CyclinD2 at the edge: splitting up cell fate

Expression and Clinical Significance of Novel Long Noncoding RNA Fibroblast Growth Factor 10AS and FGF10 in Colorectal Cancer

OBJECTIVE

Colorectal cancer (CRC) imposes great health burdens worldwide. Growth factors contribute to cell growth, differentiation, angiogenesis and, most importantly, tumour formation in many types of cancers. Natural antisense transcripts (NATs) are inclusively predicted to play a major role in cancer progression. The present study aims to evaluate the relationship of fibroblast growth factor 10 (FGF10) and novel long noncoding RNA (lncRNA) antisense FGF10 (FGF10AS) expression with clinicopathologic features in CRC progression to designate a biomarker for CRC early detection.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

This cross-sectional study was conducted on 100 CRC tumour and parallel adjacent normal tissues. We added 30 normal cases to enhance accuracy of the test. The expression levels of FGF10 and FGF10AS were evaluated by real-time polymerase chain reaction (PCR). The findings were validated by measuring expression levels in the HT29 and SW480 cell lines. Immunohistochemistry analysis was performed systematically to evaluate FGF10 protein expression. The Mann-Whitney U test with Cox regression analysis were applied. P<0.05 were designated as significant.

RESULTS

A significant increase in expression was observed in FGF10 (P<0.001) along with a significant decrease in FGF10AS (P<0.02) in the tumour tissues in comparison with the adjacent normal tissues. Upregulation of FGF10 and downregulation of FGF10AS expression were strongly correlated with the Tumour, Node, Metastasis (TNM) stage (P<0.007 and P<0.004), vascular invasion (P<0.03 and P<0.01), lymph invasion (P<0.02 and P<0.04), and differentiation (P<0.01 and P<0.02), respectively. Moreover, the area under the receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curve for the prognostic value of FGF10 was about 0.84 (95% confidence interval [CI]: 0.771-0.912). Linear regression analysis confirmed a negative correlation between FGF10 expression and its antisense transcript (r=-0.02).

CONCLUSION

The relationship between the expression levels of FGF10 and FGF10AS in tumour tissues and adjacent normal tissues indicated that sense and antisense FGF RNAs could be remarkable prognostic biomarkers for achieving effective and primitive treatment.

BAP18 is involved in upregulation of CCND1/2 transcription to promote cell growth in oral squamous cell carcinoma

BACKGROUND

As a reader of histone H3K4me3, BPTF associated protein of 18 kDa (BAP18) is involved in modulation of androgen receptor action in prostate cancer. However, the function of BAP18 on oral squamous cell carcinoma (OSCC) and its molecular mechanism remains to be elusive.

METHODS

OSCC-derived cell lines carrying silenced BAP18 were established by Lentiviral infection. Quantitative PCR (qPCR), western blot, and ChIP assay were performed to detect gene transcription regulation and the possible mechanism. Colony formation, cell growth curve and xenograft tumor experiments were performed to examine cell growth and proliferation.

FINDINGS

Our study demonstrated that BAP18 was highly expressed in OSCC samples compared with that in benign. BAP18 depletion obviously influenced the expression of a series of genes, including cell cycle-related genes. We thus provided the evidence to demonstrate that BAP18 depletion significantly decreases CCND1 and CCND2 (CCND1/2) transcription. In addition, BAP18 is recruited to the promoter regions of CCND1/2, thereby facilitating the recruitment of the core subunits of MLL1 complex to the same regions, to increase histone H3K4me3 levels. Furthermore, BAP18 depletion delayed G1-S phase transition and inhibited cell growth in OSCC-derived cell lines.

INTERPRETATION

This study suggests that BAP18 is involved in modulation of CCND1/2 transcription and promotes OSCC progression. BAP18 could be a potential target for OSCC treatment and diagnosis. FUND: This work was funded by National Natural Science Foundation of China (31871286, 81872015, 31701102, 81702800, 81902889), Foundation for Special Professor of Liaoning Province, and Supported project for young technological innovation-talents in Shenyang (No. RC170541).

RNA Transport: From Head to Toe in Radial Glial Cells

Intracellular mRNA localization critically contributes to proper brain development and function. A recent study demonstrates that mRNAs are actively transported in radial glial cells from the soma to the distal basal endfeet, where they are locally translated.

Notch signaling pathway promotes the development of ovine ovarian follicular granulosa cells

The Notch signaling pathway regulates cell proliferation, differentiation and apoptosis involved in development of the organs and tissues such as nervous system, cartilage, lungs, kidneys and prostate as well as the ovarian follicles. This study aimed to investigate the mRNA expression and localization of NOTCH2, as the key factor in Notch signaling pathway. This was determined by PCR, real-time PCR and immunohistochemistry. Additionally, the effects of inhibiting Notch signaling pathway with different concentrations (5μM, 10μM and 20μM) of N-[N-(3, 5-Difuorophenacetyl)-l-alanyl]-S-phenylglycine t-butyl ester (DAPT), an inhibitor of Notch signaling pathway, on ovine granulosa cells was determined in vitro by detecting estradiol production using enzyme linked immunosorbent assay and expressions of the genes related to the cell cycle and apoptosis using real-time polymerase chain reaction (PCR). NOTCH2, the key member of Notch signaling pathway, was found in ovine follicles, and the expression of NOTCH2 mRNA was highest in the theca cells of the follicles in medium sizes (3-5mm in diameter) and granulosa cells of the follicles in large sizes (>5mm in diameter). Immunohistochemical results demonstrated that NOTCH2 protein was expressed in granulosa cells of preantral follicles, in both granulosa cells and theca cells of antral follicles. Compared with DAPT-treated groups, the control group had a higher number of granulosa cells (P<0.05) and a higher estradiol production (P<0.05). Compared with the control group, the mRNA abundances of HES1, MYC, BAX, BCL2 and CYP19A1 in DAPT-treated groups was lower (P<0.05), respectively; whereas, the expression of CCND2, CDKN1A and TP53 mRNA showed no remarkable difference compared with control group. Collectively, Notch signaling pathway could be involved in the ovine follicular development by regulating the growth and estradiol production of granulosa cells.

FGF10: Type III Epithelial Mesenchymal Transition and Invasion in Breast Cancer Cell Lines

Purpose: Fibroblastic growth factor-10 (FGF-10) has an important role in type I epithelial mesenchymal transition (EMT) during the embryonic period of life (gastrulation). Since EMT has a critical role during cancer cells invasion and metastasis (type III) this study sought to investigate the possible role of FGF-10 in type III EMT by monitoring breast cancer cell lines' behavior by FGF-10 regulation.

Methods: MCF-7 and MDA-MB-231 cell lines with different levels of FGF10 expression were treated with FGF-10 recombinant protein and FGF-10 siRNA, respectively.

Results: The cell viability, migration, colony formation and wound healing have a direct relationship with FGF-10 expression, while FGF-10 expression decreased apoptosis. All mesenchymal factors (such as vimentin, N cadherin, snail, slug, TGF-β) increased due to FGF-10 expression with contrary expression of epithelial markers (such as E-cadherin). Moreover, GSK3β phosphorylation (inactivation) increased with FGF-10 expression.

Conclusion: The important role of FGF-10 in type III EMT on cancer cells and initiation of metastasis via various kinds of signaling pathways has been suggested.