S100A4/non-muscle myosin II signaling regulates epithelial-mesenchymal transition and stemness in uterine carcinosarcoma

Covalent Inhibitors of S100A4 Block the Formation of a Pro-Metastasis Non-Muscle Myosin 2A Complex

The S100 protein family functions as protein-protein interaction adaptors regulated by Ca2+ binding. Formation of various S100 complexes plays a central role in cell functions, from calcium homeostasis to cell signaling, and is implicated in cell growth, migration, and tumorigenesis. We established a suite of biochemical and cellular assays for small molecule screening based on known S100 protein-protein interactions. From 25 human S100 proteins, we focused our attention on S100A4 because of its well-established role in cancer progression and metastasizes by interacting with nonmuscle myosin II (NMII). We identified several potent and selective inhibitors of this interaction and established the covalent nature of binding, confirmed by mass spectrometry and crystal structures. 5b showed on-target activity in cells and inhibition of cancer cell migration. The identified S100A4 inhibitors can serve as a basis for the discovery of new cancer drugs operating via a novel mode of action.

Sesamolin serves as an MYH14 inhibitor to sensitize endometrial cancer to chemotherapy and endocrine therapy via suppressing MYH9/GSK3β/β-catenin signaling

BACKGROUND

Endometrial cancer (EC) is one of the most common gynecological cancers. Herein, we aimed to define the role of specific myosin family members in EC because this protein family is involved in the progression of various cancers.

METHODS

Bioinformatics analyses were performed to reveal EC patients' prognosis-associated genes in patients with EC. Furthermore, colony formation, immunofluorescence, cell counting kit 8, wound healing, and transwell assays as well as coimmunoprecipitation, cycloheximide chase, luciferase reporter, and cellular thermal shift assays were performed to functionally and mechanistically analyze human EC samples, cell lines, and a mouse model, respectively.

RESULTS

Machine learning techniques identified MYH14, a member of the myosin family, as the prognosis-associated gene in patients with EC. Furthermore, bioinformatics analyses based on public databases showed that MYH14 was associated with EC chemoresistance. Moreover, immunohistochemistry validated MYH14 upregulation in EC cases compared with that in normal controls and confirmed that MYH14 was an independent and unfavorable prognostic indicator of EC. MYH14 impaired cell sensitivity to carboplatin, paclitaxel, and progesterone, and increased cell proliferation and metastasis in EC. The mechanistic study showed that MYH14 interacted with MYH9 and impaired GSK3β-mediated β-catenin ubiquitination and degradation, thus facilitating the Wnt/β-catenin signaling pathway and epithelial-mesenchymal transition. Sesamolin, a natural compound extracted from Sesamum indicum (L.), directly targeted MYH14 and attenuated EC progression. Additionally, the compound disrupted the interplay between MYH14 and MYH9 and repressed MYH9-regulated Wnt/β-catenin signaling. The in vivo study further verified sesamolin as a therapeutic drug without side effects.

CONCLUSIONS

Herein, we identified that EC prognosis-associated MYH14 was independently responsible for poor overall survival time of patients, and it augmented EC progression by activating Wnt/β-catenin signaling. Targeting MYH14 by sesamolin, a cytotoxicity-based approach, can be applied synergistically with chemotherapy and endocrine therapy to eventually mitigate EC development. This study emphasizes MYH14 as a potential target and sesamolin as a valuable natural drug for EC therapy.

Interaction between membranous EBP50 and myosin 9 as a favorable prognostic factor in ovarian clear cell carcinoma

Ezrin-radixin-moesin-binding phosphoprotein 50 (EBP50) is a scaffold protein that is required for epithelial polarity. Knockout (KO) of membranous EBP50 (Me-EBP50) in ovarian clear cell carcinoma (OCCC) cells induced an epithelial-mesenchymal transition (EMT)-like phenotype, along with decreased proliferation, accelerated migration capability, and induction of cancer stem cell (CSC)-like properties. Shotgun proteomics analysis of proteins that co-immunoprecipitated with EBP50 revealed that Me-EBP50 strongly interacts with myosin 9 (MYH9). Specific inhibition of MYH9 with blebbistatin phenocopied Me-EBP50 KO, and blebbistatin treatment potentiated the effects of Me-EBP50 KO. In OCCC cells from clinical samples, Me-EBP50 and MYH9 were co-localized at the apical plasma membrane. Patients with a combination of Me-EBP50-high and MYH9-high scores had the best prognosis for overall and progression-free survival. Our data suggest that Me-EBP50 has tumor-suppressive effects through the establishment and maintenance of epithelial polarization. By contrast, loss of Me-EBP50 expression induces EMT-like phenotypes, probably due to MYH9 dysfunction; this results in increased cell mobility and enhanced CSC-like properties, which in turn promote OCCC progression.

Vimentin-positive invasive breast carcinoma of no special type: A breast carcinoma with lethal biological characteristics

Vimentin is a stable mesenchymal immunohistochemical marker and is widely recognized as a major marker of mesenchymal tumors. The purpose of the present study was to investigate if the vimentin expression status might serve as a significant predictor of outcomes in patients with invasive breast carcinoma of no special type (IBC-NST) and to investigate, by comprehensive RNA sequencing analyses, the mechanisms involved in the heightened malignant potential of vimentin-positive IBC-NSTs. This study, conducted using the data of 855 patients with IBC-NST, clearly identified vimentin expression status as a very important independent biological parameter for accurately predicting the outcomes in patients with IBC-NST. RNA sequence analyses clearly demonstrated significant upregulation of coding RNAs known to be closely associated with cell proliferation or cellular senescence, and significant downregulation of coding RNAs known to be closely associated with transmembrane transport in vimentin-positive IBC-NSTs. We conclude that vimentin-positive IBC-NSTs show heightened malignant biological characteristics, possibly attributable to the upregulation of RNAs closely associated with proliferative activity and cellular senescence, and downregulation of RNAs closely associated with transmembrane transport in IBC-NSTs.

Nucleobindin-2 mediates TGF-β1-driven phenotypes in ZEB1-high uterine carcinosarcoma

Epithelial-mesenchymal transition (EMT) is a hallmark of uterine carcinosarcoma (UCS). Here, we used shotgun proteomics analysis to identify biomarkers associated with blebbistatin-mediated EMT in UCS, and found upregulation of nucleobindin-2 (NUCB2) in endometrial carcinoma (Em Ca) cells. Expression of N-cadherin, Snail, Slug, and ZEB1, was reduced in NUCB2 knockout Em Ca cells, whereas ZEB1, Twist1, and vimentin were upregulated in NUCB2-overexpressing Em Ca cells. NUCB2 knockout reduced cell proliferation and migration, whereas NUCB2 overexpression had the opposite effect. Treatment of Em Ca cells with TGF-β1 dramatically altered morphology toward a fibroblastic appearance; concomitantly, expression of NUCB2 and ZEB1 increased. The NUCB2 promoter was also activated by transfection of Smad2. In UCS tissues, NUCB2 expression was significantly higher in sarcomatous as compared to carcinomatous components; this was consistent with increased TGF-β1 mRNA expression in stromal and sarcomatous components as compared to carcinomatous components. In addition, NUCB2 score correlated positively with ZEB1 and vimentin scores, whereas ZEB1 score correlated positively with Slug and vimentin scores and inversely with the E-cadherin score. We therefore suggest that TGF-β-dependent upregulation of NUCB2 and ZEB1 contributes to the phenotypic characteristics of sarcomatous components in UCS.

A Simplified and Effective Approach for the Isolation of Small Pluripotent Stem Cells Derived from Human Peripheral Blood

Pluripotent stem cells are key players in regenerative medicine. Embryonic pluripotent stem cells, despite their significant advantages, are associated with limitations such as their inadequate availability and the ethical dilemmas in their isolation and clinical use. The discovery of very small embryonic-like (VSEL) stem cells addressed the aforementioned limitations, but their isolation technique remains a challenge due to their small cell size and their efficiency in isolation. Here, we report a simplified and effective approach for the isolation of small pluripotent stem cells derived from human peripheral blood. Our approach results in a high yield of small blood stem cell (SBSC) population, which expresses pluripotent embryonic markers (e.g., Nanog, SSEA-3) and the Yamanaka factors. Further, a fraction of SBSCs also co-express hematopoietic markers (e.g., CD45 and CD90) and/or mesenchymal markers (e.g., CD29, CD105 and PTH1R), suggesting a mixed stem cell population. Finally, quantitative proteomic profiling reveals that SBSCs contain various stem cell markers (CD9, ITGA6, MAPK1, MTHFD1, STAT3, HSPB1, HSPA4), and Transcription reg complex factors (e.g., STAT5B, PDLIM1, ANXA2, ATF6, CAMK1). In conclusion, we present a novel, simplified and effective isolating process that yields an abundant population of small-sized cells with characteristics of pluripotency from human peripheral blood.

Endometrial carcinosarcoma

Endometrial carcinosarcoma is a rare and aggressive high-grade endometrial carcinoma with secondary sarcomatous trans-differentiation (conversion theory). The clinical presentation and diagnostic work-up roughly align with those of the more common endometrioid counterpart, although endometrial carcinosarcoma is more frequently diagnosed at an advanced stage. Endometrial carcinosarcoma is not a single entity but encompasses different histological subtypes, depending on the type of carcinomatous and sarcomatous elements. The majority of endometrial carcinosarcomas are characterized by p53 abnormalities. The proportion of POLE and microsatellite instablity-high (MSI-H) is directly related to the epithelial component, being approximately 25% and 3% in endometrioid and non-endometrioid components.The management of non-metastatic disease is based on a multimodal approach with optimal surgery followed by (concomitant or sequential) chemotherapy and radiotherapy, even for early stages. Palliative chemotherapy is recommended in the metastatic or recurrent setting, with carboplatin/paclitaxel doublet being the first-line regimen. Although the introduction of immunotherapy plus/minus a tyrosine kinase inhibitor shifted the paradigm of treatment of patients with recurrent endometrial cancer, patients with endometrial carcinosarcoma were excluded from most studies evaluating single-agent immunotherapy or the combination. However, the US Food and Drug Administration (FDA) and the European Medicines Agency (EMA) approved the use of pembrolizumab and lenvatinib in endometrial cancer (all histotypes) after progression on chemotherapy and single-agent immunotherapy in MSI-H cancers. In the era of precision medicine, emerging knowledge on molecular endometrial carcinosarcoma is opening new promising therapeutic options for more personalized treatment. The present review outlines state-of-the-art knowledge and future directions for patients with endometrial carcinosarcoma.

The miR-124-3p regulates the allergic airway inflammation and remodeling in an ovalbumin-asthmatic mouse model by inhibiting S100A4

OBJECTIVE

Asthma is a chronic respiratory disease with an increasing incidence every year. microRNAs (miRNAs) have been demonstrated to have implications for asthma. However, limited information is available regarding the effect of miR-124-3p on this disease. Therefore, this study aimed to explore the possible effects of miR-124-3p and S100A4 on inflammation and epithelial-mesenchymal transition (EMT) in asthma using mouse models.

METHOD

Ovalbumin was used to induce asthmatic mouse models. Lung injury in mouse models was assessed, and the bronchoalveolar lavage fluid of mice was collected to determine the number of eosinophilic granulocytes and assess inflammation. The expression levels of miR-124-3p, S100A4, E-cadherin, N-cadherin, Snail1, vimentin, and TGF-β1/Smad2 signaling pathway-related proteins were measured using reverse transcription-quantitative polymerase chain reaction (RT-qPCR) and western blot analysis. In vitro experiments, cells were transfected with miR-124-3p mimics or inhibitors to test the expression of S100A4 by RT-qPCR and western blot analysis, and the mutual binding of miR-124-3p and S100A4 was validated by dual-luciferase reporter gene assay.

RESULTS

Overexpression of miR-124-3p or inhibition of S100A4 expression attenuated bronchial mucus secretion and collagenous fibers and suppressed inflammatory cell infiltration. Additionally, upon miR-124-3p overexpression or S100A4 suppression, eosinophilic granulocytes were decreased, interleukin-4 (IL-4) and IL-13 expression levels were reduced in the bronchoalveolar lavage fluid, serum total IgE level was reduced, and the TGF-β1/Smad2 signaling pathway was suppressed. Mechanically, a dual-luciferase reporter gene assay verified the binding relationship between miR-124-3p and S100A4.

CONCLUSION

miR-124-3p can negatively target S100A4 to attenuate inflammation in asthmatic mouse models by suppressing the EMT process and the TGF-β/smad2 signaling pathway.

PTEN overexpression and nuclear β-catenin stabilization promote morular differentiation through induction of epithelial-mesenchymal transition and cancer stem cell-like properties in endometrial carcinoma

BACKGROUND

Although a lack of functional PTEN contributes to tumorigenesis in a wide spectrum of human malignancies, little is known about the functional role of its overexpression in the tumors. The current study focused on PTEN overexpression in endometrial carcinoma (Em Ca).

METHODS

The functional impact of PTEN overexpression was assessed by Em Ca cell lines. Immunohistochemical analyses were also conducted using 38 Em Ca with morular lesions.

RESULTS

Em Ca cell lines stably overexpressing PTEN (H6-PTEN) exhibited epithelial-mesenchymal transition (EMT)-like features, probably through β-catenin/Slug-meditated suppression of E-cadherin. PTEN overexpression also inhibited cell proliferation, accelerated cellular senescence, increased apoptotic features, and enhanced migration capability. Moreover, H6-PTEN cells exhibited cancer stem cell (CSC)-like properties, along with high expression of aldehyde dehydrogenase 1 and CD44s, a large ALDH 1^high population, enriched spheroid formation, and β-catenin-mediated upregulation of cyclin D2, which is required for persistent CSC growth. In clinical samples, immunoreactivities for PTEN, as well as CSC-related molecules, were significantly higher in morular lesions as compared to the surrounding carcinomas. PTEN score was positively correlated with expression of nuclear β-catenin, cytoplasmic CD133, and CD44v6, and negatively with cell proliferation. Finally, estrogen receptor-α (ERα)-dependent expression of Ezrin-radixin-moesin-binding phophoprotein-50 (EBP50), a multifunctional scaffolding protein, acts as a negative regulator of morular formation by Em Ca cells through interacting with PTEN and β-catenin.

CONCLUSION

In the abscess of ERα/EBP50 expression, PTEN overexpression and nuclear β-catenin stabilization promote the establishment and maintenance of morular phenotype associated with EMT/CSC-like features in Em Ca cells. Video Abstract.

Case report: ZEB1 expression in three cases of hepatic carcinosarcoma

Hepatic carcinosarcoma (HCS) is defined as a tumor that contains cancer from the epithelium and sarcoma from mesenchymal tissue. HCS has a low incidence rate and is composed of osteosarcoma, chondrosarcoma, or angiosarcoma. Though surgery is the main treatment for HCS, it has proven unsatisfactory, resulting in a very poor prognosis of HCS. Currently, the reports on HCS are mainly about the description of clinical pathological phenomena, imaging features, and mutation sites of related genes, the underlying molecular mechanism of HCS remains undefined. Through the dynamic process of epithelial-mesenchymal transition (EMT), cancer cells acquire a mesenchymal phenotype, simultaneously losing epithelial properties. Zinc finger E-box binding homeobox 1 (ZEB1) is an EMT-inducing transcription factor; its main regulatory target is E-cadherin in EMT process. Esophageal carcinosarcoma (ECS) is associated with EMT. The current study showed that EMT might promote the development of ECS and uterine carcinosarcoma (UCS), and ZEB1 was highly expressed in the sarcomatous components. In the current study, three cases were collected, and the clinicopathological features were compared with those of corresponding cases. The expression level, and subcellular localization of ZEB1 were detected using immunohistochemistry. The expression of the ZEB1 in the nucleus was found to be significantly higher in sarcomatous components than that in cancer components in all three cases, suggesting an association of HCS with EMT.

Inter‑component immunohistochemical assessment of proliferative markers in uterine carcinosarcoma

In the scientific literature, a selected number of reports have investigated the impact of proliferative activity on the development and progression of uterine carcinosarcomas (UC). The aim of the present retrospective study was to compare the immunohistochemical proliferation markers [Ki67, proliferating cell nuclear antigen (PCNA), minichromosome maintenance complex component 3 (MCM3), and topoisomerase IIα (topoIIα)] assessment in both components of UC. A total of 30 paraffin-embedded slides of UCs, obtained from patients who underwent surgery between January 1, 2006, and December 31, 2020, were analyzed. Medical records and clinicopathological data of patients were reviewed. Formalin-fixed, paraffin-embedded tissue sections were immunostained with monoclonal antibodies against Ki67, PCNA, MCM3 and topoIIα. Ki67-positive nuclear immunoreactivity was reported in 20 (67%) and 16 (53%) UC carcinomatous and sarcomatous components, respectively. In the epithelial component, Ki67 positive staining was related to the International Federation of Gynecology and Obstetrics (FIGO) stage (P=0.025), and histological grade (G1 vs. G2/G3, P=0.031). Nuclear PCNA reactivity was observed in 18 (60%) and 16 (53%) carcinomatous and sarcomatous components, respectively. Notably, all four cases with omental metastases were PCNA-positive, and a relationship between staining pattern and the existence of metastases was of significant value (P=0.018). MCM3-positive nuclear staining was found nearly twice as high in the carcinomatous (n=19; 63%), compared with the sarcomatous (n=11; 37%) component, respectively, and MCM3 expression in the epithelial component was related to clinical stage (P=0.030), and the existence of omental metastasis (P=0.012). In addition, out of the 30 UCs, 17 (57%) and 13 (43%) showed topoIIα positivity in the carcinomatous and sarcomatous UC components, respectively. A significant relationship between protein immunoreactivity and FIGO stage (P=0.049), and omental metastasis (P=0.026) was revealed to exist. However, no significant differences between expression of proliferation markers and clinicopathological features in the sarcomatous UC component were identified. Finally, a significant correlation between each protein immunohistochemical staining was demonstrated, particularly in the sarcomatous UC component. Collectively, a combined analysis of Ki67, PCNA, MCM3, and topoIIα may provide more detailed information of cell-cycle alterations determining the heterogeneity of uterine carcinosarcomas.

A functional role of S100A4/non-muscle myosin IIA axis for pro-tumorigenic vascular functions in glioblastoma

BACKGROUND

Glioblastoma (GBM) is the most aggressive form of brain tumor and has vascular-rich features. The S100A4/non-muscle myosin IIA (NMIIA) axis contributes to aggressive phenotypes in a variety of human malignancies, but little is known about its involvement in GBM tumorigenesis. Herein, we examined the role of the S100A4/NMIIA axis during tumor progression and vasculogenesis in GBM.

METHODS

We performed immunohistochemistry for S100A4, NMIIA, and two hypoxic markers, hypoxia-inducible factor-1α (HIF-1α) and carbonic anhydrase 9 (CA9), in samples from 94 GBM cases. The functional impact of S100A4 knockdown and hypoxia were also assessed using a GBM cell line.

RESULTS

In clinical GBM samples, overexpression of S100A4 and NMIIA was observed in both non-pseudopalisading (Ps) and Ps (-associated) perinecrotic lesions, consistent with stabilization of HIF-1α and CA9. CD34(+) microvascular densities (MVDs) and the interaction of S100A4 and NMIIA were significantly higher in non-Ps perinecrotic lesions compared to those in Ps perinecrotic areas. In non-Ps perinecrotic lesions, S100A4(+)/HIF-1α(-) GBM cells were recruited to the surface of preexisting host vessels in the vascular-rich areas. Elevated vascular endothelial growth factor A (VEGFA) mRNA expression was found in S100A4(+)/HIF-1α(+) GBM cells adjacent to the vascular-rich areas. In addition, GBM patients with high S100A4 protein expression had significantly worse OS and PFS than did patients with low S100A4 expression. Knockdown of S100A4 in the GBM cell line KS-1 decreased migration capability, concomitant with decreased Slug expression; the opposite effects were elicited by blebbistatin-dependent inhibition of NMIIA.

CONCLUSION

S100A4(+)/HIF-1α(-) GBM cells are recruited to (and migrate along) preexisting vessels through inhibition of NMIIA activity. This is likely stimulated by extracellular VEGF that is released by S100A4(+)/HIF-1α(+) tumor cells in non-Ps perinecrotic lesions. In turn, these events engender tumor progression via acceleration of pro-tumorigenic vascular functions. Video abstract.

Functional interaction between S100A1 and MDM2 may modulate p53 signaling in normal and malignant endometrial cells

BACKGROUND

S100A1 expression is deregulated in a variety of human malignancies, but its role in normal and malignant endometrial cells is unclear.

METHODS

We used endometrial carcinoma (Em Ca) cell lines to evaluate the physical and functional interaction of S100A1 with p53 and its negative regulator, mouse double minute 2 (MDM2). We also evaluated the expression of S100A1, p53, and MDM2 in clinical samples consisting of 89 normal endometrial and 189 Em Ca tissues.

RESULTS

S100A1 interacted with MDM2 but not p53 in Em Ca cell lines. Treatment of cells stably overexpressing S100A1 with Nutlin-3A, an inhibitor of the p53/MDM2 interaction, increased expression of p53-target genes including p21^waf1 and BAX. S100A1 overexpression enhanced cellular migration, but also sensitized cells to the antiproliferative and proapoptotic effects of Adriamycin, a genotoxic agent; these phenotypes were abrogated when S100A1 was knocked down using shRNA. In clinical samples from normal endometrium, S100A1 expression was significantly higher in endometrial glandular cells of the middle/late secretory and menstrual stages when compared to cells in the proliferative phases; high S100A1 was also positively correlated with expression of MDM2 and p21^waf1 and apoptotic status, and inversely correlated with Ki-67 scores. However, such correlations were absent in Em Ca tissues.

CONCLUSION

The interaction between S100A1 and MDM2 may modulate proliferation, susceptibility to apoptosis, and migration through alterations in p53 signaling in normal- but not malignant-endometrial cells.

High expression of S100A2 predicts poor prognosis in patients with endometrial carcinoma

Background

S100A2, a member of the S100 protein family, is abnormally expressed and plays a vital role in multiple cancers. However, little is known about the clinical significance of S100A2 in endometrial carcinoma.

Methods

Clinicopathological data were obtained from The Cancer Genome Atlas (TCGA), Genotype-Tissue Expression (GTEx), Gene Expression Omnibus (GEO), and Clinical Proteomic Tumor Analysis Consortium (CPTAC). First, the expression and prognostic value of different S100 family members in endometrial carcinoma were evaluated. Subsequently, the Kaplan–Meier plotter and Cox regression analysis were used to assess the prognostic significance of S100A2, while the association between S100A2 expression and clinical characteristics in endometrial carcinoma was also analyzed using logistic regression. A receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curve and a nomogram were constructed. The putative underlying cellular mechanisms were explored using Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genomes (KEGG) pathway enrichment analysis and gene set enrichment analysis (GSEA).

Results

Our results revealed that S100A2 expression was significantly higher in endometrial carcinoma tissue than in non-cancerous tissue at both the mRNA and protein levels. Analysis of Kaplan–Meier plotter data revealed that patients with high S100A2 expression had shorter overall survival (OS) and disease specific survival (DSS) compared with those of patients with low S100A2 expression. Multivariate Cox analysis further confirmed that high S100A2 expression was an independent risk factor for OS in patients with endometrial carcinoma. Other clinicopathologic features found to be related to worse prognosis in endometrial carcinoma included age, clinical stage, histologic grade, and tumor invasion. Importantly, ROC analysis also confirmed that S100A2 has a high diagnostic value in endometrial carcinoma. KEGG enrichment analysis and GSEA revealed that the estrogen and IL-17 signaling pathways were significantly upregulated in the high S100A2 expression group, in which estrogen response, JAK-STAT3, K-Ras, and TNFα/NF-κB were differentially enriched.

Conclusions

S100A2 plays an important role in endometrial carcinoma progression and may represent an independent diagnostic and prognostic biomarker for endometrial carcinoma.

Supplementary Information

The online version contains supplementary material available at 10.1186/s12885-022-09180-5.

A New Stemness-Related Prognostic Model for Predicting the Prognosis in Pancreatic Ductal Adenocarcinoma

Objective

This study is aimed at identifying stemness-related genes in pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma (PDAC).

Methods

The RNA-seq data of PADC patients were downloaded from The Cancer Genome Atlas (TCGA) and Genotype-Tissue Expression (GTEx) databases. The mRNA expression-based stemness index (mRNAsi) and epigenetically regulated mRNAsi (EREG-mRNAsi) of PADC patients were evaluated. The mRNAsi-related gene sets in PADC were identified by weighted gene coexpression network analysis (WGCNA). The key genes were further analyzed using functional enrichment analysis. The Kaplan-Meier survival analysis and the Cox proportional hazards model were used to evaluate the prognostic value of the key genes. Prognostic hub genes were used to establish nomograms. The receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curves, concordance index (C-index), and calibration curves were used to assess the discrimination and accuracy of the nomogram. Finally, these results were validated in the Gene Expression Omnibus (GEO) database.

Results

A total of 36 key genes related to mRNAsi were identified by WGCNA. A prognostic gene signature compromising seven genes (TPX2, ZWINT, UBE2C, CCNB2, CDK1, BUB1, and BIRC5) was established to predict the overall survival (OS) of PADC patients. The Cox regression analysis revealed that the risk score was an independent prognostic factor for PADC. Patients were then divided into the high-risk and low-risk groups. The ROC curves, C-index, and calibration curves indicated good performance of the prognostic signature in the TCGA and GEO datasets. Moreover, the nomogram incorporating clinical parameters showed better sensitivity and specificity for predicting the OS of PADC patients.

Conclusion

The stemness-related prognostic model successfully predicted the OS of PADC patients and could be used for the treatment of PADC.

Cytoplasmic EBP50 and elevated PARP1 are unfavorable prognostic factors in ovarian clear cell carcinoma

Patients with ovarian clear cell carcinoma (OCCC) experience frequent recurrence, which is most likely due to chemoresistance. We used shotgun proteomics analysis and identified upregulation of ezrin-binding phosphoprotein 50 (EBP50) in recurrent OCCC samples. Cytoplasmic and/or nuclear (Cyt/N), but not membranous, EBP50 immunoreactivity was significantly higher in recurrent OCCC as compared to that of primary tumors. OCCC cells expressing cytoplasmic EBP50 were significantly less susceptible to cisplatin (CDDP)-induced apoptosis compared to cells expressing membranous EBP50. Abrogation of resistance following knockdown of cytoplasmic EBP50 was accompanied by decreased XIAP and BCL2, increased BAX and increased caspase-3 cleavage. We found that poly (ADP-ribose) polymerase1 (PARP1), which is involved in DNA damage detection and repair, binds to EBP50 through its PDZ1 domain. CDDP treatment of cells expressing cytoplasmic (but not membranous) EBP50 increased nuclear PARP1 expression, whereas knockdown of EBP50 cells decreased PARP1 expression and activity following CDDP treatment. Finally, OCCC patients with a combination of Cyt/N EBP50 and high PARP1 score had worst the prognosis for overall and progression-free survival. Together, our data suggest that cytoplasmic EBP50 inhibits apoptosis and promotes OCCC survival through stabilization of PARP1 activity and modulation of the XIAP/BCL2/BAX axis. This may increase the likelihood of tumor recurrence, and we therefore suggest a combined analysis for EBP50 and PARP1 may have great utility in OCCC prediction and prognosis.

MiR-296-5p ameliorates deep venous thrombosis by inactivating S100A4

Deep venous thrombosis is one of the most common venous thromboembolic diseases and has a low cure rate and a high postoperative recurrence rate. Furthermore, emerging evidence indicates that microRNAs are involved in deep venous thrombosis. miR-296-5p is an important microRNA that plays a critical role in various cellular functions, and S100A4 is closely related to vascular function. miR-296-5p is downregulated in deep venous thrombosis patients, and its predicted target S100A4 is upregulated in deep venous thrombosis patients. Therefore, it was hypothesized that miR-296-5p may play a vital role in the development of deep venous thrombosis by targeting S100A4. An Ox-LDL-stimulated HUVEC and deep venous thrombosis mouse model was employed to detect the biological functions of miR-296-5p and S100A4. Dual luciferase reporter assays and pull-down assays were used to authenticate the interaction between miR-296-5p and S100A4. ELISA and Western blotting were employed to detect the protein levels of thrombosis-related factors and the endothelial-to-mesenchymal transition (EndMT)-related factors. The miR-296-5p levels were reduced, while the S100A4 levels were enhanced in deep venous thrombosis patients, and the miR-296-5p levels were negatively correlated with the S100A4 levels in deep venous thrombosis patients. miR-296-5p suppressed S100A4 expression by targeting the 3' UTR of S100A4. MiR-296-5p knockdown accelerated ox-LDL-induced HUVEC apoptosis, oxidative stress, thrombosis-related factor expression, and EndMT, while S100A4 knockdown antagonized these effects in ox-LDL-induced HUVECs. S100A4 knockdown reversed the effect induced by miR-296-5p knockdown. Moreover, the in vivo studies revealed that miR-296-5p knockdown in deep venous thrombosis mice exacerbated deep venous thrombosis formation, whereas S100A4 knockdown had the opposite effect. These results indicate that elevated miR-296-5p inhibits deep venous thrombosis formation by inhibiting S100A4 expression. Both miR-296-5p and S100A4 may be potential diagnostic markers and therapeutic targets for deep venous thrombosis.

Exosomes from BM-MSCs promote acute myeloid leukemia cell proliferation, invasion and chemoresistance via upregulation of S100A4

Background

BM-MSCs play an important role in cancer development through the release of cytokines or exosomes. Studies have shown that extracellular exosomes derived from BM-MSCs are a key pro-invasive factor. However, how BM-MSC-exos influence AML cell proliferation, invasion and chemoresistance remains poorly understood.

Methods

We isolated exosomes from BM-MSCs and used electron microscopy, particle size separation and western blots to identify the exosomes. The invasion of leukemia cells was observed with a transwell assay. The stemness traits and chemoresistance of the leukemia cells were detected by FCM, colony formation and CCK-8 assays. TCGA database was used to investigate the prognostic relevance of S100A4 and its potential role in AML.

Results

In this study, we found that BM-MSC-exos increased the metastatic potential, maintained the stemness and contributed to the chemoresistance of leukemia cells. Mechanistically, BM-MSC-exos promoted the proliferation, invasion and chemoresistance of leukemia cells via upregulation of S100A4. Downregulating S100A4 clearly suppressed the proliferation, invasion, and chemoresistance of leukemia cells after treatment with BM-MSC-exos. Bioinformatic analysis with data in TCGA database showed that S100A4 was associated with poor prognosis in AML patients, and functional enrichment revealed its involvement in the processes of cell–cell adhesion and cytokine regulation.

Conclusions

S100A4 is vital in the BM-MSC-exo-driven proliferation, invasion and chemoresistance of leukemia cells and may serve as a potential target for leukemia therapy.

The Long Noncoding RNA Linc01833 Enhances Lung Adenocarcinoma Progression via MiR-519e-3p/S100A4 Axis

Introduction

Lung cancer (LC) is among the most prevalent malignancies worldwide, with extremely high morbidity and mortality rates. Mounting evidence has suggested that the abnormally expressed long noncoding RNA (lncRNA) in lung cancer tissues may play vital roles in tumor progression. In the present research, we aimed to examine the functions and underlying mechanism of linc01833 in lung adenocarcinoma (LUAD).

Methods

qRT-PCR was employed to determine transfection efficiency. CCK-8, transwell invasion assay, Western blotting analysis and qRT-PCR were used to detect proliferation as well as migration of different LUAD cell lines, and were also applied to determine the changes during epithelial–mesenchymal transformation (EMT). Afterwards, bioinformatics and dual-luciferase reporter assay were utilized to explore and to identify the potential corresponding targets of linc01833 and miR-519e-3p.

Results

Linc01833 OE can significantly improve proliferation as well as invasion ability of LC cells and promote the EMT process. Dual-luciferase reporter assay demonstrated that linc01833 could directly bind to miR-519e-3p, thereby inhibiting its expression. Further experiments showed that S100A4 was a direct target of miR-519e-3p. Rescue assay demonstrated that linc01833 acted on the miR-519e-3p/S100A4 axis.

Conclusion

We verified the mechanism of linc01833 in promoting infiltration and metastasis in LUAD. To be specific, linc01833 can function as a competitive endogenous RNA (ceRNA) to adsorb miR-519e-3p through a sponge and regulate S100A4 in lung cancer, thereby being involved in LUAD progression. Collectively, our research provides new insights towards the in-depth understanding of LC progression mechanisms.

S100A4/Nonmuscle Myosin IIA/p53 Axis Contributes to Aggressive Features in Ovarian High-Grade Serous Carcinoma

S100A4 is a small calcium-binding protein that exerts its biological functions by interacting with nonmuscle myosin IIA (NMIIA) and p53. Although S100A4 promotes metastasis in several tumors, little is known about its involvement in the progression of ovarian high-grade serous carcinomas (HGSCs). Herein, we focused on functional roles of the S100A4/NMIIA/p53 axis in these tumors. In HGSC cell lines harboring mutant p53, knockdown (KD) of S100A4 reduced the expression of several epithelial-mesenchymal transition/cancer stem cell markers and the ALDH1^high population, consistent with an inhibition of stemness features. S100A4-KD also increased apoptosis, decreased cell proliferation, and accelerated cell mobility. This was accompanied by increased Snail expression, which, in turn, was likely due to loss of p53 function. In contrast, specific inhibition of NMIIA by blebbistatin induced phenotypes that-with the exception of cell proliferation and mobility-were opposite to those observed in S100A4-KD cells. In clinical samples, cytoplasmic and/or nuclear interactions between S100A4, NMIIA, and mutant p53 were observed. In addition, high expression of S100A4, but not NMIIA or p53, was a significant and independent unfavorable prognostic factor in HGSC patients. These findings suggest that, via its interaction with NMIIA and p53, overexpressed S100A4 may induce epithelial-mesenchymal transition/cancer stem cell properties in HGSC and elicit several other tumor-associated phenotypes.