FERMT1 mediates epithelial-mesenchymal transition to promote colon cancer metastasis via modulation of β-catenin transcriptional activity

PSMD14-mediated deubiquitination of CARM1 facilitates the proliferation and metastasis of hepatocellular carcinoma by inducing the transcriptional activation of FERMT1

Hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) is a highly potent malignancy. The enzyme coactivator-associated arginine methyltransferase 1 (CARM1) is highly expressed in different types of cancer. However, the precise levels of expression, clinical significance, biological functions, and molecular mechanisms of CARM1 in HCC, particularly related to the downstream genes regulated by CARM1 through histone arginine methylation, remain unclear. In this study, we presented findings from the TCGA database and clinical samples, which collectively demonstrated the overexpression of CARM1 in HCC. Additionally, we found that the upregulation of CARM1 was mediated by PSMD14-induced deubiquitination. CARM1 promoted the proliferation and metastasis of HCC cells in vitro and in vivo. Mechanistic investigations further revealed that FERMT1 is a downstream gene of CARM1, and CARM1 activates the transcription of FERMT1 through the dimethylation of arginine 17 on histone 3 (H3R17me2). Additionally, administering SGC2085, a CARM1 inhibitor, effectively suppressed the malignant behaviors of HCC cells. To summarize, our findings provided strong evidence that CARM1 can serve as a key oncoprotein; thus, it holds promise as a therapeutic target for HCC.

SOX11 silence inhibits atherosclerosis progression in ApoE-deficient mice by alleviating endothelial dysfunction

SRY-Box Transcription Factor-11 (SOX11) is a transcriptional regulatory factor that plays a crucial role in inflammatory responses. However, its involvement in atherosclerosis (AS), a cardiovascular disease driven by endothelial cell inflammation, remains unknown. This study aims to elucidate the role of SOX11 in AS. The expression of SOX11 was found to be elevated in the aortic tissue of AS mice induced by feeding ApoE-deficient mice a high-fat diet. Knockdown of SOX11 using lentiviral-mediated SOX11-specific shRNA via tail vein injection resulted in a reduction in plaque area and lipid deposition within plaques at the aortic root. Furthermore, silencing SOX11 led to decreased expression of cell adhesion factors Intercellular Cell Adhesion Molecule-1 and Vascular Cell Adhesion Molecule-1, as well as reduced levels of inflammatory factors Interleukin (IL)-6, IL-1β, and chemokine Monocyte Chemotactic Protein-1. In the human umbilical vein endothelial cells (HUVECs) induced by Tumor Necrosis Factor (TNF)-α, increased inflammation was observed at the cellular level, along with enhanced monocyte adhesion. Infection of HUVECs with lentivirus carrying specific shRNA targeting SOX11 inhibited inflammatory response. Mechanistically, chromatin immunoprecipitation (ChIP)-PCR results revealed that SOX11 bound to the promoters of downstream target genes Tumor Necrosis Factor Receptor-Associated Factor-1 (TRAF1), Cluster of Differentiation (CD)40, and CD36, positively regulating their transcription. In conclusion, SOX11 plays a pivotal role in promoting endothelial cell inflammation. Suppression of SOX11 reduces endothelial cell inflammation by inhibiting the transcription of TRAF1, CD40, and CD36, thereby impeding the progression of atherosclerosis.

Kindlin-1 promotes gastric cancer cell motility through the Wnt/β-catenin signaling pathway

Despite advances in gastric cancer diagnosis and treatment, its prognosis remains poor owing to aggressive tumor progression and metastasis. As understanding the relevant molecular mechanisms is essential to effectively improve patient outcomes, we elucidated the role of Kindlin-1 in gastric cancer progression and metastasis. Kindlin-1 expression was analyzed in 359 gastric cancer tissue samples provided by Kangnam Sacred Heart Hospital and publicly available GSE datasets. Kindlin-1 showed significantly higher expression in gastric cancer tissues than that in normal tissues, and high Kindlin-1 expression was associated with poor prognosis. Further, the mRNA and protein expression of Kindlin-1 were high in gastric cancer cell lines, where they were associated with increased proliferation, migration, and invasion. Our findings demonstrated that Kindlin-1 regulated epithelial-mesenchymal transition-related genes through interaction with activated Wnt/β-catenin signaling. Notably, Kindlin-1 enhanced β-catenin expression and promoted its nuclear translocation from the cytoplasm, increasing TCF4 transcriptional activity and inducing gastric cancer progression and metastasis. Overall, these findings demonstrate that Kindlin-1 is upregulated in gastric cancer and activates Wnt/β-catenin signaling to promote cell proliferation and motility.

FERMT1 contributes to the epithelial-mesenchymal transition of chronic rhinosinusitis with nasal polyps via PI3K/Akt signaling

BACKGROUND

Epithelial-mesenchymal transition (EMT) is a key process of chronic rhinosinusitis with nasal polyps (CRSwNP). The molecular mechanism of EMT in CRSwNP remains unknown. In this study, we aimed to investigate the role of FERMT1 during the EMT process in CRSwNP.

METHODS

Western blotting, qRT-PCR, and immunohistochemistry (IHC) were performed to examine the expression of related proteins and mRNAs. The migration ability of human nasal epithelial cells (HNEpCs) was evaluated with wound scratch assay. RNA sequencing was performed to investigate the downstream genes of FERMT1. The CRSwNP mouse model was established to study the effect of FERMT1 in vivo.

RESULTS

We found that FERMT1 was increased in nasal polyp tissues and correlated with the symptom scores of CRSwNP patients. Knockdown of FERMT1 inhibited the EMT process and cell migration induced by TGF-β1 through the PI3K/Akt pathway, and Akt inhibitor partially blocked the EMT induced by FERMT1 overexpression. In the CRSwNP mouse model, FERMT1 knockdown reduced nasal polyp formation and reversed the EMT process.

CONCLUSIONS

Our data indicate that knockdown of FERMT1 inhibits migration and EMT process of HNEpCs via PI3K/Akt signaling pathway, suggesting that FERMT1 may be a novel and potential therapeutic target for CRSwNP treatment.

Transcriptome-aligned metabolic profiling by SERSome reflects biological changes following mesenchymal stem cells expansion

BACKGROUND

Mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) are widely applied in the treatment of various clinical diseases and in the field of medical aesthetics. However, MSCs exhibit greater heterogeneity limited stability, and more complex molecular and mechanistic characteristics compared to conventional drugs, making rapid and precise monitoring more challenging.

METHODS

Surface-enhanced Raman spectroscopy (SERS) is an ultrasensitive, tractable and low-cost fingerprinting technique capable of identifying a wide range of molecules related to biological processes. Here, we employed SERS for reproducible quantification of ultralow concentrations of molecules and utilized spectral sets, termed SERSomes, for robust and comprehensive intracellular multi-metabolite profiling.

RESULTS

We revealed that with increasing passage number, there is a gradual decline in cell expansion efficiency, accompanied by significant changes in intracellular amino acids, purines, and pyrimidines. By integrating these metabolic features detected by SERS with transcriptomic data, we established a correlation between SERS signals and biological changes, as well as differentially expressed genes.

CONCLUSION

In this study, we explore the application of SERS technique to provide robust metabolic characteristics of MSCs across different passages and donors. These results demonstrate the effectiveness of SERSome in reflecting biological characteristics. Due to its sensitivity, adaptability, low cost, and feasibility for miniaturized instrumentation throughout pretreatment, measurement, and analysis, the label-free SERSome technique is suitable for monitoring MSC expansion and offers significant advantages for large-scale MSC manufacturing.

FERMT1 promotes epithelial-mesenchymal transition of hepatocellular carcinoma by activating EGFR/AKT/β-catenin and EGFR/ERK pathways

OBJECTIVE

This study aimed to investigate the effects of fermitin family member 1 (FERMT1) on epithelial-mesenchymal transition (EMT) in hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) via the EGFR/AKT/β-catenin and EGFR/ERK pathways.

METHODS

The expression of FERMT1 encoding protein kindlin-1 in HCC tissues was determined by immunohistochemistry, and FERMT1 mRNA expression in HCC tissues and cell lines was analyzed by qRT-PCR. After the FERMT1 expression of SNU182 and SNU387 interfered with siRNA, the cell viability, invasion, migration, and EMT were tested by CCK-8, transwell invasion, scratching, immunofluorescence/WB, respectively. Similarly, the effects of FERMT1 on the viability and metastasis of HCC were investigated in transplanted tumor and lung metastasis mouse models. The protein expressions of EGFR/AKT/β-catenin and EGFR/ERK pathways were analyzed by WB. In addition, the relationship between FERMT1 and EGFR was further determined by immunofluorescence double staining and Co-IP.

RESULTS

FERMT1 was significantly upregulated in HCC, and silencing FERMT1 inhibited the viability, invasion, migration, and EMT of HCC. Silencing FERMT1 also inhibited the activation of EGFR/AKT/β-catenin and EGFR/ERK pathways. In addition, inhibition of EGFR, AKT, or ERK confirmed that EGFR/AKT/β-catenin and EGFR/ERK pathways were involved in the promoting effects of FERMT1 on HCC. Co-IP and immunofluorescence experiments confirmed the targeting relationship between FERMT1 and EGFR.

CONCLUSION

FERMT1 was highly expressed in HCC and promoted viability, invasion, migration, and EMT of HCC by targeting EGFR to activate the EGFR/AKT/β-catenin and EGFR/ERK pathways. Our study revealed the role of FERMT1 in HCC and suggested that FERMT1 exerts biological effects through activating the EGFR/AKT/β-catenin and EGFR/ERK pathways.

DCLK1 mediated cooperative acceleration of EMT by avian leukosis virus subgroup J and Marek's disease virus via the Wnt/β-catenin pathway promotes tumor metastasis

Co-infection with oncogenic retrovirus and herpesvirus significantly facilitates tumor metastasis in human and animals. Co-infection with avian leukosis virus subgroup J (ALV-J) and Marek's disease virus (MDV), which are typical oncogenic retrovirus and herpesvirus, respectively, leads to enhanced oncogenicity and accelerated tumor formation, resulting in increased mortality of affected chickens. Previously, we found that ALV-J and MDV cooperatively promoted tumor metastasis. However, the molecular mechanism remains elusive. Here, we found that doublecortin-like kinase 1 (DCLK1) mediated cooperative acceleration of epithelial-mesenchymal transition (EMT) by ALV-J and MDV promoted tumor metastasis. Mechanistically, DCLK1 induced EMT via activating Wnt/β-catenin pathway by interacting with β-catenin, thereby cooperatively promoting tumor metastasis. Initially, we screened and found that DCLK1 was a potential mediator for the cooperative activation of EMT by ALV-J and MDV, and enhanced cell proliferation, migration, and invasion. Subsequently, we revealed that DCLK1 physically interacted with β-catenin to promote the formation of the β-catenin-TCF4 complex, inducing transcription of the Wnt target gene, c-Myc, promoting EMT by increasing the expression of N-cadherin, Vimentin, and Snail, and decreasing the expression of E-cadherin. Taken together, we discovered that jointly activated DCLK1 by ALV-J and MDV accelerated cell proliferation, migration and invasion, and ultimately activated EMT, paving the way for tumor metastasis. This study elucidated the molecular mechanism underlying cooperative metastasis induced by co-infection with retrovirus and herpesvirus.

IMPORTANCE

Tumor metastasis, a complex phenomenon in which tumor cells spread to new organs, is one of the greatest challenges in cancer research and is the leading cause of cancer-induced death. Numerous studies have shown that oncoviruses and their encoded proteins significantly affect metastasis, especially the EMT process. ALV-J and MDV are classic tumorigenic retrovirus and herpesvirus, respectively. We found that ALV-J and MDV synergistically promoted EMT. Further, we identified the tumor stem cell marker DCLK1 in ALV-J and MDV co-infected cells. DCLK1 directly interacted with β-catenin, promoting the formation of the β-catenin-TCF4 complex. This interaction activated the Wnt/β-catenin pathway, thereby inducing EMT and paving the way for synergistic tumor metastasis. Exploring the molecular mechanisms by which ALV-J and MDV cooperate during EMT will contribute to our understanding of tumor progression and metastasis. This study provides new insights into the cooperative induced tumor metastasis by retroviruses and herpesviruses.

IFIT1 modulates the proliferation, migration and invasion of pancreatic cancer cells via Wnt/β-catenin signaling

OBJECTIVES

Previously, Interferon-induced Protein with Tetratricopeptide Repeats 1 (IFIT1) has been shown to promote cancer development. Here, we aimed to explore the role of IFIT1 in the development and progression of pancreatic cancer, including the underlying mechanisms.

METHODS

We explored IFIT1 expression in pancreatic cancer samples using The Cancer Genome Atlas (TCGA) and Gene Expression Omnibus (GEO) datasets. Cell Counting Kit-8 (CCK8), colony formation, scratch wound-healing and Transwell assays were performed to assess the proliferation, migration and invasion abilities of pancreatic cancer cells. Gene Set Enrichment Analysis (GSEA) and Western blotting were performed to assess the regulatory effect of IFIT1 on the Wnt/β-catenin pathway.

RESULTS

We found that upregulation of IFIT1 expression is common in pancreatic cancer and is negatively associated with overall patient survival. Knockdown of IFIT1 expression led to decreased proliferation, migration and invasion of pancreatic cancer cells. We also found that IFIT1 could regulate Wnt/β-catenin signaling, and that a Wnt/β-catenin agonist could reverse this effect. In addition, we found that IFIT1 can promote epithelial-mesenchymal transition (EMT) of pancreatic cancer cells.

CONCLUSIONS

Our data indicate that IFIT1 increases pancreatic cancer cell proliferation, migration and invasion by activating the Wnt/β-catenin pathway. In addition, we found that EMT could be regulated by IFIT1. IFIT1 may serve as a potential therapeutic target for pancreatic cancer.

FERMT1 suppression induces anti-tumor effects and reduces stemness in glioma cancer cells

OBJECTIVE

Glioma is a leading cause of mortality worldwide, its recurrence poses a major challenge in achieving effective treatment outcomes. Cancer stem cells (CSCs) have emerged as key contributors to tumor relapse and chemotherapy resistance, making them attractive targets for glioma cancer therapy. This study investigated the potential of FERMT1 as a prognostic biomarker and its role in regulating stemness through cell cycle in glioma.

METHODS

Using data from TCGA-GBM, GSE4290, GSE50161 and GSE147352 for analysis of FERMT1 expression in glioma tissues. Then, the effects of FERMT1 knockdown on cell cycle, proliferation, sphere formation ability, invasion and migration were investigated. The influences of FERMT1 on expression of glycolysis-related proteins and levels of ATP, glucose, lactate and G6PDH were also explored. Furthermore, the effects of FERMT1 knockdown on cellular metabolism were evidenced.

RESULTS

Significant upregulation of FERMT1 in glioma tissues was observed. Silencing FERMT1 not only affected the cell cycle but also led to a notable reduction in proliferation, invasion and migration. The expression of glycolysis-associated proteins including GLUT1, GLUT3, GLUT4, and SCO2 were reduced by FERMT1 knockdown, resulted in increased ATP and glucose as well as decreased lactic acid and G6PDH levels. FERMT1 knockdown also inhibited cellular metabolism. Moreover, FERMT1 knockdown significantly reduced sphere diameter, along with inhibiting the expression of transcription factors associated with stemness in glioma cells.

CONCLUSION

These findings demonstrated that FERMT1 could be an ideal target for the advancement of innovative strategies against glioma treatment via modulating cellular process involved in stemness regulation and metabolism.

NAT1 inhibits liver metastasis of colorectal cancer by regulating EMT and glycolysis

Metastasis is the primary cause of cancer-related deaths, and colorectal cancer (CRC) liver metastasis is a major poor prognostic factor in CRC. NAT1 (N-acetyltransferase 1) plays a crucial role in the invasive and metastatic processes of colorectal cancer. The role and molecular mechanism of NAT1 on tumor cells were verified by establishing a cell model of overexpression and knockdown of NAT1, and further verified by establishing a liver metastasis model of colorectal cancer for animal experiments. In vivo and in vitro experiments have demonstrated that overexpression of NAT1 reduces the ability of metastasis and invasion of colorectal cancer cells. NAT1 overexpression inhibits the PI3K/AKT/mTOR signaling pathway, thereby suppressing the EMT (epithelial-mesenchymal transition) process and glycolytic ability of tumor cells. Additionally, decreased glycolytic ability results in reduced VEGF (Vascular endothelial growth factor) expression in colorectal cancer cells. The decreased VEGF expression leads to decreased angiogenesis and vascular permeability in liver metastases, ultimately reducing the occurrence of liver metastasis. Our findings highlight that overexpression of NAT1 significantly inhibits the PI3K/AKT/mTOR signaling pathway, thereby suppressing EMT, glycolytic ability, and VEGF expression in colorectal cancer cells, collectively preventing the development of liver metastasis.

Modified Lichong decoction intervenes in colorectal cancer by modulating the intestinal flora and the Wnt/β-catenin signaling pathway

BACKGROUND

The pathogenesis and treatment of colorectal cancer (CRC) continue to be areas of ongoing research, especially the benefits of traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) in slowing the progression of CRC. This study was conducted to investigate the effectiveness and mechanism of action of modified Lichong decoction (MLCD) in inhibiting CRC progression.

METHODS

We established CRC animal models using azoxymethane/dextran sodium sulfate (AOM/DSS) and administered high, medium, or low doses of MLCD or mesalazine (MS) for 9 weeks to observe MLCD alleviation of CRC. The optimal MLCD dose group was then subjected to metagenomic and RNA sequencing (RNA-seq) to explore the differentially abundant flora and genes in the control, model and MLCD groups. Finally, the mechanism of action was verified using WB, qRT‒PCR, immunohistochemistry and TUNEL staining.

RESULTS

MLCD inhibited the progression of CRC, and the optimal effect was observed at high doses. MLCD regulated the structure and function of the intestinal flora by decreasing the abundance of harmful bacteria and increasing that of beneficial bacteria. The differentially expressed genes were mainly associated with the Wnt/β-catenin pathway and the cell cycle. Molecular biology analysis indicated that MLCD suppressed the Wnt/β-catenin pathway and the epithelial-mesenchymal transition (EMT), inhibited abnormal cell proliferation and promoted intestinal epithelial cell apoptosis.

CONCLUSION

MLCD mitigated the abnormal growth of intestinal epithelial cells and promoted apoptosis, thereby inhibiting the progression of CRC. This inhibition was accomplished by modifying the intestinal microbiota and disrupting the Wnt/β-catenin pathway and the EMT. Therefore, MLCD could serve as a potential component of TCM prescriptions for CRC treatment.

FERMT1 promotes cell migration and invasion in non-small cell lung cancer via regulating PKP3-mediated activation of p38 MAPK signaling

BACKGROUND

Fermitin family member 1 (FERMT1) is highly expressed in many tumors and acts as an oncogene. Nonetheless, the precise function of FERMT1 in non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) has not been clearly elucidated.

METHODS

Bioinformatics software predicted the FERMT1 expression in NSCLC. Transwell assays facilitated the detection of NSCLC cell migration and invasion. Western blotting techniques were employed to detect the protein levels regulated by FERMT1.

RESULTS

FERMT1 exhibited high expression levels in NSCLC and was linked to the patients' poor prognosis, as determined by a variety of bioinformatics predictions combined with experimental verification. FERMT1 promoted the migration and invasion of NSCLC and regulated epithelial to mesenchymal transition (EMT) -related markers. Further studies showed that FERMT1 could up-regulate the expression level of plakophilin 3(PKP3). Further research has indicated that FERMT1 can promote cell migration and invasion via up-regulating PKP3 expression. By exploring downstream signaling pathways, we found that FERMT1 has the capability to activate the p38 mitogen-activated protein kinases (p38 MAPK) signaling pathway, and knocking down PKP3 can counteract the activation induced by FERMT1 overexpression.

CONCLUSIONS

FERMT1 was highly expressed in NSCLC and can activate the p38 MAPK signaling pathway through up-regulation of PKP3, thus promoting the invasion and migration of NSCLC.

IGFBP2 drives epithelial-mesenchymal transition in hepatocellular carcinoma via activating the Wnt/β-catenin pathway

Metastasis has emerged as a major impediment to achieve successful therapeutic outcomes in hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC). Nonetheless, the intricate molecular mechanisms governing the progression of HCC remain elusive. Herein, we present evidence highlighting the influence exerted by insulin-like growth factor-binding protein 2 (IGFBP2) as a potent oncogene driving the malignant phenotype. Our investigation reveals a marked elevation of IGFBP2 expression in primary tumors, concomitant with the presence of mesenchymal biomarkers in HCC. Through in vitro and in vivo experimentation, we demonstrate that the overexpression of IGFBP2 expedites the progression of epithelial-mesenchymal transition (EMT) and facilitates the metastatic potential of HCC cells, chiefly mediated by the Wnt/β-catenin signaling pathway. Notably, knockdown of IGFBP2 significantly decreased the expression of total and nuclear β-catenin, N-cadherin and vimentin in the treatment of the specific activator of Wnt/β-catenin CHIR-99021. Collectively, our findings identify IGFBP2 as a pivotal regulator within the HCC EMT axis, whereby its overexpression confers the distinctly aggressive clinical features characteristic of the disease.

SNTB1 regulates colorectal cancer cell proliferation and metastasis through YAP1 and the WNT/β-catenin pathway

Colorectal cancer is a common type of digestive tract cancer with a significant morbidity and death rate across the world, partially attributing to the metastasis-associated problems. In this study, integrative bioinformatics analyses were performed to identify genes that might contribute to colorectal cancer metastasis, and 293 genes were dramatically increased and 369 genes were decreased within colon cancer samples. Among up-regulated genes, top five genes correlated with colorectal cancer patient's prognosis were verified for expression in clinical samples and syntrophin beta 1 (SNTB1) was the most up-regulated. In vitro, SNTB1 knockdown suppresses the malignant behaviors of colorectal cancer cells, including cell viability, colony formation capacity, as well as the abilities to migrate and invade. Furthermore, SNTB1 knockdown decreased the levels of Wnt1, C-Jun, C-Myc, TCF7, and cyclin D1, and inhibited EMT in both cell lines. In vivo, SNTB1 knockdown inhibited tumor growth and metastasis in nude mice models. SNTB1 positively regulated Yes1 associated transcriptional regulator (YAP1) expression; YAP1 partially reversed the effects of SNTB1 on colorectal cancer cell phenotypes and the Wnt/β-catenin/MYC signaling. In conclusion, SNTB1 knockdown inhibits colorectal cancer cell aggressiveness in vitro and tumor growth and metastasis in vivo through the Wnt/β-catenin/MYC signaling; YAP1 might mediate SNTB1 functions on colorectal cancer.

Interplay between Signaling Pathways and Tumor Microenvironment Components: A Paradoxical Role in Colorectal Cancer

The study of the tumor microenvironment (TME) has become an important part of colorectal cancer (CRC) research. Indeed, it is now accepted that the invasive character of a primary CRC is determined not only by the genotype of the tumor cells, but also by their interactions with the extracellular environment, which thereby orchestrates the development of the tumor. In fact, the TME cells are a double-edged sword as they play both pro- and anti-tumor roles. The interaction of the tumor-infiltrating cells (TIC) with the cancer cells induces the polarization of the TIC, exhibiting an antagonist phenotype. This polarization is controlled by a plethora of interconnected pro- and anti-oncogenic signaling pathways. The complexity of this interaction and the dual function of these different actors contribute to the failure of CRC control. Thus, a better understanding of such mechanisms is of great interest and provides new opportunities for the development of personalized and efficient therapies for CRC. In this review, we summarize the signaling pathways linked to CRC and their implication in the development or inhibition of the tumor initiation and progression. In the second part, we enlist the major components of the TME and discuss the complexity of their cells functions.

Comprehensive analysis of aberrantly expressed circRNAs, mRNAs and lncRNAs in patients with nasopharyngeal carcinoma

BACKGROUND

The location of nasopharyngeal cancer is hidden, so it is difficult to diagnose at an early stage. In this study, we aimed to investigate the expression profiles of circRNAs, mRNAs and IncRNAs and to provide some basis for further studies.

METHODS

Expression profiles of circRNAs, mRNAs, and lncRNAs were analyzed using microarray techniques. The differentially expressed ncRNA was calculated by bioinformatics.

RESULTS

A total of 3048 circRNAs, 2179 lncRNAs, and 2015 mRNAs were detected to be significantly differentially expressed in NPC. The most upregulated circRNAs, lncRNAs, and mRNAs were hsa-circ-0067562, NONHSAT232922.1, and HOXB13, respectively. And, the most downregulated circRNAs, lncRNAs, and mRNAs were hsa_circ_0078837, lnc-TTC8-4:3, and LTF, respectively. The number of upregulated DE lncRNAs was more than twice than those downregulated. Our data showed that 80.44% of pairs of lncRNAs and cis-mRNAs demonstrated positive correlations. For lncRNAs and trans-mRNAs pairs, 53.7% of pairs showed positive correlation. LncRNA-mediated cis regulation is a prevalent regulatory mode in the development of nasopharyngeal carcinoma. CR1, LRMP and SORBS2 are predicted to be mediated not only by cis-acting lncRNA modes of action, but also by trans-acting lncRNA mechanisms. Additionally, we constructed a diagnostic prediction model with a high sensitivity and specificity.

CONCLUSION

Our study characterized the landscape of circRNAs, mRNAs and lncRNAs in NPC tissue and provided novel insights into the molecular mechanisms of NPC.

Parecoxib expresses anti-metastasis effect through inhibition of epithelial-mesenchymal transition and the Wnt/β-catenin signaling pathway in human colon cancer DLD-1 cell line

Colorectal cancer is the third leading cause of cancer death in Taiwan. Current treatments involve combination of surgical resection, radiation, and chemotherapy. These treatments have demonstrated to increased five-year survival of a patient with colorectal cancer. However, metastasis is a major capability of cancer cells that causes poor prognosis, recurrence, and even death. Epidemiological and clinical studies have suggested the use of non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) as an effective class of compounds to prevent colon cancer. Parecoxib is an NSAID and the only parenterally administered selective cyclooxygenase (COX)-2 inhibitor. In this study, we evaluated whether parecoxib inhibits the metastasis of DLD-1 human colon cancer cells, a COX-2 null cell line, and the underlying mechanism. Cell migration of the DLD-1 cells was significantly inhibited by parecoxib treatment as shown by the Transwell migration assay. This enhanced anti-migration effect was correlated with the attenuated phosphorylation of Akt, expression of vimentin (a mesenchymal marker), and β-catenin, and corresponded with the upregulated GSK3β and E-cadherin (an epithelial marker). These findings suggested that parecoxib could inhibit the epithelial-mesenchymal transition (EMT) and metastasis in human colon cancer cells by downregulating β-catenin. Thus, parecoxib could provide a novel prospective strategy for a combination treatment with chemotherapeutic drugs against metastasis of human colon cancer.

Proteomic alterations associated with residual disease in neoadjuvant chemotherapy treated ovarian cancer tissues

BACKGROUND

Optimal cytoreduction to no residual disease (R0) correlates with improved disease outcome for high-grade serous ovarian cancer (HGSOC) patients. Treatment of HGSOC patients with neoadjuvant chemotherapy, however, may select for tumor cells harboring alterations in hallmark cancer pathways including metastatic potential. This study assessed this hypothesis by performing proteomic analysis of matched, chemotherapy naïve and neoadjuvant chemotherapy (NACT)-treated HGSOC tumors obtained from patients who had suboptimal (R1, n = 6) versus optimal (R0, n = 14) debulking at interval debulking surgery (IDS).

METHODS

Tumor epithelium was harvested by laser microdissection from formalin-fixed, paraffin-embedded tissues from matched, pre- and post-NACT treated tumors for twenty HGSOC patients and analyzed by quantitative mass spectrometry-based proteomics.

RESULTS

Differential analysis of patient matched pre- and post-NACT treated tumors revealed proteins associated with cell survival and metabolic signaling to be significantly altered in post-NACT treated tumor cells. Comparison of pre-NACT treated tumors from suboptimal (R1) versus optimally (R0) debulked patients identified proteins associated with tumor cell viability and invasion signaling enriched in R1 patients. We identified five proteins altered between R1 and R0 patients in pre- NACT treated tumors that significantly correlated with PFS in an independent cohort of HGSOC patients, including Fermitin family homolog 2 (FERMT2), a protein elevated in R1 that correlated with disease progression in HGSOC patients (multivariate Cox HR = 1.65, Wald p = 0.022) and increased metastatic potential in solid-tumor malignancies.

CONCLUSIONS

This study identified distinct proteome profiles in patient matched pre- and post-NACT HGSOC tumors that correlate with NACT resistance and that may predict residual disease status at IDS that collectively warrant further pre-clinical investigation.

Wumei Pill Ameliorates AOM/DSS-Induced Colitis-Associated Colon Cancer through Inhibition of Inflammation and Oxidative Stress by Regulating S-Adenosylhomocysteine Hydrolase- (AHCY-) Mediated Hedgehog Signaling in Mice

Wumei Pill (WMP) is a traditional Chinese herbal formulation and widely used to treat digestive system diseases in clinical. S-Adenosylhomocysteine hydrolase (AHCY) can catalyze the hydrolysis of S-adenosylhomocysteine to adenosine and homocysteine in living organisms, and its abnormal expression is linked to the pathogenesis of many diseases including colorectal cancer (CRC). A previous study reported that WMP could prevent CRC in mice; however, the underlying mechanisms especially the roles of AHCY in WMP-induced anti-CRC remain largely unknown. Here, we investigated the regulatory roles and potential mechanisms of AHCY in WMP-induced anti-CRC. WMP notably alleviated the azoxymethane/dextran sulfate sodium- (AOM/DSS-) induced colitis-associated colon cancer (CAC) in mice. Besides, WMP inhibited the inflammation and oxidative stress in AOM/DSS-induced CAC mice. AHCY was high expression in clinical samples of colon cancer compared to the adjacent tissues. WMP inhibited the AHCY expression in AOM/DSS-induced CAC mice. An in vitro study found that AHCY overexpression induced cell proliferation, colony formation, invasion, and tumor angiogenesis, whereas its knockdown impaired its oncogenic function. AHCY overexpression enhanced, while its knockdown weakened the inflammation and oxidative stress in colon cancer cells. Interestingly, WMP potently suppressed the hedgehog (Hh) signaling in AOM/DSS-induced CAC mice. A further study showed that AHCY overexpression activated the Hh signaling while AHCY knockdown inactivated the Hh signaling. Moreover, activation of the Hh signaling reversed the effect of AHCY silencing on inflammation and oxidative stress in vitro. In conclusion, WMP alleviated the AOM/DSS-induced CAC through inhibition of inflammation and oxidative stress by regulating AHCY-mediated hedgehog signaling in mice. These findings uncovered a potential molecular mechanism underlying the anti-CAC effect of WMP and suggested WMP as a promising therapeutic candidate for CRC.

Should a fourth category be added to the international tumor budding consensus conference tumor budding scoring system in colorectal adenocarcinomas?

The aim of this study was to investigate the relationship between tumor budding (TB) and clinicopathologic prognostic criteria in colorectal adenocarcinomas and to discuss the inclusion of the fourth group in the scoring system. A total of 131 cases were included in the study. TB was scored according to the classical 3-tiered scoring system and our proposed 4-tiered scoring system: BD0 (no buds), BD1* (1-4 buds), BD2 (5-9 buds), and BD3 (≥10 buds). Cytokeratin staining was applied to 80 randomly selected cases and TB scoring was re-evaluated. TB was not observed in 31 (23.7%) of 131 cases and was categorized as BD0. Patients with BD0 budding had lower pT category, AJCC stage, tumor grade, less lymph node metastasis, lymphovascular invasion, tumor deposits (p < 0.05), and longer overall survival than BD1* patients (log-Rank p: 0.018). There was significant compatibility between the evaluation of TB with H&E and cytokeratin (kappa: 0.727, p < 0.001). In conclusion, we think it is valuable to add the "BD0" category to the International Tumor Budding Consensus Conference (ITBCC) scores. However, more research with larger cohorts is needed for clinical applicability. H&E staining is sufficient for the assessment of budding, except in conditions such as increased inflammation where the tumor-stroma interface may be obscured.

Multiple roles for Bcl-3 in mammary gland branching, stromal collagen invasion, involution and tumor pathology

BACKGROUND

The Bcl-3 protein is an atypical member of the inhibitor of -κB family that has dual roles as a transcriptional repressor and a coactivator for dimers of NF-κB p50 and p52. Bcl-3 is expressed in mammary adenocarcinomas and can promote tumorigenesis and survival signaling and has a key role in tumor metastasis. In this study, we have investigated the role of Bcl-3 in the normal mammary gland and impact on tumor pathology.

METHODS

We utilized bcl-3^-/- mice to study mammary gland structure in virgins and during gestation, lactation and early involution. Expression of involution-associated genes and proteins and putative Bcl-3 target genes was examined by qRT-PCR and immunoblot analysis. Cell autonomous branching morphogenesis and collagen I invasion properties of bcl-3^-/- organoids were tested in 3D hydrogel cultures. The role of Bcl-3 in tumorigenesis and tumor pathology was also assessed using a stochastic carcinogen-induced mammary tumor model.

RESULTS

Bcl-3^-/- mammary glands demonstrated reduced branching complexity in virgin and pregnant mice. This defect was recapitulated in vitro where significant defects in bud formation were observed in bcl-3^-/- mammary organoid cultures. Bcl-3^-/- organoids showed a striking defect in protrusive collective fibrillary collagen I invasion associated with reduced expression of Fzd1 and Twist2. Virgin and pregnant bcl-3^-/- glands showed increased apoptosis and rapid increases in lysosomal cell death and apoptosis after forced weaning compared to WT mice. Bcl-2 and Id3 are strongly induced in WT but not bcl-3^-/- glands in early involution. Tumors in WT mice were predominately adenocarcinomas with NF-κB activation, while bcl-3^-/- lesions were largely squamous lacking NF-κB and with low Bcl-2 expression.

CONCLUSIONS

Collectively, our results demonstrate that Bcl-3 has a key function in mammary gland branching morphogenesis, in part by regulation of genes involved in extracellular matrix invasion. Markedly reduced levels of pro-survival proteins expression in bcl-3 null compared to WT glands 24 h post-weaning indicate that Bcl-3 has a role in moderating the rate of early phase involution. Lastly, a reduced incidence of bcl-3^-/- mammary adenocarcinomas versus squamous lesions indicates that Bcl-3 supports the progression of epithelial but not metaplastic cancers.

Junctional adhesion molecule-like protein promotes tumor progression via the Wnt/β-catenin signaling pathway in lung adenocarcinoma

Background

Lung adenocarcinoma (LUAD) is a heavy social burden worldwide. Because the mechanisms involved in LUAD remain unclear, the prognosis of LUAD remains poor. Consequently, it is urgent to investigate the potential mechanisms of LUAD. Junctional adhesion molecule-like protein (JAML), is recognized as a tumorigenesis molecule in gastric cancer. However, the role of JAML in LUAD is still unclear. Here we aimed to evaluate the role of JAML in LUAD.

Methods

qRT-PCR, Western blotting and immunohistochemistry were conducted to investigate the expression of JAML in LUAD tissues. JAML was knocked down and overexpressed in LUAD cells using transient transfection by siRNA and plasmids or stable transfection by lentivirus. Proliferation potential of LUAD cells were detected by Cell Counting Kit-8, EdU incorporation and Colony formation assay. Migration and invasion abilities of LUAD cells were determined by wound healing, transwell migration and invasion assays. Cell cycle and cell apoptosis were detected by flow cytometry. The effects of JAML in vivo were studied in xenograft tumor models. Western blotting was used to explore the molecular mechanisms of JAML function. In addition, rescue experiments were performed to verify the possible mechanisms.

Results

JAML expression was elevated in LUAD tissues compared with peritumor tissues, and this upregulation was positively related to pT and pTNM. Furthermore, both in vitro and in vivo, JAML silencing markedly repressed malignant behaviors of LUAD cells and vice versa. Knockdown of JAML also mediated cell cycle arrest at G₀/G₁ phase and promoted apoptosis in LUAD cells. Mechanistically, silencing JAML repressed the process of epithelial-mesenchymal transition by inactivating the Wnt/β-catenin pathway in LUAD cells. Effects of JAML can be rescued by Wnt/β-catenin pathway activator in A549 cells.

Conclusions

Our data reveal the oncogenic role of JAML in LUAD, indicating that JAML may be a predictive biomarker and novel therapeutic target for LUAD.

Supplementary Information

The online version contains supplementary material available at 10.1186/s12967-022-03457-w.

A tEMTing target? Clinical and experimental evidence for epithelial-mesenchymal transition in the progression of cutaneous squamous cell carcinoma (a scoping systematic review)

Cutaneous squamous cell carcinoma (cSCC) is a disease with globally rising incidence and poor prognosis for patients with advanced or metastatic disease. Epithelial-mesenchymal transition (EMT) is a driver of metastasis in many carcinomas, and cSCC is no exception. We aimed to provide a systematic overview of the clinical and experimental evidence for EMT in cSCC, with critical appraisal of type and quality of the methodology used. We then used this information as rationale for potential drug targets against advanced and metastatic cSCC. All primary literature encompassing clinical and cell-based or xenograft experimental studies reporting on the role of EMT markers or related signalling pathways in the progression of cSCC were considered. A screen of 3443 search results yielded 86 eligible studies comprising 44 experimental studies, 22 clinical studies, and 20 studies integrating both. From the clinical studies a timeline illustrating the alteration of EMT markers and related signalling was evident based on clinical progression of the disease. The experimental studies reveal connections of EMT with a multitude of factors such as genetic disorders, cancer-associated fibroblasts, and matrix remodelling via matrix metalloproteinases and urokinase plasminogen activator. Additionally, EMT was found to be closely tied to environmental factors as well as to stemness in cSCC via NFκB and β-catenin. We conclude that the canonical EGFR, canonical TGF-βR, PI3K/AKT and NFκB signalling are the four signalling pillars that induce EMT in cSCC and could be valuable therapeutic targets. Despite the complexity, EMT markers and pathways are desirable biomarkers and drug targets for the treatment of advanced or metastatic cSCC.

Molecular mechanism of miR-34b-5p and RNA binding protein HuR binding to lncRNA OIP5-AS1 in colon cancer cells

Colon cancer (CC) is a leading cause of cancer-related death. Long non-coding RNA OIP5-AS1 (lncRNA OIP5-AS1) expression pattern has been studied in many cancers. We aimed to identify the mechanism of lncRNA OIP5-AS1 in CC development. OIP5-AS1 expression pattern in CC tissues and cells was detected and the relation between OIP5-AS1 level and CC prognosis was analyzed. The proliferation, migration and invasion of CC cells were detected after silencing or overexpression of OIP5-AS1. Tumor xenograft in nude mice was established to verify the effect of OIP5-AS1 in vivo. The interaction between HuR protein and OIP5-AS1 and the interaction of miR-34b-5p with HuR and OIP5-AS1 were measured. OIP5-AS1 was highly expressed in CC and associated with poor prognosis. Silencing OIP5-AS1 inhibited CC cell malignant behaviors and inhibited the growth rate and tumor weight. In the mechanism, HuR bound to OIP5-AS1 and stabilized OIP5-AS1 expression. Both miR-34-5p and HuR bind to OIP5 and oppositely affect its expression. miR-34b-5p inhibited the proliferation and invasion of CC cells by inhibiting OIP5-AS1 and PI3K/Akt pathway. miR-34b-5p inhibited CC growth by inhibiting OIP5-AS1. Collectively, miR-34b-5p targets HuR and miR-34b-5p binds to OIP5-AS1 with HuR, thus inhibiting OIP5-AS1 and PI3K/Akt pathway and CC progression.

Oral Microbiota-Driven Cell Migration in Carcinogenesis and Metastasis

The oral cavity harbors approximately 1,000 microbial species, and both pathogenic and commensal strains are involved in the development of carcinogenesis by stimulating chronic inflammation, affecting cell proliferation, and inhibiting cell apoptosis. Moreover, some substances produced by oral bacteria can also act in a carcinogenic manner. The link between oral microbiota and chronic inflammation as well as cell proliferation has been well established. Recently, increasing evidence has indicated the association of the oral microbiota with cell migration, which is crucial in regulating devastating diseases such as cancer. For instance, increased cell migration induced the spread of highly malignant cancer cells. Due to advanced technologies, the mechanistic understanding of cell migration in carcinogenesis and cancer metastasis is undergoing rapid progress. Thus, this review addressed the complexities of cell migration in carcinogenesis and cancer metastasis. We also integrate recent findings on the molecular mechanisms by which the oral microbiota regulates cell migration, with emphasis on the effect of the oral microbiota on adhesion, polarization, and guidance. Finally, we also highlight critical techniques, such as intravital microscopy and superresolution microscopy, for studies in this field.

Integrative Analysis Constructs an Extracellular Matrix-Associated Gene Signature for the Prediction of Survival and Tumor Immunity in Lung Adenocarcinoma

Background: Lung adenocarcinoma (LUAD) accounts for the majority of lung cancers, and the survival of patients with advanced LUAD is poor. The extracellular matrix (ECM) is a fundamental component of the tumor microenvironment (TME) that determines the oncogenesis and antitumor immunity of solid tumors. However, the prognostic value of extracellular matrix-related genes (ERGs) in LUAD remains unexplored. Therefore, this study is aimed to explore the prognostic value of ERGs in LUAD and establish a classification system to predict the survival of patients with LUAD.

Methods: LUAD samples from The Cancer Genome Atlas (TCGA) and GSE37745 were used as discovery and validation cohorts, respectively. Prognostic ERGs were identified by univariate Cox analysis and used to construct a prognostic signature by Least Absolute Shrinkage and Selection Operator (LASSO) regression analysis. The extracellular matrix-related score (ECMRS) of each patient was calculated according to the prognostic signature and used to classify patients into high- and low-risk groups. The prognostic performance of the signature was evaluated using Kaplan–Meier curves, Cox regression analyses, and ROC curves. The relationship between ECMRS and tumor immunity was determined using stepwise analyses. A nomogram based on the signature was established for the convenience of use in the clinical practice. The prognostic genes were validated in multiple databases and clinical specimens by qRT-PCR.

Results: A prognostic signature based on eight ERGs (FERMT1, CTSV, CPS1, ENTPD2, SERPINB5, ITGA8, ADAMTS8, and LYPD3) was constructed. Patients with higher ECMRS had poorer survival, lower immune scores, and higher tumor purity in both the discovery and validation cohorts. The predictive power of the signature was independent of the clinicopathological parameters, and the nomogram could also predict survival precisely.

Conclusions: We constructed an ECM-related gene signature which can be used to predict survival and tumor immunity in patients with LUAD. This signature can serve as a novel prognostic indicator and therapeutic target in LUAD.

High-Throughput Profiling of Colorectal Cancer Liver Metastases Reveals Intra- and Inter-Patient Heterogeneity in the EGFR and WNT Pathways Associated with Clinical Outcome

Simple Summary

Tumor heterogeneity can greatly influence therapy outcome and patient survival. In this study, we aimed at unraveling inter- and intra-patient heterogeneity of colorectal cancer liver metastases (CRLM). To this end, we comprehensively characterized CRLM using state-of-the-art high-throughput technologies combined with bioinformatics analyses. We found a high degree of inter- and intra-patient heterogeneity among the metastases, in particular in genes of the WNT and EGFR pathways. Through analyzing the master regulators and effectors associated with the regulation of these genes, we identified a specific gene signature that was highly expressed in a large cohort of colorectal cancer patients and associated with clinical outcome.

Abstract

Seventy percent of patients with colorectal cancer develop liver metastases (CRLM), which are a decisive factor in cancer progression. Therapy outcome is largely influenced by tumor heterogeneity, but the intra- and inter-patient heterogeneity of CRLM has been poorly studied. In particular, the contribution of the WNT and EGFR pathways, which are both frequently deregulated in colorectal cancer, has not yet been addressed in this context. To this end, we comprehensively characterized normal liver tissue and eight CRLM from two patients by standardized histopathological, molecular, and proteomic subtyping. Suitable fresh-frozen tissue samples were profiled by transcriptome sequencing (RNA-Seq) and proteomic profiling with reverse phase protein arrays (RPPA) combined with bioinformatic analyses to assess tumor heterogeneity and identify WNT- and EGFR-related master regulators and metastatic effectors. A standardized data analysis pipeline for integrating RNA-Seq with clinical, proteomic, and genetic data was established. Dimensionality reduction of the transcriptome data revealed a distinct signature for CRLM differing from normal liver tissue and indicated a high degree of tumor heterogeneity. WNT and EGFR signaling were highly active in CRLM and the genes of both pathways were heterogeneously expressed between the two patients as well as between the synchronous metastases of a single patient. An analysis of the master regulators and metastatic effectors implicated in the regulation of these genes revealed a set of four genes (SFN, IGF2BP1, STAT1, PIK3CG) that were differentially expressed in CRLM and were associated with clinical outcome in a large cohort of colorectal cancer patients as well as CRLM samples. In conclusion, high-throughput profiling enabled us to define a CRLM-specific signature and revealed the genes of the WNT and EGFR pathways associated with inter- and intra-patient heterogeneity, which were validated as prognostic biomarkers in CRC primary tumors as well as liver metastases.

THBS2 promotes cell migration and invasion in colorectal cancer via modulating Wnt/β-catenin signaling pathway

Colorectal cancer (CRC) is the most common human digestive malignancy with a poor prognosis; the pathophysiology of colon cancer involves multiple linkages of regulatory networks. Recently, thrombospondin 2 (THBS2) has been extensively studied for its role in cancer progression. In this study, we evaluated the expression of THBS2 in CRC tissues and studied the possible mechanism by which THBS2 regulates CRC progression. Our results showed that the upregulation of THBS2 in CRC tissues and CRC cell lines and high expression of THBS2 was correlated with poor overall survival. The in vitro experimental data showed that THBS2 overexpression promoted CRC cell growth, invasion, and migration, while THBS2 inhibition exerted tumor-suppressive actions on CRC cells. THBS2 knockdown suppressed the activity of Wnt/β-catenin signaling. Collectively, the results implied that THBS2 exerted promotional effects on CRC cell proliferation, invasion, and migration, partly by modulating the Wnt/β-catenin signaling pathway.

FERMT1 contributes to the migration and invasion of nasopharyngeal carcinoma through epithelial-mesenchymal transition and cell cycle arrest

BACKGROUND

Fermitin family member 1 (FERMT1) is significantly overexpressed in human cancers and associated with poor prognosis, but its contributions to tumorigenesis and nasopharyngeal carcinoma (NPC) progression remain unclear.

METHODS

The public GEO database was examined to investigate the role of FERMT1. Immunohistochemistry (IHC) staining of FERMT1 was performed in NPC tissues to corroborate the results. Western blotting and qRT-PCR were performed to test the expression of related proteins and mRNAs. Cell counting kit-8 assay (CCK8 assay) and colony formation assays were carried out to investigate the association of FERMT1 expression with NPC cell proliferation. The wound healing assay and Transwell assay were used to detect the migration and invasion of NPC cells. Flow cytometric analysis was conducted to detect the cell cycle transition of NPC cells. Co-immunoprecipitation (Co-IP) was employed to identify the correlation of FEMRT1 and Nod-like receptor family protein 3 (NLRP3). Xenograft tumors were generated to investigate the effect of FERMT1 on the growth of NPC cells in vivo.

RESULTS

Here, we found that FERMT1 was upregulated in NPC tissues and correlated with the clinicopathological characteristics of NPC patients. Moreover, knockdown of FERMT1 significantly decreased cell proliferation, migration and invasion by mediating epithelial-mesenchymal transition (EMT) and cell cycle arrest of NPC cells both in vitro and in vivo. Knockdown FERMT1 inhibited EMT through directly binding to the NLRP3 and inhibited NF-kB signaling pathway.

CONCLUSION

These data indicated that FERMT1 could be a good potential therapeutic target for NPC treatment.

ERBB3 binding protein 1 promotes the progression of malignant melanoma through activation of the Wnt/ β-catenin signaling pathway

Background

Malignant melanoma (MM) is highly metastatic and has the highest mortality rate in patients with skin cancer. The ERBB3 binding protein 1 (Ebp1) has been linked to the onset and progression of a number of malignancies. However, the role of Ebp1 in MM has not yet been reported.

Methods

Multiple databases were analyzed for comparing the expression of Ebp1 in normal skin and MM. Ebp1 expression was knocked down in A375 and B16 cells, and the impact of Ebp1 on the cell growth was tested by CCK-8, plate clone colony, and cell cycle assays. Scratch, transwell, and in vivo caudal vein lung metastasis tests were also used to confirm the effects of Ebp1 on melanoma cells migration, invasion, and metastasis. Furthermore, the possible molecular mechanism of Ebp1 was predicted by set enrichment analysis and verified by western blotting.

Results

Ebp1 expression was substantially higher in MM than it was in normal skin, and Ebp1 was linked to the clinical stage and lymph node metastases of patients with MM. Knockdown of Ebp1 inhibited cell proliferation, migration, and invasion. In vivo experiments further verified that the knockdown of Ebp1 had an obvious inhibitory effect on lung metastasis in nude mice. Knockdown of Ebp1 reduced vimentin, N-cadherin, slug, and snail expression while increasing E-cadherin expression. Furthermore, knockdown of Ebp1 reduced the expression of β-catenin, as well as its downstream targets CyclinD1 and p-GSK3β; however, a Wnt/β-catenin agonist could reverse this effect.

Conclusion

Ebp1 may promote the proliferation and metastasis of melanoma cells through activation of the Wnt/β-catenin pathway.

Graphical Abstract

Downregulation of CCKBR Expression Inhibits the Proliferation of Gastric Cancer Cells, Revealing a Potential Target for Immunotoxin Therapy

Background Increased CCKBR expression density or frequency has been reported in many neoplasms. Objective We aimed to investigate whether CCKBR drives the growth of gastric cancer (GC) and its potential as a therapeutic target of immunotoxins. Methods A lentiviral interference system was used to generate CCKBR-knockdown gastric cancer cells. Cell Counting Kit-8 and clonogenic assays were used to evaluate cell proliferation. Wound-healing and cell invasion assays were performed to evaluate cell mobility. Cell cycle was analyzed by flow cytometry. Tumor growth in vivo was investigated using a heterologous tumor transplantation model in nude mice. In addition, we generated the immunotoxin FQ17P and evaluated the combining capacity and tumor cytotoxicity of FQ17P in vitro. Results Stable downregulation of CCKBR expression resulted in reduced proliferation, migration and invasion of BGC-823 and SGC-7901 cells. The impact of CCKBR on gastric cancer cells was further verified through CCKBR overexpression studies. Downregulation of CCKBR expression also inhibited the growth of gastric tumors in vivo. Furthermore, FQ17P killed CCKBR-overexpressing GC cells by specifically binding to CCKBR on the tumor cell surface. Conclusion The CCKBR protein drives the growth, migration, and invasion of gastric cancer cells, and it might be a promising target for immunotoxin therapy based on its aberrant expression, functional binding interactions with gastrin, and subsequent internalization.

RNA-binding motif protein 10 represses tumor progression through the Wnt/β- catenin pathway in lung adenocarcinoma

RNA-binding motif protein 10 (RBM10), one of the members of the RNA-binding protein (RBP) family, has a tumor suppressor role in multiple cancers. However, the functional role of RBM10 in lung adenocarcinoma (LUAD) and the underlying molecular mechanism remains unclear. In this study, we observed that RBM10 is significantly downregulated in LUAD tissues compared with normal tissues. Low RBM10 expression is significantly associated with poor outcome of LUAD patients. In vitro and in vivo experiments show that RBM10 inhibits cell proliferation, metastasis and EMT progression in LUAD. Mechanistically, we demonstrate that RBM10 interacts with β-catenin interacting protein 1 (CTNNBIP1) and positively regulates its expression, disrupting the binding of β-catenin to the transcription factor TCF/LEF, thereby inactivating the Wnt/β-catenin pathway. In conclusion, this is the first study reporting the role of RBM10 in suppressing LUAD progression at least via partly inactivating the Wnt/β-catenin pathway, which provides new insights into the tumorigenesis and metastasis of LUAD. Thus, RBM10 may be a promising new therapeutic target or clinical biomarker for LUAD therapy in the future.

VEGFa/VEGFR2 autocrine and paracrine signaling promotes cervical carcinogenesis via β-catenin and snail

VEGF secretion into the tumor microenvironment by cancer cells regulates several oncogenic signaling pathways and cancer-regulated angiogenesis. VEGFR receptors are exclusively present on endothelial cells to maintain their biological homeostasis. The acquisition of unique VEGFR2 receptor and VEGFa in cervical cancer (CC) cells reflects VEGFa/VEGFR2 autocrine machinery. Given the critical role of VEGFR2 in endothelial cell proliferation, migration, and angiogenesis, we explored its function in CC epithelial-mesenchymal transition (EMT) and stemness. Here we report that VEGFR2 regulates cancer-induced angiogenesis and EMT-linked stemness in CC cells via AKT/GSK3β/β-catenin and Snail pathway. Receptor tyrosine kinase inhibitor (RTKi) of VEGFR, Pazopanib (PAZ), shows potential anti-VEGFR2 activity and inhibits VEGFa induced metastatic events such as migration, invasion, and anoikis resistance in CC cells. Similarly, PAZ also attenuates cancer-regulated angiogenesis by inhibiting VE-cadherin internalization in endothelial cells followed by inhibition of endothelial cell migration. Selective depletion of VEGFR2 ligand VEGFa in CC cells also attenuates EMT, metastatic events, and inhibition of cancer-induced angiogenesis. In addition, blocking of VEGFR2 signaling in CC cells via PAZ or shRNA alters the formation of cervical tumorspheres (TS) and their successive generation. Collectively, inhibition of functional VEGFa/VEGFR2 autocrine and paracrine axis ceases the cancer-promoting events in cervical cancer cells. Based on the finding in this study, this oncogenic pathways could be used as a potential therapeutic target in a clinical setting with conventional radio-chemotherapy to achieve synergistic killing of CC cells.

IFIT1 modulates the proliferation, migration and invasion of pancreatic cancer cells via Wnt/β-catenin signaling

OBJECTIVES

Previously, Interferon-induced Protein with Tetratricopeptide Repeats 1 (IFIT1) has been shown to promote cancer development. Here, we aimed to explore the role of IFIT1 in the development and progression of pancreatic cancer, including the underlying mechanisms.

METHODS

We explored IFIT1 expression in pancreatic cancer samples using The Cancer Genome Atlas (TCGA) and Gene Expression Omnibus (GEO) datasets. Cell Counting Kit-8 (CCK8), colony formation, scratch wound-healing and Transwell assays were performed to assess the proliferation, migration and invasion abilities of pancreatic cancer cells. Gene Set Enrichment Analysis (GSEA) and Western blotting were performed to assess the regulatory effect of IFIT1 on the Wnt/β-catenin pathway.

RESULTS

We found that upregulation of IFIT1 expression is common in pancreatic cancer and is negatively associated with overall patient survival. Knockdown of IFIT1 expression led to decreased proliferation, migration and invasion of pancreatic cancer cells. We also found that IFIT1 could regulate Wnt/β-catenin signaling, and that a Wnt/β-catenin agonist could reverse this effect. In addition, we found that IFIT1 can promote epithelial-mesenchymal transition (EMT) of pancreatic cancer cells.

CONCLUSIONS

Our data indicate that IFIT1 increases pancreatic cancer cell proliferation, migration and invasion by activating the Wnt/β-catenin pathway. In addition, we found that EMT could be regulated by IFIT1. IFIT1 may serve as a potential therapeutic target for pancreatic cancer.

MCLR-elicited hepatic fibrosis and carcinogenic gene expression changes persist in rats with diet-induced nonalcoholic steatohepatitis through a 4-week recovery period

Nonalcoholic steatohepatitis (NASH) causes liver extracellular matrix (ECM) remodeling and is a risk factor for fibrosis and hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC). Microcystin-LR (MCLR) is a hepatotoxin produced by fresh-water cyanobacteria that causes a NASH-like phenotype, liver fibrosis, and is also a risk factor for HCC. The focus of the current study was to investigate and compare hepatic recovery after cessation of MCLR exposure in healthy versus NASH animals. Male Sprague-Dawley rats were fed either a control or a high fat/high cholesterol (HFHC) diet for eight weeks. Animals received either vehicle or 30 μg/kg MCLR (i.p: 2 weeks, alternate days). Animals were euthanized at one of three time points: at the completion of the MCLR exposure period and after 2 and 4 weeks of recovery. Histological staining suggested that after four weeks of recovery the MCLR-exposed HFHC group had less steatosis and more fibrosis compared to the vehicle-exposed HFHC group and MCLR-exposed control group. RNA-Seq analysis revealed dysregulation of ECM genes after MCLR exposure in both control and HFHC groups that persisted only in the HFHC groups during recovery. After 4 weeks of recovery, MCLR hepatotoxicity in pre-existing NASH persistently dysregulated genes related to cellular differentiation and HCC. These data demonstrate impaired hepatic recovery and persistent carcinogenic changes after MCLR toxicity in pre-existing NASH.

FERMT1 knockdown inhibits oral squamous cell carcinoma cell epithelial-mesenchymal transition by inactivating the PI3K/AKT signaling pathway

BACKGROUND

The metastasis of oral cancer is one of the main causes of death. However, the mechanisms underlying oral cancer metastasis have not been completely elucidated. Fermitin family member 1 (FERMT1) plays an -oncogene role in many cancers; however, the role of FERMT1 in oral squamous cell cancer (OSCC) remains unclear.

METHODS

In this study, OSCC cells were treated with 5 ng/ml recombinant human Transforming growth factor-β1 (TGF-β1) protein. FERMT1 expression was measured in OSCC cell lines by RT-qPCR and western blotting. The effect of FERMT1 knockdown on the migration and invasion of OSCC cells was evaluated by Transwell assay. The epithelial-mesenchymal transition (EMT) and PI3K/AKT signaling pathway-related mRNA expression and protein levels were assessed by RT-qPCR and western blotting.

RESULTS

We found that FERMT1 expression was elevated in TGF-β1-induced OSCC cell lines, and knockdown of FERMT1 inhibited the migration and invasion in TGF-β1-induced OSCC cells. FERMT1 silencing inhibited vimentin, N-cadherin, matrix metalloproteinase 9 (MMP-9) expression and promoted E-cadherin expression, suggesting that FERMT1 silencing inhibited EMT in TGF-β1-induced OSCC cells. Furthermore, FERMT1 silencing inactivated the PI3K/AKT signaling pathway in TGF-β1-induced OSCC cells. Activation of the PI3K/AKT signaling pathway reversed the effect of FERMT1 silencing on OSCC cell migration, invasion, and EMT.

CONCLUSIONS

FERMT1 silencing inhibits the migration, invasion, and EMT of OSCC cells via inactivation of the PI3K/AKT signaling pathway, suggesting that FERMT1 is a novel and potential therapeutic target for anti-metastatic strategies for OSCC.

Identification of DNA methylation-driven genes and construction of a nomogram to predict overall survival in pancreatic cancer

Background

The incidence and mortality of pancreatic cancer (PC) has gradually increased. The aim of this study was to identify survival-related DNA methylation (DNAm)-driven genes and establish a nomogram to predict outcomes in patients with PC.

Methods

The gene expression, DNA methylation database, and PC clinical samples were downloaded from TCGA. DNAm-driven genes were identified by integrating analyses of gene expression and DNA methylation data. Survival-related DNAm-driven genes were screened via univariate, least absolute shrinkage and selection operator (LASSO), and multivariate Cox regression analyses to develop a risk score model for prognosis. Based on analyses of clinical parameters and risk score, a nomogram was built and validated. The independent cohort from GEO database were used for external validation.

Results

A total of 16 differentially expressed methylation-driven genes were identified. Based on LASSO Cox regression and multivariate Cox regression analysis, six genes (FERMT1, LIPH, LAMA3, PPP1R14D, NQO1, VSIG2) were chosen to develop the risk score model. In the Kaplan–Meier analysis, age, T stage, N stage, AJCC stage, radiation therapy history, tumor size, surgery type performed, pathological type, chemotherapy history, and risk score were potential prognostic factors in PC (P < 0.1). In the multivariate analysis, stage, chemotherapy, and risk score were significantly correlated to overall survival (P < 0.05). The nomogram was constructed with the three variables (stage, chemotherapy, and risk score) for predicting the 1-year, 2-year, and 3-year survival rates of PC patients. Nomogram performance was assessed by receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curves and calibration curves. 1-year, 2-year and 3-year AUC of nomogram model was 0.899, 0.765 and 0.776, respectively.

Conclusions

In our study, we successfully identified the six DNAm-driven genes (FERMT1, LIPH, LAMA3, PPP1R14D, NQO1, VSIG2) with a relationship to the outcomes of PC patients. The nomogram including stage, chemotherapy, and risk score could be used to predict survival in PC patients.

Supplementary Information

The online version contains supplementary material available at 10.1186/s12864-021-08097-w.

Meta-Analysis illustrates possible role of lipopolysaccharide (LPS)-induced tissue injury in nasopharyngeal carcinoma (NPC) pathogenesis

Background

Nasopharyngeal carcinoma (NPC) is a cancer of epithelial origin with a high incidence in certain populations. While NPC has a high remission rate with concomitant chemoradiation, recurrences are frequent, and the downstream morbidity of treatment is significant. Thus, it is imperative to find alternative therapies.

Methods

We employed a Search Tag Analyze Resource (STARGEO) platform to conduct a meta-analysis using the National Center for Biotechnology’s (NCBI) Gene Expression Omnibus (GEO) to define NPC pathogenesis. We identified 111 tumor samples and 43 healthy nasopharyngeal epithelium samples from NPC public patient data. We analyzed associated signatures in Ingenuity Pathway Analysis (IPA), restricting genes that showed statistical significance (p<0.05) and an absolute experimental log ratio greater than 0.15 between disease and control samples.

Results

Our meta-analysis identified activation of lipopolysaccharide (LPS)-induced tissue injury in NPC tissue. Additionally, interleukin-1 (IL-1) and SB203580 were the top upstream regulators. Tumorigenesis-related genes such as homeobox A10 (HOXA10) and prostaglandin-endoperoxide synthase 2 (PTGS2 or COX-2) as well as those associated with extracellular matrix degradation, such as matrix metalloproteinases 1 and 3 (MMP-1, MMP-3) were also upregulated. Decreased expression of genes that encode proteins associated with maintaining healthy nasal respiratory epithelium structural integrity, including sentan-cilia apical structure protein (SNTN) and lactotransferrin (LTF) was documented. Importantly, we found that etanercept inhibits targets upregulated in NPC and LPS induction, such as MMP-1, PTGS2, and possibly MMP-3.

Conclusions

Our analysis illustrates that nasal epithelial barrier dysregulation and maladaptive immune responses are key components of NPC pathogenesis along with LPS-induced tissue damage.

LncRNA TP73-AS1 promotes the development of Epstein-Barr virus associated gastric cancer by recruiting PRC2 complex to regulate WIF1 methylation

BACKGROUND

Epstein-Barr virus associated gastric cancer (EBVaGC) become a growing health problem. TP73-AS1 showed high expression in EBVaGC cells. However, the function role and underlying mechanism of TP73-AS1 need further exploration.

METHODS

The expressions of TP73-AS1, WIF1, EZH2, β-catenin and epithelial-mesenchymal transition (EMT)-related proteins were detected using qRT-PCR and Western blotting. Cell proliferation, apoptosis, migration and invasion were measured by CCK-8, colony formation, flow cytometry, wound healing and transwell assays, respectively. WIF1 promoter methylation was analyzed by MS-PCR (MSP). RNA immunoprecipitation assay (RIP) and Chromatin immunoprecipitation assay (ChIP) measured the interactions of TP73-AS1/EZH2 and EZH2/WIF1. Subcutaneous tumor growth was monitored in nude mice and immunohistochemistry (IHC) detected proliferation marker Ki-67 expression.

RESULTS

TP73-AS1 was increased while WIF1 was decreased in EBVaGC cells. Silencing of TP73-AS1 or overexpression of WIF1 repressed the growth and migration while promoted apoptosis of EBVaGC cells. Knockdown of WIF1 reversed the anticancer effect of TP73-AS1 silencing. TP73-AS1 promoted the binding of EZH2 to the WIF1 promoter by directly binding to EZH2, and thus inhibiting the expression of WIF1 by enhancing H3K27me3 level of WIF1 promoter. Moreover, TP73-AS1 activated Wnt/β-catenin signaling pathway and promoted EMT by down-regulating WIF1. TP73-AS1 silencing inhibited the progression of EBVaGC in nude mice by epigenetically regulating WIF1.

CONCLUSION

TP73-AS1 regulated the promoter methylation of WIF1 by recruiting PRC2 complex to WIF1 promoter region, thereby promoting the progression of EBVaGC. These observations provided a novel theoretical basis to investigate more effective therapies of EBVaGC.

Elevating microRNA-1-3p shuttled by cancer-associated fibroblasts-derived extracellular vesicles suppresses breast cancer progression and metastasis by inhibiting GLIS1

Cancer-associated fibroblasts (CAFs) play supporting roles in tumor progression by releasing microvesicles that transmit oncogenic cargoes. Indeed, extracellular vesicles (EVs) have emerged as important vehicles to deliver proteins, messenger RNAs (mRNAs), and microRNAs (miRs) between cells. In this study, we aimed to outline the role and function of CAFs-derived EVs carrying miR-1-3p in breast cancer. We first experimentally determined downregulated miR-1-3p in breast cancer tissues. EVs were isolated from CAFs extracted from breast cancer tissues, which showed downregulated miR-1-3p expression relative to EVs derived from normal fibroblasts (NFs). In a co-culture system, miR-1-3p cargo was transported into breast cancer cells via CAF-derived EVs. In gain-of-function experiments, the elevation of miR-1-3p in breast cancer cells inhibited cell viability, invasion, migration, and epithelial-to-mesenchymal transition, and suppressed tumor formation and metastasis. Furthermore, EVs derived from CAFs transfected with miR-1-3p mimic were more effective in transferring miR-1-3p to suppress cancer progression and metastasis. Krüppel-like zinc-finger protein Gli-similar 1 (GLIS1) was predicted to be a putative target of miR-1-3p, which was subsequently confirmed by dual-luciferase reporter assay. We then demonstrated that overexpression of GLIS1 neutralized the effects of miR-1-3 on the development of breast cancer in vitro. These findings shed light on the underlying mechanism by which CAFs-derived EVs carrying miR-1-3p mediate the progression and metastasis of breast cancer, and highlight the potential of miR-1-3p shuttled by CAFs-derived EVs serving as a therapeutic target for breast cancer.

KSR1- and ERK-dependent translational regulation of the epithelial-to-mesenchymal transition

The epithelial-to-mesenchymal transition (EMT) is considered a transcriptional process that induces a switch in cells from a polarized state to a migratory phenotype. Here, we show that KSR1 and ERK promote EMT-like phenotype through the preferential translation of Epithelial-Stromal Interaction 1 (EPSTI1), which is required to induce the switch from E- to N-cadherin and coordinate migratory and invasive behavior. EPSTI1 is overexpressed in human colorectal cancer (CRC) cells. Disruption of KSR1 or EPSTI1 significantly impairs cell migration and invasion in vitro, and reverses EMT-like phenotype, in part, by decreasing the expression of N-cadherin and the transcriptional repressors of E-cadherin expression, ZEB1 and Slug. In CRC cells lacking KSR1, ectopic EPSTI1 expression restored the E- to N-cadherin switch, migration, invasion, and anchorage-independent growth. KSR1-dependent induction of EMT-like phenotype via selective translation of mRNAs reveals its underappreciated role in remodeling the translational landscape of CRC cells to promote their migratory and invasive behavior.

Circular RNA hsa_circ_0000554 promotes progression and elevates radioresistance through the miR-485-5p/fermitin family members 1 axis in esophageal cancer

Esophageal cancer is one of the most aggressive malignant cancers in the world. Circular RNA hsa_circ_0000554 (circ_0000554) and Fermitin family members 1 (FERMT1) are rated to the advancement of esophageal cancer. Nevertheless, the regulatory mechanisms between circ_0000554 and FERMT1 in the radioresistance of esophageal cancer are unclear. Quantitative real-time PCR (qRT-PCR) was applied to examine the expression of circ_0000554, FERMT1 mRNA, and miR-485-5p. Western blot analysis was employed to assess the protein expression levels of FERMT1, Ki-67, matrix metalloproteinase (MMP)-9 and MMP-2. Cell colony formation, migration, invasion, radiosensitivity and apoptosis were evaluated by cell colony formation, transwell or flow cytometry assays. The relationship between circ_0000554 or FERMT1 and miR-485-5p was verified with dual-luciferase reporter assay. Circ_0000554 and FERMT1 expression was enhanced in esophageal cancer tissues and radioresistant esophageal cancer tissues. Both circ_0000554 and FERMT1 repression blocked cell colony formation, migration, invasion and elevated cell radiosensitivity and apoptosis in esophageal cancer cells. Importantly, circ_0000554 served as a sponge for miR-485-5p in esophageal cancer cells. And FERMT1 acted as a downstream target for miR-485-5p. Additionally, circ_0000554 modulated FERMT1 expression via miR-485-5p. Furthermore, FERMT1 enhancement reversed circ_0000554 inhibition-mediated effects on the colony formation, migration, invasion, radiosensitivity and apoptosis of esophageal cancer cells. Circ_0000554 silencing repressed EC progression and enhanced cell radiosensitivity through downregulating FERMT1 via sponging miR-485-5p, which provided a possible method for improving the radioresistence of esophageal cancer.

Advancements of compounds targeting Wnt and Notch signalling pathways in the treatment of inflammatory bowel disease and colon cancer

The Wnt and Notch signalling pathways are important for maintenance of intestinal epithelial barrier integrity by intestinal stem cells (ISCs). Dysfunction of these pathways is implicated in inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) and colon cancer. The objective of this review is to summarise advancements of drugs that regulate Wnt and Notch in the treatment of IBD and colon cancer. The compositions and biological effects of Wnt and Notch modulators in both ISCs and non-ISCs are discussed. The drugs, including phytochemicals, plant extracts, probiotics and synthetic compounds, have been found to regulate Wnt and Notch signalling pathways by targeting regulatory factors (including secreted frizzled-related proteins or pathway proteins such as β-catenin and γ-secretase) to alleviate IBD and colon cancer. This review highlights the potential for targeting Wnt and Notch pathways to treat IBD and colon cancer.

Identification of Signatures of Prognosis Prediction for Melanoma Using a Hypoxia Score

Melanoma is one of the most aggressive cancers. Hypoxic microenvironment affects multiple cellular pathways and contributes to tumor progression. The purpose of the research was to investigate the association between hypoxia and melanoma, and identify the prognostic value of hypoxia-related genes. Based on the GSVA algorithm, gene expression profile collected from The Cancer Genome Atlas (TCGA) was used for calculating the hypoxia score. The Kaplan–Meier plot suggested that a high hypoxia score was correlated with the inferior survival of melanoma patients. Using differential gene expression analysis and WGCNA, a total of 337 overlapping genes associated with hypoxia were determined. Protein-protein interaction network and functional enrichment analysis were conducted, and Lasso Cox regression was performed to establish the prognostic gene signature. Lasso regression showed that seven genes displayed the best features. A novel seven-gene signature (including ABCA12, PTK6, FERMT1, GSDMC, KRT2, CSTA, and SPRR2F) was constructed for prognosis prediction. The ROC curve inferred good performance in both the TCGA cohort and validation cohorts. Therefore, our study determined the prognostic implication of the hypoxia score in melanoma and showed a novel seven-gene signature to predict prognosis, which may provide insights into the prognosis evaluation and clinical decision making.

Transcriptional Regulation of Wnt/β-Catenin Pathway in Colorectal Cancer

The Wnt/β-catenin signaling pathway exerts integral roles in embryogenesis and adult homeostasis. Aberrant activation of the pathway is implicated in growth-associated diseases and cancers, especially as a key driver in the initiation and progression of colorectal cancer (CRC). Loss or inactivation of Adenomatous polyposis coli (APC) results in constitutive activation of Wnt/β-catenin signaling, which is considered as an initiating event in the development of CRC. Increased Wnt/β-catenin signaling is observed in virtually all CRC patients, underscoring the importance of this pathway for therapeutic intervention. Prior studies have deciphered the regulatory networks required for the cytoplasmic stabilisation or degradation of the Wnt pathway effector, β-catenin. However, the mechanism whereby nuclear β-catenin drives or inhibits expression of Wnt target genes is more diverse and less well characterised. Here, we describe a brief synopsis of the core canonical Wnt pathway components, set the spotlight on nuclear mediators and highlight the emerging role of chromatin regulators as modulators of β-catenin-dependent transcription activity and oncogenic output.

DNER promotes epithelial-mesenchymal transition and prevents chemosensitivity through the Wnt/β-catenin pathway in breast cancer

Breast cancer (BC) is the most common malignant tumour in women worldwide, and one of the most common fatal tumours in women. Delta/Notch-like epidermal growth factor (EGF)-related receptor (DNER) is a transmembrane protein involved in the development of tumours. The role and potential mechanism of DNER in epithelial-mesenchymal transition (EMT) and apoptosis in BC are not fully understood. We find that DNER is overexpressed in BC tissue, especially triple-negative breast cancer (TNBC) tissue, and related to the survival of BC and TNBC patients. In addition, DNER regulates cell EMT to enhance the proliferation and metastasis of BC cells via the Wnt/β-catenin pathway in vitro and in vivo. Moreover, the expression levels of β-catenin and DNER in BD tissue are positively correlated. The simultaneously high expression of DNER and β-catenin contributes to poor prognosis in BC patients. Finally, DNER protects BC cells from epirubicin-induced growth inhibition and apoptosis via the Wnt/β-catenin pathway. In conclusion, these results suggest that DNER induces EMT and prevents apoptosis by the Wnt/β-catenin pathway, ultimately promoting the malignant progression of BC. In conclusion, our study demonstrates that DNER functions as an oncogene and potentially valuable therapeutic target for BC.

Natural Compounds Targeting Cancer Stem Cells: A Promising Resource for Chemotherapy

BACKGROUND

Cancer Stem Cells (CSCs) are the subpopulation of cancer cells which are directly involved in drug resistance, metastases to distant organ and cancer recurrence.

METHODS

A systematic literature search was conducted through various electronic databases including, Pubmed, Scopus, Google scholar using the keywords "cancer stem cells" and "natural compounds" in the present study. Articles published between 1999 and 2019 were reviewed. All the expositions concerning CSCs associated cancer pathogenesis and therapy resistance, as well as targeting these properties of CSCs by natural compounds were selected for the current study.

RESULTS

Natural compounds have always been thought as a rich source of biologically active principles, which target aberrantly activated signaling pathways and other modalities of CSCs, while tethering painful side effects commonly involved in the first-line and second-line chemo-radiotherapies. In this review, we have described the key signaling pathways activated in CSCs to maintain their survival and highlighted how natural compounds interrupt these signaling pathways to minimize therapy resistance, pathogenesis and cancer recurrence properties of CSCs, thereby providing useful strategies to treat cancer or aid in cancer therapy improvement. Like normal stem cells, CSCs rely on different signaling pathways and other properties for their maintenance. Therefore, the success of cancer treatment depends on the development of proper anti-neoplastic drugs capable of intercepting those signaling pathways as well as other properties of CSCs in order to eradicate this evasive subpopulation of cancer cells.

CONCLUSION

Compounds of natural origin might act as an outstanding source to design novel therapies against cancer stem cells.

FERMT1 promotes gastric cancer progression by activating the NF-κB pathway and predicts poor prognosis

Recent studies have reported that FERMT1, a newly discovered adhesion protein, contributes to an aggressive phenotype in several solid malignancies. However, the function and regulatory mechanism of FERMT1 in gastric cancer remain unknown. We found that FERMT1 was overexpressed in gastric cancer tissues compared with normal tissues. Clinical data analysis indicated that the expression of FERMT1 correlated with the overall survival of gastric cancer patients. Patients with higher FERMT1 expression had lower survival rates than patients with lower FERMT1 expression. We established stable cell lines with FERMT1 knockdown and overexpression. In vitro and in vivo experiments indicated that knockdown of FERMT1 inhibited the proliferation, invasion, metastasis, and epithelial-mesenchymal transition of gastric cancer cells. Mechanistically, FERMT1 was found to activate NF-κB signaling by promoting the degradation of IκBα, thereby promoting gastric cancer. These results provide new evidence of the oncogenic effects of FERMT1 in gastric cancer and suggest that FERMT1 might be a promising target for gastric cancer treatment.