Tenascin-cmediated vasculogenic mimicry formation via regulation of MMP2/MMP9 in glioma

Interference of FZD2 suppresses proliferation, vasculogenic mimicry and stemness in glioma cells via blocking the Notch/NF‑κB signaling pathway

Frizzled family protein 2 (FZD2) is widely associated with tumor development and metastasis. The present study aimed to gain an insight into the role and regulatory mechanism of FZD2 in glioma. The expression level of FZD2 in normal astrocyte and glioma cells was determined by reverse transcription-quantitative PCR and western blotting, and cell transfection was conducted for FZD2 expression knockdown. Malignant behaviors including cell proliferation, migration and invasion, vasculogenic mimicry (VM) and cell stemness were determined using Cell Counting Kit-8, 5-Ethynyl-2'-deoxyuridine (EdU) staining, colony formation, wound healing, Transwell, 3D culturing and sphere formation assays. The expression levels of proteins related to stemness, epithelial-mesenchymal transition (EMT) and Notch/NF-κB signaling were measured by western blotting. Then, the Notch agonist, Jagged-1 (JAG), was adopted for rescue experiments. The results demonstrated that FZD2 was highly expressed in glioma cells. Interference of FZD2 expression suppressed the proliferation of glioma cells, as evidenced by the reduced cell viability and the number of EdU+ cells and colonies. Meanwhile, the reduced sphere formation ability and decreased protein expression of Nanog, Sox2 and Oct4 following FZD2 knockdown confirmed that FZD2 repressed cell stemness in glioma. Additionally, FZD2 knockdown suppressed the migration, invasion, EMT and VM formation capabilities of glioma cells, and also blocked the Notch/NF-κB signaling pathway. Furthermore, activation of Notch by JAG treatment partially reversed the aforementioned FZD2 knockdown-mediated changes in glioma cell malignant behaviors. In conclusion, FZD2 may contribute to glioma progression through activating the Notch/NF-κB signaling pathway, providing a plausible therapeutic target for the treatment of glioma.

Cancer plasticity in therapy resistance: Mechanisms and novel strategies

Therapy resistance poses a significant obstacle to effective cancer treatment. Recent insights into cell plasticity as a new paradigm for understanding resistance to treatment: as cancer progresses, cancer cells experience phenotypic and molecular alterations, corporately known as cell plasticity. These alterations are caused by microenvironment factors, stochastic genetic and epigenetic changes, and/or selective pressure engendered by treatment, resulting in tumor heterogeneity and therapy resistance. Increasing evidence suggests that cancer cells display remarkable intrinsic plasticity and reversibly adapt to dynamic microenvironment conditions. Dynamic interactions between cell states and with the surrounding microenvironment form a flexible tumor ecosystem, which is able to quickly adapt to external pressure, especially treatment. Here, this review delineates the formation of cancer cell plasticity (CCP) as well as its manipulation of cancer escape from treatment. Furthermore, the intrinsic and extrinsic mechanisms driving CCP that promote the development of therapy resistance is summarized. Novel treatment strategies, e.g., inhibiting or reversing CCP is also proposed. Moreover, the review discusses the multiple lines of ongoing clinical trials globally aimed at ameliorating therapy resistance. Such advances provide directions for the development of new treatment modalities and combination therapies against CCP in the context of therapy resistance.

Role of N6-methyladenosine in tumor neovascularization

Tumor neovascularization is essential for the growth, invasion, and metastasis of tumors. Recent studies have highlighted the significant role of N6-methyladenosine (m6A) modification in regulating these processes. This review explores the mechanisms by which m6A influences tumor neovascularization, focusing on its impact on angiogenesis and vasculogenic mimicry (VM). We discuss the roles of m6A writers, erasers, and readers in modulating the stability and translation of angiogenic factors like vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF), and their involvement in key signaling pathways such as PI3K/AKT, MAPK, and Hippo. Additionally, we outline the role of m6A in vascular-immune crosstalk. Finally, we discuss the current development of m6A inhibitors and their potential applications, along with the contribution of m6A to anti-angiogenic therapy resistance. Highlighting the therapeutic potential of targeting m6A regulators, this review provides novel insights into anti-angiogenic strategies and underscores the need for further research to fully exploit m6A modulation in cancer treatment. By understanding the intricate role of m6A in tumor neovascularization, we can develop more effective therapeutic approaches to inhibit tumor growth and overcome treatment resistance. Targeting m6A offers a novel approach to interfere with the tumor's ability to manipulate its microenvironment, enhancing the efficacy of existing treatments and providing new avenues for combating cancer progression.

Dihydrocapsaicin suppresses the STING-mediated accumulation of ROS and NLRP3 inflammasome and alleviates apoptosis after ischemia-reperfusion injury of perforator skin flap

Avascular necrosis frequently occurs as a complication following surgery involving the distal perforator flap. Dihydrocapsaicin (DHC) can protect tissue from ischemia-reperfusion (I/R) injury, but its specific role in multizone perforator flaps remains unclear. In this study, the prospective target of DHC in the context of I/R injury was predicted using network pharmacology analysis. Flap viability was determined through survival area analysis, laser Doppler blood flow, angiograms, and histological examination. The expressions of angiogenesis, apoptosis, NLR family pyrin domain containing 3 (NLRP3) inflammasome, oxidative stress, and molecules related to cyclic guanosine monophosphate (GMP)-adenosine monophosphate synthase (cGAS)-interferon gene stimulant (STING) pathway were assessed using western blotting, immunofluorescence, TUNEL staining, and dihydroethidium (DHE) staining. Our finding revealed that DHC promoted the perforator flap survival, which involves the cGAS-STING pathway, oxidative stress, NLRP3 inflammasome, apoptosis, and angiogenesis. DHC induced oxidative stress resistance and suppressed the NLRP3 inflammasome, preventing apoptosis in vascular endothelial cells. Through regulation of STING pathway, DHC controlled oxidative stress in endothelial cells and NLRP3 levels in ischemic flaps. However, activation of the cGAS-STING pathway led to the accumulation of reactive oxygen species (ROS) and NLRP3 inflammasome, thereby diminishing the protective role of DHC. DHC enhanced the survival of multidomain perforator flaps by suppressing the cGAS-STING pathway, oxidative stress, and the formation of NLRP3 inflammasome. These findings unveil a potentially novel mechanism with clinical significance for promoting the survival of multidomain perforator flaps.

HSP27 promotes vasculogenic mimicry formation in human salivary adenoid cystic carcinoma via the AKT-MMP-2/9 pathway

PURPOSE

To explore the role and mechanism of heat shock protein 27 (HSP27) in SACC VM formation.

STUDY DESIGN

Immunohistochemistry and double staining with cluster of differentiation 31 (CD31) and periodic acid-Schiff (PAS) were used to detect HSP27 expression and VM in 70 SACC tissue samples separately. Quantitative real-time polymerase chain reaction (qRT-PCR), western blot analysis, and immunofluorescence were used to detect gene and protein expression. HSP27 in SACC cells were overexpression or downregulated by transfecting HSP27 or short hairpin RNA target HSP27 (sh-HSP27). The migration and invasion abilities of SACC cells were detected using wound healing and Transwell invasion assays. The VM formation ability of the cells in vitro was detected using a Matrigel 3-dimensional culture.

RESULTS

HSP27 expression was positively correlated with VM formation and affected the prognosis of patients. In vitro, HSP27 upregulation engendered VM formation and the invasion and migration of SACC cells. Mechanistically, HSP27 upregulation increased Akt phosphorylation and subsequently increased downstream matrix metalloproteinase 2 and 9 expressions.

CONCLUSION

HSP27 may plays an important role in VM formation in SACC via the AKT-MMP-2/9 signalling pathway.

MiR-134-5p inhibits the malignant phenotypes of osteosarcoma via ITGB1/MMP2/PI3K/Akt pathway

Micro RNAs (miRs) have been implicated in various tumorigenic processes. Osteosarcoma (OS) is a primary bone malignancy seen in adolescents. However, the mechanism of miRs in OS has not been fully demonstrated yet. Here, miR-134-5p was found to inhibit OS progression and was also expressed at significantly lower levels in OS tissues and cells relative to normal controls. miR-134-5p was found to reduce vasculogenic mimicry, proliferation, invasion, and migration of OS cells, with miR-134-5p knockdown having the opposite effects. Mechanistically, miR-134-5p inhibited expression of the ITGB1/MMP2/PI3K/Akt axis, thus reducing the malignant features of OS cells. In summary, miR-134-5p reduced OS tumorigenesis by modulation of the ITGB1/MMP2/PI3K/Akt axis, suggesting the potential for using miR-134-5p as a target for treating OS.

The vasculogenic mimicry related signature predicts the prognosis and immunotherapy response in renal clear cell carcinoma

BACKGROUND

Clear cell carcinoma of the kidney is a common urological malignancy characterized by poor patient prognosis and treatment outcomes. Modulation of vasculogenic mimicry in tumor cells alters the tumor microenvironment and the influx of tumor-infiltrating lymphocytes, and the combination of its inducers and immune checkpoint inhibitors plays a synergistic role in enhancing antitumor effects.

METHODS

We downloaded the data from renal clear cell carcinoma samples and vasculogenic mimicry-related genes to establish a new vasculogenic mimicry-related index (VMRI) using a machine learning approach. Based on VMRI, patients with renal clear cell carcinoma were divided into high VMRI and low VMRI groups, and patients' prognosis, clinical features, tumor immune microenvironment, chemotherapeutic response, and immunotherapeutic response were systematically analyzed. Finally, the function of CDH5 was explored in renal clear cell carcinoma cells.

RESULTS

VMRI can be used for prognostic and immunotherapy efficacy prediction in a variety of cancers, which consists of four vasculogenic mimicry-related genes (CDH5, MMP9, MAPK1, and MMP13), is a reliable predictor of survival and grade in patients with clear cell carcinoma of the kidney and has been validated in multiple external datasets. We found that the high VMRI group presented higher levels of immune cell infiltration, which was validated by pathological sections. We performed molecular docking prediction of vasculogenic mimicry core target proteins and identified natural small molecule drugs with the highest affinity for the target protein. Knockdown of CDH5 inhibited the proliferation and migration of renal clear cell carcinoma.

CONCLUSIONS

The VMRI identified in this study allows for accurate prognosis assessment of patients with renal clear cell carcinoma and identification of patient populations that will benefit from immunotherapy, providing valuable insights for future precision treatment of patients with renal clear cell carcinoma.

Tenascin-C as a potential biomarker and therapeutic target for esophageal squamous cell carcinoma

PURPOSE

To establish a prognostic model of esophageal squamous cell carcinoma (ESCC) patients based on tenascin-C (TNC) expression level and clinicopathological characteristics, and to explore the therapeutic potential of TNC inhibition.

METHODS

The expression of TNC was detected using immunohistochemistry (IHC) in 326 ESCC specimens and 50 normal esophageal tissues. Prognostic factors were determined by Cox regression analyses and were incorporated to establish the nomogram. The effects of TNC knockdown on ESCC cells were assessed in vitro and in vivo. Transcriptome sequencing (RNA-seq) and gene set enrichment analysis (GSEA) were performed to reveal signaling pathways regulated by TNC knockdown. The therapeutic significance of TNC knockdown combined with small-molecule inhibitors on cell proliferation was examined.

RESULTS

TNC protein was highly expressed in 48.77 % of ESCC tissues compared to only 2 % in normal esophageal epithelia (p < 0.001). The established nomogram model, based on TNC expression, pT stage, and lymph node metastasis, showed good performance on prognosis evaluation. More importantly, the reduction of TNC expression inhibited tumor cell proliferation and xenograft growth, and mainly down-regulated signaling pathways involved in tumor growth, hypoxia signaling transduction, metabolism, infection, etc. Knockdown of TNC enhanced the inhibitory effect of inhibitors targeting ErbB, PI3K-Akt, Ras and MAPK signaling pathways.

CONCLUSION

The established nomogram may be a promising model for survival prediction in ESCC. Reducing TNC expression enhanced the sensitivity of ESCC cells to inhibitors of Epidermal Growth Factor Receptor (EGFR) and downstream signaling pathways, providing a novel combination therapy strategy.

Dual effect of vitamin D3 on breast cancer-associated fibroblasts

BACKGROUND

Cancer-associated fibroblasts (CAFs) play an important role in the tumor microenvironment. Despite the well-known in vitro antitumoral effect of vitamin D3 (VD3), its impact on breast CAFs is almost unknown. In this study, we analyzed the ex vivo effects of calcitriol on CAFs isolated from breast cancer tissues.

METHODS

CAFs were cultured with 1 and 10 nM calcitriol and their phenotype; gene expression, protein expression, and secretion were assessed. Calcitriol-treated CAFs-conditioned media (CM) were used to analyze the effect of CAFs on the migration and protein expression of MCF-7 and MDA-MB-231 cells.

RESULTS

Tumor tissues from VD3-deficient patients exhibited lower levels of β-catenin and TGFβ1, along with higher levels of CYP24A1 compared to VD3-normal patients. In VD3-deficient patients, CAF infiltration was inversely associated with CYP24A1 levels and positively correlated with OPN levels. Calcitriol diminished CAFs' viability, but this effect was weaker in premenopausal and VD3-normal patients. Calcitriol reduced mRNA expression of CCL2, MMP9, TNC, and increased PDPN, SPP1, and TIMP1. It also decreased the secretion of CCL2, TNC, and the activity of MMP-2, while increasing cellular levels of TIMP1 in CAFs from all patient groups. In nonmetastatic and postmenopausal patients, PDPN surface expression increased, and CAFs CM from these groups decreased MCF-7 cell migration after ex vivo calcitriol treatment. In premenopausal and VD3-deficient patients, calcitriol reduced IDO1 expression in CAFs. Calcitriol-treated CAFs CM from these patients decreased OPN expression in MCF-7 and/or MDA-MB-231 cells. However, in premenopausal patients, calcitriol-treated CAFs CM also decreased E-cadherin expression in both cell lines.

CONCLUSION

The effects of calcitriol on breast CAFs, both at the gene and protein levels, are complex, reflecting the immunosuppressive or procancer properties of CAFs. The anticancer polarization of CAFs following ex vivo calcitriol treatment may result from decreased CCL2, TNC (gene and protein), MMP9, and MMP-2, while the opposite effect may result from increased PDPN, TIMP1 (gene and protein), and SPP1. Despite these multifaceted effects of calcitriol on molecule expression, CAFs' CMs from nonmetastatic and postmenopausal patients treated ex vivo with calcitriol decreased the migration of MCF-7 cells.

Glucagon Enhances Chemotherapy Efficacy By Inhibition of Tumor Vessels in Colorectal Cancer

Chemotherapy is widely used to treat colorectal cancer (CRC). Despite its substantial benefits, the development of drug resistance and adverse effects remain challenging. This study aimed to elucidate a novel role of glucagon in anti-cancer therapy. In a series of in vitro experiments, glucagon inhibited cell migration and tube formation in both endothelial and tumor cells. In vivo studies demonstrated decreased tumor blood vessels and fewer pseudo-vessels in mice treated with glucagon. The combination of glucagon and chemotherapy exhibited enhanced tumor inhibition. Mechanistic studies demonstrated that glucagon increased the permeability of blood vessels, leading to a pronounced disruption of vessel morphology. Signaling pathway analysis identified a VEGF/VEGFR-dependent mechanism whereby glucagon attenuated angiogenesis through its receptor. Clinical data analysis revealed a positive correlation between elevated glucagon expression and chemotherapy response. This is the first study to reveal a role for glucagon in inhibiting angiogenesis and vascular mimicry. Additionally, the delivery of glucagon-encapsulated PEGylated liposomes to tumor-bearing mice amplified the inhibition of angiogenesis and vascular mimicry, consequently reinforcing chemotherapy efficacy. Collectively, the findings demonstrate the role of glucagon in inhibiting tumor vessel network and suggest the potential utility of glucagon as a promising predictive marker for patients with CRC receiving chemotherapy.

Prognostic implications of tenascin C in peripheral blood and primary tumours at the time of uveal melanoma diagnosis

OBJECTIVE

To examine the prognostic implication of tenascin C (TNC) in posterior uveal melanoma (UM).

DESIGN

Retrospective cohort study.

PARTICIPANTS

A total of 162 patients diagnosed with posterior UM.

METHODS

A peripheral blood sample was obtained from 82 patients at the time of UM diagnosis between 1996 and 1999. Samples were kept frozen at -80°C until the concentration of TNC was measured in 2021. Primary tumour TNC RNA sequencing data were collected from another 80 patients (The Cancer Genome Atlas cohort). Patients were separated based on median TNC values. Cumulative incidences of metastatic death (UM mortality) from competing risks data were calculated as well as Cox regression hazard ratios.

RESULTS

Patients with high and low TNC levels had tumours of similar size and American Joint Committee on Cancer stage at Bonferroni-corrected significance levels. The exception was a significantly smaller tumour diameter in patients with high serum TNC levels (p = 0.003). In competing risks analysis, patients with high serum TNC levels (≥7 ng/mL) had a higher UM mortality rate (44% vs 17% at 20 years; p = 0.008). Similarly, patients with higher primary tumour TNC RNA levels (≥1 transcripts per million) had higher UM mortality (83% vs 27% at 5 years; p = 0.003). In multivariate Cox regressions, TNC levels in peripheral blood and primary tumours were predictors of metastatic death independent of American Joint Committee on Cancer stage.

CONCLUSIONS

TNC is a prognostic biomarker in UM. At the time of primary tumour diagnosis, it is measured in higher levels in both peripheral blood and tumour tissue from patients who will eventually suffer from metastatic death.

RBMS3-induced circHECTD1 encoded a novel protein to suppress the vasculogenic mimicry formation in glioblastoma multiforme

Glioblastoma multiforme (GBM) is a highly vascularized malignant cancer of the central nervous system, and the presence of vasculogenic mimicry (VM) severely limits the effectiveness of anti-vascular therapy. In this study, we identified downregulated circHECTD1, which acted as a key VM-suppressed factor in GBM. circHECTD1 elevation significantly inhibited cell proliferation, migration, invasion and tube-like structure formation in GBM. RIP assay was used to demonstrate that the flanking intron sequence of circHECTD1 can be specifically bound by RBMS3, thereby inducing circHECTD1 formation to regulate VM formation in GBM. circHECTD1 was confirmed to possess a strong protein-encoding capacity and the encoded functional peptide 463aa was identified by LC-MS/MS. Both circHECTD1 and 463aa significantly inhibited GBM VM formation in vivo and in vitro. Analysis of the 463aa protein sequence revealed that it contained a ubiquitination-related domain and promoted NR2F1 degradation by regulating the ubiquitination of the NR2F1 at K396. ChIP assay verified that NR2F1 could directly bind to the promoter region of MMP2, MMP9 and VE-cadherin, transcriptionally promoting the expression of VM-related proteins, which in turn enhanced VM formation in GBM. In summary, we clarified a novel pathway for RBMS3-induced circHECTD1 encoding functional peptide 463aa to mediate the ubiquitination of NR2F1, which inhibited VM formation in GBM. This study aimed to reveal new mechanisms of GBM progression in order to provide novel approaches and strategies for the anti-vascular therapy of GBM. The schematic illustration showed the inhibitory effect of circHECTD1-463aa in the VM formation in GBM.

The HNF4A-CHPF pathway promotes proliferation and invasion through interactions with MAD1L1 in glioma

Chondroitin polymerizing factor (CHPF) is an important glycosyltransferases that participates in the biosynthesis of chondroitin sulfate (CS). Our previous study showed that silencing CHPF expression inhibited glioma cell proliferation in vitro, but the molecular mechanisms by which CHPF contributes to development of glioma have not been characterized. In this study, we found that CHPF was up-regulated in glioma tissues and was positively correlated with malignant clinical pathological characteristics of patients with glioma. Silencing CHPF expression inhibited proliferation, colony formation, migration, and cell cycle of glioma cells. Moreover, silencing CHPF suppressed glioma malignance in vivo. Immunoprecipitation, co-immunoprecipitation, GST pulldown, and liquid chromatography-mass spectrometry (LC-MS/MS) assays were used to verify the interaction between CHPF and Mitotic arrest deficient 1-like 1 (MAD1L1). In addition, Chromatin Immunoprecipitation (ChIP)-PCR analysis showed that HNF4A bound to the CHPF promoter region, which indicated that the transcription factor hepatocyte nuclear factor 4A (HNF4A) could regulate the expression of CHPF in glioma cells.

Vasculogenic Mimicry Occurs at Low Levels in Primary and Recurrent Glioblastoma

Vasculogenic mimicry (VM), the ability of tumour cells to form functional microvasculature without an endothelial lining, may contribute to anti-angiogenic treatment resistance in glioblastoma. We aimed to assess the extent of VM formation in primary and recurrent glioblastomas and to determine whether VM vessels also express prostate-specific membrane antigen (PSMA), a pathological vessel marker. Formalin-fixed paraffin-embedded tissue from 35 matched pairs of primary and recurrent glioblastoma was immunohistochemically labelled for PSMA and CD34 and stained with periodic acid-Schiff (PAS). Vascular structures were categorised as endothelial vessels (CD34+/PAS+) or VM (CD34-/PAS+). Most blood vessels in both primary and recurrent tumours were endothelial vessels, and these significantly decreased in recurrent tumours (p < 0.001). PSMA was expressed by endothelial vessels, and its expression was also decreased in recurrent tumours (p = 0.027). VM was observed in 42.86% of primary tumours and 28.57% of recurrent tumours. VM accounted for only a small proportion of the tumour vasculature and VM density did not differ between primary and recurrent tumours (p = 0.266). The functional contribution of VM and its potential as a treatment target in glioblastoma require further investigation.

Tenascin-C in Tissue Repair after Myocardial Infarction in Humans

Adverse ventricular remodeling after myocardial infarction (MI) is progressive ventricular dilatation associated with heart failure for weeks or months and is currently regarded as the most critical sequela of MI. It is explained by inadequate tissue repair due to dysregulated inflammation during the acute stage; however, its pathophysiology remains unclear. Tenascin-C (TNC), an original member of the matricellular protein family, is highly up-regulated in the acute stage after MI, and a high peak in its serum level predicts an increased risk of adverse ventricular remodeling in the chronic stage. Experimental TNC-deficient or -overexpressing mouse models have suggested the diverse functions of TNC, particularly its pro-inflammatory effects on macrophages. The present study investigated the roles of TNC during human myocardial repair. We initially categorized the healing process into four phases: inflammatory, granulation, fibrogenic, and scar phases. We then immunohistochemically examined human autopsy samples at the different stages after MI and performed detailed mapping of TNC in human myocardial repair with a focus on lymphangiogenesis, the role of which has recently been attracting increasing attention as a mechanism to resolve inflammation. The direct effects of TNC on human lymphatic endothelial cells were also assessed by RNA sequencing. The results obtained support the potential roles of TNC in the regulation of macrophages, sprouting angiogenesis, the recruitment of myofibroblasts, and the early formation of collagen fibrils during the inflammatory phase to the early granulation phase of human MI. Lymphangiogenesis was observed after the expression of TNC was down-regulated. In vitro results revealed that TNC modestly down-regulated genes related to nuclear division, cell division, and cell migration in lymphatic endothelial cells, suggesting its inhibitory effects on lymphatic endothelial cells. The present results indicate that TNC induces prolonged over-inflammation by suppressing lymphangiogenesis, which may be one of the mechanisms underlying adverse post-infarct remodeling.

Progesterone and its metabolite allopregnanolone promote invasion of human glioblastoma cells through metalloproteinase‑9 and cSrc kinase

Glioblastomas are the most aggressive and common primary brain tumors in adults. Glioblastoma cells have a great capacity to migrate and invade the brain parenchyma, often reaching the contralateral hemisphere. Progesterone (P4) and its metabolite, allopregnanolone (3α-THP), promote the migration and invasion of human glioblastoma-derived cells. P4 induces migration in glioblastoma cells by the activation of the proto-oncogene tyrosine-protein kinase Src (cSrc) and focal adhesion kinase (Fak). In breast cancer cells, cSrc and Fak promote invasion by increasing the expression and activation of extracellular matrix metalloproteinases (MMPs). However, the mechanism of action by which P4 and 3a-THP promote invasion in glioblastoma cells remains unclear. The effects of P4 and 3α-THP on the protein expression levels of MMP-2 and -9 and the participation of cSrc in progestin effects in U251 and U87 human glioblastoma-derived cells were evaluated. It was determined by western blotting that the P4 increased the protein expression level of MMP-9 in U251 and U87 cells, and 3α-THP increased the protein expression level of MMP-9 in U87 cells. None of these progestins modified MMP-2 protein expression levels. The increase in MMP-9 expression was reduced when the intracellular progesterone receptor and cSrc expression were blocked with small interfering RNAs. Cell invasion induced by P4 and 3α-THP was also blocked by inhibiting cSrc activity with PP2 or by cSrc gene silencing. These results suggest that P4 and its metabolite 3α-THP induce the invasion of glioblastoma cells by increasing MMP-9 expression through the cSrc kinase family. The results of this study provide information of interest in the context of targeted therapies against molecular pathways involved in glioblastoma invasion.

The mechanism of BUD13 m6A methylation mediated MBNL1-phosphorylation by CDK12 regulating the vasculogenic mimicry in glioblastoma cells

Vasculogenic mimicry (VM) is an endothelium-independent tumor microcirculation that provides adequate blood supply for tumor growth. The presence of VM greatly hinders the treatment of glioblastoma (GBM) with anti-angiogenic drugs. Therefore, targeting VM formation may be a feasible therapeutic strategy for GBM. The research aimed to evaluate the roles of BUD13, CDK12, MBNL1 in regulating VM formation of GBM. BUD13 and CDK12 were upregulated and MBNL1 was downregulated in GBM tissues and cells. Knockdown of BUD13, CDK12, or overexpression of MBNL1 inhibited GBM VM formation. METTL3 enhanced the stability of BUD13 mRNA and upregulated its expression through m6A methylation. BUD13 enhanced the stability of CDK12 mRNA and upregulated its expression. CDK12 phosphorylated MBNL1, thereby regulating VM formation of GBM. The simultaneous knockdown of BUD13, CDK12, and overexpression of MBNL1 reduced the volume of subcutaneously transplanted tumors in nude mice and prolonged the survival period. Thus, the BUD13/CDK12/MBNL1 axis plays a crucial role in regulating VM formation of GBM and provides a potential target for GBM therapy.

Successes and failures of angiogenesis blockade in gastric and gastro-esophageal junction adenocarcinoma

Gastric and gastro-esophageal junction adenocarcinoma (GEA) remains a considerable major public health problem worldwide, being the fifth most common cancer with a fatality-to-case ratio that stands still at 70%. Angiogenesis, which is a well-established cancer hallmark, exerts a fundamental role in cancer initiation and progression and its targeting has been actively pursued as a promising therapeutic strategy in GEA. A wealth of clinical trials has been conducted, investigating anti-angiogenic agents including VEGF-directed monoclonal antibodies, small molecules tyrosine kinase inhibitors and VEGF-Trap agents both in the resectable and advanced setting, reporting controversial results. While phase III randomized trials testing the anti-VEGFR-2 antibody Ramucirumab and the selective VEGFR-2 tyrosine kinase inhibitor Apatinib demonstrated a significant survival benefit in later lines, the shift of angiogenesis inhibitors in the perioperative and first-line setting failed to improve patients’ outcome in GEAs. The molecular landscape of disease, together with novel combinatorial strategies and biomarker-selected approaches are under investigation as key elements to the success of angiogenesis blockade in GEA. In this article, we critically review the existing literature on the biological rationale and clinical development of antiangiogenic agents in GEA, discussing major achievements, limitations and future developments, aiming at fully realizing the potential of this therapeutic approach.

Advances on the roles of tenascin-C in cancer

The roles of the extracellular matrix molecule tenascin-C (TNC) in health and disease have been extensively reviewed since its discovery over 40 years ago. Here, we will describe recent insights into the roles of TNC in tumorigenesis, angiogenesis, immunity and metastasis. In addition to high levels of expression in tumors, and during chronic inflammation, and bacterial and viral infection, TNC is also expressed in lymphoid organs. This supports potential roles for TNC in immunity control. Advances using murine models with engineered TNC levels were instrumental in the discovery of important functions of TNC as a danger-associated molecular pattern (DAMP) molecule in tissue repair and revealed multiple TNC actions in tumor progression. TNC acts through distinct mechanisms on many different cell types with immune cells coming into focus as important targets of TNC in cancer. We will describe how this knowledge could be exploited for cancer disease management, in particular for immune (checkpoint) therapies.

Matricellular protein tenascin C: Implications in glioma progression, gliomagenesis, and treatment

Matricellular proteins are nonstructural extracellular matrix components that are expressed at low levels in normal adult tissues and are upregulated during development or under pathological conditions. Tenascin C (TNC), a matricellular protein, is a hexameric and multimodular glycoprotein with different molecular forms that is produced by alternative splicing and post-translational modifications. Malignant gliomas are the most common and aggressive primary brain cancer of the central nervous system. Despite continued advances in multimodal therapy, the prognosis of gliomas remains poor. The main reasons for such poor outcomes are the heterogeneity and adaptability caused by the tumor microenvironment and glioma stem cells. It has been shown that TNC is present in the glioma microenvironment and glioma stem cell niches, and that it promotes malignant properties, such as neovascularization, proliferation, invasiveness, and immunomodulation. TNC is abundantly expressed in neural stem cell niches and plays a role in neurogenesis. Notably, there is increasing evidence showing that neural stem cells in the subventricular zone may be the cells of origin of gliomas. Here, we review the evidence regarding the role of TNC in glioma progression, propose a potential association between TNC and gliomagenesis, and summarize its clinical applications. Collectively, TNC is an appealing focus for advancing our understanding of gliomas.

Construction and validation of a glioblastoma prognostic model based on immune-related genes

Background

Glioblastoma multiforme (GBM) is a common malignant brain tumor with high mortality. It is urgently necessary to develop a new treatment because traditional approaches have plateaued.

Purpose

Here, we identified an immune-related gene (IRG)-based prognostic signature to comprehensively define the prognosis of GBM.

Methods

Glioblastoma samples were selected from the Chinese Glioma Genome Atlas (CGGA). We retrieved IRGs from the ImmPort data resource. Univariate Cox regression and LASSO Cox regression analyses were used to develop our predictive model. In addition, we constructed a predictive nomogram integrating the independent predictive factors to determine the one-, two-, and 3-year overall survival (OS) probabilities of individuals with GBM. Additionally, the molecular and immune characteristics and benefits of ICI therapy were analyzed in subgroups defined based on our prognostic model. Finally, the proteins encoded by the selected genes were identified with liquid chromatography-tandem mass spectrometry and western blotting (WB).

Results

Six IRGs were used to construct the predictive model. The GBM patients were categorized into a high-risk group and a low-risk group. High-risk group patients had worse survival than low-risk group patients, and stronger positive associations with multiple tumor-related pathways, such as angiogenesis and hypoxia pathways, were found in the high-risk group. The high-risk group also had a low IDH1 mutation rate, high PTEN mutation rate, low 1p19q co-deletion rate and low MGMT promoter methylation rate. In addition, patients in the high-risk group showed increased immune cell infiltration, more aggressive immune activity, higher expression of immune checkpoint genes, and less benefit from immunotherapy than those in the low-risk group. Finally, the expression levels of TNC and SSTR2 were confirmed to be significantly associated with patient prognosis by protein mass spectrometry and WB.

Conclusion

Herein, a robust predictive model based on IRGs was developed to predict the OS of GBM patients and to aid future clinical research.

Downregulation of Astrocyte Elevated Gene-1 Expression Combined with All-Trans Retinoic Acid Inhibits Development of Vasculogenic Mimicry and Angiogenesis in Glioma

OBJECTIVE

This study aimed to investigate the effects of downregulating astrocyte elevated gene-1 (AEG-1) expression combined with all-trans retinoic acid (ATRA) on vasculogenic mimicry (VM) formation and angiogenesis in glioma.

METHODS

U87 glioma cells were transfected with AEG-1 shRNA lentiviral vectors (U87-siAEG-1) and incubated in a medium containing 20 µmol/L ATRA. Matrigel-based tube formation assay was performed to evaluate VM formation, and the cell counting kit-8 (CCK-8) assay was used to analyze the proliferation of glioma cells in vitro. Reverse transcription-quantitative polymerase chain reaction and Western blot analysis were used to investigate the mRNA and protein expression of related genes, respectively. Glioma xenograft models were generated via subcutaneous implantation of glioma cells in nude mice. Tumor-bearing mice received an intraperitoneal injection of ATRA (10 mg/kg per day). Immunohistochemistry was used to evaluate the expression of related genes and the microvessel density (MVD) in glioma xenograft models. CD34/periodic acid-Schiff double staining was performed to detect VM channels in vivo. The volume and weight of tumors were measured, and a tumor growth curve was drawn to evaluate tumor growth.

RESULTS

A combination of ATRA intervention and downregulation of AEG-1 expression significantly inhibited the proliferation of glioma cells in vitro and glioma VM formation in vitro and in vivo. It also significantly decreased MVD and inhibited tumor growth. Further, the expression levels of matrix metalloproteinase (MMP)-2, MMP-9, vascular endothelial-cadherin (VE-cadherin), and vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) in glioma significantly decreased in vivo and in vivo.

CONCLUSION

Hence, a combinatorial approach might be effective in treating glioma through regulating MMP-2, MMP-9, VEGF, and VE-cadherin expression.

A network pharmacology technique used to investigate the potential mechanism of Ligustilide's effect on atherosclerosis

Ligustilide (LIG) is a major active ingredient in traditional Chinese medicines that is also found in plant rhizomes such as carrot, coriander, and others, and it has been demonstrated to have cardiovascular preventive benefits. However, the mechanisms through which LIG protects the cardiovascular and cerebrovascular systems in atherosclerosis (AS) remain unknown. This study was aimed to investigate the mechanisms of LIG in AS utilizing the network pharmacology and molecular docking, and then to validate the putative mechanism through experiments. The network pharmacological analysis indicated that a total of 55 were performed on LIG and AS intersection targets. The genes of LIG and AS intersection targets enriched in the regulation of receptor and enzyme activity, cytokines-related, and transcription factors, indicating that these targets were primarily involved in cell proliferation and migration, regulating cell differentiation and skeletal activities in the development of AS. Finally, molecular docking was used to validate the major targets of LIG and AS intersection targets. Further experiments revealed that LIG may inhibit cell migration induced by AngII by reducing calcium influx, and regulating phenotypic translation-related proteins SM-22α and OPN. The present study investigated the potential targets and signaling pathways of LIG, which provides new insight into its anti-atherosclerosis actions in terms of reducing inflammation, cell proliferation, and migration, and may constitute a novel target for the treatment of AS. PRACTICAL APPLICATIONS: LIG has been shown to have cardiovascular protective benefits, the mechanism by which it protects the cardiovascular and cerebrovascular systems in AS remains unknown. This study uses a holistic network pharmacology strategy to investigate putative treatment pathways and conducts exploratory experimentation. The findings demonstrate that LIG reduces VSMC migration in the treatment of AS, acts as an anti-inflammatory agent, and prevents excessive cell proliferation and migration. Finally, the goal of our research is to uncover the molecular mechanism of LIG's influence on AS. The findings will provide a new research avenue for LIG as well as suggestions for the study of other herbal treatments. These research results will provide a new research direction for LIG and provide guidance for the research of other herbal medicines. This work revealed the multi-component, multi-target, multi-pathway, and multi-disease mechanism of LIG.

Exosomal miR-205-5p enhances angiogenesis and nasopharyngeal carcinoma metastasis by targeting desmocollin-2

The aim of this study was to investigate whether and how exosomal miR-205-5p regulated angiogenesis and nasopharyngeal carcinoma (NPC) metastasis. We found that up-regulated serum exosomal miR-205-5p levels were associated with NPC progression and worse overall survival of NPC patients. miR-205-5p over-expression significantly increased tube formation, wound healing, migration and invasion of NPC cells, and lung metastasis of NPC tumors, whereas miR-205-5p inhibition had opposite effects. Exosomal miR-205-5p from NPC cells promoted the migration, tube formation, and microvessel density (MVD) of HUVECs in vitro and in vivo. Furthermore, bioinformatics-, luciferase reporter-, and biotinylated miR-205-5p-based pull-down assays indicated that miR-205-5p directly bound to the 3′ UTR of desmocollin-2 (DSC2). Exosomal miR-205-5p targeted DSC2 to enhance the EGFR/ERK signaling and MMP2/MMP9 expression, promoting angiogenesis and NPC metastasis, which was abrogated by DSC2 over-expression. Finally, the levels of miR-205-5p transcripts were positively correlated with MVD but negatively with DSC2 expression in NPC tissues, and patients with miR-205^high/DSC2^low NPC had worse overall survival. In conclusion, exosomal miR-205-5p promotes angiogenesis and NPC metastasis by targeting DSC2 to enhance EGFR/ERK signaling and MMP expression. This exosomal/miR-205-5p/EGFR/ERK axis may be a new therapeutic target for intervention of NPC metastasis.

Dual VEGF/PDGF knockdown suppresses vasculogenic mimicry formation in choroidal melanoma cells via the Wnt5a/β-catenin/AKT signaling pathway

OBJECTIVE

This study aimed to explore the effects of knocking down both vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) and platelet derived growth factor (PDGF) on vasculogenic mimicry (VM) formation in choroidal melanoma (CM) cells.

METHODS

Cell counting Kit (CCK)-8, monoclonal formation, wound healing, transwell and flow cytometry assays were used to observe the cell effects in CM cell line, ocular choroidal melanoma-1 cells (OCM-1) with respect to proliferation, migration, invasion and apoptosis. Three-dimensional (3D) cultures were also used to characterize VM tube structural effects in OCM-1 cells and western blotting was used to characterize protein expression changes in VM-related markers.

RESULTS

Dual VEGF/PDGF knockdown suppressed cell proliferation, migration and invasion, but promoted cell apoptosis. It also reduced VM tube structures in OCM-1 cells. VM associated markers including, VE-cadherin, EphA2 and MT1-MMP were also down-regulated in OCM-1 cells. Similarly, Wnt5a, β-catenin and phosphorylated-AKT levels were also down-regulated. Western blotting and 3D cultures further demonstrated that combined Wnt5a silencing with dual VEGF/PDGF knockdown significantly decreased VE-cadherin and EphA2 levels and reduced VM tube structures in OCM-1 cells.

CONCLUSIONS

Dual VEGF/PDGF knockdown suppressed cell growth and metastasis in OCM-1 cells, and blocked the Wnt5a/β-catenin/AKT signaling pathway thereby inhibiting VM formation.

ErbB4-mediated regulation of vasculogenic mimicry capability in breast cancer cells

ErbB4 is a member of the ErbB receptor tyrosine kinase family. It has both pro- and anti-oncogenic activities in tumors. Vasculogenic mimicry (VM), a phenomenon in which cancer cells form capillary-like structures without endothelial cells, has been recognized to be a cause of malignant phenotypes in some solid tumors. Here, we used an in vitro VM formation assay, and demonstrated that ErbB4 negatively regulated VM formation in human breast cancer cells. By using CRISPR/Cas9-mediated gene knockout, we verified that the depletion of endogenous ErbB4 improved the VM formation capability. Although treatment with neuregulin 1 (NRG1), a ligand of ErbB4, induced the phosphorylation of ErbB4 and promoted VM formation in a dose-dependent manner, it did not induce such activities in kinase-dead K751M ErbB4-expressing breast cancer cells. Moreover, we examined the effect of the missense mutation E872K of ErbB4, which has been reported in multiple tumors, on VM formation, and found that the mutation enhanced the basal phosphorylation level and ErbB4-mediated VM formation in the absence of NRG1 stimulation. While NRG1 stimulated VM formation, excessive activation of ErbB4 induced a negative effect. In E872K ErbB4-overexpressing cells, but not in wild-type ErbB4-overexpressing cells, the number of VM tubes was significantly decreased by low-dose treatment with the ErbB inhibitor afatinib. Taken together, our findings demonstrated the significance of ErbB4-mediated VM formation, and suggested the possibility of ErbB4 mutations as effective targets in breast cancer.

Methionine aminopeptidase‑2 is a pivotal regulator of vasculogenic mimicry

Vasculogenic mimicry (VM) is the formation of a blood supply system that confers aggressive and metastatic properties to tumors and correlates with a poor prognosis in cancer patients. Thus, the inhibition of VM is considered an effective approach for cancer treatment, although such a mechanism remains poorly described. In the present study, we examined methionine aminopeptidase-2 (MetAP2), a key factor of angiogenesis, and demonstrated that it is pivotal for VM, using pharmacological and genetic approaches. Fumagillin and TNP-470, angiogenesis inhibitors that target MetAP2, significantly suppressed VM in various human cancer cell lines. We established MetAP2-knockout (KO) human fibrosarcoma HT1080 cells using the CRISPR/Cas9 system and found that VM was attenuated in these cells. Furthermore, re-expression of wild-type MetAP2 restored VM in the MetAP2-KO HT1080 cells, but the substitution of D251, a conserved amino acid in MetAP2, failed to rescue the VM. Collectively, our results demonstrate that MetAP2 is critical for VM in human cancer cells and suggest fumagillin and TNP-470 as potent VM-suppressing agents.

LOXL1-AS1 communicating with TIAR modulates vasculogenic mimicry in glioma via regulation of the miR-374b-5p/MMP14 axis

At present, growing evidence indicates that long non‐coding RNAs (lncRNAs) participate in the progression of glioma. The function of LOXL1‐AS1 in vasculogenic mimicry (VM) in glioma remains unclear. First, the expressions of TIAR, the lncRNA LOXL1‐AS1, miR‐374b‐5p and MMP14 were examined by qRT‐PCR and Western blot in both, glioma tissues and glioma cell lines. Proliferation, migration, invasion and tube formation assays were conducted to evaluate the roles of TIAR, LOXL1‐AS1, miR‐374b‐5p and MMP14 in malignant cellular behaviours in glioma cells. A nude mouse xenograft model and dual staining for CD34 and PAS were used to assess whether VM was affected by TIAR, LOXL1‐AS1 or miR‐374b‐5p in vivo. In this study, low levels of TIAR and high levels of LOXL1‐AS1 were found in glioma cells and tissues. TIAR downregulated the expression of LOXL1‐AS1 by destabilizing it. LOXL1‐AS1 acted like a miRNA sponge towards miR‐374b‐5p so that downregulation of the former greatly inhibited cell proliferation, migration, invasion and VM. Additionally, miR‐374b‐5p overexpression repressed malignant biological behaviours and VM in glioma by modifying MMP14. In summary, we demonstrated that TIAR combined with LOXL1‐AS1 modulates VM in glioma via the miR‐374b‐5p/MMP14 axis, revealing novel targets for glioma therapy.

The anti-ovarian cancer effect of RPV modified paclitaxel plus schisandra B liposomes in SK-OV-3 cells and tumor-bearing mice

AIMS

Due to poor targeting ability of anti-tumor drugs and self-adaptation of tumors, the chemotherapy of ovarian cancer is still poorly effective. In recent years, the treatment of tumor with nano-targeted agents has become a potential research focus. In this study, a new type of short cell-penetrating peptide RPV-modified paclitaxel plus schisandrin B liposomes were constructed to disrupt VM channels, angiogenesis, proliferation and migration for the treatment of ovarian cancer.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

In this study, clone assay, TUNEL, Transwell, wound-healing, CAM and mimics assay were used to detect the effects of RPV-modified liposomes on ovarian cancer SK-OV-3 cells before and after treatment. HE-staining, immunofluorescence and ELISA were used to further detect the expression of tumor-related proteins.

KEY FINDINGS

RPV-modified paclitaxel plus schisandrin B liposomes can inhibit angiogenesis, VM channel formation, invasion and proliferation of ovarian SK-OV-3 cells. In vitro and in vivo studies showed that tumor-related protein expression was down-regulated. Modification of RPV can prolong the retention time of liposome in vivo and accumulate in the tumor site, increasing the anti-tumor efficacy.

SIGNIFICANCE

The RPV-modified paclitaxel plus schisandrin B liposomes have good anti-tumor effect, thus may provide a new avenue for the treatment of ovarian cancer.

Tenascin-c knockdown suppresses vasculogenic mimicry of gastric cancer by inhibiting ERK- triggered EMT

Gastric cancer is one of the most common malignancies worldwide and vasculogenic mimicry (VM) is considered to be the leading cause for the failure of anti-angiogenesis therapy in advanced gastric cancer patients. In the present study, we investigate the role of tenascin-c (TNC) in the formation of VM in gastric cancer and found that TNC was upregulated in gastric cancer tissue than in the corresponding adjacent tissues and correlated with VM and poor prognosis of gastric cancer. Furthermore, knockdown of TNC significantly inhibited VM formation and proliferation of gastric cancer cells in vitro and in vivo, with a reduction in cell migration and invasion. Mechanistically, TNC knockdown suppressed the phosphorylation of ERK and subsequently inhibited the process of EMT, both of which play an important role in VM formation. Our results indicated that TNC plays an important role in VM formation in gastric cancer. Combining inhibition of TNC and ERK may be a potential therapeutic approach to inhibit gastric cancer growth and metastasis and decrease antiangiogenic therapeutic resistance.

Involvement of integrin-activating peptides derived from tenascin-C in colon cancer progression

Tenascin-C (TNC) is an adhesion modulatory protein present in the extracellular matrix that is highly expressed in several malignancies, including colon cancer. Although TNC is considered a negative prognostic factor for cancer patients, the substantial role of the TNC molecule in colorectal carcinogenesis and its malignant progression is poorly understood. We previously found that TNC has a cryptic functional site and that a TNC peptide containing this site, termed TNIIIA2, can potently and persistently activate beta1-integrins. In contrast, the peptide FNIII14, which contains a cryptic bioactive site within the fibronectin molecule, can inactivate beta1-integrins. This review presents the role of TNC in the development of colitis-associated colorectal cancer and in the malignant progression of colon cancer, particularly the major involvement of its cryptic functional site TNIIIA2. We propose new possible prophylactic and therapeutic strategies based on inhibition of the TNIIIA2-induced beta1-integrin activation by peptide FNIII14.

SUMOylation of IGF2BP2 promotes vasculogenic mimicry of glioma via regulating OIP5-AS1/miR-495-3p axis

Rationale: Glioma is the most common primary malignant tumor of human central nervous system, and its rich vascular characteristics make anti-angiogenic therapy become a therapeutic hotspot. However, the existence of glioma VM makes the anti-angiogenic therapy ineffective. SUMOylation is a post-translational modification that affects cell tumorigenicity by regulating the expression and activity of substrate proteins.

Methods: The binding and modification of IGF2BP2 and SUMO1 were identified using Ni²⁺-NTA agarose bead pull-down assays, CO-IP and western blot; and in vitro SUMOylation assays combined with immunoprecipitation and immunofluorescence staining were performed to explore the detail affects and regulations of the SUMOylation on IGF2BP2. RT-PCR and western blot were used to detect the expression levels of IGF2BP2, OIP5-AS1, and miR-495-3p in glioma tissues and cell lines. CCK-8 assays, cell transwell assays, and three-dimensional cell culture methods were used for evaluating the function of IGF2BP2, OIP5-AS1, miR-495-3p, HIF1A and MMP14 in biological behaviors of glioma cells. Meantime, RIP and luciferase reporter assays were used for inquiring into the interactions among IGF2BP2, OIP5-AS1, miR-495-3p, HIF1A and MMP14. Eventually, the tumor xenografts in nude mice further as certained the effects of IGF2BP2 SUMOylation on glioma cells.

Results: This study proved that IGF2BP2 mainly binds to SUMO1 and was SUMOylated at the lysine residues K497, K505 and K509 sites, which can be reduced by SENP1. SUMOylation increased IGF2BP2 protein expression and blocked its degradation through ubiquitin-proteasome pathway, thereby increasing its stability. The expressions of IGF2BP2 and OIP5-AS1 were up-regulated and the expression of miR-495-3p was down-regulated in both glioma tissues and cells. IGF2BP2 enhances the stability of OIP5-AS1, thereby increasing the binding of OIP5-AS1 to miR-495-3p, weakening the binding of miR-495-3p to the 3'UTR of HIF1A and MMP14 mRNA, and ultimately promoting the formation of VM in glioma.

Conclusions: This study first revealed that SUMOylation of IGF2BP2 regulated OIP5-AS1/miR-495-3p axis to promote VM formation in glioma cells and xenografts growth in nude mice, providing a new idea for molecular targeted therapy of glioma.

Long non-coding RNA HULC stimulates the epithelial-mesenchymal transition process and vasculogenic mimicry in human glioblastoma

Background

Long non‐coding RNA (lncRNA) HULC (highly upregulated in liver cancer) is considered as an oncogenic factor for various malignant tumors. This study aimed to reveal the role of lncRNA HULC in the malignant behavior of glioblastoma (GBM) by exploring its effects on the epithelial–mesenchymal transition (EMT) and vasculogenic mimicry (VM) of human GBM.

Materials and Methods

The contents of VM in 27 GBM samples were assessed by immunohistochemistry‐histology and their association with progress‐free survival (PFS) was analyzed. Human GBM SHG44 and U87 cells were manipulated to establish stable lncRNA HULC overexpressing and silencing cells by lentivirus‐based technology. The effects of altered lncRNA HULC on vasculogenic tubular formation, invasion, and EMT process in GBM cells were tested in vitro and the growth of implanted GBM tumors and their EMT process were examined in vivo.

Results

The numbers of VM were positively associated with disease progression, but negatively with PFS periods of GBM patients. Compared with the control vec cells, lncRNA HULC overexpression significantly increased the tubular formation, invasion, and EMT process of both SHG44 and U87 cells, accompanied by promoting the growth of implanted GBM tumors and EMT process in mice. LncRNA HULC silencing had opposite effects on the tubular formation, invasion, and EMT process as well as tumor growth of GBM cells.

Conclusion

LncRNA HULC stimulates the EMT process and VM in human GBM, and may be a therapeutic target for intervention of GBM.

Identification of an immune-related signature indicating the dedifferentiation of thyroid cells

Background

Immune cells account for a large proportion of the tumour microenvironment in anaplastic thyroid carcinomas (ATCs). However, the expression pattern of immune-related genes (IRGs) in ATCs is unclear. Our study aimed to identify an immune-related signature indicating the dedifferentiation of thyroid cells.

Methods

We compared the differences in thyroid differentiation score (TDS), infiltration of immune cells and enriched pathways between ATCs and papillary thyroid carcinomas (PTCs) or normal thyroid tissues in the Gene Expression Omnibus database. Univariate and multivariable Cox analyses were used to screen prognosis-associated IRGs in The Cancer Genome Atlas database. After constructing a risk score, we investigated its predictive value for differentiation and survival by applying receiver operating characteristic and Kaplan–Meier curves. We further explored its associations with important immune checkpoint molecules, infiltrating immune cells and response to immunotherapy.

Results

Compared with PTCs or normal thyroid tissues, ATCs exhibited lower TDS values and higher enrichment of immune cells and activation of the inflammatory response. The quantitative analyses and immunohistochemical staining validated that most ATC cell lines and ATC tissues had higher expression of MMP9 and lower expression of SDC2 than normal thyroid samples and PTC. Higher risk scores indicates dedifferentiation and a worse prognosis. Additionally, the risk score was positively correlated with the immune checkpoint molecules PDL1, CTLA4, IDO1, and HAVCR2 and infiltration of multiple immune cells. Importantly, we found that the samples with higher risk scores tended to have a better response to immunotherapy than those with lower scores.

Conclusion

Our findings indicate that the risk score may not only contribute to the determination of differentiation and prognosis of thyroid carcinomas but also help the prediction of immune cells infiltration and immunotherapy response.

Supplementary Information

The online version contains supplementary material available at 10.1186/s12935-021-01939-3.

AGAP2-AS1 May Promote the Occurrence and Development of Glioblastoma by Sponging miR-9-5p: Evidence From a ceRNA Network

Glioblastoma (GBM), the primary malignant brain tumor, is typically associated with a poor prognosis and poor quality of life, mainly due to the lack of early diagnostic biomarkers and therapeutic targets. However, gene sequencing technologies and bioinformatics analysis are currently being actively utilized to explore potential targets for the diagnosis and management of malignancy. Herein, based on a variety of bioinformatics tools for the reverse prediction of target genes associated with the prognosis of GBM, a ceRNA network of AGAP2-AS1-miR-9-5p-MMP2/MMP9 was constructed, and a potential therapeutic target for GBM was identified. Enrichment analysis predicted that the ceRNA regulatory network participates in the processes of cell proliferation, differentiation, and migration.

Residual Disease in Glioma Recurrence: A Dangerous Liaison with Senescence

With a dismally low median survival of less than two years after diagnosis, Glioblastoma (GBM) is the most lethal type of brain cancer. The standard-of-care of surgical resection, followed by DNA-damaging chemo-/radiotherapy, is often non-curative. In part, this is because individual cells close to the resection border remain alive and eventually undergo renewed proliferation. These residual, therapy-resistant cells lead to rapid recurrence, against which no effective treatment exists to date. Thus, new experimental approaches need to be developed against residual disease to prevent GBM survival and recurrence. Cellular senescence is an attractive area for the development of such new approaches. Senescence can occur in healthy cells when they are irreparably damaged. Senescent cells develop a chronic secretory phenotype that is generally considered pro-tumorigenic and pro-migratory. Age is a negative prognostic factor for GBM stage, and, with age, senescence steadily increases. Moreover, chemo-/radiotherapy can provide an additional increase in senescence close to the tumor. In light of this, we will review the importance of senescence in the tumor-supportive brain parenchyma, focusing on the invasion and growth of GBM in residual disease. We will propose a future direction on the application of anti-senescence therapies against recurrent GBM.

HNRNPD interacts with ZHX2 regulating the vasculogenic mimicry formation of glioma cells via linc00707/miR-651-3p/SP2 axis

Studies have found that RNA-binding proteins (RBPs) are dysfunctional and play a significant regulatory role in the development of glioma. Based on The Cancer Genome Atlas database and the previous studies, we selected heterogeneous nuclear ribonucleoprotein (HNRNPD) as the research candidate and sought its downstream targeted genes. In the present study, HNRNPD, linc00707, and specific protein 2 (SP2) were highly expressed, while zinc fingers and homeboxes 2 (ZHX2) and miR-651-3p were remarkedly downregulated in glioma tissues and cells. HNRNPD, linc00707, and SP2 knockdown or ZHX2 and miR-651-3p overexpression suppressed glioma cells proliferation, migration, and invasion and vasculogenic mimicry (VM) formation. Knockdown of HNRNPD increased the stability of ZHX2 mRNA. ZHX2 bound to the promoter region of linc00707 and negatively regulate its expression. Linc00707 could bind with miR-651-3p, while miR-651-3p bound to the 3' untranslated region (3'UTR) of SP2 mRNA to negatively regulate its expression. The transcription factor SP2 directly bound to the promoter regions of the VM formation-related proteins MMP2, MMP9, and VE-cadherin, playing a role in promoting transcription in order to regulate the VM formation ability of glioma cells.

MicroRNA-29a-3p delivery via exosomes derived from engineered human mesenchymal stem cells exerts tumour suppressive effects by inhibiting migration and vasculogenic mimicry in glioma

Vasculogenic mimicry (VM), the formation of an alternative microvascular circulation independent of VEGF-driven angiogenesis, is reluctant to anti-angiogenesis therapy for glioma patients. However, treatments targeting VM are lacking due to the poor understanding of the molecular mechanism involved in VM formation. By analysing the TCGA database, microRNA-29a-3p (miR-29a-3p) was found to be highly expressed in normal brain tissue compared with glioma. An in vitro study revealed an inhibitory role for miR-29a-3p in glioma cell migration and VM formation, and further study confirmed that ROBO1 is a direct target of miR-29a-3p. Based on this, we engineered human mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) to produce miR-29a-3p-overexpressing exosomes. Treatment with these exosomes attenuated migration and VM formation in glioma cells. Moreover, the anti-glioma role of miR-29a-3p and miR-29a-3p-overexpressing exosomes were confirmed in vivo. Overall, the present study demonstrates that MSCs can be used to produce miR-29a-3p-overexpressing exosomes, which have great potential for anti-VM therapy and may act as supplements to anti-angiogenetic therapy in the clinic.

Prediction and analysis of hub genes between glioblastoma and low-grade glioma using bioinformatics analysis

ABSTRACT

Gliomas are an intractable tumor in the central nervous system. The present study aimed to identify the differentially expressed genes (DEGs) between glioblastoma multiforme (GBM) and low-grade gliomas (LGG) in order to investigate the mechanisms of different grades of gliomas. The Cancer Genome Atlas (TCGA) database was used to identify DEGs between GBM and LGG, and 2641 genes have been found differentially expressed. Gene Ontology (GO) and Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genomes (KEGG) analyses were used to determine the related functions and pathways of DEGs. Protein-protein interaction (PPI) network extracted a total of 444 nodes and 1953 interactions, and identified the top 6 hub genes in gliomas. The microarray data of the datasets GSE52009 and GSE4412, which were obtained from Gene Expression Omnibus (GEO) database, were used to externally validate DEGs expression levels. Gene Expression Profiling Interactive Analysis (GEPIA) database which was based on TCGA was used to explore the survival of hub genes in LGG and GBM. Additionally, the Oncomine database and Chinese Glioma Genome Atlas (CGGA) database were used to validate the mRNA expression level and prognostic value of hub genes. Gene Set Enrichment Analysis (GSEA) identified further hub genes-related pathways. In summary, through biological information and survival analysis, 6 hub genes may be new biomarkers for diagnosis and for guiding the choice of treatment strategies for different grades of gliomas.

Alternative splicing in endothelial cells: novel therapeutic opportunities in cancer angiogenesis

Alternative splicing (AS) is a pervasive molecular process generating multiple protein isoforms, from a single gene. It plays fundamental roles during development, differentiation and maintenance of tissue homeostasis, while aberrant AS is considered a hallmark of multiple diseases, including cancer. Cancer-restricted AS isoforms represent either predictive biomarkers for diagnosis/prognosis or targets for anti-cancer therapies. Here, we discuss the contribution of AS regulation in cancer angiogenesis, a complex process supporting disease development and progression. We consider AS programs acting in a specific and non-redundant manner to influence morphological and functional changes involved in cancer angiogenesis. In particular, we describe relevant AS variants or splicing regulators controlling either secreted or membrane-bound angiogenic factors, which may represent attractive targets for therapeutic interventions in human cancer.

SLC39A1 contribute to malignant progression and have clinical prognostic impact in gliomas

BACKGROUND

Gliomas are one of the most common primary tumors of the central nervous system, and have an unfavorable prognosis. SLC39A1 is a zinc ion transport protein which inhibits the progression of prostate cancer. By studying the role and mechanism of SLC39A1 in the progression of gliomas, perhaps a new therapeutic target can be provided for their treatment.

METHOD

The TCGA, CCGA, GSE16011, GSE44971 and GSE11260 data sets were employed to evaluate the expression level of SLC39A1 in paracancerous and glioma tissues. In addition, Kaplan-Meier analysis, Cox analysis, and the ESTIMATE and CIBERSORT algorithms were used to analyze its prognostic value and immune infiltration correlation. A CCK-8 and flow cytometer were used to measure the effects of SLC39A1 on U87 cell proliferation or apoptosis; RT-qPCR and western blot were used to detect its effects on the expression of MMP2\MMP9.

RESULTS

SLC39A1 has up-regulated expression in glioma tissues. High SLC39A1 expression predicted significantly worse survival. Univariate and multivariate analysis show that SLC39A1 independently indicated poor prognosis in patients with gliomas. The expression of SLC39A1 is significantly correlated with clinical pathological parameters such as Grade, IDH mutation status, and 1p19q codeletion status. In vitro experimental results show that SLC39A1 promotes proliferation of glioma cells, inhibits their apoptosis, and promotes expression of MMP2\MMP9. In addition, it may affect infiltration of immune cells into the glioma microenvironment.

CONCLUSION

SLC39A1 may serve as a new prognostic biomarker and potential target for treatment of gliomas.

Galectin-1 promotes vasculogenic mimicry in gastric adenocarcinoma via the Hedgehog/GLI signaling pathway

Background: Galectin-1 (GAL-1), which is encoded by LGALS1, promotes vasculogenic mimicry (VM) in gastric cancer (GC) tissue. However, the underlying mechanism remains unclear.

Methods: Immunohistochemical (IHC) and CD34-periodic acid-Schiff (PAS) double staining were used to investigate Glioma-associated oncogene-1(GLI1) expression and VM in paraffin-embedded sections from 127 patients with GC of all tumor stages. LGALS1 or GLI1 were stably transduced into MGC-803 cells and AGS cells, and western blotting, IHC, CD34-PAS double staining and three-dimensional culture in vitro, and tumorigenicity in vivo were used to explore the mechanisms of GAL-1/ GLI1 promotion of VM formation in GC tissues.

Results: A significant association between GAL-1 and GLI1 expression was identified by IHC staining, as well as a significant association between GLI1 expression and VM formation. Furthermore, overexpression of LGALS1 enhanced expression of GLI1 in MGC-803 and AGS cells. GLI1 promoted VM formation both in vitro and in vivo. The effects of GLI1 on VM formation were independent of LGALS1. Importantly, the expression of VM-related molecules, such as MMP2, MMP14 and laminin5γ2, was also affected upon GLI1 overexpression or silencing in GC cell lines. Conclusion: GAL-1 promotes VM in GC through the Hh/GLI pathway, which has potential as a novel therapeutic target for treatment of VM in GC.

Cancer stem cell secretome in the tumor microenvironment: a key point for an effective personalized cancer treatment

Cancer stem cells (CSCs) represent a tumor subpopulation responsible for tumor metastasis and resistance to chemo- and radiotherapy, ultimately leading to tumor relapse. As a consequence, the detection and eradication of this cell subpopulation represent a current challenge in oncology medicine. CSC phenotype is dependent on the tumor microenvironment (TME), which involves stem and differentiated tumor cells, as well as different cell types, such as mesenchymal stem cells, endothelial cells, fibroblasts and cells of the immune system, in addition to the extracellular matrix (ECM), different in composition to the ECM in healthy tissues. CSCs regulate multiple cancer hallmarks through the interaction with cells and ECM in their environment by secreting extracellular vesicles including exosomes, and soluble factors such as interleukins, cytokines, growth factors and other metabolites to the TME. Through these factors, CSCs generate and activate their own tumor niche by recruiting stromal cells and modulate angiogenesis, metastasis, resistance to antitumor treatments and their own maintenance by the secretion of different factors such as IL-6, VEGF and TGF-ß. Due to the strong influence of the CSC secretome on disease development, the new antitumor therapies focus on targeting these communication networks to eradicate the tumor and prevent metastasis, tumor relapse and drug resistance. This review summarizes for the first time the main components of the CSC secretome and how they mediate different tumor processes. Lastly, the relevance of the CSC secretome in the development of more precise and personalized antitumor therapies is discussed.

Peptidomic analysis of pilose antler and its inhibitory effect on triple-negative breast cancer at multiple sites

Pilose antler (PA) is a traditional Chinese functional food that has been reported to inhibit breast cancer; however, the specific substances that exert this effect and the underlying mechanisms remain unknown. This study aims to identify the specific proteins in PA water-soluble polypeptides (PAWPs) that are involved in cancer inhibition and determine the effects of PAWPs on triple-negative breast cancer in mice. In this study, peptidomic analysis of 105 varieties of polypeptides from PAWPs was carried out using LC-MS, 22 of which had functions that could potentially suppress tumors, including endopeptidase inhibitors, metal ion-binding proteins, angiogenesis inhibitors, intercellular adhesion proteins, and extracellular matrix repair proteins. Furthermore, we showed that intragastric administration of PAWPs into mice inhibited the growth and metastasis of triple-negative 4T1 breast tumors. PAWPs activated the expression of cleaved-caspase3 and increased tumor apoptosis, resulting in the reduction of platelet-endothelial cell adhesion molecule (PECAM-1/CD31) expression and the number of blood vessels, as well as the inhibition of matrix metalloproteinase (MMP) 2 and 9, increasing the ratio of Cadherin-1 (CDH1)/Cadherin-2 (CDH2) and inhibiting epithelial-mesenchymal transition (EMT) in these tumors. Therefore, PAWPs inhibit the progression and metastasis of triple-negative 4T1 breast cancer at multiple key sites in mice and contain various tumor suppressor proteins that are potentially involved in these processes.

Detrimental Effect of Sitagliptin Induced Autophagy on Multiterritory Perforator Flap Survival

Multiterritory perforator flap survival is commonly applied in surgical tissue reconstructions and covering of large skin defects. However, multiple risk factors such as ischemia, reperfusion injury, and apoptosis after reconstructive surgeries cause necrosis in distal parts with outcomes ranging from poor aesthetic appearance to reconstructive failure. A few studies have reported that sitagliptin (Sit) promotes angiogenesis and inhibits apoptosis. However, little is known about Sit-induced autophagy especially on the flap model. Therefore, our study investigated the effect of Sit and its induced autophagy on the perforator flap survival. Ninety male Sprague-Dawley rats were randomly separated into control, Sit, and Sit+3-methyladenine group. Results revealed that Sit significantly promoted flap survival by enhancing angiogenesis, reducing oxidative stress, and attenuating apoptosis. In addition, flap survival was further improved after co-administration with 3-methyladenine to inhibit autophagy. Overall, our results established that Sit has positive effects in promoting survival of multiterritory perforator flap. Sit-induced autophagy was detrimental for flap survival and its inhibition may further improve flap survival.

The PABPC5/HCG15/ZNF331 Feedback Loop Regulates Vasculogenic Mimicry of Glioma via STAU1-Mediated mRNA Decay

Glioma is the most common primary malignancy in the brain, and vasculogenic mimicry (VM) is one of the blood supply methods. Here we investigated the possibility that lncRNAs regulate the stability of transcription factors through the SMD pathway, which affects proliferation, migration, invasion, and the ability to form VMs in glioma. Expression of PABPC5, HCG15, and ZNF331 was detected by real-time qPCR or western blot in glioma. Cell Counting Kit-8, Transwell assays, and in vitro VM tube formation were used to investigate PABPC5, HCG15, and ZNF331 function in cell proliferation, migration, invasion, and VM, respectively. ChIP assays were used to ascertain the interaction betweenZNF331 and LAMC2 or PABPC5. PABPC5 and HCG15 were highly expressed in glioma cells. ZNF331 was lowly expressed. PABPC5 bound HCG15 to increase its stability. Knockdown HCG15 reduced the degradation of ZNF331 mRNA by the SMD pathway. ZNF331 inhibited transcription through binding to the promoter region of LAMC2 and PABPC5 and inhibited the ability to form VMs in glioma cells. The PABPC5/HCG15/ZNF331 feedback loop plays an important role in regulating VM formation in glioma and provides new targets for glioma treatment.