail and the Wnt/β-catenin target genes like Cyclin-D1 and c-Myc, which could be restored when EFEMP1 was silenced. In addition, XAV93920 (the inhibitor of the Wnt/β-catenin pathway) blocked and LiCl (the activator of the Wnt/β-catenin pathway) enhanced the effect of EFEMP1 on EMT. In conclusion, we demonstrated that estrogen/ERα signal suppresses EFEMP1. Besides, EFEMP1 inhibits EMT via interfering the Wnt/β-catenin signaling.

The associations between common SNPs of EFEMP1 gene and glioma risk in Chinese population

Background

Although the associations between common single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) of EFEMP1 gene and glioma risk have been investigated in Chinese population-based case–control studies, investigation results for several SNPs are inconsistent. In addition, the single-center study has a poor statistical power due to finite sample size. Therefore, a meta-analysis was conducted to comprehensively determine the associations.

Methods

All eligible case–control studies were obtained by searching PubMed, EMBASE, Web of Science, and Chinese National Knowledge Infrastructure. Pooled odds ratio (OR) with 95% confidence interval (CI) was used to assess the strength of the associations in fixed- or random-effects model.

Results

EFEMP1 rs1346787 polymorphism was significantly associated with glioma risk in Chinese population under all genetic models (GG vs AA, OR =2.22, 95% CI =1.46–3.36; AG vs AA, OR =1.54, 95% CI =1.27–1.87; (GG+AG) vs AA, OR =1.60, 95% CI =1.34–1.93; GG vs (AG+AA), OR =1.86, 95% CI =1.24–2.78; G vs A, OR =1.54, 95% CI =1.32–1.79). However, the significant association of EFEMP1 rs1346786 with glioma risk in Chinese population was observed only under heterozygous model of AG vs AA (OR =1.34, 95% CI =1.10–1.62), dominant model of (GG+AG) vs AA (OR =1.36, 95% CI =1.13–1.63), and allelic model of G vs A (OR =1.28, 95% CI =1.10–1.50).

Conclusion

Our study demonstrated that EFEMP1 polymorphisms, especially rs1346787 and rs1346786, might predict glioma risk in Chinese population. However, high-quality case–control studies with larger sample sizes are warranted to confirm the above-mentioned findings.

Development of a Function-Blocking Antibody Against Fibulin-3 as a Targeted Reagent for Glioblastoma

Purpose: We sought a novel approach against glioblastomas (GBM) focused on targeting signaling molecules localized in the tumor extracellular matrix (ECM). We investigated fibulin-3, a glycoprotein that forms the ECM scaffold of GBMs and promotes tumor progression by driving Notch and NFκB signaling.Experimental Design: We used deletion constructs to identify a key signaling motif of fibulin-3. An mAb (mAb428.2) was generated against this epitope and extensively validated for specific detection of human fibulin-3. mAb428.2 was tested in cultures to measure its inhibitory effect on fibulin-3 signaling. Nude mice carrying subcutaneous and intracranial GBM xenografts were treated with the maximum achievable dose of mAb428.2 to measure target engagement and antitumor efficacy.Results: We identified a critical 23-amino acid sequence of fibulin-3 that activates its signaling mechanisms. mAb428.2 binds to that epitope with nanomolar affinity and blocks the ability of fibulin-3 to activate ADAM17, Notch, and NFκB signaling in GBM cells. mAb428.2 treatment of subcutaneous GBM xenografts inhibited fibulin-3, increased tumor cell apoptosis, and enhanced the infiltration of inflammatory macrophages. The antibody reduced tumor growth and extended survival of mice carrying GBMs as well as other fibulin-3-expressing tumors. Locally infused mAb428.2 showed efficacy against intracranial GBMs, increasing tumor apoptosis and reducing tumor invasion and vascularization, which are enhanced by fibulin-3.Conclusions: To our knowledge, this is the first rationally developed, function-blocking antibody against an ECM target in GBM. Our results offer a proof of principle for using "anti-ECM" strategies toward more efficient targeted therapies for malignant glioma. Clin Cancer Res; 24(4); 821-33. ©2017 AACR.

Cardiovascular homeostasis dependence on MICU2, a regulatory subunit of the mitochondrial calcium uniporter

Hypertension increases the risk for development of abdominal aortic aneurysms, a silent pathology that is prone to rupture and cause sudden cardiac death. Male gender, smoking, and hypertension appear to increase risk for development of abdominal aortic aneurysms by provoking oxidative stress responses in cardiovascular tissues. Here we uncovered unexpected linkages between the calcium-sensing regulatory subunit MICU2 of the mitochondrial calcium uniporter and stress responses. We show that naive Micu2^−/− mice had abnormalities of cardiac relaxation but, with modest blood pressure elevation, developed abdominal aortic aneurysms with spontaneous rupture. These findings implicate mitochondrial calcium homeostasis as a critical pathway involved in protecting cardiovascular tissues from oxidative stress.

Comparative analyses of transcriptional profiles from humans and mice with cardiovascular pathologies revealed consistently elevated expression of MICU2, a regulatory subunit of the mitochondrial calcium uniporter complex. To determine if MICU2 expression was cardioprotective, we produced and characterized Micu2^−/− mice. Mutant mice had left atrial enlargement and Micu2^−/− cardiomyocytes had delayed sarcomere relaxation and cytosolic calcium reuptake kinetics, indicating diastolic dysfunction. RNA sequencing (RNA-seq) of Micu2^−/− ventricular tissues revealed markedly reduced transcripts encoding the apelin receptor (Micu2^−/− vs. wild type, P = 7.8 × 10⁻⁴⁰), which suppresses angiotensin II receptor signaling via allosteric transinhibition. We found that Micu2^−/− and wild-type mice had comparable basal blood pressures and elevated responses to angiotensin II infusion, but that Micu2^−/− mice exhibited systolic dysfunction and 30% lethality from abdominal aortic rupture. Aneurysms and rupture did not occur with norepinephrine-induced hypertension. Aortic tissue from Micu2^−/− mice had increased expression of extracellular matrix remodeling genes, while single-cell RNA-seq analyses showed increased expression of genes related to reactive oxygen species, inflammation, and proliferation in fibroblast and smooth muscle cells. We concluded that Micu2^−/− mice recapitulate features of diastolic heart disease and define previously unappreciated roles for Micu2 in regulating angiotensin II-mediated hypertensive responses that are critical in protecting the abdominal aorta from injury.

Fibulin-3 promotes osteosarcoma invasion and metastasis by inducing epithelial to mesenchymal transition and activating the Wnt/β-catenin signaling pathway

This study explored the role of fibulin-3 in osteosarcoma progression and the possible signaling pathway involved. Fibulin-3 mRNA and protein expression in normal tissue, benign fibrous dysplasia, osteosarcoma, osteosarcoma cell lines (HOS and U-2OS), the normal osteoblastic cell line hFOB, and different invasive subclones was evaluated by immunohistochemistry (IHC) or immunocytochemistry (ICC) and real time reverse transcriptase-polymerase chain reaction (real time qRT-PCR). To assess the role of fibulin-3 in the invasion and metastasis of osteosarcoma cells, lentiviral vectors with fibulin-3 small hairpin RNA (shRNA) and pLVX-fibulin-3 were constructed and used to infect the highly invasive and low invasive subclones. The effects of fibulin-3 knockdown and upregulation on the biological behavior of osteosarcoma cells were investigated by functional in vitro and in vivo assays. The results revealed that fibulin-3 expression was upregulated in osteosarcoma, and was positively correlated with low differentiation, lymph node metastasis, and poor prognosis. Fibulin-3 could promote osteosarcoma cell invasion and metastasis by inducing EMT and activating the Wnt/β-catenin signaling pathway. Collectively, our findings demonstrate that fibulin-3 is a promoter of osteosarcoma development and progression, and suggest a novel therapeutic target for future studies.

Analysis of fibulin-3 after exposure to asbestos-like fibers

A significantly increased incidence of malignant mesothelioma in Biancavilla (Sicily, Italy) has been ascribed to exposure to fluoro-edenite, a fibrous amphibole extracted from a local stone quarry. Fibulin-3 is a highly conserved glycoprotein proposed as a biomarker for malignant mesothelioma that belongs to the family of extracellular matrix proteins. Previous studies demonstrated high Fibulin-3 plasma levels in workers with pleural plaques exposed to fluoro-edenite. Therefore, in order to gain insight into the biomolecular mechanisms of fluoro-edenite toxicity, we performed the analysis of Fibulin-3 expression by immunohistochemistry in the lung samples derived from sheep belonging to the area of Biancavilla. Furthermore, an in vitro model of exposed fluoro-edenite fibroblasts was used to perform functional experiments to better understand the modulation of Fibulin-3 expression. The percentage of immunostained area by Fibulin-3 was very much higher in exposed lungs compared with non-exposed ones. The Fibulin-3 protein level was significantly expressed in primary human lung fibroblasts exposed to 50 and 100µg/ml of fluoro-edenite fibers for 72h, compared to the unexposed controls. The results from the present study further demonstrate the implication of Fibulin-3 during fluoro-edenite exposure. This would endorse our previous results regarding the use of Fibulin-3 as a possible screening biomarker for fluoro-edenite exposed individuals, thereby contributing to the monitoring of the population at risk. The present study also suggested that the Fibulin-3 overexpression may reflect a defensive response of the tissues after exogenous stimuli and may be implicated in cancer development, especially in the context of fluoro-edenite contamination. However, further studies are necessary in order to make Fibulin-3 a customized screening tool.

Tumor-derived fibulin-3 activates pro-invasive NF-κB signaling in glioblastoma cells and their microenvironment

Molecular profiling of glioblastomas has revealed the presence of key signaling hubs that contribute to tumor progression and acquisition of resistance. One of these main signaling mechanisms is the NF-κB pathway, which integrates multiple extracellular signals into transcriptional programs for tumor growth, invasion, and maintenance of the tumor-initiating population. We show here that an extracellular protein released by glioblastoma cells, fibulin-3, drives oncogenic NF-κB in the tumor and increases NF-κB activation in peritumoral astrocytes. Fibulin-3 expression correlates with a NF-κB-regulated “invasive signature” linked to poorer survival, being a possible tissue marker for regions of active tumor progression. Accordingly, fibulin-3 promotes glioblastoma invasion in a manner that requires NF-κB activation both in the tumor cells and their microenvironment. Mechanistically, we found that fibulin-3 activates the metalloprotease ADAM17 by competing with its endogenous inhibitor, TIMP3. This results in sustained release of soluble TNFα by ADAM17, which in turn activates TNF receptors and canonical NF-κB signaling. Taken together, our results underscore fibulin-3 as a novel extracellular signal with strong activating effect on NF-κB in malignant gliomas. Because fibulin-3 is produced de novo in these tumors and is absent from normal brain we propose that targeting the fibulin-3/NF-κB axis may provide a novel avenue to disrupt oncogenic NF-κB signaling in combination therapies for malignant brain tumors.

Fibulin-4 promotes osteosarcoma invasion and metastasis by inducing epithelial to mesenchymal transition via the PI3K/Akt/mTOR pathway

This study explored the role of fibulin-4 in osteosarcoma progression and the possible signaling pathway involved. Fibulin-4 mRNA and protein expression in normal tissue, benign fibrous dysplasia, osteosarcoma, osteosarcoma cell lines, the normal osteoblastic cell line hFOB, and different invasive subclones were evaluated by immunohistochemistry (IHC) or immunocytochemistry (ICC) and real-time reverse transcriptase-polymerase chain reaction (real-time qRT-PCR). Using in vitro functional assays, we analyzed the invasive and proliferative abilities of different osteosarcoma cell lines and subclones with differing invasive potential. To assess the role of fibulin-4 in the invasion and metastasis of osteosarcoma cells, lentiviral vectors with fibulin-4 small hairpin RNA (shRNA) and pLVX-fibulin-4 were constructed and used to infect the highly invasive and low invasive subclones and osteosarcoma cell lines. The effects of fibulin-4 knockdown and upregulation on the biological behavior of osteosarcoma cells were investigated by functional in vitro and in vivo assays. The results revealed that fibulin-4 expression was upregulated in osteosarcoma, and was positively correlated with low differentiation, lymph node metastasis, and poor prognosis. Fibulin-4 was also found to be over-expressed in highly invasive cell lines and in the highly invasive subclones. Fibulin-4 could promote osteosarcoma cell invasion and metastasis by inducing EMT via the PI3K/AKT/mTOR pathway. Collectively, our findings demonstrate that fibulin-4 is a promoter of osteosarcoma development and progression, and suggest a novel therapeutic target for future studies.

A nuclear-directed human pancreatic ribonuclease (PE5) targets the metabolic phenotype of cancer cells

Ribonucleases represent a new class of antitumor RNA-damaging drugs. However, many wild-type members of the vertebrate secreted ribonuclease family are not cytotoxic because they are not able to evade the cytosolic ribonuclease inhibitor. We previously engineered the human pancreatic ribonuclease to direct it to the cell nucleus where the inhibitor is not present. The best characterized variant is PE5 that kills cancer cells through apoptosis mediated by the p21^WAF1/CIP1 induction and the inactivation of JNK. Here, we have used microarray-derived transcriptional profiling to identify PE5 regulated genes on the NCI/ADR-RES ovarian cancer cell line. RT-qPCR analyses have confirmed the expression microarray findings. The results show that PE5 cause pleiotropic effects. Among them, it is remarkable the down-regulation of multiple genes that code for enzymes involved in deregulated metabolic pathways in cancer cells.

EFEMP1 inhibits migration of hepatocellular carcinoma by regulating MMP2 and MMP9 via ERK1/2 activity

The role of epidermal growth factor-containing fibulin-like extracellular matrix protein 1 (EFEMP1) inhibiting migration in hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) remains unknown. Expression of EFEMP1 in HCC cell lines were quantified by western blotting and real-time PCR. The role of EFEMP1 in HCC cell migration was explored in vitro via siRNA and adding purified EFEMP1 protein. The associated molecule expression was detected by western blotting after downregulation of EFEMP1 and also tested by immunohistochemistry. Eight pairs of HCC non-HCC liver samples and 215 HCC samples were subjected to immunohistochemistry. EFEMP1 was highly expressed in 7,721 and HepG2 HCC cell lines while HuH7 HCC cell line expressed the lowest level of EFEMP1 compared with the others. Downregulating EFEMP1 by siRNA markedly increased the migration ability of HCC cells while adding purified EFEMP1 protein inhibited HCC cell migration. Downregulation of EFEMP1 increased the expression of ERK1/2, MMP2 and MMP9. Furthermore, U0126 (a highly selective and potent inhibitor of pERK1/2) could abrogate the migration ability enhanced by siRNA. Accordingly, MMP2 and MMP9 were inversely expressed with EFEMP1 expression by immunohistochemistry. EFEMP1 downregulated in HCC tissues, and lower EFEMP1 expression was significantly associated with HCC patients with ascites (P=0.050), vascular invasion (P=0.044), poorer differentiation (P=0.002) and higher clinical stage (P=0.003).

Epidermal growth factor-containing fibulin-like extracellular matrix protein 1 expression and regulation in uterine leiomyoma

OBJECTIVE

To determine the presence, differential expression, and regulation of epidermal growth factor-containing fibulin-like extracellular matrix protein 1 (EFEMP1) in uterine leiomyomas.

DESIGN

Laboratory in vivo and in vitro study with the use of human leiomyoma and myometrial tissue and primary cells.

SETTING

Academic medical center.

SAMPLE(S)

Leiomyoma and myometrial tissue samples and cultured cells.

INTERVENTION(S)

5-Aza-2'-deoxycytidine (5-aza-dC) treatment.

MAIN OUTCOME MEASURE(S)

Fold-change difference between EFEMP1 and fibulin-3 expression in leiomyoma tissue and cells compared with matched myometrial samples, and fold-change difference in EFEMP1 expression with 5-Aza-dC treatment.

RESULT(S)

In vivo, EFEMP1 expression was 3.19-fold higher in myometrial tissue than in leiomyoma tissue. EFEMP1 expression in vitro was 5.03-fold higher in myometrial cells than in leiomyoma cells. Western blot and immunohistochemistry staining of tissue and cells confirmed similar findings in protein expression. Treatment of leiomyoma cells with 5-Aza-dC resulted in increased expression of EFEMP1 in vitro.

CONCLUSION(S)

The EFEMP1 gene and its protein product, fibulin-3, are both significantly down-regulated in leiomyoma compared with myometrium when studied both in vivo and in vitro. The increase in EFEMP1 expression in leiomyoma cells with 5-Aza-dC treatment suggest that differential methylation is responsible, in part, for the differences seen in gene expression.

Prognostic value of several biomarkers for the patients with malignant pleural mesothelioma

Malignant pleural mesothelioma (MPM) is a highly aggressive tumor of the pleura closely related to asbestos exposure. Rare as it is, the incidence of MPM is predicted to increase mainly as a result of a lengthy latency period from the initial asbestos exposure, making it a public health concern for the next decades. Moreover, the patients with MPM have an extremely poor prognosis due to its high resistance to conventional oncologic treatments and delayed diagnosis. Although the result of current therapeutic modalities based on patient features and clinical stages is very frustrating, great advances have been shown in the knowledge of molecular biology of MPM in recent years. This is accompanied by dozens of putative prognostic biomarkers that are actively involved in tumor biological activities. These prognostic candidates can offer us a new insight into the biological characteristics of MPM, contributing to development of individualized therapeutic strategies directed against oncogenesis and tumor progression. Thus, personalized approaches based on the molecular biology of the patient's tissue or body fluid will potentially improve the present disappointing outcome, bringing new hope for patients with MPM. This article reviews the principal and several novel biomarkers that can have an influence on prognosis, in the hope that they can provide us with a more profound understanding of the biology of this lethal disease.

Mitochondrial DNA variants can mediate methylation status of inflammation, angiogenesis and signaling genes

Mitochondrial (mt) DNA can be classified into haplogroups representing different geographic and/or racial origins of populations. The H haplogroup is protective against age-related macular degeneration (AMD), while the J haplogroup is high risk for AMD. In the present study, we performed comparison analyses of human retinal cell cybrids, which possess identical nuclei, but mtDNA from subjects with either the H or J haplogroups, and demonstrate differences in total global methylation, and expression patterns for two genes related to acetylation and five genes related to methylation. Analyses revealed that untreated-H and -J cybrids have different expression levels for nuclear genes (CFH, EFEMP1, VEGFA and NFkB2). However, expression levels for these genes become equivalent after treatment with a methylation inhibitor, 5-aza-2'-deoxycytidine. Moreover, sequencing of the entire mtDNA suggests that differences in epigenetic status found in cybrids are likely due to single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) within the haplogroup profiles rather than rare variants or private SNPs. In conclusion, our findings indicate that mtDNA variants can mediate methylation profiles and transcription for inflammation, angiogenesis and various signaling pathways, which are important in several common diseases.

Fibulin-3 levels in malignant pleural mesothelioma are associated with prognosis but not diagnosis

Background:

Fibulin-3 (FBLN3) was recently presented as a promising novel biomarker for malignant pleural mesothelioma (MPM), warranting independent validation studies.

Methods:

ELISA was used to measure cellular and secreted FBLN3 in cell lines, in plasma of xenograft tumour-bearing mice, in plasma from two independent series of MPM and non-MPM patients and in pleural fluid from a third series. Diagnostic and prognostic potential of FBLN3 was assessed by receiver operating characteristics curve analysis and Kaplan–Meier method, respectively.

Results:

FBLN3 was expressed in all MPM and benign mesothelial cell lines tested, and a correlation was observed between cellular protein expression and secreted levels. Human FBLN3 was detectable in plasma of tumour-bearing mice, suggesting that MPM cells contribute to levels of circulating FBLN3. Plasma FBLN3 was significantly elevated in MPM patients from the Sydney cohort, but not the Vienna cohort, but the diagnostic accuracy was low (63%, (95% CI: 50.1–76.4) and 56% (95% CI: 41.5–71.0), respectively). Although FBLN3 levels in pleural effusions were not significantly different between cases and controls, FBLN3 levels in pleural effusion fluid were found to be independently associated with prognosis (hazard ratio of 9.92 (95% CI: 2.14–45.93)).

Conclusions:

These data confirm the potential prognostic value of pleural effusion FBLN3, but question the diagnostic value of this protein in MPM patients.

EFEMP1 promotes the migration and invasion of osteosarcoma via MMP-2 with induction by AEG-1 via NF-κB signaling pathway

The role of epidermal growth factor-containing fibulin-like extracellular matrix protein 1 (EFEMP1) in osteosarcoma remains unknown. Then applying EFEMP1 siRNA, plasmids transfection and adding purified EFEMP1 protein in human osteosarcoma cell lines, and using immunohistochemistry on 113 osteosarcoma tissues, demonstrated that EFEMP1 was a poor prognostic indicator of osteosarcoma; EFEMP1 was specifically upregulated in osteosarcoma and associated with invasion and metastasis in vitro and in vivo. At the same time, we found a direct regulatory effect of EFEMP1 on MMP-2. Moreover, we firstly found the marked induction of EFEMP1 by oncogenic AEG-1. And EFEMP1 expression was inhibited by the selective inhibitor of NF-κB (PDTC) in osteosarcoma cells. Then we thought that NF-κB pathways might be one of the effective ways which EFEMP1 was induced by AEG-1. Thus, we suggested that EFEMP1 played a part as the mediator between AEG-1 and MMP-2. And NF-κB signaling pathway played an important role in this process. In summary, EFEMP1 was associated with invasion, metastasis and poor prognosis of osteosarcoma patients. EFEMP1 might indirectly enhance the expression of MMP-2, providing a potential explanation for the role of AEG-1 in metastasis. NF-κB pathways might be one of the effective ways which EFEMP1 was induced by AEG-1.

Fibulin-4 is associated with tumor progression and a poor prognosis in ovarian carcinomas

Background

Fibulin-4, a member of the fibulin family of extracellular glycoproteins, is implicated in the progressions of some cancers. However, no information has been available to date regarding the function of fibulin-4 in ovarian carcinoma progression.

Methods

In this study, fibulin-4 mRNA and protein expression in normal ovarian tissue, ovarian tumor, high invasive subclones and low invasive subclones were evaluated by immunohistochemistry and real time reverse transcriptase-polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR). The serum levels of fibulin-4, cancer antigen 125 (CA-125) and cerbohydrate antigen 199 (CA19-9) in patients with ovarian tumor were measured by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay and electrochemiluminescent immunoassay. To assess the angiogenic properties of fibulin-4, vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) expression and tumor microvessel density were analyzed in ovarian carcinoma by immunohistochemistry.

Results

Fibulin-4 expression was upregulated in ovarian carcinoma, and positively correlated with MVD and VEGF expression. Fibulin-4 overexpression was significantly associated with advanced stage, low differentiation, lymph node metastasis and poor prognosis in patients with ovarian cancer. The serum levels of fibulin-4, CA-125 and CA19-9 in patients with ovarian carcinoma were much higher than those with benign ovarian tumors and normal controls. Compared to CA-125 and CA19-9, fibulin-4 had better diagnostic sensitivity and specificity.

Conclusions

Fibulin-4 is a novel gene that is found overexpressed in ovarian cancer and associated with poor prognostic clinicopathologic features. This study shows that fibulin-4 may serve as a new prognostic factor and as a potential therapeutic target for patients with ovarian cancer in the future.

[EFEMP1 suppresses growth and invasion of lung cancer cells by downregulating matrix metalloproteinase-7 expression]

背景与目的

EFEMP1属于fibulin家族成员，是一种与细胞代谢密切相关的重要的细胞外基质蛋白，其在肿瘤的发生发展中的作用尚不清楚。本研究旨在探讨EFEMP1影响肺癌细胞生长和侵袭转移的生物学作用及其机制。

方法

Western blot方法检测肺癌细胞中EFEMP1表达，甲基化特异性PCR（methylation-specific PCR, MSP）方法检测EFEMP1在肺癌细胞中启动子区甲基化状态。肺癌细胞中转染EFEMP1后，检测细胞克隆形成及侵袭能力变化，并用Western blot及实时定量PCR检测MMP-7表达，Luciferase实验检测EFEMP1对基质金属蛋白酶7（matrix metalloproteinase-7, MMP-7）报告质粒的影响。

结果

Western blot结果显示肺癌细胞中EFEMP1表达下降，MSP分析结果说明A549和H1299中EFEMP1启动子区存在甲基化位点，5-aza-2’-deoxycytidine处理后，EFEMP1表达升高。A549和H1299转染EFEMP1后细胞克隆形成能力以及侵袭活性明显下降，MMP-7蛋白表达下调。Luciferase实验结果显示EFEMP1可以抑制MMP-7报告质粒的表达活性。

结论

EFEMP1是一种肺癌生长和侵袭的抑制因子，由于表观遗传学的改变，其在肺癌细胞中表达下降，通过上调MMP-7的表达促进肺癌细胞的侵袭转移。

Anticancer effects of crocetin in human esophageal squamous cell carcinoma KYSE-150 cells

Crocetin is the main pharmacologically-active component of saffron and has been considered as a promising candidate for cancer chemoprevention. The purpose of the present study was to investigate the anticancer effects of crocetin and the possible mechanisms of these properties in the esophageal squamous cell carcinoma cell line KYSE-150. The KYSE-150 cells were cultured in Dulbecco’s modified Eagle’s medium and incubated with 0, 12.5, 25, 50, 100 or 200 μmol/l crocetin for 48 h. Cell proliferation was measured using an MTT assay. Hoechst 33258 staining and observation under fluorescent microscopy were used to analyze the proapoptotic effects of crocetin. The migration rate was assessed by a wound-healing assay. The cell cycle distribution was analyzed using flow cytometry analysis subsequent to propidium iodide staining. The expression of B-cell lymphoma-2-associated X protein (Bax) and cleaved caspase 3 was determined by western blot analysis. It was found that treatment of KYSE-150 cells with crocetin for 48 h significantly inhibited the proliferation of the cells in a concentration-dependent manner, and the inhibition of proliferation was associated with S phase arrest. Crocetin was also found to induce morphological changes and cell apoptosis in a dose-dependent manner through increased expression of proapoptotic Bax and activated caspase 3. In addition, crocetin suppressed the migration of KYSE-150 cells. The present study provides evidence that crocetin exerts a prominent chemopreventive effect against esophageal cancer through the inhibition of cell proliferation, migration and induction of apoptosis. These findings reveal that crocetin may be considered to be a promising future chemotherapeutic agent for esophageal cancer therapy.

EFEMP1 induces γ-secretase/Notch-mediated temozolomide resistance in glioblastoma

Glioblastoma is the most common malignant primary brain tumor. Temozolomide (TMZ) is the standard chemotherapeutic agent for this disease. However, intrinsic and acquired TMZ-resistance represents a major obstacle for this therapy. In order to identify factors involved in TMZ-resistance, we engineered different TMZ-resistant glioblastoma cell lines. Gene expression analysis demonstrated that EFEMP1, an extracellular matrix protein, is associated with TMZ-resistant phenotype. Silencing of EFEMP1 in glioblastoma cells resulted in decreased cell survival following TMZ treatment, whereas overexpression caused TMZ-resistance. EFEMP1 acts via multiple signaling pathways, including γ-secretase-mediated activation of the Notch pathway. We show that inhibition of γ-secretase by RO4929097 causes at least partial sensitization of glioblastoma cells to temozolomide in vitro and in vivo. In addition, we show that EFEMP1 expression levels correlate with survival in TMZ-treated glioblastoma patients. Altogether our results suggest EFEMP1 as a potential therapeutic target to overcome TMZ-resistance in glioblastoma.

Novel paracrine modulation of Notch-DLL4 signaling by fibulin-3 promotes angiogenesis in high-grade gliomas

High-grade gliomas are characterized by exuberant vascularization, diffuse invasion, and significant chemoresistance, resulting in a recurrent phenotype that makes them impossible to eradicate in the long term. Targeting protumoral signals in the glioma microenvironment could have significant impact against tumor cells and the supporting niche that facilitates their growth. Fibulin-3 is a protein secreted by glioma cells, but absent in normal brain, that promotes tumor invasion and survival. We show here that fibulin-3 is a paracrine activator of Notch signaling in endothelial cells and promotes glioma angiogenesis. Fibulin-3 overexpression increased tumor VEGF levels, microvascular density, and vessel permeability, whereas fibulin-3 knockdown reduced vessel density in xenograft models of glioma. Fibulin-3 localization in human glioblastomas showed dense fiber-like condensations around tumor blood vessels, which were absent in normal brain, suggesting a remarkable association of this protein with tumor endothelium. At the cellular level, fibulin-3 enhanced endothelial cell motility and association to glioma cells, reduced endothelial cell sprouting, and increased formation of endothelial tubules in a VEGF-independent and Notch-dependent manner. Fibulin-3 increased ADAM10/17 activity in endothelial cells by inhibiting the metalloprotease inhibitor TIMP3; this resulted in increased Notch cleavage and increased expression of DLL4 independently of VEGF signaling. Inhibition of ADAM10/17 or knockdown of DLL4 reduced the proangiogenic effects of fibulin-3 in culture. Taken together, these results reveal a novel, proangiogenic role of fibulin-3 in gliomas, highlighting the relevance of this protein as an important molecular target in the tumor microenvironment.

SUMOylation modulates the transcriptional activity of androgen receptor in a target gene and pathway selective manner

Androgen receptor (AR) plays an important regulatory role in prostate cancer. AR's transcriptional activity is regulated by androgenic ligands, but also by post-translational modifications, such as SUMOylation. To study the role of AR SUMOylation in genuine chromatin environment, we compared androgen-regulated gene expression and AR chromatin occupancy in PC-3 prostate cancer cell lines stably expressing wild-type (wt) or doubly SUMOylation site-mutated AR (AR-K386R,K520R). Our genome-wide gene expression analyses reveal that the SUMOylation modulates the AR function in a target gene and pathway selective manner. The transcripts that are differentially regulated by androgen and SUMOylation are linked to cellular movement, cell death, cellular proliferation, cellular development and cell cycle. Fittingly, SUMOylation mutant AR cells proliferate faster and are more sensitive to apoptosis. Moreover, ChIP-seq analyses show that the SUMOylation can modulate the chromatin occupancy of AR on many loci in a fashion that parallels their differential androgen-regulated expression. De novo motif analyses reveal that FOXA1, C/EBP and AP-1 motifs are differentially enriched at the wtAR- and the AR-K386R,K520R-preferred genomic binding positions. Taken together, our data indicate that SUMOylation does not simply repress the AR activity, but it regulates AR's interaction with the chromatin and the receptor's target gene selection.

Human retinal transmitochondrial cybrids with J or H mtDNA haplogroups respond differently to ultraviolet radiation: implications for retinal diseases

Background

It has been recognized that cells do not respond equally to ultraviolet (UV) radiation but it is not clear whether this is due to genetic, biochemical or structural differences of the cells. We have a novel cybrid (cytoplasmic hybrids) model that allows us to analyze the contribution of mitochondrial DNA (mtDNA) to cellular response after exposure to sub-lethal dose of UV. mtDNA can be classified into haplogroups as defined by accumulations of specific single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs). Recent studies have shown that J haplogroup is high risk for age-related macular degeneration while the H haplogroup is protective. This study investigates gene expression responses in J cybrids versus H cybrids after exposure to sub-lethal doses of UV-radiation.

Methodology/Principal Findings

Cybrids were created by fusing platelets isolated from subjects with either H (n = 3) or J (n = 3) haplogroups with mitochondria-free (Rho⁰) ARPE-19 cells. The H and J cybrids were cultured for 24 hours, treated with 10 mJ of UV-radiation and cultured for an additional 120 hours. Untreated and treated cybrids were analyzed for growth rates and gene expression profiles. The UV-treated and untreated J cybrids had higher growth rates compared to H cybrids. Before treatment, J cybrids showed lower expression levels for CFH, CD55, IL-33, TGF-A, EFEMP-1, RARA, BCL2L13 and BBC3. At 120 hours after UV-treatment, the J cybrids had decreased CFH, RARA and BBC3 levels but increased CD55, IL-33 and EFEMP-1 compared to UV-treated H cybrids.

Conclusion/Significance

In cells with identical nuclei, the cellular response to sub-lethal UV-radiation is mediated in part by the mtDNA haplogroup. This supports the hypothesis that differences in growth rates and expression levels of complement, inflammation and apoptosis genes may result from population-specific, hereditary SNP variations in mtDNA. Therefore, when analyzing UV-induced damage in tissues, the mtDNA haplogroup background may be important to consider.

Differential transcriptome profile of peripheral white cells to identify biomarkers involved in oxaliplatin induced neuropathy

Anticancer chemotherapy (CT) produces non-desirable effects on normal healthy cells and tissues. Oxaliplatin is widely used in the treatment of colorectal cancer and responsible for the development of sensory neuropathy in varying degrees, from complete tolerance to chronic neuropathic symptoms. We studied the differential gene expression of peripheral leukocytes in patients receiving oxaliplatin-based chemotherapy to find genes and pathways involved in oxaliplatin-induced peripheral neuropathy. Circulating white cells were obtained prior and after three cycles of FOLFOX or CAPOX chemotherapy from two groups of patients: with or without neuropathy. RNA was purified, and transcriptomes were analyzed. Differential transcriptomics revealed a total of 502 genes, which were significantly up- or down-regulated as a result of chemotherapy treatment. Nine of those genes were expressed in only one of two situations: CSHL1, GH1, KCMF1, IL36G and EFCAB8 turned off after CT, and CSRP2, IQGAP1, GNRH2, SMIM1 and C5orf17 turned on after CT. These genes are likely to be associated with the onset of oxaliplatin-induced peripheral neuropathy. The quantification of their expression in peripheral white cells may help to predict non-desirable side effects and, consequently, allow a better, more personalized chemotherapy.

Overexpression of fibulin-4 is associated with tumor progression and poor prognosis in patients with cervical carcinoma

Fibulin-4, a member of the fibulin family of extracellular glycoproteins, is implicated in the progression of a number of types of cancer. However, the function of fibulin-4 in cervical cancer progression remains unexplored. Fibulin-4 mRNA and protein expression levels in normal cervical tissue, cervical intraepithelial neoplasia (CIN), cervical carcinoma, highly invasive subclones and low-invasive subclones were evaluated by real-time reverse transcriptase-polymerase chain reaction and immunohistochemistry. Serum fibulin-4 levels in patients with CIN and cervical carcinoma were measured by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay. To assess the angiogenic properties of fibulin-4, vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) expression and tumor microvessel density (MVD) were analyzed in the cervical carcinoma cases by immunohistochemistry. Fibulin-4 expression was upregulated in the cervical carcinoma cases, and was positively correlated with MVD and VEGF expression. Fibulin-4 overexpression and high serum levels were significantly associated with advanced stage, low differentiation, lymph node metastasis, and poor prognosis in patients with cervical cancer. Fibulin-4 expression was also found to be overexpressed in highly invasive subclones when compared with the low-invasive subclones. Fibulin-4 is a newly identified glycoprotein that is overexpressed in cervical carcinoma. Fibulin-4 promotes angiogenesis and is associated with poor prognostic clinicopathologic features. This study demonstrated that fibulin-4 may serve as a new prognostic factor and as a potential therapeutic target for patients with cervical carcinoma.

Extracellular matrix proteins expression profiling in chemoresistant variants of the A2780 ovarian cancer cell line

Ovarian cancer is the leading cause of death among gynaecological malignancies. Extracellular matrix (ECM) can affect drug resistance by preventing the penetration of the drug into cancer cells and increased resistance to apoptosis. This study demonstrates alterations in the expression levels of ECM components and related genes in cisplatin-, doxorubicin-, topotecan-, and paclitaxel-resistant variants of the A2780 ovarian cancer cell line. Affymetrix Gene Chip Human Genome Array Strips were used for hybridisations. The genes that had altered expression levels in drug-resistant sublines were selected and filtered by scatter plots. The genes that were up- or downregulated more than fivefold were selected and listed. Among the investigated genes, 28 genes were upregulated, 10 genes were downregulated, and two genes were down- or upregulated depending on the cell line. Between upregulated genes 12 were upregulated very significantly—over 20-fold. These genes included COL1A2, COL12A1, COL21A1, LOX, TGFBI, LAMB1, EFEMP1, GPC3, SDC2, MGP, MMP3, and TIMP3. Four genes were very significantly downregulated: COL11A1, LAMA2, GPC6, and LUM. The expression profiles of investigated genes provide a preliminary insight into the relationship between drug resistance and the expression of ECM components. Identifying correlations between investigated genes and drug resistance will require further analysis.

Fibulin-3 suppresses Wnt/β-catenin signaling and lung cancer invasion

The 5 year survival rate of lung cancer is <20%, with most patients dying from distant metastasis. However, the molecular mechanisms underlying lung cancer invasion and metastasis have not been fully characterized. In this study, we found that fibulin-3, a fibulin family extracellular matrix protein, functions as a suppressor of lung cancer invasion and metastasis. Fibulin-3 was downregulated in large fractions of lung tumors and cell lines, and inhibited lung cancer cell invasion and the expression of matrix metalloproteinase-7 (MMP-7), a promoter of lung cancer invasion. The expression levels of fibulin-3 and MMP-7 were inversely correlated in lung tumors. Fibulin-3 inhibited extracellular signal-regulated kinase (ERK) to activate glycogen synthase kinase 3β and suppress Wnt/β-catenin signaling, which induces MMP-7 expression in lung cancer cells. Furthermore, fibulin-3 expression impeded the growth and metastasis of lung tumors in mice. Collectively, these results suggest that downregulation of fibulin-3 contributes to lung cancer invasion and metastasis by activating Wnt/β-catenin signaling and MMP-7 expression.

Integrative DNA methylation and gene expression analysis in high-grade soft tissue sarcomas

Background

High-grade soft tissue sarcomas are a heterogeneous, complex group of aggressive malignant tumors showing mesenchymal differentiation. Recently, soft tissue sarcomas have increasingly been classified on the basis of underlying genetic alterations; however, the role of aberrant DNA methylation in these tumors is not well understood and, consequently, the usefulness of methylation-based classification is unclear.

Results

We used the Infinium HumanMethylation27 platform to profile DNA methylation in 80 primary, untreated high-grade soft tissue sarcomas, representing eight relevant subtypes, two non-neoplastic fat samples and 14 representative sarcoma cell lines. The primary samples were partitioned into seven stable clusters. A classification algorithm identified 216 CpG sites, mapping to 246 genes, showing different degrees of DNA methylation between these seven groups. The differences between the clusters were best represented by a set of eight CpG sites located in the genes SPEG, NNAT, FBLN2, PYROXD2, ZNF217, COL14A1, DMRT2 and CDKN2A. By integrating DNA methylation and mRNA expression data, we identified 27 genes showing negative and three genes showing positive correlation. Compared with non-neoplastic fat, NNAT showed DNA hypomethylation and inverse gene expression in myxoid liposarcomas, and DNA hypermethylation and inverse gene expression in dedifferentiated and pleomorphic liposarcomas. Recovery of NNAT in a hypermethylated myxoid liposarcoma cell line decreased cell migration and viability.

Conclusions

Our analysis represents the first comprehensive integration of DNA methylation and transcriptional data in primary high-grade soft tissue sarcomas. We propose novel biomarkers and genes relevant for pathogenesis, including NNAT as a potential tumor suppressor in myxoid liposarcomas.