The prognostic value of metalloproteinases and angiogenic factors in ovarian carcinoma

Machine learning and biological evaluation-based identification of a potential MMP-9 inhibitor, effective against ovarian cancer cells SKOV3

MMP-9, also known as gelatinase B, is a zinc-metalloproteinase family protein that plays a key role in the degradation of the extracellular matrix (ECM). The normal function of MMP-9 includes the breakdown of ECM, a process that aids in normal physiological processes such as embryonic development, angiogenesis, etc. Interruptions in these processes due to the over-expression or downregulation of MMP-9 are reported to cause some pathological conditions like neurodegenerative diseases and cancer. In the present study, an integrated approach for ML-based virtual screening of the Maybridge library was carried out and their biological activity was tested in an attempt to identify novel small molecule scaffolds that can inhibit the activity of MMP-9. The top hits were identified and selected for target-based activity against MMP-9 protein using the kit (Biovision K844). Further, MTT assay was performed in various cancer cell lines such as breast (MCF-7, MDA-MB-231), colorectal (HCT119, DL-D-1), cervical (HeLa), lung (A549) and ovarian cancer (SKOV3). Interestingly, one compound viz., RJF02215 exhibited anti-cancer activity selectively in SKOV3. Wound healing assay and colony formation assay performed on SKOV3 cell line in the presence of RJF02215 confirmed that the compound had a significant inhibitory effect on this cell line. Thus, we have identified a novel molecule that can inhibit MMP-9 activity in vitro and inhibits the proliferation of SKOV3 cells. Novel molecules based on the structure of RJF02215 may become a good value addition for the treatment of ovarian cancer by exhibiting selective MMP-9 activity.Communicated by Ramaswamy H. Sarma.

Kisspeptin Regulates Cell Invasion and Migration in Endometrial Cancer

Kisspeptin (a product of the KISS1 gene and its receptor) plays an important role in obstetrics, gynecology, and cancer cell metastasis and behavior. In hypothalamic-pituitary-gonadal axis and placentation, Kisspeptin/Kisspeptin receptor affects hormone release and represses trophoblast invasion into maternal deciduae. Endometrial cancer is one of the common gynecological cancers and is usually accompanied by metastasis, the risk factor that causes death. Recently, research has demonstrated that Kisspeptin/Kisspeptin receptor expression in aggressive-stage endometrial cancer tissues. However, the detailed mechanism of Kisspeptin/Kisspeptin receptor in regulating the motility of endometrial cancers is not well understood. In this study, we use endometrial cancer cell lines RL95-2, Ishikawa, HEC-1-A, and HEC-1-B as models to explore the molecular mechanism of Kisspeptin on cell motility. First, we discovered that Kisspeptin/Kisspeptin receptor was expressed in endometrial cancer cells, and Kisspeptin significantly regulated the migration and invasion of endometrial cancer cells. Furthermore, we explored the epithelial-mesenchymal transition marker expression and the underlying signals were regulated on Kisspeptin treatment. In conclusion, we suggest that Kisspeptin regulates endometrial cancer cell motility via FAK and Src expression and the ERK1/2, N-Cadherin, E-Cadherin, beta-Catenin, Twist, and matrix metalloproteinase signaling pathways. We expect these molecules could be candidates for the development of new approaches and therapeutic targets.

BTN3A3 inhibits the proliferation, migration and invasion of ovarian cancer cells by regulating ERK1/2 phosphorylation

Butyrophilin Subfamily 3 Member A3 (BTN3A3) is a type I transmembrane protein belonging to the immunoglobulin (Ig) superfamily, which is expressed in many cancers. Clinical data show that ovarian cancer patients with high expression of BTN3A3 have a longer survival time, but the mechanism of BTN3A3 in the occurrence and progression of ovarian cancer is still unclear. Here, we found that BTN3A3 knockdown can promote the proliferation, migration and invasion of ovarian cancer cells, while overexpression of BTN3A3 can inhibit the proliferation, migration and invasion of ovarian cancer cells. We analyzed the immunoprecipitated BTN3A3 complex by mass spectrometry and found that BTN3A3 binds to FGF2, and the overexpression of BTN3A3 leads to a decrease in the protein level of FGF2, which in turn leads to a decrease in the level of phosphorylation of ERK1/2. By increasing the protein level of FGF2, it was found that the level of ERK1/2 phosphorylation also increased. Finally, the cancer promotion phenomenon caused by BTN3A3 knockdown can be improved by using ERK1/2 inhibitor SCH772984. To sum up, BTN3A3 interacts with FGF2, which inhibits FGF2/ERK1/2 axis and ultimately inhibits the proliferation, migration and invasion of ovarian cancer cells. Our results suggest that BTN3A3 may be a prognostic marker and a potential therapeutic target for ovarian cancer.

The role of MMP-14 in ovarian cancer: a systematic review

AIM

In order to evaluate the role of MMP-14 in ovarian cancer, a systematic review was conducted.

METHODS

In March 2020, a search in Pubmed was performed with MMP-14 and ovarian cancer as search terms. After exclusion of the references not on MMP-14 or ovarian cancer or not in English, the studies found were classified into two categories: basic research and clinicopathological research.

RESULTS

In total, 94 references were found of which 33 were excluded. Two additional articles were found in the reference lists of the included studies. Based on the full texts, another 4 were excluded. Eventually, 59 studies were included in the review, 32 on basic research and 19 on clinicopathological research. 8 studies fell in both categories. The basic research studies show that MMP-14 plays an important role in ovarian cancer in the processes of proliferation, invasion, angiogenesis and metastasis. In clinocopathological research, MMP-14 expression is found in most tumours with characteristics of poor prognosis but this immunohistochemical MMP-14 determination does not seem to be an independent predictor of prognosis.

CONCLUSIONS

From this systematic review of the literature concerning MMP-14 in ovarian cancer it becomes clear that MMP-14 plays various important roles in the pathophysiology of ovarian cancer. The exact translation of these roles in the pathophysiology to the importance of MMP-14 in clinicopathological research in ovarian cancer and possible therapeutic role of anti-MMP-14 agents needs further elucidation.

Primary Ovarian Tumors With Lymphogenic and Hematogenic Metastasis Express High MMP-14, Which Colocalizes With Highly Sulfated Chondroitin Sulfate in the Stroma

Lymphogenic and hematogenic metastases are uncommon in ovarian cancer, especially at presentation. We hypothesized that MMP-14 and MMP-2, CD44, and highly sulfated chondroitin sulfate (CS-E) may be overexpressed in tumors with these metastatic patterns. These molecules are all present in the ovarian tumor microenvironment, wherein they may interact. In an ovarian cancer cohort of 44 patients with metastases in lymph nodes, spleen, and/or liver, the presence of MMP-14, MMP-2, CD44, and CS-E in both the primary tumor and the metastases was determined with immunohistochemistry and related to clinical characteristics. Immunohistochemical expression was found for MMP-14 in all primary tumors as well as in all metastases and for MMP-2 expression in most of the samples. Most primary tumors with synchronous metastases were positive for CS-E, as well as most primary tumors with metachronous lymphogenic metastases. The expression of the MMPs and CS-E in the stroma seemed to colocalize. For CD44 immunohistochemical expression, this relationship was not found. Epithelial MMP-14 on the one hand and stromal CS-E on the other hand seem to be essential players in ovarian cancer with lymphogenic and hematogenic metastases. CD44 expression is not correlated with the other markers. More research on the interaction of these molecules and their role in the process of dissimination of disease is warranted.

TIMP-2 regulates proliferation, invasion and STAT3-mediated cancer stem cell-dependent chemoresistance in ovarian cancer cells

BACKGROUND

The metzincin family of metalloproteinases and the tissue inhibitors of metalloproteinases (TIMPs) are essential proteins required for biological processes during cancer progression. This study aimed to determine the role of TIMP-2 in ovarian cancer progression and chemoresistance by reducing TIMP-2 expression in vitro in Fallopian tube secretory epithelial (FT282) and ovarian cancer (JHOS2 and OVCAR4) cell lines.

METHODS

FT282, JHOS2 and OVCAR4 cells were transiently transfected with either single or pooled TIMP-2 siRNAs. The expression of different genes after TIMP-2 knock down (T2-KD) or in response to chemotherapy was determined at the mRNA level by quantitative real time PCR (qRT-PCR) and at the protein level by immunofluorescence. Sensitivity of the cell lines in response to chemotherapy after TIMP-2 knock down was investigated by 3-(4,5-dimethylthiazol-2-yl)-2,5-diphenyltetrazolium bromide (MTT) and 5-Ethynyl-2'-deoxyuridine (EdU) assays. Cell invasion in response to TIMP-2 knockdown was determined by xCELLigence.

RESULTS

Sixty to 90 % knock down of TIMP-2 expression was confirmed in FT282, OVCAR4 and JHOS2 cell lines at the mRNA and protein levels. TIMP-2 knock down did not change the mRNA expression of TIMP-1 or TIMP-3. However, a significant downregulation of MMP-2 in T2-KD cells occurred at both the protein and activation levels, compared to Control (Cont; scrambled siRNA) and Parental cells (P, transfection reagent only). In contrast, membrane bound MT1-MMP protein levels were significantly upregulated in T2-KD compared to Cont and P cells. T2-KD cells exhibited enhanced proliferation and increased sensitivity to cisplatin and paclitaxel treatments. Enhanced invasion was observed in the T2-KD-JOSH2 and OVCAR4 cells but not in T2-KD-FT282 cells. Treatment with cisplatin or paclitaxel significantly elevated the expression of TIMP-2 in Cont cells but not in T2-KD cells, consistent with significantly elevated expression of chemoresistance and CSC markers and activation of STAT3. Furthermore, a potent inhibitor of STAT3 activation, Momelotinib, suppressed chemotherapy-induced activation of P-STAT3 in OVCAR4 cells with concomitant reductions in the expression of chemoresistance genes and CSC markers.

CONCLUSIONS

The above results suggest that TIMP-2 may have a novel role in ovarian cancer proliferation, invasion and chemoresistance.

Carcinogenic effects of bisphenol A in breast and ovarian cancers

Endocrine-disrupting chemicals (EDCs) are exogenous chemical compounds ubiquitously found in everyday life of the modern world. EDCs enter the human body where they act similarly to endogenous hormones, altering the functions of the endocrine system and causing adverse effects on human health. Bisphenol A (BPA), the principal representative of this class, is a carbon-based synthetic plastic, and a key element in manufacturing cans, reusable water bottles and medical equipment. BPA mimics the actions of estrogen on multiple levels by activating estrogen receptors α and β. BPA regulates various processes, such as cell proliferation, migration and apoptosis, leading to neoplastic changes. Considering genetic mechanisms, BPA exerts its functions via multiple oncogenic signaling pathways, including the STAT3, PI3K/AKT and MAPK pathways. Furthermore, BPA is associated with various modifications of the reproductive system in both males and females. These alterations include benign lesions, such as endometrial hyperplasia, the development of ovarian cysts, an increase in the ductal density of mammary gland cells and other preneoplastic lesions. These benign lesions may continue to develop to breast or ovarian cancer; the effects of BPA depend on various molecular and epigenetic mechanisms that dictate whether the endocrine or reproductive system is impacted, wherein preexisting benign lesions can become cancerous. The present review supports the need for continuous research on BPA, considering its widespread use and most available data suggesting a carcinogenic effect of BPA on the female reproductive system. Although most studies on BPA have been conducted in vitro with human cells or in vivo with animal models, it can be argued that more studies should be conducted in vivo with humans to further promote understanding of the impact of BPA.

Kisspeptin regulation of human decidual stromal cells motility via FAK-Src intracellular tyrosine kinases

STUDY QUESTION

Can of Clinical Genetics, Maastricht University Medical Centre, Maastricht kisspeptin and its analogues regulate the motility of human decidual stromal cells and what intracellular signaling pathways are involved?

SUMMARY ANSWER

Kisspeptin analogue-mediated cell motility in human decidual stromal cells via the focal adhesion kinase (FAK)-steroid receptor coactivator (Src) pathway suggesting that kisspeptin may modulate embryo implantation and decidual programming in human pregnancy.

WHAT IS KNOWN ALREADY

The extravillous trophoblast invades the maternal decidua during embryo implantation and placentation. The motile behavior and invasive potential of decidual stromal cells regulate embryo implantation and programming of human pregnancy.

STUDY DESIGN, SIZE, DURATION

Human decidual stromal cells were isolated from healthy women undergoing elective termination of a normal pregnancy at 6- to 12-week gestation, after informed consent.

PARTICIPANTS/MATERIALS, SETTING, METHODS

Kisspeptin analogues were synthetic peptides. Cell motility was estimated by an invasion and migration assay. Immunoblot analysis was performed to investigate the expression of kisspeptin receptor and the effects of kisspeptin analogues on the phosphorylation of FAK and Src. Small interfering RNAs (siRNAs) were used to knock down the expression of kisspeptin receptor, FAK, Src, matrix metallo-proteinases (MMPs) 2 and 9, and extracellular signal-regulated protein kinase (ERK) 1/2.

MAIN RESULTS AND THE ROLE OF CHANCE

The kisspeptin receptor was expressed in human decidual stromal cells. Kisspeptin agonist decreased, but antagonist increased, cell motility. Kisspeptin agonist decreased the phosphorylation of FAK and Src tyrosine kinases, whereas antagonist increased it. These effects on phosphorylation were abolished by kisspeptin receptor siRNA. The activation of cell motility by kisspeptin analogues was suppressed by siRNA knockdown of endogenous FAK (decreased 66%), Src (decreased 60%), kisspeptin receptor (decreased 26%), MMP-2 (decreased 36%), MMP-9 (decreased 23%), and ERK 1/2 inhibitor (decreased 27%).

LIMITATIONS, REASONS FOR CAUTION

Human decidual stromal cells were obtained from women having terminations after 6-12 weeks of pregnancy and differences in timing could affect their properties.

WIDER IMPLICATIONS OF THE FINDINGS

Kisspeptin acting within the endometrium has a potential modulatory role on embryo implantation and decidual programming of human pregnancy.

STUDY FUNDING/COMPETING INTEREST(S)

This work was supported by grant NSC-104-2314-B-182A-146-MY2 (to H.-M.W.) from the Ministry of Science and Technology, Taiwan, and grants CMRPG3E0401 and CMRPG3E0402 (to H.-M.W.). This work was also supported by grants from the Canadian Institutes of Health Research to P.C.K.L. P.C.K.L. is the recipient of a Child & Family Research Institute Distinguished Investigator Award. The authors have no conflicts of interest to disclose.

TRIAL REGISTRATION NUMBER

N/A.

Polymorphisms in MMP-14 and MMP-2 genes and ovarian cancer survival

BACKGROUND

Functional polymorphisms in matrix metalloproteinases can increase or decrease the risk of cancer. This study focused on ovarian cancer and investigated how polymorphisms in the coding region of MMP-14 and the promoter region of MMP-2 are related to clinical characteristics including survival.

METHODS

In 144 patients with ovarian tumours from a Caucasian population, polymorphisms of MMP-14 (+7096 and +6767) and MMP-2 (-735 and -1306) were analysed. These results were then correlated to the immunohistochemical expression of MMP-14 and MMP-2 and clinical characteristics.

RESULTS

In these patients, the MMP-14 +7096 polymorphism showed only TT genotype, in sharp contrast to the described MAF (minimal allele frequency) C of 27%. The MMP-14 +6767 G>A polymorphism was found to have a hazard ratio of 2.09 (CI 1.00-4.35, p 0.046) for recurrence-free survival in advanced-stage patients. However, this significance disappeared after Bonferroni correction for multiple testing. No other correlations between MMP-14 and MMP-2 polymorphisms, immunohistochemistry and clinical characteristics were found, except between the MMP-2 -1306 polymorphism and differentiation grade, with a Spearman correlation coefficient of -0.19, p 0.064.

CONCLUSIONS

In ovarian cancer, the MMP-14 +6767 G>A polymorphism in the coding region seems to improve recurrence-free survival with a hazard ratio of 2.09 (CI 1.00-4.35, p 0.046). However, as this significance disappeared after correction for multiple testing, there is a need for further research on the functional effect of this change in the MMP-14 gene with larger patient sample sizes.

TIMP2 is a Poor Prognostic Factor and Predicts Metastatic Biological Behavior in Gastric Cancer

To explore the prognostic related factors and mechanisms of gastric cancer (GC), we performed the systematic analysis with integrated bioinformatics tools based on multiple on-line datasets. With uni-variate COX analysis, we screened out 37 survival hazardous genes in GC. Further GO assays disclosed that the signatures related with extracellular matrix and structure, and the functions of "cell adhesion molecule binding" and "integrin binding" were the vital mechanisms of disease progression, and tissue inhibitor of metalloproteinase-2 (TIMP2) was the potential biomarker for prognosis. Based on GSEA, GSVA and GCN, TIMP2 was demonstrated to interact with multiple integrin pathways and involve in the regulation of EMT, cell adhesion, and angiogenesis of GC. The associations of TIMP2 expression with reduced OS and RFS of patients were declared by Kaplan-Meier analysis, and further confirmed by 1000 internal bootstrap replications and external KM plotter analysis. With multi-variate COX regression and time-dependent ROC analysis, we validated the prediction independency and capacity of TIMP2 for prognosis. The relationships of TIMP2 with clinicopathological characteristics were also uncovered. Taken together, our findings identify TIMP2 as the novel candidate biomarker for poorer outcome of GC patients, and revealed the underlying functions of TIMP2 and the potential mechanisms for GC progression.

Nerve growth factor modulates the tumor cells migration in ovarian cancer through the WNT/β-catenin pathway

Nerve growth factor (NGF)/nerve growth factor receptors (NGFRs) axis and canonical WNT/β-catenin pathway have shown to play crucial roles in tumor initiation, progression and prognosis. But little did we know the relationship between them in modulation of tumor progress. In this report, we found that NGF/NGFRs and β-catenin were coexpression in ovarian cancer cell lines, and NGF can decrease the expression level of β-catenin and affect its activities, which may be related to the NGF-induced down-regulation of B-cell CLL/lymphoma 9-like (BCL9L, BCL9-2). Furthermore, NGF can also increase or decrease the downstream target gene expression levels of WNT/β-catenin depending on the cell types. Especially, we created a novel in vitro cell growth model based on a microfluidic device to intuitively observe the effects of NGF/NGFRs on the motility behaviors of ovarian cancer cells. The results showed that the migration area and maximum distance into three dimensional (3D) matrigel were decreased in CAOV3 and OVCAR3 cells, but increased in SKOV3 cells following the stimulation with NGF. In addition, we found that the cell colony area was down-regulated in CAOV3 cells, however, it was augmented in OVCAR3 cells after treatment with NGF. The inhibitors of NGF/NGFRs, such as Ro 08-2750, K252a and LM11A-31,can all block NGF-stimulated changes of gene expression or migratory behavior on ovarian cancer cells. The different results among ovarian cancer cells illustrated the heterogeneity and complexity of ovarian cancer. Collectively, our results suggested for the first time that NGF is functionally linked to β-catenin in the migration of human ovarian cancer cells, which may be a novel therapeutic perspective to prevent the spread of ovarian carcinomas by studying the interaction between NGF/NGFRs and canonical WNT/β-catenin signaling.

The molecular mechanisms of action of the endocrine disrupting chemical bisphenol A in the development of cancer

The endocrine disrupting chemical (EDC) is an exogenous substance or mixture that alters the function of the endocrine system and consequently causes adverse effects in intact organisms. Bisphenol A (BPA), one of the most common endocrine disrupting chemicals is a carbon-based synthetic compound used in the production of water bottles, cans, and teeth suture materials. It is known to be a xenoestrogen as it interacts with estrogen receptors and acts as agonist or antagonist via estrogen receptor-dependent signaling pathways. BPA has been associated with serious health effects in humans and wildlife. It elicits several endocrine disorders and plays a role in the pathogenesis of several hormone-dependent tumors such as breast, ovarian, prostate cancer and others. More complicate to this picture, its effects rely on several and diverse molecular and epigenetic mechanisms that converge upon endocrine and reproductive systems. The present review gives an overview of general hazards of BPA, its epigenetic modifications and the molecular mechanisms of BPA action in different types of cancers as the increase in information about responses and action mechanisms of BPA may bring a better understanding of the risks of BPA exposure in humans and provide an important platform on which human health can be improved.

Cadherin composition and multicellular aggregate invasion in organotypic models of epithelial ovarian cancer intraperitoneal metastasis

During epithelial ovarian cancer (EOC) progression, intraperitoneally disseminating tumor cells and multi-cellular aggregates (MCAs) present in ascites fluid adhere to the peritoneum and induce retraction of the peritoneal mesothelial monolayer prior to invasion of the collagen-rich sub-mesothelial matrix and proliferation into macro-metastases. Clinical studies have shown heterogeneity among EOC metastatic units with respect to cadherin expression profiles and invasive behavior, however the impact of distinct cadherin profiles on peritoneal anchoring of metastatic lesions remains poorly understood. In the current study, we demonstrate that metastasis-associated behaviors of ovarian cancer cells and MCAs are influenced by cellular cadherin composition. Our results show that mesenchymal N-cadherin expressing (Ncad+) cells and MCAs invade much more efficiently than E-cadherin expressing (Ecad+) cells. Ncad+ MCAs exhibit rapid lateral dispersal prior to penetration of three-dimensional collagen matrices. When seeded as individual cells, lateral migration and cell-cell junction formation precede matrix invasion. Neutralizing the Ncad extracellular domain with the monoclonal antibody GC-4 suppresses lateral dispersal and cell penetration of collagen gels. In contrast, use of a broad spectrum matrix metalloproteinase (MMP) inhibitor (GM6001) to block endogenous membrane type 1 matrix metalloproteinase (MT1-MMP) activity does not fully inhibit cell invasion. Using intact tissue explants, Ncad+ MCAs were also shown to efficiently rupture peritoneal mesothelial cells, exposing the sub-mesothelial collagen matrix. Acquisition of Ncad by E-cadherin expressing cells (Ecad+) increased mesothelial clearance activity, but was not sufficient to induce matrix invasion. Furthermore, co-culture of Ncad+ with Ecad+ cells did not promote a “leader-follower” mode of collective cell invasion, demonstrating that matrix remodeling and creation of invasive micro-tracks are not sufficient for cell penetration of collagen matrices in the absence of Ncad. Collectively, our data emphasize the role of Ncad in intraperitoneal seeding of EOC and provide the rationale for future studies targeting Ncad+ in pre-clinical models of EOC metastasis.

Molecular machineries of pH dysregulation in tumor microenvironment: potential targets for cancer therapy

Introduction: Cancer is an intricate disorder/dysfunction of cells that can be defined as a genetic heterogeneity in human disease. Therefore, it is characterized by several adaptive complex hallmarks. Among them, the pH dysregulation appears as a symbol of aberrant functions within the tumor microenvironment (TME). In comparison with normal tissues, in the solid tumors, we face with an irregular acidification and alkalinization of the extracellular and intracellular fluids. Methods: In this study, we comprehensively discussed the most recent reports on the hallmarks of solid tumors to provide deep insights upon the molecular machineries involved in the pH dysregulation of solid tumors and their impacts on the initiation and progression of cancer. Results: The dysregulation of pH in solid tumors is fundamentally related to the Warburg effect and hypoxia, leading to expression of a number of molecular machineries, including: NHE1, H+ pump V-ATPase, CA-9, CA-12, MCT-1, GLUT-1. Activation of proton exchangers and transporters (PETs) gives rise to formation of TME. This condition favors the cancer cells to evade from the anoikis and apoptosis, granting them aggressive and metastasis phenotype, as well as resistance to chemotherapy and radiation therapy. This review aimed to discuss the key molecular changes of tumor cells in terms of bio-energetics and cancer metabolism in relation with pH dysregulation. During this phenomenon, the intra- and extracellular metabolites are altered and/or disrupted. Such molecular alterations provide molecular hallmarks for direct targeting of the PETs by potent relevant inhibitors in combination with conventional cancer therapies as ultimate therapy against solid tumors. Conclusion: Taken all, along with other treatment strategies, targeting the key molecular machineries related to intra- and extracellular metabolisms within the TME is proposed as a novel strategy to inhibit or block PETs that are involved in the pH dysregulation of solid tumors.

Silencing of type Iγ phosphatidylinositol phosphate kinase suppresses ovarian cancer cell proliferation, migration and invasion

Metastasis is the major cause of death in ovarian cancer patients. Given that the molecular mechanism underlying metastasis formation is critical for improving therapeutic development and clinical treatment, it must be fully understood. Recent studies have revealed that lipid kinase type Iγ phosphatidylinositol phosphate kinase (PIPKIγ) participates in the metastasis of breast cancer and colon cancer by regulating cell migration and invasion. However, its role in the progression of ovarian cancer is unclear. Here we showed that PIPKIγ expression is upregulated in multiple epithelial ovarian cancer cell lines. Silencing of PIPKIγ impaired PI3K/AKT signaling and inhibited the aggressive behaviors of epithelial ovarian cancer cells, including proliferation, migration and invasion. Moreover, we found that PIPKIγ was required for the activation of signal transducer and activator of transcription 3 (STAT3) in epithelial ovarian cancer cells, indicating that STAT3 may also be engaged in the PIPKIγ-dependent aggressiveness of epithelial ovarian cancer cells. Our results, for the first time, identified PIPKIγ as a novel regulator in epithelial ovarian cancer cells that promotes cell proliferation, migration and invasion by activating multiple signaling pathways. Therefore, we propose that PIPKIγ could potentially be a therapeutic target for the early detection and treatment of epithelial ovarian cancer. Further studies employing in vivo models are necessary to test this possibility.

The impact of human adipose tissue-derived stem cells on breast cancer cells: implications for cell-assisted lipotransfers in breast reconstruction

BACKGROUND

In this study we evaluated the interactions of human adipose tissue-derived stem cells (ADSCs) and different human breast cancer cell lines (BRCAs) with regard to the safety of cell-assisted lipotransfers for breast reconstruction and a thereby unintended co-localization of ADSCs and BRCAs.

METHODS

ADSCs were co-cultured with five different human BRCAs (MCF-7, MDA-MB-231, SK-BR-3, ZR-75-30, and EVSA-T) and primary BRCAs from one patient in a transwell system, and cell-cell-interactions were analyzed by assessing doubling time, migration and invasion, angiogenesis, quantitative real-time polymerase chain reaction (PCR) of more than 300 tumor-associated genes, and multiplex protein assays of 20 chemokines and growth factors and eight matrix metalloproteinases (MMPs). Results of co-culture were compared to those of the respective monoculture.

RESULTS

Quantitative real-time PCR revealed remarkable changes in the expression of multiple tumor-associated genes in co-culture compared to monocultures of both ADSCs and BRCAs. Concomitantly, the concentration of several tumor-associated proteins, such as cytokines and MMPs, were strongly increased in co-culture. Furthermore, exclusively in co-culture with ADSCs, the different BRCAs were exposed to several important tumor-modulating proteins, such as CCL2, HGF, or interleukins. Co-culture did not significantly affect cellular proliferation of either ADSCs or BRCAs (p > 0.05). The migration of MCF-7 and MDA-MB-231 BRCAs was significantly increased in co-culture with ADSCs by a mean of 11% and 23%, respectively (p = 0.04 and 0.012), as well as that of ADSCs in co-culture with MDA-MB-231, ZR-75-30, and EVSA-T (+11-15%, p = 0.035-0.045). Co-culture with MDA-MB-231, SK-BR-3, and EVSA-T BRCAs significantly increased the invasive behavior of ADSCs by a mean of 24-41% (p = 0.014-0.039). There were no significant differences in the in vitro invasive properties of BRCAs in co-culture compared to monoculture. An in vitro angiogenesis assay revealed an increased tube formation of conditioned media from co-cultured BRCAs and ADSCs compared to the respective monocultures.

CONCLUSION

This study further elucidates the possible interactions of primary human ADSCs with human BRCAs, pointing towards a potential increased oncological risk which should not be neglected when considering a clinical use of cell-assisted lipoaspirates in breast reconstruction.

A Specific Mixture of Nutrients Suppresses Ovarian Cancer A-2780 Tumor Incidence, Growth, and Metastasis to Lungs

Ovarian cancer is the deadliest gynecological malignancy in women, and fifth leading cause of death. Despite advances made in chemotherapy and surgery, the average time of clinical remission is approximately 2 years and the 5-year survival rate is 45%. Thus, there is an urgent need for the development of a novel therapeutic approach to ovarian cancer treatment. We investigated the effect of a specific nutrient mixture (EPQ) containing ascorbic acid, lysine, proline, green tea extract, and quercetin on human ovarian cancer cell A-2780 in vivo and in vitro. Athymic female nude mice (n = 12) were all inoculated intraperitoneally (IP) with 2 × 10⁶ cells in 0.1 mL of phosphate buffered saline (PBS) and randomly divided into two groups. Upon injection, the Control group (n = 6) was fed a regular diet and the EPQ group (n = 6) a regular diet supplemented with 0.5% EPQ. Four weeks later, the mice were sacrificed and tumors that developed in the ovary were excised, weighed, and processed for histology. Lungs were inspected for metastasis. In vitro, A-2780 cells were cultured in Dulbecco modified Eagle medium supplemented with 10% FBS and antibiotics. At near confluence, cells were treated with EPQ in triplicate at concentrations between 0 and 1000 μg/mL. Cell proliferation was measured via MTT assay, MMP-9 secretion via gelatinase zymography, invasion through Matrigel and morphology via hematoxylin and eosin (H & E) staining. All Control mice developed large ovarian tumors, whereas 5 out of 6 mice in the EPQ group developed no tumors, and one, a small tumor. Control mice also showed lung metastasis in 6 out of 6 mice, while no lung metastasis was evident in EPQ mice. Zymography demonstrated only MMP-9 expression, which EPQ inhibited in a dose-dependent fashion, with virtual total block at 250 μg/mL concentration. EPQ significantly inhibited invasion through Matrigel with total block at 250 μg/mL concentration. MTT showed dose-dependent inhibition of cell proliferation with EPQ, and H & E staining showed no morphological changes below 500 μg/mL EPQ. These results suggest that EPQ has therapeutic potential in the treatment of ovarian cancer by significantly suppressing ovarian tumor incidence and growth and lung metastasis, and by inhibiting MMP-9 secretion and invasion of A-2780 ovarian cancer cells.

Vascular endothelial growth factor expression correlates with serum CA125 and represents a useful tool in prediction of refractoriness to platinum-based chemotherapy and ascites formation in epithelial ovarian cancer

There is an increasing need for the identification of novel biological markers and potential therapeutic targets in epithelial ovarian cancer (EOC). Given the critical role of growth factors in the biology of EOC, we aimed in the present study to evaluate the intratumoral expressions of vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) and fibroblast growth factor (FGF) proteins and their clinical relevance in a cohort of 100 patients with EOC. All patients received platinum-based chemotherapy after surgery. A comparative immunohistochemical study of normal ovarian and EOC tissues showed that both growth factors were expressed at higher levels in tumor samples. In our statistical analysis, while no association existed between the FGF expression status and the clinicopathological characteristics of patients, intratumoral VEGF was identified as a potential biomarker for the prediction of ascites formation. In addition, the expression status of VEGF appeared to independently predict overall survival and response to chemotherapy. Furthermore, a direct association was demonstrated between the pre-treatment VEGF expression and serum CA125 after three cycles of chemotherapy. In sum, we report for the first time to our knowledge the correlation between intratumoral VEGF and serum CA125 in EOC. Our data also shows the prognostic value of VEGF expression in EOC. These results suggest the potential value of intratumoral VEGF in patient stratification. Dual inhibition of VEGF and CA125 might bring about a better outcome for patients with EOC.

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

Background

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

Methods

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

Results

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

Conclusion

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

Sohlh2 inhibits human ovarian cancer cell invasion and metastasis by transcriptional inactivation of MMP9

Identifying key mediators of cancer invasion and metastasis is crucial to the development of new and more effective therapies. We previously identified Sohlh2 as an important inhibitor of ovarian cancer cell proliferation. However, the function of Sohlh2 in cell migration and invasion remains unknown. In this paper, we report a novel Sohlh2 to MMP9 signaling pathway in the invasive ovarian cancer. Using immunohistochemistry staining, we revealed Sohlh2 expression was inversely correlated with the invasive human ovarian cancers. In vitro experiments, forced expression of Sohlh2 led to a significant reduction in cancer cell migration and invasion. Conversely, silencing of Sohlh2 enhanced ovarian cancer cell migration and invasion. Experiments using nude mice demonstrated that the ectopic Sohlh2 expression inhibited the HO8910 cell capability of the metastasis to the lungs and livers. Ectopic overexpression of Sohlh2 in the invasive HO8910 cells reduced the MMP9 expression, whereas Sohlh2 knockdown from the non-invasive, SKOV3 cells increased the MMP9 expression. Promoter activation and binding analyses indicated that Sohlh2 repressed the MMP9 expression by directly acting on the MMP9 gene promoter. Inhibition of MMP9 dramatically blocked the Sohlh2 knockdown-enhanced SKOV3 cell invasion, and ectopic expression of MMP9 compensated for the anti-invasive activity of Sohlh2 in HO8910 cells. Overall, these results demonstrate for the first time that Sohlh2 functions as a tumor metastasis suppressor. Modulation of Sohlh2 expression has the potential to be a target for cancer therapy. © 2015 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.

Ovarian cancer microenvironment: implications for cancer dissemination and chemoresistance acquisition

Ovarian adenocarcinoma is characterized by a late detection, dissemination of cancer cells into the whole peritoneum, and the frequent acquisition of chemoresistance. If these particularities can be explained in part by intrinsic properties of ovarian cancer cells, an increased number of studies show the importance of the tumor microenvironment in tumor progression. Ovarian cancer cells can regulate the composition of their stroma in promoting the formation of ascitic fluid, rich in cytokines and bioactive lipids, and in stimulating the differentiation of stromal cells into a pro-tumoral phenotype. In return, cancer-associated fibroblasts, cancer-associated mesenchymal stem cells, tumor-associated macrophages, or other peritoneal cells, such as adipocytes and mesothelial cells can regulate tumor growth, angiogenesis, dissemination, and chemoresistance. This review focuses on the current knowledge about the roles of stromal cells and the associated secreted factors on tumor progression. We also summarize the different studies showing that targeting the microenvironment represents a great potential for improving the prognosis of patients with ovarian adenocarcinoma.

Prognostic significance of TIMP-2, MMP-2, and MMP-9 on high-grade serous ovarian carcinoma using digital image analysis

The objective of this cohort study was to evaluate whether the immunohistochemical expression of tissue inhibitor of metalloprotease 2, matrix metalloproteinase (MMP) 2, and MMP-9 could predict the occurrence of death and progression in women with ovarian high-grade serous carcinoma (HGSC). A total of 100 women with primary HGSC who were treated by cytoreductive surgery and adjuvant chemotherapy at the Centre Hospitalier Universitaire de Québec (Canada) were included. Biomarker expression was evaluated by immunohistochemistry on tissue microarrays constructed from primary tumors. Immunostaining quantification was performed using digital image analysis, from algorithms created with Calopix software, and continuous H-score data were obtained. The cancer antigen-125 and/or the Response Evaluation Criteria In Solid Tumors criteria were used to define progression. Dates of death were obtained by record linkage with the Québec mortality files. Hazard ratios (HRs) of death and progression with their 95% confidence intervals (CIs) were estimated using the Cox proportional hazards regression model. Overall, a low variability of expression was observed for each marker. No association was found between the level of expression and standard prognostic factors. When assessed as a continuous variable, increased MMP-9 expression (10 units of H-score) was associated with death (HR, 1.08; 95% CI, 1.01-1.16; P = .02), but not with progression (HR, 1.03; 95% CI, 0.97-1.10; P = .29). There was no association between the expression of MMP-2 or tissue inhibitor of metalloprotease 2 and death or progression. In conclusion, in a homogeneous cohort of women with HGSC, increased MMP-9 tissue expression, as assessed by automated immunostaining quantification, was associated with a higher risk of death.

Visual and automated assessment of matrix metalloproteinase-14 tissue expression for the evaluation of ovarian cancer prognosis

The purpose of this study was to evaluate whether the membrane type 1 matrix metalloproteinase-14 (or MT1-MMP) tissue expression, as assessed visually on digital slides and by digital image analysis, could predict outcomes in women with ovarian carcinoma. Tissue microarrays from a cohort of 211 ovarian carcinoma women who underwent a debulking surgery between 1993 and 2006 at the CHU de Québec (Canada) were immunostained for matrix metalloproteinase-14. The percentage of MMP-14 staining was assessed visually and with the Calopix software. Progression was evaluated using the CA-125 and/or the RECIST criteria according to the GCIG criteria. Dates of death were obtained by record linkage with the Québec mortality files. Adjusted hazard ratios of death and progression with their 95% confidence intervals were estimated using the Cox model. Comparisons between the two modalities of MMP-14 assessment were done using the box plots and the Kruskal-Wallis test. The highest levels of MMP-14 immunostaining were associated with nonserous histology, early FIGO stage, and low preoperative CA-125 levels (P<0.05). In bivariate analyses, the higher level of MMP-14 expression (>40% of MMP-14-positive cells) was inversely associated with progression using visual assessment (hazard ratio=0.39; 95% confidence interval: 0.18-0.82). A similar association was observed with the highest quartile of MMP-14-positive area assessed by digital image analysis (hazard ratio=0.48; 95% confidence interval: 0.28-0.82). After adjustment for standard prognostic factors, these associations were no longer significant in the ovarian carcinoma cohort. However, in women with serous carcinoma, the highest quartile of MMP-14-positive area was associated with progression (adjusted hazard ratio=0.48; 95% confidence interval: 0.24-0.99). There was no association with overall survival. The digital image analysis of MMP-14-positive area matched the visual assessment using three categories (>40% vs 21-40 vs <20%). Higher levels of MMP-14 immunostaining were associated with standard factors of better ovarian carcinoma prognosis. In women with serous carcinoma, high expression of MMP-14 was associated with lower progression.

Alterations of gene expression and protein synthesis in co-cultured adipose tissue-derived stem cells and squamous cell-carcinoma cells: consequences for clinical applications

Introduction

This is the first study evaluating the interactions of human adipose tissue derived stem cells (ADSCs) and human squamous cell carcinoma cells (SCCs), with regard to a prospective cell-based skin regenerative therapy and a thereby unintended co-localization of ADSCs and SCCs.

Methods

ADSCs were co-cultured with A431-SCCs and primary SCCs (pSCCs) in a transwell system, and cell-cell interactions were analyzed by assessing doubling time, migration and invasion, angiogenesis, quantitative real time PCR of 229 tumor associated genes, and multiplex protein assays of 20 chemokines and growth factors and eight matrix metalloproteinases (MMPS). Results of co-culture were compared to those of the respective mono-culture.

Results

ADSCs’ proliferation on the plate was significantly increased when co-cultured with A431-SCCs (P = 0.038). PSCCs and ADSCs significantly decreased their proliferation in co-culture if cultured on the plate (P <0.001 and P = 0.03). The migration of pSCC was significantly increased in co-culture (P = 0.009), as well as that of ADSCs in A431-SCC-co-culture (P = 0.012). The invasive behavior of pSCCs and A431-SCCs was significantly increased in co-culture by a mean of 33% and 35%, respectively (P = 0.038 and P <0.001). Furthermore, conditioned media from co-cultured ADSC-A431-SCCs and co-cultured ADSCs-pSCCs induced tube formation in an angiogenesis assay in vitro.

In A431-SCC-co-culture 36 genes were up- and 6 were down-regulated in ADSCs, in A431-SCCs 14 genes were up- and 8 genes were down-regulated. In pSCCs-co-culture 36 genes were up-regulated in ADSCs, two were down-regulated, one gene was up-regulated in pSCC, and three genes were down-regulated. Protein expression analysis revealed that three proteins were exclusively produced in co-culture (CXCL9, IL-1b, and MMP-7). In A431-SCC-co-culture the concentration of 17 proteins was significantly increased compared to the ADSCs mono-culture (2.8- to 357-fold), and 15 proteins were expressed more highly (2.8- to 1,527-fold) compared to the A431-SCCs mono-culture. In pSCC-co-culture the concentration of 10 proteins was increased compared to ADSCs-mono-culture (2.5- to 77-fold) and that of 15 proteins was increased compared to pSCC mono-culture (2.6- to 480-fold).

Conclusions

This is the first study evaluating the possible interactions of primary human ADSCs with human SCCs, pointing towards a doubtlessly increased oncological risk, which should not be neglected when considering a clinical use of isolated human ADSCs in skin regenerative therapies.

Extracellular matrix macromolecules: potential tools and targets in cancer gene therapy

Tumour cells create their own microenvironment where they closely interact with a variety of soluble and non-soluble molecules, different cells and numerous other components within the extracellular matrix (ECM). Interaction between tumour cells and the ECM is bidirectional leading to either progression or inhibition of tumourigenesis. Therefore, development of novel therapies targeted primarily to tumour microenvironment (TME) is highly rational. Here, we give a short overview of different macromolecules of the ECM and introduce mechanisms whereby they contribute to tumourigenesis within the TME. Furthermore, we present examples of individual ECM macromolecules as regulators of cell behaviour during tumourigenesis. Finally, we focus on novel strategies of using ECM macromolecules as tools or targets in cancer gene therapy in the future.

Gonadotropin-releasing hormone type II (GnRH-II) agonist regulates the invasiveness of endometrial cancer cells through the GnRH-I receptor and mitogen-activated protein kinase (MAPK)-dependent activation of matrix metalloproteinase (MMP)-2

Background

More than 25% of patients diagnosed with endometrial carcinoma have an invasive primary cancer accompanied by metastases. Gonadotropin-releasing hormone (GnRH) plays an important role in reproduction. In mammals, expression of GnRH-II is higher than GnRH-I in reproductive tissues. Here, we examined the effect of a GnRH-II agonist on the motility of endometrial cancer cells and its mechanism of action in endometrial cancer therapy.

Methods

Immunoblotting and immunohistochemistry (IHC) were used to determine the expression of the GnRH-I receptor protein in human endometrial cancer. The activity of MMP-2 in the conditioned medium was determined by gelatin zymography. Cell motility was assessed by invasion and migration assay. GnRH-I receptor si-RNA was applied to knockdown GnRH-I receptor.

Results

The GnRH-I receptor was expressed in the endometrial cancer cells. The GnRH-II agonist promoted cell motility in a dose-dependent manner. The GnRH-II agonist induced the phosphorylation of ERK1/2 and JNK, and the phosphorylation was abolished by ERK1/2 inhibitor (U0126) and the JNK inhibitor (SP600125). Cell motility promoted by GnRH-II agonist was suppressed in cells that were pretreated with U0126 and SP600125. Moreover, U0126 and SP600125 abolished the GnRH-II agonist-induced activation of MMP-2. The inhibition of MMP-2 with MMP-2 inhibitor (OA-Hy) suppressed the increase in cell motility in response to the GnRH-II agonist. Enhanced cell motility mediated by GnRH-II agonist was also suppressed by the knockdown of the endogenous GnRH-I receptor using siRNA.

Conclusion

Our study indicates that GnRH-II agonist promoted cell motility of endometrial cancer cells through the GnRH-I receptor via the phosphorylation of ERK1/2 and JNK, and the subsequent, MAPK-dependent activation of MMP-2. Our findings represent a new concept regarding the mechanism of GnRH-II-induced cell motility in endometrial cancer cells and suggest the possibility of exploring GnRH-II as a potential therapeutic target for the treatment of human endometrial cancer.

Fibroblast growth factor 2 induces E-cadherin down-regulation via PI3K/Akt/mTOR and MAPK/ERK signaling in ovarian cancer cells

Fibroblast growth factor 2 (FGF2) is produced by ovarian cancer cells and it has been suggested to play an important role in tumor progression. In this study, we report that FGF2 treatment down-regulated E-cadherin by up-regulating its transcriptional repressors, Slug and ZEB1, in human ovarian cancer cells. The pharmacological inhibition of phosphatidylinositol-3-kinase (PI3K), mammalian target of rapamycin (mTOR), and MEK suggests that both PI3K/Akt/mTOR and MAPK/ERK signaling are required for FGF2-induced E-cadherin down-regulation. Moreover, FGF2 up-regulated Slug and ZEB1 expression via the PI3K/Akt/mTOR and MAPK/ERK signaling pathways, respectively. Finally, FGF2-induced cell invasion was abolished by the inhibition of the PI3K/Akt/mTOR and MAPK/ERK pathways, and the forced expression of E-cadherin diminished the intrinsic invasiveness of ovarian cancer cells as well as the FGF2-induced cell invasion. This study demonstrates a novel mechanism in which FGF2 down-regulates E-cadherin expression through the activation of PI3K/Akt/mTOR and MAPK/ERK signaling, and the up-regulation of Slug and ZEB1 in human ovarian cancer cells.

MET/HGF Signaling Pathway in Ovarian Carcinoma: Clinical Implications and Future Direction

The HGF/MET signaling pathway is abnormal in numerous cancers including ovarian cancer. MET is expressed in 70% of human cancer and it is overexpressed in 30% of ovarian cases and cancer cell lines. The HGF/MET pathway plays a role in the initiation and progression of ovarian cancer through the most distinctive biologic program known as “invasive growth” which is accomplished through a coordinated activation of cell motility, invasiveness, degradation of extracellular matrix, survival, and proliferation. Because of its ubiquitous role in cancer, the MET axis seems to be an attractive target for cancer therapy. Numerous HGF/MET pathway inhibitor compounds are already in use in clinical trials in various solid tumors. In this paper, we will discuss the HGF/MET pathway in ovarian cancer, its clinical significance, and its potential use as a target therapy in the future.

Overexpression of CD157 contributes to epithelial ovarian cancer progression by promoting mesenchymal differentiation

Epithelial ovarian carcinoma (EOC) is an aggressive tumor often diagnosed at an advanced stage, when there is little or no prospect of cure. Despite advances in surgical and chemotherapeutic strategies, only marginal improvements in patient outcome have been obtained. Hence, unraveling the biological mechanisms underpinning EOC progression is critical for improving patients’ survival. Recently, we reported that CD157 (an ectoenzyme regulating leukocyte diapedesis) is expressed in EOC and that high expression of the molecule is negatively correlated with the disease outcome in patients. Here, we demonstrate that forced overexpression of CD157 in OVCAR-3, TOV-21G, A2780 and OV-90 ovarian cancer cell lines promotes morphological and phenotypic changes characterized by disruption of intercellular junctions, downregulation of epithelial markers and upregulation of mesenchymal ones. These changes in cell shape and phenotype bring to reduced sensitivity to anoikis, increased anchorage-independent growth, cell motility and mesothelial invasion. Conversely, knockdown of CD157 in OV-90 and OC314 cells reverts the mesenchymal phenotype and reduces the cells’ migratory potential. Transcriptome profiling analysis highlighted 378 significantly differentially expressed genes, representing the signature of CD157-overexpressing OVCAR-3 and OV-90 cells. The modulation of selected genes translates into alteration of protein expression that give cells a highly malignant phenotype. The overall picture deduced from the analysis of the modulated transcripts is that high expression of CD157 strengthens a number of biological processes favoring tumor progression (including development and cell motility), and weakens several biological processes hindering tumor progression (such as apoptosis, cell death and response to stress). Together, these findings implicate CD157 in the progression of EOC to metastatic disease and suggest that CD157 may represent a valuable therapeutic target.

Relationship between the expression of VEGF signal components and matrix metalloproteinases in ovarian tumors

The content of vascular endothelium growth factor is significantly increased, while the level of matrix metalloproteinase-2 is 2-fold reduced in ovarian cancer tissue compared to benign tumors. A trend to an increase in the levels of matrix metalloproteinases 7 and 9 and reduction of vascular endothelial growth factor type 2 receptors in tumor tissue was also detected. A highly significant negative correlation between the levels of vascular endothelial growth factor and matrix metalloproteinase 2 and positive correlations between vascular endothelial growth factor and matrix metalloproteinase 7, vascular endothelial growth factor and matrix metalloproteinase 9, matrix metalloproteinase 2 and vascular endothelial growth factor type 2 receptors were revealed. In the tumors assayed after preoperative therapy, relative normalization of the studied parameters was observed: the level of vascular endothelial growth factor decreased significantly, while the levels of matrix metalloproteinase 2 and vascular endothelial growth factor type 2 receptors increased. The levels of the markers differed significantly in ovarian tumors of different histological types, and the levels of vascular endothelial growth factor type 2 receptors were higher in patients with stage III compared to stage I and the content of matrix metalloproteinase 7 was higher in stage III compared to stage II cancer.

Prognostic biomarkers in ovarian cancer

Epithelial ovarian cancer (EOC) remains the most lethal gynecological malignancy despite several decades of progress in diagnosis and treatment. Taking advantage of the robust development of discovery and utility of prognostic biomarkers, clinicians and researchers are developing personalized and targeted treatment strategies. This review encompasses recently discovered biomarkers of ovarian cancer, the utility of published prognostic biomarkers for EOC (especially biomarkers related to angiogenesis and key signaling pathways), and their integration into clinical practice.

Interleukin-6 signaling regulates anchorage-independent growth, proliferation, adhesion and invasion in human ovarian cancer cells

It has been widely reported that Interleukin-6 (IL-6) is overexpressed in the serum and ascites of ovarian cancer (OVCA) patients, and elevated IL-6 level correlates with poor prognosis and survival. However, the exact role that IL-6 plays in this malignancy or whether IL-6 can regulate tumorigenic properties has not been established. Here we demonstrate that overexpression of IL-6 in non-IL-6-expressing A2780 cells (by transfecting with plasmid encoding for sense IL-6) increases anchorage-independent growth, proliferation, adhesion and invasion, while depletion of endogenous IL-6 expression in IL-6-overexpressing SKOV-3 cells (by transfecting with plasmid encoding for antisense IL-6) decreases. Further investigation indicates that IL-6 promotes OVCA cell proliferation by altering cell cycle distribution rather than inhibiting apoptosis and that IL-6-enhanced OVCA cell invasive may be associated with increased matrix metalloproteinase (MMP)-9 but not MMP-2 proteolytic activity. In addition, overexpressing or deleting of IL-6 in OVCA cells enhances or reduces its receptor (IL-6Rα and gp130) expression and basal phosphorylation levels of both ERK and Akt, and additional treatment with specific inhibitor of the ERK or Akt signaling pathway significantly inhibits the proliferation of IL-6-overexpressing A2780 cells. Our data suggest that the autocrine production of IL-6 by OVCA cells regulates tumorigenic properties of these cells by inducing IL-6 signaling pathways. Thus, regulation of IL-6 expression or its related signaling pathway may be a promising strategy for controlling the progression of OVCA.

Clinical relevance of cyclooxygenase-2 and matrix metalloproteinases (MMP-2 and MT1-MMP) in human breast cancer tissue

Breast cancer (BC) is the most common neoplasm among women in most developed countries, including Egypt. Elevated levels of certain proteins in human BC are associated with unfavorable prognosis and progressive stages of the disease. The aim of our study was to evaluate the protein expression profile and prognostic significance of cyclooxygenase-2 (COX-2), matrix metalloproteinase-2 (MMP-2), MMP-9 and membrane type 1-MMP (MT1-MMP) and their interaction in operable BC patients. The protein expression of COX-2, MMP-2 and MT1-MMP were evaluated by western blot technique, whereas enzymatic activity of MMP-2 and MMP-9 was determined by zymography in 47 breast cancer patients as well as normal adjacent tissues. Also, the correlation between these proteins and age, tumor size, LN stage, TNM stage, estrogen receptor, progesterone receptor, disease-free survival, and overall survival (OS) has been investigated. As compared to adjacent normal tissues, COX-2, MMP-2 and MT1-MMP were over-expressed in 43, 64, and 60 % of tumor tissues, respectively. In the same pattern, the activity of MMP-2 (62 %) and MMP-9 (45 %) was elevated in BC tissues. Multivariate analysis showed a positive correlation between the protein expression of COX-2, MMP-2, and MT1-MMP and the activity of MMP-2 and MMP-9 in BC patients. However, the enzymatic activity showed no correlation with clinicopathological features. This study confirms the preclinical evidence that COX-2 increased the expression of MT1-MMP, which in turn activates MMP-2. The lack of correlation with clinicopathological features, OS or disease-free survival ascertains the complexity of tumor progression and metastasis with many pro- and counter regulatory factors.

Enhanced immunoreactivity of TIMP-2 in the stromal compartment of tumor as a marker of favorable prognosis in ovarian cancer patients

Degradation of the extracellular matrix and basement membrane is a critical step in tumor progression. Matrix metalloproteinase 2 (MMP-2) and tissue inhibitor of metalloproteinase 2 (TIMP 2) act in a coordinated manner to form an integrated system involved in ovarian cancer (OC) progression. In this study, the authors describe the expression of TIMP-2 detected by immunohistochemistry in 6 OC cell lines and in 43 malignant epithelial ovarian tumors (in tumor and stromal compartments) in sections originating from primary laparotomies. No significant correlations between overall and progression-free survival and TIMP-2 expression in tumor compartment were observed. The analysis demonstrated a significant association between enhanced stromal expression of TIMP-2 and better clinical response to cisplatin- and paclitaxel-based chemotherapy. Increased expression of TIMP-2 in the stromal compartment and simultaneous overexpression in both stromal and tumor compartments strongly correlated with increased survival. No significant correlations were found in vitro between resistance to cisplatin, paclitaxel, or topotecan and the expression of TIMP-2 in the OC cell lines, suggesting stromal influences on tumor chemoresistance in the physiological environment. This study supports the concept of TIMP-2 expression in the stromal compartment of OC as a promising marker of prognosis and response to cisplatin- and paclitaxel-based chemotherapy in OC patients.

Overexpression of FoxM1 offers a promising therapeutic target in diffuse large B-cell lymphoma

BACKGROUND

FoxM1 has been shown to play a critical role in the pathogenesis of various epithelial malignancies. However, its role in lymphoid malignancies has not been fully clarified. We, therefore, investigated the role of FoxM1 expression in a large cohort of diffuse large B-cell lymphoma samples and panel of cell lines.

DESIGN AND METHODS

FoxM1 expression was investigated in a large series of diffuse large B-cell lymphoma tissues in a tissue microarray format by immunohistochemistry. Apoptosis was measured by flow cytometry and protein expression was detected by immunoblotting using diffuse large B-cell lymphoma cell lines following treatment with either pharmacological inhibitor of FoxM1 or small interference RNA knockdown strategy. Invasion/migration and soft agar colony assays were also performed following treatment with FoxM1 inhibitor.

RESULTS

FoxM1 expression was detected in 84.6% of diffuse large B-cell lymphoma tumors and found to be significantly associated with proliferative tumor marker Ki67 (P<0.0001), matrix metalloproteinases-2 (P=0.0008), matrix metalloproteinases-9 (P=0.0002), S-phase kinase associated protein-2 (P<0.0001) and inversely associated with p27 expression (P=0.0215). Expression of small interference RNA targeted against FoxM1 or treatment of diffuse large B-cell lymphoma cells with thiostrepton caused its downregulation accompanied by decreased expression of matrix metalloproteinases-2 and matrix metalloproteinases-9. Inhibition of FoxM1 in diffuse large B-cell lymphoma cells also decreased invasive and migratory capability, and induced caspase dependent apoptosis via activation of the mitochondrial apoptotic pathway. Finally, combined thiostrepton and bortezomib at sub-toxic doses led to efficient apoptosis in diffuse large B-cell lymphoma cells.

CONCLUSIONS

Altogether, these results suggest that FoxM1 is over-expressed in the majority of diffuse large B-cell lymphoma samples. These data also indicate that targeting FoxM1 signaling can serve as a potential therapeutic modality in the management of diffuse large B-cell lymphoma.

Expression of MMP-2, -7, -9, MT1-MMP and TIMP-1 and -2 has no prognostic relevance in patients with advanced epithelial ovarian cancer

Matrix metalloproteinases (MMPs) and their tissue inhibitors (TIMPs) are involved in tumor invasion, but their prognostic significance is still under discussion. We set out to analyze the epithelial and stromal expression of MMP-2, MMP-7, MMP-9, MT1-MMP, TIMP-1 and TIMP-2 in advanced epithelial ovarian cancers and to assess their prognostic value. A tissue microarray of malignant ovarian tumors from 69 patients was constructed. Immunostaining results were scored using the HSCORE and assessed by univariate analysis with Bonferroni correction and classical multidimensional scaling (CMDS). Kaplan-Meier survival curves calculated with regard to patient and tumor characteristics were compared by the log-rank test. Patients treated by primary surgery (n=43) had a higher tumor size and a trend toward higher epithelial MMP and TIMP expression than those treated by interval surgery (n=26). Optimal cytoreduction (residue ≤ 1 cm) was obtained in 27 and 18 patients, respectively. Clinical and histological characteristics were not different in patients with optimal cytoreduction and those with suboptimal cytoreduction. The expression of epithelial MMP-9 (P=0.002) and TIMP-2 (P=0.026) were higher in the latter group. CMDS failed to demonstrate any influence of MMP and TIMP expression with regard to cytoreduction outcome. MMP and TIMP expression did not influence survival. Their prognostic values were outweighed by histological type, lymph node involvement and cytoreduction. Standard statistical analysis adjusted after Bonferroni correction and CMDS reduced the relevance of MMPs and TIMPs in the prognosis of patients with advanced ovarian cancer.

Human matrix metalloproteinases: an ubiquitarian class of enzymes involved in several pathological processes

Human matrix metalloproteinases (MMPs) belong to the M10 family of the MA clan of endopeptidases. They are ubiquitarian enzymes, structurally characterized by an active site where a Zn(2+) atom, coordinated by three histidines, plays the catalytic role, assisted by a glutamic acid as a general base. Various MMPs display different domain composition, which is very important for macromolecular substrates recognition. Substrate specificity is very different among MMPs, being often associated to their cellular compartmentalization and/or cellular type where they are expressed. An extensive review of the different MMPs structural and functional features is integrated with their pathological role in several types of diseases, spanning from cancer to cardiovascular diseases and to neurodegeneration. It emerges a very complex and crucial role played by these enzymes in many physiological and pathological processes.

Single nucleotide polymorphisms and haplotypes of MMP-14 are associated with the risk and pathological development of oral cancer

BACKGROUND

Matrix metalloproteinase (MMP)-14 is one of the pericellular collagenases to degrade extracellular matrix (ECM), which is involved to the modulation of susceptibility or clinicopathological features of a cancer. The contributions of MMP-14 on the susceptibility or clinicopathological features of certain cancers have been well documented, and the expression of MMP-14 in oral squamous cell carcinoma (OSCC) also has been observed. This study was designed to examine the association of MMP-14 gene polymorphisms with the susceptibility and clinicopathological development of OSCC.

METHODS

A total of 363 patients with OSCC and 506 healthy control subjects were recruited. Six single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) of MMP-14 genes were analyzed by polymerase chain reaction-restriction fragment length polymorphism genotyping and haplotype-base analysis.

RESULTS

MMP-14 +7096 TC/CC genotypes might lower the risk of OSCC, and MMP-14 +6767 GA/AA genotypes cause a poor clinical status in OSCC patients. The +6727 C: +6767 G: +7096 T: +8153 G haplotype and diplotype increased the risk for OSCC by 1.706-fold (95% confidence interval (CI) 1.383-2.105) and 2.276-fold (95% CI = 1.531-3.384), respectively, compared with the reference. The diplotype with at least one CGTG exhibited a high risk (adjusted odds ratio, 1.639; 95% CI, 1.005-2.673) for developing a poor clinicopathological diagnosis of OSCC compared with the others/other diplotype.

CONCLUSIONS

The +7096 and +6767 polymorphic genotypes and haplotype +6727 C: +6767 G: +7096 T: +8153 G of MMP-14 gene might contribute to the prediction of susceptibility and pathological development of OSCC.

Role of MMP14 gene polymorphisms in susceptibility and pathological development to hepatocellular carcinoma

BACKGROUND

Early detection of hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) is seldom available because of the lack of reliable markers. Matrix metalloproteinase (MMP) 14 is a cell surface proteinase that displays a broad spectrum of activity against extracellular matrix components and promotes the invasion/metastasis of cells. MMP14 is overexpressed in HCC, and the level is correlated with poor overall survival. The purpose of this study was to examine whether the MMP14 gene polymorphisms are associated with the susceptibility and clinicopathological development of HCC.

METHODS

A total of 135 patients with HCC and 496 healthy control subjects were recruited. Six single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) of MMP14 genes were analyzed by polymerase chain reaction-restriction fragment length polymorphism (PCR-RFLP) genotyping and haplotype-base analysis.

RESULTS

A significant (p < 0.05) lower risk for HCC was shown in the individuals with MMP14 +6767 G/A and +7096 C/C genotypes compared with those with corresponding wild-type homozygotes; high frequency for anti-hepatitis C virus and cirrhosis positive were shown in the HCC patients with MMP14 +7096 TC/CC genotype after adjusting for other confounding factors. The distribution frequency of -165 T: +221 T: +6727 C: +6767 G: +7096 T: +8153 G haplotype and diplotype was significantly higher in the HCC patients than healthy control subjects.

CONCLUSIONS

The +6767 and +7096 polymorphic genotypes and haplotype -165 T: +221 T: +6727 C: +6767 G: +7096 T: +8153 G of MMP14 gene might contribute to the prediction of susceptibility and pathological development to HCC.

L-5F, an apolipoprotein A-I mimetic, inhibits tumor angiogenesis by suppressing VEGF/basic FGF signaling pathways

We recently reported that apolipoprotein A-I (apoA-I) and apoA-I mimetic peptides inhibit tumor growth and improve survival in a mouse model of ovarian cancer. The current study was designed to examine whether inhibition of angiogenesis is one of the mechanisms for the observed anti-tumorigenic effects. The apoA-I mimetic peptide L-5F had no affect on proliferation and cell viability of human umbilical vascular endothelial cells (HUVECs) in the basal state; however, treatment with L-5F at 1, 3, and 10 μg ml(-1), dose-dependently inhibited both vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF)- and basic fibroblast growth factor (bFGF)-induced proliferation, cell viability, migration, invasion and tube formation in HUVECs. L-5F inhibited VEGF- and bFGF-induced activation of their corresponding receptors, VEGFR2 and FGFR1, as well as downstream signaling pathways, including Akt and ERK1/2. MicroCT scanning and immunohistochemistry staining demonstrated that daily injection of L-5F (10 mg kg(-1)) decreased both the quantity and size of tumor vessels in mice. L-5F treated mice showed significantly reduced levels of VEGF in both tumor tissue and the circulation, which is consistent with in vitro data showing that L-5F inhibited production and secretion of VEGF from mouse and human ovarian cell lines in the absence and presence of exogenously added lysophosphatidic acid, a potent tumor promoter. In conclusion, our data that L-5F inhibits angiogenesis suggests that apoA-I mimetic peptides may serve as novel anti-angiogenesis agents for the treatment of angiogenesis-associated diseases, including cancer.

Effect of bFGF on invasion of ovarian cancer cells through the regulation of Ets-1 and urokinase-type plasminogen activator

The aim of the study was to explore the role of basic fibroblast growth factor (bFGF) in ovarian cancer progression. This was done by investigating the effects of bFGF on both the secretion of urokinase-type plasminogen activator (uPA) and the invasion of tumor cells in SKOV(3) ovarian cancer cells. Human ovarian cancer cell line SKOV(3) was cultured in vitro. The expression of uPA gene and protein was induced in SKOV(3) cells; the impact of bFGF on the expression of uPA gene in SKOV(3) cells was studied by RT-PCR, and the impact of bFGF on the expression of uPA protein was tested by ELISA. Ets-1 antisense oligonucleotides were transfected into SKOV(3) cells by liposome protocol. The effects of bFGF on Ets-1 expression and the invasion ability of SKOV(3) cells were determined both before and after exposure to different concentrations of bFGF for 24 h. The expression of both uPA gene and protein was induced in SKOV(3) cells, p < 0.05. The expression of uPA was suppressed by Ets-1 antisense oligonucleotides in SKOV(3) cells, p < 0.05. The invasion ability of SKOV(3) cells was increased by 2.3-fold, and this effect was also suppressed by Ets-1 antisense oligonucleotides. bFGF can enhance the invasion ability of ovarian cancer cells in vitro by inducing the expression of uPA, and this effect is also regulated by the transcription factor Ets-1.

Angiogenesis and ovarian cancer

Ovarian carcinoma is the most important cause of gynaecological cancer-related mortality in Western societies. The age at diagnosis, extent of disease (as expressed by FIGO state), success of primary surgery and the histopathological features of the tumour are important prognostic markers. The majority of patients with ovarian cancer present with advanced disease (FIGO stage III/IV) and in this group of patients the median survival is only three years. New treatment approaches are therefore required to improve outcome in this disease. Angiogenesis, the development of a neovascular blood supply, is a critical step in the propagation of malignant tumour growth and metastasis and represents a promising target. This review will focus on angiogenesis, VEGF biology and the potential value of angiogenic factors with prognostic value in ovarian cancer.

Clinical utility of circulating matrix metalloproteinase-7 (MMP-7), CC chemokine ligand 18 (CCL18) and CC chemokine ligand 11 (CCL11) as markers for diagnosis of epithelial ovarian cancer

Ovarian cancer remains a highly lethal disease. The aim of the present study was to evaluate the usefulness of measuring serum matrix metalloproteinase-7 (MMP-7), CC chemokine ligand 18 (CCL18) and CC chemokine ligand 11 (CCL11) in comparison with serum cancer antigen 125 (CA 125) for diagnosis of epithelial ovarian cancer (EOC). This study included 51 patients with EOC, 27 patients with benign ovarian lesions and 29 healthy volunteers. Serum CA 125 was determined by microparticle enzyme immunoassay, while serum MMP-7, CCL18 and CCL11 were measured using enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay. The sensitivity and specificity were 86.3% and 92.9% for CA 125, 80.4% and 87.5% for MMP-7, 84.3% and 91.1% for CCL18 and, 68.6% and 62.5% for CCL11. Combination of CA 125, MMP-7, CCL18 and CCL11 gave a promising sensitivity of 100%, but specificity was decreased to 60.7%. The combined use of serum CA 125, MMP-7, CCL18 and CCL11 effectively detected early stages EOC with high sensitivity of 94.4%. Our data indicate that serum MMP-7, CCL18 and CCL11, in combination with CA 125 could be useful in diagnosis of EOC.

Regulation of ovarian cancer cell adhesion and invasion by chloride channels

The purpose of this study was to investigate the effects of chloride (Cl) channels on the adhesive and invasive potentials of human ovarian cancer cell line A2780. By using the adhesion and Transwell invasion assays, we showed that 4,4'-diisothiocyanatostilbene-2,2'-disulfonic acid (200 micromol/L), a nonselective Cl channel blocker, significantly inhibits cancer cell adhesion and invasion. 5-Nitro-2-(3-phenylpropylamino)-benzoate (200 micromol/L), niflumic acid (100 micromol/L), and tamoxifen (30 micromol/L) had similar inhibitory effects. Regulatory volume decrease is markedly suppressed by 4,4'-diisothiocyanatostilbene-2,2'-disulfonic acid, 5-nitro-2-(3-phenylpropylamino)-benzoate, niflumic acid, and tamoxifen. Moreover, intracellular calcium concentration ([Ca2+]i) measurements indicated that a C- channel-mediated increase in [Ca2+]i is also one of the mechanisms of cancer cell adhesion and invasion. Our results strongly suggest that Cl- channels may regulate ovarian cancer cell adhesion and invasion, probably through inducing a regulatory volume decrease and mediating a [Ca2+]i increase.