Estrogen-related receptor gamma functions as a tumor suppressor in gastric cancer

A large-scale cancer-specific protein-DNA interaction network

Cancer development and progression are generally associated with gene dysregulation, often resulting from changes in the transcription factor (TF) sequence or expression. Identifying key TFs involved in cancer gene regulation provides a framework for potential new therapeutics. This study presents a large-scale cancer gene TF-DNA interaction network, as well as an extensive promoter clone resource for future studies. Highly connected TFs bind to promoters of genes associated with either good or poor cancer prognosis, suggesting that strategies aimed at shifting gene expression balance between these two prognostic groups may be inherently complex. However, we identified potential for oncogene-targeted therapeutics, with half of the tested oncogenes being potentially repressed by influencing specific activators or bifunctional TFs. Finally, we investigate the role of intrinsically disordered regions within the key cancer-related TF ESR1 in DNA binding and transcriptional activity, and found that these regions can have complex trade-offs in TF function. Altogether, our study broadens our knowledge of the TFs involved in cancer gene regulation and provides a valuable resource for future studies and therapeutics.

Exploring the impact of estrogen-related receptor gamma on metabolism and disease

Estrogen-related receptor gamma (ERRγ) is a member of the ERR orphan nuclear receptor family which possesses three subtypes, α, β, and γ. ERRγ is reportedly predominantly expressed in metabolically active tissues and cells, which promotes positive and negative effects in different tissues. ERRγ overexpression in the liver, pancreas, and thyroid cells is related to liver cancer, oxidative stress, reactive oxygen species (ROS) regulation, and carcinoma. Reduced ERRγ expression in the brain, immune cells, tumor cells, and energy metabolism causes neurological dysfunction, gastric cancer, and obesity. ERRγ is a constitutive receptor; however, its transcriptional activity also depends on co-regulators, agonists, and antagonists, which, when after forming a complex, can play a role in targeting and treating diseases. Moreover, ERRγ has proven crucial in regulating cellular and metabolic activity. However, many functions mediated via ERRγ remain unknown and require further exploration. Hence, considering the importance of ERRγ, this review focuses on the critical findings and interactions between ERRγ and co-regulators, agonists, and antagonists alongside its relationship with downstream and upstream signaling pathways and diseases. This review highlights new findings and provides a path to understanding the current ideas and future studies on ERRγ-mediated cellular activity.

The m6A writer RBM15 drives the growth of triple-negative breast cancer cells through the stimulation of serine and glycine metabolism

N6-adenosine methylation (m6A) is critical for controlling cancer cell growth and tumorigenesis. However, the function and detailed mechanism of how m6A methyltransferases modulate m6A levels on specific targets remain unknown. In the current study, we identified significantly elevated levels of RBM15, an m6A writer, in basal-like breast cancer (BC) patients compared to nonbasal-like BC patients and linked this increase to worse clinical outcomes. Gene expression profiling revealed correlations between RBM15 and serine and glycine metabolic genes, including PHGDH, PSAT1, PSPH, and SHMT2. RBM15 influences m6A levels and, specifically, the m6A levels of serine and glycine metabolic genes via direct binding to target RNA. The effects of RBM15 on cell growth were largely dependent on serine and glycine metabolism. Thus, RBM15 coordinates cancer cell growth through altered serine and glycine metabolism, suggesting that RBM15 is a new therapeutic target in BC.

ERRα: unraveling its role as a key player in cell migration

Cell migration is essential throughout the life of multicellular organisms, and largely depends on the spatial and temporal regulation of cytoskeletal dynamics, cell adhesion and signal transduction. Interestingly, Estrogen-related receptor alpha (ERRα) has been identified as a major regulator of cell migration in both physiological and pathological conditions. ERRα is an orphan member of the nuclear hormone receptor superfamily of transcription factors and displays many biological functions. ERRα is a global regulator of energy metabolism, and it is also highly involved in bone homeostasis, development, differentiation, immunity and cancer progression. Importantly, in some instances, the regulation of these biological processes relies on the ability to orchestrate cell movements. Therefore, this review describes how ERRα-mediated cell migration contributes not only to tissue homeostasis but also to tumorigenesis and metastasis, and highlights the molecular and cellular mechanisms by which ERRα finely controls the cell migratory potential.

A large-scale cancer-specific protein-DNA interaction network

Cancer development and progression are generally associated with dysregulation of gene expression, often resulting from changes in transcription factor (TF) sequence or expression. Identifying key TFs involved in cancer gene regulation provides a framework for potential new therapeutics. This study presents a large-scale cancer gene TF-DNA interaction network as well as an extensive promoter clone resource for future studies. Most highly connected TFs do not show a preference for binding to promoters of genes associated with either good or poor cancer prognosis, suggesting that emerging strategies aimed at shifting gene expression balance between these two prognostic groups may be inherently complex. However, we identified potential for oncogene targeted therapeutics, with half of the tested oncogenes being potentially repressed by influencing specific activator or bifunctional TFs. Finally, we investigate the role of intrinsically disordered regions within the key cancer-related TF estrogen receptor ɑ (ESR1) on DNA binding and transcriptional activity, and found that these regions can have complex trade-offs in TF function. Altogether, our study not only broadens our knowledge of TFs involved in the cancer gene regulatory network but also provides a valuable resource for future studies, laying a foundation for potential therapeutic strategies targeting TFs in cancer.

Research Progress in Estrogen-related Receptor Gamma (ERRγ) Agonists and Inverse Agonists

Estrogen-related receptor gamma (ERRγ), one of three members of the ERR family, is an inducible transcription factor. ERRγ has dual functions in different tissues. The decreased expression of ERRγ in the brain, stomach, prostate, and fat cells can cause neuropsychological dysfunction, gastric cancer, prostate cancer, and obesity. However, when ERRγ is present in the liver, pancreas, and thyroid follicular cells, ERRγ overexpression is related to liver cancer, type II diabetes, oxidative liver injury, and anaplastic thyroid carcinoma. Signaling pathway studies have confirmed that ERRγ agonists or inverse agonists can regulate ERRγ expression to treat related diseases. The collision between residue Phe435 and the modulator is a key factor determining the activation or inhibition of ERRγ. Although more than 20 agonists and inverse agonists of ERRγ have been reported, no clinical studies have been found in the literature. This review summarizes the important relationship between ERRγ-related signaling pathways and diseases, research progress, and the structure-activity relationship of modulators. These findings provide guidance for further study on new ERRγ modulators.

Poloxamer 407 Combined with Polyvinylpyrrolidone To Prepare a High-Performance Poly(ether sulfone) Ultrafiltration Membrane

At present, the design and fabrication of polymer membranes with high permeability and good retention ability are still huge challenges. In this study, the commercial Poloxamer 407 (Pluronic F127) is selected as a multifunctional additive, and polyvinylpyrrolidone is used as a pore-forming agent to modify the poly(ether sulfone) membrane by liquid-liquid phase conversion technology to prepare an ultrafiltration membrane with excellent performance. The hydrophobic poly(propylene oxide) segment in Poloxamer 407 guarantees that this copolymer can be firmly anchored to the poly(ether sulfone) matrix, and the hydrophilic poly(ethylene oxide) segments in Poloxamer 407 impart a stronger hydrophilic nature to the modified membrane surface. Therefore, the permeability and hydrophilicity of the modified membrane are significantly improved and the modified membrane also has good stability. When the amount of Poloxamer 407 added to the casting solution reached 0.6 g, the water flux of the modified membrane was as high as 368 L m-2 h-1, and the rejection rate of bovine serum albumin was close to 98%. In the test to isolate organic small molecule dyes, the retention rate of the modified membrane to Congo red is 94.27%. In addition, the modified membrane shows an excellent water flux recovery rate and antifouling ability. It performs well in subsequent cycle tests and long-term membrane life tests and can be used repeatedly. Our work has resulted in poly(ether sulfone) membranes with good performance, which show great potential in the treatment of biomedical wastewater and the removal of industrial organic dye wastewater, it provides ideas for the development and application of amphiphilic polymer materials.

Perovskite-Derived Bismuth with I- and Cs+ Dual Modification for High-Efficiency CO2 -to-Formate Electrosynthesis and Al-CO2 Batteries

Bi-based materials are one of the most promising candidates for electrochemical CO2 reduction reaction (CO2 RR) to formate; however, the majority of them still suffer from low current density and stability that essentially constrain their potential applications at the industrial scale. Surface modification represents an effective approach to modulate the electrode microenvironment and the relative binding strength of key intermediates. Herein, it is demonstrated that the surface comodification with halides and alkali metal ions from the conversion of Bi-based halide perovskite nanocrystals is a viable strategy to boost the CO2 RR performance of Bi for formate electrosynthesis. Cs3 Bi2 I9 nanocrystals are prepared by a hot-injection method. The as-prepared products feature well-defined hexagonal shape and uniform size distribution. When used as the precatalyst, Cs3 Bi2 I9 nanocrystals are converted to Cs+ and I- comodified Bi. The resultant catalyst exhibits high formate Faradaic efficiency close to 100%, and remarkable partial current density up to 44 mA cm-2 in an H-cell and up to 276 mA cm-2 in a flow cell. Moreover, Cs3 Bi2 I9 is used as the cathode catalyst and paired with an Al anode in an Al-CO2 battery for simultaneous CO2 valorization and power generation.

The mechanism of dehydroandrographolide inhibiting metastasis in gastric cancer based on network pharmacology and bioinformatics

Gastric cancer (GC) is the most aggressive malignant tumor of the digestive tract. However, there is still a lack of effective treatment methods in clinical practice. Studies have shown that dehydroandrographolide (DA) has been shown to have anti-cancer activity in a variety of cancers, but it has not been reported in GC. Firstly, we obtained data on DA target genes, GC-related genes, and differentially expressed genes (DEGs) from the PharmMapper, GeneCards, and GEO databases, respectively. Then, the STRING database was used to construct the protein-protein interaction network of intersection genes, and Gene Ontology and Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genomes analyses of intersection genes were performed. Finally, 8 hub target genes were identified by analyzing their expression and prognostic survival, and molecular docking between the hub genes and DA was performed. In this study, 293 DA drug target genes, 11,366 GC-related genes, and 3184 DEGs were identified. Gene Ontology and KEGG analysis showed that the intersection genes of DA targets and GC-related genes were mainly related to cancer pathways involving apoptosis and cell adhesion. The intersection genes of DEGs, DA targets, and GC-related genes were also mainly related to cancer pathways involving chemical carcinogenesis, and drug metabolism. The molecular docking results showed that the 8 hub target genes had an apparent affinity for DA, which could be used as potential targets for DA treatment of GC. The results of this study show that the molecular mechanism by which DA inhibits GC metastasis involves multiple target genes. It may play an essential role in inhibiting the invasion and metastasis of GC by regulating the expression and polymorphism of hub target genes, such as MMP9, MMP12, CTSB, ESRRG, GSTA1, ADHIC, CA2, and AKR1C2.

Translocation of Methionine Adenosyl Transferase MAT2A and Its Prognostic Relevance for Liver Hepatocellular Carcinoma

Methionine adenosyl transferases (MATs) catalyze the synthesis of the biological methyl donor adenosylmethionine (SAM). Dysregulation of MATs has been associated with carcinogenesis in humans. We previously found that downregulation of the MAT1A gene enriches the protein-associated translation process and worsens liver hepatocellular carcinoma (LIHC) prognosis. We also discovered that subcellular localization of the MAT2A protein has independently prognostic relevance in breast cancer patients. The present study aimed to examined the clinical relevance of MAT2A translocation in human LIHC. Essential methionine cycle gene expressions in TCGA LIHC datasets were analyzed using Gene Expression Profiling Interactive Analysis 2 (GEPIA2). The protein expression pattern of MAT2A was determined in the tissue array of our own LIHC cohort (n = 261) using immuno-histochemistry, and the prognostic relevance of MAT2A protein's subcellular localization expression was examined using Kaplan-Meier survival curves. LIHC patients with higher MAT2A mRNA expression had a worse survival rate (p = 0.0083). MAT2A protein immunoreactivity was observed in both cytoplasm and nucleus fractions in the tissue array. Tumor tissues had elevated MAT2A protein expression in both cytoplasm and nucleus compared to their adjacent normal tissues. A higher cytoplasmic to nuclear MAT2A protein expression ratio (C/N) was found in female LIHC patients compared to that of male patients (p = 0.047). Kaplan-Meier survival curves showed that a lower MAT2A C/N correlated with poor overall survival in female LIHC patients (10-year survival rate: 29.2% vs. 68.8%, C/N ≤ 1.0 vs. C/N > 1.0, log-rank p = 0.004). Moreover, we found that specificity protein 1 (SP1) may have a potential interaction with nuclear MAT2A protein, using protein-protein interaction; this we found using the GeneMANIA algorithm. We explored the possible protective effects of the estrogen axis in LIHC using the Human Protein Atlas (HPA), and found evidence supporting a possible protective effect of estrogen-related protein ESSRG in LIHC. The localization of SP1 and MAT2 appeared to be inversely associated with ESRRG expression in LIHC. The present study demonstrated the translocation of MAT2A and its prognostic relevance in female LIHC patients. Our findings suggest the potential of estrogen in SP1 regulation and localization of MAT2A, as therapeutic modalities against in female LIHC patients.

The Tumor Microenvironment and the Estrogen Loop in Thyroid Cancer

Thyroid cancer (TC) cells employ multiple signaling pathways, such as PI3K/AKT/mTOR and RAS/Raf/MAPK, fostering cell proliferation, survival and metastasis. Through a complex interplay with immune cells, inflammatory mediators and stroma, TC cells support an immunosuppressive, inflamed, pro-carcinogenic TME. Moreover, the participation of estrogens in TC pathogenesis has previously been hypothesized, in view of the higher TC incidence observed among females. In this respect, the interactions between estrogens and the TME in TC could represent a relevant, unexplored area of research. We thereby collectively reviewed the available evidence concerning the potential carcinogenic role of estrogens in TC, specifically focusing on their crosstalk with the TME.

Identification of a novel heterogeneous nuclear ribonucleoprotein A2B1 (hnRNPA2B1) ligand that disrupts HnRNPA2B1/nucleic acid interactions to inhibit the MDMX-p53 axis in gastric cancer

Gastric carcinoma is a highly malignant tumor that still lacks effective molecular targets. Heterogeneous nuclear ribonucleoprotein A2B1 (hnRNPA2B1) is an essential oncogenic driver overexpressed in various cancers. The potential role of hnRNPA2B1 in oncotherapy has not been revealed because of the absence of active chemical molecules. In this study, we identified the pseudourea derivative XI-011 as a novel hnRNPA2B1 ligand using chemical proteomics. An interaction study indicated that XI-011 could bind the nucleotide-binding domain to disrupt the recruitment of hnRNPA2B1 to the promoter and untranslated region of the murine double minute X (MDMX) gene, thereby inhibiting its transcription. In addition, chemical targeting of hnRNPA2B1 recovered inactivated p53 and enhanced the therapeutic efficacy of apatinib in vivo. This work presented a novel strategy to restore p53 activity for the treatment of gastric cancers via chemically targeting hnRNPA2B1.

The developmental regulator HAND1 inhibits gastric carcinogenesis through enhancing ER stress apoptosis via targeting CHOP and BAK which is augmented by cisplatin

Epigenetic disruption of tumor suppressor genes, particularly aberrant CpG methylation, plays a crucial role in gastric cancer (GC) pathogenesis. Through CpG methylome and expression profiling, a developmental transcription factor - Hand-And-Neural-crest-Derivative-expressed 1 (HAND1), was identified methylated and downregulated in GC. However, its role and underlying mechanisms in GC progression are poorly understood. Here, we show that HAND1 was frequently downregulated in GC by promoter methylation, and significantly correlated with tumor progression and poor prognosis of GC patients. High expression of HAND1 in GC patients was associated with significantly higher 5-year overall survival rates. Ectopic expression of HAND1 inhibited GC cell growth and migration in vitro and in vivo. HAND1 expression increased ROS levels and cytosolic Ca²⁺ concentration, enhanced cisplatin-induced apoptosis through endoplasmic reticulum (ER) stress/mitochondria-mediated apoptosis. Knockdown of CHOP and BAK attenuated HAND1-induced cell apoptosis. Overexpression of CHOP increased BAK expression. HAND1 interacts with CHOP, also directly binds to CHOP and BAK promoters and positively regulates BAK transcription. Thus, the present study demonstrates that HAND1 is a tumor suppressor gene methylated in GC, induces ER stress and apoptosis via CHOP and BAK, which is augmented by cisplatin. Low HAND1 expression is an independent poor prognostic factor for GC. The tumor-specific methylation of HAND1 promoter could be a candidate biomarker for GC.

Correlation between DNA Methylation and Cell Proliferation Identifies New Candidate Predictive Markers in Meningioma

Meningiomas are the most common primary tumors of the central nervous system. Based on the 2021 WHO classification, they are classified into three grades reflecting recurrence risk and aggressiveness. However, the WHO's histopathological criteria defining these grades are somewhat subjective. Together with reliable immunohistochemical proliferation indices, other molecular markers such as those studied with genome-wide epigenetics promise to revamp the current prognostic classification. In this study, 48 meningiomas of various grades were randomly included and explored for DNA methylation with the Infinium MethylationEPIC microarray over 850k CpG sites. We conducted differential and correlative analyses on grade and several proliferation indices and markers, such as mitotic index and Ki-67 or MCM6 immunohistochemistry. We also set up Cox proportional hazard models for extensive associations between CpG methylation and survival. We identified loci highly correlated with cell growth and a targeted methylation signature of regulatory regions persistently associated with proliferation, grade, and survival. Candidate genes under the control of these regions include SMC4, ESRRG, PAX6, DOK7, VAV2, OTX1, and PCDHA-PCDHB-PCDHG, i.e., the protocadherin gene clusters. This study highlights the crucial role played by epigenetic mechanisms in shaping dysregulated cellular proliferation and provides potential biomarkers bearing prognostic and therapeutic value for the clinical management of meningioma.

API-2-Induced Cell Migration Is Overcome by Small Molecular Approaches Inhibiting β-Catenin

Frequent mutation of APC (90%) in advanced colorectal cancer (CRC) results in the simultaneous activation of Wnt/β-catenin and AKT signaling pathways, and the current therapeutic limitations of the AKT inhibitors for treating CRC patients are nuclear β-catenin-induced EMT and bypassing apoptosis. In this study, we discover that the combinatorial treatment of an AKT inhibitor and KY1022, a β-catenin destabilizer, effectively overcomes the current limitations of API-2, an AKT inhibitor, by reducing nuclear β-catenin. Taken together, we demonstrate that the simultaneous suppression of Wnt/β-catenin with the AKT signaling pathways is an ideal strategy for suppressing the AKT-inhibitor-mediated metastasis and for maximizing the therapeutic effects of AKT inhibitors.

Binding and Activation of Estrogen-Related Receptor γ: A Novel Molecular Mechanism for the Estrogenic Disruption Effects of DDT and Its Metabolites

DDT and its metabolites (DDTs) can induce estrogenic effects. Previous mechanistic investigations mainly concentrated on activating the genomic transcription of estrogen receptor (ER) pathways. Here, we identified whether estrogen-related receptor γ (ERRγ), an orphan nuclear receptor, is a potential target of DDTs by receptor binding, transcriptional activity, and receptor-mediated pathway assays. Fluorescence polarization-based binding assays showed that all eight DDTs bound to ERRγ directly, with K_d values ranging from 0.73-168.82 μM. Among them, 2,2-bis(4-chlorophenyl)ethanol (4,4'-DDOH) exhibited the highest binding affinity, which was 2.5-fold stronger than GSK4716, a well-known ERRγ agonist. Eight DDTs exhibited agonistic activity toward the ERRγ pathway, with 4,4'-DDOH showing the strongest potency. In silico studies revealed that DDTs tended to bind with ERRγ in the agonistic conformation. Using a SKBR3 breast cancer cell model, we further found that nanomolar or micromolar levels of DDTs significantly activated the ERRγ pathway in cells and induced cell proliferation through the ERRγ-modulated cell cycle. These results indicated that the binding and activation of DDTs to ERRγ might serve as molecular initiating events for subsequent ERRγ-mediated signaling pathways and adverse outcomes. Overall, our results demonstrated that ERRγ might be a crucial pathway involved in the estrogenic disruption effects of DDTs.

Analyses of the expression and prognosis of ILDR1 in human gastric cancer

The worldwide mortality rate of gastric cancer worldwide remains high. Immunoglobulin-like domain containing receptor 1 (ILDR1) belongs to an evolutionarily conserved protein family, and little is known about this gene in gastric cancer. In this paper, we analyzed the expression of ILDR1 and its relationship with clinical outcomes in gastric cancer using publicly available databases. ONCOMINE, GEPIA2, UALCAN, Kaplan–Meier Plotter, cBioPortal, GeneMANIA and LinkedOmics databases were used to analyze the expression, prognostic values, mutations and functional networks of ILDR1 in gastric cancer. We observed that ILDR1 was overexpressed in gastric cancer than in normal tissues. ILDR1 expression was significantly higher in patients with gastric cancer than in normal controls during subgroup analysis based on cancer stage, patient’s race, sex, age, tumor grade, H. pylori infection, histological subtype, and nodal metastasis status. Survival analysis showed that upregulation of ILDR1 expression was significantly associated with poor prognosis. Genomic alterations in ILDR1 were analyzed using cBioPortal, protein–protein interaction (PPI) networks were constructed using GeneMANIA and the co-expressed genes, gene ontology, and pathways of ILDR1 were determined using the LinkedOmics web tool. ILDR1 showed significant differences in expression between gastric cancer and normal tissues and, thus, may be a promising prognostic biomarker for gastric cancer.

Construction of a lncRNA–mRNA Co-Expression Network for Nasopharyngeal Carcinoma

Long non-coding RNAs (lncRNAs) widely regulate gene expression and play important roles in the pathogenesis of human diseases, including malignant tumors. However, the functions of most lncRNAs remain to be elucidated. In order to study and screen novel lncRNAs with important functions in the carcinogenesis of nasopharyngeal carcinoma (NPC), we constructed a lncRNA expression profile of 10 NPC tissues and 6 controls through a gene microarray. We identified 1,276 lncRNAs, of which most are unknown, with different expression levels in the healthy and NPC tissues. In order to shed light on the functions of these unknown lncRNAs, we first constructed a co-expression network of lncRNAs and mRNAs using bioinformatics and systematic biological approach. Moreover, mRNAs were clustered and enriched by their biological functions, and those lncRNAs have similar expression trends with mRNAs were defined as functional molecules with potential biological significance. The module may help identify key lncRNAs in the carcinogenesis of NPC and provide clues for in-depth study of their functions and associated signaling pathways. We suggest the newly identified lncRNAs may have clinic value as biomarkers and therapeutic targets for NPC diagnosis and treatment.

ESRRG, ATP4A, and ATP4B as Diagnostic Biomarkers for Gastric Cancer: A Bioinformatic Analysis Based on Machine Learning

Based on multiple bioinformatics methods and machine learning techniques, this study was designed to explore potential hub genes of gastric cancer with a diagnostic value. The novel biomarkers were detected through multiple databases of gastric cancer–related genes. The NCBI Gene Expression Omnibus (GEO) database was used to obtain gene expression files. Three hub genes (ESRRG, ATP4A, and ATP4B) were detected through a combination of weighted gene co-expression network analysis (WGCNA), gene–gene interaction network analysis, and supervised feature selection method. GEPIA2 was used to verify the differences in the expression levels of the hub genes in normal and cancer tissues in the RNA-seq levels of Genotype-Tissue Expression (GTEx) and The Cancer Genome Atlas (TCGA) databases. The objectivity of potential hub genes was also verified by immunohistochemistry in the Human Protein Atlas (HPA) database and transcription factor–hub gene regulatory network. Machine learning (ML) methods including data pre-processing, model selection and cross-validation, and performance evaluation were examined on the hub-gene expression profiles in five Gene Expression Omnibus datasets and verified on a GEO external validation (EV) dataset. Six supervised learning models (support vector machine, random forest, k-nearest neighbors, neural network, decision tree, and eXtreme Gradient Boosting) and one semi-supervised learning model (label spreading) were established to evaluate the diagnostic value of biomarkers. Among the six supervised models, the support vector machine (SVM) algorithm was the most effective one according to calculated performance metrics, including 0.93 and 0.99 area under the curve (AUC) scores on the test and external validation datasets, respectively. Furthermore, the semi-supervised model could also successfully learn and predict sample types, achieving a 0.986 AUC score on the EV dataset, even when 10% samples in the five GEO datasets were labeled. In conclusion, three hub genes (ATP4A, ATP4B, and ESRRG) closely related to gastric cancer were mined, based on which the ML diagnostic model of gastric cancer was conducted.

Nuclear receptor estrogen-related receptor gamma suppresses colorectal cancer aggressiveness by regulating Wnt/β-catenin signalling

Colorectal cancer is the predominant cause of cancer-related death worldwide, because of lack of effective therapeutic targets. Estrogen-related receptor gamma (ESRRG), which belongs to the family of nuclear receptors, functions as an important element regulating gene transcription. In our report, we identified ESRRG as a potential tumor suppressor. The decreased level of ESRRG was initially observed in CRC and was highly associated with poor prognosis. ESRRG overexpression abrogated cell growth and metastasis in vitro and in vivo. Mechanistically, ESRRG repressed the epithelial-to-mesenchymal transition (EMT) process and antagonized Wnt signaling by regulating β-catenin degradation. In addition, significant ESRRG hypermethylation was found in CRC and inversely correlated with its expression. Consistently, the expression of ESRRG was induced after treatment with DNA demethylating agent 5-AZA. Taken together, these findings define a tumor-suppressive role of ESRRG in CRC, providing a potential novel therapeutic approach for this cancer.

Protective effects of female reproductive factors on gastric signet-ring cell carcinoma

BACKGROUND

The overall incidence of gastric cancer is higher in men than women worldwide. However, gastric signet-ring cell carcinoma (GSRC) is more frequently observed in younger female patients.

AIM

To analyze clinicopathological differences between sexes in GSRC, because of the limited evidence regarding association between sex-specific differences and survival.

METHODS

We reviewed medical records for 1431 patients who received treatment for GSRC at the Cancer Hospital, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences between January 2011 and December 2018 and surveyed reproductive factors. Clinicopathological characteristics were compared between female and male patients. Cox multivariable model was used to compare the mortality risks of GSRC among men, menstrual women, and menopausal women.

RESULTS

Of 1431 patients, 935 patients were male and 496 were female (181 menstrual and 315 menopausal). The 5-year overall survival in male, menstrual female and menopausal female groups was 65.6%, 76.5% and 65%, respectively (P < 0.01). Menstruation was found to be a protective factor (hazard ratio = 0.58, 95% confidence interval: 0.42–0.82).

CONCLUSION

The mortality risk of GSRC in menstrual women was lower than that in men. This study identified the protective effects of female reproductive factors in GSRC.

Placental expression of Estrogen related receptor gamma (ESRRG) is reduced in FGR pregnancies and is mediated by hypoxia

Fetal growth restriction (FGR) describes a fetus which has not achieved its genetic growth potential; it is closely linked to placental dysfunction and uteroplacental hypoxia. Estrogen-related receptor gamma (ESRRG) is regulated by hypoxia and is highly expressed in the placenta. We hypothesized ESRRG is a regulator of hypoxia-mediated placental dysfunction in FGR pregnancies. Placentas were collected from women delivering appropriate for gestational age (AGA; n = 14) or FGR (n = 14) infants. Placental explants (n = 15) from uncomplicated pregnancies were cultured for up to 4 days in 21% or 1% O₂, or with 200 μM cobalt chloride (CoCl₂), or treated with the ESRRG agonists DY131 under different oxygen concentrations. RT-PCR, Western blotting, and immunochemistry were used to assess mRNA and protein levels of ESRRG and its localization in placental tissue from FGR or AGA pregnancies, and in cultured placental explants. ESRRG mRNA and protein expression were significantly reduced in FGR placentas, as was mRNA expression of the downstream targets of ESRRG, hydroxysteroid 11-beta dehydrogenase 2 (HSD11B2), and cytochrome P-450 (CYP19A1.1). Hypoxia-inducible factor 1-alpha protein localized to the nuclei of the cytotrophoblasts and stromal cells in the explants exposed to CoCl₂ or 1% O₂. Both hypoxia and CoCl₂ treatment decreased ESRRG and its downstream genes’ mRNA expression, but not ESRRG protein expression. DY131 increased the expression of ESRRG signaling pathways and prevented abnormal cell turnover induced by hypoxia. These data show that placental ESRRG is hypoxia-sensitive and altered ESRRG-mediated signaling may contribute to hypoxia-induced placental dysfunction in FGR. Furthermore, DY131 could be used as a novel therapeutic approach for the treatment of placental dysfunction.

KIF22 Promotes Development of Pancreatic Cancer by Regulating the MEK/ERK/P21 Signaling Axis

The study is aimed at exploring the potential biological process and molecular mechanism of KIF22 involved in the development and progression of pancreatic cancer. First, we used the GEPIA database and tissue qRT-PCR to examine the expression of KIF22 mRNA in pancreatic cancer. Meanwhile, immunohistochemistry revealed the presence of KIF22 in 71 pancreatic cancer tissues versus 30 paracarcinoma tissues. Then, we also explored the relationship between KIF22 expression level and clinical prognosis. Furthermore, in pancreatic cancer cells, we silenced KIF22 by transfecting KIF22 SiRNA, and we investigated the effect of KIF22 on the proliferation of pancreatic cancer cells with MTT and colony formation assays. Finally, we used Gene Set Enrichment Analysis (GSEA) to look at the effect of KIF22 on the cell cycle regulation of pancreatic cancer cells, and we used Western blot to look at the relationship between KIF22 and the phosphorylated MEK1/2, ERK1/2 (p-MEK1/2, p-ERK1/2), and the cyclin-dependent kinase inhibitor (P21). In this study, we found that KIF22 was highly expressed in pancreatic cancer tissues, and patients with high expression of KIF22 demonstrated significantly worse clinical prognosis outcomes (P < 0.05). When the KIF22 gene was silenced in pancreatic cancer cells (PANC-1 and MIA PaCa-2), the cells' ability to proliferate was significantly reduced. Furthermore, GSEA confirmed that KIF22 is involved in cell cycle regulation in pancreatic cancer patients (FDR = 0.00158, P < 0.0001). Besides, the level of KIF22 expression was positively correlated with Ki67 (r = 0.8043, P < 0.0001), and KIF22 can promote the transmutation of G1/S. The expression of p-MEK1/2 and p-ERK1/2 was significantly downregulated, while P21 expression was significantly upregulated (P < 0.05). According to our findings, KIF22 is highly expressed in pancreatic cancer and demonstrates a poor clinical prognosis. It regulates the cell cycle via the MEK/ERK/P21 signaling axis and promotes the development of pancreatic cancer.

In Silico Identification of Hub Genes as Observing Biomarkers for Gastric Cancer Metastasis

Perception of hub genes engaged in metastatic gastric cancer (mGC) promotes novel ways to diagnose and treat the illness. The goal of this investigation is to recognize the hub genes and reveal its molecular mechanism. In order to explore the potential facts for gastric cancer, the expression profiles of two different datasets were used (GSE161533 and GSE54129). The genes were confirmed to be part of the PPI network for gastric cancer pathogenesis and prognosis. In Cytoscape, the CytoHubba module was used to discover the hub genes. Responsible hub genes were identified. Data from Kaplan-Meier plotter confirmed the predictive value of these distinct genes in various stages of gastric malignancy. Upregulated and downregulated genes were identified to utilize for further analysis. Positive regulation by a host of viral process, positive regulation of granulocyte differentiation, negative regulation of histone H3-K9 methylation were found in DEGs analysis. In addition, five KEGG pathways were identified as an essential enhancer that include nucleotide excision repair; base excision repair; DNA replication; homologous recombination; and complement and coagulation cascades. POLE, BUB1B, POLD4, C3, BLM, CCT7, PRPF31, APEX1, PSMA7, and CDC45 were chosen as hub genes after combining the PPI results. Our study recommends that BUB1B, CCT7, APEX1, PSMA7, and CDC45 might be potential biomarkers for gastric cancer. These biomarkers are upregulated genes. Therefore, suppression of these genes will increase the survival rate in gastric cancer patients.

High temporal resolution proteome and phosphoproteome profiling of stem cell-derived hepatocyte development

Primary human hepatocytes are widely used to evaluate liver toxicity of drugs, but they are scarce and demanding to culture. Stem cell-derived hepatocytes are increasingly discussed as alternatives. To obtain a better appreciation of the molecular processes during the differentiation of induced pluripotent stem cells into hepatocytes, we employ a quantitative proteomic approach to follow the expression of 9,000 proteins, 12,000 phosphorylation sites, and 800 acetylation sites over time. The analysis reveals stage-specific markers, a major molecular switch between hepatic endoderm versus immature hepatocyte-like cells impacting, e.g., metabolism, the cell cycle, kinase activity, and the expression of drug transporters. Comparing the proteomes of two- (2D) and three-dimensional (3D)-derived hepatocytes with fetal and adult liver indicates a fetal-like status of the in vitro models and lower expression of important ADME/Tox proteins. The collective data enable constructing a molecular roadmap of hepatocyte development that serves as a valuable resource for future research.

Small Molecule Compounds of Natural Origin Target Cellular Receptors to Inhibit Cancer Development and Progression

Receptors are macromolecules that transmit information regulating cell proliferation, differentiation, migration and apoptosis, play key roles in oncogenic processes and correlate with the prognoses of cancer patients. Thus, targeting receptors to constrain cancer development and progression has gained widespread interest. Small molecule compounds of natural origin have been widely used as drugs or adjuvant chemotherapeutic agents in cancer therapies due to their activities of selectively killing cancer cells, alleviating drug resistance and mitigating side effects. Meanwhile, many natural compounds, including those targeting receptors, are still under laboratory investigation for their anti-cancer activities and mechanisms. In this review, we classify the receptors by their structures and functions, illustrate the natural compounds targeting these receptors and discuss the mechanisms of their anti-cancer activities. We aim to provide primary knowledge of mechanistic regulation and clinical applications of cancer therapies through targeting deregulated receptors.

Quantitative Proteomic Study Unmasks Fibrinogen Pathway in Polycystic Liver Disease

(1) Background: Polycystic liver disease (PLD) is a heterogeneous group of congenital disorders characterized by bile duct dilatation and cyst development derived from cholangiocytes. Nevertheless, the cystogenesis mechanism is currently unknown and the PLD treatment is limited to liver transplantation. Novel and efficient therapeutic approaches are th6us needed. In this context, the present work has a principal aim to find novel molecular pathways, as well as new therapeutic targets, involved in the hepatic cystogenesis process. (2) Methods: Quantitative proteomics based on SWATH-MS technology were performed comparing hepatic proteomes of Wild Type and mutant/polycystic livers in a polycystic kidney disease (PKD) murine model (Pkd1cond/cond;Tam-Cre-/+). (3) Results: We identified several proteins altered in abundance, with two-fold cut-off up-regulation or down-regulation and an adjusted p-value significantly related to hepatic cystogenesis. Then, we performed enrichment and a protein-protein analysis identifying a cluster focused on hepatic fibrinogens. Finally, we validated a selection of targets by RT-qPCR, Western blotting and immunohistochemistry, finding a high correlation with quantitative proteomics data and validating the fibrinogen complex. (4) Conclusions: This work identified a novel molecular pathway in cystic liver disease, highlighting the fibrinogen complex as a possible new therapeutic target for PLD.

Systematic Analysis of Expression and Prognostic Values of Lysyl Oxidase Family in Gastric Cancer

Background: Gastric cancer (GC) remains the fifth most commonly diagnosed malignancy worldwide, with a poor prognosis. The lysyl oxidase (LOX) family, a type of secreted copper-dependent amine oxidases, is comprised of LOX and four LOX-like (LOXL) 1–4 isoforms and has been reported to be dysregulated in a number of different type cancers. However, the diverse expression patterns and prognostic values of LOX family in GC have yet to be systematically analyzed.

Methods: ONCOMINE, GEPIA, UALCAN, Kaplan–Meier Plotter, LOGpc, cBioPortal, GeneMANIA and Metascape databases were utilized in this study to analyze the expression, prognostic values, mutations and functional networks of LOX family in GC.

Results: The mRNA expression levels of LOX, LOXL1 and LOXL2 were significantly higher in GC, the expression level of LOXL3 was contrary in different databases, while the expression level of LOXL4 made no difference; the expression levels of LOX, LOXL1 and LOXL3 were higher in stages 2–4 than that of normal tissues and stage 1, while the mRNA level of LOXL2 in stage 1–4 was higher than normal tissues; patients with high expression of LOX and LOXL 2-4 had poor OS; the genes correlated with LOX and LOXL2 were enriched in extracellular matrix organization, vasculature development and skeletal system development.

Conclusion: Our results indicated that the LOX family, especially LOX and LOXL2, might play an important role in GC oncogenesis, and they may become biomarkers for predicting tumor prognosis and potential targets for tumor therapy.

Construction of miRNA-mRNA-TF Regulatory Network for Diagnosis of Gastric Cancer

Gastric cancer (GC), as an epidemic cancer worldwide, has more than 1 million new cases and an estimated 769,000 deaths worldwide in 2020, ranking fifth and fourth in global morbidity and mortality. In mammals, both miRNAs and transcription factors (TFs) play a partial role in gene expression regulation. The mRNA expression profile and miRNA expression profile of GEO database were screened by GEO2R for differentially expressed genes (DEGs) and differentially expressed miRNAs (DEMs). Then, DAVID annotated the functions of DEGs to understand the functions played in biological processes. The prediction of potential target genes of miRNA and key TFs of mRNA was performed by mipathDB V2.0 and CHEA3, respectively, and the gene list comparison was performed to look for overlapping genes coregulated by key TFs and DEMs. Finally, the obtained miRNAs, TF, and overlapping genes were used to construct the miRNA-mRNA-TF regulatory network, which was verified by RT-qPCR. 76 upregulated DEGs, 199 downregulated DEGs, and 3 upregulated miRNAs (miR-199a-3p/miR-199b-3p, miR-125b-5p, and miR-199a-5p) were identified from the expression profiles of mRNA (GSE26899, GSE29998, GSE51575, and GSE13911) and miRNA (GSE93415), respectively. Through database prediction and gene list comparison, it was found that among the 199 downregulated DEGs, 61, 71, and 69 genes were the potential targets of miR-199a-3p/miR-199b-3p, miR-125b-5p, and miR-199a-5p, respectively. 199 downregulated DEGs were used as the gene list for the prediction of key TFs, and the results showed that RFX6 ranked the highest. The potential target overlap genes of miR-199a-3p/miR-199b-3p, miR-125b-5p, and miR-199a-5p were 4 genes (SH3GL2, ATP4B, CTSE, and SORBS2), 7 genes (SLC7A8, RNASE4, ESRRG, PGC, MUC6, Fam3B, and FMO5), and 6 genes (CHGA, PDK4, TMPRSS2, CLIC6, GPX3, and PSCA), respectively. Finally, we constructed a miRNA-mRNA-TF regulatory network based on the above 17 mRNAs, 3 miRNAs, and 1 TF and verified by RT-qPCR and western blot results that the expression of RFX6 was downregulated in GC tissues. These identified miRNAs, mRNAs, and TF have a certain reference value for further exploration of the regulatory mechanism of GC.

Immunogenomic Analyses of the Prognostic Predictive Model for Patients With Renal Cancer

Background

Renal cell carcinoma (RCC) is associated with poor prognostic outcomes. The current stratifying system does not predict prognostic outcomes and therapeutic benefits precisely for RCC patients. Here, we aim to construct an immune prognostic predictive model to assist clinician to predict RCC prognosis.

Methods

Herein, an immune prognostic signature was developed, and its predictive ability was confirmed in the kidney renal clear cell carcinoma (KIRC) cohorts based on The Cancer Genome Atlas (TCGA) dataset. Several immunogenomic analyses were conducted to investigate the correlations between immune risk scores and immune cell infiltrations, immune checkpoints, cancer genotypes, tumor mutational burden, and responses to chemotherapy and immunotherapy.

Results

The immune prognostic signature contained 14 immune-associated genes and was found to be an independent prognostic factor for KIRC. Furthermore, the immune risk score was established as a novel marker for predicting the overall survival outcomes for RCC. The risk score was correlated with some significant immunophenotypic factors, including T cell infiltration, antitumor immunity, antitumor response, oncogenic pathways, and immunotherapeutic and chemotherapeutic response.

Conclusions

The immune prognostic, predictive model can be effectively and efficiently used in the prediction of survival outcomes and immunotherapeutic responses of RCC patients.

Molecular dynamics of estrogen-related receptors and their regulatory proteins: roles in transcriptional control for endocrine and metabolic signaling

Estrogen-related receptor (ERR) is a member of the nuclear receptor (NR) superfamily and has three subtypes α, β, and γ. Despite their strong homology with estrogen receptor (ER) α, ERRs cannot accommodate endogenous hormones. However, they are able to regulate gene expression without ligand binding. ERRα and ERRγ orchestrate the expression of genes involved in bioenergetic pathways, while ERRβ controls placental development and stem cell maintenance. Evidence from recent studies, including clinical research, has also demonstrated close associations of ERRs with the pathophysiology of hormone-related cancers and metabolic disorders including type 2 diabetes mellitus. This review summarizes the basic knowledge and recent advances in ERRs and their associated proteins, focusing on the subcellular dynamics involved in transcriptional regulation. Fluorescent protein labeling enabled monitoring of ERRs in living cells and revealed previously unrecognized characteristics. Using this technique, we demonstrated a role of ERRβ in controlling estrogen signaling by regulating the subnuclear dynamics of ligand-activated ERα. Visualization of ERRs and related proteins and subsequent analyses also revealed a function of ERRγ in promoting liver lactate metabolism in association with LRPGC1, a recently identified lactic acid-responsive protein. These findings suggest that ERRs activate unique transregulation mechanisms in response to extracellular stimuli such as hormones and metabolic signals, implying an adaptive system behind the cellular homeostatic regulation by orphan NRs. Control of subcellular ERR dynamics will contribute toward the development of therapeutic approaches to treat various diseases including hormone-related cancers and metabolic disorders associated with abnormal ERR signaling pathways.

Identification of Hub Genes Associated With Clear Cell Renal Cell Carcinoma by Integrated Bioinformatics Analysis

BACKGROUND

Clear cell renal cell carcinoma (ccRCC) is a common genitourinary cancer type with a high mortality rate. Due to a diverse range of biochemical alterations and a high level of tumor heterogeneity, it is crucial to select highly validated prognostic biomarkers to be able to identify subtypes of ccRCC early and apply precision medicine approaches.

METHODS

Transcriptome data of ccRCC and clinical traits of patients were obtained from the GSE126964 dataset of Gene Expression Omnibus and The Cancer Genome Atlas Kidney Renal Clear Cell Carcinoma (TCGA-KIRC) database. Weighted gene co-expression network analysis (WGCNA) and differentially expressed gene (DEG) screening were applied to detect common differentially co-expressed genes. Gene Ontology, Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genomes analysis, survival analysis, prognostic model establishment, and gene set enrichment analysis were also performed. Immunohistochemical analysis results of the expression levels of prognostic genes were obtained from The Human Protein Atlas. Single-gene RNA sequencing data were obtained from the GSE131685 and GSE171306 datasets.

RESULTS

In the present study, a total of 2,492 DEGs identified between ccRCC and healthy controls were filtered, revealing 1,300 upregulated genes and 1,192 downregulated genes. Using WGCNA, the turquoise module was identified to be closely associated with ccRCC. Hub genes were identified using the maximal clique centrality algorithm. After having intersected the hub genes and the DEGs in GSE126964 and TCGA-KIRC dataset, and after performing univariate, least absolute shrinkage and selection operator, and multivariate Cox regression analyses, ALDOB, EFHD1, and ESRRG were identified as significant prognostic factors in patients diagnosed with ccRCC. Single-gene RNA sequencing analysis revealed the expression profile of ALDOB, EFHD1, and ESRRG in different cell types of ccRCC.

CONCLUSIONS

The present results demonstrated that ALDOB, EFHD1, and ESRRG may act as potential targets for medical therapy and could serve as diagnostic biomarkers for ccRCC.

The integrated stress response is tumorigenic and constitutes a therapeutic liability in KRAS-driven lung cancer

The integrated stress response (ISR) is an essential stress-support pathway increasingly recognized as a determinant of tumorigenesis. Here we demonstrate that ISR is pivotal in lung adenocarcinoma (LUAD) development, the most common histological type of lung cancer and a leading cause of cancer death worldwide. Increased phosphorylation of the translation initiation factor eIF2 (p-eIF2α), the focal point of ISR, is related to invasiveness, increased growth, and poor outcome in 928 LUAD patients. Dissection of ISR mechanisms in KRAS-driven lung tumorigenesis in mice demonstrated that p-eIF2α causes the translational repression of dual specificity phosphatase 6 (DUSP6), resulting in increased phosphorylation of the extracellular signal-regulated kinase (p-ERK). Treatments with ISR inhibitors, including a memory-enhancing drug with limited toxicity, provides a suitable therapeutic option for KRAS-driven lung cancer insofar as they substantially reduce tumor growth and prolong mouse survival. Our data provide a rationale for the implementation of ISR-based regimens in LUAD treatment.

Lupus susceptibility gene Esrrg modulates regulatory T cells through mitochondrial metabolism

Estrogen-related receptor γ (Esrrg) is a murine lupus susceptibility gene associated with T cell activation. Here, we report that Esrrg controls Tregs through mitochondria homeostasis. Esrrg deficiency impaired the maintenance and function of Tregs, leading to global T cell activation and autoimmunity in aged mice. Further, Esrrg-deficient Tregs presented an impaired differentiation into follicular Tregs that enhanced follicular helper T cells' responses. Mechanistically, Esrrg-deficient Tregs presented with dysregulated mitochondria with decreased oxygen consumption as well as ATP and NAD+ production. In addition, Esrrg-deficient Tregs exhibited decreased phosphatidylinositol and TGF-β signaling pathways and increased mTOR complex 1 activation. We found that the expression of human ESRRG, which is high in Tregs, was lower in CD4+ T cells from patients with lupus than in healthy controls. Finally, knocking down ESRRG in Jurkat T cells decreased their metabolism. Together, our results reveal a critical role of Esrrg in the maintenance and metabolism of Tregs, which may provide a genetic link between lupus pathogenesis and mitochondrial dysfunction in T cells.

Estrogen/ER in anti-tumor immunity regulation to tumor cell and tumor microenvironment

As the essential sexual hormone, estrogen and its receptor has been proved to participate in the regulation of autoimmunity diseases and anti-tumor immunity. The adjustment of tumor immunity is related to the interaction between cancer cells, immune cells and tumor microenvironment, all of which is considered as the potential target in estrogen-induced immune system regulation. However, the specific mechanism of estrogen-induced immunity is poorly understood. Typically, estrogen causes the nuclear localization of estrogen/estrogen receptor complex and alternates the transcription pattern of target genes, leading to the reprogramming of tumor cells and differentiation of immune cells. However, the estrogen-induced non-canonical signal pathway activation is also crucial to the rapid function of estrogen, such as NF-κB, MAPK-ERK, and β-catenin pathway activation, which has not been totally illuminated. So, the investigation of estrogen modulatory mechanisms in these two manners is vital for the tumor immunity and can provide the potential for endocrine hormone targeted cancer immunotherapy. Here, this review summarized the estrogen-induced canonical and non-canonical signal transduction pathway and aimed to focus on the relationship among estrogen and cancer immunity as well as immune-related tumor microenvironment regulation. Results from these preclinical researches elucidated that the estrogen-target therapy has the application prospect of cancer immunotherapy, which requires the further translational research of these treatment strategies.

Targeting Nuclear Receptors for Cancer Therapy: Premises, Promises, and Challenges

Nuclear receptors are a family of transcription factors localized in cell nuclei, sensing specific ligands and fine-tuning a variety of cell physiological events. They have been intensively investigated in cancer biology. With their excellent properties of druggability and actionability, nuclear receptors have demonstrated much promise as novel therapeutic targets for different cancer types. Accumulating evidence has highlighted the essential roles of certain nuclear receptors in tumor immunology, suggesting the possibility for them to serve as cancer immunotherapeutic targets. Here, we summarize the roles of nuclear receptors in cancer biology and tumor immunology, and underscore the current advances of clinical trials for nuclear receptor-based cancer therapeutics.

Serum Levels of Androgens, Estrogens, and Sex Hormone Binding Globulin and Risk of Primary Gastric Cancer in Chinese Men: A Nested Case-Control Study

Gastric cancer shows a strong male predominance, and sex steroid hormones have been hypothesized to explain this sex disparity. Previous studies examining the associations between sex hormones and sex hormone binding globulin (SHBG) and risk of gastric cancer come primarily from western populations and additional studies in diverse populations will help us better understand the association. We performed a nested case-control study in Linxian Nutrition Intervention Trials cohorts to evaluate the associations among Chinese men, where we had sufficient cases to perform a well-powered study. Using radioimmunoassays and immunoassays, we quantitated androgens, estrogens, and SHBG in baseline serum from 328 men that developed noncardia gastric cancer and matched controls. We used multivariable unconditional logistic regression to calculate ORs and 95% confidence intervals (CI) and explored interactions with body mass index (BMI), age, alcohol drinking, smoking, and follow-up time. Subjects with SHBG in the highest quartile, as compared with those in the lowest quartile, had a significantly increased risk of gastric cancer (OR = 1.87; 95% CI, 1.01-3.44). We found some evidence for associations of sex steroid hormones in men with lower BMI. Our study found a novel association suggesting that higher serum concentrations of SHBG may be associated with risk of gastric cancer in men. We found no overall associations with sex hormones themselves, but future studies should expand the scope of these studies to include women and further explore whether BMI modifies a potential association. PREVENTION RELEVANCE: It was the first study to investigate the association of gastric cancer with prediagnostic sex steroid hormones and SHBG in an Asian male population. Although there were no overall associations for sex steroid hormone concentrations, higher concentrations of SHBG was associated with increased risk of noncardia gastric cancer.

Estrogen-related receptor-gamma influences Helicobacter pylori infection by regulating TFF1 in gastric cancer

Helicobacter pylori infection is a crucial factor in the development of gastric cancer (GC). Molecular therapeutic targets and mechanisms contributing to H. pylori infection-associated GC induction are poorly understood and this study aimed to fill that research gap. We found that the nuclear receptor estrogen-related receptor gamma (ESRRG) is a candidate factor influencing H. pylori infection-driven GC. ESRRG suppressed H. pylori infection and cell growth induced by H. pylori infection in GC cells and organoid models In addition, H. pylori infection downregulates ESRRG expression. Gene expression profiling revealed that trefoil factor 1 (TFF1), a well-known tumor suppressor in GC, is a downstream target of ESRRG. Mechanistically, ESRRG directly binds to the TFF1 promoter and induces TFF1 gene expression. Furthermore, TFF1 activation by ESRRG was inhibited by nuclear factor kappa-light-chain-enhancer of activated B cells (NF-κB)/p65, which is induced by inflammation, such as by H. pylori infection. Our current study provides new molecular insights into how ESRRG regulates H. pylori infection, contributing to GC development. We suggest that modulation of ESRRG-suppressing H. pylori infection could be a therapeutic target for the treatment of GC patients.

DNA methylation association with stage progression of head and neck squamous cell carcinoma

Head and Neck Squamous Cell Carcinoma (HNSCC) is the sixth most common cancer worldwide, which accounts for approximately 6% of all cases and is responsible for an estimated 2% of all cancer deaths. Despite progress in the treatment of squamous cell carcinomas, survival rates remain low. It is a fact that epigenetic modifications have numerous associations with biological processes and complex diseases such as cancer. Hence, a more systematic approach is needed to provide potential screening targets and have an effective therapy method. This study developed a workflow to analyze HM450 methylation arrays with mRNA expression profiles that identified novel signatures of epigenetic regulators for tumor progression. We identified differentially expressed genes and differentially methylated regions and the correlation between associated genes to identify epigenetic modifications underlying regulation roles. We have taken the differentiation direction of expressions into account during the integration of gene expression and DNA methylation modification to detect epigenetic regulators of core genes of tumor-stage progression. Enrichment analysis of selected key genes provides better insight into their functionality. Thus, we have investigated gene copy number alteration and mutations to filter differentially expressed genes, including some members of the fibroblast growth factor family and cyclin-dependent kinase inhibitor family with other potential known regulators. Our analysis has revealed the list of 61 commercial methylation probes positively correlated with 31 differentially expressed genes, which can be associated with HNSC metastasis stages. Most of these genes have already reported potential epigenetic regulators, and their role in cancer progression was studied. We suggest these selected probes of DNA methylation as potential targets of the epigenetic regulators in revealed genes that have displayed significant genetic and epigenetic modification behavior during cancer stage progression and tumor metastasis.

Epigenetic Study of Esophageal Carcinoma Based on Methylation, Gene Integration and Weighted Correlation Network Analysis

Purpose

Esophageal carcinoma is a common and highly metastatic malignant tumor of the digestive tract. The aim of the present study was to identify potential molecular markers of esophageal carcinoma that may help its diagnosis and treatment.

Materials and Methods

First, mRNA and DNA methylation data were downloaded from The Cancer Genome Atlas (TCGA) database for the identification of differentially expressed genes (DEGs) and DNA methylation analysis. Secondly, Weighted Gene Co-Expression Network Analysis (WGCNA) was used to identify important modules and hub genes. In addition, correlation analysis between DNA methylation genes and DEGs was performed. Thirdly, the GSE45670 dataset was used to validate the expression of the diagnostic and survival ability analysis of genes in TCGA data. Finally, reverse transcription-quantitative PCR and immunohistochemical analysis of genes were performed.

Results

A total of 2408 DEGs and 5134 differentially methylated sites were obtained. In the WGCNA analysis, the royal blue module was found to be the optimal module. In addition, hub genes in the module, including ESRRG, MFSD4, CCKBR, ATP4B, ESRRB, ATP4A, CCKAR and B3GAT1, were also differentially methylated genes and DEGs. It was found that CCKAR, MFSD4 and ESRRG may be diagnostic gene biomarkers for esophageal carcinoma. In addition, the high expression of MFSD4 was significantly correlated with patient survival. Immunohistochemistry analysis results showed that the gene expression levels of ATP4B, B3GAT1, CCKBR and ESRRG were decreased in esophageal carcinoma tissues, which was in line with the bioinformatics results.

Conclusion

Therefore, these identified molecular markers may be helpful in the diagnosis and treatment of esophageal carcinoma.

Estrogen-Related Receptor γ Agonist DY131 Ameliorates Lipopolysaccharide-Induced Acute Liver Injury

Sepsis-associated liver dysfunction remains a challenge in clinical practice with high mortality and limited specific therapies. DY131 is a pharmacological agonist of the orphan receptor estrogen-related receptor (ERR) γ which plays a crucial role in regulating energy generation, oxidative metabolism, cell apoptosis, inflammatory responses, etc. However, its role in acute liver injury is unknown. In this study, we evaluated the effect of DY131 on lipopolysaccharide (LPS)-induced liver injury. Mice were pretreated with DY131 through intraperitoneal injection at a dose of 5 mg/kg/day for 3 days prior to LPS challenge (10 mg/kg). 24 h later, they were anesthetized and sacrificed. Blood and liver tissues were collected for further studies. In a separate experiment, mice were treated with saline (vehicle) or DY131 for 3 days to evaluate the toxicity of DY131. We found that ERRγ was downregulated in the liver tissues from LPS-treated mice. Pretreatment with DY131 ameliorated LPS-induced liver injury as demonstrated by reduced liver enzyme release (ALT, AST, and LDH), improved liver morphological damage, and attenuated oxidative stress, inflammation and apoptosis. Meanwhile, DY131 had no significant side effects on hepatic and renal functions in mice. Finally, transcriptomics analysis revealed that the dysregulated pathways associated with inflammation and metabolism were significantly reversed by DY131 in LPS-treated mice, providing more evidence in favor of the protective effect of DY131 against LPS-induced liver injury. Altogether, these findings highlighted the protective effect of DY131 on LPS-induced hepatotoxicity possibly via suppressing oxidative stress, inflammation, and apoptosis.

Bioinformatics Analyses Indicate That Cathepsin G (CTSG) is a Potential Immune-Related Biomarker in Oral Squamous Cell Carcinoma (OSCC)

Purpose

Plenty of studies showed that the immune system was associated with cancer initiation and progression. This study aimed to explore the prognostic biomarkers from immune-related genes (IRGs) in oral squamous cell carcinoma (OSCC).

Materials and Methods

RNA-seq data were downloaded from The Cancer Genome Atlas (TCGA) and IRGs and transcription factors (TFs) were extracted. Then, the co-expression network between IRGs and TFs was constructed using the "WGCNA" package in R software. Furthermore, a gene expression signature according to IRGs was constructed to predict OSCC prognosis and its accuracy was validated by survival analysis. Subsequently, correlation analyses between risk-score and immune cells level and clinical parameters were performed. Finally, immune-related biomarkers were selected and further investigated using gain-of-function assays in vitro.

Results

A total of 32 normal cases and 317 OSCC cases were selected in our study. Differentially-expressed analysis indicated that there were 381 differentially-expressed IRGs and 62 TFs in OSCC. Among them, 25 TFs and 21 IRGs were enrolled in the co-expression network. Furthermore, we found that gene expression signature on the basis of 10 IRGs could predict the prognosis accurately and a high-risk score based on gene expression signature meant a high T classification, terminal clinical stage, and low immune cells level in OSCC. Finally, cathepsin G (CTSG) was identified as a potential immune-related biomarker and therapeutic target in OSCC.

Conclusion

In conclusion, IRGs were directly involved in the development and progression of OSCC. Furthermore, CTSG was identified as a potential independent biomarker and might be an immunotherapeutic target in OSCC treatment.

CST1 Promoted Gastric Cancer Migration and Invasion Through Activating Wnt Pathway

Introduction

Gastric cancer is one of the main reasons of cancer-induced death, exploring the molecular mechanisms of gastric cancer progression is critical for gastric cancer therapy. Here, we studied the role of cysteine protease inhibitor CST1 in gastric cancer progression.

Methods

Matrigel-coated or -uncoated transwell assay was used to determine the effect of CST1 on gastric cancer invasion and migration, luciferase reporter system was used to determine the effect of CST1 on Wnt pathway activity.

Results

CST1 had high expression levels in gastric cancer tissues and cells, patients who had high CST1 expression had poor outcome. Overexpression of CST1 increased gastric cancer migration and invasion, while knockdown of CST1 suppressed gastric cancer migration invasion. Mechanism analysis showed CST1 promoted WNT signaling pathway activity, promoted the nuclear translocation of β-catenin and the expression of Wnt signaling targets. Inhibition of Wnt pathway in CST1 overexpression cells inhibited migration and invasion, suggesting CST1 promoted gastric cancer cell migration and invasion through activating the Wnt pathway.

Conclusion

In summary, we found CST1 promoted gastric cancer migration and invasion through activating Wnt signaling, providing a novel target for gastric cancer therapy.

The emerging role of estrogen related receptorα in complications of non-small cell lung cancers

Approximately 85% of lung cancer cases are recognized as non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) with a perilous (13–17%) 5-year survival in Europe and the USA. Although tobacco smoking has consistently emerged as the leading cause of NSCLC complications, its consequences are distinctly manifest with respect to sex bias, due to differential gene and sex hormone expression. Estrogen related receptor α (ERRα), a member of the nuclear orphan receptor superfamily is normally expressed in the lungs, and activates various nuclear genes without binding to the ligands, such as estrogens. In NSCLC ERRα expression is significantly higher compared with healthy individuals. It is well established ERα and ERβ‚ have 93% and 60% identity in the DNA and ligand binding domains, respectively. ERα and ERRα have 69% (70% with ERRα-1) and 34% (35% with ERRα-1) identity, respectively; ERRα and ERRβ‚ have 92 and 61% identity, respectively. However, whether there is distinctive ERRα interaction with mammalian estrogens or concurrent involvement in non-ER signalling pathway activation is not known. Relevant to NSCLC, ERRα promotes proliferation, invasion and migration by silencing the tumor suppressor proteins p53 and pRB, and accelerates G₂-M transition during cell division. Epithelial to mesenchymal transition (EMT) and activation of Slug (an EMT associated transcription factor) are the prominent mechanisms by which ERRα activates NSCLC metastasis. Based on these observations, the present article focuses on the feasibility of antiERRα therapy alone and in combination with antiER as a therapeutic strategy for NSCLC complications.

The novel ZEB1-upregulated protein PRTG induced by Helicobacter pylori infection promotes gastric carcinogenesis through the cGMP/PKG signaling pathway

Helicobacter pylori (H. pylori) is listed as a class I carcinogen in human gastric cancer; however, the underlying mechanisms are poorly understood. In this study, we identified Protogenin (PRTG) was upregulated in both gastric cancer tissues and H. pylori-infected tissues by analyzing dysregulated genes in TCGA and GEO databases. Importantly, upregulated PRTG predicted poor prognosis of gastric cancer patients and integrative analysis revealed that PRTG served as an oncogenic protein in gastric cancer and was required for H. pylori-mediated tumorigenic activities in in vitro cellular and in vivo tumor-bearing mouse models. Mechanistically, H. pylori infection enhanced PRTG expression by promoting transcriptional factor ZEB1 stabilization and recruitment to the PRTG promoter, and which then activated the sub-following cGMP/PKG signaling pathway in bioinformatic and cellular studies. Cellular studies further confirmed that PRTG depended on activating cGMP/PKG axis to promote proliferation, metastasis, and chemoresistance of gastric cancer cells. The PKG inhibitor KT5823 played synergistic anti-tumor effects with cisplatin and paclitaxel to gastric cancer cells in in vitro cellular and in vivo tumor-bearing mouse models. Taken together, our findings suggested that H. pylori infection depends on ZEB1 to induce PRTG upregulation, and which leading to the development and progression of gastric cancer through activating cGMP/PKG signaling pathway. Blocking PRTG/cGMP/PKG axis, therefore, presents a promising novel therapeutic strategy for gastric cancer.

Identification and Analysis of Key Genes Driving Gastric Cancer Through Bioinformatics

Objective: The aim of this study was to use bioinformatic analyses to identify key genes and pathways driving gastric cancer (GC). Materials and Methods: The gene expression profiles, from human gastric tissue samples were downloaded from the Gene Expression Omnibus (GSE)29272 dataset. These data revealed 284 differentially expressed genes (DEGs) that included a group upregulated in cancer tissues (n = 142) and another group that were downregulated in cancer tissues. (n = 142). These DEGs were identified using the GEO2R. We used multiple online analysis tools, including, Gene Ontology (GO), Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genomes (KEGG), protein-protein interaction networks, gene expression profiling interactive analysis (GEPIA), and the cBio Cancer Genomics Portal (cBioportal) database. Next, we identified the most significant DEGs using the Kaplan-Meier plotter (KM-plotter) database. Multiple bioinformatic platforms were used to identify candidate prognostic marker genes. We then analyzed freshly frozen GC tissues for the expression of these marker genes to validate the informatic findings. Results: We identified three DEGs related to overall survival from our analyses of the GEO data. Next, we analyzed these three DEGs in GEPIA and the cBioportal database and found that the biglycan (BGN) gene was related to invasion and metastases of GCs. This finding of differential gene expression was confirmed in a separate laboratory analysis of normal and GC tissues. In this analysis we found that high levels of BGN expression were correlated with GC clinicopathological characteristics, including microvascular tumor thrombus (p = 0.018), lymph node metastases (p = 0.013), and vessel invasion (p = 0.004). Conclusions: BGN expression levels appear to be an independent prognostic factor for predicting the survival times of GC patients.

Estrogen-related receptors: novel potential regulators of osteoarthritis pathogenesis

Osteoarthritis (OA) is a chronic inflammatory disease that is associated with articular cartilage destruction, subchondral bone alterations, synovitis, and even joint deformity and the loss of joint function. Although current basic research on the pathogenesis of OA has made remarkable progress, our understanding of this disease still needs to be further improved. Recent studies have shown that the estrogen-related receptor (ERR) family members ERRα and ERRγ may play significant roles in the pathogenesis of OA. In this review, we refer to the latest research on ERRs and the pathogenesis of OA, elucidate the structure and physiopathological functions of the ERR orphan nuclear receptor family, and systematically examine the relationship between ERRs and OA at the molecular level. Moreover, we also discuss and predict the capacity of ERRs as potential targets in the clinical treatment of OA.

Inhibition of EZH2 and activation of ERRγ synergistically suppresses gastric cancer by inhibiting FOXM1 signaling pathway

BACKGROUND

Gastric cancer (GC) is a leading cause of cancer-related mortality worldwide, because of the low efficacy of current therapeutic strategies. Estrogen-related receptor γ (ERRγ) was previously showed as a suppressor of GC. However, the mechanism and effective therapeutic method based on ERRγ is yet to be developed.

METHODS

The expression levels of ERRγ, EZH2, and FOXM1 were detected by immunohistochemistry, qRT-PCR, and western blot. The regulatory mechanisms of ERRγ and FOXM1 were analyzed by ChIP, EMSA, and siRNA. The effects of EZH2 inhibitor (GSK126) or/and ERRγ agonist (DY131) on the tumorigenesis of gastric cancer cell lines were examined by cell proliferation, transwell migration, wound healing, and colony formation assays. Meanwhile, the inhibitory effects of GSK126 or/and DY131 on tumor growth were analyzed by xenograft tumor growth assay.

RESULTS

The expression of ERRγ was suppressed in tumor tissues of GC patients and positively correlated with prognosis, as opposed to that of EZH2 and FOXM1. EZH2 transcriptionally suppressed ERRγ via H3K27me3, which subsequently activated the expression of master oncogene FOXM1. The combination of GSK126 and DY131 synergistically activated ERRγ expression, which subsequently inhibited the expression of FOXM1 and its regulated pathways. Synergistic combination of GSK126 and DY131 significantly inhibited the tumorigenesis of GC cell lines and suppressed the growth of GC xenograft.

CONCLUSION

The FOXM1 signaling pathway underlying the ERRγ-mediated gastric cancer suppression was identified. Furthermore, combined treatment with EZH2 inhibitor and ERRγ agonist synergistically suppressed GC progression by inhibiting this signaling pathway, suggesting its high potential in treating GC patients.

Confocal Laser Scanning Microscopy and Fluorescence Correlation Methods for the Evaluation of Molecular Interactions

Confocal laser scanning microscopy (CLSM) and related microscopic techniques allow a unique and versatile approach to image and analyze living cells due to their specificity and high sensitivity. Among confocal related techniques, fluorescence correlation methods, such as fluorescence correlation spectroscopy (FCS) and dual-color fluorescence cross-correlation spectroscopy (FCCS), are highly sensitive biophysical methods for analyzing the complex dynamic events of molecular diffusion and interaction change in live cells as well as in solution by exploiting the characteristics of fluorescence signals. Analytical and quantitative information from FCS and FCCS coupled with fluorescence images obtained from CLSM can now be applied in convergence science such as drug delivery and nanomedicine, as well as in basic cell biology. In this chapter, a brief introduction into the physical parameters that can be obtained from FCS and FCCS is first provided. Secondly, experimental examples of the methods for evaluating the parameters is presented. Finally, two potential FCS and FCCS applications for convergence science are introduced in more detail.