NF-κB-driven improvement of EHD1 contributes to erlotinib resistance in EGFR-mutant lung cancers

Cell-type-specific alternative polyadenylation promotes oncogenic gene expression in non-small cell lung cancer progression

Disrupted alternative polyadenylation (APA) is frequently involved in tumorigenesis and cancer progression by regulating the gene expression of oncogenes and tumor suppressors. However, limited knowledge of tumor-type- and cell-type-specific APA events may lead to novel APA events and their functions being overlooked. Here, we compared APA events across different cell types in non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) and normal tissues and identified functionally related APA events in NSCLC. We found several cell-specific 3'-UTR alterations that regulate gene expression changes showed prognostic value in NSCLC. We further investigated the function of APA-mediated 3'-UTR shortening through loss of microRNA (miRNA)-binding sites, and we identified and experimentally validated several oncogene-miRNA-tumor suppressor axes. According to our analyses, we found SPARC as an APA-regulated oncogene in cancer-associated fibroblasts in NSCLC. Knockdown of SPARC attenuates lung cancer cell invasion and metastasis. Moreover, we found high SPARC expression associated with resistance to several drugs except cisplatin. NSCLC patients with high SPARC expression could benefit more compared to low-SPARC-expression patients with cisplatin treatment. Overall, our comprehensive analysis of cell-specific APA events shed light on the regulatory mechanism of cell-specific oncogenes and provided opportunities for combination of APA-regulated therapeutic target and cell-specific therapy development.

EHD1-dependent traffic of IGF-1 receptor to the cell surface is essential for Ewing sarcoma tumorigenesis and metastasis

Overexpression of the EPS15 Homology Domain containing 1 (EHD1) protein has been linked to tumorigenesis but whether its core function as a regulator of intracellular traffic of cell surface receptors plays a role in oncogenesis remains unknown. We establish that EHD1 is overexpressed in Ewing sarcoma (EWS), with high EHD1 mRNA expression specifying shorter patient survival. ShRNA-knockdown and CRISPR-knockout with mouse Ehd1 rescue established a requirement of EHD1 for tumorigenesis and metastasis. RTK antibody arrays identified IGF-1R as a target of EHD1 regulation in EWS. Mechanistically, we demonstrate a requirement of EHD1 for endocytic recycling and Golgi to plasma membrane traffic of IGF-1R to maintain its surface expression and downstream signaling. Conversely, EHD1 overexpression-dependent exaggerated oncogenic traits require IGF-1R expression and kinase activity. Our findings define the RTK traffic regulation as a proximal mechanism of EHD1 overexpression-dependent oncogenesis that impinges on IGF-1R in EWS, supporting the potential of IGF-1R and EHD1 co-targeting.

NF-κB in Cell Deaths, Therapeutic Resistance and Nanotherapy of Tumors: Recent Advances

The transcription factor nuclear factor-κB (NF-κB) plays a complicated role in multiple tumors. Mounting evidence demonstrates that NF-κB activation supports tumorigenesis and development by enhancing cell proliferation, invasion, and metastasis, preventing cell death, facilitating angiogenesis, regulating tumor immune microenvironment and metabolism, and inducing therapeutic resistance. Notably, NF-κB functions as a double-edged sword exerting positive or negative influences on cancers. In this review, we summarize and discuss recent research on the regulation of NF-κB in cancer cell deaths, therapy resistance, and NF-κB-based nano delivery systems.

EHD1-dependent traffic of IGF-1 receptor to the cell surface is essential for Ewing sarcoma tumorigenesis and metastasis

Overexpression of EPS15 Homology Domain containing 1 (EHD1) has been linked to tumorigenesis but whether its core function as a regulator of intracellular traffic of cell surface receptors plays a role in oncogenesis remains unknown. We establish that EHD1 is overexpressed in Ewing sarcoma (EWS), with high EHD mRNA expression specifying shorter patient survival. ShRNA and CRISPR-knockout with mouse Ehd1 rescue established a requirement of EHD1 for tumorigenesis and metastasis. RTK antibody arrays identified the IGF-1R as a target of EHD1 regulation in EWS. Mechanistically, we demonstrate a requirement of EHD1 for endocytic recycling and Golgi to plasma membrane traffic of IGF-1R to maintain its surface expression and downstream signaling. Conversely, EHD1 overexpression-dependent exaggerated oncogenic traits require IGF-1R expression and kinase activity. Our findings define the RTK traffic regulation as a proximal mechanism of EHD1 overexpression-dependent oncogenesis that impinges on IGF-1R in EWS, supporting the potential of IGF-1R and EHD1 co-targeting.

Acquired resistance to EGFR-TKIs in NSCLC mediates epigenetic downregulation of MUC17 by facilitating NF-κB activity via UHRF1/DNMT1 complex

Treatment with epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR) tyrosine kinase inhibitors (TKIs) has brought significant benefits to non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) patients with EGFR mutations. However, most patients eventually develop acquired resistance after treatment. This study investigated the epigenetic effects of mucin 17 (MUC17) in acquired drug-resistant cells of EGFR-TKIs. We found that GR/OR (gefitinib/osimertinib-resistance) cells enhance genome-wide DNA hypermethylation, mainly in 5-UTR associated with multiple oncogenic pathways, in which GR/OR cells exerted a pro-oncogenic effect by downregulating mucin 17 (MUC17) expression in a dose- and time-dependent manner. Gefitinib/osimertinib acquired resistance mediated down-regulation of MUC17 by promoting DNMT1/UHRF1 complex-dependent promoter methylation, thereby activating NF-κB activity. MUC17 increased the generation of IκB-α and inhibit NF-κB activity by promoting the expression of MZF1. In vivo results also showed that DNMT1 inhibitor (5-Aza) in combination with gefitinib/osimertinib restored sensitivity to OR/GR cells. Acquired drug resistance of gefitinib/osimertinib promoted UHRF1/DNMT1 complex to inhibit the expression of MUC17. MUC17 in GR/OR cells may act as an epigenetic sensor for biomonitoring the resistance to EGFR-TKIs.

UBE2T regulates FANCI monoubiquitination to promote NSCLC progression by activating EMT

Fanconi anemia complementation group I (FANCI) is a critical protein for maintaining DNA stability. However, the exact role of FANCI in tumors remains to be elucidated. The present study aimed to explore the role and potential mechanism of action of FANCI in non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC). To quantify the expression levels of FANCI and ubiquitin-conjugating enzyme E2T (UBE2T) in NSCLC tissues, reverse-transcription quantitative PCR and western blotting were employed. Cell Counting Kit-8, wound healing and Transwell assays along with flow cytometry analysis and tumor xenograft were used to investigate the biological effects of FANCI in NSCLC in vitro and in vivo. The binding of FANCI with UBE2T was confirmed using a co-immunoprecipitation assay. Epithelial-to-mesenchymal transition (EMT) protein markers were quantified via western blotting. The results showed that FANCI expression level was higher in NSCLC tumor tissues, compared with adjacent tissues. In A549 and H1299 cells, knockdown of FANCI inhibited cell proliferation, migration, invasion, cell cycle and EMT in vitro. Tumor growth was repressed in vitro, upon downregulation of FANCI expression. UBE2T was observed to directly bind to FANCI and regulate its monoubiquitination. Overexpression of UBE2T reversed the effects induced by FANCI knockdown in NSCLC cells. Furthermore, it was noted that FANCI interacted with WD repeat domain 48 (WDR48). Overexpression of WDR48 reversed the effects of FANCI on cell proliferation, migration and EMT. In conclusion, FANCI was identified to be a putative oncogene in NSCLC, wherein FANCI was monouniubiquitinated by UBE2T to regulate cell growth, migration and EMT through WDR48. The findings suggested that FANCI could be used as a prognostic biomarker and therapeutic target for NSCLC.

A ceRNA Network Composed of Survival-Related lncRNAs, miRNAs, and mRNAs in Clear Cell Renal Carcinoma

Clear cell renal carcinoma (ccRCC) is one of the most common renal carcinomas worldwide, which has worse prognosis compared with other subtypes of tumors. We propose a potential RNA regulatory mechanism associated with ccRCC progression. Accordingly, we screened out clinical factors and the expression of RNAs and miRNAs of ccRCC from the TCGA database. 9 lncRNAs (FGF12-AS2, WT1-AS, TRIM36-IT1, AC009093.1, LINC00443, TCL6, COL18A1-AS1, AC110619.1, HOTTIP), 2 miRNAs (mir-155 and mir-21), and 3 mRNAs (COL4A4, ERMP1, PRELID2) were selected from differential expression RNAs and built predictive survival models. The survival models performed very well in predicting prognosis and were found to be highly correlated with tumor stage. In addition, the survival-related lncRNA-miRNA-mRNA (ceRNA) network was constructed by 18 RNAs including 12 mRNAs, 2 miRNAs, and 4 lncRNAs. It is found that the “ECM-receptor interaction,” “Pathways in cancer,” and “Chemokine signaling pathway” as the main pathways in KEGG pathway analysis. Overall, we established predictive survival model and ceRNA network based on multivariate Cox regression analysis. It may open a new approach and potential biomarkers for clinical prognosis and treatment of ccRCC patients.

Interleukin-1 (IL-1) and the inflammasome in cancer

Numerous preclinical and clinical studies have demonstrated the significant contribution of inflammation to the development and progression of various types of cancer. Inflammation in the tumor microenvironment mediates complex interactions between innate immunity, adaptive immunity, microbiomes and stroma, and ultimately alters the overall fitness of tumor cells at multiple stages of carcinogenesis. Malignancies are known to arise in areas of chronic inflammation and inflammation in the tumor microenvironment (often called tumor-promoting inflammation) is believed to allow cancer cells to evade immunosurveillance while promoting genetic instability, survival and progression. Among the strongest data suggesting a causal role for inflammation in cancer come from the recent CANTOS trial which demonstrated that interleukin-1β (IL-1β) inhibition with canakinumab leads to a significant, dose-dependent decrease in incident lung cancer. This observation has launched a series of additional clinical studies to understand the role of IL-1β and the inflammasome in cancer, and the clinical utility of IL-1β inhibition in different stages of lung cancer. In this article we will review recent data implicating IL-1β signaling and its upstream regulator NLRP3 in both solid tumor and hematologic malignancies. We will discuss the key preclinical observations and the current clinical landscape, and describe the pharmacologic tools which will be used to evaluate the effects of blocking tumor-promoting inflammation clinically.

A novel EHD1/CD44/Hippo/SP1 positive feedback loop potentiates stemness and metastasis in lung adenocarcinoma

BACKGROUND

There is growing evidence that endocytosis plays a pivotal role in cancer metastasis. In this study, we first identified endocytic and metastasis-associated genes (EMGs) and then investigated the biological functions and mechanisms of EMGs.

METHODS

Cancer stem cells (CSCs)-like characteristics were evaluated by tumour limiting dilution assays, three-dimensional (3D) spheroid cancer models. Microarray analysis was used to identify the pathways significantly regulated by mammalian Eps15 homology domain protein 1 (EHD1) knockdown. Mass spectrometry (MS) was performed to identify EHD1-interacting proteins. The function of EHD1 as a regulator of cluster of differentiation 44 (CD44) endocytic recycling and lysosomal degradation was determined by CD44 biotinylation and recycling assays.

RESULTS

EHD1 was identified as a significant EMG. Knockdown of EHD1 suppressed CSCs-like characteristics, epithelial-mesenchymal transition (EMT), migration and invasion of lung adenocarcinoma (LUAD) cells by increasing Hippo kinase cascade activation. Conversely, EHD1 overexpression inhibited the Hippo pathway to promote cancer stemness and metastasis. Notably, utilising MS analysis, the CD44 protein was identified as a potential binding partner of EHD1. Furthermore, EHD1 enhanced CD44 recycling and stability. Indeed, silencing of CD44 or disruption of the EHD1/CD44 interaction enhanced Hippo pathway activity and reduced CSCs-like traits, EMT and metastasis. Interestingly, specificity protein 1 (SP1), a known downstream target gene of the Hippo-TEA-domain family members 1 (TEAD1) pathway, was found to directly bind to the EHD1 promoter region and induce its expression. Among clinical specimens, the EHD1 expression level in LUAD tissues of metastatic patients was higher than that of non-metastatic patients.

CONCLUSIONS

Our findings emphasise that EHD1 might be a potent anti-metastatic target and present a novel regulatory mechanism by which the EHD1/CD44/Hippo/SP1 positive feedback circuit plays pivotal roles in coupling modules of CSCs-like properties and EMT in LUAD. Targeting this loop may serve as a remedy for patients with advanced metastatic LUAD.

A feedback circuit comprising EHD1 and 14-3-3ζ sustains β-catenin/c-Myc-mediated aerobic glycolysis and proliferation in non-small cell lung cancer

Mammalian Eps15 homology domain 1 (EHD1) participates in the development of non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC). However, its role in mediating aerobic glycolysis remains unclear. Herein, microarray analysis revealed that EHD1 expression was significantly correlated with the glycolysis/gluconeogenesis pathway. Clinically, EHD1 expression was positively correlated with the maximum standard uptake value (SUVmax) in ¹⁸F-FDG PET/CT scans. Additionally, EHD1 knockdown inhibited aerobic glycolysis and proliferation in vitro and in vivo. Furthermore, Wnt/β-catenin signaling was identified as a critical EHD1-regulated pathway. Co-IP, native gel electrophoresis, and immunoblotting showed that EHD1 contributed to 14-3-3 dimerization via 14-3-3ζ and subsequent activation of β-catenin/c-Myc signaling. Analysis of the EHD1 regulatory region via ENCODE revealed the potential for c-Myc recruitment, leading to transcriptional activation of EHD1 and formation of an EHD1/14-3-3ζ/β-catenin/c-Myc positive feedback circuit. Notably, blocking this circuit with a Wnt/β-catenin inhibitor dramatically inhibited tumor growth in vivo. The positive correlations among EHD1, 14-3-3ζ, c-Myc, and LDHA were further confirmed in NSCLC tissues. Collectively, our study demonstrated that EHD1 activates a 14-3-3ζ/β-catenin/c-Myc regulatory circuit that synergistically promotes aerobic glycolysis and may constitute a promising therapeutic target for NSCLC.

Engineering EHD1-Targeted Natural Borneol Nanoemulsion Potentiates Therapeutic Efficacy of Gefitinib against Nonsmall Lung Cancer

Despite the effective targeting of the epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR), the use of gefitinib (GFT) for nonsmall cell lung cancer (NSCLC) treatment meets a failure because of the insufficient drug accumulation in the tumor region. Therefore, developing chemosensitizers of GFT with synergistic therapeutic effects is urgently needed for advanced cancer therapy. Herein, a natural chemosensitizer, natural borneol (NB), is reformulated as an oil-in-water nanoemulsion to enhance its solubility, distribution, and to ultimately increase the therapeutic index with GFT. The nanolization of NB (NBNPs) displays stronger targeted delivery and cytotoxicity than NB by selectively identifying eight specific protein targets in A549 NSCLC cells as revealed by the proteomic studies. Consistently, NBNPs realize stronger chemosensitization effects than NB with GFT by effectively regulating EGFR/EHD1-mediated apoptosis in A549 NSCLC cells. Owing to the satisfying synergistic effect between NBNPs and GFT, the combined therapy not only enhances the anticancer ability of GFT against NSCLC proliferation but also avoids heavy double toxicity in vivo. This finding demonstrates the effective synergism between NBNPs and GFT with clear mechanistic investigation and is expected to extend the application of NBNPs as a novel chemosensitizer for advanced cancer chemotherapy.

Integrated analysis of immune-related genes in endometrial carcinoma

Background

Exploring novel and sensitive targets is urgent due to the high morbidity of endometrial cancer (EC). The purpose of our study was to explore the transcription factors and immune-related genes in EC and further identify immune-based lncRNA signature as biomarker for predicting survival prognosis.

Methods

Transcription factors, aberrantly expressed immune-related genes and immune-related lncRNAs were explored through bioinformatics analysis. Cox regression and the least absolute shrinkage and selection operator (LASSO) analysis were conducted to identify the immune and overall survival (OS) related lncRNAs. The accuracy of model was evaluated by Kaplan-Meier method and receiver operating characteristic (ROC) analysis, and the independent prognostic indicator was identified with Cox analysis. Quantitative real-time polymerase chain reaction (qRT-PCR) were conducted to detect the accuracy of our results.

Results

A network of 29 transcription factors and 17 immune-related genes was constructed. Furthermore, four immune-prognosis-related lncRNAs were screened out. Kaplan-Meier survival analysis and time-dependent ROC analysis revealed a satisfactory predictive potential of the 4-lncRNA model. Consistency was achieved among the results from the training set, testing set and entire cohort. The distributed patterns between the high- and low-risk groups could be distinguished in principal component analysis. Comparisons of the risk score and clinical factors confirmed the four-lncRNA-based signature as an independent prognostic indicator. Last, the reliability of the results was verified by qRT-PCR in 29 cases of endometrial carcinoma and in cells.

Conclusions

Overall, our study constructed a network of transcription factors and immune-related genes and explored a four immune-related lncRNA signature that could serve as a novel potential biomarker of EC.

The Fire Within: NF-κB Involvement in Non-Small Cell Lung Cancer

Thirty-four years since its discovery, NF-κB remains a transcription factor with great potential for cancer therapy. However, NF-κB-targeted therapies have yet to find a way to be clinically translatable. Here, we focus exclusively on the role of NF-κB in non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) and discuss its contributing effect on cancer hallmarks such as inflammation, proliferation, survival, apoptosis, angiogenesis, epithelial-mesenchymal transition, metastasis, stemness, metabolism, and therapy resistance. In addition, we present our current knowledge of the clinical significance of NF-κB and its involvement in the treatment of patients with NSCLC with chemotherapy, targeted therapies, and immunotherapy.

UBE2T promotes radiation resistance in non-small cell lung cancer via inducing epithelial-mesenchymal transition and the ubiquitination-mediated FOXO1 degradation

Radiation resistance affects survival in non-small-cell lung cancer (NSCLC) patients. Further exploration of mechanisms and targets is urgently needed. Using bioinformatic analyses, we found that UBE2T is associated with survival, tumor size, lymph node metastasis and distant metastasis. Then, real-time PCR and immunohistochemistry were performed to explore the differentially expressed genes between normal and NSCLC tissues. Furthermore, we used colony formation, EdU incorporation, scratch, transwell assays, flow cytometry, immunofluorescence and western blot to assess the role of UBE2T in vitro and in vivo. RNA-Seq and coimmunoprecipitation were used to explore the mechanism. The results showed that UBE2T promotes proliferation, migration, invasion, and radiation resistance in vitro and in vivo by accelerating the G2/M transition and inhibiting apoptosis. Mechanistically, UBE2T promotes epithelial-mesenchymal transition (EMT) via ubiquitination-mediated FOXO1 degradation and Wnt/β-catenin signaling pathway activation. Moreover, FOXO1 reversed radiation resistance and EMT. Therefore, UBE2T may be a potential target for enhancing radiotherapy sensitivity and serve as a biomarker to predict prognosis.

Well-Differentiated Papillary Mesothelioma of the Peritoneum Is Genetically Distinct from Malignant Mesothelioma

Well-differentiated papillary mesothelioma (WDPM) is an uncommon mesothelial proliferation that is most commonly encountered as an incidental finding in the peritoneal cavity. There is controversy in the literature about whether WDPM is a neoplasm or a reactive process and, if neoplastic, whether it is a variant or precursor of epithelial malignant mesothelioma or is a different entity. Using whole exome sequencing of five WDPMs of the peritoneum, we have identified distinct mutations in EHD1, ATM, FBXO10, SH2D2A, CDH5, MAGED1, and TP73 shared by WDPM cases but not reported in malignant mesotheliomas. Furthermore, we show that WDPM is strongly enriched with C > A transversion substitution mutations, a pattern that is also not found in malignant mesotheliomas. The WDPMs lacked the alterations involving BAP1, SETD2, NF2, CDKN2A/B, LASTS1/2, PBRM1, and SMARCC1 that are frequently found in malignant mesotheliomas. We conclude that WDPMs are neoplasms that are genetically distinct from malignant mesotheliomas and, based on observed mutations, do not appear to be precursors of malignant mesotheliomas.

Non-Small-Cell Lung Cancer Signaling Pathways, Metabolism, and PD-1/PD-L1 Antibodies

Treatment of advanced (metastatic) non-small-cell lung cancer (NSCLC) is currently mainly based on immunotherapy with antibodies against PD-1 or PD-L1, alone, or in combination with chemotherapy. In locally advanced NSCLC and in early resected stages, immunotherapy is also employed. Tumor PD-L1 expression by immunohistochemistry is considered the standard practice. Response rate is low, with median progression free survival very short in the vast majority of studies reported. Herein, numerous biological facets of NSCLC are described involving driver genetic lesions, mutations ad fusions, PD-L1 glycosylation, ferroptosis and metabolic rewiring in NSCLC and lung adenocarcinoma (LUAD). Novel concepts, such as immune-transmitters and the effect of neurotransmitters in immune evasion and tumor growth, the nascent relevance of necroptosis and pyroptosis, possible new biomarkers, such as gasdermin D and gasdermin E, the conundrum of K-Ras mutations in LUADs, with the growing recognition of liver kinase B1 (LKB1) and metabolic pathways, including others, are also commented. The review serves to charter diverse treatment solutions, depending on the main altered signaling pathways, in order to have effectual immunotherapy. Tumor PDCD1 gene (encoding PD-1) has been recently described, in equilibrium with tumor PD-L1 (encoded by PDCD1LG1). Such description explains tumor hyper-progression, which has been reported in several studies, and poises the fundamental criterion that IHC PD-L1 expression as a biomarker should be revisited.

Cellular functions and intrinsic attributes of the ATP-binding Eps15 homology domain-containing proteins

Several cellular processes rely on a cohort of dedicated proteins that manage tubulation, fission, and fusion of membranes. A notably large number of them belong to the dynamin superfamily of proteins. Among them is the evolutionarily conserved group of ATP-binding Eps15-homology domain-containing proteins (EHDs). In the two decades since their discovery, EHDs have been linked to a range of cellular processes that require remodeling or maintenance of specific membrane shapes such as during endocytic recycling, caveolar biogenesis, ciliogenesis, formation of T-tubules in skeletal muscles, and membrane resealing after rupture. Recent work has shed light on their structure and the unique attributes they possess in linking ATP hydrolysis to membrane remodeling. This review summarizes some of these recent developments and reconciles intrinsic protein functions to their cellular roles.

EHD1 and RUSC2 Control Basal Epidermal Growth Factor Receptor Cell Surface Expression and Recycling

Epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR) is a prototype receptor tyrosine kinase and an oncoprotein in many solid tumors. Cell surface display of EGFR is essential for cellular responses to its ligands. While postactivation endocytic trafficking of EGFR has been well elucidated, little is known about mechanisms of basal/preactivation surface display of EGFR. Here, we identify a novel role of the endocytic regulator EHD1 and a potential EHD1 partner, RUSC2, in cell surface display of EGFR. EHD1 and RUSC2 colocalize with EGFR in vesicular/tubular structures and at the Golgi compartment. Inducible EHD1 knockdown reduced the cell surface EGFR expression with accumulation at the Golgi compartment, a phenotype rescued by exogenous EHD1. RUSC2 knockdown phenocopied the EHD1 depletion effects. EHD1 or RUSC2 depletion impaired the EGF-induced cell proliferation, demonstrating that the novel, EHD1- and RUSC2-dependent transport of unstimulated EGFR from the Golgi compartment to the cell surface that we describe is functionally important, with implications for physiologic and oncogenic roles of EGFR and targeted cancer therapies.

miR-624-5p promoted tumorigenesis and metastasis by suppressing hippo signaling through targeting PTPRB in osteosarcoma cells

Background

Accumulating evidence indicates that aberrant microRNA (miRNA) expression contributes to osteosarcoma progression. This study aimed to elucidate the association between miR-624-5p expression and osteosarcoma (OS) development and to investigate its underlying mechanism.

Methods

We analyzed GSE65071 from the GEO database and found miR-624-5p was the most upregulated miRNA. The expression of miR-624-5p and its specific target gene were determined in human OS specimens and cell lines by RT-PCR and western blot. The effects of miR-624-5p depletion or ectopic expression on OS proliferation, migration and invasion were evaluated in vitro using CCK-8 proliferation assay, colony formation assay, transwell assay, would-healing assay and 3D spheroid BME cell invasion assay respectively. We investigated in vivo effects of miR-624-5p using a mouse tumorigenicity model. Besides, luciferase reporter assays were employed to identify interactions between miR-624-5p and its specific target gene.

Results

miR-624-5p expression was upregulated in OS cells and tissues, and overexpressing miR-624-5p led to a higher malignant level of OS, including cell proliferation, migration and invasion in vitro and in vivo. Protein tyrosine phosphatase receptor type B (PTPRB) was negatively correlated with miR-624-5p expression in OS tissues. Using the luciferase reporter assay and Western blotting, PTPRB was confirmed as a downstream target of miR-624-5p. PTPRB restored the effects of miR-624-5p on OS migration and invasion. The Hippo signaling pathway was identified as being involved in the miR-624-5p/PTPRB axis.

Conclusions

In conclusion, our results suggest that miR-624-5p is a negative regulator of PTPRB and a risk factor for tumor metastasis in OS progression.

MicroRNA-6077 enhances the sensitivity of patients-derived lung adenocarcinoma cells to anlotinib by repressing the activation of glucose transporter 1 pathway

Anlotinib is a novel molecular targeted agent targeting the vascular endothelial growth factor receptor, which differs from the other currently available non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) molecular targeted drugs targeting this receptor. Although the application of anlotinib may bring new hope for patients with advanced NSCLC, the cost of treatment is high. The results of this study showed that microRNA-6077 (miR-6077) represses the expression of GLUT1 (glucose transporter 1) and enhances the sensitivity of patient-derived lung adenocarcinoma (AC) cells to anlotinib. The miR-6077, which potentially binds to the 3'untranslated region of GLUT1, was identified and screened by miRDB, an online tool; sequences of miR-6077 were prepared as lentivirus particles. A549 cells (a lung adenocarcinoma cell line) and five patient-derived AC cell lines were infected with control miRNA or miR-6077, and subsequently treated with the indicated concentration of anlotinib. The expression of proteins, such as GLUT1, was determined by western blotting. The antitumor effect of anlotinib was identified through in-vitro (e.g., MTT) or in-vivo methods (e.g., subcutaneous tumor model). Overexpression of miR-6077 repressed the expression of GLUT1 and decreased the glucose uptake, lactate production, or ATP generation in AC cells. In addition, MiR-6077 may enhance the antitumor effect of anlotinib on A549 or patient-derived AC cell lines. Therefore, our results indicated that miR-6077 represses the expression of GLUT1 and enhances the sensitivity of patients-derived lung AC cells to anlotinib.

Integrated analysis of lncRNA-miRNA-mRNA ceRNA network in squamous cell carcinoma of tongue

Background

Numerous studies have highlighted that long non-coding RNAs (lncRNAs) can bind to microRNA (miRNA) sites as competing endogenous RNAs (ceRNAs), thereby affecting and regulating the expression of mRNAs and target genes. These lncRNA-associated ceRNAs have been theorized to play a significant role in cancer initiation and progression. However, the roles and functions of the lncRNA-miRNA-mRNA ceRNA network in squamous cell carcinoma of the tongue (SCCT) are still unclear.

Methods

The miRNA, mRNA and lncRNA expression profiles from 138 patients with SCCT were downloaded from The Cancer Genome Atlas database. We identified the differential expression of miRNAs, mRNAs, and lncRNAs using the limma package of R software. We used the clusterProfiler package for GO and KEGG pathway annotations. The survival package was used to estimate survival analysis according to the Kaplan-Meier curve. Finally, the GDCRNATools package was used to construct the lncRNA-miRNA-mRNA ceRNA network.

Results

In total, 1943 SCCT-specific mRNAs, 107 lncRNAs and 100 miRNAs were explored. Ten mRNAs (CSRP2, CKS2, ADGRG6, MB21D1, GMNN, RIPOR3, RAD51, PCLAF, ORC1, NAGS), 9 lncRNAs (LINC02560, HOXC13 − AS, FOXD2 − AS1, AC105277.1, AC099850.3, STARD4 − AS1, SLC16A1 − AS1, MIR503HG, MIR100HG) and 8 miRNAs (miR − 654, miR − 503, miR − 450a, miR − 379, miR − 369, miR − 190a, miR − 101, and let−7c) were found to be significantly associated with overall survival (log-rank p < 0.05). Based on the analysis of the lncRNA-miRNA-mRNA ceRNA network, one differentially expressed (DE) lncRNA, five DEmiRNAs, and three DEmRNAs were demonstrated to be related to the pathogenesis of SCCT.

Conclusions

In this study, we described the gene regulation by the lncRNA-miRNA-mRNA ceRNA network in the progression of SCCT. We propose a new lncRNA-associated ceRNA that could help in the diagnosis and treatment of SCCT.

Electronic supplementary material

The online version of this article (10.1186/s12885-019-5983-8) contains supplementary material, which is available to authorized users.

Mammalian Eps15 homology domain 1 potentiates angiogenesis of non-small cell lung cancer by regulating β2AR signaling

BACKGROUND

Non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) is a devastating disease with a heterogeneous prognosis, and the molecular mechanisms underlying tumor progression remain elusive. Mammalian Eps15 homology domain 1 (EHD1) plays a promotive role in tumor progression, but its role in cancer angiogenesis remains unknown. This study thus explored the role of EHD1 in angiogenesis in NSCLC.

METHODS

The changes in angiogenesis were evaluated through human umbilical vein endothelial cell (HUVEC) proliferation, migration and tube formation assays. The impact of EHD1 on β2-adrenoceptor (β2AR) signaling was evaluated by Western blotting, quantitative real-time polymerase chain reaction (qRT-PCR) analysis, and enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA). The interaction between EHD1 and β2AR was confirmed by immunofluorescence (IF) and coimmunoprecipitation (Co-IP) experiments, and confocal microscopy immunofluorescence studies revealed that β2AR colocalized with the recycling endosome marker Rab11, which indicated β2AR endocytosis. Xenograft tumor models were used to investigate the role of EHD1 in NSCLC tumor growth.

RESULTS

The microarray analysis revealed that EHD1 was significantly correlated with tumor angiogenesis, and loss- and gain-of-function experiments demonstrated that EHD1 potentiates HUVEC proliferation, migration and tube formation. EHD1 knockdown inhibited β2AR signaling activity, and EHD1 upregulation promoted vascular endothelial growth factor A (VEGFA) and β2AR expression. Interestingly, EHD1 interacted with β2AR and played a novel and critical role in β2AR endocytic recycling to prevent receptor degradation. Aberrant VEGFA or β2AR expression significantly affected EHD1-mediated tumor angiogenesis. The proangiogenic role of EHD1 was confirmed in xenograft tumor models, and immunohistochemistry (IHC) analysis confirmed that EHD1 expression was positively correlated with VEGFA expression, microvessel density (MVD) and β2AR expression in patient specimens.

CONCLUSION

Collectively, the data obtained in this study suggest that EHD1 plays a critical role in NSCLC angiogenesis via β2AR signaling and highlight a potential target for antiangiogenic therapy.

CDRgator: An Integrative Navigator of Cancer Drug Resistance Gene Signatures

Understanding the mechanisms of cancer drug resistance is a critical challenge in cancer therapy. For many cancer drugs, various resistance mechanisms have been identified such as target alteration, alternative signaling pathways, epithelial-mesenchymal transition, and epigenetic modulation. Resistance may arise via multiple mechanisms even for a single drug, making it necessary to investigate multiple independent models for comprehensive understanding and therapeutic application. In particular, we hypothesize that different resistance processes result in distinct gene expression changes. Here, we present a web-based database, CDRgator (Cancer Drug Resistance navigator) for comparative analysis of gene expression signatures of cancer drug resistance. Resistance signatures were extracted from two different types of datasets. First, resistance signatures were extracted from transcriptomic profiles of cancer cells or patient samples and their resistance-induced counterparts for >30 cancer drugs. Second, drug resistance group signatures were also extracted from two large-scale drug sensitivity datasets representing ~1,000 cancer cell lines. All the datasets are available for download, and are conveniently accessible based on drug class and cancer type, along with analytic features such as clustering analysis, multidimensional scaling, and pathway analysis. CDRgator allows meta-analysis of independent resistance models for more comprehensive understanding of drug-resistance mechanisms that is difficult to accomplish with individual datasets alone (database URL: http://cdrgator.ewha.ac.kr).

CAGE Binds to Beclin1, Regulates Autophagic Flux and CAGE-Derived Peptide Confers Sensitivity to Anti-cancer Drugs in Non-small Cell Lung Cancer Cells

The objective of this study was to determine the role of CAGE, a cancer/testis antigen, in resistance of non-small cell lung cancers to anti-cancer drugs. Erlotinib-resistant PC-9 cells (PC-9/ER) with EGFR mutations (ex 19 del + T790M of EGFR), showed higher level of autophagic flux than parental sensitive PC-9 cells. Erlotinib and osimertinib increased autophagic flux and induced the binding of CAGE to Beclin1 in PC-9 cells. The inhibition or induction of autophagy regulated the binding of CAGE to Beclin1 and the responses to anti-cancer drugs. CAGE showed binding to HER2 while HER2 was necessary for binding of CAGE to Beclin1. CAGE was responsible for high level of autophagic flux and resistance to anti-cancer drugs in PC-9/ER cells. A peptide corresponding to the DEAD box domain of CAGE, ²⁶⁶AQTGTGKT²⁷³, enhanced the sensitivity of PC-9/ER cells to erlotinib and osimertinib, inhibited the binding of CAGE to Beclin1 and regulated autophagic flux in PC-9/ER cells. Mutant CAGE-derived peptide ²⁶⁶AQTGTGAT²⁷³ or ²⁶⁶AQTGTGKA²⁷³ did not affect autophagic flux or the binding of CAGE to Beclin1. AQTGTGKT peptide showed binding to CAGE, but not to Beclin1. FITC-AQTGTGKT peptide showed co-localization with CAGE. AQTGTGKT peptide decreased tumorigenic potentials of PC-9/ER and H1975 cells, non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) cells with EGFR mutation (L885R/T790M), by inhibiting autophagic fluxand inhibiting the binding of CAGE to Beclin1. AQTGTGKT peptide also enhanced the sensitivity of H1975 cells to anti-cancer drugs. AQTGTGKT peptide showed tumor homing potential based on ex vivo homing assays of xenograft of H1975 cells. AQTGTGKT peptide restored expression levels of miR-143-3p and miR-373-5p, decreased autophagic flux and conferred sensitivity to anti-cancer drugs. These results present evidence that combination of anti-cancer drug with CAGE-derived peptide could overcome resistance of non-small cell lung cancers to anti-cancer drugs.

Integrated analysis of long noncoding RNA associated-competing endogenous RNA as prognostic biomarkers in clear cell renal carcinoma

Clear cell renal cell carcinoma (ccRCC) is one of the most common malignant carcinomas and its molecular mechanisms remain unclear. Long noncoding RNA (lncRNA) could bind sites of miRNA which affect the expression of mRNA according to the competing endogenous (ceRNA) theory. The aim of the present study was to construct a ceRNA network and to identify key lncRNA to predict survival prognosis. We identified differentially expressed mRNA, lncRNA and miRNA between tumor tissues and normal tissues from The Cancer Genome Atlas database. Then, using bioinformatics tools, we explored the connection of 89 lncRNA, 10 miRNA and 22 mRNA, and we constructed the ceRNA network. Furthermore, we analyzed the functions and pathways of 22 differentially expressed mRNA. Then, univariate and multivariate Cox regression analyses of these 89 lncRNA and overall survival were explored. Nine lncRNA were finally screened out in the training group. The patients were divided into high‐risk and low‐risk groups according to the 9 lncRNA and low‐risk scores having better clinical overall survival (P < .01). Furthermore, the receiver operating characteristic curve demonstrates the predicted role of the 9 lncRNA. The 9‐lncRNA signature was successfully proved in the testing group and the entire group. Finally, multivariate Cox regression analysis and stratification analysis further proved that the 9‐lncRNA signature was an independent factor to predict survival. In summary, the present study provides a deeper understanding of the lncRNA‐related ceRNA network in ccRCC and suggests that the 9‐lncRNA signature could serve as an independent biomarker to predict survival in ccRCC patients.

Upregulated miR-1258 regulates cell cycle and inhibits cell proliferation by directly targeting E2F8 in CRC

OBJECTIVES

MicroRNAs (miRNAs) as small noncoding RNA molecules function by regulating their target genes negatively. MiR-1258 was widely researched in multicancers, but its role remains unclear in colorectal cancer (CRC).

METHODS

The expression of miR-1258 and its specific target gene were detected in human CRC specimens and cell lines by miRNA RT-PCR, qRT-PCR and Western blot. The effects of miR-1258 on CRC proliferation were evaluated using CCK-8 assays, EdU incorporation, colony formation assays and cell-cycle assays; in vitro and the in vivo effects were investigated using a mouse tumorigenicity model. Luciferase reporter and RIP assays were employed to identify interactions between miR-1258 and its specific target gene.

RESULTS

MiR-1258 was downregulated in CRC tissues and CRC cell lines, and upregulated miR-1258 was proved to inhibit proliferation and arrest cell cycle at G0/G1 in vitro and vivo. Luciferase reporter, RIP and western blot assays revealed E2F8 to be a direct target of miR-1258. The effects of miR-1258 in proliferation and cell cycle regulation can be abolished by E2F8 through rescue experiments. By directly targeting E2F8, miR-1258 influenced the expression of several cell-cycle factors, including cyclin D1 (CCND1) and cyclin dependent kinase inhibitor 1A (p21).

CONCLUSION

MiR-1258 may function as a suppressive factor by negatively controlling E2F8, thus, highlighting the potential role of miR-1258 as a therapeutic target for human CRC.