TCP1 regulates Wnt7b/β-catenin pathway through P53 to influence the proliferation and migration of hepatocellular carcinoma cells

METTL14-mediated N6-methyladenosine modification of TCP1 mRNA promotes acute myeloid leukemia progression

BACKGROUND

Acute myeloid leukemia (AML) is a prevalent hematologic malignancy characterized by a steady rise in morbidity and mortality rates over time. The upregulation of methyltransferase-like 14 (METTL14) expression in AML has been identified; however, its specific contributions to AML progression and underlying molecular mechanisms have yet to be elucidated.

METHOD

METTL14-bound mRNAs were predicted using bioinformatics methods, analyzed, and screened to identify T-complex protein 1 (TCP1). The regulatory impact of METTL14 on TCP1 was observed. TCP1 expression in AML clinical samples was assessed using quantitative real-time PCR and western blot analysis. The involvement of TCP1 in AML malignant progression was assessed through in vitro and in vivo functional assays. The String database was utilized for predicting proteins that interact with TCP1, while western blot assays and immunoprecipitation were employed to validate the associated signaling pathways.

RESULTS

METTL14 overexpression upregulates TCP1 expression in AML cells. AML patients exhibit high levels of TCP1 expression. Elevated TCP1 levels in HL60 and U937 cells in vitro lead to increased proliferation, migration, invasion, and inhibition of apoptosis, while in vivo, it accelerates AML proliferation and tumorigenesis. Mechanistically, METTL14 modulates AML progression by influencing TCP1 transcript stability via m6A methylation, thereby regulating TCP1 expression. Additionally, PPP2R2C potentially serves as a crucial functional target of TCP1 implicated in the malignant progression of AML.

CONCLUSION

Upregulation of TCP1 expression in AML through METTL14-mediated m6A modification accelerates the malignant progression of the disease. Therefore, targeting the m6A modification of TCP1 could be a potential therapeutic strategy to enhance the treatment of AML.

Nkd1 functions downstream of Axin2 to attenuate Wnt signaling

Wnt signaling is a crucial developmental pathway involved in early development as well as stem-cell maintenance in adults and its misregulation leads to numerous diseases. Thus, understanding the regulation of this pathway becomes vitally important. Axin2 and Nkd1 are widely utilized negative feedback regulators in Wnt signaling where Axin2 functions to destabilize cytoplasmic β-catenin, and Nkd1 functions to inhibit the nuclear localization of β-catenin. Here, we set out to further understand how Axin2 and Nkd1 regulate Wnt signaling by creating axin2gh1/gh1, nkd1gh2/gh2 single mutants and axin2gh1/gh1;nkd1gh2/gh2 double mutant zebrafish using sgRNA/Cas9. All three Wnt regulator mutants were viable and had impaired heart looping, neuromast migration defects, and behavior abnormalities in common, but there were no signs of synergy in the axin2gh1/gh1;nkd1gh2/gh2 double mutants. Further, Wnt target gene expression by qRT-PCR and RNA-seq, and protein expression by mass spectrometry demonstrated that the double axin2gh1/gh1;nkd1gh2/gh2 mutant resembled the nkd1gh2/gh2 phenotype demonstrating that Nkd1 functions downstream of Axin2. In support of this, the data further demonstrates that Axin2 uniquely alters the properties of β-catenin-dependent transcription having novel readouts of Wnt activity compared with nkd1gh2/gh2 or the axin2gh1/gh1;nkd1gh2/gh2 double mutant. We also investigated the sensitivity of the Wnt regulator mutants to exacerbated Wnt signaling, where the single mutants displayed characteristic heightened Wnt sensitivity, resulting in an eyeless phenotype. Surprisingly, this phenotype was rescued in the double mutant, where we speculate that cross-talk between Wnt/β-catenin and Wnt/Planar Cell Polarity pathways could lead to altered Wnt signaling in some scenarios. Collectively, the data emphasizes both the commonality and the complexity in the feedback regulation of Wnt signaling.

miR-199a-5p modulates choroidal neovascularization by regulating Wnt7b/Wnt/β-catenin signaling pathway

Choroidal neovascularization (CNV) can be seen in many fundus diseases, and lead to fundus exudation, bleeding, or vision loss. miRNAs are vital regulator in CNV. miR-199a-5p has been proved to be involved in regulating vascular formation of endothelial cells, but its role in CNV remains unclear. This study aims to study the role of miR-199a-5p in CNV. Laser irradiation was used to induce CNV model. The lesion area of CNV was calculated by high-resolution angiography with fluorescein isothiocyanate-dextran. Wnt family member 7b (Wnt7b), β-catenin, and Wnt pathway proteins was measured by western blot. Immunofluorescence was performed to test Wnt7b, β-catenin, CD31, and p-p65. miR-199a-5p and Wnt7b mRNA were tested by reverse transcription real-time polymerase chain reaction. Cell count kit-8, wound healing, Transwell, tube formation, and flow cytometry were used to detect the function of miR-199a-5p and Wnt7b on human retinal microvascular endothelial cells (HRMEC). TargetScan database and dual-luciferase reporter assay verified the interaction between miR-199a-5p and Wnt7b. The results revealed that Wnt7b increased in CNV rats. Knocking down Wnt7b repressed cell proliferation, migration, invasion, and angiogenesis, and accelerated cell apoptosis of HRMEC. Dual-luciferase reporter assay verified that miR-199a-5p targeted Wnt7b. Overexpression of miR-199a-5p inhibited the angiogenesis of HRMEC and promoted cell apoptosis by inhibiting Wbt7b. In vivo experiment found that Wnt7b rescued the promotion of miR-199a-5p inhibition on CNV lesion of rats. In addition, Wnt7b positively regulated Wnt/β-catenin signaling pathway and promoted the angiogenesis of HRMEC. In conclusion, overexpression of miR-199a-5p inhibited the angiogenesis of HRMEC by regulating Wnt7b/Wnt/β-catenin signaling pathway, which may serve as a promising therapy target of CNV.

Wnt/β-Catenin signaling pathway in hepatocellular carcinoma: pathogenic role and therapeutic target

Hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) is the most common primary malignant liver tumor and one of the leading causes of cancer-related deaths worldwide. The Wnt/β-Catenin signaling pathway is a highly conserved pathway involved in several biological processes, including the improper regulation that leads to the tumorigenesis and progression of cancer. New studies have found that abnormal activation of the Wnt/β-Catenin signaling pathway is a major cause of HCC tumorigenesis, progression, and resistance to therapy. New perspectives and approaches to treating HCC will arise from understanding this pathway. This article offers a thorough analysis of the Wnt/β-Catenin signaling pathway's function and its therapeutic implications in HCC.

Revisiting the chaperonin T-complex protein-1 ring complex in human health and disease: A proteostasis modulator and beyond

BACKGROUND

Disrupted protein homeostasis (proteostasis) has been demonstrated to facilitate the progression of various diseases. The cytosolic T-complex protein-1 ring complex (TRiC/CCT) was discovered to be a critical player in orchestrating proteostasis by folding eukaryotic proteins, guiding intracellular localisation and suppressing protein aggregation. Intensive investigations of TRiC/CCT in different fields have improved the understanding of its role and molecular mechanism in multiple physiological and pathological processes.

MAIN BODY

In this review, we embark on a journey through the dynamic protein folding cycle of TRiC/CCT, unraveling the intricate mechanisms of its substrate selection, recognition, and intriguing folding and assembly processes. In addition to discussing the critical role of TRiC/CCT in maintaining proteostasis, we detail its involvement in cell cycle regulation, apoptosis, autophagy, metabolic control, adaptive immunity and signal transduction processes. Furthermore, we meticulously catalogue a compendium of TRiC-associated diseases, such as neuropathies, cardiovascular diseases and various malignancies. Specifically, we report the roles and molecular mechanisms of TRiC/CCT in regulating cancer formation and progression. Finally, we discuss unresolved issues in TRiC/CCT research, highlighting the efforts required for translation to clinical applications, such as diagnosis and treatment.

CONCLUSION

This review aims to provide a comprehensive view of TRiC/CCT for researchers to inspire further investigations and explorations of potential translational possibilities.

Crosstalk of RNA methylation writers defines tumor microenvironment and alisertib resistance in breast cancer

Background

The five major RNA methylation modifications (m6A, m1A, m6Am, m5C, and m7G) exert biological roles in tumorigenicity and immune response, mediated mainly by "writer" enzymes. Here, the prognostic values of the "writer" enzymes and the TCP1 role in drug resistance in breast cancer (BC) were explored for further therapeutic strategies.

Methods

We comprehensively characterized clinical, molecular, and genetic features of subtypes by consensus clustering. RNA methylation modification "Writers" and related genes_risk (RMW_risk) model for BC was constructed via a machine learning approach. Moreover, we performed a systematical analysis for characteristics of the tumor microenvironment (TME), alisertib sensitivity, and immunotherapy response. A series of experiments in vitro were carried out to assess the association of TCP1 with drug resistance.

Results

One "writer" (RBM15B) and two related genes (TCP1 and ANKRD36) were identified for prognostic model construction, validated by GSE1456, GSE7390, and GSE20685 cohorts and our follow-up data. Based on the patterns of the genes related to prognosis, patients were classified into RMW_risk-high and RMW_risk-low subtypes. Lower RMW_Score was associated with better overall survival and the infiltration of immune cells such as memory B cells. Further analysis revealed that RMW_Score presented potential values in predicting drug sensitivity and response for chemo- and immunotherapy. In addition, TCP1 was confirmed to promote BC alisertib-resistant cell proliferation and migration in vitro.

Conclusion

RMW_Score could function as a robust biomarker for predicting BC patient survival and therapeutic benefits. This research revealed a potential TCP1 role regarding alisertib resistance in BC, providing new sights into more effective therapeutic plans.

A potential tumor marker: Chaperonin containing TCP‑1 controls the development of malignant tumors (Review)

Due to concealment, high invasiveness and a lack of indicators, malignant tumors have emerged as one of the deadliest diseases worldwide and their incidence is rising yearly. Research has revealed that the chaperonin family member, chaperonin containing TCP‑1 (CCT), serves a crucial role in malignant tumors. CCT is involved in the growth of numerous malignant tumors such as lung cancer, breast cancer, hepatocellular carcinoma and colorectal cancer and assists the folding of a number of proteins linked to cancer, such as KRAS, p53 and STAT3. According to clinical data, CCT is highly expressed in a range of tumor cells and is associated with poor patient prognosis. In addition, through controlling the cell cycle or interacting with other proteins (including YAP1, HoXB2 and SMAD2), CCT has an effect on the proliferation, invasion and migration of cancer cells. As a result, it is possible that CCT will become a new tumor marker or therapeutic target, which will provide some guidance for early tumor screening or late tumor prognosis. In the present review, the molecular properties of CCT are introduced, alongside a summary of its interactions with other cancer‑related proteins and a discussion of its function in common malignant tumors. It is expected that the present review will offer fresh approaches to the treatment of cancer.

Effect of PTGES3 on the Prognosis and Immune Regulation in Lung Adenocarcinoma

Background

PTGES3 is upregulated in multiple cancer types and promotes tumorigenesis and progression. However, the clinical outcome and immune regulation of PTGES3 in lung adenocarcinoma (LUAD) are not fully understood. This study aimed to explore the expression level and prognostic value of PTGES3 and its correlation with potential immunotherapy in LUAD.

Methods

All data were obtained from several databases, including the Cancer Genome Atlas database. Firstly, gene and protein expression of PTGES3 were analyzed using Tumor Immune Estimation Resource (TIMER), R software, Clinical Proteomic Tumor Analysis Consortium (CPTAC), and Human Protein Atlas (HPA). Thereafter, survival analysis was conducted using the R software, Gene Expression Profiling Interactive Analysis 2 (GEPIA2), and Kaplan-Meier Plotter. In addition, gene alteration and mutation analyses were conducted using the cBio Cancer Genomics Portal (cBioPortal) and Catalog of Somatic Mutations in Cancer (COSMIC) databases. The molecular mechanisms associated with PTGES3 were assessed via Search Tool for the Retrieval of Interacting Genes/Proteins (STRING), GeneMANIA, GEPIA2, and R software. Lastly, the role of PTGES3 in immune regulation in LUAD was investigated using TIMER, Tumor-Immune System Interaction Database (TISIDB), and SangerBox.

Results

The gene and protein expression of PTGES3 were elevated in LUAD tissues and compared to the normal tissues, and the high expression of PTGES3 was correlated with cancer stage and tumor grade. Survival analysis revealed that overexpression of PTGES3 was associated with poor prognosis of LUAD patients. Moreover, gene alteration and mutation analysis revealed the occurrence of several types of PTGES3 gene alterations in LUAD. Moreover, co-expression analysis and cross-analysis revealed that three genes, including CACYBP, HNRNPC, and TCP1, were correlated and interacted with PTGES3. Functional analysis of these genes revealed that PTGES3 was primarily enriched in oocyte meiosis, progesterone-mediated oocyte maturation, and arachidonic acid metabolism pathways. Furthermore, we found that PTGES3 participated in a complex immune regulation network in LUAD.

Conclusion

The current study indicated the crucial role of PTGES3 in LUAD prognosis and immune regulation. Altogether, our results suggested that PTGES3 could serve as a promising therapeutic and prognosis biomarker for the LUAD.

Dysregulation and oncogenic activities of ubiquitin specific peptidase 2a in the pathogenesis of hepatocellular carcinoma

Ubiquitin specific peptidase 2a (USP2a) plays critical roles in protein degradation and other cellular activities. Currently, our understanding on USP2a dysregulation in subjects with hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) and its roles in HCC pathogenesis is limited. In this study, we found that USP2a mRNA and protein levels were significantly upregulated in HCC tumors from both human and mice. USP2a overexpression in HepG2 and Huh 7 cells significantly increased cell proliferation while inhibition of USP2a activity by chemical inhibitor or stable knockout of USP2 by CRISPR markedly reduced cell proliferation. In addition, USP2a overexpression significantly augmented the resistance while knockout of USP2a markedly increased the susceptibility of HepG2 cells to bile acid-induced apoptosis and necrosis. Consistent with the oncogenic activities detected in vitro, overexpression of USP2a promoted de novo HCC development in mice with significantly increased tumor occurrence rates, tumor sizes and liver/body ratios. Further investigations with unbiased co-immunoprecipitation (Co-IP)-coupled proteomic analysis and Western blot identified novel USP2a target proteins involved in cell proliferation, apoptosis, and tumorigenesis. Analysis of those USP2a target proteins revealed that USP2a's oncogenic activities are mediated through multiple pathways, including modulating protein folding and assembling through regulating protein chaperones/co-chaperones HSPA1A, DNAJA1 and TCP1, promoting DNA replication and transcription through regulating RUVBL1, PCNA and TARDBP, and altering mitochondrial apoptotic pathway through regulating VDAC2. Indeed, those newly identified USP2a target proteins were markedly dysregulated in HCC tumors. In summary, USP2a was upregulated in HCC subjects and acted as an oncogene in the pathogenesis of HCC through multiple downstream pathways. The findings provided molecular and pathogenesis bases for developing interventions to treat HCC by targeting USP2a or its downstream pathways.

PRAME Promotes Cervical Cancer Proliferation and Migration via Wnt/β-Catenin Pathway Regulation

A significant burden is placed on the lives of females due to cervical cancer, which is currently the leading cause of cancer death among women. Preferentially expressed antigen in melanoma (PRAME) belongs to the CTA gene family and was found to be abnormally expressed among different types of cancers. Our previous research also indicated that PRAME was highly expressed in cervical cancer compared with normal tissues. However, the roles and detailed mechanisms of PRAME have not been explored in cervical cancer. In the present study, the expression of PRAME in cervical tissues and cells was detected by immunohistochemistry (IHC), qRT-PCR, and Western blotting. Additionally, CCK-8, BrdU, scratch, transwell, and flow cytometry assays were conducted to explore the function of PRAME in regulating the malignant biological behaviors of cervical cancer cells. Nude mice were used to confirm the role of PRAME in tumor growth in vivo. Furthermore, the Wnt inhibitor MSAB was used to verify the role of PRAME in regulating the Wnt/β-catenin pathway both in vitro and in vivo. The results of IHC, qRT-PCR, and Western blotting showed that PRAME was highly expressed in cervical cancer tissues and cells. PRAME knockdown attenuated cell growth, migration, and invasion; induced G0/G1 arrest; and increased cell apoptosis in C33A and SiHa cells through Wnt/β-catenin signaling regulation. However, the upregulation of PRAME exhibited the opposite effects accordingly, which could be partly reversed via MSAB treatment. The growth rate of xenograft tumors was enhanced when PRAME was overexpressed via Wnt/β-catenin signaling activation. Taken together, PRAME is associated with cervical cancer occurrence and progression mediated by Wnt/β-catenin signaling, suggesting that PRAME might be a factor in manipulating cervical carcinogenesis and a potential therapeutic target.

Inhibition of Wnt7b reduces the proliferation, invasion, and migration of colorectal cancer cells

OBJECTIVE

Colorectal cancer is one of the most common gastrointestinal tumors. The role of Wnt7b as a ligand of the Wnt signaling pathway in colorectal cancer remains to be studied. Through bioinformatics online analysis, we found that Wnt7b is abnormally highly expressed in a variety of gastrointestinal tumors. This study mainly explored the effects of Wnt7b regulating the Wnt/β-catenin signaling pathway on the proliferation, migration, and invasion of SW480 cells in colorectal cancer.

METHODS AND RESULTS

Applying the TCGA data set, Wnt7b was found to be highly expressed in most gastrointestinal tumor samples. Real-time quantitative PCR(q-PCR), Western blotting(WB) results showed that Wnt7b was significantly higher expressed in colorectal cancer cell lines compared with normal intestinal epithelial cells. SW480 cells transfected with the sh-Wnt7b showed successful knockdown of Wnt7b. MTT colorimetry showed the proliferation ability of sh-Wnt7b group decreased significantly compared with the non-transfected group. The results of double staining flow cytometry showed that the sh-Wnt7b group had more apoptosis. Cell scratch test showed that the cell migration rate of sh-wnt7b group considerably reduced. The Transwell invasion experiment demonstrated that the number of cell invasions in the sh-Wnt7b group decreased significantly. After SW480 cells was transfected with sh-Wnt7b, the protein levels of β-catenin, CCND1, and CD44 in this group of cells were detected to be reduced by WB, and the same results were obtained by q-PCR detection of mRNA.

CONCLUSION

Wnt7b is highly expressed in colorectal cancer cells, which may affect the proliferation, migration, and invasion of colorectal cancer cells by activating the Wnt/β-catenin signaling pathway.

Canonical WNT Signaling Activated by WNT7B Contributes to L-HBs-Mediated Sorafenib Resistance in Hepatocellular Carcinoma by Inhibiting Mitophagy

Hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) is the third leading cause of cancer death globally, with hepatitis B virus (HBV) infection accounting for over half of all cases. HBV leads to the development of HCC according to a body of literature. Our previous research and other studies also suggest that HBV causes chemotherapeutic treatment resistance, however, the mechanism is uncertain. The WNT family, which encodes secreted signaling molecules, has been linked to carcinogenesis in a variety of malignancies, including HCC. However, little is known regarding WNT7B, a WNT ligand, in the development of HCC and HBV-induced chemoresistance. In this study, the bioinformatics analysis and immunohistochemistry (IHC) staining of clinical samples revealed that WNT7B was overexpressed in HBV-associated HCC tissues versus nontumor liver tissues, which was related to HCC patient survival. Further study in vitro showed that WNT7B and its receptor frizzled-4 (FZD4) were upregulated in response to large hepatitis B surface antigens (L-HBs). L-HBs increased canonical WNT signaling in HCC cells through WNT7B/FZD4. According to functional experiments, WNT7B enhanced the cell proliferation and metastasis in HCC. In vivo and in vitro studies investigated whether L-HBs induced sorafenib resistance by WNT7B in HCC. Interestingly, L-HBs suppressed sorafenib-induced mitophagy by increasing WNT7B/CTNNB1 signaling, resulting in chemoresistance. The findings revealed that WNT7B could be a promising molecular therapeutic target as well as a predictor of sorafenib resistance in HBV-related HCC. The suppression of HBV structural proteins such as L-HBs may play a crucial role in systemic chemotherapy resistance in HBV-associated HCC.

The TRiCky Business of Protein Folding in Health and Disease

Maintenance of the cellular proteome or proteostasis is an essential process that when deregulated leads to diseases like neurological disorders and cancer. Central to proteostasis are the molecular chaperones that fold proteins into functional 3-dimensional (3D) shapes and prevent protein aggregation. Chaperonins, a family of chaperones found in all lineages of organisms, are efficient machines that fold proteins within central cavities. The eukaryotic Chaperonin Containing TCP1 (CCT), also known as Tailless complex polypeptide 1 (TCP-1) Ring Complex (TRiC), is a multi-subunit molecular complex that folds the obligate substrates, actin, and tubulin. But more than folding cytoskeletal proteins, CCT differs from most chaperones in its ability to fold proteins larger than its central folding chamber and in a sequential manner that enables it to tackle proteins with complex topologies or very large proteins and complexes. Unique features of CCT include an asymmetry of charges and ATP affinities across the eight subunits that form the hetero-oligomeric complex. Variable substrate binding capacities endow CCT with a plasticity that developed as the chaperonin evolved with eukaryotes and acquired functional capacity in the densely packed intracellular environment. Given the decades of discovery on the structure and function of CCT, much remains unknown such as the scope of its interactome. New findings on the role of CCT in disease, and potential for diagnostic and therapeutic uses, heighten the need to better understand the function of this essential molecular chaperone. Clues as to how CCT causes cancer or neurological disorders lie in the early studies of the chaperonin that form a foundational knowledgebase. In this review, we span the decades of CCT discoveries to provide critical context to the continued research on the diverse capacities in health and disease of this essential protein-folding complex.

Multifunctional polyphenol-based silk hydrogel alleviates oxidative stress and enhances endogenous regeneration of osteochondral defects

In osteochondral defects, oxidative stress caused by elevated levels of reactive oxygen species (ROS) can disrupt the normal endogenous repair process. In this study, a multifunctional hydrogel composed of silk fibroin (SF) and tannic acid (TA), the FDA-approved ingredients, was developed to alleviate oxidative stress and enhance osteochondral regeneration. In this proposed hydrogel, SF first interacts with TA to form a hydrogen-bonded supramolecular structure, which is subsequently enzymatically crosslinked to form a stable hydrogel. Furthermore, TA had multiple phenolic hydroxyl groups that formed interactions with the therapeutic molecule E7 peptide for controlled drug delivery. In vitro investigations showed that SF-TA and SF-TA-E7 hydrogels exhibited a multitude of biological effects including scavenging of ROS, maintaining cell viability, and promoting the proliferation of bone marrow mesenchymal stem cells (BMSCs) against oxidative stress. The proteomic analysis indicated that SF-TA and SF-TA-E7 hydrogels suppressed oxidative stress, which in turn improved cell proliferation in multiple proliferation and apoptosis-related pathways. In rabbit osteochondral defect model, SF-TA and SF-TA-E7 hydrogels promoted enhanced regeneration of both cartilage and subchondral bone as compared to hydrogel without TA incorporation. These findings indicated that the multifunctional SF-TA hydrogel provided a microenvironment suitable for the endogenous regeneration of osteochondral defects.

Cross-Talk between p53 and Wnt Signaling in Cancer

Targeting cancer hallmarks is a cardinal strategy to improve antineoplastic treatment. However, cross-talk between signaling pathways and key oncogenic processes frequently convey resistance to targeted therapies. The p53 and Wnt pathway play vital roles for the biology of many tumors, as they are critically involved in cancer onset and progression. Over recent decades, a high level of interaction between the two pathways has been revealed. Here, we provide a comprehensive overview of molecular interactions between the p53 and Wnt pathway discovered in cancer, including complex feedback loops and reciprocal transactivation. The mutational landscape of genes associated with p53 and Wnt signaling is described, including mutual exclusive and co-occurring genetic alterations. Finally, we summarize the functional consequences of this cross-talk for cancer phenotypes, such as invasiveness, metastasis or drug resistance, and discuss potential strategies to pharmacologically target the p53-Wnt interaction.

Z-Guggulsterone alleviates renal fibrosis by mitigating G2/M cycle arrest through Klotho/p53 signaling

Chronic kidney disease (CKD) has become a major public health problem worldwide. Renal fibrosis is considered to be the final outcome and potential therapeutic target of CKD. Z-Guggulsterone (Z-GS), an active compound derived from Commiphora mukul, has been proved to be effective in various diseases. The present study was aimed to evaluate the effect and mechanism of Z-GS on renal fibrosis. Unilateral ureteral obstruction (UUO) mice and hypoxia-induced HK-2 cells were used to simulate renal fibrosis, respectively. The mice and cells were treated with different doses of Z-GS to observe the pharmacological action. Results demonstrated that Z-GS lightened renal function and histopathological injury induced by UUO. Z-GS also alleviated renal fibrosis in mice by inhibiting the expressions of α-SMA, TGF-β, and Collagen Ⅳ. Besides, Z-GS delayed G2/M cycle arrest by promoting the expressions of CDK1 and CyclinB1. Experiments in vitro indicated that Z-GS increased cell viability while decreased LDH release in hypoxia-induced HK-2 cells. In addition, fibrosis and G2/M cycle arrest induced by hypoxia in HK-2 cells were retarded by Z-GS. The study of its possible mechanism exhibited that Z-GS increased the level of Klotho and inhibited p53 level. Nevertheless, the effect of Z-GS on Klotho/p53 signaling was reversed by siRNA-Klotho. Moreover, siRNA-Klotho eliminated the effects of Z-GS on G2/M cycle arrest and fibrosis. Taken together, this study clarified that Z-GS alleviated renal fibrosis and G2/M cycle arrest through Klotho/p53 signaling. People who have suffered CKD may potentially benefit from treatment with Z-GS.

CBX3 is associated with metastasis and glutathione/glycosphingolipid metabolism in colon adenocarcinoma

BACKGROUND

Metastasis is the major cause of colon adenocarcinoma (COAD) mortality. Increasing studies demonstrated that the epigenetics and downstream expression change of pivotal genes may act as a major role in promoting COAD progression and metastasis. Therefore, identifying the dysregulation of key genes associating with COAD metastasis may provide a new strategy for the discovery of potential treatment targets.

METHODS

This study included a single-cell RNA sequencing profile consisting of 17,469 tumor cells derived from 23 samples, and 326 COADs available from The Cancer Genome Atlas (TCGA), etc. The study was performed using comparative analysis to characterize the role of CBX3 in COAD metastasis and progression.

RESULTS

This study revealed that the mRNA level of Chromebox homolog 3 (CBX3) in the metastatic COAD was significantly higher than that of the primary COAD and normal colon tissues (Wilcoxon's rank-sum test, P<0.05). Activation of CBX3 was involved in regulating an interaction network consisting of CCT6A, LSM5, and GGCT, etc., which may subsequently participate in glutathione metabolism. Besides, CBX3 also exhibited a negative correlation with glycosphingolipid metabolism, which may associate with the regulation of CBX3 on DNA methylation. Clinical data analysis demonstrated that patients with high CBX3 mRNA levels showed a nearly 2-fold shorter overall survival time than the control group (hazard ratio =1.59; likelihood ratio test, P=0.04).

CONCLUSIONS

Our study demonstrated that CBX3 overexpression is associated with COAD metastasis. CBX3 downstream regulation network involves in TCP1 complex, LSM family, and glutathione metabolism, which may provide a potential target for suppressing tumor metastasis.

CCT8 recovers WTp53-suppressed cell cycle evolution and EMT to promote colorectal cancer progression

LIM and SH3 protein 1 (LASP1) is a metastasis-related protein reported to enhance tumor progression in colorectal cancer (CRC). However, the underlying mechanism is still elusive. The chaperonin protein containing TCP1 (CCT) is a cellular molecular chaperone complex, which is necessary for the correct folding of many proteins. It contains eight subunits, CCT1-8. CCT8 is overexpressed in many cancers, however, studies on CCT8 are limited and its role on CRC development and progression remains elusive. In this study, we confirmed that CCT8 and LASP1 can interact with each other and express positively in CRC cells. CCT8 could recover the ability of LASP1 to promote the invasion of CRC; CCT8 could significantly promote the proliferation, invasion, and metastasis of colorectal cells in vivo and in vitro. Mechanically, CCT8 inhibited the entry of WTp53 into the nucleus, and there was a negative correlation between the expression of CCT8 and the nuclear expression of WTp53 in clinical colorectal tissues. CCT8 promoted the cell cycle evolution and EMT progression of CRC by inhibiting the entry of WTp53 into the nucleus. Clinically, CCT8 was highly expressed in CRC. More importantly, the overall survival of CRC patients with high expression of CCT8 was worse than that of patients with low expression of CCT8. These findings indicate that as LASP1-modulated proteins, CCT8 plays a key role in promoting the progression of colorectal cancer, which provides a potential target for clinical intervention in patients with colorectal cancer.

Low expression of TCP1 (T-Complex 1) and PSMC1 (Proteasome 26S subunit, ATPase 1) in heterotopic ossification during ankylosing spondylitis

Heterotopic ossification (HO) is frequently seen in patients with spinal injuries. Therefore, this study aimed to characterize the association of HO with ankylosing spondylitis (AS) through gene expression profiling. The human transcriptomic datasets (GSE73754 and GSE94683) were obtained from the Gene Expression Omnibus database for analysis. Overlapping differentially expressed genes (DEGs) were identified between AS and HO disease states. Subsequently, weighted gene co-expression network analysis (WGCNA) was performed for constructing and identifying hub genes for each condition. Finally, a consensus of the overlapping DEGs and the hub genes in AS and HO was taken for determining the key genes involved in AS-induced HO. Quantitative real-time polymerase chain reaction and western blotting were used to detect the mRNA and protein expression levels in mesenchymal stem cells of AS patients and controls. Additionally, immunohistochemistry was performed on interspinous ligament samples for experimental validation of genes. DEG analysis identified 355 overlapping genes between HO and AS. WGCNA indicated that the salmon module of the 22 modules constructed, was most significantly correlated with AS-induced HO. Subsequently, Gene Ontology and Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genomes analysis of the salmon module indicated the presence of genes enriched in proteasome regulatory particle and proteasome pathways. mRNA expression analysis identified TCP1 and PSMC1 as the key genes in AS-induced HO. Further validation of these genes could help elucidate their role in the complex association of AS and HO.

Wnt/β-Catenin Signaling as a Driver of Hepatocellular Carcinoma Progression: An Emphasis on Molecular Pathways

Liver cancers cause a high rate of death worldwide and hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) is considered as the most common primary liver cancer. HCC remains a challenging disease to treat. Wnt/β-catenin signaling pathway is considered a tumor-promoting factor in various cancers; hence, the present review focused on the role of Wnt signaling in HCC, and its association with progression and therapy response based on pre-clinical and clinical evidence. The nuclear translocation of β-catenin enhances expression level of genes such as c-Myc and MMPs in increasing cancer progression. The mutation of CTNNB1 gene encoding β-catenin and its overexpression can lead to HCC progression. β-catenin signaling enhances cancer stem cell features of HCC and promotes their growth rate. Furthermore, β-catenin prevents apoptosis in HCC cells and increases their migration via triggering EMT and upregulating MMP levels. It is suggested that β-catenin signaling participates in mediating drug resistance and immuno-resistance in HCC. Upstream mediators including ncRNAs can regulate β-catenin signaling in HCC. Anti-cancer agents inhibit β-catenin signaling and mediate its proteasomal degradation in HCC therapy. Furthermore, clinical studies have revealed the role of β-catenin and its gene mutation (CTNBB1) in HCC progression. Based on these subjects, future experiments can focus on developing novel therapeutics targeting Wnt/β-catenin signaling in HCC therapy.